Friday, January 22, 2010

Stole this from Jenna..................Rainbow Bridge

I feel that I must take a time-out, before I can move on. Now is the time that I feel I must say this, something important for any of you that have ever been touched by a pet.
Last week my husband, mother-in-law, father-in-law and brother-in-law lost their beloved dog Faja, unexpectedly after an emergency surgery. Days later, my mom had to euthanize her cat that had been in our lives for 17 years. Neither of these are easy to take. Pets touch our lives in so many ways. They leave pawprints on our hearts and in our souls. Our lives would not be complete without them. In my field, we commonly refer to it as crossing the rainbow bridge.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

I have been in the field a long time, I have been a part of this very difficult situation many times with many people and it is never easy. I teach my students how to handle clients and how to help them cope during these hard times, yet when it happens to me or my loved ones, I am reminded just how hard it is. I find that working in the profession is at times a difficult one and that sometimes the only way to cope and keep from going crazy, is to desensitize myself. But it is at times like these that I remind myself why I got into the profession in the first place and that even though society doesn't always recognize the true bond between a pet and its owner, I do.
So to all of you out there who have ever lost a pet, for those of you that will someday lose a pet and for my family (both blood and in-laws) who are suffering from the loss of their pet, know that I am truly sorry for your loss and thank you for giving your pet the best life they could ever ask for. I am hear to lend an ear or give a hug anytime you need me. We cannot replace our beloved pet, but we can open our hearts to another that needs us.

In the words of my daughter-in-law, Jenna




Jenna said in her blog that she was going to pass along great recipes, kitchen tools, and other things that have enhanced her life. Well, I think that is a fabulous idea.........So here goes. This is the PERFECT pancake recipe.
I followed it to a "T" with only adding a touch more milk. I made the whole batch and froze the leftovers putting a piece of wax paper between the cakes.
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Buttermilk Pancakes II
recipe image
Rated: rating
Submitted By: BURYGOLD
Photo By: photoang23
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Ready In: 25 Minutes
Servings: 12
"A very light and fluffy pancake that requires fresh buttermilk, but it's the best I've ever made!"
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons white sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup milk
3 eggs
1/3 cup butter, melted
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together buttermilk, milk, eggs and melted butter. Keep the two mixtures separate until you are ready to cook.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. You can flick water across the surface and if it beads up and sizzles, it's ready!
3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, using a wooden spoon or fork to blend. Stir until it's just blended together. Do not over stir! Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/2 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Sunday, January 03, 2010

9 years old...............




Where does the time go? Levi is nine years old. Its funny, we have two grandsons who were born in 2000. Carter was in January, and Levi was in December.

















Mackenzie carefully placed each and every candle for her brother's cake.

Presents...................






Marc made Levi a Ducks Hat for his birthday. He is a HUGE fan......A million dollar smile this boy has.



















See the duck???????












Just clothes......but cute ones. Kenzie is reading the comics.....He certainly liked the hat the best.

Intense Ducks Game................


We don't want to talk about it..... :(

Go Fish..............






Another version of Go Fish. This game is for the Wii.

You have to steer your boat, find the fishing hole, cast your hook, and finally reel it in. Get that fish in your boat, and drive back and deliver it to the dock.













Whew! Kenzie is reeling hers in.

Stacie was quite the fisher-woman. In fact, I think she landed the bigest bass.......a 7 pounder.








I think the girls were sword fighting here.......

That Wii is the best family entertainment. Kudos to them.

The Blue Moon..........




A blue moon is the second full moon in one month.

There won't be another one until the year 2028.

Who knew????????????

Calm Day


Days like these amaze me, because the ocean looks just like a lake. This small sailboat is enjoying the day. Don't let everyone that it doesn't rain here ALL THE TIME......too many people will want to move here. Newport is Oregon's best kept secret.

Moving the Lavendar





Faja goes crazy when anybody has a rake, shovel or broom.....She bites at it.

We are planning on putting steps along this part of the deck. So, in preparation for this project, Kurt has to move the lavender plants.

Two of them, Marla and I planted when she came to visit a couple of years ago. Those are the biggest ones.....The small ones we put in last year.










So, in the frostiest day, Kurt decided it needed to be done. Luckily the root system isn't too large, and the soil here is wonderful. Of course, easy for me to say cause I just watch and say "no, no a little bit to the left."










Doesn't it look nice here? The scent from the lavender will smell so pretty when the wind wafts it towards the house. Well, we hope so anyway!


Marla, see the big ones in the back? Got your name on it baby!