The Family Is Growing...

Wow - Cousins are coming out of the woodwork. Awesome...

First an update on my wonderful uncle, it seems that he is really feeling your prayers - please keep them up. I pulled out all stops and called the saint of the Dellinger clan. Thanks for your prayers Tio.

Second... (I'm starting to sound like Patty) When I opened my email there was an email from Skinny-Butt himself. He sent me this wonderful picture of my Uncle John (one of the coolest of my uncles), Aunt Nova, again lots of fun - and the couple of the year - Aunt Ellen and Uncle Louis. We don't have a date or place for this photo. So I'll just do what I do best and create a scene for you. =) Remember, this is TammieLand and what I say is what you believe...

Seriously though, when we were kids there were so many of us running around all the time. Here's another memory. Fourth of July, Shreveport, Lousiana. I'm pretty sure that it was just before the Frisbie/Clark branch moved to Germany. There was a huge BBQ with Uncle John and my dad running around with all kinds of BBQ objects while managing to light fire crackers at the same time. Jeanna and Patty trying to boss all the kids around. Mike and Irene off doing some sort of mischeif. Droopy-drawers (sorry Jim but this one is gonna stick) just trying to out cute everyone. John, well he was always just being John. The only two kids that were perfect angels - Always where they were supposed to be - doing what they were told; seen but not heard - were Vernon and me. (on the Dellinger side the two perfect angels were Gary Don and me)

Anyway, that's the weekend I learned that cigarettes are great for lighting fire crackers. Hanging from the clothes line isn't something that is recommended. Riding a bike away from the house and thru the neighborhood without parental permission is risky. (of course I had nothing to do with that).

Ok, I have to actually do something productive now. Keep those prayers going!

Long days and pleasant nights...

It's Patty's Fault

I was thinking that mayhap I should place some pics of Uncle Louis here for all those 2 people that are praying for him that haven't met him and read my blog.

So, I have spent the last 10 minutes (that's a very long period of concentration for me) and I can't find any on my hard drive. The closest I came was this picture of adorable baby Tammie on the shoulders of either Aunt Wilma or Aunt Laura. No offense to these wonderful women, but the only Aunts that I can readily name when shown a picture are (in no particular order) Aunts Becky, Ellen, Nova, Ruby and Joy. Patty hasn't scanned the Smith stuff yet and given it to me.

So, I'll just have to give you another story and you can allow your imagination to kick in.

You know that uncle in every family that makes you laugh no matter how you feel? Well that's Uncle Louis. (He is also the only uncle that actually wasn't named Uncle Billy or any derivitive of William) Anyway, he is the prankster. My dad has told many stories of their childhood, Uncle Louis was always at the center of story, whether it be moving an army tank across town, "tattooing" Aunt Wilma while sitting in the car waiting for their parents or building their own race car.

Fortunately, or unfortunately if you're me, he also has a knack at knowing who picking on bothers the most and boy does he dig in. Anytime I'm in Kansas and a prank is pulled on me - whether Uncle Louis is in the state at that time or not, I know it was him. He has passed this trait on to Louie.

It's all in good fun, I suppose. I just wish they would understand that I am special. Louie, I am your favorite cousin. Just remember that...

Anyway, keep those happy thoughts for my wonderful uncle going to your greater power.

Long days and pleasant nights...

This One's for Vicky

Elva Irene Stamper... and her Goosie Jo! Seriously, Renie has so many birds that Alfred Hitchock would've accused her of stealing his story. Poor little Tuvok gets no attention because of the birds.

Long Days and Pleasant Nights!

Albert's the Man!!!

ST. LOUIS -- The National League's best player has also been named its most valuable.
Albert Pujols' magnificent season earned him his second NL Most Valuable Player Award. Pujols finished ahead of Philadelphia's Ryan Howard, who beat him out by a narrow margin to win the 2006 MVP.

Pujols has finished in the top 10 in the voting in every one of his eight Major League seasons, and has been fourth or better seven times. He is the 11th player to win two NL MVP awards.
As baseball waited to hear the results of the ballot, the discussion centered on the definition of "most valuable." Some argued that because Pujols' Cardinals did not make the postseason, he could not be the most valuable player in the league. It was the only possible case against Pujols, who was indisputably his league's best hitter and who plays Gold Glove-caliber defense at first base.

Pujols had already been recognized with virtually every other major individual award for which he was eligible. He was named National League or Major League player of the year by the Sporting News, the MLB Players Association and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, as well as NL MVP in Baseball Prospectus' Internet Baseball Awards.

In the end, the Baseball Writers' Association of America joined the chorus, choosing not to penalize Pujols for his team's fourth-place finish. In fact, it's quite possible that quite the opposite happened -- that Pujols was rewarded for the Cardinals' place in the standings.
Though St. Louis ended the season 11 1/2 games out of first place in the NL Central, the club exceeded many preseason expectations with an 86-win season. And much of the credit must go to Pujols.

It was by some measures the slugger's best season. He hit .357, two points shy of his career high, and set new personal bests with a .462 on-base percentage, a 1.115 OPS and 104 walks. He slugged .653, nearly 30 points better than his career average, cranking 37 homers and 44 doubles. Pujols drove in 116 runs, scored 100 and struck out just 54 times.

It was not only a supremely productive season for Pujols, it was a consistent one as well. He never hit lower than .302 in any month, never had an OBP lower than .413 and never slugged below .558. He came on especially strong in the second half, batting .366 and slugging .706 after the All-Star break. Pujols finished seven points behind Chipper Jones in the race for the NL batting title.

Only four players -- Barry Bonds, Roy Campanella, Stan Musial and Mike Schmidt -- have been the NL MVP three or more times. Musial had been the only Cardinal to win the award twice or more.

In the history of the award, 13 Cardinals have won a combined 16 times. In addition to Pujols and Musial, Willie McGee, Keith Hernandez, Joe Torre, Bob Gibson, Orlando Cepeda, Ken Boyer, Marty Marion, Mort Cooper, Joe Medwick, Dizzy Dean and Frankie Frisch all garnered MVP honors.

Family continued...

To answer a couple of messages...

First, Vicky. Irene doesn't like her picture taken. We have to chase her all over the place and by the time we discover where she is, well, we're too darn tired to snap a picture. This is the only picture I can find that I'm pretty sure she won't shoot me for putting online!

Now to my dear, developmentally challenged cousin. The air in Oklahoma is much cleaner than that in Kansas. The girls are prettier and smarter. You can't argue that, your dad had to go to Southeast Oklahoma to find your awesome mother. My math skills are just fine. I made a 79 in college algebra the 4th time I took it. And I have no clue what you are saying about chemicals. I'm the only one of the cousins, with the exception of maybe Peggy, that doesn't have gray hair. That is just proof that we are the "chosen" ones and God loves us more. =)

Seriously, if you are reading this post, please take a moment and pray to whatever power you believe in for my uncle. Uncle Louis is one of the best men ever to live and he is going thru a very rough time. Please also pray for my Aunt Ellen and cousins Louie and Terry.

Long days and pleasants nights...

Family

Nothing like an uncle having surgery to get the family together!

This week my dad's only brother, Louis, had an operation to remove a pesky little cancer thing from his esophogagus. Patty and Daddy spent a couple days in Topeka. This visit she thought to snap pics and send them to me.

Disclaimer: I look NOTHING like the alleged cousins in these photos. I am much younger than Louie and Terry, especially - and in my recollection, younger than Michael also. I will admit to the fact that the memories I have of Jimmy are a skinny-butt little kid running around in only a diaper.

This is my dad and his Uncle Billy. Uncle Billy is a lot of fun. I'm pretty sure he is my grandma's brother. That would make him a Lindeman. Until I saw this picture I had no idea how much my dad looks like his mother's side of the family. Anywho. Uncle Billy makes jewelry and every time I've been to his house he let's me pick out something. He is also one of the few that Nicole remembers, mayhap because of the jewelry...

This is the scariest of all pictures. On the corners are the "Smith Boys" they are the only ones to carry on the family name, so to speak. On the left is Louie. He is at least 10 years older than me. On the far right is his younger brother who is approximately 15 years older than me. Their favorite past time at family things was to pick on me. One of their favorite memories is the time we were all at Aunt Geniva's house. It had been raining something terrible, and in Kansas that means 10 times the mud. The Smith Boys along with a couple of Frisbie brothers and a second cousin or two decided to vote me OUT of the family. Then my initiation upon being voted out was to be drug up the stairs from the basement and thrown into the 20 feet of mud. When they were recounting this story to Nicole, she asked to be voted out of the family, of course they voted her in as a lifetime member with no way to revoke her membership.

The Clark brothers are my late-Aunt Nova's babies. I'm surprised they survived the hell the rest of the clan (with the exception of me) gave them. If you knew their older brothers aka The Frisbie Boys you would understand.

Anyway, Uncle Louis is recovering very well. Stubborness is a good trait to have in these situations. Patty had fun reconnecting with her cousins. Daddy and Uncle Billy had a contest on who could tell the tallest tale - I haven't heard if a winner was declared. And Yes, Nicole we will take Ryan to meet The Family, soon.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Tired of the Kitten yet?

Ok, I don't think Oprah looks evil. But here are a couple more pics.

She loves to pounce. That must be the Mountain Lion in her. Another favorite is teasing Millie then hissing. But the all-time best game of all is attacking mommie's feet from under the bed and then with lightning speed - dissappear back into her sanctuary.

Long days and pleasant nights...

Night of Oprah

Oh my did this little 3 pound kitten take over.

Yesterday I moved her to the bathroom. The doggie gate was placed at the bedroom door. Now she has abandoned the smaller room for the much larger area under my bed. She should have come with a copy of the Jaws soundtrack. Any foot that goes near the bedskirt is in danger of being attacked by a little black paw.

Last night I held her and sat on the bed with the dachshunds. Once she learned that I would swat at the big critters as quickly as she could, she gave the discipline over to me. Millie bored quickly and snuggled up under the covers. Toby wanted to either eat the kitten or something. He finally started just sniffing her without trying to gobble her up. Oh one more thing, before Millie went to sleep, she gave the "puppy" kisses. Oprah allowed her too.

Toby, Millie and I slept on the bed. Oprah was all over the place. When she finally tired, she snuggled up under the bed.

This morning after she ate, she lost her mommie and cried. (This is where the "awe" comes in) so I held her for about 5 minutes and she was fine.

Long days and pleasant nights.

Oprah moves in...

So many things have happened since I've last visited here.

We have a new President-elect. I have many things to say on this matter, yet fear for my life if I am honest. Turns out the whole nation now knows what I've been saying for quite some time - I live in the redest dad-gum state this side of - well - HELL - basically. I live in the only state in the Union that being a Democrat that believes in capitol punishment and the right for every citizen over the age of 18 to own an AR-something is considered "way too liberal." I'm just sayin I kept my victory dance confined to my own living room.

Nicole and Ryan actually cleaned up enough to have engagement pics snapped. We had a lot of fun that day. Honestly Deana and I have no idea how we managed to give birth to the absolute cutest two "kids" on EARTH. We are also very pleased that they have turned out to be intelligent and made their voices heard in the Nov. 4 election. Again, I won't mention what candidates they supported - but Inhofe should be worried. Side note: Inhofe supports the rounding up of wild Mustangs and sending them to slaughter in Mexico.

Then yesterday, Nov. 9 (Nicole's birthday) Oprah came to live with Toby, Millie and me. She is a simple black farm girl. Born about 12 weeks ago in the Mazie Prairie. I found out that cats seem to just appear and then simply disappear on the prairie. So when Jo introduced her to me and I saw how attached Colt was, well I couldn't help but adopt the precious little thing. She spent her first night in her new room last night. it has a comfy pink and white blankie, plenty of things that dangle and have to be captured. Just outside her sleeping quarters are a kitchen and potty area. This morning we went off to the vet for a physical. She weighs a whopping 3.1 pounds and is in perfect health. She didn't much care for the poking and prodding, but loved the canned cheese. She is now back in her room. I hope she actually comes out for awhile eventually.

Long days and pleasant nights to ye...

Dancing With the Stars...

I'm just sayin' - don't you think this would be AWESOME!

Although, I really don't know where she is hiding that pistol. Unless she is willing to give up her pistol-packin'-hockey mom image.

It's Been Awhile...

I know! But life the last month or year has been a real rollercoaster.

Here are the highlights...

I MET PAT!!!!

Yes, after years of literally being dragged to concerts to see/hear the man. And having him rub-off on me... the opportunity to actually meet him came. Please let me indulge...

The Tulsa State Fair came. I heard a couple weeks before that Pat was playing after the rodeo on the last Friday night of the fair. So, I called his PR people and asked if it would be possible to get a live interview. They seemed as thrilled at my call as I was to their openness to have him appear on our station.

Jo created a list of bullet points for Frank. By the way, they were the exact same bullet points the PR person sent... The day was awesome. Jo came over to ensure that we weren't embarrassed. Frank only said a couple of things that made Pat look confused, such as asking Carole if she had met "Little Jerry Dickens" and letting him know he had no clue who Gary Allen is. We survived those moments due to Pat's awesomeness.

I also found out that Pat has incredible hearing. While I was chatting with my new BFF Brad - he heard me say something about seeing him last year with Willie. Pat turned to me and asked "in Dallas?" I said yes, Jo was able to snatch a couple of tickets from the DanceHall and we were just 3 rows from them. Then added "you remember?" He quickly threw that Pat grin at me and said "Yeah, I was looking for you..." Needless to say, I melted. But the story doesn't end there, it gets better.

We were given tickets to the show and during the his performance, Pat pointed at me and said "I've been looking for you..." talk about melting. I don't remember much of the rest of the night. Except the part where he asked the 3 year old who she was going to vote for and she answered "Obama".

I've gotta run... for pictures of the night - mosie on over to Jo Jo's Dancehall.

Long Days and Pleasant Nights

Woo Hoo Toby...

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a measure honoring Oklahoma native Toby Keith for his commitment to members of the Armed Forces.

Congressman Tom Cole introduced the House Resolution in June. It praises the country music star for performing in several United Service Organizations tours overseas.

The House passed the measure Wednesday evening. Keith has participated in USO tours to Belgium, Kosovo, Italy, Germany and Afghanistan, among other places.

boring...

Haven't been able to update in awhile. So here's what has been happening:

Millie has responded well to the allergy medicine. In fact we are down to just getting an allergy pill when she has a bright red tummy after going outside. The up-side is that Toby and Millie get peanut butter at least once a day. The down-side is that I can no longer enjoy peanut butter sandwiches.

Work is going well. In fact Frank brought me a HUGE slice of Teri's homemade lasagna yesterday. It was gone in seconds!

That's about it. I have plenty to say, just don't want to run people off.

Long days and pleasant nights.

A Day in My Life...

I tried to put this video on before but couldn't for some reason. Just a quick video to show you my exciting life.

YEEEEE HAAAWWWW

For all you Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood worshipers...

There's a new (old) band in town. One that has truly paid their dues and have the love and loyalty of an ever growing fan base to prove it.

Jason Boland and the Stragglers are now on the Billboard! They are also #1 in itunes sales with Comal County Blue.

Is the ghost of Waylon actually breaking into mainstream? Even with the throat thing? The throat thing that I'm sure many don't even know about.

Jason is not pretentious. His songs are from the heart, and many times, experience. You won't see him in a long shiny limo - his baby would rather see him in boots and jeans, so to speak. When the boys were here they were truly as awe-stricken to be here as I was to have them here. We were jointly worshipping each other. One of my favorite stories unfortunately isn't mine - but when Jo saw him at CF - she actually told him that she "adores" him. His response was a genuine - "really?" He truly doesn't get how wonderful he is - or how much we really do adore him. Thus making him even more adorable.

If by chance you haven't heard Comal County Blue - I suggest one or both of these options:

hop on over to http://www.thestragglers.com/ and take a listen to the suggested songs that are playing.

or... tune in to http://www.959theranch.com/ The Ranch - where only the best music in the land is played 24/7. You'll hear plenty of my favorite boys along with many many more awesome artists. This is where the heart of pure country still lives.

Country First - YES WE CAN!

Why I like Obama

by Tammie Kolker

Why I like Senator Barak Obama:

The Senator likes How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

the end.

From David Plouffe...

Tammie --

I wasn't planning on sending you something tonight. But if you saw what I saw from the Republican convention, you know that it demands a response.

I saw John McCain's attack squad of negative, cynical politicians. They lied about Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and they attacked you for being a part of this campaign.

But worst of all -- and this deserves to be noted -- they insulted the very idea that ordinary people have a role to play in our political process.

You know that despite what John McCain and his attack squad say, everyday people have the power to build something extraordinary when we come together.

Both Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin specifically mocked Barack's experience as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago more than two decades ago, where he worked with people who had lost jobs and been left behind when the local steel plants closed.

Let's clarify something for them right now.

Community organizing is how ordinary people respond to out-of-touch politicians and their failed policies.

And it's no surprise that, after eight years of George Bush, millions of people have found that by coming together in their local communities they can change the course of history. That promise is what our campaign has been about from the beginning.

Throughout our history, ordinary people have made good on America's promise by organizing for change from the bottom up. Community organizing is the foundation of the civil rights movement, the women's suffrage movement, labor rights, and the 40-hour workweek. And it's happening today in church basements and community centers and living rooms across America.

Meanwhile, we still haven't gotten a single idea during the entire Republican convention about the economy and how to lift a middle class so harmed by the Bush-McCain policies.

It's now clear that John McCain's campaign has decided that desperate lies and personal attacks -- on Barack Obama and on you -- are the only way they can earn a third term for the Bush policies that McCain has supported more than 90 percent of the time.

But you can send a crystal clear message.

Enough is enough. Make your voice heard loud and clear!

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Allergies

My poor baby girl.

No, not Nicole, although she did smash her thumb in a door today and had to take a tetnus shot. I've been assured that she will survive.

I'm talking about Millie. She has had a rash on her stomach and neck for about a month. I initially thought it was from a pigskin chew toy. But the rash never completely left even though I had taken the chew toy away from her (and Toby) and she had been on benedryl.

Today we loaded up in the car (those pups love a car ride, it generally ends at Nanna's or Aunt Patty's) and went to the Vet. They needed the annual heartworm test. Since I was a month late in getting them there, Toby didn't have to do anything but get weighed. (15 lbs) He was ready to leave, walked on the scale and then straight to the door. I've suggested they move the scale away from the door. But Millie had to be examined because of the rash.

She did pretty well. Only crying a couple of times and trying to get under my shirt to hide. Turns out she has an allergy from the grass. It has turned into a staph infection due to her scratching and licking.

She is now on antibiotic, allergy medicine, heartworm medicine, steroid and flea med. The good thing for her is she gets drug-laced peanut butter. YUMMY! Oh and Toby gets peanut butter. Now I know why she spent the weekend whining. She also kept Toby and me up all night. She couldn't get comfortable and thought it unfair that Toby and I could.

Anywho, let's hope she gets better. The Dr thinks this may only be seasonal. Let's also hope for that. Otherwise she is going to have to move in with Aunt Patty!

Long days and pleasant nights...

We've Got a Long Way to Go...

...And a short time to get there..."

Some of my earliest movie memories are the Smokey and the Bandit movies. I absolutely loved Jerry Reed. Burt Reynolds was cool too, but Jerry was HOT!

I still turn the radio up as far as it will go when one of his songs comes on. And even though I'm totally tone deaf - I sing along as loudly as I can. =)

Good bye Jerry - say hey to Waylon and Johnny!

no more white shoes...

Labor Day has come and gone.

Time to put up the white shoes and patent leather (does anyone even wear that anymore) Anywho, it looked as though I would have a busy weekend.

Family trip to Norman! woo hoo what fun that will be. Oh, Nicole is too busy and mom is sick. =(

Go to the movie with a friend from work. No definate day set, mayhap Saturday, if not, then Sunday. She had to work on inventory so would call me. No call =(

James has to take his mom to Arkansas but would be back Sunday afternoon. I'm assuming he is still in Arkansas and has no phone service.

So, my weekend was filled with time with the dachshunds. We had fun. We slept a lot and even managed to almost complete a full quilt block. We watched the hurricane. We watched some of the Sunday morning talk shows. No commentary on the current political thing will be posted on Tammieland at this time.

Anywho, we barely made it off the couch. When we did, we went outside and played fetch. That's about it - a Labor Day where absolutely no labor took place. Kinda nice...

Long days and pleasant nights...