Friday, October 30, 2009

I think I am learning how to embed videos!

John and Glen talking about new movie I Love You Philip Morris



Some greyt news

This week was full of swine flu news at the clinic, unemployment news from loved ones, and political unhappiness from other loved ones. Thought I would share a YouTube video about Greyhound Pets Inc. They make me happy. May you all be blessed with finding what makes you happy too. Hold your loved ones close and remember that we will get through any hard times together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAFRRLBl1Aw

By the way, turn the sound up if you can - great music!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

New faces at the Greyhound Pets Inc. kennel





They're being aloof for the camera but these girls had the best time chasing each other and getting attention





Mr. Leaner - a greyhound sign of affection








No one wanted to look at the camera!








Except this sweetie





We ran, played soccer, chased each other, and gave out lots of love and grooming. Then we got out the puppy cookies (dog biscuits) and string cheese.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Beautiful Texas Gulf scenery

Put in a link (on the right)to brother-in-law Bill's pictures of his motorcycle trip to the gulf. Love the seascapes and awesome trees! Turn the sound up - Bill chose great classical music.

King County Library



OK so instead of greeting new puppies this morning I went here (distribution center)







And instead of playing with the puppies, we did puzzles, read the numerous mags and newspapers and chatted. Yes, we did sort some books too!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Waiting on the greyhounds


Greyhound Pets is expecting 19 dogs from AZ tomorrow morning. We are starting to get updates as to the driver's status. The quicker the better as most drivers don't give the dogs potty or water breaks. Hope to be there to greet the newcomers but have to work Saturday mornings at the library.

Was supposed to be at a celebration potluck for the P-patch tonight but couldn't handle going back out in this rainy yucky weather. Enjoying reading the blogs. So cool that Jan is blogging! What a fun form of self-expression. Very grateful tonight for so much.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Book suggestion from Chris

Friend and co-worker Chris highly recommended Blessings by Anna Quindlen. I read this book a long time ago and recently rediscovered it thanks to her suggestion. Ms. Quindlen does a great job of weaving together the lives of a rich elderly woman, her ex-con groundskeeper and the baby left on their doorstep who brings them together.

Probably any parent already knows how loving a child transforms lives. This book reminded me how magical that love can be.

By the way, Anna Quindlen wrote the forward to the copy of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn that I read. Interesting coincidence!

The Wonderful Betty Smith

Just finished two of her books - Joy in the Morning and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Joy in the Morning is probably the lesser known of her two books and is an old favorite of mine. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is one that people often read for school but one I have missed until now.

Both seem semi-autographical judging from Betty Smith's life story. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is the story of young Francie growing up poor but with dreams of writing until a teacher suggests she stop writing such "sordid stories" (based on her life). Francie looks up sordid in the dictionary and bitterly disputes that definition of her life and her family.

Joy in the Morning is the story of a young married woman Annie who also has dreams of writing in spite of lack of money (her husband is a struggling law student), lack of education and other family responsibilities. Annie "collects" interesting people in her life and re-writes famous novels in an effort to understand them.

Betty Smith seems to discuss the subject of education (or lack of) frequently. Francie's mother and grandmother both realize that education is the only way out of poverty. Annie has not finished her high school education and feels very inadequate next to the coeds.

Both books are very beautiful trips back in time as Betty Smith weaves in some historical facts. Her dialogue is natural and her characters are unforgettable.

One of my favorite parts of Joy in the Morning is when Carl comes into Annie's room at the hospital after the birth of their child. He sees what Annie has written in her ever-present notebook.

"They say He looks down and sees the little sparrow fall. But did He look down and see me? I'm more important than a sparrow." His eyes smarted with tears as he wrote under her words:"Yes, you are! and I love you, Annie"

11/30/09 Just found the bible verse which apparently inspired Betty Smith's title Joy in the Morning. What a reassuring reminder of God's love for us. If only our human relationships could always be short on the anger and weeping and long on the joy!

Psalm 30:5 (New King James Version)

5 For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Happy Birthday Jim!


I love you sweetheart

Morning prayer from the Franciscans


Jim found this prayer at his Dad's house. It was on our bathroom mirror for a long time. Was cleaning today and found it on our bulletin board.
***********************************************************
Lord as I greet this new day, let me be ever mindful of your divine love. Guide me toward demonstrations of love and and kindness for everyone I meet today. Help me put your command to "Love One Another" to work in all I say and do. Grant me generosity of sprit. Open my mind and heart to others that I may seek ways to show the power and the wonder of "Love At Work" in Your name.
Amen

Saturday, October 10, 2009

St. Thomas More P-patch update

Got an email from the P-patch coordinator. Lynnwood food bank tells her we are 3 pounds shy of donating 1500 pounds of produce! I know that it was put to good use - the food bank people tell me that they are getting more and more people on Wednesday (distribution day).

Had to brag about the great people I have met at the garden. My contribution was not great but hope my yield next year will be better. I think in sportscaster lingo this was a learning year!

I think the coolest thing about being involved in this project is that it is a very comfortable way to meet and chat w people at church. It is nice to see some familiar faces on Sunday.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Our RV week-end - Camano Island




Drove the entire island. What perfect fall weather! Everywhere we stopped this week-end we scoped out "perfect" RV campsites. Found great ones at Camano Island State Park.

Our RV week-end - Chuckanut Drive







Chuckanut drive is awesome! walked down to the beach at one of the many pullovers to catch the sunset.

Our RV week-end - Lake Goodwin




Didn't want to take the RV far for the first trip so stayed at an RV park on Lake Goodwin in Stanwood. Owners Deanna and husband Randy give us all sorts of helpful advice. Great folks!




Our RV week-end - Skagit River







Hiked into the Skagit River at Rasar State Park. Lots of salmon visible in the river and one young fisherman was carrying out a beauty. When asked the common fisherman's inquiry "what's working" the boy's father replied "patience!"