A Medley with an Attitude

A tom cat with an attitude...
...who would have ever thought that ol' Garfield
would have earned his own day to be celebrated??

NATIONAL GARFIELD THE CAT DAY
JUNE 19

It's Wednesday and once again time for Terri's Wednesday Medley. 
So hop on over to her blog and find out everything you always wanted to know
about that crazy cat with an attitude, Garfield.
Just copy and paste her questions to your blog post, answer them and link up.

See ya over at the Medley!

1.  If you have ever followed the Garfield comic strip, you know Garfield loves lasagna.  What is your favorite Italian food?  Do you over indulge when it comes to pasta?

I must admit that even though I am familiar with Garfield, I have never really been one to read the comic strip. I never was really into comic strips except when I was a really little girl and Blondie and Dagwood or Beetle Bailey were among the comics of the day...Garfield came along a bit later on. And until I read this, I wasn't even aware that he loved lasagna...see how out of touch I am? BUT, I do love Italian food and if I had to name a favorite, lasagna would be right at the top of that list. Of course I always over indulge, don't you? That is main reason I don't indulge in it often!

2.  Tell us about your very first pet.  If you have never had a pet, can you tell us about an animal that touched your life in some way?

The first pet that I remember was the family dog, Tippy. He was a mut/pomeranian mix and his tail curled up in a perfect "c" over his back. I remember him being a very sweet boy....well, except for that time when he was lying on the doorstep and wouldn't move out of my way so I could get in the house....so I stepped on him....and he had the nerve to nip me in the leg! I have always been an animal lover and have always had a dog or two in my life. It's hard to single out one precious pet from another but I will always have a special connection to this guy right here...

We got Hunter as a tiny pup and he was with us for 13 years. One evening about 4 years ago and completely out of the blue, he had a stroke-like attack and was gone within a couple of hours. I held him against my chest as he took his last labored breath.

3.  Garfield sleeps his day away, only waking to eat or sweet talk his girlfriend Arleen.  How many hours sleep do you normally get each night?  How much sleep do you really need?

I have never been one to sleep in. Even as a little girl, I remember getting up with the chickens even after going to bed relatively late. Over the years, not much has changed...if anything, I probably sleep less. I am up at 4:30 every morning whether I want to be or not. Occasionally I might be able to sleep a little later on the weekends....5 or 5:30... NO KIDDING. I normally go to bed at 10 pm so you can do the math....6 1/2 hours of sleep would probably be the maximum if you don't count the times I wake up throughout the night even though I am able to go right back to sleep most of the time. I really don't think I require those 8 hours of sleep that "they" say I should be getting. Who are "they" anyway??

4.  Garfield lets the mice in the house have their way.  When was the last time you had to chase out a little varmint?

Just let me say that we haven't had a mouse in the house since the feral cats started coming around and we began feeding them. I would guess it's been over a year...and when you live in the woods, having an occasional mouse in the house is just something you learn to expect...but I don't miss see their little beady eyes one iota! 🐭

5.  Garfield also loves his teddy bear Pooky. Did you have a favorite stuffed animal when you were young (or now!)?  If you didn't or don't, what about someone you know?

I did have a special teddy bear that I pretty much wore out. I remember my mom sewing his eyes back on and stitching up worn areas many times. I had many other stuffed animals too and I always treated them gently...never did I throw them around or leave them in an "uncomfortable" position. Whenever I would see that someone else was being rough with them, I always put a stop to it and made sure they were all lovingly placed together so they rested well. In my mind, those sweet little stuffed animals had feelings too...and I must admit, to this very day, it hurts my heart to see stuffed animals that aren't treated kindly. You just don't even know how hard it is for me to buy a gently used stuffed animal at Goodwill to give to my dogs to play with! I know...I'm just weird.

6.  Please tell us something about your week, so far!

Dylan, grandson #2, walked the aisle to Pomp and Circumstance this past Saturday! Boy, it sure makes this Mawmaw feel old! Where did that chubby little boy go? We are so proud of him and are looking forward to him being able to fulfill his dreams of serving in the Army very soon. His daddy, Aaron, couldn't have been more proud of his baby boy!

And yesterday, June 18, marked exactly six years since I hit the "publish" button for the first time, sending My Favorite Things out into the blogosphere. I know six years doesn't seem like such a long time compared to how long some of you have been blogging. I never dreamed nor would I have believed it if anyone would have told me how it would be possible to "meet" so many wonderful and dear friends....many of them, kindred spirits, really. So Happy Blogiversary to me!

Until next time...

A Pet Lovin' Medley

Hey ya'll and Happy Hump Day!

So how did it get to be Wednesday again so soon?
I know that time flies when you're having fun and we had a great time in Tennessee.
The weather was cold and rainy most of the time but it didn't matter one bit.
I got to walk across the bridge and into the meadow where the farmhouse is going to be.
I have to believe that this will happen.
I've got to keep the dream alive or it feels as though I'm giving up.
I won't do that...I can't do that.



On Sunday, Parker's 12th birthday began with a birthday doughnut.

I was blessed to be able to witness this precious boy's entrance into the world
and just can't believe that in another year, he'll be a teenager!
Please.....make it stop!!!



We ate lunch at his favorite Thai restaurant but I missed getting a photo of his birthday cake pie...
...Key Lime, to be precise...complete with twelve candles!
Our visit to see the kids in Tennessee was just what I needed.
~
So by the time many of you may be reading this, I will be undergoing my third biopsy.
I was impressed by the doctor I met last week...he was very kind and answered all my questions.
He said that it's not uncommon to do a third, fourth or even more biopsies in cases like mine.
He told me that too many times a doctor will send the patient away to return in six months
or so to get re-scanned after an inconclusive biopsy.
Many times it's too late because a tumor could grow drastically during that time.
Dr. Allen plans to do all he can to keep that from happening.
I am prepared to do whatever it takes to get a correct diagnosis so I can get on with
whatever treatment is needed...and get on with my life!
Let's do this!!
~
So let's get on with the Wednesday Medley, shall we?

Terri, our friend from Florida asks the questions on her blog and we answer them on ours.
Just copy and paste the questions, put in your answers and link up to her blog.

FEBRUARY 20th IS NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY

On February 20th, pet lovers everywhere observe National Love Your Pet Day. This holiday is a day set aside to give extra attention to and pamper your pets. This is a good day to focus on the special relationship that you have with your pets.

Did you know that most households in the United States have at least one pet? While there are more cats than dogs in the US, more households have dogs than cats, but not by much. Pets are not limited to the canine and feline categories. There are quite a few who prefer the companionship of birds, reptiles, fish or rats. Whoever your pet companion is, we are sure you will enjoy spending a little extra time with them on National Love Your Pet Day and reap the benefits, as well such as stress relief and lower blood pressure. So on February 20 (and every day) show your appreciation to your pets!

HOW TO OBSERVE

Bring your pet a special treat, take an extra long walk or give them more attention on National Love Your Pet Day.  Whatever you decide to do, spoil and appreciate your pets!  Use #NationalLoveYourPetDay to post on social media.

HISTORY

Within our research, we were unable to identify the creator of National Love Your Pet Day.

1.  Have you ever had a special pet in your life?  Will you tell us about it?

Okay...you asked for it, Terri! My first reply to this question would be more like "When did I NOT have a special pet in my life?" The first pet in my life was our dog, Tippy. He was a Heinz 57 mix and basically a very sweet boy. I remember he had this very fluffy tail that curled over his back. 

There were several other dogs and a few cats as well but none of the cat's names come to mind. My mom didn't like cats much and they stayed outside, away from the humans much of the time. If I had to pick a favorite pet over another, Hunter would share the top of the list. Adam brought him to us when he was just weaned and what a smart dog he was! He was mostly Jack Russell with a little Feist mixed in. 

When Oscar joined the family as a wee pup, Hunter dominated but they got along well. Later on, they became best buds.

Hunter lived to be almost 13 and died suddenly and quite unexpectedly in 2015. We think he must have had a stroke and in a very short period of time, he took his last breath in my arms. So for a year, it was this guy who demanded all of the attention...

And then along came Tasha, very unexpectedly when we rescued her from the shelter. This is the day I picked her up. I'll never forget how timid and shy she was.

In a matter of minutes, they bonded....and the rest is history. 

2.  Did you grow up with pets in your home?  What did it teach you?

As I mentioned before, we always had pets but Mom never allowed them in the house. Occasionally one of the cats would slip in the door and she would quickly shoo them out. What did it teach me? It taught me that whenever I got big enough to have my own home, I wanted my pets to live inside with the rest of the family.

3.  Do you ever wonder what animals are thinking?

Yes, but most of the time I think I know. If you've ever had a dachshund, then you probably know that they have a way of being quite transparent.

4. Sometimes a pet gets out and doesn't return for a few days. What do you think happens to them when they go on a walkabout?

This happened when we had Hunter although he never ran away for that long. He was gone one time for almost 24 hours and I was absolutely beside myself as every scenario imaginable was playing in my head. I can't even tell you how many trips up and down the road I made as I was looking for him and calling his name, thinking at any moment I would see something white lying in the ditch along side of the road. That night, I slept on the couch in the living room with the blind pulled up enough at the bottom that I could see him if he came to the door, wanting in. He finally did show up in the wee hours of the morning to my great relief. There is usually another animal (or more) involved when they wonder away but all that really matters is that they do come home.

5.  With cats and dogs being the most popular pets, what is the most exotic pet you have personal experience with (didn't have to be yours)?

When I was a young teen, I had a chameleon named Cam. He would turn whatever color he was placed on and I remember him jumping on the living room curtains and blended in so well that we had a difficult time finding him. I also had a hamster who got lost outside during a photo shoot in my mom's flower bed. I never did find him, sorry to say.😞

6.  Please tell us something random about your week so far...

I went to the grocery store yesterday when we returned home and I noticed that I parked next to an identical black Honda CR-V as mine. At the time, I remember thinking that whoever owned the car would most likely come out of the store before me and be gone by the time I came out. Well, wouldn't you know that as I was exiting the store, a lady walking quite a distance ahead of me was heading in the same general direction as I was. I went ahead and clicked my remote a couple of times to unlock my car (of course the lights would flash too) and I noticed she was heading directly towards my car and she actually opened my door! I then hollered a friendly "Uhhh......you've got the wrong car!" and totally confused, she looked back at me and realized she had opened the door to my car instead of hers. Apparently she had clicked her remote at the same time as I did and when she saw my car (which was the closest one) she thought she was unlocking hers! We both got a good little chuckle out of it. How's that for random?

So I'll keep you posted...and I continue to thank you for your prayers.

I am just so grateful to all of you!

Much love,

Christmas Catch-Up

Hello, my friends!

I hope this finds each of you well after all of your Christmas-ing!

Ours began on Friday after the Tennessee Bunch got into town late Thursday night.

There was really no special agenda on Friday...mostly just hangin' out and chillin'.

Oh yeah...and there was yet another bird rescue.

It seems like every other day a bird flies into one of our window panes.

It didn't look too promising for this little tufted titmouse...we thought he was a goner for a while.

 

 

After about fifteen minutes and some TLC from Adam, off he flew into the bushes!

It amazes me how they can look like death one minute and just like that,

they are able to fly away!

Later, we ordered pizza and played a little game of "Who gets to open a present?"

Aaron wanted his dad to open his gift early since he had gotten him a propane smoker.

He wanted to help him "break it in" by cooking a Boston butt for our official get-together Saturday.

So after we all enjoyed the pizza, we had a little drawing to see who would "win."

Needless to say, the game was rigged. 😁

You're sure to pick the right winner when those little pieces of paper in the basket

had Pawpaw's name on ALL of them!

Jim had assumed that Aaron would be smoking the meat at his place and bringing it over...

...he had no clue he was actually getting his own smoker and helping to cook it!

~

Saturday was windy and quite cold but Aaron, Adam and Jim all took turns watching the meat...

...for hours...and hours...and hours. (I can't believe I didn't get one photo of them) 

Speaking of photos, we did get these shots of the two oldest grands in a "then and now" photo shoot.

I had made this stocking for Dacey when he was born and he was so tiny that he fit inside.

 

 

I'm still trying to wrap my brain around the fact the he turned 20 in November.

 

 

...and Dylan had his 18th birthday just a few weeks ago!

 

 

Unfortunately, there is no stocking picture of Dylan because I am a bad Mawmaw!

Yes, I made him a stocking...but it was just wee bit too small for him to fit in.

I'm not quite sure why I made Dacey's so big...

...I think it may be called "first grandchild syndrome". 😏

~

So finally after filling our tummies, the presents were unwrapped and just like that,

Christmas had come and gone...well...not really, but it kinda seemed that way.

 I forgot to mention the fact that Parker had started to feel a little scratchy throat coming on...

...and then a little later came the fever.

The plan all along had been for them to leave by noon on Sunday,

so the kids could be at their home for Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Well, it became necessary for them to make an extra trip to urgent care before they left.

What we thought was probably strep throat was actually diagnosed as Flu-A!

 

 

Not a fun way to spend Christmas vacation!

Olivia wasn't sick but she liked wearing the mask (probably a good idea)...looks pretty pitiful, huh?) 

The good news is that by Christmas Day, Parker had no fever and is now on the road to recovery...

...and so far, no one else seems to have come down with it, praise the Lord!

 ~

So Christmastime at the Ray house had pretty much come and gone.

Jim had to return to work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so it was low-key from then on out.

After working 'til noon on Monday, I spent most of the next two days watching Christmas movies,

listening to beautiful carols and relaxing...along with these two lazy wieners.

 

 

And speaking of wieners, have I don't think I've shared these with you.

 

 

A few weeks before Christmas, I received a package in the mail from my long-time friend, Susie.

Some of you may remember my post from a couple of years back when she had gifted me

with a box of some of her cherished vintage treasures that she had been collecting for years.

Well, her kindness and generosity didn't stop there.

She told me she had seen this pattern for these pillows and right away thought of me.

She chose a brown suede-like fabric for the bodies and the red plaid for their sweaters was perfect!

And those glasses...how adorable are they?!

After piecing and stitching the doggies together (some of those pieces were teeny!),

Susie's sister helped her quilt them on her quilting machine.

 

 

Aren't they just the cutest??

I was beyond thrilled and totally blown away by this sweet gift she had given me!

Have you ever received a gift from someone, just out of the blue,

and wasn't even sure how to properly thank them?

Believe me, I'm still thinking...

~

Well, that was my Christmas and I am feeling blessed beyond measure.

God has been there for our family in so many ways, this year in particular.

So tomorrow I shall begin the process of taking down Christmas...it makes me a bit sad.

 I may leave the tree up until New Years Day...we'll see.

Until next time, dear friends....