tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69852721110826662152024-03-05T07:05:29.419-08:00And that's the truth....Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-35935383146617084392010-04-08T08:56:00.000-07:002010-04-08T10:47:34.869-07:00Helllooooo Spring!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJM57KclHmDMAFz0khKMrDa8C7-v_RUExil4dekVJFII7OCwhWkuSvEhiswBLj-je-dkKcR1DkOWRodIGqzJwx0CW8DVmY5JwaSHZ9im6RozUBpaQxlC6OyGtF2nYA-vj21IV-44-C5eC/s1600/spring_daisys_1600.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457824515412524834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJM57KclHmDMAFz0khKMrDa8C7-v_RUExil4dekVJFII7OCwhWkuSvEhiswBLj-je-dkKcR1DkOWRodIGqzJwx0CW8DVmY5JwaSHZ9im6RozUBpaQxlC6OyGtF2nYA-vj21IV-44-C5eC/s320/spring_daisys_1600.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Oh, look , I still have a blog. Haven't been here for so long that perhaps I don't even remember how to use it. But maybe I'll give it a try. Drum up some new followers. Blather on about some of the less boring aspects of my rather mundane life. So....here we go.</div><br /><div>Currently have all our kids back in the house. Whitney and Travis put their house on the market and realized that it was easier to keep it clean and staged if they and their dogs weren't living there. It's all working out great. Four dogs can be a circus at times, but since we have no "real" grandchildren, the grandpuppies keep us entertained. Alex sleeps at the house but isn't there much. He's working two jobs and hangs with his pals when he's off, so we pass each other, get a quick update and a hug and life is good. </div><br /><div>My mom had a small stroke in early winter, so we finally moved them to The Waterford Assisted Living. Not a move they are thrilled to have made, but a necessary one. They get great care. We had all hoped they would adjust and take part in the activities that are offered there, but instead they tend to stay in their room (except for meals which is a whole 'nother subject) and complain about how bored they are. *sigh* Had hoped for more, but at least they are safe and secure. I guess when you are 86 you get to choose what you will and won't do. I try to get over to see them every couple months.</div><br /><div>I'm still working, Keith is still working, which I guess is good these days. It is what it is. </div><br /><div>In February we got to go to Maui for ten days with Whitney and Travis and our friends, Gail and Roch. Nothing like a lotta sunshine and warmth in mid winter to make life better. Wish we could do it every year, but this way, it means that much more when we can get there. We saw all the sights, including the whales and got lots of beach time. That's as it should be, right?</div><br /><div>I've become an obsessed fan of Celtic Thunder in case you hadn't heard. I am on their Street Team (now officially titled the Washington State Celtic Thunder Fan Club). That's a long story - really the result of requesting information about a show in Spokane. I have made some very fun connections with a lot of great people, including the lads themselves. Their music makes me happy and they are just incredibly nice down-to-earth people who enjoy keeping in contact with their fans. My husband actually started this obsession, so he only has himself to blame. He found them on PBS and took me to my first show in Dec. 08. Since then I have gone to two more shows, purchased all available cds and dvds and become rather busy keeping up with them on Twitter, Facebook, CT website, MySpace...... I got to visit with Ryan and George on their recent visit here for a PBS appearance. I have gotten notes and emails back from them - always very exciting. They're touring the US again this fall and yes I have tickets.....to three shows and one of those with Meet and Greet tickets. :) I am very excited to go to the show in Portland because I get to sit with all my fun Seattle friends that I have met through CT. Keith just indulges me....in a way its payback for the FIVE Smothers Brothers show I have attended with him. </div><br /><div>No big plans for the summer except to get some serious sun time of which we have been sorely lacking of late. Maybe a trip to a Mariners game......they're supposed to win the league this year. I've heard THAT before, but still, Safeco Field, garlic fries.....that's good win or lose. :)</div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-62413241026713165362009-07-15T09:06:00.000-07:002009-07-15T09:45:10.557-07:00Ahhhh - Summer!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqQU0lkZsVZ_a4QClyEZ9Yo7YNtkkqflmon2lJ7z4s-5x7yGSG4ul0pXyta-GIH9oFE4cPjGVhjfNz5mnLculSVRSYVpGhfQ2dO81WhbywsV8tUcKVghdj-UC2cycIvkavFdHuC-9TXF1/s1600-h/summer09.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358728660058717090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqQU0lkZsVZ_a4QClyEZ9Yo7YNtkkqflmon2lJ7z4s-5x7yGSG4ul0pXyta-GIH9oFE4cPjGVhjfNz5mnLculSVRSYVpGhfQ2dO81WhbywsV8tUcKVghdj-UC2cycIvkavFdHuC-9TXF1/s400/summer09.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I know, I know, I know. I have been a blogging slacker of late. So for my many followers (all 6 of you - haha!) here is your update as to why I have been slacking:<br /></div><div>Summer is my FAVORITE time of the year. Summer is also my BUSIEST time of the year because we go places and do things and have company and, and.... So far this summer we have had different family and friends popping in and out and have gone to Seattle and Montana and are headed for the Oregon coast next week. My niece and her family are coming this weekend and I am excited to get to play with them! Our friend Lauren is in town with her kids while her husband is in Iraq so I plan to spend time playing with them as well. Dan and Mishell will be back in Aug. and we need to get down to Eugene to see Keith's mom before summer is over. We have a camping trip planned in Aug. with our friends Gail and Roch, and one in Sept. with sisters and spouses. No wonder summer goes by too fast!!!! </div><div></div><br /><p>As you can see from my Maui countdown, I spend a lot of time anticipating the fun trip we have planned for Feb. Condo is booked, watching for cheap flights (no such thing), shopping for summer clothes, planning activities and dreaming about sunny beach time! It's so great that by the time winter hits I will have this little escape to look forward to.</p><p>Also on the schedule for fall - my awesome husband is taking me to a Celtic Thunder concert in Seattle in November. We'll do an overnighter, take in the concert and likely a few of our favorite Seattle sites. CT is, well, let's just say, my favorite group, and I am very excited to see them live once again. (Went to their show here in Spokane last December.)</p><p>For those of you who followed the puppy saga - all of Sydney and Taz's babies found homes. Three of them are with people we know so we get to watch them grow up. They are so adorable, but rather glad I am not house breaking and training one right now. Syd and Taz are old and mellow like their owners so I'm thinking, why start over? </p><p>Well, wouldn't want to overwhelm anyone with my exciting life, so I will save the rest for another post. Hope you're all enjoying summer as much as I am!</p><br /><p><br /></p><br /><div></div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-20601009309729887552009-06-19T12:08:00.000-07:002009-06-19T12:32:46.820-07:00The Strange World of the Internet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBh8K2hz9gowzQEZQgCG5_llwqEXPuWZVDE-MRvfJh5V5XK48EdyZip69aTwIVF4LA6HM1B8-Di0uf-jqMTWzvaJ5yyOeknELSYnhXVFP1tYrpgM_Hr9L7sn9zJsXqOC1_tStgLiH9BdyE/s1600-h/internet_dog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349122919574012914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 358px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBh8K2hz9gowzQEZQgCG5_llwqEXPuWZVDE-MRvfJh5V5XK48EdyZip69aTwIVF4LA6HM1B8-Di0uf-jqMTWzvaJ5yyOeknELSYnhXVFP1tYrpgM_Hr9L7sn9zJsXqOC1_tStgLiH9BdyE/s400/internet_dog.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I am struck lately by our obsession with all things internet. Now, mind you, I am not preaching here. I have fallen victim to overuse at times myself. And I tell myself that if I were not cruisin' the net while watching t.v., I'd just be watching t.v. which I can't stand to do without something else going on. For some it's just an outright addiction. And as I peruse blogs, Facebook, websites, etc., etc., I am feeling just a little creeped out by this whole "putting your life out there for all the world to read." I have a blog and at times, I probably say more than I should or than anyone would really want to know. But there are people who literally put every intimate thought on an internet page that any stranger can read. And people who "chat" with other people who have the same interests, but will never ever meet. Why do we do that?!</div><br /><div>My theory is this: part of the reason is that we long for connectivity and we have become so independent and disconnected with people that we are satisfied with internet "friends". Never actually "talk" to them, just watch and maybe message them. It's easy to put a completely different personna out there and hide behind our computers. Another theory: we use it as an escape from what we really need to be doing or from the stresses of every day life. It's an avoidance technique. Neither of these reasons is really that healthy.</div><br /><div>I'm NOT saying it's all bad for sure. I have reconnected with childhood friends, stayed in touch with people I would not have in any other format, allowed it to become my "letter writing" for family and close friends. It has helped me to get to know people I already know better and to find out we have things in common that draw us together. But it still strikes me as a little weird. Do I really need to know every detail of what's going on in the world and in the lives of people I don't know? What is it about the human condition that we are so compellingly drawn to all things internet? Are we that bored with our real lives?</div><br /><div>Do you have sites you visit or people you chat with that no one knows you have? And why is that? Do you spend hours reading blogs of people you will never meet? What is it you are afraid you are missing out on? Do you not have enough real live relationships in your life? What is it about your past that you can't move on from? </div><br /><div>Again, a disclaimer here: I ask this because I have found myself searching to see if I can learn what happened to people from my past. Some of them it would be fun to see again, but I probably never will and many I wouldn't care to. I have looked for people who share my interests - do I not have enough people around me that share my interests? I have sought out information about people whose lives are train wrecks - celebrity or otherwise. And thus, my curiosity about our human curiosity.... something to ponder. </div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-50833518804736978482009-06-12T21:04:00.001-07:002009-06-12T21:15:38.873-07:00Ahhh.....Summer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdtJhg0tLQzDIRmBhoOwMfyYsbQ6fEMrVW0-ib-_zVGh7IicPVWd2WPZunKQGf1R-3ULq25P8vtXptKmVTIkUZn87_7cUUrz1DP5amcpNDmgZu8IrIYtogLaO7GYrVrja2l8LbkEZmNg3/s1600-h/iced-tea.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346660888069140034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 396px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdtJhg0tLQzDIRmBhoOwMfyYsbQ6fEMrVW0-ib-_zVGh7IicPVWd2WPZunKQGf1R-3ULq25P8vtXptKmVTIkUZn87_7cUUrz1DP5amcpNDmgZu8IrIYtogLaO7GYrVrja2l8LbkEZmNg3/s400/iced-tea.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I haven't blogged much lately because I am too busy enjoying my favorite time of the year. We have been having awesome summer weather! I love wearing shorts or skirts and flip flops. No bundling. No goosebumps. No snow. No bad roads. Beautiful loooonnng sunny days! I love summer!!!! I know it's not officially summer yet, but we have had enough temps in the 80's to make it feel like summer is here to stay. </div><br /><div>It makes my day to have just a half hour or 45 minutes to sit out on the deck in the mid morning with iced tea and my MP3 for tunes. It totally energizes me. It makes me have a very upbeat positive outlook to meet the challenges of the day. I think, I pray, I rest. It makes me grateful. </div><br /><div>I know, I know....I should feel that way every day. But something about summer just makes it easier for me. And I'm hoping for a long, hot one!!!</div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-39899904211024022782009-06-01T12:21:00.000-07:002009-06-01T12:49:09.185-07:00"Outside the Walls"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLZuSqngS0s6EoVliptyHKyPp65LeAksmNw3EYJHxIvphqPLq_Gi-X0mHfYme9mknSyK35dEv9rRBGaFSlJiSuK9CeO4uVSS5EXcO7aKky7YJ5hOJbsArtxbxzz9gFvCUc7j7STzjSIZv/s1600-h/250px-Mt_Spokane_High_School.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342446829610228738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 337px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLZuSqngS0s6EoVliptyHKyPp65LeAksmNw3EYJHxIvphqPLq_Gi-X0mHfYme9mknSyK35dEv9rRBGaFSlJiSuK9CeO4uVSS5EXcO7aKky7YJ5hOJbsArtxbxzz9gFvCUc7j7STzjSIZv/s400/250px-Mt_Spokane_High_School.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I have to admit that I am still a little in awe of the "success" of Timberview's "Outside the Walls" project yesterday. Over 300 people turned out to do service projects in the community in Jesus' name. I haven't heard all the stories yet, but I want to share about my experience.<br /><br />Our team volunteered at our nearby high school -Mt. Spokane where our kids attended (and graduated she added proudly!). Our hope was to be able to reside, paint, and build a new door for an athletic shed much in need of repair. With the help of donations from our local lumber store, Ziggy's (thank you very much, Dean and Vern), several guys on our team did the carpentry work and then others painted (two coats!) all siding and trim (navy blue and maroon - school colors, of course). We had enough people to also scour the entire property for trash and also a team that did weeding under the bleachers (not the most pleasant job, but done with great enthusiasm!). Three guys also did an entire cleanup up of the baseball dugouts and improved the walkways, as well as hauling off the collected trash and some other no longer needed items. Our whole team was awesome and I think everyone loved the experience. One student from our church youth group came BY HIMSELF (no support from friends or family and he didn't know any of us) and jumped in and worked so hard side by side with the team. Keith and Travis both talked to him and I was told he is a senior at the school and just wanted to get involved with the project and just wanted to give back!!! As Pastor Glenn would say, "HOW COOL IS THAT!?"</div><br /><div>One of the most rewarding parts, of course, was when the Mt. Spokane baseball coach arrived with his team for a game. He was amazed and so grateful. He wanted a list of names so he could thank each team member individually. He has gotten parent volunteers at times, but NEVER a church group willing to give up a Sunday. Impressed doesn't describe his reaction. </div><br /><div>I think "Outside the Walls" spoke volumes about the heart of Timberview. I think it said WAY more than Pastor Glenn could ever say on a Sunday. It put us out there with folks who might never be exposed to church life any other way. It said we are about putting our faith into action. Can't wait to hear about the ripple effects of this unconventional ministry!</div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-18781400148217296212009-05-30T15:10:00.000-07:002009-05-30T15:41:09.436-07:00Summer Reading<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9u_Wd7paSN3DWAf3hOGi_lzDv1VI0qRAcNY-Vn_7wxQV7Rv_j79xlbok7wScgqbhKOo3z4j5t73rjxSncC5z_MOXgw4R1i9H2OabjYgdc6jxVBwlb0wgQhy7R_hs1LCK0fqEDOzugaYE/s1600-h/9781400280582.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341749690772357666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9u_Wd7paSN3DWAf3hOGi_lzDv1VI0qRAcNY-Vn_7wxQV7Rv_j79xlbok7wScgqbhKOo3z4j5t73rjxSncC5z_MOXgw4R1i9H2OabjYgdc6jxVBwlb0wgQhy7R_hs1LCK0fqEDOzugaYE/s400/9781400280582.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So earlier this year, I was silly enough to make a top ten list for 2010. On that list, I mentioned that I wanted to read one book a month. Well, here we are, first of June and I have read three. Now if you count Bible books, I'm in good shape. But that's not the reading I was talking about. I think it's very easy these days to depend on electronic media to enlighten and entertain us. I still think it's important and enjoyable to actually sit down with a hard copy and read. Thus, my commitment to make more time to do it.</div><br /><div>My current read is "Cast of Characters" by Max Lucado. Max is one of my favorite wordsmiths - puts spiritual things into down to earth words that still point toward heaven. This is a great read because it is broken into short chapters about different Bible characters. I can read a chapter or two in a very short amount of time and will likely be able to get through the whole book without forgetting the plot while I take too long a break between reading experiences. </div><br /><div>I was especially captivated by his chapter on Matthew. The tax collector. The shady character that was considered a pariah in his society. The one that hung out with roughians. The one whose friends Jesus wanted to meet, so told Matthew to throw a party for them. The one to whom Jesus said, "Follow me" and he followed.</div><br /><div>Max says it better than I could, so forgive the lengthy quote. But it's a good one!</div><br /><div><em>"Quite a story. Matthew goes from double dealer to disciple. He throws a party that makes the religious right uptight, but Jesus proud..... What do we do with it? That depends on which side of the tax collector's table you find yourself. You and I are Matthew. Don't give me that look. There's enough hustler in the best of us to qualify for Matthew's table. Maybe you've never taken taxes, but you've taken liberty with the truth, taken credit that wasn't yours, taken advantage of the weak. You and me? Matthew. If you're still at the table, you receive an invitaion. "Follow me." So what if you've got a rube reputation? So did Matthew. You may end up writing your own gospel. If you've left the table, you receive a clarification. You don't have to be weird to follow Jesus. You don't have to stop liking your friends to follow Him. Just the opposite. A few introductions would be nice. Do you know how to grill a steak?"</em></div><br /><div><em>"Sometime ago I was asked to play a game of golf. The foursome included two preachers, a church leader and a 'Matthew, B.C.' The thought of four hours with three Christians, two of whom were pulpiteers , did not appeal to him. I'm happy to report that he proclaimed the experience painless. On the ninth hole he turned to one of us and said, 'I'm glad you guys are normal.' I think he meant this: 'I'm glad you didn't get in my face or club me with a King James driver. Thanks for laughing at my jokes and telling a few yourself. Thanks for being normal.' We didn't lower our standards. We were nice. Normal and nice."</em></div><br /><div><em>"Discipleship is sometimes defined by being normal. A woman in a small Arkansas community was a single mom with a frail baby. Her neighbor would stop by every few days and keep the child so she could shop. After some weeks her neighbor shared more - she shared her faith. The friends of the young mother objected. 'Don't you know what those people teach?' 'Here is what I know,' she told them. 'They held my baby.'</em> </div><br /><div>Normal and nice. Sinners and saints in the same room. I know how to grill a steak. I know how to hold babies. I think Jesus would like that answer. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-18237112873040543672009-05-24T15:57:00.000-07:002009-05-24T17:41:02.994-07:00Sydney's Babies are Growing Up<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMU2qUm1k6kEUSoKg-D9jainGW3ozMGaZdDLkwHrPypzpnuRa6FJEf_3eYkphLE6qK-bxJMLuUciTj6PzEVXmwD2yc-2TbsTm4CO8f_LZeximAal6nNIjUe5X3nBcdkvl4DqJj4Zi8-0uL/s1600-h/Puppies+09+5+weeks+017.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3rM410EtioOxi0ZSIjTkWMtlZyWKNUa2EH65Y6dTjbttx-EV-8Z78m8124fRq9ZMxThkO6iiBZjiwyYa1MC6_ZG7R8WeoWzxW_PkJIDQHJI3CI8ahb9sqkjIuis8M1oWPeWvxDPPEljJ/s1600-h/Puppies+09+5+weeks+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339530741264194866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3rM410EtioOxi0ZSIjTkWMtlZyWKNUa2EH65Y6dTjbttx-EV-8Z78m8124fRq9ZMxThkO6iiBZjiwyYa1MC6_ZG7R8WeoWzxW_PkJIDQHJI3CI8ahb9sqkjIuis8M1oWPeWvxDPPEljJ/s400/Puppies+09+5+weeks+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXJ_VBmTU2SgU7pNYBuR1V_Y6xTib8DQsMsuWXm5WkHL1A3r5fPDXdjz2RI1Uv4xpPpgrJbzuz3jIQFG1MbLkItDXV70DjgajBnSSfsNPxz9xnlRPeU3IN_QTPLI7wUTMqTGs3eVcXcmA/s1600-h/Puppies+09+5+weeks+023.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339530535118365410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXJ_VBmTU2SgU7pNYBuR1V_Y6xTib8DQsMsuWXm5WkHL1A3r5fPDXdjz2RI1Uv4xpPpgrJbzuz3jIQFG1MbLkItDXV70DjgajBnSSfsNPxz9xnlRPeU3IN_QTPLI7wUTMqTGs3eVcXcmA/s400/Puppies+09+5+weeks+023.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUt1ls6xI2T1LyODEs1_t4jTSd5J3zGeHNPtXoKfs4j1xkJML_DV1ICKxUEG5WOrMisotoEwEJCv56F5if_xqsP45jEt5pI73lB3LyGuwrBimC5KedgkBi2UXdHLR-875_WPF7AZrYitm/s1600-h/Puppies+09+5+weeks+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339530270095505778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUt1ls6xI2T1LyODEs1_t4jTSd5J3zGeHNPtXoKfs4j1xkJML_DV1ICKxUEG5WOrMisotoEwEJCv56F5if_xqsP45jEt5pI73lB3LyGuwrBimC5KedgkBi2UXdHLR-875_WPF7AZrYitm/s400/Puppies+09+5+weeks+011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgNSZRCQx6ibUW5Yi58lU6mdGkqigxr2tWn5f6puoi0_s9b5SSmuw9QhKq23lbMoWzdlwBubNvpBrgp7qkMwKlLyNveEDyYDRVqALbBX8SWjywU9JpMq2cWC5Wq5xRCarRNWL2eExdYJm/s1600-h/Puppies+09+5+weeks+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339529152205594386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgNSZRCQx6ibUW5Yi58lU6mdGkqigxr2tWn5f6puoi0_s9b5SSmuw9QhKq23lbMoWzdlwBubNvpBrgp7qkMwKlLyNveEDyYDRVqALbBX8SWjywU9JpMq2cWC5Wq5xRCarRNWL2eExdYJm/s400/Puppies+09+5+weeks+007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The babies aren't so much babies anymore. Five weeks, running everywhere, chewing on anything, getting into all kinds of mischief.....but SOOOO adorable. I spend way too much time playing with them - on the premise, of course, that they need to be socialized for their new owners. In a week or so, the ad will go in the paper and around 7-8 wks. hopefully they will all be gone. Quick - before I get attached. My mantra: "They grow up to be dogs; big, hairy, dirty dogs....."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-39055679271261194292009-05-23T16:25:00.000-07:002009-05-23T16:43:06.025-07:00Seattle Sunshine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssr7GDPIHY5_LBtaFTitBlPRBClq3Y7CeA_4UyYmUo4Sm_PqgL_OxwHd6JG_ntpN8w_g3171obK3ifSOSEKx8xEGjOjGOF6rnxm2TRrv7s9TElplH2-k6EsdOonHf8L2CVN1aNIih-Y3X/s1600-h/2580904111_2bc155fa47.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339168701388240722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssr7GDPIHY5_LBtaFTitBlPRBClq3Y7CeA_4UyYmUo4Sm_PqgL_OxwHd6JG_ntpN8w_g3171obK3ifSOSEKx8xEGjOjGOF6rnxm2TRrv7s9TElplH2-k6EsdOonHf8L2CVN1aNIih-Y3X/s400/2580904111_2bc155fa47.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Spent the last two days in the "big city" of Seattle. Seattle in the sunshine is exquisitely beautiful like no other city. The sun on all that water, the varigated shades of green from the overgrowth of plant life, row upon row of sailboat masts in the sound, cruise ships docked at the piers, the outline of the space needle, snow capped Mt. Rainier in the distance. Incredible. </div><br /><div>We took a road trip to Seattle with our friends the Teals to take in a Mariners game at Safeco Field. Granted, the game was not heart stopping by any means - the Mariners lost to the Angels. But there is just something fun about being inside the ballpark, taking in the sights and sounds. And the garlic fries and BBQ pork sandwiches aren't bad either. </div><br /><div>On Thursday we had lunch on the pier at Anthony's, then walked through Pike Street Market, and even had coffee at the original Starbucks. It's always fun to people watch in downtown Seattle. And there was even a demonstration; something to do with being green, saving the endangered species, biofuels, etc. - SOOOO Seattle. On Friday we ventured to Ikea - always a Seattle hotspot - and had lunch at Maggie Bluff's on Elliot Bay. We sat outside and enjoyed the awesome view of the Seattle sound with downtown skyscrapers in the background. One of my favorite dining establishments (pictured above).</div><br /><div>All in all, it was a very delightful and refreshing time. I won't even mention the traffic jam on Snoqualmie that took us three hours to navigate. With good friends to visit with, the time went by reasonably fast. I'm ready to go back, and I just got home. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-67774720664442527672009-05-17T21:56:00.001-07:002009-05-17T22:06:46.661-07:00And They're Off.......<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2P9hA3sY-UdpNvan620PMb8GyublL-DOZWIjfucgKBoOOhLPnrQh3jKsIyt2_-A0XCQVIKZmZKAUTenLlPNG5qQgM4eQlWq3EUYIGupfHEEB0DYNvvC_pRipsK00gDX17dYtzzf9TDu1Y/s1600-h/Puppies+09+4+weeks+031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337024492463502402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2P9hA3sY-UdpNvan620PMb8GyublL-DOZWIjfucgKBoOOhLPnrQh3jKsIyt2_-A0XCQVIKZmZKAUTenLlPNG5qQgM4eQlWq3EUYIGupfHEEB0DYNvvC_pRipsK00gDX17dYtzzf9TDu1Y/s400/Puppies+09+4+weeks+031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPz6Gxj8yICew287lGZeRydxfMN9P-fwB5MEOaVUrsX6OwzPbJpCaHDJb7oGHOhkpw8upw4zWlNEMp9R19YEBYnKSsTAR6EmkZpAWIsAWsyI8jnXYbeOE_XafAMcdb8zRHsVGQ9NHCbzS5/s1600-h/Puppies+09+4+weeks+038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337024206343971826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPz6Gxj8yICew287lGZeRydxfMN9P-fwB5MEOaVUrsX6OwzPbJpCaHDJb7oGHOhkpw8upw4zWlNEMp9R19YEBYnKSsTAR6EmkZpAWIsAWsyI8jnXYbeOE_XafAMcdb8zRHsVGQ9NHCbzS5/s400/Puppies+09+4+weeks+038.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8roZVn5yS-giQ4NNsi6PdZhnZ6QOKW5yIxN172qmp9lRX7FYNCoKbRafbHBrKRpolwILOAjNsLmPLAFjAda7ABWix1uGhx98MQ0Pqfw3HUVn1HqXBDODkIbBCyobQamsgYLz-huIvGPi/s1600-h/Puppies+09+4+weeks+044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337023887936086258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8roZVn5yS-giQ4NNsi6PdZhnZ6QOKW5yIxN172qmp9lRX7FYNCoKbRafbHBrKRpolwILOAjNsLmPLAFjAda7ABWix1uGhx98MQ0Pqfw3HUVn1HqXBDODkIbBCyobQamsgYLz-huIvGPi/s400/Puppies+09+4+weeks+044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlp8H4dgs6lNRfa20cqpXAvn34YXMJ0UX8Cd2lJwbnN0bbRqa5L6-pUv0efDtw3D2VGQiBNTuGY5yzh7Yg3Qrlss-OoFyDCMy0MYwPPQUZcNItjJb1rSPLLToKoff30T8vDr6bhZfJMRj/s1600-h/Puppies+09+4+weeks+028.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337023697175126466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlp8H4dgs6lNRfa20cqpXAvn34YXMJ0UX8Cd2lJwbnN0bbRqa5L6-pUv0efDtw3D2VGQiBNTuGY5yzh7Yg3Qrlss-OoFyDCMy0MYwPPQUZcNItjJb1rSPLLToKoff30T8vDr6bhZfJMRj/s400/Puppies+09+4+weeks+028.jpg" border="0" /></a> Now that the weather is nice, the puppies love to be out in the yard, prancing, climbing, wrestling, exploring.... It's a bit of a chore to get them all out and back in, but it's very fun to watch them play. Two have homes and new names. Two to three more weeks and hopefully they will all be settled in with new families. The best kind of puppies - ones you can spoil and love and pass on to someone else to raise. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-87942710804225412612009-05-14T10:11:00.000-07:002009-05-14T10:24:23.540-07:00A Sad Day in Idol Land<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlabW1HMOMLpM2gMwLe_PF__uJqYFFUgUWyPshtWGPuWulhcVDp7XSmB2tNSFks2HaTKEwL6uCY3u4dFKFRyIYH4uVtG0lVdX04xoVRQc698hhJ_iB2wio5fsVWfuM6a3xpkrfI5rnE046/s1600-h/Danny+G..bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335731666223710594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlabW1HMOMLpM2gMwLe_PF__uJqYFFUgUWyPshtWGPuWulhcVDp7XSmB2tNSFks2HaTKEwL6uCY3u4dFKFRyIYH4uVtG0lVdX04xoVRQc698hhJ_iB2wio5fsVWfuM6a3xpkrfI5rnE046/s400/Danny+G..bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I am addicted to American Idol. Granted, I could do without some of the hoopla filler stuff that they do to make the show longer and "more exciting", but I love watching the contestants sing their hearts out. This season has been the most interesting yet, with the field of talent being exceptional. From early auditions I have followed the story of Danny Gokey. He is a church music director from Milwaukee. His wife died of a heart condition 10 months ago. He has a foundation for kids in his wife's name; it's called Sophia's Heart. I found Danny charming and humble and amazingly talented. </div><br /><div>Though he's had a great run and made it to the top three, he was eliminated last night. They showed his hometown visit and did a recap of his Idol adventure. I actually shed tears! Though bittersweet, in a way it's better for him not to be under the Idol contract and be able to make his own recording deal and do music his own way. I will purchase whatever he produces as I love his voice and his story. </div><br /><div>So now we're down to Adam and Kris. Adam is not my cup of tea, though the kid has pipes. I will be rooting for Kris, another humble family guy who sings my kind of music. One more week and I will have to find something else to do with my Tuesday and Wednesday nights. And that's not all bad. </div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-4401162578403016132009-05-08T16:41:00.000-07:002009-05-08T16:51:01.441-07:00Their Eyes Are Open!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOedjBtLJD1dDX-ppunrHKkSnDUNc0PZf9kEITdXCU1hEZ2VoMdxwfMdfJvisThr_cA51PCccI9UoAjEf9fi6bPTclV_9MxqUrHomOe6xIzygE9YCI95AAWi6Slgk77wU-DmdLUf2Buw-K/s1600-h/Puppies+09+eyes+open+2.5+wks.+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333603406697064354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOedjBtLJD1dDX-ppunrHKkSnDUNc0PZf9kEITdXCU1hEZ2VoMdxwfMdfJvisThr_cA51PCccI9UoAjEf9fi6bPTclV_9MxqUrHomOe6xIzygE9YCI95AAWi6Slgk77wU-DmdLUf2Buw-K/s400/Puppies+09+eyes+open+2.5+wks.+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgrS1ZDppu5gk6kAcbnCwivqF1Wipj0ee-7rgoMcmZinSYM8hhD7sjJKX2AQYssLqaxkDYPBwg6gK6d3vyafw-WbjihpIEgZyMtx3VRvgIQaFKhIkod4PMYRUnaRr3PFJVKP1pOe272qC/s1600-h/Puppies+09+eyes+open+2.5+wks.+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333603221111660034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgrS1ZDppu5gk6kAcbnCwivqF1Wipj0ee-7rgoMcmZinSYM8hhD7sjJKX2AQYssLqaxkDYPBwg6gK6d3vyafw-WbjihpIEgZyMtx3VRvgIQaFKhIkod4PMYRUnaRr3PFJVKP1pOe272qC/s400/Puppies+09+eyes+open+2.5+wks.+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtoc-XQbOTxOhyphenhyphenOmS4vCt8QNBxy5NYUwW1ddvIxsxYQxHpQHlQ0DBAyBGQMTlYYJD7sRAnEdiPOjTZH8j1INccOqcOazpDVn8kQW2ZTpPXmjqTXaw6hGHN1MI99yqUY_9u_qc6LvvoNrk/s1600-h/Puppies+09+eyes+open+2.5+wks.+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333603077490964658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtoc-XQbOTxOhyphenhyphenOmS4vCt8QNBxy5NYUwW1ddvIxsxYQxHpQHlQ0DBAyBGQMTlYYJD7sRAnEdiPOjTZH8j1INccOqcOazpDVn8kQW2ZTpPXmjqTXaw6hGHN1MI99yqUY_9u_qc6LvvoNrk/s400/Puppies+09+eyes+open+2.5+wks.+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vJsGRanAq7OmK5-MgvrLC6w5gXEnVX20YrhF6ZAomB1VRCEn1MJKtrcr3p2bXBmyY3mISxlTqidYUHcJ0MId8GYp0J5ojuiXcZfM_indRxZi6mHBCim3uiRspRqqGSJdPI3a4Cr1ATM1/s1600-h/Puppies+09+eyes+open+2.5+wks.+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333602905969430210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vJsGRanAq7OmK5-MgvrLC6w5gXEnVX20YrhF6ZAomB1VRCEn1MJKtrcr3p2bXBmyY3mISxlTqidYUHcJ0MId8GYp0J5ojuiXcZfM_indRxZi6mHBCim3uiRspRqqGSJdPI3a4Cr1ATM1/s400/Puppies+09+eyes+open+2.5+wks.+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVVeJZ3mMnDAxEYuEs2_WrINU2NUd0HU0cU8YU2Yl7etPf5MnB_m0Q9xH1PmzvQX2jadgBEz47JaGSkgAa6CYql_DGHGa1RaLRnQJanJLn0r1jmpgG1E7Q5UmoYnqIJCGT0YZMecw3Rb6/s1600-h/Puppies+09+eyes+open+2.5+wks.+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333602747252843922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVVeJZ3mMnDAxEYuEs2_WrINU2NUd0HU0cU8YU2Yl7etPf5MnB_m0Q9xH1PmzvQX2jadgBEz47JaGSkgAa6CYql_DGHGa1RaLRnQJanJLn0r1jmpgG1E7Q5UmoYnqIJCGT0YZMecw3Rb6/s400/Puppies+09+eyes+open+2.5+wks.+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Back by popular demand.....the Gang. None to thrilled about being photographed. They are really getting fun now with more playfulness in their box and the occasional bark or growl. Syd is spending less time with them and they rely on each other to be playmates as well as pillows. Next few days they will start on some solid food - let the fun begin. </div><div> </div><div>Looks like Penny will likely have bright blue eyes, Bailey may have one brown and one blue. Part of the fun of Aussies is how different they all look. Even the three tri-colors have very distinct markings. Two definitely have homes and possibly a third. And that's the way we like it....uh-huh, uh-huh.</div></div></div></div></div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-49402353939414700192009-05-04T13:55:00.000-07:002009-05-04T14:12:52.209-07:00Cause to Celebrate<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaQdVubQheq7v94a52W3fIhnKHTty-46l-oGnGwq95su-L7ohh__4xQ7L2bfwe_YKkEAi3UHUoHdHQvTYRxO3JOJUX1XsHvnyEg6MtY7J20C4NwvdQR3baMASf1oJZNr_l9QG3U1D19FZ/s1600-h/2943728286_3537f17f99.jpg"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332078812491238242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaQdVubQheq7v94a52W3fIhnKHTty-46l-oGnGwq95su-L7ohh__4xQ7L2bfwe_YKkEAi3UHUoHdHQvTYRxO3JOJUX1XsHvnyEg6MtY7J20C4NwvdQR3baMASf1oJZNr_l9QG3U1D19FZ/s400/2943728286_3537f17f99.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff6666;"><br /></span><div><span style="color:#666666;">Had my five year checkup with my oncologist this morning. FIVE YEARS cancer free! No more blood draws, CTs, x-rays, drug side effects, six month visits to see him. At my last visit we had had a discussion about the fact that Tamoxifen (my nasty drug of choice) is no longer effective for recurrance odds after five years, and we talked about me doing another drug for a few years as a security blanket. Since that visit he had done a lot of research about whether there would be any advantage in that protocol and told me today that the side effects would outweigh the benefits and evidence didn't support the added years of drug therapy making you live any longer. He said it was my choice, but he and his nurse practioner both agreed that they would not start the Arimidex if they were in my shoes. The Tamoxifen has been leaching on my bones a bit and while I don't have osteoporosis, he could see evidence on the bone density scan. Nothing a healthy diet, long bone exercise and a calcium supplement won't correct. But taking the Arimidex would likely only contribute to thinning bones. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#666666;">I look back over the five years and am extremely grateful that my life is so healthy and full now. Overall I feel better now than I did before I went through treatment. There are some lingering consequences that I have to live with, but they are minor in comparison to losing my life. While I know that our days are in God's hands, I am grateful for the extra time I have. I can't even fathom how great heaven will be, but I also know that life here is amazing (well most of the time) as well and I'm happy to be living it. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#666666;">Let's party!!!!</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-62836129422370514272009-05-02T22:46:00.000-07:002009-05-02T22:58:19.461-07:00Our Friends are Getting OldTonight we attended the 60th birthday bash of our friend Jim Peterson. We have know Jim and Linda for something like 25 years. Keith called on Linda at one of the big pediatric offices in town. They helped us find our house in Colbert, where they became our neighbors just two houses away. Their kids babysat our kids. Then they had a surprise #3 son , Nick, who is just a year older than our youngest, Alex. The boys were friends growing up. Jim and Linda were like Alex's other parents. He even went on a vacation to Mexico with them. (And they have a few stories to tell!)<br /><br />When you know Jim and Linda you are automatically adopted into their HUGE extended family. We know their parents, their siblings, their aunts, uncles, cousins. They are all so much fun to spend time with. We have watched our kids grow up, graduate, get married, have babies (well, their kids, not ours yet on the baby thing). Even though they live so close, we don't see each other all that often. But when we do, it's like we've never been apart. <br /><br />It was a grand evening where so many, including their kids, gave tribute to Jim. Alex had such a great time catching up with Grandma Pat, the Peterson clan, including his "adopted" brother and sister, Corey and Rebecca, all the cousins, nieces and nephews. I am grateful to their influence in his life. Just goes to show, one never has too much family. <br /><br />60 - sheesh!!! That sounds old. Must be our friends are much older than we are. Happy birthday, Jim.Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-27185674328052035682009-04-29T17:39:00.000-07:002009-04-29T17:50:48.339-07:00The Latest Puppy Pics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBG7oIrB73LGV4JYBDtObzUdlxMOEWS7wFBKJvZCaYcTtjUorPbDAB36SiJR4s6tbUYP-jBsAyefyIbrDerAewE2C3hssa6SZX27aLJDfDAiEnRsW5ErL7taedpgTliPEyj7LChSYbhmx/s1600-h/Spring+09+Puppies+10+days+060.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330280080947628162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBG7oIrB73LGV4JYBDtObzUdlxMOEWS7wFBKJvZCaYcTtjUorPbDAB36SiJR4s6tbUYP-jBsAyefyIbrDerAewE2C3hssa6SZX27aLJDfDAiEnRsW5ErL7taedpgTliPEyj7LChSYbhmx/s400/Spring+09+Puppies+10+days+060.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjY-hVt-9yFHl6r85MSmYen6SFsZJ8hJ1g1pldIUxXL0QwQGJ9_wiUHC-sPLa5b-KaTNiPuLlFKcDcIU2Ayk0HE5brs7yMM_GCBl_DjhyphenhyphenmZHpwC_PkcDxHXakgTtPtRxAJmmxaGipHNSvM/s1600-h/Spring+09+Puppies+10+days+056.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330279881992444738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjY-hVt-9yFHl6r85MSmYen6SFsZJ8hJ1g1pldIUxXL0QwQGJ9_wiUHC-sPLa5b-KaTNiPuLlFKcDcIU2Ayk0HE5brs7yMM_GCBl_DjhyphenhyphenmZHpwC_PkcDxHXakgTtPtRxAJmmxaGipHNSvM/s400/Spring+09+Puppies+10+days+056.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqx4kWTG70YjABSU0oOkp2miGW0EUn4T3o9f3_Ebczbko3oIW_4Ajl8_2hFiMLIFtPX3E6GxCzGWsd7KGp-UTozkme8eWW9cUBFsOgywGeq6-a_0CHoYW1AQhLxVVO6UJhFNFPeKUQe8P/s1600-h/Spring+09+Puppies+10+days+066.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330279166587935250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqx4kWTG70YjABSU0oOkp2miGW0EUn4T3o9f3_Ebczbko3oIW_4Ajl8_2hFiMLIFtPX3E6GxCzGWsd7KGp-UTozkme8eWW9cUBFsOgywGeq6-a_0CHoYW1AQhLxVVO6UJhFNFPeKUQe8P/s400/Spring+09+Puppies+10+days+066.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SDFzUaQZdBWTds3_6Aypezjv2Hwtw0wfjbnhYa8IktQGyQ1qKXL8OMYoVWf-mIx9BKMRa8SYeCUYiWBKk1SpvJjbh5PpGOAZH4AquRI75P671ljTpTHXT6d7S0aV_gxs59aOsixH-X61/s1600-h/Spring+09+Puppies+10+days+063.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330278963586946322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SDFzUaQZdBWTds3_6Aypezjv2Hwtw0wfjbnhYa8IktQGyQ1qKXL8OMYoVWf-mIx9BKMRa8SYeCUYiWBKk1SpvJjbh5PpGOAZH4AquRI75P671ljTpTHXT6d7S0aV_gxs59aOsixH-X61/s400/Spring+09+Puppies+10+days+063.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfD5TE7154xcEcLcFnzOpaQAfVmiwVRw219kYXMMslIxFY6yachufQKGwwAIZE9TVueulLry0v-FMxbOhj4bkHNwds1R8J-KcJ7pvwLXYSd2sirFamMUHPo6DL3R00HrX0W5OBs3HGDFo/s1600-h/Spring+09+Puppies+10+days+058.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330278382769221282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfD5TE7154xcEcLcFnzOpaQAfVmiwVRw219kYXMMslIxFY6yachufQKGwwAIZE9TVueulLry0v-FMxbOhj4bkHNwds1R8J-KcJ7pvwLXYSd2sirFamMUHPo6DL3R00HrX0W5OBs3HGDFo/s400/Spring+09+Puppies+10+days+058.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Sydney's little darlings are now ten days old. They still specialize in eating and sleeping, but they are also practicing barking and growling and exploring their box. They LOVE being cuddled and we are happy to oblige. Soon they will be too busy to be bothered with that. </div><div> </div><div>In order of appearance from top to bottom: Kanga, Roo, Penny, Bailey, and Boomer. More photos of the gang when their eyes open in a few days.</div></div></div></div></div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-74610939936091826162009-04-24T08:58:00.000-07:002009-04-24T09:02:14.718-07:00Puppy Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVcxsdsqzBGRUFIR6ZiI4HnhO_eu9RsxOrGKdHemRU2SKj18o3pf3BmL4yKMuWLQ7ujWrcXj-gnno4l6i6AHfJooH6kYbzYu2BbA13hACwW5PNNRrKfSeGkwuXSsgVsmQ-ShBpPSGggG9/s1600-h/Spring+09+029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328288746582834498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVcxsdsqzBGRUFIR6ZiI4HnhO_eu9RsxOrGKdHemRU2SKj18o3pf3BmL4yKMuWLQ7ujWrcXj-gnno4l6i6AHfJooH6kYbzYu2BbA13hACwW5PNNRrKfSeGkwuXSsgVsmQ-ShBpPSGggG9/s400/Spring+09+029.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Our sweet little babies are growing like weeds! I will post more pics in a couple days, but in the meantime, here is Sydney with her little posse. She is so proud! And she is very good at counting them. She knows when we have abducted one or two and isn't happy until all five are accounted for. She's an awesome mama.</div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-41784886317263125782009-04-19T13:54:00.000-07:002009-04-20T08:23:14.639-07:00Sydney's Little Charmers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9npKEoqwXx9XFiZDhnYtaUuvA4pC7w84u96fgW8lD6pISHatGKMQMQgWg3gDPtQBTtOjrI1kpfzV7J-tFAx3ez1n7f5895oxNhWx-rAFmhxyMNU7wtcFuJsQX4XY2oMopJFFDSMZpQCB/s1600-h/Spring+09+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326510047001975074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9npKEoqwXx9XFiZDhnYtaUuvA4pC7w84u96fgW8lD6pISHatGKMQMQgWg3gDPtQBTtOjrI1kpfzV7J-tFAx3ez1n7f5895oxNhWx-rAFmhxyMNU7wtcFuJsQX4XY2oMopJFFDSMZpQCB/s400/Spring+09+027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpXeKiAxL-LkpdtHoojPGXhNATr8GNtPrvem7kbaWyeNS4IPvoZVKFukD8jrVZYgIg7Mijdr60HkMphiiGpmCKWI2FuPcH_Ixevn34APsBkLXMEutEFNZ359TjBOTRyX7vYrCVSnsLXY_/s1600-h/Spring+09+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326509917742786850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpXeKiAxL-LkpdtHoojPGXhNATr8GNtPrvem7kbaWyeNS4IPvoZVKFukD8jrVZYgIg7Mijdr60HkMphiiGpmCKWI2FuPcH_Ixevn34APsBkLXMEutEFNZ359TjBOTRyX7vYrCVSnsLXY_/s400/Spring+09+026.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrukZCkL-QOXJ_PKGS1ZhW4C5BKp8V3smuOiS1gBbYvxLLi7c0mFzardJJDUvAY0I0-ru9Hm6eDdOpa0ybbiMhV3vn3OLCO3S7Rhs1VItNewTU8NHjHG-ORcS3HDN8AvREtEP5qWVau3S/s1600-h/Spring+09+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326509762369709186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrukZCkL-QOXJ_PKGS1ZhW4C5BKp8V3smuOiS1gBbYvxLLi7c0mFzardJJDUvAY0I0-ru9Hm6eDdOpa0ybbiMhV3vn3OLCO3S7Rhs1VItNewTU8NHjHG-ORcS3HDN8AvREtEP5qWVau3S/s400/Spring+09+024.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB38U2mY-hjwV4FREdmUvSKxtCRheV1h2rbY8W02xb3yhv1sbpsBssjCC-Kr7KDipcMnkgOsCUPd7kLgUjSqpESRuL1oJzHRkZbXKHV6YqxZDjlusV4cnrtaWH3Z3mv-BRdbG5v0t2LISK/s1600-h/Spring+09+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326509572748495602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB38U2mY-hjwV4FREdmUvSKxtCRheV1h2rbY8W02xb3yhv1sbpsBssjCC-Kr7KDipcMnkgOsCUPd7kLgUjSqpESRuL1oJzHRkZbXKHV6YqxZDjlusV4cnrtaWH3Z3mv-BRdbG5v0t2LISK/s400/Spring+09+021.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Though it was a late night/early morning arrival, Sydney did a great job of bringing her five darling pups into the world without an ounce of help. We had had her x-rayed and they predicted four. After four we all went to bed. This morning there were five!! They are all very healthy and eating like pigs!! We have one blue merle female, one red merle female, two tri-color females and one tri-color male. They are all sooo snuggly! I only posted pics of the two merles and one of the tris as Sydney was getting impatient with me stealing her babies. You can be sure there will be many more photos to come.</div></div></div></div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-80989557330264875912009-04-16T08:50:00.000-07:002009-04-16T13:16:30.062-07:00Secrets and Lies<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fgzHIUBDjtjnA2dCAjrQ38gJpMLLx8pkRpiZaJ7aracxkroS6HtgD_2HFwXDd4qJUMsGVsrlrOHzrp3hV7xIt-3XZ0Icbq7FwEwZ3MJMjKdT75BQuLonFKtlqNGPyKjJDeRpIb_9Yupy/s1600-h/secret.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325384493923302802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 346px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 346px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fgzHIUBDjtjnA2dCAjrQ38gJpMLLx8pkRpiZaJ7aracxkroS6HtgD_2HFwXDd4qJUMsGVsrlrOHzrp3hV7xIt-3XZ0Icbq7FwEwZ3MJMjKdT75BQuLonFKtlqNGPyKjJDeRpIb_9Yupy/s400/secret.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="left">Isn't that a movie title? The topic is an interesting one for me as of late, so I thought I'd attempt to sort out my thoughts about secrets. </div><div align="left"></div><br />While I'm not one who likes the whole idea of having secrets at all, I suppose there are good and bad secrets. There are secrets kept in order to bless someone with a happy surprise, like surprise 50th birthday parties. Oh, that's not a good example of a good secret, because I don't enjoy surprise parties. But some do, and that would be a good secret. There are good secrets that are kept so that someone else can reveal them at the best time for them; joyful occasions such as engagement or pregnancy. I, for one, hope that when my daughter is pregnant, she will not keep it a secret for long. But that's just me. Where I work, I am forced to keep secrets in order to not break the rule of confidentiality. You just don't tell what happens in a church setting. Period. Good or bad. But I have a hard time with secrets that cause me to lie to keep them, whether good or bad. I have found it best just not to say anything at all because I am a lousy liar anyway, but at times I have felt backed into a corner in order to lead people away from discovering a secret.<br /><br /><br />But what I'm struggling most with is other kinds of secrets. The ones where it is not clear-cut whether keeping the secret is good or bad. Currently I know two pretty big secrets that I wish I didn't know. One is about something that happened in the past and I can discern that it wouldn't do anyone any good to share it. The other seems a ridiculous secret that I can't understand the big deal about keeping it a secret. Both are secrets about things that people shouldn't be doing. They are attempting to cover up something.<br /><br /><br />Just this week my Precept study in II Samuel was all about David's big secret. He got involved in something he should not have. And instead of fessing up and asking forgiveness from God and the parties involved, he did a major cover up job. You can read the whole snowball effect of David's secret in II Sam. 11 & 12. It resulted in lies, and more lies, and plotting, and eventually murder. There were huge consequences not only for him, but there were ripples of consequences for so many others.<br /><br /><br />It seems to me that MOST secrets are to cover something up, to save face, to hide out so that people can continue to do what they want rather than what they should. These are a great burden for others who know the secret. I once had to confront a friend about a secret relationship and it didn't end well. My friend no longer has anything to do with me. There is a difference between hiding out and just sharing something in confidentiality. I have no problem keeping conversations to myself in order to be of help to someone who's struggling or just needs to vent. But I feel a sense of obligation to confront bad secrets head on. They are often just the snowflake in a huge snowball of destruction that is to come.<br /><br /><br />Well, not sure I've got it all figured out yet. Some secrets are easy to keep and some are hard. Wish I didn't have to keep ANY. Wish people didn't put themselves in the position of needing to keep bad secrets. Wish it wasn't my responsibility to respond or intervene (i.e. Nathan the prophet in II Sam.). Found a couple quotes I think are true about secret keeping:<br /><br /><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="left"><em>"Nothing weighs on us so heavily as a secret." Jean de LaFontaine, French poet</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><em>"Where secrecy or mystery begins, vice or roguery is not far off." Samuel Johnson</em><br /><em></em><br /><br /><em>"Three can keep a secret if two are dead." Benjamin Franklin</em><br /></div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-44813810890129024492009-04-09T20:25:00.000-07:002009-04-09T20:56:35.940-07:00Extremes of Dark and Light<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ69lzPly5rAlfEgHl-S7kTLmjXL1hx1_RZLiQ_4JL-dgyY1yHkkJXZeM_buX7Ag3ASGRJVQ5-4FTXQ9hrwskhTZ2Se172jISpa6Q705nDW9CewmGknozO76g2_TyU2-BtpHkqeXGgjt1H/s1600-h/Cross__Empty_Tomb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322906222778653570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ69lzPly5rAlfEgHl-S7kTLmjXL1hx1_RZLiQ_4JL-dgyY1yHkkJXZeM_buX7Ag3ASGRJVQ5-4FTXQ9hrwskhTZ2Se172jISpa6Q705nDW9CewmGknozO76g2_TyU2-BtpHkqeXGgjt1H/s400/Cross__Empty_Tomb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Easter. I love the fact that Easter, like Christmas, is really a big party that's all about Jesus. It's totally a celebration of new life that includes bunnies and eggs and baskets and pastel dresses. It's a <strong>party</strong>!! I love the joyful part that comes with Easter Sunday morning. The putting on the party clothes and going to the party (church) where we sing happy songs about Jesus' coming back to life. The having a fun family dinner with ham and scalloped potatoes and deviled eggs. It's a happy, happy day.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>But there is this other part of the Easter event that comes before the party. It's the dark side that includes remembering that Jesus had to lose His life to get it back. It's the part that many of us might give fleeting thought to as we approach the Easter Sunday party. It's the part that I must acknowledge before I can truly celebrate. It's knowing that He willingly gave up His life so I could have mine. And it didn't happen in a pretty way. There was pain, there was suffering, there was separation, there was sadness. But if there weren't that, the party wouldn't mean much, would it? </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>And so, we go to Good Friday service first. It's a heavy occasion where we focus on the dark side. We acknowledge, we remember, we confess. Why do we do it? Because if we didn't, we wouldn't be able to enjoy the party in the same way. It's like coming out of the blackest dark into the brightest bright sun. It's much like a glorious warm spring day after a long, cold winter. It's so much sweeter after having gone through the bitter part. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>I embrace the contrast. Tomorrow is a heavy day. And then comes the party!! </div><div> </div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6600cc;">Happy Easter!!!</span></em></div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-83613816857124441782009-04-06T09:00:00.000-07:002009-04-06T11:51:18.564-07:00Heellloooo, SPRING!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1sybRG6k6aX26CiKetu1bRGmVNA2AVEfun-3yQg-7bMoMF-L2K5v2y_eNbUUwE5I5NhCeYPHQQ-GZLXNeRvY7aZTCOxyPsSsckMyKc36cD80Qpol15pMy0DWfxDcpp_tvAFYp59sVSaa/s1600-h/iced-tea.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321612432650762402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 317px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1sybRG6k6aX26CiKetu1bRGmVNA2AVEfun-3yQg-7bMoMF-L2K5v2y_eNbUUwE5I5NhCeYPHQQ-GZLXNeRvY7aZTCOxyPsSsckMyKc36cD80Qpol15pMy0DWfxDcpp_tvAFYp59sVSaa/s320/iced-tea.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It took it's sweet time, but I think spring is FINALLY here. Yesterday when I came back from Newport, I was able to roll up my sleeves and pant legs and soak up a little Vitamin D out on our deck. It wasn't HOT by any means, but it was pleasantly warm and bright. I have come to learn that just 20 minutes a day in the sun not only gives me a nice healthy (but not skin cancer inducing) glow, but it does tremendous things to my state of mind. My MP3 player and a very large glass of iced tea make it extra refreshing. </div><br /><div></div><div>And so as I type, I am watching the outdoor temperature rise and am getting itchy to move out to the deck. I WILL make myself start some laundry. I WILL do some prep for my Precept class tomorrow. I WILL tidy up the t.v. room and kitchen. But I will do them QUICKLY because I can hardly wait to stir up the giant peach iced tea, put on my shades and head out the back door. Ahhhh, spring! And the best thing of all is that summer will soon follow. Yee-haw!</div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-38853312009530867242009-04-05T17:40:00.000-07:002009-04-05T22:07:19.280-07:00Girlfriend Getaway<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOU8IIFoRd8KiO81OiCzFXsaogoA0imEvaGekBChhP43jkeciupj4ofDUAnCo9C8NNYzTVHt75SbMnL301TC0k1YIm028WeKuTpTbVu6r_1fTWwFToUm-sPVIBWBwlcCPoWnA0TdsOWfLx/s1600-h/457017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321378826707507874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOU8IIFoRd8KiO81OiCzFXsaogoA0imEvaGekBChhP43jkeciupj4ofDUAnCo9C8NNYzTVHt75SbMnL301TC0k1YIm028WeKuTpTbVu6r_1fTWwFToUm-sPVIBWBwlcCPoWnA0TdsOWfLx/s320/457017.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8whagoKMFmKgmv6Rbpnq3X0i5lpixczGevrekbb7xNhjqMgi7OlGkmzgqa8jbPB5z0qucEtqFZOt0bh5mqtD3mSplBg-Q9t2vBTXpw07z8birOfwuS1qndNRb3Ou3aOPM9LMPKwdMsI1/s1600-h/wel_header_01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321378025827836194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8whagoKMFmKgmv6Rbpnq3X0i5lpixczGevrekbb7xNhjqMgi7OlGkmzgqa8jbPB5z0qucEtqFZOt0bh5mqtD3mSplBg-Q9t2vBTXpw07z8birOfwuS1qndNRb3Ou3aOPM9LMPKwdMsI1/s320/wel_header_01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2VzDEu9X7aAVdBSaUQpAqgcH73wx2P0lhyCO0JQXJkb9sO6-fONoEunZQBx4s_iM0hCJHot1WYvisXLDmnPSFKUK_sLTmUiJ0NTZAR0VADDun5Vh8-WJ3PaTqgKSkKS8AvsyjEkAttbV/s1600-h/1535422.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321377645563395522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2VzDEu9X7aAVdBSaUQpAqgcH73wx2P0lhyCO0JQXJkb9sO6-fONoEunZQBx4s_iM0hCJHot1WYvisXLDmnPSFKUK_sLTmUiJ0NTZAR0VADDun5Vh8-WJ3PaTqgKSkKS8AvsyjEkAttbV/s320/1535422.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I am blessed to have a number of amazing women in my life. Of course I must mention my mother and my sisters here as they are the amazing women that I have known the longest. I also still keep in touch with my nearly 40-year friend Mishell. My relationships with them are incredibly important to me, but sadly, I don't get to spend quality time with them as often as I'd like.<br /><br />I have been so fortunate through the paths of my life that I have had women friends who, for a season, have had great influence on me and I have had especially meaningful relationship with. Six years ago I met my friend Gail, who at the time was my job share partner. I also soon discovered she was my neighbor. She became my support system as I went through cancer treatment. We became prayer partners, confidants, counselors. Our husbands became friends. Her kids are like my own. We have shared countless adventures, including a ten-day Maui getaway, Thanksgiving at Fairmont, Canada, and a camping trip to the St. Joe River. This friendship was unexpected and God-ordained. It blesses me every day. </div><br /><div></div><div>My friendship with Gail has also included sharing other friends that on our own, we would have likely not crossed paths with. As I have gotten to know Gail's circle of friends, I have come to appreciate the godly, fun-loving, warm, transparent people they are. Over time they have allowed me to infiltrate their circle and have embraced me as not just Gail's friend, but their friend as well. I have laughed with them, cried with them, shared experiences, feelings, beliefs. </div><br /><div></div><div>This weekend we took part in a girlfriends' getaway to The Inn at the Lake near Newport, WA. This group lives and loves to have fun and that's what we did. We traveled to Sand Point, ID for lunch and shopping, then settled into the beautiful Bed and Breakfast on Diamond Lake. We took over the lower level of this immense house, enjoyed the lovely rooms and warm hospitality. From time to time, we reflected on some of the harder things some of us are going through. But mostly it was a time of great conversation, delighting in the fact that God gives us friends. </div><br /><div></div><div>I am so thankful that God taught us to be in relationship. Life would be really hard without it. Sometimes relationships are hard, too, but they are worth any pain involved. Now that our little getaway is over, I am left feeling deeply satisfied and blessed. And I crave more opportunities for those relationships to flourish. Here's to spending quality time with the people God placed in my life. It's sooo much better than trying to do life alone. </div></div></div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-17772134571905165832009-04-02T19:29:00.000-07:002009-04-02T19:57:21.751-07:00Stations of the Cross<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfNdme3LxUsGFOjLaaRORijCHVb7Y1Ln81pqM6asPMzKs6mGqKmyLzWgNwps_r0eKQHdukLq2fwZe5ZBrSeaOIH_oprNBdY5R-_2Pcnuc4GPKHV95nNdLrBqVuYe9SAvK-sE9LaaMVAqM/s1600-h/cross.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320293692966158786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 236px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfNdme3LxUsGFOjLaaRORijCHVb7Y1Ln81pqM6asPMzKs6mGqKmyLzWgNwps_r0eKQHdukLq2fwZe5ZBrSeaOIH_oprNBdY5R-_2Pcnuc4GPKHV95nNdLrBqVuYe9SAvK-sE9LaaMVAqM/s320/cross.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>One of the advantages of my job is that I have opportunities to expand my spiritual horizons. Our weekly staff meetings usually offer a chance for us to encourage and pray for each other along with discussing and making decisions regarding ministry and church business. But this week was extra special as we took our staff meeting on the road. We actually left the Timberview walls and took a field trip to the Student Chapel at Gonzaga University to view the Stations of the Cross. (Thanks, Whitney, for being our hostess and being our "in" at GU).</div><br /><div>The Stations or Way of the Cross are depictions of the last hours of Christ. The Stations in the Student Chapel are beautiful three dimensional wood carvings. Pastor Glenn led us around the room to the fourteen stations and gave us a guide to follow. Following along with the scriptures added to the impact of the detailed carvings. I found it to be a powerful and memorable experience as I focused on what Christ experienced on his way to the cross. I was especially struck by the depiction of Simon coming to Christ's aid when the cross became too heavy. Of course God in the flesh could have done it all without help, but he chose to embrace humanity and let Simon come alongside. Christ can do all things, but he chooses to let us help him. I've meditated on that fact for the past two days. He doesn't NEED my help, but he WANTS my help. Profound. Humbling. Awe-inspiring. </div><br /><div>This will remain a highlight of the Easter season for me this year. It's easy to become desensitized to Christ's suffering as we celebrate His resurrection year after year. Dying on the cross was not a simple act of mercy for mankind. It was brutal, painful, sacrificial. I don't want to overlook that. But I'm glad the fifteenth Station depicting the resurrection has been recognized as a vital addition to the Stations of the Cross. I love a happy ending.</div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-63350138076551434872009-03-27T21:27:00.000-07:002009-03-27T21:51:17.019-07:00March Sadness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixC2Mywsjw8oSYQ5bh-VFY0T_25BnYua5YN8zsmennf1qh1ippU3GEjmN3YK3ID7o33zlcrC2TzO3mTdlJSLlLeMyEdJmU_cBx6PAiyxcm1KS9c7Z5On6TUVU9xWpCuL9BXGV_d1Kg4Ine/s1600-h/l3616349.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318095671466980290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixC2Mywsjw8oSYQ5bh-VFY0T_25BnYua5YN8zsmennf1qh1ippU3GEjmN3YK3ID7o33zlcrC2TzO3mTdlJSLlLeMyEdJmU_cBx6PAiyxcm1KS9c7Z5On6TUVU9xWpCuL9BXGV_d1Kg4Ine/s320/l3616349.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Weelllll......it was pretty sad to watch the Zags be totally dominated by the Tarheels. UNC was strong inside, outside and every other way. Zags struggled inside - no answer for Hansbrough. They struggled outside - no answer for Lawson. They beat themselves with turnovers. But it was the Sweet Sixteen. Pretty impressive to end the year in the top sixteen of the nation. It was a great run -thanks Bulldogs for a very entertaining year of basketball. </div><br /><div></div><div>It appears to me that the bracket builders for the year did a good job of setting up the tournament to really be the best of the best in the final four. I think some really exciting games are ahead. I just wish GU was in one of them. </div><br /><div></div><div>So not that I know that much, but here are what seem to be some pretty obvious suggestions for next year. 1. Recruit another BIG inside guy. Sacre will be back, but how long will it take him to get in the game after a major injury? He has little experience against the tough teams. Will Foster aint gonna do it unless they send him to soccer camp over the summer and teach him some footwork and how to get off the floor. Another Ronny Turiaf is what I'm thinking. 2. Recruit some scrappy players. We're known as a finesse team. That doesn't go far against the Big East. Ira Brown shoulda played more just to be a feisty sparkplug under the net. 3. Bouldin is amazing, but when he gets shut down or has an off night, we don't have another answer for leading the team. They call Pargo the leader, but he is too inconsistent. Hopefully Goodson will be part of the answer to compliment Bouldin. 4. Don't rely on the WCC to be an indicator for how competitive we are. We need more games against the big guns later in the season. </div><br /><div></div><div>Bottom line, it's still very impressive for little old Gonzaga University to be a major player in NCAA basketball. They've put Spokane on the map. I'm still a huge fan. Let's not be hanging our heads. We have some work to do, but I'm already looking forward to what next season will bring. I'm proud to say I am a Zagmaniac.</div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-8609639369688275432009-03-21T20:05:00.001-07:002009-03-21T20:13:42.173-07:00Second Round Heart AttackSo my Zags nearly did me in tonight. Keith and I had no choice but to abandon my parents and head for a sports bar that would be airing the GU-Western Kentucky game. My sister and bro-in-law joined us for dinner and refreshments. A few more Zags fans and a lot of U of M fans filled up the place. There were multiple televisions going, but as the Uof M women slowly faded into the sunset, everyone became engaged in the Bulldog battle. It was a great environment in which to watch the game as no one seemed to mind when we had outburts of enthusiasm or disappointment at the Zags performance. The Zags did not disappoint, but they definitely made it heart-wrenching along the way. A couple of times I had to just not look as it came down to the last seconds with Goodson pulling off the last two pointer with 7 seconds left in the game. Talk about cutting it close - sheesh!<br /><br />Sweet Sixteen. Taking on a one-seed. The what-ifs are swirling around in my head. Weirder things have happened. Go Zags!Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-46144064346111165932009-03-20T10:02:00.001-07:002009-03-20T10:22:43.771-07:00First Round Jitters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFybYGXTH3fyy6f2EsYy4nWILWAxsrSJMUXXGaa0hZ6QcORUqpHiWKiVFW_0csf1P0wZqkYRIOkFWn4BO7b-CzsRGN09IGH3qfZvrUUxpwCxQ2XOZ9_aj_6_1QJ-3occJz3p2l_dD96ova/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 139px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315321459913133570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFybYGXTH3fyy6f2EsYy4nWILWAxsrSJMUXXGaa0hZ6QcORUqpHiWKiVFW_0csf1P0wZqkYRIOkFWn4BO7b-CzsRGN09IGH3qfZvrUUxpwCxQ2XOZ9_aj_6_1QJ-3occJz3p2l_dD96ova/s400/untitled.bmp" /></a> <div>How fortunate I am to have a daughter that works at Gonzaga University and is willing to go stand in line at ungodly hours to get tickets so I can see live games at the McCarthy Center. Spokanites can testify to the fact that tickets are very hard to come by and pricey to say the least. I have gotten to take in 3, count them, THREE games. Thanks, Whit! </div><br /><div></div><div>Needless to say I have become a true Zagmaniac. I rarely miss the televised games and cringe in frustration when they are moved to ESPNU which almost no one in Spokane has access to. I love being at McCarthy with the crazy Kennel Club which makes it too loud to talk over. I enjoy watching the players mature and become "stars" of sorts. Too much fun.</div><br /><div></div><div>So my Zags are once again in the NCAA tourney. They have had first round stumbles the last two years, so I was getting nervous for them before the game ever started. They came in as a #4 seed this year - best placement ever. They were playing an Akron team who had no tourney history. Should have been a walkover. BUT, it IS March Madness. And it IS the crazy first round where Cinderella teams blossom (i.e. Davidson last year). And the team seemed to have first round jitters, too. Akron lead a good portion of the first half as Gonzaga looked like deer in headlights. I was pacing. Had to leave the room a couple times. Hid behind the couch at one point repeating the mantra, "We're a second half team, we're a second half team". Seriously, I thought I might have a mini breakdown. But the boys are back. They wore Akron down and won rather decisively after keeping the Zips from scoring for 24 minutes. PHEW! I can breathe again. </div><br /><div></div><div>On to Round 2. The expected rival would have been Illinois, but they fell to Western Kentucky last night. Could be good for the Zags. I'm hoping their jitters and mine won't be evident on Saturday. On to the Sweet Sixteen!</div>Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6985272111082666215.post-26343907580562213332009-03-09T09:51:00.000-07:002009-03-09T10:13:56.910-07:00Thirty Year ReunionI've been trying to think how to word this without insulting anyone, including myself. On Saturday we participated in a gathering of our old friends (see? It just doesn't sound good, but I can't figure out how to say, "friends we have known for a really long time who really are getting to be older than dirt"). ANYWAY, you get the picture. We had dinner with Mac and Lorraine, Dale and Judi, Jon and Kristi, Milan and Nancy at the Halls' new home in Chattaroy. It was a grand reunion with MUCH laughter and reminiscing about the "good old days". We caught up on all our kids, recent happenings, jobs (or lack thereof - so sorry, Milan). And as is the case when old people get together, there were colonoscopy stories, tales of caring for aging parents, updates on medical maladies, and reliving events of the past. We caught up on friends who have moved on, friends who we never hear from, and friends that we decided to vote off the island. <br /><br />The best part was realizing that even after 30 years, we still have so much in common and enjoy each other's company. We laughed till there were tears and it felt like we picked up right where we left off the last time we were together. We even stayed up till after 11:00!!! We're hoping this gathering will happen more often. But it's so easy for time to slip by, life to be busy, all of us nurturing newer relationships, spending time with our kids when they let us. But I feel a Cone backyard BBQ coming on. If it ever stops snowing.Catheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18031771585733927243noreply@blogger.com1