Monday, December 29, 2008

Mountain Wings: Can't we all just get along?

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#4360 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Can't We All Just Get Along?
============================

"This may be silly but could you please say a prayer for
my family to get along this Christmas? They have a problem of
always fussing and making rude remarks towards each other."

The above is a MountainWings Prayer Request

We are praying for families to "get along" this Christmas in the
true spirit of peace and love.

Although world peace is important,
true peace begins at home.

Bedrooms are more important than Baghdad,
for as the families go,
so goes the nations.

Remember, YOU can be the person who makes sure that at least YOU
show the true spirit of Christmas to everyone in the family.


~A MountainWings Original~


Forward this issue to a friend or send them the link below:
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/4360.htm

Special New Year Edition of the Desert Cafe Coming Right Up

Hello Everyone,
 
Coming up at 02:00 UTC (6:00 PM Pacific, 7:00 PM Mountain, 8:00 PM Central and 9:00 PM Eastern) on ACB Radio Interactive, we bring you a special New Year edition of the Desert Cafe. Hear some New Year tunes, potentially interesting chat and more. So, visit http://interactive.acbradio.org and listen with your favorite media player.
 
Happy New Year,
 
Darrell and Karen
The Desert Cafe
Darrell Shandrow - Accessibility Evangelist
Information should be accessible to us without need of translation by another person.
Blind Access Journal blog and podcast: http://www.blindaccessjournal.com

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Desert Cafe Christmas Special and Brand New Slot on ACB Radio Interactive!

Hello Everyone,
 
Tomorrow come visit us, Polar Bear and Frosty, in the newly re-opened Desert Cafe. Join us Tomorrow (Monday) evening on ACB Radio Interactive from 6:00 to 8:00 Pacific, 7:00 to 9:00 Mountain, 8:00 to 10:00 Central or 9:00 to 11:00 Eastern time for our special Christmas show.  Our Doors will be open Every Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 UTC as we proudly settle into our brand new time slot.
 
Though there will  not be snow, there  may be mistletoe. :-) We definitely will have hot beverages and tasty treats and  Christmas  Tunes to entertain you in our special virtual cafe.  Perhaps you may want some    gingerbread coffee? Coco with whip cream? or   hot chocolate chip cookies right  out of the oven? We will  definitely have music for children  young and  old.  So, hope  to see  you all there.
 
The Desert Cafe may now be heard every Tuesday morning from 2:00 to 4:00 UTC by visiting http://interactive.acbradio.org and selecting your favorite media player to listen.
 
Merry Christmas to all, and to all many a great show,
 
Darrell and Karen Shandrow
The Desert Cafe on ACB Radio Interactive,
Where Your Listening Is Our Business

Friday, December 19, 2008

Mountain Wings: The Truth About Santa Claus

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#8354 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

The Truth About Santa Claus
============================

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma.
I was just a kid.

I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the
day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus,"
she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to
her that day because I knew she would be straight with me.

I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth
always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of
her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous,
because Grandma said so. It had to be true.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites,
I told her everything. She was ready for me.

"No Santa Claus?" She snorted... "Ridiculous! Don't believe it.
That rumor Has been going around for years, and it makes me mad,
plain mad! Now, put On your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my
second world-famous cinnamon bun.

"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store
in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we
walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That
was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and
buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in
the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my
mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself.
The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to
finish their Christmas shopping. For a Few moments I just
stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill,
wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.

I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my Friends, my
neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my
church.

I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby
Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he
sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.

Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never
went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote
a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we
kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have
a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing
excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!

I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it.
It looked real warm, and he would like that.

"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the
counter asked Kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."

The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really
needed a Good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put
the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag
fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in
Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa
Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on
secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house,
explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially,
one of Santa's Helpers. Grandma parked down the street from
Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the
bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All
right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."

I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the
present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to
the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited
breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open.
Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent
shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That
night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus
were just what Grandma said they were: Ridiculous.

Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.
I still have The Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside:
$19.95.

Forward this issue to a friend or send them the link below:
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/8354.htm

The Desert Cafe Re-opens Tomorrow on ACB Radio Interactive

Hello Everyone,
 
We have reopened our doors and just in time for the Holidays.  WE have rennovated the place and  have created  some  new flavors and tasty treats for you all.  We will still have our traditional favorite beverages, sweets and music.      Our hours right now vary so please call or stop by and see the signs posted. We will be open  beginning  Tomorrow with some early Bird Christmas specials as we fill in for Naama, so there is a reason to stop by and start the season off with the right blend.
 
That's right! Tomorrow, December 20, from 14:00 to 16:00 UTC (6:00 to 8:00 AM Pacific, 7:00 to 9:00 AM Mountain, 8:00 to 10:00 AM Central and 9:00 to 11:00 AM Eastern time), I'll be covering Naama's Breakfast in America, serving up the best in Christmas tunes from the re-opened Desert Cafe. The show may be heard on ACB Radio Interactive by visiting the following link:
 
 
All the best,
 
Darrell and Karen Shandrow
The Desert Cafe

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Petwarmers: A puppy for Christmas

Jim Willis gives us an interesting perspective about giving
pets for Christmas. For a variety of reasons, it's not always a good
idea. Families need to be prepared and have the resources to
properly care for a new family member.
You'll want to see the way he presents this point of view.

___________________________________________

A PUPPY FOR CHRISTMAS
by Jim Willis

As Santa loaded his magic sack,
filled with gifts for girls and boys,
he added candy and sugar plums,
and batteries for moving toys.

At the top of the sack he carefully packed
the most special gift of all,
a darling pup for a boy named Timmy,
who from the sack tried to crawl.

Santa turned the puppy around,
he righted him right side up,
'cause there's no more precious cargo,
than a precocious, bright-eyed pup.

As he made his appointed rounds
and down Timmy's chimney slid,
he discovered all the sack havoc --
what the blessed pup had done undid!

Santa looked around the room,
it was clear this family was poor.
He noticed the shabbiness everywhere,
and their poverty he couldn't ignore.

He waved his arms and a tree appeared,
adorned by blinking lights.
He sneezed and holly boughs were hung,
he created a Christmas sight.

Then Santa took to worrying about
a home whose ends wouldn't meet,
and whether it would be fair to anyone,
when a pup needs a lot to eat.

He scratched his head and knitted his brow,
accustomed to granting any child's wish,
and the puppy, grown impatient,
jumped up and gave Santa a kiss.

Santa sat down with pen in hand
and he wrote the following note.
He considered each word, thought long
and hard about every sentence he wrote.

"Dear Timmy, you are a splendid lad,
and I hoped to fill your request,
but for the animals of this world,
they each only deserve the best.

"One day you'll grow to understand
that not every wish may come true,
but I know there's a dog in your future,
who will love the best of you.

"The time right now was not to be,
I hope my other gifts make you smile.
One day you'll be a fine young man,
but for a dog, you must wait a while.

"You see, a dog needs more than love,
he'll have needs, mostly your company.
You've yet a lot of growing to do,
and a dog's needs, I hope you'll see."

Santa sighed as he folded the note
and the pup again pawed Santa's knee.
Santa patted the puppy's head,
lost in thought, absentmindedly.

The puppy worried about something amiss,
and whether he'd have a home.
Perhaps with someone to love him for life --
maybe love with toys and a bone?

Santa looked into the little dog's eyes
in those eyes, love plain to see.
He said, "I've always wanted a dog myself,
and you'll be coming home with me!"

-- by Jim Willis <tiergartenmedialtd at gmail.com>

___________________________________________
Jim says, "The point of my poem, of course, is that animals do not
make appropriate holiday gifts. Animals are at risk from holiday
confusion, guests, unsupervised children, and holiday decorations.
NEVER purchase a puppy or kitten from a pet shop or a "backyard
breeder." It is much better to give all the gifts a pet will need
like supplies, toys, bed, and even a gift certificate for veterinary
care, to help the gift recipient make a sensible and informed choice
in selecting a (preferably rescued or shelter!) pet soon after." You
can visit Jim's website here: http://www.crean.com/jimwillis

Heartwarmers: Forgiven Debts

The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness
is the attribute of the strong.
-- Mahatma Gandhi

It's always a pleasure to read a story that restores your
confidence in people. Christmas and New Year's is a time of renewal
and hope. It's a time to forgive and forget. It's a time when some
outstanding debts are forgiven.
Today, you'll enjoy this real life story from Susan.
FORGIVEN DEBTS
by Susan Lemckert

It was about a week before Christmas.
My three daughters and I headed out one night to the University
Place Hallmark store. While in the parking lot, I asked the girls to
please wait in the car long enough for me to get my checkbook and
wallet in order.
The wind suddenly picked up and rocked the van. Snowflakes
started falling. It was magical to see snow glistening under the
street lights in the parking lot. Now it felt like Christmas!
Hannah, the front seat passenger, slowly squeezed the door
handle. Instantly, a blast of cold air shot into the van, flinging
the passenger door wide open and smacking it into a black Volvo
parked next to us.
Hannah screamed in horror and jumped in the back seat.
I got out and looked at the Volvo's damaged door. It was no
ding -- it was more like a foot long gash. I came back inside the
van and assessed the damages with the girls. Hannah was still
crying. I assured her it was an accident but that we were still
responsible for the damage. We waited awhile in the car, looking at
each shopper return to their car. Nobody went to the black Volvo
next to us.
After about 20 minutes, we went inside Hallmark asking if anyone
drove a black Volvo with Georgia license plates. Nobody claimed a
black Volvo. I saw a police officer walking his beat on the sidewalk
near the store. I explained to him what had happened. He laughed
and said, "Most people would drive off. If you want, you could leave
a note."
After digging through my pocketbook, I found a piece of paper
and wrote. "The wind blew my van door into your right back passenger
door and damaged it. We waited for the owner of the car to return
for quite some time. I am sorry to have damaged your car. Susan."
I also left my phone number.
With that, I lifted the windshield wiper on the Volvo and placed
my confession underneath it.
"There goes Christmas," I thought as we drove home. My husband
told the girls we did the right thing to leave a note. With a sick
feeling in our stomachs we wondered how much the repairs would be on
the Volvo. My husband guestimated several hundreds of dollars.
Each time the phone rang, my heart raced wondering if it was a
response to the Volvo. A day passed and no response. I wondered if
perhaps the wind blew my note off the windshield. Did the person
ever get my confession?
One afternoon, there was a message on my answering machine.
"Hi, Susan. This is Tom Rodgowski. You left a message on my
windshield. I really appreciate your honesty about my car. I will
get a few estimates and get back with you. And, thanks, again, for
your honesty."
Another day went by. Another message was left on my answering
machine. This time it said, ì Hi, Susan. This is Tom Rodgowski. I
got two estimates to repair the door on the Volvo. One was $700 and
the other was, I think, rather high, $1,200. I will try calling you
again and let you know what I have decided."
My husband was home the next time Tom called. They agreed on
the $700 amount to repair the damaged Volvo door. My husband agreed
to meet Tom with a check at Caribou Coffee on Mallard Creek Church
Road the next day.
Wearing his Willie Claus Santa Hat (a mix between Santa Claus
and Willie Nelson with white braids), my husband set out with all
three daughters to meet Mr. Rodgowski and deliver the check. My
husband said Tom was a nice man, wished him a Merry Christmas and
apologized for the inconvenience we might have caused by damaging his
car.
Several days later another message was on my answering machine.
"Hello. This is Tom Rodgowski. I cashed in a few favors due me
and got my car fixed at no charge. I am returning your check in the
mail. Happy holidays."
We were so shocked to get a message like that! Was it real?
Well, the next day we got the check back in the mail from Tom.
I thought about Christmas and how a gift was given to us and how a
debt was forgiven.

-- Susan Lemckert <selemckert at aol.com>

______________________________________________
Susan lives with her family in Charlotte, North Carolina, and enjoys
writing, photography and sewing costumes.
______________________________________________


WHAT CHRISTMAS IS NOT ABOUT
by Freda Fullerton

Christmas is not about presents
under the tree that we find,
It's about loving and giving and
being kind.

Christmas is not about sleigh bells,
and new fallen snow,
It's about caring for
the folks that we know.

Christmas is not about turkey and stuffing
and my favorite pie,
It's about the most wonderful gift
that comes from on high.

Christmas is not about getting
the newest fashion or toy,
It's about service, with
thanksgiving and joy.

Christmas is not about calling it...
"The Holiday Season,"
But keeping in mind,
that Christ is the reason.

-- Freda Fullerton <fjful at aol.com>

______________________________________________

Monday, December 15, 2008

Guide Dogs,Twas the night before Christmas

Hi Everyone,

Jeff forward me this last week. It was sent to him from one of the
Members of the " Buddy" guide Dog list. Jeff, Thank you for sharing it with
me and hope its okay for me to post it here? This is great,love it! Very
cute. I enjoyed it so much I wanted to share it with you all in case you
haven't seen it yet. Also forgot to mention in tonight's KDD,Keri made
Dougie a Dog bed. Its very soft and has a pattern of puppies lying down.
Dougie loves it, finds it very comfortable and snugly warm . Thanks Keri!
Need to run, things to do and bedtime. I work Tomorrow. take care and
look below.

Guide Dogs' Night Before Christmas.

Twas the night before Christmas and the kennels were still,

with most dogs now asleep having eaten their fill.

The Labradors sprawled out, quite snug in their beds,

while visions of ANYTHING edible danced in their heads.

sthe Goldens and Shepherds curled up on the floor,

some twitched in their sleep and some even did snore.

The dog food was stacked in the feed room with care,

in hopes that a trainer soon would be there.

On the window ledge, one of the kennel cats lay,

surveying the lawn at the end of this day.

Something was different, that little cat knew.

Tonight something would happen, it had to be true.

For that day as the workers had left to go home,

They'd wished Merry Christmas! before starting to roam.

The dogs had noticed it to during this past week's walks,

the trainers seemed just that much happier and eager to talk.

In the mall where they worked through the maze of people and stores,

there were decoration and music and distractions galore!

Most dogs pranced along without worry or fear,

but some balked at the man on the sleigh and those fake looking

deer.

The cat was almost asleep too when he first heard the sound,

a whoosh through the air and a jingle around.

It reminded him of a dog's collar when the animal shook,

but this sound kept on growing. He'd better go look.

From the ceiling there came a faint sort of thunk,

as the kennel cat climbed to the highest pile of junk.

Once before people had worked on the roof,

and come down through the trap door to a chorus of "Woooof!"

But the dogs still were quiet, all sleeping so sound,

as this man dressed in red made his way right on down.

He patted the cat as he climbed past his spot,

then made his way right to the trainers' coffee pot.

A shepherd sat up, not fully awake,

then a Golden followed her with a mighty loud shake.

That did it! All the dogs sprang to life with loud noise.

In spite of the din, the old man kept his poise.

He filled the pot full and it started to brew,

then he pulled up a chair and took in the view.

Dogs all around him, so carefully bred,

he knew well their jobs, the blind people they led.

Some had stopped barking and looked at him now,

while others delighted in their own deafening howl.

Laying a finger in front of his lips,

the jolly old man silenced the excitable yips.

"You all may not know me, but I'm Santa Claus,"

the old man smiled and took a short pause,

While he filled up his mug with hot liquid and cream,

"I've always wanted to stop here. It's been one of my dreams."

The cat had climbed down and was exploring Santa's sack.

"Yes, little kitty, that's an empty pack."

Santa smiled as he drank and looked at those eyes,

deep brown ones and gold ones held wide in surprise.

Some of these dogs, he'd seen just last year,

in their puppy homes, cute and full of holiday cheer.

He'd seen the effects of a pup on the tree,

but now they were here at the school, just waiting to be.

"I didn't bring you presents or bones just to chew.

I'll tell you something better, what you are going to do."

"You all will work hard and the trainers will share,

both praise and correction, gentle and fair."

"You'll go lots of places and face big scary things.

You'll ride buses and subways and hear fire sirens ring."

"Cars will drive at you but you will stand strong,

not moving into danger, not moving toward wrong."

"And then just when you think that this trainer's the best,

the kindest, and funnest person, toss away all the rest,"

"That trainer will begin to ignore you and give you away,

handing your leash over despite your dismay."

"Now the person who pets you and feeds you will be

a blind person. That's a person who can't see."

" This man or this woman may see just a tad,

but their view's missing parts or the focus is bad."

"So you, well trained dogs, will act as their eyes.

You will work as a team and discover the size"

"Of this great world we live in, because you will go

a million new places with this person, you know."

Santa sipped at his coffee and looked over the brood,

knowing what he had to say next might sound kind of rude.

"Not all of you will make it and become canine guides.

Your time here isn't wasted though. You won't be cast aside."

"Some of you will be drug dogs and some will find bombs.

Some will become pets in a home with a dad and a mom."

"All these things are important. People wait on long lists,

to receive such good dogs as you, the school folks insist."

The last drop of coffee had gone into his cup

as Santa turned, smiling at each wide eyed pup.

"The best gift of all is to give something back.

That's why there's nothing for you all inside of my pack."

Draining his mug, Santa went to each pen,

and petted and scratched each dog again and again.

"Now next year and many more years after that,

you all will give gifts wherever you're at."

"You might lick a hand that's had a bad day,

Or notice a car and step out of the way."

"You might help catch a crook or discover some loot,

Or just bring some joy to a tired old man in a funny red suit."

"Your master will love you and treat you with care.

In return, your training and trust will always be there."

After the last dog had been petted and soothed,

Santa put away the coffee pot and made ready to move.

Up the ladder he rose to the door high above,

with a smile and a wave as he slipped on his gloves.

And all the dog ears were pricked as he disappeared out of sight.

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!"

Today's KDD: Christmas Shopping and Celebrating Christmas with Jeff and Keri

Its Monday December 15 TH at the 5 O'clock Hour,

I just took a shower,

And wearing the soft silky PJ's I recently got and watching a Christmas
Movie on the Lifetime Movie Channel,

My Favorite fabrics are velvet, satin, silk and flannel.

Here light and steady rain does fall,

And how is everything with you all?

I have been extremely busy so that is why much I have not written,

Have been either working or here I have been sitten,

Ordering gifts online,

For our family and friends of Darrell and mine.

As you know Christmas shopping can be a difficult task,

trying to find things that people do ask,

For. Or choosing items that you think someone will appreciate,

Since I don't have the ability to create,

Things by hand, like some people I know,

And back home I can not go,

Due to the fact I have to work again this year,

I made several attempts to select for those we hold dear.

Despite the fact it consumes much time,

I really enjoy Christmas shopping on line,

Especially for our Nephew and niece's who live far away,

They will be excited on Christmas day,

When all the gifts they will open, even the older kids as well,

While I serve our guests at the hotel.

It also gives me much pleasure choosing stuff for the adults too

Yet, relieved when it's all through. Lol

I am definitely not a Scrooge or the Grinch, rather Mrs. Claus,

Because I think of everyone whom I am close too, even those with fur, a
tail and paws.

It would be best to send some people, gift certificates, that way they can
choose something they would prefer,

If you're short for time or not sure

What they like, need or can use,

He or she can choose.

Anyway, that is why nothing recently has been posted to my site,

And also will miss having a Christmas that is white,

And spending time with my family,

But glad you all get to read another KDd.

Darrell and I had an opportunity to hang out with one of our extended
Families this weekend,

With the Bishops we did spend.

WE celebrated the Holidays with Jeff and Keri,

Hung out and said, hope you have a Wonderful Christmas that is joyful
and Merry.

Twas 2 weeks before Christmas and Tucson we did go,

It was chilly, but not cold enough to snow.

On Friday the Shuttle we did take,

Arrived 2 hours later with one suitcase, a backpack and a Tupperware of
cookies I did bake.

Friday afternoon we just relaxed and Keri, Darrell and I enjoyed the
quiet,

And happy I did not have to be at work at Hyatt.

In the evening Keri served Pot Roast made in the crockpot,

And Jeff did another Christmas Desert Skies show; Darrell discussed the
gadget he bought,

And they both demonstrated it, The WIND as well as his talking Moble GEO
software,

And they also did share,

How much I love leather,

And the weather,

How much Jeff dislikes snow, that white stuff soft and cold to the touch

And Keri made homemade lemonade we all liked very much.

The next Morning, we lounged around, did nothing much at all,

And then in the afternoon, Keri and I did not go to the Mall,

But to the WalMart and petsmart, Groceries and toys for Dougie and Mew we
did get

While at home, Darrell and Jeff, the route they did set,

On Darrell's phone to Jeff's work, to to test the GPs,

And soon after we got back, Lasagna and homemade garlic bread we all did
digest.

While The boys Brian and David as well as Darrell and Jeff watched the new
Bat Man movie, while Keri and I Dinner we did prepare, and a movie we all
watched later that night, on the Xbox the kids did receive

Five Stars this Movie did receive,

It was the Fourth Wiseman,

We were up till only about 10.

Before the Movie the gifts we did exchange, at least the stockings we had
for them, it was nice,

And Mew Kitty, played with one of her mice,

I did get her at the store,

And soon Jeff and Keri's gifts from us will be at their door,

They haven't opened them yet,

And nice things from them we did get,

One of which are these Leopard silky PJ's, I am wearing as I write this to
post to my blog,

As well as things for Dougie dog.

The Movie was alright, would not give it 5 stars, the actors couldn't
act, we were surprise,

And Yesterday morning about the same time we did rise.

Keri made breakfast sandwich's and the 4 of us were going to go to the 4
Th Avenue Art Fare,

Yet, it was quite cold, so stayed home, hung out and Keri cut our hair.

Though, we don't do much, we still have fun,

And its almost 7, and soon I will have to run,

I have to work for the next 3 days, and Friday I am off,

And need to serve Dinner, made beef stroganoff,

Very likely I will not write till at least Friday or next weekend,

So, till then my friend ,

take good care

And another time more with you all I will share.