tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39067180863094363352024-03-13T23:20:59.380-04:00MOUNTAIN MUSINGSNCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.comBlogger1212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-23383956422404914362019-11-15T15:55:00.000-05:002019-11-15T16:03:19.073-05:00Going Dark for A whileTHE BITCH IS BACK. That said, it could be far worse. I mentioned before I would not let my life be defined by cancer anymore than absolutely necessary. So for the near future, I will not be blogging. I will focus on treatment and fun, music, books, and family.<br />
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I know that more articulate and generous people have encouraged others. But my own take is that every person's life is unique and each journey is different. I am incredibly fortunate and I remain positive with a touch of realism. I have a wonderfully supportive family, and excellent pysicians who are experts in the field. The medical faciliy is state-of-the-art with active research and a wealth of the latest equipment. We are financially secure and in a good place. My physicians are very optimistic that we recognized the return spot very early and expect snother remission soon. I feel quite well and have no side effects from treatment. I drive myself there through pastures and farms, enjoying the beautiful ride, the car filled with the wonderful sounds from my playlists.<br />
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So all things considered...LIFE IS GOOD, and we are blessed,.<br />
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Tofay's quote comes from Emily Dickinson:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul-</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>And sings the tunes without the words-</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>And never stops at all."</b></span><br />
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I will likely continue to post on FaceBook as Carolyn Brittain Powell if you want to check in occasionally. It's no more interesting than averag (and that's a low bar), and it won't have to do with cancer. Just birds and mountains and a thought or two.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>STAY SAFE AND HAPPY!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>HELP ONE ANOTHER</b></span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-9903504781532970002019-10-26T13:16:00.000-04:002019-10-26T13:16:33.931-04:00Day LateI usually post on Fridays but got caught up in household repairmen and let the blog slide.<br />
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When our son and his wife bought their house, they discovered a treat that first autumn. Two large Butternut trees in the yard attracted Common Grackles in huge numbers. The birds covered the ground, breaking the outer covering to get at the nuts inside. Many were also in the tree. What a sight to behold! (There is no specific name for a group of grackles although they often travel in large flocks.) There are so many of them, their calls can be heard inside their house. This leads some to call the group a cacophony of grackles. They are so prevalent and bothersome in some areas they are called a plague of grackles. They are irridescent in the sun and I think they are beautiful.<br />
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Photograph from Wikipedia</div>
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This year Violet got to experience the wonder of the massive number of birds. She was mesmerized. I don't think the photographs need any words.<br />
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Here in the mountains we are receiving the last gasp of the latest tropical storm from the gulf. It is giving us high winds and heavy rains, stripping the colorful leaves from the trees. Attendance at Halloweenfest (our largest festival) is likely to be small and few vendors will set up tents for their lovely arts and crafts. What a shame for all concerned.<br />
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Today's quote comes from Rachel Carson:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"If a child is to keep the inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, r</b></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ediscovering within him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.</b><br />
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<span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have several busy weeks ahead, so I will nor post for a couple of weeks. Try to renew your sense od wonder in the world around you.</span></span><br />
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<span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK, EVERYONE</b></span></span></div>
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<br />NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-68576308119692028172019-10-18T16:49:00.000-04:002019-10-19T16:42:08.396-04:00Fun and LogicIt's been a nice week here with much cooler weather and some much-needed rain.<br />
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On a sunny warm day, Violet and her daddy did some outdoor Halloween decorating. She helped to carry some short logs to form a boundary. Then her daddy placed the stones and concrete pieces. Violet has no idea what "PET SEMATARY" means and she doesn't need to know. What she does know is that she and her daddy had lots of fun working together on a projet that other people like.<br />
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Violet admires the results of their work</div>
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Like most nearly two-and-a-half-year olds, Violet has definite opinions about any number of things. These opinions can lead to conflict which sometimes lead to pouting or even "meltdowns." Early one chilly morning Violet and her daddy disagreed on whether or not it was all right for Violet to go outside to play while still in her jammies and without a coat. She thought it was a good idea but her daddy disagreed. On this occasion, Violet sat against the door and argued her position like an attorney in court.</div>
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<i>"It's like this, Daddy..."</i> </div>
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And there are countless times when a toddler decides to comply with a request in his or her own way. Her father wanted a video to show Violet counting to ten. She usually pronounces each number well, even the often difficult "three." While not technically refusing, Violet makes it clear she does not want to do this. She popped a crouton in her mouth for good measure and then she counted to ten in a most disinterested way.<br />
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This week one of my heroes died. He was a marvelous human being with a life well lived, even though it was done too soon. So it is fitting that today's quote is from Elijah Cummings:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Our children are the living messengers we send to a future we will never see.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Will we rob them of their destiny?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Will we rob them of their dreams?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>NO! We will not do that."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK, EVERYONE</b></span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-73511645766462809732019-10-11T10:18:00.002-04:002019-10-11T10:18:36.949-04:00Sunshine and Rain<br />
Almost from the time she could walk, Violet has been fascinated by her shadow. Whenever the day is sunny, she will spend some time making certain that the shadow follows her every command.<br />
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<i>There you are again, shadow.</i></div>
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<i>Now, hold out your arm.</i></div>
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<i>I can make you smaller if I wish.</i></div>
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Much as she loves the sun and shadows, Violet also loves rainy days. She is old enough to go out and play in the warm rain and stomp in the puddles. Bright colors are necessary on rainy days. So it's green and black Darth Vader outfit, pink and white Wellies and a multi-colored flowery raincoat.<br />
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<i>Let's go!</i></div>
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She has a happy-go-lucky disposition most of the time but she takes her chores very seriously. A recent self-imposed chore is to pick up every acorn under the big oak trees at a nearby park. She picks them up one at a time and rapidly runs over and hands each one to her daddy. Fortunately she is not a hoarder and never asks what happened to all the acorns she picked up. The goal seems to be ridding the park of acorns, not collecting them.<br />
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<i>Here's another one, Daddy. Quick! Take it so I can run and pick up another one I saw.</i></div>
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Today's first quote is from Russian novelist and philosopher Fyodor Dostoyevsky:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"The soul is healed by being with children."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And this from Khalil Gibran:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry;</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The philosophy which does not laugh;</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>And the greatness which does not bow before children.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And for <a href="http://vickilanemysteries.blogspot.com/">Vicki</a> and all other grandparents, a quote from Alex Haley:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Nobody can do for little children what grandparents so.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children."</b></span><br />
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Our Jewish friends have just completed the holy day of Yom Kippur. We hope the Book of Life, opened on Rosh Hashanna has determined a wonderful fate for them before it sealed once again at the close of Yom Kippur.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK, EVERYONE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THINK OF OTHERS WHO SHARE OUR PLANET, ESPECIALLY THOSE UNDER ATTACK AND SUFFERING BECAUSE OF OUR OWN "LEADER"</b></span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-64821216078307773972019-10-04T08:51:00.000-04:002019-10-04T08:51:34.032-04:00Nice BreakI had a nice break, especially during our daughter's visit. The weather was gorgeous although much warmer than usual for the mountains. After one of the wettest summers on record, we are now near drought conditions. But we take what we get.<br />
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As usual, our daughter and I spent a lot of time driving through the mountains. We were a bit surprised to find the leaf color in the high mountains about the same as it is here. That is to say, not much color except among the shrubs and the occasional tree. The prognosticators have widely varying leaf prophecies. At first most of them predicted an especially good year for intense color. Most are now saying the color will be subdued and some are suggesting that the leaves will simply turn brown and fall. A few good days of gentle rain and cooler weather would change that.<br />
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Near the 4,500-foot elevation on the Blue Ridge Parkway</div>
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We were treated to the fall migration of one of our favorite visitors, the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. The males always arrive first and spend a week or so and then they leave shortly after the females arrive. We do enjoy their visit, short-lived though it may be.<br />
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A male grosbeak looks right at me, perhaps seeing his reflection in the camera lens</div>
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The females arrived along with some of the first-year males. While we are glad to see them, we know it means the more colorful males will soon leave our woods and continue on their journey.<br />
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Not as colorful, but beautiful nonetheless</div>
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The American Cardinals are permanent residents so they give us brilliant color all year.<br />
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I continue to feel pretty good and had a lot of fun with our daughter. It is so wonderful to be able to drive, shop, eat at good restaurants and cook good meals again. And I am thankful every day for being here and feeling so well. That is always tempered with a bit of reality of ovarian cancer's nasty habit of returning. I try to keep that on the back burne to bring forth only if/when required.<br />
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The first of today's quotes is from Marcus Aurelius and it is something I think about if the future turns more negative:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Here is the rule to remember in the future:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>When anything tempts you to be bitter:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Not "This is a misfortune":</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>But "To bear this worthily is good fortune."</b></span><br />
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The next quote is from the great Tecumseh. It's a repeat but it is one that I think about every single day and it has a very deep and personal meaning for me:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"When you rise in the morning,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll leave you with a photograph I recently came across. It's our beloved Golden Girls standing inside and looking through the screen at us. They never understood why we would ever be in the yard, leaving them inside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">October 1st marked the end of the holy days of Rosh Hashanna so we wish a good year to our Jewish friends. And to all of us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>GIVE THANKS FOR YOUR LIFE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AND LOVE YOUR MOTHER EARTH</b></span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-33320579529851301002019-09-13T17:28:00.000-04:002019-09-13T17:53:43.888-04:00More Good NewsIt seems my cancer markers are still down, indicating no cancer growth. To say I am grateful is an understatement. In fact, I don't need to see my oncologist for three months. So other than monthly flushes of my infusion port, I won't be traveling to the chemo clinic for a quarter of a year. We have no idea what the future holds or how long the remaining cancer cells will remain dormant. But we refuse to focus on that. We are taking the good news for what it is and no more. And I still wake up every morning and say aloud, "thank you for another day." I don't specify to whom it is addressed so that it will cover all to whom it may concern.<br />
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We gave the miniature fishing cabinet to my oncologist after the visit and he was delighted. His face lit up like a little boy with his first electric train (or whatever is the modern-day equivalent). He kept pointing out tiny little things and said it was the most amazing thing he had ever seen. I offered to help him put it back in the padded gift bag and he refused. He wanted to carry it to his office in his hands. All three of us - the doctor, my husband, and I - left the office smiling broadly.<br />
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I saw a couple of the nurses as I was leaving and they ran up to me clapping because they already knew about my good counts. They are absolutely the most caring and wonderful people I have ever met in such horrible times.<br />
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I have several things on my schedule for the next month, not the least of which is a visit from our daughter. So I am going to be pretty busy as I relish my good fortune. I'll take a break from blogging unless something important comes along.<br />
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I will leave you with an early autumn photograph taken right in our community. I took it at the base of one waterfall, pointing at the larger waterfall for whom our community is named.<br />
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And the lovely area known as John Rock, now a fish hatchery with a popular hiking trail to the top of the rock. I took these photographs several years ago when the fall color was truly spectacular.<br />
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Today's first quote is from Ingrid Bergman:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Every day that I challenge this cancer and survive is a victory for me."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been a poetry lover since the sing-song rhymes I first heard in early childhood. One of the best things about Kindle is that I can carry poetry anthologies (or complete works) around with me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I will share my favorite autumn poem, "God's World" by Edna St. Vincent Millay. Think on it as you see the fall colors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Oh world, I cannot hold thee close enough!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b> Thy winds, thy wide gray skies,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b> Thy mists that roll and rise!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thy woods, this autumn day, that ache and sag</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>And all but cry with colour! That gaunt crag</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>To crush! To lift the lean of that black bluff!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>World, World, I cannot get thee close enough.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Long have I known the glory in it all,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b> But never knew I this;</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b> Here such a passion is</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>As stretcheth me apart,---Lord, I do fear</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thou'st made the world too beautiful this year,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>My soul is all but out of me,--let fall</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>No burning leaf; prithee, let no bird calll.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL FEW WEEKS</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ENJOY THE AUTUMN</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://deptofnance.blogspot.com/">NANCE</a></b><b><a href="http://deptofnance.blogspot.com/"> </a>SAYS IT DELAYS THE WINTER</b></span></div>
NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-28456240864398507952019-09-06T14:06:00.000-04:002019-09-06T16:12:32.725-04:00Getting Ready for AutumnSeptember in the mountains provides a glimpse into the future of autumn color. The trees have a dusky look as the bright shiny green leaves begin to fade a bit. And a few trees have some color already. I must admit I am a bit sorry to say goodbye to summer, but we will have more summer days ahead as the weather will change from day to day. And you all know my determination to take every day I am given.<br />
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This view not far from our house shows some of the leaves already beginning to turn.<br />
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In many places, the woods are filled with fallen leaves and the wild mushrooms are thriving with our frequent summer storms.<br />
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The following photograph was taken near the same area as the others above. Notice that it seems so much greener and less like autumn than the others. In the mountains, it makes a bit difference if you grow on one side of the mountain rather than the other.<br />
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We enjoy autumn and are fortunate to have miles and miles of roads with magnificent color right in our own community. We do take drives through the higher mountains even if we have to share our roads with the leaf peepers. One perk of mountain living is that driving to different elevations provides different signs of changing seasons. Indeed life is better in the mountains.<br />
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For now, we are enjoying the warm sunny days, even as the hours of daylight are diminishing. And while we enjoy this lovely weather we are also thinking about those who have been in harm's way from Hurricane Dorian. And all those across our planet who are suffering weather's devastating effects.<br />
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The first quote comes from author George Eliot:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And one of my favorites is from an anonymous poet:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let the dead things go."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK, EVERYONE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>ENJOY EVERY SINGLE DAY</b></span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-35415794610780490232019-08-30T17:58:00.001-04:002019-08-30T18:01:26.458-04:00A Little Something for DocMy oncologist is an avid trout fisherman. In fact, that is one reason he moved his practice to western NC. I decided I wanted to give him a little gift of appreciation so we commissioned a miniature fishing cabinet for him. We couldn't be more pleased with the result. One of our daughter's friends is a fly fisherman too and he gave us a lot of good ideas as did our fishing daughter. (Thanks A and B).<br />
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The level of detail in this little cabinet is amazing. To give you an idea of the detail, the cabinet itself is a mere six inches tall and four inches wide. The little wooden fish signs on the left say, "Gone Fishing" and "Catch you Later." The charts are in amazing detail and the top shelf contains reels of fly fishing line, a mounted fish, and a fishing hat. The center shelf contains a creel and a lunch box as well as some maps and guides. The bottom shelf contains another creel, a map and a brass rod holder. On the right are two fly rods and reels and on the left is a rod container with another fly rod inside. A vest, two nets, complete the exterior. We also asked that the artist include a little doctor's bag.<br />
[You may want to click on the photographs for added detail. For some reason the first picture does not enlarge.]<br />
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We are so please with this little set.</div>
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A side view shows the detail on the fishing rods and reels. Note that there are tiny little fishing flies attached to the line.<br />
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Fishing books, magazines, a tool kit (complete with tiny little pliers, etc.), a tin with miniscule fishing flies are inside the drawer along with other items.<br />
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A closeup of the lunch pail shows a tiny cup and sandwich as well as a can of soda.<br />
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The fishing hat has flies hooked on it just like big ones do</div>
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And there are little medical instruments inside the doctor's bag.</div>
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We will be giving this little treasure to my doctor on my next visit in a couple of weeks. I will go in before that visit for a blood draw. So we will get the results of my cancer markers when we see the doctor. We are hoping they are still the same, but we are also emotionally prepared if they have risen, indicating renewed cancer growth.<br />
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I have no idea what the future holds. I can only say that I feel wonderful and I am blessed to be on the right side of the bell curve. At my last visit, the chemo nurses wanted to know if I wanted to sound the gong they have there. Many patients ring it when they are in remission. I declined, fearing it just might be a jinx and I didn't want to tempt whatever gods may be who have brought me this far. But I don't think they would mind some positive vibes you might think of sending into the wind if you are so inclined. And I welcome prayers of all kinds from all faiths to all Deities.<br />
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Today's first quote is from author Isabel Allende:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Everybody has losses - it's unavoidable in life.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>But sharing our pain is very healing."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And from Hippocrates, the father of medicine:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Healing is a matter of time,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>But sometimes it is also a matter of opportunity."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And from the Buddha:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"The secret of health of both mind and body is</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Not to mourn for the past,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Nor to worry about the future,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>But to live the present moment wisely and earnestly."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>CELEBRATE LABOR DAY</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>AND LIVE THE PRESENT MOMENT</b></span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-27405857451699896952019-08-23T12:51:00.003-04:002019-08-23T12:58:28.467-04:00Another FridayWe are having some blessedly uneventful days. Typical August weather with almost daily thunderstorms. One of them brought us lots of hail after the rain. I do enjoy summer storms and love to look out at them. Our screened porch is the perfect place to enjoy the storms.<br />
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No news on the dog front, so once again I will share our granddaughter with some random pictures and a short video.<br />
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For some reason, she decided to eat her snack of Goldfish with a fork. She first tried to spear them but that resulted in breaking them into pieces. So she used the fork to delicately scoop them up one by one and put them in her mouth,<br />
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<i>Why not use a fork?</i><br />
<i>You tried often enough to get me to use one.</i></div>
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She is pretty fearless in most instances. She loves the water and jumps into the pool without hesitation. They have a pool so while they never let her outside alone, it is still important that she is safe in the water should she fall in. They would never trust a toddler's swimming ability, but it's good to know they would have several safe seconds to get her out in case of an accident. She loves to jump and go under the water, trusting that the waiting arms will catch her when she bobs up. It won't be long before she will be able to shake her head and swim off.<br />
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<i>Ready? Set? Go!</i><br />
[A phrase she learned from Grammy during her last visit]</div>
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Here is a short video of Violet rather high on a jungle gym at a nearby park. She is determined and careful, but it always makes her daddy nervous. (Best to click icon for full screen on bottom right.)<br />
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<i>Oh, I think I can do this.</i></div>
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At the State Fair she didn't get any of the good deep-fat-fried yummies her daddy ate, but she did get her first pony ride.<br />
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She loves to swing. While she was swinging one of favorite "uncles" came in sight and this was her reaction.<br />
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<i>Oh, Lookee!</i></div>
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Today's first quote comes from from Ralph Waldo Emerson:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"It is a happy talent to know how to play."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And from our beloved Fred Rogers:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>But for children, play IS serious learning.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Play is really the work of childhood."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK, EVERYONE!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>LEARN HOW TO PLAY AGAIN</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AND FIND TIME TO DO IT</b></span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-27313189155996406532019-08-16T12:04:00.001-04:002019-08-17T17:01:40.192-04:00It Starts Early in LifeThese days we talk a lot about prejudice. It is an ugly wound in our history which has been reopened by the current POTUS and his adminstration. And when we hear such hateful and hurtful rhetoric from our "leaders" we realize just how deep the wound is and how superficial the healing has been.<br />
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Children are born without prejudice. It has been proven time and again that prejudice is a learned behavior. And it is often learned when there is limited exposure to different types of people. When I was in elementary school, the nearest people we had from other cultures were the very few Catholics, Yankees whose fathers moved to the South to manage a plant that located in our little town. They went to the library during our weekly religion (read that Protestant) guest speakers. When you were a child, how many people of other races and cultures were represented in your story books? I can recall only two books about different races when I was a small child. One was LITTLE BLACK SAMBO, and the other was THE FIVE CHINESE BROTHERS. I admit that I loved both of those stories although they clearly stereotype the cultures and I would not want Violet to have them. Oh, and I almost forgot Uncle Remus and his fables, the most famous being Br'er Rabbit and the Tar Baby. Not good examples of the culture either. Again, I loved them but would not want them for my granddaughter until she is at least a teenager.<br />
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I was absolutely delighted when Aunt Kathryn gave my little children a lovely book called OH, WHAT A BUSY DAY! The illustrations by Gyo Fujikawa were enchanting and included children of different races and ethnic groups all playing together. <u>New Yorker Magazine</u> recently did a lovely article that you might find interesting. (Click <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/how-gyo-fujikawa-drew-freedom-in-childrens-books">here</a>.) The book, originally published in 1976 is still in print. It's filled with short verses and is fun for children and adults alike. I can highly recommend it.<br />
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Picture from the Internet</div>
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Violet now has our copy</div>
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Our Violet does have busy days. She enjoys all sorts of creative play both indoors and out. She is already loving dress-up and pretend.<br />
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Last week I posted a picture of her in a Darth Vader shirt. Today I will show you the real Darth Violet, ready to take on anything with her light saber. (Yes, she plays villians as well as heroes.)<br />
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First you get the light saber at the ready</div>
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Then you get your frightening face to scare the opponent<br />
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And who is the opponent? The same sweet giant giraffe Violet was hugging last week. If you are Darth Violet you must take on the biggest opponent you can find.</div>
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A fierce attack</div>
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I love that Violet is exposed to children and adults of all races, cultures, and lifestyles. No distinction is made among them. She is too young to recognize stereotypes but her parents will guide her to dismiss them when she is old enough to understand. I do believe Violet will grow up to be as accepting of others as one can be. Her parents are exceptional role models.<br />
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I often wonder (and fear) just how the children of the supporters of the too-often heard hate speech will fare in tomorrow's world? Will they become the minority? Will they grow up and recognize how wrong their parents were? Or will they grow up bitter and angry? Time will tell.<br />
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The first quote of the week is from one of my heroes, Ruth Bader Gingsburg:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"America is known as a country that welcomes people to its shores. All kinds of people. The image of the Statue of Liberty with Emma Lazarus's famous poem. She lifts her lamp and welcomes people to the golden shore where they will not experience prejudice because of the color of their skin or the religious faith they follow."</b></span><br />
(PERSONAL NOTE: Take THAT, Ken Cuccinelli!)<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The next is from the late (and still missed) Molly Ivins:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Old-fashioned anti-immigrant prejudice always brings out some old-fashioned racists."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And from the late (and still missed) Maya Angelou:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Is there hope for our Nation? I do think there is. For our sakes, but mostly for the sake of dear innocent Violet and all other children who will inherit the world we leave behind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>HAVE A GREAT WEEK, EVERYONE!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>FIGHT PREJUDICE WHEREVER YOU SEE IT</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER</b></span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-25480831341531368292019-08-09T16:24:00.000-04:002019-08-09T16:24:21.556-04:00A Very Busy GirlDays in the life of a two-year-old are busy indeed and our Violet is always a busy girl. Not much for frills and dresses, she doesn't mind getting a bit of dirt or scrapes on her knees. She much prefers the outdoors and can always find an adventure.<br />
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Darth Vader peeks between the trees</div>
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Her father took her shopping for Mama's birthday gift at a nearby upscale mall. He put the gift on the table, gave Violet a snack and turned around to get a cup of coffee. Unfortunately she was more interested in the gift than the snack and quick as a wink tore off the trade-mark white bow. (Did you know they give all employees lessons in how to tie those white bows?)<br />
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She seems quite excited and is just about to open the box</div>
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Our son put a long row of small plants near the deck railing. So Violet now has chores to do. She keeps the little plants watered and takes the job quite seriously.<br />
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Carefully pouring water into each little pot</div>
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She loves pizza as a special treat. This is her method for eating pizza: first you take off and eat the pepperoni pieces and other toppings. Next you peel off and eat the cheese. Then you lick the sauce off with your tongue. Finally you eat the soggy crust. It's a bit messy but definitely the best way.<br />
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Licking off the marinara sauce</div>
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It is important to hug your animals, even the giant ones.<br />
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Violet hugs her giraffe before calling it a day.</div>
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I think of this very fortunate little girl, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Living without fears or anxiety about her safety and security. Assuming the best of things will happen every day. And it breaks my heart that the same cannot be said for so very many children living in the United States and around the world.<br />
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The first of today's quotes is from Nelson Mandela:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And from Oliver Wendell Holmes:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Pretty much all of the honest truth telling there is in the world is done by children."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And from Frederick Douglas:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And an anonymous quote aimed at all those who interact with small children:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Children seldom misquote. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you should not have said."</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK, EVERYONE!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">HELP THE CHILDREN WHERE YOU CAN</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">IT DOES TAKE A VILLAGE</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-80500158188188155642019-08-02T17:01:00.001-04:002019-08-02T17:01:49.970-04:00Golden MemoriesWe have been reading about different breed characteristics and considering what kind of dog we may want in the future. That automatically triggers happy memories of our Ellie and Lucy. We even reflect on our two dogs who preceded them, both of them Springer Spaniels. We loved all of them, but I honestly believe there is no sweeter, more loving and loyal dog than a Golden Retriever. (And of those Golden Retrievers there was no sweeter, more loving and loyal one than Dichi Sirius Eleanor Rose (Ellie).) Dogs have been members of our family continuously since my husband and I were married.<br />
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Our Ellie just after we brought her home.</div>
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Lucy on her first day with us. She was a tiny little bit of fluff.</div>
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Ellie carried two tennis balls around much of the time.</div>
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I sent a picture to our breeder who mentioned that her father did the same.</div>
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She may not have been as fast, but no dog ran with more enthusiasm than Lucy</div>
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And memories always include the two dogs cuddled in one bed.</div>
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This picture is the most poignant one. It is the last photograph we have of Ellie, taken shortly before her untimely death from an angiosarcoma. It was a gorgeous Autumn day and the Golden Girls had been romping through the leaves. We forced them to sit and rest after having a drink of cool water.<br />
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We still have not determined what kind of dog we want. We will certainly get a shelter or rescue dog who is older. Our house is not well-suited for training a puppy. As much as we would love another Golden, we are not physically up to providing the running activities they require. And while I think they are adorable, I do not want a little ten-pound dog. So we will think, and look, and then put our names in for another dog.<br />
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The first of our quotes today comes from American author Dean Koontz:<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>"Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one is a life diminished."</b></span><br />
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The next quote is from Khalil Gibran:<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>"When you are sorrowful look again at your heart,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>And you will see in truth</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>That you are weeping for that which has been your delight."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All of our four dogs have been our delights. And while we have periods of sorrow, we mostly cling to the happy memories our dogs have provided. Tipsy Pudding, our first Springer shared our lives for 16 years. Penny Lane, our second Springer was with us for almost 16. Eleanor Rose, our first Golden was with us for almost 9 years. We brought home Lemonade Lucy when Ellie was 1. She lived almost 14 years, dying four days short of her 14th birthday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And still we follow the advice of that great sage, Dr. Seuss and we smile because it happened.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK, EVERYONE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">FORGET POLITICS FOR A WHILE</span></div>
NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-61289614015444404722019-07-26T10:22:00.000-04:002019-07-26T10:22:09.914-04:00Baby BirdsI mentioned in a previous post that we had received a large order from chewy.com days before Lucy died. We had been ordering from them on a regular basis for years, even before Ellie's untimely death. They are such a good company, I didn't want them to think we had suddenly starting using another provider. And quite selfishly, I didn't want to be bombarded with emails asking if we had been dissatisfied with their service or offering promotions to regain our business. So I wrote a short email to tell them we had been very pleased over the years but that we would not be ordering for a while. I went on to say that our dog had died but that we planned to get another in the future. And that when we did, we would definitely resume service with Chewy. Imagine my surprise when I received a note of sympathy, along with a statement that they would be refunding our credit card with the amount of the last order. I was really surprised. You don't find that sort of customer service every day.<br />
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I decided to share some photographs of baby birds in our back yard. We have an ultimate viewing spot for the birds. Our house is built on a slope (we are in the mountains after all) so our deck is on a second story, above the screened porch. And the porch is above a 12-foot space under the house. So the deck is parallel to the middle of the trees. We hang the bird feeders (five of them) on extended bars that hang several feet away from the deck railing. As a result, we can easily observe the birds, even while sitting on the deck. And I rarely sit there without having my camera at the ready.<br />
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I love all the birds, but I particularly love the fledglings. The parents will bring them to trees near the deck and feed them until they learn to fly to the feeders by themselves. And those first flights are entertaining indeed.<br />
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A little Downy Woodpecker sits perplexed on a branch. For the first time, the parent flew to the suet, grabbed a mouthful and then flew deep into the woods, leaving the fledgling all alone. It was time for the little bird to make its way to the suet.<br />
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"<i>Where did mama go?"</i></div>
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The Red-bellied Woodpecker brings the fledgling to a tree to prepare for a feeding. Notice that there is no red on the head of the little one (on the right) and how well it is camouflaged against the tree.<br />
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It's a bit difficult to tell from this picture, but I think the parent is female.</div>
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The red on the head seems broken by a streak of white.</div>
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For obvious reasongs, we do not have Barn Swallows in our woods. However, our community has four lakes, the largest of which is near our house. And where you have lakes and bridges or other structures you will usually find Barn Swallows. I love to watch them skimming the lake surface for insects. And I also love their muddy nests and the little clown-faced nestlings. So I go down to check on their progress often.<br />
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Not a great picture, but they a skittish when people are around.</div>
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And what would a bird post be without our favorite birds, the Pileated Woodpeckers. We have several nesting pairs in our woods despite the fact that they are said to be territorial. And we are delighted to see them being fed. We can tell when they have eggs or nestlings because we see the adults come to the feeder and eat, then grab a chunk of suet to take to the nest. At first the fledglings are fed deep in the woods. Gradually they bring them closer to the bird feeders to feed them. The "little" ones are the same size as the parents when they are brought to the feeders.<br />
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Mother bird is at the top with the bad-hair-day fledgling below</div>
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These represent only a few of the baby birds we see several times a year. We have always been bird watchers so this deck has been a special place to us.<br />
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There are so many wonderful quotes about birds, it is difficult to choose which to post. So I will post two of them.<br />
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The first is from another of my heroes, David Attenborough:<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(BTW: If you have never seen his PBS documentary on eggs, it is worth a search. Amazing and well-done. I promise you will learn a lot.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The second quote comes from Victor Hugo:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>"Be as a bird perched on a fragile branch that she feels bending beneath her.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>HAVE A MOST WONDERFUL WEEK, EVERYONE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PAUSE AND LISTEN TO THE BIRDS</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AND SING EVEN ON A FRAGILE BRANCH</b></span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-8506689043608995262019-07-19T17:41:00.001-04:002019-07-22T21:03:27.657-04:00Packing Golden StuffIt's been slow going, but work continues on cleaning and packing away a lot of dog items to donate to the local shelter. In case you are wondering...YES, we do plan to have another dog. But not too soon. This time we won't be getting a puppy but more likely an adult from the shelter or rescue. And we will be down-sizing. We no longer have the fitness and energy to keep up with a large active dog. I'm not certain what kind of dog I would like, but I am confident that I will be able to look into the dog's eyes and we will know if we are meant to be together.<br />
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When we built our house, we made a tiled dog room for our two young Golden Retrievers. They slept in crates at night and we had a special shower/grooming table built for them. A large utility sink and lots of shelves completed the room.<br />
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Here is the progress thus far:<br />
A box of toys and several beds are on top of the shower. We will keep the two large beds and there are several more to add to the pile.<br />
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More toys, recently scrubbed by my dear husband are ready to be added to the boxes with the others.<br />
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The grooming items and supplies will be sorted and donated. We will keep the towels for the next dog.<br />
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This blue tug was always the favorite toy for both dogs. When Lucy wanted to play she would grab the toy and keep flapping it against Ellie's nose until she grabbed it. It once had a center piece for stability but that was long gone. Our daughter bought them a new tug, exactly like this one except that it was red. They would have nothing to do with it.<br />
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Other favorite toys were the puzzle ones containing treats. It was a lot of fun to watch them. Invariably Ellie took charge of the puzzle and figured out how to obtain the treats. Lucy followed right on her neck and snatched the treat almost every time. Lucy never wanted to "solve" the puzzles herself and after Ellie died, Lucy didn't care for any of them.<br />
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Both dogs loved tennis balls but Ellie was the master. Neither of them understood the word "retriever" and while they loved catching the balls, they rarely brought them back. They simply dropped them and waited expectantly for the next one.<br />
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Tired after a round of playing, they collapsed together in one bed, the tug still lying there.<br />
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We had a portrait done when Lucy was about five months old and Ellie was a year and a half. The photographer took them in the woods for most of the shots. If you look closely, you can make out the "ghost dogs" in the trees.<br />
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We bought our first dog the year we got married and we have had a dog since then, except for brief periods like this one when we were mourning a loss. Our first dog was a mellow Springer Spaniel who lived for 16 years. She was followed by another Springer who was much more active and taught us what the breed was really like. She also lived almost 16 years. When she died we decided to get a Golden Retriever. We were on a wait list from the breeder we heard was the best in the state. I believe it. We had to fill out several papers and go in for an appointment before we were approved to buy a puppy. Finally our turn came up and we drove home with little Ellie, my forever heart dog. She was such a great dog and we were within a year of retirement, so we decided to get another Golden from the same breeder. That's when we brought home Lucy. When we moved here to our home in the mountains, Ellie was two and Lucy was one. They were perfect companions hiking on the mountain trails. Lucy's death was (and is) still painful and for me, it brought renewed grieving for Ellie as well. But such is the nature of dog ownership. And we will have another dog and go through it all again.<br />
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Today's quote is from one of my heroes, Jane Goodall:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"You cannot share your life with a dog...or a cat and not know perfectly well that animals have personalities and minds and feelings."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I believe that so strongly that I hesitated to use the word "bought" to describe bringing these wonderful dogs into our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>HAVE A GREAT WEEK, EVERYONE!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>BE KIND TO ANIMALS</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>AND YOUR NEIGHBORS SHARING THE PLANET.</b></span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-11785519101042618172019-07-12T17:48:00.000-04:002019-07-12T18:48:27.139-04:00Update as PromisedMy latest scans showed no detectable cancer!!! That means for right now no more chemotherapy treatments. I will go in monthly for blood work and to have my infusion port flushed and every other month to see the oncologist. My life has been so busy with doctor visits and chemo that I am really going to enjoy my free time. I do need to have an another endoscopy but that is a piece of cake compared to many other procedures.<br />
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So just call me Ms. Optimism but with a touch (just a touch) of Ms. Pragmatism. I had an unbelievably good response to the chemotherapy. But given the extent of my cancer when it was diagnosed, cancer cells almost certainly remain in my abdomen. They are isolated and cannot be identified on scans or in the blood markers. They may be dormant for years. Or they may suddenly wake up and start to grow. But for now, for right now, I am considered in remission. I choose to consider this a chronic illness to be monitored and nothing more for now. I have not let cancer define my life no matter how much of my time it consumed. I can now put it on the back burner.<br />
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Our son and d-i-l brought our dear granddaughter for a nice visit over the Independence Day holidays. So why is this photograph of my son? And one taken so long ago? There is a little story here. My mother obtained this Campbell's Soup tee shirt for our son when he was three or four. He loved this shirt more than anything he ever owned and wore it all the time except when it was in the washing machine. He wore it over a long-sleeved shirt in cooler weather and he wore it until it was really too small for him. I saved the shirt along with his blankie and favorite stuffed toy and gave the shirt to his wife some years ago. The blanket and stuffed toy I sent when Violet was born.<br />
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Our son proudly wearing his shirt</div>
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Fast forward to the present. The family arrived here for the holidays. What should Violet be wearing but her Daddy's favorite shirt!!! It will never be pure white again, but it is in surprisingly good shape considering the number of washings it endured decades ago. Our daughter was totally amazed when I sent her a photograph. She responded, "That cannot be the same shirt!"<br />
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It's not surprising that Violet has no attachment to the shirt whatsoever. But you cannot imagine the flood of wonderful memories that ran though my mind when I saw it. Memories of a very sweet and loving little boy who once played in the woods in our house on the lake. Who was gentle but strong-willed. And the fact that he grew up to be an amazing man, husband, and father.<br />
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Violet decided to try out the dolly stroller. She found that it didn't work very well. But that's how toddlers learn, isn't? How do you know whether or not something will work if you don't try?<br />
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Violet and the famous tee shirt</div>
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We had so much fun with this active little sprite. She is happy-so-lucky and is constantly on the move. Yet she will sit and draw or color for quite a while. She loves bubbles and can dip the wand and blow them herself. But she prefers to have her Daddy use the thing that makes giant ones she can pop with a foot. She is learning manners and has such a sweet little voice that can get amazingly loud when she calls out for her daddy or mama.<br />
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She went downtown to help celebrate the festivities. She loves being a people watcher, especially if she is on a bench eating gelato. She hates to wear hats but fortunately she will wear sunglasses so her eyes are protected.<br />
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The bookstore owner gave her a little flag</div>
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The next day, she got to go to everyone's favorite store, O. P. Taylor's Toy Store. It is packed full of every toy or game you can imagine. It is such a fun place with wonderful staff and several hands-on areas where children can actually play with toys. She was most impressed (as we all are) with the Lego roller coaster.<br />
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Violet takes off her shades and looks in wonder at the displays</div>
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Our quote for the day comes from the great Native American Shawnee, Tecumseh:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"When you rise in the morning give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself."</b></span><br />
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It is impossible for me to make a list of all the things for which I am thankful. But I am thankful for them every single day. It sounds trite, but since my diagnosis I have awakened and said aloud, "Thanks for another day." I'm not sure for whom it is intended, but it makes me feel better to acknowledge my extremely good fortune.<br />
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I would be remiss if I didn't mention our Lucy on a Friday. We miss her greatly but now we can laugh about the fact that we had just gotten an order from Chewy days before she died. A big bag of her prescription kibble and 36 cans of her prescription diet. We are washing bed covers and toys and those, along with the food will be most welcome at our local shelter. Lucy will be helping a lot of shelter dogs even now.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK, EVERYONE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>STAY THANKFUL</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-44173141196733456742019-07-01T13:50:00.001-04:002019-07-01T13:50:24.551-04:00Rest in Peace, LucyIt is with a very heavy heart that I share with you that our dear sweet Lucy died yesterday. As most of you know, she had been lame in one leg for quite a while. Our veterinarian had told us six months or more ago that she suspected a brain tumor because of an atrophied muscle in her eye. She advised us not to put her through the necessary tests to confirm and we agreed.<br />
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She adapted well to the lameness as we made a lot of changes in the house to facilitate her needs. Yesterday morning she seemed fine. She ate breakfast and did her usual business outside. About 11:00, she tried to get up and simply could not. She was quite anxious and seemed scared that she could not arise. We used the lifter we have to help her at times but when we got her up she could not stand at all. Her rear legs seemed paralyzed and her front legs weak and trembling. I called the animal hospital and told them we were bringing her in.<br />
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We got her in our SUV and she calmed down immediately. She clearly did not have any pain since she did not whimper or moan as we lifted her into the car. I rode in the backseat with her and she was calm on our drive to the emergency hospital about 45 minutes away. Once there she was still calm which indicates she was not fully alert. Typically she is very nervous at the veterinarian office.<br />
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They had Lucy on a stretcher and put us in a room together for a while, then took her to put in an IV and give her a pre-medication. When she came back she was a bit groggy, but the instant she saw my husband and me, she raised her head, smiled at us and wagged her tail. She did not make any attempt to get off the stretcher. We loved on her for some time and in fact, she fell asleep before the veterinarian came in with the anesthetic. It was a smooth and peaceful passing. The staff could not have been nicer and when we left we noticed a sign beside a burning candle. It said that someone was saying good-bye to a dear friend and asked that the waiting room be kept quiet as long as the candle was burning.<br />
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We are obviously so so sad but we are grateful for so many things. Lucy had 12 and a half years of being a puppy and still ran zoomies when she turned 13. She adapted well to the lame leg and still lived a happy life until the day she died, peacefully and in no pain.<br />
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She loved her big bed</div>
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She was totally devoted to my husband just as Ellie was devoted to me. Both loved each of us, but Ellie felt like "my" dog and Lucy like my husband's. After Ellie died Lucy was even more attached to my husband.<br />
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Nurse Lucy stayed by my husband's side while he recovered from surgery.</div>
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Ellie was a year old when Lucy came to live with us, so Lucy had never known a life without her until Ellie died. She sought out my husband more and more after that and was never far from his side.<br />
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The two dogs were very close and they loved to run. In open areas Ellie was by far faster. So fast that it was difficult to get both of them in the frame. But in the woods Lucy always won. She could pivot and maneuver ever so much better.<br />
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Lucy and Ellie running free. Ellie was loping along and Lucy was putting her all into it.</div>
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We had large dog beds all over the house, at least two in every room in which they were allowed. Invariably they shared the same bed or even snoozed together on the floor.<br />
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Sleeping in the sun</div>
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Ellie was our first Golden Retriever and she was so great that we decided to get another. They were one and two years old when we came here to the mountains and we had tons of fun hiking with them, watching them run with their fluffy hair blowing in the breeze, playing with them on the floor and simply loving them.<br />
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I prefer to believe in the Rainbow Bridge. My belief won't change whether it actually exists or not, so why not believe that Lucy made her way yesterday and Ellie rejoiced to greet her. They are running free and then resting side-by-side.<br />
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God speed dear sweet Lucy. You gave us so much pleasure and you will always have a special place in our hearts. We will toast you on your birthday Thursday when you would have been fourteen.<br />
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A quote from Dr. Seuss always gives me peace:<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>"Don't cry because it's over,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Smile because it happened."</b></span>NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-57851866832468298072019-05-31T15:36:00.002-04:002019-05-31T15:36:48.156-04:00Friday AgainSuddenly it is hot and dry after all those weeks of rain. Plants actually need to be watered for the first time in quIte a while.<br />
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Little Violet has improved dramatically as expected. She has a lingering cough, worse at night but has been several days now without a fever. No more constant cuddling for this little girl. She wants to be out and going.<br />
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Their household is home to two cats, one found them one winter day but she was hardly free. After several days the cat still hung around their doorstep so they took her in the veterinarian right away to see if she had a chip and to check her for any disease or parasites. (They already had one cat.) When their first cat died they went to the local shelter to look for another. There was a trembling little kitten who was days away from being euthanized. She was a tiny little thing born with neurological disabilities and considered un-adoptable, so they truly rescued her. The little cat has improved dramatically as she has learned to accommodate for her disability. She is rather shy.<br />
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But the cat who found them immediately figured that she had a new responsibility the day they brought Violet home from the hospital. She is never far from Violet and Violet adores the cat right back. She gave Violet a lot of comfort while she had croup.<br />
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Hair a mess from feverish sleep, Violet confers with her friend.</div>
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There are times when it seems Violet is patterning her life after the cats. She loves to crawl behind curtains, hide in boxes, and climb in baskets.<br />
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<i>What? I like it in here.</i></div>
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This is a photograph my son took with his phone while a photographer was taking a picture of Violet. So I don't feel obliged to credit the photographer since she did not take this particular photograph. My son did.<br />
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I had a little mouse who gave brief thought to building a nest in the back of my car's front passenger seat. Two days. That's how long she was in there. That's all. Two days. While it appears to be no more than two tiny slits in the leather and pulling out bits of foam, the little devil was also chewing wires. The cost of the repairs is unbelievable and the length of time I will have to wait makes me long for fewer electronic devices. Almost. The dealer will actually have to completely replace both the seat and the back and then re-wire and re-program the computer. All because of one little mouse in two days.<br />
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That is a preamble that due to car repairs plus several most welcome visits, I will not likely post for several weeks. I finish my last chemotherapy treatment in two more weeks and then undergo another round of blood work and scans. I feel good, but we do remember what a dreadfully sly bitch cancer can be, especially the ovarian branch of the family. But I will return.<br />
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I will leave you with a couple of my favorite quotes about survival. I have already survived (and well, thank you very much) beyond initial hopes at my original diagnosis and surgery so I say, 'why not keep on keeping on?'<br />
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Aristotle said:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And this one from Marcus Aurelius:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"When you arise every morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive---to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">HAVE A WONDERFUL MONTH, EVERYONE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">REMEMBER HOW TRULY PRECIOUS LIFE IS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">AND LIFE IT TO THE FULLEST</span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-57843526833000197942019-05-24T19:23:00.001-04:002019-05-24T19:33:06.200-04:00Golden DaysWe're having a heat wave for this Memorial Day weekend. The swimming areas of the various rivers will be filled as some will spend the day picnicking and cooling off. Downtown there will be a token military parade with laying of the wreaths on the monuments on the courthouse lawn. But in this county known for its white squirrels, The White Squirrel Festival will eclipse most Memorial Day activities. I have no idea why Memorial Day weekend was selected for the large festival.<br />
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Lucy continues to be about the same. We were ever so fortunate to find a neighbor who had previously been a vet tech and had recently moved to our community. She came to our home and clipped Lucy's nails. The rear paws were particularly bad since she wears boots and therefore the nails don't touch pavement. The neighbor did a fine job and was so gentle that Lucy was not at all bothered, This wonderful person (now a friend) will also come to trim some of Lucy's overgrown hair and help us give her a bath out on the driveway. We are more than thrilled to have her to help us.<br />
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Lucy appears deep in thought</div>
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For weeks now we have been looking forward to a visit from our son and d-i-l and our dear Violet. Plane tickets were bought weeks ago for a flight down yesterday. Wednesday night Violet awakened them crying and coughing. She was hot with a temperature of 102. There would definitely be no flying down on Thursday. Instead, she went to the pediatrician where she was diagnosed with croup. The doctor was very pleased they had brought her in so early. Since it is caused by a virus an antibiotic would not help at all. She was given steroids which will help a great deal with the severity of her coughing and duration of her symptoms. The doctor's assistant spent quite a while explaining what they needed to watch for and what actions to take. The doctor had said that last night (Thursday) would be her worst night but then she should begin to improve. The cough is likely to linger for some time but will decrease in frequency and intensity soon. It is very fortunate that she was seen early in the stages of the illness. So while we are so sorry she won't be with us this weekend we are very happy that she is comfortable at home and that her mother had already planned vacation days so there will be two parents to care for her. So it's wear jammies all day, be cuddled all day, read stories and watch children's programs on television, a real treat for her. They have re-scheduled their trip for Independence Day. Thank goodness they always buy travel insurance when they fly. It certainly makes sense when you have a baby or young child. You just cannot plan for certain that the child will be well enough to travel. Here's hoping everything goes well.<br />
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She is drinking fluids well.</div>
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But the only thing she will eat are croissants from her favorite bakery.<br />
She may be sick but she has good taste.</div>
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Even if our White Squirrel usurps Memorial Day, we do not. We both had relatives who fought and died in WWII, Korea, and Iraq. Names of my ancestors who died in the American Civil War are engraved on the base of the Confederate Soldier in Morganton, NC. So our thoughts turn to all soldiers everywhere who gave their lives. We will fly Old Glory in their honor.<br />
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The first of our quotes is from Helen Keller:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"So long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I shall say that life is good."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And from Daniel Webster:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"May their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored."</b></span><br />
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So let us all pause to remember those who died in our wars. We do not dishonor them by failing to stand during the playing/singing of our National Anthem so long as we are respectful in whatever position we take. We do not dishonor them by allowing speech with which we totally disagree. We do not dishonor them by not requiring children to stand and pledge allegiance to our flag. We do not dishonor them by giving honor to the Civil War dead, many of whom were conscripted and were teenagers. We honor them by respecting the very freedoms for which they fought and died.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>HONOR THE FALLEN SOLDIERS</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>RESPECT OUR FREEDOMS</b></span></div>
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<br />NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-16018538125018688292019-05-17T16:03:00.001-04:002019-05-18T12:41:27.981-04:00Now We Are TwoViolet had her second birthday last Sunday. She did not have a birthday party. Her parents do not think much of having parties for a one or two year old. So while they will definitely have a third birthday party, she did not have one this year.<br />
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She hates her stroller now, and doesn't want to ride in it. So my husband and I sent her a tricycle stroller for her birthday. It is a full-sized tricycle but with a canopy and handles to make it a stroller as well. It's a pretty large tricycle and she is not quite tall enough to reach the pedals so she uses the footrest. When she no longer needs a stroller, the stroller parts can be removed and she will have a real tricycle that adjusts a lot so it will be the right size until she is six or so. The trike/stroller is a genuine Bentley, made by the Bentley Motor Company. My son said he always wanted to drive a Bentley and now he does. Violet loves it because she can "steer" with the handlebars.<br />
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Violet and her Bentley Yes, that's a Pink Floyd shirt.</div>
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Who doesn't love "Dark Side of the Moon"?</div>
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Violet's other big present was from her parents. An outdoor gym, complete with slide, swings, ladders and a picnic table. She loves going to a nearby park so she was really excited to have one in her own yard. Before the workmen had driven off after assembling it, she grabbed her jacket and took it to her father. She climbed up the ladder and slid down the slide time and time again. Her father told her she could come down the slide one more time and then they must go inside. "Understand, Violet? You may slide down one more time and then we go inside." So Violet climbed up to the top of the slide. She gave her father a defiant look and sat on the top of the slide. Since she knew sliding down meant going inside, she simply sat there. It's going to be an interesting year.<br />
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She loves the gym</div>
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Most readers know that Violet is adopted. Her birth mother selected my son and his wife to be her parents when the adoption agency gave her several biographies and photographs of potential parents. While my son and d-i-l would have preferred an open adoption, the birth mother wanted the adoption closed so they have never met her. Immediately after the routine care after the birth, the little baby girl was taken to a room adjacent to the delivery room and handed to her adoptive parents.<br />
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Immediately after her birth in her new mother's arms</div>
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The hero of Violet's two years on earth is the courageous young woman who gave birth to her and who made two of the most difficult decisions any woman can make; 1.) to give birth and 2.) to have the baby adopted. We are blessed and think of her often. All of us still hope that some day she may want to be a part of Violet's life although we will continue to respect her decision. Our son and d-i-l maintain a portfolio of Violet's life and send regular updates to the adoption agency to keep in case the birth mother wants to see the photographs. And they have told the agency they would be happy to receive the mother in their home should she desire at any time to see Violet.<br />
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Instead of a birthday party on Violet's first birthday, our son and d-i-l held an open house for all the people who assisted in Violet's adoption. Friends who wrote references and went for interviews, friends who helped get their house ready on short notice, the social workers from the adoption agency and others involved in any way dropped by for champagne and hors d'oeuvre and left with a small potted plant. A violet, of course.<br />
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And beginning with her birth and both Mother's Days since Violet's parents plant violets in their natural yard in honor of the woman who gave them the most precious gift possible.<br />
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Violets are symbolic of love and harmony</div>
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Today's quotes come from birth mothers written anonymously. They are the true heroes of the adoption story. While people say how lucky the child is, the truth is how lucky the adoptive parents are.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"A mother's love for her child is like no other. To be able to put that feeling aside because you want the best for your child is the most unselfish thing I know."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"He is mine in a way he will never be hers, yet he is hers in a way he will never be mine. So together we are motherhood."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"If you love someone unconditionally and with your whole heart, then you will do what is best for them, not you. I have never learned a harder lesson than giving my child up for adoption, and I probably never will.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK, EVERYONE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>FILLED WITH LOVE AND HARMONY</b></span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-8350389869658152252019-05-10T16:52:00.001-04:002019-05-10T16:52:44.280-04:00Golden Lucy and Sweet Toddler<br />
Lucy takes a very expensive arthritis pill every morning before breakfast. So first thing when my husband gets up, she takes her place near the kitchen cabinet where the pills and treats are kept. The two of them get up very early.<br />
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Lucy waits patients for her morning treat</div>
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<i>Hurry up, Dad. I'm waiting.</i></div>
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The pills have worked magic for her and she does not seem to have any pain when she takes them. Her lameness has not progressed to other areas and does not seem any worse than before. So if she does have a tumor (as the veterinarian highly suspects), it must be a slow-growing one. She still seems to enjoy her life and we definitely enjoy having her around.<br />
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As Lucy ages and no longer runs in the outdoors, our Violet is growing fast and running and discovering the wonders of the outdoors. Their very large front yard is full of trees, so they do not plant grass but allow the natural bed of ground cover, weeds and wildflowers to flourish were the grass will not. They did scatter daffodil bulbs all over which is gorgeous when they are blooming. Regular trimming keeps the yard attractively managed so the neighbors don't complain about a "field" growing there. But while others are killing off the dandelions and other wildflowers, our son and his family are enjoying them.<br />
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Violet recently discovered the art of blowing dandelion fluff. She hasn't quite mastered it but she is learning.<br />
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<i>First, you find just the right one.</i></div>
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<i>Yes, this one is perfect, so I'll pick it.</i></div>
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<i>Then you hold it up and blow and blow like this.</i></div>
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<b>I think you need to hold it a bit closer, Violet.</b></div>
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<b>But you have the right idea.</b></div>
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It's a common passage of life, isn't it? Our dogs grow old and our grandchildren grow up. It's Nature's way and we cannot stop either from happening. And that's a good thing. We humans have demonstrated over and over again that we should not be in charge.<br />
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Noted anthropologist, the late Margaret Mead provides our first quote:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And we would be remiss if we did not include a quote by Jim Fowler, renowned zoologist who died only two days ago:</span><br />
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Our challenge for the future is that we realize that we are very much a part of the earth's ecosystem,</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And we must learn to respect and live according to the basic biological laws of nature."</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Compare those quotes to the ones from our (gulp) Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo who is excited about the melting sea ice in the Arctic. In a speech at the Arctic Summit in Finland, Pompeo gave us the following quote:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Steady reductions in sea ice will open new passageways and new opportunities for trade...the forefront of opportunity and abundance."</b></span><br />
Yes, the Arctic region has reportedly lost 90,000 square miles of sea ice since last year alone, and the United Nations reports over a million species are at risk of extinction due to human influence in climate change. But Pompeo also defended President Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement. Because he said:<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Collective goals, even when well-intentioned, are not always the answer."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">No, Mr. Pompeo. But they are at least a beginning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK, EVERYONE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>REMEMBER YOUR MOTHER ON THIS MOTHER'S DAY</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>AND YOUR MOTHER EARTH AS WELL</b></span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-30810717914018696622019-05-03T15:05:00.001-04:002019-05-03T15:22:36.823-04:00Loving Lucy<br />
Yet another week of nice weather. I was surprised to find one-way traffic twice this week while road crews cleared up more landslides and fallen trees. Looking at some of the ridges above the roads one can see exposed roots of large trees. It appears they could fall at any time. So while the rains have stopped, the dangers remain.<br />
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I find myself more and more looking at old photographs of a younger Lucy. She was such an active and competitive dog. Independent and somewhat difficult to train, and acting more like a puppy or adolescent far into her adulthood. She loved to run and we were fortunate to have several places in which our dogs could run freely off leash. Lucy routinely ran until she was exhausted. No such thing as pacing oneself, it was all about going.<br />
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Lucy, the eight-year-old puppy</div>
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On the one hand, it's sad to see her so much less active. She rarely runs and then only for a few feet. But on the other hand, she seems to enjoy life. She isn't having pain and she still approaches us for extra hugs. She enjoys her food and snacks and loves sitting on the deck. She really loves the sunshine and will find a sunbeam if there is one to find. Best of all is that she is still with us and still enjoys life. What more can anyone ask?<br />
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Snoozing in the sun once again</div>
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Hard to imagine, but our Violet will be two years old this month. Our daughter sent her Neil Gaiman's set of books about Chu, a sneezing Panda. She included a stuffed Panda as well. When it arrived, Violet decided it must be hungry after the trip so she fed it a toy cracker. She is very serious about caring for her animals. (She learned a sad lesson about feeding stuffed animals real food like blueberries. That didn't turn out so well.) Her little kitchen, complete with microwave is behind her. She does a lot of cooking there.<br />
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Feeding her new panda</div>
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Oh, and she's learning to do duck lips</div>
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It is fitting that today's quotes involve the environment. The first is from Gaylord Nelson:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"The ultimate test of man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The other quote is from Mohandis Ghandi:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>But not every man's greeds."</b></span><br />
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As proof that the fox is not a good guardian of the henhouse, the head of the Interior Department has announced a relaxation of the rules for deep water oil drilling. These rules were put in place after the BP Deepwater Horizon catastrophe and will put the oceans in danger of more. The new rules allow the oil companies to do their own safety inspections and will not be required to report the results. Does it make you feel better that this will save the oil companies money? Me neither.<br />
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The "leaders" of the United States do not seem to be willing to sacrifice anything for future generations. They seem to think the entire earth belongs to Americans and that we are free to make terrible decisions that affect the other people inhabiting this planet.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>DO SOMETHING TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE FUTURE</b></span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-69629857088952727882019-04-26T15:06:00.002-04:002019-04-26T15:06:33.268-04:00Friday with a Golden LucyAnother week, more rain. Today is bright and sunny but with scattered showers. Rivers are still high and fields are still flooded. While an inconvenience for us, the continued rain has been disastrous for farmers and early crops. And for families who enjoy having a garden. Especially for those families who really need the garden to supplement their food supply.<br />
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The rain has definitely increased the beauty of the spring trees and flowers. We hear a lot of birdsong every morning and a pair of wrens have built several nests about our deck. There's no guarantee they will use any of them, but it is interesting to watch them working. Towhees are once again nesting in the bushes near the driveway. Chickadees have found two of our bird boxes to their liking and are nesting there. The Pileated Woodpeckers come to the suet looking quite dirty and take food back with them so we are certain they have nestlings in hollow trees nearby. Quite often we find a Tufted Titmouse flying out of the garage, but so far we have not found a nest. It's a wonderful time of year.<br />
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Lucy is holding her own. She manages to walk around a bit outside and indoors but she definitely spends more time snoozing than she did before her leg went lame. She seems happy and has adjusted to the changes in living and eating upstairs rather than the den and "doggie room." We try not to leave her alone for very long at a time, because she seems to want someone around.<br />
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A raggedy but comfortable old girl</div>
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Our Violet loves to be outdoors and especially loves bubble time. Notice the amazed look on her little face when she actually caught a bubble in her hand. Her sitter had put her hair in a "Cindy Lou Who" style. Her hair does seem to be growing. Finally. My son allows that she might be cuter with hair, but grooming a bald-headed daughter is easier. Especially after she gets something like syrup in her hair. She had her first croissant recently and has a new favorite food. She continued lip-smacking and saying "good" in the car all the way home.<br />
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Delighted to be holding a fragile bubble in her hand.</div>
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I had my endoscopy this week and it showed a narrowing of the esophagus near the stomach. The procedure included dilating the area so that my diet was liquid for 24 hours and then soft for two more days. The gastroenterologist did not think this was a significant problem but did biopsy the area to make certain. Everything went smoothly and Lucy enjoyed seeing our marvelous dog walker/sitter again. Now that I can drive myself to chemotherapy, it is no longer necessary for leave her alone and have the dog walker come by. Lucy really loves her and the walker always stays around long enough to give Lucy a good massage.<br />
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I have mentioned before that there were times last year when I wasn't at all certain that I would see another spring. But here it is in all its glory and here I am, optimistic with a healthy dose of realism. Just looking out at the trees and birds and flowers makes me happy. It helps that I do not watch any "news." I stick to reading, driving, and watching movies and documentaries. No need to get upset watching politics.<br />
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I often quote Marcus Aurelius because he had a lot of sensible advice that rings true yet.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"You have power over your mind---not outside events.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Realize this, and you will find strength."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In these days of widespread shouts of Christianity from people who do not behave at all like Christians, it is well to keep in mind that there are many gods, each as powerful to believers as any other. We must be more tolerant and come to value a good life more than a specific belief or non-belief. Another Marcus Aurelius quote says it well:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Live a good life.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>If there are gods and they are just, they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you lived by.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>If there are gods and they are unjust then you should not want to worship them.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>BE HAPPY AND STRONG</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>AND BE MORE TOLERANT OF OTHERS</b></span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-73919374548300760982019-04-19T14:07:00.001-04:002019-04-19T14:07:52.058-04:00Wet Golden FridaySevere thunderstorms seem to be the weather of the week. I sound like a broken record, but once again the roads are flooded and rivers are running high. We did have some sunshine earlier in the week and totally enjoyed it. But the rain is torrential today with widespread flooding, landslides and fallen trees. Debris in rivers is hitting the bridge pilings, threatening the integrity of the structures.<br />
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We have bought several sets of boots for Lucy, since they get wet every time she goes out. At a given moment we have several boots hanging to dry on the hooks in the garage. She spends much of the day curled up or stretched out although she has done a little bit of running in the driveway. She does not seem to have any pain.<br />
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A little bit of light but no real sunbeams.</div>
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Violet is mostly recovered from her GI virus. Our son learned from the pediatrician that it is rampant in their area. No need to worry unless she starts running a fever or stops urinating. So she was kept on electrolyte drinks for most of the week. She likes the drink and kept hydrated.<br />
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We sent her a book for Easter. And a little lap board with some "magic" stamps and markers that make marks only on the special paper. We sent an extra packet of the paper as well. She loves them and spent quite a bit of time drawing. It was almost impossible to keep a hat on her when she was smaller. Now she loves them and often wears one all day inside the house. Her wise parents do not see that as a battle in which they wish to engage so they let her wear them as long as she wants.<br />
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I'm not sure what distracted her from her work.</div>
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In these days when so many euphemisms are used for lies, it is well to recall what the Buddha had to say about truth.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth;</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Not going all the way,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>And not starting."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Buddha</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So don't fall for "slip of the tongue" or "alternative facts." They are in fact, lies and we need to start holding people accountable for them. Too many people wear their blinders and utter, "well, that's just the way they are." No. It isn't. It's wrong and sends such a bad message to our Nation and the rest of the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Holy Week ends on Easter Sunday for Christians all over the world. Today also marks the first Seder, the special meal that begins the Jewish Passover. In a spirit of unity, some churches will co-celebrate Good Friday services with a Seder meal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whatever you will be celebrating, or if you will not be celebrating anything...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK, EVERYONE!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>LOVE AND RESPECT ONE ANOTHER</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-68406247666365041252019-04-12T17:11:00.000-04:002019-04-12T18:30:16.151-04:00We Love Lucy and Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's finally spring around here. The proof is in the first hummingbird we have had at our feeders. Because we live very near the Southern Blue Ridge Escarpment, we note on maps that hummingbirds have been seen to our east, to our west, and to our north for several weeks before we see them here. We put out the feeders and then wait. And then they come.<br />
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Not a great picture, but the first of the season.</div>
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Further proof of spring can be found in our very strange weather patterns. While we didn't have a blizzard like much of the northern Midwest, we did have severe storms, one of which brought very large hail. We've had strong damaging winds and loud thunderstorms. Flash flooding is common throughout the county. And we're in for more this weekend.<br />
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Downtown Brevard</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photograph from <i>The Transylvania Times)</i></span></div>
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Lucy continues to be the same. We are happy that the storms do not seem to bother her at all. I have shown you a similar picture, but I love this one. It shows just how happy she is in spite of her lame leg and restricted living space. On nice days, she loves to sit on the deck soaking up the sun. And while she no longer goes downstairs, she seems happy enough remaining on one floor. She still has that internal "clock" that tells her when feeding time comes around. And she loves her food.<br />
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We are so please that Lucy remains happy and pain-free.</div>
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Our Violet had a GI "bug" for a day or so. She spent the day in her jammies sipping clear fluids and getting lots of extra hugs and attention. A huge treat for her was that she got to watch much more television than is normally allowed. She loves television, perhaps because she doesn't get to watch much. She is wrapped in one of the blankets I knitted for her and one of her handmade quilts is on the back of the sofa. It is "Sunbonnet Sue" and is one of several made for her by a 90-year-old woman who is like a grandmother to our d-i-l. The quilts are works of art and such treasures. The woman makes them for Violet because our son and d-i-l so love and appreciate them. She wants them to be used and not packed away.<br />
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There are two television shows that their family watches together on a regular basis. The first is because Violet LOVES it. She watches "Wheel of Fortune" as if it were created for her. They all love "Jeopardy" because my son so often shouts out the correct answers. [BTW: Have you seen the current champion? He bets every cent on each daily double he encounters and has set a record for winnings. Wouldn't you know? He is a professional gambler.] After that, it's story time and then bed for Violet.<br />
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Too absorbed in the program to look at the camera.</div>
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She is much better now and pretty much back to her usual busy little self.<br />
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A word about my own health: I saw my oncologist when I had chemotherapy on Wednesday. He is delighted with how well I am doing. The "cancer marker" blood levels are still low and I am feeling quite good. We will continue the chemo as "maintenance" for six more weeks and then stop. We will follow the blood levels and do another PET scan in the summer. So while we are realistic we are also profoundly grateful that my cancer responded so well to the chemotherapy. It rather makes all that pain, weakness, and discomfort worth the outcome.<br />
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The quote today is a thought-provoking one from Albert Schweitzer:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"At times out own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">During some of my worst times the past eighteen months, my own light certainly flickered and threatened to go out. And each time it was rekindled by a spark from someone else. I am eternally grateful for those sparks that kept me going in dark times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK, EVERYONE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>BE THE SPARK FOR SOMEONE IN NEED</b></span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906718086309436335.post-27422719417642434962019-04-05T18:53:00.002-04:002019-04-05T18:53:24.479-04:00Golden Dog and Golden GranddaughterLife has been blessedly uneventful for us. Lucy is certainly no worse and we are grateful for that. It's already spring downtown but is a bit slower up here on the mountain. We've enjoyed sunshine most of the week although it's a bit chilly for this time of year. Unfortunately we are expecting rain over the weekend.<br />
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The bike ride "Assault on the Carolinas" will occur tomorrow, rain or no rain. Limited to 1,000 bicycles, there are two rides, a 50K and a 100K. Neither is for the faint of heart. The 100K is 66 miles over hills and dales with an ascent of 3,700 feet. It goes up the mountain, then down to South Carolina and then up the mountain again. The 50K has a 1.1-mile hill climb with as much as a 15% grade. Traditionally, fans will line the highway in certain areas, ringing cowbells to cheer on the riders. Both routes go past the gate to our community and both routes begin and end downtown. Needless to say, we do not plan to be on the highway during that time if we can possibly avoid it. Sharing the road with bicycles in the mountains is difficult enough. Sharing with 1,000 bicycles is near impossible. Even with rain in the forecast, lots of fans will stand by to cheer and welcome the riders at the various drink/rest spots.<br />
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Lucy is really looking rugged in spite of being groomed often. She has become a rather shaggy dog and as she sheds her winter coat, we have lots of dog hair around. But she doesn't seem to mind so neither will we.<br />
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Curled up and waiting for her maximum sunbeam.</div>
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Meanwhile...someone gave Violet an Easter Duck outfit. And yes, it does remind one of Ralphie's bunny suit and she seems rather overwhelmed by it. Yes, it quickly came off and was worn only briefly for the photograph.<br />
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<i>I</i> don't get it, Daddy.</div>
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This bright sunny day started out as bubble-chasing fun. Then Violet discovered the shadow that copied every thing she did so it became more of a shadow game for a while.<br />
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<i>Lift up your foot, shadow. Just like me.</i></div>
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Because she celebrated a birthday this week, it is appropriate that the quote comes from one of the people I most admire, Jane Goodall.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"I think my message to the politicians who have within their power the ability to make change is this: 'Do you really not care about the future of your great-grandchildren? Because if we let the world continue to be destroyed the way we are now, what's the world going to be like for your great-grandchildren?'"</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK, EVERYONE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">DO SOMETHING TO HELP THE PLANET</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">IT'S ONE EARTH, ONE PEOPLE</span></div>
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NCmountainwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615765649828716560noreply@blogger.com13