take a breath

It is 5:00 in the evening and I have been cleaning my home since 7:00 this morning.  I just finished. Talk about a workout!  I was going to pursue my spring cleaning room by room, taking my time over a few weeks, but I fell in love with the weather and it inspired me to rid our dwelling of dust and dirt.  I could make a wig out of all the hair from our doggies.  Everything feels and smells so clean and fresh. 

Despite the fact it is supposed to rain all weekend, we will try to spruce things up outside a little bit.  Now that we can see our lovely lawn once again, it would be nice to open up the patio set and let them air out.  I'll probably just pitter around collecting dead branches here and there.  Our landscaper will swing by during the week to do the big tree trimming and replenish our border pebbles before our plentiful tulips make their appearance. Some are peaking through already.  The jonquils and daffodils are always the first to spring forth.  This teddy bear sunflower will grace our garden this summer.

Now that the domestic duties are complete, tomorrow we will get ready for our coveted trip to San Antonio in a few days.  We will do the grooming drill of eyebrows threaded, manicure, pedicure and hair trims.  It doesn't take long to pack and I already have the fridge stocked for Dan.  He will probably eat out anyway, but he does like to nibble at night, so he's all set.  I have to hide our luggage until the very end because the dogs know what that means.  They are genius.  I think we have a St. Patrick's Day party to attend sometime soon so we'll have to squeeze some fun in the schedule. 

I hope you have a happy weekend.  Enjoy the fresh, clean air and smile.  Then praise the Lord. 

Life is good. and I'm exhausted...xo

never forsaken

Family is a haven in a heartless world... Christopher Lasch

Criminal Minds is my favorite thought- provoking series where I can be privy to what is happening in the great big world.  The behavior analysts witness all the bad and acknowledge the good.  They expose the criminals and determine why they do what they do.  I am tucked in my own little corner of that big, bad world nestled in the goodness, always grateful not to be part of the ugly.  I take it for granted.  I don't worry about gunshots or drug dealers on my corners. My neighborhood just experienced a grisly murder scene, extremely uncommon for Darien; a nice place to live.  We are a small,  quiet community bordering bigger, well-known neighborhoods such as Downers Grove, Naperville and Hinsdale.  We chose this obscure area for this simple reason - to reside in a relatively unknown area surrounded by nature and easy living.   You can't hide from crime and you can't escape evil, but I will never live my life in fear.  This doesn't keep us immune from bad behavior of others.  We experienced traumatic situations with people who have harmed our sons, not once, not twice but thrice.  We handled same through the judicial system and made things right.  It was very unfortunate, but nevertheless, a lesson learned, and the perpetrators were punished.  We have learned not to let people get away with hurtful actions for they only continue with others.  Someone has to step up to the plate and demand responsibility.  Everyone is a potential victim, but we must live life holding hope for the goodness in people, not fearful of their wrath.   I try to look for the highlights in life and when I encounter the lowest ebbs, I hold faith that I will swim through the tides, and not sink.  I believe in love and hope for the future and have faith in our strength.  God has never forsaken us yet. 

I just chuckle when I listen to the dire straits of people who let little issues consume them and wonder how they would handle extreme measures.  Hopefully, they won't ever have to cross that bridge, for surely they would experience breakdown.  Perhaps the rain is bringing these melancholy feelings to the surface and I feel the need to share.  Purging is healing.  Details unnecessary.  Thy will be done. xo

rain song

This is the springtime of my loving~

the second season I am to know

You are the sunlight in my growing~

so little warmth I've felt before.

It isn't hard to feel me glowing~

I watched the fire that grew so low.

It is the summer of my smiles~

flee from me Keepers of the Gloom.

Speak to me only with your eyes

it is to you I give this tune.

Ain't so hard to recognize~

These things are clear to all from

time to time. Ooooh....

Talk Talk ~

I've felt the coldness of my winter

I never thought it would ever go

I cursed the gloom that set upon us...

But I know that I love you so

but I know that I love you so.

These are the seasons of emotion

And like the winds they rise and fall

This is the wonder of devotion~

I see the torch we all must hold.

This is the mystery of the quotient ~

Upon us all a little rain must fall.

Just a little rain?

Ooooh, yeah, yeah, yeah!

Led Zeppelin

xo

girl scouts

THE GIRL SCOUT PROMISE

On my honor, I will try

To serve God and my country,

To help people at all times,

And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

THE GIRL SCOUT LAW

I will do my best to be honest and fair,

friendly and helpful, considerate and caring,

courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do,

and to respect myself and others, respect authority,

use resources wisely, make the world a better place,

and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Girl Scout cookies are being sold this time of year.  I must purchase them, for I spent my youth as a Girl Scout and loved every minute of it.  When I bite into the cookie, I am forever reminded of my days as a Girl Scout.  We were required to sell as many boxes as we could to support our local scouts. My favorites are thin mints and peanut butter but who could forget  do-si-dos? 

I began my journey as a Junior, but the order of scouts nowadays is Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior and Ambassador.  We only had Brownies through Seniors back in my day.  I befriended wonderful gals who shared this journey with me and eventually I became a Brownie leader.  I was an ambassador as a senior scout and almost won senior scout of the year nationwide.   I competed at Gage Park and it was quite an experience.  The best part of scouting was the field trips to various camp sites in the surrounding area, such as Camp Falcon, Butternut and Palos camp grounds.  We slept in cabins most times but also in tents at 30 degrees; and I remember vividly sharing a tent with Patty Ryan who placed her clothes neatly under her sleeping bag so they would not get wrinkled.  We were surrounded by nature and went on various hiking excursions and our goal was to accrue patches for our vests indicating we accomplished the goals set forth from the girl scout troops.  My sash was filled by the time I ended my scouting days, my green felt vest filled with bigger outing patches and needless to say, the memories of working on them fill me with joy.  We met at the Five Holy Martyrs little room by the field once a week and worked on crafts and our leaders were Mrs. Potempa and Garbacz, mothers of fellow scouts.  They were serious scout leaders, let me tell you, and did not let us get away with anything.  They were always one step ahead as if they had eyes in the back of their heads, so we were sufficiently supervised and they taught us so much more than we ever bargained for. 

Our camping trips included awakening to the sound of pots and pans by the leaders at the crack of dawn.  Moans and groans were heard throughout the cabin as we slowly but surely got our butts out of the bunks to make breakfast.  Each of us had duties as teams, some to provide centerpieces for the daily meals, others to make the meals, another to clean up the mess afterward.  We had to make up our beds all the time and pass inspections.  We listened to music constantly, and Cat Stevens remains in my heart forever with regard to scout camping.  We talked and shared stories while working on various projects.  Never a dull moment.  Sue, Terri, Cindy, Connie, Diane, Patty, Nadine and Marcy were all constant companions in my troop, my sisters.  Most of us attended Maria High School and Sue was my big sister (I believe Terri was Cindy's.)  So you see, the bonds run deep through scouting.

As we grew older and camped, indubitably, someone brought Boonesfarm wine and we went into the woods to sneak a drink.  We even had initiations for new scouts and whenever someone moved up a level.  Mostly we laughed, danced and sang songs around the campfires and had a blast together, bonding as girls love to do.  Sometimes we had joint camping trips with the local Boy Scouts and gathered together while staying in separate quarters.  Once we threw our bras on their light fixtures.  The most memorable outing was when we hiked all day long and tried to beat the boys.  This was not your ordinary level hiking, but rather one that was filled with obstacle courses and ropes over streams as well as up and downhill hiking paths.  We all made it back alive, but weary.  Unfortunately the boys beat us back.  But we were very close.  We went to dude ranches and rode horses on trails and really connected with nature on these trips. 

Girl Scouts is a meaningful and fun way to experience different avenues.  We built courage, confidence and character as we grew together as a troop, encouraging one another to be the best we could be.  What a delightful memory that is relived everytime I see a box of Girl Scout Cookies.  March is the month for cookie sales only and I encourage you to invest in this delicious token of fun. 

If you're happy and you know it, clap you hands.

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands.

If you're happy and you know it

then your life will surely show it.

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands.

sample of our G.S. campfire songs

Prayer:  Mary, you were our true inspiration as we followed your path on our Girl Scout journey. We were encouraged to obtain the Marian medal and most of us did.  Please continue to guide us to be 'girl scouts forever' and follow our creed and your footsteps to be a woman to be admired by our daily services.  During this lental season, we ask you to pray for us and all those we cherish in our lives.  Amen.

xo

signs of spring

SOX slaughtered the Cubs yesterday, 15 - 3.  It was lovely to watch baseball on TV again.  Quentin set the tone right from the beginning and they never looked back.  Way to go, boys,  but let's save it for the season, when it counts. I watched most of the game, but it has a tremendously soothing affect on me and usually lulls me to nap, so I kept it on and made myself useful by completing Dan's FAFSA application.  Anyone who ever did this knows it is very long and detailed so I am quite relieved to accomplish same.  I need most information from our tax form and our accountant finished it just in time.  Thanks, Steve!

Tonight we watch the Oscars.  This is my least favorite awards show for those voting are not the average viewers but rather people who have connections in the industry, so their methods of choosing the winners don't necessary reflect what the general public thinks.  I do like picking my favorites just like everyone else and watching all the glam on the red carpet.  It's a traditional conversation piece and my cue that spring will arrive shortly.  I'm rooting for Jeff Bridges in Crazy Horse, Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side and Kathryn Bigelow for her contributions in The Hurt Locker. This movie really captured my attention and brought out many honorable feelings for our soldiers. I have a dear friend who is serving our country and he relays his realities quite often. He reminded me of one of the actors and my heart grew twice its size for him and his fellow soldiers.  I have a feeling Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds will be honored, for it was loaded with entertainment.  Brad Pitt really did a great job, but the Jew Hunter stole the show. Avatar is an epic masterpiece and James Cameron will surely win something for his creation.  Clooney and Streep are always fun to watch and their talent should be appreciated, but they are the type who just love acting and don't need an award for doing what they love. That makes them tops in my book.  I viewed the audition trailer featuring Gabourey Sidibe in Precious and she is fantastic but after reading the book, but not seeing the movie, I still have a hard time with this storyline.  Mo'Nique's role as Precious' mother just plain irks me. Same for Stanley Tucci in The Lovely Bones.  Acting is acting.  We shall see this evening how they are rewarded for their talents.

This week I spent most of my time running errands for my boys, especially Mike.  He is remodeling his condo with a huge project of replacing the fairly new carpet with wood floors.  He and his buddy, Anthony, have been frantically working all week and I must say, it is beautiful.  Two bedrooms and a huge closet grace the new flooring.  He painted both bedroooms and finished his hallway all last week, mostly evenings after work.  We shopped for a new washer and dryer at ABT but after precise measurements, he realized the set he purchased would not fit through the doorway so he will table those appliances until he finishes remodeling and tiling the bathrooms.  We bought him a new grill for outside and he already cooks on it.  It is so cute to see Mike and Margarita planning their remodeling venture when they come over.  They are so excited and work well together. Anthony is amazing with his creative talents and it shows in his work.  He has done many projects for us between our house and especially the one on Sawyer. 

 Wayne spent his spare time at home repairing various computers for two of our friends due to virus damage.  Note to clickers everywhere: just as cars need timely oil changes to preserve their productivity, computers need antivirus and backup security.  If you are a Comcast customer, they offer free Norton Security Suite which covers both features.  It is integral for maintaining proper function without damages and loss of data.   After this busy week, we found notes all over the house and on my car saying you are appreciated.  Steve probably knew of our efforts and wanted us to know they did not go unnoticed.  Mike and Dan left text messages with their gratitude. It's these little touches that make it all worthwhile.  Thanks, sweeties.  

Meteorologically we have entered the spring season.  The warmer, sunny days have forced the snow to melt dramatically.  How wonderful it is to finally see green grass again.  The air has a lighter feel to it and the birds chirp a little sweeter. The downside is we have to pick up all the poo in the back.  Wayne attempts to collect the nuggets during the season, but with so much snow it was impossible until now.  I already notice people are more friendly and spend time outside more often.  I always say Midwesterners appreciate the seasons more than anyone, for we endure so many changes.  Nothing is constant but change and we live it via our weather.

Prayer:  For the glory of all the gifts of creation and for all creatures great and small, may I give you praise and thanks, great God.  I give thanks in all I say and do, remembering that every good gift, talent and treasure in my life comes from you.  For the light shining in the eyes of my spouse and children, for smiles and hugs and the love of family and friends (through whom you praise me abundantly), I thank you, God.  Amen.

and the award goes to.... xo

happy 5th birthday pontiac

Our darling bagle, Pontiac, was born five years ago today.  He was the oldest of 10 pups in Thumper's litter.  One did not survive, but nine did thanks to the mama dog persevering from 6:30 in the evening until 4:30 the next morning.  This was one of the most beautiful experiences I ever had.  A bagle is a mix of bassett hound and a beagle.  The year prior, Mike bought his girlfriend a beagle for Christmas (Freckles) and two days later she returned the favor and bought him a bassett, Thumper.  The next year we took care of Freckles while the family vacationed in Florida and what are the odds, Thumper was in heat?  They really went for it that week and when Wayne would catch them and knock on the window, they went behind our pool so as not to be seen.  Determination.  Animal instincts.  After confirmation of her pregnancy, I learned how to take her temperature and prepare her for the birth.  Our friends, the Blocks, bred laboradors for 20 years and came over to assist in the birthing.  Good thing, too, for the ninth pup was stillborn and Gina suggested we take her to the emergency room.  They delivered the pup and thought she would need a Cesarean to deliver the last pup, but all of a sudden, Gina jumps up and down announcing she saw two paws, so the delivery continued and my exhausted Thumper came home to begin her job as mama dog.

Thumper was only 18 months when she became a mom.  How she knew what to do was pure instinct and I was repeatedly amazed at how she knew how to clean them, feed them, school them and when to stop feeding them.  I would make sure she got a break and brought her upstairs so she could not hear them crying for her 24/7.  She was so tired, but when a pup whimpered, she offered her nipples faithfully.  We named each pup and fell in love with all of them.  They each had their own personality and our family grew fond of the female, Moo Moo (her markings looked like a cow) and I fell in love with Pontiac.  He was originally going to be named Oscar as the Academy Awards show was on that week, but Mike noticed the Pontiac sign on his forehead and being carboy, that was it.  Pontiac was named.  He was the firstborn and came out breech, so we assisted.  We really did not have to, for dogs know how to give birth, but we removed the bag and snipped the cords each time for her.  It was a remarkable miracle with each delivery.

Thumper was very protective of her pups but she trusted us so much and let us show off her babies to anyone who visited.  We had people in and out for weeks because there is something special about puppies, let alone nine of them.  Their smell, their sounds, their softness are just delightful and bring out so much love and affection.  We took a ton of pictures to remember them and it tugs at my heart when I see them again.  They were very messy so it was a lot of work keeping them clean and warm.  They loved when I placed a blanket over their little crate so they felt secure.  To this day, Pontiac loves when we put one on him and just lies there under his tent.  I remember clipping all their nails and some acted as if I was torturing them, others, just flinched a little. They woke up a lot at night but after a feeding, fell back to sleep.  I had plenty of practice with my three sons and knew it would only last a couple of months, so I did not mind.

I helped Thumper with the feedings by calming her down at times and making sure she rested herself.  She was so dutiful and I had to make sure she had enough rest and food to sustain her.  Gina helped make sure the pups had their shots and I prepared the cereal for them as they got older.  I think Thumper was grateful to be relieved from the feedings after a month of nurturing.  I remember crying so hard when we had to find homes for them.  I would hide Pontiac when people came to see my little darlings.  The boys wanted Moo Moo, but after watching them interact, I knew she was too dominant and two dominant females would not work out so well.  She ended up in Homer Glen with a wonderful family who treats her as a queen and we keep in touch with updates on how she's doing.  We were told she runs the house.  Just as I suspected. 

Pontiac was firstborn and is our big slug.  Then came Gifka (girl in Polish), Cassanova, Moo Moo, Hercules, Rocky, Apollo, Jenna and Angel.  Our neighbor and friend of our sons, Gerald, fell in love with Rocky, and we have him over when they travel to the Philipines.  It is so funny when he escapes from his house sometimes, he dashes right to our garage door.  He knows our house and who lives here; Thumper and Pontiac have so much fun together when he drops by.  I call him my Shadow dog for he stays right by me all day long and cuddles with me when we relax at night.  A fellow co-worker of Wayne's acquired Cassanova for his teenage daughter; she renamed him Oliver and every Christmas they send pictures.  I feel happy that all the pups have good homes and bring joy to so many others. 

Since the pups were born in pre-spring, we were able to let them play outside and get sunlight when they were a month old.  They would frolic and some would hide under the deck or between the stones and evergreens.  Thumper always found them and made sure they did not stray too far.  I got a kick out of her method for schooling them into submission.  She put their hind leg in her mouth and flipped them on their backs.  Pontiac was so compliant that when he saw her approaching him, he just fell back on his own. That sealed his becoming a part of our family once and for all. Moo Moo, on the other hand, barked all the time and bossed the others around.  She would not fall into submission with the Mama and it was comical to see her strong will play out. 

The joy we get is indescribable when we bond with our doggies.  We relax by the fireplace with them and they love to look out the front door and must have their daily walks and neena bones.  Pontiac demands I service him by scratching his trigger parts and makes sounds to remind me to do so.  Thumper is all about food.  She stares at the alter where the treats are kept and squeeks until we deliver them.  When we leave to go shopping or run errands, it is inevitable we will be greeted with excited tails wagging upon our return. There is no shortage of love between us.  It is a fact that dogs emit seratonin when petted, so it is no wonder people want to be around them.  Who needs happy pills when we have Thumper and Pontiac?  We spoil them, but I made it a point to train them a little more after watching It's Me or the Dog.  Everyone comments on them as I take them on their walks for they look so funny together. 

Happy Birthday, Ponti, pillow pup.  xo

Prayer:  Jesus, thank you for the good things you do for me, especially for guiding me toward God.  May I always praise and thank God as you did, in all I say and in all I do.  Open my eyes, please, to the many gifts and blessings God gives me and help me to be aware of the good works God does through me.  Amen.

hi, helen!

Today it has been two years since Helen passed on to a better life.  She had so many friends and family members to welcome her.  Helen had not one, but two husbands awaiting her hugs.  Enough time has passed where our family can let go of the intensity of the last few years taking care of her and we find ourselves laughing out loud at the funny comments she made.  Fittingly, last night's episode of Undercover Boss featured her beloved White Castle stomping ground.  She was there all the time and loved that porcelain palace so much.   

This was her entertainment, dining area - morning, noon and night - and home away from home that kept her in touch with the outside world.  She was literally a hop, skip and a jump away.  While watching this episode, we just knew they would feature the exact location she frequented and they delivered.

Nothing like a slider.

March has finally graced us with her presence.  Hope for renewal has arrived.  We watched Inglourious Basterds with Brad Pitt.  It was quite entertaining.  I read the book Precious in four hours on Saturday.  That was a rough one.  I don't see what all the hype is about and why they are glamorizing this storyline.  The movie has already won 40 awards and the Oscars will surely follow suit for some of the categories.  It is a horrible story and the book kept reiterating the tragic abuse.  I understand we should embrace stories of victims overcoming their ordeal, but this was too heavy and over the top for me, anyway. 

I am now reading a book written by my son which, so far, is blowing me away.  He is so talented and I am glad he is utilizing his gifts in constructive and creative avenues.  Good for him.  I still have to read The Blind Side and Diary of a Call Girl; the latter I will save for our upcoming trip to Texas. I will continue enriching my mind with new thoughts and discoveries.  As I am enlightened, I will share.  xo

Prayer:  Jesus, beloved and chosen of God, speak to my heart today that I might know what you are asking of me.  How might I fast and pray and share from my abundance?  How might I be a better person at home, at work and in all my dealings with others.  Let me know, please.  Amen.