Taking Inventory

Carted off the last of the garage sale stuff today to good will. They should be happy for a while. Not to mention I still have a ton of stuff to go through and clean out and get rid of. Seems like that is all I have done lately in one form or another is take inventory of the items I have and make lists and decide what goes where and what should I keep and what should I get rid of. One could also say I've done a lot of taking inventory of my life as of late too. So many things i need to work on. So many things I need to get right and get back on the right path. I need to be in school this semester getting that done, but this inventory of life comes first. Not that I could afford to go this semester if I wanted to. Another inventory item. I've manage to mess up my financial means. But we'll get it back eventually. I always thought you didn't look back over your life until you were ready to die. Me? I guess I just feel this need to do it now. Or maybe it's just a mid-life crisis. Do you do that? I mean take stock of where you are, where you should be and where you might be in a mid-life crisis? Anyone know? Or maybe it's this dog gone hazy day out there. Where did the sun go. Oh yeah, Winter is coming. Not going to see the sun much anyway for a few months. What about you? Have you taken inventory of your life?

Human Nature and Second Chances...

There are few things in this life that can't be forgiven, or should I say that shouldn't be forgiven. Yet we have to remind ourselves that forgiving someone for something doesn't erase the memory of whatever it was. When we have someone in our life worth hanging onto though we have to go that extra mile to get past the issues that arise; however, if we can't forget and forgive sometimes it's doomed from day one. I've been the one who was hurt before and I've been the one who hurt someone. Neither side is pretty most often. I've made big mistakes in my life. I've been cruel. I've hurt people, sometimes intentionally out of some deep seeded misguided hurt or anger. I've regretted it. I've explained my position and apologized. A few times to get told to go to hell. A few times to get forgiven and given a second chance. A second chance I guarantee you I never let the person down who forgives me. You see I'm human and we as humans make mistakes. The trick is to learn from our mistake. To go forward and prove yourself if you regret your mistake. I've also forgiven people who've hurt me. I've given them second chances, sometimes third chances. Very rarely have I walked away on someones drawing first blood, first time. I do know though that once you do forgive you have to move on. You have to let it go and not dwell on it. You have to not bring it up again. It's a life lesson. What is the old saying though? Once bitten, twice shy. It's not an easy road or an easy journey. Some will forgive you, some won't. But if you've tried and spoke your mind and meant it honestly... then you've done all you can. From there you just have to remember your good times, let go of the bad and move on. Nothing else you can do and from my experience human nature doesn't give us many second chances.

Corporate America - Not so Smart!

Looking around watching our corporate big wigs these days one has to wonder if book smarts is all they have and sometimes one even wonders at that. I watch these younger supervisors who are afraid to have employees who are smarter than they are and who are afraid to help you work your way up the corporate ladder in fear you might pass them on it or take their job. They also seem to think their title entitles them to loyalty and respect. Well, I have news for them - it doesn't! Smart management and smart companies realize that the way to succeed is to surround yourself with people who are smarter and wiser than you are. Not only that but make these people your friends, make them like you. Make them want to work for you because they really do respect you. If a supervisor can pull that off they have the world at their feet. Not that all employees will. We all know there are a few who want to do little work and get paid big bucks, but most people will not only go that extra mile, but would carry their supervisor for it if they had to if their supervisor has gained their respect. The problem is this younger generation has forgotten what respect is. They have forgotten how to gain that respect they so desperately want and need. It's not that hard, so I find it laughable at best that they just don't get it. How you might ask? Treat people as you want to be treated. The long lost golden rule. Treat them with respect. Care enough to listen and honestly care. Go out of your way to know your employees names, the names of their spouses, their children. Know their aptitude and their attitude. Don't try to buy their respect. That one will back fire big time. Then there is listening to their issues and attempting to address them. If you can't then simply explain your position and why you can't do what they need but wish you could. Most people understand even if they don't like it if you give them the opportunity. Keep them apprised of things and don't let them find out through the grapevine or gossip's. I remember working in the 80's and thinking how well oiled the machine was. There was a supervisor named Dave that knew several hundred employees names and family names and he was really impressive. Not only that but the company I worked for at the time had a counselor on staff full time for employees to be able to go to and talk out their issues and problems. It made you feel they cared and in return you busted your butts for them. Now, it's hard to get off work for anything. If you're sick you're still expected at your desk unless you want to lose your job and heaven forbid you want a little time off early to go to your kids soccer game. And who does these top corporate places surveys for female workers or the working family? Obviously the people who answer these surveys are way up the ladder or have lots of money because I have known several people who work at several top rated companies and it's nothing but a joke to them. If corporate USA is to survive they better start listening to their employees. They better start expecting more than book smarts out of their top execs and they better hope the government lets us start teaching our children about the real world while they are in school instead of waiting for reality to hit them when they start working. Most companies have forgotten customer service and they have long forgotten the loyalty that should lie between employer and employee and I for one think it's sad. Corporate American --- really isn't so smart now is it?

Dekalb County Free Fall Fair

September 22nd thru September 27th, 2008 - Located in downtown Auburn Indiana

DEKALB COUNTY FREE FALL FAIR
“America’s Family Reunion”
AUBURN, INDIANA
2008 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

OLD SETTLERS / SCOUT DAY
Sponsored by The Andersons / Bunge, Smith Farms Manor & Froggy 106.7
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
9:30 A.M. 4-H Dairy Beef Show – Show Barn Fairgrounds
10:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. Exhibit Hall / Middaugh Hall Open Fairgrounds
10:00 A.M. Judging Saddle Horse & Pony – Show Ring Fairgrounds
Noon Old Settlers Lunch Methodist Church
1:30 P.M. Old Settlers Day Program Methodist Church
3:30 P.M. Judging 4-H & Open Beef Heifers – Show Barn Fairgrounds
4:00 P.M. Carnival Open – Wrist Band $15 Downtown
5:00 P.M. Saddle Horse Show – Show Ring Fairgrounds
5:30 P.M. Judging 4-H Beef Steers – Show Barn Fairgrounds
7:00 P.M. Scout Parade Downtown
7:00 P.M. Joey O Band Main Stage
7:30 P.M. Glory Vocal Group Downtown Stage
8:00 P.M. The Edgar Winter Band – Free Concert Main Stage
8:15 P.M. Heaven Bound Vocal Group Downtown Stage

HOMEMAKERS DAY
Sponsored by DeKalb County Extension Homemakers Association & K105 FM
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
8:00 A.M. Judging 4-H & Open Rabbits – Show Barn Fairgrounds
8:00 A.M. – 9:15 A.M. Enter “All About Apples” Contest Exhibit Hall
9:00 A.M. Draft Horse Pulling Contest Fairgrounds
9:30 A.M. “All About Apples” Contest Judging Exhibit Hall
10:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. Exhibit Hall / Middaugh Hall Open Fairgrounds
10:00 A.M. Program – How To Sleep Soundly Tonight Exhibit Hall
10:00 A.M. 4-H Dairy Interviews – Show Barn Fairgrounds
11:15 A.M. Program – Fabulous Finger Foods Exhibit Hall
1:00 P.M. Judging 4-H and Open Dairy – Show Barn Fairgrounds
1:00 P.M. Program – Elegant Embellishments Exhibit Hall
2:30 P.M. “All About Apples” Contest Winners / Photos Exhibit Hall
4:00 P.M. 4-H Beef Carcass Scan – Beef Barn Fairgrounds
4:00 P.M. Carnival Open – Wrist Band $15 Downtown
6:00 P.M. Judging 4-H Sheep – Show Barn Fairgrounds
6:00 P.M. Draft Pony Pulling Contest Fairgrounds
7:00 P.M. Cheyenne Band Main Stage
7:30 P.M. Waterloo Kitchen Band Downtown Stage
8:00 P.M. Lady Antebellum – Free Concert Main Stage

KIDS DAY
Sponsored by Therma TRU, Drug Free DeKalb County, The Bear 98.9 & Froggy 106.7
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
9:00 A.M. Mule Pulling Contest – Show Ring Fairgrounds
9:45 A.M. Pet Parade Judging 14th & Jackson St.
10:00 A.M. Carnival Open – Wrist Band $10 (10:00 A.M. to
5:00 PM)
Downtown
10:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. Exhibit hall / Middaugh Hall Open Fairgrounds
10:45 A.M. Pet Parade Downtown
11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Magic 4 U – D. V. Dillinger Midway
11:45 A.M. 4-H Livestock Auction – Show Barn Fairgrounds
12:00 P.M. Froggy 106.7 Fact or Fiction Contest Downtown Stage
3:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Odd Octane Downtown Stage
4:30 P.M. – 5:15 P.M. A Mac Downtown Stage
5:00 P.M. Saddle Horse Show – Show Ring Fairgrounds
7:00 P.M. Supreme Showman Contest Fairgrounds
7:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M. Relative Insanity Downtown Stage
8:00 P.M. Pop Evil – Free Concert Main Stage
9:00 P.M. Tantric – Free Concert Main Stage

GRAND PARADE / REUNION DAY
Sponsored by Metal Technologies & Majic 95.1
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
7:00 A.M. Antique Tractor Weigh-In Fairgrounds
9:00 A.M. Antique Tractor Pull Fairgrounds
10:00 A.M. Grand Finale Parade Downtown
1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Exhibit Hall / Middaugh Hall Open Fairgrounds
11:00 A.M. Carnival Open – Wrist Band $20 (11:00 A.M. to
11:00 P.M.)
Downtown
1:00 P.M. Premier Showman Contest Fairgrounds
1:00 P.M. Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull Fairgrounds
1:30 P.M. Patricia Kruse School of Dance Main Stage
1:30 P.M. Karaoke Contest Downtown Stage
2:00 P.M. Cathy Ann Dance Studio Main Stage
2:30 P.M. Turning Pointe Dance Academy Main Stage
4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Release Exhibit & Middaugh Hall Entries Fairgrounds
4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Release Livestock Fairgrounds
5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Majic 95 Kids Pre-Parrots of Caribbean Party Main Stage
6:00 P.M. Grand Finale Parade Awards Downtown Stage
6:00 P.M. Garden Tractor Pull Fairgrounds
7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. Lindsey Helmer Show Downtown Stage
8:00 P.M. Parrots of the Caribbean, a Salute to Jimmy
Buffett– Free Concert
Main Stage
11:00 P.M. Prize & Raffle Drawings Main Stage
DOWNTOWN STAGE ON 7TH AND UNION STREET
MAIN STAGE ON 11TH AND UNION STREET
PETTING ZOO OPEN MON. – FRI. (SOUTH END OF FAIRGROUNDS)
ABOVE EVENTS & TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
CARNIVAL PROVIDED BY: POOR JACK AMUSEMENTS, MILTON, IN
ALL ENTERTAINMENT IS FREE!
WWW.DEKALBCOUNTYFAIR.ORG

Johnny Appleseed

So like a lot of Fort Wayne folks I took in the Johnny Appleseed Festival this past weekend. Saturday I went with my brother and my niece and nephew. Although I think it's nice, I could probably forgo it for my tastes, but it's kind of become an annual event for myself and my nephew. I want to keep that going. The grave was getting a lot of attention on Saturday, which was nice to see that people actually cared enough to drop by and pay their respects to the man for whom the festival is named. I don't really

actually get leaving the half eaten apples at the grave though. I guess to each their own. Believe it or not with all of the festivities going on and the foods and all - one of the favorite activities with the kids had nothing to do with the festival and everything to do with the park and playground that is there all the time. Hum. I didn't know Johnny Appleseed had a pirates ship! The kids spent a good thirty minutes on the playground midway through the day and then again at the end of the day. Another favorite of theirs was simply going down to the river where they threw rocks in the water, watched the fall and canoes and ducks in the river.

Children often remind me that the simple things in life are often the best. It was nice to see them enjoying something out doors. Most kids spend way too much time inside with television and video games. Dakota actually asked if there were fish in the river. I guess it's not taken for granted like we did when we were kids. I mean our dad took us fishing and so we assumed there were fish when we saw an unencumbered body of water.

The kids did try some of the rides and games from the olden days though and they did seem to have a really good time. Oh, and just in case - they had this old time settlers ATM? Didn't know they had ATM's but heaven forbid you be at the festival and run out of green backs.

This festival is a good one though and it comes at a time of year when everyone could use a little fun before old man winter comes on in. Guess if you missed it you'll just have to wait until this time next year. See you there!

Everything Must Go!

I won't be there, but the garage sale continues on Thursday, September 25th and Friday, September 26th, From 8:30am to 2:30pm. As you can see there is something for everyone, so check it out!

Garage Sale, Everything Must go By Next Friday!

I will be working it tomorrow from 8:30AM until at least 12:30pm maybe longer. Then it will be Open on Thursday, September 25th and Friday September 26th. Reasonable offers accepted. Everythng must go! Bring a truck and take it all home with you or just drop in to say hello. Not my house, but I will be tending the sale on Saturday.

See you there! - Email me for address and map.

Sigh... Target October 8th Doors Will Be Open

Didn't make it in September, but at least we have a firm date. You can be there first day if you like. October 8th... you may check it out.

My Neighbors Wife...

Sixty three years of marriage. That is amazing at best. When I asked Don how he did it he would always laugh and say you had to over look the little things and take the bad with the good. When doing this you would realize that there was more good to be had. The last year for him has been rough as he's watched his wife slowly slip away and the last few weeks completely miserable. He's spent every day going to the hospital to be with her. Half expecting he'd find she hadn't made it through the night. Amazingly he said most days she'd have beaten the odds and be chatting away with him. But there were tests and pain and as much as he loved her he couldn't stand to see that. His plans now to move, travel with what little time he has left. He can't bare to live in the house he's lived 63 years with her in, without her. He has no family left. Just him and his dog. He's not one to give up though. He's always out working in his yard. Mrs. Wall passed away and was buried on Monday. So no more pain. His words are filled with love and admiration of her though. How wonderful that someone could love someone so deeply after so long. I wish him the best and will miss seeing him around. I didn't know her. She had been confined to the house most of the last few years and even though neighbors I talk to him only on occassion outside. There is so much wisdom there to be gained from though. He's wise one can tell beyond imagination. So take a moment and be thankful today for your loved ones. Imagine if you can this mans courage and his strength. And the love he has had all these years for his wife.

Just How Lazy Are We?

Please note I said "WE". I have been guilty on a couple of occasions of the same sin that aggravates the crap out of me. Usually when I have done it though it has been because I was in pain from my arthritis or something, but none the less guilty. I am talking about not placing shopping carts in the cart returns or taking them back in the stores. I will also say in my own defense that the two or three times I have done it the returns have been far far away, not just a row over and I have never, nor would I ever push them into the

handicapped parking area to make it look like some poor handicapped person did it or worse it put it where their car is suppose to go so they may not park there. I literally saw a woman walk three car lengths in the opposite direction of the cart return to put her cart between two cars today. If she had walked two car lengths in the other direction she could have placed it in the cart return. I just don't get it. To make matters worse than just being obviously lazy, these carts can make serious damages to your cars. If you want to get my blood boiling leave a cart outside your car with the cart return right there. What is even funnier is I usually park beside the cart returns. My brother says it is the safest place for your car, because odds are people are not going near them with the carts. I sometimes think he's right. What even gets my goat more is that usually the people you see doing this are the ones who look healthy and in shape,

while you'll see the little old lady that is limping taking her cart to the return. Respect is the obvious issue here. A lot of people have forgotten what it is and when you don't return them to the areas they are suppose to go it is nothing but plain disrespectful. If that make you angry sorry. I'm entitled to my pet peeve. Now I will completely understand and forgive you if the cart return is more than 100 feet away from your car, but there are stores where that isn't the norm and it could be right beside their car and some of these people wouldn't use them. Sigh.. I guess I've complained enough for now. Help out would you? And if you see me out there breaking this rule, feel free to come up and knock me upside the head. I'm willing to give you that one!

Look The Light Really Was a Train!

Don't you just love the phrase "There is a light at the end of the tunnel!". Most people throw that at you to try to cheer you up when you're depressed and I say it's great that they are trying to help, but most of us know whether that light at the end of a tunnel is just a light or really a train. I mean every time you go to make a decision in your life there is this little voice telling you to either go for it or run like hell in the other direction. Or am I crazy? Well, that is another story. Recently I had to make one of those hard decisions. It was one that I was telling myself I didn't have to make. For months I made myself believe there was another options, but I knew deep inside it had come down to only one solution. It just wasn't something I saw myself doing, but that is one of life's hard lessons I suppose. I also know I spent some time talking with a friend this weekend and he is older and wiser. Even told me I could knock him in the head with a frying pan if I saw him making the same mistake again. What is better is I have it in writing! Either way, I know with the economy the way it is and work being fleeting at best and floundering elsewhere that it is easy to get depressed over the slightest thing. It's something we really have to dig deep inside ourselves and find the strength not to be depressed. I know I work on it every day and usually I do good at talking myself through it and picking myself up and bringing my mood back to jolly. But even I have days where it all just seems like it is too much. I guess I just believe what my mother (again isn't she great?) has always told me. That there is always someone else out there is is in worse shape than me and that I should be thankful every day for everything I have and have been given, even if all it is, is another chance to set it right. So train or shinning light I'll travel the tunnel and see where it takes me. If you're down and need an ear or a pen pal to just listen or even give a wavering bit of advise or sympathy, or even apathy. You know how to get in touch with me. Keep the chin up and listen for the whistle!

Bicycle Anyone?

Gas prices have once again ventured past the four dollar a gallon mark. This gas station I passed today was selling the low grade regular for $4.15 9/10 per gallon today. WOW! This got me to thinking how pampered and spoiled most of us have gotten and then I got to wondering how far most of us would go to not have to leave the comforts of our cars for other transportation. I mean bicycle's would be a more cost effective form of transportation and would even help us get in shape. Is it me or is it ironic that people spend good money on gas to drive a car to a gym where they then again spend good money to ride a stationary bike? I can see the irony in that situation. I also think that it would bring gas prices down in a hurry if the American people would unite and stop driving so much. Take the bus, ride a bike, walk when close enough, and car pool. As much as I like my car I for one didn't drive anywhere this past weekend. My car went two full days without ever leaving my drive. Now I did go out with my brother and family shopping, so I did get out and who knows if I would have driven anywhere if I had not had other mode of transportation, but I for one do think twice before going out these days. Well, I guess that about sums it up. Think the biking industry can come up with something with four walls and a heater for winter?

Subliminal Tapes and CD's Self Improvement:

I was recently asked to evaluate a website and give my opinion of the website. It's not something I really see myself as being that good at, but I have no problem giving my opinion on anything and anyone who knows me knows that to be a matter of fact. So here we go. The website in question is: http://www.subliminal-tapes-self-improvement.com/

Let me start by saying I am not the biggest fan of self improvement books, WEB sites or tapes and Cd's. Not that I don't think there aren't a few which are very well written and some which may actually be helpful. It's just that I have seen so many that simply state the obvious and do little but confirm that yes there is a problem and yes it is going to be hard as hell to get through it. This is one reason I love to read Psychic Medium John Edward books. They give me peace of mind. I'm also not a person who believes there is a quick and easy fix for anything. I mean this website has a weight loss tape. I simply don't see how a subliminal message can help one lose weight unless it somehow motivates one to stop eating so much and exercise. Which it might do, I don't know and can't confirm since I have never ever used a subliminal tape so I have no point of reference as to whether they work or not, although I'm more than willing to be the Guinea pig if someone wants me to try one, as long as it doesn't cost me money. The way I see it though is if you are reviewing tapes and books on how to make life changes you have all ready taken the most important step. You have acknowledged a problem or void to which you desire to make a change. In this respect the book or tape or class or whatever you choose, simply becomes a tool to try to get you to your goal. This website does offer a great variety of tapes and from what I can tell they are very competitively priced for this type of tapes. I mean $24.99 is nothing to pay if they actually work. As for the arrangement of the website it is appealing to the eyes and does appear to cover a wide range of topics for one to browse. Along with a great explanation of what exactly the tapes are suppose to do. I did try to click on the topic of their partners though and was told the web link did not exists, which I found odd at best. I was also disappointed that their downloads say 56K modem/DSl as your only choices for downloads, even though I'm sure FIOS would count and work for the DSL portion. I didn't like that if you want to download a sample of sounds you would need Real Audio either. I believe if you want me to sample your sounds then you should provide options so that it's likely I all ready have a sound system that will work without having to download yet something else to my computer. But that is me. Over all I believe it is a very appealing website and would encourage you to give it a look. Who knows you might find something out there that peaks your curiosity. For now I guess I'll just wonder if they work. Unless I can get some Subliminal money? Yeah I didn't think so. Oh well... Check it out and feel free to let me know what you think. And if anyone tries these tapes and they work be sure to drop me a line on that one as well.

Analog to Digital February 17, 2009

My brother Ritchie is a great dad! He's always thinking about things to make his children happy when they come to stay with him and he's guaranteed to take them to parks or the zoo or some play place. He loves his time with them and wants them to be happy. This week he and I went by Walmarts and cashed in his two government coupons he had so that he could get a digital converter for each of his children's bedrooms at his house. On their old analog TV's with the converter box and an antenna they now get twelve to thirteen channels and these channels come in just as plain as any TV hooked up to Cable or Directv or any of the others you can think about. He does have Dish network I believe at his house (They don't offer FIOS yet in his neighborhood.) but he only has it hooked up in his family room and living room. So the kids have been watching tapes in their rooms or watching a fuzzy analog station. He's excited to see what they think when they come next weekend.
I got to thinking last night that I wondered how many people knew about from commercials or otherwise the coupons that the government is giving out. After all they are the ones mandating that the television stations do this so it is only fitting that they help curb the cost to the consumer. Two coupons are allowed per address/customer. The coupons are worth $40 each and look like a credit card and are used like a credit card. They can be used at several stores around town. My brother and I took them to Walmart's and they cost $49.97 before the coupon and $9.97 each after the coupon. Now you do have to pay the tax on the total cost before the coupons so expect if you get both that it will run around $27 for the two of them. All you need at this point is your analog TV and an antenna either outside or an indoor one. The converter box goes between the antenna and TV and it comes with a remote control so you can change channels. This is going to be a good idea for anyone, even those with cable because what if you have an analog TV and the storm takes out your cable (because you don't have FIOS either) - then your analog TV with this box would still get channels in theory. It also will come in handy if the financial crunch comes along and you need to remove the cable company to save cost. Either way... I advise you get at least one to have for need of the future. The WEB address to sign up is: https://www.dtv2009.gov/

The conversation takes place at midnight on February 17, 2009. So time is growing short. Get yours today!

Morals for One, Not Two...

"Judge not Least Ye Be Judged." Yet this is what we all do daily, so it's probably fitting that each and everyone of us is judged by someone every day. I would say it's even kind of human nature and not doing it takes practice. I catch myself all the time making quick snap judgements about people before I've ever given them a chance to prove me right or wrong. Think about it: we judge people by what they wear, how they look, how they talk, how much they weight, what color their skin is, what their marital status is, and even what their sexual preference is. I am sure there are a million other things too. Some of them go through our minds even before we have had a chance to process the entire situation. Some are instinct, some are prejudice, some are just our up bringing. No matter what our moral fiber though one thing holds fast in my mind. I, nor anyone else has the right to push their moral intent or ideas on me or anyone else. I agree that there are certain standards that "society" has decided are acceptable or not, but there are a multitude of mistakes that are all my own to make. No judgement needed by anyone because if I am making the wrong decisions I've found my own conscience and deep seeded regret will make me pay for the mistake much more than anyone else could possibly ever come close to. Trust me when I do tell you that I do have a few regrets in life too and most of them I knew I would regret at the time I did them. One thing I have stuck to is I would never go out with or date a married man. Isn't going to happen and trust me I've been asked out by a few; however, even though I feel it is wrong, it is not my place to make that decision for someone else or tell them how to react. I think they would regret it eventually, but it still isn't any of my business. I just don't understand what drives people to take it upon themselves to try to tell others how to live their lives. I am so grateful that I have several great friends who won't judge me to my face anyway. They are supportive and may tell me their opinion if I ask, but they don't pass judgement or sentence. I guess what I am trying to say is before you go digging for buried skeletons in my back yard, you might want to look in your own first. No one's perfect and I say thank God for that. Our faults at times make us interesting. So morals for one.. check please.

No One Cooks Like Mom!

I am fortunate enough to still have both my parents. Last year we had a scare with my dad when he was diagnosed with Melanoma. I remember at that time I started thinking the worst. I started wondering what my life would be like without him here. I couldn't imagine. I am very close with my parents and my brother and the thought of anything happening to either of them takes my breath away. I can't even imagine. In the past couple of years though I've watched as one by one friends have lost parents. I always wonder how they stand it. I know we are geared to be prepared for it on some level, but I still don't understand it and I have no desire to any time soon. I hope my parents are alive for years to come. When I think of all the things I would miss if they were gone I think of my mom's cooking. No one could ever make food the way she does. She's a wonderful cook and try as I might even after she's told me how I can't cook and make it taste like hers. I am sure we all have people like this in our lives. Aunts, Uncles, grandparents, or parents alike. People that touch us in some way, either in something the do, like cooking or in just a way they simply accept us for who we are that we can not possibly ever replace. My dad is about the best I believe at making chili and vegetable soup. I remember growing up though how he complained that no one could hold a candle to his mom when it came to making vegetable soup. My grandmother Lula always made her entire days meals at the beginning of the day. It wasn't unusual in her house to see fried chicken and vegetable soup at the table along with your eggs and bacon. She got it out of the way I suppose for many reasons. She raised chickens and hogs for sale of eggs and the meat. She stabled horses, made homemade quilts and pillows. And I remember very fondly the feed sack dolls she would make. She had a garden and sold vegetables as well. She was a wonderful woman and set in her ways. Never running water in her house. She had electricity but somehow didn't want water running in her house. There was an old well we would throw a bucket down into to draw the water for the use. As much as I have missed her over the years (it's been 25 years on November 27Th since her passing) I can't even imagine it can compare to how much I would miss my mother if she were not here. There are just so many things That go through your mind. My heart goes out to all that have lost their parents because I don't know how you've dealt with it. I just hope I can when I have to. For me I just believe no one will ever cook like my mom. And no one will ever be as forgiving of my shortcomings as my parents.

Dolly & Porter Never Looked Better

So as I'm walking down this road of soul searching I have been looking through old photos, of which I have album after album. In it what did I come upon but another crazy Halloween of the past. I believe this one was in 1991 and my friend Joe and I decided to go as Dolly Parton and Porter Wagner. I think we pulled it off, if I do say so myself. What do you think?

Ghosts of The Past and New Beginnings

I guess one might say that 2008 has been a year of soul searching for me. I have been going back through my mind through all the years and trying to make peace with all the choices I've made. This picture is of myself (on the left) and what use to be a fairly good friend Patty. And No, I'm not a Giant, Patty is just a little height challenged. My height is five foot nine inches to give you a good idea. I haven't gotten together with Patty for almost three years. It will be three years on New Years Eve to be exact. Sometimes in life there are just people we have to distance ourselves from for our own good, even if it hurts. This was the case. I took a good long look at the relationship and found no good value for me anymore. As a matter of fact it was a destructive relationship for me on many levels. My friend Joe recently talked about astrological signs and that two people he knew were very true to their nature. I guess I believe I am too. I always try to look out for other people. I've done that so much so in my life that I was forgetting to take care of me. The other day I was talking to a friend on the phone and I told her I wanted to try to get in shape both mentally and physically. Along with get my finances in good standing and get my house in order. She said to me it sounded as if I had some strong goals. I hadn't looked at it that way, but I guess I do have some rather hefty goals and that is exactly what they are. Not just words. I want to do these things for me and I want it more than you can imagine. It means taking a new look and a new approach at life. Dealing with old ghosts and starting with new beginnings. The first step, face what I really want for me. The second, be realistic and honest with myself. The third, go for it and believe it in with all I have in myself. A great example of something I need for me: When I'm in the stores shopping I have always looked for whatever I thought other people would like. What other people would need. I was in Meijers last night and looked at several things for other people and almost bought the stuff. But then I thought about how I needed to do the financial crunch thing and what is good for them, might not be good for me. It seems selfish I suppose. But I am forty-one years old. That is half way probably at least through my life. Half done or more. I need some of my life for me. I need to get me in a good place and then maybe I can be good for myself and good for them as well. So hopefully those who are in my life will see a lot of good changes in me over the next year or so. Hopefully in doing what is right for me, it will bring me closer with those I love. So ghosts of the past be gone, it's time for new beginnings.

A Grave Discovery @ The Birthday Bash

HAPPY 60TH Birthday to Barb Herb! September 4, 2008 marked the 60Th birthday of a truly unique and wonderful woman. Barb is pictured here on the left with me and her new glasses for her deteriorating eyesight. OK, so maybe they aren't real glasses, but they do look good on her. Oh, and if you wonder why it looks like we are sweaty... well our work takes that leave your thermometer on 78 thing seriously, which might not be bad if it weren't all stagnant air with no movement. Feels like a mortuary in here. Wait maybe it is. Grave and all above. The grave cake up above was Kim's idea. She suggested it and I carried it out. I'd call that team work! You can't tell in the picture, but the tombstone flashes. Ain't it great when it all works out. Halloween stuff was all ready out at the Dollar Tree.
On the right here Barb is giving our general manager, Crystal, tips on how to stay so youthful and vibrant, as Crystal said she thought Barb looked much younger than she actually is. If you listen to all everyone is saying these days she actually is younger right? Cause they now say forty is now the new twenty and fifty is now the new thirty and of course sixty is now the new forty. I just want to know how that works and if someone has been using dog years to calculate, because I sure don't feel like I'm in my twenties and I'm pretty sure I don't look half as good as I did then. Sigh... If people can believe it and want to though I guess that is a good thing.

As you can see here on the left Kim is helping poor Barb get around on her 60Th birthday. Along with this beautiful cane to make sure people can hear her coming. Funny story is our general manager didn't know what the knee high on the cane was for. I had to explain it's poking fun at the fact that little old ladies always wear knee highs. Kids these days. Sigh... Not only that but our immediate supervisor Cecil turned twenty-eight years old on August 28Th. So young. When we told him what we were planning on doing with decorating Barb's office with rest in peace signs, crows, black roses and all the works. He thought we were joking. He said he had never heard of doing such a thing. He went so far as to say to keep from getting in trouble he needed to check with Crystal first to see if it was OK. All of us had a good laugh over that. This is common office party themes for the over the hill gang. Unfortunately I know fit that category, but that is OK, every year just gives me more permission to be a little more opinionated is the way I see it. This picture on the right is of Cecil and Barb. He seemed to really get into the spirit of the evening more than anyone else. Don't know if that is an age thing or just a Cecil thing. But he seemed to be really thrilled that we were doing this after he figured out it was sort of an office tradition and he wasn't going to get fired for breaking any office codes of conduct for it. He brought juice. Barb brought in cupcakes. So we were well sugared up by the end of the evening. Well, that is my birthday bash report for the birthday girl Barb. It was all during work and all in good fun. Rare that one has a good time at work these days. Here's looking at next time!

An Over Zealous Pet Owner

So if you haven't figured it out my dog is a huge part of my life. I tend to worry about her much like a parent would worry about their child and least to say she's had me pretty worried for the past while. Tuesday was her day off drugs. I had been told to space a day between giving her medication. The vet did not want her on the steroids for more than three days without a spacer. I didn't think anything of that or apparently ask all the questions I should have. So yesterday my puppy appeared to be going backwards and not forwards with her recovery. She wouldn't eat and was extremely lethargic. Along with that she was throwing up bits of water and she seemed to have these trembles. They reminded me of how I shack when I have a high fever and I'm cold so I would wrap her up in a baby blanket and hold her and it seemed to calm her. So this morning, as you may have guessed, I called the vets office as soon as it opened and spoke with the vet. Apologizing for driving him nuts I explained what was going on. He then informed me it all sounded normal. He said what she was experiencing was withdrawal from the steroids. He also went on to tell me that she should be much better in twenty-four to thirty-six hours. Whew! I felt better; however, I am still not convinced there isn't something else going on. I expressed this to my vet and he told me what to watch for and told me we may have to check her for pancreatitis. Time will tell. Tonight she was a lot more alert and she ate a little, but still no real appetite. The vet said she can go 5 days without any food and be OK and that she could stand to lose a couple of pounds so she should be OK. Either way I thought I'd take a moment to update you all and to give you a clue as to where my mind has been. I had an email tonight saying they missed my blogs and couldn't wait to read something else. I promise I'll be back to my oddball behavior soon. My life has just been a little on the hectic side for the past few days. Thanks for the prayers, emails and such.

Emergency Animal Clinic Only if You have Money

Northeast Indiana Veterinary, (260) 426-1062 (260) 485-0130 (Fax)
5818 Maplecrest Road,Fort Wayne, IN 46835

I have spent the better part of this weekend worried sick, crying at times over my seven year old schnauzer, Princess. She's been very ill since the middle of last week. Now I have had times away from the house that got my mind away somewhat even though each time I am away there are thoughts of what will I find when I go home. I recently lost a cat, so I guess there is that fear that I'll lose my dog as well. On Friday I took my dog to the vet because I knew it was going to be a long weekend and I didn't want to have the worry and have no way of getting her to a vet. He felt that she had been bee stung again. It sounded reasonable and may even still be the case. He was very generous because he knows I have financial issues right now and didn't charge me for the visit since I had just had her in back in July for the same thing. My Vet Dr. Glidewell is a wonderful vet. I left a message on his home machine because I was so worried yesterday, but it has gone unreturned. Probably out of town for the holiday. I left the message only after trying to get through to the emergency clinic twice listed above and twice being placed on hold for more than twenty minutes. My dog has kept very little down since Thursday. Regular food won't stay down, water is a fifty fifty shot. She's been extremely hot. She's on hydrocortisone 20 mg, for the bee sting. She's been there before and by now she should be lots better. She's not. With the help of my mom (aren't mom's great!) I found that she can keep yogurt down and if I give her ice chips they stay down. I finally called the emergency clinic a third time the lady asked me if she could put me on hold I told her the last two times I had been placed on hold for over twenty minutes so she didn't put me on hold. I explained what was going on. She said it was very hard to say much over the phone, but she did tell me to check the gums and tongue. They should be pink if they aren't then it's serious. She also told me to check for dehydration by pinching the back of the neck where it is fatty and see if it snaps back or stays or is slow going back. My dog is still pink and snaps right back. So far so good. She went on to tell me they could see my dog at any time should I feel it's an emergency. Yesterday, Sunday it would be $89.95 just to see her. That wouldn't include any test, medicines or anything else that may have to be done and oh yeah, if I waited until the holiday, today $109.95 just to see her. Who has that kind of spare change lying around? Now, for me, I have a daddy that if I need it will supply it. I'm hoping it doesn't come to that and I can take her to Dr. Glidewell tomorrow. But I'm thinking there are so many people who would have no way to get that and the woman went to great lengths to tell me that they collect the money before they will look at the pet. So basically there is emergency services for pets, which is good, but only if you have money and in today's economy.. who has money? So someone who loves there pet more than life may actually have to watch them die when help is there. What justice is there in that. Now I have checked into pet insurance too, which is the other thing people throw in your face. My dog would run $40 a month and there would be a $250 deductible. WHAT? How does that help? I guess if it is thousands upon thousands and it saves you great. But if the person is able to do the $40 a month, where do they expect these struggling people to come up with a $250 deductible. I tell you what a racket. I wish I really wish I could win the lottery so that I could open a clinic to help those pet lovers who can' afford a fortune. So I guess if you have a pet and you've got the cash you now know where there is a 24/7 clinic 7 days a week. Just don't forget the gold card or the check book.

Update: 9:00pm. My dog has successfully kept her food down for over six hours. She's more spry and according to my parents who are watching her while I'm at work (yes she has a baby sitter - they live next door) they say she is up and about and has no signs of fever. For those that don't know a dogs normal temp is 100 to 102 degree's. Anything over that is cause for worry and yes you take the temp where you might suspect, although I have found the ear ones for kids works about the same. And my wonderful vet called me as soon as he got home from out of town to check on her. I feel really bad for being an over-worried pet owner, but I am. He's been my vet for 20 years so I'm sure he is aware of how I can worry. If you need a good vet who will tell you the truth and will love your pets too, then take them to Waynedale Animal Clinic on Bluffton Road. 260-747-4196. Dr. Glidewell is a wonderful vet. For now it looks like my dog is on the mend. Thanks for the prayers.

McShots?

No, I'm not speaking of liquor and you won't find McShots on the McDonald's menu. This is a picture of the McDonald's located on West Washington Center Road. I met my mom and dad here today at lunch with my brother and my niece and nephew. This particular McDonald's has a nice play place for the children to play at which allows the adults time to talk. While dining here, in the play room we were shocked to see two holes in the windows of this McDonald's. Looks as if someone has been using the windows at McDonald's for target practice. Now, I know in all reality this was probably done when the store was closed and no one was there, at least I hope, but what goes through someones mind that says it's OK to shoot at any building? How stupid does one have to be to really just go around shooting at buildings, empty or not? And


Heaven forbid that these shots were not taken when the restaurant were not closed. What if they were done when the store was open. Children are playing in here. I just don't get it. I don't get what anyone child or adult would see as a good thing for vandalizing property or in taking the risks of the punishment that would go along with such crimes. And what if done when open? Children could be hurt. Either way beyond just imagining what happened there is the fact that these wholes are there big as life. Not covered and no one seemed to be making any effort to be doing anything about them. Now granted these wholes are about three stories up but the one whole is fairly large, looks like a shot gun blew it out, would have to be allowing the cool air out from the air conditioning. It was nice and cool in there yet. Doesn't this cost a large amount of money? Well, I for one am just dumb founded as to why anyone would do this. Hopefully the persons responsible have either been caught or will be caught. McShots are not something I care to find on my McDonald's menu anytime soon.