tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67710119200145761252024-02-19T10:01:47.405-06:00The Sassy PencilA blog written by a sassy Texas gal who tells it like it is.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-74787784435942865682019-02-18T01:45:00.000-06:002019-02-18T01:45:47.756-06:00Groucho, Baby!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyakLL4b76BjDEnshDx3Vjqc-zMHUQ1lFhCwCKhmUiS_fJsm9pTFovRhsXEhG30KoF_7W5ttxD1FZdnfibgMt3FEbdjJuPfAHdiLE_uWYcCxzPIgzP33V7qbOQR60QutSswLqVSSehvs/s1600/35058166_2380580385289346_5024199725784498176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyakLL4b76BjDEnshDx3Vjqc-zMHUQ1lFhCwCKhmUiS_fJsm9pTFovRhsXEhG30KoF_7W5ttxD1FZdnfibgMt3FEbdjJuPfAHdiLE_uWYcCxzPIgzP33V7qbOQR60QutSswLqVSSehvs/s320/35058166_2380580385289346_5024199725784498176_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Groucho came into my life just when I needed him. Well, his mother did actually. She just appeared on my front porch one day in June of 2016 and decided that she had found her new home. Little did I know that she wasn't alone. A month later Groucho made his appearance along with his six brothers and sisters.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Recuperating from my liver resection, kittens were the last thing the doctor ordered, but they provided much needed entertainment. They also required lots of love and time which helped me to focus on something other than the cancer I thought I had defeated. Five of the kittens found good homes, but Groucho was mine from the time his personality came alive.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9aRuoktJizMVuCN2XDc44OMmSz7R46VBMcPpMaw5IT241XGQFu0ca6NWlDa92MEIoPmPp8ReEmiAchHxmV78SDj0N1gleTyftEYUEnzmXUXh5Ud9ndvIXGb08fm64LqzMh4byOPnBM4/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9aRuoktJizMVuCN2XDc44OMmSz7R46VBMcPpMaw5IT241XGQFu0ca6NWlDa92MEIoPmPp8ReEmiAchHxmV78SDj0N1gleTyftEYUEnzmXUXh5Ud9ndvIXGb08fm64LqzMh4byOPnBM4/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IHX15VA9TGPdDyQywcwM9v1UGARO0oWGhNa81TXBN4raN80vPKiDYrO9w3EQ-DGlB5bV8tLJCpdZXbp5qYqwecFrb4QcaaUg9baIE0ouOcl9rS9wPRas0WQGBIpg2gMJVdU0oNlHnQU/s1600/thumbnail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IHX15VA9TGPdDyQywcwM9v1UGARO0oWGhNa81TXBN4raN80vPKiDYrO9w3EQ-DGlB5bV8tLJCpdZXbp5qYqwecFrb4QcaaUg9baIE0ouOcl9rS9wPRas0WQGBIpg2gMJVdU0oNlHnQU/s320/thumbnail.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Groucho being creepy, Feb. 2019</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Life with Groucho and Snoball, his brother, is anything but boring. They love to chase each other around the house and the dog. They love to follow me around the house all day, watch my every move, and love to cuddle with me whenever I sit, and these days, the fatigue can be overwhelming sometimes.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">So much has happened since my last blog. Click on the link below to get the messy details of what has become my life. </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/mrs-michel039s-cancer-fund&rcid=r01-155047096592-eb7bc6d16a4e408b&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_w" target="_blank"> Mrs. Michel's Cancer Fund</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Yes, life is messy. No one said it was fair or easy or neat, but I've decided to live each day with purpose, dignity, and positive thoughts and to make each day count. How will you live tomorrow? </span></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-4179806676145067282017-08-05T21:08:00.003-05:002017-08-10T08:03:55.545-05:00Find the Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimW1wmdf8VKNB-QdtfK5z7Hksh_3TG856UB3fI5HpJRb2mZAm2O-RineyXJKgWtvVVD68u40YGmYpt_YxEGzPQV96IGcNQrmnASygui28iMZHHS39u1ix8bsTULb02B8NxlhzN-6nlA7M/s1600/File_000.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimW1wmdf8VKNB-QdtfK5z7Hksh_3TG856UB3fI5HpJRb2mZAm2O-RineyXJKgWtvVVD68u40YGmYpt_YxEGzPQV96IGcNQrmnASygui28iMZHHS39u1ix8bsTULb02B8NxlhzN-6nlA7M/s400/File_000.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_734385520"></span><span id="goog_734385521"></span><br />
<span id="goog_734385520" style="font-size: large;">On January 16th the world changed. I changed. The cancer was back, and it was only a matter of a year or two before it won. At least that's what my doctor said. My heart cried, but my head screamed a denial, and so I would begin a two-drug chemo treatment in four days time.</span><br />
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<span id="goog_734385520" style="font-size: large;">Later that same day I walked into another office and scheduled the <a href="https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/your-implanted-port" target="_blank">mediport</a> insertion as an out-patient procedure. The mediport is a device implanted beneath my skin and acts like a vein to better administer the chemo medicines.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ag0hXeSZqxkMMuiSpX6bflycjQAUAGDh3sf5dCAwwGAOOt70YcaEpL0OUTQeVpngiuc2RUq41Lo9N30hQQlzZgkSQX61C2uzZZaFmgMl88Uqc54vb2H5GSzKY0YLMywPFVOzFAOqWTA/s1600/KIMG1160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ag0hXeSZqxkMMuiSpX6bflycjQAUAGDh3sf5dCAwwGAOOt70YcaEpL0OUTQeVpngiuc2RUq41Lo9N30hQQlzZgkSQX61C2uzZZaFmgMl88Uqc54vb2H5GSzKY0YLMywPFVOzFAOqWTA/s320/KIMG1160.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_734385520" style="font-size: large;">Some
people get chemo through a vein in their arm, but in my case, the
doctor said that the chemo medicines I required would "burn" too much
going in a regular vein. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBdOxUqKgyYJJ-OpO01oiEeqRDwB_QBFu0BOfbxwXqJdCVIEANntUilWI8lbs1jelMt3TdSaQYN33UqoRzNSh5vt0x4MoszrWPWrEkvWlmJluoLjplYJC65e1XD_L3oXhEOdx0y35S6Y/s1600/KIMG1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBdOxUqKgyYJJ-OpO01oiEeqRDwB_QBFu0BOfbxwXqJdCVIEANntUilWI8lbs1jelMt3TdSaQYN33UqoRzNSh5vt0x4MoszrWPWrEkvWlmJluoLjplYJC65e1XD_L3oXhEOdx0y35S6Y/s320/KIMG1165.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_734385520" style="font-size: large;">The procedure was painless, and most days I don't even know it's there unless I hug a cat too hard. </span><br />
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<span id="goog_734385520" style="font-size: large;">I started chemo the next day. </span><span id="goog_734385520" style="font-size: large;">It's been seven months now, and I just finished my 7th round of chemo yesterday. I've had two cat scans and an MRI to track my progress, which is at this time a bit unclear. One known cancer area shows no new growth, but there are 8 other spots that have appeared on my liver, and it's unclear if they are cancerous. So it's a wait game for now.</span><span id="goog_734385520" style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span id="goog_734385520" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span id="goog_734385520" style="font-size: large;">Through it all, my world changed. My perspective on life changed. I now find the time to enjoy the time. You should try it! Why wait for a better day to do something you want? It might not come? Don't put off what you've been putting off. Just do it. </span><br />
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<span id="goog_734385520" style="font-size: large;">So visit that place, eat that meal, buy that silly trinket, or spend time with your cats taking those cute pictures (and maybe too many videos.) Make yourself happy today. Who knows how many more todays you have?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2ORE7tyNih9L9oqS03n7PnOsM1dOi6ifwDxR9ZQmAM3mtCMuQVJ5Kt4ur5iT3ZzpheSdYmwLW2TwXOFD6O4Qv6ZKHVkt2sGK3hbG5jxxI2EoEf-N6OlMF_BXBnF5srU0hUs_Ko89mXM/s1600/KIMG1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-46578683788691788662017-06-26T02:52:00.000-05:002017-06-26T02:52:47.235-05:00Hello, Again! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwerxDp5gkcUspT4dDdZVMwXm1TchxbWuAnF1oFSDguwQfdNhDZVwdrVJAM5TWnjhG5TuOuvO86C0Rej3slcDBe-89qsJpEZpU_P_m5ICLF_o8uPoDzRXjoMvDiZqEfhNH9R_peMXtzt4/s1600/2016+09+19+Kittens%252C+Home%252C+Schertz%252C+TX+42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwerxDp5gkcUspT4dDdZVMwXm1TchxbWuAnF1oFSDguwQfdNhDZVwdrVJAM5TWnjhG5TuOuvO86C0Rej3slcDBe-89qsJpEZpU_P_m5ICLF_o8uPoDzRXjoMvDiZqEfhNH9R_peMXtzt4/s320/2016+09+19+Kittens%252C+Home%252C+Schertz%252C+TX+42.JPG" width="280" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Getting to the point...I've been gone for longer than I ever intended, but life got in the way. I got cancer - twice. I changed grade levels at school, and a stray cat who turned out to be pregnant adopted me. Lucky me. Really! Lucky me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I went
from teaching 6th grade to teaching 8th graders. I had actually started
my teaching career 19th years ago with 8th graders so it didn't take me
long to get back in the groove, and I had a really wonderful 8th grade
veteran teacher to help me and listen to me vent from time to time.
Without her, it would have definitely been a bad year because that was
the year I found out about the cancer.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Next, </span><span style="font-size: large;">meet
Groucho. In the picture, he is about 3 months old. He is too curious
and has a little stubbie for a tail. His momma turned up in June of 2015 and
was just a sweetheart. She'd been hanging around the house for about a
week when she got bit on her paw. It started swelling up so I took her
to my vet. It got better, and then we noticed she was getting fat. She
had 7 kittens a month later. Five of them managed to find great
homes, but Groucho was mine from the minute he grew a personality. We
couldn't find a home for his brother, Snowball, so he stayed as well.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then one Friday night, after a long week at school, I had a pain in my right side. The next morning, it was worse, so we made a trip to my local Urgent Care thinking that it couldn't be anything serious. They sent me to a nearby ER center for a cat scan, and they found a tumor on my liver. After a transfer to a hospital and a biopsy, the diagnosis was Intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So there you are, almost caught up. More to come later, but yes, lucky! I'm still here.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-27578179615025693272014-08-10T11:16:00.000-05:002014-08-10T11:16:01.516-05:00Pretty in Blue!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvm5XKWFeMh5E9qYDg6HraFx8Q0OB71fSgHmmlNzxe1-aFFdUvpRBom8lDK3SxzJOOa1Y_lOHGwlupE2PFaQ7mUHsfqtmGTej7eU2_CjZNUyT0rFLQDHyVd3KGq1Sy1F-qzpHCRTsGkY/s1600/2012+03+27+Home+&+Garden,+Schertz,+TX+59.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvm5XKWFeMh5E9qYDg6HraFx8Q0OB71fSgHmmlNzxe1-aFFdUvpRBom8lDK3SxzJOOa1Y_lOHGwlupE2PFaQ7mUHsfqtmGTej7eU2_CjZNUyT0rFLQDHyVd3KGq1Sy1F-qzpHCRTsGkY/s1600/2012+03+27+Home+&+Garden,+Schertz,+TX+59.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meet the Plumbago, another Texas <a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/cemap/plumbago/" target="_blank">favorite</a>. It's an evergreen shrub native to South Africa, and its hardiness
makes it perfect for zones 9 through 11. It
will bloom almost all year ‘round and is easy to grow. It likes sandy soil and soils that
drain well. However, it can and will take over an area if you don’t
prune, but on the plus if you prune regularly, this encourages more blooms.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This past winter we had some mighty cold temperatures, at least from
Texas standards, and I thought the plumbago had died. A lot of my plants suffered, but the plumbago really took a beating. It looked like a rambling of dried vines. </span><span style="font-size: large;">But when I began to replace this dead plant in early spring, I could see that the roots had survived and little
shoots were coming up from the ground. This is when I discovered that this is also a great plant for <a href="http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/plumbago/growing-plumbago-plants.htm" target="_blank">zones 7 and 8</a>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When we moved to our new home in Texas, we decided on a corner lot which had the bonus feature of having a bigger yard. However, being a corner lot meant we also inherited a stop
sign and a fire hydrant on the curve. The soil wasn’t the best with lots
of clay and rock, but I wanted something pretty for the corner to take
the focus away from the sign and hydrant. The corner had full-sun all
day, and whatever I planted there couldn’t grow too big or at least be
tolerable to pruning because of the sign and hydrant. A plumbago was the
perfect answer. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The plumbago is a favorite of mine because it loves full sun and once it is established, it only needs to be
watered when it’s completely dry. So if you’re looking for a
drought-resistant plant for your yard, this one is <a href="http://homeguides.sfgate.com/growing-tips-blue-plumbago-46137.html" target="_blank">moderately drought-tolerant</a> and so very pretty too.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-90143808780340728002014-08-07T10:48:00.000-05:002014-08-07T10:48:00.934-05:00Too Many Tomatillos!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAG3IPk9dajOz8-0L3lHUxKFgL9nniWNfP_hHIqZ28OPvQ_cC6m9agr-9enCInkhUPW3awaCx7rapolEqxaJC0Z_acsnsiN70pxcEjLwJZpbEuqFh_w_U4pFa3gMhA5cvSL3AtU-rl4ig/s1600/2012+03+27+Home+&+Garden,+Schertz,+TX+28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAG3IPk9dajOz8-0L3lHUxKFgL9nniWNfP_hHIqZ28OPvQ_cC6m9agr-9enCInkhUPW3awaCx7rapolEqxaJC0Z_acsnsiN70pxcEjLwJZpbEuqFh_w_U4pFa3gMhA5cvSL3AtU-rl4ig/s1600/2012+03+27+Home+&+Garden,+Schertz,+TX+28.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Gardening can be fun. When we started our first Texas garden, we went the safe route with tomatoes and peppers. As we got more comfortable, we tried zucchini and onions and garlic. Then we expanded to peas and butternut squash and tomatillos .</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/tomatillo-growing-guide" target="_blank">tomatillo</a> plant is can be found in a lot of Texas gardens and is native to Mexico. Maybe you've
heard of the husk tomato or a jamberry or the Mexican green tomato? Those
are other names for the tomatillo. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The tomatillo pictured above has not fully ripened yet. The fruit
itself grows within a paper-like husk and as the fruit grows to about the size of a
really large cherry tomato, the papery husk will get dry and turn
brownish. Most of the time you will know the fruit is ripe when it
starts to break its husk, but not always.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The tomatillo itself is a bit meatier than a tomato and will be white
inside. It can be <a href="http://whatscookingamerica.net/tomatillos.htm" target="_blank">utilized </a>in many ways. It is commonly fried, steamed, or boiled. In Mexico, people
will add it to guacamole sometimes or use them in making "<a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/tomatillo_salsa_verde/" target="_blank">green sauce</a>"
because there is a slight citrus-type of aftertaste.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This year our
tomatillo plants have really been productive. So we've been on a path of trying to find new <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/topics/tomatillos.html" target="_blank">recipes</a> to use them in. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The best way we've found so far is in making our own salsa. We started with chopped tomatoes and onions which we've grown
ourselves. Then we raided the pepper garden. We used a mix of serrano
peppers and habanero. We chopped these finely and added them to the mix. Then
we harvested a few cilantro stems (again fresh from our garden) and
finely chopped these as well to add to the mix.</span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Lastly, we add chopped-up tomatillos to our salsa mix, it added
texture and flavor. It is ready to eat, but if you can wait a couple of hours, refrigerate to let the flavors marinate together. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yummy! It was perfect with our favorite brand of tortilla
chips!</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-69855821726535536982014-08-02T16:31:00.001-05:002017-06-26T02:50:19.752-05:00Puppy Training or Training Us?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoYGBe69qoKwcFoTKEExDrArMFpIGlAnNSqGy9xaUjiWw7JFBOoGcDaqtcsWRiz1ub3iRlyq5MPQbdyiIndnR6Quc7farybxdUa0J8IHUI0W4b5blcjHjO5mvzBcXGNhNEgC7u2sPkkk/s1600/DSCN0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoYGBe69qoKwcFoTKEExDrArMFpIGlAnNSqGy9xaUjiWw7JFBOoGcDaqtcsWRiz1ub3iRlyq5MPQbdyiIndnR6Quc7farybxdUa0J8IHUI0W4b5blcjHjO5mvzBcXGNhNEgC7u2sPkkk/s1600/DSCN0036.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Daisy Dog has now attended day two of puppy training! She has completed lesson two of six lessons at Petsmart, and we are coming along wonderfully.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One of us though is learning more than she ever thought she would...me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was pretty skeptical when my husband decided to sign us up for this, but I've learned a lot. Luckily for Daisy, she has too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She's still learning her name, but the cat chasing and the shoe fetish is disappearing so we're good here.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lesson two was mostly about walking Daisy on a leash which was really needed. Her method was either to sit and refuse to budge or the "get the hell out of my way, I'm coming" dash through the store, so we were glad to get some tips. She was doing better by the end of the lesson! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our homework for this week is to practice the walking bit each day increasing the amount each day. So the first couple of days we're supposed to practice walking down to our neighbor's mailbox without any problems and then each day a little further. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On another front, the dog crate we invested in is proving to be the best $20.00 we have spent in a long time. We are now able to sleep at least 7 hours without waking up to any messes in the house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She's also becoming a bit cheesy...look at that pose! Here she is on the porch with her tongue hanging out cause it was 98 degrees! We had been practicing her sitting commands, but she got lazy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't say that I blame her....it's hot here in Texas! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-23479594576327319912014-07-31T16:42:00.000-05:002014-08-03T01:27:35.673-05:00The White Gardenia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdTjvKNCVCHBnKZzlN-G2eCgjm1PZrL1gHI6qyotvb6ylGpgpJZCokkSYPPaNDPS1v9jeTY278UzQ6qr3K3pyxltJLIAjbpdyXOwNEJkEAG736bAGPDDXooA2SImaaO4lbZFh8OJeN10/s1600/DSCN0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdTjvKNCVCHBnKZzlN-G2eCgjm1PZrL1gHI6qyotvb6ylGpgpJZCokkSYPPaNDPS1v9jeTY278UzQ6qr3K3pyxltJLIAjbpdyXOwNEJkEAG736bAGPDDXooA2SImaaO4lbZFh8OJeN10/s1600/DSCN0028.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What's that smell? People always ask that as they climb the steps
to our porch. Most people don't recognize the lovely fragrance of the <a href="http://www.garden.org/plantguide/?q=show&id=2135" target="_blank">Gardenia</a> plant. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But it was the first plant I thought of when we bought our new house. There was a little niche by the stairs leading to the porch. And I just knew that this very
attractive plant would help welcome visitors with its dark green
leaves and beautiful, white, fragrant flowers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's become another <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/southern-gardening-gardenia" target="_blank">Southern favorite</a> because it does well in the Texas heat and can be
easily pruned. These plants can grow from 2 to 8 feet, but I prune it
every spring because I want to keep it as a little bush. It will bloom
from early spring to late fall, and it's proven to be fairly hearty because it has
survived every winter here in Texas with no problems at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When you make landscape and/or gardening
decisions, you have to consider things like soil, sun, and weather. You
have to know the soil in your yard and which types of plants can be
supported and also the amount of sun certain plants need in order to be
planted in optimal areas.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The area by the porch was perfect for a gardenia because the soil was rich in clay with lots of
rock and was pretty acidic. Whatever was planted there would be in full sun for half the day and then
in shade during the afternoon, but it would also be protected from the north
wind by the porch. Overall, it was the perfect spot for a gardenia which has
always been a favorite of mine.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The gardenia holds a special place in my heart as I remember my
mother and her mother always had gardenia plants in their gardens. I
remember thinking the scent of the gardenia was wild and exotic.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't
find the smell so exotic these days, but there's just something about
the gardenia that makes me smile each time I spy a new bloom.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-62931878533170508442014-07-30T11:47:00.001-05:002014-07-30T12:16:19.725-05:00Explaining the Esperanza!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhotnfCxRg2_1ts0Vj-b41DY8tYyk_GcloZKvfdYJP7e3rSXksVp8eZf63m901AwR-5cV6TBy3Na6p_eCG5iexQMkkqNZ2LTMIqrbmC6htZuJjjvqQgm0t17tril7r1GbtzN7XYKWMnI/s1600/DSCN0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhotnfCxRg2_1ts0Vj-b41DY8tYyk_GcloZKvfdYJP7e3rSXksVp8eZf63m901AwR-5cV6TBy3Na6p_eCG5iexQMkkqNZ2LTMIqrbmC6htZuJjjvqQgm0t17tril7r1GbtzN7XYKWMnI/s1600/DSCN0017.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Driving around a new city brings new sights and one of the prettiest we found, after moving to San Antonio, was this bright-yellow blossomed <a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/tecomastans.htm" target="_blank">plant</a>. I was seeing them everywhere. Some were small, but others were like miniature trees.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On our first trip to the local nursery, I found them. They are most commonly known here in Texas as the <a href="http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/esperanza/esperanza-plant.htm" target="_blank">Esperanza</a>. It's also called Yellow Bells because of the bell shape of
the blossoms, and in this heat, it's another winner for your yard. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It
loves the heat and can live with minimal water once a week. </span><span style="font-size: large;">It's easy to prune and survives most Texas
winters. Just remember to trim off the winter damaged areas, and it
will grow back beautifully in the spring.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Another great thing is that the bees love it! So if you have a tomato garden, it's a wonderful plant to have nearby to attact the bees to its blossoms as well. We have 3 strategically planted in the yard, and since they bloom far into the fall, they help out with the fall garden too. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Important tip to remember is that you can promote continuous flowers
by clipping off the seedpods. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-79284915924045753502014-07-29T15:37:00.000-05:002014-08-04T22:13:43.501-05:00Happiness is a Dog Crate!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81l0EjfUKQkEBVOmH6QhlHhQkgmQ0hfdyhGr4xGltuMqWOl5BDLQ0sLMVyMQoa0qoegMpAS5WnSVH8XYkp1bNW35J_c9RhKZpdVwLh3qr73QUEdMvlQ2K8q-oHK9ShZSYkda-YrxweA4/s1600/DSCN0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81l0EjfUKQkEBVOmH6QhlHhQkgmQ0hfdyhGr4xGltuMqWOl5BDLQ0sLMVyMQoa0qoegMpAS5WnSVH8XYkp1bNW35J_c9RhKZpdVwLh3qr73QUEdMvlQ2K8q-oHK9ShZSYkda-YrxweA4/s1600/DSCN0034.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Puppies can be so cute and cuddly, but not so much at 4:30 in the morning when you're trying to sleep. I's also not cute to wake up to a mess every morning.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So now Daisy, our rescue puppy, is doing the crate thing!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We had heard many people talk about crates and what a help it was in potty training a puppy! Well, we thought that as intelligent people, we could handle this the old-fashioned way. We were wrong.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Daisy was doing fine during the day, and we seemed to be doing a good job wearing her out each evening so that she would sleep throughout the night. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This worked fine the first couple of nights, but then we started waking up to find messes and overturned trash cans. So doggy-prison it is.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We went straight to Craigslist because the cost of a brand-new one started at about $100 for a very basic one. It took a couple of days, but we finally got this one for $20.00 from a college student who was off to another college.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was almost brand-new and had two entrances and a sturdy tray for the bottom. We draped towels on the top and sides to help keep the light out and give the illusion of a cave. We also put in a comfy soft blankets.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We prepared ourselves for the worse....barking, whinning, scratching. Nothing!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">She loves her little cage. I put treats in the "Daisy Cave" at night, and she goes right in to eat them and then lays down and goes to sleep.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hallelujah!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So I highly recommend a dog crate now to everyone with a puppy! </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-43988861654971375532014-07-28T10:46:00.000-05:002014-07-28T11:31:48.163-05:00Where Are the Made in America labels?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharE68j6HMCERvM5562PNN4j9doJna3rN4_TS8JtbkalP0KXPrnedp0m9RGuucW3dY4Zl8yZwypxZYA6_JfrcSeJcMQZ0SYBrpWakRw5Nnx20wFZPRyrHXEoKH7SFg8oSLnEkJIOgB2mU/s1600/DSCN0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharE68j6HMCERvM5562PNN4j9doJna3rN4_TS8JtbkalP0KXPrnedp0m9RGuucW3dY4Zl8yZwypxZYA6_JfrcSeJcMQZ0SYBrpWakRw5Nnx20wFZPRyrHXEoKH7SFg8oSLnEkJIOgB2mU/s1600/DSCN0024.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Imagine my surprise when I went to my local grocery store and tried
to buy a new doggie toy for Daisy our rescue puppy, the newest addition to our
household, and came home without one.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Made in China labels were everywhere. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I know some people think that a dog or a cat
are just that...animals. But they are to me, and many people, family members. They are loved ones. They are our babies. And I for one, am not taking any chances with them. Just look at that face, would you?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">That being said, I think Daisy deserves the best, but getting the best is proving a hard
thing to get. All the toys said: Made in China. And I mean, all the doggie toys! I
could not find one doggie toy that wasn't made in China.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Even most of the doggie <a href="http://denver.cbslocal.com/2014/06/05/china-made-pet-treats-linked-to-1000-dog-deaths/" target="_blank">treats</a> are made in China. Now I am not totally
against all things made in China, but there have been many reports of
dogs that have died and gotten sick from <a href="http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/726160-dog-treats-made-in-china-linked-to-kidney-failure-death/?photo=1" target="_blank">pet treats</a> made in China. So I was pleased to read an <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/05/21/petco-dog-treats-china/9367449/" target="_blank">article</a> about how Petsmart and the other major pet retailer are committed to stop selling Made in China pet treats.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">By March of 2015, it will be a lot easier to find Made in America or Made Anywhere Else, but China labels. Yippee for all pets out there!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Poor Daisy did not get a new toy today, but she did get some wonderful chicken-flavored chew rawhides made in Columbia.</span><br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-56392603780558697192014-07-27T17:25:00.000-05:002014-08-04T22:13:11.031-05:00A Bird Feeder Memory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSGUpz1YxawELQ25yk7HYQgE62C91xC6_glktK3Mizst6EgqXcpIjk3hytAiFXqXM1KG7bvEatJm1xGSQHQR-jXwrMNXSP4iFC69Lg09z_FrnIeQIAO2nKxQGsj1dMMbB2PLlcsBFqPw/s1600/DSC0sat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSGUpz1YxawELQ25yk7HYQgE62C91xC6_glktK3Mizst6EgqXcpIjk3hytAiFXqXM1KG7bvEatJm1xGSQHQR-jXwrMNXSP4iFC69Lg09z_FrnIeQIAO2nKxQGsj1dMMbB2PLlcsBFqPw/s1600/DSC0sat.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A bird feeder? I'd never really thought about a bird feeder, but my husband likes birds, and so one of the first things we put up in our new yard when we
moved to Texas was a bird feeder. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We went to our local hardware store
and found a 4 arm shepherd's hook that we thought would be perfect in
our yard. We could then hang 4 bird feeders at one time. What a time-saver, we
thought. We won't have to fill them as often. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Were we wrong! At first,
it took the birds time to get used to the bird feeders, but word soon
spread like wildfire among the bird population of the area, and we couldn't keep the birds away.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Now the birds empty the feeders in one day. It's become part of
our morning ritual besides feeding the cats and feeding the dogs, now we feed birds. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Every morning I get to enjoy the doves as they come to call. And call they do until the bird feeders get filled, especially those white-winged ones. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">One morning I was out on the porch sipping my coffee listening to the birds, and it took me back in time. For a few minutes I was back in 1976 at my grandparent's home. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I remember this huge walk-in enclosure where he housed many doves. He would go out every morning and walk around spreading seed. He would also share the seed with the many free doves that would inevitably find their way to his yard. When I was older, he would let me feed the doves too. It's one of the few memories I have of that man.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Isn't it funny how sounds can trigger memories we don't even remember having.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-51006383495547320062014-07-26T09:13:00.000-05:002014-08-04T22:12:45.831-05:00Best of Texas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulHPeQOITyWqBGCAOIoSl5nZEF_NxZf5M4eGDKPiP9Us2uICrQluU_yHvSFJURjrxZ5aaZsnZf2j8gE1KZVnquwM6xiZjFX53GCltAJySgclYNXr6aZPjkpXfXdFYbeDuxkTDipOXRy0/s1600/DSCN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulHPeQOITyWqBGCAOIoSl5nZEF_NxZf5M4eGDKPiP9Us2uICrQluU_yHvSFJURjrxZ5aaZsnZf2j8gE1KZVnquwM6xiZjFX53GCltAJySgclYNXr6aZPjkpXfXdFYbeDuxkTDipOXRy0/s1600/DSCN.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Was walking through the yard this morning chasing after Daisy when I heard a lot of buzzing. It was coming from the Pride of Barbados. The bees were all over this plant this morning. It is in full bloom right now. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you've traveled through Texas or spent any time here, you're bound
to have seen a particular lush green plant with bright red, orange, and yellow blooms. It's a plant that loves and thrives
in our steaming summers here. It's a member of the pea family. I won't bore you with the exact <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesalpinia_pulcherrima" target="_blank">scientific name</a>, but you
might have heard it called the Mexican Bird of Paradise or even the
Peacock Flower, but most commonly as the <a href="http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/homehort/archives-of-weekly-articles-davids-plant-of-the-week/pride-of-barbados-a-great-heat-loving-plant-and-future-texas-superstar/" target="_blank">Pride of Barbados</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When we moved back to Texas three years ago, it was during a drought. The property we settled on had a small barren yard. The soil wasn't too good, but the weeds loved it. So the first order of business after getting rid of the weeds was to try to spruce up the place.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">At the local nurseries, we talked to many people and these beautiful plants were recommended. They typically
grow to about 5 - 8 feet in this area. Mine in the picture are about to
the 8 foot range now.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">They have suffered a bit in the winters here, but they grow
back beautifully every spring. It can be pruned fairly easy, which is good because they will block walkways if you let them. It loves full sun, and it is very
drought-resistant. We water these minimally. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Most of all, it is beautiful and adds lots of color to any
yard.
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What more can you ask of a plant?</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-71343802672119147532014-07-25T12:22:00.000-05:002014-07-25T12:22:20.978-05:00Daisy Does School!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiremCBswE0kq7Yatr3oZ4Ri-ksyPWyGNY7pE3be4die9tNNJTKrJBV_0dw5V3z_PMzwhLw-hPpwrC0zqNUEzKcrG2dAL6snXjQSY8JjcLDfi62OtCzkaacK0FpnWF3JNxKzQyslcu-AEY/s1600/DSCN001ll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiremCBswE0kq7Yatr3oZ4Ri-ksyPWyGNY7pE3be4die9tNNJTKrJBV_0dw5V3z_PMzwhLw-hPpwrC0zqNUEzKcrG2dAL6snXjQSY8JjcLDfi62OtCzkaacK0FpnWF3JNxKzQyslcu-AEY/s1600/DSCN001ll.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Daisy had her first day at puppy training. She was wonderful!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">We adopted Daisy through <a href="http://www.sanantoniopetsalive.org/" target="_blank">San Antonio Pets Alive</a> when they were hosted
by Petsmart. A couple of times a month they set up shop in the aisles
of Petsmart to find new homes for dogs and cats that have been saved from certain death
at kill-shelters.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">In exchange for adopting a dog or cat at one of these events, Petsmart gives you a coupon book worth over $200.00 in
savings on supplies and food at <a href="http://pets.petsmart.com/adoptions/in-store-adoptions/" target="_blank">Petsmart</a>. Included was a $20.00 coupon
for their 6 week Training Course.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Since adopting Daisy, she has only been about ninety percent accident free, and we've discovered she has a shoe fetish. A training course? Let's try it, we thought. What could it hurt? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Daisy attended lesson one a couple of days ago. They presented us with a free bag of
training treats and a clicker. We learned about using a clicker to
reinforce good behavior.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Daisy seemed to understand the general concepts. Now we have to keep practicing and reinforce what we learned in the class at home. Apparently consistency is the trick to training. We even left the class with homework for Daisy to work on until our next training class. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Will this help us over-come her shoe fetish? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We'll have to wait and see! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Wish us luck!</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-14939209736175643552014-07-24T15:10:00.001-05:002014-07-24T15:10:09.922-05:00Sassy is Just Like a Student!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkHn7uwEi3rfgBauQDfXE5IrI0yEYRMMEn8kGtHNv2CZT06EaZU5JgTKv_MpokinOEaVATX-HlNsLHcWaSWm3WZrkDT7gcOUh15uIFMIy969KF5LP4c5RsSuCKH1NjKma3PSkum7j2EA/s1600/S5030100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkHn7uwEi3rfgBauQDfXE5IrI0yEYRMMEn8kGtHNv2CZT06EaZU5JgTKv_MpokinOEaVATX-HlNsLHcWaSWm3WZrkDT7gcOUh15uIFMIy969KF5LP4c5RsSuCKH1NjKma3PSkum7j2EA/s1600/S5030100.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My favorite time of the year is summer. Why? Because I'm a teacher, and I have summers off. Today as I was trying to do some things that needed to be done. I
was reminded that the new school year will be starting much too soon.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Do you remember that student in class that always raises their hand first? <br />The one who always knew best?<br />The one who always had the answer?<br />The one you got tired of listening to?<br />The one who wouldn't take no for an answer and monopolized the teacher's attention?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">That's my Sassy Cat. She has to be the first one every time! She's
also the one who follows me every time I go into the bathroom. I try to
close the door, but she just sits and scratches on the door till I let
her in. It's as if she doesn't trust me in there by myself. You'd think I
had a back door and was going to escape if she didn't come in with me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Sassy needs a lot of love being a rescue cat, but I've also had to
set boundaries just like I have to do with my students. I've had to show
Sassy that she doesn't always get to be the one first, and that she can
wait and be patient, and in return every night she knows that she will
get to sit on my lap and have one-on-one time with me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Students also have to be shown how to be fair because students can
become outcasts in the classroom if they don't play nice. They have to
learn that taking turns is perfectly fine and you don't have to be
called on every time, and that if you're patient and appreciative of
others, that they will return the behavior. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Each year brings new challenges for the teacher, but some are
recurring ones. I usually have at least one Sassy Cat in every class.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Here's wishing all the teachers out there are getting a good rest before the new year starts!</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-44887119433718613862014-07-23T12:12:00.000-05:002014-07-23T12:12:30.769-05:00Are You a Bargain Hunter?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGm4_O080EwFmvfu6T7K6o5uBM7aD_fW1IeC8G16Rz6835z8qcYRo4ckTOo7dqmRb2tYNR14OJ-kotnlAbfPs6PGPDYkX-fgi-5dFs3o2Bmt1wwvCiLiO4IYA1qO5SkWWwMZgsPrsaOY/s1600/DSCN0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGm4_O080EwFmvfu6T7K6o5uBM7aD_fW1IeC8G16Rz6835z8qcYRo4ckTOo7dqmRb2tYNR14OJ-kotnlAbfPs6PGPDYkX-fgi-5dFs3o2Bmt1wwvCiLiO4IYA1qO5SkWWwMZgsPrsaOY/s1600/DSCN0018.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you pay full-price for items or are you a bargain hunter?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">These days one has to be a little tight with their money. If I could, I'd buy everything that caught my eye, but I can't so I don't. But that doesn't mean that I don't buy anything that I want. It just means that I have to be a smarter shopper.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Gardening and maintaining my yard are two things that I enjoy. So when I saw this metal stand at my local Lowe's one day, I loved it, but it was pricey. Needless to say, it remained in Lowe's care.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I kept my eye out though, and sure enough, after the season was over, I grabbed it on clearance for $10.00. This was at a very considerable discount. They were down to three and really wanted to get rid of it. I was only to happy to take advantage of this deal.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I miss out on things I really want, but when every dollar counts, I can't afford not to hunt for bargains. I've found that if you wait till after the season, all the leftovers are marked down to make room for the new stuff. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Every time I go shopping, I make sure that I look through the clearance aisle or section. These days every store has them, and you'd be amazed what you'll find.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The other day at Walmart I found Hershey's <i>New</i> Mixed Berry Sundae Syrup for 50 cents. Apparently this New item was not selling. I grabbed it up for my ice cream eaters at home. They loved it, but at 50 cents, it wasn't too much of a risk. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The other item I found was Betty Crocker Frosted Premium Brownie Mix with Caramel Frosting...for 50 cents again. I bought two of these thinking that brownies are brownies, and if I didn't like the frosting, it wouldn't be a big loss to toss the frosting. I was right, the brownies were great without the frosting. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When's the last time you found a great deal?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-49955033806679845072014-07-22T12:00:00.000-05:002014-08-04T22:11:35.505-05:00Remember Daisy Duke?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7eoa9-Q4oEwARvZktjOOEiatSwgZFda0-NEbtmLQkuYLm3k6zqGzjPM832lQubxyFrS4WG2SqjYDNjkItUWFjjd2gWAkPBk9jRYjRfBzc0WBwpOAp0Hu217kLVzMef37xNkpdoypHt4/s1600/DSCN0015+cropped.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7eoa9-Q4oEwARvZktjOOEiatSwgZFda0-NEbtmLQkuYLm3k6zqGzjPM832lQubxyFrS4WG2SqjYDNjkItUWFjjd2gWAkPBk9jRYjRfBzc0WBwpOAp0Hu217kLVzMef37xNkpdoypHt4/s1600/DSCN0015+cropped.JPG" height="270" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Remember the Dukes of Hazard? The TV show from the late
70's with Bo and Luke Duke and the General Lee, the orange suped-up
Dodge Charger stock car? Well, I'm sure there's lots of men out there that still remember Cousin Daisy with the skimpy shorts and the legs that went on forever?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, meet the newest member of our family, a four-month old Lab mix,
Daisy. We got her yesterday when we went to PetSmart. I swear, we only
went there for cat food and cat treats. I imagine we must have looked
pretty funny walking out with this dog and box of cat food and bag of cat treat. People were probably thinking that we had no business owning a dog if we didn't even know how to feed it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">However, PetSmart was hosting a dog rescue organization named <a href="http://www.sanantoniopetsalive.org/" target="_blank">San Antonio Pets Alive</a>. Several foster parents were there with puppies and dogs that they
had rescued from kill-shelters in the area. These people rescue these
abandoned or forgotten pets from being euthanized.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In some cases, they give medical attention and in most, they have to
work with the animals to get them ready to receive (hopefully) a new home.
Every time one of the puppies or dogs gets adopted, two animals are
saved because then the foster home has a space available to rescue
another animal. When we heard all this and saw the dog formerly known as
"Angie," we knew we just had to have her.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The foster mom told us that "Angie" had never really bonded with her
name so my husband picked the new name Daisy, even before we left
PetSmart. It brought back memories. As a teen-aged girl, I had spent
many a night dreaming of Bo and Luke Duke.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Isn't it funny how things in
everyday life can trigger memories long forgotten and take us back to
yesterday?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been calling her Daisy Duke ever since!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-41932975569359379022014-07-21T11:56:00.001-05:002014-08-04T22:11:24.231-05:00DIY Cat Condo Anyone?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1u91nnrwlVf1hi1WU6vsNZK5VNPsqT1Wfd4UvdXYDrazdfDF7an1-XhS5cFu_kGLXJmzjqMNQ9k4kLrF12U4BIhI89Igt-65DpFfrrCJuVzk3vO_arRg4B7C4kO0nxtz0dqoWMJEqvLI/s1600/DSCN0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1u91nnrwlVf1hi1WU6vsNZK5VNPsqT1Wfd4UvdXYDrazdfDF7an1-XhS5cFu_kGLXJmzjqMNQ9k4kLrF12U4BIhI89Igt-65DpFfrrCJuVzk3vO_arRg4B7C4kO0nxtz0dqoWMJEqvLI/s1600/DSCN0019.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Got cats? Get a lot of rain? Want to give the cats a place to hide and stay dry?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I do, we do, and we did. So my handy guy with the tools, otherwise known as the hubby, had a new project. It turned out perfectly.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What I wanted was this: a place for the cats to crawl into during the cold nights, a place for them to hide from the rain, something that wouldn't take up too much space on the porch, and something that wouldn't be an eyesore. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thus the cat
condo was born. It is 19 inches wide and 60 inches long. He built the lid with a frame on the inside so that it fits snug inside the walls and can be lifted up for easy maintenance. The lid extends past the walls on all four sides by about an inch and a half all the way around. This offers more stability and allows for the rain to drip off instead of running down the wall and possibly causing it to rot before it's time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There are openings on
both ends for easy access, and it even has a window on the side with a removable plexiglass that slides easily in and out for the different seasons.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">On the plus side, he painted it a nice neutral color which goes well with our house. Since it is 20 inches high, it also serves as a great seating area for both humans and cats. I usually have a big beach towel folded on top as a soft, nap area for the cats, and padding for humans who don't mind cat hair. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Overall, a wonderful addition to our porch. I and the cats love it!</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-40068247824953719132014-07-20T10:24:00.001-05:002014-08-04T22:11:02.032-05:00Do You Donate?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYqCZenHhjJpFplRLhq2VM6ontVll_yL1nOwAGBW-m5bs0Pox01IHrnEEpruZSCPEK9YPBKQv-79GEj8Fwh6sjANCsMxm3ZvSKZ_VvzC48LFshISHkZ6tme_zRXMRFLTh3rX7VsyAQq0/s1600/1402339624862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYqCZenHhjJpFplRLhq2VM6ontVll_yL1nOwAGBW-m5bs0Pox01IHrnEEpruZSCPEK9YPBKQv-79GEj8Fwh6sjANCsMxm3ZvSKZ_VvzC48LFshISHkZ6tme_zRXMRFLTh3rX7VsyAQq0/s1600/1402339624862.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is Champs or as I like to refer to him...Champers! When he first showed up at our house obviously abandoned, we couldn't tell if he was a boy or a girl cat because he wouldn't let anyone near him. He did develop a knack for showing up for meals on time though. Then he would hide again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As he started to get braver, he would climb on the porch for small periods of time, but before you knew it, he was gone again!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It took time and patience, but now he is much more trusting. He's still a big fraidy-cat and loud noises tend to send him scurrying from sight. I believe there are some bad memories hidden away that come out to plague him from time to time for he will find a dark corner to hide sometimes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">These days Champs is doing great! This is a recently picture of him napping on the diagonal counter that separates the dining area from the living room. It's become his favorite spot!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cats are wonderful, loving creatures if you just give them a chance. It's too bad that many are abandoned when they get too big or inconvenient to have around.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Every time I go to PetSmart, I make a point of donating a dollar to help the PetSmart charities when going through the checkout line. Can you imagine how many cats and dogs could be helped if everyone donated just one dollar?</span><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-20362891903112899882014-07-19T11:15:00.000-05:002014-08-04T22:10:39.599-05:00Spiders, Oh my!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI-qJGPfz6jBZYcM70elewW5Gs9dw9ZXTNUmctIjIB9BkNHHlvXT2L-24XxB2sEOqWHfYeUU1En9njyY1FBg6sDDp7VLAU7vBfm50i7C3DGIjYG48-7eLkkczVYSQi93s_09zbI0xlxc/s1600/2013+09+13+Spider+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI-qJGPfz6jBZYcM70elewW5Gs9dw9ZXTNUmctIjIB9BkNHHlvXT2L-24XxB2sEOqWHfYeUU1En9njyY1FBg6sDDp7VLAU7vBfm50i7C3DGIjYG48-7eLkkczVYSQi93s_09zbI0xlxc/s1600/2013+09+13+Spider+5.JPG" height="400" width="265" /> </a></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now I don't mind spiders generally. I come across the occasional one here and there and usually walk around it. Plus with five cats in the house, I never have to worry about stumbling into one in the dark in the comforts of my own home.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">However, apparently my garden is fair game. This big, ugly one has taken up home near the plumbago. If his web is any indication, it is here for the long haul. The web must span a good 3 feet.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My son says it's big enough to be a pet so he's named it Bob. He seems to be fascinated by the spider. I think my son needs to get a life, and Bob needs to move out! </span><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-59969832991737023462014-07-17T15:11:00.001-05:002014-08-04T22:10:22.133-05:00Bubblews: New and Improved?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGYkl1Zj9-a-FF4DhNSZSuyoj8Tm14pq1z5cS-JCDlNP3DJKWtjabj9siiYQE6IvhZR6PaP8pgm8zn3cz4lp59M7IqkLOcDhSrqpVSJ3wmcEztZyFFIhZiHDmONJEUz4MMRvXT8KTetc/s1600/sassyonstairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGYkl1Zj9-a-FF4DhNSZSuyoj8Tm14pq1z5cS-JCDlNP3DJKWtjabj9siiYQE6IvhZR6PaP8pgm8zn3cz4lp59M7IqkLOcDhSrqpVSJ3wmcEztZyFFIhZiHDmONJEUz4MMRvXT8KTetc/s1600/sassyonstairs.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Surprise! Bubblews is new and improved! As a consumer, I always dreaded seeing the words new and improved. I always think to myself..What was it before, old and lousy?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, while it was not lousy, Bubblews has certainly gone out and made some drastic changes to improve the site. Of course, like with all change, some think it's good and others don't. But change is what makes the world go 'round. It's the only constant you can count on.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The best change I've seen is that you are now able to see those who are connected with you. Before you could see them as they connected with you on the notification feed, but if you missed it or were off-line for a day or so, well, you missed it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now you can see a list of all the people connected with you and a list of all the people you connected with. You can also use this list to make connections instead of having to visit a person's profile page. This is much easier and faster.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes, you need to embrace change and go with the flow to see where it leads you. Trying to fight change only causes you undue stress.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As you can see in the pic above, Sassy never lets change get in her way. She sleeps right through it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-48893000456429032262014-07-15T13:23:00.001-05:002014-08-04T22:09:54.822-05:00Pretty Pink Blossoms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTK0dkbZH1HrM68_9CQY-4t1Jq55HFMJxhu8g6lIV8SVcqLmRkpkrxJHxvzlIjLihBEiVct7AVTwHWVIsFfpbxcDvdvZkwbE0t73g3VAkAdoGFbx_HNBTDZsmm8FisaswzpnfASQ3N80/s1600/2012+03+27+Home+&+Garden,+Schertz,+TX+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTK0dkbZH1HrM68_9CQY-4t1Jq55HFMJxhu8g6lIV8SVcqLmRkpkrxJHxvzlIjLihBEiVct7AVTwHWVIsFfpbxcDvdvZkwbE0t73g3VAkAdoGFbx_HNBTDZsmm8FisaswzpnfASQ3N80/s1600/2012+03+27+Home+&+Garden,+Schertz,+TX+18.jpg" height="261" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was up early this morning around 8:30. Yes, I know that this is not what most people consider early, but since I wake up at 5:30 every school morning during the year to make my hour commute to work, sleeping till 8:30 feels like heaven during the summer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I noticed that my Oleander shrubs are in full bloom and doing nicely too, despite the hot summer heat. The high today is predicted to be 97 degrees and tomorrow it will 98 degrees. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's probably the reason my vegetables and other plants are not doing so well this summer, but the Oleanders don't mind the heat. They survive the heat and lack of water well and even like most of our winters here too. You can find these wonderful, colorful shrubs all over Texas and surrounding southern states. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oleander shrubs make wonderful barriers which is why you will see them on the highways planted as screens in the medians. When we moved to Texas the yard in our new place needed some separation from the next door neighbor. We were told that it was against the rules to put up a fence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The answer was Oleander plants. They have grown up nicely and make a great border between our house and the neighbor. They offer privacy and are just beautiful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just remember that they are poisonous to some animals like dogs, and even to humans too. If you have young children, you do not want them to put the leaves in their mouths. As for me, I always make sure to wash up good after I prune them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you live in warm weather and want a splash of color in your yard from summer through late fall, then this is the plant for you! </span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-44173866506664910432014-07-14T14:45:00.001-05:002014-08-04T22:09:43.275-05:00It was Too Big!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQeZsiW1aPwRyXfH3L79nxH7427fMi9JdvIbZqsWnvTU1z_pvLXHhyphenhyphensTGo_OQWRUSb8kC76lJTrcCrxJ-W7JaiJ1Fz_FT1H4J9ebTYKTY9uJ2lTMNtbXjcTCSkZTILfZeT3Sry4X9XXo/s1600/Picture+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQeZsiW1aPwRyXfH3L79nxH7427fMi9JdvIbZqsWnvTU1z_pvLXHhyphenhyphensTGo_OQWRUSb8kC76lJTrcCrxJ-W7JaiJ1Fz_FT1H4J9ebTYKTY9uJ2lTMNtbXjcTCSkZTILfZeT3Sry4X9XXo/s1600/Picture+020.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was going through some of my pictures to sort through for using with articles in progress. I came across this one of Kitty taken back in 2009 about three months after we got him. It prompted me to reflect on another problem I'm experiencing today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bubblews only lets you upload pictures that are 1MB or less in size. This picture like many of mine are 2MB or bigger. So that was the problem and since I like using original pictures for my writing, it was a BIG problem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Solution: My IT hubby found <a href="http://download.cnet.com/Converseen/3000-12511_4-75802651.html" target="_blank">Converseen</a>, it's an open source image converter and resizer program that I got from <a href="http://www.cnet.com/" target="_blank">CNET</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was easy to download and use. My honey is the computer whiz, not me, so I if I can use it, anyone can. I used it with the above picture. The original picture was 2.3 MB, and I converted it to 207.2 kB. Looks great does it?</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-57827358941197502562014-07-12T13:38:00.001-05:002014-07-12T15:41:33.528-05:00Introducing Blondie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXBX1UaPK1lJoFW7HI7dT3L5yxnZHq_XCIa4jIkgGHe6GwCNViV1qq_0lqvqW340W2oU0uc8e3-DxsxlYLIKW0raqCh9AL7T8sGFMnVIQAtVVxC_GssIaCAA6mt3KIGqcE2R18dmey0U/s1600/2013+04+13+Cats+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXBX1UaPK1lJoFW7HI7dT3L5yxnZHq_XCIa4jIkgGHe6GwCNViV1qq_0lqvqW340W2oU0uc8e3-DxsxlYLIKW0raqCh9AL7T8sGFMnVIQAtVVxC_GssIaCAA6mt3KIGqcE2R18dmey0U/s1600/2013+04+13+Cats+5.JPG" height="400" width="265" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, it's all about the cats. Cats are the best pet ever, I think. This is my favorite picture of Blondie Cat and Connor Cat. Aren't they so cute!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blondie's story began one day when she just showed up. She acted like an ex-pampered kitty who must have either gotten lost or was abandoned. I tried to find out if someone was out looking for her, but I couldn't find any news, and no one came around looking for her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blondie came around for a few days to eat, but she would leave at night. I still had hopes that she was finding her way home again, but then one night it was forcasted to freeze. I couldn't take the chance that she was not returning home and might be stranded out in the elements to fend for herself so I put her up in my laundry room. The next morning I let her out, but she never left again. She's been here ever since, and this is her home now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She and Connor really hit it off, and they spend many days cuddled together grooming each other. She's not much for roaming so she spends a lot of time sleeping on the front porch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Connor, on the other hand, will only stand the lovey-dovey stuff for so long and then he's out hunting and stalking prey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the latest from WIKINUT, an article I wrote about my hunter cats:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wikinut.com/the-best-reason-for-having-a-cat/aybb5hjb/3rq_uo44/" target="_blank">http://www.wikinut.com/the-best-reason-for-having-a-cat/aybb5hjb/3rq_uo44/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you enjoy it!</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-56528469454477314622014-07-11T14:52:00.001-05:002014-08-04T22:08:57.473-05:00First Piece on Bubblews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivExzmhkWe08lNNSxDAsPbI756BN1BRY2hSKDkM4V2tvZXRJz_pRsrNXBaMpFy5zsr3UhJYaBB1_gAQYsVg9Jd5xqn8C2WZb4GzlQqDIca-50VqYz5L8Hr-2PZilTuqb-6FxC5hh8o6io/s1600/0612132231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivExzmhkWe08lNNSxDAsPbI756BN1BRY2hSKDkM4V2tvZXRJz_pRsrNXBaMpFy5zsr3UhJYaBB1_gAQYsVg9Jd5xqn8C2WZb4GzlQqDIca-50VqYz5L8Hr-2PZilTuqb-6FxC5hh8o6io/s1600/0612132231.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Connor the Cat doesn't think he's breaking the rules. If he could, he would remind me that my exact words were: You're not allowed on the table!...and he would point out, "I'm NOT on the table;I'm in the box!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hope you got a bigger laugh from that than my other half. Sometimes I get the feeling that he doesn't love our 5 cats as much as I do, but then I put up with his drooling old dog, so I guess we're even.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was at a workshop for work yesterday, but I've been busy writing whenever I can. Writing for Bubblews is interesting to say the least.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the first piece I wrote for that site: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bubblews.com/news/4368828-it-is-all-about-the-p" target="_blank">http://www.bubblews.com/news/4368828-it-is-all-about-the-p</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you enjoy it cause it was one of those pieces that was fun to write! </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6771011920014576125.post-69300720098024848742014-07-09T12:45:00.001-05:002014-08-04T22:08:30.152-05:00No Rest for the Working!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jXPoS3zosissosSXHxtPtCDy-rC26VikMHHYaUQbPt9FEMp82-ML0sm_IqkyW25Ol-dZDOp-6FKqntZnGqYE7QfFUwnO7O0D__AsRfHXybYa6ZL8WkCpCWmmRUeegVWbkK9Ff8s-BvQ/s1600/2012+12+17+Cats+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jXPoS3zosissosSXHxtPtCDy-rC26VikMHHYaUQbPt9FEMp82-ML0sm_IqkyW25Ol-dZDOp-6FKqntZnGqYE7QfFUwnO7O0D__AsRfHXybYa6ZL8WkCpCWmmRUeegVWbkK9Ff8s-BvQ/s1600/2012+12+17+Cats+1.JPG" height="265" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Life as a cat would be grand, wouldn't it? Kitty seems to think so. Just laying around sleeping all day after the gruelling job of finding just the right spot to monopolize, and me? Well, trying to maintain two writing sites and my blog and still finding time to manage five cats and a dog and a family is like running a marathon on my knees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These people actually expect me to fix 3 meals a day and clean the house! Can you believe that? They're lucky that the frozen food department and I at my local HEB are good friends. It's summer time. and it's my time to relax and write! Right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, WIKINUT is going well, so far. Here's the newest article I wrote about one cure for the summer slide that some students experience:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wikinut.com/the-best-writing-activity-for-the-summer/2y7fjvnx/2yqur5h6/" target="_blank">http://www.wikinut.com/the-best-writing-activity-for-the-summer/2y7fjvnx/2yqur5h6/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hope you enjoy it! </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408026282660569766noreply@blogger.com0