Courtesy and Compassion (Or Lack Thereof)

I have always tried to be courteous to people with disabilities. I will hold doors, help someone reach an item on a higher shelf if needed, not shown impatience if I'm slowed down walking behind them in a crowded store. It's not their fault. They have a disability; they are doing the best they can. I figure nothing in my life is so damn urgent that I can't wait a couple of extra minutes....no reason to be impatient or rude.

It's the way I was raised - - be kind, be courteous, and show compassion. It's too bad that there are so many people out there who do NOT practice this.

For the past month, since my foot surgery, I have had to use a kneewalker to get around, since I am not allowed to put any weight on my right foot at all. When grocery shopping, I have been using the battery-operated carts; if one is not available, I have to use the kneewalker. During the time so far, I have run into the best and worst of people out there - - the kind, courteous ones, and the jerks. I have had doors help open for me (thank you!), and I have had people literally push in front of me, to the point where I almost fell off the kneewalker (idiots!).

But one of the worst things? Is at the checkout. I use my Debit Card to pay, and the little machine that you swipe your card through and then have to punch in you PIN? And also answer some stupid questions (cash back? donate? etc., etc., etc.)?

It does not tilt down.

So here I am, in a narrow checkout lane, sitting in a battery-operated cart, because hey - - I am not able to put any weight on my foot - - and I am having to try to stand up in the damn cart to swipe my card, punch in my PIN, and answer all their nosy-ass questions.

It's not easy, people. Not easy at all.

So hey, Walmart! Kroger! County Market! How about a little compassion here! Okay?

This time off my feet is a real eye-opener. If anything, it's made me even more aware of how much farther we need to go to make things more accessible for persons with disabilities - - better sidewalk access from parking lots, automatic doors, displays in grocery store aisles (THOSE things are a freakin' menace!) and more.

I don't know what it will take - - writing letters, talking with store managers - - but I intend to at least try.

Grace In Small Things: 38/2010

What I am grateful for this week:

• A knitting "play date" with my dear friend Judy, who taught me to knit a couple of years ago....I was going stir-crazy and needed the company - - thanks, Judy!
• Wendy's BLT Cobb Salad for supper...yum!
• Squeaky-girl kitty cuddling up with me in the early morning, keeping me nice and warm
• Sachima (a Chinese snack cake) from my dear friend Lily....she knows how much I love it!
• As usual, my Dear Mr. Dizzy, for taking such good care of me during my surgery recovery. Yes, blessed I am.....
  

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 37/2010

What I am grateful for this week:

• My new Kindle! :-)
• A good post-op checkup report from my foot surgery
• Pot Roast and roasted veggies for dinner
• Mr. Dizzy, the MOST WONDERFUL husband in the world, for all the help and caring he has provided me the past 2 weeks following my surgery
• Andee, the best hair stylist EVER, for actually coming to the house to cut my hair, to make it easier for me

I am SO blessed!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

My New Toy!

Guess what I got??





I have wanted one of these since they came out....and I am madly in love with it!

I'm having so much fun with this.....

Post-Surgery Update

I went for my second post-op checkup this morning. The Doctor is VERY pleased with my foot's healing progress! But, I am still going to be off work for at least another 2 weeks (oh, DARN....LOL).

I am also fighting a sinus infection....*sigh*....we stopped at our Family Doctor's office on the way home and talked to the nurse. She spoke to the Doctor and got me a prescription for an antibiotic, so I'm on meds for another 10 days. Hope this kicks it, it's making me miserable!

Grace In Small Things: 36/2010

What I am grateful for this week:

• My foot surgery went EXTREMELY well!
• I have virtually NO pain from the surgery, which means the Vicodin is doing its job
• Dear Mr. Dizzy is home on vacation for 2 weeks, so has been here to help me out when I need it (which is A LOT)
• My first post-op checkup went very well....the Doctor thinks things are looking good
• My friend Connie dropped by with homemade brownies....she makes the BEST brownies ever!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Surgery Update

Foot surgery went well! I am now in and out of "Vicodin Land"....which is a strange feeling. But it helps keep the pain at bay, so it's a good place to be!

Yesterday we got to the Hospital at 6 AM, and they took me back right away. Got the IV put in (which was a NIGHTMARE) (thanks to the tech who messed it up) (TWICE!). I was in surgery by 8 AM and out around 9 AM, in recovery. Since they used an ankle block and Twilight, I was alert and "with it" very quickly, and was discharged and home by Noon.

So now it's all a healing process....my foot is uncomfortable, but the pain is managed by the Vicodin pretty well. I have my first post-op appointment with the Doctor this Friday morning, so we will see what he has to say. Hopefully he will have good news for me!

I'll keep ya posted.....

Grace In Small Things: 35/2010

This week, I am going to change things up a bit....

Tomorrow (Tuesday, Sept. 7th) I am having surgery on my right foot. The Doctor has already told me that I will be off work for 3-4 weeks, will be using crutches or a kneewalker for 6-8 weeks, will not be able to drive for 2 months, and cannot return to the Gym for 3 months.

Therefore - - I am grateful that I have a job with people who are considerate and understanding, that I have health insurance benefits that allow me to take care of a medical problem when it arises, and that I have people in my life who truly love and care about me. This is being shown as follows:

• My employer has granted me Medical Leave so that I can be off without worrying about losing my position.
• My husband has scheduled his two weeks vacation to coincide with my first two weeks off, so that I will have someone here 24/7 in case I need something....I am SO blessed to have that man in my life.
• My Medical Benefits is allowing me to rent a kneewalker to use instead of crutches, which is SUCH a blessing; I tried crutches, and my wrists hurt so bad I could hardly do anything.
• When I am finally able to come back to work, my supervisor is allowing me to flex my work schedule to match my husband's, so that I don't have to worry about how to get there and back home again.
• My friend Connie has given me many magazines to read, lent me her pair of crutches to keep around in case they are needed, and has offered to stop by every week and pick up my timesheets/time off forms to turn into my supervisor for me. She has also offered to stop at the Farmer's Market on Saturdays and pick up some fresh produce for me.

Wish me luck, and please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Lil Dude and His Posse

Updated: I have added a past picture of Lil Dude from back in January, when he first joined our family, to use as a reference:

Remember this little guy?

Well - - Lil Dude isn't so "LITTLE" anymore!

He's such a sweetie! And such a Brat! And.....well, he's a kitten; what do you expect?

AAAAANNNNNDDDDD of course there are the other two sleepyheads.....

Yes, Dude is my "Baby", but.....Those two will ALWAYS be my loves!

Grace In Small Things: 34/2010

What I am grateful for this week:

• Actually making it through the first week of classes without any major meltdowns!
• Cooler weather
• Curling up with Lil Dude and the other Kitty-Kids
• Finding a treasure trove of my Grandmother's books- - she's been gone 20 years, and we just found out about these!
• Fresh dug carrots from the Produce Market - - SO sweet and tender!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

This Is What Work Has Been....

It's been INSANE.....

Grace In Small Things: 33/2010

What I am grateful for this week:

• FINALLY some rain to brighten up my flowers and green up my lawn
• My Student Worker's wife coming through emergency surgery with flying colors
• Weekends - - 'nuff said
• A day of fun at the State Fair with Dear Mr. Dizzy and friends from Chicago
• Breakfast at Panera with Mr. Dizzy - - and it was FREE!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

State Fair Time!

Saturday Mr. Dizzy and I took a road trip to Springfield to the Illinois State Fair. We were meeting friends of ours who were coming down from Chicago to spend the day at the Fair as well. Here are some of the "highlights" that we saw while we were there.....

When we first walked in the gate of the Fairgrounds, we saw this guy:

Guess you should never go anywhere without your goat.....

And, I guess this guy was jonesin' for some breakfast - - Mini-dounts, breakfast of champions:


I had heard of this stuff, but never experienced it before now:

Never thought I would say this, but chocolate covered bacon really isn't half bad!

Went into the Artisan's Building, and saw this guy:

Yes, that is Mountain Dew bottles....

We also saw this little fellow:

He is made totally out of milk jugs and staples.

Heh. I can't make this stuff up.....

This Is SO Funny....

Have you seen the "Simon's Cat" videos? They are hilarious, and this new one reminds us SO much of Lil Dude.....enjoy!

Happy Birthday To Me.....

And hopefully many, many more.....

Grace In Small Things: 32/2010

What I am grateful for this week:

• My feet have finally stopped hurting from Decatur Celebration
• FINALLY, some rain, after a long, HOT dry spell (unfortunately, it's STILL hot, but at least my yard and flowers got a drink)
• Fresh tomatoes from the Produce Market (great on a hamburger)
• Little Squeaky-girl Kitty curling up with me sleeping at night
• My grandson's Birthday....he is now 11.....Happy Birthday, Alex! (*sigh* Where did the time go?)

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Decatur Celebration Pictures!

Here are a few shots we got from this year's Celebration:

Ryan Cabrera on our stage Friday night:


The Parade Saturday morning:




Lou Gramm performing Saturday night:


Georgia Satellites Saturday afternoon:


Charlie Daniels!!





All in all, an EXTREMELY good Festival this year!

Decatur Celebration

Okay, this post is a few days late. Decatur Celebration was LAST weekend, but I have been "recovering" from it these past few days, and also work has been nothing short of chaotic.

I know - - enough with the excuses....so here is information on how this year's Celebration went down.....

This was the 25th Anniversary of the Celebration. It also marked the 24th year Dear Mr. Dizzy and I have worked the festival. So it was a happy time for all!

We work the Show Stage, which is the largest stage at the festival, and it usually gets the biggest "headliners" for the year. This year we had four acts to work with - - Ryan Cabrera Friday night, The Lou Gramm Band (he's the former lead singer of Foreigner) Saturday night, The Georgia Satellites Sunday afternoon, and Charlie Daniels Sunday night.

Quite a line-up, eh?

Friday evening Mr. Dizzy and I got downtown around 4:30. When we got to the stage, we were a bit concerned....not band set up; nothing at all onstage! We found the stage manager and asked about it, and he just laughed and said, "All we need is a mic and a pedal for acoustic guitar." Apparently Ryan Cabrera didn't have anyone backing him - - it was just him on stage with his guitar, singing soft pop songs.

I had no idea who he was, but apparently every prepubescent girl in the tri-county area did, because the average age of the audience was about 15. And the screaming? High-pitched and LOUD. Kinda cute, actually - - but I seriously doubt that I was ever THAT young!

Ryan and his manager were nice people, and it was a pretty calm crowd. Also, the weather was pretty mild that evening, so all in all it was a pretty easy (read: BORING) start to the festival for me. Sorry, but - - I like a little action on the stage, and a crowd that is just a touch more mature. Maybe I'm showing my age.....

Saturday the temps started out pretty mild, and the humidity was down a bit, so it was not an uncomfortable day. We had Lou Gramm's Band that day, and when they all arrived for setup and sound check, we were very happy with the way they were - - friendly, nice, easy to work with. And the show that night? Nothing short of AMAZING!!

And it seems that his performing is nothing short of a miracle....a few years ago, Lou was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and he found a doctor who was using a new laser surgical technique. He agreed to the surgery, but was given a LESS THAN 50% chance of survival.

Well, he survived - - and started performing and touring again, and sounds better than ever. He put on an amazing show! After the performance, the band was backstage with all of the workers, and they were as nice and down-to-earth as you could hope to find. A very nice second night of the festival!

Sunday, the heat and humidity returned. WITH A VENGEANCE. It started out early morning hot, and as the day progressed, it just got worse. And of course, it was to be our busiest day....we had TWO BANDS and THREE SHOWS to work with.

The work day started at 9:00 AM, with load-in for Charlie Daniels' band. Also, the souvenirs needed set up, because they wanted them on sale ALL DAY, not just during the performance. Then, the Georgia Satellites showed up with their equipment. And THEIR souvenirs. Keeping the sales straight for two different groups was going to present a definite challenge....

Charlie Daniels' band did a two-hour soundcheck, and once that was done, it was time to set up Georgia Satellite's equipment in front of the other band's stuff. They were playing two shows, and Charlie Daniels was playing one show later in the evening.

All this time the heat and humidity are rising, the sun is beating down, and it's HOT under the awning were souvenir sales were going on. Which is where I was trapped.

Georgia Satellites put on a great pair of shows! And, they were very nice, funny, down-to-earth guys, and we had a ton of fun with them. I never have cared for their music, and still don't (sorry guys), but they were good people.

About 6:45, I headed into the Civic Center to help with the Charlie Daniels Meet & Greet. Again, I have never been a country music fan (and still am not), but was looking forward to meeting a man who was such a music legend. And, I had heard that he was a very nice person.

Well, Charlie did not disappoint. When he walked in the room, and heard everybody cheering, he ducked his head and actually look embarrassed! But, pleased at the same time.

I assisted keeping the Meet & Greet people in line and signaling them when to come up, and it was a fun time. Near the end, one of Charlie's people walked up, handed me a picture, and asked me if I would like to meet Charlie also. Well, HELL YEAH! So when everyone in the line was through, I came up and got to talk to him. He chatted with me for a bit, and I said I was one of his stage workers; he actually thanked me for helping with his show that night! He then not only signed the picture, but my Volunteer Work Shirt as well.

Charlie Daniels treated everyone he talked to the same, whether it was the Producer of the festival, the Media people, the Mayor of our City, or a stage worker like myself.

And you better believe the show he put on that night? Nothing.Short.Of.FABULOUS.

Before, during, and after the snow, his band and road crew were just as nice and friendly as the Big Man himself. So even though the weather was miserable, it was a great ending to a great year.

I have pictures, but will post them tomorrow. Hope you enjoy them!

BLAZING Heat....

It's hot here in Central Illinois.

Uncomfortably, miserably so.

Not just the kind of normal Summer weather you would expect....no, we are talking temps in the high 90's, high humidity, and Heat Indices (feels like) temps in the triple digits. Anywhere from 105-125. Degrees. Fahrenheit.

No, that is not a typo.

Yeah, it's not fun.

I grew up LOVING Summer. LOVING it. I was always outside, always playing, you could hardly get me to come in the house. But these days? You can hardly get me to leave it!

Don't get me wrong here - - I will still take warm weather over Winter any time! I hate being cold, and during the Winter months never seem to be able to get warm enough.

But a Heat Index of 125? Degrees? Fahrenheit?

No thanks, had enough.

I can has my usual Summer weather back now? Please?

Grace In Small Things: 31/2010

What I am grateful for this week:

• Grilled turkey/cheese sandwiches with fresh garden tomatoes in the middle.
• Helping orient new Scholar students embarking on their College path....a whole new batch of fresh faces on Campus!
• Passed my online MOT class with 100%!
• Air conditioning, especially with heat indices at 100+ degrees.....
• Another successful Decatur Celebration festival done and in the books - - this was Year #25, Silver Anniversary.

***Side note: After 3 days of working the fest, I'm burned to a crisp! Yes, I used sunscreen, yes, I reapplied it, but it was so darn hot it kept sweating off! And I was too busy working to reapply it every 1/2 hour or so..... ***


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Grace In Small Things: 30/2010

What I am grateful for this week:

• Friday was Payday!
• Lil Dude bringing out the "kitten" in Squeak - - she's getting so much more playful and fun! And affectionate.
• My latest ION (Illinois Online Network) course is done, finished and through, and my grade is 320 points our of 320 points. An "A" in the books!
• Fresh tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon and more from the Saturday Produce Market.
• My life - - I am truly blessed with an amazing husband, and sweet, lovable, fun kitty-babies.

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 29/2010

What I am grateful for this week:

• Some much needed rain; my new grass was doing poorly, now it's really sprouting up.
• Cooler temps and lower humidity!
• A fun day in our nearby Amish community.
• Supper with Dear Mr. Dizzy and my Dad Friday evening.
• This article: http://herald-review.com/news/local/article_c41ab863-ae0f-598c-8da5-d13fd380f6ee.html. Dear Mr. Dizzy and I are very happy with it!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Decatur Celebration Memories....

Check this out....Tim Cain wrote a GREAT article about Decatur Celebration, and about yours truly and Mr. Dizzy....



http://herald-review.com/news/local/article_c41ab863-ae0f-598c-8da5-d13fd380f6ee.html

Grace In Small Things: 28/2010

What I am grateful for this week:

• Short work week for me, just four days.
• Spending time with friends in St. Louis....even though we went down for a visitation/funeral, it was still good to be able to see everyone and be with them.
• Presentation at BlackboardWorld in Orlando went well for my Director. Way to go, Kona! :-)
• Lunch with a good friend yesterday - - Cheddar's!
• Lil Dude sleeping on my computer desk as I write this....his favorite place to be when I'm typing (he likes to "help").

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

I Swear, He Thinks He's A Dog....

That new Lil Dude of ours. I swear, he thinks he's a dog.

I'll be sitting up in bed, reading or watching TV at night, and he will bring up one of his cat toys, drop it on the bed in front of me, and then stand there, staring at me and meowing insistently. I will play with him with the toy for a bit, then throw it off the bed. He used to just jump off the bed and chase it, and then play with it on the floor.

Not anymore....he "fetches" it back to me.

Yes, he chases it down, brings it back on the bed, drops it in front of me, and starts the whole staring/meowing routine all over again. Just like a dog would do....well, without the "meowing" part. :)

*sigh* What a character. What a swee, adorable, funny little character!

Road Trip

I have been hoping, for a LONG, LONG time, that Mr. Dizzy and I would have a chance to make a weekend road trip to St. Louis. We have good friends down there, and there are so many things we like to go and see, such as University City, The Hill, Ted Drewe's, and much, much more.

Sunday we made a road trip to St. Louis. But, not for the reasons I had hoped . . . we attended the funeral of one of those very dear, close family friends. Mr. Dizzy's Dad and John (the family friend) served in the Navy together, have always been as close as brothers, and their kids grew up together; they are more like brothers and sisters than friends.

Dear Mr. Dizzy, his brother, father, and another Navy mate were asked to be pallbearers. I know John would have loved that.

I was doing pretty good holding it all together until we got to the cemetery, where they buried him with full military honors - - the 21 gun salute, "Taps" played in the distance, and the folding and presenting of the flag to the family. THAT is when I just totally lost it.

The past two days have been an emotional rollercoaster for us, and we both feel completely drained. It's difficult to lose someone so dear to you.

Rest in Peace, John. And God Bless.

Grace In Small Things: 27/2010

What I am grateful for this week:

• A short (4-day) work week.
• Fresh sweet corn on the cob.
• Landscaping outside around our house is finished, and beautiful!
• Fresh peaches for cobbler. Or maybe a pie. Or both.
• National Chocolate Day last Tuesday....just because.... :)

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Uh-Ohhhhhh......

We have one BAD LITTLE BOY on our hands.....



Look at how GUILTY he looks.....

But I still love the Lil Dude! :-)

Grace In Small Things: 27/2010

What I am grateful for this week:

• A FIVE DAY WEEKEND - - took off Thursday and Friday, and along with the three day Holiday weekend, it's like a mini-vacation!
• Dinner at Olive Garden with my Dad - - always good spending time with him!
• A trip to Arthur, Illinois - - our nearby Amish community - - for a day of fun with my friend Connie. Visited a lot of Amish businesses and found lots of fresh baked goods and fresh produce galore.
• Steaks out on the grill to celebrate the Holiday weekend.
• Living in America - - would not want to live anywhere else!

Happy Fourth of July....and Happy Birthday, America!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

I'm PROUD to be an American!

The Story of Lil Dude - Part Eight (In Pictures!)

He was so small, and scared, and starving that cold Winter night we found him on our doorstep, and this is the closest we could get to him without him bolting in fear....

But once we finally got our hands on him, got him cleaned up and he started feeling safe, he started getting a little friendlier.... and look at those beautiful big green eyes.....

And just like big brother Carmichael, we discovered Lil Dude's love of "belly rubs".....

When he is not eating or playing with big brother Carmichael or big sister Squeak, he loves to spend time "helping" Mom (me) on the computer....

He also learned the fine art of "napping"....

Anywhere....

Any time....

He is now 6 months old, and growing BIG! Look how long his tail has gotten....

Mr. Dizzy and I never wanted more than two cats in our home. NEVER. But now that Lil Dude is here, it's hard to imagine life without him! He has brought the playfulness out in both Carmichael and Squeak, and won over my heart, and Mr. Dizzy's as well.

So, to end this story, I would like to say something to the people who dumped him out on that cold, freezing Winter night and left him for dead....

Dear cruel, heartless bastards - - this is a big THANK YOU for being such idiots, and dumping Lil Dude out at our home. He is a beautiful, adorable kitty, and a wonderful addition to our family! You have no idea what you are missing out on - - the playfulness, the comedy, but most of all - - the love. Lil Dude has more affection than his (not so) little body can hold, and gives it to all of us freely and constantly. And you never will, because he is OURS. We are the winners in this situation . You stupid jerks are the losers here!

"That's telling them, Mom!"

Grace In Small Things: 26/2010

Things I am grateful for this week:

• Good report from my dentist appointment!
• Curling up with Lil Dude during the thunderstorms rolling through last Tuesday....he helped make it all better.
• Great workout in the Body Sculpting class last Wednesday - - my muscles STILL ache! But it feels good.....
• Celebrating my student worker's 21st birthday last Friday - - pizza and DQ Ice Cream Cake for lunch - - YUM!
• Burgers and brats cooked out on the grill for supper, with fresh green beans and new potatoes on the side. LOVE all the fresh produce this time of year!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

The Story of Lil Dude - Part Seven (The Rest of the Story)

Life got busier by the day at work. A had many projects going, and little time to do anything else. She was able to find a house she liked and made an offer, which was rejected. Then things stepped up even more, and she had virtually no time to house-hunt for awhile.

Lil Dude kept worming his way into our hearts - - gotta admit, the little guy is GOOD! His favorite thing seems to be coming up into our bed in the middle of the night and curl up on my stomach, purring. Then, he moves himself around until he is sleeping right in-between us, with my arm around him and his head on my shoulder....and he purrs himself (and me) to sleep.

How can I let go of THAT?? Well, the answer is - - I can't.

Mr. Dizzy and I were talking a couple of weeks ago, and he said, "You know, I think he is going to have to stay with us." I just about did cartwheels for joy! (That would NOT have been a pretty sight, believe me!) I had been worried that I actually would have to give up the little guy, and every time the thought crossed my mind, my heart would break a little. Yes, I know there was NO WAY we were keeping him, and NO WAY I would get attached to him.....but apparently Lil Dude had other ideas. It's amazing how such a little guy like that can take down two big ol' people like me and Mr. Dizzy. But he did.

I broke the news to A the following day, and she completely understood. She, too, had been wondering how Lil Dude would react being taken away from us and the other two cats, and being in a house alone with her and her brother, with no other cats around. I promised her that when she did get a house and moved in and settled, I would help her find her own little black kitty - - we may take a road trip to Springfield Animal Protective League (best place EVER to find a pet!) or, a classmate of mine has lots of cats on her farm, and she just informed me that she has two black kittens that need a home.

So someday A will have a "Lil Dude" of her own. But, THIS Lil Dude is happily settled in his "forever home" with me and Mr. Dizzy, along with big brother Carmichael and big sister Squeak. And it's all good.

NEXT - - a wrap-up of Lil Dude in pictures!

Grace In Small Things: 25/2010

What am I grateful for this week?

• A 2-1/2 day weekend
• Getting Squeak and Lil Dude's nails clipped - - no more "velcro kitties"!
• Fresh spinach and zucchini's from the Outdoor Produce Market
• A day all to myself with just the kitty-kids (just what the doctor ordered)
• Dinner with my Dad on Father's Day - - my treat, of course! Happy Father's Day, Daddio! Love you!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

The Story of Lil Dude: Part Six (the following week)

The next week I decided that even though Dude was going to another home, hopefully soon, it was still my responsibility to look after his health and welfare (and the welfare of my home as well). So I decided to cal the Vet and set up a time to get Dude neutered and all his shots. Not only would this help out A with the expense of a new pet, which would be difficult for her on top of all the moving/house expenses, but it would keep my two furbabes safe and also my furniture - - once he was neutered, he would not be spraying the place!

Friday came, and it was time to go to the Vet. I loaded up Dude in the carrier and took him in. This visit would consist of an overnight stay so that he could be monitored after the surgery to make sure there were no complications.

The hardest thing for me was walking out of there and leaving that little guy behind....he was mewing pitifully, and looking out the carrier door at me so sadly....I had to get a grip on myself. There would be NO getting attached to this adorable little guy!

As I drove off, I felt so guilty! It was just a couple of weeks earlier that someone had put him in a car, dumped him out and deserted him; left him for dead. I felt like I had betrayed the little guy - - deserted him. Even though I knew better, I was really worried about how he was feeling, how scared he must be.

I'm just too damn soft-hearted where cats are concerned. *sigh*

The following day I went back to the Vet to pick him up. As they brought the carrier out, Dude didn't see me at first - - but when I walked up to the counter and peered inside and said, "Hey, little guy" - - his eyes opened up wide, and he got so excited his whole body just started quivering! He started meowing and rubbing my hand against the carrier door. He was just so happy!

Dude laid in the carrier and just watched me the whole trip back home. He just laid there, purring and looking very content. When we got back home, we let him out and he just started running through the place as if he couldn't contain himself!

Uh-ohhhh - - he's feeling at home, and I'm getting totally attached.....

A had better find a home for herself and Lil Dude, and it better be quick.....

To be continued.......

Grace In Small Things: 24/2010

What I am grateful for this week:

• Surviving first week of Summer classes, relatively unscathed.....
• Fresh cherries off my cherry tree - - almost 60 quarts this year!
• Golden Yellow Cherry Cake with Butter Cream Frosting.....
• My Dad's 6-month check-up went extremely well - - he passed with flying colors!
• Survived a vicious thunderstorm yesterday, with the only casualty being our phone line - - lightning apparently hit it, and we are waiting on repairs.

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

The Story of Lil Dude: Part Five (Friday-Sunday)

One of my co-workers, A, who works in the office next door to mine, has always wanted a black kitten, ever since she had read a book as a child about a little black kitten named Gink. So, I decided she was one person to start with in our efforts to find Lil Dude a new home. She agreed to come out over the weekend and meet the little guy and see what she (and him) thought of each other.

Over the next couple of days we noticed that Dude's balance problems had cleared up, validating our feelings that the ear mites problem was to blame. Also, he was really starting to come into his own special little personality - - play, play, play, as hard as he could, but the minute one of us would walk up to him, he would stop, roll over onto his back, and meow for his "belly rub". He also seemed to love it when I would sing "Belly Rub, Belly Rub" to him very off-key....it would just make him purr even harder! Weird cat.....

He also decided at night that he would sleep with Mom (which he had decided was ME). He would walk between us on the bed, and curl up next to me, with my arm around him, and purr himself (and me) to sleep.

This little guy was pulling out all the stops to try to win us over to keep him. But that was NOT going to happen. Absolutely NOT. For sure. Definitely. NOT.

Really. Seriously.

Sunday came and A came by to meet The Dude (aka Gink) and see what they thought of each other. Dude was a bit hesitant at first, but soom started in playing and being his usual adorable self. A fell totally in love (how could she help herself?) and said yes, she did want him. However, there was a catch - - but isn't there always? *sigh* She still lived with her parents since she had moved back to town and was in the process of looking for a place of her own. Until she found one, she couldn't take Dude to her parent's house. I told her he was fine right where he was at, and when she found a place, he was hers.

And we left it at that.

Now all A needed to do was find a place to call home for herself and Lil Dude/Gink. How hard could that be?

To be continued.....

Grace In Small Things: 23/2010

What am I grateful for this week?

• Had a wonderful three-day weekend; 2 days all to myself, Memorial Day with Dear Mr. Dizzy.
• A wonderful Anniversary dinner - - yes, it was a week late, but that's fine. It was still fun!
• Sixteen quarts of tart pie cherries off my little cherry tree, and many more to be picked.
• Strawberries starting to bear in my new raised bed.
• Getting the grill all cleaned and ready for grilling season. Steaks, chops, burgers...can't wait!

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The Story of Lil Dude - Part Four (Tuesday-Thursday)

Tuesday morning I called the vet and made an appointment to bring in the kitten to get checked over, and they told me to bring it in Thursday morning. That gave us a couple more days to get it used to us and a little calmer.

Every day it seemed the little thing picked up more and more habits from our other two cats, with some comical results! For one thing, this little kitty's legs were so short, he had to take 2 or 3 steps for one of theirs, and it was laughable seeing it try to keep up with them! Also, every toy that we had was dragged out and played with, and with a very fierce intensity. It provided us with quite a few chuckles.

We did notice that it walked a little funny sometimes, like it had a bit of trouble keeping its balance, but didn't know if that was from it being so young and still growing into its legs, or something else. I added that to my list of things to ask the Vet.

Thursday morning, it was NOT easy getting the little thing into the carrier. It totally panicked on me! But I finally succeeded and we headed to the Vet's office. All the way there, the kitten was traumatized, and not reacting well. Mr. Dizzy and I both feel it was bringing back bad memories for it; probably the last time it had been in a carrier, it was dumped and left for dead! That was NOT a fun drive to the Vet, but we finally got there and I hauled the carrier inside, hoping being out of the car would calm the kitten down.

It didn't.

The whole time we were sitting in the waiting room, it was frantic. I was honestly afraid it was going to hurt itself trying to get out of the carrier. They finally got me into a room, and the first thing we did was open the carrier and let it out. I immediately picked the kitten up and cradled him up next to my chest, with his head right under my chin. It was shaking with fright, but I kept talking softly and petting it, and eventually the kitten calmed down.

By the time the Vet came in the room, things were going much better. But, when I tried to pry the kitten loose so the Vet could check it over, kitty decided to hang on for dear life, and it took both of us to pry him off me! But, we finally succeeded, and the Vet started his checkup.

First thing I found out is that the kitten was a Dude, not a Dudette. So, finally we knew for sure! The Vet took the kitten into another room to check him completely over - - ear mites, fleas, ringworm, worms, everything. I waited in the examining room while they did their work. Periodically the Vet or one of his assistants would come in and give me a report - - yes, he had fleas and worms, but no ringworm, and the balance problem was probably caused by the fact that both of his ears were totally filled with ear mites! They gave him a worm treatment, and treated him for fleas and the ear mites, and decided to leave it at that for that day.

At least I knew he was a "He", and was healthy, and we would see if the ear mites were the cause of his balance issues. Anything else would have to wait for another day; I was not going to traumatize him any further for the moment.

He didn't fight the carrier as much when we were ready to leave, and was a bit calmer on the way home. When we got back to the house, I let him out, and he seemed so happy to be back, his whole body started quivering! I petted him a bit longer and talked with him, and then he started playing with the toys. When I left to go to work, he was back to being his happy little self.

Now that we knew he was healthy, it was time to find the Lil Dude a home.....Heaven knows we don't need a third cat!

To be continued.....

The Story of Lil Dude - Part Three (Sunday/Monday)

The next morning, it was back to business as usual - - the kitten would come out long enough to eat, follow our two cats around, and play with toys when we were not in the same room, but if it caught sight of either of us, it was time to hide under something safe. I was just dying to get my hands on the little furball, just to let it know it was safe and we meant no harm, but it was not to be. Both Mr. Dizzy and I were avoided like we carried the plague.

Mr. Dizzy took the pet gate back to Menard's and got his money back, since it obviously was not doing the situation any good. We figured the more the little baby wandered around and got comfortable in our house, the sooner we could get close to it (hopefully). But the whole day Sunday and the whole evening was exactly the same, and we finally gave up and called it a day.

Monday I was sick. Sinuses, headache, feeling lousy. So, I stayed home. The kitten came closer to me as I was laying on the couch, almost within arm's reach, but the minute I would try, it would scamper off. I was dozing a lot and each time I would wake up, it would be close to me, but again, each time I reached out my hand, it would back off.

About mid-afternoon I headed back to the bedroom to take a nap in a more comfy spot, and saw the little baby on my bed. Before it could run out of the room, I shut the door so we were both in there. It took off and hid under the clothes hamper. I laid on the floor and just talked softly to it, and eventually was able to reach my hand under the hamper and stroke its head. It stiffened up for a moment, but then started relaxing, and the next thing I knew the little baby was purring. Loudly! I kept laying there stroking its head and back, and talking softly, and finally it started pushing into my hand. I took that as a good sign, and was finally able to get a good hold and get it out from under the hamper. I held the kitten in my arms, talking softly, and it kept purring. I put the kitten on the bed and laid down next to it, and we both fell asleep!

That was the definite turning point. From then on, it stopped being so scared of us, although still a bit skittish.

When Mr. Dizzy got home from work I told him about what happened, and he headed into the bedroom to see the little thing. Next thing I knew, they were on the bed together, Mr. Dizzy petting him, the little kitten purring loudly. We FINALLY won it over!

Now to get the little darling to the vet to get checked and find out if it was a Lil Dude or Dudette.....

To be continued.....

Grace In Small Things: 22/2010

With this being Memorial Day, I am grateful for:
All of our troops overseas, who are sacrificing to keep us free.

• The families of all the troops, for the sacrifices they are making, allowing their family members to be over there assuring our freedom.
• Veterans of all wars, for their honor and dedication to our country.
• My Dad, a WWII Veteran, who earned a Distinguished Flying Cross for his part in rescuing a downed plane during his Air Force service.
• Living in America; in spite of all our problems, I still believe this is the best place to be. Ever.

Please keep our military personnel in your thoughts and prayers today, as well as the families they have left behind.

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

The Story of Lil Dude - Part Two (Saturday)

Saturday morning, Mr. Dizzy was scheduled to work overtime. When he left, he didn't see the kitten in the garage but figured it was hiding behind something.

Later that morning, I left to go grocery shopping; I also didn't see the kitten. When I got back from shopping, still no kitten...what the...? Did it slip out somehow? I was pretty concerned. So, when Mr. Dizzy came home from work, we started searching through the garage. No kitten. We started tearing everything away from the walls; still no luck. We spent almost 2 hours tearing things apart, with no kitten in sight. We were pretty dejected, thinking it had slipped out and we would never find it.

Mr. Dizzy was on his hands and knees, pushing something back beside our big upright freezer, when suddenly he noticed something.....under the freezer, behind the grate, was a pair of green eyes. That's all he could see, just green eyes. (Well, it WAS dark under there, and the kitten was black.) He tried knocking on the grate to scare it out from under there, with no luck. Finally, he got something narrow that would fit between the grate and started carefully poking around in there, so as not to hurt it. The kitten finally crawled out the back of the freezer, into my waiting hands. And it's a good thing I had heavy leather gloves on! It was scared to death, biting the glove, clawing, but as I held it, it stopped and just laid there in my hands, its little heart just pounding.

We got the kitten inside the house and put it in the back bathroom, where it would be safe from the other cats, and shut it inside. Next, we moved the litter box, rugs, blanket, and food/water into the bathroom so it would have all the necessities. Mr. Dizzy went off to Menard's to get a pet gate for the doorway so we wouldn't have to keep the door shut and have the poor thing totally isolated; it had gone through enough trauma in its short life already. While he was gone, I shut myself in there with the kitten and sat there on the floor, talking softly to it. I could not get him to come near me, but it did sit there and listen to my voice, and seemed to calm down a bit.

Mr. Dizzy got home with the pet gate, and we put it in the doorway. It was a very high gate; the size for large dogs, so we figured that would keep it in the room and our two furbabies out. We kept going back checking on the kitten periodically, just to make sure it was okay, and just talking to it to try to get it used to us.

Finally, we headed off to bed, hoping that the little thing would be okay during the night, but knowing that with that big pet gate, it would be safe and secure.

Or so we thought! (Silly us!)

Around 2:00 AM, Mr. Dizzy woke up feeling something on his feet. He raised up his head and looked around the bed; our two cats were both asleep on my side of the bed . . . and the little kitten was on the bed, sitting on Mr. Dizzy's feet! He started sitting up, and the kitten got scared and jumped off the bed and ran out of the room. We got up and looked around, but we could not find it. So, we took down the pet gate (since it obviously didn't keep him in!) so that it could reach the food/water and litter box, and went back to bed.

We could tell this was going to be quite a ride.....

To be continued.....

The Story of Lil Dude - Part One (Thursday/Friday)

It was a very cold Thursday night last February. Mr. Dizzy and I were in the living room watching TV, when he thought he heard something outside. He went to the window and looked out - - there was a tiny little black kitten. We live in a rural setting, with no neighbors, so we knew he had to have been dumped out. He was worried about it, with it being so cold outside, so he headed out to look for it. He tried coaxing it to him with food, but no luck. He tried to get ahold of it to put it inside somewhere warmer, but it was scared and got away. Finally, Mr. Dizzy couldn't take the cold any more, so he came in, got some food, and put the food outside for the poor little thing.

Next morning, the food was gone. At least we knew it got something to eat. We put out more food, and got ready to go to work. When I came home from work, the food was gone, but no sign of the poor little thing. Well, at least we knew it wasn't starving.

That evening it got very cold; in fact, the wind chill was 11 degrees. We noticed that our two cats, Carmichael and Squeak, were sitting right at the window that runs alongside the front door; they were glued to that window, and no amount of coaxing could get them away. We turned on the porch light - - and there was the tiny little black kitten, standing at the window looking in at my two cats, meowing for all it was worth. Even from the front bay windows, we could tell it was shivering and miserable. My heart just broke.

Mr. Dizzy bundled up and went outside to try to coax it again, but the minute he stepped around the corner of the house, the poor frightened little creature took off to hide. Mr. Dizzy came back inside - - and the little thing came right back to the porch.

I couldn't take much more of this - - something had to be done. So I opened up the front door, got down on my knees, and held open the storm door just a bit (well, it was COLD!)(and WINDY!). I started talking to the little kitty and trying to coax it in. It kept stepping back and forth, scared to come in, but cold and miserable. Finally, its curiosity and desire to come in and see my two cats brought it inside, and I was able to get the door shut.

Now the fun began - - it was scared to death of us, but wanted to be around my two cats, who in turn wanted NOTHING to do with the little intruder! What fun.....it would follow them around, they would hiss and run away, and it would keep on following. At one point, when it was stalking Carmichael, it sat on my foot; I took the opportunity to reach down and give it a head scritch, and it started purring - - until it realized it was a BIG OL' HUMAN doing that, and ran off.

There was no way of getting close enough to see if it was male or female.....but we could definitely see its ribs, and little spine, and that there was some definite feeding that needed to be done. Lots of it. And soon.

Finally, we were able to herd the little thing out to the garage, which is heated; we put out a litter box, some food and water, and a couple of soft old rugs. We figured it would be safe out there, and warm, and fed. It was late, and Mr. Dizzy had to go into work the following Saturday morning pretty early; we decided we would figure out what was going on once he got back home.

To be continued.....

Grace In Small Things: 21/2010

This week's 5 things are very special, very near and dear to my heart - - Today is my Wedding Anniversary!

That being said, here are 5 things (out of too many to count!) that I am grateful for being married to the very special, totally amazing Mr. Dizzy:

• He loves me, and is not afraid to say it or show it, in many, many little ways.
• Even though he had never been married before or ever had any kids of his own - - when we married, he took in my 12-year-old son as his own, and did the best he could helping me raise that young man.
• He lets me take care of him when he's sick, and is actually a pretty good patient!
• Even though he's mildly allergic, he lets me have cats in the house, because he knows how much I love them; says his allergy shots will take care of it.
• He trusts me, 100%, and appreciates that I trust him as well; we have vowed we will never, ever do anything to betray that trust.

Happy 24 years, my Dear Mr. Dizzy! You are the love of my life, my soulmate, my life partner - - I am looking forward to the next 24 years with you, and more!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 20/2010

What a week this one has been as well! *whew*

Here is what I am grateful for this week:

• This week marked the END of Spring semester!
• This Friday was payday (finally!)
• Lunch with my best friend from Jr. High/High School who is back visiting our little home town from San Diego - - great being able to catch up with her!
• Had a GREAT month at the antique booth last month - - received a very nice check today.
• My favorite recipe (Crazy Aunt Purl's Pot Roast and Roasted Veggies) for Sunday dinner. So yum.

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Grace In Small Things: 19/2010

It's been a terribly rough week. It has made it extremely difficult to find 5 things to be grateful for, but here goes:

• Spending time with my grandsons, being able to help them with their homework.
• Smiling while watching the grandsons outside "helping" Grandpa with yard work - - more of a hindrance than a help, but they sure do try hard!
• Connie's World Famous Chocolate Brownies - - both iced and uniced - - yum!
• A daughter-in-law who has turned out to be the daughter I never had. Love you, Dawn.
• With one week of my online class left, I am carrying a 100% average for all the Modules so far.

P.S. Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful, beautiful mothers out there. Give your Mom a BIG hug and tell her how much you love her while you can; I wish mine were still here so I could. Love you, Mom, and miss you.



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Grace In Small Things: 18/2010

Things I am grateful for this week:

• My Dad's continued good health! I have had 2 close friends lose their fathers in the past week, and attended visitations for both. Makes me appreciate my Dad even more!
• My grandson's knee NOT having a hairline fracture, and he is finally off his crutches! YAY!
• Adam, my former student worker and now Computer Tech Extraordinaire! He was able to fix my daughter-in-law's computer in less than an hour, for a very small amount of money - - Adam, you are the BEST!
• Kicking butt in Body Sculpt Class this week - - every week I can feel my muscles getting stronger and stronger; and, my clothes are fitting better also.
• Since rejoining the Gym, I'm am now down 10 pounds! YAY!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 17/2010

This week, my post is going to take a slight turn - - let me explain:

This past week, I have helped out, and participated in, the "Kris Rocks" Benefit for a very dear friend and coworker of mine. Kris has been battling Breast Cancer for the past 14 years. She is Stage IV, and it has spread to her bones and liver. BUT - - you will NEVER, EVER find a more positive, upbeat person than Kris. She is a fighter; she is determined to beat this nasty, vicious disease. And if anyone can do it, Kris is the one!

That all being said, here are the 5 things I am grateful for this week:

• Donating 10 batches of my "world-famous" brownies to the Benefit - - 8 for the Bake Sale, and 2 of my Chocolate Mint Brownies to the Silent Auction . . . and watching a "bidding war" going on over them!
• Mr. Dizzy and I spending an entire Saturday afternoon with the most amazing group of people. The entire hall was packed!
• Meeting Kris' Dad, and sharing a few tears with him while telling him what an amazing, strong person my friend, his daughter, is, and how she has inspired me over the years.
• Finally getting to hear the band "Mister Sister" play, and they are awesome! Kris' husband, David, is the keyboardist for the group. He is amazing. Actually, they all are!
• Getting to spend time with my nephew Travis, who adores Kris; she was one of his instructors in College, and they have kept in touch over the years. He made a special trip to Decatur just to be at the Benefit and spend time with her (and us, of course!)

This past Saturday afternoon made me realize once again how generous and giving people are, and willing to rally around a friend/coworker/family member in need. Yes, there is a lot of bad in the world - - A LOT - - but yesterday showed me that the good greatly outweighs the bad!

I'm glad you had such a good day, yesterday, Kris. And don't forget - - KRIS ROCKS!!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.