Kids Say Funny Things

At lunch with friends and family the other day, my niece is messing with her nose. My sister hands her a kleenex. She blew her nose and sajd, "Nothing in my nose now." My other niece said, "I've got lots of things in my nose. Want to see?"

At the same lunch, my five year old niece said to the other niece, "French fries aren't a good lunch." The four year old responded, "You aren't the boss of me."

Santa, Please bring Dad a Pacemaker

My dad had a pacemaker put in December 22. He has had an irregular heartbeat for a few years and they determined it was time to resolve that issue. Pacemaker in and discharged the next day...in and out so quickly.

No one foresaw this hospital stay. So when I got home for the holiday my parent's didn't have time to get a tree, decorate for Christmas or make cookies. So, we improvised. My sister brought down with her an outdoor Christmas tree. We opened it up like an umbrella, plugged it in and presto - instant Christmas tree. My niece and nephew didn't seem to care. They were easily distracted by the presents.

We had a great Christmas even though it was not typical. I hope your Christmas was filled with joy and laughter and an appreciation for the love of a caring family.

Savor the details.

Diesel

About 14 years ago, at a local antique store I spied two cats laying upside down on a beautiful oak bed that was for sale. I petted the cats. They had the softest fur I've ever felt. It was like rabbit fur. I asked the owner of the store about the cats and he said they were Ragdoll cats. I wasn't familiar with the breed and actually didn't know anything about pure breed cats. We only had wild barn cats. I asked if they were for sale and he said, "No, his wife would kill him. They were hers and that he brought them to work everyday."

Determined that someday I would find a breeder of Ragdoll cats and I would have one of my own. Years went by but I never forgot about those cats. Recently I found a reputable breeder and went to visit the kittens and hopefully take one home. I was in love the minute I saw the kittens - white fluff balls, running around chasing each other. One of the kittens seemed very interested in Superman and stayed still long enough to be petted. That was the one for us! The breeder didn't pick out names she thought she would become too attached to the kittens if she named them and then have problems giving them up. We thought over it and decided "Diesel" would be a good, big cat name.

I was nervous about the cat getting along with the two dogs. After a week of keeping them separate, and growing weary of the excited barking by Sissy (our retriever mix), I crossed my fingers and let them all loose in the same room. All went well. Sissy is a playmate for Diesel now. They rough house and the cat pounces on her. Sissy pins him to the floor and nibbles at his ears. Diesel can be heard purring while all this is going on. Max, our Spaniel mix, tolerates the cat. If the cat bumps into Max while he's sleeping, Max will growl at him. He apparently doesn't like to have his sleep disturbed - just like me.

Make no mistake - pets are alot of work. They required exercise and training. They are expensive. They are messy. There's not a day that goes by that I don't wish I had a maid. But the unconditional love they give is well worth it. Savor the details.

Winter 2009

Ice. We had a little rain turn into ice. We don't get too much ice or snow and people aren't used to driving on it nor are we equipped to clear the roads. They canceled schools when it first started up giving everyone a little time to enjoy the beauty.

All I want for Christmas is...a Harp

My niece wanted a harp last year from Santa. A harp? Kids are funny. No one knew where the idea of a harp came from.

This year she's asked for a Barbie hotel. When my sister said, "That's a pretty big gift for Santa to carry. We'll have to just see what he brings." My niece said, "Well, he didn't bring me that harp last year..."

How did Santa Get Here?

My niece saw Santa at the botantical gardens. I asked Sarah how Santa got to the gardens? She said, "I don't know Aunt Chris." I said, "Do you think the reindeer flew him here?" She said, "No, I think he took a plane just like I did. But he wasn't on my flight because I would have seen him."

Lights in the White Garden

I saw over 600,000 Christmas lights. I was in awe. It was beautiful. I want to go again. Savor the details.

In a Crowded Target

I went to the local Target today to get a few things over lunch hour. I was in the Christmas decorations looking at all the lights. I didn't get nearly enough for my evergreen trees and someone told me their lights were on sale.

As I rounded a corner, I saw two older gentlemen. I would guess in their late 60s. They were standing very close together. It was how close they were standing to each other that caught my attention. I thought they must be good friends, partners or maybe even brothers. I was curious and stared longer than what is polite.

When I passed by them, I saw one of the men had a walking cane. He was holding a Christmas tree ornament and the other gentleman was describing it to him in great detail. My eyes watered up. It was one of the sweetest things I've ever seen. I can't imagine Christmas without my sight and I realized how grateful I am to be healthy.

Take time to enjoy all the sights this Christmas season and say a little prayer for those of us who aren't as fortunate.

A November Treat

It was unusually warm for November so I snuck out with camera in hand yesterday to take some photos around campus. I'm working on a calendar project and need a few photos. Here's what I discovered. Savor the details.

November in the Carolinas

At the top of this mountain is the weather radar tower. These geese have the life.

A local creek. What a gorgeous, sunny, 80 degree day in November!

Small Town USA

Here are a few photos from a nearby small town. It's full of history and charm. Savor the details.

And Now a Commerical Break...

I've been sick and busy - the two usually go together for me. When I'm too busy and not getting the rest I need, I will get sick. I'm dragging a few pictures from the tons I've taken at the dog park to share with you. Savor the details.

Orchid

I know winter is on the way when I have to bring inside my orchids. They stay outside during the summer soaking up the humidity and sunshine. When I bring the orchids inside, they will usually bloom. Diesel is pretty interested in them. It's a good thing orchids are not poisonous to cats.

North Carolina in the Fall

The sunset changed dramatically as the sun sank. It was a pretty one.

A view of the trees at the dog park.

Cute. Cute. Cute.

There are so many things I like about this photo; the fall leaves changing in the background, the puppy St. Bernard with the frisbee upside down and the little guy showing off his Clemson shirt. Savor the details.

Dog Park

We go to the dog park several times a week. My dogs love it and I enjoy taking photos of the dogs. You can learn a lot from how these dogs interact.The Husky wants a drink and a swim too. I think the lesson here is to have fun - no matter what other's think. They may even want to join you.

This Westy doesn't care that the German Shepherd has him outweighed. He's having the time of his life playing with another dog that matches his level of energy. The Shepherd has figured out that if he can cover up the little guy's eyes - he has an even bigger advantage.

Look at this 14 year old pup. Barking and carrying on. This little one knows size does not matter. It's attitude and persistence that counts.

Reflecting on Reflections

This is my reflection. I was sitting on the floor at the edge of the bed taking a photo.

My reflection is in my dog Sissy's eye. Do you see me? How are you reflecting in other's eyes?

Backyard Plants

The Coleus in this top photo has been ignored all summer. It likes to be ignored apparently. And the Hydragea in the bottom photo is just as pretty to me now as when it was blue. Mother Nature is amazing. Savor the details.

Bologna Biscuits

Are bologna biscuits only in the south?

Cotton

We drove by a cotton field on our way home from the fair. I'm always surprised to see cotton. With all the mills disappearing, the cotton fields seem on the edge of extinction as well. I made Superman stop and park so I could get out and take these photos. Dorothy we're not in Kansas anymore.