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...

Wild Weekend

What a whirlwind the last three days have been.

Friday was the "big" digital switchover. As big a deal as everyone made this out to be, it really shouldn't have been that big of a deal. We have been broadcasting over our digital signal since 2003. The difference Friday was that we shut off the analog signal. The government has taken the analog signals back for cell phones and emergency responder lines. While the phone had a steady number of callers - they were 99% people that needed help adjusting their converter box.

Friday evening I met Patty and picked up Zeke. He is so full of energy. We talked all the way back to Tulsa. He saw big water, no boats, horses, cows, no grass... Then we went to WalMart to get a few groceries. After we made it to Aunt Tammie's house we played ball. First we were playing baseball. Then he discovered the big ball in the backyard.

Saturday we were up before the roosters. literally. We played with the puppies and cat. Chased them most of the morning. Then went to a friend's house to help out with her lawn work. When we were finished there, his mom called and I took him back to McAlester. He had such a busy day that he literally fell asleep in the car while eating Cheetos.

Sunday we moved Renie to Tulsa. By "we" I mean her friends, Kevin and Daddy. I have a pack of vicious miniature dachshunds now. Tuvok has yet to learn that the black cat lives with us. T'pel is trying to establish that she is the cutest puppy in the house. Toby hides under the bed. Millie is thrilled to have 2 new playmates. More to come on this adventure...

Long days and pleasant nights...

Hay and Zeke

I finally figured out how to send pics from my phone to my email.

This is of the boys taken last Saturday. I learned that a trip to WalMart has doubled in cost!

Long days and pleasant nights...

Rich-O-Nater

Rich for Governor!

Today we learned that Drew Edmondson is officially running for Governor of Oklahoma.

I love Oklahoma. I love my party affiliation - Democrat. I love my country. However, I do not have the desire to go to war with Arkansas. The four announced candidates are all less than what I would consider worth voting for. Unfortunately of the four Mr. Edmondson has the best chance of winning.

So, as a solution to the problem, we are showing solidarity on TammieLand. I am publicly supporting a Republican as my candidate for Governor.

Rich is promising as Governor to eliminate taxes, bring 6.0 beer to Oklahoma and NOT declare war on Arkansas. He promises to make us New Texas. Not to mention good Christian, married with adorable children.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Hit it Over the Fence

That's my boy!!!

Saturday I made the trek to McAlester to see Hayden play "real" baseball. He is in a coach-pitch league. This is his first year.

The only sad thing about the game was that I had to cheer for a Cub. But I was resigned to cheer for him even if he had a NY on his uniform. He played right field, or in coach pitch, he stood between the first and second base players - next to one of the dad's.

His first at bat - he looked at me and said "Aunt Tammie, I'm gonna hit it over the fence." Then he ran off to the plate. He did indeed hit the ball pretty hard. He made it to 2nd base! I could see a lot of Albert Pujols in him. He was the rebel. When he was tired of wearing his ball cap - he went to bat without it. But had his sunglasses on.

I'll never forget the moment Skylar and I realized Hayden could throw from both arms equally well. I honestly don't know who was more excited - Skylar or me. We decided we would work on "our" boy and make sure he made it at least to college level. Switch hitters are very valuable in the bigs. My promise to Skylar on Jan 23 was that I would do whatever I could to help Hayden get to the college level. Or at least love baseball as much as he and I.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Well-being Update

The pups and I went to their annual check-up today.

Millie recognized the place immediately and wanted nothing to do with it. Toby was his typical well-mannered self... as long as he was allowed to be right next to Mommie.

Both are in very good health. Millie's teeth, ears and eyes are all perfect. Even though she tried crawling under my shirt when the dr came toward her with a "thing." She did take the shots better than in times past. No drama queen this year, just lots of whining - loud whining. While she was on the table, the dr took time to discuss, once again, how nasty it is to eat kitty litter, with her.

We need to get Toby in for a deep cleaning of his teeth along with a pedicure. The dr tells me they sedate for both procedures so we can get a two-fer with him. She also says that he will probably be sent home with an antibiotic due to the amount of plaque. I'm pretty sure he will be demanding a new home when this happens. Nanna is on speed-dial. lol

Funny side - when the dr walked in - she remembered Millie, of course, then looked at me and said "aren't you Oprah's mommie?" In Pryor I'm known as Nicole's mom. In McAlester I'm Hayden's aunt. In Quinton, Mildred's grandaughter. But I've never been known as an animal's mommie. The nurse had asked me if Toby is a mommie's boy, and without a wink I answered, oh yeah. This must be the difference in a clinic run by women only rather than men. =)

Mom made it thru the 3rd round of chemo yesterday. All is looking very well for surgery in a month or so.

I have completey gotten Captain Trips out of my system. Still taking the amoxicillin for a few more days.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Need a Husband?

Yes, you read the title correctly.

I had a very interesting conversation with the all-knowing and wise 5 year-old Hayden, yesterday.

It started with a phone call to my parents house. He answered. I told him that I had volunteered him and me to help hand out Drillers lunch boxes and then we would watch the game. For some reason known only in the mind of a 5 year old - he countered that with "Who is your husband?"

That began the conversation about me not having a husband because I don't need one. He then decided that I do need a husband and hung up before I could "discuss" it further.

I sent his mother a message. I'm pretty sure she is still laughing about the conversation.

I'm taking this as a positive in Hayden's life. He is now living in a happy home. His mom has married a wonderful man who truly loves Hayden as his own. In fact, he and Hayden are going to Six Flags this summer without "mom". The fact that he thinks I need something like that, makes me very happy for him.

On the other hand... I really don't think I need a husband.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Graduation Slide Show

For the complete slide show just look to your left!

Memorial Weekend

I should begin this with - Have you hugged a veteran this week?

Sometimes you don't really realize how much an unscheduled day off is needed. Saturday Millie woke me at 7:30am. I fed them and let them out and went back to bed. When I woke up, on my own, around 10:30 - they were still outside and Oprah was collapsed at the back door to let me know that someone had kidnapped her sister and brother.

Aunt Becky called to say she was on her way to Palestine and would love to have company. So I jumped in the shower and was almost ready when she pulled into the driveway. We had a wonderful day. Spent the day just talking, eating and shopping. I tried to convince her that she needed this beautiful yard furniture we found at Sam's. She finally told me I could call my uncle and let him know. Needless to say, the discussion was dropped. lol

Sunday I had the pleasure of being Hayden's taxi. I picked up Renie around 10am and then we went to Hayden's. Once again off to the cemetery - I didn't have my flowers Saturday. The best part about the Palestine Cemetery is that we know everyone that visits - so we can let the boys run wild.

Nicole came a little later. The boys were thrilled to see her. She let Hayden wear her graduation cap around. She didn't get to sit much. Every time she sat down Zeke would say - You Can't Catch Me... then she would have to chase him around the house.

Yesterday, I played chase the cat back inside most of the day. I charcoaled hotdogs and chicken in the afternoon. Toby was a wonderful guard dog. He sat right next to the grill making sure it didn't get stolen.

That's about it for now. Promise to have pics up sometime today or at least by tomorrow.

Long days and pleasant nights...

not very interesting...

What a week and weekend.

The whole time Nicole and I lived in Pryor we knew most of the town was in a 100 year flood plain. Who would think that the 100th year would happen our lifetime?

Terena has to replace everything. She says that at one point the water was 4ft deep in her shop. She is out looking for replacement curling irons, hair brushes and everything else today. I'm getting her phone numbers of professionals to call for duct work. Keep her in your thoughts - none of this was insured. I offered to have bake sales - she doesn't think my cookies will bring in $40k.

On the happier side. Jeff printed Nicole's invitations. Woo Hoo! and she and I spent Saturday wedding dress and graduation dress shopping. I did get pics of the wedding dress try-on session. Promised I wouldn't place them on here because Ryan might accidently see it.

I can tell you that she was the most stunning bride-to-be in the place. It's not because she is my daughter either, Jeff's new wife agrees that Nicole was stunning! Ok, maybe she didn't say those exact words -but I'm sure she thought it. The sales lady thought it too, so that means Nicole was the most stunning. (remember this is tammieland...)

Millie did not have a seizure this weekend! So I'm assuming that means the high mineral content in the Kitty Litter isn't good for her. Of course Oprah thinks it's a very fun game to jump over the litter box and then dash into it. Before doing her business she always looks out to see if anyone followed her.

Millie can't sleep without a toy. She always gets her favorite de-stuffed kitty and brings to bed. Last night she found a spiderman sippie cup and brought it to bed. I mention this because, Zentner won't go to bed without his sippie cup. Mom and I had a huge laugh over that.

Long days and pleasant nights...

PupCatCoon?

Everyone knows that Oprah Mae is extremely special. She was born a poor black barn cat. She wasn't very old when she moved to the Big City.

Turns out you can take a cat out of the country and she totally transforms into something completely different.

She still looks like a cat. Yet she is convinced that she is a puppy.

For instance. Millie's favorite toy is a bottle cap. If the bottle cap isn't available, she will carry around the bottle. Last night Millie was on the couch with her 12oz Diet Coke bottle. Oprah Mae actually assumed the official "pout position" trying to get Millie to feel sorry for her thus allowing Oprah Mae to obtain the prized toy. Needless to say, it didn't work.

I have to hide my tweezers because they are shiny. Pupcats love to carry shiny things around and play soccer with them. So that has been the norm, hidden tweezers. This morning I was totally shocked when I couldn't find my contact lense case.

I know it was on the bathroom sink cabinet when I went to bed last night. So the first thing I did when it was nowhere - yelled "Oprah Mae get in here" She knew she was in trouble. She appeared in the doorway and had the most innocent look as she explained "meeeooowww?"

The "lost" contact lense case was under the footstool at the end of the bed. Oprah Mae swears she has no clue how it got there. Thus the new term - PupCatCoon...

In other kritter news... Millie's blood work came back normal. The vet has me monitoring her for seizure activity. (like I had to be told) The kitty litter box has been placed where Millie can no longer snack in it. Hopefully, she was just getting too many minerals.

Long days and pleasant nights to ye...

Get Up & Go

My get-up-and-go has gotten up and ran away!

I don't remember the Daily Show coming on last night. But I do remember Millie waking me up at 1 this morning to let me know she "might" have to potty.

Turns out by the time we got to the kitchen she had changed her mind. She didn't even think that Mommie would carry her tail outside.

Restless sleep the rest of the night. This morning I feel like a semi rolled over me.

On the up side - Mom is doing well. Chemo #1 is over.

Long days and pleasant nights...

All Grown Up

A couple of days ago I received a call from the baby of the family.

Kevin won't officially be grown up - ever - in the family. But, he will be 21 this summer. He's already told everyone we need not buy anything, cash is perfectly acceptable as a gift.

He has done his share of job searching. Trying odd jobs in OKC. He tried the Army for awhile then WalMart. But he has found a good fit for now at a casino. He's been driving a car that really needed a lot of work when he first bought it. So much work that Aunt Tammie felt sorry for him. Ok, that doesn't take much, but still the car needed work and he was driving in the dead of winter with no working heater.

So when he called the other day I had mixed feelings about what he told me.

He had just purchased a new car. That is wonderful news.

The new car is a Mustang. My heart sank. He is just a baby. It was just yesterday that he was jumping on his mom's bed, fell and broke his head. He requested a new head instead of waiting at the emergency room. Patty wouldn't buy him one.

How can he be old enough to drive a real Mustang? I immediately became the "mom" and said well drive slowly and don't wreck it.

I should've squealed with glee I guess. But he is just a baby...

Long days and pleasant nights

summer clothes

Sunday I brought in two totes containing my warm weather attire. Since then they have been sitting in the kitchen as a fun thing for Oprah Mae to jump on.

This morning I actually donned a summer outfit. Oh my how wonderful that felt. Then I went to the closet and found my flip-flops.

Hooray for the warmer weather!!!

Long days and pleasant nights.

Unlikely Allies....

With all this talk recently about President Obama and his trips abroad, I thought I would share the lesson that I've learned at the Kolker Homestead from the Kolker Kritters.

You all know that a few months ago we adopted a kitten. At first she was afraid of the dogs and the dogs were terrified of her.

As the months have moved by, things have changed drastically. It was Millie that became her ally first. She discovered that Oprah Mae loved to chase and wrestle. Something that Mommie and Toby were not very good at.

Now, Toby has decided that she isn't such a bad pupcat after all. She sleeps cuddled up to him. Millie turns into a crockodile when she goes to sleep. No cuddling with her unless it's her idea.

Oprah Mae and Millie have even become partners in mischief. Yesterday, Oprah Mae knocked 2 boiled eggs off the counter in the kitchen. I didn't know about it until I noticed Millie eating one of them. Oprah Mae had her nose right up to the egg while Millie ate it. Millie never growled.

My lesson learned: If mortal enemies, made by God, can learn to love one another - why can't countries, made by Man, do the same?

Long days and pleasant nights.

TGIF

Woo Hoo it is finally Friday.

The Redbirds are off to an ok start. As of today we are 2 wins / 2 losses - tied for 2nd place. Like I said before, we are the Sleeper team. Each game is a new game and it takes 162 games to make the decision. My money is still literally on the Redbirds to be division winners this year.

This weekend is Easter. I love Easter. Not really for the religious aspect, which I do have to admit I really like, but also because it is a very bright and happy time of the year. Easter is a time of renewal.

Today at work we had a bake sale to help raise funds for our annual picnic for the kids at our adopted school. That was cut from our budget by the corporate types. The really fun thing is everyone got excited. We had so much food you would have thought you were at a church bake sale. It was awesome. Of course I bought for my kids. I will be making two Easter baskets this year. Nicole isn't that good at sharing. hee hee

Take time this weekend to reflect - that's what this season is all about...

Long days and pleasant nights

Spring...

Hooray! Spring might actually be overtaking Winter. I hope so anyway.

Today at lunch the pups and I stayed outside for a bit. They were so funny that I had to run back in and grab my camera. You would think that they have never seen green weeds before.

Toby sat beside me on the step. I said "Toby go sit in the grass." He looked at me, jumped off the step and ran into the weeds. He even took time to roll around in them a little bit.

Millie took time to smell the weeds and still keep an eye out for Dopey and the neighbor cats. You know at any moment one of them may decide to enter Millie's yard.

After dinner with Patty and Momma, I put the harness on Oprah and we went outside. Millie kept sniffing Oprah to make sure she hadn't turned into a "cat" of all things. Because the second she becomes one of those Millie will have to chase her out of the yard too.

Momma starts chemo next week. She will have anywhere from 4 to 6 treatments before surgery. Once they do the surgery she will be monitered but the odds are very good that the cancer will be gone. Keep those prayers coming.

Long days and pleasant nights to ye...

Sleepers

One of my all time favorite movies is named Sleepers. It is about 4 boys that play a prank that goes terribly wrong. They are sent to juvenile detention and are brutally raped almost every night by the guards. They are eventually released and grow up. One becomes an attorney, one a newspaper reporter, the other two total thugs that found a gang. Chance brings them back together to avenge the destruction of their youth by taking down the lead horrible guard.

My cards are considered a non-contention this season by almost everyone. Today I was delivering the stations copy of Sports Illustrated to Lincoln's mailbox via my desk, and discovered that SI considers the Cards a "sleeper" team this year.

All their so-called sports experts say that the Cubs will go to the play-offs again this year as the NL Central winners. They do not even place the Cards in the Wild Card spot. Which gives me room to say, that Wild Card is the stupidest thing that has happened in baseball in over a century! Let me just say at this point that I do have the right to recant that last sentence in October.

In the light that the Cards are now recognized for what I have been saying since last October - I actually accepted a bet on baseball. This goes against all my principles. I never ever gamble. But this really isn't a gamble and I'm not Pete Rose. Linda (our account director) has until October to save the 25 cents she will owe me when my boys come out of nowhere and teach everyone a lesson.

long days and pleasant night...

Mom

I guess we knew this day would come. You just never think about it. The children have to step up and take care of the parents.

Mom has some sort of bladder cancer. We were in the hospital last week for a biopsy. As scary as this sounds, the hard part is keeping her "down."

She literally has a prescription from the doctor to be a couch potato. We go to the urologists office and the oncologist's office next week to find out the final word and how the treatment will take place.

The oncologist, Dr. Lynch, thinks that we will be able to completely get rid of this nasty tumor. He told mom his initial plan is to send her thru a series of chemo and then surgery to take out what is left. This could change after the bone scan results. So please keep her in your thoughts.

Mom was released late Friday afternoon. We spent the night in Tulsa then trudged thru the early spring blizzard yesterday to get her home. She didn't really rest until she was in her own bed. They boys came over. They had a blast.

Hayden started asking to go play in the snow as soon as he walked in the door. I was very happy to see Uncle Jimmy walk in minutes later. We bundled everyone up and off the boys and Uncle Jimmy went.

I came home this morning. The puppies had to spend 24 hours locked in the house with no food. They were about to starve and were looking for a phone to call peta.

The snow is almost gone. Normal life - or as close as it will get - is returning.

Long days and pleasant nights to ye...

Life is Good

This weekend was very productive. By 10am yesterday I had already returned my dvr; had my eyes examined and been to Reasors.

Now my monthly cable bill will be a lot less. Once November gets here, I'll probably cut cable completely off. Saving a bundle more.

My eyes have improved. I'm still blind, just not as blind. Although I was instructed to get a set of cheap reading glasses for the times that my eyes get tired from working too hard. The Dr doesn't know me very well. hee hee

Reasor's had a sale on hot dogs. So, now we are set for Nicole's graduation party - hot dogs anyway. Speaking of Nicole's graduation, I finished her present this weekend. With lots of help from Oprah Mae.

The house is clean, that includes vacuuming and the bathroom. sigh

Today, I saw the first Cards game on tv and they won!!!

Long days and pleasant nights...

I have the Smartest Kid EVER!

March 2, 2009

Dear Graduating Senior: (Nicole)

Congratulations! As a result of your high academic achievement, you will be graduating with academic distinction.

All undergraduate students graduating with academic distinction are entitled to wear a specially-designed gold hood over their academic regalia at the May 15 Commencement and May 16 College Convocation ceremonies. You have qualified to wear such a hood.

You may purchase your gold hood when you purchase your cap and gown at The University Bookstore or during Graduation Gear-Up to be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, March 2 –Thursday, March 5, in the Beaird Lounge located on the second-floor of the Oklahoma Memorial Union.

We look forward to celebrating with you this May.

We hope you will wear this hood as a sign of your tremendous academic achievement.

Sincerely,

Joyce Allman, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean

Hello Spring

This morning when the critters finally managed to wake me. It took a combination of Millie and Oprah Mae to actually get my butt out of bed, I realized the small window had been left open. And I wasn't FREEZING!

I even wore short-sleeves to work with no jacket. How awesome!!!!

Toby seems to be walking better now as well. I poked on him so much last night he probably figured even if it does hurt, he is better off faking walking without a limp.

Had a nice long chat with my cuz in Birmingham. He told me a different way to cook roast. Evidently his mom places a can of Coke in the crock pot with the roast. I might just try that tomorrow.

Something on the work front... I took Tuesday off to hang out with Mom and Dad. Wednesday the first thing Carlton said to me - "I really missed you yesterday. It was like my right arm was cut off." - WOW - I never thought a green person would admit to needing a blue person.

Long days and pleasant nights...

stuff - nothing much

Mom and Dad visited this week. I was allowed to drive the really too big truck that Momma bought for Daddy. He kept telling me that I was "on the line." I really wasn't and told him that if he had bought a normal sized car, we wouldn't be having those discussions. He also agreed that I could tell everyone that I drove it thru the ditch at my house...

They stopped by Sam's Club and picked up a deep freeze for me. That's one of the best investments made by my tax refund. I already have pizzas, chicken, hamburger and girl scout cookies in it!

Daddy also moved the window air-conditioner to the West window in my bedroom. I was then able to place the screen on Oprah's window and open it for her. This has been the best thing since peanut butter in her mind. This morning she actually opened the curtain by herself to see if the window was open yet.

She also learned that like Nanna and Aunt Patty, Grannie belongs to Millie. When Oprah tried to give Grannie love, Millie quickly shoo'ed her away. That's ok, while Millie was under the blankie sleeping beside Grannie, Oprah slept on top of Grannie. Unfortunately I didn't have a camera. It really was funny. All 3 of my puppies were sleeping with her and she had no clue.

Toby on the other hand seems to have hurt one of his legs. He limps about 75% of the time, meaning there really is something wrong. I've almost decided he pulled a muscle because after sleeping he is fine until he jumps off something. Peanut laced aspirin has been helpful.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Toby and the Biscuit

Toby came to live with us about 8 1/2 years ago. You would think in that amount of time I would learn to watch my feet.

Yesterday, I was on my last day of "bad" food. I had gone to KFC and had a biscuit with jelly in my hand. I rounded the kitchen table and that's when Toby somehow managed to bring me down.

On my way to the floor I remember hearing him cry twice. All I could think was "Oh my god, I'm hurting Toby." Well after landing I realized that Oprah Mae had also been involved. She, however, got the heck out of Dodge and watched me fall from the safety of my bed. Meanwhile, my bad knee and forehead had taken the brunt of the fall.

I managed to sit up looking around for Toby. Afterall I did think that he was hurt. He crawled onto my lap, putting most of his weight on my now throbbing knee. After he decided that I was ok, he went to recover the biscuit.

I have a big bump on my forehead. It hit the edge of my solid wood step stool. My knee is bruised pretty well. None of the critters felt the need to steal the ice packs, that's good to know.

However, Oprah Mae felt the need to sleep on me all night. Normally she moves to her bed after a few minutes. I guess she was worried about her mommie...

Long days and pleasant nights.

mug shot or head shot

I rarely blog about work. But, last night we had our annual pre-storm season Storm Chaser Round-up.

This is an evening where Frank dazzles those that love chasing tornadoes. I'm pretty sure it takes a LOT to dazzle them, and Frank is the man for the job! (yes, he pays me for comments like this)

Anyway, Carlton asked if I have a digital camera. Of course I do. Then he asked me to get a pic of the whole team in the Weather Center.

I mentioned to him that I had brought my camera and we were also going to take head shots of the chasers that we do not currently have. He spent the next 20 minutes giving me a lesson in how to NOT take mug shots for head shots.

So I thought I would post this Non Mug Shot - Head Shot that I took of Carlton. Another criteria is that they not smile because when the photo is up most likely the person will be talking about weather damage. For some reason CH thinks they shouldn't be smiling about that.

Long days and pleasant nights.

Twitter?

When I was growing up you were "all a twitter" when something exciting happened - like you scored fig newtons from Nannie's secret stash.

As a young woman, I knew I was pregnant when I felt a "twitter" in my tummy.

It seems that now the word "twitter" has been hi-jacked much in the same manner as the word "gay" was hi-jacked. Only when you hear someone is "twittering" these days negative and bigotted remarks do not follow.

I joined the "Twitter" crowd yesterday. The most exciting thing about my new membership was that Nicole isn't yet "Twittering"

Hee hee - I beat her to something new and cool! Woo Hoo!!!

The down side is that now I have to begin learning a whole new language. I'm not sure that my head can handle all the information.

If you want to follow me - simply go to twitter.com and search my name!

You can also follow the station - search for ktulnews.

long days and pleasant nights...

Busy weekend...

This picture sums up the weekend...

May ye never forget the face of your father, young Skylar...

Long days and pleasants nights...

Lessons of a Toddler

Just a quickie right now. I have to download the plethera of pics from the weekend. This was my first "monthly" visit with Skylar. Odd calling him that.

He taught Aunt Mammie a lot this weekend.

The short list:

The washing machine that shakes the whole kitchen isn't annoying - it's fun!
Baseball lessons on top of the shaking washing machine are the best.
DVD's play better when licked and wiped on your diaper.
You can never see enough of Sponge Bob Square Pants, Dora and Shrek.
Bathtime and teeth brushing are an adventure, not a chore.
Pictures should be moved around instead of sitting in one place for more than ten minutes.
Always start your day sitting at the big kitchen table, smiling and saying "good morning."

Long days and pleasant nights...

Rambles - literally

Wow how time flies. Has it really been FOREVER since I last blogged?

The sadness comes and goes now. I can be in the throws of hysterical laughter and a thought of Skylar hits and the laughter turns to choked back tears. Just today I forced the tears back, all that happened was that the people that won Bob The Builder tickets actually picked them up. The tears are because that means now I have no "excuse" to keep Zeke Friday. Silly, huh?

Time isn't really flying. I can't believe it is only February. Mayhap the problem is that sweeps has been changed to March due to the digital revolution. Or it's possible that I'm feeling so very mortal.

Getting back to finding pleasure in the little things has become the most important goal right now. For example:

...I have the money to buy a small deep freeze. Why is the something to be happy about? Well, Jo and I are going to have a garden this year. I will be able to freeze things from said garden. Also, I'll now be able to take advantage of sales on things that I can throw in the freezer thus saving money.

...I have decided to at the least cut back to basic cable, and might actually cut cable altogether. Where is the "happy" in this? Well, it will give me more time to blog, walk, take pictures of the kritters (I don't have nearly enough) chat on the phone, totally annoy Nicole... you probably get the picture.

...I'm considering getting a part-time job and/or take some classes. Happiness in a part-time job is that I will be able to pay off debt faster and save money for a down payment on a house.

All of these are small steps that are taken one day at a time. I woke up fat yesterday. So, I drank more water, didn't buy a cheeseburger and today? I woke up a little less fat.

Oprah reminded me that you really don't need an expensive shiny toy to play with when a perfectly fine Diet Coke box is in the middle of the floor.

Guess that's all for now.

hoping to see you in the clearing at the end of the path...

Adorable...

Aren't these the most adorable babes?

Their daddy is Toby the lab - he died in December. Thier mom is a beautiful german shepard. Just thought I would share these babies.

They are living with their Grandpa Steve and Grandma Irene right now. Their Uncle Tuvok isn't allowed anywhere near them. hee hee

They will be ready for adoption in about a month.

Long days and pleasant nights...

forwarded email...

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

Dear Toby, Millie and Oprah:

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest..

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
(1) eat less,
(2) don't ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don't hang out with drug-using people;
(7) don't smoke or drink,
(8) don't want to wear your clothes,
(9) don't have to buy the latest fashions,
(10) don't need a gazillion dollars for college
(11) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children . . .

Evolution

Somehow, I have ended up with 3 puppies. I had two puppies when I noticed mouse droppings. That led to a serious discussion with the neighbors cats. They paid no attention just kept sunning on my roof.

So, we adopted a kitten from the mazie prairie. Being a responsible pet-mommie and wanting to save myself and my furniture - she has been spayed and declawed. She moved in around November. The first month or so she was 100% kitten. Somewhere along the way she has turned into 90% dauchshund.

Everywhere Millie goes, so does her sister. When Millie goes outside to potty - Oprah sits at the door waiting for her come back in. When Millie goes to bed, Oprah lies beside her on the blankie. When Millie eats, so does Oprah. I'm just waiting for the day when the meow turns into a bark.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Change

The whole world has been ecstatic at the "change" 2009 promises to bring.

I was optimistic that the "change" we have been promised would be at the least good. It never occurred to me that dramatic change would happen so close to home.

Last Fall, we had a pretty drastic round of lay-offs. The economy continues to go to Hell In A Handbasket, so to speak. Yet, I have a good job. My company is stable. Life is going on. I bought a new-to-me car. Money has become tight, but manageable.

January 23 I received a phone call that placed everything in perspective. My 23 year-old nephew, Skylar had died. He had simply taken a pill, gone to sleep and never woke up. From then up until the afternoon of January 30, things are a blurr. The afternoon that Skylar died I also received notice that there had been another lay-off. My job is still secure. However, we have taken a pay cut.

During the week going up to the funeral, I had a lot of time to reflect. In that reflection came a lot of argument with my Lord. What came out of the argument was that I am alive and loved. I also have so many memories of Skylar. Last Fall when he introduced me to his latest girlfriend, he said "this is Aunt Tammie - the Coolest Aunt on Earth." The last picture taken of him was snapped by me, just minutes before he hugged me, said "I love you, Aunt Tammie" and walked out the door. That was the day we celebrated Christmas with the extended family. He was so happy that for the first time ever he had enough money to give his boys what he considered a very nice Christmas. That was the last time I saw him alive.

The point of this day's blog... We are still alive. We still have two beautiful young boys that are so very much like their daddy. I still have a job. Yes, less money, but a job. I still have a home, 2 puppies and a kitty that thinks she is a puppy. Make every day matter. Let those close to you know how much you love them. We don't have a guarantee that there will be a tomorrow. We can guarantee that those we love will always know we love them.

Long days and pleasant nights...

DANGER: Falling Ice

The roads were better today. Mt Krumpit didn't bother the little Red Focus...

However, backing out of my place was very interesting. I almost ran into the ditch. We know the Rav4 can survive that, but I really don't want to test the obstacle with the Focus. When I finally hit the street, the car was facing the wrong direction. So, I went to the Stop sign, turned around and made my up the Southside of Mt Krumpit. This morning we reached the mind-boggling speed of 21mph!

Now the worries are being hit by falling ice. Our tower is shedding it's coating and the ice is pummeling to the front parking lot. Fortunately I parked at the far end of the NW parking lot - ice doesn't get that far.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Snow Snow Go Away...

Another early morning. I'm beginning to miss my little Sunfire. It was small and could handle Mt. Krumpit much better than the new larger Ford.

Anyway, I made it up the mountain... I did think about calling to say that I couldn't make it to work. However, Darrean would've just asked what's wrong with my legs. So, I popped the Focus into 2nd and let the wheel go whenever the car decided to try to slide. Thanks Daddy for forcing me to drive home from work with you in the passenger side. I haven't forgotten that terrifying experience and it has served me well.

If the temperature doesn't get above freezing tomorrow, I'm going to ask to borrow Strait. I already sleep with 2 dogs and a cat - a horse that stands 16 hands won't be too much more.

Anyway, I did remember my camera this morning. Primarily because when I looked out to check the car situation - I had to laugh. There were paws all over the snow running every direction. They ran all around my car. They ran from the porch in all directions. It was too funny. So I have snapped a couple of pics that I think are worthy. Not the quality of my friend Jo, but I like them...

Long days and pleasant nights...

Ice Storm 2009

At 7am when I looked out and saw the beautiful winter wonderland I thought, oh shoot, I forgot my camera at home.

Then that thought was immediately followed by, I have plenty of pictures of Mt Krumpit iced over. Hopefully, this ice storm will not have the whollup the last two have had.

Yes, I was at work by 4:30 this morning. Schools all over the viewing area are closed. If they aren't, they probably won't have very many students attending.

If you live in Oklahoma and don't have to get out - DON'T...

Long days and pleasant nights...

Changing of the Guard...

A new day has dawned in our country.

As I sit here and listen to all the inaugural speeches, I am proud and ashamed at the same time. The Constitution states very clearly that "all men are created equal." Yet it has taken 232 years to elect a man of African descent to the highest office in our country. We have yet to elect a woman or Native American for the office. Indeed it took over 100 years for those of African descent and women to even get the basic right of voting.

The History Channel has been re-running their series on the American presidents. It has been interesting re-learning about our forefathers. As we move forward, a huge task is being placed on our newest president. He must somehow undue an economic mess that began in the years of Ronald Regan. Since then every president, including President Clinton, and each Congress contributed to the situation we face now. President Obama faces an economic situation similar to that of FDR when he first took office. He has made large promises. Time will only tell if he is up to the task.

I pray that the nation supports him thru the hard times to come. Good luck Mr. President.

Long days and pleasant nights.

Weekend Wrap

It was a busy yet not so busy weekend.

Steve and Renie came over and helped me out with the chainsaw. Seems my friends and family don't trust me with a chainsaw. Turns out the "big limb" that the neighbors told me was under the pile of brush, didn't exist. So we re-arranged the the pile into a manageable pile that I can actually work on. Steve did have to use the chainsaw on a some of it. Jo is going to donate old hay to my yard to help kill out weeds. The hope is that I will have an area to have a nice garden.

Steve's german shepard had puppies. They are a black lab/german shepard mix. If you're in the hunt for a good pup - give a shout!

Took the chainsaw back to Jimmy, yesterday. Kevin grilled burgers for dinner. They were really good. Mom and Dad came over with Zentner. We were entertained for a couple hours by him.

It was a good weekend. More of these are needed...

Long days and pleasant nights...

Great Decisions

This week I began what I had believed to be a Bible class.

It all began with an innocent conversation with a co-worker that discovered we are both Episcopalians. She mentioned this class that she and a friend go to at their church. She sent me the information and I quickly enrolled. I've participated in Bible classes sponsored by the Episcopats before. They have all been wonderful experiences.

When I picked up the book, I quickly began reading the first "lesson." It was a bit perplexing in that there was no mention of the Bible, God or even Jesus. Now, as an Episcopat this was no real surprise. Many times the moderator receives a larger manual that will have the Christian instruction. I love this aspect of my chosen church. They gently force you to think.

Well, I made it to the first class. It was the coldest night of the century. (not kidding) There were about 35 gray-hairs, two forty-something couples and me. Again, no real surprise. The surprise came when this very nice grandmotherly person began chatting with me. I mentioned that I was using this as a boost to get my behind back in church. She looked at me and asked "what does THIS have to do with church?"

Once I wrapped my head around the fact that this is a class that is only housed in the building because the moderator is a member... I was able to begin paying full attention to the subject at hand.

It is a wonderful discussion, so to speak, about world events and the situation the world finds ourselves in. It is fascinating and has already opened my eyes to a few things I had no idea about.

Thankfully my prayers to my Lord were answered and I wasn't allowed to talk myself out of going the first night.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Red Dirt Cram

I have begun a crash course in learning more of the music I LOVE! The test is the weekend of June 18 - 21.

Last night on the way to the most wonderful birthday celebration for my most wonderful Daddy, I listened to a newsly purchased cd.

In addition to being one of the Red Dirt Godfathers, Robert Earl Keen is freakin' hysterical. I found myself laughing out loud (lol for those of you younger than 25) As much as I love Boland, REK had much the same affect on me. I was all smiles last night. Slept perfectly well, just like a baby. I had to keep reminding myself that he influenced Pat, not Pat influencing him. Mayhap that is one reason I have that warm-fuzzy feeling.

It is a bit disturbing that Pat has already begun creeping into my dreams. He was standing in the shadows of one last night. So, Pat, I PROMISE I'll be at the Calf Fry. I will be dead on my feet at work the next day, but I'll be there. You could've at least played Friday to help me out...

Long days and pleasant nights...

Happy Birthday Daddy!

January 13, 1943 in Yakima Washington, Vernon Z and Martha E Smith became the parents of the greatest man I know.

My daddy was the second of 5 children. Being the oldest son gave him the birthrite to the Zentner name. A name which has become beloved in the family.

My daddy has always been there for me. When I was allowed to join the Speech and Debate team in high school, he became the parent that went on trips. That meant that he had to be on a school bus with anywhere from 10 or more teenagers from 4am until after midnight on the weekend. After having a teenager, I understand the sacrifice he made.

He was also in the room when my baby girl was born. One of my clearest memories of that day was telling Daddy that I was tired and wanted to go home. He sighed and calmly said "Sug if I could take you home, you know I would, but you have to do this first." Jeff and I were grossed out by the bloody mess... but my Daddy stood over the doctors shoulder making sure he was doing everything right and then gave the baby her first bath.

After the divorce, when I called and said that I was going out of my mind, Daddy drove to Pryor and took me to a doctor in Ft Smith to make sure I was ok.

They don't make Daddy's like this anymore. He taught me to respect God, country, family. He taught me that family always comes first, no matter how difficult it is to be there, physically or emotionally. He is always there for me and my sisters with an unconditional love. I love him more than words can ever tell.

We are celebrating tonight at his favorite place to eat - Golden Corral.

Long days and pleasant nights

February 14, 2009...

...is a very important day in my life.

It is the day that pitchers and catchers report to Spring training. That is only 5 weeks away.

The Redbirds have been busy in the off season. They still have a very light pitching/bullpen staff. I'm hoping that will change by the time the season actually opens. The good news is that most of the rest of the team is still in place. Miles was allowed the free agent exit. That is a loss of a good utility player, but only one.

Pujols and Yaddi are still anchoring the bases and bats. Ankiel and Ludwick are still around. Barton as far as I know will be back. I'm hoping we will see him in more games this season.

I'm sure LaRussa will be calling soon with all the off-season details I need to know...

Long days and pleasant nights...

Seriously?

Are we really having this debate again?

When the pitbull with lipstick stepped onto the national stage, I defended her as a "mom" in the workforce. I've been there and done that - so to speak. Everyone knows how I feel about the Governor of Alaska. Nevertheless, I do think she might actually make a decent Senator if she so desires.

As a card-carrying Democrat, I also know I'm supposed to pay homage to anyone that is in the Joe & Rose Kennedy lineage. Even a must to kiss the ring of the direct heir to the throne - in this case - Caroline. I kept quiet when the talking heads began spinning the whethers about her appointment to fill Senator Clinton's seat. But today I read an interesting piece about how qualified she isn't. Seems a woman that decides to get an education then stay at home to raise the children before re-entering the workforce isn't qualified for squat. I can not disagree more. What are her qualifications?

Well lets take a looksee...

**Bachelor degree from Radcliff (part of Harvard)

**Law degree from Columbia Law School

**Founded the Profile in Courage Awards, which honors elected officials who have shown political courage.

**Caroline co-wrote In Our Defense: The Bill of Rights in Action with fellow law graduate Ellen Alderman. This is the first of several books she has published.

**She turned down an offer to be chairwoman of the 1992 Democratic National Convention. (has no problem saying no to the party)

**Serves as a member of the national board of directors for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the vice-chair for the Fund for Public Schools in New York City, and chief executive for the New York City Department of Education Office of Strategic Partnerships.

You may not be able to see Russia from her backyard, but I think she is qualified to be a Jr Senator from the state of New York. We need more women in Washington DC that have a deep passion for what women care about. It doesn't hurt that she is a Kennedy either...

Happy

It really doesn't take much to make me happy.

Last night while I was washing my dinner dishes, I heard a knock at the door. Followed by a lot of barking to let me know there had been a knock at the door.

It was Nicole!

As wonderful as it was to see her, she brought my Christmas present. That is the source for today's happiness. She bought Just After Sunset - King's latest collection of short stories.

I'm thinking that his short story books are probably up there with my favorites of his releases. You get scared many more times than in a novel. The novel is a totally different kind of scare. It creeps up on you. For example, in Duma Key, he kept warning me that the paintings of the ocean and the boats were deadly. I didn't realize that he was being literal until one killed his daughter. Jo, I dismissed the earlier suicide and murder attempt as coincidental...

Out of King's tinkering with short thoughts, we got such wonderful stories as Jeruselem's Lot that later turned into the absolutely horribly scary 'Salem's lot. Along with The Mist and 1408. My absolute favorite series, The Dark Tower, began with tinkering as well.

Needless to say, my weekend is Booked!

Long days and pleasant nights...

Greed - One of the 7 Deadly Sins...

Porn industry seeks federal bailout
Posted: 03:00 PM ET
From CNN's Rebecca Sinderbrand and Mark Preston

Larry Flynt is asking for a bailout.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Another major American industry is asking for assistance as the global financial crisis continues: Hustler publisher Larry Flynt and Girls Gone Wild CEO Joe Francis said Wednesday they will request that Congress allocate $5 billion for a bailout of the adult entertainment industry.

“The take here is that everyone and their mother want to be bailed out from the banks to the big three,” said Owen Moogan, spokesman for Larry Flynt. “The porn industry has been hurt by the downturn like everyone else and they are going to ask for the $5 billion. Is it the most serious thing in the world? Is it going to make the lives of Americans better if it happens? It is not for them to determine.”

Francis said in a statement that “the US government should actively support the adult industry's survival and growth, just as it feels the need to support any other industry cherished by the American people."

“We should be delivering [the request] by the end of today to our congressmen and [Secretary of the Treasury Henry] Paulson asking for this $5 billion dollar bailout,” he told CNN Wednesday.

Flynt and Francis concede the industry itself is in no financial danger — DVD sales have slipped over the past year, but Web traffic has continued to grow.

But the industry leaders said the issue is a nation in need. "People are too depressed to be sexually active," Flynt said in the statement. "This is very unhealthy as a nation. Americans can do without cars and such but they cannot do without sex."

"With all this economic misery and people losing all that money, sex is the farthest thing from their mind. It's time for congress to rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America. The only way they can do this is by supporting the adult industry and doing it quickly."

So far, there has been no congressional reaction to the request.

–CNN’s Chloe Melas contributed to this report
Filed under: Congress

Disclaimer
So I don't get in trouble - this came from CNN.com - I thought it was simply too funny to not share.

Long days and pleasant nights.

Seven Pounds

If you know me, you know that I'm not all that big on movies. My BFJo is, however. So over the past decade that we have known each other it has become sort of a tradition that we do a dinner/movie thing for my birthday.

This year we dined at the Roadhouse (of course) and wondered on across the street to the movie theater. We decided on Seven Pounds. Primarily because I totally love Will Smith, and it has received good reviews.

I can't tell you about the movie without blowing the plot. I can say that I recommend it for viewing if you like movies. Also, you may want to consider taking kleenex.

It does invoke some thought about mortality, suicide, organ doning. I would go further but I'm already treading the spoiler waters...

I also highly recommend the "Yummy Hot Chocolate" at the cafe.

Long days and pleasant nights.

puppies & kittens

Who woulda thunk that a kitten living here would actually become part of the family?

Millie and O are practically inseperable. The best part of that is that O literally wears Millie out. It has gotten to the point that O has to almost beg Millie to play. Puppy toys are now considered fair game for puppies and kittens. Well, except Millie's pink ball - that is exclusively Millie's toy.

Yesterday was such a wonderful day weatherwise, that I opened the living room and kitchen windows. O was entranced. She spent most of the day going from one window to the other. Occasionally she would notice the front door open and look out from there. Sometime in the afternoon I heard her "talking" in a language I had not heard from her. Upon investigation, one of the kittens from next door was sitting on the other side of the window talking to O. This conversation went on until Millie discovered a wild animal trying to kill her sister. She immediately began the attack and let the wild animal know that O was her sister and she wouldn't allow any correspondence. Of course this resulted in both O and the "outsider" just staring at Millie like she was nuts.

Toby on the other hand, has become more of a Mommies puppy than ever. If that was possible. He is no longer the least bit interested in playing chase with Millie. He does chase O, but that is only to eat her.

If someone could let me know how to get the kitten to sleep thru the night, or at least let me sleep, please give a shout.

Long days and pleasant nights...

2009 - Please be Kind

Well another year is gone. It seems like just yesterday I was a kid in McAlester. Cheering in the new year with my friends and then running like hell to get away from the "birthday love" swats. Jimmy Dean was always in the lead on that one...

Now I'm sitting here in my kitchen with the puppies and kitten.

Looking back on 2008, it could've been better.

It was the first full year without Nannie. Uncle Louis left us. We had a small adjustment of personnel at the station. Friends also left... David, Emma Lou and Colt.

On the up side, if there is one. It was definately the year that it was a good thing to not be heavily invested in the stock market. Being poor was actually better than having stocks or being a high class banker, CEO of almost anything or one of the "expendable" persons in a company choking on it's own bad investments.

And one of the brightest points of 2008 was getting re-acquainted with a few cousins that time had gotten away from us. Jeff, Steve, Louie, Droopy.

My first ever trip to the desert happened in June of 2008. Astonishingly Jeff actually welcomed the idea that I might be coming again to see my Redbirds play his Dbacks. It was also weird that I was the only "Dellinger" his family and friends had met outside his parents and brother.

There are two jewels of the year that standout. My new relationship with my Tio NT. He is a true blessing. I enjoy every communication with him, whether it be a quick note letting me know he is on his way to some meeting or a lengthy email about his thoughts.

The other is the addition of Oprah Mae to the family. I've never been a cat person, nor has Millie. But O has really stolen our hearts. She was born a poor black girl in a barn on the Mazie Prairie. Colt appointed himself as her protector so how could I continue to say no to her moving in with us? Millie can no longer innocently walk around without having a kitten pouncing on her.

2009 - please be a little easier than the your predecessor. My baby girl will graduate with her BA in History and Teaching Certificate. I will gain a son this year. I am praying to just keep the status quo...

Long days and pleasant nights, if ye kenit.