Thanks For Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! I’ve been reading numerous posts over the last several days with expressions of thankfulness. It’s not surprising to read words of appreciation for family, friends, and a multitude of life blessings at this start of a busy holiday season. It’s nice to have a little quiet contemplation for the things we feel most grateful for.

There is something missing in each one of those posts though. I can’t believe that no mention has been made of this. Obviously it is an oversight. How could we ever forget to be thankful for those people who first sat around the dinner table in Plymouth 400 years ago?

I wonder if the Pilgrims had any idea what traditions they were about to start.

Stop and think about it. Without them we wouldn’t have Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, all day holiday football games, bloated bellies from too much turkey and trimmings, family arguments at the dinner table, and the shopping frenzy on Black Friday.

We have those idiot Pilgrims to blame for inviting the Indians over for dinner and beginning this annual custom of holiday chaos. I would like to give a piece of my mind to the Indian that brought that first football to the banquet and suggested a game after dinner. For the Pilgrim that offered the idea of bargain shopping at the village general store the day after the feast, I have a few words. “What were you thinking?”

Didn't you realize that we are stupid fools that don’t know how to be grateful for small things? We can’t be content to be happy with a simple celebration. We have forgotten how to be satisfied just spending time with family and friends.

Instead we spend way too much time trying to impress those people with how much we have. We eat and drink in excess and then we head for the stores to outdo last year’s purchases of unwanted or unneeded gifts for Christmas.

Okay I realize that isn’t exactly how it happened. I am sure that 21^st century traditions were unfathomable at that time. I am also sure that discussion at their dinner table was related to the harvest bounty and honoring the Indians that taught the Pilgrims how to grow corn.

We do owe the first settlers a debt of gratitude though. Without them we wouldn’t have an annual day of thanks. For that I am thankful. I am also thankful for each of you. I am grateful for the friendships I have developed here. May each of you have a simply blessed day of Thanksgiving.

Kangaroo Crossing

I received a phone call from the land down under a few days ago. My nephew is living and working in Australia. His dad (my brother) is visiting him there. The phone call from my brother came on Friday, but in reality we were talking on Saturday. Confused? It's that strange time warp that exists. Australia is a day ahead of us.

Of course I had to ask about kangaroos. What else do ask a person when they are in Australia? He said they have kangaroo crossing signs posted along the roadways, like we have deer crossing signs posted here. It is a frequent occurrence to encounter them.

I've attached today's press release from Australia below. I had to laugh when I read it. My brother is in Melbourne and I wonder what he thought of this headline. After reading it, I am glad that we only have to worry about deer. I would rather take my chances with one of Bambi's relatives than one of these.

MELBOURNE, Australia — A kangaroo startled by a man walking his dog attacked the pair, pinning the pet underwater and slashing the owner in the abdomen with its hind legs.

The Australian, Chris Rickard, was in stable condition Monday after the attack, which ended when the 49-year-old elbowed the kangaroo in the throat. He said he was walking his blue heeler, Rocky, on Sunday morning when they surprised a sleeping kangaroo in Arthur's Creek northeast of Melbourne. The dog chased the animal into a pond, when the kangaroo turned and pinned the pet underwater.

When Rickard tried to pull his dog free, the kangaroo turned on him, attacking with its hind legs and tearing a deep gash into his abdomen and across his face.

"I thought I might take a hit or two dragging the dog out from under his grip, but I didn't expect him to actually attack me," Rickard, 49, told The Herald Sun newspaper. "It was a shock at the start because it was a kangaroo, about 5 feet high, they don't go around killing people."

Kangaroos rarely attack people but will fight if they feel threatened.

Dogs often chase kangaroos, which have been known to lead the pets into water and defend themselves there.

Rickard said he ended the attack by elbowing the kangaroo in the throat, adding Rocky was "half-drowned" when he pulled him from the water.

(The Associated Press reprinted from bnd.com)

I Don't Get It

Okay I admit I am showing my age here, but I just don't get it. Is it just me or has the image of good looking and handsome changed? Maybe it's my old eyes, but I am not seeing what everyone is raving about. These guys are supposed to be the hotties of 2009. I have heard of rugged good looks, but these guys just look rough.

Spacey

Sloppy

Messy and Oblivious

Yes these are the older guys, but in my opinion they put those supposed hotties to shame.

Classic Good Looks

"Keep Staring At Me Sean"

Mr. Clean Cut

Nice Guy George

Irish Eyes and Brogue

"Melt My Heart Pierce"

The Man I See Every Morning

???

Saint Rae

Just call me Clarence. You know like the guy from the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”. The one that is working toward getting his angel wings.

Well maybe I am never going to have angel wings, but I am making progress. I have moved at least two notches closer to becoming a living saint. I am taking care of a sick husband. Now you tell me if there is anything more qualifying than that.

For four days I have listened to moaning and complaining from this man about a toothache. Like any other wife with reasonable judgment, I suggested a trip to the dentist, but my husband with his supposed power of ‘superhealing’ determined it was unnecessary.

Yesterday the left side of his face was red, swollen, and throbbing and who do you think got blamed as the cause? Yes you guessed it. Moi!

I have yet to figure out how it became my fault. I didn’t punch him in the face. Although a swift kick a bit lower might be on the horizon. Apparently if I had made a dental appointment for him, this would not have occurred.

Pardon me, I keep forgetting. It’s just another one of those little quirks of marriage. The wife is required to be a surrogate mother.

Now that I have failed in my motherhood responsibilities to my 190 pound baby, he has an abscessed tooth.

Just beat me with a stick! It would be easier than listening to all the whining. Why is it that men become helpless when they are sick?

Him: “Honey, could you hand me a tissue?”

Me: “You mean the one that is 6 inches away from your hand?”

Him: “Yes that would be the one and can you get me a glass of water? Oh and I need a blanket too and if it isn’t too much trouble could you hand me the TV remote?”

See what I mean. If you are a wife you know. It truly is a good thing that men don’t have to experience childbirth or there would be an underpopulation crisis. They couldn’t handle it.

Excuse me. I have to go. I think I hear a bell. No, not the one that means another angel is getting his wings. It’s the handmaiden service request bell ringing in the other room.

Senior Day

I put my life on the line today and did something dangerous. It was stupid I know, but I had to take the risk. I needed some things from the grocery store.

Today was senior day. I learned a long time ago to avoid the market on Wednesdays. It is hazardous to shop in the middle of the week when seniors are out spending their Social Security checks. It was particularly perilous today. There was a turkey sale.

I have never seen so many little old ladies shopping for turkeys. I narrowly escaped injury when one small elderly woman attempted to heft a 20 pounder out of the cold food case. As she slung the thing around, it nearly hit me and she just about fell on the floor. Thank goodness my husband was there to rescue her.

You would have thought that the sale today was a once in a lifetime special with all the jostling and jockeying for position to retrieve a frozen bird. At times it looked more like a football game. Several white haired ladies took turns bending into the meat case to scoop out a bird then hand it off. The receiver would then cling to it like it was a prized possession. If they had been able to run after the reception, they would have looked a lot better in play than my Chicago Bears.

I wouldn’t have ventured into that Butterball fight for any amount of money. It was a good reason to buy a ham.

The main menace though was the senior on wheels. It is a shopping mart scooter frenzy on Wednesdays with scooters going all directions. Seniors don’t follow the traditional up and down pattern in the aisles. It is total chaos with u-turns and abrupt halts. One day there is going to be a major pile up in aisle 6. That is the Depends section. There needs to be a traffic cop in the incontinence lane.

Thank goodness I escaped the whole ordeal without injury. It was for a good cause though. Piper came home. He needed special dog food and for him I was willing to take my chances.

Thank you for your kind words and support for Piper and me. He is weak, but improved and we still have to be cautious of a relapse. At least he is able to eat and drink now and most important he is home. Pancreatitis can be fatal in dogs, but we were fortunate that his was caught early. With a special diet and precautions he should recover without problem.

ENOUGH

That’s it. I’ve had enough! I am giving fair warning that I am about to write some pretty strong and controversial words here. It’s my opinion, my blog, and I intend to use my right to free speech. Today’s post is not fun, maybe tomorrow.

Call me moody, grouchy, mean, or insensitive. I really don’t care. I am angry and I am going to have my say.

Anyone who has read my blog for awhile has noticed I am passionate about two things - children and animals. Abuse of either one strikes a raw nerve with me. Right now my nerves are on edge and I am screaming mad.

When are the powers-that-be going to wake up and pull their heads out of their behinds? I am referring to the judicial body of people who determine punishment for criminals who commit violent crimes.

I know my words will never reach their ears and if they did, they would respond with some nonsense like “we are a civilized nation with laws that protect everyone’s rights”. Well what about our rights? The rights of law abiding citizens. The rights of yet another little girl whose body was found heaped like garbage along side the road.

I am physically and emotionally sickened when I read how perverted adult men are violating children. We are living among disturbed elements of society who prey on the young and innocent and view them as a source of sexual gratification.

So I am asking the question, when will someone stand up and say ENOUGH? When are we going to realize that some people can not be rehabilitated? And that punishment should fit the crime? The possibility of a few years of prison time is not a strong enough deterrent. It is a mere slap on the wrist to evil monsters that destroy little lives and devastate families.

Do you know the terms gelding, steer, or barrow? I am farm familiar so I understand the meaning of those words, but for those that aren’t; they are the names of altered animals. Are you getting my point now?

As far as I am concerned, it is just punishment for these deviants of society. In my opinion, they have forfeited their rights. It may seem cruel or harsh to some, but for me it is an appropriate and suitable sentence.

I am tired of the criminal element having more rights than the victim. It is time to protect our children. It is long overdue!

Lonely

This is how I am feeling today

Because this is where I left my heart

and my best friend

Don't think the worst. Piper became very sick over the weekend, but he is stable. I am probably in worse shape than he is. I can't help it. I am a nurse and I understand the implications. I worry too much.

He was admitted to the hospital with a sudden case of pancreatitis. He is getting IVs and medication. The doctor said he hopes to see some improvement in 24 hours, but it will be 4-7 days before we will know his prognosis.

I realize he is only a dog, but he is my dog. The one that follows me and is nearby at all times. The one that wakes me each morning with a thumping tail and cold nose. The one that gave me a reason to get out of bed each day when I first became disabled. The one that holds my heart and the one that would protect me without hesitation.

It was a sad moment walking through the door at home and not having him greet me. It surprises me how that little insignificant moment is something I am missing the most.

Tomorrow I will get another update on his condition. For those of you that are interested, I will post his progress.

Philosophy

Five Questions

You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read them straight through and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of Miss America.

4. Name the last six Academy award winners for best actor and actress.

5. Name the World Series winners for the past ten years.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. Those were no second-rate achievers. They were the best in their field. But, the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few of the teachers who aided you on your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Name four people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia." Charles Shultz

Rescue Me

"You may not think you know me, but I'm sure you've seen my face
In back yards, fields, and busy streets, you'll find me any place

I'm what you'd call a rescue dog, who needs a safety haven
I may be thin, and sickly, too, but I promise I'm worth saving

I'm the dog who lives next door, the one you always see outside
Seeking shelter from the sun, and a cool, safe place to hide

You have seen me on the streets with no place to call home
Or maybe in an open field, scared and sad, and all alone

But did you know that there's a place that was built with me in mind?
Where people love and care for me and show me the world is kind

Where no dogs will go hungry, where peace and love abounds
Where kind and caring people will always be around

I may be scared of humans because of what they've put me through
But my heart is quite forgiving, won't you please take me with you?

Take me to that rescue place, they'll help me find a home
And they'll make sure while I'm waiting, I'll never be alone

I'm small, I'm meek, I'm timid, but I'll be strong before they're through
For life will begin again for me, if you'll take me to the Rescue."

(anonymous)

It Wouldn't Matter

Have you ever noticed that people who teeter on the brink of sanity are happy in their own little world? I’m not talking about the raving lunatics who grab a gun and shoot people. I’m referring to those people we’ve all seen at various times out in public talking to themselves.

They are content to follow their own agenda. They never lack friends – the voices in their head provide them with plenty of company and they are oblivious to the fact that their behavior is abnormal.

They don’t know they are odd and they probably wouldn’t care if they did. Sometimes I think that might be the best way to live. Instead of worrying about life, you just make it up as you go along.

It might be easier if we didn’t worry so much about having the approval of others or trying to fit into a certain mold. The disappointments of losing faith and trust in friends and family would disappear.

We wouldn’t have expectations for others to follow through with promises they made.

We wouldn’t be unhappy when people that vowed to always be available vanished.

We wouldn’t mind that people talked about us behind our backs.

It wouldn’t bother us asking someone for help when we really wanted to be able to do it ourselves.

It wouldn’t bother us that another person didn’t recognize our need first and reach out to help, so we didn’t have to ask.

We wouldn’t be disheartened when family that lives minutes away fails to call or be in contact for months or years.

It just wouldn’t matter.

Next Blog

Have you read about the new and improved changes to Blogger? Earlier this week I received this from Blogger Buzz:

“We've made the Next Blog link more useful, by taking you to a blog that you might like. The new and improved Next Blog link will now take you to a blog with similar content, in a language that you understand... You might discover a cool blogger who has hobbies similar to yours, has similar taste in electronic gadgets, likes sports that you're into, or has similar curiosities and interests.”

I decided to test it to see where it led. I followed the Next Blog link from my blog page. I ended up in the bridal department; one after another, brides and bridegrooms. I was stuck and couldn’t escape the matrimony blogs.

I thought it was suppose to direct me to blogs with similar content as mine. What does my blog have in common with weddings?

I jumped to a few of the bloggers that I follow and gave it a try from their blogs. It worked just like described. It led to related subjects.

I came back to my blog page and tried it one more time. This time I was directed to the mommy and baby blogs. I was moving along at least. I had progressed from being lumped with the singles to the married and pregnant.

I expected with a third try to be directed to the divorced blogs, but I quit before going any further. I think Blogger needs to go back to the drawing board on this new idea. It isn’t working for me anyway.

Honor and Dedication

As we honor our veterans today for their dedication and service, I want to share a part of an article from The USA Today. I saved it a few years ago and although it is a reflection of events during WWII, it is just as relevant today. It is one man’s response to the question Does the Next Generation Value the Sacrifice of War?

Dec. 21, 2006

By: Jack Valenti

There is a piece of sadness that the election failed to debate. It is the lamentable detachment by the young among us to freedom’s history....

Why a casual indifference to this story by so many young people? Maybe it is because we have been so benumbed by this Iraq war and because so few youngsters have worn a uniform......

When my son was 14, I took him to Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France. We stood on the bluff above the beach in the same spot where Nazi troops had dug in. They poured rifle, mortar, and machine gunfire onto the U.S. troops clambering out of their landing crafts. They cut them down on the sand and in the water that ran red with the blood flowing so wantonly on that invasion day, June 6, 1944.

My son was struck with how close it was from the beach. I said, “John it was very close, but remember those young boys never turned back, not one of them. They never turned back. They kept coming.”

Then we walked a short distance to the American Cemetery. It is on land a grateful France granted to the United States for use in perpetuity. The Stars and Stripes fly over this cathedral for the dead. We turned our gaze to the grave markers, row upon row upon row, as far as the eye could see. There, I told my son, were 9,387 young men, many of whom were in between the ages of 18 and their early 20’s, “just a few years older than you are now.” I said.

We walked among the markers laid out in serried ranks. I asked my son to read the inscriptions on those markers, the bland finalities of a young warrior’s life – name, rank, outfit, and the day he died – lives ended before they could be lived.

Finally, I stopped and looked full face at my son. “John, I want you to know why I brought you here.” He looked puzzled. I said, “I wanted you to understand that these boys, who never knew you, nonetheless gave you the greatest gift one human can give another. They gave you the gift of freedom. They bought and paid for that gift in blood and bravery. They made it possible for you and millions like you to never have to test your courage to see how you would react when the dagger is at the nation’s belly and death stares you right in the face. You owe them a debt you will never be able to repay.”

My son seemed genuinely moved. We never spoke about this again until one day years later, when he phoned me. “Dad last night I saw the movie Saving Private Ryan. You were right. They never turned back, not a one. They kept coming.” His voice trembled as he spoke.

My own voice cracked a bit with gratitude. My son remembered. May God grant that every boy and girl in this free and loving land never forget the gift of young boys so long ago, a gift to generations of Americans who were yet to be born.

Don’t forget to fly your flag today in honor of all the men and women who serve in the armed forces to protect and defend our freedoms.