Last Day of School !!!

I went to TJ's school for Award Ceremony this morning. TJ got a certificate for being on Honor Roll A & B all year! He also got a necklace for earning AR 50 points. He Also got a trophy as he earned AR 100 points. Bravo!

he would have gotten more if he haven't lost the books and they wouldn't let him check more books out. Finally his dad found the books at the poppa's house. Whew! If we haven't found them, We will have to pay for books. Yikes! heh! But that's ok I am proud of TJ for trying hard. :)

One kid earned AR 708 points. everyone stood up and applauded cuz that is the highest honor! wow! I wonder if that's the highest in Arkansas? or what? hmm. Who knows...

Today is the last day of school. TJ is so exciting as summer vacation just STARTED! He is outside playing with his cousins Dylan and Jace in redneck pool. Dylan is wearing his undie and Jace have undie on with swimsuit on top. TJ have his swim shorts and dragon shirt on. loL..

After the kids are done playing in the water. TJ and I will go to town to do errands for my mom as she need few things.

Hope all of you have a great day! :)

here is email Sorry for not posting Wednesday.

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If you love dog stories -- and we know you do -- you'll really
love this one. It's so good, it would make a great TV episode.
Reminded us of Lassie. Thanks Kathleene!

___________________________________________


SENTRY OF THE HOMESTEAD
by Kathleene S. Baker

The year was 1924.
With supper finished, Grandpa gathered up table scraps and went
outside to feed Shep. He called and whistled several times but the
Collie didn't come running.
Worry set in immediately. Shep never failed to be waiting at
the back step for tasty morsels.
"Have any of you kids seen Shep? He's always here for dinner
scraps," Grandpa hollered through the screen door. He'd not been
seen since noon by any of the six children or by Grandma.
Grandpa headed towards the barn hoping Shep had not tangled with
the nasty Holstein bull. He was a wicked fella, but was registered
and sired outstanding offspring for the family dairy farm.
Just as Grandpa neared the cellar he heard a faint whimper from
within. In the dark, damp cellar he found Shep resting. He didn't
raise his head nor wag his tail. He offered a weak moan, sighed, and
closed his eyes.
He'd been bitten by a venomous snake -- his right front leg was
badly swollen and fiery red.
Quickly a fresh pan of water, a few bites of food, and blankets
were carried down the cellar steps. A soft bed was made and Shep was
gently placed upon it. He refused food or drink. Grandpa spoke to
him affectionately and stroked his beautiful head. From the day he'd
brought the tiny pup home there had been a special bond between the
two.
Grandpa checked on Shep faithfully and tried to encourage food
and drink. Shep would not touch food and the level in his water pan
never changed. Therefore, after 24 hours, Grandpa gently opened his
mouth and dribbled water from his fingertips to moisten his tongue.
The procedure was repeated numerous times daily as well as wrapping
the effected leg with cool, wet rags to hopefully control the
swelling. Coal oil was applied to the actual bite area using a
chicken feather, for even the slightest touch caused extreme pain.
On the fifth day, Shep lapped at warm oatmeal Grandma had
prepared and took his first drink of water. His now dull but loving
eyes bore into Grandpa's as if to say, "I'm doing my best to hang on
-- don't give up on me."
The family came running when they heard Grandpa's whoops of
excitement. On the tenth day, he found Shep waiting for dinner
scraps. He'd made his way up and out of the cellar! The kids, who
had been ordered not to enter the cellar during his illness, all but
smothered the dog with hugs and kisses.
One the mend, he returned to his normal evening ritual -- lazing
next to Grandpa's chair, his head resting atop Grandpa's foot. And,
bedtime found him sleeping on a pallet in the grandparent's bedroom.
With tender care, the young Collie gradually made a complete recovery.
* * *
Shep was a valued asset on the dairy farm and his herding
instincts were flawless. He grew to be a strong, brilliant canine
that was devoted to the entire family. As six children roamed the
countryside hunting, fishing, or exploring, Grandma and Grandpa never
worried if Shep was at their side.
Come spring, Shep supervised most all crops being planted.
Harley, one of the teenage sons, began sowing kaffir corn one cool,
crisp morning just after sunrise. It was an arduous task handling a
team of four workhorses and a single row planter. The Collie only
wandered occasionally searching hedge rows for rabbits in need of a
good chase.
By late morning, the temperature had risen considerably. Harley
stopped the team by the bags of seed for another load. He tossed his
jacket atop one bag and sat down for a brief rest under a nearby
tree. Shep rested his head on Harley's leg and nudged his hand for
an ear rub. They both dozed briefly until awakened by a clanging
dinner bell -- the noon meal was ready.
Harley approached his jacket. Shep clamped down on his arm, and
pulled him in the opposite direction.
Having never witnessed such behavior, Harley knew it was not an
attempt to play. He stepped forward slowly. Shep placed himself
between Harley and the jacket.
"Ok, boy. You're telling me something is wrong with my jacket.
I understand now."
Shep whined as Harley gently lifted one edge of the jacket
upward. He heard it before he saw it. Beneath his jacket lay a
coiled up rattlesnake -- its rattles quivering and tongue flicking to
taste the air!
Harley backed away cautiously, as did Shep.
"Good boy, good boy, Shep!"
They raced to the farm house, collapsed in the shade of a
cottonwood tree, and had a lively wrestling match to celebrate Shep's
vigilance.
On the south Kansas plains, long before it was customary for
dogs to be considered a family member, Shep held that very
distinction. It was his from the moment Grandpa held the tiny pup in
one hand and gazed into his enchanting eyes.
In return, Shep became a stanch protector of Grandpa's family
and sentry of the homestead.

-- Kathleene S. Baker

___________________________________________
Kathleene and husband, Jerry, reside in Plano, Texas. They share
their home with two terribly spoiled Schnauzers. A freelancer, she
has contributed to magazines, newspapers, anthologies and writes a
weekly column entitled "Heart of Texas." You can visit her website
here: http://www.txyellowrose.com
___________________________________________


LOST JAPANESE PARROT TELLS VET HIS ADDRESS

TOKYO (AP) May 21 -- When Yosuke the parrot flew out of his cage
and got lost, he did exactly what he had been taught -- recite his
name and address to a stranger willing to help.
Police rescued the African grey parrot two weeks ago from a
neighbor's roof in the city of Nagareyama, near Tokyo. After
spending a night at the station, he was transferred to a nearby
veterinary hospital while police searched for clues, local policeman
Shinjiro Uemura said.
The parrot didn't say anything to the cops, but began chatting
after a few days with the vet.
"I'm Mr. Yosuke Nakamura," the bird told the veterinarian,
according to Uemura. The parrot also provided his full home address,
down to the street number, and even entertained the hospital staff by
singing songs.
"We checked the address, and what do you know, a Nakamura family
really lived there. So we told them we've found Yosuke," Uemura said.
The Nakamura family told police they had been teaching the bird
its name and address for about two years. But Yosuke apparently
wasn't keen on opening up to police officials.
"I tried to be friendly and talked to him, but he completely
ignored me," Uemura said.

___________________________________________


PIT BULL SAVES OWNER FROM SWORD WIELDING BOYFRIEND

May 20 -- A domestic dispute that included the use of a Samurai
sword and a Pit Bull led a Jamestown man to jump out a second-floor
window Monday night, before he was apprehended hiding between some
mattresses on a nearby porch, Jamestown police said.
The incident began at about 8:10pm, when a concerned neighbor
called 911 to report a loud domestic dispute on West 10th Street.
Police later learned that a 27-year-old man had punched his
girlfriend in the head and put the sword to her throat, before her
Pit Bull bit him several times, police said.
As officers were interviewing the 28-year-old woman, a neighbor
told police that the man had jumped out the bedroom window. Wearing
only jeans and socks, he was tracked down by the Jamestown police K-9
Unit and found lying between several mattresses stacked vertically on
a West 10th Street back porch.
Officers charged Nicholas Clark of North Main Street with
assault, menacing and criminal possession of a weapon.

___________________________________________

ATTENTION: WRITERS
"You were so right. What a wonderful feeling to see
my story in a real book for the first time. I actually
cried when i saw it." -- Diana

This project enables ALL writers to see their works published in a
real book. The beauty of this project is that everyone who submits a
story will get published. The only thing we ask is that you purchase
at least one copy of the book for $22.95 for each of your stories you
want to see included in the book. These would be great to give away
to your friends and relatives (especially if they appear in the
book!) For more information and Writer's Guidelines, please visit
here: http://www.petwarmers.com/c

___________________________________________
Do you enjoy Petwarmers? Maybe your friends would too. They can
join for free by sending an email to: join@petwarmers.com
___________________________________________

got it via email... :)

What a long and fun day!

Hello Sorry I had not blogged in since last week. I didn't have much things to say. :)

Memorial Day weekend had came and gone. All I did was stayed home and watched movies on TV. We had 2 thunderstorms that were bad. Two nights ago it was lightnings and electricity went off and back on over and over. It was wild night then yesterday morning, We had another storm. jeez not again! ugh!

Bad thing is that I had to drive TJ to school in the downpour. I couldn't see the road so I had to drive slow. I made it there and back home safely. Whew! I got wet and had to change clothes 3 times. By the time I got home- the driveway got flooded. The water got all way up to my calf leg. My shoes got soaked! The water was everywhere.. it was overflowing onto the road from ditch. That was how bad it was. Flash Flood warning was issued for here. Finally it stopped around 10:40 AM. Wow it was unbelivable! Whew! Finally water had receded. Thank goodness! :)

Today all I did was going to town to my appointment and do the errands like renew the tag for my car then eat lunch at where my sister works. Waiting for TJ's class to come to City Park for fun day for their efforts on Benchmarks tests last month. I went and meet TJ's class. TJ was surprised to see me there. He didn't expect me to be there? He was so happy! :)

I gave TJ the balloon that Aunt Dori got for him. He accidently let it go and it flew away. He got upset. I told him I will get him another one at Wal-Mart. It was fun to watch kids run and play. Good excerise for all.

They all had snack and drink by the time they were done. All had boarded the bus and fixed to leave. I saw a kid leaving with her parents. TJ said can i come home with you? I said I dont see why not? I asked the teacher and she said yes sure. here is paper so i signed TJ out.

We went and saw my sister at her work and told her that his balloon flew away. She gave 2 dollars to him to get another one. We went to the place to get the balloon. TJ saw a beautiful dragon and said he have to have it! so dragon it is. not balloon! LOL.. Then we went to Wal-Mart to get stuffs. I saw they had new Mountain Dew Revolution (Wild Berry) but didn't see others? I tried it and it is delicious! After that we went home! :)

We stopped by the gas station to see if they have more Mountain Dew flavors like Supernova and Voltage. They had both so I got it. I tried Supernova(Strawberry flavor) it's ok. I haven't tried Voltage yet as I will try it tonight. :)

Oh yeah tomorrow is the last day of school for TJ. How exciting as summer vacation will start for all kids. I will be going to the school for Award ceremony that will start at 9 AM.

When kids start school in the fall, they will be going to the new building. TJ and I can't wait to go to the Open house in August. I wondered what it look like. We can't wait to see the new classrooms, new Library and new cafteria! :)

I hope all of you have great evening! Take care!

As always,
Ginger :)

Is Summer here or almost here? :)

Yesterday I went to town to do errands and I decided to stop by to see my sister at her work for a while and have lunch there. We catched up on news. So it was a great visit! Afterwards I went to Wal-Mart to do some shopping. By the time I got home- I was sweating!! It was so HOT as it got up to 89 degrees! My car didn't have A/C. AHHH! I already missed Winter! wahhhh. lol. heh. Summer is here already? Or is it too soon? Maybe it is still Spring? ha! Good thing I went to TJ's father's house and let the father work on my car so now I do have A/C. Hoooraaaaaaaay!!!!!! Whew! :P

Oh yeah guess what? I measured TJ last Sunday and to my surprise he is now...

5 FOOT TALL!!!!

He is only 8 years old but he will be 9 years old next month. I am only 5'3.. 3 more inches he will be tall as me! only one more inch he will be tall as his GodMomma! WOW! Unbelivable! huh? :( He is gonna be taller than his daddy? I wonder?? Hmm that's remain to be seen. I will let you know if he did beat his father or not? LOL. :P

We will lose another precious member of our pet family as I will be giving one puppy away to a new family today. They are now 6 weeks and 5 days old. Time for them to go to a new life with new family. I wish I could keep them all but that is not so. :( I know they will be happy with new family. So I gotta keep that in mind and not be sad. :(

My. Today is another gorgeous day. Blue sky, birds are singing, flowers everywhere. You can smell honeysuckle out in bloom. Ah the summer smell is here. I think I will go out and enjoy the beautiful day!

I hope you all have a great day! :)


As always,
Ginger :)

Enjoy the Petwarmers that I get from email below. :)
------------------------------------

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Kathy presents us with a bittersweet story today -- mysterious
and enchanting. So steal a few minutes, grab another cup of coffee,
sit back and enjoy your Petwarmers.
___________________________________________


TEARS AT TWILIGHT
by Kathy Pippig Harris

I turned off my computer and said good evening to my coworkers.
Outside, the brisk winter air chilled my face. Crossing the
street and entering the parking lot I thought about what I wanted to
do that evening.
A week ago I looked at a litter of Golden Retriever pups.
They'd been rescued and were placed in a foster home. I chose the
runt and named her Clarity.
Duncan hadn't met her yet and I went home to get her. As I
pulled into his parking lot, a pearly fog was swirling low to the
ground. Through the mist the tiny white lights framing the windows
and eaves of the bookstore twinkled warmly.
I opened the door and walked in. Warmth from the portable
heater wrapped around me.
As he heard me enter, Duncan turned around and a big smile lit
his face. He was a tall, bear of a man and ruggedly handsome. I
walked over to him and we embraced. Clarity pressed between us and
barked in her puppy voice.
Duncan reached for the pup, "Maurine! What a cutie you have
here!" He held her at arm's length and chuckled as her paws pumped
rapidly in the air. "She's adorable."
"How are you doing, Duncan?"
His face grew ashen, and he placed Clarity in my arms...
* * *
His father had passed away on New Year's Day. Duncan had taken
his father to a nursing home, against his father's wishes, but his
dad's dementia had made it necessary. The decision had left Duncan
filled with remorse.
Duncan sat down in one of the two chairs he kept behind the
counter. Clarity and I took the other. He shook his head.
"I can't rid myself of the guilt, Maurine. I keep seeing his
face when he begged me to never put him in a facility."
"I know, Duncan. I know..."
We talked until a customer entered the store. As I readied to
leave Duncan me a quick hug.
"Why don't you come over this Friday night? We can celebrate my
birthday."
I nodded and hugged him back. "It's a date."
* * *
I stood at his front door, a neatly wrapped gift with a card in
hand. He greeted me at the door and quick on his heels was the
patter of paws. I looked past Duncan and saw a pup. A black,
Flat-coated Retriever, gawky and panting.
I gaped up at Duncan. Grinning like a kid, he ushered me in.
"His name is Piper. A birthday gift to myself. He's cute,
don't you think?"
"Oh, yes. When did you get him?"
"Day before yesterday."
* * *
Saturday afternoon I received a call from Duncan's housekeeper.
Sometime that morning Duncan had died from an aneurysm. She'd found
him on his kitchen floor, unresponsive. An ambulance was called out
but it was too late.
I dropped the phone, rushed out to my car and drove over to
Duncan's house. My mind refused to believe it. The front door was
ajar. I entered to find the house eerily quiet and dark. Sitting on
the back porch, the black pup had been looking in and saw me. At
once, he began whimpering. I ran over to the French-door and let him
in. He came over, stood up and pawed at my legs.
I bent down, scooped him up and gazed around. The house seemed
like a tomb and I felt I was suffocating. I took Piper and left.
* * *
Three months later as I sat in my backyard, tears spilled
unbidden to my lap. I ached for Duncan's company. It was unbearable
-- this business of missing him.
The days were longer and the two pups had grown gangly. The sun
was setting and the air was thick with gold motes. Glittering specks
danced around Piper and Clarity as the two romped playfully in the
grass.
Something in the garden had captured their attention. Warmth
radiated from the far-reaching sunbeams that wove the daylight and
twilight.
The air was alive and the sky a moving painting of colors. It
was a sight Duncan would have watched with wonder, and I would have
been at his side.
I turned toward to the house, unable to summon that feeling. It
was not the same as when it was shared.
"But it is shared, Maurine. I will never leave you. You were
so much a part of my life, it only makes sense that you would be a
part of my new life. You cannot see me, but you can sense me... in
the warmth of the sun. In the gold motes at twilight."
Numb at first, I turned around. Clarity and Piper sat studying
me. Their tongues lolled out and they were clearly grinning. Then,
together, they raised their heads and closed their eyes in pure
pleasure, as dogs will do when lovingly caressed by their human
companions.
There was a twinkling in the air, the last specks lit briefly by
the setting sun.
"Duncan?"
"Yes." The word came with the scent of his cologne, ethereal and light.
"Thank you for taking Piper."
I nodded, unable to formulate a thought.
"You are my heart mate. When you desire me near, I shall be
there for you. Our connection transcends our human, physical life on
Earth. That is how it is with soul mates. So do not miss me."
I lifted my chin and swallowed back tears.
"I have also left a part of me with Piper," Duncan chuckled.
"That is how it is with our fur kin. They have a connection in both
worlds -- yours and mine. And that's why he so readily expresses his
love, and mine, to you."
"I don't know what to say. I cannot even see you."
"Don't worry about what to say. And, you don't need to see me,
it is what is inside that counts -- inside of you. That place where
you keep me close."
I was speechless.
Soon, the dogs were begging to go inside. I followed after
them, closed the door, and shut the aching, lonely past away at the
same time.

-- Kathy Pippig

___________________________________________
Kathy dedicated this story to Ed. She says, "I wrote this because
life can be filled with magical moments and those we care about,
humans and animals, are often a part of that enchantment. Such times
as described in the story are what make life a special gift and I
thank God for the gift."
___________________________________________


MY BEST FRIEND
by Diane Hartman

I have a friend like no other friend
I've ever had before,
He's loyal, kind, he's there for me
through thick and thin and more.
He's always there to listen
when I've had a real bad day,
He looks at me with trusting eyes
and listens as I say
What's on my mind and on my heart,
he never interferes,
Just sits and hangs on every word,
he really is a dear!
It wouldn't matter who I was,
or what I had become.
He'd stick by me no matter what,
No matter what I'd done.
You see, he doesn't discriminate
against color, creed or race
He only knows that I'm his friend
and shows it in his face.
He will always be right by my side
through sunshine, rain or fog,
He is the heart and soul of me,
You see -- he is my Dog!

-- Diane Hartman

___________________________________________
Diane says, "I live in Hixson, TN, with my husband and three
Miniature Dachshunds. I make dog apparel (for small dogs) and do
animal artwork. I love animals and I can't think of a single time in
my life that I haven't had a pet."
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