GRANDSONS - Sizes:~Small, Medium & Large

Size Small (and growing like a weed!)

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Size Medium (with Big Sis & Friend)
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Size Large (I should say tall)

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These are MY Guys. They are Sweet-Cute-and Handsome.

Bleak! Only Outside

Normally, this grass is standing straight up and swaying in the wind.

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"Bleak" -- Webster's Dictionary: desolate, barron and often windswept

: lacking warmth or cheering qualities

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Un-Bleak Inside !!!


Warm, Cheering and Yummy!
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The Past couple of days we have been Iced-in. Monday when this all started I went and picked Madison up from school at 11:00 a.m. I was afraid that by 3:30 the roads would be too bad to travel, and I was right on! We had a nice afternoon. She helped do dishes. It took her at least 30 minutes to was wash and dry 3 glasses, 2 coffee cups, three plates and a handfull of silverware. Why do kids like to mess in water? In a few years when I really want her help in the sink, she will run the other way!
My Big Grandaughter Cass has Cabin Fever and has twice called me and asked to come over. I of course said NO. In weather like this I like everyone of my Loved Ones home safe and sound.
You would think on days like this when you can't get out you would really get things accomplished. Well not true for me. I watch more TV, I feel hungry all the time and I just want to curl up on the sofa. AJ keeps asking for Homemade Chicken & Noodles, a Big Pot of Beans or Chili, and that means WORK. I did get His favorite Cake baked, "Prunella w/ Cream Cheese Frosting. The oven helped warm up the Kitchen.
I believe this Bad Weather will be gone by tomarrow evening and by Thursday things will be back to normal. I sure hope so this "Bleak" Weather makes me Rum-Dumb!

How to Serve "CAT"

Serving CAT!

First you must get a Cat. These are easlily found. I adopted my CAT from Pet Smart.

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CAT must be kept cool before Serving.

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I do not suggest serving CAT Micro Waved.
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Be sure your pot is big enough when serving CAT.
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A restaurant size Sauce Pan works great.
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But the Best way to Serve CAT.....

is out of His Little Blue Bowl!!!
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Murphy was AJ's Birthday Day Gift from Jennifer in 2007. He is now 1 year and 3 months. First let ME tell you I do love this Cat, BUT--- I have never had one like Him. He is involved in every thing we do. He is there when I cook, he watches me clean, he is not scared of the Vac so he lays right where I want to sweep, he sits on a table chair and watches us eat (in hopes of a small morsel, and he usually gets one from AJ), he joins us in the Bathroom and has actually jumped into my bath water, loves to watch the toilet flush, greets everyone that comes to the door, sits quietly by me when I watch TV, lays in front of AJ's computer screen when he is on the computer and as you can see by the pictures gets into or trys to get into anything left open for a few seconds. When AJ comes home from work he Mews profusely untill AJ shows him some attention. Half of the time AJ calls him PUPPY. Murphy is a Big Guy and we believe he is a MainCoon and Taby Mix, but who knows? Please note that on the norm I do not allow Murphy in the Fridge, Microwave, or allow him access to my cookwear, but just like any Little Boy you just might find them where they do not belong!
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In the words of Bob Barker: "Please have your Pets Spayed and Neutered !"

What Long Horns You Have !

Isn't He Grand!

This Guy has our High School Mascot on his side.




This Biggun proudly displays our State Flag.

This realistic Longhorn greets you as you enter our City Park.

As you are going down Main Steet (Route 66) you can wave at Brownie!

This Longhorn keeps guard over our Fire Station.

You can not miss this one as you drive by. It is in front of our Assisted Living Retirement Home. Some of the Senior Ladies designed it. It looks very much like a Crazy Quilt Pattern. I think he is Beautiful !

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My Town has taken on the Theme of Longhorn Cattle. I believe there will be about 36 of these when the project is over. These started to show up in 2007.

Between 1886 and 1890 9 Million Longhorns were driven to market along the Chisholm Trail. The Chisholm Trail goes through 6 miles of my present day Town. We are proud of this Cattle Trail and have a Large Monument telling about the Trail, a Festival every year in tribute to it and a Shopping Center named after it.

It is really fun waiting to see where the next one will pop up and what Theme He will have.

513 is 33 Days Old ! = Fledgling

Yes, that is Bird Poop!!!

Nice Profile. This is his best side!

That wing spand is great. He has all his feathers and could fly.

You can see his Band 513, that he will wear all his life and we will always know who he is.

513 at 10 days old.

513 is 33 days old. He is out of the nest and is walking around with all the Adult Birds. He drinks but Mom & Dad are still feeding him. He is now a Fledgling. { Webster Dictionary: a young bird with flight feathers newly developed : an immature or inexperienced person } At this point in 513 life we still do not know if he is a Hen or a Cock. 513 is a Blue Check and when I asked AJ if he would ever show him, he said "probably not". He will just be one more of our birds that we love and take care of. One day he or she may have some babies of it's own.

Our "Little Ugly Duckling" Pigeon Baby has turned into a Beautiful Pigeon. He will continue to fill out more and in another month he will look just like Mom & Dad.

Hope you have enjoyed watching 513 grow!

Please feed and water our Wild Birds!

There has been so many "Firsts" in the past 100 years. First- Planes, Cars, Telephones, TVs, Microwave Ovens, Computers, Talking Movies, Cures for some Cancers, Transplants, Contact Lenses , Automatic Washer and Dryers, and I could go on and on. Most of these "Firsts" were there when I was born and have just been improved on over the past 63 years, but I have also seen many of the very "Firsts". One of the "First" I really remember was July 21, 1969. This was the day Man first landed and walked on the Moon. I was 24 years old and had a Baby Boy, Chris, who was 2 years and 8 months old. He was sound asleep and I went in and woke him up and him and I watched the Black & White TV as Neil Armstrong opened the door of The Eagle and steped out onto the Moon and said those famous words "That's one small step for Man, one giant leap for Mankind". Now Chris had no idea why I had woke him or what he was watching, but I told that sleepy Little Boy "this is something that will never happen again and I want you to see it even if you do not remember it" and now as a 42 year old Man he does not remember it. But when Chris hears about the "First" steps on the Moon he does know he was there with me watching that TV.

January 20, 2009, we will all be able to see a "First". Barack Obama's inauguration. This is something that will only happen once, the "First" Black Man to be sworn in as our President. Even if you are not a Fan of Barack Obama, this is a piece of History that will be talked and wrote about for hundreds of years to come and you have only this one chance to see it. Please do not miss out!

Who's Retired ? Not ME !

I have stubbed my toes on these in the morning.

Bedroom shelves.

This is the exact size I need for a hanging light I purcashed for $1.00

Behind all this Stuff somewhere is an Antique RS Prussia Tea Set My Great Aunt left me.

The two Little White Hubley Cast Iron Dogs made in the 1920"s sell for $27.00 each. Wish I had a dozen of them!

Okay, since I have been Blogging I have visited with you about my "Beloved Family" but have not really told you about ME. I worked for a Family owned Restaurant for most of my working years. I am now retired.

"Retirement", when you are younger and working, means not living by the clock, fishing, shopping, no one telling you what to do, napping, traveling, reading and so on! Well not true. Since I have retired I am busier then when I worked 8 hours a day. I am always watching the clock, I dislike going shopping now and put it off till tomarrow, it seems like every day one of my Loved Ones has something for me to do. Napping in the afternoon would be Great but the Phone always seems to ring. Traveling? who would take care of our birds and cats for more the a day or two?

After I retired my passion was "Arts & Crafts". I loved to sit and Tole Paint, Cross Stitch, Crochet. Everyone had a Tee-Shirt I had painted on! AJ said our Home looked like a Craft Store, but no price tags on the items. Then Madison came along in 2000 and I took over caring for her during the day. There went my Crafts. My days were now spent diapering, feeding, potty training, reading Golden Books, teaching ABC's, going to the park, swimming lessons, play dates, visiting the Library (and not leaving the Children's section), watching Barney and learning the words to ever song! separation anxiety when she stated school, and Dance Classes 2 times a week. . She is now in 3rd grade so I am back to having a few hours a day during the school year to enjoy "Retirment".

My passion is now "E-BAY !!!!", selling not buying (AJ is the Buyer). I love the "Thrill of the Hunt". In the summer Jen and I Garage Sale, we go to Estate Sales and hit the Thrift Stores through the winter. I am always looking for that Item that will sell BIG and I have found a few. My house no longer looks Like the Craft Mall, it now looks more like an Antique Store or Thrift Store. Shelves that once held cute little Knick-Knacks now hold anything I am trying to sell. My China Hutch is now filled with a menagerie of small Made In Japan Figurines. I have enough Vintage Cups/Mugs to open a small Coffee Shop. Pictures, Painting and Plaques line my Bedroom floor. Bubble Wrap and Styrafoam has invaded every corner. I can not go to Wal-Mart without eyeballing the empty shipping boxes in the aisles, is there one I just might need? This is one reason I purchased my NEW STORAGE BUILDING! When I go to Friend"s & Family's Homes I am always silently in my head checking out there Stuff and thinking "That would go on E-Bay". But I am having Fun. I love my Husband, I love my Kids, I love my Grand Babies. I love my Mom, Bro. and Sis., but at this stage of my life I also Love ME. I have learned to say NO sometimes along with the millions of Yeses. I no longer want the house full of family or to cook the Big Meals. I have a young Beautiful Daughter and Daughter-in-law to do that now.

I can not wait till AJ Retires in about a year. Will we travel, sleep till noon, fish, shop, ? NAAA-We will just have Fun!

"Just Say No to Drugs" - Not at 61 !

AJ has a condition that we have known about and treated for a number of years. It is called

"Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)"

This is a condition that causes the heart to beat more then 100 times a minute. It is a cardiac problem in which the electrical impulses traveling through the heart are abnormal. The first time this happened we were really scared. His heart was beating over 200 times a minute. He was admitted to the Hospital for 24 hours. Since then he has taken Meds to keep things in check. He has had a few episodes in the past few years but not as bad as the first one. Usually if he lays down things get back to normal in a very short time.

A few days ago he had been outside and came in. He said the heart was acting up. He was a very pale yellow collor. He did lay down and I hurried and got him an asprin. (Please keep asprins on hand incase you or a loved one ever show any signs of a heart attack. It can save a life!) . I felt his pulse and it was rapid. We have a Blood-Pressure machine and it read his pluse was 201 beats a minute. At this point I want to call 911, but AJ would not have it. So instead I call Daughter Jen. She has a Friend that is a Cardiac Nurse and she called her. They both got to our home at the same time. She talked to AJ, ( and of course suggested going to Emergency) and took his pulse and soon it was down to 120. She said he must go to the Doctor and let him know what is going on. Soon after she left the heart sped up again. But again after a short time it settled down to his normal 66 beats a minute.

We did get into the Doc the next day and he has changed some of AJ's Meds. They did an EKG and drew blood. He has to go back in a month. Hopefully this problem is solved with the new medications.

Keeping Our Fingers Crossed!!

Famed Company !!!

AJ & Sherman

I will not go into the whole story of how AJ became aquainted with Sherman Andrus.

Sherman, for you that are not familar with him, is a Wonderful Gospel Singer. He tours the World doing concerts to spread the Good News of Our Lord through his music.

Sherman owns a home in a town neighboring our town. He has been away from it for a number years and has now decided to reside in it again. It needs some repairs and cleaning before him and his Wife can come hometo live . AJ is helping him with this project.

As I stated Sherman is a Gospel Singer but back in the early 1970"s he was in the group "The Imperials" and they were the Back-up Group for Elvis. Sherman was at our home 2 days ago and I had the pleasure of sitting at my kitchen table, over a cup of coffee, listening to Sherman tell stories of his time with Elvis. He has nothing but praise for Elvis. I could have sat all afternoon and listened to his stories.

I have listened to his Music for 30 years and what a Treat it was to meet him and to hear him give a true account of Elvis. Elvis just had a birthday and Sherman had just got back from Graceland where every year he goes for a Celebration Concert. In a few days he is off to Europe for a Concert.

He is a very nice, charming man. I put "meeting him" on my list of "Special Things In My Life".

513 is 23 Days Old !

513 is only 23 Days old and he is already trusting AJ enough to ride on his shoulder.

513 thinks he might be able to fly. He was really flapping those wings!

He is almost completly feathered out.

Just a few pin feathers on the under side.

513 at age 10 Days. These Little Guys really grow fast.


I can not stress enough on how much fun it is to raise Pigeons. They take a lot of work and you must be dedicated. They do depend on you for food and water, a clean loft and shelter from the weather. AJ loves his Birds and believe me they do love him back!

Please do not forget to feed and water our Wild Birds this winter.

My Big Beautiful Babies

Jennifer & Christopher

Last night I ran up-town for a 1/2 hour and when I got home I found this framed picture on my table. AJ said Jen had brought it by while I was out. For Friends and Family these faces are familiar, for those who do not know Me these are 2 of my Childern. I read quite a few Blogs and there are all these Young Moms snapping pictures of there Babies playing, sleeping, eating, laughing and crying. My Babies are grown up and are now "Big Babies". They all (but one, and he better get with it!) are married with familys and have given me 8 Wonderful Grandchildren. I am so proud of all my Kids. It just seems like just yesterday they were small. Time goes by so fast.

Young Moms, keep snapping those pictures, save all the Home-made Cards and gifts, keep the Baby Teeth & Hair, write in the Baby Book, use your Cam-corder and keep a journal. Believe me when you are in your 60's they will be your most Valued Treasures and Possessions.

Date Night

AJ & ME had a Date Night. We went to see "Valkyrie" staring Tom Cruise. I rate this show a 7. I only dozed off 1 time. It is about the Good Guys in the German Army trying to rid Germany of Hitler. There were 15 assassination attemps on Hitler by his own Officers and they all failed. It was an eye-opening movie. It cost $20.00 to see this movie, tickets and a Large Popcorn. I really think this is a movie to see but I suggest renting it and save yourself $19.00. Now the one-on one time I spent with my Husband watching this 2 hour movie and sharing the Popcorn "PRICELESS".

His & Hers

HERS !

HIS !

Ours !

This is something I suggest all couples have. His and Her Storage Buildings !

We got the first shed about 14 years ago. At that time we cut it right down the middle, one side His, one side Hers. Well year after year my side got smaller. It was at the point I could hardly get to my STUFF. I would have to move Lawn Mower, tarps, a Lawn Spreader, and etc. Of course my STUFF had grown some also. Finally I sat AJ down and said "this is not working". "I must have my own SPACE". So a few weeks later I purchased MY OWN STORAGE BUILDING !! I love it!!! The weather has been very cold for this time of year so I have not got it filled yet, but I am working on it a day at a time. We will be painting it this Spring and I keep saying I want it painted Pink.

Don't forget to feed and water the Wild Birds.

16 Days Old and 513 has Feathers !

AJ banded 513 6 Days Ago at 10 Days Old and in less then a week he has feathers.

Look at that Wing Span at age 16 Days.

513 at 10 Days Old

Christmas Again-Again!

Like most familys now-a-days, there is more then one Christmas celebration.

AJ and Me have 2.

Christmas Eve and Day is spent with Daughter Jen and Family.

New Years Day our Sons Wade & Paul and their Familys travel 40 miles to

have Christmas with us. It is a great way to start the New Year.

Madison & Jen. It looks as if the Red Tinsel is growning out of Mat's nose!!




Cassie will be Pretty in Pink after her shower in this Bath Robe.

Jen working on Madison's WII Game.

Wade got a new Boston Red Sox Cap. Julie is thinking "This is a Guy Thing".

The Newly Weds, Alisha & Steven. They were married Dec. 13, 2008.

Alan, our oldest Grandson. Can you tell he likes his Hoodie?

Paul is so easy to please at Christmas. All he asks me for is all he can eat

Fried Chicken Livers, and he gets them!

This is Ryan, our Little Helper. He helped all of us open presents. At this age the

fun is tearing off the paper.

Strawberry Fanta Pop! What more could Wade Aaron ask for? Maybe a Bag of Chips?

Julie do you have a Leg Cramp?


Sorry Kids, I hope you don't mind me putting these candid pictures on the Web for the whole World to see.