~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~
http://www.heartwarmers.com
The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
The things that we have in common are what
bring us together, but our ability to embrace and
find joy in our differences is what keeps us together.
-- Joe Walker


____________________________________________

EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES
by Joseph Walker

Everybody is talking about the money thing these days.
And with good reason. There's all kinds of crazy stuff going on.
You know... that really big company that went bankrupt or something. And that other big company that... sort of... you know... bought out another big company.
And then there's Fannie Mae, who is not one of the "Beverly Hillbillies" but who evidently has more to do with someone named Freddie Mac than she does with Jethro Bodine. And then there's Hurricane Ike, which... well, I'm not exactly sure what Hurricane Ike has to do with the whole money discussion, but it was devastating and I'm sure it did... you know... devastating stuff.
Economically as well as meteorologically.
OK, so I'm faking it here. The minute you start talking numbers and dollar signs, my eyes glaze over and I mentally retreat to my happy place. I won't say exactly where my happy place is, but whenever I go there I end up humming "It's a Small World" the rest of the day.
And I've been humming "It's a Small World" a LOT recently.
That's why I'm assuming there's heavy-duty financial stuff going on in the world, which probably explains why I paid more for a gallon of gasoline yesterday than I used to pay to fill up my Volkswagen back in the day.
Or maybe it doesn't explain it. Like I said, I'm not fluent in Econese.
Thankfully, I don't have to be. Years ago I met someone who is really savvy with regards to money and numbers and stuff like that, and I married her. Anita tells me everything I need to know about money, which generally is, "Don't spend it." Or if I do, "Make sure to give me the receipt." She's keeping up with all this recent money stuff. It actually seems to interest her. She even knows how to pronounce and spell Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's last name.
The other day she tried to explain the whole Fannie/Freddie/Bernanke scenario to me. According to observers, I went from mildly interested to full glaze-over so fast that Usain Bolt is calling and asking for tips. Thankfully, Anita has learned to recognize the glaze, and to accept it as part of the package she got when she married me.
For better or for worse.
For richer, for poorer.
'Til debt do we part.
I've been thinking about this today because... well, everyone is talking about the money thing -- whatever it may actually be. And also because I heard about a young friend, barely a newlywed, whose marriage is struggling over the money thing. And the communication thing. And especially the difference thing. All those frighteningly, maddeningly wonderful "things" that make marriage so challenging, and so sweet.
Anyone who has been married for any length of time can appreciate the difficulty of bringing together two very different lives, and from them making one shared life. As a result, we probably all have our own thoughts and ideas about what it takes to build and maintain a successful marriage. Heaven knows I do. But somewhere on every list of marriage tips and recommendations should be this foundational truth -- the things that we have in common are what bring us together, but our ability to embrace and find joy in our differences is what keeps us together.
Even with the money thing.
Maybe ESPECIALLY with the money thing.

-- Joseph Walker

____________________________________________
Joe is a Heartwarmer Gem and columnist from Utah.
____________________________________________

DEEP DOWN

Several years ago at the Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash.
At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win.
All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry.
The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back -- every one of them.
One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, "This will make it better." Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood and the cheering went on for several minutes.
People who were there are still telling the story. Why? Because deep down we know this one thing: What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win -- even if it means slowing down and changing our course.

HEART OF A LION

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

It took a blind cat to open everyone's eyes.
Purr was a little cat, but she had a heart of a lion. You'll enjoy today's story from Susan.

___________________________________________

HEART OF A LION
by Susan Dart

Years ago before the first Gulf war we moved to the desert Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on military assignment.
We had two small children, a dog, and a cat. As we stepped from the airport into the stifling desert heat, we made a bedraggled little party, exhausted from our long trip. We had no idea what lay in store for us, or how much our lives would change over the next two years.
Just two days later, as we were settling into our apartment at the military headquarters, we were visited by a kind woman from the housing office who noticed that we had pets. She immediately told us about a litter of kittens that desperately needed homes.
Abandoned by their feral mother, they were barely surviving on dog food they scrounged from local residents. Perhaps it was the jet lag or some other malady, but we agreed to see the kittens and that very day Purr came into our lives.
Little more than a piece of Calico fur, the starving kitten stole our hearts. She was tiny and weak and her eyes were infected, but we loved her from the start. As we nursed her back to health, she quickly became a member of our family.
We named her Priscilla after a friend, but our son was too little to pronounce it, so she became Purr for the rest of her life.
As her health improved she grew and thrived but living with her quickly became a challenge. She seemed unusually accident prone and leapt from one disaster to another, frequently falling as she tried to jump to higher spots. The shatter of breakable items became a common sound as she knocked over things in her path.
Purr grew a luxurious long-haired Calico coat. Our children adored her and she almost never let them out of her sight. She tolerated being pushed in a doll stroller, slept with them at night, and woke them in the morning for school. She also seemed to be less clumsy than before and rarely missed when she jumped from the floor to a high perch to look out the window.
We were able to move to a lovely house in the suburbs and life settled into a peaceful routine as we began our second year in Saudi Arabia, never suspecting it would all soon change.
Later that summer, Iraq invaded Kuwait and we were plunged into months of fear and uncertainty as the first Gulf war evolved around us. Late one January night we awoke to the sound of missiles exploding in the sky over the city. The war had started and the next few months would be some of the most challenging we had ever faced.
We spent many nights sitting in the hall wearing gas masks as sirens wailed and missiles roared over our home. We all slept in one room in the most protected part of the house wondering when the next attack would be.
And through it all, our little desert cat was there.
She comforted the children and entertained them with her antics. She never left their sides and they were less afraid.
The following summer we moved back to Texas and brought Purr with us. We took her to our new vet and told him her story. He examined her and then told us that she was almost completely blind. The blood vessels in the back of her eyes had never developed, most likely from the poor diet she had eaten as a newborn kitten. She had somehow learned to cope and managed well.
She had gone from a clumsy kitten to a graceful adult cat and a dear member of our family.
I often think of those days when we lived under the cloud of war and how the experience forever changed our lives. We would never take our peace and freedom or safety for granted again.
And I remember the little blind kitten that watched over us and helped us through -- a little desert cat with the heart of a lion named Purr.

-- Susan Dart

___________________________________________
Susan says, "I live in San Antonio, TX. We settled here after my husband spent 15 years in the Air Force. I have two grown-up children and a sewing business. I have had pets my entire life. I currently have 5 house cats and a parakeet."
___________________________________________

To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses On And Point A Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. When Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries With That.

4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For Three Weeks. Once Everyone Has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addiction, Switch To Espresso.

5. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Marijuana."

6. Finish All Your Sentences With "In Accordance With The Prophecy."

7. Skip Down The Hall Rather Than Walk And See How Many Looks You Get.

8. Order A Diet Water Whenever You Go Out To Eat.

9. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go".

10. Sing Along At The Opera.

11. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play Tropical Sounds All Day.

12. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You Have A Headache.

13. When The Money Comes Out Of The ATM, Scream "I Won! I Won!"

14. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking Lot, Yelling "Run For Your Lives! They're Loose!"

15. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."

16. And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity Is To --


Send This along To Someone To Make Them Smile. It is Called...
THERAPY


author unknown.... but too funny not to share..LOL.. hope this bring you smile to your face! :)

A HOME FOR HARRY

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com


You know the story -- Janet wasn't exactly looking for another
dog for herself. But one thing led to another, and guess what? Yep,
Harry found himself a loving home. You'll enjoy today's tale.


___________________________________________


A HOME FOR HARRY
by Janet F. Allen

In August 2006, our sweet little Brussels Griffon, Buddy, passed
away at the tender age of nine.
Earlier that same year, my father-in-law, Walter, had been
placed in a nursing home leaving my 84 year old mother-in-law,
Lillian, to live alone in her big old house. Walter died several
months later.
I felt like I should help fill some of the void and took to
spending more time with Lil. We went shopping and out to eat and my
husband and I would stop by often to visit. But I felt she needed
something more.
When I was driving home from a class at the local college, I
realized I was on the road that had an exit to the local humane
society. Even though I was skeptical about finding a small house dog
for Lil, I took my chances and made the exit.
Upon arriving I asked one of the volunteers who happened to be
outside if there were any small dogs available that I could look at
as a companion for an older adult. She directed me to one of the out
buildings. After a quick look, I decided that none of them would fit
the bill. While I was walking back to my car, the volunteer came to
me and in a low whisper said, "Go inside to the office and ask about
the little Shih Tzu."
I was a bit leery as to why she was being so secretive but I
went into the office anyway. The front desk person smiled at me and
after some whispering to another woman left the room and returned
with the cutest little Shih Tzu I'd ever seen. She said his name was
Harry and that he had belonged to an elderly lady who had been placed
in a nursing home. Since her family didn't want the responsibility
of a dog, they had dropped him off in hopes he would quickly be
adopted.
When I saw Harry, my first thought was maybe he was the runt of
a litter since he was so small for being four years old. When I
asked why he was still in their facility, I was told the previous
owners had let his hair grow long and matted and he didn't smell very
good and no one was giving him a second look. He had been at the
humane society for an unbelievable 3 weeks.
Finally one of the workers who had taken pity on him took him
home, bathed and groomed him. Harry now looked like a different dog.
I asked if I could hold him, they said yes and asked if I wanted to
fill out a "potential" adoption form that would add me to the list.
I said sure, why not.
I took Harry into the visitation room to talk to him and get
acquainted but he didn't seem to care one way or the other. He kept
looking at the door. I completed the application and returned to the
front desk carrying Harry. The lady then asked me if I would like to
take Harry outside for a potty walk. I said sure, why not, I have
time to do that.
While we were outside, unbeknownst to me, the lady was calling
our vet, Dr. Hemler. Dr. Hemler in turn had given us a rave review
so when I walked back to the office the lady immediately said,
"Congratulations, you can adopt Harry."
I was shocked. What happened to the "list?" I wasn't quite
ready to make that kind of decision since I had only stopped by to
window shop, so to speak. But it didn't take me long to change my
mind when I saw another young girl was very interested in the little
dog I was holding. Before I knew it, I was paying the $95 adoption
fee and walking out the door with a scared little dog for my
mother-in-law wondering what in the world my husband was going to
think.
Arriving home, my husband took one look at Harry and I knew by
his behavior and attitude that he was smitten. I didn't let on
though because I didn't want another dog. It was too soon. This dog
was supposed to be for my mother-in-law. It had barely been three
months and I was still grieving. I had finally gotten to the point
where I could go through a whole day without crying for my beloved
Buddy.
Well, Harry never did make it to my mother-in-law's house.
At first, I refused to take him for walks, feed him, or even
play with him. I left that to my husband since he was the one who
ruined my plan. I couldn't believe how quickly he had taken to
another fur baby. I was still heartbroken and missing my Buddy and
didn't want another to take his place. But as they say, time heals
all wounds and a cute little fuzzy face with liquid brown eyes helps
too.
It took me about a month to develop a relationship with Harry.
Harry would lay on the back of the couch and just watch my every move
like he was sizing me up. What I didn't know was he had already
picked me as his person and was just waiting for the opportunity to
make his move.
So that's the way it is. Harry lives with us but my
mother-in-law babysits every chance she gets. It has worked out
wonderfully for everyone involved.
Once Harry was in our home, I couldn't help myself. I gradually
let him establish a place in our family. Although Harry will never
take Buddy's place, he made me realize that I have enough room in my
heart to love another fur baby who desperately needed a family.
It's amazing the healing that comes from loving.

-- Janet F. Allen

___________________________________________
Janet lives in Webster Groves, MO.
___________________________________________


DALMATIAN'S DUTIES

A nursery school teacher was delivering a station wagon full of
kids home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the
front seat of the truck was a Dalmatian dog.
The children started discussing the dog's duties.
"They use him to keep crowds back," said one child.
"No," said another, "he's just for good luck."
A third child brought the argument to a close. "They use the
dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants!"

___________________________________________


DOG TIRED

An old, tired-looking dog wandered into the yard. I could tell
from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home. He followed
me into the house, down the hall, and fell asleep in a corner.
An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.
The next day he was back, resumed his position in the hall, and
slept for an hour.
This continued for several weeks.
Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: "Every afternoon your
dog comes to my house for a nap."
The next day he arrived with a different note pinned to his collar:
"He lives in a home with ten children and is trying to catch up
on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?"

___________________________________________


LOST CAT RETURNED HOME AFTER NINE YEARS
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080910/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_britain_cat;_ylt=AngDSiXviI2q_z8DuuIs9KUuQE4F


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got this via email..

Tornado warning

We were under a tornado warning earlier. I was caught in the storm on the way home from town. I drove 70 mph to get out of the storm and got home in time to get in the shelter before the storm got here. It was Unbelivable! I know I was crazy. All i could think was of my son being at my mom's especially being in trailer so had to get in the old house for safety. It passed within .1/2 mile from here. Jeez!

Now Tropical Storm Ike is on the way here which mean more RAINS which will bring floods and winds! Good news I have a/c now but it is not hooked up. Ahh~ lol It was so HUMID the last couple of days! ugh! I took lot of showers to stay cool! ha!! :P

As you know Gustav Remants did came here and brought lot of floods and rains. It did damaged the playhouse roof. Lot of memories in that one! :( I got several pictures of the damages and the floods if you go to the my photobucket album on the right where my favorite links are. Look for Gustav Remants, ok. :)

Anyway TJ's kitty died last Tuesday. We both are sad. :( Hercules was playing hard with her and didnt know any better. The kitty went in shock and died the next day. :( I was so mad at Hercules. he is still doing it with the kittens. I had to use the newspaper to stop him. Hope this will works. sigh!

Wild cat Ashy got hit but is ok but just limping. She can walk on it so she will be ok. She always hang around the road. She is an idiot. I hope she will learn a lesson and not stay there anymore.

I am doing ok as I am still hanging in there but I still can't sleep well even with the medicine that Doctor prescribed for me. :( Maybe within few weeks I will be back to normal? I hope. Just wait and see. :)

I hope all of you have a dry weekend! :)


As always,
Ginger :)

ALMOST PASSED HER BY

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com


Jackie wasn't exactly looking for a Lassie type of dog, but
those eyes at the shelter sold her. In today's bittersweet story,
you'll see how a rescued animal meant so much to so many others in
her household.

___________________________________________


ALMOST PASSED HER BY
by Jackie Griffith

After I lost my Angel, my beloved little white Poodle in 1995, I
decided to try to find another small dog.
Dakota, a German Shepherd/Husky mix was a great dog and a
wonderful protector at 100 pounds, but he wasn't exactly a lap dog.
I called the shelter and they told me that they had a little
black Poodle/Schnauzer mix, but she hadn't been cleaned up and she
was matted and stinky. I left immediately to go see her.
As I walked down the aisle to her kennel in the back, I passed a
pretty buff and white Sheltie mix that looked like a miniature
Lassie. When I was a little girl, I watched the Lassie show on
television, and like millions of other kids, I wanted a dog like
Lassie, too. But I looked at all that long hair, said "Good luck,
baby" and I continued to the back.
They handed the matted little bundle to me, still yapping and
whining. Her front feet encircled my neck as her back feet
desperately clawed their way up my chest. To their obvious surprise,
I told them I wanted her. They gave me her number card and I went
back to the front to pay.
On the way up the aisle, the mini-Lassie looked up at me with
those beautiful liquid brown eyes. Her tail tentatively gave a
little wag, but regretfully, I said "Sorry, baby," and kept going.
However, as I was writing out the check up front, I kept seeing
this pretty little Lassie face floating in front of my eyes, so I
surprised myself when I stopped and told the attendant, "I'll take
both of them."
Surprised, she said, "Really?!" I went back to get Lassie's
number as well.
As we walked out to the car, one on each side of me, the little
black Poodle/Schnauzer mix who would be Rascal tried to attack
Lassie, so I had to get someone help me get them to my car. I
crawled into the back seat with them. I sat and petted both of them
and in a firm tone, told them that they were going to be sisters, so
they had to get along. There was to be NO fighting! I talked to
them for several minutes, repeating over and over, that I would love
them both. They would be my babies and they were never to fight.
And there was no fighting, ever again.
From the shelter, we went directly to the vet's office to get
them both checked out and then home. Dakota was playing in the
backyard with a half-deflated football he'd picked up someplace. I
was hoping the introductions would go well, but when I let the two
new little ones out of the car, still on leash, the little black runt
showed remarkable moxie by trying to attack Dakota. She jumped
straight into the air on legs that were like coiled springs. She
succeeded in getting in his face although he was about 6 times bigger
than she was!
Lassie was obviously intimidated by his size and she first
backed up a couple steps and then ran, dragging her leash with Dakota
loping along right behind her. Not exactly what I had in mind!
I thought Lassie would keep running, and was preparing to go
search for her, but she ran around the house and came back to me and
stopped. Dakota just wanted to have some fun by teasing her. She
seemed to sense that and they were best buddies from that point on.
All three of them took off across the yard with the beat-up
football, playing their version of "take away." From that moment on,
all three of them became extremely close. Where one was, they all
wanted to be. They would vie for my attention but there was never
any jealousy between them, just love.
Lassie obviously adored the "big guy." Lassie would lick his
face as they rested, and he'd bare his teeth as if he were saying,
"Don't make over me!!" Rascal was the one that wanted to wrestle all
the time, and one of them usually accommodated her until she tired
and fell asleep still wrapped around them.
In October of 2003 we lost Rascal to Cushings Disease. I had
never heard of it. There was no cure and it is always fatal. It was
so very hard to lose her, and I hung on as long as I could.
Lassie and Dakota remained close, nearly connected at the hip.
Our cat population gradually increased as I rescued some in bad
situations, and if I wasn't in the room or if I simply don't notice
trouble brewing between the cats, Lassie quickly stepped in between
them to settle things down. They respected her and simply walked
away from each other. I called her my kitty-sitter.
Then a couple days ago, I found my beautiful little girl dead in
the yard. It was a horrible surprise. I was afraid Dakota, on
medication and nutrients, wouldn't make it through winter, and it was
Lassie that we lost. I held her on my lap and sobbed for a long time
before I could call my brothers and ask for their help.
In the last two years I had rescued two more dogs who were in
serious trouble, so our canine family had grown to four dogs. And
now they are three. Fortunately, I have a large home with lots of
room for dog beds, kitty climbing and hiding places, and God has
blessed me with the ability to care for them.
Our vets and the office staff have become good friends over the
years. I know that my family and friends will also mourn the loss of
my beautiful Lassie, now at rest in the pet cemetery at the rear of
our property.
And to think, I almost passed her by.

-- Jackie Griffith

___________________________________________


got this via email


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Hurricane Gustav remants arrived in Arkansas

As you know they forecasted that Hurricane Gustav will hit New Orleans. It didn't but west of New Orleans. It had moved far inland overnight. Now it had arrived here in Arkansas. The remants of Hurricane Gustav will slowly move across the state over the next several days, bringing very heavy rainfall and the threat for severe weather. It is no longer a Hurricane but Tropical Depression Gustav.

More Rains will continue to fall thru Thursday. They said we will be getting strong winds of 15 to 25 mph with higher gusts to 35 mph accompanying the rains. The rain will be moving very slowly. So naturally there will be flood concerns. So they had issued Flood watch here where I live.

Naturally I am happy because it had cooled off so much as it's been in 90's the last couple of weeks. I am loving it more and more! :) TJ is freaked out and saying we need to stock up on foods and water. I laughed at him and told him that he is silly. I explained to him that by the time it come here- it will weakened and will not be a hurricane anymore. He said oh. haha! He have lot to learn about hurricanes.

Of course we have to watch out for tornado threats as it can spawn several at same times. Again he is scared because he doesn't want any tornadoes due to close calls last spring in Birdtown which was EF3 and EF4 in Cleveland. Naturally I understood as he is scared as it can destroy something in a second. Also it can kill people too so lives are not replaced. Things can be replaced. :(

Anyhow I went outside few times and watched the clouds come from east. It is cool to see the clouds moving from east. It was very windy. It is my first time to experience something like this. My mom said we had remants in the past. I don't remember perhaps when I was young? I don't know. Ah no biggie deal. heh!

Well my Labor Day weekend was quiet and fun. We played in the water and got to relax. :) TJ is kinda sad that Summer is over and school is back in session. He mentioned that he can't wait for cooler weather. I am too looking forward to Autumn which won't be long. :)

I hope all of you have a great evening! :)
As always,
Ginger :)

WORKER'S PRIDE

SEXY & HOT COMMENTS


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~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~
http://www.heartwarmers.com
The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
Labor Day is a glorious holiday because your
child will be going back to school the next day.
It would have been called Independence Day,
but that name was already taken.
-- Bill Dodds


The spectacular Olympics are over. The hoopla of the political
conventions has begun. The kids are headed back to school and the
Labor Day holiday is upon us.
Did summer just come and go?

____________________________________________


WORKER'S PRIDE
by Joseph Walker

It has always struck me as more than just a little bit ironic
that every year about this time America pays tribute to her working
men and women by not working.
Not that I'm complaining. I appreciate a day off as much as the
next worker bee. It's just the logic that throws me. I mean, on
Thanksgiving we actually give thanks. On Christmas we celebrate a
gift from God by giving gifts ourselves. On Easter we observe
another divine gift by eating multi-colored eggs that were supposedly
delivered by a rabbit.
OK, so the logic of Easter eludes me, too.
Still, it stands to reason that if we are going to celebrate
America's workers, there ought to be something... you know...
laborious about it. And no, I'm not talking about the effort it
requires to pack a picnic lunch, or to go camping or boating or any
of the pastimes we work so hard at enjoying during the long weekend.
I'm talking about sweating. Toiling. Working.
You know -- laboring.
Mom and Dad understood the concept. Around our house, Labor Day
was just that -- a day to labor. I don't remember any Labor Day
picnics or parties or barbecues. We'd just had a full summer for
that. Labor Day meant that school was back in session and it was
time to work.
And so we did. We prepared the garden bed for winter. We
pruned fruit trees. We bottled peaches and tomatoes until the inside
of our house was thick with steam and aroma. Sometimes there were
special projects that we didn't finish during the summer: painting
the trim around the house; taking out an old, dead stump; planting
new grass in that patch of dirt in the middle of the lawn that we
used as home plate during spirited games of whiffle ball.
For me, however, the job was always the same: mowing, edging and
raking the lawn. As the youngest of eight children, I always got the
easiest -- and most boring -- duty.
"It's not fair!" I protested one Labor Day. "I do the lawn all
summer. Why can't somebody else do it today?"
"Because everyone else already has a job," Mom said.
So much for labor negotiations.
A late summer trip had interrupted regularly scheduled lawn care
that year, and our yard looked it. The grass was tall and thick --
especially the edges. I shuddered. Dad didn't believe in power
mowers or edgers, so this would require hours of back-breaking,
wrist-snapping, energy-sapping labor.
What a way to spend Labor Day, huh?
Don't ask me how, but I survived the ordeal. I was tired from
pushing the mower up and down the slope of our front lawn. My
fingers ached from squeezing Dad's rusty grass clippers. And I was
itchy from the grass that seemed to cover me. But for some reason,
as I sat out on the front porch looking out over the aesthetic
results of my labors, none of that mattered. I was weary, but
content. And I wasn't sure why until Mom came out with the lemonade.
"That's why we have you mow the lawn," she said as she handed me
a tall, cool glass. "You do such a good job."
In retrospect, I'm sure other lawns in our neighborhood looked
as good as ours. Maybe better. But that night I was King Lawnboy,
and all was right in my carefully clipped kingdom.
I've never forgotten the feeling of satisfaction that came from
a job well done. That's the feeling we ought to celebrate on Labor
Day, for much of what we are as a nation we owe to the efforts of
workers who are willing to work, and who take pride in the results of
their labors.
So do something laborious this Labor Day, and savor the
privilege and blessing of work.
'Tis the season, you know.

-- Joseph Walker

____________________________________________
Joe is a Heartwarmer Gem and lives in Utah.
____________________________________________

THE WANDERER

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com


They say "all's well that ends well." Fortunately for Wanda, a
horrendous situation was rectified and she lived a life surrounded by
love and attention.
Let's hope her story becomes a reality for the countless pets
who are neglected.

___________________________________________


THE WANDERER
by Marilyn Jacobson

He got the puppy when she was small enough to fit in a shoe box.
He named her Wanda because she tended to wander off at odd times
and the name just sort of fit.
Wanda was a fur ball of golden hair, not a Lab, not a Retriever
-- just a dog. Wanda grew and flourished in his care. She lay by
his side of the bed when it was bedtime. She got up early in the
morning with him if he had an early flight to wherever his job was
taking him that week. Wanda was his buddy and she missed him
horribly when he was gone.
His wife at the time was supposed to take care of Wanda when he
was away, but he knew as soon as he got home from his trips that
Wanda had not been properly taken care of by her actions when she saw
him.
"Wanda was a bad dog," the wife said. "She scratched the back
door up and made messes in the house." He knew the reason Wanda was
"bad." She was not let out to do her business and was not fed and
cared for properly. He knew it was not a good situation for her, but
his job called him away almost every week. He prayed that someone
would decide to take an interest in her while he was gone and tried
his best to make up for lost time when he returned.
His marriage fell apart. It had been building for years, but
the time finally came when he had to get out or go insane. He packed
what he could and moved away to another home -- another beginning.
He wanted so badly to take Wanda with him, but there was no
where to keep her at his new home. He left her behind with tears
running down his face, hoping for the best for her. His daughter
said she would care for her. It was the best he could do at the time.
The wife called a month later. "You have to take Wanda away
from here. I cannot afford to feed her and care for her. She is
just too much trouble."
By this time, Wanda had grown into a large dog. She was no
trouble when he was there for her. But she needed a new home.
He made arrangements to pick her up. When he got to his old
house, he was shocked at the condition she was in. She had no hair
on her back half and she had been starved to practically skin and
bones. He was so angry to find that someone could be so cruel to
treat an animal like this. He packed her in his truck and once again
drove away with tears running down his face -- not from sadness but
from anger. She had never deserved to be treated this way. It was
unthinkable that someone could be so cold.
He took her to his new home. He set a bowl of water and a huge
bowl of food down for her and she devoured it in minutes. He took
her to the vet and found that she was so infested with fleas that she
had scratched away most of her hair. The vet prescribed medication
and said to get her on a good healthy diet. She would come back from
this but the scars would remain.
Wanda is now 86 pounds and a lovable speed-bump. She lies on
the floor at his feet and at the side of the bed when it's bedtime.
Her name is still fitting. She is content to spend the rest of her
days with him.
And he will make sure she has everything she needs to help her
into her sunset days. Other animals have come into his life, but
Wanda is and always will be his "buddy."

-- Marilyn Jacobson

___________________________________________
Marilyn and her husband Art live in NW Iowa and are active with a
local animal rescue organization. This story was submitted in memory
of their dog, Wanda, who passed away July 31, 2008. Her furry
sisters and brothers; Sandi, Nikki, Charlie and Jonah miss her
sorely, as do Art and Marilyn.
___________________________________________

Monday's here! Grr

Myspace Monday Graphics

Hi Everyone,

My weekend was fine but TJ, my son is not. Poor kid is sick with sore throat and didn't feel well. I have been tending to him and fixing him soups and bringing him drinks to keep him hydrated. Now He is back at his father's house for the week. I only hope it is not serious. :(

It had gotten hot again and I am not real happy about it. :( I really can't wait for Fall to be here! I am SO looking forward to cool nights. Seriously. LOL. I will be happy when it is here! hehe! Hard to believe that Summer is almost over. School had started and Labor day is upon us already. Dang! Before long Halloween will be here which is my favorite Holiday. I don't know what I will dress up this year. I gotta find something, LOL. Any suggestions? hehe! :P

Well for Labor Day weekend- I don't know what we will plan to do- maybe go swimming and have a cook out or something. I will figure something out. I know it is this weekend. LOL. Kinda last minute, oh well! Lmao! Remember I like to take one day at a time. so :P heheh!

I guess I will stop for now so hope all of you have a great week! Take care and have a great afternoon! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

SIR WINSTON

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com

After losing a loved one, P.S. happened upon a special dog in an
animal shelter close to home. We think many of you can relate to
what happened next.

___________________________________________


SIR WINSTON
by P.S. Gifford

For everyone considering bringing a four legged creature into
their family, I urge you to please visit a shelter.
Recently I had to put my beloved Tasha, a gorgeous
Shepherd/Collie mix to sleep, as her kidneys had shut down. I was
gutted and the last thing on my mind was bringing a new dog into my
life.
However, on Saturday we ended up at Orange County Animal
Shelter. Seeing the number of Shepherd mixes there tore at my heart
strings. I thought about bringing one of them home. But, somewhere
deep inside of me, I knew that would be an attempt to replace Tasha,
and she was irreplaceable.
It was in one of the last cages we saw a dog huddled at the back
as far away from the front bars as possible. Most dogs are eager to
be up front as you walk by, but not this dog.
We read that he was a two year old stray called Benji. They had
him down as a Bearded Collie. Eventually, after a little coaxing, we
encouraged him to come and say hello. He was a bundle of overgrown
matted fur, but inside that fur were two little eyes peering up at
me. There was a level of sadness and desperation in those eyes I had
not seen in a long time.
I wanted to meet with him but because the shelter was closing
soon the visitation area had been closed. We went back to the office
and waited in line to get as much information on Benji as we could.
However, we decided that it wasn't fair to our other dog Chester,
another rescue, and that we needed to re-consider the whole thing.
My fifteen year old son started to tear up.
That night at home our thoughts kept going back to Benji. By
the time Sunday morning rolled around we had not only made up our
mind to adopt him, but we had renamed him.
He was going to be Sir Winston.
We raced down to the shelter and this time we got to meet him.
He looked even more pitiful than we remembered. His coat was an
abysmal mess. After visiting for him for a couple of minutes we knew
we were making the right decision. With our hearts all racing we
went back to the office to complete the paperwork.
We had already made an appointment to get him groomed that
afternoon. But there was a snag -- he still needed to be neutered.
We were disheartened a little but understanding. We were advised
that it would be up to ten days.
On the way back home we made a stop at the pet store and loaded
up the cart. New bed, collar, leash, bowls, etc. It was at 7:30pm
that same night we received the phone call.
Sir Winston had been cleaned up and operated on and would be
ready the following morning. We were also advised that they now
considered him to be a Lhasa Opso. We were overcome with excitement!
The next morning, after a few hours of restless sleep, my son
and I went back to the shelter. The girl in the office took our
information and clicked on the screen. Her eyes lit up with joy.
"You are not going to recognize him!" she said excitedly.
Minutes later we watched as a dog, appearing half the size of
the one we had adopted, we being carried out. They were the same
eyes as I had seen yesterday, only now the sadness was gone!
Despite coming in at a meager 11 pounds, Sir Winston dragged us
out of there. It was like a completely different dog! The shelter
had done him proud. They had to shave him completely, except his
face, which they neatly trimmed and cleaned up. He is absolutely
adorable.
That was a couple of days ago, and since then, Sir Winston
quickly made himself at home. He is an extremely mellow and highly
affectionate little dog. Chester, who is eight time his size, took
to him immediately.
As I work from home, Sir Winston never leaves my side. As I
type, he is snoring away underneath my office chair. Though there
could only be one dog as special as Tasha, we also know now there is
only one dog as special as Sir Winston.

-- P. S. Gifford

___________________________________________
You can visit P.S.'s website here: http://www.psgifford.com/home.html
___________________________________________

got this via email... Hope you all have a nice day! :)

Rainy Tuesday

Hi everyone,

Yep it is raining! Weird August but I AM LOVING IT. heh! It look like October weather is here because it's been in mid 80's and 60's at night time. 2 nights ago it was 58 degrees. UNBELIVABLE! It does help so much because my a/c is broken so you can imagine me being a bitch. Stay away from me! Beware!!! LOL. Just kidding. Hey Mother Nature- Cool weather PLEASE STAY!!! :) I LOVE YOU!!!! haha! :P

Just let you know I am physcially ok but tired as I didn't sleep well the last few nights due to insomina. Even though I went to doctor yesterday and got my medicine. My dr said it will help me to sleep. It didn't do the job! :( I have to go back to doctor in 2 weeks for the follow up care. It is kinda too soon to see if this will help me especially with my depression and insomina. So wait and see! Of course I will keep you all updated ok? :)

I noticed that Arkansas doesn't have Deaf coffee Chats? There is one in Fort Smith but not have one in Central Arkansas? Oh dang! So I decided to go ahead and set it up for fun and see if everyone will come and join. It is in Yahoo groups called DeafCoffeeArkansas. Maybe this will be a ritual. I hope. It would be good to see everyone even once a month to see what is up and all that. For those of you who read this- Please spread the words, Thank you. :)

TJ started school yesterday and I was told he like his teacher and school so all is good. :) I can't wait to hear all of the details Friday when I see him. I hope he is having fun. :)

I hope all of you have a great day! Take care!

As always,
Ginger :)

New Pictures are up...

Hi everyone!

I went to Clinton, AR yesterday afternoon to meet a friend and we went out to eat at a restaurant. Afterward the dinner we went to the city park to look around. My friend asked if it's ok that he can take the pictures of me. I said sure go ahead. I think he had fun doing it. LOL. It was an awesome ending to the meeting. Beautiful sunset and a gorgeous day. What more could I ask for? heh! To think it's gonna rain all day and my friend said nah it won't. He was right about that. LOL! heh! I had a great time. :) I hope you will enjoy the pics. Here is the link to my photos. :)

http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/Smile4ginger/Taken%20at%20Clinton%20AR%20Aug%2012/

Thank you sweetie for sending me the pictures. You are the best! :)

I hope all of you have a great night!
As always,
Ginger :)

Rainy Weekend...

Can you believe it is raining in August? Yes I am not kidding! Wow! What a MAJOR change that is as it is always hot by this time of the year. We usually have the heat wave by now. Matter of fact, We did had the heat wave the last 3 weeks as it was in 100's plus heat index and the high was 109 with heat index excedding over 110's. Damn! Brutually hot! Argh!

I am kinda glad it had cool down as I love cool weather as I can always sleep better in cool weather compare to hot weather I can't? :( Whooooooo Hooooooo.. Right now the temperature is only 68. I am LOVING it! :)

Good news! I finally get to sleep some this morning as I went to bed after 4 AM and woke up after 11 AM but I still need more sleep as I only had 16 hours of sleep the last 4 days. I will be ok- I hope! I am still sad but I will get thru this eventually one way or another with help. Sigh! :(


TJ will start school next week. He is looking forward going back to school and getting back in the routine. Hard to believe that Summer is almost over! I already saw the 7 sisters constellation coming up on the horizon so Fall is coming. I am so looking forward to Fall. Leaves changes colors and falling down. Beautiful sights to see! I can't wait to go sighseeing. :) Fall is my favorite season but not looking forward to my birthday, LOL.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Sunday wherever you are at. Have a great day!

As always,
Ginger :)

Reminder- Meteor Showers Perseids this week!

COUNTDOWN TO THE PERSEIDS: The annual Perseid meteor shower peaks one week from today, on Tuesday, August 12th. The best time to look is during the dark hours before dawn on Tuesday morning when forecasters expect 50 to 100 meteors per hour. Get away from city lights if you can; plan a camping trip! The darker the sky, the more meteors you will see.

The source of the Perseids is Comet Swift-Tuttle, which has littered the August portion of Earth's orbit with space dust. The dusty zone is broad and Earth is already in its outskirts. As a result, even before the peak on August 12th, you may see some "early Perseids" streaking across the night sky. Photos of these early arrivals will be featured in the days ahead on http://Spaceweather.com as part of our full coverage of the Perseid meteor shower.

----------------------

This is the best week to view the meteor shower so mark on the calendar! :)

NEVER GROWING OLD

~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~
http://www.heartwarmers.com
The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.
-- Celia Thaxter


None of us are getting any younger, that's for sure. But our
memories -- particularly memories of our summers when we were kids --
can work wonders. Nothing can stop us from being young at heart!
When you read Kathy's story today, you'll no doubt think back
to special times when summers seemed endless and there was always an
adventure around every corner. (What? You didn't have video games
and couldn't text your friends? Oh no!)

Meanwhile, we'll be sending our publications during the day on
Wednesday, rather than Tuesday evening, to prevent them from getting
lost in the all of the overnight junk email. Hopefully, you'll be
able to find us a littler easier in the future.

____________________________________________

NEVER GROWING OLD
by Kathy Whirity

It was a question that had me asking a question of my own.
A recent article I read posed the question: If you could relive
a summer memory what would it be?
On this lazy summer's afternoon the musings of my middle age
mentality have me asking a question of my own. How can you choose
just one?
A trip down memory lane brought me back to a tree lined street
in the Roseland community -- a quaint and quiet neighborhood where we
lived until I was about 12 years old.
Across the railroad tracks from our home was an indoor pool. My
brothers, sister and I would often go swimming there.
One afternoon, as I ran across the tracks from the "Pump" as we
called it, I saw my dad in the backyard, the contents of a kiddie
pool strewn about the lawn.
Patience was not a virtue that my dad possessed, which is why
our pool was the only pool in the neighborhood whose liner was
clamped down with clothes pins.
When filled to the rim the shallow water reached right below my
knees. But it didn't stop us from splish-splashing away many hot
summer days.
My dad also loved having barbecues, though he was far from a
genius at the grill. He'd make a grand production but the result
would always yield the same result -- hamburgers the size and
consistency of charcoal and hot dogs that ended up resembling beef
jerky.
I do remember his milk shakes being the best. He'd dump a half
gallon of ice cream in the big green mixing bowl and add milk and
chocolate syrup. Then he'd mix it all with the hand mixer and ladle
it into the tall fancy glasses usually reserved for company. Dad
tried his best despite his dysfunction in cooking. And, besides, it
wasn't about the food as much as it was about the togetherness of
family.
Sunday mornings were always special when grandma spent the
weekend. She'd stand at the stove, in her flowered duster, and make
us German pancakes. They were crepes we'd spread with butter,
sprinkle with sugar, roll up and eat. They were so good!
It's been more than 40 years since I've tasted one of her
breakfast specialties, but all I have to do is close my eyes and I
can see her standing there at the stove. With that memory, the word
"comfort" food takes on a whole new meaning.
Long car rides were also an adventure we'd do as a family on
summer evenings. Our dad would do the driving while we kids would
sit in the back seat, with all the windows rolled down as our hair
would blow carefree in the soft, warm wind of the season. We'd cap
the evening off with a trip to the penny candy store where everything
really was a penny.
Many a mid summer's morning you could find mom standing at the
ironing board. She'd fill a Pepsi bottle with water and attach a big
plastic flower petal, with tiny holes, to the top of the bottle.
She'd sprinkle the clothes with water, wipe her brow with a hankie as
she'd continue pressing out the wrinkles on clothes, long before the
concept of permanent press apparel became popular.
Our bed time treat rarely varied. After baths were taken, mom
would place a pint of ice cream on the table. She always sliced it
into 4 perfect slices, one for each of us.
The question the author posed about choosing one memory to relive
has opened a flood gate of memories too many to choose from.
If I had a choice, I think I'd rather opt for one more day to
spend with my family in that house on 104th place in Roseland. To
smell the Lillies of the Valley that grew wild and untouched in the
front yard. To catch lightning bugs in the backyard and bike ride
around the block, with my little brother teasing me and my friends
because we couldn't leave the block.
What I wouldn't give, as an adult, to sit on the old back porch
and sip a milk shake my dad had made especially for me.
To laugh with my grandma and to have a chat with my mom -- if
she could be as she was and I could be who I am now. (I'd have a lot
of thanking to do.)
It's a gift to reclaim a sense of our summer's youth. While we
can't relive the past, it's a blessing to know, that through
memories, we never really grow old.

-- Kathy Whirity

____________________________________________
Kathy is a newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental musings on
family life. She is also a contributor to the Chicken Soup for the
Soul book series. She and her husband, Bill, live in Chicago. You
can visit her website at: http://www.kathywhirity.com
____________________________________________

RHAPSODY WITH THE PERFECT MATE

~ Welcome to Petwarmers ~
http://www.petwarmers.com


Since you're a Petwarmer reader, you'll get a kick out of
today's story. You can hear the violins and symphony in the
background! What better title than "Rhapsody with the Perfect Mate."
Thanks Lynn!
Meanwhile, we'll be sending our publications during the day on
Wednesday, rather than Tuesday evening, to prevent them from getting
lost in the all of the overnight junk email. Hopefully, you'll be
able to find us a littler easier in the future.

___________________________________________


RHAPSODY WITH THE PERFECT MATE
by Lynn Perrier

The feelings I felt for the new male in my life had not
diminished in the least, despite spending every day with him since
the beginning.
He moved in and never left. It was only supposed to be for a
short time. That's what I said in the beginning. Without wanting
to, I had fallen madly in love with him. After that, there was never
any question about him staying forever.
I languished in bed feeling like a Queen. There was no hurry, I
had no plans today which would take me outside my home. What a
wondrous feeling it is to share the morning with someone you love. I
reluctantly got up and put on my satin dressing gown as he watched me
silently. He loved when I wore that dressing gown.
With a look of utter content on his face he dozed off and
returned to dream land, his body limp and relaxed. Oh that
beautiful, exquisite body. Primitive in its desires yet
sophisticated in its demands. Sometimes I wanted the whole world to
see it. Most of the time, I wanted to keep it all to myself.
I bent over to give him one last kiss so I could absorb the
scent of his hair which would sustain me while I left him to do the
mundane acts associated with rising. Strange, I just realized that
no matter what time of the day or night it was, he always appeared
immaculate. No unkempt hair. Nothing out of place. To me, he was
always perfect.
I puttered around the kitchen like a regular little housewife.
To be honest, I have never been the domestic type. The humdrum
chores of being a home body had always bored me. I sensed that was
about to change. Now, for some reason it felt right.
He entered the room, hesitated and watched me from the doorway.
A combination of scrutiny and devotion radiating from his face as he
stood there the picture of pride and masculinity. Ever curious, the
smell of the freshly brewing coffee must have urged him from the
seclusion of the bedroom.
Our relationship was not yet a year old and it got better with
each passing day. I was now at a point where I wasn't bashful about
anything when he was around. I knew no matter what I did, it
wouldn't make any difference to him. He would always love me.
We had never suffered through the initial stages of being
uncomfortable while getting to know each other. Always believing the
axiom "familiarity breeds contempt" I knew now there were exceptions.
This was my exception. What an incredible feeling -- one I had
seldom experienced always being aware of my appearance, my voice, my
perfume, my breath.
Those things we think of, when a relationship is in its infancy,
didn't matter. Not often had I come to this point. There had been
others but none that touched me the way he did. None that understood
me like he did. None that could anticipate my every move like he
did. He was very special.
The day moved in slow motion as I went about doing odd chores
around the place. We weren't expecting any visitors today so there
was no need for me to go shopping. In fact there was really no need
for me to do anything. The weather was miserable and raining. The
perfect day to relax and enjoy the company of a loved one.
I had picked up a book earlier in the week and decided this was
the day to start reading it. As I sat trying to concentrate, his
movement caused me to look up from the pages. Once again he came to
me slowly, deliberately like a lithesome spirit. I lost track of
time, lost in an embrace as I held him in my arms not wanting to let
go, even for a minute, his frenzied kisses covering my face.
In other relationships I had always been the giver, never the
recipient. This time it was different. I watched as he reclined on
the chesterfield oblivious to my observation. One of the qualities I
loved about him was his modesty. At no time did he act like he was
any different from the others. Yet he was. He wasn't demanding or
critical. He even liked my cooking. Never a day went by that he
didn't show me never ending affection.
I reluctantly got up to prepare a snack while he remained in his
position of ease. As usual he watched my every move. Sometimes he
made me feel like a movie star with his never ending scrutiny. This
is a relationship which will last forever.
I know in my heart I had finally found the perfect mate.
I called to him from the kitchen to share the latest sustenance.
As I set a midday snack of tuna down for him I said a little prayer
of thanks for having Toby in my life.
Listening with joy, as he purred in a rhapsody of pleasure, I
contemplated the exquisite sound a cat makes when it's happy.

-- Lynn Perrier

___________________________________________
Lynn is a motivational writer whose life has lead her down many paths
opening her mind and heart to the important things in life. With an
often humorous slant, her writing will leave you with food for
thought and a smile on your face especially the articles about her
cats. You can read more of her work online at
http://www.thecolumnists.com where she writes a regular column along
with other authors or her website http://www.tributememorial.net
___________________________________________


WOMAN, 97, SAYS CAT'S YOWLING SAVED HER FROM FIRE
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080802/ap_on_fe_st/odd_cat_hero

___________________________________________

GOLDEN RETRIEVER ADOPTS TIGER CUBS AT KANSAS ZOO
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080731/ap_on_fe_st/odd_adopted_tigers

___________________________________________

only 4 hours of sleep .. in the last 48 hours.

Right now it is almost 5:30 AM and I am surfing online- Thinking of the asshole make me finally cry. My heart is broken in million pieces. I only had 4 hours of sleep the last 48 hours. I am fucking tired. Too many thoughts went thru my mind as I laid in my bed. I can't think as too many things are jumbled all together at once. I can't sleep. It fucking hurts. Fuck him. Dammit. So hence why I am online surfing. sighs.

When he asked me to leave- What was I fucking suppose to think? If he had told me in first place but If he said he and ex both are friends? Why do I have to leave? Of course It's suspicious as he have had something to hide and wouldn't tell me the truth? It hurts when he asked me to leave. He said due to drama? I believe that Honesty is the best policy as I have always said in first place as I don't tolerate liars nor head games. I don't deserve being fucking lied to or treated disrespectfully. Don't you agree with that?

I have tried to figure it out why it hurts? After talking to someone- it all made sense to me. It is because I put my trust in him and he violated it. By not being honest with me and make me feel like he don't respect me at all. You know what I think of him? He is thoughtless, inconsiderate and disrespectful. I fucking deserve better than that. I don't forgive people because I am weak. I forgive them because I'm strong enough to know people make mistakes. I am not fucking ready to forgive him. Not now. Maybe later when I am strong enough.

He shouldn't be anyone special to me, He is just another guy. He shouldn't lead me on especially if it's a lie, one day it's love the next day it's done. He hurt me too much to be the one. Why? I know I will never get any answer out of this! This fucking sucks!

Damn this as I am typing- my eyes are pouring out. Finally I am crying. I couldn't cry yesterday. Why not? Is it because I am numb or what? Or maybe I have too much of my pride? Or maybe it's because I went thru so much so I don't cry anymore. I have went thru it so MANY times. I have lost count. I don't know. It's weird I can cry at the movies but I can't cry when something bad happened to me? I guess I am like a robot. I do know that I have lot of holes in my heart. Nothing can fill the void. No wonder I am depressed. Not just that but I do have anxiety attack and panic attack. I may have PTSD due to painful experiences. Go figures!

I wrote a draft- it is not that great but that's how I feel.

It hurts.


every time my heart beat it hurts.
that it feel like im dying..
i'm carrying lot of pains inside.
oh it hurts so badly..

I am sinking into darkness- no where to go ..
I want to die... so badly that it hurts
I am so confused that I am losing my mind.
every time my heart beat it hurts.

i need to be set free of the pains.
I kept thinking why?
I have run out of answers.
I guess i will never know.

Oh why does it hurt so much???



I guess I will have to deal with this one day at a time. As hard as it is- I gotta get thru this maybe with help and there is always tomorrow. New day- New Beginning. So Whatever. I guess I will look back and laugh at this. This is nothing. LOL. I guess there is a hope inside me. :\

Drama, Drama.. Jeez !

Sorry I haven't been blogging in a while. I have been away from the computer as you can see. I have been away from home too long. I have been staying at my ex's mom's house then ex's apartment. Guess what? More drama .. neverending in my life.. when can it end? Fuck this.

It was a wild night because of drama that went on. So I stayed up till 7 am. Finally we went to bed but woke up after 9 am due to that someone showing up AGAIN. More Drama! I am fucking tired! I just got home and is unhappy. It hurts. No I am not ok but even more I am PISSED off! Fuck this. Pardon my language. I even hit my hand on the cabinet and it was bleeding. LOL. It didn't hurt, believe it or not. hahaha! I guess I am numb right now but I don't frankly give shit at all. LOL.

Drama, Drama. Blah Blah! Fuck this. I really am sick of this. This happened before so this is twice that it happened. Jeez. Men sucks, really. It is a fact of life. What can I say? Shit!

I am gonna say.. Fuck this..I know. I said it alots but I had to say it. If you don't like it then don't read my blog for all I care! If you are still reading...
Oh yeah.. While I was driving home I did felt like driving fast and hit the tree and end my life right there.. but I can't.. I have TJ to think of.. So I'm not gonna do this but it hurts, dammit!

Why? I know I will never get any fucking answer out of this! This fuckin sucks! :( Damn this as I am typing- my eyes are burning and trying to fight the tears not to let come out. I can't cry. Why not? Is it because I am numb or what? jeez. But you know what? I have to stay strong because TJ need me and he will be here tomorrow.. I hope I can make it thru the night.. Oh man. shit.

And this is not all. Yesterday was the annivesary of my cousin Crystal's Death. It's been 15 years since she have been gone. She is forever missed dearly. I can't believe it's been that long already. As it seems like yesterday when she had passed away from the freak accident. I really wish she is here as she is my best friend, my childhood playmate, like sister, and more to me. I wish she is not gone because I really needed her so much at this shitty time. :(

You know what, Ok.. Actually I can't deal with this so I'm gonna stop for now, ok.

Cya around...

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http://www.petwarmers.com

Do you think there is a difference between city cats and country cats?
Carol provides us an interesting and entertaining perspective --
from a city cat's point of view!
Meanwhile, thank you for all of your feedback regarding dog
food. You'll see many of the replies we received in our Mailbag
section. Looks like there is quite a variety of preferences out
there.
___________________________________________


CITY SLICKER
by Carol J. Douglas

This is a letter from a "City Cat" to his "Country Cat" brothers
and sisters:

My dear brothers and sisters,
A year has passed since I was plucked from our litter in the
country and taken to the city to live. I feel this is a good time to
write to you and let you know what life is like here.
The most astonishing discovery I've made since moving here is
that the city mice are so different from the ones in the country.
For one thing, they all have bells inside! Not only that, but they
just lay on the floor waiting for me to pounce on them instead of
scampering away! I carry them in my mouth and bat them around just
like the little balls I find on the floor (also with those fabulous
bells inside). Such great fun!
Another great perk is that the people who adopted me are at my
beck and call. I only have to rub their legs and look at them
beseechingly and voila, I get a delicious treat! And if I don't like
the food they give me for my main meal, I simply sniff it and walk
away. A short time later they will fill my bowl with something more
to my liking.
These wonderful people have thought of everything.
For my entertainment they have provided me with a caged bird to
watch as well as many windows to enjoy the comings and goings of
other birds. Also, there is a large container filled with water and
swimming fish for my viewing pleasure. Some day I plan to put my paw
inside and grab a fish.
However, I spend the majority of my day napping. I have my
choice of beds all over the house. If I choose a chair that a person
was going to sit in, he or she will simply find another, albeit, a
more uncomfortable one. Sometimes I take pity on them and let them
have the chair while I graciously cuddle in their lap all the while
being stroked. I let them know I am pleased by purring contentedly.
When it is time to retire for the night, I have first choice of
the area on the bed that I find most comfortable. The people adjust
themselves around me. I let them sleep while I sleep. When I awaken
and want my breakfast, I stretch lazily and see if they are awake.
If they haven't awoken, I clean myself. And if they are still not
awake I gently walk around their heads. If I am still unsuccessful,
a few loud meows and pounces always works.
Ah, life is good here in the city.
Come and visit anytime. Must go and inspect my dinner!
Best Regards, Your city brother

-- Carol J. Douglas

___________________________________________
Carol lives in Dublin, Ohio with her husband, Jeff and their two
children, Justin and Emelia, and two city cats, Tux and Ferrari.
Carol has had several children's poems published as well as a romance
story in Woman's World Magazine. Her new book for children, Miss
Millie Pede & Friends -- Poems & Riddles to Bug You! can be found on
her website at http://www.caroljdouglas.com.
___________________________________________

Horrible Weekend..

It's been a horrible weekend. :( I got drunk last saturday- fell down and hit my head on right side. i got knocked out and they couldnt wake me up for long time. my right eye is swollen. Right Side of my head is throbbing. I went into a shock and threw up alots. i also had shakes. my sweetie had to keep me warm by holding me in his arms along with blanket. i cant keep anything down yesterday none at all. man it was not funny. I havent eaten for 2 days now. :eek3: I spent the whole day resting yesterday and today as well. I am still feeling horrible. i know for a fact that i do have concussion cuz i was knocked out and they culdnt wake me up for long time??? jeez i dont undy why they didnt call ambulance for me? sheesh! oh well.. if i am not feeling well by tmw.. i will go to dr and have check up on my brain to make sure im ok.... :(

I am not gonna go down the road again. i am too old for this. lol. :)

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http://www.heartwarmers.com
The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
I have never been especially impressed by the
heroics of people who are convinced they are
about to change the world. I am more awed by
those who struggle to make one small difference
after another.
-- Ellen Goodman

Today Roger tells us about a remarkable woman that you probably
have never heard of before -- a simple, yet inspirational and
courageous woman who had a tremendous impact saving thousands of
Jewish children in World War II.

____________________________________________

IRENA SENDLER
by Roger Dean Kiser

I was eating dinner in my recliner and watching the television
news when I saw this strange, almost comical looking woman.
I decided to change the channel but my remote stopped working so
I was forced to watch the news segment.
Within minutes, tears filled my eyes when I realized the woman
they were reporting on was an honest to goodness hero.
I had never heard of Irena Sendler -- a woman who saved the
lives of 2,500 children who were scheduled to be killed by the Nazis
during World War II. She had both her legs and feet broken by
soldiers while trying to save the lives of children.
As thousands were being killed, the children of total strangers
were given false identities and placed in homes, orphanages and
convents. Irena Sendler carefully noted, in coded form, the original
names of the children and their new identities. She kept the only
record of their true identities in jars buried beneath an apple tree
in a neighbor's backyard, across the street from German barracks,
hoping she could someday dig up the jars, locate the children and
inform them of their past and true identities.
In all, the jars contained the names of 2,500 children.
Are there any Irenas or Schindlers left among us today?
Is that funny and sort of weird looking character down at the
local super market or the gas station the one who might save our
children should such a terrible occasion arise in the future?
As of today, I will do my best to try and treat others with a
little more dignity and respect. I now realize that it might be the
pimple faced kid working at McDonald's or the over-weight individual
at the dry cleaners who might have the heart, guts and unselfish
compassion to save my offspring one day.
All I can say is that there are only a few true heroes and I thank them.
The jar has been found, the lid has been removed, and the lesson
has been found.

-- Roger Dean Kiser

____________________________________________
Until we read Roger's story, we had never heard of Irena either. She
passed away a couple of months ago on May 12, 2008, at age 98, in
Poland. Her family and many of the rescued children continue to tell
her story of courage and valor. There is a fascinating website we
encourage you to visit that can give you the whole story, including
how American high school students recently discovered her legacy and
created "The Life in Jar" project. You are welcome to learn more
here:
Homepage: http://www.irenasendler.org/
Life in a Jar Tour Schedule: http://www.irenasendler.org/events.asp
The Project Story: http://www.irenasendler.org/thestory.asp
____________________________________________

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http://www.petwarmers.com

Stephanie and Brett were open to the idea of adding a cat or two
to the family. Brett got himself a "daddy's boy" -- and Stephanie
found a "mama's boy."
All's well that ends well!
Note: Let us hear from you if you have an opinion about what
dogs should eat. You'll see a short story below.
___________________________________________


MAMA'S BOY
by Stephanie Powers

I had two cats heading into their golden years when my husband
and I first met.
Brett had never owned cats but after seven years of dating he
loved Valentino and Australia as much as I did, and they loved him.
We were heartbroken when Aussie went to the Rainbow Bridge on
our first wedding anniversary and two years later, on our third
wedding anniversary, my Tino followed her.
Two years passed before we were ready to adopt again. I put the
word out to friends and family. Before long a friend came through.
Charlotte owned the kennel where she boarded dogs and had
rescued a mother cat and kittens from an abandoned barn. She was
looking for good homes so I called her. I told her we wanted an
outgoing kitten who could handle a lot of love.
"You're going to want Little Joey," she said.
Much to my surprise, Brett didn't want Little Joey. He didn't
like the idea of someone else choosing our kitten. We drove out to
the kennel anyway.
Three kittens were left for adoption. When Charlotte let them
out of their condo none of them gave me a second look but one
immediately jumped into Brett's arms and snuggled.
"This is the one I want," he stated. Little Joey had just
picked his new owner. The bond was instantaneous. They weren't even
going to let Charlotte say goodbye.
Brett and Little Joey, now renamed Leo, are inseparable. Leo
will leap onto Brett's shoulders giving him kisses on demand. He's
daddy's boy through and through. I was jealous.
Parking behind my office, located on a busy city street, I
started seeing a woman followed around by the most precocious tuxedo
kitten. He was tiny, yet full of attitude, and sometimes he would be
outside all by himself stalking birds and butterflies close to the
road. I prayed that he would survive.
Strangely, I was delivering papers to a client's business when I
met the kitten's owner doing odd jobs there.
"Your kitten is adorable," I told her.
"Do you want him?" she asked. "My landlord wants an extra $30 a
month for pets, so I'm getting rid of him."
Of course I wanted him, but Brett had just quit his job for a
better one that fell through and our health insurance had run out and
his medicine was $400 a month. Our money was tight. The timing was
terrible.
"I'll take him, but not until I can get an appointment with my
vet. Can you keep him for a few more days?" I asked.
That was Friday. On Monday, I walked over to her apartment with
my cat carrier. I wanted my new kitten to get used to it. That's
when I saw him poised on the very edge of the road ready to pounce on
a butterfly. Somehow, I managed to shoo him into her apartment.
"Please don't let him outside until I can come and get him," I
begged. I showed her what to do with the carrier, telling her I
would be back at 7:30am on Friday.
That was the slowest week of my life. Several times, on my way
to the post office I saw him sitting outside near the road, locked in
his carrier. Though safer, I didn't like that either. It cost $300
and a second trip to the vet that day, getting Leo caught up on his
shots and an overdue check-up before MooShoo came home with a clean
bill of health and a few hundred less fleas.
My MooShoo has never looked back and neither have we. Brett and
I fell in love with him that very first day. If you sneeze, he meows
"Bless you!"
Every morning, he leaps up on my knee light as a feather and
gives me a kiss on the lips and a love bite on my elbow. He sleeps
wedged so far underneath me I call him my little chicky. But best of
all, he's mama's boy through and through.

-- Stephanie Powers

___________________________________________
Stephanie is an accountant who lives in South Bend, Indiana. She and
her husband love all animals especially cats. She love stories and
pictures about animals and has recently become an avid bird watcher.
___________________________________________

Blue Friday.... blue and black ankle Again!

Good afternoon to all of you....

It's been crazy this week...What can I say? I am happy to report now that me and my sweetie worked things out. So all is good. Not just that but first I fell down Monday and sprained my ankle and this morning I fell down and sprained my same ankle and now it is VERY blue and black! It is throbbing.

It was getting better and I was getting handle of walking on it but now this again? Oh boy. I am such a klutz! No wonder I was voted Most Clumsy back in High school for two years in a row. LOL. Gotta love me, hehehe! :P

Not much of news around here but finally get to check emails and see what is up online. Now I gotta get off and go to town to do errands for my mom and my sister. So I hope all of you have a great weekend! :)

Take care and As always,
Ginger :)

In Loving Memory of Mac- Nov 14, 1992- July 17, 2007

And to make it worse.. Today is the one year annivesary since our Beloved dog Mac had passed on.. Hard to believe it's been one year ago since he had been gone and there is not a day that go by without us talking and thinking of him. He is forever always in our heart. We still missed him soo MUCH! We are sure that Mac is watching over both of us so that is a comfort thought. :(

We love you Mac so much!!!! :(

Lovin' you sweet dog...
Ginger & TJ...

Love sucks!

Good morning to all of you. I am sure you are surprised to see me up late at this hour? I just can't sleep as lot of things are racing thru my mind but that is not the only reason why as I am in a bad mood, too. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I just want to scream at the world... Why?

Right now I am feeling hurt and have been crying alots since last night..I am not going to post all of this as it's none of your beeswax business! This definitely SUCKS! WHY??? WHY?? ARGH!!!!! *crying* *sniffing* This fuckin sucks! :*(

Lastly before I close this but I can say this...

LOVE SUCKS!


So whatever.... sorry but I had to vent.... *crying*

Thank you for listening to me....

As always,
Ginger :(

Blue Monday- Blue ankle...

Good day to all of you...

I have been busy the last few days as I was with a friend. I had a good time but the bad thing is that I fell down yesterday and hurt my ankle badly. I was not paying attention to where I was going and fell into a hole. I had to go to er and thank goodness it's not broken! whew! But dang it throbbed all night as I couldn't sleep none at all! :( sniffing

Funny thing is that my friend fell down last night too. He had a cut with huge knot on his shin of the leg. Ouch! He went out of the front door and got spooked by the spider web so he ran back in and fell over the table. He is scared of spiders. poor guy! heh! Guess we are two of a kinds! ha ha ha!

TJ and I are going to stay at friends house for at least 2 days.. We are going to watch movies and swimming. So hope all of you have a great week! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

A deaf Joke....

A bar is located across the street from a school for the hearing
impaired. Every evening after classes, members of the faculty
come into the bar and have a drink. They use sign language to
talk and sometimes their conversations become quite intense.
One afternoon a group of the teachers are sitting at a table and
are being overly rambunctious in their sign language: their hands
are held high, and they are swaying back and forth. The bartender
becomes quite agitated and says to one of his customers
sitting at the bar, "Now they'll never go home."
"What do you mean?" asks the customer.
"You can't get them out of here once they start singing!"

Got this via email.. LOL.. cute! heheh!

Blue Monday? ... Nah....

Hi everyone!

Was it a Blue Monday? Nah.. It was a HOT and Humid Monday! I thought the A/C went out in my car but I realized it was set on wrong setting, duh me! Ugh, LOL! We were sweating so profusely! ugh! haha! Still we had a good day... We went to snake exhibit and croc exhibit at Morrilton. TJ was so excited to see King Cobra up close as it is his favorite reptile. ugh. ha! :)

There were several albino snakes (rattlesnakes, vipers, and speckled spitting cobra there.) I was surprised. I never seen one (albino speckled spitting cobra) before. So it was very interesting! Afterwards we went shopping then we went back home and fixed the dinner. I was kinda glad to be home cuz of A/C LOL.. hehe! :P

So what did I do for the 4th of July weekend? It was fine. I went to two different cookouts..One was on Friday afternoon here at my mom's. And it rained almost all morning. We were supposed to go swimming but it was cancelled. So I watched lot of Christmas movies on Lifetime channel. TJ played with the toys lol. We didnt go to watch fireworks orginally as planned due to me being dizzy and vertigo attacks due to Meniere's disease so we stayed home to watch fireworks and Dateline show about tornado 2008 on television.

Then on Saturday we went and see several of my old friends from school at Chick Fila restaurant in Conway. The thunderstorm came and it was bad. Lot of lightnings and thunders. TJ's Father and my good friend texted me and telling me to come home. I didn't like the idea of driving into the thunderstorm? So I rode the storm out with my friends. We stayed there for few hours. It was great to see them again! I sure missed them so much! :)

By then it was getting to 9 PM so it was time to leave. We went to Target then to Wal-mart to get whatever TJ wanted as he got birthday money to spend on. He got Power Rangers Jungle Fury Megazoids and he was happy with it! We have been looking for that since last year. Finally! Whew! AFterwards I dropped TJ off at his father's house. Finally I have a break but only for one day. LOL.

Then Sunday afternoon I went and saw my best friend and hanged out with her at my second momma's house. It was good to catch up on news and watching kids play in the water and all that. After that I went to my brother's house for a late 4th cook out/celebration to celebrate my niece's newborn baby as she had the baby yesterday.

Yes Carissa had her baby born at 2:36 PM and 7 lb and 3 oz. I don't know how big the baby is though. The baby was due on July 6th. Sure enough the baby arrived right on time! Ha! The baby's name is Jonathan Alexandre Haydn G. I am a Great Auntie again for 5th times or whatever? I have lost count, LOL! heheh! :P

Last night I watched the West sky for short time as it finally cleared up as it was cloudy the last few days so it was awesome to see moon near Saturn and Mars! :) So overall I had a nice weekend except the stupid dizziness and vertigo attacks as I can't help it! :(

Oh yeah... I finally figured it out why I have been getting Migraine headaches all week. I bought a diary creamer the week before and the flavor is Chocolate Raspberry so could it be? I didn't put it in my coffee the last couple of days and I haven't got the attack yet? So obiviously that is the culprit? Hmm! Oh jeez! I loved the flavor as it tasted so great! Oh well I bought another diary creamer and it's French Vanilla which is my other favorite flavor.. Does that mean I am allergic to chocolate raspberry, I wonder? Oh man! I love chocolates! :(


Well I better stop for now so ya'll take care and have a great week! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

Have a great 4th and wonderful weekend! :)

Myspace 4th of July Comments & Graphics

I hope all of you have a wonderful 4th. :) Enjoy the fireworks, cookouts and whatever you usually do on the 4th.

Happy Independence Day! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

Have a Happy 4th... :)

Myspace 4th of July Comments

I hope all of you have a wonderful and safe 4th. I have been sick the last few days with migraine headaches. It was so horrible. :( I am feeling a bit better today. I am still taking it easy. :) so i am not going to write long one but let you know I am still alive and kicking. :) ha... in case you arent coming online. I posted the graphics and hope you will enjoy the 4th. Happy Birthday America!!! :)

Hope you will enjoy reading the Heartwarmers! :)

As always,
Ginger :)



~ Welcome to Heartwarmers ~
http://www.heartwarmers.com
The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
Let every nation know, whether it wishes
us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear
any burden, meet any hardship, support
any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the
survival and success of liberty.
-- John F. Kennedy


The flags will be flying this weekend as Americans celebrate
Independence Day, the 4th of July. We hope you have great, and safe,
holiday weekend.
Today, Joe explains the difficulty he had when he was a kid
trying to understand what "unalienable" meant. We can remember
having problems with "indivisible."
The Declaration of Independence may only be words written on a
piece of paper (actually parchment, which is made from sheepskin) but
words have meaning and words are important -- very important. That's
why we can never take them for granted.
Let's all make sure those words are kept alive in each of our hearts.

____________________________________________

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
by Joseph Walker

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the
pursuit of Happiness..."
I don't know why the moment is frozen in my memory, but it is --
my fourth grade teacher, Miss Greene, is introducing us to The
Declaration of Independence. Maybe it's because she is such a fine
reader, or maybe it's because I have a crush on her, but it feels as
if every phrase shoots directly from her lips to my soul.
Especially that last phrase.
At age 10, I'm really into happiness, so learning that my
headlong pursuit of it is one of my "unalienable Rights"... well,
suddenly I like the Founding Fathers even more than the Yankees.
Not counting Mickey Mantle, of course.
Only one problem. I had no idea what the world "unalienable" means.
"I think it means you can't have it," George said when I asked
him about it during recess.
My heart sank. But then I thought about it. "I don't think
that's right, George" I said. "Why would those guys get excited
about rights they can't have? It doesn't make sense."
So I went to the smartest person I knew, JoAnn.
"Well," she pondered, "I know 'alien' means someone from another
planet, so 'unalienable' must mean something you can't bring in from
outer space."
She seemed to know what she was talking about even though I
couldn't for the life of me figure out what it had to do with
anything. Which is why I decided to summon my courage and ask Miss
Greene (not that she was scary or anything -- it was just... you
know, that crush thing).
"It's a very good question, Joe," she said. "Let's go to the
dictionary to find out."
Holy cow! Why didn't I think of that?
Soon I learned that an "unalienable Right" cannot be
"surrendered or transferred." Now, that was more like it. I had the
right to pursue Happiness, and no one could take it from me.
No one, that is, except Mom.
"Good," she said when I announced my intention to devote the
rest of my life to my "unalienable Right" to pursue happiness. "Now
go clean your room."
Somehow this wasn't working. Where were the days of frivolity,
where breakfast was pie and root beer and "work" was getting up to
change the channel? Where were the 10-speed bicycles? These were
the things I was sure I needed to be happy. And Happiness was my
Right.
I've learned a lot about happiness since then -- sometimes by
getting what I wanted. I had a job where I had to watch TV eight
hours a day and it became a chore. I had a 10-speed and the chain
kept falling off. I had pie and root beer for breakfast once. It
made me sick.
Mostly, I've learned that happiness isn't a possession.
You can't buy it, and no one can give it to you. It's a
feeling, and it usually involves things like family, peace, security,
love and service. It doesn't always come easily, but it is always
worthwhile.
And I think that's what the signers of The Declaration of
Independence had in mind when they affirmed humanity's God-given
right to "the pursuit of Happiness."
They weren't talking about momentary pleasures -- they were
talking about long-term, whole-souled, capital-H-type Happiness. It
isn't something you can touch, but something you feel. It isn't
something you get, but something you are. It isn't a lifestyle, it's
a way of life.
But it IS something you have to pursue. Only the journey won't
take you far and wide -- it will take you deep within yourself. You
may not rack up any frequent flier miles, but you will return with a
much grander bonus -- peace, contentment and Happiness.
After all, it's your "unalienable Right."

-- Joseph Walker

____________________________________________
Joe is a Heartwarmer Gem and a newspaper columnist.
____________________________________________