Karen's Corner

Hello

2012-01-14T20:14:00.001-07:00

Its been a very long time I know since anything has been posted hereon
Karen's Corner. I know some of you have been asking & wondering why I
haven't been writing. I am sorry I stopped,didn't realize that some of you
actually enjoyed the KDD's I use to write & the updates I sent now & again.
Life gets in the way & habbits broken
Also, I personally, felt like the KDD's were not very good, that they
were,not really creative,or considered to be poetry
however, I guess, you my readers, have missed & do,find my messages
interesting & that I have at least a little talent. , & so I have
decided to attempt to compose what you all know as KDD's. I can't
guarantee that I will be writing daily but I will certainly try. Maybe,
I will be able to develop this craft? I am considering taking an elements
of Poetry class.
I will have to get into the habit & find the time to sit & draft my
KDD's,but it will be worth it,if it makes you all Happy & you enjoy & can
get a glimpse of what's happening for Darrell and me.
So,Soon you will see a kDd. I have written the outline of one this
evening. I am going to try and surmise events of the past 7 months,
create something that is interesting & written with whit & humor. I am
hoping by the weekend a new KDD will be up & ready for you all to
read. So stay tuned.

Until then,

Karen

MountainWings:5 Keys to making and keeping your New Year Resolutions

2012-01-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

-------------------------------------------------
MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#11365 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

5 Keys to Making and Keeping Your New Year Resolutions
=======================================================

1. Define the Win
Many people make mistakes of making very general goals and never
end up keeping them. It's one thing to say, "I want to lose
weight" and entirely another thing to say, "I want to lose 50
pounds by Thanksgiving."

Fifty pounds is a defined win. When you state, "I want to lose
weight." you have defined a direction, but you haven't defined a
measurable goal line. How will you know when you have lost
enough? You can always make another goal later.

Here are some abstract goals that have been better defined to
understand a win.

I want to read more - I will read 12 books this year
(1 book a month)

I want to eat better -
I will eat a minimum of two vegetables a day

I want to exercise more -
I will run 500 miles this year.

I want to be more generous -
I will give 15% of my income away this year.

2. Make smaller goals along the way.
In football there are two lines that really matter. The official
goal-line where all the points are scored and the first-down
line where a team advances ten yards and gets 4 more shots at
the goal-line.

The smaller goal of the first-down marker is often what really
advances the ball and helps teams make it across the bigger
goal-line that counts.

Create for yourself smaller goals that you can achieve on a
weekly or monthly basis that will help you achieve your bigger
goal. If your goal is to read twelve books a year, that
translates into one book a month. If you want to lose 50 pounds,
that's roughly one pound a week. Make smaller goals and
celebrate when you've reached them.

Celebrating small successes along the way will give you the
momentum you need to reach your bigger goal.

3. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Your goal may be something huge like to quit smoking. Do some
research and consult some people or products that are geared to
help you. If you want to lose weight, don't be afraid to consult
your doctor and even sign up to meet a trainer at the gym. If
you want to read more, ask someone you know who reads a lot and
ask them for strategy and tips.

4. Make the goal with a friend or group of friends.
If you are trying to lose weight, get your spouse on board to
exercise with you or to make a similar commitment to eat
healthier. If you are trying to read a book a month, start a
book club. Have a friend meet you at the gym 3 times a week. If
you want to write more, start a blog and ask your friends to
follow.

5. Evaluate your results.
Set an end date and set aside time to evaluate how you did
throughout the year towards your goal. Every goal achieved and
not achieved is a chance to learn. Maybe you only read ten books
instead of twelve (odds are that's about nine more than you
might have otherwise). Maybe you only lost 35 pounds (that's
still 35 pounds!). Maybe you quit working out in February
because you got a cold and never went back. Figure out what went
wrong and what went right. Take the time to measure how far you
have come and challenge yourself with something new for the next
year.

What kind of resolutions are you making this year?

~Pastor Jonathan Hill~

Thank you for inviting MountainWings into your mailbox.
Change a life, give a friend MountainWings.
See you tomorrow.

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Mountain Wings A Thousand Marbles:

2012-01-14T19:25:00.001-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1132 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

A Thousand Marbles
===================

The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings.

Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first
to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at
work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are
most enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the kitchen with a
steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the
other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one
of those lessons that life could only give you every once and a
while.

I turned the volume up on my radio in order to listen to a
Saturday morning talk show. I heard an older sounding chap with
a golden voice. You know the kind, he sounded like he should be
in the broadcasting business himself.

He was talking about "a thousand marbles" to someone named
"Tom."

I was intrigued and sat down to listen to what he had to say.

"Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm
sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from
home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow
should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends
meet.

Too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital."

He continued, "Let me tell you something Tom, something that has
helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities."

And that's when he began to explain his theory of a "thousand
marbles."

"You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic.
The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some
live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about
seventy-five years."

"Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900
which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in
their entire lifetime.

Now stick with me Tom, I'm getting to the important part."

"It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all
this in any detail", he went on, "and by that time I had lived
through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. I got to thinking
that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand
of them left to enjoy."

"So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they
had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round-up
1000 marbles.

I took them home and put them inside of a large, clear plastic
container right here in my workshop next to the radio. Every
Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it
away."

"I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more
on the really important things in life.

There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run
out to help get your priorities straight."

"Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you
and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took
the very last marble out of the container.

I figure if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given
a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a
little more time."

"It was nice to talk to you Tom, I hope you spend more time with
your loved ones, and I hope to meet you again someday.

Have a good morning!"

You could have heard a pin drop when he finished.

Even the show's moderator didn't have anything to say for a few
moments. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about.

I had planned to do some work that morning, then go to the
gym. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss.

"C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast." "What
brought this on?" she asked with a smile. "Oh, nothing special,
it's just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together
with the kids. Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out?

I need to buy some marbles."

~Author Unknown~

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND MAY ALL YOUR SATURDAYS BE SPECIAL

Thank you for inviting MountainWings in your mailbox.
See you tomorrow.

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Today's KDd: Highlights from January to June

2011-06-05T16:18:00.001-07:00

Today is The Fifth of June ,
and its almost two in the afternoon ,
I know not a single KDD has been written this year ,
So I will give you the highlights of this year.

January and February were not that great ,
So I thought I would wait ,
And compose a KDD ,
But then things got busy for Darrell and me.

In late February, we had a party celebrating my Birth
These are all local friends,that are close to us, fun and down to earth,
We had a great time that day ,
Good company,Food and games we did play.

In March we went to The CSUN Convention in San Diego ,
In Mid March,was when we did go,
We saw all kinds of cool technology
not just for blind folks like Darrell and me,
but for all types of disabilities,we did see.

They had 800 venders,that were there ,
some of the products I'd like to share ,
They had something called A Braille Sense On Hand,
Its like a Blind person's PDA,Understand?
It is very small,like a computer and has a Braille Display,
eighteen cells and little does it weigh,
very cute powerful product indeed ,
Enables one to write and Read ,
Perform tasks for work and school ,
It is definitely very cool.

WE also saw some amazing glasses that vibrate,
At the Convention,High they did rate,
they were a topic of many dinner conversations at the table,
These special glasses would enable,
Blind folks to avoid objects over their head ,
like overhangs & tree Branches,the Rep did say ,
and more do they weigh ,
than most. in expensive for what they do ,
I wore them, my face hurt by the time I was through ,
When the demonstration was done,
yet,it was fun.

I felt a vibration when I got close to an object above me
and my nose did hurt,but may be great for another,who can't see,
and may be something that we may consider at a later time ,
and if we do I'm sure we could order them online.

They also had some fun tactile games: Puzzles and such,
Things we were able to touch.

I also spoke to Company's that develop software and products for those of
us who can't see ,
Thought they would have something for me ,
to enable me to do my job more easily,
and resolve my accessibility issues ,not the case ,
The convention wasn't a total waste ,
and glad I had the opportunity to Attend ,
and I also did get to meet Darrell's friends.

While in California, Our Friend Ruthie I did visit for a couple days,
we mostly went to the Beach,soaked up the Rays,
Chatted and went out to eat,Enjoyed the Weather,
Glad we had some time together.

Speaking of weather,its 99 degrees ,the high,103
Darrell and I wish 60 or 70 it could be.

In late march,we visited with Dougie and his Family ,
He remembered Darrell and me,
and the Apartment too,
I'm sure by sight and smell, he knew ,
and was so excited when I opened the door, quivering with excitement ,
Am sure he could smell Joycie's scent,
so a park nearby we went.

Joycie stayed home in her crate,She does fine,
only is in there once in awhile,for a short time ,
Doesn't Bark or whine ,
unlike dougie. could never get him to go in one ,
he had separation anxiety and felt like it wasn't fun ,
and couldn't stand to be away from me,
and kennel trained when younger,maybe,he would see,
That it was alright ,
and really not that bad ,
but,unfortunately not,made him way too sad.

Sorry that I did digress ,
allow me, to finish the rest ,
of the visit with Dougie Dog,
so I can post this dose to my blog.

Darrell,Rick,Kay and I
took Dougie to a park nearby ,
He did bark ,
it was a beautiful sunny afternoon in the park,
He has gone more gray,
Tenmore pounds he does weigh,
he still has his health issues,but loves to play,
Full barks he does make,
and the separation anxiety some he did shake,
isn't as needy,clingy and has adjusted,enjoying retirement ,
Grateful for the time that was spent ,
Do miss Dougie,having him around,
and the cute little garks,what a cute sound ,
and the way in witch he would communicate with Darrell and I ,
and it was extremely sad and difficult to say good-bye,
to him,but I know he is happy and treated well ,
from all the visits,that, we, can tell.

In April we attended a couple Events near us ,
Some alone,some with friends,took the bus ,
One evening ,went to Open Mic Night ,it was free ,
heard Amateurs sing and perform ,
The weather was warm,
a bit
and we debated what we,thought was a hit,
and the food was bad ,
but the time spent,we were glad ,
it was nice,enjoyed the breeze,,and the outdoors for awhile ,
Even though,we have very different styles ,
and music tastes ,
It wasn't a waste.

At the end of April,we went to the Taste of Greece,
we certainly had an interesting feast ,
and it was a fun Friday night ,
We enjoyed most of what we ate,but not,every bite ,lol
Yet, really appreciated the music and dancing that we did hear ,
so, that,is why we are mentioning it here.

In May we went to an Art Festival near Mill Avenue ,
They closed some of the roads. that, they did do,
Our friends Amber and Alice came with us ,
We rode the Orbit buss
They are small busses that travel around the neighborhood,
The Art Event was very good.

They had a lot of cool Art which Alice and others described to us three
Would have bought some,if it wasn't so expensive you see.

They had unique home made jewelry,household items and wooden flutes,
saw purses made from tires,not any cute little boots ,
But did see blown glass,
and met some folks from Colorado but not mass.

Another highlight in may,
Was the day,
we went to our friend Allison's pool party,it was fun ,
She does live here in the Valley of the Sun ,
yet, a distance away ,
,and Transportation was a Challenge for those who did go,
and Allison and her Mom, Kathy, have become part of the Production team on
our show,
The Desert Cafe.

WE Broadcast every Sunday Morning 10 A.M here ,Eastern time at 1 ,
A different Theme,cool music,definitely fun,
Darrell,Allison,Kathy,Amber and me.

we search for tunes and place them in the drop box
Much variety,spanning decades,but the show usually does rock lol.

Well,its almost 3;30,
and I need to clean our Apartment, the place is a bit dirty,
and make some dinner,
and I hope this Kdd,is a Winner?
That,it you did Enjoy? that you thought it was informative and cool?
and next weekend our friends will hang out with us at the pool

This time,we will host the party and have invited our close friends from
various locations in the state,
It will be great ,
will be a cookout,good food on the grill,
and swimming we will,
go,
at least most,
,won't be in the sun too much,so won't roast.

So we will tell you about that another time,Okay?
and BTW, Celebrated our 5 Year Wedding Anniversary,just the other day,
had a little get-away,
it was very nice,relaxing and we enjoyed our staycation.

tomorrow,work I do return ,
You know how it goes , Money, we all need to earn ,
and make a living,
and hope this Dose is giving ,
you a reason to visit my blog and make you smile ,
so you will look at Karen's Corner once in awhile ?
every now and again ?
Until then ,
Take care and any feedback,comments you like to share,please do,that,I'd
appreciate ,
Must go before it gets too late,have a good night ,
and another time,I will write. ,

The Highlights of 2010

2010-12-31T18:55:00.001-07:00

Hello again,
2010 was a much better year than 2009 Thank goodness! :)
Most of 2010was very good. There was only a couple bad,difficult times.
They were:
Retiring Dougie and losing our Friend Marian. Dougie I miss and hope
to see him soon. Marian we will miss you.
Now,for the good things,the highlights of 2010:

1. Joyce: My new Seeing Eye Pup. she is a beautiful adorable
Gold-a-dore otherwise known as a black lab golden cross ((though,she looks
almost white with some Carmel)
She is a good guide,very smart,sweet and very playful. She isn't a
breakfast eater and is fascinated by water but won't go swimming nor likes
rain lol . We have never heard her bark. It was fun being at the Seeing
Eye with our close dear friend Jeff Bishop.
2. Darrell,Friends and Family: another year with Darrell, you are the
best. Also our family and great friends. Mom,Dad,Sister's Mary Beth,Tara,
Brother-in-law's Bob and Todd. Friends:
Jeff,Keri,Alice,Tina,Marian,Ruthie,Lynda,Drew, and Mary Anne, most of whom
live back East. You all have been true friends,there for us through the
good,the bad and the ugly:) lol .

3. IPhone: As I said,I had a pleasant surprised from Darrell and Jeff in
October. This was an early Christmas,Valentine's and Birthday gift from
Darrell . This is amazing technology. Not only can one make
calls,receive voice mail but a whole lot more. One can read /write
e-mail,tweet and post comments to facebook. I have been able to use what
are called APS such as GPS, something called around me and Foursquare to
explore my environment,see where I am in route somewhere and check in to a
destination. I never been able to know where I was when in a car oron a
bus. well,not for a very long time. If you don't have an Iphone,you will
just have to see for yourself all that it can do. we can scan objects and
identify them through aps called Omoby and Noggles. There are countless
other things, many categories:
Productivity,entertainment,Music,games,social networking and so much more.

4 . Social Networking: Specifically Twitter. I have made some new
friends and renewed others ,continued to cultivate existing relationships
through Twitter and facebook. its been great and loads of fun
I have met a lot of nice people and am beginning new friendships with
people I have known over the years through the internet.
I appreciate all your support,friendship,valuable information and
laughter sent over the information highway. (especially Deb Lewis,Debbie
Hazelton,Allison and Amber
That is,about it. I can't think of anymore. Also a bit distracted now.
We are listening to our Friend Larry do his New Year's Eve show. O,BTW,
we began Broadcasting again on ACB Radio Interactive.
Darrell is cooking something good,some munchies we got at the store for New
Year's eve. So, going to go for now. Take Care and Happy New Year. I'd
like to hear,your,highlights of 2010 and maybe,even some predictions for
2011,if you like They don't have to be about Technology,could be anything:)
lol. till then,

The Grinch,Denver Trip and lost a close Friend

2010-12-31T18:02:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Its New Year's Eve so this will be the last post for 2010. My apologies
for not blogging much the last couple months. I thought about composing
one last, KDD for the year, but it has been a bitter-sweet day for us.
There really hasn't been much going on for Darrell and me since the last
post,just the usual, work for me, and School for Darrell. WE both have had
colds. I am still not completely better,feel pretty good but still have
this wicked cough--,again .
On November 20 th We went to see the Grinch who Stole Christmas at Gamege
over at ASU. We had discounted tickets through Work. It was fun,very good
and a great Saturday afternoon.
Soon after,During Thanksgiving Darrell and I went to Denver to Visit our
very close dear friend Tina. WE stayed at the Hyatt at the Convention
Center near the 16 th Mall. It was a wonderful long holiday weekend.
WE flew on Thanksgiving Day and the flights there and back were uneventful.
WE didn't have to go through the special Scanning procedures and Joyce did
very well guiding me through the airport.
Later that day, we had a excellent Thanksgiving Dinner. The Hotel had
a fantastic buffet, many traditional items and some that are not such as:
Salmon,ravioli pasta and a pork dish. In addition to getting twelve free
nights I also get 50 % offon Food and Beverage.
Throughout the weekend we listened to some of our Favorite Broadcasters on
ACB Radio Interactive. Our close friend Jeff Bishop and his friend JR did
an eight hour marathon show,lots of fun! lol
WE spent time browsing shops and walking the mall,taking the light rail
and trying a few new Food Venue's, The Pasta Company and Anthony's Pizza.
The Best was just visiting in person.

As it states in the subject,recently we lost a good friend. Her name is
Marian. She has had a very challenging,stressful year
First she was self employed,an Interior designer and lost the business two
years ago. Then, this year,lost her home.
Marian's health has never been good,she had a Chronic Heart condition,among
other things. She was a very sweet lady and Our Parent's age. She loved
The Arts,Theatre,was great at arts and crafts,very religious and had good
taste for Italian and seafood. :)I saw her last ,right before our trip to
Denver. The day before, she had taken a bad fall and injured her knee.
Soon after we got together last month,she was hospitalized,the knee became
infected.
Then, three weeks later they transferred her to a Rehab Center here in
Phoenix. She didn't get very good care there from what she had said.
She was discharged from the Hospital on December 20 th. we last spoke to
her on Friday December 17 th and never heard from her. WE left several
phone messages but she never returned our calls.
Our intuition told us that something was wrong,she always returned our
calls. WE heard from her Close friend Laura this afternoon.

Evidently,Marian got a very bad infection while in the rehab Center which
spread to her colon so she was treated for that at a local hospital near
her home.
Yesterday,she had surgery to remove the colon. She made it through the
surgery but her heart failed during the night. we are very sad and will be
attending the Memorial Service for her in a couple weeks. She is at peace
and has she,herself would say, it was the time for the Lord to take her
home. She has been a good friend to us these last 6 years and we will miss
her.
Not much else happening. WE did have a quiet but nice Christmas. I had
to work both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day,the Hotel was sold out. I did
have Sunday the 26 TH off so we opened gifts then. we also made a
Turkey Dinner with all the sides from Safeway and watched movies using the
Apple TV that I gave Darrell for Christmas. O,we also got a wireless
doorbell so likely won't miss anyone who comes to our door.
Darrell gave me my gift two months early,an IPhone witch I love. It was an
early Christmas,Valentine's and Birthday gift. I can do more withit then I
did with my Motorola Q windows phone in the 3 or 4 years I had it.:) lol
Its amazing!
The weather here has been extremely cold, freezing actually we got snow
yesterday. Yes, upin Scottsdale and in East Mesa we had a few flakes and it
is very windy.
This is the first time in a decade that I have New Year's Eve and New
Year's Day off. The Hotel isn't having their Big Bash tonight. They don't
have the resources,economy isn't helping matters. I have heard in past
years it was great,very expensive but fun. I am sure we have lots of
disappointed guests. I am certainly delighted that I have the time off
WE were hoping to go back East for Christmas or sometime next Month. We
had plans too,then, we had some new Groups make Reservations at the Hotel
and thus,increased occupancy,needing more staff to work.

WE likely will go back home to New England in June. It will be a good
time, our Nephew Bobby will be graduating from High School then. wow,how
time flies!
Our friend Larry will be Broadcasting on Acb Radio Interactive soon. After
Him, it will be Jeff and JR Rock'in in the New Year till 1 a.m Mountain
time. WE also will tune in to Dick Clark too. lol
Tomorrow we will be getting together with our friend Allison. Not sure
what we all will do but that too, wil be fun.
Take care and Happy New Year. Hope 2011 will be a happy,healthy and
productive year for you all. May it be everything you want it to be. Till
then.

Do You Want a New APP?

2010-11-06T22:57:00.001-07:00

How many of you have an IPhone and several of its many apps ?
I do and so Does Jonathon , A new Zealand Chap,
He wrote a song about Wanting new Apps,and the lyrics will make you laugh,
and if you go to the productivity category,maybe,it will cut your work
and half ?
It depends on your occupation and your livelihood,
and If I can learn the Phone,anybody could.

some APPS are free,
and many of those are for me.
Others just cost a few Bucks, and worth the money spent,
Can't pay your rent or your mortgage, or replenish your fridge.
with your favorite foods and drink,
but it certainly makes you think.

It is definitely a challenge and at the beginning wil make you do more
than groan,
but, just remember, you can always go home.
press the home button one time,
and all will be fine.
restart tap and flick,
and gradually you can pick,
your apps and Choose ones that will meet your needs,
and learn at your own speed.
its not a race,
find APPS that interest you, that suit your tastes.
they are definitely easy to install,
and I tell you, you will have a ball.
Once you get the hang of it,
You will understand why its a hit.
and why everyone is wanting one,
its very fun.
and useful too,
So,do you want an APP that is new?

You will definitely have frustrating moments as a newbie,
That,was certainly,the case for me.
and still is but not as much,
and if you are in touch,
Then you are already aware,
and can relate to what I do share.

First, you have to learn the gestures, and, once you do master,
and get a little faster,
Then begin the process of finding a new APP,
you may have a mishap,
a long the way,
but, easier it wil get each day,
reach out to others like those on Twitter and Facebook,
or go to google and take a look,
Enjoy a nice iBook,
See all the resources that are available on the net,
and then you will be set
Yet, the more experience you get,
the easier it will be,
and if you don't have an IPhone, get one if you can,you will agree.

There are a ton of APPS,just go to the APP Store,
and review some and then you will continue to find more,
see for yourself,
They have APPS on productivity,Lifestyle and health,
Games,entertainment,on just about anything you need,
News you can read,
listen to music,your favorite station,
and you can take Your IPhone on vacation.
You can communicate with family and friends Via Twitter and Facebook
,and if you need to make a call,it can give you a hand,
use voice Command,
to place a call,
or search for the sales at the Mall,
or pay your bills,
or help you chill.
and listen to bird sounds or a relaxation APP designed for this,
or compose an e-mail,to someone you do miss,
or create a shopping list,
you will save time.
but haven't found an APP yet, that will order your wine?
or make your coffee brew ?,
Do you want one that is new ?

Do you want an APP to add to your collection? and have page upon page?
do you want an APP that will bring you your Lays?
or make your dinner ?
or help you to get thinner?
I know they have apps to help you cook and lose weight,
but I don't know,if there is an APP to debate?,
issues and concerns?,
but they do have apps to make the Calories burn.
They have apps for you couch potatoes,
and for those of you who want to exercise or stay on your toes,
or compile playlists for your Radio Shows,
and have more hours in a day,
to play.

Do you want a new app?
one that will write rap?
or take your shower and do your housework for you?
or cultivate friendships with friends that are real and true??
or do you want an app that will help you be in touch with your
emotions,resolve issues and make amends?
among family and friends?

Do you want an app that will toss the tissues when you cry?
what about one that will help you not be shy?
talk to strangers with greater ease?
How about an app that will cook your favorite omelet with
eggs,ham,tomatoes and cheese?
or an App that will reduce pain in your knees?
or One that will test the rate of your heart or increase the cells in
your brain?
keep you dry from the rain?

What about an App that will allow you to have the skill to do anything?
For me,I would love to sing,
write a book or two or three,
make ceramics,something relaxing for me.
I would love to tap dance and choreograph my own show,
it would help me to grow,
as a person and thrive,
and contribute to Society,
maybe some day,-- we will see.

Do you want a new App that will help you to filter,not criticize?
Tell you when to advocate and advise?

some of these gestures are hard to do; they take some practice and
one needs to devote,
some time; take a note,
or several; you have to flick,tap and scrub,
and swipe,and there is another way to type,
it gets pretty overwhelming,especially the typing,a major headache,it
can be.

Do you want a new app?
do you want to learn what it is all about?,
you can plan your route,
to work or on a trip you take,
if you do get an IPhone,it was a good choice you did make.

Do you want a new app???

I hope you all enjoyed reading this.

Don't Miss the Return of the Desert Cafe to ACB Radio Interactive

2010-08-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

The Desert Cafe is open for business and back on ACB Radio Interactive once again.

So, after a long day at work or school, come in , sit back and chill out.

We will serve more than just your favorite beverages. There will be other goodies to nosh on while you kick back and listen or dance to the tunes.

Go ahead,step inside,get out of the heat and sit down in one of our comfy Chairs,recliners or lounges. Sun goddesses can relax on the patio. We have misters to make it a more pleasant experience.

The doors will open at 6 p.m. Pacific, 9 p.m. Eastern on Monday Aug 23 or 01:00 UTC Tuesday Aug. 24.

You may tune into ACB Radio Interactive and listen with your favorite media player or portable device.

Coffee and other items will be served up along with music from the 60's through today.

Darrell and I will greet all of you at the door and little Joycie will be there with her licks and waggie tail. Hope to see you there.

Transit, Barbecues and ACB

2010-07-06T10:30:00.001-07:00

It has been over a month since I have written, as well as I do lack the
ability to compose KDD's at this time and generate a post that is
informative and creative. Perhaps,next time? :)
I am sure some of you would like an update as to how we are? We are doing
fine and trying to stay cool in this desert Sun as much as possible.
Spending time at the pool and having A/C is the only way here in Arizona.
Joyce is adapting to her new home and my workplace. We are becoming more
familiar with the neighborhood and I am working Joyce at the Transit Center
on my way to appointments. She also tolerates her booties and most of the
time guides well,though at times corrections are needed or she gets
distracted,wanting to say hello to strangers. Once,I get her refocused she
is fine.
She is shedding allot and early next month she was shaved,so she wouldn't
be as hot in this heat. Her fur is starting to grow back already.
She loves playing tug but mostly loves chewing on her bones and shoving them
in your direction, demanding to play lol.
She is becoming more attached like Dougie but,does show more independence
than he:) lol. I plan on contacting Dougie's Family today and will give
you an update on him,in the next post.
Darrell is keeping busy with school and technology advocacy issues.
A few weeks ago,we had our Friend Alice over for a barbecue/pool party. It
was lots of fun. I made Mom's delicious potato salad and corn on the cob.
Darrell marinated Chicken and Alice brought baked beans and homemade
chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies. we had a wonderful time,even
tried the hot tub. It felt great,but after a few minutes ,its too much.
WE have been spending time with our neighbor/friend Marie and her husband
Ed. They are very nice people.
Darrell went to his friend Alison's for a 4 TH of July Party. I
unfortunately had to work,we were extremely busy over the holiday weekend.
They had all kinds of Activities at the pool and other areas at the
Resort. They had speed slide racing,water basketball,water
volleyball,Bingo,a Dive-in Movie,Barbecue,Fireworks and so much more. A
great time was had by all.

Next week is the National ACB Convention (American Council of the Blind)
It is herein Phoenix this year. Darrell and I will be attending. I will be
there the first half while Darrell all week.
Our close friends Jeff and Keri will be staying with us and attending the
convention as well. They will only be here till Tuesday.
They will have numerous of meetings,presentations on blindness related
things as well as there is an exhibit hall where we can explore and look
at all kinds of cool aids & appliances and high tech gear. That,is the best
part of the convention along with hanging out with friends. I will meet
friends I only have known online for the first time. It will be wonderful.
well,its already mid morning here and I have housework to do. I will do my
best to update more often so you all can get a glimpse,a snapshot of what is
happening here for Darrell and I.
Take care,stay well,till next time.

First Week home: May 16 through May 25

2010-05-25T18:32:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,
Its been awhile since I have posted, I know but it has been a time of
adjustment for Joyce and me.
When I last left you all,it was two weekends ago. Sunday the 16 we three
just took it easy. My foot was still hurting so had a lazy day at home. I
showed her around our large apartment complex and the neighborhood.
Monday, the 17, I had a doctors appointment so we woke up early and took
two busses to the appointment. Things went pretty well. we discovered some
bus routes no longer exist and we found some alternative ones in the
process.
Tuesday I returned to work. Most everyone had seen Joyce's picture so knew
what she looked like prior to me getting to the office.
I had Hr send out a memo with the picture so employees would know not to
pet or feed her when she was working, or even in harness at rest.
I had a ton of mail to get caught up on and many people I haven't seen in
almost a month. I got a warm welcome by many in housekeeping as well as in
other departments.
I had Joyce in harness,lying on her little matt. Most everybody wanted to
see her.
For several hours I didn't take her out of harness at all. But,at the end
of the day,I allowed her to see a couple people at a time so they can have
a meet and greet short session.
Joyce was pretty good while I was working.
Since I was gone for almost a month,I had forgotten some of my jaws keyboard
commands. Fortunately it didn't last long and I was using the opera
application pretty efficiently as if I was never gone.
Engineering was doing some construction in the back of the house as well as
in the loading dock so it was more challenging for Joyce and me to get
around.
I spent the first few days doing some targeting with her to the
office,dock,rest room,cafeteria etc,places I go in the hotel. It took time
but she has learned it.
Each day, there was less stress and we began to settle in on the job and
Joyce being there.
Joyce is full of energy and very spastic out of harness so for awhile I
will continue to keep her in harness at work.
In the evening did go on a couple short walks. I did spend some time
having her use her booties so she will get more comfortable wearing them in
the heat of the day.
Saturday,the 22,Darrell and I went to visit his friend Amber in Phoenix.
We took the light rail and a bus there and the light rail and two busses
back home. It was a fun day.
Joyce did excellent on the light rail,got right under the seat. We had no
issues boarding and exiting the rail.
Joyce wore her booties and for the first time she didn't gallop like a pony.
It was great! She did fantastic guiding,crossing streets and navigating
obstacles.
We all went to Arriba's Grill ( a very popular Mexican restaurant). Amber
has been here before but not Darrell and I.
None of us like spicy food so they put little or no chili's or anything in
our food.
Darrell and I were pleasantly surprised on how good the food was. The
server was friendly and spoke English which is very helpful.
Amber lives close to the restaurant so we hung out at her apartment for a
few hours,had a nice visit and then headed home to Tempe.
While there,Joyce wanted to play with Amber's Cat. she did very well and
left the cat alone.
Sunday,the 23,I continued reding the novel I began ," the Bend in the Road.
Yesterday Joyce and I went to some of my appointments. Joyce did very well
and she loves everyone. She still wants to meet people in harness some and
working on this.
Last night,I completed the book,pretty late and neither Darrell nor I slept
well. I didn't feel very good today.
So, just stayed home doing some housework and pay bills,chat with friends
and relax.
Tomorrow return to work and I know it will be a sold out hotel,all week it
will be.
well,its 6;30,still have things to do before bedtime. One thing is groom
Joycie. She is shedding a lot,hair everywhere grr lol.
Take care and I will try to write more often. maybe,even compose some
KDD's. Hope you are enjoying the blog. Comments and questions welcome.
till then.

Days 20 - 22: Flying home and Sunrise Cafe

2010-05-15T17:27:00.001-07:00

The night of Wednesday,May 12, I finished my packing and hung out in the
common lounge for a short while. Barb,Shannon and Ken were telling jokes.
Kim,Savanna and Kyle were also there.
Around 10;30 went to bed since I would have to be up by 3;30 a.m.
Shannon called me at 3;30 so I could get up and get showered and dressed.
She stopped by my room with Joyce's food about 4 and took my luggage down
to the front door.
After I took Joyce out to parc,I went up to the common lounge. They had a
continental breakfast for those of us who were up and gone by 7.( cheese
and or apple pastry's,orange juice and coffee as well as assorted cereals )
Shannon and Barb said goodbye to me. Shannon said,see you in 8 to 10. I
told her that sounded like a prison sentence, we laughed, lol. it would
have been nice to have seen others and say goodbye but after all it was 5
a.m,an uncivilized hour to be up.
Jim one of the instructors took me to the airport. We learned more about
the other while chatting on the way. Jim will be in a half marathon (13.5
miles tomorrow) I am sure he will do well.
Everything went smoothly at Newark but it was very very busy,lots of
people. They don't want to stress the dogs,so Jim had me go sighted
guide. He showed his Seeing Eye ID and got a pass to walk me to the gate. I
had no issues at security and Joyce did well.
By the time we got to the gate,we had only 3 minutes to spare before
preboarding.
The flight attendant had reassigned some passengers before anyone even
boarded so Joyce and I had the entire row to ourselves. This doesn't
happen often(like the sold out red eye flight Jeff and I were on )
I gave Darrell a quick call when I got on the plane. . It was an
uneventful 5 hour flight. They offered beverages and a light breakfast of
cereal,nothing else.
While Joyce was sleeping,I listened to some of the music,70 & 80's as well
as began a book ( A Bend in the road by Nickalus Sparks ) that Darrell
loaded on there for me prior to my trip to the Seeing Eye.
We landed a little early to Phoenix and it was about 73 degrees. I had no
trouble getting assistance,getting my luggage and getting to ground
transportation to catch a cab home.
Fortunately,we only live 10 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport so it didn't
take long. I did pick up Mc Donald's for us though.
Once we got home,took Joyce out,and Darrell and I had our breakfast and
chatted for awhile.
The rest of the day we three just relaxed. Joyce and Darrell connected
right away. Darrell nor I didn't sleep very well while I was gone so we
needed to catch up on sleep.
Joyce's parc schedule is a bit off so have been taking her out more often.
She is not relieving as much,will take time.
Needless-to- say, we have been getting to bed at crazy hours.
Yesterday morning,we were up again at 2 a.m so I called Jeff to wake him up.
Everyone was starting to get up around then anyways at the Seeing Eye so,
figured it would be fine. I know Jeff, I sounded way too Chipper for the
middle of the night :) lol. I had been sleeping for awhile and taking Joyce
out one last time since she did nothing since the middle of the day.
(thought you would be just waking up)
Later in the morning, Darrell and I worked on using clicker with Joyce. We
focused on the dog area at the apartment complex (though may find a
different location) as well as targeted the front door. She did pretty well
but I am sure all the doors look alike.
In the afternoon,just played with her and on the computer. I also chatted
with friends whom called to welcome me home.
This morning Darrell and I woke up early,about 6;45 or so. We wanted to go
to Breakfast but knew the high today would be 94. We wanted to be back
home before the heat of the day.
Joyce did very well but is still learning the route to the Sunrise cafe.
she navigated around obstacles and did an excellent job crossing the
streets.
We enjoyed our Breakfast. I had a breakfast sandwich (scrambled
eggs,cheese,bacon) and Darrell French toast. We also had fruit and lots of
coffee and water.:) We got a bowl of ice for Joycie too.:)
We went to pay the check but were told someone else did. That was very
nice,we were not expecting that at all.
Of course,it was a bit hotter when we left the cafe so it took a little
longer to get home. On the way there as well as the way back, there were a
few dogs. I had remembered what my Instructor Kristin had said: act tough
and strong,not afraid. So,I spoke with a more assertive,firm voice and
like the retired sergeant in our class. (even though I was nervous )
Darrell thought it was pretty funny! :) lol when We were almost home, had
about half a mile left, and I realized I had a blister on my left foot,on
the bottom of my heel. I was half asleep,had no coffee and was only
thinking of Joyce and her little feet that I forgot to put on my sneakers.
I instead had on my loafers. (stupid me grr)
Since then,we just been taking it easy,hanging out. Plan on doing some
housework and reading more of the novel.
Will take Joyce on a short walk tomorrow and Monday but don't think I can
do two miles like we did today with that blister on my foot.
I return to work Tuesday. I am happy to go back. I will update you all on
how things are going.
For now,take care and have a good rest of the weekend.

Joyce's Puppy Profile

2010-05-14T10:50:00.001-07:00

My Instructor Kristin sent this to me this morning so just now getting it
up on the blog. Enjoy.

Joyce's Puppy Profile

Joyce's Family:

We have a mother, father and two teenage girls, one of whom was supposed to
be the puppy raiser, until mom took over most of the duties!

Joyce's Home:

We live in a large five bedroom colonial with a finished basement in which I
teach classes. There are kids and adult students in our house about 4-5
times a week. We live on a quiet suburban street and have a fenced in back
yard. The neighbors were not very active in Joyce's life except for a house
across the street which has two dogs, where Joyce would run if she ever
escaped. We also have a shore house on Long Beach Island, which we visit for
weekends and weeks in the summer. There we have no fenced in yard, so she
was leash-walked.

Joyce's Friends:

Cleo is a 8 year old, impeccably trained and calm golden retriever. At first
she did not like Joyce at all and would nip at her feet. But eventually they
became great friends and wrestle 5-6 times a day until Cleo is exhausted and
they are both dripping in dog slobber. I was able to train them to walk side
by side, so the neighbors and friends would see us with both dogs.

Joyce's Outings:

Hayride, airport, and lots of fairs where Mom works as a professional face
painter. We took Joyce to a lot of musical theatre and movies. She has been
into all kinds of restaurants and stores, and we go to the mall to walk
about 3 times a week. She is always well behaved except for the occasional
not-resting when distracted. The longer she is out, the better she is....

Joyce's Description:

loving, joyful, playful, exuberant, cuddly, excited, beautiful, sweet are
some adjectives to describe her. Joyce is a real lover dog, and is very
licky including your clothes and skin. She is especially rambunctious in the
early morning and early morning exercise is probably advisable. She gets up
at 6 a.m. and wants to play continually until 10 or so. In contrast, she
seems to settle down at 7-8 or so, and is a sound sleeper. She loves kids,
but will grab at their clothes and try to jump up in excitement. She is a
real cuddler, and will lay with anyone on the floor and lick you until you
pet her. She is a joy to play with, never mouthy, and is real fun for our
other older dog. Her only serious vice is that she is so excitable with
visitors that she tends to be confined when we have company. Joyce is very
fast, and loves to play with other dogs. She is not trained to be off leash
and will not come in the few times she has escaped our yard. She is very
attached to me and follows me everywhere.

Joyce's Favorite Toys as a puppy:

she loves the nyla bones, and squeaker toys. She is less enamored with booda
bones or kongs. She will destroy frisbees, tennis balls (over time) and the
stuffed animals she comes into contact with. She really likes the rubbery
flip flops since they break apart upon chewing.

Joyce's Cute Stories:

Trips to the Halloween store were most fun, as she would see the witches,
the cauldrons, and the zombie figurines. Licking my other dog's ear to try
to get her to play, and dragging my daughter around the kitchen when playing
tug of war was great fun. "Chuck it" on the local playground, and having her
join us at summer stock theatre was always a conversation starter. Not a big
fan of the movie theatre (too loud), but loved the singing and dancing at
the musicals.

How did Joyce ask to go out?

She would go to the slider and then whine until you let her out.

Day 19: Walmart and the Creamary

2010-05-12T16:00:00.001-07:00

Today didn't begin too well. I had another night where I didn't sleep very well and I woke with a very bad headache. I felt awful. I was up before parctime,took a long hot shower and took something for my headache .

After we fed the dogs and took them out,I went back to bed till Breakfast.

I had granola,sausage and fresh fruit along with my morning coffee. The extra sleep and coffee seemed to help a little.

I was on the first trip of the day,hoping to not get caught in the rain. But,when I left at 8,it was already misting.

So, we went to Walmart. we just walked around,having Joyce walk me around people and merchandise. She did a great job.

We went to the pet section . I got her a rope with a ball. She loves to play tug so thought she would like it. Yet,not sure,she is pulling the fuz on the ball as I sit and write this post.

We returned to campus and I was going to pack but stopped in Michelle's office . Spent a little time there and then went to coffee break.

While at coffee break,I received a call from Kay and Rick. Rick was returning my call from the other day. I had called to see how Dougie was and to tell them all about Joyce.

Dougie is doing fine . He is well adjusted,happy and enjoying retirement. I am very glad to hear he is doing so well. I miss my Dougie dog.

I came back to my room,and began writing the post for day 18. then it was lunch.

I had turkey sandwich,chips and a pickle. the hot plate was a seafood platter but it didn't sound good.

Lee Jonson sat at our table. She was one of the first people I met here back in 1988 when I got my first dog guide Topper,a Black Lab. Philipa Early ,Pete Jackson and her,Lee Bowling were the class instructors back in july of 88. it was very nice to se her again .

Right after lunch,Kristin and I went to see the Campus Cat. This cat is very familiar with dogs, sees them all the time. Krisstin and I took Joyce to see the cat before lunch but she didn't do very well,had to correct her a bunch of times. she looked like she was going to chase the cat.

So, before the afternoon trip, Tom,the class supervisor brought his traffic wand to swatt her when she got to close to the cat. it definiely worked. They were getting along jjust fine. Joyce was wagging her tail and the cat wasn't phased by Joice being near her. This is good.

From there,Kristin took her three students: Kim,ken and me into town. we parked the van at the training lounge.

Ken and kim were the ffirsts to take the modified route on elm street. She left them at the creamary and then came back for me and Joyce.

On the first block,Maple,I fell once more, this time twisting my right ankle. It only hurt for a short time and we got there just fine at the creamary.

soon after we sat down,we placed our orders. Kim got some strawberry chocolate,Kristin the mint chocolate chip and Ken and I got the peanut butter bash. it was delicious.

While munching on our icecream,Kristin read all the puppy profiles. she had 2 pages on Joyce and the information was acurate. Some very cute stuff in there.

kristin will soon e-mail it to me. so, you will see it soon here on the blog.

When I came back,took a brief nap and then fed the dogs and out to parc.

Dinner they had steak,baked potato ,a lemon dessert.

Now,here I am,all caught up. I need to finish packing. I am leaving at 5 a.m. My flightis at 7.

I will be home late morning. it has been a great 3 weeks,fun and stressful at the same time. Hope you all enjoyed reading my journey here at the Seeing Eye and will continue to read about my Life with Joycie girl. take care.

Day 18: Summit and Navigating Obstacles on Campus

2010-05-12T15:12:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was another fun day.

I was up before parc time. after that,I groomed Joyce and did obedience.

For Breakfast I had scrambled eggs,muffin,,juce and coffee.

I then, did my laundry. That's always a difficult task for me. Its not doing the actual laundry, but rather carrying the bag. it takes a lot of energy due to my injury but I managed. I was done soon before my first trip out

Kristin and I took the train from Morristown to Summit. The train was late due to work on one of the tracks.

It was about a 20 minute ride to Summit and I must say,it wasn't a very smooth trip there. It would suddenly stop and go and for me, I thought it was going to derail. Joyce,thought nothing of it.

One minute I'd be smiling and the next minutes Had this freaked look on my face. Kristin said,I wouldn't make it in the dog world,at least as a guide dog. I'd would be rejected. She told me this before yesterday. I am somewhat shy and sudden sounds or touch startle me a lot of the time,especially sounds.

once we got to the summit station we walked awhile,crossing various types of crossings,some more complex than others.

While walking Kristin some namesof establishments that sounded interesting interesting or caught our funny bone. Some were: Urban paws,Organic Dry Cleaning,Lost Sock (a laundry mat) and Juice Caboose.

We went to a place called Doria's subs and Pizza for lunch courtesy of the Seeing Eye.

The pizza sounded good. I got a couple slices of pepperoni and garlic and Kristin had Chicken parmesan pizza.

They had Italian music,(mood music) while you ate.lol

After that,we went to the Post Office and then worked more crossings before heading back to the van.

They were putting mulch in near were the van was parked and I must say,it stuck big time,Like a suer .(I had my nose covered,it was disgusting!,lol)

We returned to campus,about 1;30.

I came back and took a nap,well,tried to ,but I got calls. (no worries, from Darrell and Jeff so certainly didn't mind )

In the afternoon we stayed on property. but,we did work Joyce. we got to explore areas that most students don't go, areas that are off limits to most.

we were trying to simulate the back of the house at Hyatt . housekeeping and Engineering at work,have lots of stuff in the halls at times and Ihave had to navigate it with Douglas. he did a great job. he would stop for the housekeeping carts,like it was a traffic check on the street.

we went to the laundry areas and where they keep all supplies for the bedrooms here as well as the Kennels

I was also hoping to stop in at the Curves because I Workout at one near me in Tempe. But Kristin wasn't sure where one was located here in Morristown.

So, we took Joyce down to the fitness room here in the basement. Kristin lifted weights roe the treadmill. Joyce was excited. We think her Trainer Jim,took her here and to other Gyms in town. :) She did great getting me around the obstacles.

later,I stopped by Pauline's office to checkout. I picked up my Seeing Eye ID Card and got my dog equipment.

For dinner had the pork chops,a garden salad and applesauce.

We had a lecture. This one was on Dog Attacks. They gave Stats on how many dog guides were reported to be attacked,how to handle oneself in these situations and gave good suggestions,like contacting animal control when one gets home as well as carrying cell phone. it was a difficult lecture for some of us,like me.

Relaxed for the rest of the night and began packing to leave for home Thursday morning. More on day 19. Take care.

BTW, to answer,your question Keri, the dog massage is to relax the dog after along day,to continue the bonding process and to see if there are ticks,bumps or anything on the dog.

It is much like the massages that therapist use on us Humans. they use circular strokes or kneed the muscle and use other techniques to massage all areas of the dog. They even play soothing music,like they do for us,that they often play in spa's.

I will compose day 19 soon and will be finally up to speed. Take care.

Day 17: Hyatt,The Mall and Going Home

2010-05-11T13:15:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a good day. For Breakfast they had French Toast ham. Also juice and coffee.

I had a mid morning trip so hung out with Dawn (Another retrain ) in the women's lounge.

We both had our exit interviews with Jim Kutch in the morning. He had some structured interview questions,asking all students regarding their training experience here.

Then,if we wanted to address any issues,concerns or have any comments we can make those as well.

One of the things I addressed was the technology issue,requesting that all information be in a accessible format.

Right after I completed my interview with Jim,Kristin and I went over to Headquarters Plaza. There is a Hyatt there.

We walked a few blocks,did some street crossings and also practiced going through a revolving door. I don't like those but they don't bother me as much as escalators. Joyce did fine.

We walked some of the floors where the guest rooms were,went up and down a few elevators, through some ballrooms,navigating tables and things. We also passed the restaurants and a beautiful fountain near the lobby. it seemed Joyce wanted to jump and play in it.

By the time I got back,it was close to lunch. I checked mail n played on the computer.

For lunch I had a big garden salad and minestrone soup. I didn't want the ravioli. It was cold and didn't seem very good. they also had a seafood salad but I don't like crab. They had a coffee butterscotch dessert.

In the afternoon Kristin took 4 of us to the Livingston Mall. We were going to go to Rockaway Mall which I never been to but we had to be back to campus by 3;30. we took one of the Students,Jaylene with our class since her instructor was in New York with a few students.

I have been to Livingston and Bridgewater malls before but it has been quite awhile.

Kristin had us sit in the food Court an she worked with one or two students around the mall at a time .

Since it was Jaylene's Birthday and she loves to shop,she went first and was gone the longest. Kim and I had gotten Seattle coffee before Kristin and jaylene began their shopping. It was right near these comfy couches we were sitting at.

Kristin took Kim and I. we stopped in a sporting good store but didn't find anything I liked. Kim and I both spotted the leather store from a distance away and we wish we had gone in there instead. She likes leather as much as me.:) lol

Ken was last and he was quicker than us women. Went to radio shack and back at the food court in 5 minutes.

Then,we headed back to campus so Jalene could make it back for her vet appointment.

I took a 30 minute nap before it was time to feed and take out the dogs. Then,supper for us.

They had turkey,mashed potatoes and cooked carrots. They also had apple turnovers

After Dinner Shannon gave another lecture. This one was on "going Home". Things we need to remember when bringing our new guides home. For example, start them out slow,gradually introducing them to people and to get them slowly into our routine ,learning routes etc.

Shannon also discussed the access information provided in the packet,cards to give to Restaurant owners or anyone in the public whom interferes with the training and our guides doing their jobs.

Once that meeting was over,it was time to take the pups out to park one last time. Then, Jeff and I sat in the foyer and I had another opportunity to play with his ipod touch.

It was another productive day.

Day 16: Kings Grocery and Visit with Mary Anne

2010-05-09T15:46:00.001-07:00

Today was a very good day,nice and relaxing. We got to sleep in till 6;30. It was 46 degrees when we went to take the dogs out and the wind was strong. It definitely woke you up,the cold brisk air that early in the morning.

After parc time, Jeff and I groomed our pups. I also did obedience before Breakfast.

At 8,we had breakfast. We had omelets,English muffin, fruit and coffee.

I went back to my room and called My Mom. Called to wish her Happy Mother's Day and to chat for a bit. I wasn't aware that you were reading Karen's Corner Mom. Glad you're interested in the blog and enjoy reading what is happening.

While housekeeping was cleaning our rooms,Dawn and I sat in the women's lounge and chatted for a while.

By then, it was almost time for me to go on my morning trip. Kristin and I drove to Kings Grocery. It was an easy and fun trip.

we worked on using clicker to find the Customer Service desk. First,we placed the bell by the desk,showed it to Joyce and she quickly rang the bell. I immediately clicked and gave her a piece of kibble for an reward.

Then, I gradually stood further back and had her find the desk,first with the bell and reinforcing by food reward. Then, I was outside of the store,and had her locate the desk without the bell and food reward but praised her with positive words and affection. Joyce did great.

Then we walked around the store. Kristin pulled the cart,while I held onto the front and pushed it,heeling Joyce.

We stopped at the meat,seafood,bakery and coffee sections and Joyce did wonderful,no scoffing or sniffing. She was very well behaved.

I picked up a few items for Jeff and me and then we drove back to Campus. That was it for today's lesson.

For lunch they had grilled chicken in this spicy honey mustard sauce and roasted potatoes. it was pretty good.

I relaxed in the afternoon.

Around 2;30,got a phone call. It was my friend Mary Anne. I wasn't planning on having visitors. But,guess, marry Anne was not busy and stopped by for an hour with her 12 year old daughter Lydia. I met Lydi when she was small but she didn't remember me.

They both love Joyce and had a great time with her. and visiting with me. marry Anne and I were telling Lydia stories of what the other was like and had done in High school and fun things that happened when visiting with each other's families.:)

lydi was telling us about her experience in third grade visiting here at the Seeing Eye when her class took a tour of the place. Again the visit was way too short but I am grateful I had a chance to see her while here in n. J.

marry Anne and Lydi stopped by Subway before heading over to Morristown. I knew dinner would be keish so had her get me a small tuna on wheat.

I did go down to dinner but just had the soup and some lemonade. they had deep dish ham keish and Boston cream pie for dessert but I didn't have it.

Free for the evening. some of the students are in the dog massage lecture tonight. I went to that last night.

I think I will begin a new book and maybe, hang out in the common lounge for a little while. I still have some while wine left so today when at the grocery store picked up some cheese.

Joyce just went into her crate. I wasn't sure, but there she was,lying in it. How cute! now, she is playing with her bone.

I just checked the weather. In phoenix it is 91 degrees with a slight breeze at 3;30 pm,the low 62.

in contrast, here in Morristown N. J its now partly cloudy 57 degrees,low 36. there is a brisk breeze. ( tree branches fell in Morristown during the night/today). tomorrow it will be 64 for the high and the low 37 ( I just closed my window,getting too cold in my room ) .

Tomorrow morning we will be going to Headquarters Plaza hotel. That will be good work for Joyce since I work for Hyatt.

In the afternoon,I think we will be going to Livingston mall(near Basking Ridge where I use to live).

That's it for now. take care and stay tuned for the happenings of my last 3 days here. Time is slipping away. Have a good night.

Day 15: Rest,Pizza,Dog Massage and ipod touch

2010-05-08T20:05:00.001-07:00

Its after 9 pm and the day is coming to an end. As I had said earlier today when I was composing Days 13 and 14 ,for me and Kristin's other students it was a day of rest. I did nothing,mostly rested,caught up on sleep .

For lunch we had a Philly steak sub.

In the afternoon/evening another student and I organized the pizza party. most of us ate pizza and not the meal they were serving.

The Pizza was alright,not the best. The sizes were huge but the Pizza in Phoenix is more delicious then this local place they all love here in Morristown.

After the party, two classes went to the massage lecture. it was fun and most of the dogs loved it.

Joyce was playing and trying to nibble on my fingers.

Parc time was right after and then from there Jeff and I met in the foyer. He showed me his ipod touch. Its cute and I think it would be really useful. Just don't know if I would really be able to use it,if i would ever be able to be quick and efficient with it? Perhaps,if I got the hang of it?

I am hoping I will be able to play with it at least one more time before I leave to go home.

Its now bedtime. its 58 degrees with moderate winds. Tonight the low will be 40. it feels great but cold at the same time. :) lol.

Tomorrow the high will be 58 and low 36. How nice,a welcome change. not sure what we will be doing in the morning. Stay tuned.

just know ,I am all caught up to date,that it is time for a hot shower and bed. Till tomorrow.

Days 13 & 14: Bus,Train,Courthouse,Bank,Country work and Pizza

2010-05-08T11:18:00.001-07:00

its now Saturday May 8. My instructor Kristin is off today so I haven't done anything today,off. its really nice to just relax.

Wednesday night we had a lecture. Dr. Holly,the Vet spoke. There is lots of valuable information but she really doesn't make it very interesting. ( not like Lucas's lectures) SHHH SHH lol

Thursday May 6, Breakfast was yummy. They had scrambled eggs with cheese on an onion roll. Kristin took Kim and I into Madison. We took both the bus and train there. It was fun and the dogs did well

Lunch; Veggie soup turkey cheese wrap and strawberry shortcake.

in the afternoon we were going to do the Courthouse. But, We had to take Joyce to the Vet for her last check-up before heading home to Phoenix.

So,instead we walked to chase bank and worked the maze, getting around the ropes. Joyce did alright.

On the route we passed a number of dogs and Joyce was very distracted. I had to correct her just about every time. Kristin says she is taking advantage of me because I am a new person,that the dogs do this. This will be more of a challenge in some ways then other things. I have a dog phobia and I try to avoid dogs whenever I can and when I do encounter a dog,I am really frightened.

In late afternoon Joyce and I went to her Vet visit. Joyce got a clean bill of health. The Vet Tec read her health Summary and vaccinations. She will e-mail them to me. She also gave me some frontline and triguard for Joyce.

Joyce did have pink eye in 2009 and has warts on her lip right now. They are caused by a virus and will go away.

Dinner we had Veal Marcela and mashed potatoes an some kind of cake with orange drizzle

in the evening there was a lecture on the harness and freedom in the room with the dogs. I am leaving Joyce for a short while a few times an she seems fine. She may not have separation anxiety like both Topper and Dougie. I hope not, that is a difficult thing to dealwith.

Yesterday May 7 was nothing really too eventful.

For Breakfast we had pancakes and sausage. I made it,into a wrap,like pigs in a blanket. :) lol. it was delicious !

In the morning we walked to the Courthouse and worked inside. Joyce had an opportunity to practice walking around narrow areas and where there are lots of people and also stairs. We also got practice going through security. She did just fine. This will be helpful for when I fly home on Thursday.

Lucas and I did more clicker. we practice clicker getting toour new seatin the dining hall. We are at a tableof 4,all men,. All 4 of us are fairly quiet. It doesnt' make it for a very interesting table. Oh,well.

For lunch they served beef tacos,rice and refried beans. I had no rice and beans,hate that,ick! lol.

In the afternoon Kristin took Kim and I into Morris plains to do country work. one of us sat in the van while the other was working with Kristin and using our canes and dogs. I had forgotten what this was like and the technique is somewhat different from what they had done years ago.

While Kim was out on her country route, the radio was playing. Kristin had on Q 104.3 and I must say it was pretty good. I would have liked to listen to WPLJ to see if it was the same format when I had listened years gone by.

They had flounder for dinner. I just got the salad. One,I had tacos for lunch but also some of us were talking about ordering Pizza later.

But we decided to do it today.

Most will be eating Pizza tonight. noone volunteered to help organize the party,so I agreed to. oh, well...

Hope it will workout. Half of us are leaving Thursday and the Pizza parties are usually fun.

We do have a lecture tonight so not sure how it will go.

This morning they had fried eggs,bacon and biscuits. The egg was not very good,a bit runny,was better getting scrambled. But,can't complain, the food the majority of the time is fantastic,they serve us wonderful meals. We also get great service and they all work very hard.

As said, I am off today. I just have been relaxing,just playing on the computer and catching up on sleep.

I did laundry last night so,that's done. Kim and I had a glass of red wine last night . Others joined us and just hung out,no wine for them. The red wine was stronger,so I had a little bit of a buzz. So I left earlier than planned to finish laundry and go to bed.

I kept Joyce in her crate. it was much easier to lug my laundry bag down to the basement without her. I don't like bothering others,hard to ask for help. it was a little bit of a challenge getting laundry out of the dryer and carrying it back to my room after the red wine but I managed. I don't have red wine often,I forgot why,now I know.:) grr lol. I think I will stick to my Chardonnay. :) lol

Now,I am up to date. its raining here and some have visitors. Not sure if I will or not.

I just plan on getting more rest, and will call Darrell,Keri and Kay. Will talk to family tomorrow.

I want to see how Keri is and also check in with Kay,tell her about Joyce and see how my Dougie dog is.

Take care and enjoy reading.

Day 12: Elm Street solo,Dog care, and Freelance

2010-05-05T12:17:00.001-07:00

Its 3 pm Wednesday afternoon. Today has been a good day.

I woke up before the wake up announcement and my day was off to a good start.

For breakfast they had French toast,ham and fruit. it was very good.

I was on the first trip this morning. I did my solo. It was pretty uneventful. Tom did a traffic check with me with the the silent car and Joyce did great.!

I did have to stop for a few minutes because of my ankle was hurting but I completed the route.

Joyce walked me around all the people,obstacles,tree branches,coffee tables and so on. She even stayed to the left and did not shove me to the right,like she has been. So,I guess,the technique we used with Lucas yesterday worked.

When I returned to the lounge,the shuttle driver was there dropping students off for their trip so I and a few others took it back here to campus.

I was hoping to lie down,get more rest and elevate my ankle (use the RICE Method) but, an announcement was made that there was a lecture up in the common lounge.

This one was on dog care. They showed us how to brush their teeth and clean their ears Joyce didn't like any of it. They recommended the mint or vanilla flavors rather than the beef,chicken or liver flavored pastes.

After the lecture went back to my room to change clothes. It was picture day.

Then,time for lunch. Lunch was alright today. They had a hot chili keish but I had the cold plate,turkey sandwich. I skipped dessert and had fresh fruit. I tried the drink "downtown" ( ice tea an lemonade,pretty good,not sure why its called that but wasn't bad)

Again this afternoon I was on the first trip. We began freelance. I graduated from doing routes to doing trips that we want to do , such as shopping,working on traffic,taking busses,trains etc.

This afternoon,we worked on escalators and worked in Rite Aid. ( its like a CVS,Wallgreens or A& UP ) It was very crowded. Joyce was a bit distracted.

I picked up a couple items for Jeff and me and hen we headed back to the lounge

we practiced a few intersections as well. Joyce wanted to stop by the salon,wanted mommy and her to get a facial :) lol

I got back to the lounge just in time to catch the shuttle back.

I stopped my Michele's office,just to chat.(her office is just a few doors down from my room) We had a nice chat.

Then,I went to the women's lounge to get some ice so I could make me a cold glass of crystal lite Ice Tea( some of the ice tea I brought that Keri got me)There were no soft and cold ice packs so left the lounge without one.

Here I am now. I am going to lie down,elevate my foot and listen to the Vet lecture on the mp3. We have the vet lecture tonight. It will be interesting.

now,that this post is complete I can do other things tonight,like groom Joyce and get to bed early. Take care and until then,have a good day.

Days 10 & 11: Elm Street,Booties and more Clicker

2010-05-04T19:21:00.001-07:00

Its 8;30 Tuesday night. I have completed Day 11. I am more than half over with the training.

The last couple days have been both busy and challenging.

Yesterday morning woke,very tired. Sunday night We had a thunderstorm and Joyce was whining most of the night. (I don't like thunder and lightening either )

Anyway, it was raining too yesterday, so the day didn't start out too well.

Breakfast was very good pancakes and sausage.

We began the elm street route, somewhat modified. I am having asthma issues and my health isn't at 100 % still( had many health issues last year)

We worked the elm street route in the rain and humidity. (can't believe its hotter here in Jersey than back home in Phoenix)

The morning was pretty uneventful except for the fact that we heard lots of fire trucks.

Soon after,I was back in the lounge,guess,a transformer blew on Miller street under the library. I missed the explosion by 15 minutes or so,thank god.!

Don't know exactly remember what we had for lunch,think chicken salad.

In the afternoon the route was even more modified. Due to the explosion, we did some freelance work and got to see the area,they call the "green". i got to look at the Morris Frank and Buddy Statue. ( it is full size an looks real,use special paint to give it the look) It wwas neat.

. We had some Clarence issues. Joyce was walking me into poles and shrubs on the right side of sidewalks and we overshot a couple curbs. We reworked all of this. We resolved the curb issue but still had the issue of her steering me into objects on the shoulder on right side.

On the way back from our trip into town,it began to hail. we were in the van and almost back at the campus when it came pouring down. Again, close call,I could have been some of those students who were on the second afternoon trip and got soaked.

A student here,fell really hard on this route and then it suddenly was pouring. She didn't break anything but did get hurt and is taking it easy right now. Glad she is okay.

Last night's dinner was seafood,scallops but I wasn't in the mood to have it so just had the salad plate

After Dinner Shannon gave her lecture on food and toys: What brands are best,what to feed them,the does and don'ts of feeding and toys to give them to play with.

Most everything they don't recommend.

Joyce is on imes but we are switching her to Proplan. It is good because they don't have to go out as often and not as much for clean up. She seems to like it more too. She actually ate a full bowl of food tonight.

They really like the nylon bones and tug ropes. Joyce loves her bone,uses it like a rope and loves to play.

Soon after,parc time last night,I had a glass of wine and some cheese with Kim,one of my classmates. We chatted for awhile. It was very nice. Went to bed about 10;30. it took awhile to fall asleep but once I did,I was knocked out and didn't wake up till I heard the announcement for feed and parc. ( I usually wake up every few hours)

Today started out well. We had fried eggs,home fry's,fruit and a morning glory muffin,very tasty. Coffee as usual.

I went out on the mid morning shuttle. Kristin and I continued to do the Elm Street route. Joyce wore her booties on the morning trip. At first,she was galloping like a pony. She was stumbling around and that made me stumble. She looked silly and I,like a drunk! I am sure, we looked ridiculous! lol?

After a few blocks,she did better in some areas but was still steering me into poles and bushes.

I sometimes forget to keep my arm back and even when I had proper arm position,she would crowd me into poles an bushes.

While on the route,she ran me into the right side,where it was uneven. I fell,on my knees and my left ankle rolled.

I didn't feel it at first but later knew I had sprained it. My ankle felt pulled and felt a bit swollen.

I finished the route and went back to the lounge to wait for the shuttle .

Once I got back to campus went to see the nurse. My ankle was swollen. She put on a topical ointment. and She gave me an ice pack and a brace. I also took something for pain.

Lunch was burger and fries. ( It was yummy. I knew it would be good. I could smell the aroma when I went to take her out for Parc time.)

Even though,my ankle hurt and I wanted to stay back to rest,I went on my afternoon trip anyways.

Lucas came on my trip with Kristin and I. When we got to the areas where she was side stepping right into poles and bushes,Lucas showed us a new technique. he calls it " mama's stuck" :) lol This is basically like a situation where if one is stuck in a ditch and the dog has to push you out.

At first,Joyce wasn't listening. We had to continuously say forward and lightly tug the leash to the left,forcing her to pull left. Once she does,praise like crazy as she is moving out!

We continued the route,hung in there to the end. We reworked an area near the lounge where she was consistently pushing me right and she did much,much better.its not perfect,but making progress. it will take time.

By the time,I made it to the lounge,my ankle was hurting more. But at least Lucas and I worked on some issues.! I iced it and have been resting my foot.

Dinner was delicious. We had Chicken parmesan and spaghetti as well as garden salad. They also had pecan pie,very good.

After dinner,Lucas had his lecture on Clicker again. It explained clicker training in more detail and recommended objectsthatwouldbe good to target. They use the word Zook" to cue the dogs to find the target(example traffic pole,bus bench,trash can ) I learned Zook is Dutch for Find.

Today Jeff had to be rematched. This evening,they found him a new dog,one that is much smaller and shorter then Vincent. Her name is Rory. (a good Irish name) She sounds cute and I really hope this match is the perfect one for Jeff.

Well,its already 9;30. I need to shower and ice my ankle. I am doing my Elm Street solo tomorrow so I need a good night's sleep.

Take care and sorry for no posts lately. Hope you keep reading. Have a great night.

Day 9; More Puppy Facts

2010-05-02T14:25:00.001-07:00

After our meeting Kristin came to my room to give me the names of her Parents and Siblings. They are as follows:

Parents:

Merlin: Dad

Boca: mom

Siblings:

Jarvis

Jagger

Jeff

Jolly

Jethro

Jud

John

Jazzman

Day 9: Puppy Facts

2010-05-02T11:37:00.001-07:00

We just had our meeting up in the common lounge. It was fun.

Joyce is the tallest and the heaviest in our class. But,she is the youngest .

Her Birthday is:

August 23,2008

Weight 60 pounds

Height 22 inches

We also were given names of her Parents and siblings. Kristin will e-mail them to us,too many names to remember. There was a large litter.

We will also find out a little about her 4-H Family and what Joyce was like as a puppy. Will get this info the day before us retrains leave.

Well, I need a nap. then,will groom her ,have Dinner,do obedience. and then don't know what else. Take Care.,

Day 8: Solo,Visit with friend and Coming home Video

2010-05-02T07:49:00.001-07:00

Today is May 2,almost 9 here on this Sunday.

We just finished Breakfast and I must say,it was one of the best I had here. it was scrambled eggs,bacon,English muffin. I asked if they wouldn't mind melting cheese on the muffin so I could make a sandwich. They did and I had two. I know it was a lot but it was scrumptious.

Also,I really don't like ham nor want sweet potatoes for lunch. I am not a fan of Mexican and that is what they will be serving for dinner so for both lunch and dinner will have the salad plate.

Anyway,quiet here. Think most are in their rooms and a few went to Church. The dogs can't go since we only had them a week.

Right now,its 72 degrees and overcast.we are expected thunderstorms today and showers again tomorrow. 86 for the high and low will be 63. its warmer here than in Phoenix,that is crazy,only 83 for the high in Phoenix today.

Yesterday it was 20 degrees warmer than at home and of course the humidity is higher

Okay,enough of a weather report , I will give you an update on my day here,that's the point of this post anyway's.:) lol.

Yesterday morning(Saturday,May 1) we had our solo's on South Street. The day before I was fine,felt like I knew the route.

However,not the case yesterday morning. I wanted breakfast to be over and get the show on the road. I was really hoping Leeann and I would be able to go first but were the second team in our class to do the solo.

I was very nervous. I know its not an exam but it feels like one to me. I have test anxiety and my memory fails me when I get anxious. I am also a perfectionist,not in all aspects of my life thank goodness,but in some areas I am . I wish it weren't true but it is.

Needless-to-say,I am very hard on myself,my worse critic. I also second guess myself and don't trust myself as much as I should.

In regards to yesterday's solo,I felt like if I made more than one mistake,that I failed that it wasn't a successful trip.

I can handle stress and pressure at work but this was different. if I feel like I am being tested,then I get anxious.

I was fortunate to remember the street names and I made no major mistakes. I didn't get lost,trip or fall but I made errors. Joyce made a couple minor ones and I made a few.

I mostly didn't stop far enough at the down curb and thought I was aligned right at a couple intersections but that was about it. So,if it weren't for Leeann and definitely if I hadn't had Joyce,I would have made a diagonal crossing.

Joyce walked me into the flag that was strategically placed on the route as well as my arm hit one of the poles .

I did correct her and we reworked those spots and she cleared me. So,she obviously was paying attention and wanted to please.

There was a lot less traffic and the streets less crowded.

Other students were completing their solos also.

some students made mea more nervous and were distracting me. They were constantly talking to their dogs,projecting their voice and walking so fast,thought they would plow us down.

None of this helped matters so between all of this and it being wicked hot,,90 degrees,I was sweating and anxious by the time we returned to the training lounge. I was so glad it was over!

Kristin was pleased how we did,thought we did great! I give it a C or a D . maybe,probably shouldn't give it any grade..

The point of the solo is to see how well we work as a dog Guide team,if the dog can guide,if we can follow the dog's lead,communicate,trust him other her and get to our destinations. We did that,so,guess,it was successful??

After I got back from doing the solo and was sitting in the lounge,Jeff and ken were trying to make me feel better. Jeff told me not to" sweat the small stuff!". That,I need to do.

he Also made me laugh. laughter is the best medicine. Leeann stopped by my room later and wanted to see if I was alright and lend support. I appreciate her and the others caring and supporting me.

Soon after we returned to Campus,Kristin took us on the leisure path. it was bloody hot and I was glad to be back inside.

Since I was wicked tired/hot,I didn't feel like much for lunch.

So,I didn't have the steak ,just had a salad,a couple glasses of water and lemonade.

once lunch was over,I went and took a shower. I wanted to take a nap,like many but I was having company later in the afternoon.

Visiting hours are from 2 to 4 on the weekends. My friend Mary Anne came to visit. She is more like Family,known her since High School.

We had a great visit,so nice to see her. It was way too short.!

We got caught up on what was happening in each other's lives,reminisced about old times,played with Joyce,talked about training and more.

She is very much interested in becoming a trainer here at the Seeing Eye. She took some information with her before she left. I hope she applies,she would make a good instructor.

After she left,it was feed/park time,then dinner.

Dinner wasn't very good. Pizza for the hot plate and salad for the alternative.

At 6;30 we had a meeting. I wish they had it Friday night. it didn't feel like time off. I much rather they had the meeting Friday night so we could have been off from noon Saturday till Monday morning park time.

The meeting wasn't very worthwhile,at least for me,for us retrains. They showed the "Welcome home "Video. I have seen this many times. Its a very good video for newbie's and family,friends and co-workers but not for us retrains,JMO. lol

later, listened to internet radio. Jeff called into the station (mushroomfm.com) described the training,what it was like here at the Seeing Eye)

I continued to listen. I actually fell asleep to Jonathon playing Journey and other great tunes.

I woke later,to some other DJ playing tunes at midnight and chatted with Darrell for an hour on the phone.

That's about it for day 8. Will compose a post for day 9 later since nothing much has gone on.

I still have to groom Joyce and later today Kristin will give our class Puppy info. I am really looking forward to all that.

That post will likely be very short,unlike the last few. I am not doing much of anything today! That feels great,doing nothing!

Kristin,just stopped by my room. she wanted to do an evaluation ,see how I feel about the match and so on. I toldher I am pleased with the match,think Joyce matches my pace and pull and that we work well together. It will take time to really work well as a team but that will come.

Kristin can see that I trust Joyce,that i just need to trust myself . That's for now. Take care ,keep reading and I will send the next post soon. Have a great day.

Day 7: South Street,Laundry and more Clicker

2010-04-30T19:45:00.001-07:00

Its 9;30 Friday night. We just finished Day 7. I am just relaxing,have the Serious Radio on a station that plays a variety,its called the Bridge.

I am very glad that we had no lecture tonight,I am exhausted and feeling all the work we did this week. Glad its the Weekend !

Today was much of the same as yesterday. All week My class has gone on individual routes.

However, today Kristin decided to pair Leeann and I together. Most are in pairs and have had at least a couple days to practice working as a team.

Last night I did sleep better so when I did wake at 4;30 I wasn't as exhausted. Still,I was showered and dressed,all ready for the day by 5 a.m. So, I skimmed through tweets/mail.

Joyce is still behaving more like a Shepard and will not eat much. She seems like she is more interested in playing then eating. So,I am usually one of the last out to the park area.

After Park,I worked on obedience and played with her. She uses the bone like a rope and wants me to tug on it. She's a stinker,uses her paws like hands and cheats :) lol

Breakfast was very good. I had half the hot mail and some of the cold plate. Instead of the pancakes,I had granola,no milk and it was very good. I also had extra bacon and coffee and fruit.

like yesterday,Leeann and I were on the second trip,so we went to the lecture first at 7;45.

This one was on "dogs Senses and was pretty interesting.

Dogs sense of taste isn't as good as ours and in some ways there sight isn't as good either. They don't have as good binocular vision,can't see color as well as us. They do have more rods then cones and can see easier in dim light then us.

We all know their sense of smell and hearing are more keen then ours. If you're interested,I can give you more information on that lecture if you like ? There are too many details,its late and I am wicked tired!

By 9;15 I was ready for my trip into town.

Kristin gave us more direction on the morning trip and we did pretty good,not many issues.

I chilled after coming back from town.

Lunch they had chicken noodle soup and for the hot plate,some chicken pasta. I had the egg salad sandwich,chips and a pickle. Also the fresh fruit not the dessert,vanilla cake .

Unlike,yesterday afternoon,Leeann and I were on the first trip into town.

This time,Kristin said,practically nothing. this was the practice solo.

we had to focus on many things: what are dogs were doing, guiding around obstacles,remembering street names,communicating withone another so to know where each other is and so much more.

We both tried not to let our dogs pull ahead if the other was taking the lead,yet hard to do.

We both had to make a few corrections but overall,the route went pretty good,at least Kristin thinks so.

Tomorrow I not only have to pay attention to what Joyce is doing in harness but think about what street I am at and when I make the lefts or just cross. Its pretty simple, a large rectangle.

we leave the training center,go forward,then make a left on maple.

We then,have to walk to deheart,Community ( a T intersection) Miller lite,lol ( has a light, plus intersection,lol)

then,we cross Madison. and when we get to James,we make a sharp left. We then, go down to South Street. now,we are heading down the other side of the rectangle and just reversing things.

We cross Madison,miller,Community and at Dehart,turn left walk,then turn right,cross and head down back to maple,and home,at the Training Center. Hopefully,it will go fine? will let you know tomorrow.

My afternoon was very busy up until the time I began this post.

Jeff and I did our laundry. We began the wash and then went into the grooming area. I still had to groom Joyce.

The machines were different and slightly confusing but thanks to Jeff,got the job done.(Thanks much Jeff)

Before dinner,laundry was in the dryers and its nice to have clean clothes.

Dinner was just alright. They had Shepard's Pie which I had. They also had a salad as the cold dish. for dessert,they had an Italian dish which I can't pronounce but it was delicious, and very rich and fattening .

After Dinner,Kristin worked with me and Joyce on obedience . I Called Darrell and chatted with him for awhile,not much happening. he is just completing stories,meeting deadlines. Class will be over in a couple weeks.

Soon after that conversation,,Lucas called me to work on clicker.

tomorrow we are changing seating in the dining hall. We used clicker and its positive reinforcement technique to show Joyce my new seat,so, when the stimulus,the Bell,and the food,the conditioned response is removed ,she will be able to find my chair.

This tool can be applied in numerous situations. it will be great at home,to locate traffic poles,bus benches and more.

Then,went back to my room to put my laundryaway.

there isn't much else to say. its late,10 now. I'd like to get to bed soon,so best I end this. There is always tomorrow . Even though its the weekend,we are still getting up at 5;30 and breakfast will be at 7.

After breakfast we will do our Solo's on South Street.

For the rest of the day,we have off,can do whatever.

marry Anne will visit tomorrow. I am bummed,she cant' on Sunday,has a first Communion to go to. Glad I will be able to see her tomorrow.

Not sure what else I will do. think we are having a Pizza party.?

Well,time to get this posted,take my shower and hit the sack. BTW, I have Joyce in her crate. She slept in it all night,a good thing. take care and keep reading the blog. Glad you all are enjoying the posts. Have a good night. Stay Tuned for Day 8.

Day 6: South Street,Clicker and Crates

2010-04-29T18:54:00.001-07:00

Its 8 pm and I am wicked tired,very long day! I still,am not sleeping well. Last night I got to bed at a decent time,11 but woke up a few times ,the final time being 4;30. and was ready by 5.

Before Breakfast I did, checked tweets,mail and did obedience withJoyce.

Breakfast was good: had the hot plate,fried eggs,hashbrowns,raisin bran muffin and fresh fruit. Of course had a few cups of coffee . they also had their usual alternative,cereal and yogurt/granola combo.

Today we began the south street route and it is a bit further from campus. so,they took some of us in the shuttle whie some stayed behind.

I was on the second group,at 8;45 this morning and did not get back till the 11 a.m Park .

While waiting to go on my morning trip,I lollygagged in my room a little,played on the computer. Then,I went and groomed Joyce. I was hanging out with Ree and Kim in the grooming room.

When,we arrived to the lounge,Leeann and Ken were still on the route,so I sat in the lounge.

I was very pleasantly surprised to see Pete langue. He retired a year or so ago. We chatted about old times and got a little caught up on what was happening in our lives. He is doing very well,volunteers once a month here.

Since our group is small and we are all average to fast walkers,we have gone mostly in singles,not pairs.

I am glad I did some additional stretching before breakfast as well as shook my knees, and legs before proceeding out the door for the trip. I can walk much better,faster and not so stiff. I don't look like a gimp:) lol

Kristin's gnomonics help me beautifully( Dad Called My Mother James and,My Mother Can't Drive,all street names and it enables me to remember the street names which ones have a light,are a t intersection and where I have to make a left turn or continue crossing.

I believe,it was Deheart street, where it was wide,where the obstacles were . For the most part Joyce walked me around them beautifully.

She did however, walked me into the flag and we reworked it and, she never did that again.we overshot a couple curbs but,they're redo's and,same thing,no tripping over the curbs. We had some minor hiccups,on the route in the afternoon but really, the guide work is improving,falling into place. its not flawless,we are still making mistakes but that is going to happen. its better that it happens here in class then when we get home. But, it will happen at home but hopefully,nothing major and after corrections,won't be an issue.

lunch they had either a salad with tuna or the tuna sandwich which I had. It was on a pita bread. I had chips and pickle with it. I had the blueberry pie and coffee,not fresh fruit

Since I was on the third trip in the afternoon,went back to my room and took a short nap.

In the afternoon,I twisted my ankle and she didn't clear me from a pole and my right hand hit it. it hurt for a little bit but is fine.

she had me backtrack,and we redid the area by that pole,and little Joycie,cleared me through it.:)

I had a few traffic checks this morning and those Kristin said we did great.

First, we had a easy one where I just had to stop but later,Tom Pender gave me one where I had to suddenly stop and I couldn't continue on. He acted like he was turning around,not paying attention and was backing into me,the car just kept rolling towards me,three times. that one,made me nervous. But, Kristin said,it was beautiful! Crazy tom! :) lol

I continued to noticed when we feed the dogs that Joyce's finicky like A Shepard and rather play then eat. Maybe, this is not her normal behavior? Could be because she's still sick? BTW,she seems to be feeling a bit better,not coughing as much and Kristin says her face looks happier.

I had asked Kristin about crating. So, she brought me a crate. Joyceisnot a fan of it,so it will take time. ..

Right after we returned from our trip,Lucas stopped me and I went to do some clicker with him.

This time,we used the doorknob as our target.

We placed the bell on the door. When Joyce's nose touched the bell,I clicked the clicker immediately followed by a piece of kibble.

We repeated this a few times. She found this loads of fun and wanted to continue the game.

We then, changed things. Lucas removed the stimulus,the bell from the door and we were standing across the room.

He had me give the forward command,as if for example I was searching for a traffic pole or something,and once,we hit the target,the doorknob,I clicked and rewarded. She did pretty good.

Lucas said she was right on target a lot of the time but not as close as she should be on some,sowed need some more work!

By then it was dinnertime and ,I just went from the lounge next to the dining room to our table.

Dinner was good. The hot plate was Vegetable lasagna,( doesn't taste much different then meat lasagna,at least to me,lol) french bread and missippi mud pie. I had everything except the pie. I also had a side garden salad and some fresh fruit instead.

Before the evening lecture,I chatted with Darrell. He is doing fine,working on two stories for class as well as working on issues with Safeway's accessible web site.

Tonight Shannon conducted the meeting . The Topic was on social behavior,how important that our dogs are well behaved in social situations. She also gave us red cons for our pups. Joyce likes her bone more I think,then the cong.

Also tonight,while composing this post,my classmate/neighbor,Leeann, invited me and some others for some wine and good conversation upstairs in the common lounge. I decided not to go tonight,after I post this,I want to shower and get to bed. I will take her and or others upon the offer another night though.

Its now after 9 so I should wrap this up soon and get it sent to the blog.

Tomorrow in addition to doing the South Route twice,we will have a lecture on Dogs Senses. This one is always very interesting!Weekend is almost here,amazing!

Take care and see you all on Day 7.have a good night.

Day 5: Maple Avenue,Traffic and Booties

2010-04-28T19:00:00.001-07:00

Today is day 5. It was not very busy,kind of a light day compared to all the activity on other days.

Breakfast was at the usual time,7, and was pretty good. I had the hot plate: waffles,ham and fruit. I also had orange Juice and coffee. They also had assorted cereals and yogurt with granola . Right after Breakfast we all headed to the lounge. We only had one trip into town today. while my classmates were working their dogs on the maple Avenue route,I sat in the lounge and relax.

Lucas Franck was there to work with us on clicker training. His lecture on clicker last night was both informative and funny,so was, the sound bites from yesterdays lecture on Dog handling and dog fears:).

Anyway, we went into a room downstairs and I had a chance to improve my accuracy and speed using the clicker in specific situations. For the most part,I was right on target when, Joyce,hit the Bell with her nose,I was in that one second range and clicked immediately,then gave her food as a reward. We made a minor adaptation due to my arm injury. Instead of having the pouch of food on the back of my right hip,its on the left and the clicker,is in my right hand ,not my left . I am unable to place the bag on my right hip and grab kibble with my right hand. I lack the ability,range to bring my arm behind me.

I can tell this is a very effective tool and another way to pattern the dog's brain to locate object and find things quickly.

Soon after,it was my turn to go on the route. The first few blocks ,I feel awkward,clumsy and my legs feel like jelly. I had an excellent trip,much better than yesterday.

I am much more in tune with what Joyce is doing and she me. I recognize when I am not holding the harness properly,when I hear the harness jingle ,that I am not holding it back and giving the proper tension so she can pull and lead me.

Second, I did over shot a few curbs and we corrected them. Overall,we walked more gracefully as a team,walking faster and improved communication.

Despite it being cool,about 45 degrees out,and having rosy cheeks,I felt great after

once we returned back to campus I went down to the grooming room . Joyce really enjoys it

For lunch they had grilled cheese or chicken salad sandwich which I had or one could get the salad plate. They also had fresh fruit which I did . they also served carrot cake . I gave Darrell a call before he head to class,thinking,hoping,I'd be in bed by the time he got home from class.

after lunch we all met in the lounge for a lecture on traffic. They told us a little on how they train the dogs to successfully do traffic checks,protect us from being hit by a car. They teach the dogs to respect but also to be somewhat fearful of cars,enough to avoid them but they don't want them to fear them so much that they don't want to be working on the street.

They pattern them through correction,demonstration,repetition and praise. They use this approach in all areas of training,including clicker .

After the afternoon lecture,they had a tutorial in the use of the laundry machines .it was helpful and since My family isn't here in Jersey anymore,I will have to do my own laundry.

I took a short nap,but was woken up by a call from Jeff,followed by my instructor knocking on my door to give me Joyce's booties.

She had me put them on her feet and we proceeded out into the hall. She had me heel her and see how she did walking with the booties. She galloped like a pony like all my dogs.

Kristin and I will work with Joyce on getting her comfortable wearing the boots as well as using a crate. I really don't want her to have separation anxiety.

It was a very relaxing afternoon,began this post hours ago,hoping to be already done but I have been interrupted by activities here,phone calls and meals.

Dinner was delicious. I had the hot plate,Steak,baked potato with sourcream and spinach. They also had garden salad with cottage cheese,fresh fruit and apple pie for dessert.

Tonight I chatted with Keri for I think an hour. she was telling me about her week and I,I,mine . She thinks its neat that Jeff and I are here together getting our dogs and that we blog about similar things but also different ones too.yes,it is great,having you in class Jeff. I am meeting and getting to know folks here in class but its hard for me to strike up conversations with strangers. I am shy and its not easy for me. so,its nice having family here experiencing training with me.

After I talked with Keri for awhile,my old high school friend Mary Anne called. She lives here,about 30 minutes from the Seeing Eye. I will see her Saturday afternoon. I can't wait! I haven't seen her since our Wedding in June of 06. she too,is a close,dear friend whom is more like a sister .:)

well,its going on 9;30,I need to edit this and take a shower and go to bed. I have been staying up way too late.

Tomorrow we are starting a new route,the South Street route. We will do this route tomorrow and Friday,working on improving ur form,technique and communication with our dogs. Then,Saturday we will do a solo.

Take care and hope you all are enjoying reading about our happenings here and maybe learning more about the Seeing Eye and what it is like for us as blind folks to train but also for the dogs.

Until tomorrow.

Maple Avenue And Clicker Training

2010-04-27T19:03:00.001-07:00

My day is winding down but not quite over. I am waiting for Kristin,my instructor to work on obedience with Joyce and me. I am very tired so I thought I'd write the post sooner than later so not to be up late tonight.

I got just a few hours of sleep and woke up at 5 this morning ,30 minutes prior to the instructors making the announcement over the intercom.

We fed and took the dogs out and since I was already dressed for the day, I chatted with Darrell and played on the computer.

Breakfast was at 7 and as usual was very good. (Breakfast is my favorite meal) I had the hot plate: scrambled eggs with cheese,bagel with cream cheese and fruit. I also had coffee and apple juice. They also had cereal and yogurt with granola.

By 8 we were all out heading in the vans to the training center. I hung out with Jeff and other students while others were out working their dogs on Maple Avenue. We did this route yesterday.

However, today, Kristin was not connected to us. The morning route did not begin too well. We quickly realized that I needed a shorter harness handle because my arm wasn't positioned properly. We had to work on form first then increase speed later.

After a few blocks,I had my arm positioned where it needed to be,back,more on my hip and we were walking faster.

Right before our afternoon trip into Morristown, I sent a group e -mail to two of my managers and to a few others at work. my Boss's replied. They are excited to meet Joyce,happy training is going well and a bit surprised how busy I am and what they do here at the Seeing eye.

Lunch was at noon and I had the cold plate,roastbeef sandwich,chips and pickle. I also had lemonade and fresh fruit. They also had enchilada's for lunch and some kind of dessert but didn't get it.

We made another trip out and practice proper technique on Maple Avenue. The afternoon was better in some ways. I had a shorter harness handle witch made a big difference for short people like me .

It seems the first few blocks are not as smooth and flowing as the rest of the mile route. But, after a few blocks,things fell into place,we began to read each other's body language,feel her pull in harness and I was able to interpret what to do next as the handler. We worked hard today,tired.

We got back to campus in time to park and feed the dogs. Right before dinner Kristin took Joyce to the Vet. She has been coughing today and has a respiratory infection. She is on an antibiotic. AWE,poor little girl.! I was dogless,childless for about 30 minutes,felt strange, she has been at my side for 2 days.

Dinner was pretty good,not as good as it usually is. They had flounder sautéed in a butter,garlic sauce,asparagus and coconut cake. I had this and coffee. They also had garden salad and fresh fruit.

After dinner I went back to my room ,checked e-mail and began this post.

At 6;30 we had a lecture on clicker,the importance of targeting an object that is difficult to find,using conditioning, showing object and praising at same time,reinforcing with food. It is interesting and an excellent tool.

We continued by practicing clicker in our rooms. later,Joyce and me had our first obedience lesson.

Then, Jeff and I went down to groom our dogs. She likes it and looks very pretty.

here I am,everything is done for the night. Once I complete this,I am going to take a shower and bedtime for this Jersey gal,wicked tired.

From what I understand only one trip into town tomorrow and we will attend multiple lectures. I am sure it will be another fun,filled day,very productive. Just got a phone call from Darrell. I was asking him about his day. I told him to check out my blog. ( check Jeff's too,I am sure he will have lots to say and his blog is better than mine )

After sending this,Heading to bed. I actually think I will be in bed before 10 tonight,amazing!. Joyce whimpered, a lot during the night,hope she will sleep through?? hope you all are enjoying these posts? Comments,questions welcome.:) If you don't like my posts,feedback is welcome too. Take care and till tomorrow....

Joice was,the Choice

2010-04-26T21:46:00.001-07:00

Today is April 26,day 3 of training at the Seeing Eye. We woke at 6 for breakfast. We were told it was another 50 some degree/rainy day. I got a slow start because I had a headache . Yet,I was ready in time to go down to the dining room for Breakfast.

The kitchen staff had another great selection for us all. I had the hot plate,French Toast,sausage and fruit. I also had coffee and orange juice. They offered cereal and yogurt with granola.

just like yesterday,we left the campus around 7;45 and drove a few minutes to the lounge. I sat there for awhile. First,I attempted to get the mp3 they gave us working so I could listen to all the informative lectures on it. Ken,my classmate was sitting next to me so he was able to assist me. I did get it working and I began to listen,skim through all the files. it seems like they have a lot of valuable material on there as well as it was nice to hear voices of the past,trainers whom I have known over the last 22 years.

I didn't listen long to the lectures because a new Student had sat down near me (think her name is Savanna) and she is a first time dog guide user. Both myself and another Student,Dawn,were telling her what it was like as a first timer and giving her support.

Later while still at the lounge ,Michelle came in and I reintroduced myself. She is one of the staff here and is a great person,a long time Seeing Eye graduate and a Councilor.

Also at the lounge,another Staff person made an appearance .Shannon was there making coffee for folks. She trained my Chanel back in 1997 and we got to catch up. That made my day.

I had a great juno walk again this morning. We walked part of the maple Avenue route and I felt very comfortable.

Once our group returned to the campus I played a little on the computer and made some phone calls.

We had a meeting with Jim Kutch and Michelle up in the common lounge at 11 while all the instructors were in their own meting discussing matches for each of us.

Jim gave us all a History of the Seeing Eye and told us his story. So,did Michelle. They told us about some changes in their program such as the use of the clicker training . I plan on attending this meeting later in the week. this is optional but I'd like to participate,heard lot of good things about this additional tool of training the dogs.

Lunch went quickly today. Everyone wanted to get back to their rooms so they could get their dogs. They served too types of sandwiches; the turkey,bacon,lettace and tomato sandwich or ham. I had the TBLT as well as the creamy chicken soup,not salad today. I declined on the offer of banana cream pie,though,it sounded delicious. I had things to do and also wanted to meet my little girl.

Around 1;15,Kristin called me into the lounge. I brought the ds50 to record( hope I recorded the introduction between myself and my new dog??:)

I had the ds 50 recording as Kristin introduced me to my new pup.

Her name is Joyce. We will find out later in the week, more info on her, Birthday,weight and so forth. I was Given a yellow Lab/Cross ( Gold-adores,I call them :). She is more like a Lab but has some golden. From what am told,she looks like a Carmel color,that the top layers of her coat is a light yellow and below,a darker. imagine,a creamy,light brown color. I have also been told she has dark eyes.(darker than my chestnut brown eyes). Her fur is more coarse softer than a gulden's.

She is very soft,cuddly and playful.

we went back to our room to bond and get to know one another. We sat on the floor and played.

She kept licking me,giving me kisses and rolling over,wanting tummy rubbed.

She also was whining some. I tried to calm her and gave her lots of attention.

An hour or solater, Kristin had me heel her down to the door that leads out to the beautiful leisure path. I haven't walked that path in years.it was raining out and I got pretty soaked ,so did Joyce.

She did a great job,guiding well most of the time. I may have to switch harness's,get an offset one. At this point,she saw a squirm so she didn't have her attention on working. Though,very quickly she refocused on her job and we did fine.

After our first short walk,went back to the room and relax. I kind of took a nap and bonded with Joyce.

At dinner,each instructor assisted us to the dining Hall . We are heeling the dogs in the House till we become more comfortable.

once I got Joyce situated under the table and she settled down,I began to eat. Joyce. popped her head up a couple times.

Tonight they had pork with potatoes and the cold plate was a salad and something for the dessert I don't like. I had the pork and potatoes,very good. I also had fresh fruit and coffee.

After dinner,Chatted with Jeff, the nurse,Kristin and played on the computer.

at 7;15,our class went down to the grooming room. We had a lecture in grooming as well as how to put on the gentle leader. we groomed the dogs as well and Joyce loved it.

next,I had Kristin,the nurse,take pictures of Joyce on my cell phone. We also had Jeff's help. Jeff and Darrell are going to help me send the attachments of the 3 pics we took of Joyce and me.

I also called Darrell and Mom too. Both were excited and very happy for me.

By then,it was getting late. I showered and now,here I am. Tomorrow,we get up at 5;30.

We will continue the Maple Avenue route and will be the first time, we will be working as a team in Morristown. I am not sure what else they have planned. I also herd after tomorrow it will not rain much. I hope so.

well,Its very late,midnight here . I need to get to bed. Take care and I will send another update tomorrow. Joyce is on her bed chain,asleep.what a cutie! Till next time,Take care.

Second Day,More assessments,Juno Walks,Puppy interaction and meetings

2010-04-25T18:19:00.001-07:00

Our second day has come and gone and I am back in my room just relaxing after another long day. I need to get a good night sleep,haven't been sleeping well since I left Phoenix.

Anyway, After posting my first entry to the blog,one of the instructors announced that it was time to wake up and I began to get ready for my day.

Breakfast,like all meals was very good. They always offer a hot plate and a cold one,at least 2 or 3 options.

I chose the hot plate. It was cheese omelet,English muffin and fruit. I also had a glass of orange juice and of course, always coffee,a couple cups of coffee,not coffee in my creamer lol. . :) They alsohad cereal and yogurt with gronola.

Before 8 we were in rain gear and drove to the new training lounge in town.

It was pouring and about 50 degrees,not cold,just very wet.

Right after I arrived,I was the first one in my class to go out for my third Juno walk. Kristin,my instructor gave me a poncho to wear over my coat to keep me dryer. it was abit big and long for me but it certainly helped.

She said,I looked like a mushroom.:) lol maybe,I should broadcast on mushroom.com? lol,A few blind folks I know already broadcast on that station or will be soon. Honestly,I haven't even listened.

I now,digress,sorry,long day. As i was saying,I was first out in the rain and I enjoyed the walk despite the weather .

As retrains,there are things that one forgets to do or one gets into bad habits when it comes to body language and command the dog to lead.Its real important with these young pups.

I basically stayed at my same pace as yesterday it felt more comfortable as we crossed streets.

once I returned,I tried to surf the radio stations on my walk-man that I took along on the trip but for some reason I couldn't get anything. the reception was lousy,couldn't get PLJ or KRC,stations that I had listen ages ago when I lived here in Jersey.

So,I moved tables and sat with several students sitting across the way.

Today I am starting to get to know students and instructors on a personal/professional level.its great!

Since we only have4 in our group,we got back to campus first. Shortly after,we had a fire drill.

Then,I grabbed some coffee and Everyone went to our next meeting. We met with the class supervisor,Tom. There were numerous things we discussed one of wich was the importance of having pack leaders and and also discussed traffic checks as well.

Right after all of us students met with tom,we had lunch.

I was going to have the cold plate,Salad but I wasn't feeling adventurous,didn't want Russian dressing.

SO,I had the hot plate: Steak,potatoes and vegetables. For dessert,they had oatmeal raisin cookie or fruit. I had it and lemonade,no coffee,surprise,surprised?

After lunch,I chatted with Darrell,checking with him.

Then, it was time to go play with pups. These dogs were in the kennels,restless,and very anxious.Some may be matched with those of us in this class or not. but,it was very fun to play with them,getting to know and interact with them for a little while.

The first dog,I was given was a male Shepard. he whined a lot and was curious as to what was happening right outside of the men's lounge where we sat.

He was very cute despite his whining and seeming nervous.

The second dog I played was was a male golden. He was much calmer and softer. Though,he too,at times would not n'tsit and seemed like he wanted to be somewhere else.

The last pup,my instructor gave me was female Cross,a lab/golden. I am told,she looks more black then a cream or golden color.her fur was more coarse then a Gulden's.

I was not sure how she would respond to me because,she gave the others trouble:very restless,hyper,panting and would not mind.

However, soon after I had her,she calmed down.I had her sit,stroked her ears and spoke to her in a real soothing voice. All three dogs but especially her ,was the most friendly and warm to me,giving me kisses and rolling her back,wanting to have a belly rub.:) they are all so very cute.:)

after this activity,we had some down time. it was then,I took the opportunity to get a nap before dinner. I actually did feel better.

Once again,the kitchen staff made us an exceptional meal. it was hard deciding ,on what to eat,both plates sounded good. they had chicken salad and Penne Pasta with vodka sauce. I had to have this! It was very good. I also had a garden salad and had fresh fruitfordessert,not the sponge cake that most had.Coffee was an necessity since I just woken from a nap and we were going to have a meeting after dinner.

Tonight's meeting was about what to expect from tomorrow. Tomorrow is the big day,the day we get our dogs. we need to giv our dogs our undivided attention and begin the bonding process.

So, though,i would love to call some of you or blog/tweet about my new dog, I will have to refrain from it alittle while.

Just now,My instructor knocked on my door to give me my mutt matt and the tie down. we were chatting briefly about tomorrow. I mentioned,how fun it was interacting with all three dogs today. My Instructor said I will be very happy with my dog and all she said I will love her and be very happy. then,she left :)

So, my prediction,could be right,after all. My women's intuition,told me that I'd get a female black Lab. well,I got the gender correct. So,we shall see.:)

Anyhoo, its an exciting day tomorrow and in the near future.Again, tomorrow and Tuesday,it will rain. so,I am prepared,to walk in the rain,wear the poncho and look like a mushroom.:) lol

after the meeting,most stayed for the wine and cheese party. here,I chose instead.

I want to get a good night sleep,for the big Day.

I also will be checking in with Darrell and will try and refresh my memory on how to use the ds 50. I want to be able to record Kristin introducing me to my little girl.this is very exciting,can't wait! :)

well, have things to do before bed. you all take care and make sure to visit my corner,to get more details on how this journey is going. Have a good night.

Uneventful Red Eye Flight and First Day at the Seeing Eye

2010-04-25T02:47:00.001-07:00

I am Here at the Seeing Eye and very likely the only one whom is awake at 3;30 a.m. I didn't sleep very well but feel fine right now. I have a soft rock station playing in the background.

Anyway, The journey began Friday night,April 23.

Friday was mostly spent finishing packing and hanging out with Darrell before leaving for the Airport to catch the Red Eye flight that night.

Skyharbor Airport was very quiet Friday night and I had no trouble getting assistance. Our Friend Karen whom is a cab driver made sure I got help at curbside.

From there the process went very smoothly,much faster then when traveling in the past. There were no issues at check in and security and went straight to the gate where our friend Jeff was already waiting for me. .

Jeff andI Looked forward to this day,to be in class together and receive our next Dogs at the finest Guide Dog School in the Country.

Jeff met me in Phoenix so we could get the same flight to Newark. I was very surprised the Red Eye flight was oversold and like most flights these days were full,had us all packed in their like sardines.:) lol

It was an uneventful but very pleasant four hour flight to jersey.

Jeff brought his Ipod Touch and we watched two movies with description. We chatted a bit,had a good time telling each other a a little about stories of things that happened as kids and got a good laugh.

We first watched a movie called "Water Boy" starring Adam Sandler and Henry Winkler,very funny. (Don't know the rest of the cast)

After we saw " Up". This got excellent reviews but in my opinion wasn't very good,had some cute parts but not the best,much better films out there.

While listening to the movies,The flight attendant came by to serve us beverages and of course, no snack,gave us the typical small bag of pretzels.

neither one of us slept on the flight and needless-to-say,were very tired by the time we arrived at Newark at 6;30 a.m.

Once there,we again,got excellent service and were taken to the President's Lounge where we sat for an hour ,just hanging out before heading to baggage to meet the Seeing Eye's Driver.

after waiting awhile,chatted with each other as wellas my Mom, we were on the road ,heading here to Morristown with another student, Kim,from Savanna Ga.

Some of the Seeing Eye Staff were there to meet and greet us Yesterday morning. Pauline and Karen from Admissions as wellas all 4 trainers.

Once the introductions were made,they assisted us to our rooms.

I thought I'd lie down and get some rest but instead decided to unpack and organize my things in my room.

In each room they have Serious Radio and a talking alarm clock so I had to play with those things too.

When in my room unpacking,I met with both my Instructor Kristen and with Beth one of the Nurses here.

Kristen and I discussed training, expectations and she got an opportunity to get to know more about me,to help determine which dog would be an ideal match for me. She already has two dogs in mind and today,we will meet them.

After all that,I chatted withDarrell. By then it was lunch.

Half our class had arrived and there were so many new voices /personalities I need to get to know. The kitchen staff are very friendly and red usthe menu.

They offered us garden salad,vegetable soup,ham or tuna sandwiches. They also had ice cream and fruit fordessert and a wide of selection of beverages. I had tuna with chips,dill pickle and a cup of coffee.

Kristen and I met after lunch and she took me on my first Juno walk. The Weather was beautiful and we just walked aroundthe Campus so she could gauge how quickly I walk,how much I could pull. we also worked on leash corrections. this enables instructors to match the right dog with us. I am an average walker with a light pull.

After the Juno walk she gave me an orientation around the House here: showed me the lounges,nurses office,dining hall,basement where they have a technology center,student laundry room,exercise and grooming room where we groom the dogs. They have a lot of cool fitness equipment and now have an additional aspect to the grooming process. they have bottles of solution to soften the dogs coat.

At this point I was wicked tired and went back to my room to take a nap. I got some rest but not much. the bed isn't very comfortable but I also received calls from Darrell and Tina. I also chatted with Keri too.

Since I couldn't sleep,played with the clock,attempting to use all its cool features.

Dinner was at 5. Jim Kutch (President of the Seeing Eye and his Wife Ginger ) joined us for dinner.

They divided us 19 students into 4 smaller classes. As said,Kristen is my Instructor. She's very nice,from Boston and was an Orientation and Mobility instructor prior to working here at the Seeing Eye.

There are 3 new Students in my class of 4 . I am the only retrain. There is Kim,Ken,Leeann and myself.

There are still too many names to recall and there are folks here from every region . noone here from Canada. There are 3 of us from Arizona.

The other Instructors are very nice and names are; Jim,Barb,and Riva.

Again, the menu was red and the food was very good(they treat us well here) they had a hot plate,Turkey,stuffing,and green beans (I had this)

they also offered a salad. They had fresh fruit and a small sample size cheese cake. It was delicious and was a perfect portion. I had coffee again with this meal,trying to stay awake for the meeting later.:) lol

At 6;30 had our first meeting in the common lounge. They discussed Rules and Regulations as well as today's schedule,a lot planned for us today. They also handed out leashes and gave us cute little MP 3's with lecture material already loaded on there.We can keep them.

By then,most of us were exhausted and once the meeting was over headed back to our rooms for the night.

Jeff was nice enough to assist me to get Darrel's WIND( a small netbook,like a small Laptop) up and running and get me on the network.

Once I was online,had to check e-mail, and write a few tweets. I chatted briefly with Tina on Instant messenger and with Darrell and Jeff on the phone. Though,I was wiped out I continued to play on the computer and adapt to using this squishy rolled up keyboard rather then my standard one. I then, took a shower and went to bed.

Now,here I am, its 4;30 and in less then 2 hours someone willbe be calling us through our intercoms to wake us up and announce breakfast.

Breakfasts at 7,then I guess,we all will go into the training Lounge in Town,work again On Juno Walks.

later in the morning we will all come back here work on Obedience techniques, will get to meet the dogs that are possible matches for each of us.

Not sure what else they have planned. I know after lunch and our dog interaction activity we will have meetings and this evening a Wine and Cheese Social.

I can't think of anything else,still half asleep right now and writing this after sleeping only a few hours and have had no coffee yet today.

Tomorrow is the big day,Puppy Day!:) I heard were suppose to get rain,the next couple days,hope not.

Take care. I will continue to update all of you,on my Journey here getting my next and forth dog.

By the way, my visit last Saturday night with Dougie and his Family went very well, better than expected.

We had a nice dinner with Kay and Rick. they took Darrell and I to this Infamous Joe's Barbecue place in the Valley. it was great.

After went to a park near their house and Dougie was so happy to see me. Most of the time he just sat on my lap,gave me kisses and waggie tails.

He was silly,played,rolled around and flailed in the grass. It was a wonderful reunion.

When,it came for Dougie to go back home with Rick,he didn't make much of a fuss.he jumped a little and let out two loud barks as he was walking away but didn't get anxious or cry.

I didn't get emotional at all. I miss /love Dougie but,I know he is in a great home with people whom love him, care for him and he is enjoyingretirement. That makes me feel good,knowing this and I can now,close one chapter and begin a new one.

Of course, Dougie will always have a special lace in my heart and be my Dougie dog.:)

Well, its going on 5,I still need to edit this and post it to my blog. I want to be through by the time the first call is made.

take care and continue to visit Karen's Corner. You can see my journey here that I will take here with my new dog during these next few weeks. Have a great day.

Today's KDD" Anticipation: Visit with Dougie and looking forward to getting my New Dog

2010-04-17T13:44:00.001-07:00

It is Saturday April 17 at 11 o'clock

I am not listening to hard rock,

But to the 70's music mix,streaming it online,

How are you all?, hope you're all fine?

I am not using a regular keyboard but rather one that rolls up and is quite
compact,

And Here I am! said I would be back lol

This keyboard is small and does have all keys,

And Today, I think I heard it will be about 90 degrees.

This keyboard is not as easy to type, I am slower, but faster than the other
day,

and we are waiting for our groceries from Safeway.

I think I will be able to increase my speed and accuracy,

And now I will tell you what's up with Darrell and me.

Earlier in the week, when the week began,

I heard from my Friends Lynda, Drew and Mary Anne,

It was wonderful chatting with them, catching up ,they are old friends, from
my past,

Mary Anne Lives in Jersey and Lynda and Drew from Mass.

not much more since I had last posted to my blog,

And soon I will get my new dog.

I will be leaving Friday night, arrive to Morristown a week from today,

Three weeks there I will stay.

Our Friend Jeff will be definitely going as well, on the same flight as me,

Fun it will be.

We will watch the movie " Up", I will bring a Y adaptor and we will listen
at same time, he and I,

Through his Ipod touch, that he recently did buy.

This will be dog number 4,for Jeff too,

We will also bring electronic books, that we will also do,

To pass the time on the red eye flight,

And Darrell will join us for a bite to eat Friday night

Before we catch our plane to N. J,

And again, is gone half the day.

Of Corse, we won't find out the breed, gender and name, till 2 days after we
are there,

So, that information I can't share,

can not tell,

but I think I will get another Chanel,

a Female blacklab,small like her,

but not sure,

Could be way off base, you know? Lol,

And much to do before I go.

In addition to work, I have to pack and errands to run,

I am hoping not to take a ton

A weeks worth of clothing, toilet trees and some tech stuff,

That will certainly be enough,

And a couple pair of shoes, that would be about all,

And you, I will call,

And or you can see a journal on my blog,

Updating you all on the new dog.,

I am hoping to also get a picture and recording of him or her, most cell
phones have that capability

That would be cool, if that you could see

And those whom are blind, can hear some audio?

Hope it will be a go?

Hoping I can find someone technically savvy ,probably the case,

And then you can se the dogs cute little face,

Snout,ears and tail,

And I am hoping to send some e-mail,

But likely won't be on the computer much, keep us quite busy indeed

Probably won't have much time to read.

I did finally finish that Robert J Sawyer's Book "Watch" found it excellent
and filled with suspense

He Definitely captivates his audience,

Have many themes, and a wonderful plot,

If you like thrillers,SCI Fi andaction, you will like this a lot!

It's already almost 1,

Things to get done,

Have housework to do and meatballs to make,

Not going to bake,

And not much longer I can write,

I will see Dougie Dog later tonight.

We will be getting together with Rick and Kay,

Later Today,

Go to Joe's,a barbecue place and dine,

And then se Dougie in the Park, hope it will go fine,

Haven't seen that puppy of mine

Since march one, it's been a long time, a little while,

Hope Iwill smile,

And not cry?

And that Dougie won't want to come home with Darrell andI?

I wanted Dougie to bond and connect with his new Family

Its not at all the same for Darrell and me.

Yet, life goes on, things change, Dougie is part of my past, Memories with
him I will always treasure,

One can't measure,

Something like this,

But, he, I do miss very much,

And he, along with other dogs and people in my life has a special place in
my heart

And he will start,

A new life, as a retired dog,

And I, with my New Dog.,

As I wrote this, found myself getting a bit teary eyed,but not feeling sad,

Grateful for the time I had,

He is my Dougie Dog, Pup number three,

Always will be.

Its 1O'clock and our groceries have not come,

And housework, I should do some.

Its now 1;31,

I am going to get together with mary anne,that will be fun,

During visiting hours on the weekend,

And this dose is at the end,

Take good care my friend.

Today's KDD: Our Recent Move,Dougie's Retirement and upcoming Trip to Seeing Eye

2010-04-08T15:00:00.001-07:00

Its 10;30on Thursday April Eight,

I know, it has been months, since a KDD,I did create.

I have made attempts, to compose,

Its not that I chose

To not write doses anymore. I don't think there a waste,

That is not the case,

At all. I have had writers block. the words just haven't come with ease
for me,

That is the only reason I haven't written a Kdd

In a very long time,

I do hope you are all well?, doing fine?

Enjoying your Spring?

Again today, a dose I hope to Bring

And post to my Blog,

I will give you an update on me, Darrell, and even Dougie Dog.,

I don't recall when I last written,

But in our new Place, we are sitten,

I think it was sometime in January?, sorry to say,

And yes, I know,soon,it will be May.

I guess,these are no Longer KDD's,not even weekly ones, so few and far
between,

Seldom, doses, can be seen

I have gotten out of the habit, lost my knack,

But I am hoping, the doses will be back.

Since, it has been ages,

And who wants to read pages,

I will provide highlights of our happenings, if I am able,

I certainly, don't want you to just turn on your cable

Or surf the net or shop on line,,

At some point, I'd like you to read this dose of mine

As I said, we are in a new place, in February we did move into a new
Apartment,

About 6 weeks ago, fast time went

My Mom flew out here twice ,early this year,

And it was she, who found this place here.,

We had a good visit with her, don't see my family much, since they, on the
east Coast and I, in the west

For us, she wanted what was best,

, a safer place, offered more amenities yet, still have good transportation

She wasn't out here for a vacation

It doesn't matter, how far one does move, whether it be Cross Country or 5
minutes away, its no fun

Still, a lot of work to be done

From beginning to end

That is one reason,why,I haven't written my friends.,

Not only that, a week after we were here,Dougie went to his new Family, and
I struggled with this,

He very much, I do miss,

In December, I retired him,he is getting old,

Has arthritis, other issues,think,in another KDD,I told,

Did tell,

You all. he is doing well.,

The first week, he had trouble adapting and was looking for me,

With him, I wanted to be,

I was very sad, stressed out, crying a lot,

But now, I am not,

I do miss him, have become more detached, but ,don't feel bad,

I know, I made a right decision. that I had

He is placed in a good home, not far from Darrell and me,

And he lives with a Family of three,

Kay,Rick and their Daughter Carolyn, they have a little dog too

They have a fenced in yard,one,that he can't get through,

Its 8 feet high

And there is more,

They have about an acre of grass and a doggie door,

A fountain on their deck, a hot tub and a pool,

Isn't that cool?

They also have a second floor balcony and a deck there as well,ain't that
neat?

They can lay there,snooze,watch the cars and people below on the street,,

Near the Superstition Mall,

Dougie and his new Buddy Eddie, can have a ball lol

They take him for short walks, he loves to roll in the grass and enjoys
baths with the hose outside,

Loves to go for Car rides,

And hang out with his human companions, not his friend Eddie instead,

But, the two of them, are getting along pretty well. , from what they all
said.

They took him to Pet smart to get a new Toy,

They really like him, think he is a great boy

Well behaved, lovable and smart,

They do know, for me, it was hard to part.

We have become friends with them and likely will get together soon,

Can't believe, its almost noon,

I want to finish reading "wake" so I can begin "Watch", Robert J Sawyer's
book two, of his Trilogy

Its excellent, if you have red his Novels, you will agree.

Yet, it was important to me, to compose a Kdd for you all, because it has
been ages

And yes, I know, my doses, don't always turn pages,

Don't' even know, if they even interest you? maybe, you have forgotten
all about them?, if they are on your radar screen??, or make your day? maybe
not?, then, I am through,

Hopefully you do,

Look forward to me resuming the doses?, and seem them in your RSS,?

Or point your Cursor to Karen's Corner, go to my Blog,

I will get you up to speed on things here, tell you about Dougie Dog.

Since I retired Dougie have received mobility training, learning more cane
travel, in our Neighborhood,

Though, I don't like it, for me, I know, its good,

Something I should do and is advantageous for me at this time,

And work is going well, things there are fine.

We continue to have a full hotel, Occupancy at 100 %,business has been
great,

We have gone Above, most Hotels in the state,

In the Valley. most Guests prefer what we offer, think our Resort is very
nice,

Despite, the price,

And the going rate, that they charge to stay,

Keeps us employees working each and every day.

Phones ringing off the hook, numerous of Guest request dispatched all day
long, at least in Housekeeping,

A log of calls I am keeping,

As the hours pass,

While 2 days a week, Darrell sits in class

Writing Stories for Journalism researching, reporting and practicing his
interviewing skills and Techniques,

And I on days off, going to 4 Peaks,

To the Chiropractor and to Curves Fitness,

Want to lose weight but doing it for my health, that is what is best!,

For the first time in years, I enjoy exercising, and the machines in the
circuit are easy to use, once I learned how they did run,

Its actually fun

And in 30 minutes ones workout is done,

Exercising every muscle group while music does play, its great,

And they have you check your target heart rate,

And stretch, to cool down before you leave the club,

They don't have a pool or a hot tub,

But that's fine. Staff are wonderful,accommadting because I can't see,.

They showed me,

All the machines and made sure I was safe and doing things right

I try and go on my days off and sometimes after work, at night.

, In a few weeks, I will be returning to the Seeing Eye on April
Twenty-four,

For me, this will be dog number 4,

I am excited and looking forward, 3 weeks I would be gone,

I am taking the Red Eye, will get there around Dawn.

Our friend Jeff, may be going too,

We are hoping to be in the same class, that we are trying to do

But, they may not be able to find him a match, so he may have to wait.
,that would be a bummer indeed,

But we both want to find, the right guide, the pup to lead,

Us, and have that pup for years

and I am glad, I don't shed tears anymore ,

About Dougie,that he is in a good place,

And at some point,Seeing Eye, will find a dog that Matches Jeff's pace.

We have spent time with our Friend Alice, working on projects here

Have had, wine not beer,

With crackers and cheese,

Gone to Applebee's

Chilies' and Sunrise Café,

Half is gone the day.

She has helped us, unpack and organize our stuff and done other things
as well,

Attended my DST Dinner at the Hotel,

A few weeks ago, March 18,

It was great,

Lots of fun and I made the Distinguish Service Team for 4 th Quarter 2009

We got home around nine,

Received an award, had good company and good food and drink,

Not sure what else to say, as I sit here and think.

I am glad a dose I was finally, able to compose for you all but now, I am
through,

And more often,this I intend to do.

Take care and stay well, I will definitely give you an update on the new
dog,

So, be sure to check out my blog,

Karen's Corner, so you can hear about my new pup, the new addition. it
will be soon,

For now, so long, have a good afternoon.,

MountainWings: Glide

2010-02-14T20:47:00.001-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1326 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Glide
=====

Jogging is a world of experience by itself.

After 3 miles or so, I felt a pain in my left leg.

Not a major pain, it just felt like the beginning of a cramp.

I began to limp. I didn't want to put any excess pressure on
the leg because I had over three miles to go even if I turned
around and headed straight back, and I wasn't at the halfway
point yet.

Something said, "Glide."

Glide?

I began to notice how I was running with the limping action.
My gait was uneven. It was awkward.
I didn't know the exact kinetics, but I knew the un-rhythmic
motion was putting additional strain on my leg muscles.

So I began to glide.

I focused on running smoothly.
I let my feet touch the pavement as light as possible.
Like a swan skimming over a lake, I concentrated to make each
step as graceful as possible.

Within a minute, my left leg felt fine.

It was a MountainWings Moment.

Often when pain hits us, we lose our grace and become awkward.

We shuffle, stumble, bumble, weave, wobble, hobble, and stagger.

If we just glide and stay smooth, often the pain goes away,
because the rough motion makes it worse, not better.

Someone criticizes us. . . OUCH!
We shuffle, stumble, bumble, weave, wobble, hobble, and stagger.

Someone offends us. . . OUCH!
We shuffle, stumble, bumble, weave, wobble, hobble, and stagger.

Someone has a difference of opinion. . . OUCH!
We shuffle, stumble, bumble, weave, wobble, hobble, and stagger.

Someone doesn't respond the way we think they should. . . OUCH!
We shuffle, stumble, bumble, weave, wobble, hobble, and stagger.

Instead of maintaining our peace, the smooth gait, we become
frustrated. That makes the pain worse, not better.

Instead of forgiving and forgetting, we retaliate and remember.
That often makes the pain worse.

Many of life's pains would go away if we'd just learn to glide.
Yes, it hurts, but the shuffling and stumbling usually doesn't
help.

While jogging (or with any exercise) if pain starts, it's
usually wise to just stop. This was more a spiritual revelation
yet, it applied to physical things.

If we can keep our movements, thoughts, emotions, and spirit
smooth, that often takes us right over the rough things.

Glide

~A MountainWings Original~

I have had several MountainWings Moments while jogging. For the
joggers (and non-joggers), below are a few of those issues.
First and Last mile, http://www.mountainwings.com/past/1064.htm
The Hill, http://www.mountainwings.com/past/1108.htm
The Second Hill, http://www.mountainwings.com/past/1109.htm
Until the Flowers, http://www.mountainwings.com/past/1114.htm

Petwarmers: Broken Heart

2010-02-14T20:45:00.001-07:00

We have an unusual Valentine's Day story for you today. Cats are
pretty independent, but in today's story we find out about a love affair
that was quite remarkable in life, and death.
Better get out the tissues, you might need them.
Let us know if you've ever experienced of a similar story.

__________________________________________________
BROKEN HEART
by Bobbi Hahn

They were an unlikely pair -- she, an adult Maine Coon, sleek and
dignified, elegant and graceful in all of her movements -- he, a young,
immature grey tomcat, large and boisterous, playful and quick moving.
When they joined our household a year apart, I had no idea what
was in store for all of us.
They nevertheless fell in love, and eventually it became obvious
that Griz was pregnant. I'd never had a pregnant cat, so I consulted
the vet for all the details on what I needed to know, and do, when the
time came for her to give birth. His advice was, basically, provide
her with a safe, comfortable place and then get out of her way, letting
Mother Nature take over.
Griz went into labor on a Sunday morning, just as we were preparing
to leave for church. I hoped witnessing a miracle might take precedence
over attendance at Mass just this once, so I decided to allow our sons
to stay home.
The area beside our claw-foot tub had been chosen by Griz as her
labor room, so we prepared a nice soft bed of fluffy towels for her. She
seemed uncomfortable, and I wished I could do something for her, but
the vet's advice stayed with me, and I resumed my role as bystander.
Gus, however, had not heard the vet's advice, and would not have
heeded it anyway. The love of his life was in pain, and he comforted
her as best he could. He'd go in there and lick her face as if to
say, "I'm here, Griz, and I'll be by your side every step of the way."
We've all heard of expectant fathers pacing the floor in Maternity wards,
and Gus did the same, checking in with Griz frequently, softly petting
her with his paw.
The hours passed, and finally the first kitten was born -- how cool
was that? Gus helped Griz clean the little creature, as he did with
the other three she eventually produced. I'd been hesitant at first
to allow him near the kittens because I'd heard of some males eating
their young, but he was always such a loving cat that I took the chance.
In any event, I don't think I'd have been able to keep him away.
Griz was exhausted from her long labor and delivery, as we all
were from keeping watch, so everyone slept.
Over the next few days, the extent of Gus' devotion soon became
apparent. He would curl up beside Griz when she nursed the kittens,
like he just wanted to keep her company and be close to her and his
little family. When it looked like Griz needed a break from mothering,
Gus would take her place, curling on his side and allowing the kittens to
cuddle up against him. He'd remain in that position for extended periods
of time, only leaving when one of the kittens tried to nurse. He'd stand
up quickly as if to say, "I'll babysit, but the nursing stuff is OUT!"
I'd often find them all asleep together, Mom and Dad curled tightly
around their babies, all snug and safe in a warm cocoon of feline fur.
Gus and Griz groomed the kittens together, washing those adorable
little faces and holding down a reluctant participant with a firm but
gentle paw.
When I took Griz to the vet for her checkup, I mentioned what a
great help Gus was with the kittens, and I asked if that was normal for
a male cat, since I'd never had experience with a cat "couple." He said
he'd never heard of anything like it!
The kittens eventually went to good homes, and their parents seemed
to accept their departures with a minimum of fuss, resuming the routine
that had been normal for them before childbirth (well, kittenbirth!)
Their lives were uneventful for a few years, until Gus became ill.
The diagnosis of cancer was a blow to us all, but I vowed that we'd
fight this thing with everything we had. On the days when he was feeling
low, Griz comforted him, as he'd once done for her. Gussie fought the
good fight, but we lost him when he was only four and a half years old.
Griz was inconsolable, and her pitiful cries could be heard all
over the house, as she searched for her faithful companion. She never
stopped looking for him, and would spend hours looking out the windows,
waiting by the door, peering into his favorite hiding places. She was
no longer interested in playing with their toys, and her shiny coat
became dull. When she began losing weight, I took her to the vet, who
could find nothing physically wrong with her. He said some cats just
give up when their companion dies.
Griz died a year after Gus -- the vet described the cause of death
as a broken heart. Although I was devastated, I knew she no longer
mourned for him. I believe they're together at the Rainbow Bridge,
joyous at their reunion, enjoying time with their kittens and grandkittens
and great-grandkittens.

-- Bobbie Hahn <bobbi at bobbihahn.com>

__________________________________________________
Bobbi is a freelance writer who lives with her husband, John, and
two cats, Mozart and Annabelle, beside a lagoon on a barrier island
off the coast of South Carolina. She is a frequent contributor to
Heartwarmers and Petwarmers. More of her work can be seen on her website:
http://www.bobbihahn.com
__________________________________________________

Heartwarmers: Southern Hospitality And Love

2010-02-14T20:43:00.001-07:00

The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
Trip over love, you can get up.
Fall in love and you fall forever.

Sunday is Valentine's Day!
You never know how or when Cupid's arrows will strike! David
shares his story today on how modern technology, and a little time
mixed with friendship and Southern hospitality, brought happiness to
an unsuspecting couple.
You'll love it!

__________________________________________________
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY AND LOVE
by David Welch

The story of how I met, and then fell in love with my Valentine
might be what some people would say is an odd way of meeting, but in
our case it has worked for us.
God has a plan for all of us though, and we understand we are
together because God brought us together for a reason. I have never
questioned God for the health troubles I've had to deal with, and try
an live in the present. I look forward to the future, but never blame
God for what troubles I've had during my past.
My name is David Welch, and I've been a diabetic since I was
four years old. Since I was 23 I've had many health problems --
blindness, loss of my kidneys, open heart surgery, and now I'm in a
wheelchair.
The one thing I have enjoyed doing since my health has declined
is to use my computer with a screen reading program for the blind.
One evening, I downloaded a program I had heard about called
Freedom Chat, which was for blind people. Chat programs are
something I really never enjoyed, but I'm so glad this time I tried
it out. I didn't call anyone when I got online, but I received a
private message from a young lady asking who I was. We started
chatting and we both had health problems and felt comfortable with
our conversation. Come to find out she was legally blind in one eye
and completely blind in the other, along with being deaf in one ear.
She had Lupus which had created many of her health problems.
We chatted several times as the weeks went by, but neither of us
thought much more of it than just a friendly conversation. I found
out that she was from Thailand, but had become an American citizen
nearly twenty years earlier. Her name was Nualanong Pumyam, but
wanted to be called an American name, Nicole.
Nicole mentioned to me that she was in school still working on
her English, and computer skills using JAWS, the same screen reading
program that I was using, and I thought I could help her out with her
school work. We spent many evenings on the phone, with free long
distance service, working on the computer skills, and her English. I
had no problem helping her with her computer skills -- but hey, I
probably need a little help at times myself with English!
The one thing I kept telling her, was she should never trust
anyone that she chats with. I told her many times she should go out
and enjoy her life, but never agree to meet some guy that she was
talking with over the Internet. I wanted Nicole to understand that
meeting someone she had been chatting with over the computer could be
very dangerous!
As time went by the two of us started feeling much closer, and
she said she would love to see what Kentucky was like. We managed to
arrange for a plane ticket so she could visit Glasgow, Kentucky,
where I live.
Yes, we did exactly what I had been preaching for her to never
do, and brought her to my hometown.
With help from my brother driving me to the airport in
Nashville, we picked up Nicole. It didn't take her long to notice a
big difference between the people in San Jose, California, and the
southern hospitality of the people that she would meet here in
Kentucky. She said the people in Glasgow all seemed so friendly, and
she fell in love with the town.
The visit turned into a move to Glasgow, and she has never
returned to California since.
Actually, as I mentioned, Nicole fell in love with Glasgow, but
we fell in love with each other as well. We have been together now
for four years, and we have built a good life with one another, and
on July 5, 2009, Nicole became my bride.
I may not have the ability to always provide her with material
things, like other men might give their girlfriend or wife, but we
certainly give each other loyalty, respect, happiness, and most
significantly... love!

-- David Welch <dwelch at glasgow-ky.com>

__________________________________________________

MountainWings: The End of a Season

2009-12-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#9365 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

The End Of A Season
====================

It is the last day of the month.
It is the last day of the year.
It is the last day of the decade.
It is the end of a season.

~from the sermon, The End Of A Season~
www.theonlineword.com/mp3/5460.mp3

Remember, the end of one season is the beginning of another.
I was born on the last day of the year a few decades ago so
today begins another year of celebrated life and health.

It is the end of a season
and a beginning.

~A MountainWings Original~

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http://www.mountainwings.com/past/9365.htm

ACB Radio covering the Rose Bowl Parade

2009-12-30T20:17:00.001-07:00

We are happy to carry the following listening opportunity announcement from ACB Radio.

It is with great pleasure to let you know that ACB Radio will be streaming the Rose Bowl Parade on January 1, 2010.

The coverage will begin at 15:30 UTC, which is 10:30 A.M eastern and 7:30 A.M pacific.

The coverage will be streamed on ACB Radio world.

Ken Metz will be providing the coverage from the home & garden TV booth.

Also there will be full audio description provided on the stream so you won't miss a single movement in the parade!

So mark your calendars!

Date: Friday January 1, 2010.

Start time: 15:30 UTC 10:30 A.M eastern and 7:30 A.M pacific.

Where: ACB Radio World

Hope to see you there!

Larry Turnbull

ACB Radio Managing Director

MountainWings: 46

2009-12-29T12:30:00.001-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1365 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

46
===

1. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully
2. Memorize your favorite poem
3. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have,
or sleep all you want
4. When you say, "I love you," mean it.
5. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
6. Be engaged at least six months before you get married and get
your parents approval.
7. Believe in love at first sight
8. Never laugh at anyone's dreams.
9. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt, but it's
the only way to live life completely.
10. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
11. Don't judge people by their relatives.
12. Talk slow but think quick.
13. When someone asks you a question you don't want to
answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"
14. Remember that great love and great achievements involve
great risk.
15. Call your Mom.
16. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
17. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
18. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for
others; Responsibility for all your actions.
19. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
20. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps
to correct it.
21. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it
in your voice
22. Marry someone you love to talk to. As you get older,
their conversational skills will be as important as any
other skill.
23. Spend time alone
24. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
25. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
26. Read more books and watch less TV
27. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and
think back, you'll get to enjoy it a second time.
28. Trust in God, but lock your car.
29. A loving atmosphere in your home is so important. Do all
you can to create a tranquil harmonious home.
30. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the
current situation; don't bring up the past.
31. Read between the lines.
32. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
33. Be gentle with the earth.
34. Pray -- there's immeasurable power in it.
35. Never interrupt when you are being flattered.
36. Mind your own business.
37. Don't trust someone who doesn't close their eyes when you
kiss them.
38. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
39. If you make a lot of money, put it to use helping others
while you are living. That's wealth's greatest satisfaction.
40. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a
stroke of luck.
41. Learn the rules then break some.
42. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love
for each other is greater than your need for each other
43. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to
get it.
44. Remember that your character is your destiny.
45. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
46. Realize that as you get older, you are not approaching death,
but heaven.

~Author Unknown~

Make your own list.

Thank you for inviting MountainWings in your mailbox.
See you tomorrow.

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http://www.mountainwings.com/past/1365.htm

MountainWings: Meltdown

2009-12-29T12:26:00.001-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#9363 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Meltdown
=========

Sitting in the barber's chair, the memory flooded back.
I could almost smell the smell of it, yet for some reason, I am
just getting the revelation.

I have a BMW RT1100 motorcycle. It is nine years old, but it
only has slightly over 4,000 miles on it. It still looks and
runs brand new. I just don't ride it very much now, but I've had
motorcycles since I was 14.

When the BMW had less than 1,000 miles on it, I did a very
stupid thing. It wasn't the first or the most recent very
stupid thing that I've done, but it was a very stupid thing.

I left it on high idle to warm up in the shed (I kept it in a
shed at the time) while I went inside for something and then I
forgot I left it idling.

Now that may not sound like a big deal, but it is a big deal for
an air-cooled motorcycle like mine. Sitting still with no air
moving around it on high idle is a formula for mechanical
disaster.

When I finally remembered an hour later that I had left my
motorcycle running and rushed back to it, it had shut down.
It wouldn't crank and there was the awful smell of something
burnt filling the shed.

I knew the engine had overheated and burned up who knows what.
I felt it was really bad. By bad, read very expensive to fix.

I had it towed to the dealership and after a couple of weeks I
got the news. It was only minor damage. Some type of safety
fuse had blown (or melted) and shut the engine down.

I went to pick the BMW up from the dealer and got on the
expressway headed home.

I didn't drive the same. It was different. It was very
different.

It was a LOT BETTER! The engine seemed more powerful and
quicker to respond. It didn't even seem like the same bike.

I called the dealer and talked to the mechanic. "Did you tune
up my motorcycle or something?" I asked. He explained to me
that they hadn't done anything beyond replacing the melted fuse
and that the excessive heat had simply broken the engine in.

It's been years since that event and only now does the full
revelation of it hit me, sitting here in the barber's chair.

We are often like that BMW RT1100. It takes some heat, some
strain, even the melting and breaking of some things to "break
us in" and get us ready to handle the road ahead.

After a traumatic event, for a truly well-engineered person,
we are stronger, faster, and more responsive. In a word, we are
better simply because of what we have been through and overcome.

Yes, it's scary and yes it's often painful but sometimes it is
the required break-in for the long haul.

Had any good meltdowns lately?

~A MountainWings Original~

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Heartwarmers" A HUMBLE LOAF OF BREAD/IN THE NAME OF CHRISTMAS

2009-12-24T19:21:00.001-07:00

A HUMBLE LOAF OF BREAD
by Bobbi Hahn

It seemed like the perfect gift for my father.
You know how hard it is for adult children to select gifts for
their parents. After all, what do they want and/or need, really?
Flannel shirts and ties had been given in abundance over the years,
and since he'd retired, shopping became even more difficult.
He was passionate about photography, but I wouldn't have had the
slightest idea of what sort of equipment he might like.
He was a marvelous gardener, but the tiny garden at their row
house in Philadelphia (before they were known as town homes) had no
need of plants or seeds in December!
I had discovered a wonderful cookbook called Visions of
Sugarplums, by Mimi Sheraton, and decided to make something for him
from it because it contained recipes from all the countries that
celebrate Christmas. He was of Czech descent, and the recipe for a
sweet, braided bread containing almonds sounded perfect because he
loved anything I made, and he also had a sweet tooth.
We purchased all of the ingredients, and my husband numbered the
braids in the illustration so we'd be able to keep them straight. It
smelled divine as it baked, and I was thrilled with its crusty golden
color when I removed it from the oven.
We were living in Ohio by that time, so I packed it carefully
with their other Christmas gifts and sent it off to Philadelphia.
I was not prepared for its reception. My father called with
lavish praise for the bread, saying he couldn't believe his eyes when
he opened the aluminum foil. With great emotion, he told me that
when he and his brothers were very young boys, it was traditional for
the bread -- called vanocka -- to be prepared every Christmas Eve.
I had given him back a beloved childhood memory, all without
thinking! Legend said that every living being in the house had to
partake of the bread before midnight of Christmas Eve, for luck. So
all the dogs and cats, the occasional mouse, and whatever other
creatures lived under their roof had to have a morsel.
That year, my husband and I began a tradition for our sons by
preparing a vanocka for our home, as well. Cats and dogs were
treated to a bite, much to the delight of our young sons.
I made the bread each Christmas until my father died. That
year, I just couldn't bring myself to make it because it brought back
memories of how happy I'd made him with such a simple gift, and it
broke my heart that he would no longer enjoy it. I haven't made it
in the several years since.
But this year, I'm going to have flour dust all over my kitchen
again, and the scent of baking bread and roasted almonds will fill
the air.
Our youngest son and his wife will be sharing Christmas with us,
and it's time to remember the joy a humble loaf of bread unwittingly
brought to my daddy.

-- Bobbi Hahn <fancywriterbobbi at aol.com>

__________________________________________________
Bobbi is a freelance writer, poet and calligrapher who lives with her
husband and two cats beside a lagoon on a barrier island off the
coast of South Carolina. She says, "The book is still available, so
if you're looking for some marvelous, traditional Christmas recipes,
find a copy! It's amazing how similar some of the recipes are from
one country to another, differing only by a few ingredients. One
country might use almonds, another walnuts. I love these traditions!"

You can find a copy of the Visions of Sugarplums book Bobbi refers to here:
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060140364/heart>

__________________________________________________

IN THE NAME OF CHRISTMAS
by Maria Harden

Sometimes people amaze me, for different reasons, but recently
it was a good kind of amazement.
As a group, our office at work does a couple of Christmas Cheer
hampers, targeting families in need. This year, it is two families
from a Women's Shelter. One is a mom with five children, the other
mom has four children. They live in suites at the shelter because
it's a safe haven for them -- a life away from the abuse they have
endured at the hands of their husbands or boyfriends.
Donations to the hampers have been rather sparse so far,
although we still have several days before the delivery date. It
will pick up. It always does.
One of the men who works on my floor came to me with an $80 cash
donation. It was money, he said, that had been given to him in
memory of his mother who passed away last December 21. He had saved
it while pondering a suitable charitable organization to donate it
to, and decided on this women's shelter. A very generous and kind
man to think of this. His mother would have liked it, he said. The
money will be used towards gifts or clothing for the children, and
gift cards to grocery stores.
Meanwhile, our office receives a daily newspaper, delivered in
any weather by a faithful carrier. Yesterday, we got a card from the
newspaper carrier wishing us a Merry Christmas and advising us of his
contact information in case of a delivery problem. He also enclosed
a self-addressed envelope if we should wish to provide him with a
gratuity. My first thought was, "Oh yeah. Merry Christmas, and
where's my tip?" But then I realized he delivers to downtown
businesses and most likely never gets a thank you, let alone a
gratuity. My workplace pays the invoice but I have never seen
anything additional included.
It made me think of that movie "Pay It Forward" that came out a
few years ago.
When I get my paper delivered at home, my paper carrier gets a
much deserved gratuity at Christmas, so I thought I would surprise
the office paper carrier and send him one myself. After all, 'tis
the season, right? I slipped a twenty dollar bill into the envelope
and mailed it off with an unsigned note of appreciation. I know it's
not much but I hope he at least appreciates the thought.
The man at work who made the generous donation in the name of
his mother made me think of passing it on. Maybe the carrier will be
inspired to do something for someone else too. I'd like to think so.
In the spirit of Christmas, I encourage you to pay it forward or
pass it on if you are so inspired. Do it because you want to,
without expecting anything in return.
Do it in the name of Christmas!

-- Maria Harden <mharden at mts.net>

__________________________________________________
Maria has written for Heartwarmers in the past, as well as other
on-line publications and anthologies. She is not afraid to say those
two words that seem to be banned from daily vocabulary these days --
Merry Christmas!
__________________________________________________

Petwarmers: THE AWAKENING

2009-12-24T19:13:00.001-07:00

THE AWAKENING
by Kathleene S. Baker

Shiloh awoke ever so rested. She stood, stretched, and the lush
meadow of clover beneath her paws felt velvety.
She did not understand. Nor did she grasp the beauty all around
her -- she'd been sightless for five years, although images did return
in dreams. She'd often awake saddened, yet never gave up hope that her
vision would return.
Woofs, yaps, song birds, and even unfamiliar sounds echoed
in the distance. A babbling brook nearby summoned Shiloh's thirst.
She ambled that direction.
Shortly, overcome with confidence, she picked up the pace,
exhibiting confidence she'd not had in years. She sprinted towards
the rivulet. What joy to run again!
Now and then she completed circles at full speed simply for the
thrill. Shiloh's vision had returned! Her reflection in the sparkling
water was proof! Lapping the cool water, she viewed beautifully hued
fish playing chase several feet below the surface.
Shiloh gazed about for mom and dad. She'd only enjoyed free rein
in the backyard and felt uncertain. What if she wandered into danger?
As anxiety escalated, two snow-white doves alit beside her. Finally,
something familiar! Trees at home teemed with cooing doves when she
meandered about her yard. She'd never understood their callsS but now
she did. They beckoned her to follow.
Looking up as they hovered above her, a rainbow glistened as if
each color was configured of precious gemstones. Soon an old-fashioned,
arched, stone bridge appeared glinting with gold and silver. The woofs
were closer and Shiloh realized the birds crooned Christmas carols!
Only a few paces onto the bridge, Shiloh was astonished -- Josey
raced to her side with a shower of kisses. A red ribbon about her neck
with tiny Christmas bell attached tinkled with each movement. Momentarily,
games of chase and wrestle ensued -- favorites they'd enjoyed before
Josey departed her earthly home.
Shiloh instantly understood, this was Rainbow Bridge!
Mom had described it in detail for weeks as her health
declined. Josey introduced Shiloh to family members who had come and gone
before her. Her folk's first Schnauzer, Festus, greeted Shiloh with a
high five! Tiffany, Schnauzer number two, offered kisses. Maggie and
Jack, a mom and son duo, approached with wagging tails. Unexpectedly, two
tiny Yorkies appeared -- Fang and Fancy! Yorkies, my folks had Yorkies?
They greeted her with gestures of love.
Lastly, cousin Greta excitedly arrived. Shioh's angst began to
melt in the midst of a loving family. Still, she'd forever miss mom,
dad, and her Schnauzer pal Hank. He'd guided her through the darkness
and gave her life meaning.
The pack revealed that Rainbow Bridge was eternally glorious. And
Christmastime was breathtaking to behold as they celebrated Christ's
birth -- the creator of domestic pets. He gifted them an inborn ability
to develop remarkable bonds with humans.
With holiday preparations underway, Shiloh was in awe. Red birds,
blue birds, and white doves perched in trees -- live ornaments! All sized
spiders spun golden webs of garland 'round and 'round the trees and fire
flies twinkled in branches. The weather was mild, sunny, and the few
clouds shimmered silvery, yet trees were veiled with snow.
For Shiloh, confusion reigned! In unison, the group proclaimed,
"All things are possible at the Bridge." Every tree was decorated,
none in the same manner. Covered with iridescent snow, a stately scotch
pine stood embellished with butterflies, wings aflutter, displaying a
magnificent array of color and creating swirls of snow that enshrouded
the tree with luminous motion.
Knowing her mom's love of poinsettias, Shiloh took special note of
a huge fir tree filled with vast red blossoms, goldfinch, and thousands
of fire flies. All about were gardens of poinsettias.
Tomorrow was Christmas Eve. Shiloh could only imagine what wonder
lay ahead. After a hearty warm meal the pack showed her a new fluffy
bed adjacent to theirs. It was plush beyond imagination. The family
told of how grand golden eagles soar into the skies to select the proper
sized cloud for each new arrival.
Shiloh snuggled in.
Once comfortable, an angel approached whispering, "I'm Dana and
will always be nearby, Sweet Girl." She gently placed a coverlet, adorned
with pink lace, across a now-healthy, restored body and silently vanished.
Shiloh thought to herself, "Dana! She's my aunt and mom's niece.
Greta was her puppy. Oh, I am truly safe." She sighed.
Shiloh drifted into sleep while song birds softly sang her mom's
favorite Christmas carol, The Littlest Angel. She knew it was meant
for her first night at Rainbow Bridge. Mom had always called her a
little angel.
Shiloh slept well, stirring only once to roll over.
She dreamt of the day she would sprint to the bridge and joyfully
escort mom, dad and beloved Hank to the other side.
Until then she would play, and rest, and romp, and nap, and wait...

-- Kathleene S. Baker <Lnstrlady at aol.com>

__________________________________________________
Kathleene says, "This is dedicated to sweet Shiloh. She made our
lives richer! My hope, and Shiloh's as well, is that her story might
bring comfort to those who have lost a beloved pet, a family member,
during the holiday season." You can visit her website at:
http://www.txyellowrose.com

MountainWings: The Second Verse

2009-12-22T22:14:00.001-07:00

#9356 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

The 2nd Verse
==============

We were singing Christmas songs in a staff meeting at our
family business. We have a devotional service before the
business portion starts. The current song was "Joy to the
World."

Everyone chimed in heartily as we sang the first verse.
Then the second verse began.

Bright energetic voices changed into muffled and muted hums
and babbling. My mother was standing beside me. Only her
voice punched through the disharmonious ramblings of the
crowd. She knew every word and sang it strong and clear.
It is also amazing how one person who truly knows punches
through the confusion.

I didn't know the second verse along with the rest of the
crowd, but mother has always been different.
It was a MountainWings Moment.

Most of us know the first verse. Few of us know beyond the
surface and the general knowledge of the crowd. It is true
with Joy to the World. It is true with true joy.

That which separates you from the crowd
is always deeper than the surface.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Joy to the World by Pastor Isaac Watts (1719)

That which separates you from the crowd
is always deeper than the surface.

~A MountainWings Original~

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****************************************************************

The True Story of Rudolph

2009-12-22T20:07:00.001-07:00

Hello,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everyone! :) Happy Holidays,have a fun
but safe one. Best wishes for the new Year for you all. I think that 2010
will be a great one for us all. I certainly hope so. I am glad this one
will be over soon,has been an extremely challenging one,one thing after
another: first,lost one of my front crowns,had two oral surgeries before
that was all done. While that was going on, was ill with sinus infections
and pneumonia.
In the fall,we changed platforms at work and I had access issues. I am
still on a learning curve with the office application.
and,if that isn't enough, just yesterday made the final decision to retire
my 10 year old Golden Retriever Guide dog Douglas . I love Dougie very much
and looking for a home for him. I want the perfect place for him. He
deserves the best.:)
Tomorrow,I am having another test,a bronchoscopy. I have had two visits at
the Mayo Clinic and the results are inconclusive.
So,having this surgery tomorrow morning. The test itself will not take
long,about 30 minutes but does involve,IV,local anesthesia and a few hours
of being in recovery at Mayo Clinic Phoenix Hospital.
Within a couple days we should have results and finally, I should,hope I can
get my health on track.
Well,need to do some housework,drink a ton more water for the IV and get to
bed,will be up at 6 to go to the Hospital.
Hope you enjoy the messages I am posting here,the Mountain Wings,the Nethug
messages,Heartwarmers,petwarmers and this special one about Rudolph.
I love this,a wonderful,special story. It was sent to me by Darrell. he
received it from a mailing list he is on .
Take care and stay well. I hope while I am off the next few days that I
will be able to compose a KDd. I wonder if it would be easier to write,while
still in a bit of a brain fog after Tomorrow's procedure? :) lol
Again, I am sure the above MountainWings as well as this post will make
you think,smile and laugh. Until then
**True Story of Rudolph**

A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his
Drafty apartment window into the chilling December
Night. His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing.

Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer.

Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come
Home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked,
"Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's
Jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears.

Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It
Had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be
Different for Bob.

Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other
Boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often
Called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was
Different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married
His loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at
Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with
His little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with
Cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter
were
Forced to live in a two-room apartment in he Chicago slums. Evelyn died
Just days before Christmas in 1938.

Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he
Couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy
A gift, he was determined a make one - a storybook! Bob had created a
Character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little
Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story,
Embellishing it more with each telling.

Who was the character? What was the story all about? The
Story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The
Character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the
Character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose.

Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on
Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little
Storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the
Rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer_ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in
their
Stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than
Six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted
To purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the
Book.

In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of
Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller.
Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried
With a growing family, became wealthy from the story he
Created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end
There either.

Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to
Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists
As Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing
Cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in
1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any
Other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas."

The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter solong ago
Kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May
Learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being
Different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.

*MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009 *

MountainWings: 13 Important Classes for Men lol

2009-12-22T18:54:00.001-07:00

#9350 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

13 Important Classes for Men
=============================

Classes for men at the local learning center for adults.
Registration must be completed by November 15th.

Note: due to the complexity and difficulty level of their
contents, class size will be limited to 8 participants maximum.

Class 1: How to Fill Up the Ice Cube Trays. Step-by-step, with
Slide Presentation.
Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at
7:00 p.m.

Class 2: The Toilet Paper Roll. Does it Change Itself?
Round Table Discussion. Meets 2 weeks, Saturday at 12:00 for 2
hours.

Class 3: Is It Possible to Urinate Using the Technique of
Lifting the Seat and Avoiding the Floor/Walls and Nearby
Bathtub? Group Practice.
Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours. (Note: this class
meets at Irish's Brew Pub on 16th Street)

Class 4: Fundamental Differences Between the Laundry Hamper and
the Floor. Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.
Meetings are Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.

Class 5: After Dinner Dishes. Can They Levitate and Fly Into
the Kitchen Sink? Video.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at
7:00 PM

Class 6: Learning How to Find Things - Starting with looking in
the right places instead of turning the house upside down while
screaming.
Open Forum. Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours

Class 7: Health Watch - Bringing her flowers is not harmful to
your health.
Graphics and Audio Tapes Three nights; Monday, Wednesday,
Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 8: Real Men ask for Directions When Lost. Real Life
Testimonials.
Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined.

Class 9: Is it genetically impossible to sit quietly while she
parallel parks?
Driving Simulations. 4 weeks, Saturday's noon, 2 hours.

Class 10: Learning to Live - Basic Differences Between Mother
and Wife.
Online Classes and role-playing

Class 11: How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion. Relaxation
Exercises, Meditation and Breathing techniques. Proper
techniques for holding her purse.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at
7:00 PM at the outlet mall food court.

Class 12: How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy - Remembering
Birthdays, Anniversaries and Other Important Dates and Calling
When You're Going to be Late. (Sending Christmas cards will be
offered in an advanced course this Fall.) Cerebral Shock
Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered.
Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 13: The Stove/Oven - What it is and How it is Used.
Live Demonstration. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be
determined.

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MountainWings: W

2009-12-22T18:50:00.001-07:00

#9353 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

W
==

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful
experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations -
extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even
overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to
appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true
meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an
exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been
memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't
have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the
production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with
his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the
morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that
evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas
seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes
early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down.
Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering
to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the
room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-
legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to
perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to
the Holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than
fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus,
snowflakes and good cheer.
So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was
slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in
fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their
heads. Those in the front row- center stage - held up large
letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As
the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold
up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until
each child holding up his portion had presented the complete
message,

"CHRISTMAS LOVE."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed
her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter
"M" upside down totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a
"W". The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this
little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at
her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the
laughter Continued until the last letter was raised, and we all
saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began
to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were
there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why
even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud
and clear:

"CHRIST WAS LOVE"

And, I believe, He still is.

~Author Unknown~

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MountainWings: Sleeping At your Desk

2009-12-22T18:47:00.001-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1297 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Sleeping At Your Desk
======================

Ten Best Things To Say If You Get Caught Sleeping At Your Desk:

10. "They told me at the blood bank this might happen."

9. "This is just a 15 minute power-nap like they raved about in
that time management course you sent me to."

8. "Whew! Guess I left the top off the White-Out. You probably
got here just in time!"

7. "I wasn't sleeping! I was meditating on the mission
statement and envisioning a new paradigm."

6. "I was testing my keyboard for drool resistance."

5. "I was doing a highly specific yoga exercise to relieve work-
related stress. Are you discriminatory toward people who
practice yoga?"

4. "Why did you interrupt me? I had almost figured out a
solution to our biggest problem."

3. "The coffee machine is broken..."

2. "Someone must've put decaf in the wrong pot..."

And the #1 best thing to say if you get caught sleeping at
your desk.....

1. " ... in Jesus' name. Amen."

Of course, this is only a joke.
Don't sleep at your desk, and don't tell fibs.
Yes, that needed saying.

Thank you for inviting MountainWings in your mailbox.
See you tomorrow.

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Today's KDD: The Long and Winding Road: Still Feeling Ill and Darrell completing his Semester

2009-11-29T15:43:00.001-07:00

Its One in the afternoon on Sunday November Twenty-nine,

Hope you're Well, doing Fine?

Did you have a good Thanksgiving? Enjoy your time together?, the Holiday
Feast?

Would like to hear from you, those in the West and in the East.

I know, its been ages, since I have composed a KDD,

But, have not been well, you see.

Yes, the doses are few and very far between, the creativity these days
just doesn't flow

And in New England is there now snow. ?

Mary Beth, I know Skiing you wanted to do last weekend but, know there
was sunshine,

And I haven't spent as much time on line

Do use Twitter, but not really Facebook

Lately haven't even read a good book.

Facebook is too difficult to Navigate

Perhaps, I would have more patience with it, if I were feeling great?.

I have been stressed and not as much sleep I get,

Nor, I haven't begun shopping on the net,

Usually by this time of year our shopping is almost done, packages are
being sent,

Honestly, I don't know where the time went

Do you?

Been working hard, been ill, as said, its not the flu.

2009 has been an unusually bad year, not at all the norm

Had oral surgery, respiratory issues and at work changed to a new
platform.

The dental problems took 9 months from beginning to end

And at the time of the second oral surgery, thought I was on the mend

Had no pneumonia, was feeling good, could again breathe,

Had a little reprieve.

However, Labor Day Weekend the coughing and other symptoms began

And in the last few months ,more tests, they ran

The Doctors and I experimented with allergy medicines and inhalers,
determine what would be best to take,

Many visits to the Doctor I did make.

In early October, I had another CT scan of my chest,

Was learning a new computer Application at work and trying to catch up on
rest.

The new application at the office is web base and not very accessible
for a blind person,

So, there was work to be done,

A technician from Vegas flew to Scottsdale, wrote scripts, keyboard commands
for me,

Since we can't use the mouse you see.

Though, my Screen Reader Jaws is an acronym for Job Access with Speech

Not all information we can easily reach,

Access, like those with sight, have two good eyes,

And we have come a long way since before Jaws and Window-eyes,

And the days of DOS and before we had the Information Highway,

E-mail and e-bay,

We don't have equal access and can't use an application right out of the
box

Nor can we fully use are remote, and the cable guide, provided by Cox,

And TIVo's, anything with a flat panel, can't easily use the display

But anyway,... lol

The technician wrote several scripts so I could access information on the
screen, It was quite challenging I must say,

But today,

I can perform my job as Housekeeping office Coordinator with more ease,
confidence and skill,

I just wish now, I could be well, not ill.

After several visits to our primary Doctor and seeing specialists who
focus on lungs ears, nose and the throat

Made myself a mental note,

If they couldn't help me, I go to Mayo Clinic, Here in the State,

So, I did, and 3 weeks I had to wait.

Mayo Clinic has an excellent Reputation and many folks travel long
distances to their facilities, to seek medical treatment

I went the day before Thanksgiving, almost 7 hours there I spent

First I had some allergy testing,50 things they tested me for, took about
an hour

From Molds,Dust,to pollen, to flower,

For Cat and dog,

All Southwest Trees, plants and for Roaches. the data they did log.

After, I saw an Allergist and the results he gave us

I was negative on just about everything, even things like grass, molds and
dust,

But, was positive on Cockroaches. who wouldn't be ? lol

You or me?

They are disgusting, nasty little creatures, what is their purpose? they're
somewhere on the food chain,

I just want to smash them and flush them down the drain. Lol

Later, I saw a Respiratory Therapist and she tested my breathing , my
Oxygen level and lung capacity

My Scores were in the 90's,my oxygen at 97 %,lungs good, so don't know
what is wrong with me.

The results were inconclusive and no diagnosis given,

Still coughing fiercely,headaches,exhausted this is how I am living.

The cough isn't as frequent, but still quite intense, and I am hoarse,lost
my voice, a lot these days, hard to be understood

Difficult to work and sleep, wish they would,

Diagnose me and soon.

I have a tickle, scratchy feeling in my throat most of the time,

And I have done research on line.

Mayo Clinic said I should go back to my pulmonologist. but think we will go
back to Mayo Clinic instead,Time is of the essence, I say.

I want to feel okay,

Be back to my old self

Again,be in good health

I think the lung specialist should do a bronchoscopy,check my lungs and my
throat, do more than a ct scan, to determine what's wrong,

This has gone on way, too long.

This is difficult for Darrell and I, but we are hanging in there,

Though,we have had enough of our share

For awhile,

Don't smile

As Much,and go into a coughing fit, when others make me laugh

And already have been writing here, for an hour and a half.

,Darrell is very busy with his schoolwork: lots of projects, writing and
reading,

A Vacation, we both are needing.

Dougie recently had his 10 TH Birthday

He is slowing down, has arthritis, but still likes to play.,

Well, some housework I should do,

So, this Kdd is through,

I will try to compose doses more often okay? my friends and family,

Will send you a post on what is happening with Darrell,Dougie and me,

Will send an update

And do hope your Holiday Season is great,

Have a Happy and Safe one,

And for now, this is done.

MountainWings: No Charge Attorney's Advice

2009-11-09T20:55:00.001-07:00

Hello All,
I know it has been quite awhile since I had posted anything to my blog. I
have been busy and pretty stressed. Things are improving at work some. I
am learning the new computer Application,"Opera". and each day its getting
easier. Just the other day, they had me run the office mostly by myself. I
can't say right now I am as quick and efficient as I was with the old
system but hopefully in time.
However,my health is not really any better. They have been only able to
treat the symptoms. I still have this chronic cough. Recently, I began
taken this cough suppressant which does work,but again,only treating the
symptoms.
Last week I went to an ENT (Ears,Nose and Throat Doctor) He was unable to
help me either. We did narrow it down though. We now know its lower
respiratory.
Also last week I made an appointment to go to the Mayo Clinic. They have an
excellent reputation and are close. I am sure they can diagnose me.
So, On Wednesday November 25 TH I will be spending the morning at the
clinic having tests done. This is the day before Thanksgiving.
I will keep you all updated. Yet, I wanted to drop a line and let you know
how things are. I know some of you check my blog regularly especially you
Tara. take care and hope you all are well. Look below at the
following Mountain Wings. I know you will find it very informative,I
did. Hope to compose more doses soon and give you a positive update and
how we all are.

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#9306 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

NO CHARGE ATTORNEY'S ADVICE
============================

A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in
his company.

1. The next time you order checks have only your initials
(instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone
takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks
with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will
know how you sign your checks.

2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put
"PHOTO ID REQUIRED".

3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card
accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For"
line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card
company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be
handling your check as it passes through all the check
processing channels won't have access to it.

4. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your
home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home
address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address.

Never have your SS# printed on your checks. You can add it if it
is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine.
Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know
what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and
phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopies safe.
I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either
here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud
that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social
Security number, credit cards.

Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because
my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s)
ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for
a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a computer,
received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record
information Online, and more. But here's some critical
information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or
someone you know:

1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards
immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and
your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those
where you can find them.

2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where
your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit
providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an
investigation (if there ever is one).

But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even
thought to do this.)

3. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations (Equifax,
Experian, TransUnion) immediately to place a fraud alert on your
name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that
until advised by a bank that called to tell, told me an
application for credit was made over the Internet in my name.

The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your
information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to
authorize new credit.

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the
theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all
the credit checks initiated by the thieves purchases, none of
which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no
additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet
away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have
stopped them dead in their tracks.

Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your
wallet, etc., has been stolen:

1.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

2.) Equifax: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374 1-800-685-1111

3.) Experian (formerly TRW): P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013
1-888-397-3742

4.) Trans Union: P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022 1-800-888-4213

from The Mountain: Whether an attorney actually sent this is
unknown. It's excellent advice in a world full of thievery from
the streets to the suites. You are far more likely to lose your
life savings through suite crime than street crime.

"Thou shalt not steal" is broken as much the other nine.

Be careful, be astute, be proactive.

BBlessed

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Today's KDD: Missing Tooth,Chronic Cough and Changes

2009-09-29T20:02:00.001-07:00

It's Tuesday afternoon on September Twenty-nine,
Hope your all well?, doing fine?

It's been several weeks since I have composed a dose,

And am here to write one, for those who appreciate it the most.

Its been a challenging month or so for Darrell and I,

So, that is why,

I have not posted anything, Sorry for this,

I know some of you,my doses you miss.

Darrell is swamped with journalism assignments and a History class,

Wonder how you all are, from My family in N. H and Mass?,

To my friends in Jersey, Arizona and Colorado?,

How Have you been?, like to know.

You all have been much on my mind, in my thoughts frequently,

But as I said, it has been a difficult month for Darrell and me.

As you know I was ill, and had Dental issues, a front tooth I had to get
replaced,

I was doing well, but again, lately, issues I faced,

I was sick again, recovered from bronchitis,fortunately,did not have it for
long,

But what else, could go wrong?

I had problems with my Temporary crown

So, had to make more visits to our Dentist here in town,

As well as to the Oral Surgeon in Phoenix, about 20 minutes away,

And have my permanent crown almost a month today,

It will be on October two ,

And I am sure you all heard more news about the Atlanta Flood? and the Swine
Flu?

Also about Obama's Health Bill? And am sure all the Deaths in the News?

There was Patrick Swayzie, Mary Travers and John Hughes

Some of my favorite songs by Peter,Paul and Mary were leaving on a Jet
Plane, Puff the Magic Dragon and Blowing in the Wind, there were others too

Mary was 72.

I liked Patrick's Movies especially Ghost, not as much "Dirty Dancing" it
was alright, also passed away was News Anchor Walter Cronkite,

So many deaths this year,

And the weather is not as hot here in the Valley,

And I just finish reading the "notebook", the main Characters, Noah and
Alli

A wonderful and beautiful love Story, but tragic as well,

And it's quite busy at the hotel.

Business has been great for us, and there are changes within the
Corporation,

We are all transitioning to anew software application,

Training I will need, hope it will go okay?,

October 12, will be the day

When we will go alive, that our property will begin using the program,
taking calls, completing requests,

Serving our guests.

Dougie is doing pretty good. does have arthritis in all his joints,
medicine he is taking,

And though I am not ill anymore, this cough of mine, am having trouble
shaking

Taking medicine for it, including singular for my allergies,

Fortunately, my asthma is fine, not wheezing,

But without special cough syrup still coughing up a storm,

And heard today, they are shutting down some Business's here, For
ASU,putting in a new Dorm,

And parking Lot Instead,

Closing the Super Cuts and Chilli's, from what one of the staff said,

At Super Cuts when she was cutting my hair this afternoon. they will
relocate closer to us, in walking distance it will be,

And this October First, 8 years it will be,

That I had Dougie. it's an Anniverbirthday or an Anniver Birthree,

It's a special day,that I will celebrate,

And it's getting late,

Soon this will have to end

Its now 5 O'clock, dinner I need to make

Gather my things, to work that I take,

You all take care, stay well, and hope sooner than a month, you will hear
from Darrell and me

And less then 6 weeks you will see a new Kdd.

MountainWings: Cruising in Paradise

2009-08-31T20:47:00.000-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#9243 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Cruising in Paradise
=====================

The sign read, "Guests on a cruise gain an average of seven to
ten pounds during a cruise."

I stared at the sign posted in front of the fitness center of
the cruise ship as my wife and I were on a recent cruise.

"Seven to ten pounds...that's a lot of weight," I thought.
"That's a pound or more per day." It was a MountainWings Moment.

A cruise represents as close to earthly paradise as the average
person will get. You don't have to work at all. You have a room
steward, a personal waiter, and some cabins even have a butler.

You can call at any time of the day or night and have room
service delivered at no extra charge. You can order an
unlimited number of entrees and desserts at breakfast, lunch,
and dinner.

You can have as much as you want on a cruise and you have to do
no work to get it. That's as close to paradise as most will get.

Yet, paradise puts an average of a pound a day on folk.

Research has proven that one of the most effective life
extenders in rats is caloric restriction. If the rats are kept
always hungry and given little to eat, they lived twice as long
as rats who are given all they wanted to eat.

It works that way with things other than food. Sometimes all
that we want is opposite from all that we need.

I sat next to a lady on the return flight home after leaving
the cruise ship. She asked the flight attendant if she could
get a seat belt extender. She confided in me that she had
gained some weight on a cruise that she and her husband were
returning from.

Thank God that He has the wisdom to not give us all that we
want all or even most of the time.

~A MountainWings Original~

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MountainWings: Green On This Side

2009-08-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1267 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Green on This Side
==================

What if it's not greener on the other side?
Maybe past the fence it's still the same ride.

What if the ultimate joy always exists in the now?
Maybe every moment should take it's own bow.

What if the apex of happiness was always just here?
Maybe we don't have to guide, we don't have to steer.

What if that's why children always laugh so?
Maybe they're able to just let go.

What if they know happiness is not a thing to be achieved?
Maybe they can feel that being open to it, is all that we need.

What if we've become so "wise" we've forgotten that realization?
Maybe once in a while we should give our brains a vacation.

What if happiness is more about our hearts and our souls?
Maybe we can be happy with the now and still have goals.

What if the grass isn't greener, what would you do?
Maybe it's time to let happiness be the thing that fills you.

~by MountainWings subscriber, Brian Beard~

Thank you for inviting MountainWings in your mailbox.
See you tomorrow.

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MountainWings: You Must Keep Going

2009-08-31T20:43:00.000-07:00

You Must Keep Going
====================

Sometimes you must keep going.

Life punches you in the stomach.
It knocks your breath out and leaves you bowed and gasping.

You lose a job. . . you must keep going.

You find out you have a serious illness. . .you must keep going.

You have a headache. . . you must keep going.

Sometimes the things in life are not serious but they affect you
nevertheless. . . you must keep going.

You have a big argument with your spouse.
Neither of you feels like talking and maybe not even looking at
each other. . . you must keep going.

Your son rebels and you have a blowout with him. . .
you must keep going.

The bills seem to never end and the money seems to never start.

You must keep going.

There are times that make us just want to curl up, stick our
heads in a hole, and make the world go away.

We can't, because we must keep going.

Life is full of those circumstances.

Many of you when you woke up this morning, for a variety of
reasons, didn't feel like getting out of bed, but you had to.

You must keep going.

In times like those, and we all have them,
remember the blessing.

The blessing is not in that we must keep going.

The blessing is that we can.

~A MountainWings Original~

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Heartwarmers: Special Karen

2009-08-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
Every parting gives a foretaste of death,
every reunion a hint of the resurrection.
-- Arthur Schopenhauer

We haven't heard from our friend, Corrina Hyde, in years. We
remember well the day we met her at our Heartwarmers convention in
the year 2000. She was one of our celebrated speakers that day.
Today, she shares a bittersweet story on what brought her class
closer together. Thank you, Corrina -- we are so happy you are doing
well.
Tell us if you still communicate with your high school friends.

______________________________________________

Who Needs To Hear From You Today?

SPECIAL KAREN
by Corrina Jayne Hyde

Simply Karen and I grew up in a little country community.
Most of my classmates and I went to school together from the
time we were in Kindergarten. Like all seniors in high school,
before and after us, we all promised to keep in touch. We did for a
while, and then real life got in the way. We all at some point moved
off and moved on.
Everyone but Karen. Karen was our "special" classmate.
Yes, the term used today implies that she was slow, simple and
unable to keep up with us. But when we said special we meant just
that -- she was special! She didn't have a mean bone in her body and
she was completely devoted to us. That earned her our respect, love
and protection.
After graduation, Karen remained at home with her parents. Her
mom died, and she helped her dad with their produce business.
Through all of her comings and goings in the town we all outgrew, she
would see our families and ask about us. Sometimes she talked to
family members that we weren't even talking to ourselves. It didn't
matter to her that they seemed hesitant to confide, or be overly
negative -- she wanted to know, so she asked.
Because of her curiosity, she had a wealth of information,
useful and not so useful, about the class of 1979.
The few times I talked to her over the years, she would fill me
in on everyone, and then pump me for the little details that made my
life uniquely mine. Karen found out I was back "home" and started to
call. Most of the time I wouldn't talk to her, because I wasn't
talking to anyone.
But sometimes, for reasons unknown to me, I would answer the
phone and just listen to her. She talked about the most mundane
things. Where she had eaten, a yard sale she went to, what she
bought. She didn't care that I had nothing to say -- my occasional
breathing on the other end was enough for her. She would catch me up
on everyone and ask me questions I couldn't answer. Then she would
just say goodbye, while assuring me she would call again.
In my darkness her light started penetrating. I started to look
forward to her calls. I started to participate in them. I came out
of my room and stepped back into life.
Then I got too busy to talk to her. Months went by. I heard
from people in the community that she was sick. They said she had
cancer. Guilt ridden, I called her and finally made the time to
speak with her.
We talked for some time. She was so happy that I had actually
reconnected with her. She never mentioned being sick. We made plans
to go out for pizza the next Monday night. She wanted to invite
another classmate of ours that she kept in touch with, Sally. At the
end of that call she said, "I love you, Cory." My mind registered a
goodbye.
I picked Karen up and was unprepared for what I saw. She was
skeletal. I knew then it was serious. After dinner that night,
Sally and I talked and we both felt an urgency. We wanted to get all
of the classmates that we could find locally together and have a
class reunion. Neither of us felt that Karen would make it until
2009.
What happened next was short of amazing.
People we had not seen or talked to for almost 28 years were
found with ease. We had phone numbers, addresses, everything we
needed. We set it for two weeks away and I started making all the
arrangements. No one was more excited than Karen. The "reunion" was
at her funeral a few days later -- just 5 days away from the one we
had planned.
This past May, the class of 1979 met once again for our 30th
class reunion. In the year and a half since her death, something
amazing had taken place. The contact we made with each other to
rally for her, continued after she died. We made a connection, we
kept in touch.
Our class reunion felt more like a family reunion. And there is
nothing simple about that!

-- Corrina Jayne Hyde <moi_cory at yahoo.com>

______________________________________________
Cory is from Atoka, Oklahoma. She says, "I'm working my dream job at
the University in Durant."
______________________________________________

http://heartwarmers.com

Petwarmers: All WorthWhile

2009-08-24T12:23:00.001-07:00

ALL WORTHWHILE
by Kathy Whirity

As a dog lover at heart, I love to watch movies starring man's
best friend.
Back when the kids were little we enjoyed the series of
Beethoven movies featuring the lovable but beastly St. Bernard.
There's something entertaining about seeing the out of control
antics of our fellow furry friends, probably because it makes us
thankful that our pets are not quite as crazy or demanding.
The other night we rented the movie Marley & Me. All I knew
about the story line was that it involved an obnoxiously misbehaved
yellow Labrador Retriever.
This dog barked, chewed and ransacked his way through the entire
movie. Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson played the beleaguered
couple who had their hands full dealing with this disaster of a dog.
Even though he was incorrigible, he managed to stay a permanent
fixture in the family even after the arrival of three children.
What I wasn't expecting was how the movie ended.
Somehow I wasn't expecting it to be a tear jerker but there I
sat, sniffling and crying as Marley made it to a ripe old age only to
have to be put to sleep due to an irreversible disease.
As Owen Wilson's character says goodbye to his fur kin I had
flash backs of when I was standing in that same emotional place,
saying goodbye to a faithful friend. Unfortunately I found myself
being in that position twice.
At 15, make that 105 in dog years, Bingo lived a long and happy
life. Like Marley, she was far from being the perfect pooch. Her
worst behavior was getting into the bread drawer and devouring
everything in it every time we left the house. Puppy proofing was a
joke because she always managed to steal the contents no matter what
we used to keep her out.
Holly was a different story. She was the first Golden Retriever
we owned. For the first few years she was a hurricane of activity.
She chewed everything that wasn't nailed down. She had energy that
would make the energizer bunny envious. But as she grew into a more
mature dog she outgrew some of those annoying habits. Sadly, she was
only 10 years old when we hugged her tight and said goodbye as she
went to sleep for the last time.
* * *
*
Someone once told me that they'd never have a dog because it
would be too painful when the time came to say goodbye.
I find that mind set kind of sad. While it's true that the
goodbyes are heartbreaking it's the unexpected pleasures that make
being a dog owner worthwhile. There is nothing more loyal than a
dog. The swish of the tail tells you in dog language that you've made
them happy. A big floppy eared dog with a bone in his mouth just
begging for you to play fetch is worth the time it takes to throw it
as far as he can run.
Hannah and Henry, our Retrievers in residence, were laying at my
feet during our viewing of Marley & Me. Occasionally Henry would
jump up -- his ears perked when the sound of barking was heard.
After the noisy scenes he'd come right back and plop down right in
front of me.
We have had our share of canine catastrophes like digging holes
the size of ditches in our backyard, not to mention the layer of dog
hair that is a never ending battle do deal with. But, would I ever
trade these dog days for dogless ones? No way!
For all their trouble, there is a more than equal amount of
happiness they bring to our lives. And though we must face the
inevitable, down the road, the forever memories made with man's best
friend makes it all worthwhile.

-- Kathy Whirity <kathywhirity at yahoo.com>

___________________________________________
Kathy is a syndicated newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental
musings on family life. She is also a contributing author to the
Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Kathy and her husband, Bill, are
enjoying life as new grandparents.
___________________________________________

http://petwarmers.com

MountainWings: No Complaints

2009-08-24T11:59:00.000-07:00

-------------------------------------------------
MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1243 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

No Complaints
==============

Pastoring a church teaches you about as much as you teach
people. Running a business does the same.

As I went to ministers' conferences and talked privately with
other ministers, they often pulled me to the side and as a new
minister offered me words of counsel and wisdom gleaned from
years of experience.

One consistent theme kept surfacing. No matter whom I talked
with, no matter what denomination, big city or country town,
the phenomenon was the same.

Minister after minister told me and I began to see that it not
only applied to ministry, it applied to life in general.

"Heavy givers are light complainers."

Originally I thought, "These men are just focused on money.
They are judging people and character based on how much money
they put in. That's wrong."

In my own church I slowly began to notice a similar pattern,
every, not some, but every complainer was a low giver.
I was not focused on money in the church, I didn't even take a
salary but the correlation was unmistakable.
I saw what the other ministers were talking about.

Even MountainWings is the same.
We have never had anyone who has made a donation complain.

I then began to look around the job for the same phenomenon.
Sure enough, heavy givers were light complainers.
"How can you have a giver at a job?" you ask.

President John F. Kennedy perhaps gave us the best statement for
separating givers.

"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do
for your country."

A giver asks, "What can I do?"
Low or non-givers ask, "What can you do for me?"

We are all mixtures of both qualities but some are more heavily
oriented on one end or the other. Usually every family has at
least one giver. They are the ones everyone goes to, for help
or just to talk. They always have a listening ear and would be
the one that most can depend on.

They are the givers.

They also are usually the one with most unburdened spirit.
Giving has that effect. It helps the giver and the receiver.

Find someone that is a giver, not stuck with responsibilities
that they can't escape from, but a giver from the heart and ask
them, "How's life?"

Chances are they'll say,

"I've got no complaints."

~A MountainWings Original~

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MountainWings: Life's a Beach

2009-08-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

-------------------------------------------------
MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1248 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Life's A Beach
===============

The weather is beautiful.

It is hot and sunny; the water must be cold.

That's what I thought as I looked from my room onto the beach.

I was in Panama City, Florida.
I was on vacation. I took three days to get away alone and rest.
The ocean is always a good place to go. It was a holiday weekend.

Hot summer holiday weekends are usually crowded in Panama City.
The beautiful white beaches draw vacationers from around the
world. As I looked out onto the beach from my room, the beach
was nearly deserted, and there were only a few people in the
water at noon.

My only explanation was that the water must have been freezing.
That can sometimes happen with the ocean.
It can be ninety degrees and yet the ocean can be very cold.

I had packed my wetsuit for just such an occasion.
I usually swim for a long time, if the water is unusually cold,
the wetsuit makes it comfortable.

I grabbed my towel, wetsuit, and keys, and headed to the beach.
There was an eerie silence magnified by the lack of people.

I let my toes slide into the frothing surf as it crashed against
the beach. I was expecting liquid ice.

It was warm, very warm.

I waded out into the ocean, not worrying about bumping into
anyone because no one was there.

The ocean was beautiful. The water was crystal clear;
it felt like a warm bath. It was perfect.

Why was I the only one in the water?
The thought kept hounding me.
This was peak season and a holiday to boot.

I swam until my muscles signaled enough exercise for the day.
As I walked towards the beach with the surf crashing against my
back an old man walked out towards me. A woman whom I presumed
to be his wife watched him from the shore.

She shouted something that made me instantly realize why the sea
was empty of people.

"Don't worry, I'll let you know if I see any sharks!" she
hollered.

That was it, the people were afraid of sharks,
that's why the beach and the ocean were empty!

It was a MountainWings Moment.

I don't watch the news but I knew about the recent sighting of
sharks and the shark attacks off the coast. The fear has
frightened an entire nation into staying away from the beach.

Listen to this lesson.

There are three levels in coming to the beach.

First Level - The Room.

There is a great benefit in coming to the ocean just to hear
the waves crashing all day and night. It soothes and calms the
soul. If I had not gone out on the beach, I would have
received a great benefit from being in an oceanfront room,
to hear the waves, and to watch the sea.

Second Level - The Beach.

Lying in the sand and letting the sun bathe you in radiant light
is an experience. I usually never use a lounge chair, I stretch
out directly in the sand. I can use a lounge chair in my back
yard, when I come to the ocean, I am a sand man.

Have you ever lain on the beach (in the sand) and tapped on the
sand? It rings like a wooden floor. I discovered that today.

Third Level - The Ocean.

Did you know that ocean water is chemically almost identical to
blood once you remove the red and white blood cells? Three-fourths
of the world is covered with water. Three-fourths of your body
is water.

The ocean is one of God's greatest natural creations.

So are you.

I was tingling all over once I got out of the ocean.

So many missed the feeling because they were afraid of being
bitten by a shark.

Below are the top five biting injuries occurring in 1987
in New York City:

Dog bites human 8,064
Human bites human 1,587
Cat bites human 802
Wild rat bites human 291
Squirrel bites human 95

1987 Shark injuries in U.S.A. 13

Am I belittling the few shark attacks and the traumatic death of
the little boy who died as a result of a shark attack?
Of course not, but all too often we let other incidents of the
world block us from life.

I included the above chart to emphasize that although shark
attacks do occur, they are overall, very rare.

I asked the fellow at the desk about it.

"Yep, visitors are down because of the sharks, but the thing is,
there hasn't been but one shark attack and that was in another
city a hundred miles away. Most of what people heard about
happened on the Atlantic side and not on this side," he
explained.

Here is another chart for 1996:
A Comparison with the Number of Injuries
Associated with Home-Improvement Equipment

Number of Injuries in 1996 from:
Nails, screws, tacks, and bolts 198,849
Ladders 138,894
Toilets 43,687
Pruning, trimming, edging 36,091
Chain saws 13,458
Pliers, wire cutters, and wrenches 15,957
Manual-cleaning equipment 14,386
Power grinders, buffers, and polishers 13,458
Buckets and pails 10,907
Room deodorizers and fresheners 2,599
Toilet-bowl products 1,567
Paints or varnish thinners 1,549
Shark injuries and deaths in U.S.A. 18

In 1996, you were over two thousand times more likely to be hurt
with your toilet than by a shark. Who would imagine that the
water in your toilet bowl would pose more danger than all of the
sharks, snakes, and other stuff in the ocean? Maybe since 1996
toilets have gotten a lot safer and oceans more dangerous,
but I doubt it. I wondered, "How do you even get hurt with your
toilet?" Those are the facts. That ought to put things in some
perspective.

Fear causes so many of us to miss out on life and our destinies.

The sharks not only kept people out of the water, but out of the
rooms with the beautiful view and off of the beach.

Understand this:
THE FEAR OF THE SHARKS REACHED PLACES,
AND KEPT PEOPLE FROM PLACES,
WHERE THE SHARKS COULDN'T EVEN GO.

Fear will keep you off of all levels of enjoyment,
even where there is little or no danger.

There are sharks in your world, some real, but most just
magnified to the point where they paralyze us in our actions.

Did a friend or relative get bitten by the shark of love?
Did they get bitten by the shark of business failure?
Did they get bitten by the shark of divorce?
Did they get bitten by the shark of layoffs?
Did they get bitten by the shark of disease?
Did they get bitten by the shark of death?

Did their bites scare you so much that you won't go to the room,
the beach, or the water?

I am typing on my laptop now as I look out on the ocean.
The water is warmer than I ever remember. It is 2pm local time.
The weather looks like something out of a tropical movie.
Looking both ways I can see a mile of beach.

There is not ONE person in the water.

I am not suggesting that you do stupid and risky things, but the
things that hurt most of us are not the things that we fear.

Cigarettes are the leading killer in the U.S.
Cigarettes will kill more people in the time that it takes you
to read this issue of MountainWings than sharks will kill all
year, even with the increased shark activity.

When is the last time you've seen anyone scared of a cigarette?

If you are going to be really scared of something, be scared of
the terribly frightening things, the things that can destroy
both body and soul. A shark can't do that.

Jesus put it this way, "don't be afraid of those who can kill
the body but cannot kill the soul, rather, be afraid of the one
that can destroy both body and soul. . ."

Wives hold back from their husbands because they are afraid that
if they give him their all, he could one day leave, and they've
given everything. Husbands hold back from their wives because
they are afraid that if they love unconditionally, they may seem
weak and lose control.

Both lose, and they lose a lot, because of fear.

Sharks - where sharks can't even go.

Roosevelt said, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself."
He knew what he was talking about.

The world is full of sharks, but the biggest one of them all,
is the shark of FEAR.

The shark of fear is not limited by the water.

So what would I have done if I had seen a shark fin?

I would have exited the water most expeditiously,
making quite a splash doing it.

Then I would have stretched out on the beach, in the sand.

Go swim people, it's warmer than you think, and when you know
the truth, there are not as many biting sharks as the world
would lead you to believe.

Life really is a beach.

There is a room with a view, a beach, then a whole ocean
awaiting you.

Don't be afraid of the sharks.

Note: Days after I wrote this and first published it, a MountainWings
subscriber sent a link with the actual shark attack statistics.
There were actually LESS shark attacks than the prior year but the
ones that happened got more press.

Know the truth...

~A MountainWings Original~

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MountainWings: 3 Things you need to do

2009-08-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

-------------------------------------------------
MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#9229 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

3 Things You Need To Do
========================

There are three things you need to do.

#1 Repent

#2 And this is important, forgive yourself

#3 Move on with your life.

Repent, forgive yourself and move on with your life.

We have to realize that we can't change our past, but we can
certainly do something about our present and our future.

Yesterday ended last night!

~excerpted from The MountainWings Power Minute
http://www.powerminute.com/p/pm09218.mp3

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Today's KDD: Pool Party and Darrell's Trip to DC

2009-08-09T12:36:00.001-07:00

Its Sunday Aug 9,at 10;45

Soon in New York, Darrell will arrive,

Early this morning he caught a flight,

And will get to DC by tonight.

Sorry, in a long time I haven't written,

And herein the office where I am sitten,

It's cooler since we insulated the Window,

And Back East, I did not go,

Work later I will return, Wednesday it will be,

And I did not realize over a month since I composed a KDD.

Darrell will be visiting our friend Mimi,She has been living in DC,

A week there he will be,

They will go to the Newseum and the National Center of the NFB,

Not sure else what they will see?,

Or do?,

And what is happening for you?

Hope your all well,

And recently Darrell upgraded his Dell,

To Vista last Weekend,

Our friend Jeff and his Son Brian, much time they did Spend,

And then the other day Darrell did switch OS, to Windows 7, and it was
working fine,

Until it became toast,not working, so he hasn't been online.

He had an issue with the installation, its at Data Doctors,being repaired,
His PC is on life Support,

And Darrell transferred music files on to my VR Stream, not my Bookport,

Files that Tina provided and Jeff did convert into MP3's for me,

Thanks you three J

Speaking of Jeff, he, Keri and kids were in town last Weekend, July
Thirty-one ,

When we get together we have fun

,We swam, enjoyed the pool and a movie we did see, it was Cute,

And several times, Darrell's Computer they had to boot,

And many issues they had,

And Italian food we had,

I made Manicotti and we also had Pizza, and subs for lunch,

And Chips and fruit to munch,

Soda and peach ice Te

And the kids played with Netflics and their Xbox ,not their WII.

The movie we saw was called Meranda,as said,it was cute, was okay,

And as I write this, the XM Radio does play.

July was a very busy month for me, worked every weekend,

And today, I attempted to reach my High School Friend,

Mary Anne, From Jersey, she is very dear, close to my heart,

And wish XM would play more variety, top hits on the charts,

And some unique stuff, that one doesn't often hear,

And right now,its 95 here,

And will be 104 and 96 in DC,

And humid and 98 there for Darrell and 105 here that will be the high,

And in 2 hours he will fly,

Get on another plane,

Traveling to DC, not Boston or Maine.

Speaking of Boston, Mary Anne is there, so her another time I will have to
call,

And would like to know what is new with you all??,

As said, working weekends and the hotel has been a happening place,80 %
occupancy, usually Summers are slow, not many guest stay,

And later today,

Will read a book, do housework, will likely not be up late,

And last night Darrell's Birthday we did Celebrate.

Went to Outback, since he will be gone,

Do not have to get up at Dawn,

Tomorrow, but another Dental Visit, I will have to make

I have 3 more before I get my permanent crown,

And tomorrow, will get together with Alice, will run errands in town.

Tuesday, will take Dougie to get Groomed, get shaved, he will like that,

And at the Chiropractor, I will be at,

Next door, for a massage and an adjustment, ,its been awhile so one I do
need,

And I am going to go, have lunch and reed,

Another Novel will be red,,

Maybe,later,take a nap, go back to bed? Lol

Do take care,alright,

And I will try and not wait so long before I write.

Petwarmers: Sleeping Aid

2009-08-09T10:38:00.001-07:00

SLEEPING AID
by P.S. Gifford

Recently I have been through the worst experience of my life --an
experience that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
My wife left me and took the son I had adopted as my own with her.
She also took a good deal of furniture and other belongings we had
accumulated other the years.
I was shocked. I never saw it coming. Sure we had had a few
quarrels lately, but nothing worse than an average couple. Financial woes
were tremendous strain on us, but I solemnly believed we could survive
it all together.
What she left behind were our dogs -- Sir Winston and Chester.
Now it is remarkable how in tune and sensitive dogs can be. As I
wept on the couch, bewildered and confused, they sat quietly nearby
with their tails down. I knew they understood that two key members of
the pack were absent. I've tried to maintain the usual routine over the
past few days, which is hard when the person you planned to be with till
death did us part was missing.
As a rule, Winston sleeps under our bed and Winston by the open
window. On the first night she wasn't there, I put Winston on her
empty pillow -- a pillow that still spelled provocatively of her scent.
He was restless as he sniffed around. This wasn't his spot. She might
be upset if she returned.
He jumped off the bed and back to his usual position. So for the
following two nights the same sleeping arrangements were maintained.
A dog likes to know where he stands in the world and likes to have
a routine.
To be honest, I have barely slept in the last four days. I simply
replay memory after memory within my mind's eye. Recollecting all of
the special, loving moments we had shared.
Morning would arrive and I would take the dogs into the back
garden as my morning coffee brewed. Every night I felt sure that I
would sleep the next day. The second night I tried some sleep aid and
yet the restlessness continued. The next morning, at seven, the only
difference was that I had an aching head.
Sleep isn't the only thing I have been depriving myself. I have
also lost all appetite. When I attempt to eat food it would lodge in my
throat and I would simply feel nauseous. I lost ten pounds in four days.
Well, last night things were more pleasant. As we all rested in
our designated spots I heard Winston barking. Thinking he was in need
of a late night restroom break, I escorted the two dogs outside. They
ran around, looked bemused, and after a few minutes of inactivity we
returned back upstairs.
An hour later the same thing happened. Winston was restless,
and once more down the stairs and outside we went. Still nothing.
It was 5:30am this morning when it happened a third time. I looked
at Winston and something clicked in my head. With a swoop of my arm
I picked him up and placed him on Sarah's pillow. He responded with a
flurry of kisses then rolled on his back, nestled against my cheek and
fell into a sleep.
Shortly after, I too must have fallen asleep because the next
thing I knew it was 9am! I looked at Winston who was peering at me
through smiling eyes and gave his fuzzy head a good scratch.
"Good boy," I said through a yawn. Once more he attacked me with
kisses.
I am a lot brighter today, and I feel we have a new family routine.
I am also going to try and eat a little breakfast.

-- P.S. Gifford <psgifford at earthlink.net>

___________________________________________

MountainWings: 8 Gifts

2009-08-09T10:33:00.001-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1234 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Eight Gifts
============

Below are eight gifts that don't cost a cent to give.

1) THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
But you must REALLY listen.
No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response.
Just listening.

2) THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and
handholds.
Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family
and friends.

3) THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Funny pictures. Share articles, funny stories and funny
greetings. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

4) THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet.
A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and
may even change a life.

5) THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super
job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

6) THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.
Helping elderly cross the road can be nice.

7) THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left
alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of
solitude to others.

8) THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to
someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

~Author Unknown~

Thank you for inviting MountainWings in your mailbox.
See you tomorrow.

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MountainWings: How To Beat Traffic

2009-08-09T10:29:00.001-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1239 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

How To Beat Traffic
====================

If you want to beat traffic. . .

Pick some fruit!!

Yesterday it took me an hour and fifteen minutes to go 10 miles.

I was frustrated.
I was powerless.
I was exhausted.
I was grateful.
I was victorious.
I was energized.

Heavy traffic volumes are a fact of life in any big city.
Many of the local governments fund road improvement programs,
only to close lanes as they improve the roads.

Lanes close, traffic increases, people get more frustrated and
distracted, they have accidents, they cause more traffic
pile-ups.

It's a vicious cycle.

It is often said that a person's first reaction in times of
crisis tells a lot about that person. I say that a person's
reaction while traveling six inches per minute tells even more
about that person.

Sitting in traffic is one of the best times to pick some fruit.

Pick some patience. . .
You'll be able to relax.
After all, you'll be sitting there for a while anyway.

Pick some peace. . .
Try something different --- instead of listening to the radio
traffic reports about the traffic you're sitting in, turn the
radio off. Play a classical CD.
Or better yet, just enjoy the quiet time.

Pick some kindness. . .
Smile at the person in the car next to you.
Now that's really different!

Pick some love. . .
Start a conversation with your spouse or child about something
you know is bothering them. Time spent driving can be time
spent talking and understanding each other.

Pick some joy. . .
Be thankful that you're not the person involved in the calamity
that's causing the traffic.

Pick some faith. . .
Take this time to look up at the sky, observe the trees,
marvel at the birds. Think about your own life.
Then you'll know for sure that there is a God.

Pick some gentleness. . .
I know you have a cell phone, so pick it up and call someone you
haven't spoken to in months. You still remember the number.

Pick some goodness. . .
Plan a good deed that you'll do for someone as soon as you get
out of the traffic. Maybe there's something you can do
immediately to help the person on the side of the road.

Pick some meekness. . .
No matter what kind of car you're riding in, understand that
it's not by your own works that you were able to obtain it.

Once you pick your fruit, your frustration, powerlessness, and
exhaustion will transform into gratitude, victory and energy.

You'll have a new outlook on life all because you pulled over,

. . . and decided to pick some fruit.

~A Mountain Wings Original by C. Elijah Bronner~

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MountainWings: Taters

2009-07-29T20:16:00.001-07:00

-------------------------------------------------
MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#9203 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Taters
=======

Taters are a colloquial pronunciation of potatoes and thus
these are the local varieties of taters.

Some people never seem motivated to participate, but are just
content to watch while others do the work.
~They are called "Spec Taters".

Some people never do anything to help,
but are gifted at finding fault with the way others do the work.
~They are called "Comment Taters".

Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what to do,
but don't want to soil their own hands.
~They are called "Dick Taters".

Some people are always looking to cause problems by asking
others to agree with them. It is too hot or too cold, too sour
or too sweet.
~They are called "Agie Taters".

There are those who say they will help, but somehow just never
get around to actually doing the promised help.
~They are called "Hezzie Taters".

Some people can put up a front and pretend to be someone they
are not.
~They are called "Emma Taters".

Then there are those who love others and do what they say they
will. They are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing
and lend a helping hand. They bring real sunshine into the lives
of others.
~They are called "Sweet Taters".

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MountainWings: Doggie talk

2009-07-29T20:13:00.001-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1233 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Doggie Talk
============

In the country at my grandmother's house, I was in the back yard
with my son. He saw a dog walking across the yard.

"Daddy, how do you say, come to me, to a dog?" he asked.

A child can ask simple questions that have universal and far
reaching implications.

There is no doggy language that literally says, "Come to me."
You have to say it through tone and gesture. A dog has to FEEL
that you want him to come to you and the dog has to feel that
it's safe and beneficial for him to come to you.

It's the same with people. We really don't say, "Be my friend"
with words. We do it with tone and gesture and we have to make
the other person feel that it's safe and beneficial for them to
be our friend, wife, husband, boyfriend/girlfriend, employee or
employer.

Even sales consists of a lot of doggy talk.
If a salesperson is rude with a mean tone, you won't come.

I don't want you to think of people as dogs, but understand that
we really convey more on the unspoken than the spoken level.

Tone and gesture.

Dogs can't understand our language, but a dog knows the
difference between being stumbled over and kicked.

So do people, regardless of what your words are.

Tone and gesture.

People with pets live longer.

Maybe they learn how to communicate better on the unspoken level
and it carries over to the people side.

Just maybe we should all learn the secret of how to say
"Come to me" to a dog.

~A MountainWings Original~

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PetWarmers: Like All the Other Kids

2009-07-29T20:06:00.001-07:00

LIKE ALL THE OTHER KIDS
by Laura Kelley

My first Schnauzer, Syd, had been owned by a family with kids
before he came into my life.
At age 8, he got lost and somehow ended up running into my downtown
office. When I finally found out who his owners were, they told me they
didn't want him back, saying he didn't like their small kids.
I had no children, and was delighted to have such a sweet little
dog. I soon found out there had been some parts of living with children
that Syd had liked, though.
One afternoon while out for a walk, he began pulling me as hard
as he could, which was unusual for gentle little Syd. I let him lead,
and he would turn right at one corner, left at another, and clearly had
some purpose.
I never connected his behavior with the distant jingle of ice
cream truck music until we turned down the street it was on, and he made
a bee line for it. I bought him a popsicle, and he was delighted.
Eventually the ice cream truck started coming through our apartment
complex's driveway. Syd always heard it in plenty of time to let me know,
so I could get my money ready and his leash on, and we'd go out and line
up with all the other "kids" to get his popsicle. He seemed to have
no idea he wasn't one of them. The children thought it was hysterical
and would offer him a lick of theirs, to the horror of their parents.
In the aftermath, other moms would be wiping sticky little hands and
faces, and I'd be wiping Syd's beard.
In time, I adopted two more Schnauzers and bought a house.
The others learned the routine from him, and I'd have three little
bearded faces pressed against the fence when the familiar refrains
sounded through the streets of our new neighborhood.
Since he was my first, I always let him be the one to go out to
the street with me to get the treat to be shared. This was our afternoon
routine for the next nine summers.
Syd died at the age of 17, in late September, after the ice cream
truck season had ended.
The first time the ice cream truck jingled down the street the next
spring, I reflexively reached into my pocket, praying I had the cash to
get Syd his ice cream. Then I sat down on the steps and sobbed when it
hit me that he wasn't there.
In a neighborhood of mainly older folks and young, as-yet childless
couples, the ice cream trucks must not do well. Their popsicles are
overpriced, often freezer-burned. Some of the neighbors complain about
the volume of the music and the speeds at which they drive.
But that tinny music warms my heart, because I can see Syd sitting
at the door, eagerly waiting to line up for his afternoon treat with
all the other kids.

-- Laura Kelley <lek1 at bellsouth.net>

___________________________________________

MountainWings: The Waves

2009-07-12T21:30:00.001-07:00

Hello,
I first saw this message a year or so ago. But this message was sent
again to all of us who subscribe to Mountain Wings. The message is a very
good one and a excellent reminder. Some of you ,may have seen this before
while others of you are reading it for the first time. Enjoy,ponder,reflect
but continue to ride the "waves". :)Look below

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1229 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

The Waves
==========

One moment you have shortage. . .
The next you have excess. . .

One day you have nothing to do. . .
The next you don't have time to get it all done. . .

One day the refrigerator is empty and you are hungry. . .
The next you have a half eaten meal in front of you and you are
stuffed. . .

One month you've got money to spare and you wonder what to buy
The next you've got a bounced check. . .

One moment you are full of energy and can't go to sleep. . .
The next you are drained and can't get up. . .

One day you are the center of attention. . .
The next you wonder if anyone knows you are alive. . .

It's the waves of life.
They carry us up and down and all around.

Money, friends, your body, your relationships, your job, and the
rest of the list, they all vary. They all go in waves.

It took me a while to really understand the statement,
"The Kingdom of Heaven is Within."

No commercial can show you that.

Commercials make you believe it's in the jazzy new car or the
big screen TV. Yes, those things can thrill you for a moment,
but it's only a wave. After a little while, the thrill is gone.

I have always recognized that if money and things brought happiness,
then all rich people with things would be happy.

It ain't so.

We easily see how poverty can cause unhappiness, but we are
deluded into believing that money solves all things.

Life is full of stuff. I wouldn't trade my life with anyone,
it's one of the most blessed that I know, but it's still full of
stuff. One thing after another, one challenge after another,
one situation after another, day by day, never-ending . . .

It's the waves and there is no stopping them from the outside.

You can only calm the inside, so that like a submarine, you ride
deep beneath the waves.

Though a storm is raging, you are at peace.

Most are tossed and turned by waves.
Some like the sub, ride deep beneath the daily storms in peace.
Some simply surf the waves and have a lot of fun.
Some drown.

You can't stop the waves; it's the nature of the ocean of life.

You can only choose which method you will use to handle them.

You can be tossed like most.
You can drown like many.
You can surf and have fun while you can, but even a surfer gets
tired and there's nowhere to sleep on a surfboard.

To ride comfortably beneath the waves requires a ship containing
breath that is not our own.

That ship. . .

. . . is not crowded.

Peace - Be Still

~A MountainWings Original~

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.

MountainWings: RSL

2009-07-03T21:29:00.001-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1226 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

RSL?
====

Are you a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime?

Pay attention to what you read. After you read this, you will
know the reason it was sent to you!

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a
lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know
what to do for each person.

REASON:

When someone is in your life for a REASON. . .
It is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come
to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance
and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are! They are there for
the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an
inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring
the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire
fulfilled, their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered.

And now it is time to move on.

SEASON:

When people come into your life for a SEASON it is because your
turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an
experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you
something you have never done. They usually give you an
unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real!

But, only for a season.

LIFETIME:

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you
must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what
you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of
your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life.

Stop here and just SMILE.

Work like you don't need the money.
Love like you've never been hurt.
And dance like no one is watching.

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MountainWings: Lights Out

2009-07-01T14:44:00.001-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#9156 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Light's Out
============

I live in Atlanta, Georgia and we had a thunderstorm last night
that knocked our power out. It went out around 12:30a.m. I was
still awake, that's how I know what time it started. I went to
bed soon after the storm began. All of the power was out.

When I woke up this morning the power was still out!
My two oldest sons and myself had to get dressed and ready for
school and work. When they awoke and tried to flip on the light
switch it didn't work, when they looked up at the microwave to
check the time it didn't work, when my oldest son tried to get
two minutes in on his play station it didn't work, when my
youngest son tried to turn on The Disney channel it didn't work!

Nothing that required power (electricity) was in working order!
This was a MountainWings Moment. In spite of all things that
were not working, everything was still alright. I opened all of
the blinds and doors and there was light. I could use my senses
to find things that I could not physically see. I realized that
God has given me all of the things that I need.

When storms come your way, know that God will make a way for you
to see. He will provide light when all of man's techniques
fail. So the next time a storm comes into your life, remember
that after the storm the light of God will always shine through!

~A MountainWings Original by Veronica Williamson, Atlanta, GA~

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MountainWings; Judge Gently

2009-07-01T14:41:00.001-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#9174 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Judge Gently
=============

Pray, don't find fault with the man who limps
Or stumbles along the road.
Unless you have worn the shoes he wears
Or struggled beneath his load.

There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt
Though hidden away from view.
Or the burden he bears placed on your back
Might cause you to stumble too.

Don't sneer at the man who's down today
Unless you have felt the blow
That caused his fall or felt the shame
That only the fallen know.

You may be strong but still the blows
That was his if dealt to you
In the selfsame way, at the selfsame time
Might cause you to stagger too.

Don't be too harsh with the man who sins
Or pelt him with word or stone
Unless you are sure - yea, doubly sure
That you have no sins of your own.

For you know, perhaps,
If the tempter's voice should whisper as soft to you
As it did to him when he went astray
It might cause you to falter too.

~Author Unknown

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Today's KDD: My Health,Work,Accessability and Celebrities Passing

2009-06-29T19:48:00.001-07:00

Its 4;35 on Monday June Twenty-nine,
Hope your all well ,doing fine?

I know,its been awhile since I have written,
and my site,some of you have been hitten,
been visiting,nothing posted to the blog,
and your wondering how are, Darrell,me and Dougie Dog?.

I have not been able to create daily doses since the work issues over a
year ago,
and so, the creativity and inspiration does no longer easily flow.

Most of my material I would get on the way to work,at the office or on the
commute home
that would set the tone,
and enable me to compose a Kdd,
and I am out of practice you see.

I am not naturally gifted to write poetry,but do like to write,
Maybe,some day, classes I will take,some day I might.

Not much has happened since,just keeping busy from day to day,from Sunrise
to Sunset,
working, Doctors appointments ,,playing on the net
Visiting with Friends,paying Bills,cleaning out sheds,
dishes,vacuuming,laundry,making beds.
Just like the rest of you
for us nothing much new.,

I am doing much better than I was 2 months ago,
I can breathe pretty well,except,when someone, their lawn,they do mow
I still have allergies to pollen and fresh grass Like I had before,
but I am not wheezing and coughing anymore
not feeling fatigued or having sleepless nights,
nor is my chest feeling tight
I do have asthma and take an inhaler, its mild,not that bad. best I have
felt since last fall,
so,what is happening for you all?,

I have posted some Mountain Wings messages, I get each day from week to
week,
Their message,maybe you seek
I appreciate the MountainWings messages that is sent to my e--mail each
day,
and I am sure you all heard about the Celebrities that passed away?

First, Ed Mc Mann,Farrah Fawcet,Michael Jackson and Billy Mays,
All within just a few days,
All the radio stations are playing Michael's music and jokes are being told
though,some are funny,its inappropriate and rather cold,
and in poor taste at this time, so soon after,
Despite the fact some of them trigger laughter.

Speaking of laughter,I go into an asthma attack then. its kind of scary and
uncomfortable indeed,
and recently,another Dean Koontz Novel I did read.

Its called "Relentless" and one that I would definitely recommend,
Its excellent! lots of twist and turns till the very end.

Anyway, The Celebrities that just passed,were Icons, part of the TV
generation
I am sure everybody across the nation,
and around the world,heard. I am sure to many,a shock
I Remember, Star Search,Charlie's Angels and Michael doing the Moon Walk.
I didn't think much of him but his music ,did enjoy,
He was in show business since a very young boy
Remember the Jackson Five,
Still can't believe,none of these People are Alive.

Farrah was a strong lady, her cancer she fought,
I am sure treatment she sought,
but the battle she lost,she is at peace,at rest
That is for the best.

Darrell is doing fine,
Spending much time online,
Blogging and Tweeting,
many discussions he is leading,
on accessibility,
to help those of us who can't see.

He is applying skills he learned in his journalism classes this past year,
and is hoping to have a career,
in this field,combine his knowledge of technology and his passion to help
others,not just in our nation, but all Continents,
sometimes,often,these discussions,get intense,
are quite lively indeed,
why don't you go read,
his blog,go see,
Right now,Darrell,the NFB and ACB,
Are all suing ASU ,
Will be interesting when,this is all through.

Darrell and these two blind organizations filed a complaint because of the
Kindle device not being accessible,blind students,it,they can't use
Perhaps, this article,reached the news?
That you red all about it? if not take a look,
The Kindle can readE -books,and we can't
I am sure,some do rant,
and rave,think the lawsuit is pointless,Resources should be allocated
another way,
and this became public just the other day

Blind Students should have access to the same information and be able to
use any tech device,as their sighted classmates,
and Evidently,they are suing 5 Universities,not sure which other ones or
states,
Don't know, if this will go to Trial,
I am sure,it will take awhile.

Darrell is a plaintiff in this case,says Testifying,would be fun,
What wil be the outcome,when this is done?

This is giving him a great opportunity to help the blind and incorporate his
journalistic techniques ,be a reporter,to investigate,
on this subject,has had debates,
Though,much,right now,he can't say,without seeking legal council ahead of
time,
and other things he is blogging about online.

Mostly reporting about sites that don't have Audio CAPTCHA or web sites
that we can't shop on, and access due to security measures that are taken,
I think some progress he is making.

He is interviewing,conducting research and utilizing knowledge gained,
being proactive,despite those who have complained,
He has been a writing fool,
Also he too,is reading Novels and swimming in the pool.

He will ,should be starting a Campus job very soon at ASU,
He will be a Research Assistant,that is what he will do

Dougie Dog is fine,is the same old adorible dog,
He is mentioned,here often on the blog
He is getting old and medicine he is taking,has trouble with his
Bowels,
Garks some, but doesnot howell,
at the moon,
or the wind or the rain or sleet lol,
and he too,doesn't like this heat.

Its getting wicked hot 107,but it will get cooler,not by much,
expecting rain,with you all,love to keepin touch.

Work from a business perspective has been great,
We are sold out,more than most Hotels in the Valley or the state,
Witch in many ways is a very good thing,But it snot even Labor Day. Then,
we will be in full swing

The types of Guests that stay are not the same,that we get,when in Season,
The much lower rates is likely the reason
Rates reduced in half and also locals come stay,
so we have more folks here, to have fun,play
rather,then conducting Business
we have Families come to the West,
and some do Business. our meeting Space is being filled by groups,various
corporations,
or people on vacation

WE have the Championship Golf,the 3-story slide,numerous of pools and tennis
Courts,
Some dressed in Suits while others in shorts
or bathing suits every attire,all kinds of shoes,
and several activities,like you were on a cruise
From boat rides to dive-in movies on a Saturday night,
to dinner under candle light
Nice comfy beds,bike trails and horseback
its no wonder guest come back,
and stay with us. I am grateful,glad,
but,these days, many rough days I have had,,
has been stressful ,hectic and crazy,
There is much work,no time for boredom or being lazy lol.

Phone lines ringing off the hook,radio's beeping,and my computer
talking,jabbering away,
taking several requests an hour throughout the day,
much to juggle,need to prioritize,
This is very wise.

While most are Celebrating our Country's Independence,with Fireworks and
picnic fun,
I will have much work,that will have to be done,
I will be working the entire Holiday,which is a bummer,
but,will take a few vacation days later in the summer.

We plan on having Jeff and Keri and Kids down in late July,
we all love Pool parties,swimming,barbecues,that is why
will celebrate Birthday's. Darrell's,Jeff's, Keri's and their son
David's,not Brian's or mine,
will spend less time on line,
will not be composing KDd's,facebooking or tweeting
But visiting,swimming and eating. lol

Also, hoping to take a weekend trip to San Diego,Visit,Darrell,Ruthie and
me
and later, Darrell may see our Friend Mimi in Washington Dc.

I miss Ruthie,the Ocean,and would be a nice change from this Desert heat
I was 3 when Ruthie and I did meet.

We intend to go home for Christmas this year. its my turn,so New England
,We should be able to go,
to visit family,celebrate Christmas and playin the snow
Though,it seems every time, it melts the day we arrive and snows again,when
we leave,heading back West
still have a nice time
telling stories,sharing what is happening,having wine
,seeing everyone,exchanging gifts,catching up on rest.

Do hope we all can get together?, The entire Family,is that,a possibility?
that everybody we can see,
at the same time,same place, be more than cool,
and its hard to believe that my Niece Jo Anna will be starting High School ,
This Fall,
Her Brother Bobby a Junior,Katie in 6 TH,and the little ones,in Kindergarten
and Nursery School,Emma and Marin,oh,how fast they grow,
You know?
Well,3 hours have come and gone,
since I began this,have to get up before dawn
work tomorrow and then off again,
Try and be in bed before ten
I just had to compose at least one last Kdd before this month ends
for now, take care,my Family and Friends. ,

MountainWings: Until The Flowers...

2009-06-29T15:08:00.000-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1114 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

. . . until the flowers
========================

I am a runner.

I have several circular routes measured from my home.
If I decide to run 3, 4, 5 or 7 miles, each run always ends at
one particular spot.

A few houses down from mine is a home with a beautiful flower
arrangement near the mailbox. The arrangement is as ornate and
as cultured as if a master gardener extended his hand and
delicately shaped each flower, bush, stem, and blade of grass.

I have never seen any flower arrangement as pretty in a yard.

That's the point.

That's the point that marks the end of my run.

. . . until the flowers.

No matter how long or short the run, I have one goal in mind.

Keep running until I get to the flowers.

Life should be like that.

Keep running until you get to the flowers.

We typically receive the largest number of flowers when our
lives are over.

We get the most flowers in our lives at our funeral.

Those flowers don't do you any good.

As far as I know, you can neither see nor smell them.

My neighbors' flowers help give me encouragement and strength to
run through this life.

On a recent run, I was thinking about those beautiful bundles of
encouragement and had decided to write a MountainWings issue
about them. Oddly enough, for the first time, the couple was in
the yard working on the flowers as I ended my run.

I ran by their yard, I had almost reached the flowers.
It was a hot sunny day and they could tell by the swelter and
sweat that I had been on a grueling run.

The wife spoke, "Could I get you a glass of water or something?"
she asked.

"No thanks, " I answered.

She didn't realize what they had given me already.

They had given me the flowers.

People who give you flowers for no reason show their giving
natures in many ways.

Most people in the neighborhood probably couldn't tell you about
my neighbors' flowers. They are probably too busy to see them.
They probably see all of the other stuff.

There is much disarray along the run.
There are many weeds and bare branches.
There is trash thrown from cars reflecting people's disregard
for others,

. . . and then, there's the flowers.

So it is in life.

Keep your mind on the flowers even when you can't see them.

You can plant flowers.

Not only the physical kind, but also flowers of the spirit.

You need to picture the beautiful flowers that await you at the
end of your run.

The flowers that never whither or die.

Flowers of the spirit.

You need to understand that they are beautiful and they smell
nice.

You also need to tell those that have planted flowers along your
path that you appreciate them.

I will print this issue of MountainWings and put it in my
neighbors' mailbox. I doubt that they have ever heard of
MountainWings, but their flowers influence MountainWings, and,
in turn, you, on each run.

I am a runner.

So are you.

We run through life, just different paths, different shoes, and
different running styles.

In all of your daily running, be sure to stop and smell the
roses but

Keep running.

. . . until the flowers.

~A MountainWings Original~

Thank you for inviting MountainWings in your mailbox.

MountainWings: The Trickle

2009-06-29T15:02:00.001-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1116 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

The Trickle
============

My Jeep battery was dead this morning.

I had just returned from a weeklong trip.

The Jeep is only six months old. The battery is big and new.
I hadn't left any lights on.
What happened with the Jeep happens to many of us.

I had three power adapters plugged into the cigarette lighter
sockets. I had installed a triple cigarette lighter socket.
I don't smoke but I have a lot of gadgets that need plugging up.
I have three cell phones. What in the world do I need with
three cell phones? That's another story. None of the phones
were plugged up, only the three power adapters were plugged up,
and their little LED lights were glowing.

Even though they have very low power drains, these three little
lights, completely drained a big, powerful, and new battery.

That illustrated a very important life lesson.

Constant withdrawals without deposits will eventually run your
account dry. No matter how small the withdrawal, sooner or later,
your account will run dry.

That's what happens with most marriages.

Little by little, day-by-day, small withdrawals are made from
the love bank.

A slight criticism here, a minor remark there, a compliment
opportunity missed, and the love bank in a few years is dry.

The relationship won't start.

In all things, make sure that you add more than you take.
No matter how small, let the trickle be positive.

When you do that, not only will your own battery never run dry,
you'll have enough power left over to boost someone else off.

~A MountainWings Original~

Thank you for inviting MountainWings in your mailbox.
See you tomorrow.

MountainWings: The Curious Case

2009-06-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

-------------------------------------------------
MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#9177 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

The Curious Case
=================

I watched the movie, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons."

The movie was about a man who was born old. As an infant, he
was wrinkled and crippled with old age, bad eyesight and many
other physical infirmities that often accompany old age.

As he got older, he got younger until he physically and
mentally went back to childhood. He lived life beginning with
the body of a 90-year-old man. He started with the pain and
fragility of very advanced age.

Benjamin Buttons went from a wheelchair to crutches, from
crutches to a cane and from a cane to walking normally.

The movie made me think.

Suppose we could live backwards?

Would we appreciate the health that we now have much better?
Would we not take for granted that we can walk briskly?
That we can climb stairs?
That we can see and read?
That we can sexually function?

Would we not take for granted many of the privileges and
abilities of 19, 29, 39, 49 and 59 versus 89?

Do we have to lose it before we can fully appreciate it?

Sometimes we humans are curious cases.

~A MountainWings Original~

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Change a life, give a friend MountainWings.
See you tomorrow.

MountainWings: The Second Hill

2009-06-15T16:06:00.001-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1109 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

The Second Hill
================

Are you running that hill or is that hill running you?

That's a question a man asked me today as I was jogging.

He was standing by his car, I was breathing hard as I moved up
the hill where he was parked. His question plagued me.

Each day presents us with hills.

Hills, bills, chills, spills, thrills, deals, kills, pills,
wills, and nils. . .

We have them all sooner or later.

Are they running you or are you running them?

Each hill or uphill climb in our lives tries to tire us, make us
quit, or at the very least, make us complain.

You can't avoid getting tired.

I don't care how much exertion your physical or mental
conditioning can withstand, a steep enough hill will make you
tired.

Whether the hill is running you doesn't depend upon whether you
are tired. There are those who are tired even though they are
sitting in rocking chairs.

The hill runs you when it gets you down.
I refuse to let that happen.
I know the hills make me stronger, that's why I run them.
Every hill in my life has made me stronger.

If you run your hills instead of them running you,
they will make you stronger, too.

You'll be in better shape.

You'll get tired, but eventually the same hill will get easier
and easier.

One day, even the hills will be no challenge.

You'll seek a mountain.

Don't worry, you've got Wings.

~A MountainWings Original~

Thank you for inviting MountainWings in your mailbox.
See you tomorrow.

The First Hill http://www.mountainwings.com/past/1108.htm

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http://www.mountainwings.com/past/1109.htm

Today's KDd: Our Anniversary and Current Events

2009-06-03T17:36:00.001-07:00

Today is Wednesday June 3,at 4;48
Today is a special Date,
For Darrell and Me,
We have been together for 10 but Married for 3.

On this Day 3 years ago,
In Boston,there was Rain,not snow,
and on that Day, we said our Vows. and rings to the other were given
and I am enjoying the life we are Living.

Like any Couple,we have our difficult times, there's good and Bad,
However, good times,we mostly have had
For better or worse,we accept one another's traits and Flaws,
We are a great team, help one another, Whatever the cause,
Whatever the task,the project,we help the other,when we are able
WE have TLC,Our Marriage is Stable,
We have Love,communication and Trust,
In any happy & healthy Marriage,that is a must.

We motivate,encourage, respect and strength we provide,
This past year,has been a challenging ride,
A rocky Road,
But,Darrell,carried the load
First,issues at work and than,I was ill, and he hung in there, walked that
hill,
Same with our family and Friends,when I didn't think I could
They all stood,
by me, especially him,
and soon,we are going for a swim.

Have a little picnic by the pool,to celebrate,
with my Husband,my mate
I love him more,There's much devotion,
and I heard today, The French Flight crashed in the Atlantic Ocean,
as well as the President was in the Middle East,
and we are not going to have a Feast,
Just order Subs from silvermine,
and I should be in bed by nine,
Tomorrow,work I go,
and Today,heard that Bin Laden released another Video,
Said Obama made threats,regarding his Policy's,
Yesterday while over Seas,
Will get Revenge on this Country of ours,
and we will be going swimming in a couple hours.

I am not sure why,we can't Capture Bin Laden and those who have him
Hidden
Shouldn't that be forbidden?
definitely a crime?
Its been a very long time,
Eight years,, has gone by
one would think he would die,
Would be dead,
and how come he fled?
I am not going to sit,Ponder,Philosophize, okay,
going to enjoy the rest of my day
It is sad,that those 200 some folks on that plane,lost their lives and
left loved ones behind,close and Dear
and I am going to end here,
Take care,Have a good night,
and another Time,I will write.

MountainWings: Where is my Sunday Paper?

2009-06-02T21:31:00.001-07:00

#9126 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Where's My Sunday Paper?
=========================

How often do we jump to conclusions and blame others before
really examining the situation?

The irate customer called the newspaper office loudly demanding
to know where her Sunday edition was.

"Ma'am,' said the newspaper employee, 'today is Saturday ...

The Sunday paper is not delivered until tomorrow, on Sunday."

There was quite a long pause on the other end of the phone,
followed by a ray of recognition... As she was heard to mutter

"Well, now ... So that's why no one was at church today."

Forward this issue to a friend or send them the link below:
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/9126.htm

Thank you for inviting MountainWings into your mailbox.

MountainWings: The Longest Sentence

2009-06-01T21:51:00.000-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#9153 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

The Longest Sentence
=====================

I think you may be correct in saying "I am" is the shortest
complete sentence in the English language... but maybe not.

What about "I do?"

"I do" is probably the longest sentence.

Isn't that what we say when we get married?

Do we consider that a long sentence?

By the way, this is just for fun. Marriage isn't a sentence
it is a privilege.

~A MountainWings Original by H. Wilson, UK commenting on the
issue "I Am" http://www.mountainwings.com/past/1107.htm~

from The Mountain:
Whether it is considered a privilege or a sentence definitely
depends on who you ask.
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/3259.htm

Forward this issue to a friend or send them the link below:
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/9153.htm

Thank you for inviting MountainWings into your mailbox.
Change a life, give a friend MountainWings.
See you tomorrow.

The Desert Cafe Goes Live Tonight!

2009-06-01T16:10:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Come in from the heat and be cool. Join Darrell and I in the Desert Cafe. We will serve up some fun tunes and favorite beverages. If you haven't heard 70's music in awhile and want to Celebrate Summer, be here with us. You don't need a mood ring or strobe lights.

We will also be celebrating our third wedding anniversary, which is June 3. You will have a chance to hear the audio from our Ceremony in Boston.

In addition to all this fun, Darrell will tell us all about what we can do to advocate for an international copyright exemption treaty that would enable the reproduction and exchange of books that have been converted into accessible formats for the blind and others with print reading disabilities.

The show can be heard on ACB Radio Interactive at 02:00 Universal time on Tuesday, that's Monday evening in the United States at 7:00 Pacific (and Arizona), 8:00 Mountain, 9:00 Central and 10:00 Eastern. Visit http://interactive.acbradio.org to listen.

See you tonight,

Karen and Darrell in the Desert Cafe on ACB Radio Interactive

Today's Kdd: My Health,Darrell's Semester and a Novel We Red

2009-05-31T12:57:00.001-07:00

Its Sunday May 31 at 11;09,
How are you all? Hope your doing fine?

I know these days,very little I have written,
and here I in the home office, I am sitten.

I will do my best to give you an update,
I can't guarantee that it will be great,
Profound or Humorous and funny,
Here in Arizona,its about 90 and sunny.

I am feeling well,unlike months past,
and half the year is over,went very fast.

I was ill for so long and worried we were,
and Dougie,itches his fur.

Sometimes changing Doctors is the best thing one can do,
and the last 6 months we made it through.

I was working most of the time,
despite extreme difficulty breathing,not at all fine,
and Darrell for school,all the deadlines he met,
Studying,writing News Stories, doing research on the net,
Posting assignments to whiteboard,
definitely not bored,
too much to do and so little time,
All the while, concerned about this health of mine.

Since January,I haven't had good luck First my front tooth fell out,
All the while,ill, medical treatment we sought,
Until we had the proper action plan and on the road to recovery,
It was than,life improved for Darrell and me.

Darrell made it through with flying colors did more than alright,,
Despite the fact,that he lacks eyesight,
He received an A and 3 B's,
and as for me,now,I cough very little and not at all wheeze.

I just had my second oral surgery, In January, as said, a front tooth I
lost
Unlike most surgery, much it didn't cost,
Yet, it was expensive indeed,
but, a front tooth I do need. lol

The first one, the extra tooth I had in Feb, they did extract,
Post-OP appointments I had,I did go back.
I was healing quite well,from what the Oral Surgeon did say,
Then, I had the last surgery,just the other day.

This time,he inserted an Dental implant,
use my 3 front teeth, I can't,
not for awhile,
I still have a toothless smile,
missing one tooth, it will be a bit longer,
Yet,in the long-run, it will be much stronger,
I will need a Crown
and in a few months, will visit my Dentist,herein town,
Then, I will be as good as new,
By the fall,all of this will be through.

Considering much drilling was done,feeling pretty good,
The implant is made from titanium,not gold Wood,
like President Washington,
I'd think, that would hurt a ton?
yet, that is what they did back in his day
and now ,both Darrell and I are doing okay.

, Dougie Dog has been sick some too, but not ill,
Right now,he has allergies,giving him benidryll,
and he seems to be a happier dog
and if you have time, visit, Darrell's Blog.

Blind access journal is the URL,the web site,
Darrell drafted a letter to the President last night
It was a collaborated effort by him and a few others,
to enrich the lives for all our Blind Sisters and Brothers ,
Not just here in the US,
All 7 Continents,notjust herein the West,
The Western World but from sea to shining Sea
to enable us who can't see,
have more access to information
despite the nation,
One does Reside, does Live,
Facts,he did give,
gave,hour concerns he did express,
Hopefully, The President, this letter he will digest
and do what is best?,
for those of us who are blind or have a print disability,
allowing us all to have equal opportunity
and knowledge,power and insight,more books we will be able to read,
President Obomma's assistance we do need.
So use your Keyboard or click your mouse
and even better, write your own letter, to the White House.
Its now,11;51,
There is work to be done,
So, soon I should go,
have housework to do, prepare for Tomorrow's show.

I also wanted to tell you all about A great Novel I just finished last
night,
called WWW.Wake, about a girl without Sight
She has surgery that enables her to see,
Yet,not the same kind,that we had, Darrell and me

The Surgeon inserted an implant into her left eye,
It was experimental, yet, they gave it a try
and than an Eye Pod to recode the information she receives back,
she utilizes this Eye Pod and her Pc,not a Mac,
But a dell
at first, she can't see well,
her Retina can't interpret the messages,For her,frustrating it is,
But, she is a Computer Wiz,
and a Mathematician, she's in the " Calculus Zone",
She learns to see,not on her own,
but from her Folks, and the Doctor in Japan,
and a new life for her,it does began,
Begin,has begun,
She can see a great deal,colors,shapes, the sun,
and so much more,than here I can explain,
The images eventually make sense to her brain
Unlike us whom can only see in the real world she,can also see in another
dimension,
another Realm, but,not here I will mention
Not much else I want to say, could ruin it,
but,it is a hit
The Authors, Robert J. Sawyer, he has others,they too,are great,
So, go read,on your Packmate,
VR Stream or Bookport's,
The novel,isn't too long but not short
A very good Red,,
I was enthralled, late I got to bed.
Get the print copy or go to Audible.com,
Can't say, "its the Bomb"
But,it is excellent,fascinating and interesting reading
You don't have to be an Einstein. a technical background,your not needing
However,its pretty technical,but well,the author does explain,
even for people,like me, whom are more,right brain lol.

Well,its now, after noon,
have housework to do, gather the tunes,
Hope you all will join Darrell and I,
Tomorrow night on ACB R I?
Point your browser to ACB radio,
and tomorrow night, try and listen to our show,
we will be delighted to have you there with us in the Desert Cafe,
Until I write again, have a great day.

Nethugs Message: The Window

2009-05-31T11:02:00.001-07:00

A great note for all to read; it will take just 30 seconds to read this and
change your thinking.

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was
allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the
fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other
man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families,
their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where
they had been on vacation. Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the
window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate
all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live, for those one-hour periods where his
world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the
world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and
swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young
lovers walked arm-in-arm amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand
old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be
seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on
the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque
scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing
by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it in his
mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive
words.

Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for
their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had
died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital
attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the
other man asked if he could be moved next to the window The nurse was happy
to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him
alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look
at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for
himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall.The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his
deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this
window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see
the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own
situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is
doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that
money can't buy."Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present."

The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings good luck to everyone
who passes it on. Do not keep this letter. Do not send money. Just forward
it to your friends to whom you wish good luck..

Written By: © Author Unknown

Nethugs Message: I believe .....

2009-05-30T21:40:00.001-07:00

I believe-
that we don't have to change friends
if we understand that friends change.

I believe-
that no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you every
once in a while and you must forgive
them for that.

I believe-
that true friendship continues to grow,
even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I believe-
that you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.

I believe-
that it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.

I believe-
that you should always leave loved ones
with loving words. It may be the last
time you see them.

I believe-
that you can keep going
long after you can't.

I believe-
that we are responsible for what we do,
no matter how we feel.

I believe-
that either you control your attitude
or it controls you.

I believe-
that regardless of how hot and
steamy a relationship is at first,
the passion fades and there had
better be something else to take
its place.

I believe-
that heroes are the people
who do what has to be done
when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.

I believe-
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe-
that my best friend and I can do anything
or nothing and have the best time.

I believe-
that sometimes the people you expect
to kick you when you're down,
will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe-
that sometimes when I'm angry
I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me
the right to be cruel.

I believe-
that just because someone doesn't love
you the way you want them to doesn't
mean they don't love you with all they have.

I believe-
that maturity has more to do with
what types of experiences you've had
and what you've learned from them
and less to do with how many
birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe-
that it isn't always enough to be
forgiven by others. Sometimes you
have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe-
that no matter how bad your heart is broken
the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe-
that our background and circumstances
may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe-
that just because two people argue,
it doesn't mean they don't love each other
And just because they don't argue,
it doesn't mean they do.

I believe-
that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a
secret. It could change your life forever.

I believe-
that two people can look at the exact same
thing and see something totally different.

I believe-
that your life can be changed in a matter of
hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe-
that even when you think you have no more
to give, when a friend cries out to you
you will find the strength to help.

I believe-
that credentials on the wall do not make
you a decent human being.

I believe-
that the people you care about most in life
are taken from you too soon.

Nethugs Message: Making a difference

2009-05-30T21:35:00.001-07:00

If each grain of sand were to say:
One grain does not make a mountain,
There would be no land.

If each drop of water were to say:
One drop does not make an ocean,
There would be no sea.

If each note of music were to say:
Each note does not make a symphony,
There would be no melody.

If each word were to say:
One word does not make a library,
There would be no book.

If each brick were to say:
One brick does not make a wall,
There would be no house.

If each seed were to say:
One seed does not make a field,
There would be no harvest.

If each of us were to say:
One person does not make the difference,
There would never be love and peace on earth.

You and I do make the difference,
Begin today and make the difference.

MountainWings: Take the Following Quiz

2009-05-30T21:20:00.001-07:00

MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#1097 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

Take The Following Quiz
========================

Take the following quiz.

You don't need a pen, pencil or paper.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for Best
Actor and Actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series Winners.

How did you do?

THE LESSON

NONE of us remember the headliners of yesterday.

There are no second-rate achievers on the above quiz.
They are the best in their fields.

But the applause dies.
Awards tarnish.
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Now here's another quiz.

See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult
time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated
and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Wasn't that a lot easier?

The lesson?

The people who make a difference in your life aren't the ones
with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.

They're the ones who care enough to spend personal time and
effort for you.

Take a minute to send this to a friend,

Or do you have to go accept an award?

Forward this issue to a friend or send them the link below:
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/1097.htm

Thank you for inviting MountainWings into your mailbox.
Change a life, give a friend MountainWings.
See you tomorrow.

Heartwarmers: Lingering Memories

2009-05-25T21:54:00.001-07:00

The best thing to happen to mornings since the Sun!

Your morning thought for the day:
How important it is for us to recognize
and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!
-- Maya Angelou

LINGERING MEMORIES
by Joseph Walker

"She's gone."
It was my brother Bud on the phone. He had called earlier to
advise me that mom's long and difficult battle with a killer called
pulmonary fibrosis would soon be over. For months doctors had warned
us that this was coming, and I thought I was pretty much prepared for
the inevitable. But when Bud spoke those two simple, all-too-final
words, it inflicted a wound deep into my soul.
The blessed numbness that often accompanies the death of a loved
one saw me through a week of funeral preparations and services. I
found comfort in the laughter and tears I shared with my brothers and
sisters, and solace in a quote my dad referenced several times during
the week:

I'm wounded, Sir Launfall said,
Wounded -- but not slain.
So I'll just lie and bleed a while
Then rise and fight again!

After the rites were over, however, the numbness wore away,
leaving a gaping hole in my heart. I was the youngest of mom's eight
children, and we shared a special relationship as a result of having
her to myself during my teenage years. Even after Anita and I
married, we lived close enough that we could drop in frequently for
card games and Sunday dinners.
Mom was a huge part of my life, and it was hard to let her go --
even after she was gone. No matter what I tried, I couldn't fill the
hole her passing left in my life. I found myself stopping by the
cemetery often and mourning at her grave, oblivious to the passage of
time. These long absences were difficult to explain to Anita, who
thought that instead of living in the past with my memories of mom,
perhaps I should spend more time making memories with my own children.
Anita was right, of course -- I understood that even then. But
no matter how hard I tried to focus my time and attention upon the
living, there was nothing I could do to fill the empty place in my
heart. When my father remarried, I rejoiced in his happiness --
especially since Jean, the woman he married, is such a terrific lady.
But I still missed mom, and I looked for every opportunity to go to
the cemetery, where I felt closer to her somehow.
A few years after dad remarried, he and Jean decided to take a
few months to do some volunteer work for our church -- something he
and mom had talked about but had been unable to do because of mom's
health. To tell you the truth, I sort of resented that dad was going
to fulfill this dream without her. And I think dad picked up on that.
A couple of days before they left, he invited me to go to lunch
with him. We talked about this exciting adventure, and how he was
looking forward to it. Then he said, "You know, there's only one
thing I regret about this."
"What's that?" I asked.
"That your mother and I weren't able to do this." He paused a
moment, and for the first time I noticed that his eyes were moist and
red. "There are many things that I wish we could have done before...
well, before she moved on. But there's nothing I can do about that
now. I've just got to move on." He looked at me seriously, then
added, "And so do you."
Somehow in that moment I began to understand. Mom had moved on.
Dad was moving on. And now, it finally occurred to me, so must I.
I began spending less time at the cemetery after that. These
days, I mostly go on Memorial Day. I spend part of that special day
there, lingering with my memories of mom.
And then I spend the rest of the year moving on.

-- Joseph Walker <ValueSpeak at msn.com>

______________________________________________
Joe is a Heartwarmer Gem from Utah.
______________________________________________