Just a Note ...

to say no, I've not fallen off the face of the earth! But I have been extremely busy, busier than usual this holiday season! But that's good for me.

This is for you, Sharmy! I know how you've missed the little darling!



Awwwwwww! Isn't he sweet??

Another thing -- I bought my parents this for Christmas:



However, I gave it to them early because I thought it would take us all two years to learn how to use it. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be too easy! Naturally, this required the purchase of a DVD-R as well so those two items alone were ooooh, pricey. Previously, I had a DVD-VCR but now w/ the new one I'll be able to do lots of different things! That is, if I actually learn how to use it.



It doesn't look very scary but it is!! This is what it says:
Panasonic Progressive-Scan Multiformat DVD-R/-RW/RAM/+R/+RW Recorder/VCR Combo
Use this DVD recorder combo to record your favorite shows onto DVD. Featuring VHS capabilities, a built-in 80GB hard drive and select SD/PC card compatibilities, this DVD recorder is versatile in its ability to store and record on a variety of different media.

Can someone explain that to me in English?? Kill me.

I have to go to the Big House now and wrap gifts. Tomorrow Precious goes to the groomer, Friday I see Cindi so I have to have gifts for those in her office as well as cookies ready to go for her, plus I'm delivering cookies and gifts tomorrow evening for friends and family. Mama helped me bake and decorate the cookies, while Da conveniently skipped out for a horse doin's. That's okay, he's already made up for it: Yesterday he bought us tickets for the Bud Lite PBR Championships!! Woo-hoo!! We went last year too and had a blast! You know -- Father/Daughter Fun.

Gotta run -- Sending my love to all!

Daddy and Bucky

**Friday**
No, I'm not talking about a friend named Bucky, I'm talking about the Real Deal: He got him an 8 point -- almost 9 point buck this morning. Thank heavens that's over! I'm thinkin' he'll probably keep going out because Uncle Steve hasn't gotten one yet, and Lord knows he can't go out alone in his wheelchair to hunt! Wait -- Uncle Steve has been going out in his little mini-car to hunt, not his wheelchair. Poor soul. This morning he saw two 4 points but they were too far away. Everyone else has gotten a deer -- Uncle Rex, Daddy and even my cousin's husband Sarma and it was the first time he ever went deer hunting. Now Uncle Steve needs to get him a bigun'! My daddy just hauled Bucky off, and I'm glad. It was so beautiful, and for once his big old tongue wasn't stickin' out. I took photos w/ my 35mm. and I'll post one when I get it processed. That was one big deer! Sad. When I come back from town night before last it was about 6.15 PM. I turned off Natchez Trace onto Pin Oak and there was a little bitty fawn right by the side of the road, just as plain as day. She was tiny, about 1/2 the size of Precious and I was scared she was gonna dart out across the road so I creeped by as slowly as I could. I didn't see Mama but you can bet the ranch she was watching Baby. That's why Daddy doesn't want to take a doe.

I slept all night w/ the windows open and like to smothered to death. They're still open but at least now there's a nice breeze coming through. Another hot day but then it'll turn to winter down here again: 50°and rain. I miss snow.

**Saturday**
Bucky is long gone, all that remains is his ... *gulp* ... head, I think. Gross. The rest of him is at Hay's Meat House or whatever it is. This is kinda funny: When Da was deer hunting he counted I believe he said 39 turkeys in the clearing -- boys and girls, or whatever they're called -- so he got his deer and today went out turkey hunting. Didn't see a one. *snicker* I mean, is it really necessary he murder every animal on our land? Hunting season just began, for heaven's sake! I feel bad for them ... I know, I know, it's the balance of nature and all that crap but it still breaks my heart.

So. Do y'all know about the Lips Urinal? Now this is disgusting. Get a load of it:
Yeah. Can you believe this thing? It's called the Kisses! Urinal and this hunk of porcelain can be installed in any home, where it will undoubtedly amuse both you and your guests who might fancy a tinkle. The upside: With this as their target you may finally break their disgusting habit of sprinkling on the floor. Maybe. How would you like this?

Oooh, classy. However, they're all over Europe, and they can keep 'em far's I'm concerned.
DISGUSTING

So tomorrow is the church's Thanksgiving dinner and it looks like every thing's gonna turn out just fine despite my mom stressing about it. She made the pea salad (using English peas, of course) that everyone but me loves, dressing and I'm sure something else but it just fell out my head. I made like a gallon of gravy plus Samantha's Famous Deviled Eggs. Daddy sampled everything just to make sure it was up to his high standards! He tickles me when he does that.

And you thought you had a lousy day, how would you like to be this person? Officials in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, spotted what could be a rare World War One stamp on an absentee ballot on election night. But by the time they discussed what kind of stamp it was, the envelope it came on was already locked in a ballot box. Of course, it cannot be opened once sealed so it'll be another 22 months before anyone knows if it's the infamous inverted Jenny. However, it's worth a lot less than what it once was because it's been canceled! Sad.
NO LONGER $200K

This is also ridiculous, and I've been left wondering what were they thinking? Check out the luxury laptop which also includes a built-in videocam that has "a mirror-like function ... to allow you to check your style," according to the laptop maker's Web site, Ego-Lifestyle. Yeah, I'm gonna plunk down $5K for a laptop I'm sure to replace in 18 months.

Mind you, that's the el-cheapo laptop. For the ritzy one w/ platinum and diamonds click the link:
ASININE
It's still gonna be a hunk of junk, a freaking dinosaur in 18 months!! Sheesh.

And this is a Good Thing: Barbaro's cast was removed last Friday!! He is in no way out of the woods and still suffers from laminitis in his right hind leg which occurs frequently when horses put too much weight on one leg. But Big B is definitely on the mend!! I can think of no horse more loved by the world than he.

LOTS OF LOVE

The article states, "thousands of fans worldwide who have sent cards, posters, carrots, apples, candies and flowers. 'And Barbaro is not greedy,' reports Bellwether, the school's newsmagazine. 'Of the thousands of treats sent to him, he enjoys what he can, and shares the rest with other equine patients.'"

Such a precious boy. God bless you and keep you, Barbaro. Our prayers are with you always.

For Mamma Roo

who is always so patient! Many thanks, sweets! As for the rest of you, enjoy!

I had to delete the slideshow. It's an attempt to "repair" my blog, which appears to have an intense dislike for slideshows. Sorry!

This was so much fun for me, except for finding that many of the photos I'd planned to share from the last church function are not compatible w/ the slideshow. I do not know why. It wants jpg images and that's what I gave it. I even deleted and resaved them as jpgs but no go. So I'll figure something else out! Meanwhile, the descriptions of the photos are as follows:

1. That's my Big Man, my Heart Throb, my Boy!
2. This actually is from church: Samantha, Hannah (granddaughter of), Arthur the pastor, and Joshua.
3. Baby Nose
4. Mama and Son
5. Some of the wildly rampant Kudzu -- it really is beautiful around the ranch.
6. Mama, who would not stay back enough for me to photograph her -she wanted scratches and smooches and cookies, OH MY!
7. Another Kudzu shot on our land.
8. Baby, thinking he's gonna nibble on his brother's butt!

I'll work on the rest as time permits ... As a matter of fact, I have an idea!

These are some of the images that refused to work in the slideshow. Above, Daddy is playing horseshoes. I didn't ask but I'm sure he WON! Daddy is a success at every single thing he attempts.

This is the only photo of my mama that is not blurred. Remember how I always talk about "Here she comes, on her little wheels"? She's like a whirlwind all the time, and none of the photos showed her clearly except this one. Case closed.


I just love this photo! This is Wanda, the pastor's precious wife, and of course my daddy. In the background, you get just a little peek at Glenda who is the sweetest little thing!

And tonight, don't forget to set your clocks back ("Spring forward, Fall back") but this is the last time we'll do it this way. Currently, daylight time begins in the United States on the first Sunday in April and ends on the last Sunday in October. On the first Sunday in April, clocks are set ahead one hour at 2:00 a.m. local standard time, which becomes 3:00 a.m. local daylight time. On the last Sunday in October, clocks are set back one hour at 2:00 a.m. local daylight time, which becomes 1:00 a.m. local standard time. These dates were recently modified with the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Pub. L. no. 109-58, 119 Stat 594 (2005). Starting in March 2007, daylight time in the United States will begin on the second Sunday in March and end on the first Sunday in November.

Not all places in the U.S. observe daylight time. In particular, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not use it. Indiana just recently adopted the use of it beginning in 2006.

* In 2006, daylight time begins on April 2 and ends on October 29.

* In 2007, daylight time begins on March 11 and ends on November 4. [New law goes into effect.]

* In 2008, daylight time begins on March 9 and ends on November 2.

Many other countries observe some form of "summer time", but they do not necessarily change their clocks on the same dates as the U.S.

Daylight time and time zones in the U.S. are defined in the U.S. Code, Title 15, Chapter 6, Subchapter IX - STANDARD TIME. The link will take you to the Cornell Law site. Yes ... I read all kinds of things, not all of it novels and news.

It would also be a primo time to change your batteries in your smoke detectors. Ten years of living in STL taught me that -- every time this year all the media pounded that into our heads and it's stuck -- not a bad idea!

Memphis Manatee

Oh, this is just sad! Somehow a manatee showed up at Wolf River Harbor near downtown Memphis! He's been here three days however, a manatee rescue team from Sea World is expected to arrive today to help him. Poor little guy!


He's not missed any meals because the area he's in has tons of vegetation, but no one can figure how on earth he got here, some 750 miles upriver from where he belongs in the warm waters of the Gulf. God bless the little guy ...
I'M LOST!
You know me, this is just about to break my heart worrying about him ...

The Good News: I am not allergic to my precious Furballs! Woo-hoo!
The Bad News: I have suffered the worst cold for the past week than I can remember having ever! But it's also the only cold I've had in five years so I guess I was due for one. That's what the Duck said, at least.

The Good News: Wesley Snipes has been found! He's in Namibia filming a movie called Gollowwalker. You'll remember he was indicted last week on eight counts of tax fraud. According to the charges, Snipes didn't file federal income tax returns from 1999-2004, and attempted to defraud the government of around $12 million in taxes.
The Bad News: Namibia has no extradition treaty with the U.S., so presumably, as long as this intricate masterpiece keeps filming, he's safe!

This is just plain Bad News: Fire chief, 3 volunteers charged with arson!
Oh wait, The Good News: These dufuses are from Tennessee, but about an hour northwest of here near the TN - KY border!
TERRORS OF TIPTONVILLE
Good grief, what were they thinking?? The story even made CNN. Get a load of the Fire Chief:

All four men charged are volunteer firefighters, and one is Mr. Blackburn's grandson. Sad. Lives are ruined.

Speaking of high crime, as we all know if you're going to commit capital murder you don't want to do it in Florida, or Texas for that matter. Take thee to Illinois where it took us 18 years to finally fry John Wayne Gacy, who bawled all the way to the execution chamber! Florida put to death Ted Bundy who terrorized women in this country for many years and now Danny Harold Rolling is minutes away from execution, for which hope of any final appeal is slim.


Rolling, now 52, is said to be Florida's most prolific serial killer since Ted Bundy. The son of a Louisiana cop, he had his last meal of lobster tail, butterfly shrimp, baked potato, strawberry cheesecake and sweet tea shortly before noon.
ROLLIN', ROLLIN', ROLLIN'
"Rawhiiiiiiiiiiiiide!!" Okay, that was a bad joke but I just watched the Blues Brothers again recently.

Hot on Danny Rolling's heels is the execution of Gregory Summers, for ordering his parents' murders sixteen years ago.

Good old Gregory would be in -- you guessed it! -- Texas! I'll never understand what gets into people -- if you don't get along, take a page from my family playbook: Disappear! Become persona non grata! Vamoose! Damn, who cares? You got that kind of attitude, I got better things to do w/ my time. Anyway --
TEXAS TUNE UP

Speaking of which ... This is kinda unusual. It's a list of Last Words From Death Row:
"I'd like you to give my love to my family and friends."
— Ted Bundy, executed in Florida on Jan. 24, 1989
"Let's do it."
— Gary Gilmore, executed in Utah on Jan. 17, 1977
(By firing squad, incidentally.)
"To all of the racist white folks in America that hate black folks and to all of the black folks in America that hate themselves: the infamous words of my famous legendary brother, Matt Turner, 'Y'all kiss my black ass.' Let's do it."
— Brian Roberson, executed in Texas on Aug. 9, 2000
"Please tell the media, I did not get my Spaghetti-O's, I got spaghetti. I want the press to know."
— Thomas Grasso, executed in Oklahoma on March 20, 1995
"You can be a king or a street sweeper, but everybody dances with the Grim Reaper."
— Robert Alton Harris, executed in California on April 21, 1992
(No truer words were ever spoken.)
"Sir, in honor of a true American hero: 'Let's roll.' Lord Jesus receive my spirit."
— David Ray Harris, executed in Texas on June 30, 2004
(In reference to the last recorded words of Todd Beamer, passenger on Flight 93, 11 September, 2001 which crashed in Shanksville, PA.)
"Jane, you know damn well I did not molest that kid of yours. You are murdering me and I feel sorry for you. Get in church and get saved. I really don't know what else to tell you."
— William Chappell, executed in Texas on Nov. 20, 2002
Some words were sad, poignant, some were slightly comical. The worst part is, they're all true.

So y'all notice my new Firefox button, right? That's because there's a new release! I've had it for a bit, but it was kicked loose to the public about 24 hours ago. And just because I love you I'm posting this:
Six handy Firefox 2 tweaks!
Step 1: Download Firefox 2.
Step 2: Bend it to your will.
TWEAK ME, BABY!
Sooo easy, and let me just point out one thing: Earlier today I had the opportunity to use Session Restore. Mind you, I'd forgotten about it but Firefox asked me if I'd like to restore my session to which I replied, "HELL YEAH!" (think Montgomery Gentry) and I was sooooo happy! Just read the dang article -- if that doesn't convince you Firefox is the end-all be-all in the browser world then ... I guess that means you need glasses. Because obviously you can't read -- so why are you checking out my blog?? Ahh ... for the pretty pictures!

On 15 October we all loaded up to attend a church doin's. What I remember most of all was the most mouthwatering food I've ever had in my entire life, Delinda's Mama's Chicken and Dumplings. The only chicken and dumplings I'd had previously were canned and putrid. Really. They were so bad I wondered why my mom was punishing me. Delinda promised me they were to die for and oh my! They certainly were, and she didn't exaggerate one bit. In regards to that day, I have come into possession of a few photos taken of that event, "Old Timer's Day." Everyone was supposed to dress up in period costume -- I, however, did not. I felt fortunate to make it to the event with matching shoes on -- actually, they were my red boots which matched my red fringe western jacket. Anyway, there's not a doubt in my mind I wouldn't have had matching footwear had I not groped for the red boots. Here's the most frightening part yet: I thought I had a pretty good bead on all the photo-takers at the church and threw my jacket over my head when I saw them headed my way. But I missed one ... that sneaky Cotton had a digital camera I wasn't aware of! On to the photos -- in no particular order:

That would be Bruce and a teeny bit of Anthony, both of whom play in the band at the church.

Bruce and his 9.5 month old baby boy, Danny Valencia aka Pork Chop! I love that baby so much it hurts me. And for his part, every time he gets an eyeball on me he smiles his little face off! Pork Chop, not Bruce. Well, Bruce smiles too ... the fool calls me "Sambo." Sigh.


That's my DADDY and ... someone, whose name has escaped me. They were putting the horseshoes together. No, those are not our horseshoes. It's an actual set Daddy bought.

This is Gene. He and his wife own the store where my son once took guitar lessons from Gene's friend Alan. Imagine my surprise when Gene and Elaine (his wife) walked in. I had sooo many questions to answer ... I kept 'em short and sweet. Well, I kept 'em short. Alan no longer works for Gene, but instead works in Parsons where my doctor is. I'll be looking Alan up next time I go there.


Gene's band (sans Alan), and they played forever!


This is Pork Chop's little cousin, Joshua, age 7 months, aka Bruce's brother Ricky's baby. Joshua is the sweetest little angel, and I'm wild about him as well. He looks just like his mommy, Dawn where Pork Chop looks exactly like his daddy's baby photos! The two babies are so different -- Joshua is cool and calm unless he needs a diaper change. His cousin is rough and tough, active all the time -- and he fights sleep, just like my son did. Oh me. I thought they broke that mold w/ my son, but no.


Bruce and Tonya, my little sister and please notice if you will the heart on Tonya's sweater? That was once in my hair ... until Tonya admired it! I tell you truly, I love Tonya w/ ... everything inside me. I know of no other way to put it.

The whole family: Tonya, Justin, Bruce and Baby Boy. OMG! Look at Tonya's right wrist! She also snagged my bracelet. I'd better explain -- just in case. Those who know me well realize it's very easy to "snag" something from me. You need only admire it and I'm taking it off to put in your hair, or on your wrist, etc. She would never ask for anything, but she doesn't have to. I love Tonya, I love you. If you like it, it doesn't matter what it is, it's yours.

I have more photos but I'll have to post them tomorrow. I'm still not calmed down from the uproar we had here a little bit ago -- in fact, I had to save my post and return to it and that's why it's so late now. The horses got out -- ALL of them -- so Daddy and I had to chase them. Meanwhile, Mazie's Chapel down the road had just let out and cars were going by but instead of flying as they usually do, once they saw us herding horses they slowed way down and crept by. It was sort of touch and go for a bit because sometimes they'd run together, and others they'd split up and go different ways, and the one thing we didn't want was those fools going into the timber! That would have so sucked! You know, those things are gonna happen sometimes but you just pray WHEN it does, you'll keep your wits about you and God will tell you how to deal so you don't spook them into the timber. Tell you what, once my Palomino realized there was actual grass he could graze on it was a snap to grab ahold of him. After that it was all downhill. I believe he got ahold of one of those last pepper plants ... but don't tell my mom, okay? They're still producing!

Finally, Note to Self #6:
It doesn't matter how sick I ever again become, how dizzy and weak, how hard I'm coughing and sneezing -- I will never EVER again put Vick's Vapo-Rub on my throat BEFORE going to the bathroom! I'm still having nightmares ...

Where My Down Coat?

It got soooo cold last night when I woke up this morning it looked like snow on the grass! Snow? In TN? In October? Never! But it did get freaky cold last night, and now it's returning to more normal temps. Yesterday the high was 53°, the low 33°and normally it's 75°and 50°. Today it'll be around 67°, tomorrow 73° w/ the sun shining brightly! This is normal weather in the south. It sucks. I'm stuck in the No Snow Zone. Life is so not fair, but I don't know what my horses would do if it snowed more than an inch down here and lasted only 30 minutes. I can tell you for a fact, my wolf hybrid doesn't know from snow at all -- she's only 2! I doubt she'll ever learn what it is down here, but I could be surprised. It wouldn't be the first time I fell over in shock ... as a result of various monentous events.

Speaking of which, check out this photo from MI w/ the caption:

"The many colors of fall...reds, golds, and white from snow."

Just check this out, a photo taken yesterday in Chippewa Falls, WI:

I ask you, how lucky is this guy? I loved living in Wisconsin, being right there at the lake front! Yup, we had plenty of lake-effect snow which was awesome -- until I had my first experience w/ thunder-snow. That scared the stuffin' outta me! Otherwise, I loved it, loved every minute I lived there as I recall. I guess because my entire childhood was spent in areas where we had real seasons, where the change in season was highly defined, I miss it all the more. I remember the snow coming down in big, fat flakes, how warm it was when it snowed and the quiet. It's so quiet when it snows! Except of course if you're near O'Hare International Airport where you can hear the birds but not see them. Eerie.

But it's not all bad in the south. So what if my daddy outgrew his tremendous allergies and passed them on to his only child? We had frost last night so the grass will no longer grow -- that goes for the new Bermuda sod in the pasture, by the way -- so that's the end of part of my sneezy problem. However, I'm surrounded by 97 acres of pine and cedar trees which never stop growing. *achoo* But, I do miss the autumn colors -- very little on the ranch, however I do get to enjoy them when I travel. I have a Chris Cagle concert coming up as well as Montgomery Gentry, and I have a few reservations in Tunica -- all comped of course. That would be a Good Thing.

Now this is a gorgeous photo, taken five days ago in Lincoln, NH:

Now it's apple season -- yummy, crunch, tart, sweet, crispy, tasty apples! Is your mouth watering? Remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away! I don't know what the significance of that is but every time my mama goes to the market she brings me fruit including lots of apples and she often says that to me. I don't know what apples have to do w/ seeing a physician but there you go.

I make an apple crisp (the afore-mentioned recipe Samantha's Famous Apple Crisp which I got out of a cookbook but tweaked) that's to die for! Seriously, I've had people bring me apples just to make them this hot, buttery, cinnamon-y dessert! Mmmm ... this would be another Good Thing.

And back to the snow! Here's an image I'm familiar with:


Oh ... I sorta feel sorry for this guy:


Sucks to be in New York, dude -- they got two feet of snow! Woo-hoo!

And what would this be w/out photos of cats -- Cats Who Look Like Hitler, to be exact!
Disgruntled Hitler:


Where My Eyeballs Hitler:


Stop Exploiting Me Hitler:


And last but not least, Upon My Throne Hitler:


Anyone who is owned by a Furball is familiar w/ that pose! Oh, I love my Furballs ... Even more since we have the automatic litterbox! It rocks! Totally worth the money, no question!

Gotta run -- going to the market, etc.

It's a Good Thing

1. I finally set up the new automatic litter box this evening. It's good because I'm happy, but I don't know how the furballs are going to take it. Someone must have broken down and used it because I heard the sound of an F-18 taking off and I knew that was Mr. Littersweep. I kid you not -- my son stayed at Oshkosh during the annual air show -- EAA AIRVENTURE -- and the sound of fighter jets awoke him at dawn every morning for ten days. That's what Mr. Littersweep sounds like. I opted not for Ms. LitterMaid because -- this is a true story -- I located a litterbox website! I was looking for reviews on the LitterMaid because frankly, it's sort of a lot of $ if it turns out to be a crappy item but even if it weren't the $ I simply can't deal w/ much stress. I mean, you bring it home, set it up, it breaks in two days, you take it back and so on. So at this website everyone discusses their litterboxes and tips and tricks but too they seem to all have automatic boxes.
LITTERBOX CENTRAL
The Littersweep is rated #1, and it's far and above the LitterMaid so off I went to get it. This would not be your conventional style -- wait, I have a photo:

That photo is slightly deceptive. I've not yet figured it out but I think it's either a GIGANTIC cat sitting next to it or it's a smaller model than the one I have. What do you think? No, I mean what do you think about the litterbox? Isn't it cool? But the design is why it works so well. Evidently. Just take a gander at the litterbox website because those people are serious about their litterboxes.

So I was calmly sitting in the livingroom when I hear the unmistakable sound of:


I figured my little Penguinista had braved the new box and after a 30-minute time delay Mr. Littersweep did his thing. LOUDLY. Next thing I know the two furballs are rolling around in the hallway, rasslin' and hissin' at each other! I can come to only one conclusion: The electric eye on the new litterbox is causing my furballs to have seizures and think of each other as enemies! Perhaps they'll learn to avert their eyes ... However, I know what you're thinking: The roar of that thing will keep me awake? Uh-uh. Not this girl. I'll get used to it quick! It's a blessing, trust me.

2. I put together my Scunci Steamer together a few days ago when I had my wings clipped due to illness even though I knew Daddy was gonna explode -- he's such a sweetheart, he didn't let me down. I was in the midst of a U.T.I. and the whole "blood dumping into the bladder" thing spooked my parents although I was pretty okay w/ it, it didn't worry me much. But they didn't want me exerting myself at all I guess because the doctor recommended it ... Anyway, Scunci hasn't had her maiden voyage yet but get a load of it: My mom wants me to clean her baseboards ASAP! That's okay, it'll be fun! Well, maybe not fun but I'm really happy to do it. Doesn't it look like fun?

Okay maybe not. But I think it will be.

3. A couple of days ago I realized I would not be able to continue on w/ my present cellphone. I would be away from the ranch far too much, I needed a car charger which I've misplaced and -- hey! Don't yell at me! You try keeping up w/ something like that when you drive a half-dozen different vehicles, your parents borrow the charger, you move the thing around all the time -- sheesh! It's a minor issue, trust me. Anyway, I knew either I had to purchase another car charger because I was gonna be in Lovey a lot for a few days or I had to buy a new phone. I really wouldn't have minded getting another car charger because my parents can use it except for the fact that I still believe it's here, on the ranch, somewhere and when I accept it's gone I'll buy one for my parents. They'd never used one till they took mine when they were on vacation and they finally saw how convenient it is, and they liked it. Where was I? OH! I knew I had to do something so I went into Verizon and of course there were no less than a gazillion people in that store, and all I could think about was grabbing a phone and getting out of there as fast as I possibly could. I called a friend and asked if he could do it again, would he buy the Razr? Just like everyone else, he said absolutely not. I was forced to scratch the cute pink Razr off my list so at that point I didn't care what I got, and because I hadn't been planning on purchasing immediately I didn't check online beforehand. So I waited, waited, waited and they finally got to me. She asked what I was looking for in a new mobile phone and I was dumbstruck: "Uh ... I don't know, I'm really in a hurry," and I glanced at the display, saw a red one and said, "I'll take that one." HAHAHA, that's a fact and I can hardly believe it myself because I always do research and make informed purchases. ALWAYS! It wasn't until this afternoon I found out not only does it have a camera but also a camcorder -- so I shot Daddy sleeping. He wasn't moving very much but you can hear him breathing. And now, locating a photo of it I found out it's the Music Phone! Yeehaw. Just what I needed. Sigh. It even has stereo speakers but the only thing that caught my eye is the color: It matches Lovey!

Yeah, I guess I'm big on "cute."

And 4. We have some issues to deal w/ concerning Daddy but I know, deep down in my heart, that everything will be fine! Absolutely fine.

And now I've finally unwound enough that I can sleep, I think. I've not slept more than three hours per night w/ Daddy gone because I can feel him gone. There's a great big hole where Daddy's presence should be. *yawn* I love my parents so, so much! I am truly blessed!

Later~

Daddy

Daddy is in the hospital. First he was taken to our local hospital via paramedics and he was later transferred to a larger hospital in Jackson. I'm scared. They don't yet know what's wrong yet. He's scared but too he's "ready for whatever the Lord wants." This is hard. I'm a Daddy's Girl.

Please pray for my daddy! Please, please pray for my daddy ...