Friday, January 30, 2009

Tag...& TAGGED!

Okay, so I lied. Remember when I said I would take photographs of other things (next post down)...but I really MUST show you these photos of the brown dog.

When I go through my bedtime routine (turning out lights, turning down the thermostat, taking my pills, etc.,etc.), the 3 dogs are right on my heels. This night, though, Tag wasn't there with Tango & Allegra. I was only tripping over 2 dogs, not 3. hmmmm. I couldn't find Tag...called his name...neither saw nor heard a thing. So, I went back through the house, turning on lights in every room. I was SURE that I hadn't left him outside in the cold! But, still...I had no clue where he was!!!

Well, I found him...it was kind of a "I seeeeeee you" moment...



Now. You Tell Me. How badly did he want to lay in my big easy chair???? I'm thinking he really really really wanted to lay there! To move all that stuff...the hooking frame (as most of you know, those grippers are sharp!), the box, and the big back cushion. Also, though you cannot see it, he kicked a blanket onto the floor. What a butt the boy is. I saw him. Went and got my camera. Took photos. And then, I told him to get off! Gotta be thinkin' of my blog and Tag's fans, ya know! ~grin~

~sigh~ Such is life with the Tag-boy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Speaking of Tag...I was TAGGED! Jane from My World In Pictures got me. I thought I'd play along, though it's taken me some time to get at it.

6 random things about myself...

1. I LOVE Lay's dill pickle potato chips. Had them for the very first time about 2 years ago. Just thinkin' about them now makes my mouth water.

2. I have 5 holes in my two ears. 3 in the left one and 2 in the right one. I wear the same earrings all the time...never take them out (well, except to clean them). I have small gold hoops in the first hole, a really expensive pair of cubic zirconia in the second hole...and in the 3rd hole on the left ear, I have a baby diamond earring...not a baby diamond, but a diamond earring for a baby...the kind that the back screws on. Not tempted to get any more holes in my ears...or anywhere else, for that matter.

3. Having been a huge rock music fan my entire life, I now almost never listen to it. Instead, I have found Christian music - notably Newsboys, MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith - more appealing these days. Not that I never listen to classic rock, but really...not so much anymore.

4. Being one of 4 girls in my family, I always wanted a brother. Really wanted a twin brother.

5. I love Pepsi. Not diet Pepsi, not Coke...just plain ole Pepsi! Always have and always will. I drink more of it than I should. Once in awhile, I will drink Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi, but when I have a regular Pepsi, I am soooo happy!!!

6. After getting my Veterinary Technician associate degree, I seriously considered going on to get a degree in Radiology. I was so intrigued by it! Always got excellent results when I took radiographs of the animals in school and at the clinic I worked at.

Okay, that's it for my 6 random things about myself. I'm not going to TAG anyone, but if you would like to play along, please feel free to do so.

Have a great weekend!!!

Friday, January 23, 2009

One more...

Just one more of Tag, then I promise I'll photograph other things.

Tag and I were snuggled in the easy chair...all nice and cozy warm covered up with my lap quilt from Brenis. Tag eventually got too warm, so moved himself out of his tight little ball stuck to my right hip. Here he is...half on the easy chair and half on the ottoman.


By the way, the lap quilt is soooo wonderful. Thank you, Brenis!

Dogs Outside...



Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Too Tired to Tango...

There are those out there who think that Tag is 'favored', and 'spoiled', and that I think everything he does is funny. (Well, that last part is mostly true. ~grin~) Actually, it's that Tag himself feels that he is entitled...and sometimes I go along with it. Truly, not all the time. I am the benevolent leader in this house (most of the time, anyway).

Here's how it went tonight. I went into the office to check my email. I heard Tag barking...just his short, insistent bark. Over and over and over and over. I went into the living room...and this is what I saw.
Ah-ha!!! Tango was laying in the chair I had just gotten up out of. Apparently, Tag wanted to lay there...that would be why he was barking at Tango. "Get out!" - "Get out!" - "Get out!" - "Get out!" (you get the idea, right?) I took a picture of Tango, told Tag to leave him alone, and went back into my office. A few minutes later, Tag was doing the same thing. When next I went out there...this is what I saw. I laughed and laughed. Then I took the photo. And, THEN, I got Tag's butt out of the chair.

Good night.

Monday, January 19, 2009

So Tired Today...

Noooo, not me. Tag.

After spending half the morning in the
kitchen watching me bake cookies and
bread, Tag was very tired.

After all, standing in my way and being on watch -
just in case I might drop something - is exhausting!
So, of course, he had to find a good place
to lay down...and, apparently,
felt a bit of entitlement.

He did deserve some sort of prize for his patience,
as he saved me from sweeping the floor
by not missing a single crumb I dropped.
He even got a small piece of banana...
great reward for his diligence!

But, how comfortable does this look to you?
I mean, really!
His butt isn't even all the way on the sofa!


To explain...the child-sized chair lays on my
sofa so that the dogs don't.
Not much of a deterrent for Tag E. Butt.
Apparently.

After he knocked off one of the pillows,
he climbed on top of the other one
and crammed himself into that space.


When I walked into the living room and saw this,
I grabbed my camera and took these photos.
He didn't even raise his head...
he's just so worn out, poor thing.

I didn't laugh until I was done taking the photos...
but even then, he just looked at me out of the
corners of his eyes and stayed right where he was!

The Lemonade Stand Award ~


I received this award from my friend, Jane in Ohio (click on her name to visit her great blog!). Thank you!!! Recipients of this award are bloggers who show Great Attitude and/or Great Gratitude in their blog.

Here's how the Lemonade Stand award works...

1. You must add the logo to your blog or post.

2. Nominate 10 (or more) blogs which show Great Attitude and/or Gratitude.

3. Link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link this post to the person from who you received your award.


Here's who I pick to pass the Lemonade Stand on to:
Sheri at Shabby Sheep
Debbie at Woolensails

I would have nominated more, but some of my choices already received this award...don't want their heads to get too big! ~grin~

Now, some of you may not like to play along, and that is fine...please don't feel obligated. Cheers! Enjoy your very own Lemonade Stand!!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Sunday Morning Music...

One of my favorite Christian songs,
"Something Beautiful", by the Newsboys.

Today, this song is dancing on my heart
...and making me move!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Tribute to My Friends...

'You're My Best Friend', by Queen, is the ringtone assigned to my friends...so when I hear this, I know for sure that I want to answer the phone!


Who doesn't think of this song when thinking of friends?



And, yes...I am well aware that Friendship Day is in August, but I felt the urge to write this today. I'm thinking that last year's calendar didn't note that special day, otherwise how could I have missed such a great opportunity for a post on my blog? hmmmm.

Being the social creatures that we are, we need to have people around us. Living on my own as I do, sometimes - just sometimes - I get a bit lonely. Not real often, cuz I do like to be 'just me & the dogs'. Course, now, having said that, I must tell you that if you are a middle-aged bachelor - who is looking for a rare and wonderful woman (that'd be me) to share your life with - I am perfectly willing to adapt to sharing my life with a man.

I am social at work...I like everyone I work with (though recognize that there are differing degrees of 'like'). I am close to my sisters and me Mum...and I do have my sons and their families.

However, it is those other special people - my friends - that I felt I needed to honor today. My 'up close and personal' friends, my Christian friends, my blog friends, my collie friends, my internet friends, and my rug hooking friends! Some of you share more than one of those labels...how great is that?? I won't name names, cuz you all know who you are.

It's difficult to explain the bond between two women who have known each other since high school...that is one heck of a lot of living to have been through with each other! Or, how about two women who share a strong bond because of their love for animals (particularly dogs over 40#) - two women who are otherwise so different - and who remain so very special to each other. These are such very special friendships.

I think that these next friendships are among the easiest to make...though the most difficult to explain to others (truth to tell, I don't usually feel the need to). The friendships that are formed because of interests or hobbies or religion or...whatever. Online. Yup, on the world wide web. I feel a special bond with these women. For whatever reason. Some of these women I have met (and we remain friends! ~grin~) Some of these women I talk to on the phone...how fun is that!

On those rare days that I do get lonely, I know that all I need to do is pick up the phone or get on the computer and I will be connected...and no longer lonely.


To my friends...this is what I have to say to you. Thank you...thank you so much...for everything you have given me. For the impact you have made on my life. For caring. For sharing your time and your life with me. For lifting me up in prayer and encouraging me on my walk with Jesus. For reading my 'doodles'.

Thank you to each and every one of you.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Pay-It-Forward...

I have been remiss. I have been meaning to post this for several days, now. However, I've been much too busy trying to find other things to do (okay, not been difficult to 'find' other things to do...you should see my house...YIKES!) so that I didn't have to work on the curriculum for the course I teach online...which started TODAY! Finally got enough done and ready for the students to dig in, that I freed up some space in my brain to allow other 'things' to enter. whew...kinda wordy paragraph, hey?

I have been accepting more and more challenges, lately. Not that I don't have anything else to do, ya know. So, it could be good...or it could be overwhelming. So far, it's all been good. Anyway. When I ran across a Pay-It-Forward challenge on Christy's blog the other day, I was happy to jump right into it with both feet. I love her blog and read it everyday. Or, at least, every time she enters a new post.

I love gifts...especially handmade gifts. I love the idea of giving something to someone 'just because'. It makes my heart feel good. So, I was the #2 comment, which assures me of a gift from Christy. YAY!!!

I have the best idea for the gifts I will be sending...so why don't you jump into this challenge, too.


Here's what it is all about...
Be one of the first 3 bloggers
to leave a comment here on my post.
Those 3 bloggers will then receive
a handmade gift from me.
The first 3 bloggers can then pay-it-forward
to 3 bloggers on your blog.
All you have to do is:

~post this challenge on your blog
~ the gift can be anything you choose
and any price range and
you have 365 days to make/ship your item.
How fun will this be???
I know...many of you who read my blog don't have blogs...or already have too much to do. Could be interesting to see what happens, here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Other news...or doodles of my mind...
It's darn cold here! Double digit subzero wind chill. The Collies don't last long enough to potty out in that cold. I keep trying to coach them as we're on the way out the door....'now, if you hurry up, you will still have 4 good feet to walk on when coming back in. Just 'hurry up' and potty!' But, they're not really listening. Tango, in particular. Perhaps he is listening, but cannot hear me...he's 13+ years old, you know...and definitely showing some hearing loss. Allegra doesn't like to be spoken to in anything but a soft, sweet & gentle whisper (kidding...well, sort of), so if she thinks I am speaking sternly, she gets all nervous. You'd think she'd be used to my voice by now, for pete's sake...she will be 11 years old in a few months. Holy Schmoly, Princess Honey-Do Allegra! Now, Tag, on the other hand, is made of much tougher stuff (yeah, I know...and mud for brains) and has no problem at all. With either the voice thing OR the going out to potty in subzero wind chill weather! In fact, almost before pottying comes his immense desire to lower his core body temperature by eating as much snow/ice as possible. He is goofy...but that's my boy, Tag!

Finished 'Marley & Me'...it's funny & sad, and actually made me feel better about my naughty boy!

Now really...Tag is not that naughty. He is a very smart boy. Typical Labrador. Here's how smart the boy is. I dropped my pen under the side table. I could have gotten up out of the easy chair, but I was all comfy. So, I asked Tag to get it for me. Under the side table is a huge box...and another box is in front of it. He could have gotten to the pen by going around the back of either the easy chair or the sofa, OR by doing just exactly what he did. He crouched down and almost crawled through the small space between the table with the huge box under it and the easy chair. He grabbed the pen and then backed himself out. WHAT A GOOD BOY!!! Ya gotta love his eagerness to pick up things...and his desire to please. Ya know? He would make someone an excellent service dog. Ohyeah...me! haha. Of course, there are times when he picks up things he really shouldn't...but being the 'gotta show my mama' boy that he is, he always must come by me to show me...and then, of course, I take it away from him.

Okay, done rambling and it's time to get busy. Only 4 more days of vacation after today. {groan} Still much to do.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

The Coal Basket

Have you ever read this story?
I just read it on Tracy's blog
and just had to share it with you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible.

His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could.

One day the grandson asked, “Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don’t understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?”

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, “Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water.”

The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house.

The grandfather laughed and said, “You will have to move a little faster next time,” and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was “impossible to carry water in a basket,” and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, “I don’t want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You’re just not trying hard enough,” and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, “See Papa, it’s useless!”

“So you think it is useless?” The old man said, “Look at the basket.”

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean.

“Son, that’s what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out.” That is the work of God in our lives. To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His son.


Take time to read a portion of God’s word each day, you will never regret you did.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This spoke loudly to me...remember, I started my daily Bible reading yesterday!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Early to Rise...

As a (sort of) new Christian, I've known for a long time that I need to read the Bible and memorize verses. Not only do I need to, but I want to! However, I hadn't been finding (read taking) the time. And, when I did find/take the time, it was at the end of the day...at bedtime. Not so good. I was tired. I had a wonderful Bible that, regrettably, had very small print. So, I would struggle to focus on the words I was reading, rather than being able to read along and focus on what I was reading. Last year, Brenis gave me a wondeful & BEAUTIFUL Bible...AND, it is large text!!! YAY!!! Now, I can focus on what I am reading...how great is that??

But. Still. I didn't take time.

THEN, I ran across this blog, and read about the 5:00 Club. Now, I am totally motivated! My alarm used to be set for 5:01 (don't ask) every morning...and my schedule at the VMTH was 7:00-1:00. But, now my schedule is 8:00-2:00, so my alarm is set for 5:51 (again, don't ask). However, I am always awake before 5:30...and usually awaken just after 5:00 (after 5:01, to be exact). I was so psyched when I read about the 5:00 Club! Like someone had to hit me over the head with a 2 x 4, ya know...I couldn't have figured out that I could just get up a bit earlier and do my Bible reading!

At any rate, I am on vacation this week, so I thought this would be a great time to begin this schedule! It'll give me a little time to get into the habit, so that when I go back to work on the 20th, I'll already be reaping the benefits and much more likely to continue on.

My good plans got messed up here on the first day, but as soon as the way was clear, I did my Bible reading. I have a journal that was designed specifically to keep track of what I am reading (thank you, Bren!) and what I get from my reading. I gotta tell ya...just this one day of starting everything off spending time reading the Word of God has got me all revved up. I truly believe that this the best way to go...it will better keep me in the Word all day long. Perhaps I will be able to apply what I've read to my ordinary, everyday life. hey?

Hope you're having a great day!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

A Day of Rest??

Been baking...
oatmeal chocolate chip raisin cookies.

and working on the curriculum for my class.

Am reading this book...

laughing & crying all the way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Speaking of laughing - go read Sue's blog...

click HERE!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Lazy Day.

I got some good hookin' done...
and the dogs had a lazy day.


Another Snow Day...


Yup...it's snowing here. I had just commented the other day how nice it was to drive to work on bare roads for several days in a row. Unlike last winter, when it seemed every other day was a treacherous drive to work. But, hey...I was scheduled to be on vacation January 10-19, so I just took an extra day. woohoo...11 days of no work! Well, I have plenty to do around here, but you know what I mean.

Here are photos of a few more things I made for gifts...

Another apron...this one for my niece, Jody.
Didn't do ruffles this time (like me Mum's),
but pleats all around the outside.
Jody has promised to send a photo...
hopefully, it'll be better than this one.

This is the plastic bag holder I kept for myself...
it has some plastic bags in it already...

As some of you already know, I teach an online course (Veterinary Medical Terminology) for the Madison Area Technical College. The course begins next week and I have some work to do on the curriculum. This is my 3rd spring semester teaching it and I think it is so fun to teach an online course! No need to go to school...well, the final exam is face-to-face, but that's the only time I need to be there. And, of course, I love all things to do with playing on the computer...I am totally in my element.

I have a list of other things to keep me busy this vacation, too...3 projects for birthday/christmas gifts that need to be finished, dentist appointment, joining the 5 a.m. club (more on that on Monday), baking oatmeal cookies, and my granddaughter, Jasmine, will be staying overnight next weekend.

So, I'm guessing I won't be bored! ~grin~

But, because today is an 'extra' day, I think I will hook on my challenge rug. Lookin' for
ward to getting some good hookin' in!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

TUESDAY'S TRUTH...

If you read my blog post on January 1...you know that I accepted the challenge, ‘one little word 2009'...to give me focus & to help guide me through this year. (If you didn’t read about it, click HERE.)

I thought it might be interesting...and it will certainly help me to keep my focus...if I wrote specifically about THE TRUTH on a regular basis. This is - first - for myself. If you garner anything from it, YAY! Just wanting to make sure that you know these 'tuesday's truth' posts will truly be ‘doodles of my mind’.

For this year, 2009, the first Tuesday of every month will have a post entitled ‘Tuesday’s Truth’. Some of the titles of these future blog posts immediately came to mind...now I just need to put my thoughts into words.


This first ‘Tuesday’s Truth’ is one that most of you are familiar with.

Please watch this video...(the first 18 seconds is the relevant part)



"You can’t handle the truth"...the most famous and oft-quoted line from "A Few Good Men". Clearly, Jack Nicholson, as Colonel Jessup, did not think everyone could. Handle the truth. At least on the subject at hand. But, he spoke it, anyway.

The Truth. What is The Truth? Specifically, what is The Truth of me? Can you handle it? Can I? Am I being truthful in all that I do...with everyone I know...whether or not I am understood...whether or not they ‘can handle it’? Especially, though...whether or not I can handle it. I'm not talking about saying whatever comes to mind...what I mean is to be living in truth, with my eyes wide open. To see everything around me, not just what I choose to see.


Do I think too much of what others might think of me? Sometimes, yes. I do. Does that stop me from being and/or doing what I need to be and/or do? Yes, sometimes. Is that the way it should be? No. Am I seeing what’s in front of me as truth? Do I look for it?

To look at The Truth...to live The Truth...I also need to put meaning into my life. Into all that I do. What you see is not always what you get. The me some of you know hides the me that is inside.

The Truth of me...is that I am a Fraud! Oh, not intentionally. But, there are too many parts of me...The Truth of me...that need to be changed. I want to change many aspects of my life, yet I do nothing. Everything I dream of is, in fact, achievable. Yet, it would take effort. If I faced The Truth of me head-on, I could do it.

These are 'doodles' that run around in my mind every day. Something to reflect on...to ponder...The Truth of my life.

This year, it is time for me to take more steps forward than steps taken back. To continue on & live my life with...The Truth.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Conlan's Visit

I had my grandson, Conlan, for the weekend. He is quite the character...way too much like his Dad, methinks. {grin} Conlan's birthday is the 8th...hard to believe that he is going to be 6 years old already!
Tag was sooo excited to see Conlan.
He has always thought that
Conlan was put on earth for the
sole purpose of being his playmate.

We had a great time. I had stopped at the library and picked up a bunch of books for him. Conlan's main interests are anything to do with fire trucks & being a fireman...and dogs. So, I made sure to get a few books relating to those things. He is a beginning reader, so it was fun to help him sound out the words. Other than reading, we watched "Polar Express" & "The Incredibles", colored/drew/cut pictures, and he played with the dogs. AND, we baked oatmeal cookies.

Conlan asks very interesting questions...

"Why is Tag's nose shorter than Tucker's???" (Tucker is their chocolate lab...she actually does have a longer muzzle than Tag)

"Why does the toilet, when I flush it, sound like diarrhea?" (gosh, I don't know...the flushing sounds normal to me!)

"Why does Allegra bark so much?" (truthfully, everyone asks that question)

And, many more questions and comments. He cracks me up! Absolutely...and he always has.

Here are some more photos...

opening a gift...holy schmoly,
he opens gifts like my Gram Kelley used to
...without tearing the paper...haha!

groovin' to whatever song was playing on his iPod...

(I had the other earbud in my ear...also groovin'!)

putting cookie dough on the baking sheet...

eating his good cookies...All tucked in...see who is sleeping with him?

It was great fun. I'll have Jasmine in a few weeks. That will be great, as she is older and a girl...so we'll be able to do some different things.

More Sewing...

Here are a few more things I made
to give as Christmas & birthday gifts
(there are a ton of birthdays in our family
in the months from November through February).
These shown have now been received
by those they were made for.

A lined vest for Jasmine...here's the front

here's the back...that's a kitty button on the tab...
Pajama bottoms for Conlan...

2 pair of long flannel bottoms &

the short cotton labrador bottoms...

More to show at some future date...

Kaylynn hasn't received her gifts, yet.

AND, 3 gifts are started but not yet finished.

By the time I finish these gifts,

it'll be time to start working on this year's gifts!

YIKES!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

The New Year...

When I was younger, I faced each new year with much hope and optimism..and eagerness of what was yet to come. Now, though I always have hope and am usually optimistic, sometimes I am not so eager. Ya know? Must have something to do with the passing of time...with getting older. At any rate. Here it is - the NEW year! I try to not make resolutions, but I do always intend for things to change. Sometimes they do...and sometimes not. It mostly depends on my focus. But, there are always new experiences and friends just around the corner to shake things up a bit. And, though this past year was difficult in some ways, I am thankful for each and every moment.


That brings me to two things.

First...this poem. I saw this on another site and looked it up. Tends to make one stop and think.

Click here to see the little movie. Or, read it below...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Dash

copyright 1996
Linda Ellis


I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth...
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars....the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash...
would you be proud of the things they
say about how you spend your dash?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This poem is available in a gift book, as a DVD & a framed print here.

Just remember the old adage...if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. That's all we can do. Let's try to fill that dash with moments we can be proud of.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Second...

Saw this on Bren's blog and went to check it out. A 'challenge' of sorts. Check out Ali Edwards' blog.


ONE LITTLE WORD 2009

The idea is to choose a word
that will help you to focus on
where/who/what you want
to be in this coming year.

One that will act as a reminder.

A powerful word.

I have decided that my word is...



Truth is just that...truth.
Truth is that which simply is.
Not one's perception, but the facts.
(just the facts, ma'am)

How does Truth affect me?
Only in everything I live,
eat, and breathe.
Truth of the Word,
truth in my relationships
truth within myself
and others.
Truth from others.
Not half-truths,
not omissions...

Truth.
The whole Truth.
And nothing but the Truth.
So help me, God.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That's my word...what will your
ONE LITTLE WORD 2009 be???


HAPPY NEW YEAR...and my weirdness...

Okay, just to warn you, this may be a day of multiple posts. I have lots to say...just not sure I have the time. (don't roll your eyes at me {grin})


First of all, a VERY Happy New Year to everyone! I am praying that this will be a good year for everyone I know...well, for everyone, I suppose. 2008 was a year of highs and lows...some very high highs, and some very low lows.


Secondly, I was laughing hysterically out in the kitchen a bit ago, so had to grab my camera and share this with you all. Those who know me best will 'get' this...you others may just shake your head and wonder why you came here...you know who you are.


Okay, here is my handsome boy, Tango...13.5 years old. I took this photo just a few minutes ago. I've been working on getting Tango groomed today...which is not a quick and easy task for me.


Reasons:
#1...he has way too much coat for an indoor dog.
#2...I can sit on the floor for about an hour at a time, but even then have a horrible time getting up and moving around afterwards.
#3...it's been too long since Tango was fully combed out.


Anyway. I was in the kitchen stirring the chili in the crockpot and heard Tango walk into the room. Heard...yes...cuz his nails are too long and I've been very bad at keeping them short lately. It occurred to me that it might be weird for him to walk on the bare floor with one side of his body groomed...because that means that his nails on one side (in this case, his left side) are shorter than they are on the other side. So, I was thinking about that, and wondered if it might be like if I had one foot in a loafer and the other foot in a high-heeled shoe?

(and, before you gasp in horror over what the difference in length must be between the clipped nails and the unclipped nails to make me wonder what I did, let me assure you that it's no more than about 3/16's of an inch.)


HYSTERICAL!!! HAD to call my sister, Jill, and tell her...she, who has the same sense of humor as I.


So...if you look at this photo, you will see that one foot is trimmed and the other is not. Otherwise, it's a nice one of him. I'll get to his right side and feet shortly.





Okay, that's all for this one!