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...