It's Snuggie Time

Can you tell I'm getting bored as well as cabin fever?

Poor Toby. He will be 10 years old soon. He shivers all the time now. So, I managed to trek to Walmart today. Toby scored a Snuggie. Millie is truly jealous - she cried and tried to take the snuggie off Toby.

Now we are hunkered down and waiting for Round 2 of the winter weather.

Nicole sent pictures from Rome today. They had a guided tour of the city. Ryan sent an email about how much fun they are having. He is beginning to think Nicole planned to lose her luggage based on the amount of new clothes she has purchased.

Long days and pleasant nights

No Fear

This black panther actually believes the puppy that hates her will share his buttered biscuit with her.

She followed him from the kitchen to his blankie in the frontroom.

Note: she was sure Toby would be generous - never crossed her mind to try Millie.

Long days and pleasant nights

Snow Gnome

Meet Gary the Snow Gnome.

After risking my life to go to Best Buy to purchase what seemed like an incredible deal on a digital photo frame - and coming back with only kitty litter, dog food and dog treats - I decided to play in the snow with my "kids."

We decided to build a snowman. After all the kids in Frosty the Snowman had no trouble building a man size snowman with the Christmas snow. So surely we could also.

Did you know it truly takes a village to raise a snowman? This is how Gary the Snow Gnome came to live at the Kolker's. After about ten minutes rolling around in the snow. Freezing my knees off - the gnome idea sounded pretty darn good.

His eyes are made of jingle bells. His mouth is a lai from Maui. He has no nose because, well, Oprah had no more available toys. (I'm thinking Toby Keith could make this into a hit single.)

He stands in the back yard protecting us from the evil that dwells out there. At least he scared the black panther enough to send her running into the house like her tail was on fire. This could be an awesome storyline for SK. Just put him alongside a possessed monkey and you have a winner.

Long days and pleasant nights to ye...

picture of the day!

Come on sissy - I know how to get us out of here!

Christmas Blizzard

Feliz Navidad

Christmas 2009 was supposed to be the year that I gave Aunt Becky the BEST gift EVER! Sadly it will have to wait.

When we went to bed last night there was snow. What we thought was a lot - Christmas morning brought the correction - we have officially 6 inches of snow in Tulsa. OKC has 14 inches.

So I donned my snow boots, cap, coat and gloves and trekked up the hill for a picture. On my way I encountered two pickup trucks backing down the hill. The snow was going up almost to my knees.

I tunneled a path for the dachshunds to go potty. For the first time Oprah Mae simply sat at the door and refused to go outside. She is a very smart black panther.

Finally on my blabbering blog - Skylar should be very happy. Aunt Tammie called the weatherman for him and asked for snow in McAlester. What a great aunt!!!

Merry Christmas from the Kolker's - Tammie, Toby, Millie, Oprah Mae.

Only in Oklahoma

Tulsa - A mixed bag of weather is hitting the state on Wednesday as a major storm system continues to gain strength to our west.

Blizzard watches are out in southern Kansas while a tornado watch has been issued for southeast Oklahoma and north Texas.

Currently a strong winter storm is taking shape over the southwest states and its aim is on the Central Plains.

In response to the storm system the National Weather Office in Tulsa has issued a Winter Storm Watch for parts of northeastern Oklahoma.

Doesn't anyone know?

As a child I remember every year we HAD to watch the Charlie Brown Christmas.

That was before VHS or DVD or DVR. So if you missed a show you couldn't run to the computer and watch the episode the next day or the video store and rent it.

We (Jeff and I) carried on this tradition with Nicole. Even though by the time she was old enough to pay attention we owned our own copy of it. Doesn't matter, I still make sure I am sitting in front of the tv when that one show is aired every year. Something sappy about that I know, but...

So as we either wind down to or pick up the pace and race to Christmas day, I would like to take a moment, in Charles Shulz fashion to remember "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

Linus’ King James version scripture reading from Luke 2: 8-14, read:

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Long days and pleasant nights to ye everyone!

Honeymoon - First Stop Barcelona

While I have no idea what the kids are actually doing, this is an idea as to some of the stuff they will see. They arrived yesterday and will leave for their next destination Wednesday afternoon. This is taken directly from a travel site:

Barcelona, Spain's second largest city, and the 2,000 year-old capital of Catalunya, is a thriving port town with an excellent year-round climate, a cosmopolitan attitude, and enough art, architecture, nightlife and gastronomical delights to satisfy travelers of all ages and budgets. Indeed, if you are planning to travel Spain Barcelona should not be missed.

Barcelona Spain was the seat of a vast Mediterranean empire when Madrid was one-horse outpost on the sweltering Spanish steppe. Since 133 BC, the Romans, Visigoths, Franks and Moors have all, at one time or another, controlled Barcelona. The city grew increasingly more powerful throughout the middle ages. In 1561 the more centrally located city of Madrid became the seat of the Spanish Royal court, though well into the eighteenth-century Barcelona enjoyed special privileges and autonomy in the Catalunyan region.

Though it has a population of over three million, Barcelona Spain feels much smaller and more accessible. For the wandering tourist, Barcelona attractions are easily seen on foot.

Barcelona is comprised of four main districts: Ciutat Vella or the Old City, El Barri Gotic or the gothic quarter, La Ribera (the waterfront area), and El Raval, the outskirts southwest of the Rambla. Like Madrid"s Gran Via, La Rambla is Barcelona"s main thoroughfare, and among the best Barcelona attractions. La Rambla bisects Barcelona"s Old Town, and is a perfect first stop for tourists looking to familiarize themselves with the city.

After a walk down La Rambla, and a stop at the nearby Boqueria Market, head to the Gothic Quarter to see the Catedral de la Seau. Other Barcelona Attractions include a stop at Antoni Gaudi"s unfinished architectural master piece, the Sagrada Familia. In color and texture this towering cathedral resembles a sand castle that has been smoothed over by a wave, or perhaps a sculpture of ice that is slowly melting away.

After a day trip through downtown, make your way up to Parc Guell. Also designed by Gaudi, this park overlooking downtown Barcelona was originally designed as a residential compound, though only two houses were every built on the site. Nonetheless, the twisted ceramic benches, towering pillars, warped sidewalks and multicolored tiles lend an Alice-in-Wonderland feel to this most original of Barcelona attractions.

After a long day of hoofing across Barcelona, the hungry traveler should look for some authentic Catalan food. The Mediterranean diet of virgin olive oil, seafood, onions, garlic and red wine is as mainstay in Barcelona. Typical entrees include habas a la catalana, a spicy bean stew, and pinacas a la catalana (spinach with pine nuts, raisins and bacon). If you travel to Barcelona, wines are one thing that will temp you again and again. The nearby Penedes region produce an especially tasty local sparkling white wine known as cava—not to be confused with the Fijian liquor of the same name—that is best enjoyed while sitting at a sidewalk café and marveling at all the Barcelona attractions you've seen, and all you have left to explore.

Christmas Time

Christmastime is here... (you should be hearing Charlie Brown's Christmas in your head)

I'm not a big fan of Christmas. Don't know that I ever have been. My earliest Christmas memories are great, but still not a big fan. Patty used to be the first one up and would run to the front room to see what Santa had brought - then wake the rest of the family. She still has that same enthusiasm for Christmas.

I hate the pressure that is placed on people at this time of year. To the point that I have tried to cancel the whole holiday. No success yet.

So instead I have decided to just do what I like - have family time.

The Smith Family gathering was early this year. Nicole and Ryan had their honeymoon trip planned to begin the 19th of December and returning the 6th of January. So mom moved the Christmas celebration to the 13th of December.

We tried to arrange the grandkids that were present for the annual Christmas picture under the tree. Honestly I think it would have been easier to get 10 cats to look at the camera and smile at the same time! Skylar made out like a bandit. The best toy of all that day was the $1 stethoscope from Aunt Dada. He checked everyone's heart rate then gave them a shot. Nicole's shot was up the nose for some reason.

Hayden and Bella weren't able to make it on the 13th - they came a few days later - but we managed to get their picture also. Hayden was full of thank you's and oh man's and AWESOME. He received a nintendo something and a kit to spy on Mom... Bella opened a baby doll but loved the dancing reindeer. She even began packing her own Christmas bag. We were able to take the telephone out before she left with it.

The point to this blog is: No matter where you are, take a few minutes to savor the family. We don't know what tomorrow brings - find the happiness in the now.

Long days and pleasant nights.

Freedom

This blog was originally to be about our family Christmas celebration yesterday. But we received the best Christmas present today.

Mom has been released to go back to work - light office duty! The release is good to begin Thursday of this week.

We take the daily stuff for granted all too often. The past 3 months we have learned just how wonderful it is to be able to wash laundry, change your bed and even scorch a pot of beans.

It has been a long road for the family. Thank you for all your continued prayers. Looks like this portion of our family story is finally coming to a close and it is a happy ending...

Long days and pleasant nights.

Colors

Wow, time really does fly when you are busy living it.

Thursday the Mayes County Leadership something will be at the station. The reason I don't know the complete name is when I graduated from it the name was simply Leadership Pryor. And since I'm "blue" and it is no longer about me - I just can't remember the name...

Anyway. Ten years ago, I was working as the PR person for ViaGrafix or Learn2.com, honestly don't remember the name of the company at that point. I convinced Mike to let me take this 9 month course in Community Leadership. I had no idea at that time what an awesome impact those 9 months would have on my life.

I met some of the most incredible people. That's when community involvement literally saved me from a life of depression and craziness. Nicole was in her preteen stage. I was still newly divorced. Pryor wasn't my "home" so friends were few and family non-existent.

The first session of Leadership Pryor was a self examination. We had a True Colors workshop. No this isn't what "season" you are to determine what colors to wear to work. (I'm a Winter just in case you want to buy me something) This is a personality colors. Basically there are four colors that cover all the people in the world.

Blue - The Earth people that take care of everyone. The world would starve without Blue people.
Orange - The fun one in the group. Orange is the center of attention and is always looking for a fun time. Your Orange friends helps you remember to laugh.
Gold - The organizer. Without your gold friend you would not have tissue at the movies. She remembers all those small details that make the world run smoothly.
Green - This is the big idea person. Without green people we would have no effective leadership. They have the big ideas and depend on the other colors to pull it off.

For a short but wonderful period, the three people that I talked to daily, were Gold, Orange and Green. We ran the PACC very well. Once we were all awakened to our Colors and the strengths that each of us had, there was no stopping us.

It taught me how to talk to the different colors. This was very beneficial when going thru job interviews. If you can assess what "color" the interviewer is - answers to questions are easier.

So Thursday, Blue and Orange are responsible for bringing up a new generation of Colors. I can't wait!

Long days and pleasant nights...

Lessons...

Things I have learned by being the "mommie" of a black panther range from a soft purr doesn't always mean I Love You to black panthers are invisible when sitting in a black bag...

Lately we have been battling fleas. We don't have a huge flea problem, but even one flea is way too many for this pet mommie.

So last night after doing my 3rd flea check on the pups and successfully scaring Toby to the underside of the bed, I picked up the flea comb and the black panther.

She loves getting her hair brushed. When she thinks I have gone too long without brushing her, she lays on the brush and cries. So it was no surprise that she loved the flea comb going thru her hair. She only became annoyed when she was tired of the combing before I was finished. To let me know she wanted no more combing she rolled over on her back and promptly attacked the comb. This was a fun game for about 2 minutes. Then she was off and chasing her sister...

The lesson? Enjoy life for everything it throws at you. When you are tired of the present situation, simply attack it and run as fast as you can to your sister! She may growl at first but before you know it the two of you will be curled up on the blankie sound asleep.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is just a couple days away. As promised, I have compiled a list of things to be thankful for this year:

A "new" child. This was one of the easiest ways of getting a second child. I watched Ryan grow from teenage to adulthood alongside my daughter. Now he is officially my "son" and for that I am thankful.

Parents. My parents have had a rough year - yet out of sheer determination or stubborness they have come out on the other side of the bad. Mom is beginning to heal, even if it is slower than she wants. Dad is still mobile and able to care for himself and Mom. He even went deer hunting with Jimmy.

Sisters. My sisters are my grounding. Each has her own way of keeping me in "check" and showing the love that only a sister knows. Being in the middle I get the best of both worlds - I am the younger and the older sister. Each of us are on our own journey - yet we are never far away from each others paths - for the good and the bad. For that I am thankful.

Friends. You don't get to choose your family - friends some say you choose, I disagree with that. Friendships evolve over time. There are few you will have for the lifelong journey. I can count on one hand those that are on the ride for the long haul. There are a couple that have even been named officially as "family." You know the numbers you can call at 3am and the phone will be picked up. You know who you are and I love you very much and am very thankful you have chosen me as your friend.

Extended Family. Life since October 2007 has been a roller coaster for my extended family. We have re-established relationships that literally went from childhood to adulthood with no real evolution. On my dad's side we really only saw most of the extended family at holidays and funerals. That is now changing and I'm thankful for the cousins that I have. On mom's side we all grew up together. Things are changing on that side as well. New bonds are being established while there is still work on my end with others. Nicole was the one that pointed out how "lucky" I am a year ago. She never realized how many first cousins I have. She knew the Dellinger side but had never met most of the Smith's.

Employment. Another rough area in my life. But I am still employed. The station is at the top of my list of my favorite jobs. I am thankful for a wonderful workplace with a group of great people.

Here's hoping you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and find at least 5 things to be thankful for.

Long days and pleasant nights to ye...

Family Matters

The thing about family is that we don't get to choose them. Saying you don't belong to a family you were born into doesn't make it so.

This past year has been especially difficult for my family. We lost my dad's brother, the second sibling he has buried. It doesn't get easier with time or age. Both my Aunt Nova and Uncle Louis were younger than my dad. He just always assumed that they would bury him.

In January we lost the oldest of my parents grandchildren. Skylar was only 23. Probably the most difficult funeral any of us has attended. Then came the news that Mom has bladder cancer. That battle began in March.

The last day of August Daddy had a pretty major stroke. His memory and physical abilities have been greatly reduced by the stroke. He is doing ok, but every day is still a struggle.

Mom's surgery to remove her bladder went off ok. The cancer is gone, but she has had some issues with the actual healing part. Patty and I have learned enough about nursing to know that neither of us want to ever be one.

Jimmy and I both have had very stressful work experiences this year. Patty and Daddy have both now been diagnosed with diabetes...

You may be wondering why I'm bringing all this up... Well, the fact is family is where you go because you know they have to accept you, no matter what. Like I like to say - "we have to love you - God said so..." We all do our best with what we have. No one is perfect, and you can say that for a fact with my wonderfully dysfunctional family.

Thanksgiving is on the horizon. With all the losses and challenges of the last 12 months, I for one am really looking forward to finding the things to be Thankful for.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

My baby girl is 23 today!

It was very cold Nov. 9, 1984. Mom and Dad made me walk all over Tulsa the 8th to try to convince Nicole it was time to meet everyone. She began her life like she has lived it - doing things her way and on her time.

Seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital. Jeff was in the midst of studying for midterms so her first car ride was in Mema's car.

It has been a wonderful 23 years. 2009 begins the next phase of her life. New OU graduate and will have a teaching certificate soon. Newly married. Trip to Europe on the horizon. What a wonderful year.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Good Girl Millie...

Today at lunch I was on the couch trying my best to take a power nap. Toby and Millie had just settled in when Millie jumped up and ran to the window. She looked out into the backyard and barked once then turned and looked at me.

My reply was simply, go outside and see what's there. So she did. The back door was open since it was such a beautiful day and I thought the kritters needed some fresh air.

Once outside I heard two more short and distinct barks. They weren't barks alerting me to the fact that there was a cat in the yard, or Dopey was running the fence line or even that the neighbors were outside. No, these were new barks that I had never heard. So naturally I had to go investigate.

The first thing I noticed was Millie standing by the gate with her tail on point and "talking" in the direction of the neighbors front yard. The second thing I noticed was that the piece of wood keeping Oprah Mae in our yard was lying on the ground. It only took 30 seconds to figure out that the black panther had escaped! The whole 30 seconds I was looking in Oprah Mae's favorite hunting spots, Millie stayed on point. Please understand that is a very long time for my rather A.D.D. dachshund.

I found Oprah Mae "hunting" in the front yard under a tree. When I brought her back in Millie chased her around the house for a couple of minutes literally growling at her. I guess that was her way of scolding her for leaving the yard without permission. After all she gets in trouble for doing that!

Yes, Millie received two treats for this job well done!

Long days and pleasant nights...

King Albert

When the Cardinals were swept by the Dodgers this year it hurt. Only a little - there are so many things going on in life right now that finding time to watch more than 3 post season games has been difficult. And thanks to my boys, I haven't had to worry...

The post season has already begun to be interesting, however. Management for some reason decided to hire McGwire as their batting coach. They evidently understand the fans may have mixed reaction to this hire. Immediately LaRussa, Pujols and Schumaker released statements and were around town chatting about what a great decision that was... I am going to whithhold my opinion until around July 2010. Just hope that random drug testing takes place on a daily basis in the St Louis clubhouse.

LaRussa has also signed for one more year. Duncan is back and they say the bullpen is staying put. In my opinion the bullpen is a huge problem. I would like to see money spent on another starter that is Carpenter and Wainwright calliber - no Smoltz...

In the best news of the off-season so far, Pujols is again racking up the awards. Looks like may be another MVP year.

Long days and pleasant nights to ye...

Momma's Pumpkin Pie by Tammie

I am not the cook in the family. Patty is by far the best cook of the children. Momma makes the best desserts known to man.

But this week I needed to vent some frustrations. So I bought a pumpkin. cut the top off and gutted it. Then I baked it.

Last night I actually made 100% from scratch pumpkin pie for today's Chilli and bake-off luncheon at work. The last time I made crust was in home-ec when I was in the 8th grade. I was so good at home-ec the principal was forced to transfer me to shop class mid-semester at the urging of my home-ec teacher.

Anyway. Margie once told me that if you can read, you can cook. So I pulled out my Amish cookbook and off we go. First problem, I didn't have a rolling pin. So, off to WalMart to buy that.

Once I began... I really started to feel like my mother. I had the oven on preheat. Dishes in the sink soaking. Laundry going in the washing machine. And the Phillies and Yankees were on the tv. Now all I needed was my dad to yell at. hehe

The pie dough turned out easy enough to make. After all I grew up in the kithens of Granny Mae, Nannie and Momma. The first pie filling was completed and poured. During the mixture of the second pie filling I realized that there was no brown sugar in the first pie. OH NO!!! Well not to worry, while completing the second pie, it dawned on me... I would just add brown sugar to the already poured pie filling... then stir.

Now the pies are cooking. Dishes are in the process of being washed. Clothes have been changed out. The table is almost recognizable. I called my mom. Then Patty. =)

Once the dishes were completed. It was time to begin the chilli for the luncheon. I couldn't stop at just one pot, I had two crockpots full of chilli.

The judging took place and I won!!! My totally organic pumpkin pie made from scratch had beat out the competition. One of the ladies commented that she didn't try it because she thought it was something someone picked up from Tippin's! Woo Hoo. That totally surprised me, because if you could've seen the pie. There is no way you would've thought that crust was store bought.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Cat Mommie

Being a cat mommie has given me surprises that no one warned me about.

A few weeks ago I found a dead snake along the fence line. Since I have dogs that were bred to find and kill critters that burrow and slink and it was Toby that brought my attention to the snake, I gave them full credit for the "kill."

Yesterday during my lunch time with the babies Oprah Mae brought a baby snake into the kitchen. She was very proud of her catch. So proud in fact that she tried her best to keep Millie and me from obtaining and killing said catch. When I finally managed to kill the serpent she became bored with it and ate it. This brings me to the conclusion that the first snake was killed by the black panther known as Oprah Mae and simply too big to eat.

Today she went outside to play in the rain. Then came in soaking wet. She jumped on the bed and me to let me know it was raining. Without her, I wouldn't have had a clue.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Fall...

I love the Fall for all the colors. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. This morning on the way to work I paused long enough to snap a shot of the beautiful drive I have...

Outside our building the parking lot has lit up with the colors of the season.

The downside to this all is that Winter is just around the corner. But before then we still get to enjoy Halloween - Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin and Momma going home from the hospital!

Mother-In-Law

I can't believe the day has actually come and gone.

Nicole had the most beautiful wedding. It began with an afternoon rehearsal - she arrived 20 minutes late - Jeff even later... We were skeptical about the wedding starting on time. Hayden and Sinclair were super. Sinclair practiced tossing the rose petals while Hayden wondered why the ring bearier only got a stupid pillow. By the time of the wedding we had convinced him his role was equally important.

We then went to a wonderful restaurant compliments of Bill and Deana. Thanks! It was nice getting to catch up with Fr. Bob and Georgia. (that's Father not Friar...)

The day of the wedding Laura and Kyle took the kids to a museum where I hear they were able to hold real snakes. Glad that duty was given to the other parents! Terena and I went over to Nicole's house around 2pm. Terena turned Nicole from a pretty young lady into an absolutely gorgeous young bride. She also helped with the curls on the bridal party.

Nicole jumped into my car for the trip to the chapel. Only one stop was required before arriving - she needed Rooster Booster. For those of you wondering what that is - well basically red bull and Nicole is addicted. Things were pretty calm Saturday. We managed to get Nicole to the chapel and in the dressing room before Ryan arrived. No major incidents happened.

Kevin walked me to my seat and then the show began. The girls and guys were so sharp in their red dresses and matching tuxes. Ryan looked more nervous than I've ever seen him. Then Nicole appeared. She was dazzling. I had promised myself I could handle that moment. Seems I couldn't. My baby girl was walking down the aisle to officially begin the next phase of her life.

How fortunate she is to have the family she is marrying into. Deana will make the best mother-in-law to her. She now has 2 additional sisters and 2 brothers.

A snapshot of the weekend is to your left.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Hospital Update

Mom had to go back to the hospital this week. Nothing major just an infection trying to set in.

The doctor removed some dead skin and she is doing well. She will be in the hospital for about another week.

This morning Jimmy brought Daddy and Skylar up to visit with Grannie.

The visit went like this...

Daddy and Momma

Skylar walking me to the car in anticipation of rain

Skylar and Aunt DaDa catching some zzzzz's while Grannie slept.

Long days and pleasant nights!

Prescriptions Urged for Cold Medicines

On my soap box...

It is no secret that Oklahoma has a huge problem with methamphetamine production. A few years ago we had a groundbreaking law that actually worked in curving the amount of meth manufactured in our state. The law moved all over-the-counter colds meds that were used for the production behind the pharmacist wall and required ID to purchase no more than 2 boxes at a time. This proved so successful surrounding states began enacting similar laws.

Well the production method has evolved to get around these laws. So one of our new legislators that happens to be a former police officer is proposing this new law:

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A doctor's prescription would be needed for what is currently an over-the-counter cold medication under a proposal by Oklahoma's top drug enforcement officer. Darrell Weaver, director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, says the proposal is designed to cut down on so-called shake-and-bake methamphetamine labs in Oklahoma. Weaver urged state lawmakers to make cold medications containing pseudoephedrine, such as Sudafed and Claritin-D, a Schedule II drug that requires a visit to a physician's office and a prescription before it can be purchased. Weaver aired the proposal before members of the House Judiciary Committee. A Tulsa-area lawmaker who requested the meeting, Rep. Lucky Lamons, says he'll introduce legislation next year to make Weaver's plan state law.(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

This is going to far - in my mind. First we need affordable health-care for everyone. If this law becomes real it will only hurt the people without health insurance. The criminals will still find a way to make meth. They will adjust the formula or something.

It would be alright to make these cold medicines prescription only if we had a healthcare plan that works. The majority of people that buy over-the-counter cold medicines are just like you and me - honest, hard working people.

I don't want to have to go to a doctor everytime I have a bad cold. Even with health insurance it is $20 to see the doctor, $10 for the prescription plus time off for the doctor appointment. That equals far more money than what I would have spent going to the corner drug store and buying a box of Sudafed. Not to mention lining the pocket of the health insurance companies even more for no reason.

Please contact your local State Representative and tell them this is just silly. Also contact Senators Coburn and Inhoffe and your congressman to let them know we need affordable healthcare that works!

long days and pleasant nights...

Late Sept Update...

Wow - it has been a really long time since I've been here.

Honestly I didn't know what to say during Mom's hospital stay. We now know what Mom would be like as an addict. It wouldn't be pretty. She is well on her way to being beyond this whole ordeal.

It all began with what she thought was a kidney infection back in January of this year. She has lived thru more testing than you can imagine, 4 chemo treatments and ultimately having her bladder removed. We are all learning how to change a stoma bag and care for wounds we never imagined. The end result being that she has been proclaimed cancer free!

Sunday we celebrated Skylar II's third birthday. He received many gifts... Handy Manny, Dora, a box full of balls from his big brother and the best gift of all - fireman boots from Aunt Tammie, Toby, Millie and Oprah Mae! Holly is hoping that he will now decide to be a fireman for halloween in lieu of his original request - Dora!

The wedding is getting close. Nicole and I have wedding hair appointments Saturday. Hayden has a suit, I have to pick up the vest and tie this week.

Finally, the BIGGEST news of all - My Redbirds are in the playoffs! They did it without me during the month of September - but they did it! They were the second team to wrap up a divisional title. Every game still counts thru Sunday because we really want home field advantage!

Long days and pleasant nights to ye....

Parents

When did Patty and I become the parents?

You are told your whole life (at least we were) that you have kids for only one reason... so you will have someone to make miserable when they hit middle age! =)

Dad is doing remarkably well. He is doing exercises on his own, walking more than riding in the wheelchair and eating healthy. He hasn't had a cigarette since Aug 31!

Mom's surgery went well. Dr. Confer says he is pleased with her so far. He has sent some tissue off for biopsy to make sure the cancer is gone. We will have the results by Friday. She is still in ICU and with a little luck will be in a regular room tomorrow.

Tuesday was a very interesting day. I had forgotten what a wonderful community I was raised in. At any time during the surgery we had at least 10 people sitting in the waiting room. The stories from mom's cousins and life-long friends were priceless. Actually I found out a couple of people I always thought of as relatives aren't blood relatives, but I'm not ready to drop the Uncle and/or Aunt from their names quite yet. =) Also, most of the time I was looking for some waders - Daddy, Ralph Wayne and Baby Joe - yes those are real names - were trying to best each other on stories. Mom is upset that she wasn't there to defend herself on the stories Patty and I repeated to her.

One last comment for the day. There would be pictures but I promised Momma that her face wouldn't be on tammieland like Daddy is. Actually she threatened that I would need a room in ICU if she found out I was taking pics of her and putting them online. hee hee...

Keep the prayers coming, we can really feel them.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Update

This is incredible.

It took a stroke to get Daddy in the kitchen cooking! =)

Patty has been assigned to stay the day with him. They are learning together the things he needs to be able to do before he can go home. We thought it was just getting dressed and bathing. Evidently the folks in the therapy place think he should know how to completely take care of himself! Mom has been trying to get him to do this for 45 years now.

We are looking forward to his release Saturday. If things continue to go well.

Mom will do her pre-op tomorrow. Then check into the hospital Monday.

Long days and pleasant nights to ye...

On the Road...

This has by no doubt been one of the longest week's of my life. I would say that about Daddy too, but he doesn't remember most of Monday, Tuesday and part of Wednesday. Last Saturday hanging out with the family seems like years ago.

Moments ago, I received this picture from Patty. It has been a long and tough journey for Daddy this week. But he was able to get dressed in sweats and sit in her car. They are on their way to McAlester Regional Hospital. He will be in physical therapy rehab for at least a week.

His nurse last night assured us that they would work his hiney off. That's a good thing. =)

Long days and pleasant nights to ye...

24 hours...

What a difference 24 hours can make!

Sunday we were all at church enjoying the company of family and life-long friends. Daddy was the life of the party with all his jokes and stories of the past.

About 6:30 am Monday, Daddy suffered a stroke. It was a clot in a vein that affected his speech and his left side. He was flown to Tulsa St. John Stroke Unit from McAlester.

The doctors ran test after test. He was given so many different medicines and things changed so fast that even Patty wasn't able to document it all like normal. In retrospect, the doctors were honest with us without giving us false hope or gloom.

From about 11am Monday until this morning, things are a blurr. Tuesday was probably the worst day for Daddy. All the symptoms seemed to hit rock bottom. He had no use of his left arm. He couldn't stand or sit by himself. And worst of all his speech was very difficult to understand.

The doctors, nurses and aides were all wonderful and very patient. They worked with him and us to show us ways to help him begin the road to recovery. Slowly he began moving his left arm and both legs. He talked constantly when he was awake. He fed himself. the small things that you don't think about, really do matter.

By the time I left the hospital last night he was gripping a cup and handing it to me. He could take his glasses on and off by himself. He also kicked me because I had said he was grouchy. During the night he woke up and decided to learn how to work the tv remote control. Patty says she lost count of the number of times he accidentally pushed his nurse call button. =)

This morning before work I called to check on him. He kept correcting Patty's words to me. I think this episode has made his hearing better. lol

When the doctor came in this morning he was confused. Daddy raised his left arm all the way over his head. He lifted his left leg up in the air and held it for a count of 5 and his speech is easy to understand. The doctor said according to his chart, all of this is impossible.

The aides came in to give him a bath and Patty went out to the hallway to wait. She heard "hey sis" in Daddy's voice. Looked up and there he was. He was standing in the hallway un-assisted, using only a cane for balance. She told him to stand right there and snapped this picture.

We have been told that he will be transferred to a physical rehabilitation center. We are hoping that will happen today.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Millie

Poor Millie. She is allergic to grass. (sorry Auntie Vicky - I didn't explain...) She had licked a place on her tail raw. Thus the floatation device around her neck.

Well that is finally healed. We spent the weekend at Patty's house. Our wonderful Uncle NT and equally wonderful cousin Steve were in town. Things went well with Toby, Millie and Jethro until right before we went to the Sunday evening service.

Patty fed Jethro the rest of my half eaten sandwich. He ate it and then decided that Millie couldn't enter the house. The only damage was a tooth into her paw and a slice on her back. Well, also the nerves of Millie, me and Patty were fried.

So she had to wear a bandage on her leg for 24 hours. When we made it home that night I gave her an aspirin and bendryl. She curled up on Steve's lap and passed out.

Can we say a collective... "Poor Millie..."

More to come...

weekend of gettin stuff done

Quick update...

Millie continues to get better. Her tail is actually looking good. We spent the weekend making sure she didn't miss a benedryl. In fact I actually set my alarm on the phone to make sure I didn't forget. The rough times were when she had to wear the flotation device because either the benedryl was wearing off or she had just been outside and was itching.

The vet suggested that I wipe her down everytime she comes in from going potty. This is a chore. But it is part of our routine now. She also suggested that Millie get a weekly bath in oatmeal shampoo. This is ok, except that she is supposed to sit in the bath for 5 minutes and let it soak in. The first of these 5 minute spa treatments was Saturday night. We were about 5 minutes into the soak when Oprah Mae decided she needed to be in the bathtub also. It was a very interesting 10 minutes.

Since I had forced myself to stay home and nurse my ailing dachshund... I found a peach salsa recipe and made it. OMG it is sooooo gooooood.

I also tacked and hemmed a blanket for myself. Not to mention getting some work done on Aunt B's quilt.

Had a fast dinner with my kids. They had the 2nd meeting with the priest. I asked how marriage class went - they both answered - it's pretty easy. lol They met Fr. Bob at his church in Sapulpa and Ryan saw a sign for Billy Simms BBQ - so we just had to go try it. My salad was good, Ryan said his pulled pork was decent - Nicole ate her sandwich so fast I'm not sure she even tasted it.

Long days and pleasant nights to ye...

More changes

You know the end is near when major changes happen. I don't mean the fact that the roster changes daily. Hell, that's the only way LaRussa knows how to manage a team. I mean when literally names change on uniforms.

We are about 6 weeks out from the end of the 2009 regular season. Rumors have been flying that controversial, future hall-of-fame pitcher John Smoltz was in talks with the Redbirds. He is 42 and has played most of his professional career in Atlanta. He went to Boston this season. The AL and he didn't agree. As of noon today he became a free-agent with blessings from the RedSox. About one minute after becoming a free-agent he became a Cardinal.

Here are my thoughts... He has an incredible arm, yet it is very old for professional baseball. He has experience yet he lacks tact. I remember the summer he had to travel with armed guards everytime the Braves went to NY because of his mouth. I saw him pitch that year and he was very impressive as a pitcher. However, he is no Carpenter.

So, I will withhold my opinion on whether this is a "good" thing until the World Series.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Happy Birthday...

My kitten is no longer considered a "kitten." She is now officially a CAT. SSSHHHH don't tell Millie.

Oprah Mae was born sometime in the middle of August 2008 - so the vet and I gave her a birthday of Aug 18. I am still waiting an officially notarized birth certificate from her country of origin. I'm pretty sure it is the US - but you know how things are on the Mazie Prairie with the Amish/Mennonite population.

She has been raised as an Episcocat on the West Side of Tulsa. She has no problem integrating with dogs of other color either. In fact she loves her half brother and sister very much.

In other and terribly more exciting news...

You heard it hear first that the St. Louis Cardinals were the sleeper team of the NL to watch out for this season. Well, at the halfway mark still no one was taking them seriously. All the news was focussed around the Dodgers and Manny or when will the Cubs wake up. Well here we are mid-August and the Redbirds have pulled ahead of the Cubs by 6 games! We even shutdown the Dodgers when they came to St Louis, then we beat them at their own park last night.

How did we get ahead? Well, we played one game at a time. Each day was a new day and La Russa never has the same lineup two days in a row. No one knows how to pitch to my boys. We had a modest lead coming off the All Star break. Then, DeRosa and Lugo were added. Two pretty major bats that were needed in the middle of the lineup. Then days later Matt Holliday arrived. Since that addition - with Carpenter and Wainwright healthy, we haven't looked back.

Nicole had better hope that there isn't a Cardinal play-off game the evening of Oct 17...

Long days and pleasant nights!

Life with the Kolker's

It has been a relatively short time since I've blogged. In the world of the internet - it has been a lifetime!

A lot has happened in the past week.

First we had Nicole's bridal shower. It was a blast! Laura is the hostess that I never had to be because I have her. =) Aunt Becky, Patty and Miranda all made the long trek to Tulsa town to enjoy Nicole's day. After the shower was awesome. Nicole and I actually were able to spend some quality Mom and Daughter time. I miss the time when we could grab even 15 good quality minutes a week.

It seems like just yesterday I was rushing out of the office and manuevering the Tulsa traffic to reach her pre-school before they closed. She and I would chat and sing for the whole 30 minute drive home. When she was in grade school we always found time to talk about our day to each other. In junior high and high school finding time became tougher, but we managed. Now that she is a college graduate and has a home of her own, it feels like I am missing so much.

Then, I had the boys for Hayden's 3rd and Skylar's 1st "Aunt Tammie Vacation." This year the vacation was very short - but memorable... We went to the Drillers game on July 31. The day started with lunch at DQ complete with an ice cream cone for each boy. Of course Aunt Tammie and Poppie had to help them finish before they were melted. Then we came to the station so Hayden could see his favorite TV person - Frank. One of our directors let Hayden turn on the studio lights and then actually do the Weather like Frank! No amount of money could have bought a present better than that! The highlight of the time at the station for Hayden was getting to talk to Frank... for me it was when Skylar ran thru the newsroom screaming at the top of his lungs - Chuck just about bust a gut laughing so hard.

The boys had fun at their very first professional baseball game. Hayden made my week when he looked at me and very seriously asked "will they play again next year so we can come back?" I smiled and promised we would come back again. They ran and played so hard - the bath tub was full of mud by the time they finally exited it - then collapsed on the sofa bed watching Sponge Bob. The next morning we had breakfast at Ollie's before meeting Aunt Dada officially ending our vacation.

Mom saw the oncologist. The good news is that the tumor is now stable. She sees the urologist next week to schedule the surger that will make her cancer free!

On my way to work from Mom's doctor appt - my car died. It was so dead I couldn't even move the gearshift in neutral. Two days and a LOT of money later - hopefully I finally have a car that will work for awhile. During this adventure, I found out that the dealership is 3.2 miles from my house. The post office is 1 mile. How did I find these things out? Well, I walked to and from both places...

And finally, I refinished my dining room table. It is the same age as me and was really beginning to show it. I'll place the sealer on it this weekend and work on the leaves that go with it. The reason I mention this is to say a funny story about Oprah, the black panther. She knows she isn't allowed on the table and always swears she never gets on it. Well, she left tracks of varnish on the kitchen counter that led away from the table and to her food dish. She couldn't blame Millie this time - they were panther paw prints!

Long days and pleasant nights...

Play-Off Bound?

Matt Holliday, Mark DeRosa, Julio Lugo have been added to the Cardinals lineup in the last couple of weeks. This says that Cardinals management can smell play-off games...

Over the weekend my excitement about the new defense/offense additions was questioned by a few family members. We had the worst road trip of the season. The Astros swept us in Houston. The Phillies tried to demoralize us Saturday and Sunday. We beat them soundly in Philadelphia Friday night. Saturday we lost 14 to 6. Sunday we held them to 9 runs while we had 2. It was a horrible end to a miserable road trip.

Monday we were back at home. Good News. We were facing the team with the best record in the National League. Bad News. Carpenter was on the mound. Great News.

If you have watched any Kevin Costner baseball movie, you know that superstitions in baseball are HUGE. Well, I have been reluctant to blog about games won and lost due to my baseball superstitions. However, I think it is time to talk.

My boys (as my cousin calls them) have been able to hold the Dodgers down. Resounding victories were won Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday the victory came after an hour and a half rain delay. Last night was a game for the record books. They managed to keep Manny's bat quiet. That in itself is an incredible feat. Everytime LaRusa goes to the bullpen I shiver. This is our achilles heal. Last night, however, was proof to the world that the St Louis Cardinals 2009 team is world class!

The fans are the best you can get. At 12:15am - the stadium was still full. Still cheering loudly for the Redbirds. I didn't even have to look to know that Manny was going to the plate - the boo's could be heard in Tulsa without the aid of television. 15 innings and almost 5 hours after the game began - the great Albert gave us a walk-off base hit. We won 3 - 2.

Wednesday night review by Matt Leach: "In short, the Cardinals did nearly everything right on a night when they had to. A team that had been 8-31 when the opponent scored first got a win when the opponent scored first. A team that was winless when trailing after eight, won when trailing after eight -- and after 10 1/2 as well. A team that hasn't been to the playoffs in three years played an awful lot like a playoff team."

Long days and pleasant nights...

Texas Ka'Tet

Since childhood I have had very vivid dreams. I am one of the lucky ones that remembers dreams clearly - often. Sometimes they are so real I have a freaky feeling for days afterword. Sometimes I feel as though God himself is talking to me.

A few years ago something even weirder (this is TammieLand and that is a real word here) began happening. Pat Green began appearing in my dreams. These were not random appearances either. The first appearance was a couple weeks before I was scheduled to see him at the Calf Fry. I was unsure whether I could make it due to my work schedule. He came to me in my dreams several times - needless to say, I made it to see him. This then became the norm. Every time Pat felt that I "needed" to see him, he told me so.

Unlike Pat, Boland knows I will see him when he is within driving distance and I have the money. I've even been known to go to the Cain's alone to support the band.

In the midst of all these "visits" SK taught me about todash. This explains everything. I'm not actually dreaming, I'm being transported to a different dimention at the same time Pat is there. Pat is obviously my Dinh.

All that brings me to last night. I had no sleep aid to help me thru the night. I was a bit bummed that the Cardinals were rained out - I was ready for another defeat of the almighty Dodgers. The last I remember before sleep took me was Jim Belushi. He has nothing to do with anything Texas that I know of.

So it was quite surprising when Jo and I appeared outside a concert venue - I can only assume we were in Austin. We were discussing the reason I was actually leaving before Jason went on stage. According to that conversation - he and I had grown apart.

todash - I was sitting on a sofa in a small dark room. Jason was lying on the sofa with his head on my lap. We were talking and I found a small growth on the back of his neck.

todash - I was at a hospital. My mom was sitting on the bed, Patty and Renie were in the room. I told my mom to move because Jason would be back any minute.

todash - I'm still at the hospital walking around a corner there is Pat Green - he gave me the update from the doctor.

todash - randy rogers is singing in my ear - kiss me in the dark.

todash - I'm back in my bedroom watching Sam Champion give today's weather forecast.

What do I take from this dream? Well, obviously God wants me to move to Austin to save JB's life! I have already contacted my fellow gunslinger and the plan has begun. We must do as our Dinh commands. In remembering the face of our fathers - we will save our fellow gunslinger in the Texas ka'tet....

Long days and pleasant nights

Holliday Goes to St Louis!

Breaking News from Cardinal Nation...

July 24, 2009

Matt Holliday is batting .287 with 11 homers.Cardinals Trade for Matt HollidayThe St. Louis Cardinals acquired outfielder Matt Holliday from the Athletics on Friday in exchange for Triple-A 3B Brett Wallace, Triple-A right-hander Clayton Mortensen and Double-A outfielder Shane Peterson. Holliday, 29, hit .287 with 11 homers and 54 RBIs this season for the A's but has been hot of late, batting .338 with a .413 on-base percentage, three homers and 14 RBIs in July. He is eligible for free agency this offseason.

You can not slap the smile off my face right now. All I can say is - all you nay-sayers - sit back and watch fundamental baseball at it's very best!

Long days and pleasant nights...

Oprah Mae's Big Adventure

I have said this before, I'm not a cat person. To prove that - my "cat" has turned into a pup-cat-coon.

She has been going outside with Millie and Toby when they get their potty times. The past couple of weeks I've even become brave enough to let her stay outside alone with her sister while I take a shower and get ready for the work day.

This morning I heard Millie do her "MOMMA THERE IS A CAT WITHIN MY EYE SIGHT YOU NEED TO COME KILL IT" scream. So I went running. I didn't want one of the neighbor cats getting my Oprah Mae. Well, by the time I made it to the back door, Toby, Millie and Oprah Mae were looking at me like I was a bit too over protective.

When I got out of the shower, Toby and Millie were on the bed looking at me. This was odd because Millie rarely leaves Oprah Mae outside alone.

I looked outside, no Oprah. No alarm, she was probably behind the shed in the compost. So I dressed a little faster than normal. Looked out the back door, still no Oprah. Made a bowl of cereal - surely she is on the side of the house. Went outside with my cereal calling Oprah Mae. Normally when she hears me call I will see her running to me, or at the very least telling me she isn't ready to come in.

Not behind the shed or under the lawnmower cover or on the side of the house. Slight panic. Look under the bed - she loves to hide from me. Nowhere in the house.

I am really panicking at this point. Send Nanna a 911 - Oprah is Gone! text. Put the phone down and start looking in the neighbor's yard. She was looking at the the Big Woods next door. When I saw her she had her back to me. I said, calmly - Oprah Mae what are you doing? She froze - slowly turned to look at me - got that deer in the headlight look - ran right past me to the back gate of our yard. Couldn't figure out how to get back in the yard - ran under the front porch. I'm seriously considering having her chat with Strait. He could tell her what happens when you try to run after obviously doing something your mommy thinks is wrong.

I sat down and wiggled my fingers. She couldn't resist coming out for a "good pupcatcoon" scratch on her head. Our trip back into the house was something from a comic. Me carrrying Bill the Cat all 4 legs spread wide to avoid being taken to the killing chambers. Not to mention that for a cat that never stops talking she hadn't made a sound until we were on our way inside. Then the sound was like she really was being taken to the gas chamber.

At lunch, I let her venture back out again. I had suspected that she went thru the gate/fence opening. So I made it where she couldn't do that again. Proof that I was right came when she tried pushing her head thru mesh and it wouldnt go. She was so upset that she went back inside and pouted. Needless to say, the door was closed. Millie began pouting because I made her come in with Oprah.

Someone asked if I spanked her. Well, if it had been Millie or Toby the answer would have been yes. Don't go calling PETA quite yet. A slap on the bottom isn't puppy abuse. It does work in extreme cases with them. However, cats are different. You see, Oprah Mae didn't do anything wrong, I did. She was simply taking advantage of the opportunity to chase flying things on the other side of the fence. I failed to notice she woke up as a cat today.

Long days and pleasant nights...

All Star Magic

Last night didn't go my way. The NL lost a record 13th all star game in a row. Well, not exactly - one year the Commish called the game a tie - the uproar over that call is still being felt.

However, it is the All Star Game. I normally wouldn't blog the after game report. Except something very exceptional happened last night. I'm not talking about the absolutely incredible plays made by the best of the best. Those were expected. I'm talking about our President.

He arrived on the field in jeans and tennis shoes. He was wearing a Chicago White Sox jacket. He took his time to shake the hand of 88 year old legend Stan-the-Man Musial. He stood on the mound and had a look like an 8 year old boy that has just been handed the ball by his hero. The throw not that great, but it made it to the plate. Then the look on Albert Pujols' face was just as priceless. Two men understanding the moment. A poor boy from the Dominican Republic catching a pitch from the 44th president of the US. Who happens to be a young black boy from Hawaii.

It didn't begin or end in this moment. Before the game President Obama visited each clubhouse and shook the hand of every man there. He even gave Albert hell for allowing a Brewer to win the homerun derby in Albert's house. After the game started he went to the broadcast booth and sat there for a whole half inning. Just hanging out and talking baseball.

When he was asked about his allegiance to the White Sox - his reply was honest. Unlike most Sox fans who trash talk the Cubs - he simply doesn't cheer for them - no trash. He also said that he was wearing the White Sox jacket because his wife thinks he "looks cute in it." I swear that is a quote.

I know we have had many presidents that were baseball fans. We have had many presidents throw out the first pitch. But I can't remember a president showing his human side at the outing.

No matter what you think of his politics - this man is the real deal. It is a very refreshing change.

Long days and pleasant nights to ye...

All Star Break

Everything that happens in baseball from April thru early July sets the stage for October.

The All Star Game is the one game in all professional sports that truly showcases the best of the best. We the fans get to choose the players we wish to see on the field. Neither side is really a "dream team" of baseball. They are more of a hodgepodge of the who's who world of baseball.

The All Star break is a 2 day event these days. It begins with the homerun derby the Monday night before the game. The games best hitters are invited to participate. Most do, ego's and bragging rights are at stake. Pujols was there last night. The derby was held in his home field, so everyone just knew it would be no contest. Everyone was wrong. I'm not saddened by this turn of events. You see, there are those that are saying that my beloved Albert is most likely the next steroid victim. This hushes some of that talk.

The All Star game is now very important to both leagues. The winner of the game clinches home field advantage in the World Series. Since the inception of this new rule, the AL has won an overwhelming percentage of the games. Let's hope this year is different.

The importance of this break to me is the stats going into the second half. My redbirds lead their division by two games. This is very important for morale. We have the lead in a tough division. The Cubs aren't producing as everyone had anticipated. The Brewers are playing like predicted. I am the only one that predicted the Redbirds would be a force in the division this season. =)

Last season I whined a lot about the fact that I had to learn 17 new names. This season only three of those new names returned to St Louis. LaRussa loves to utilize the Triple A team. He rotates players more than most men change their underwear. While this is very risky, it also ensures that each player shows up ready to play and prove his worth. Literally the only men on the team that are certain they will play before arriving at the ball park are the announced starting pitcher, Albert and Yadi. Even Ludwick and Ankiel who signed very lucrative contracts aren't certain of starting. The result is that every swing of the bat and defensive play count.

So, good luck to the NL tonight. Get some rest tomorrow - then the mad dash to October begins!

Long days and pleasant nights to ye...

Rocklahoma 2009

Someone said during Country Fever that it was like a family reunion. You make friends that you only see once a year, and what a party! Ok, that is greatly paraphrased, but you get the idea.

That saying isn't completely true with me. I'm a part-time volunteer. LOL. I see Jo, Barbara, Hunter, Marlene and John thrughout the year. But I have to admit these concerts are the one time we are all together at once. And it is fun.

Rock 08 was the year that I adopted Hunter and he adopted me as his Mom. We have had a lot of fun with that. I rescued him from an extremely intoxicated young woman. Rock 09 gave me an addition to the family. This story also involves a rescue from an extremely intoxicated woman. I didn't go so willingly into this adoption. It just kind of happened. She was all over my "son" the security guy. When she abruptly stopped and exclaimed she couldn't "talk dirty" to him in front of his mother and pointed at me. I was clueless to her comment. He began laughing so hard that he couldn't breathe. She left still thinking I was his mother. On the happy side of that, I now have an 18 month old grandchild. I told Shannon that I expect visitation and Christmas/birthday presents. Before I left Saturday night we snapped a family portrait. This is mainly so Nicole will know what her new brother looks like. She is still in denial that Hunter is in the family...

There were others that we befriended. Moe even made a pal out of a security guy. That story is also funny. I wasn't there to see it - but seems someone kidnapped Moe and took him down to the pit in front of the stage. He was totally rockin out and/or terrified by the time Bucky and a few of his compadres came to his rescue. Lorri, Jo nor I let him too far from our site after that. In fact Saturday night he left his post selling souvenir pins for the chamber to help out his new BFF Bucky on security detail.

This is my new friend Doug. He worked the almost same hours as me during Country Fever - but I rarely saw him at Rock. Didn't want to leave him out - just in case he happens by tammieland... lol

The only other notable story from my end. I met a rockstar. Something you must know when dealing with Rockstars is that they get a bit pissy when you have never heard of them. This particular rock star is from the 80's and I soooo should know who he is. Anywho, I introduced him to Frank as Chip Winger. He corrected me a couple of times and then Frank loudly corrected me. It didn't stop Kip aka Chip from trying to get me to go backstage with him. What did stop that from happening is the fact that I had no clue he was trying to get me to go backstage until Frank pointed it out to me. By that time it was too late, he was gone. Story of my life.

That's my brief prose about a fun filled weekend in Oklahoma.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Life Looking Better?

The middle of the year is bringing good news!

Mom seems to have finished her chemo. She has a CT Scan scheduled for the last week of the month and then we see the Oncologist 2 weeks after that. Yes, I said "we". This is a family affair - her children would never think of letting her see the oncologist alone.

Stephen has a "happy" heart. Or at least that's how I'm looking at it. He had some sort of procedure to keep his heart beating at a healthy rate earlier in the week. He is home and doing fine.

Aunt Becky no longer has that pesky anuerism in her brain. The operation to remove it was successfully completed Monday. She is also back home now and doing fine.

My dryer went into a coma the last weekend of June. I say coma because I thought it was dead. Jimmy came up to work on it. We determined that it was probably the outlet. So the landlord had an electrician check that out. The outlet to the dryer was ok, but there were some other serious electrical issues he found. So that was about a 3 hour visit. The result was - living room light now works - dryer still in a coma. Tuesday night Daddy came up to switch my current dryer out with my old dryer from Renie's old house. After a look at the comatosed dryer - Daddy brought it back to life! Now, my old washer and dryer are living at a new home in McAlester.

The Redbirds have been playing pretty solid ball. Pujols has been outstanding, as expected. What was not expected is Ludwick's slump and Ankiel's less than stellar performance in the first half of the season. Another huge unknown was the performance of the numerous rookies we have this year. To the surprise of everyone - they are red hot. Pun intended. The Cardinals are one of the best teams at working its farm system. This season proof of that is on the field in St Louis with Rasmus especially.

Finally, today I received an email from my 401k fund. After about a year of losing money - last quarter my account was up 14%!!! This means I might be able to retire at the age of 90.

Long days and pleasant nights to ye

Black Panther

My black panther has decided that when the pups go out, she MUST be with them. Normally she stays close to me by the back door.

Today at lunch she followed her sister to the back of the yard. Millie was trying desperately to get into the shed to check on the crying kittens. Oprah on the other hand found the compost area very interesting...

Long days and pleasant nights...

Normal?

Finally recovered from the 4-day private concert aka Country Fever. Just when I decide I'm too damn old for these things I seem to allow myself to get dragged (loose term) to another. =)

Anywho. It has been a couple weeks of kritters at my home. I housed Tuvok and T'pel until they found a more permanent home. They are already missed by Millie and Oprah.

We found a baby kitten in the yard last week. It still had an umbilical cord. So Millie, Oprah and I tried our best to save it. It is now resting in peace in the field outside the station. Then Tuvok and Millie alerted me to kittens in the shed!

That's right we have at least 3 probably more. Millie and I actually saw one last night. It is solid black. When I went to check on it this morning, the momma had actually done what I suggested. She had obviously been to tend to the young one and moved it out of site.

Saturday, my dryer decided to stop working. The wonderful brother-in-law, Jimmy came to repair it. Seems it wasn't the dryer - it is the outlet that gave out. This is good news for me since the expense is now the landlords.

I have a wonderful landlord. He came over last night to check out the outlet. Decided he needed to call in an electrician. Then helped me finally remove the old, nasty, smelly, mosquito infested tree trunk that littered the middle of my backyard. With the old stump went a multitude of mosquitos. Woo Hoo.

The dogs, Oprah and I sat outside for about half an hour with no noticable bugs biting.

Life on the mountain is settling back into a steady pace. That's always a good thing.

Long days and pleasant nights...

What's What?

Last weekend was the first and only real vacation I will have this year. Most wouldn't consider it a vacation at all.

I spent the weekend as JoJo Jr. At first Jo and I thought Barbara had lost her mind making me Jo's assistant, but quickly learned that it worked well for both of us. Well at least for me it worked well all the time, it worked for Jo when I actually remembered to do the ONE job she gave me. But I'm getting ahead of myself...

Last weekend Red Dirt came to Pryor. This is the music that I have grown to love more than mayhap I love Toby. I can safely say that because I'm pretty sure he has never visited TammieLand...

To prove how grateful I was to be given the assignment I had been given, I dressed just like Jo. It was uncanny how we both had on red tanks and bluejean shorts. No one could tell us apart! Even Caleb had trouble with it. After getting beyond the shock of my choice of clothing, Jo assigned me to 1) make sure all the security detail keep hydrated 2) keep her informed on who is currently on stage at ALL times. I know you think this is a pretty simple assignment and for the first hour it was.

Day One: Robert Earl was the headliner. I had never seen him in person and honestly didn't know all that many of his songs. I am now totally hooked. You see Robert Earl is a story teller. He is also one of the godfathers of Red Dirt music. I would explain the title to this blog if I could remember the complete joke. It took him somewhere around 15 minutes to tell it on stage. It began with "I'm an Aggie" and ended with "What's what?" Everything in between was hillarious and very confusing. So confusing he asked at least 3 times "you with me?" To which we all replied "YES" even though I'm sure only the 5 sober people actually were. I've always loved the music of true story tellers like Tom T Hall - now Robert Earl is on my list of favorites.

Day Two: Frank came to town. I had to abandon my duties assigned by Jo to be an official Channel 8 person. It was fun. I got to meet Stoney LaRue. He actually took time out from spitting and drinking beer to have his picture made with me. He was also the headliner that night. I like Stoney, but given my druthers I would have had Randy Rogers headline. RR rocks and I know much more of his music. Although as it turned out, I knew quite of few of the songs Stoney sang. Turns out, he co-writes with everyone! I got to hear "Shot Full Of Holes" live twice last weekend, the better version being on Saturday night by JB&S.

Day Three: My day and the day that my usefulness to Jo was completely absent. I generally always knew who was on stage, thankfully there were flyers with pictures. Also day three provided most of the bands I really have seen a lot. No Justice rocks as well as adds a degree of cuteness to the stage. I had never seen Billy Joe Shaver in concert, he is too funny. I also didn't realize that he wrote almost all of my favorite Waylon songs. Then of course I got to meet Jason Boland.

I had never been to an actual meet n greet before. So surprisingly I was the first in line. When the lady took us into an empty tent I walked over toward a table as directed. After taking a couple of steps into the empty tent I turned to ask a question and literally walked into a laughing Jason Boland. I never knew he had ninja abilities. We laughed and talked and hugged and talked and he promised me new music soon. I didn't even have to ask for that one. Then I was merrily on my way. I ate cake with JB later in the dining hall. By "ate cake with..." I mean he was sitting at a table eating cake - I was sitting a table eating cake at the same time. Matt the security guy had a water hose accessible for some reason.

Mayhap I should mention that Cross Canadian Ragweed closed Saturday night. I already had no voice before they came on. Therefore I was unable to scream along to the lyrics of the 3 songs they sang that I knew.

Day four: Hot and miserable. I kept the security boys hydrated and entertained. Then went home without actually watching any entertainment.

I would tell you the funny stories about What's What or $500 and a taco - but they would be lost on those of you that weren't there. So if you want to know, just give me a ring...

The party's not over - it's just leaving town...