Weekend Cat Blogging # 30

We call him "Merlin"

Hello! It's time for Weekend Cat Blogging. This week am featuring one of our babies yet again. I am fairly certain that this little guy is son to Marlin. And many of them look like Ayla in the face. She's mom to Coral, Marlin and Boots.. and with Marlin being an intact male he's somewhat made the rounds on feral females we have not been able to trap and spay yet. Check out all the other feline friends over at Eatstuff with Kiri - the cat and Clare! If you would like to have your feline friend featured in WCB just send in the permalink to Clare and she will add you in!

Many Blessings everyone!
Even though we may not see eye to eye -- rememeber to pick your flowers.

Daily Photo 12/30/05

This was sent to me via email. TOO CUTE! I will have to remember that.

Hope everyone is having a good day.

I started a new job yesterday so am kind of tired, working nights 12 hour shifts. I have a good client so its not overly demanding. Just do not get any quality of sleep right now.

Tootles for now.

Daily Photo 12/29/05

MMMMM... Tasty Toes

Okay, I will never top my favorite blogger FarmGirl for daily photos. She's tops in that department in my book. But I can share daily happenings around here with a photo everyday.

The hand you see under my son's leg was not there to help him eat his toes but rather to keep him in balance. He was already tasting them prior to that. I often wonder why we are so worried about what kidlets put in their mouths after seeing my son do this on more than one occassion. I will say though, that I would not mind being that flexible again! But definitely not to eat my toes... LOL

Found in my Email today ---
Why Dogs do not live as long as people......... (this is sooo true)
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old
Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owner, his wife, and their
little boy were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for
a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer.

I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and
offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their
home. As we made arrangements, the owners told me they thought it
would be good for the four-year-old boy to observe the procedure.
They felt he could learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's
family surrounded him. The little boy seemed so calm, petting the
old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was
going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The
little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any
difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud
about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
The little boy, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know
why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth
next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He
said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good
life - like loving everybody and being nice, right?" The four-year-
old continued, "Well, animals already know how to do that, so they
don't have to stay as long."

~ Author Unknown


Many blessings to you! Though we may not always agree, remember to pick flowers for those you love and tell them "I love you" and do something positive for those you meet.

A Bitter Sweet Time of Year

As I reflect back this morning on how this year has gone I am grateful for my health and my immediate family. We have definitely had our ups and downs and my heart goes out to those that have had loved ones "Go Home to Him". My prayers are for those dealing with illness and for those that have walked away not giving any inclination of understanding.

A favorite fellow Blogger lost her brother. I shared a story with her here. Right now her and the family need prayers for comfort in thier time of loss.

I have had my own loss this year and it affected me more than I thought it would. My ex father-in-law passed away after several years of illness. Even with his basket of flowers full and called home he will be missed. And my mother estranged me from herself. I do not hear from her and she will not give me an address or phone number.

A good friend was diagnosed with Fibro mygylia. This painful condition saddens my heart. She's a bright vibrant lady and struggles with this everyday along with medications that are supposed to help. The medications cause a bad "scattered" affect on her thinking, which is very frustrating for her.

There are things that I am very grateful for:
A loving understanding husband.
Healthy vibrant children even when they stress me.
My fairly good health.
A safe loving home.
My dad and step mom who don't walk away even when they don't agree.
and all the little things that add up to one big "grateful" thing.

It's really a bitter sweet time of year. So many are celebrating with family and friends. They have new accomplishments and so many things to be grateful for. And there are those who are struggling with losses or illness. Remember those who have been "called home." and those that need our positive thoughts and uplifting.

Do not be afraid to be called home and do not be fearful for those whom have gone home after filling thier basket of flowers.


Many Blessings friends. Even though we may not see eye to eye on everything here when we go home it won't mean much anymore. Pick your flowers by touching hearts and lives in positive ways and He will let you know when its time to "go home".

Time to Go Home.....

picture by Danny Hahlbohm at
www.freespiritart.com/ presence-angels.php
In 1993 I was 23 years old, had just had my second child in May and it was early fall. My baby was four months old and super sweet. I got a phone call and it was a friend whom had given birth to her baby girl just one week before my son was born. She had sad tidings -- her baby girl had slipped away in the night from SIDS.

Disaster struck just a few short weeks later. Another good friend whom I had not heard from for a short while called me from over-seas. Her daughter whom was only 3 months older than my eldest son had tragically siezed and died unexpectedly. The sweet child was three years old, and had just celebrated a birthday. She had spiked a fever and became seriously ill. As quickly as she got ill she recovered and went home. One week later after her party she fell seriously ill again. Rushed to the hospital they tried to figure out what was wrong. Her mom tells me this child rarely complained of anything but this was a night to be different. "Mommy, my head hurts really bad." As they struggled to find what was causing this childs illness she siezed and died. They were unable to bring her back.

The autopsy reveiled two very important things about this baby girl who had touched so many lives. She was very smart, pretty and a little spit fire. She was a child you would not easily forget, huggable from the word go. The doctors were amazed when her results came back. She had an enormous spidering brain tumor -- completely inoperable and the little sack that covers the hearts in most people was missing. The CPR was completely ineffective without knowing that information, and they never knew she didn't have it. She had been sick only a few times in her short stay in this world, and never gave any indications of the massive brain tumor that she had, until that fateful last day.

Her mother called me, asked me to sit down. I had already been dealing with one friend's loss and this did not bode well with me. She told me about her daughter and then she says, "I have something awesome to share with you." I sat there listening to her talk, feeling numb and pretty well dumbfounded. Two precious lives........ gone.

"Heather, this is so awesome. You are going to love this. I dreamed about my daughter last night. We went on a picnic where she always loved to go in the late spring when its full of flowers. And it was ALL of us - me, her, my husband, her sisters and her brother. We started picking flowers and playing and soon it was time to eat. We enjoyed our picnic lunch on a blanket spread in this large meadow full of flowers. After we finished eating we started picking flowers again. My daughter came up to me and said, "Mommy, my basket is full and God is calling me to come home." I looked at my daughter's basket and sure enough it was full of beautiful meadow flowers. I could feel myself start to cry as I looked at my own basket and it was not full like hers. I wanted to go home too. I gave my daughter a hug and a kiss and told her, "Okay, baby, you go home now." I woke up after that feeling so much more at peace about my daughter's unexpected death. She had been called to Him, it was time for her to go home as she had touched all the hearts she was supposed to in this world. Those flowers represented all those precious lives she had influenced."

I no longer fear "dying" as a result of her sharing this precious story with me. I do not look forward to the possible occurances before the event of "going home." And am willing to wait til I am called to Him and do those things he asks us to in the mean time. Bring some joy to those I meet, touch hearts and lives in positive ways.

Many Blessings Dear Friends -- sometimes we don't always see eye to eye but in the end when we are called home those things won't mean much anymore. And in the mean time, if I have touched your heart with this positive story of a Mother and her Baby Girl who was called home, please thank Him because He gave me the ability to share it with you.

A Tear and A Kiss

The holidays bring many joys and some sorrows
as it travels thru the end of our year.
For the most part I have had many joys for
the last several weeks since Thanksgiving.
Tonite brought my sorrow.

There's been a rift building you see...
between me and one I love dearly.
First came a misunderstanding --
one I did offer to remedy.
I do approve, you see, of choices made
because it is so important to you and to me.

First came the broken promise of a visit,
then more distance as the rift seemed to grow.
Perhaps its the holiday season rush
-- or maybe not.
Right wrong or indifferent
its there, a fact, regardless.

A phone call a few days ago
brought stressful tidings of a loved one ill.
Later, another phone call and
the loved one is thankfully improved.

The phone rings and is answered
by my mate, "Well hello friend!"
A smile crosses my face --
she called you see.

"I only have a few minutes til dinner is ready
but I wanted to call and say 'Merry Christmas'."

Responses around, "Merry Christmas to you too."

After a few other exchanges I hear,
"I miss you!" "Miss you too, friend."
The mate chimes in, "Wish you were here!"
Without missing a beat,
"No offence, but I am glad I am not."

Right, wrong or indifferent --
OUCH! That stung.
You see, the holidays are so busy you know.
Things get missed in the rush too and fro.

So, now I am here -- to say,
"Remember me when you are ready too --
but for now I must go."
I couldn't wait to get off the phone to cry.

You see, that hurt so badly that I sat here
writing out what I felt for you to see.
You won't hear me cry,
you won't see my tears.

When you come around again
I will be here,
waiting and smiling because
I love you and miss you so much.

Good bye seems forever, so instead I will say
"Talk to you later when things calm down
and we can really talk without
all the mad rush too and fro
and things get forgotten.
Give me a call, I will be here."

Signed with a tear and
sealed with a kiss,
Your Sis.

Weekend Cat Blogging # 29

Spooks checking things out.


Cat bloggers unite every weekend and share photos of gorgeous kitties with us and some yummy recipes too! Send in your permalink to Clare at Eatstuff so she can include you too! This is indeed a very special Christmas for Clare and Kiri over at Eatstuff.. click the link above to learn all about it.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Spooks was just a baby in April. We had been unable to capture her for months on end. She was about 4 to 5 months old when we finally snagged her and put her in a cage for a short time. This was to adjust her to seeing, hearing and being apart of our "tamed" world.

After a few weeks I moved her into the large bathroom off the master bedroom. Here she learned to cope on a different level with us. After a while I noticed not only was she very bored but also had become more curious about us and what we did everyday. So, I started leaving the door open -- which she now knows how to open if its not jammed shut with a butter knife. (its one of those nasty pocket doors)

She has become quite the character now too. She chases my feet from under the living room couch. She also sleeps with me and my husband -- more like IN-BETWEEN us stretched out full length with that obnoxious motor of hers just a rumbling. She will walk on her hind legs across the floor bouncing like a rabbit and bat at me. If we are not "awake" on time in the mornings she will run full speed across the bed, bouncing from the bed to the small couch we have in our room.

Spooks will "hang ten" by jumping on the edge and hanging half way off on the couch when we are watching TV - usually bright eyed and bushy tailed in appearance. She comes looking for attention now too, which is a far cry from the shy reclusive little ferocious beast we had just a few short months ago. She knows her name and will come trotting quickly to us when called, much like a dog would -- most of my cats are this way. (Especially Xannon - check him out here. As he will BOUND from across the yard when called.)

Spooks still shys away on especially "frolic-y" days and earned her name due to her inate ability to go from docile purring fur bag to animated cactus in the time it takes to blink.

Weekend Cat Blogging # 28

My following - everywhere I go.

Cat bloggers unite every weekend and share photos of gorgeous kitties with us and some yummy recipes too! Send in your permalink to Clare at Eatstuff so she can include you too!

From left of the picture to the right we have Coral, Caramel, PITA and Le Chat. I go outside and I have anywhere from 4 to 10 tails following me through out the yard and property. Mind you they get fed 4 to 5 times a day. Not a one of them looks as if they have missed a meal. They all love attention too. Xannon proves that below.

PICK ME UP!

His entire expression says it all. He wants to be held and paid attention to. And yes, he did climb my pant leg to get into my arms.

Coral

Boots

The rooster below is always chasing the cats away from their food. Here he is after Caramel because she stayed still too long. All she had to do was get up and get closer to me. He won't chase me. I think he knows I will turn him into chicken stew! He follows them around too, and chases them from anything he thinks might be food.



Cock-a-doodle-soup Anyone??

Weekend Herb Blogging # 10

Future Garden Spot - Hopefully

It's time for Weekend Herb Blogging # 10
Kalyn is our Herb Hostest with the MOSTEST! Each week she inspires and encourages everyone to participate in showing off their favorite herb/vegie/houseplant/garden plants/ or even maybe a brown thumb silk plant! Go visit her blog at Kalyn's Kitchen and see what all the rub is about! If you want to join in and show off your favorite plant or flower just send her your permalink and she will add you to the featured and ever growing list!

My selection for the week is my hopefull spot for my new garden next spring. I have a bunch of work cut out for me to do. There is a fence to build to keep out the white tail deer and there are 9 (4x6 ft) container plots to build too! I want to do an arched entrance like my MIL has on her garden plot. I have a list of things to plant too... but have not finalized it as of yet. I am looking to do about 900 total square feet for the fenced area. With all my plots set I will have an extra 300 or so square feet that I will have room to spread in. Wish me luck in being able to get my supplies in order for all this stuff. (fencing, wood, and soil!)

Enjoy your week and Many Blessings!

Weekend Cat Blogging # 27

Queen of the Day - LeChat


Attention Cat Lovers! It's time for Weekend Cat Blogging #27!
Food Bloggers around the world unite each week and share pictures of our favorite felines. See cute cat photos and discover yummy food blogs. We'd love to have you join us. Just send your permalink in a comment to Clare & her cool cat Kiri at Eat Stuff in Australia--where you'll find all the links to this week's kitties.

Frozen

Ice Castle

This was the result of leaving the water on with an outside faucet. It's been very very cold today - our first really really cold spell of the wintery season. And technically -- winter doesnt start til the 21st of December! I believe we are in for a hard hard season.

Today I fixed Pea soup for the first time in a long time. And have decided that I will prepare things I want to enjoy even if they have ingredients that my husband won't eat. I will simply divide them up into serving portions and freeze what ever I cannot consume myself in one day.

Happy Holidays!

Weekend Herb Blogging # 9

This is a "Looking Glass Begonia". I was given this plant as a birthday present two years ago. I have cut it back a few times since reciveing it. And its in deperate need of being planted up and cleaned. So, in below picture you will see it after I cut it back and the cuttings that I have sitting on my desk to grow roots and plant up next spring.


After it had been cut back..... *sighs* It looks so pathetic! But hates direct sun light... it always gets "burned".


My cuttings that I will be planting in a very large pot next spring! I can hardly wait. Am already counting the days to the last possible freeze -- which is generally around April 15.

Weekend Herb Blogging is hosted by Kalyn's Kitchen! Please stop by and visit her blog and check out all the other fun herb blogging posts!

Weekend Cat Blogging # 26

Caramel

It's time for weekend cat blogging. Cat bloggers around the web unite to share favorite photos of their feline friends and favorite food recipes too! Join us for fun and foods over at Eatstuff where Kiri and Clare are our hosts. Want to join the feline fun? Send your permalink to Clare and she will list you on her WCB post!

Am going to cover a few other blogging events for the weekend.

We have in no particular order -----

Weekend Dog Blogging -- I don't have a dog, though my son has a stuffy named Rayne that he absolutely loves.
SweetNicks WDB!

Weekend Favorite Blog Spots that is hosted by
Becca at "A Little of Everything"


Weekend Herb Blogging that is hosted by
Kalyn's Kitchen

And last but not least is Friday Ark where you can see anything and everything!
Friday Ark

If you happen by my blog and know of any other blogging extras that I do not have currently listed please comment with the Blog of interest!! I would be glad to add them to the featured list of weekend blogging extras!