Posts
I often wonder if we really take the time to stop and think how precious life really is....and how our life can change in a split second.
I know a young 17yr old who wrecked his car the other night on a slick, rain filled road. He lost control of it on the wet roads and slid into a tree. The sad thing is he had 2 passengers, who were 17 and 18 as well, and the passengers had been drinking. They called him for a ride to another friend's home. The front seat passenger ended up dying on the operating table and the backseat passenger is still in ICU under observation.
This young boy was at home, filling out college applications and in a split second, his life changed. He did the responsible thing and went to give 2 friends a ride who had no business driving themselves. Now, he's charged with reckless driving and vehicular manslaughter. WTH? He was the only sober one in the vehicle and his car slid on a curvy, wet road.
I feel for this kid. I hope he can find it in himself to realize he was NOT to blame. He did not kill his friend. His grief is weighing him down now.....God be with him.....
Monday, September 29, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Product Review: Walmart Beef Jerky
If you're like me, you're always looking for a good protein snack. Being a nurse, I don't always get a break at work. So, I like to pack a few snacks for the night in case I don't get a meal break. I usually pack something related to or containing a little peanut butter and maybe some nuts or a slice of velveeta cheese. I decided to try the Beef Jerky from Walmart and surprisingly, it's not bad.
It costs about $5 a pack here and it has 70 cals and 15g of protein per 1 oz.
The only downfall I can see is it has 810mg of sodium per serving! Ouch! Can you say "water retention"?
If you try it, let me know whatcha think!
Product Review: AchievOne Protein Drink
I must say, I'm not that crazy about protein drinks. At least the powder forms anyway. I have found one that I buy from Bariatric Eating that I do like. It's ready to drink in glass bottles. It comes 12 to a case for about $29.99 plus S&H. It is 120 cals and 20g protein per drink. The flavors I recommend are mocha java, vanilla nut and cappuccino (pictured). If you like iced coffee, these are for you. Out of the three mentioned, I think I like the vanilla nut the best. But, they are hard to keep in stock! I just ordered some mocha java today for $43 total. BE ships thru UPS and it is at your door step in 2-3 days. They also give you a store credit on any item you purchase that you do not like just as long as you return what is unused. Tanya
God Love Her! No wonder I was fat!
Here's some recipes I came across that my grandma passed down to my mom. I don't eat this anymore but it sure sounded good. I can remember going to my grandma's every Sunday after church for a full table of southern cooked food! For those of you who haven't had WLS surgery, feel free to make and enjoy!
Tanya
Pig Pickin' Cake
1 box pineapple cake mix
1/2 cup wesson oil
4 eggs
1-11oz can mandarin oranges and juice
Mix all together, bake in 4 layers at 325 for 15 mins or until done.
Filling/Frosting:
1-9oz cool whip
1 lg can crushed pineapple and juice
1-3oz pkg vanilla instant pudding
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Mix all together and fill and frost cake.
Tomato Gravy
melt 1 stick butter
pour in flour - make gravy
pour in diced tomatoes
add salt/pepper
stir until done
Serve over biscuits.
Corn Pudding
1 can corn
2 tsp corn starch
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 stick butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs beaten
1/2 cup milk
cook on 350 for 45 mins.
Let me know how you like it if you try it guys!
Tanya
Pig Pickin' Cake
1 box pineapple cake mix
1/2 cup wesson oil
4 eggs
1-11oz can mandarin oranges and juice
Mix all together, bake in 4 layers at 325 for 15 mins or until done.
Filling/Frosting:
1-9oz cool whip
1 lg can crushed pineapple and juice
1-3oz pkg vanilla instant pudding
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Mix all together and fill and frost cake.
Tomato Gravy
melt 1 stick butter
pour in flour - make gravy
pour in diced tomatoes
add salt/pepper
stir until done
Serve over biscuits.
Corn Pudding
1 can corn
2 tsp corn starch
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 stick butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs beaten
1/2 cup milk
cook on 350 for 45 mins.
Let me know how you like it if you try it guys!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Room
The Room
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was What Heaven Was Like. 'I wowed 'em,' he later told his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote.' It also was the last.
Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County. Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven. It makes such an impact that people want to share it. 'You feel like you are there.' Mr. Moore said. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was Driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted. The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the Family portraits in the living room. 'I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it, ' Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. 'I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him again one day.'
Brian's Essay:
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in The Room. There were no distinguishing features, except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and Seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I Have Liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I Have Betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I Have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed At.' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've Yelled at My Brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I Have Watched ,' I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then, as I wiped away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written. 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'- Phil.. 4:13 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'
This was emailed to me by a friend. Thought I would share.
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was What Heaven Was Like. 'I wowed 'em,' he later told his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote.' It also was the last.
Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County. Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven. It makes such an impact that people want to share it. 'You feel like you are there.' Mr. Moore said. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was Driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted. The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the Family portraits in the living room. 'I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it, ' Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. 'I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him again one day.'
Brian's Essay:
The Room
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in The Room. There were no distinguishing features, except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and Seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I Have Liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I Have Betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I Have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed At.' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've Yelled at My Brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I Have Watched ,' I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then, as I wiped away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written. 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'- Phil.. 4:13 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'
This was emailed to me by a friend. Thought I would share.
Friday, September 19, 2008
You know you've had weight loss surgery when......
You know You've had Weight Loss Surgery When...
* I have a date" does not mean you're going out.
* You have baby food in the house and no baby.
* "I'm a loser" is a good thing.
* "Welcome to the other side" doesn't include death.
* New clothes fall off in a week.
* You get excited about hand me downs.
* The scale at Wal-Mart no longer says "one at a time please".
* Going bald and getting wrinkles is a good thing.
* "Just water for me please".
* When your rear end no longer looks like a mudslide.
* When you get excited that your incision was "only 4 inches".
* When the word lap has nothing to do with a strip club.
* Other women are calling you names behind your back.
* When you are glared at in the plus size department because you don't "belong there".
* When you really don't have a thing to wear.
* You have to prove you are the person on the driver's license.
* You start being in the pictures, not behind the camera.
* You want to hug everyone fat and hand them your surgeon's card.
* You are never parted from a bottle of water.
* When you order a doggy bag at the same time as your meal.
* Being too small for your britches.
* When the only way your nipples are where they belong is to roll them up, position them with your bra and secure with a ponytail holder.
* When you go to the mall and take the first available space instead of circling 20 minutes for one closer to the door.
* You truly are a "cheap date".
* When one drink makes you flipping floozy!
* When you run to the door and don't hear a flapping sound.
* You flip your shirt to show complete strangers your scar.
* Vitamins feel like a meal.
* You go from a 56DDDD to 32AAA in a year and didn't have a breast reduction.
* You've just lost 100 lbs and run into a high school friend who asks "did you change your hair?"
* You can cross your legs... both of them!
* Instead of a Wonder Bra you need a Wonder Where They Went Bra.
* When your obsession from food turns to your scale.
* They no longer call 911 for the Jaws of life to extricate you from a turnstile.
* No more Velcro shoes.
* When your Stairmaster is no longer used for drying your fine washables.
* Your mother says "You don't eat enough."
* When your doctor looks you in the eye and says "I know you will have success with this."
* Having sex your husband complains that your hip bones are poking him.
* You can wear corduroy pants without igniting a fire.
* When you wave and your upper arms wave back.
* You safety pin your underwear.
* Someone phones and thinks your husband is sneaking around with some skinny mistress.
* Cannot blame the cat/dog for shedding.
* Cancel your Lane Bryant Credit Card.
* 3 Lean Cuisines a week and that's your total grocery purchase.
* The kids wonder what happened to the cake and cookie god...did he die???
* Having to constantly BLAME the dog for your gas!
Love this! It's so true!
Tanya
* I have a date" does not mean you're going out.
* You have baby food in the house and no baby.
* "I'm a loser" is a good thing.
* "Welcome to the other side" doesn't include death.
* New clothes fall off in a week.
* You get excited about hand me downs.
* The scale at Wal-Mart no longer says "one at a time please".
* Going bald and getting wrinkles is a good thing.
* "Just water for me please".
* When your rear end no longer looks like a mudslide.
* When you get excited that your incision was "only 4 inches".
* When the word lap has nothing to do with a strip club.
* Other women are calling you names behind your back.
* When you are glared at in the plus size department because you don't "belong there".
* When you really don't have a thing to wear.
* You have to prove you are the person on the driver's license.
* You start being in the pictures, not behind the camera.
* You want to hug everyone fat and hand them your surgeon's card.
* You are never parted from a bottle of water.
* When you order a doggy bag at the same time as your meal.
* Being too small for your britches.
* When the only way your nipples are where they belong is to roll them up, position them with your bra and secure with a ponytail holder.
* When you go to the mall and take the first available space instead of circling 20 minutes for one closer to the door.
* You truly are a "cheap date".
* When one drink makes you flipping floozy!
* When you run to the door and don't hear a flapping sound.
* You flip your shirt to show complete strangers your scar.
* Vitamins feel like a meal.
* You go from a 56DDDD to 32AAA in a year and didn't have a breast reduction.
* You've just lost 100 lbs and run into a high school friend who asks "did you change your hair?"
* You can cross your legs... both of them!
* Instead of a Wonder Bra you need a Wonder Where They Went Bra.
* When your obsession from food turns to your scale.
* They no longer call 911 for the Jaws of life to extricate you from a turnstile.
* No more Velcro shoes.
* When your Stairmaster is no longer used for drying your fine washables.
* Your mother says "You don't eat enough."
* When your doctor looks you in the eye and says "I know you will have success with this."
* Having sex your husband complains that your hip bones are poking him.
* You can wear corduroy pants without igniting a fire.
* When you wave and your upper arms wave back.
* You safety pin your underwear.
* Someone phones and thinks your husband is sneaking around with some skinny mistress.
* Cannot blame the cat/dog for shedding.
* Cancel your Lane Bryant Credit Card.
* 3 Lean Cuisines a week and that's your total grocery purchase.
* The kids wonder what happened to the cake and cookie god...did he die???
* Having to constantly BLAME the dog for your gas!
Love this! It's so true!
Tanya
I Almost Passed Her By.....
Read this on a friend's blog tonight and wanted to share. I love this story! Those of you who know me, know I'm a dog lover. I lost my first born 4 legged baby, Kurby, a couple of years ago. I was devastated. My heart goes out to this lady.
ALMOST PASSED HER BY
by Jackie Griffith
After I lost my Angel, my beloved little white Poodle in 1995, I decided to try to find another small dog. Dakota, a German Shepherd/Husky mix was a great dog and a wonderful protector at 100 pounds, but he wasn't exactly a lap dog. I called the shelter and they told me that they had a little black Poodle/Schnauzer mix, but she hadn't been cleaned up and she was matted and stinky. I left immediately to go see her.
As I walked down the aisle to her kennel in the back, I passed a pretty buff and white Sheltie mix that looked like a miniature Lassie. When I was a little girl, I watched the Lassie show on television, and like millions of other kids, I wanted a dog like Lassie, too. But I looked at all that long hair, said "Good luck, baby" and I continued to the back.
They handed the matted little bundle to me, still yapping and whining. Her front feet encircled my neck as her back feet desperately clawed their way up my chest. To their obvious surprise, I told them I wanted her. They gave me her number card and I went back to the front to pay. On the way up the aisle, the mini-Lassie looked up at me with those beautiful liquid brown eyes. Her tail tentatively gave a little wag, but regretfully, I said "Sorry, baby," and kept going. However, as I was writing out the check up front, I kept seeing this pretty little Lassie face floating in front of my eyes, so I surprised myself when I stopped and told the attendant, "I'll take both of them."
Surprised, she said, "Really?!" I went back to get Lassie's number as well. As we walked out to the car, one on each side of me, the little black Poodle/Schnauzer mix who would be Rascal tried to attack Lassie, so I had to get someone help me get them to my car. I crawled into the back seat with them. I sat and petted both of them and in a firm tone, told them that they were going to be sisters, so they had to get along. There was to be NO fighting! I talked to them for several minutes, repeating over and over, that I would love them both. They would be my babies and they were never to fight. And there was no fighting, ever again.
From the shelter, we went directly to the vet's office to get them both checked out and then home. Dakota was playing in the backyard with a half-deflated football he'd picked up someplace. I was hoping the introductions would go well, but when I let the two new little ones out of the car, still on leash, the little black runt showed remarkable moxie by trying to attack Dakota. She jumped straight into the air on legs that were like coiled springs. She succeeded in getting in his face although he was about 6 times bigger than she was! Lassie was obviously intimidated by his size and she first backed up a couple steps and then ran, dragging her leash with Dakota loping along right behind her. Not exactly what I had in mind! I thought Lassie would keep running, and was preparing to go search for her, but she ran around the house and came back to me and stopped. Dakota just wanted to have some fun by teasing her. She seemed to sense that and they were best buddies from that point on. All three of them took off across the yard with the beat-up football, playing their version of "take away." From that moment on, all three of them became extremely close. Where one was, they all wanted to be. They would vie for my attention but there was never any jealousy between them, just love. Lassie obviously adored the "big guy." Lassie would lick his face as they rested, and he'd bare his teeth as if he were saying, "Don't make over me!!" Rascal was the one that wanted to wrestle all the time, and one of them usually accommodated her until she tired and fell asleep still wrapped around them.
In October of 2003 we lost Rascal to Cushings Disease. I had never heard of it. There was no cure and it is always fatal. It was so very hard to lose her, and I hung on as long as I could. Lassie and Dakota remained close, nearly connected at the hip. Our cat population gradually increased as I rescued some in bad situations, and if I wasn't in the room or if I simply don't notice trouble brewing between the cats, Lassie quickly stepped in between them to settle things down. They respected her and simply walked away from each other. I called her my kitty-sitter.
Then a couple days ago, I found my beautiful little girl dead in the yard. It was a horrible surprise. I was afraid Dakota, on medication and nutrients, wouldn't make it through winter, and it was Lassie that we lost. I held her on my lap and sobbed for a long time before I could call my brothers and ask for their help.
In the last two years I had rescued two more dogs who were in serious trouble, so our canine family had grown to four dogs. And now they are three. Fortunately, I have a large home with lots of room for dog beds, kitty climbing and hiding places, and God has blessed me with the ability to care for them. Our vets and the office staff have become good friends over the years. I know that my family and friends will also mourn the loss of my beautiful Lassie, now at rest in the pet cemetery at the rear of our property.
And to think, I almost passed her by.
-- Jackie Griffith
ALMOST PASSED HER BY
by Jackie Griffith
After I lost my Angel, my beloved little white Poodle in 1995, I decided to try to find another small dog. Dakota, a German Shepherd/Husky mix was a great dog and a wonderful protector at 100 pounds, but he wasn't exactly a lap dog. I called the shelter and they told me that they had a little black Poodle/Schnauzer mix, but she hadn't been cleaned up and she was matted and stinky. I left immediately to go see her.
As I walked down the aisle to her kennel in the back, I passed a pretty buff and white Sheltie mix that looked like a miniature Lassie. When I was a little girl, I watched the Lassie show on television, and like millions of other kids, I wanted a dog like Lassie, too. But I looked at all that long hair, said "Good luck, baby" and I continued to the back.
They handed the matted little bundle to me, still yapping and whining. Her front feet encircled my neck as her back feet desperately clawed their way up my chest. To their obvious surprise, I told them I wanted her. They gave me her number card and I went back to the front to pay. On the way up the aisle, the mini-Lassie looked up at me with those beautiful liquid brown eyes. Her tail tentatively gave a little wag, but regretfully, I said "Sorry, baby," and kept going. However, as I was writing out the check up front, I kept seeing this pretty little Lassie face floating in front of my eyes, so I surprised myself when I stopped and told the attendant, "I'll take both of them."
Surprised, she said, "Really?!" I went back to get Lassie's number as well. As we walked out to the car, one on each side of me, the little black Poodle/Schnauzer mix who would be Rascal tried to attack Lassie, so I had to get someone help me get them to my car. I crawled into the back seat with them. I sat and petted both of them and in a firm tone, told them that they were going to be sisters, so they had to get along. There was to be NO fighting! I talked to them for several minutes, repeating over and over, that I would love them both. They would be my babies and they were never to fight. And there was no fighting, ever again.
From the shelter, we went directly to the vet's office to get them both checked out and then home. Dakota was playing in the backyard with a half-deflated football he'd picked up someplace. I was hoping the introductions would go well, but when I let the two new little ones out of the car, still on leash, the little black runt showed remarkable moxie by trying to attack Dakota. She jumped straight into the air on legs that were like coiled springs. She succeeded in getting in his face although he was about 6 times bigger than she was! Lassie was obviously intimidated by his size and she first backed up a couple steps and then ran, dragging her leash with Dakota loping along right behind her. Not exactly what I had in mind! I thought Lassie would keep running, and was preparing to go search for her, but she ran around the house and came back to me and stopped. Dakota just wanted to have some fun by teasing her. She seemed to sense that and they were best buddies from that point on. All three of them took off across the yard with the beat-up football, playing their version of "take away." From that moment on, all three of them became extremely close. Where one was, they all wanted to be. They would vie for my attention but there was never any jealousy between them, just love. Lassie obviously adored the "big guy." Lassie would lick his face as they rested, and he'd bare his teeth as if he were saying, "Don't make over me!!" Rascal was the one that wanted to wrestle all the time, and one of them usually accommodated her until she tired and fell asleep still wrapped around them.
In October of 2003 we lost Rascal to Cushings Disease. I had never heard of it. There was no cure and it is always fatal. It was so very hard to lose her, and I hung on as long as I could. Lassie and Dakota remained close, nearly connected at the hip. Our cat population gradually increased as I rescued some in bad situations, and if I wasn't in the room or if I simply don't notice trouble brewing between the cats, Lassie quickly stepped in between them to settle things down. They respected her and simply walked away from each other. I called her my kitty-sitter.
Then a couple days ago, I found my beautiful little girl dead in the yard. It was a horrible surprise. I was afraid Dakota, on medication and nutrients, wouldn't make it through winter, and it was Lassie that we lost. I held her on my lap and sobbed for a long time before I could call my brothers and ask for their help.
In the last two years I had rescued two more dogs who were in serious trouble, so our canine family had grown to four dogs. And now they are three. Fortunately, I have a large home with lots of room for dog beds, kitty climbing and hiding places, and God has blessed me with the ability to care for them. Our vets and the office staff have become good friends over the years. I know that my family and friends will also mourn the loss of my beautiful Lassie, now at rest in the pet cemetery at the rear of our property.
And to think, I almost passed her by.
-- Jackie Griffith
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Baked Ricotta Recipe......
Here's another one of my favorites!
Baked Ricotta
Mix ricotta cheese, parmesan, beaten egg, seasonings together and place in a oven proof dish. Pour marinara on top and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake it in the oven @ 425 for about 20-25 minutes.
I usually make it first in the oven and heat the leftovers in the microwave.
Now, I will say that I bake mine for about 15 mins, then top it with the mozzarella cheese. The first time I made it with the cheese on top the entire time, the cheese was too hard. Now I make it and add the cheese 1/2 way thru and it's nice and mushy!
Another Yummy recipe found on Obesityhelp.com!
Baked Ricotta
- 8 oz of Ricotta Cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce
- 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Mix ricotta cheese, parmesan, beaten egg, seasonings together and place in a oven proof dish. Pour marinara on top and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake it in the oven @ 425 for about 20-25 minutes.
I usually make it first in the oven and heat the leftovers in the microwave.
Now, I will say that I bake mine for about 15 mins, then top it with the mozzarella cheese. The first time I made it with the cheese on top the entire time, the cheese was too hard. Now I make it and add the cheese 1/2 way thru and it's nice and mushy!
Another Yummy recipe found on Obesityhelp.com!
Taco Soup Recipe.....TO DIE FOR!!!!
Okay guys. This is a recipe I make almost weekly since my surgery.
Taco Soup
1 pound browned ground beef (I use lean ground beef)
1 can black beans
1 can chili beans
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can rotel (I use mild)
1 can corn
1 can green beans (optional)
1 can beer (optional)
1 package taco seasoning
1 package ranch dressing
Cook all in crockpot. Serve with tortilla chips. I did not add the beer or rotel to mine. I also did not eat chips with mine.
I put a little in a bowl and added shredded cheese and a spoonful of sour cream on the top. It is VERY yummy! I freeze any leftovers in small, single serving freezer bags and reheat it on a rainy day!
Tanya
Taco Soup
1 pound browned ground beef (I use lean ground beef)
1 can black beans
1 can chili beans
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can rotel (I use mild)
1 can corn
1 can green beans (optional)
1 can beer (optional)
1 package taco seasoning
1 package ranch dressing
Cook all in crockpot. Serve with tortilla chips. I did not add the beer or rotel to mine. I also did not eat chips with mine.
I put a little in a bowl and added shredded cheese and a spoonful of sour cream on the top. It is VERY yummy! I freeze any leftovers in small, single serving freezer bags and reheat it on a rainy day!
Tanya
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Surgery Update
I saw Dr. Schroder's NP 9/11 for a checkup. It's been almost 6 mos since my 1 year checkup. I have lost 3 pounds since that last visit. I told her I was on a stall and I knew I needed to get back to exercising 3-4 times a week (as I have slacked off this summer) and cut the sweet tea out! I have been without a sweet tea for a week now and the first few days were AWFUL.....I had severe headaches. Guess I was detoxing from sugar.I went to a support group meeting after my meeting as I was already there. It was the first one I've been to since my surgery, as I live 3 hrs away. It was an "ok" meeting. I must admit I almost fell asleep in the middle. There were some people there with SERIOUS food issues....STILL! For example, buying food that is bad for them and then not eating it.....but driving over it with their car tires! Man....I don't have THOSE problems! I felt like I was in a psych group meeting. I found the recipes and handouts the best part of the meeting. It's nice to know there are others that are going thru what I'm going thru. I think if I go again, it will be on the 3rd thursday since that is the meeting for people with those "last few pounds" to lose. As for my eye update: I saw Dr. Vogel 2 wks ago and he's pleased that my eye is no longer bleeding and the blood has dissolved. I have permanent scar tissue in that eye but my vision has improved! I'll take it! I just hope it doesn't start bleeding again in the future.
Meanwhile, here's a recent pic of me all dolled up!
Meanwhile, here's a recent pic of me all dolled up!
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