Better Than a Baby Doll

And now, it's nap time. 

Stella has succumbed, but Sophie is still shooting me the "help!" look.

Thanksgiving Eve

It's the day before Thanksgiving, and I anticipate a very busy day tomorrow.

If you're not into sappy "things I'm thankful for" ramblings, do not delay in navigating away from this page.  I will not be offended.  I really just need to put it in writing for my own benefit.

First of all, this is the bountiful harvest of tomatoes that I gathered this morning.

Out of the 4 tomato plants we had this year, 2 of them died around mid-August.  But the other two, planted in the herb garden inside the pool fence, simply refuse to call it quits.  I took some to Shane a couple of weeks ago, saying it was probably the last of the crop.  Um....no.   I think I know where I'll plant ALL my tomatoes next Spring. 

The weather man says we're in for a cold blast tonight and tomorrow, so I picked most of what remained and will serve Neal one of his favorite delicacies, Fried Green Tomatoes, tonight. Yum, yum.

Today's largest and smallest tomatoes.

Now for the list of things I'm thankful for.

1.  My husband of almost 34 years.  Other than the fact that he is really gonna make me crawl under the house to help with the insulation, he pretty much spoils me.

2.  My parents and two sisters.  Wow.  When I hear about the sad, sometimes traumatic, childhoods of others, I continually wonder how I got so lucky.

3.  My sons.  Healthy, smart, and God-fearing.

4.  My daughter-in-law.  The vows she took at their wedding over 7 years ago were totally redundant, as she had already been through good times and bad and chose to stand by my son.  She's an awesome mommy to my grandchildren...who happen to be...number

5.  Jacob & Lauren.  My heart overflows beyond words.

6.  Health.  I'm surrounded by friends and loved ones who suffer daily with debilitating pain and illness.  For now, I'm strong and healthy, and for that I am grateful.

7.  Wealth.  Don't misunderstand.  I am most definitely middle-class.  But considering the economic state of the world in general and America this past year, I am truly rich.  I never worry about where I'll get my next meal, if I'll have a warm place to sleep, or whether I can afford a new pair of socks.

8.  Terry Rush, David Combs, Jason Thornton, Shane Coffman, Trent Taylor, Linda Scott, Stacey Kendall and Sherri Storm.  The team that I have the privilege to encounter every week in my job.  They all inspire me to be more than I am.  To love each and every day and moment.  To depend on God.  To show the love of Christ in everything I do and to everyone I meet.

9.  God's grace and mercy.  I fail.  Daily.  God gives me another chance. Daily.

I would round this out to 10, but I just can't seem to top #9.

Happy Thanksgiving!  I will now be in the kitchen for the next 24 hours.

Bark Park

The kittens have taken over my blog (as well as my couch).

Have you noticed?  So I've gotta give the dogs equal web time.

In case you think I've forgotten my grandchildren....I tried to get Jacob to go to the Bark Park with me today...and he passed.  Can you believe it?  I'm already being turned down by my six-year-old grandson.  I knew this day would come.

So.  Gracie and I went to the Bark Park Toy Drive, organized by my niece, Morgan.

Here's a play-by-play, in pictures.

Upon arrival, she had to get some love from Morgan.

And when another canine tries to get in on some of that, Gracie growls and bares her teeth.

Here are all the other dogs in the park.  Frolicking and socializing to beat the band.

And here's Gracie.  Looking for her 7th pee spot in 10 minutes.

Okay, now we're beginning to get friendly.

But wait.  What's that?  Another back scratcher?  Gracie's really more of a people person dog.

And on the way home she is completely wiped out from a full 30-minute outing.

And did I mention that I was mistaken for a "leg-hiking" post by Bo's dog?  Apparently it's a good idea to keep movin' at the Bark Park.

So Smart

By George, I think they've got it!

Why do I bother?

Our little furballs now have names.  I'd like to thank my true, loyal readers for your suggestions (even though we didn't choose any of them).  The rest of you who only read and don't comment, are officially shunned.  Okay, so maybe I should've offered a prize.  A new kitten, perhaps?

Furball #1 (left) is Sophie and Furball #2 (right) is Stella

I had just spent $95 on shots for James the week before his demise, and although I promise not to withhold any necessities from these two, I have vowed not to buy any "extras." 

However.....

Since they are still indoors, I splurged on this $12.98 cozy cat bed (complete with catnip pocket).

After all--they love getting in bowls...

and baskets....

But would they even CONSIDER sleeping in a cat cozy?

Um....no.