Wordless Wednesday: Oh, hai!

Wordless Wednesday

GiST 159 & Saturday Stuff

Grace in Small Things 159

1. There was a refreshing breeze when we walked at the Cape May Zoo. It definitely made for a more comfortable afternoon!

2. Everyone had such a nice time at the zoo, even if most of the animals wanted to hide or sleep. Little T especially enjoyed the giraffes and zebras. TB took picture after picture and hopefully I'll get to share them soon.

3. We got a really cool picture of Little T with his dad going on a roller coaster ride at Hershey Park. The look on the little guy's face is just priceless!

4. We had enough "found" money left over to order dinner from the local pizzeria. Hooray, a break from cooking yesterday...especially after a long and exciting trip to the zoo!

5. Today I'm giving my body permission to crash. I was going to fight against it but realize that would be an exercise in futility! :D Nap, here I come!

We've been teaching Buddy to wait patiently for his treat and then toss it up in the air and catch it!

Saturday Six

1. You’re asked to bake cookies at home for a special gathering: which flavor of cookies are you most likely to choose to make? I used to make a seven layer cookie that is very decadent and would probably would to make it again!

2. You’re asked to bring store-bought cookies for the event instead: which brand/flavor of cookies are you most likely to buy? Probably Mrs. Fields' chocolate chips

3. Are you more likely to bake or buy a variety that you personally like best, or one that you think most everyone else will like more than you do? I tend to like the flavors other people like so I guess this would be a combination of the two!

4. A Girl Scout comes to your door with her cookie brochure, but you can only afford a single box: which flavor will you buy? The mint chocolate

5. Take the quiz: How Does Your Cookie Crumble?

You Are Solid

You are laid back and easygoing. You don't like to make too big of a fuss. Like everyone else, you have your tastes and preferences... you're just more flexible than most people. You are good at compromising, and you get along with all sorts of folks. You are a natural diplomat. You try to make things as easy on others as possible. You know that life can be a drag, so why make it worse for someone else?

How Does Your Cookie Crumble?

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

6. What’s your preferred way of eating an Oreo: all at once, or by separating the two outer wafers and eating the filling first? I have to have a glass of milk so I can dip the cookie as I eat it. I leave it whole.

GiST 150, Caturday, and Camera Critter

Grace in Small Things 150

1. A productive family therapy session.
2. Cats that want to keep me company everywhere--on my bed, my chair, my desk, my computer ...
3. Having enough coffee left over from the pot to heat up and have as a wake-me-up in the afternoon
4. Movies to watch and books to read on a hot humid day
5. Freeing my toes from shoes and socks. They wiggle in the carpet they're so happy!



Caturday 

 
Here's one of those purrrrr-fect places for Cubby to nap ... on top of the scanner. Isn't that what scanners are for, after all?

Want more Caturday? Be sure to check out Blogging Cat Noos!

Here's Buddy in the spring, when we still had grass and it was pleasant to sit outside and enjoy the weather!

GiST #119

1. Cubby accidentally got out of the house and our dog Buddy chased the poor terrified cat around the yard and up a tree! TB and I tried to coax him down but he was in shock and scared. He huddled on the branch and meowed piteously at us. TB went and got a ladder, climbed up and reached Cubby, trying to soothe him.

2. TB started to bring Cubby down as I held to the ladder. Cubby was okay for a few seconds and then began to panic, going into Tazmanian devil mode. Somehow TB managed to hang on and we got the cat back into the house. Either claws or teeth went through TB's fingers.

3. We let Buddy live.

4. I finished Blaze, blogged about it, and began reading The Circus Fire.

5. Another stupid virus got into my computer, invaded my address book and began spamming everyone. Luckily a friend told me about it so I could change all my passwords and security and I think it attacked my email account, not my actual computer. It wasn't as bad as it could have been.

Caturday and other Memes

I was borrowing TB's computer and inadvertently discovered Munchkin's other hiding place. Munchkin says, "Ratz, Eyam not able to hide frum Mommy Bean!"

Want more Caturday? Be sure to check out Blogging Cat Noos!


Saturday Six

This is from last Saturday but since I didn't play, it doesn't matter!

1. When you go to buy clothes, what store do you generally visit for the best deals? Goodwill first, then Walmart.

2. Of the stores near you, which one is likely the last one you’d consider visiting to look for a bargain on clothes? Fashion Bug

3. Which are you more likely to spend more on: a haircut or a bottle of your favorite shampoo? What did you last pay for that? I'd be more likely to get my favorite shampoo and I don't remember what I paid last for it.

4. Which are you likely to spend more money on: a pair of slacks you’d be willing to wear or a pair of shoes you’d be willing to wear? What did you last pay for that item? A pair of shoes and last time, they cost me around $30.

5. Take the quiz: What’s Your Shopping Stereotype?

Your Shopping Stereotype is Economical

Cheap. Thrifty. Frugal. These are all word that you can (and likely do) use to describe your shopping style. Why pay top dollar when you can get a bargain? You love to save money, and you're really quite good at it too. You're most likely to be found shopping in discount stores, but you also know how to rock the clearance rack at top end places. People are always complementing you on your finds, and they can't believe how cheaply you get everything.

What's Your Shopping Stereotype?

Blogthings: We'll Tell You The Truth... Someone Has To!

6. If you had to cut out three “luxury” or unnecessary things you often buy for three months to save money during an income crisis, which three would you choose? We're in an income crisis so the first "luxury" things I cut were: buying books, buying DVDs, and eating out.

Here's our Buddy again.

TB's Workshop

We all need something to keep us sane, to help us deal with the stress and pain of life. Mine is blogging and losing myself in online games where I have to think (Lexulous) or can be mindless (Farmtown). TB's is in creating.

These are pictures of TB's projects and he's made everything from scrap wood and materials we had around the house. It's really cool because it hasn't cost money the way some hobbies do. The bulk of the wood came from Freecycle. The tools and things he's making could have been purchased but would have cost us money.


Come on in.


Today's project was making a clamp to hold projects to the table


TB made his work table from scrap wood and pieces from Freecycle






Here's a cart for the shop vac


This is a "light tent" and TB can use it for taking pictures


TB made this bench for us to sit on in the front yard--once the weather gets nicer!

TB's got a couple of assistants too.


The fly catcher


The quality assurance supervisor. Since the projects are so well made, she really doesn't work very hard!

Okay, I take it back ...

We are having some snow storm! I've put together a little slide show. The first set of pictures are from our first storm on February 6th. Those are followed by some of me and the kids from the blizzard aftermath in Columbia, Maryland, 1996. The last are all from today.

I started out with two taken around 7 a.m. when nothing was going on. I took a few more around noon when the snow began to pick up again. The last few, #21-28 are all from around 4 p.m. What a difference a few hours makes!



Big Snowstorms

Cats on Tuesday: Transformed Into A Cat Lover

CATS ON TUESDAY is a group of cat lovers who share pictures and/or stories about their cats once a week, hosted by Gattina.




You wouldn't know it from looking at these pictures, but TB wasn't always a cat lover! In fact, there was a time when he didn't like feline fur babies very much. Then he met me and got to know Amber and Mousie. After we got married and he developed a bond with my two, his attitude toward cats changed dramatically. We were at Petsmart one day shopping for feline needs and happened to go by the animal rescue section. He saw Kosmo and it was love at first sight!


All of the gang love him as well so there's a really sweet human bean-feline friendship going on here!

Want more cat blogging?

Be sure to check out Gattina's blog. Today is also Tuxie Tuesday and then there's Blogging Cat Noos for all the latest!

GiST #9 & Saturday Memes

Grace in Small Things #9

1. On the Obesity Help forum, I found a board called Fifty & Over and I feel so at home there. The people there are so warm, welcoming and friendly. It feels safe. I think this is another place that will help me, just like the GiST social group. :)

2. Today I worked on a sandbox activity with my 17 year old daughter. She sees a therapist every 2 weeks. She has bipolar disorder and depression, just like me. Today, the therapist invited me to join in. At first I felt skeptical because I'm not that artistic...well, what I mean is: I am inhibited. But as my daughter and I worked together, I began to relax and have fun.

3. I was able to say something to my daughter that moved her to give me a big hug. I've said it before but it's important to me that she knows how important she is to me. She is the "invisible" child in the house, the one who always pitches in and cooperates and never rocks the boat. The thing is, now that we are in the mess we are in I can't help her like I did with her brother and sister--helping her to buy a car, etc. Shoot, I can't even afford for her to join an inexpensive school bowling league. It just feels like there's no reward to being the "good" one. I am not saying that right. It's not fair that I can't help a really good kid like her. I wanted her to at least know how much I love her and appreciate her and I think it made her happy to hear that.

4. My grandson came over today! I haven't seen the little guy in several weeks because someone's always been sick or something. What especially made me feel good was how happy he was to see me. I love it!

5. I did not allow myself to feel guilty about anything today--not about not making the pulled pork or not buying bread or not cleaning, etc....none of it!!! Yay!

My goal today was to take it easy and I believe I accomplished that. My affirmation was to take care of myself because I matter. It felt good.







This is our sweet lab, Buddy. He is totally lovable but about as graceful as the proverbial bull in a china shop. He is loyal and loving and has a killer tail. He has a scary bark but no bite. Kosmo (our Bengal-tabby mix) thoroughly has him cowed and can chase him from a room, tail tucked between his legs. I don't get to show him off much because I'm not into doggie blogging. Here's a real cutie pie though!

Saturday 9

Talking In Your Sleep

1. Has anyone in your life talked in their sleep? Yes, my brother has talked in his sleep several times! One time, when we were teenagers, he came downstairs late one night and began rummaging around in the refrigerator's vegetable crisper. I asked him what he was doing and he said he needed his mitt, he has a baseball game to go to. When he was in the Navy, he got the other recruits really mad at him because he sat up in bed and yelled, "Attention on deck!" They all jumped out of bed and stood at attention and he laid back down. He didn't remember any of it.

2. What do you like about fall? I love the colors of the changing leaves--so beautiful! I also love the crisp cool nights and pleasant days.

3. Do you have an addictive personality? Yes

4. Who was the last person to do something extra special for you? My hubby, TB

5. Would you ever take someone back if they cheated on you? That's really hard. My inclination is to say no.

6. Are you happy with where you are in life? Yes, I'm pretty content.

7. Do you believe that you can change someone? NO! This is something I am continuing to work on now. I have no power/ability to change anyone else, just myself.

8. Have you ever wished you could've had someone but you couldn't? Oh sure, hasn't everyone? Everyone's had crushes and teen idols and all that.

9. Would you ever fight someone over your significant other? Yes



Today Linda came for a visit with our little guy, Tomas. We haven't seen him in several weeks because we've been sick, he's been sick, Linda's been sick or had to work or blah de blah. Anyway, he came running into the house and I could hear his excited laughter. I went into the hall toward the living room and he was already running to meet me. He flung himself into my arms and mine went around him, pulling him to me. Oh, I hugged him and felt my heart just melting with the love and joy of him. I had a big grin from ear to ear!


Cheeeeeeeeeeeeze!

Bigger smile: we'll see him again Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. I wonder if it'll be too crazy at the mall to take him to see Santa? Well...maybe a nice walk at the park would be better! :)

Cats on Tuesday: Kosmo Vs. The Cone

CATS ON TUESDAY is a group of cat lovers who share pictures and/or stories about their cats once a week, hosted by Gattina.


Why is Buddy hiding under my desk? What's up, boy?


Mommy, mommy, he's after me! Help me, hide me!

Who's after you, Buddy?


I see Mouse to the left of me and Cubby to the right of me. What's up, boys? Why're you after Buddy?

Oh, we're just here to help Kosmo, Mommy.


What's up, Kosmo?

That cone has got to go! Come on out, Buddy, we want to take that cone off! We won't hurt you...much...heh heh heh..."


Want more cat blogging?

Be sure to check out Gattina's blog. Today is also Tuxie Tuesday and then there's Blogging Cat Noos for all the latest!

Sunday Meme

We didn't go to Maryland for Mary's viewing and church service because Ted was still sick (pneumonia's still in his left lung) and the weather was so awful. I talked to my brother and am very sad to hear that my cousin Tom (Mary's brother) also wasn't able to go because his wife, Pat, is now close to death. :( What an awful year for my dad's side of the family.

I needed a day of west and wewaxation, especially since we decided we weren't going to venture out at all today. Not no way, not no how.

I figured memes would be a fun way to blog today.

Straight Out Of the Camera Sunday



Yesterday, Little T was here for his visit with his mom. I hadn't taken any pictures of him in awhile and figured I'd go ahead and take some. Here he is playing with Marble Works. What a cool game! It's fun and terrific brain food too. There's any number of ways to put these pieces together!




Sunday Stealing

The ABCs of Meme

A- Advocate for: children, the Deaf, homeless, health insurance reform

B- Best Feature: my facial features (apparently, I'm very expressive)

C- Could do without: stress!

D- Dreams and desires: a world of peace & love (dream); visiting Hawaii/Ireland, home by the ocean, good health, happiness, enough $ to take care of financial issues (dreams)

E- Essential items: DH, kids, grandkids, family, Books, glasses, coffee, computer, Lost!

F- Favorite past time: reading

G- Good at: cooking

H- Have never tried: skiing

I- If I had a million dollars: Pay all bills, house for us, houses for family, vacation, donate to charities

J- Junkie for: chocolate

K- Kindred spirit: TB

L- Little known fact: I bought my own guitar with baby sitting money

M- Memorable moment: marrying TB

N- Never again will I: drink alcohol

O- Occasional indulgence: sweets

P- Profession: interpreter for the Deaf

Q- Quote: Be who you are and say what you feel. Those who matter won't mind and those who mind don't matter.

Something like that... Dr. Seuss said it.

R- Reason to smile: any--don't need one!

S- Sorry about: mistakes I've made

T- Things you are worrying about right now: finances, kids...TB's health

U- Uninterested in: sports

V- Very scared of: something bad happening to loved ones

W- Worst habits: procrastination & laziness

Y- Yummiest dessert: cheesecake, yum!

X- X marks my ideal vacation spot: anywhere near the ocean

Z- Zodiac sign: Sagittarius





Heeeeeeere's Buddy!





Unconscious Mutterings

I say... and you think ...

1. Werewolf :: Lon Chaney, Jr.


2. Jim :: Kirk


3. 2x4 :: board


4. Unruly :: wild


5. Component :: part


6. Prolific :: Stephen King


7. Wrestler :: Hulk Hogan


8. Huh? :: Wha?


9. Dolls :: Guys


10. Super! :: Fantastic!

Man Cat Monday: Kosmo vs. Buddy's freaky collar

I wish I'd been able to get this on my camera somehow to share! It would have been a hit on America's Funniest Videos! Here's what happened:


See this gigantor collar on Buddy? We'd borrowed it from a neighbor to help him stop biting at his irritated flea/fly bites. They have been annoying the poor dog to no end and now it's at the point where we can't leave him outside for more than a few minutes before the things start dive bombing him. In the house, he keeps biting at his legs and making them raw. We've been putting on the creams and medications the vet suggested to us but then hit on this idea of the collar. Now we'd be able to keep his mouth and teeth away to let the irritated skin heal.


Enter Kosmo, who's never seen such a contraption in his life. Normally the King of Zen, I heard him hissing and growling from the hall way. As soon as he saw the thing, it offended his sensibilities so he crept down the hall to attack it and kill it.

He pounced on the offensive cone just as Buddy lifted his head, trapping Kosmo inside. Kosmo began yowling and spinning, his tail and body puffing up three times its size. Buddy was terrified and began shaking his head, finally lowering it.

The monstrous cone-creature freed the frenzied Kosmo who took off under the sofa. Buddy went in the other direction, totally confused about what just happened. Everyone was roaring and rolling on the ground, causing further offense and hurt feelings to both furry friends.

Later, TB was rocking in the glider near me while Kosmo relaxed between the chair and the ottoman at TB's feet. Buddy came in looking for friendship, still wearing the collar that freaked Kos out in the first place. He lowered his head to be stroked and Kosmo leapt at him, hissing and spitting. Buddy yipped and yiked in panic, tearing out of the room with his tail between his legs.

Kosmo followed him to the doorway, puffed up again like a blowfish, but with a look of triumph in his eyes that said, I won, I won!

Kosmo: 2, Vicious Collar: 0.
Buddy: up the proverbial creek

Want more cat blogging? Be sure to check out Blogging Cat Noos for all the latest

Thursday Thirteen #21: Why Pets Are Good For You

Thirteen Things reasons why pets are good for you 1. They love us unconditionally 2. They offer unconditional loyalty, well, dogs do anyway 3. They don't judge us 4. They forgive us everything 5. We can be ourselves around them without worrying about what we look like 6. They are fun to play with 7. They offer comfort when we need it 8. They accept us just the way we are 9. They teach us responsibility and how to take care of another 10. They are good company when we are lonely 11. They help us exercise 12. They help our brains secrete feel-good endorphins when we are petting them and loving them 13. They make lovely cuddle buddiees when we are napping

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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They're Not Fluffy, They're Fat!

In our family of two and four footed members, many of us are just, well, fat. And three of our four footed members are looking at some of the same complications of obesity as are TB and I.

Kosmo says: Hey, there's more of me to love!


Amber says: Don't call me fat! I'm floofy! Floofy, you hear me? Floofy, not fat!


Buddy: Ahyuk, Ahyuk, what's fat?


The other day, I got an article in my ArcaMax newsletter about Pets and Exercise. Here's what it says in part:

Just as it is with their owners, pets need exercise if they are going to stay healthy, active and live a long, quality life. Nowadays, many pets live in urban environments that can make adequate exercise a real challenge. ...

A great many ailments and conditions can arise from an inadequate amount of exercise, the most serious and widespread of which is obesity. ...

Obesity commonly arises from a number of factors. Many dogs are left alone, inside for long periods of time. Some cats spend all their time indoors. Many small pets don't have exercise wheels in their cages, or - in the case of birds - adequate space to fly about. All of these situations restrict movement and create a sedentary lifestyle. In addition, many pet owners don't take their animal's relative lack of activity into account when it comes to their pet's diet. As a result, many pets are fed far too many calories in relation to the amount of energy their inactive lives actually require.

The deleterious effects of obesity can vary, but all are serious. Primarily, obesity puts a great deal of stress on the body, exacerbating pre-existing conditions like heart disease, orthopedic disease, and some skin conditions. Obesity can also play a role in causing chronic diseases like diabetes.

Kosmo says: Okay, now you're scaring me! What can we do about this?

Larger animals should get at least 20 minutes of exercise, twice a day. Just like with their human counterparts, this should be vigorous work that emphasizes strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. For a large dog, a traditional game of fetch can be great exercise, especially when combined with some good old fashioned tug-of-war between throws. Try using the My Good Dog Vibram Stick, for a new twist on this favorite, canine pastime. For a bigger cat, a similar game with a Cat Dancer Cat Charmer can provide great fun and aerobic activity.

Amber says: I'm tired already just thinking about it...what about us 'petite' cats, us floofy darlings?

If you own a smaller pet, you can arrange for adequate activity with less space. Many times intermittent game-playing can be adequate. Anything from friendly rough-housing with a small dog, to ball rolling can be a great way to keep your pet fit, and spend quality time together in the process. Add extra challenge by throwing a My Good Dog Vibram Ball into the fun. With smaller cats, a toy like the Cat Dancer Mouse in the House can provide lots of fun, fit play, even when you're not home to enjoy it together.

Well, time to get the feather teaser out!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erik_Weinstein
http://EzineArticles.com/?Pets-and-Exercise---A-Great-Fit

More cat blogging? This weekend:

Weekend Cat Blogging will be hosted by A Byootaful LIfe

Bad Kitty Cats Festival of Chaos will be hosted by Pet's Garden Blog

Carnival of the Cats will be hosted by Diamond Emerald Eyes at House Panthers


And for all the latest, check out Blogging Cat Noos!

Wordless Wednesday: Best Buds?

Wordless Wednesday