Good Morning

Hi everyone,

Here I am still alive and kicking. hehe! I didn't feel well yesterday as I spent the day in bed watching movies on tv. I ended up having insomina last night but that's ok because there were good movies to watch. :P I am feeling ok today but still have stupid headaches but I will live. :)

Today it is a beautiful day. It's gonna be nice. So I am going to town to do errands for my mom and get more foods. I have to get cat foods for my cats as I am almost out of them. I am planning on stop by and see my sister at her work to see what is up. It's been a while since I saw her due to gas prices going higher. oh well. :(

One of my beautiful cats name SnowFlake got ran over Sunday morning. He will be missed. His nickname is King due to his face look almost like the King in the movie with beautiful long white hairs. He is a gray pointed siamese cat. I never see a cat look like that. I can't believe he is gone. :( I sure will miss his goofing around and purred against my leg, Following me everywhere even on my daily walks. Even tho he is wild but he does slept with me and let me pet him. I just can't pick him up and hold him in my arms. RIP, Snowflake. :(

Today is my nephew JT's Birthday. Happy Birthday to you. We love you! :)

I hope all of you have a wonderful day! :)

As always,
Ginger :)


here is the petwarmers story.. Enjoy..


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


Kathy offers us a bittersweet story today. You might even call
it a "devotional" to all the past, present and future pets who have
touched our lives with a piece of heaven. Thank you, Kathy!

___________________________________________

FILL THEM WITH HEAVEN
by Kathy Pippig Harris

It was early in the morning and the street was filled with traffic.
There in the middle of the right lane was a body of a young dog
who had just been hit by a car a few moments earlier.
Most of the cars swerved around him. I drove around him too,
then turned back, parked my car near where he was and rushed over to
him. Careful to keep an eye on the traffic coming my way, I quickly
scooped him up and then set him down on some green grass next to a
sidewalk.
He was still warm and limber, his fur fuzzy and soft. He was
still just a pup. I cried, "I am so sorry for you. So sorry." I
then caressed his chest and belly tenderly as tears ran down my face
and into his fur. I cried as I prayed and was late for work.
* * *
She was a lithe, black streak that darted in the street. She
made it through two lanes of traffic and then darted into the lanes
where autos were moving the opposite direction.
She ran as fast as she was able, through the first two lanes,
and then paused a heartbeat before dashing back into traffic.
Stretched out, supple, and swift she flew onto the road again. The
man driving his car hesitated but half a second, and then continued
quickly on his way. She had tumbled over and over underneath his car
before being thrust out off the street. Her body was seizing up as
pain pierced her awareness.
Before shock set in, she pulled herself into someone's front
yard, then through the broken slat of the fence. Still thinking she
was full of life and that no bad thing could harm her, she struggled
into the shade at the side of the house as fear consumed her.
Something inside her was broken and she could not move from where she
lay.
I parked near where I'd seen the cat go and looked for her but
she was too well hidden. I called out several times, but could hear
nothing. Whoever lived in the house was not home. Filled with
sadness, I said my prayer for her, and then left.
* * *
Too many have suffered. Like the old dog running down the
sidewalk, so near to the street -- its expression one of panic, fear,
and weariness because it was lost and looking for a familiar face.
Looking for home? So frightened by its circumstances that it bolts
into the intersection unaware of the danger.
When possible I have stopped to help a lost dog to a safe area.
To see if the dog was wearing ID tags, hoping I could call its owner
or drive to the address on the tag. When it was not possible for me
to intervene, because it would put the dog at further risk, I'd pray.
But what I prayed for every animal, somehow, never seemed enough.
* * *
I had recently lost a beloved cat, Bliss. I had seen her over
to The Rainbow Bridge, holding her in my arms while murmuring words
of love and beseeching God to take her gently -- all the while
feeling my mutterings were inadequate.
Shortly after, I was driving through the country, near a
beautiful river. I turned and saw a shiny red-winged blackbird in
the green foliage at the grassy bank. I saw diamond bright sparkles
of sunlight dazzled on the rolling crest of water. All around me the
glorious vision of our Creator's handiwork filled my world.
Then it hit me. After seeing that, I thought my dear
Blissy-Girl must have really missed that beauty. Why? Because she
had given so much of that to me... so much of Heaven!
So for all the beloved creatures that have been, or will be a
loving companion to a human...
For those souls in shelters, animal hospitals, lost in the
streets, or lost to the world -- for the living and for those passed
on -- I now pray, "Fill them with Heaven! Lord, please, fill them
with Heaven."

-- Kathy Pippig Harris

___________________________________________
Kathy lives in California's San Joaquin Valley. She is the author of
five books which can now be downloaded for the Amazon Kindle.
http://tinyurl.com/5ghnpq She is the author of several stories
published in Petwarmers and Heartwarmers. She is surrounded by her
furry family which is Heaven to her.
___________________________________________

BUSTER'S GIFT

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

James offers us a wonderful story today about a special dog who
brings needed comfort for those who are about to pass on. It's a
gift -- but as you'll see, there is more than just one gift in
today's tale.


BUSTER'S GIFT
by James Colasanti Jr.

Sister Mary sat at her battered old desk holding the stack of
bills in her right hand and her imported wooden-bead rosary in her
left.
She had been in these predicaments before and had always managed
get through them. Plus she knew worrying would not make them go away.
And as much of a believer as she was, she didn't think she could
make the unpaid bills disappear with prayer alone. She knew it would
take more, but at this point, she didn't see any miracles on the
horizon.
* * *
The knock on her door was a welcome interruption and Sister
Angelina entered carrying a small box and the daily mail.
"Sister Mary," Sister Angelina began, "There is an old black dog
at the back gate and I do believe he is hungry. May I take some of
our leftovers to feed him in the backyard?"
Sister Angelina loved all animals. She knew that they were
God's way of bringing comfort and companionship to people. She kept
the bird feeders filled in the gardens and always left out food for
any stray animals that came by St. Patrick's Hospice Center.
The nuns at St. Patrick's were a dedicated group serving the
needs of people who were at the end of their lives. They carried on
a tradition of dignity with peace for the families and friends of the
loved ones who were about to leave this earth.
Sister Mary replied, "Of course feed the dog! Would you ever
expect me to say no? Sister Angelina, did you see what is written on
this box?"
"Yes Sister, it says 'to be opened only after the death of
MARTHA MARY MILLS.' Mrs. Mills is one of our patients in the hospice
ward. Perhaps you should ask her what is in the box," she said while
walking out the door.
* * *
Sister Angelina let the black dog into the kitchen. She had
placed the leftovers on a tray on the floor in front of the pantry
where the elderly dog began gobbling up the food.
"Well, Buster (that was Sister Angelina's generic name for all
male dogs, two-legged and four-legged alike) looks like you haven't
eaten in a week."
The black dog, a Lab-Terrier mix, looked up at her, barked once,
and then continued searching the tray for any remnants of food. When
he had licked all of the plates clean, including the tray, Buster sat
on his haunches and looked up at the nun. His graying muzzle gave
him a dignified air. She knew that he had left his mark on many
different fire hydrants on many different occasions.
"Buster, do you want to follow me today on my rounds?"
The sister knew that most legitimate therapy dogs have to pass a
course, be up-to-date on their shots, and be bathed. But she also
knew that most of the patients at St. Patrick's did not have a lot of
time left and petting an animal was a great source of comfort and
solace. She would take care of the bath and other things tomorrow.
So she invited the dog to follow her and he did.
After visiting some of the other residents they arrived at Mr.
Franklin Thomas' room. Buster immediately stood and put his front
paws on the side of the bed, turned toward Sister Angelina and barked.
"You want up with Mr. Thomas?" she asked. Buster barked again.
The nun picked up the small dog and placed him next to Mr. Thomas on
the bed. Mr. Thomas stirred.
"You have a visitor, Mr. Thomas. Someone who would like a
little petting," the sister said to the still man. Sister Angelina
did not know if Mr. Thomas could hear her but she never let an
opportunity to speak with the patients go by. Sometimes she felt
compelled to shout but she always wanted them to know that there was
always someone near.
Instinctively the old man's hand began to move seeking out the
small black dog. When he reached the dog's fur he pulled his hand
back in a reflexive petting movement. Sister Angelina was amazed.
She left the room to seek out the sister-on-duty.
When she returned a few minutes later with Sister Bernadette all
was still in the room. Buster had his head on Mr. Thomas's leg and
he was whining softly almost like a crying baby. Sister Bernadette
checked Mr. Thomas's vitals but there was no sign of life. He had
passed on sometime after Buster had gotten on the bed.
Sister Angelina picked Buster up from the bed and put him on the
floor. She looked at him and said, "Well I guess you knew his time
was coming, didn't you?" Buster barked back at her. Sister did not
think of it as a reply, but rather as an acknowledgment that she was
speaking to him.
* * *
Sister Mary walked down the hall toward the infirmary. Mrs.
Mills's room was coming up on the left. She hesitated outside the
door not knowing what she would say or would ask. She knew Mrs.
Mills was cognizant of her surroundings at times but she was also
going in and out of a coma at a regular rate. Finally she knocked
softly and let herself into the room.
Mrs. Mills was awake listening to the soft music serenading the room.
"Mrs. Mills, I received a package today -- from you. Can you
tell me what is inside?"
"It is something special for St. Patrick's. Someday, Sister
Mary, we'll share a little secret, but for now let me get some rest."
That was the last thing she said before entering a coma.
* * *
Sister Bernadette let Buster into the backyard for his nature
call and waited by the door until he returned. Buster raced down the
hall to Mrs. Mills' room, sat, and barked to be let into the room.
There again, he stood and placed his front paws on the side of the
bed. Sister Bernadette picked him up and placed him next to Mrs.
Mills on the bed.
Buster lay quietly beside the comatose woman and never moved.
Sister Bernadette checked on them both every 30 minutes. Buster
would open his eyes but he would never raise his head. This went on
all night long.
At sunrise, when Sister Bernadette came into the room, Buster
was whimpering again as he had in Mr. Thomas' room. Mrs. Mills had
passed on sometime between her visits to the room. Sister picked up
Buster and placed him on the floor. She did not speak to the dog and
the dog did not bark but followed her as they both left the room.
* * *
In the hall, Sister Bernadette looked at Buster and said, "Let's
go see Sister Mary." Buster's nails clicked on the shiny linoleum
floor as they walked the infirmary halls to Sister Mary's office.
The sister knocked softly and an immediate reply to enter was
forthcoming.
Sister Bernadette said, "I believe you can open that package
now. Mrs. Mills has left us."
Sister Mary opened her bottom desk drawer and took out the small
package. With her letter-opener she slit the tape on the ends and
opened the box. Two small pieces of paper fell out of the box and
onto her desk.
"For my fine care during my final moments, a gift for St.
Patrick's," signed by Mrs. Martha Mary Mills.
Sister Mary sat at her desk holding the gift from the lonely old
woman. She had never seen so many zeros in one place -- a cashier's
check made payable to the St. Patrick's Hospice Center for $1,000,000.
"Well, Sister, looks like this will put St. Patrick's back in
the black. And, Buster, I guess there's an extra bone or two in this
for you too!"

-- James Colasanti Jr.

___________________________________________
James is a lead clerk with Barnes & Noble Booksellers. A former
president of the Animal Rescue & Foster Program in Greensboro, NC,
James shares his home with a housemate and 13 dogs. His stories have
appeared in New York Dog Magazine, Dog & Kennel Magazine, Best
Friends Magazine, Pasta Magazine, Greensboro News/ Record, and can
also be found in the Petwarmers archives.
___________________________________________

got this via email...

What I think of the movie- Sweet Nothing in my Ear?

I got to watch the movie- Sweet Nothing in my Ear. It aired last Sunday night. It was so wonderful!! Wow! The ending sent a powerful message. Wow yes, indeed especially the end. Wow that gave me goosebump. *hehe*

I got the message that it is about family. I was so glad when Dan, the father finally woke up that it was all about him. He wanted it for his son. Not for Adam nor what Adam wanted. It is not father's decision. It is about all of the family being part of the decision.

Dan still love his wife and is willing to let it go and be with his wife and their son Adam. It is about him and Laura being best friend and they should discuss about anything. It is not about one. It is about family- Dan, laura and Adam! It have to be family, not one so he dropped it. That took lot of courage of him to admit it was HIM who want the cochlear implant for Adam.

Bravo for Dan! It take 3 to be a family and all have to make decision. not one. That mean something. That is HUGE. :)

The movie is not about Cochlear implant. It is about Family, Love, struggles between deaf and hearing world. It mean they are human beings and they do made mistakes but they learn from this. They will get thru anything as best friends.

One thing I wondered why didn't they ask Adam if he wanted Cochlear Implant or not? I was curious to what he would think of it? I wondered why they didn't put that in the script? Oh well. That is something for me to ponder on, hmm.

Anyway TJ did watch the movie with me. When the hearing boy said to Adam, how do you say you are sorry? TJ signed SORRY. It was so cute to see him signed to that. I asked him if he like the movie? TJ nodded and said yes.

This is funny. TJ asked me do you wish that I am deaf? I said it doesn't matter because you are still my baby! He said but if what I really am deaf. I said Oh it would be AWESOME!! He said this.. I wish I am deaf because I want to be like you. I was surprised but aww how sweet! It made my heart soar high. :)


I highly recommended for anyone to watch it! The movie will be out on DVD next month. It will be at Hallmark store if you are interested in purchasing one. :)

Have a great day and take care!

As always,
Ginger :)

TJ's Spring Picture 2008

Just got the pictures last Friday and I scanned them today. So here they are! Enjoy!

Have a great Sunday! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

Rare Quake hit Midwest...

Hey I saw the news on tv at noon that there was an earthquake of 5.2 magnitude in ILL this morning. I was like cool.

I thought nothing of it till I got online earlier and checked the news. So I did read the earthquake report to my surprise it said it occured at 4:37 AM. I was like wtf?! I realized it was about or near same time I woke up. it surprised me!

I was like no way? I woke up felt the bounce thinking it was my cat Oreo jumped on my bed from shelf but he was sleeping?? So hmm I was like ok whatever. So I looked at my cell phone to see the time and it was 4:38 am. I was like ok too early and tried to sleep but had to get up and use the bathroom. Then I came back to bed and went back to sleep. No problem... ZZZZ

Sure enough it was an earthquake. go figure! LOL. It was small bounce not much but it sure woke me up! ha! I have felt the earthquakes in the past. This is weak.

I told my mom about this and she said it's impossible as there is no way we can felt the earthquake that far? I said I did felt it. So I decided to look for some information online and there it is in plain sight. So obiviously this does make sense ...

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/eqinthenews/2008/us2008qza6/#summary


Earthquakes in the central and eastern U.S., although less frequent than in the western U.S., are typically felt over a much broader region. East of the Rockies, an earthquake can be felt over an area as much as ten times larger than a similar magnitude earthquake on the west coast. A magnitude 4.0 eastern U.S. earthquake typically can be felt at many places as far as 100 km (60 mi) from where it occurred, and it infrequently causes damage near its source. A magnitude 5.5 eastern U.S. earthquake usually can be felt as far as 500 km (300 mi) from where it occurred, and sometimes causes damage as far away as 40 km (25 mi).


There was another earthquake known as an aftershock occured this morning at 10:14 am and it was at 4.6 magnitude. So far there are 7 aftershocks..

Did any of you felt both of the earthquakes? I wonder?? I only felt the first one but not the second one I was busy cleaning and sweep floor so I didnt felt it nor pay attention to it. ha.


http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/1616058736x1200403239x1200201222/aol?redir=http://news.aol.com/story/_a/rare-large-earthquake-hits-midwest/20080418062509990001

Rare, Large Earthquake Hits Midwest
It Interrupts Weatherman's Report During Live Broadcast
By JIM SUHR,AP
Posted: 2008-04-18 15:38:45
Filed Under: Nation News
WEST SALEM, Ill. (April 18) -- Residents across the Midwest were awakened Friday by a 5.2 magnitude earthquake that rattled skyscrapers in Chicago's Loop and homes in Cincinnati but appeared to cause no major injuries or damage.


The quake just before 4:37 a.m. was centered six miles from West Salem, Ill., and 45 miles from Evansville, Ind. It was felt in such distant cities as Milwaukee, Des Moines, Iowa, and Atlanta, nearly 400 miles to the southeast.

"It shook our house where it woke me up," said David Behm of Philo, 10 miles south of Champaign. "Windows were rattling, and you could hear it. The house was shaking inches. For people in central Illinois, this is a big deal. It's not like California."

In Mount Carmel, 15 southeast of the epicenter, a woman was trapped in her home by a collapsed porch but was quickly freed and wasn't hurt, said Mickie Smith, a dispatcher at the police department. The department took numerous other calls, though none reported anything more serious than objects knocked off walls and out of shelves, she said.

Also in Mount Carmel, a two-story apartment building was evacuated because of loose and falling bricks. Police cordoned off the building, a 1904 school converted to residences.


Quake Interrupts Weather Report



Bonnie Lucas, a morning co-host at WHO-AM in Des Moines, said she was sitting in her office when she felt her chair move. She grabbed her desk, and then heard the ceiling panels start to creak. The shaking lasted about 5 seconds, she said.

The quake is believed to have involved the Wabash fault, a northern extension of the New Madrid fault about six miles north of Mount Carmel, Ill., said United States Geological Survey geophysicist Randy Baldwin.

The last earthquake in the region to approach the severity of Friday's temblor was a 5.0 magnitude quake that shook a nearby area in 2002, Baldwin said.

"This is a fairly large quake for this region," he said. "They might occur every few years."

Initially reported as a 5.4-magnitude earthquake, the USGS revised its estimate to 5.2. Two aftershocks during the next three hours measured 2.6 and a 2.5.

"This was widely felt, all the way to Atlanta, a little bit in Michigan," said USGS geophysicist Carrieann Bedwell.

In Cincinnati, Irvetta McMurtry said she felt the rattling for up to 20 seconds.

"All of a sudden, I was awakened by this rumbling shaking," said McMurtry, 43. "My bed is an older wood frame bed, so the bed started to creak and shake, and it was almost like somebody was taking my mattress and moving it back and forth."

Lucas Griswold, a dispatcher in West Salem, said the Edwards County sheriff's department received reports of minor damage and no injuries.


"Oh, yeah, I felt it. It was interesting," Griswold said. "A lot of shaking."

In Louisville, Ky., the quake caused some bricks to fall off a building near downtown. Television video showed them strewn in the street.

In Chicago, officials were checking structures downtown to ensure there was no damage. The quake also shook skyscrapers in downtown Indianapolis, about 160 miles northeast of the epicenter.

The strongest earthquake on record with an epicenter in Illinois occurred in 1968, when a 5.3-magnitude temblor was recorded about 75 miles southeast of St. Louis, according the USGS. The damage was minor but widespread and there were no serious injuries.

In 1811 and 1812, the New Madrid fault produced a series of earthquakes estimated at magnitude 7.0 or greater said to be felt as far away as Boston. They were centered in the Missouri town of New Madrid (pronounced MAD rid), 140 miles southeast of St. Louis.

Experts say that with the much higher population in the Midwest, another major quake along the New Madrid fault zone could destroy buildings, bridges, roads and other infrastructure, disrupt communications and isolate areas.


Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
2008-04-18 06:25:41



Look at the video below. wow what a shake?
http://video.aol.com/video/video-category/2109233


its funny.. the weatherman was like is it windy? then he realized it was earthquake.. haha.. funny..

I wonder if there will be more to come? Hmm. I have bad feeling about this. Maybe it's me, I don't know. First it was tornadoes, then Snows, then the floodings, and now earthquakes? What next? jeez! It look like it's gonna get worse? hmm? I guess we all need to stay positive. :)

Stay safe wherever you are!

As always,
Ginger :)

It's Friday!

Which mean TJ will be here for the weekend and I am so exciting as I really miss TJ so much. :) TGIF!!! heheh. Wanna sing with me- TGIF, TGIF... just kidding.. haha.

Today is blah. It's cloudy and it did rained earlier. Now it will get cold as the temperature will drop as the day go by but not much. It will be cold tonight 47 degrees. Sure feel great with that cool temperature perfect for me, haha! :P

This morning, I was supposed to go with TJ and his stepmother to Dentist but the semi truck overturned near Kilgore Cemetary. The bus didn't come till 8 AM to get Beth so she rescheduled the dentist appointment for next month.

TJ didn't want to be alone in the room while Michelle is with her son Christian in other room hence why I was suppose to be with him so he would feel comfortable not being alone.

Not that I blame him as I remember back to when I was young. I didn't like Dentist so I had to get my mom to come with me into the room so I won't be alone. haha! So anyway guess we gotta wait till next month ha. I am sure TJ is happy as he didn't get to go? LOL.

Hard to believe that the school is almost out for summer vacation. It was supposed to be May 22nd but with all of the Snow days last March. Now they said they have added 4 more made up days added to the calendar so it's May 29th for sure. TJ didn't like it so too bad, LOL.

Oh yeah my niece Lianna will graduate next month. I can't believe she has grown up into a beautiful young lady. She will go on to college this fall. I am so proud of her! :) Dang I remember back to when she was a baby. I was Senior in High school. Where did the time go? Too fast! Dang!

It made me think of the quote from the Movie- Hope Floats. This is perfect fitting to this.

Bernice: My dad says that childhood is the happiest time of my life, but...I think he's wrong. I think my mom's right. She says childhood...

Birdee: ...is what you spend the REST of your life trying to overcome. That's what momma used to say. She said beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. You need to remember that when you find yourself at the beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up...and it will too.


I so agree with the quote. Indeed the time go fast but just the middle that counts the most. :) Don't you agree? :)

I hope you have a Great weekend! :)

As always,
Ginger :)

National Library Week (April 13-19, 2008).

Did you know that this week is the 50th anniversary of National Library Week (April 13-19, 2008). Every year in April since 1958, communities across the country celebrate libraries of all types. Librarians, library workers, library customers and supporters are also commended for their contributions to what the nation’s libraries are today.

To celebrate the week, the National Literary Society of the Deaf presents the following five questions; each includes a possible answer. Enjoy!

1. This deaf author of Deaf Heritage: A Narrative History of Deaf America is one of the three co-authors of Through Deaf Eyes: A Photographic History of an American Community, published in 2007.
a) Douglas Bahl
b) Clifton Carbin
c) Jack R. Gannon

2. In January 2008, American Library Association announced this author the winner of the Schneider Family Book Award -- Kami and the Yaks, a fiction book for children.
a) Andrea Stenn Stryer
b) Lou Ann Walker
c) Marlee Matlin

3. This well known author was inspired by his boyhood experiences with deaf parents and friends when working on books for children.
a) Thomas Bull
b) Myron Uhlberg
c) Colin Bootman

4. The Printer, a fiction book for children by Myron Uhlberg whose deaf father was a printer, should be a valuable resource for promoting this annual event.
a) Black History Month
b) Inventor’s Day
c) Deaf History Month

5. What is the name of the book recently selected by the National Literary Society of the Deaf for its two-year reading promotional project called Deaf America Reads?
a) Only in America
b) Moments of Truth
c) Great Deaf Americans: The Second Edition

Answers
1. c. The two other co-authors are Douglas C. Baynton and Jean Lindquist Bergey.
2. a. Kami is deaf.
3. b. One of his books, Dad, Jackie, and Me received the Schneider Family Book Award in 2006.
4. c. In 19th and 20th centuries, many deaf people worked as printers; a few owned printing shops. Some were moonlighters holding the second job as printers.
5. b. Public libraries, businesses and deaf-related organizations are urged to work together to promote reading and books in their local communities.

For details, visit http://www.folda.net/lib/reading.html <http://www.folda.net/lib/reading.html>

Submitted by Alice L. Hagemeyer,
nls1907@aol.com
http://www.folda.net/

April 16, 2008


Happy Reading! :)
As always,
Ginger :)

Stories from Petwarmers...

Here are two stories I think you will enjoy reading. I love to get the emails from them every week. It always brought tears to my eyes. so make sure you have tissues on hand. Happy Reading...

AS always,
Ginger :)



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

Two nice stories -- one about a special cat, and another reflecting on how dogs touch our hearts and souls. Have a great week! And give an extra hug to your furry friends!___________________________________________


TESSA'S DREAMby Robin Wagner Tess came to us in May 2001, not even 2 weeks old. We were having a garage sale and as one of the customers was returning to her car, she asked if we knew anyone who wanted a kitten. It seems that someone where she works had found the kitten outside the night before, and had wrapped it in a towel and she was trying to find someone to care for it. My mom looked at the woman and me and said, "No. We already have four cats." But then the woman said the magic words, "It's a calico." Mom has always had a soft spot for calico cats, so she said, "Let me see it." The woman brought the kitten out and we realized how young she was. The little eyes weren't even open entirely, they looked like little diamonds. Her little ears were still tipped forward too. She was all white with an orange and black calico mask and cap. Her tail was ringed with orange and black and she had one black spot on her side. Mom tucked the kitten into her shirt for warmth and sent me into the house to fix something warm and bring an eyedropper too. By the time I came out with it, the woman was gone and the kitten was rooting around mom's neck. As she took the dropper and started to fill it with the mixture, she said, "I think I'll call her Tess, after that lady on Touched by an Angel, because she had to have been touched by an angel to have made it through the night and to get here." At feeding time, our dog Cricket would cry and fuss until we allowed her to lick the kitten's face and bottom, stimulating her to go potty. Crystal, one of the other cats in the house would wash Tess's face as mom fed her. She had many mommas taking care of her. Tess grew up to be a loving, but spoiled cat who would welcome everyone who came in our house. She would rub around their feet and often jump from the floor to their shoulder in one leap. She would then rub around their neck. She often spent hours laying on my shoulder while I tried to work on the computer or play games. Tess loved to run outside and run around our porch. This winter, mom and I discussed putting up a dog kennel outside one of the windows so the cats could finally go outside safely. But near the middle of February, Tess became ill. We took her to the vet and she was examined. Later that afternoon, Dr. Conklin called us to say the X-rays showed a mass. It turned out to be cancer and she had a surgery to remove it. We decided that Tess would live the best she could until her quality of life changed for the worse. My brother drove Tess and me to the vet two weeks later for her suture removal appointment. The day of surgery she had weighed eight pounds fifteen ounces and now weighed seven pounds five ounces. She had lost one pound and ten ounces in two weeks. One night a few days later, I sat crying with Tess on my shoulder and promised her that if she could hang in there until her 8th birthday, May 5th, I would have her outside space for her. She rubbed my cheek and purred to me, the first time I had heard her purr like that in a while. But only one week later Tess stopped eating, lost more weight, and her hair was looking shaggy and even duller. Every night she would cry at the door wanting to go outside. She showed no interest in anything other than trying to get outside. We had to make the painful decision to allow her to die with dignity and not to watch her waste away and suffer. Tess is buried next to the steps just off the front porch, her favorite place the last few times she got to go outside. I planted several tulips and bulbs on her grave. On March 19th, I purchased a 10'x10'x6' high chain link kennel and extra panels to close in the top, and a reflective tarp to shade and protect from the rain. The last weekend in March, my brother Jim helped mom and me set it up outside my bedroom window. We are going to put a "cat door" in the window so the remaining cats can go outside and lay on carpeted ledges and play in the grass. Our good friend and neighbor, John, is going to find a downed tree in the woods that we can put in for them to climb and scratch on. My heart still breaks and I cry at the thought of her or mention of her name. But even though my beloved Tess never got to experience it, the remaining seven will all get to enjoy "Tessa's Dream" within the next few weeks. -- Robin Wagner ___________________________________________Robin says, "I live in New Florence, PA, with my mother and 7 cats, 3 dogs, 2 turtles, 2 horses, a 65 gallon fish tank, and a huge goldfish pond. I work at a facility for developmentally disabled adults and serve as the treasurer for Best of Friends, a therapeutic horseback riding organization that helps disabled persons through horses. I have also had a previous story on Petwarmers, Smudge's Gift, which was published August 6, 2000 about one of my cats, Crystal."___________________________________________SHINE BRIGHTby Kathy Pippig Harris Dogs are like the brightest star, blazing through the darkness of night, and they are like a sun that outshines the day. They burn so intensely, so brightly. And for some, that blaze is for only a short time on this planet. Well, at least they get to spend more time in Heaven if their stay here is not as long as we'd like it to be. In nature there must always be a balance. Perhaps their stay is weighed with the goodness that fills them. It is said one cannot get enough of a good thing -- dogs are that good thing to me. I think our furry family members have the capacity for deep compassion, love, and concern for beings of all types, human and otherwise. I believe it goes beyond human understanding -- because what they give comes from a heart that is pure, a spirit that is guileless, and a soul that operates on a level higher than anything close to human. I am convinced dogs unfurl their wings when we are not looking. Have you ever noticed an expression they have, especially when they smile, that gives hint to something wondrous and grand? As if they have the most incredible gift they are hiding behind their back but you can tell they want so very much to show you what it is. Well, when I see that expression I could swear I feel the flutter of their wings in my heart. Dogs can touch and mold our hearts, our spirits, and our minds. And in so doing they bring us a little bit closer to embracing, within ourselves, the goodness they are. Which is grander than any concept of humanity. -- Kathy Pippig Harris

Sweet Nothing in my Ear- April 20th

http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/article%7C10001%7C10051%7C/HallmarkSite/HallmarkHallOfFame/HHOF_TOP

http://www.thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080413/LIFESTYLE/804130329/1024

I just wanted to let you all know not to forget about the movie- Sweet Nothing in my Ear starring Jeff Daniels and Marlee Matlin. It sound like a wonderful movie to watch. So don't forget to watch it! OK?

It will air on April 2oth and start at 9/8 C. Check your local listings.

Earth Day- April 22, 2008

Earth Day
This year we celebrated Earth Day on April 22, 2008. What are you gonna do on that day? On April 22, 1970, 20 million people across America celebrated the first Earth Day. It was a time when cities were buried under their own smog and polluted rivers caught fire. Now Earth Day is celebrated annually around the globe. Through the combined efforts of the U.S. government, grassroots organizations, and citizens like you, what started as a day of national environmental recognition has evolved into a world-wide campaign to protect our global environment. Earth Day US EPAThere are lot of enviornoment tips. So check out on the link I provided above. Happy Reading. As for me, I already have done something by unplugging tv, lights off when not using them. My cellphone plug in would be unplugged. I have changed from using standard light bulb to environment friendly bulbs. They do save lot of energy. As for water use. When I am in shower, I tend to wet myself then turn the water off then wash my hairs then wash my body then turn the water on and rinse myself off. I dislike bath as I prefer to shower as I believe i save lot of gallons? A full bath tub requires about 70 gallons of water, while taking a 5 minute shower saves water by using 10 to 25 gallons. so that made sense to me by being environment friendly I would save lot of gallons of water that way. Same goes for when i am brushing my teeth. I would wet my toothbrush then turn water off and brush my teeth then rinse my mouth than let it running and lose all of the precious water. There are lot of tips. Do share your tips with us if you know any of. Be enviornemnt Friendly




Green Tips
Maintain your central air conditioner by cleaning the outside compressor with a garden hose. (Be sure to shut off power at the fuse or breaker first). Keep plants at least one foot away from unit for adequate airflow.
Reflective window film can help reduce heat gain during the summer, and it will keep furniture and carpets from fading.
Set the water heater temperature at 120-degrees, about halfway between low and medium. This will help save energy and prevent scalding while keeping unhealthy bacteria from growing.
Plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower.
Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption every time you water.
Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.
Replace an incandescent outdoor light or high-intensity floodlight with a high-pressure sodium fixture. The bulbs will last longer, use less energy, and handle temperature extremes better.
Install a low-flow showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save your family more than 500-gallons a week.
Don't buy recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car and save more than 100-gallons.
Unplug any electrical device that's not being used. Many appliances, especially computers, televisions and VCRs draw power even when turned off.Place humidifiers and dehumidifiers away from walls and bulky furniture. These appliances work best when air circulates freely around them.
Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.Install a programmable thermostat. If you use it to set back the temperature by 10-degrees for eight hours every night, you'll lower your heating bills by 10-percent. A $50 digital thermostat can pay for itself in energy savings in less than a year.
Plug the bathtub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
Use ceiling fans to help circulate air throughout the house, and make sure your attic is properly ventilated. A ceiling fan should run clockwise during the summer, and counter-clockwise during the winter.
http://arkansasmatters.com/content/green_is_universal_Fulltext/?cid=68465

http://www.worldwatch.org/node/3915

http://www.epa.gov/earthday/

Space Weather News

Space Weather News for April 10, 2008 http://spaceweather.com 3D MOON OF MARS: NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft has photographed martian moon Phobos in color and 3D, revealing landslides, crater chains, long grooves and a strange splash of blue. The pictures are featured on today's edition of http://spaceweather.com . FLYBY ALERT: Tonight, the International Space Station (ISS) begins a week-long series of bright evening flybys over North America. The busily expanding station is now as bright as Venus even when it doesn't fly directly overhead; some observers report seeing it through clouds. US and Canadian readers, find out when to look using our new Simple Satellite Tracker: http://spaceweather.com/flybys got this via email.. :)

People in Leslie, AR, Evacuated Because of Flooding; Buffalo River Closed; LR Airport Concourse had to be Evacuated Because of Tornado Threat

People in Leslie, AR, Evacuated Because of Flooding; Buffalo River Closed; LR Airport Concourse had to be Evacuated Because of Tornado Threat
Reported by: KARK 4 News
Thursday, Apr 10, 2008 @12:10pm CST
The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management says it has received reports of flooding last night and today in Carroll, Clark, Cleburne, Crawford, Izard, Jackson, Johnson, Lonoke, Madison, Newton, Nevada, Phillips, Prairie, Sebastian, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Yell and Washington Counties. In Washington County there were multiple swift water rescues in the Brentwood area between Winslow and West Fork off Highway 71. Sebastian County also has rescued people that were stranded in their homes and vehicles. The Red Cross has set up a shelter in Fort Smith at the Grand Baptist Church, 3900 Grand Ave. that housed approximately 200 evacuees last night. A shelter has also been set up in Carroll County at the Berryville Armory. Other reports indicate that Marshall High School in Searcy County has flooded. For up-to-date road closings please go to the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department’s website at www.arkansashighways.com The storms appear to be losing some of their strength as they move to the northeast, but they continue to produce torrential rain. As the storms roared through the eastern section of Little Rock at 11:30 a.m., the Little Rock National Airport ordered people to leave the concourse areas and take cover. They have since been allowed to return. Delta Airlines asks any passengers flying on their planes today to contact the airline. They expect changes will have to be made for some passengers. Some areas of the state are dealing with more flooding. The Buffalo River has been closed to floaters and boaters. KARK's Pete Thompson reports a number of people had to evacauate their home in the town of Leslie, AR, in north Arkansas. KARK also reports a portion of LaHarpe Boulevard behind the Peabody Hotel in downtown Little Rock has been closed because of flooding from the Arkansas River. Some towns in western and northern Arkansas report as much as 8 inches of rain within the last 24 hours. The National Weather Service has also issued River Flood Warnings for several areas, including the Arkansas River at Pine Bluff, Pendleton and Morrilton, the White River at Newport, Augusta, Georgetown, Des Arc and Clarendon, and the Cache River near Patterson. Rivers and creeks in Arkansas that have caused flooding over the last month are expected to swell again and bring more flooding. Stay with arkansasmatters.com and KARK for updates. http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/?sid=61afc2e192cb0d5a483d0e7f804207e4&cid=68449

Sad news

I just received sad news that TJ's StepGrandma Martha (TJ's stepmom Michelle's stepmom) passed away from stomach cancer today. She have been sick for short time. Last Feb she went in and found that she have 7 inches tumor in her stomach and few days ago they checked her and it was swollen to a basketball size. It was sad but she is at peace now and is not suffering anymore. May God be with Michelle's family in this sad time. :(


I felt sad for TJ as He love Martha and I know he will miss her very much as She babysat him many times. Please keep TJ and the family in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks.

As always,
Ginger :(

More Rains for the next 3 days....

Which mean MORE Floodings... Arkansas doesn't need this. Lot of grounds are already saturated from all of the upward of a foot of rains that we have been getting the past couple of months. Crazy Weather we have been having here. Oh Boy!!!! I don't know when it will ever be over? Never? We can move on and get thru One day at a time. :)

First it was a Tornado at Appleton in Pope County and Jerusalem in Conway County in January that killed 1 person then Feb 5 EF4 tornado that went thru several counties including Conway County where I live that killed 13 people. Then next event which was Snow on March 4th, 6th, and 7th which was over a foot or more in some places. Now all of the rains and near-record flooding that we have been having the past few weeks. It continues to rise water in Arkansas River, Lakes, Creeks, etc. It did recede but more rains it will rise. Then next we had another EF2 tornado outbreak which was on April 3rd that went thru Benton, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Jacksonville, and Cabot areas causing lot of damages.

Now more Rains...Will there be a record of flooding? when will it ever end?? It's due to the effect of La Nina, that's why! They are saying that it will weakened as April is here into May and June. So that is remain to be seen. Not that I am complaining because La Nina does slow the Global warming - They said it is but I don't know if it's true or not. http://www.noaa.com/ you can look it up and find informations there. OK :)

I read the news today and they confirmed that Arkansas did had 10 tornadoes in one night! Can you believe it was from one parent storm? That's lot. Here is a link you can check it out..
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=63602

So typical of the life being in Tornado Alley. What can I say? I am used to this growing up but I have a son now. Like the Feb 5th storm- worrying about my son not knowing if he is ok or not? I was so scared. I had a high blood pressure from what had happened. I don't ever want to go thru that experience again. :(

I hope you have a nice day and stay dry wherever you are at. :)

As always,
Ginger :)

Sunset Alert! Tonight!

SUNSET ALERT: When the sun goes down tonight, step outside and look west. Weather permitting you'll see a slender equinox crescent Moon hanging above the rosy glow of sunset. Framed by the cobalt blue of early evening, the Moon reveals its "da Vinci glow" or Earthshine, a pale impression of the full Moon inside the vivid crescent--a beautiful sight. Consider it an appetizer for Tuesday. On April 8th, the still-slender crescent passes almost directly in front of the Pleiades star cluster. Also known as the Seven Sisters, the dipper-shaped Pleiades are visible to the naked eye even from urban areas and they look wonderful through binoculars. Tuesday evening's delicate conjunction of Luna and the Seven Sisters should not be missed. Visit http://spaceweather.com for sky maps, photos and more information

Gorgeous Sunday

Hello everyone,

Today Mr. Sun came finally after weeks of cloudy and rains. Lot of Floodings. Dang. It was a Gorgeous day. I got up to walk around and look at flowers. Our Lilacs had bloomed. They smell great! Birds chasing other birds and making nests. Stealing trash bags to make their own nests. I thought that was so cute! Oh yes I saw Butterflies flying around. Not to forget bugs, ugh! I hate bugs! I know they are pests but we do need them in some ways.

Spring definitely had arrived here. Not that I am complaining because it is beautiful but yet I missed Winter already. I love Winter not because of snows. Winter is cold. I love the cold and I sleep better in Winter time for some reason unlike in summer time it is humidity and I just can't sleep well at night time. Honestly I am not looking forward to Summer coming. I better move to Northern states where it is mild summer/cold winter. LOL. Well it's a wishful thinking on my part. :(

Some of you know that I had Hysterecomy on March 18th to remove my uterus and right ovary due to women's problems. Right now I am going thru Menopause. So you can imagine what I am going thru, night sweats, hot flashes, and blotches on my face. I can say it is unpleasant but what can I say? I gotta deal with it and get thru it one day at a time. Ugh. At least I get to burn the pads and good riddance to them! LOL!

I have decided to stay with blogger.com for good as I like the layout and everything compare to yahoo or myspace as I did have both blogs on both sites. Here is the link to my old yahoo blog. http://blog.360.yahoo.com/ohjustmelol you can read back to the first blog I ever made on Yahoo. LOL. Enjoy Reading....

I hope you all have a great evening and Take care! :)

As always,
Ginger :)