Monday, January 14, 2008

Good Knitting Year 2008

2008 = a great knitting year

A few names are common in my house. Chris, Joe, Tim and Keith are words used daily and I have three girls and two grand daughters. These are neither their significant partners nor family members. They are not the family pets or local friends. These are talking political heads. They are full of comments about the day to day (hour to hour) of running for President 2008. They have countdowns, numbers of the day, constant banter and are great sources of little known facts about the Democratic process. The constant comment of these people keeps me quite entertained while I knit. It makes for lively discussion between the mister and I. We really enjoy the season of talking political heads.

I sincerely hope that come spring that the campaigns allow time for gardening, otherwise I am not going to he a happy camper and may have to have a radio in the garden tool bucket with me.

I remember as a child watching the scratchy black and white TV and the speeches by such people as Dwight Eisenhower, Charles DeGaul, John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. I remember marches in Selma, Alabama and on the park at the Lincoln Memorial. I remember how sad it made me to watch people be fire hosed in Selma and in Mississippi when all they wanted was the same simple life I was living. I had parents, siblings, a father that worked and a mother that stayed home. I did not realize what hate and prejudice were until many years later. The two talking head at the time were David Brinkley and Chet Huntley. I do not remember them explaining very well what that was all about in a satisfactory manner. I do remember a reverent silence after the clip.

I am addicted to watching what they say. In fact at night I get my "Chris Fix" while exercising. I am always amazed when they are on target. Of course, in the last week they all ate their fair share of humble pie as New Hampshire made history in the results. Of course, I am not going to say who my candidate is because that has not really been determined. Another reason to watch and listen.

One think I do know is that knitting and Monk Marathons are dangerous. If I am too caught up in the Monk Episode I loose count of stitches and rows and that creates TINK-ING (backwards knitting) which makes me sad! House is another TV show that I will never knit through again. House takes all your attention – all the time!

Further details in the knitting world, I have finished one sock from the Beverly McCarthy Sock Book and I only have to do one inch of trim on the Cat Bohrdi sock. I know it is two socks and they are different socks but they are a pair and it is only 13 days into the year. I call that reason to celebrate. That will put me ahead of my goal for a Sock a month goal.

I have a few more goals for January. I would like to start February with no projects left on the table. That means I need to finish 2 topographical maps of Jerusalem and 30 Dove kites. I explained this goal to my Granddaughter when were doing some recycling this weekend. It is not much, but it is a start.

Well that should be enough links to keep you interested in what happens in the off hours of the day. I have someone I read called the Curmudgeon. He is in Chicago where rain cold and snow are almost as powerful as the politics.

Rest and relax snow cometh ...

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

GOAl for 2008



I am already two inches into my new socks (VBG)

Monday, December 31, 2007

End of the Year Celebration of Sound and Silence

It was a very unusual festive season.
Each child is in its own nest.
Each child is on its own adventure.
It was a very good feeling as a parent to see your children soar, especially at the time of celebrating the Birth of Jesus. It was a special heart gift given unawares and unasked for, which are always the best gifts!

This year, when the song started, “Silent Night, Holy Night” I did not cry, I did not sigh, I sang right along with the words and kept all the blessings right there in front of me and celebrated each one with a silent blessing on that holy night. That was a most unusual event for me because I have not been able to sing that song in years without crying – so I had my own little celebration right there and right then too. Peace and silence were the gifts given and received.

This Christmas was full. Cookies to bake, cleaning to do, birds to feed, ideas to blossom and lots and lots of laughter, love and hugs, hikes and walks to take, shopping to do, sights to see, sisters to visit with and nieces too, cousins visiting, new traditions to replace the old! It was very full of fun and lots of healthy noise.


As the holiday dwindled so did the noise. The silence was welcomed and very productive in its own way. You can sort things out in silence. You can look at things, count things, and measure them in accuracy. All while knitting, reading, or sitting in a hot tub. Silence after the noise is very good indeed. This was different from a retreat silence or a Sabbath silence – this was a cleansing silence. The season of mourning is at end – life and tradition can now move forward anew.

Here are some pictures of cookies, socks and laughter…

Please note that the socks have about 36 inches of yarn left over. I did not believe the clerk at the LYS that 2 socks could be made from one skein - and so there is another skein coming in the post soon!
Yes, the Pizelles were nummy - both batches! And yes that is a very full couch of life, love and laughter
Happy New Year. Happy 2008 to all.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

We had company today!

Not just any company - family.
Do you know how good that sounds in my head and heart?
Do you know how happy it makes me to have a sister visit?

I have spent a lifetime not having family visit us because we did not live in the Hometown.

So now to have a sister, neice, brother in law come for a visit - I was thrilled and enjoyed every crazy minute.

My children were here too - but they are part of the sight sound and taste of home - but my sister came to visit - - it was the best day of the year!

Thanks, sister.

Hope the Mister feels better tomorrow - seems he is getting what the Son in law had on Christmas day - so much sharing going around here - - so now the house is quiet and everyone is home in their nest...

Off to bed for me - tomorrow the only chore is to finish socks... and post the picture here...

Saturday, December 22, 2007

what a day

OK so here is the story


DD#3 is on her way to Guatemala for a vacation to visit a friend who is doing missionary work there. Her flying interim was spent visiting with me - we chat and we text - I will miss those convos over the next two weeks...


I started my Christmas shopping today.... still not quite in the spirit but I will get there... My sisster is visiting between the holidays and I am happy about that!


I had my annual migraine first day of vacation event! How typical is that!


The dog got stuck so far under the deck that the mister had to do the low crawl under the deck to get him. Jackson is getting lattice for Christmas! We are getting a new front door and a new deck door - Santa is very good to us!


So what have I been doing with the needles...
in this book is a pair of socks called Columbine which is a favorite spring flower of mine... I have been knitting them for DD#1. I have the first sock finished and was almost to the heel of sock two when House came on the TV.
Well I should have put he sock in the bag! I tried to knit while watching but that did not work. I ended up ripping out all but two inches of the sock! I am ready to watch boring TV and finish this sock... not while watching House which comes on at 11 pm! I love that show because he is a brilliant smart ass and he gets away with it... if life were more like this I would have a fine time!
OK Tomorrow is alraedy here...
I am ready for some sleep and I love the feeling of vacation now that the necessary miagraine headache has passed... bring on the fun!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

WINTER THOUGHT

Flannel sheets and Flannel Pajamas is like sleeping in velcro.
Brings back memories of felt boards.
Just a memory and thought for today when the winds are blowing and the snow is scattered.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Anatomy of a tear

Tears
Tears form a thin layer that covers the cornea and conjunctival epithelium (skin). The functions of this ultrathin layer are:
1. To wet and protect the delicate surface of the epithelium.
2. To inhibit infection by mechanical flushing with each blink and the action of chemical components within the tear film.
3. To provide the cornea with necessary nutrients.
4. To make the cornea a smooth surface for light to pass undistorted into the eye.



The tear film is composed of three layers.
a. A superficial oily layer derived from the Meibomian glands situated along the eyelid margins.
b. The middle aqueous (water) layer supplied by the main lacrimal gland and minor lacrimal glands (Krause and Wolfring located in the conjunctiva superiorly).
c. A deep mucous layer derived from Goblet cells scattered throughout the conjunctiva.
The oily layer helps prevent rapid evaporation of the tears, and the mucous layer helps the tear film to adhere to the surface of the eye.
Changes to the tear film components, and or the surface of the eye cause instability resulting in what is called dry eye syndrome.


*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

OK so there you have the real explanation - let me tell you the reality: My eyes were rivers falling off my face so much that I had chapped cheeks!

I saw an eye specialist that ordered a medicine that cost $100 and burned like crazy then made my eyes itch like crazy - that went out the door. Then they wanted me to take a medicine that causes glaucoma when I already have narrow angle glaucoma and have been told to never take any medication that has that counterindication!

I saw my family physican who told me I did not have strep and that I should see an eye doctor.

I called my eye doctor that told me to see another eye doctor because he was out for two days.

The final doctor listened to about 4-6 weeks of history and asked about 50 questions. It was a very good exchange of information. Turns out that I produce too many cleansing tears and not enough of the waxy goopy tears. So I need tear duct plugs that have a very fancy name. I currently have temporary plugs in my eyes and they are a GOD SEND. Final installation is December 26 - GOD IS GOOD

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

So whenever you hear the Bible verse about being Carefully and Wonderfully made - you can believe it - God made tears in three layers - who would have thought - God does make us so very wonderful and all the balance in our bodies is a miracle indeed.

Knitting a sock with a fun lace pattern - getting ready for Christmas - going to do a different form of Christmas as we are all pretty much done with stuff but sure have fun hanging out - so we are planning some hanging out events...

Read the Bible story - see how God made us so very wonderful indeed! Psalm 139 around verse 13 I think...

Monday, December 10, 2007

December 10 - what a great day!

There have been birthdays that I have dreaded - let us say 29 was not my favorite bday but 30 was fine.

For some reason I was mistaken in thinking I was 57 all year long when I was only 56. Today I am 57. And I am standing when I say that!

I had a great day - lots of phone wishes that make me feel good that others know my number! Lots of smiles all day and that was a great gift. I had time alone which I relish and time together.

In the gratitude column I have many too many things to list - the Dear Husband is number one. He is too sweet to me and always gets such thought filled gifts - replacement items that the dog chewed from VS. Candle sconces because I broke one yesterday with a candle lighter and a WREATH. Plus dinner at a favorite restuarant where they serve poached salmon - it don;t get no better than that!!

All our married years we have had wreaths - most were hand made by me in the fall for the Christmas season - but since we have been here life has been so devastatingly changing - that if fell off the horizon line - so - now - - - I will start collecting for a hand made one in the spring...

I also drank a cup of chamomile tea that I grew in the garden this summer with Stevia leaves and some lemon balm - OH dear that was good... nothing like a little garden planning in December....

OK sleep beckons - tomorrow I will start the day with joy and exercise - then the rest of the day will be as good as it can be - RESOLVE for the 3rd anniversary of my 19th birthday!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Now a thought about peace from a favorite author

The best snowman ever!
By Bob Perks
All stories copyright 2007

It just came up in a casual conversation. It was one of those times whena young child asks a simple question expecting a very complex answer, but then, much to the delight of the child, hears a simple one.

It didn't carry the weight of "Where do babies come from?"

It didn't require a dissertation on religion in the 21st century.

It did however need to satisfy this child's curiosity.

It was late on a snowy Saturday afternoon. The young boy and his fatherwere cleaning up the remaining leaves and branches that fell during the windy approach of the snow storm. They stopped for a moment and sat quietly watching the snow fall.

Both were bundled up from head to toe. Mom insisted, "Im the one who will have to take care of you if you catch a cold."

So they complied adding a scarf and hat as they walked out the door.

"Dad, my friend told me that every snowflake is different," the child said.

"I believe that is true," dad replied.

There was silence.

"How do we know that?" the child asked.

Dad, now smiling, turned toward his son and said, "We just do."

Not a good answer at all. It falls into that category of "Because I said so."

"But they look all the same to me," the child added.

Now dad feels obligated to come up with a more satisfying answer.
One so profound that his son will remember this moment for years to come.

"Son, snow flakes are like people. God makes everyone of us different. We are each unique in a very special way. How do we know that? We just do," he said.

Oh, what a let down. He was doing so well. Any time you can bring God into the answer, you're heading in the right direction. I mean, when
you say "God did this" or "God wanted it this way," then you're covering
all the bases. But he went back to the original answer and blew it all...
"We just do."

The child stood up, put out his hand and watched as the snow landed
on his glove.

"They are different," the boy said. "Like people."

It worked. I was wrong the boy was satisfied with Dad's answer.

Then came the big question.

"When they are all together they are so beautiful," he said.

Then sitting down next to his dad, he looked up and asked, "Then
why don't they get along?"

"The snow flakes?" dad asked.

"No, people, dad. Why don't people get along? If people are like
snow flakes and each one is unique and special like you said,
why don't they get along?"

Wow, that's a good question. One deserving a good answer.

"I mean, when you look at these snow flakes on my glove they are all different.
When you look at the snow in the yard, all together, they look the
same. Together they are even more beautiful."

What a moment. One I believe that will hold a special place in
dad's heart forever.

But how do you answer that?

Dad sat there for a moment thinking.

"Choice," he said.

"Choice?" the child asked.

"One of the greatest gifts that God has given us is the gift of choice. As different as we all are, we have one thing in common. We can
choose what we do, how we dress, where we live, and how we
treat each other. "

"So choice is a bad thing?" the boy asked.

"Only when we choose the wrong things. Only when we make choices that go against God's plan for us."

"How do we know what's right and what's wrong?" the child asked.

Dad looked around now struggling to build upon this moment. Yes, it would have been easy to fall back on "We just do." But he was in
special place right now. He was given the chance to build upon
the very foundation of his son's faith.

Dad nervously shuffled his foot in the snow as he searched his
heart for just the right answer.

"Let's say all of this snow was all the people of the world . You are
right, together they are beautiful. They are now given the gift of choice. They realize how well they work together so they begin to build."

Dad reaches down and divides the snow into two sides.

"Both sides acknowledge their differences. One says, "Let's get
together and build upon those differences. Let's do things that will
help the world. The other side says the same thing, but can't come
to an agreement on how to do it, so they each break off into
separate piles."

Dad stops for a moment and looks at his son.

"Do you understand so far?"

"Yes, I think so," the boy replied.

Then, without saying another word, dad continued to work with the snow.

On the first side he builds three large snow balls. On the other he
builds several smaller ones.

"Which side did the right thing?" he asked the boy.

The child looked at both sides and couldn't come up with an answer.

"Dad, I don't know."

Then dad stands up and places the three larger snow balls on top
of each other.

"It's a snow man!" the boy shouts.

"Now who did the right thing?"

"The snow man!" he replies with enthusiasm.

"Yes, all these people came together and recognizing how special each of them were, they joined in an effort to build up mankind,"
dad said.

The child then stood up and gathered an arm full of the smaller snow balls. Then, one by one he began to throw them at the other small piles of snow.

"What are you doing?" dad asked.

"This is what happens when people can't work together. They call it war,"
he said.

Dad was stunned. He stood up, lifted the boy and held him tightly.

Whispering in his ear he said, "I pray to God that your world will learn to
work and live together."

The boy leaned back in the comfort and protection of his father's arms, looked at him and said, "I will make the right choice.
I will learn to build the best snowman ever."

"I believe in you!" Bob Perks

I encourage you to share my stories but I do ask that you keep my name and contact information with my work.
If you would like to receive Bob's Inspirationalstories, please visit http://www.IWishYouEnough.com and submit your email address.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

and today the loft bed is finished

While Mr Jackson was eating a pillow from the bed that had fallen on the floor

We assembled the loft bed



(that should have been our first clue - how many children have we raised - to know that a quiet kid can be getting in BIG trouble)


Without further ado here is Loft Bed #2







Tomorrow the delivery to Troy and Em should be in heaven!




I hear that there is snow and rain and ice in Chicago


DD#2 is ready - has blankets and extra candles and plans to sleep right through the whole thing


I hope the people from the 200 or so flights that were cancelled are as equally as prepared to camp out and wait out the weather...


Next week new adventures in Advent!

That Dog Jackson

He is an angel but he is all dog.

He loves to torment the cats by sniffing the tail end!

He loves shoes and slippers and socks.

And as you disrobe for the shower he loves to capture the tightie whitie du jour.

So add one complete female ensemble to his list of chewed items. I would not be as frustrated but he sniffles through your disrobement and finds your unmentionables and spreads them about after dining on the parts he likes the best.

OK done with the rant. Back to your regularly scheduled programming!

Sunday, November 25, 2007

SUNDAY - THINKING - PLANNING - PLAYING

OK

So maybe the planning for 2008 should commence

PLAYING MORE

LAUGHING MORE

LEARNING MORE

That is enough planning. With those three goals for 2008 I think I should be able to do what the heck I want and cover any one of them sucessfully.
So today I will start practicing by playing all day!
See you in the funnies!

Saturday, November 24, 2007

TRUE CONFESSIONS

It has been quite the year.
I remember very little of it - most if it is a blur.
That is OK except I find that it creates some circumstances that are truly not acceptable.
And they say confession is good for the soul.
TRUE CONFESSIONS!


Witness the fact that nowhere in the garden was Parsley even planted. Not even in a pot for the deck. What the heck was I thinking? I remember I was not thinking when I planned my garden, obviously. So I have bought a pot of parsley and it will grow on the kitchen window sill until it comes time to plant some in the spring.


I have been working longer hours than I have ever worked before. New job in 2006 has created some stressers that I did not even think about. What was I thinking? I was bored and going to work each day was getting harder and harder to do. So I instigated the change. Did the interview thing and have gotten what I deserve in the day to day.


Secondary to that change, the dear husband has taken up the cooking for the most part. He creates great food and it is hot and on the table when I get home. How wonderful is that? It is almost a no brainer! I do not look to see what we need when I shop and he never says what he used up in the creations - - - this will change now because.....
When it came time to make the turkey I openned the spice drawer and found NO poultry spices. No Rosemary
No Sage
No Thyme
No Parsley
Oh dear, but alas, I am a gardener. I had cut some of each of the above herbs earlier in the week and they have been hanging to dry for a few days.
SIGH!
So with great courage I chopped some up and in the dressing they went. I had no clue as to how much or how many. So I went with abandon!
I have held conversations about how I grow the herbs but very seldom use them in an Herb Group. The moderator of the herb list I subscribe to told me to start - what did I have to loose? So I at least had started collecting them to start using them - - without her guidance Thanksgiving may have been an entirely different day. Thanks Tina!
Well, I am off to the showers now... I have a sock (toe up construction) I am not happy with so there will be some TINKing in my future today and maybe start of a vest.
Back to your regular scheduled chaos!




GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

Monday, November 19, 2007

da' Boys


Have I told you about da' boys? It took the mister 35 years to finally out number da' girls.


Here they are gathered for a fine night of TV viewing...


Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Been crabby for the last few days

I have really negative reactions to any kind of sedation - or numbing element - it makes me cranky and crabby as it leaves my system...

OK so the dog eating my sock did not help... the stockings I have to wear for the leg surgery are making me nuts... lifting restrictions make me cranky because I am accustomed to moving what I want where I want it... I am not one to say "Honey, can you empty the trash?" and then wait - I empty the trash when I want to... I do the laundry when and how often I want to and if I go to the store - I never have had to ask "Can you please pack them light?" All this makes me sound like a whiner and I am not a whiner - - except when I am crabby - like today.

Things are not settling well with me... I hear the words of an old friend and Colleague "Always do the right thing." these words echo through my head as the daily events unfold - work - politics - news - environment - you name it - how hard can it be to do the right thing - how hard can it be to get along? Is holding your tongue such a hard concept - is letting another voice be heard such a travesty?

SIGH

The garden is done and needs to be tilled one time before winter - I thought I was going to get some berry bushes planted - but not so much... come spring they will go in besides they still will not bear fruit this year and I need the time to get the deer gear ready!

I have been learning new sock patterns with Cat Bohrdi and her book - New Pathways for Socks - so much fun to learn to knit a sock from the toe up and to be able to expand for the ankle in your personal choice of areas - - - there is head work involved - - - but what fun to make the sock the way you want and put the increases at random and not according to a set pattern!

OH Kay - need to find the camera tomorrow and post really cute pictures of DH with the dog and the cat all laying on top of him as he rests on the Lounger - too cute - there is a picture of harmony - - - SIGH





GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Almost!

I finished a pair of socks for a Knit A Long that I joined a few months back - it was suppose to be a pair a month - well I have not met that expectation - not even close.


I did finish a pair yesterday while resting. Today the dog ate one. So now Felecia and Emily have a new one sock. Sigh.


So Jackson has had 3 watchbands, 1 bra, couple stray socks, 2 skeins of sock yarn, 3 stuffed dog toys (which hardly count as they were his) and now a hand knit sock. I think he is about even with the rest of the pets - so up goes the gate and not so much trust about being alone in the basement. From the looks of the table the cat must have pushed things off for him. What a pair!


Sigh!

Off to the shower for me and I am going to chalk this up to trusting a puppy too soon!

Lesson learned - these things take time... Lots of time

Sigh!




GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Dog vs Watchband


In case you are keeping score...
Jackson - 3
Watchband - 0
Yarn - 2
The last one was too late retrieved from under the bed - which required lifting the bed and getting between the board to get what was left of the watch band. Now we have determined that anything under 48 inches off the ground is not safe. Pretty soon we will be hanging things from the ceiling.
I forget at night when I am done knitting to put my bag on the table or hang from the chair - so we are knitting a pretty knotted skein - but usable - the fitst one he got was done for!
OK so I hear some chewing... chat later... maybe with a picture of finished socks and the other hat - 2 hours - 3 attempts - 1 hat




GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Instant Gratification in the knitting world


2 hours

1 skein

voila
OK In reality it was 6 hours and 3 skeins but who is counting
tee hee hee




GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

Monday, October 22, 2007

Few thoughts

RANDOM THOUGHTS
  • It is becoming more sensical to follow the directions.

  • Dreams last long after the dance is over.

  • Gardens live all year long. Either as reality or as a dream for next year!

  • People are an amazing study.

  • I am still of the conclusion there are two types of people:
  • Ones who are caring and truly respect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
  • Ones who do not care about anyone but themselves and manipulate the planet to spin on their axis so the definition of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness is determined by them.
  • Trouble is caused when the Respectful people meet the Self-centered people - herein lies the basis for all discord... think about that for a while!

  • I know a lot more about my self today than I did a year ago!

  • Blue - Yellow - Red make a variety of colors - and you can decide what proportion you want in your life!

  • Dogs are best at your feet and cats in your lap!

  • Children may grow up but they never leave your heart!

  • Yes and No are both perfectly acceptable answers to questions - and we should exercise the use of both with caution. We should also be smart enough to know when the yes has turned the corner to no. Sad part here - there is no instruction manual for this just daily learning.

  • I love to be creative. I hate being repetitive. Probably why no two Tuna Noodle Casseroles were ever the same - ever! Or why no two loaves of bread were ever the same either!

  • I love to create with my hands. I do not like creating the same thing over and over and over again. I like variety. Even great big trees change everyday. How did I learn this - I said I would create the same thing over and over and over again. OOOPS - seems my yes has turned the corner to no.

  • Fall is here. Rain has arrived - something we wanted - and needed.

  • Glad I do not live in San Diego CA - Where in the world is Carmen San Diego was a FAVORITE game on the computer when the kids were growing up and I was stellar at it!

Enough

Sleep beckons - tomorrow I get to have my post-op check on my vein surgery. The jury is still out on the second leg... hopefully thinking about this...


GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

Saturday, October 13, 2007

October if a BUSY month

Good morning world, It has been a busy month. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the time of the major fundraising for the organization that employees me. Needless to say the J-O-B swallowed up a good portion of September with 12-18 hour days and the recovery from the event has taken a good 10 days. I actually feel rested today.
* * * * * * * * *

Whew, I guess that I do not recover as fast as once I did.
So what is new in the last two weeks.

* * * * * * * * *
Granddaughter turned 11 yesterday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

* * * * * * * * *
Hot tub is up and running!

* * * * * * * * *
Garden is all about over and the deer are eating the Swiss Chard everyday!

* * * * * * * * *
I finished an odd band sock for my other Granddaughter because she likes to wear unmatched socks!

* * * * * * * * *
I needed a mindless knitting project and started a shawl last night and feel better in the head.

* * * * * * * * *
Mindless projects seem to heal the overworked brain (for me anyway)!

* * * * * * * * *
I have a friend having a commitment ceremony today in another city. I wish them both well and happiness in each day.

* * * * * * * * *
I know a lot of people born in October. Valentine season babies!

* * * * * * * * *
Did I mention Jackson has learned how to play Houdini? On one walk he escaped the harness and I came home with an empty harness stating "I could use some help out here!" The next day he was sporting a standard green neck collar. Dogs are cute but clever.

* * * * * * * * *
OK! Off to the races today. We have errands to catch up on and Monday comes fast.

* * * * * * * * *
In a small way try to understand that some circumstances are beyond our control. No matter how hard we try - things break -people get sick - plans change.

* * * * * * * * *
Learning to rock and roll with change is a valuable life lesson.

* * * * * * * * *
Learning what we cannot control is another valuable lesson.

* * * * * * * * *
Whenever you include one single Hu (Human) element in an equation the answer is different.
If you include Hu+Hu then there is more control.
In a perfect world the two humans would work in harmony.

* * * * * * * * *
Always something to consider - the Hu element!

* * * * * * * * *
I pray each day that those ahead of us and those behind us on this continuum called life learn these lessons.
GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD