Alice's Blog-The Cats Meow

2009-07-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

We're hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services.

I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell "Shifty" Powers.

Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10 episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.

I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle", the symbol of the 101st Airborne, on his hat.

Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the 101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served, and how many jumps he made.

Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until sometime in 1945 . . . " at which point my heart skipped.

At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know where Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped.

I told him yes, I know exactly where Normandy was, and I know what D-Day was. At that point he said "I also made a second jump into Holland, into Arnhem." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . . and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day.

I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France, and he said "Yes. And it's real sad because these days so few of the guys are left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart was in my throat and I didn't know what to say.

I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in Coach, while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have it, that I'd take his in coach.

He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are still some who remember what we did and still care is enough to make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it. And mine are brimming up now as I write this.

Shifty died on June 17 after fighting cancer.

There was no parade.

No big event in Staples Center.

No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage.

No weeping fans on television.

And that's not right.

Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet way. Please forward this email to everyone you know. Especially to the veterans.

Rest in peace, Shifty.

"A nation without heroes is nothing."
Roberto Clemente

Bro Cochrane from Texas sent me this in an e-mail and I wanted to share it with you. My grandfather served in WWII, he was in Italy on D-Day, I believe. When ever I read things about WWII, I think of my grandfather and how humble WWII veterans always seem to be. Just like "Shifty" Powers my grandfather was quiet and humble when talking about war in general, and I never remember him talking about any of the conflicts he was personally in. He was a Japenese american and joined the Army shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. (He lived in Hawaii at the time.) One of the most famous battles he was in, was the famous rescue of the "Lost Battalion" at Biffontaine, France. The 442nd suffered the loss of nearly half of its roster—over 800 casualties, including 121 dead—while rescuing 211 members of the 36th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry, which had been surrounded by German forces in the Vosges mountains since October 24. My grandfather was one of those survivers. I know he watched a lot of his friends die, and that may be one reason he never talked about the war. I couldn't imagine the things he saw.

When I remember my grandfather I wish I would have heard some of these stories first hand but I never thought of asking these things, lets never forget the veterans that are still with us today, the young and the old.

Alton Eiichi Nakama (1921 - 1992)

GO FOR BROKE! (442nd Regimental Infintry moto)

Happy (Hoppy) Easter/Toby Basket

2009-04-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

I just had to post this pic today. No the Easter bunny didn't come to our house today but someone was auditioning for a substitute bunny. I had to explain to him he's not an herbivore, he's a carnivore. Big difference. He still thought that the basket Madison bought to put her school project in was the next best thing to sliced bread. He shifted and turned trying to fit his 10 pound body into this very small basket. He's my oldest cat, but he always acts like a kitten.

He stayed in this basket for over an hour. He was convinced we bought it just for him.

Jonathan's buck

2008-11-03T09:53:00.000-08:00

My brother in law got his first buck recently, I was very excited for him and posted the pic's he sent me. Wish I was in Texas for some venison steaks! Way to go Jonathan!

2008-11-03T09:36:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCdZwitrNoY

Please watch this video, its amazing.
Alice

TAG!!!

2008-09-28T00:26:00.000-07:00

Unspectacular

6. I love Hot Cocoa with marshmallows.
5. I would rather sit and read a book about the birds of North America, than read the newspaper.
4. When I catch the rainbow through the spray of water coming from my garden hose, I smile.
3. Writing is NOT by best subject.
2. If I have a passion about a subject, then I can write about it.
1. I secretly love hats, even though I never wear any, save for the occasional baseball cap.

http://tatijoy.blogspot.com/ Sis Crystal, http://debbiepryor.blogspot.com/ Sis Pryor,
http://rainbowreflections.blogspot.com/ Sis Philana
http://dogsbark150.blogspot.com/ Madison

Meme terms & conditions
1. link the person who tagged you
2. mention the rules on your blog
3. list 6 unspectacular things about you
4. tag 6 other bloggers

Hurricane

2008-09-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Ike

An alligator is seen crossing a road in Sabine Pass, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, as the area recovers from the effects of Hurricane Ike.

A church reflection

Beauty

2008-09-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter.
Ansel Adams

2008-09-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

Someone once told me that "If we do not remember history, it WILL repeat itself" Let's never forget, because if we do, then we are bound to repeat.

2008-08-11T22:12:00.000-07:00

Life's a voyage that's homeward bound.
Herman Melville

Camp Meeting

2008-08-09T22:23:00.000-07:00

There was so much that was gained by going to camp meeting this year. We had an awesome time. One of the last services we went to, this story was told, I thought I would retell it today...just something that has stuck with me.

A gentlemen was given a tour of an asylum for the criminally insane. After walking through the tour, he questioned the warden, "Why are there not more guards, guarding the prisoners? If they ever got together, it wouldn't be good." The warden replied "That would never happen, lunatics never unite"

The preacher then said, We as apostolics need to band together, get together, DON'T BE A LUNATIC!

I don't want to be a lunatic off by myself and unable to band together with my fellow apostolic, unable to witness, and grow. Thank God for Godly fellowship.

NEW BLOG

2008-07-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Check out my new blog...
http://chowhoundalice.blogspot.com/

People are always asking me for my recipes...Death by Chocolate...Alice's chicken salad...Olive gardens Toscana soup...Marie calenders Potato cheese soup...Christmas sugar cookies with frosting, etc, etc,...

I hope to slowly list my favorite recipes on this blog, I hope I have time to update it frequently enough, if you have any suggestions on what you would like to have posted next let me know!

Happy eating!

Radio classics

2008-07-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

The radio/TV comedian Jack Benny was quoted in a magazine, I got a little laugh and I thought I would share it. He is speaking about a Golden Globe award he recieved:

"I don't deserve this award, but I have arthritis and I don't deserve that either."

Jack Benny, 1969

Listen on the computer to these old time radio classics at:
http://www.live365.com/cgi-bin/directory.cgi?genre=old+time+radio
http://www.xmradioclassics.com/

Orange Count Fair

2008-07-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

Madison and I went to the OC Fair on Friday night. We really had a girls night. We watch some Motorcycle Derby, and then shopped and ate snacks. Ofcourse the best we seeing the animals. This picture of a steer (which is a neutered bull) is the cutest picture I took all night. I was kind of far away an nobody was around this steer. He had his head o the window sill and looked very board. HOW CAN YOU BE BOARD AT THE FAIR? He was! Joe said I should have entiled this post "The board Bovine!" We had a good night at the fair.

LOVE

2008-07-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 13
1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Charity:
1: benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity
2 a: generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering

FYI

2008-06-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

Emergency Telephone Numbers
These are more effective than 911
When -
You are sad, phone John 14
You have sinned, phone Psalm 51
You are facing danger, phone Psalm 91
People have failed you, phone Psalm 27< /A>
It feels as though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139
Your faith needs stimulation, phone < /B>Hebrews 11
You are alone and scared, phone Psalm 23
You are worried, phone Matthew 8:19-34
You are hurt and critical, phone 1 Corinthians 13
You wonder about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
You feel like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39
You are seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30
It feels as if the world is b igger than God, phone Psalm 90
You need Christ like insurance, phone Romans 8:1-30
You are leaving home for a trip , phone < /I>Psalm 121
You are praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87
You require courage for a task, phone Joshua 1
Inflation's and investments are hogging your thoughts, phone M ark 10:17-31
You are depressive, phone Psalm 27
Your bank account is empty, phone Psalm 37
You lose faith in mankind, phone 1 Corinthians 13
It looks like people are unfriendly, phone John 15
You are losing hope, phone Psalm 126
You feel the world is small comp ared to you, phone Psalm 19
You want to carry fruit, phone John 15
Paul's secret for happiness, phone Colossians 3:12-17
With big opportunity/ discovery, phone Isaiah 55
To get along with other people, phone Romans 12
ALTERNATE NUMBERS
For dealing with fear, call Psalm 47
For security, call Psalm 121:3
For assurance, call Mark 8:35
For reassurance, call Psalm 145:18
ALL THESE NUMBERS MAY BE PHONED DIRECTLY.
NO OPERATOR ASSISTANCE IS NECESSARY.
ALL LINES TO HEAVEN ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY.
FEED YOUR FAITH, AND DOUBT WILL STARVE TO DEATH

Father's day

2008-06-16T22:58:00.000-07:00

Well I thought about father's day and a story came to my mind. I was in the second grade, or maybe even the first grade. I walked to school with my aunt who was in the fifth grade. We went to the same Elementary school for a couple of years. She is the youngest of my mother's siblings, my mother being the oldest of 6 children, my aunt and I are just 4 years apart in age.

We were walking to school and my mother came driving up in our car. She should have been at work a long time before this. She yelled at us, "Your not going to school today, get in the car! We are going to the beach!" This had never happened before and I don't ever really remember it happening after this. Some things you never forgot no matter how young you are.

I played "Hooky" this day. Along with my parents and aunt, there came along, my 2 uncles, and one of my uncles girlfriends who is know also my aunt.

I never forgot this day. It was so memorable because after just arriving at the beach, I stepped out into the sand and immediately stepped on a piece of glass. My uncle Micheal, then carried me all over the beach for the rest of the day. With a bloody bandage on my foot. I remember a sea lion, the tide pools and shells. I never forgot this day.

Just yesterday I told my mom about this memory. The cut on my foot, the sea lion we got so close to, and getting out of school that day. She told me that it was all my Dads idea. I never knew that, since she picked up up on our way to school. I always thought it was her idea. It wasn't. My parents have been divorced since 1980, the year my youngest brother was born. I don't get to see my real dad very often, and I have a wonderful Step dad, that I love very much. But I am glad that my dad had the idea of getting out of work and school that day. We all made memories that can never be taken away from us. I thank God for our fathers. Some of us are lucky and have more than one father figure, and if you don't have any, GOD is there to help us make memories, with him, we will never forget.

2008-06-14T21:56:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to Madison!!!
Today Maddy turned 12 yrs old. My baby is going to middle school next year! I had the idea of taking her whale watching for her birthday. I told her 2 weeks ago we would go today. At first she was nervous. Neither she nor Kevin have ever been on a ship, or boat. Our adventure started at 1:30pm. We got to the dock at Dana Point Harbor today at 12:30pm. We had a hard time finding parking today. We ended up parking very far away. About 20 minute walk. Once we got there, we checked in, and the boat was almost ready to go. When we finally boarded, we were filled with excitement and nervousness. Once we got out of the harbor, we started to open it up... it was very choppy... very windy today. It was like being on a roller coaster. It's funny how time flies. We were out for 3 1/2hours. It seemed like 30 minutes. We had the times of our lives. The kids loved the choppy water and no one on our boat got sick. There was about 25 people. We even felt good enough after seeing the whale, that we ever ate snacks, before coming back in. This was a great birthday for Maddy, abut a wonderful day for us all.

Kevin and Maddy before their first whale watching adventure.

This Blue whale was 20 feet away from our boat. His estimated size is 70 feet long. We got upclose and personal with this creature. God largest creation. He is the biggest of all whales. He is even larger than any dinosaur that ever lived.

Some happy Sea Lions, resting in the sun!

Maddy and Kevin, just before getting off the boat. We all had a great time. Madison's first words as we were walking off the dock ramp, were "When can we go again?!"

MORE PETS!

2008-06-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

Some might liken their family to a circus, but I think our family is more like a zoo... Everywhere we turn there are more and more creatures that find are way to our family. Last Thursday I took in a Kitten and another Chinchilla. I found a home for the Chinchilla, right away with a co-woker. The kitten found a home with another co-worker within 24 hours. The very next day Joe found the spider at work. On Tuesday Kevin found a Lizard at school and brought it home. What will next week bring? ...LOL

Enjoying a mid-afternoon snack...

I ate my first cricket Tuesday...
Sceloporus occidentalis
Western Fence Lizard

PHRYSONOMATIDAE

Sceloporus from the Greek skelos, meaning leg and porus, meaning pores in reference to their femoral pores located along the underside of the leg. The name occidentalis refers to their western distribution. The species as a whole (S. occidentalis) is called the Western Fence Lizard. These lizards are more commonly called "Blue-bellies" or "Swifts."

"Bubbles", having a good time in his new tank.

The new spider Part 2

2008-06-11T22:03:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the first cricket we gave the spider to eat. Before this he had eaten a fly we caught. He much preferred the crickets I think. In this picture the cricket is almost the same size as the spider. The first time I saw him eat I wasn't prepared for the amazing show it was going to put on. He stalked the cricket like a cat stalking it's prey. Keeping the one he wanted in front of him at all times. When it finally came into reach he would jump at it with lightning quickness, bite and jump back. Then as the cricket became paralyzed it would take it into it's mouth and climb or walk around with it. The spider did this with all 3 of the crickets we gave him back to back, within 12 hours he had eaten 3 crickets. This was on Sunday, so on Tuesday we gave him another 3 crickets, and Tomorrow he will go to his new home. I can't say that I will be sad seeing him go. I know I will sleep much better knowing he is elsewhere. I did really well the first several days of after his arrival, but the longer he's here the more creeped out I am becoming. I think it has something to do with seeing him eat. I am sure there will be more spiders, as long as I have a friend, whose son marvels at them, there will always be a place for them to go, and we will always pass them along.

New Spider

2008-06-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't blogged recently... I have a lot I have been thinking about blogging but this couldn't wait. I have a new spider.

Phidippus audax, or jumping spider. I have a good pic of this one. I think it is a male. I read a discription of this spider and the males have green eye brows. This one does, but you can't see it well in the pic I got. They are common throughout the United States and Canada.

They are very hard to catch since they "Jump" and are not posionous. Their bite can sometimes be irritating however. They do jump on their prey.

Ofcourse, I will be forwarding this spider to my friend. Her son (who is now 18 yrs old, I think) is very excited about this one...Then again they are always excited by any new creature that comes along their path.

When God ordains, He sustains

2008-04-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

I read this in an email today and all I can say is I was encouraged. I hope it encourages you. When GOD ordains his child, no one can stand in the way of GODS purpose or will.

Another thought for today:

Psalms 57:6
They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.

Two different emails, but GODS knows what we need to hear and when we need to hear it. My GOD is so awsome.

GOD confirms his word

2008-04-05T23:47:00.000-07:00

Mark 11
1And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,

2And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.

3And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.

4And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.

5And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?

6And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.

7And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.

8And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.

9And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

10Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

11And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

Dose this passage of scripture sound familiar? Well it should, because Pastor preached this passage of scripture on Sunday night. The funny thing is, I taught on this same scripture sunday morning in Sunday school. We had a lot of teaching going on the sundays leading up to Easter, I didn't get a chance to teach this lesson before Easter and since it was prepared I figured I would go ahead and teach it. "The triumphant entry" I have been using the "Search for truth" Bible study chart for my teaching and the kids love it. They especially liked the chart with a map of Jerusalem, and Jesus' last days and were they took place on the map.

I understand that God will confirm his word for many different reasons. Sometimes it's so we'll just have faith that he is real and that these things are not a coincidence. Sometimes it's so He can show Himself, or increase our faith. I know one thing, my students are paying attention because when this passage was read on Sunday night they looked at me with bewilderment in there eye, and if I could read their minds they were saying, "Hey, that's the scripture from this morning!" If it can touch one child and bring this scripture to their minds sometime in the future, then this seed was sown on fertile ground. Hallelujah!

2008-04-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

"It's a Battle for Your Attention!

In our media-driven culture we are being bombarded daily with contradicting messages. On TV, in movies, in print publications and online, men and women of faith are told they're inadequate in the workplace or at home, as spouses or as parents.

And our children are even bigger targets. TV, films and video games offer gratuitous violence, teen programs with provocative clothing and situations, pop-ups on the Web ... they're all fighting against the virtues and values you hold most dear and strive to instill in your kids." Focus on the Family

I read this today in an e-mail and it was thought provoking. Secular religion understands the the ploys of the devil to win your children over to the ways of the world. This message is true, but how much more discernment we have as "Holy Ghost filled Apostolic Christians." We need to be parents first and friends to our children second, or we do them a great injustice.

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." KJV, 1 Corinthians 13:11

Me Colored?

2008-03-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

[This Poem Was Nominated By United Nations As The Best Poem Of 2006, Written By An African Kid.]

“Me Colored?”

When I Born, I Black
When I Grow Up, I Black
When I Go In The Sun, I Black
When I Scared, I Black
When I Sick, I Black
And When I Die, I Still Black
And You White Fellow…
When You Born, You Pink
When You Grow Up, You White
When You Go In The Sun, You Red
When You Cold, You Blue
When You Scare, You Yellow
When You Sick, You Green
And When You Die, You Grey
And You Calling Me Colored??

The rainbow bridge

2008-03-09T16:05:00.001-07:00

Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Moses

2008-03-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Sis Bernice had to put Moses to sleep yesterday. It is a very hard decision to make, but knowing that he truly is not suffering anymore gives you a great peace in your heart. One of the worst feelings in not being able to breath. Animals can not understand this, so they panic. You can not explain to them that the more they stress out the worse it becomes, so you are left with an important decision.

Bull dogs are Brachiocephelic breed of dogs. They have a shortened nose and sinus passage. For this reason it makes it very difficult if they get any kind of respiratory problem, or inflammation. I saw a bull dog that was in distress once, that had a windpipe the diameter of a straw, when it should have been about the diameter of a quarter.

I remember Moses loving to play with his water bottle. I wish Sis Bernice had sent me a picture of him with his water bottle. The first time I saw him go crazy over that bottle was several years ago, but just like children they find the package is more fun than what came in it.

I know Moses is at peace now and we all have a place in our hearts that can never be filled. I know that the Rios family and the Peavey family will miss him dearly. Rest in peace....Moses

Golfer kills hawk

2008-03-06T19:38:00.000-08:00

Tripp Isenhour, of Orlando, Fl…

AP - Mar 6, 1:49 pm EST
Golf Gallery ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—PGA Tour player Tripp Isenhour faces charges for hitting a hawk with a golf shot because it was making noise as he videotaped a TV show.

Isenhour was with a film crew for “Shoot Like A Pro” on Dec. 12 at the Grand Cypress Golf course. The 39-year-old player, whose real name is John Henry Isenhour III, was charged Wednesday with cruelty to animals and killing a migratory bird. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 14 months in jail and $1,500 in fines.

Isenhour apologized in a statement released Thursday and said he was only trying to scare the hawk away.

According to court documents, Isenhour got upset when a red-shouldered hawk began making noise, forcing another take. He began hitting balls at the bird, then 300 yards away, but gave up. Isenhour started again when the hawk moved within about 75 yards, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer Brian Baine indicated in a report.

Isenhour allegedly said, “I’ll get him now,” and aimed for the hawk.

“About the sixth ball came very near the bird’s head, and (Isenhour) was very excited that it was so close,” Baine wrote.

A few shots later, witnesses said he hit the hawk. The bird, protected as a migratory species, fell to the ground bleeding from both nostrils.

“As soon as this happened, I was mortified and extremely upset and continue to be upset,” Isenhour said in a statement issued through his management company, SFX Golf. “I want to let everyone know there was neither any malice nor deliberate intent whatsoever to hit or harm the hawk. I was trying to simply scare it into flying away.”

Isenhour said his family has adopted three cats from a local shelter.

“I am an animal lover,” he said. “We ask that everyone accept my sincerest apology, and please be respectful of my family’s privacy.”

Humane Society executive vice president Michael Markarian said Isenhour should face charges.

“Americans have no tolerance for cruelty to animals. Such a petty, mean spirited act against a wild bird is inexcusable and prosecutors are right to hold Isenhour accountable to the law,” he said in a statement released Thursday.

Isenhour has spent two full years on the PGA Tour, both times failing to keep his card. He has won four times on the Nationwide Tour, including twice in 2006.

“He just kept saying how he didn’t think he could have hit it, which I think is a stupid thing for a PGA Tour golfer to say,” said Jethro Senger, a sound engineer at the shoot. “He can put a ball in a hole from hundreds of yards away, and here he is hitting line drives at something that’s, I don’t know, a couple hundred feet away?”

Senger said it was “basically like a joke to (Isenhour).” He said no one in the roughly 15-person crew intervened, and many later regretted it.

“It was one of those cases where there’s some trepidation on whether or not they should speak up and do something,” Senger said.

Senger said the killing was not captured on video. The bird was buried at the golf course and later dug up by Florida investigators.

Ladies Retreat

2008-02-25T09:28:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful blessing it was going to Ladies retreat this year. We all got a mighty blessed from the Lord, and being there we great fun. We laughed, we cried, we stayed up late and work up early. We shopped, (some more than others LOL) We witnessed healings, and our faith has been built stronger for that. I Cherish the memories that were made and the friendships that are built stronger. What an awesome time. If you didn't get to go, I highly recommend you try next year, you will be blessed.

On our way home we noticed this dust storm in the horizon, it looked threatening. Once we were in it it wasn't so bad, but just stay away from the big rigs on the highway!

We all made it back home safely to our families that were very glad we all were finally home. It is a long time to be away from your family, 3 and 1/2 days. My husband did very well and everything was just fine when I got home, Thank you Jesus.

Testimony

2008-02-24T21:47:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking for a while now about giving my testimony here on my blog. My husband and I have been through some trying times in our marriage. I know that God has always kept his hand not only on me, but on my husband as well. We both had been through a lot before coming to know each other.

I haven't told my testimony to many people. My husband and I meet each other in a bar. Neither of us were in church at the time, and when I think back to how God saw me, and how I need him, he put Joe there to help me, while I was in a very sad lonely place.

After we met, Joe told me about God. I think I was really drawn to him because he knew about God and wasn't afraid or ashamed to talk about Him. I have always believed in God. I was born and raised Catholic. I went to Sunday school, and learned some about God. I think that sometimes I went to church and Sunday school because it was expected of me. I was constantly watching the clock, waiting for my hour to be over. As I reached my 20's I didn't go at all to church, but I have always believed in one God. The Catholics as a rule don't use the word "trinity" and God had given me then, a Revelation of "one God"

Starting a life as a young couple and drinking and going to bars all the time is not a very good start to a marriage. My husband and I struggled with a lot. We lasted about 6 months of this life style before the party ended and we realized we need more in our marriage.

I had the idea of going to church, because if God couldn't help us then, nothing could. I figured I would look for a church, but Joe had told me he would not go to a Catholic church. There was a large church in the area we lived, a "Christian church" The first time we went there was a disaster. I left there very discourage and feeling like there was no hope. Joe was trying to be supportive. He wanted to try to make our marriage work, and he also knew that only God could fix it. We drove home from that very cold, informal, church service (that neither of us got anything out of) and he looked at me and said, "If we are going to go to church, then we are going to got to the right church, a pentecostal church. At this point I said OKAY, I need something, GOD, and at this point I didn't care what church we went to as long as we went somewhere.

Joe called Bro Driscoll, in Texas, and ask him to find us a church in California. He called us back and gave us Bro. Bookers number in Rialto. At the time we lived in Garden Grove and I explained to Joe that Rialto is very far away. He called the Rialto church and Joel Booker gave Joe the name and number to the church in Orange.

I got the Holy Ghost in the middle of January about six weeks after we started to attend the UPC of Orange. I remember the service. It was a missionary from France preaching. He talked a lot about the Catholic church in France, since mostly everyone is France is Catholic. The service hit home. I got the Holy Ghost and Joe and I got baptized together that next week. (Joe had been baptized in Jesus name when he was 12 yrs old, but wanted the be rebaptized) It was very special to me that we were baptized together.

When I meet Joe he told me, "I never thought I would marry someone I met in a bar". No one knows what God has in store for them. My husband was a backslider, and came back to God to save our marriage. He lead me to the right church, so that I would know the truth. Some other men could have just PLAYED church to appease their wives. I know men who do that, just to keep "The peace", but I am so very glad that Joe didn't do this. I feel like God really knew what I needed when I needed it, he also knew that my heart was ready, and that I was desperate for him. When I think back on what my life could have been I am so glad God chose me and that I answered his knocking on my hearts door.

Valentines Day

2008-02-16T22:18:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day. Some may say it's commercial. Infact I think almost every man you ask would say it's commercial. My husband has said this in the past. I have a couple of Valentine stories I am going to tell here.

One year while I was still a newlywed. Joe bought me roses. I was so excited, they were beautiful, and I was young and in love. We got married in January, and this was our first Valentine as husband and wife. Well I went to work the next day and while I was gone, Joe placed my new roses outside in the sun!!! I walked up to our apartment and to my suprise, my flowers were sitting on the pourch! 1 day! I had my flowers for 1 DAY! I was very upset, as you can imagine. Joe said he thought they needed some sun! ugh!!!

The next story that comes to my memory is about Br. Saul. My husband worked with him while we were living in Colton. This man has a very, VERY conservative nature. He could be discribed as very thrifty. I have met him and his wife, and they are very much in love. He is a great provider to his family and his wife is a stay at home mother to their 3 children. Joe asked him what he was getting his wife for Valentines Day. I am sure they discussed the topic over their eight hour shift, many times, but it came down to this one statement, that my husband thought was very clever. "I love my wife everyday of the year, I don't need a special day to show her." When he came home and told me this I yelled "What a cop out! I can't believe someone would say that!" Bro Saul's wife recieved a beautiful Valentines gift that year. Joe was later quoted as saying that Bro Saul said, "That comment about Valentines day was just a cop out!" Can you believe it? We have laughed about this story many times, and acutally are both laughing about it right now. LOL

My next story isn't so funny, but more romantic. Have you ever heard of the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas?" Well, I had the three days of Valentine, last year. My wounderful husband brougt me flowers to work 3 days in a row. A different flower every day with the Roses coming on Valentines Day. I have a beautiful picture of my roses that I will try to add to this post at a later time. By far the best roses I have ever recieved. They were saved from a day in the sun too! (I acutally said that to him, DON'T PUT THEM IN THE SUN!) They lived beuatifully for 14days, when one by one they slowly died away, the last one at day 18.

This year was different. I was at work anticipating what would happened on this special day. Some of the other girls I work with recieved there flowers by 9AM. I didn't recieve any. I wasn't sad, because of the flowers that I recieved last year, and the romantic I know my husband to be, I knew there would be something coming. When he came home I was already making dinner, and he came in and there was nothing in his hands, I felt a little crushed. It didn't help that I was starting to feel under the weather. But true to form, he went and got the gift he had already bought me. A box of my favorite candy, SEE'S Truffles. We have been married nine years and he got it just right today. But no flowers. I wasn't mad, maybe a little disappointed. Then he gave me another bag. I pulled out "Garfield-large and in charge!" I had told him weeks ago that I wanted it, but until then I had forgotten. I was so excited, I jumped up had hugged him and yelled, "You just redemed yourself!", "From what?" he said. "I was sad I didn't get flowers this year, but now I AM HAPPY!" I was very excited. I guess men do listen sometimes, huh?

The moral of the story is, some men MAY treat there wives like they are a queen year round. But to be truthful to you, I like being treated like a queen on Valentines day, for one reason. If I was treated like every day was Valentines day EVERYDAY, then it wouldn't be special. I love my husband, he's a great provider, soul mate and friend. I wouldn't trade him for anyone else. God knows what we all need, and when I needed him, God sent him to me. GOD saved me, but he used this man to point me in the right direction. I thank GOD for my husband.

RESPONSIBILITY

2008-02-05T18:44:00.000-08:00

"Nothing strengthens the judgment and quickens the conscience like individual responsibility"
Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Judgment-A formal utterance of an authoritative opinion.
Responsibility-Moral, leagal, or mental accountability.

This quote caught my eye today. It was on (of all things) my box of caffeine free tea I was making. I started to think about the things we are responsible for. The things that I am responsible for I am accountable for, but to who? Morally I am responsible to the people around me. Leagally I am responsible to follow the laws of the state and town I live in. Mentally I am responsible for the chocies I make in my life.
I want to be sure that morally I am doing the things that will please God. God lays down the foundation for our Moral standards in life. Without God in my life where would I learn a standard of living? Does not the bible teach us that we are to abide by the laws of this land? Are we not to give the rulers of our nation support and prayers? Legally I need to be a responsible citizen.
Now what about mental accountability? I have a personal responsibility to God to exercise my "free will" in a way that will please HIM. Everyday, I have to make a choice to follow his way, and live my life in a way that I can be found "Holy and acceptable" in his sight.
God is at the very essence of the aspects of responsibility. You can turn everyone of these aspects selfishly inward, and someone who doesn't believe in God, can find that very easy to do, but for a child of God, our responsibility needs to be focused on HIM.

I want to be able to focus on what God wants me to focus on and not what others are doing/not doing. I want the Judgment in my life to be self focused, and I want to be responsible and accountable for my actions. In this way I will find strength in God.

Starbucks

2008-02-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of our church wide caffine and sugar fast. I thought a lot about it last night. I even thought about going to starbucks last night on the way home from church, since the fast starts today. We didn't go, but I thought about it.

This morning I woke up and had a thought about coffee, like I do every morning. Then I remembered the fast, no Starbucks this morning. I got the kids to school and as I was driving a thought hit my mind, or should I say revalation hit my mind. DECAF-SUGAR FREE LATTE!!!! I laughed out loud, Starbucks here I come.

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

2008-02-01T21:54:00.000-08:00

Having fun at California Adventure, and getting ready to get on "Sreaming" Kevin, Jose, and Ariel. Not picutred Sis Cathy and Alice and Madison. It was very cold and tears were running down my face as we got off the ride, but we all were laughing, and had great fellowship.

Toby

2008-01-28T12:23:00.001-08:00

On friday I came home and "Toby" who is my 14 year old cat, started acting funny. I didn't even have time to take my shoes off, and still in my work clothes, I rushed him to my work. He seemed to be batting in the air at nothing. His eyes glazed over and I picked him up and he was really stiff. I thought he was choking because his neck was bent downward, and he wouldn't straighten it up. My thoughts were, seizure, brain tumor, kidney failure (which can lead to a buildup of ammonia in the brain), neurologic disorder of some sort. But there is a reason I am not the doctor. These were all logical differentials of possible problems only running more tests would tell us what was wrong.

By the time I got him in the car he was acting normal again, just a little groggy and weak. His doctored ordered a blood test, everything was normal. Then we did a blood pressure which was also normal. She ordered an EKG, here was the diagnosis. My cat has HCM/Hypertrophic cardio-myopathy. Heart disease. We gave him some medication/beta blocker and he hasn't had another episode that I am aware of.

This is a very bad prognosis long term, and you just keep them comfortable until you put them to sleep. I have seen several cats die of this. My cat will never die of this disease. I will put him to sleep long before he begins to suffer. They do suffer at the end stage of this disease.

My co-workers and I always laugh that if it's sick and it's an orange cat then it's either, kidney disease or diabetes. It just seems they are more prone to those diseases. I really was not prepared for this. I really thought him would end up with one of the other two diseases. HCM is much more common in exotic breeds like persians an himalyians. I have a co-worker that has a 4 yr old persian cat that was diagnosed with the same thing last week. I guess it's not that uncommon.

There is acutally a funny end to this story. My doctor decided on medication for Toby and gave it to me. I took a look at it:

Atenolol 25mg.

I looked at her and said "Huh, thats funny this is the same exact medication that my husband is on." she looked at me and started laughing and said, "Well if Toby ever runs out of medication he can borrow a pill from your husband!"

When I got home I told Joe what medication they put Toby on and he said "Well, I know who's gonna get the last pill if we ever run out!" Of course he was just playing. So Toby will have an Echocardiogram done on Friday, and a repeat EKC, we will monitor his progress and keep you all updated.

Toby's nicknames: Tobis, Tobie-wobbie, McTobe(his Irish name, he is a red head), Handsome boy, Handsomest, Tobis dias(Thats his latin name) and many more.

Why paint cats?

2008-01-15T19:47:00.001-08:00

I have several of these pictures on my computer. You will all be pleased to know that no cats were harmed in the making of these pictures. They are all computer generated. I thought I would share a couple because they are interesting to look at.

Just some thoughts

2008-01-13T23:05:00.000-08:00

I was working on some stuff for school, and I came across some quotes throughout the text. They are applied to business, but it's funny how you can apply it to church.

"Change is inevitable-Growth is optional" As time goes by, you will change, but whether or not you have spiritual growth with your change is up to you. I think it has a lot to do with your out look. People don't grow with change, if they are not mature. I want my growth to transform into a mature relationship with Christ. I want to grow with HIM.

"Competition is not how you compare to others, but how you compare to your potential" Sometimes we get caught up in what others are doing or with what others have, etc. We must all realize that we are not in competition with our fellow saints, but rather struggle within ourselves to obtain our ultimate potential. I want to be productive, to my ultimate potential.

"Winds of change can bring oceans of opportunities" In my work text, it explained that you can have plenty of wind around you, but when you are on dry land (spiritual or otherwise) You are relatively unchanged by the wind. It may even feel good. You need to get out there on the OCEAN, where you can move with the water. The wind may make it choppy water, with high waves, but unless you are in a situation where you can be moved around, you will not find the opportunities that change brings into your life. You need to be in a FLUID environment, which may be harder to steer. You can't navigate as well. Adapting to a new environment (the sea/water) is necessary as things change. I want to be able to adapt to new changes in my life. But one thing that was left out in my work text is, who is really steering my ship? My work text says you are but I know from a spiritual stand point who I want steering my ship!

Snow Trip 2008

2008-01-12T20:46:00.000-08:00

We had a great time at out annual Surge, Kidz Alive, snow trip!

ME ME, having a great time, eating her noodles, with TWO hands. No one was stopping her! It was lunch time!

Everyone had a great time and no one got hurt. Can't wait 'til next time....

Everyone sure looked wiped out...but we still had several hours of our trip down the hill left. SNOW TRIP 2008 !!!

And the winner is.....

2008-01-09T22:20:00.000-08:00

ME! This all happened to me last month but I just haven't had time to blog about it. I was home one Monday and I was listening to the "DR LAURA" show on the radio. It was on in the back ground while I was cleaning and I heard about this book she was promoting, but if you have ever listened to her show you know that she gives books away every day. She said, If you go to my web site becomes a member of her web site, the log on for a chance to win a free book. So I did it, and like everyone always thinks, "I'm sure I won't win".

Several weeks later Joe went to get the mail and came back with a package addressed to me. "What did you buy?" he said. I said "I don't know?" I cautiously opened the package all the while thinking, Okay, Alice, how are you going to explain this purchase? Then thinking "What DID I buy?" To my surprise it was the book that I logged on to win.

"The turn around mom" by Carey Sipp. I haven't read it yet but after I do I will be sure to blog a review. I was so excited just to win something!

She did it again...

2008-01-08T21:29:00.000-08:00

Or should I say I did it again? I was driving to work and the picture flashed through my mind.... I forgot the bag of cat food. I left it on the kitchen table. When I got home I had a nice surprise. Of course in her sweet way Piglet said ... "ME? I didn't do it..." Well I know better...LOL!

Christmas

2008-01-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in a while because of the christmas bustle that I know everyone goes through, but I hope that everyone's christmas season was filled with blessings. I was very blessed this year. This is a pic of Disneyland.

I have had anual passes to Disneyland on and off throughout the years. This year greatly exceeds any other year. The best part is after the fireworks, they play "I'm dreaming of a white christmas", one of the better renditions I've heard. Then the snow machine turns on and it snows in Disneyland for 10 minutes. It is an awesome sight, and I highly recommend it. (And the kids love it too!)

Someone special

2007-12-13T21:16:00.000-08:00

Someone special can be anyone
It can be a friend
or it can be a person you love,
It can be a pet
Or someone that you know.

Someone special can have a big smile,
It spreads like an eagles wing.
Something special can be your automobile,
The motor sounds like a kittens purr.
Someone special can be anything.

Someone special can be a dream come true.
Their hair is smoother than silk
She can be like a creamy and sweet candy.
Her eyes can be as bright as the sun.
Someone special can be anyone.

Kevin Hall 12.13.07

Miracles of GOD

2007-12-10T21:13:00.000-08:00

Friday was a rainy day in So California. Joe came home from work early, due to the rainy conditions. He left his lights on in his truck. We jumped his truck and everything seemed fine. On Saturday, he couldn't get his truck to start again, so he called brother Don-Andre and they worked on the truck for several hours. I was at work all day and when I came home he told me he wasn't able to get his truck running quite right.

In my owned mind, I was thinking, what an attack we have been having, on our cars. My brake lights on my car were out and it wasn't a fuse and after 2 weeks of trying to figure it out, it turned out to be the brake light sensor. We had a quote for $500.00 worth of repairs and Joe fixed it for $40.00. Amen to that, and we were praising God. Less than a week later, his truck is not working and I am thinking "Were is God in all of this?" Are we being attacked? What will we do if we can't get to work? I let the thought go through my mind but then rebuked it.

So Joe was able to get to work but if he didn't keep the gas depressed the truck would stall. Not a very safe way to be driving and he told me it stalled on him a couple of times. While at work he met a man, who said he could help him out with his truck. So after work he drove it over to his house and they worked on it. The check engine light then came on, on his way to his house. He had a vehicle code reader and they worked on the truck for 10 minutes. Joe started to witness to him and they stopped working on the truck. They talked about an hour, and now Joe has a bible study set up, and his girlfriend and him are going to come to church. Joe was so excited as he always is when God sends someone his way. The miracles of God didn't stop there. They decided to continue checking the truck out and when Joe got in the truck started normally and didn't idle high like it had before. NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE TRUCK! All the way home the truck drove normally. What an awesome God we serve!

Moving Mountians, Loving one another

2007-12-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

" A religious man is a person who holds God and man in one thought at one time, at all times, who suffers harm done to others, whose greatest passion is compassion, whose greatest strength is love and defiance of despair. "
- Abraham Joshua Heschel

"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." 1Cor 13:2

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." 1Cor 13:13

Merriaim-Webster:
Charity- benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity

These things are some things that came to my mind this morning. We need to love one another or we are outside of the will of God. I want to go about my day today with love in my heart for others and I hope you do also. I want to have faith to move mountians, but most of I I need to love others.

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
Matt 22:37-39

THANKSGIVING

2007-11-22T07:34:00.000-08:00

When you think of thanksgiving what do you think of? Most people think of Pilgrims and Indians. Some think of patriotism. Some think of the food, or parades. When some says "What do you have to be thankful for?" Some might say my family or friends. Others might say that I have a place to call home or something to eat, clothes to wear etc. Here is the definition of that thanks giving is.
Merriam-Webster Difines
THANKSGIVING:
1: the act of giving thanks
2: a prayer expressing gratitude
3 a: a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness

Need I say more? There is one thing above all else that I am thankful for and that is, that GOD found me. That I know HIM. Above all else he has changed me and I will never be the same. So how do you thank him? Just read definition (2), and (3). Today will be about HIM.

Some history on thanksgiving:
Thanksgiving was proclaimed by every president after Lincoln. The date was changed a couple of times, most recently by Franklin Roosevelt, who set it up one week to the next-to-last Thursday in order to create a longer Christmas shopping season. Public uproar against this decision caused the president to move Thanksgiving back to its original date two years later. And in 1941, Thanksgiving was finally sanctioned by Congress as a legal holiday, as the fourth Thursday in November.

If interested in more facts visit this site:
http://www.thanksgivingworld.com/thanksgiving-history.html

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Pleasing GOD

2007-11-18T14:53:00.000-08:00

When we sin it is impossible for us to please GOD. Everything works for good for those who love the LORD. We believe that GOD isn't helping us or that we are just unlucky, but if we could understand that if we have faith and trust in GOD, HE will work it out. Sometimes GOD gives us a glimps of what is going to happen, to give us faith, and help us along the way.

We sometimes see things on the outside but if we could get a vision of what is really in someones heart, we might understand what GOD is trying to do. Our way is not his. We have a propensity to look with a superfical eye, when we need to look into someones heart. That is easier to do when we love someone.

We have a resposibilty to love others, but first and foremost we need to keep ourselves pure and Holy, so we can be found acceptable to him. I sometimes tell the children in Sunday school, or other children I come into contact with, or my own children "That's not a wise choice" or "What you did, is not acceptable" I realize that it is that easy, "Am I making the right choices?" What I am doing, will it be found "Holy and acceptable to GOD?" I want to be found Holy and acceptable to my GOD and Savior. And as the song goes: He's done so much for me, I can not tell it all...

I guess she's better

2007-11-12T18:07:00.000-08:00

Well Piglet had to stay at my work, in a kennel, from Wed morning, until Sat afternoon when we got back from WCC. She is definitely doing better. So much so that I caught her stealing food from the NEW bag of cat food, I just brought into the house. I screamed "Piglet!" She paused and gave me a look as to say "What?"

And then just continued to rip the bag and help herself.

What could I do? I would have given anything to see her eat that way when she was sick. Anyways her name is Piglet. They say animals live up to the names you give them.

Back from WCC

2007-11-10T20:25:00.000-08:00

Well, we're back from our trip. I wasn't as restful as I thought. Part of that was somewhat due to the fact that as we arrived I started feeling sick. Even though I felt sick in my body, my soul was being feed. What a time of refreshing it was. This picture is of a Lake up in the Grapevine area, not sure of the name. Kevin did a great job of taking the picture across Madison's lap and out the window in a moving car going 75 MPH, Thanks Kevin! (Since I was driving)

This picture is of a single cloud. I was driving back and this little lone cloud caught my eye. It was on the drivers side and again Kevin came to the rescue, taking this pic for me. The whole sky was light blue and there was no other clouds in the sky. No sooner did he take the pic and we continued to look for it, and it was gone.

"And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not."
1 Kings 18:44

I looked at Joe and said "Do you think it is the size of a mans hand?" I have to continue to pounder what this all means, because I don't think it was a coincidence that we all saw it.

West Coast Conference

2007-11-06T22:57:00.000-08:00

Well, we'll be leaving in the morning, on our way to Fresno, CA. We will be at WCC, until Saturday. It will be a wonderful time of refreshing. It will also be a great time of getting away and relaxing. I am really looking foward to getting away since we didn't get a summer vacation this year. I also look forward to my soul being blessed. I will be thinking and praying for those who didn't get to make it to confrence this year. GOD BLESS you all, and I will have a good report to share with everyone, as well as some pic's when we return.

Cat Tree

2007-10-29T21:50:00.000-07:00

Still sick but feeling good enough to get in her 6FT cat tree.
And yes that is the same bed from the other pic, when she was a baby.

2007-10-28T23:02:00.003-07:00

http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=1322921&fr=

Sorry I couldn't figure out how to upload the video, so I just added a link. It's very funny though, especially if you have a cat. Click on the link!

PIGLET

2007-10-28T23:02:00.001-07:00

This is my cat Piglet. She is a 4 years old domestic short haired cat that someone brought into the clinic that I worked in, in Riverside, CA. She stated that she found her in the alleyway behind the Dental office she worked in, and couldn't keep her because she is allergic to cats. I believed her when she started sneezing violently before she even left our clinic.

I took one look at this 3 week old kitten and said, "I'll bottle feed her and foster her until I can find her a good home. There is NO way I'm keeping that Torti cat, (which is what her color marking is called) because they have a bad reputation for being very sassy, and hard to handle" "Spitfire" is a good term, but my husband has a better term, "Firecracker!"

Well I fed her until she was 5 weeks old, and I am experienced enough to know that when you raise a kitten, it is rather hard to find them a home. I started putting out the word to friends at work that I had this kitten and needed to find it a home. A good friend of mine said she knew someone who was looking for a kitten. After some phone calls, she told me that this person was so excited and wanted to come that day to get the kitten and take her away. You would think that someone socked me in my stomach. I told my friend that the kitten was still to young and I would have her for at least another week or two. Her friend wanted the kitten today. She wouldn't take no for an answer. She said she would finish raising the kitten. I didn't know what to do. I called my husband and told him the situation. Then I cried. I couldn't give her away. I asked him if we could keep her, and he said "I didn't think you would ever give her away, not when I saw how you cared for her. Cooing and awing at her all the time. Yes we can keep her" I was fooling myself into thinking I could give her away, when even my husband knew I could never do it. What a wise husband I have...LOL So I gave my friend the bad news, her friend would have to find another kitten.

It didn't take long for me to find the perfect name for her, because when she started eating regular cat food and there was no stopping her. She had a red plush dog bone to play with, that was her favorite when she was little. It was as big as she was. I also tried to brake her of all her sauciness. But my methods failed. She grew up to be as sassy as the worst Tori cats I have ever seen. Here is a pic of her with her favorite bone. She thinks she's is killing it.

Well I wrote this blog because Piglet is really sick. She has had a fever for 7 days averaging around 104*F, The highest being 105.2*F She didn't eat for 6 days. My vet put her on 4 medications, 2 antibiotics an appetite stimulant, and a steroid. She is feeling much better. My vet, Dr Herrera, is wonderful and also my good friend. She has been straight forward with me and says we need to wait and see, how she responds to the medications. I post another update later hopefully with good news on Piglets recovery.

Little baby bunny

2007-10-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

The little bunny I named Peter, died today of an infection from a little wound it got on it's nose last week trying to get out of his cage. I thought, it's not a very big wound it will heal, and it will be okay. I forgot to take into consideration how tiny this little bunny was. He weighted about 10 oz. Much smaller than the little orphaned kittens I sometimes feed and raise. So he couldn't handle any infection, since he was so little. Poor Maddy found him, and Kevin thought is was asleep. Joe had to tell him the truth, and Kevin buried him where I made my garden last year under the Ficus tree.

New Addition

2007-10-15T20:27:00.001-07:00

Well, I do have to say this blog entry is for Caleb. He will enjoy this the most. This baby bunny was found at my husbands job site. Clearing away brush, and having probationers helping, this tiny baby bunny was found under a wood pile. I am calling it a he, because he reminds my of Peter rabbit. It is one of my favorite children's book, and very true to life.

Well I think Peter was taking a nap (Bunny nap, not cat nap...LOL) when he was disturbed by a girl doing community service and cleaning up with a pitch fork! I think this tiny little bunny was in a state of shock. As a prey species, they inherently play dead in hopes the one holding them will loosen their grip, and he can scurry away. Well, by that point my husband had it in a hard hat holding it.

Of course animal rescuer that I am my husband called me and I met him on the shoulder of the freeway to save this scared cold and hungry little bun. He didn't do much for several hours when I got it home. I gave it a little of everything I give my domestic rabbit and left it alone. After about six hours I couldn't keep enough food in it cage. It was hungry, and now it was pooping A LOT! I was amazed at how much one tiny, 8 oz. little thing could eat and poop.

As a vet tech I know the most important thing for a rabbit to do is eat. If they fast for any reason, their gut will shut down and they will die. If a rabbit is eating, then they have to poop also, because what goes in, must come out. They have very fast metabolism, so it doesn't take long.

The worst thing you can do when you rescue and rehabilitate any orphaned or wild animal, is give them a name. There is a 90% chance that it will never leave your house. Everything in me is yelling to go release it ASAP. It is not injured, it is eating and drinking, so it should be okay. They other part of me is saying fatten it up a little then go release it somewhere safe. Not by the side of the freeway were I found it. There will be another blog soon with pic's of when I released the bunny and I am sure it will be much happier, and I will have my blog and pics to remember the little bunny I helped.

She's home!

2007-10-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

Well she survived and so did I. It was really funny though. I was not really used to Maddy being gone. I seemed like the week didn't go by fast enough. Looking back it really wasn't that long. Maddy had a blast at science camp. Her camp counselor was Emily. She was so nice to help Maddy with her hair! Thank you GOD! She really didn't look to bad when she got home. But everything is covered in dust. They learned lots of camp fire songs. One was just like Father Abraham, except it was called The penguin dance!? They roasted marshmallows, she had Chickadees come and take food from her hand. How awesome!

The night hike was really cool. Maddy saw Jupiter through the Telescope. Her counselor told them stories at night before bedtime. She had a great time and I would recommend all children to go and learn about things, that I think are the funniest subjects to learn about.

Saddness

2007-10-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

It is with great sadness that I make this blog entry. The wonderful mother of a family of 5 children was tragically killed in a n automobile accident. I thought long and hard as to wither or not I should make this blog entry. I know for some it will be very hard to read this, it is very hard to write it. Asada Kalar was a native of the country of Liberia or the Ivory coast I am not to sure. She came to the United states and lived near our Church. She was invited to our church when we were having outreach one Saturday, and having children, we invited them to our Sunday school. Frank and Sabrina Peavey were wonderful at making contact and going to pick up the children up for Sunday school. Of course having been the teacher of Tarley, my heart aches for him the most because I was the closest to him. They were having hard times, living in an apartment, and trying to keep up with the demands of a family of 5. Asada always had a smile on her face. She didn't speak very good english but she would always smile and nod at your questions of her. Her children were always very hungry for God. They always participated in sunday school. I had many questions from Tarley, always searching for answers about things of God that he didn't understand.

I remember one time Sabrina and Philana took them some groceries. She never asked for anything from our church, but when we gave, there was always a tear in her eye. Asada was always very grateful for everything our church did for her and her family. You could tell she really loved all her children. One time I gave them some children's clothes. I thought Asada was going to cry. She grab me and hugged me and just kept saying "Thank you, thank you" She couldn't say much more in her broken english. I remember thinking how much we have, and how much we take for granted.

When we heard they would be moving to the midwest, we were all sad. I remember thinking if they'd just stay a little longer, the boys would be filled with the Holy Ghost. They were really searching for God at this time, and even got Baptized in Jesus name before they left. I was so proud of them. They were very excited too. The move was going to be good for them, better job opportunity and cheaper rent.

We are still not sure how the accident happened, all we know is that Asada is gone and has left behind a husband and 5 children all under the age of 12 years old. Please pray for this family in there time of need, especially the children.

Out Door Science Camp

2007-10-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

It has been a week of getting ready. Does she have enough socks? Will she be warm enough? What if it snows? All these questions and more have been going through my mind for the last 48 hours. The mad scrabble at the last minute to get everything done.

Joe was home this morning when I took Madison to school, to see her off at the bus. It was nice because he was able to get Kevin to school so I could take Maddy. She was so excited, and nervous. Then he was able to get to the school before she left to say goodbye. Thank God for state holidays. (For those of you who are not state workers... it is Columbus day, all state workers are off today.)

I'm glad she's had so much practice going to our sectional Jr. Camp. I don't have to worry about her getting home sick. I do worry about her hair though. She is not the best at taking a quick shower....well, to be truthful, 30 minutes is not unheard of, but she does have a lot of hair. At camp they are allowed 3 minutes showers. 3 minutes! I will be praying that God helps her get all the shampoo out of her hair. I'm sure I'll have fun, washing and brushing her hair when she gets back. LOL

The offical Yahoo weather for today says that Running Springs, California: high today is 78*F and the low tonight will be 41*F. They will be going on a night hike sometime this week, to study the stars, and nocturnal animals, etc. I hope it gets warmer.

FREEDOM

2007-10-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

Freedom is a wonderful thing
I wish I could be free
but for a bird it is not good
being stuck in a cage forever
I've got to be free so I can really fly
the cloudy skies above.

It would be good to fly again to get out there
and fly away so high that I can see everything below me
It would be fun to get out there with other birds.

But I can not have freedom because I am stuck in this cage
until the door opens,
I will have my freedom to fly away.

Kevin Hall Oct 1,2007

My son wrote this today in English class and I just had to put it on my blog. He was excited when I picked him up from school and said "Mom, I wrote my first poem today." It is based on a poem by Maya Angelou, called CAGED BIRD but his spin on it was freedom.

Freedom means a lot of different things to different people. To some it might be being able to come and go as they please. To others it might be being able to say what they want, when they want to say it. To even others it might strike the picture of a Marine standing in the desert of Iraq, but to those of us who are Christians it means being able to worship our God without the threat of being arrested or even killed. Reading this poem, reminds me that we all have the freedom, the freedom to fly. We can all spread our wings and tell others, or better yet show others the freedom we have in Christ.

Spider

2007-09-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

This blog entry has been working on me for about 10 days. It is really hard for me to talk and think about spiders, and I guarantee my skin will be crawling after I get finish with this entry.

A couple of weeks ago, when it was still very warm in So Cal, my plumeria plant was looking very withered, and being in direct sun, I decided to move the plant into a partially sunny area of my yard. In the process of moving it, I noticed a very large spider running up it's now torn web. She was caring a yellow egg packet with two legs and running on six. I only saw her for a couple of seconds and now she was hidden under a leaf somewhere. The days passed and I kept thinking about her and the egg, wondering when it would hatch. The thought of thousands of little spiders, that, one day would be big like her was a bit overwhelming.

Then one day I noticed something, one of the leaves was kinda rolled up and spider web all around it, she had placed her egg right there and you could see it in full view. If you looked closely, you could see her hi dding behind it. She had yellow/brown legs with black strips on them and a very big abdomen, off White/stone color with tan spots. I guess someone who studies spiders might have been extremely excited but I was kinda grossed out. One of the most interesting things about her was her egg packet, unlike anything I have ever seen, it had spikes all over it.

So after deciding I couldn't kill her, I went with plan B. I wanted to know if she was poisonous. If she was then she would have to be killed but if she was a harmless garden spider then I would have to go with plan B. So I put the previous pic's on the web and a guy e-mailed me to tell me she was a "Brown widow spider" cousin to the black widow. They come from Africa, and their venom is poisonous but when they bite, they inject so little venom that no human was ever hurt by one. They came to So Cal about 5 years ago in shipping containers. Their numbers are not that numerous but they give away that this was my spider was the egg sack. No other spider has an egg sack with spikes all over it except these spiders. He sent me this pic

I looked at Joe and said "That's my spider!" So plan B consists of calling my friend/manager/co-worker, Angel who's son is really into these things. He has all kinds of incests and spiders at their house. She was excited to hear about my spider and said she wanted it. So Joe helped me get it into a plastic bottle. I took it to work and she came and got it. She's not scared of these things (I think she's a little desensitized!) LOL. Now I am waiting and she is feeding her crickets and waiting for the egg to hatch. She will send me pic's of the as it happens and I will be posting more about the spider I gave up for adoption.

The first days of school

2007-09-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Kevin just finished his first week of high school. HIGH SCHOOL! 2 years ago I made a comment that I was to young to have a child in Junior high school. Getting ready for high school seemed a little bit different. I was not as freaked out as I had been when he started junior high. I think high school was a lot easier for him than junior high. I missed his origanal registeration day. We were at camp meeting, so his counselor said the make up day was the day before school started. I geuss up until then I was in denial that my son was going to be at a school with 18 year old boys/men. It all hit me when we were finally there to register. I think it went really well, no major problems with registation, but the reality hit me. Then I FREAKED OUT!

The next day was the first day of school. I took the day off of work like I always do. Last year Joe said, "Why do you have to take the whole day off?" Now, I am a mother, and no matter how old my childern are, I AM THEIR MOTHER! Joe said jokingly of course, "I would just drop him off at the corner" (HUSBANDS!) I was really glad I was there with Kevin, and although he wants to fly on his own, I know he was glad I was there also. I was standing in line with him and he looked at me, "You can go now mom" he said. I told him I would sit over on the bench and be there if he needed me. Otherwise, you just do your thing. He said OKAY! I sat down and waited. I was glad I stayed, he got his schedule and couldn't find his first class. So I helped him and then I left for home.

It's funny how things went that day. I have had plenty of days off of work and home alone, but this day wes filled with an anticipation of "I wounder how his day is going?" I think I looked at the clock about 100 times, and even counted how much longer I had until I picked him up.

The rest of the day was acutually pretty funny also. At 2:30pm when I picked Madison up from school, it was about 105 degrees outside. Knowing how hot it was I grabbed 2 cold bottles of water, and headed off to pick the kids up. Madison's day was great as always. I she was glad I brought her water. I was driving towards Kevin's school when I saw this boy, about 13 years old walking his dog. The VET TECH in me came out. I know super vet tech to the rescue! It was so hot and this dog was about to die of heat stroke. It was a pug. They are brachiocephelic dog and can't breathe in regular room temp, let alone 105 degrees. I told Madison THAT DOG IS DIEING! I mad a u-turn and pulled over and talked to the boy who was nevous talking to a stranger. He politely declined a ride home, so I did what I had to do. I gave away Kevins cold water bottle! LOL, You all thaought I was going to say I stole the dog , huh? Well needless to say when I picked up Kevin he said his day went well, he only got lost one time.

On our way home, Kevin saw his friend. We pulled over but couldn't offer him a ride. His bike had broke down and the tire was off the wheel frame. He was walking his bike home. I felt bad so we gave him a hot bottle of water which is all we had and he thanked us. About 20 minutes later he called to say that his bike was hit/side swiped by a truck, which did't even stop to see if he was okay. He was okay, but his bike was more messed up than before.

What a first day of school. I was so glad to spend the day, watching my kids grow up. Last year when Joe said "Your going to take the whole day off of work?" I said "Kevin only has 4 more first days of school left, For the rest of his life, I only have 4 more times, I get to take him to school on the first day" But now I only have 3. Cherish your children, they grow up way to fast.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Lions

2007-08-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

"God made the cat in order that man might have the pleasure of caressing the lion." --Fernand Mery

When I read this quote, I realized how very true it is. If you magnified a house cat to 30 times it's body weight, it would be an African lion.

The similarity of both cat and lion is remarkable. Same number of teeth, same configuration, and proportion relative to their size. They are truly one of GODS remarkable creatures.

Setting the very happy Lizard free!

2007-08-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

The rent DIDN'T get paid!

2007-08-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

So I have often complained to Joe that we live in about 1,000 sq ft place. I have 3 cats. So by division, thats about 333 sq ft per cat. You would think they could handle that. Well not so. A house cat pays "THE RENT" by making sure their territory is free of rodents, insects, small reptiles, and any other creepy crawly thing that could make its' way in the house. On two occasions this has proved to be less than satisfactory. About 6 months ago, was had a small mouse in our kitchen. Kevin saw it. He yelled at Maddie, who jump on the couch. They watched as the mouse ran from the kitchen to the living room, right by Missy and Toby, and out the front door, slipping under the screen door (which is how I assumed it got in in the first place). 2 cats sleeping, while "THE RENT" ran out the door.

Sunday we had the lizard incident, which I thought was all over. Not so. About noon on monday, I went into the bathroom to find a cute little guy looking at me. A LIZARD! He ran behind the toilet and after some contemplation as to how to pick him up, I placed a small hand towel over and picked him up. This was not the lizard from Sunday morning. He had every bit of his tail. Boy, was he mad! He was thrashing his tail, and whipping it around. I screamed and Kevin came running to open up the doors as I escorted this guy out of my house! (Of course I was holding on with two hands!)LOL!

So here we are again 2 times in 6 months, and The rent was still unpaid. I called Joe to tell him of all the drama, I was having and I asked him this question "How does a lizard get into the house and all the way to the bathroom without 1 of 3 cats seeing him?" Only God in Heaven know the laziness of my 3 very spoiled cats! Some day the rent WILL be paid!

Time to pay the rent!

2007-08-20T21:19:00.000-07:00

Some disturbing things happened the last couple of days in our house. It all started on Sunday morning. I got up to put the rabbit outside, like I usually do. Little did I know that there was a lizard in the sliding glass door track. Unfortunately, I think I caught his tail, and if you have ever seen a lizards tail after it comes off, it's kinda gross. Well, needless to say Piglet found it right away. She is always watching what I do. I think she saw the lizard outside and was slamming herself into the glass door. I was so glad the lizard went out the door and its' tail was the only thing it left behind in the kitchen. It wasn't the nicest way to wake up on a nice sunny sunday morning. As evience of our sunday morning adventure I took a picture of Piglets prize. She was quite proud.

Lesson learned

2007-08-08T17:03:00.001-07:00

We can do a lot running in our lives. In Heb 12:1 The apostle Paul writes "let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Are you running away from your race? We spent just as much energy running from what GOD wants us to do that if we could give that energy to GOD and run the race HE has set before us all, we would live happier more productive lives.

I want to place my energy in what GOD has for me, and not in running.... How about you?

2007-08-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

I realize the more I read blogs, the more it makes me think of all the funny things that have happened to me in my life. I realizes that this blog is still in the making, and in a way it needs to find it's self, develop over time. So I had a brain storm, once in a while I will post a funny story about myself.

When I was very young, I had lots of great adventures with my various grand parents and siblings, aunts and uncles. One of which, I will share here today. My grandfather, Grandpa Joe, would call me "Alice the menace", after the famous "Dennis the Menace" and when I read that comic strip, I see were it comes from...

In my simple mind my Grandmother's name should be "Grandma Joe" because, if that was my Grandpa's name then it should be my grandma's name too, my simple thinking...LOL.
Really her name was "Grandma Ester", which to this day doesn't sound quite right. So "Grandma Joe" it is, and will always be.

I must have been 3-4 years old, and I remember it like it was yesterday. My Grandma Joe sold Avon. She stayed home and took care of me in my early years of life. Well, she was a very sociable person and had many friends in the neighborhood were she lived in. Needless to say she was good at selling to her friends all different kinds of cosmetics and perfumes and soaps, etc. She also always had plenty of samples that came along with her orders.

One day I decided that I would help myself to some samples, you know nice smelling perfumes, and red, red lipsticks, and very blue eye shadows. I proceeded to open all the samples I could find and test everything out I could open. I think my grandmother always new something was wrong when I was quiet. It was never good if she had to look for me. Well I was in the back of the house in an extra room where she kept her orders of Avon. When she found me I had opened every single lipstick, eyeshadow and cosmetic that she had ordered for all of her customers. I couldn't understand what I had done wrong. But this was a day I never did forget, and I never did understand how many dollars of merchandise I had ruined. I'm not sure but I think there was a lock on that door thereafter...LOL!

PLEASANT WORDS

2007-07-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

"The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord; but the words of the pure are pleasant words." Proverbs 15:26

This is only one of many verses in the bible that use the word "ABOMINATION"
Abomination-Something disgusting, an idol. I want my thoughts to be found as pleasant words do God, not something disgusting. Remember that God sees our thoughts, to Him, it is like we spoke our thoughts out loud, and He heard. Can you imagine if you spoke out loud every thing you ever thought and people heard you? Well, someone does hear you, it is God... does He hear pleasant words?

THE DATE!!!

2007-07-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

Tonight because Kevin and Madison were out having fun at the beach with Youth Alive, Joe and I thought it would be a good idea to go out and eat a steak dinner. Now those who know me, know I like a good steak dinner. We went over to Northwoods Inn resturant in La Mirada and shared a huge porterhouse steak, that between the two of us we couldn't finish. We got the doggy bag and everything. On the way home we thought it would be nice to go over to Downtown Disney and walk around. (We really needed an excuse to get some Disneyland chocolate) So we walked around and listened to some really good musicians. Got our candy and headed back home. Then it dawned on me "WERE OUT ON A DATE!" We had such a good time it was really nice to have sometime together without the kids.
www.clearmansrestaurants.com/LMirada.html

Pits and stones

2007-07-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

Joe told me about a verse in the bible once, I have never read it but knew it was in the book of proverbs. I was listening to the radio and they quoted this verse "Whoso digith a pit shall fall there in: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him." Proverbs 26:27 God impressed on me while I was praying the other day, (and I really believe nothing happens by accident), I opened the bible up, at random and there was the verse in the bible. It caught my eye, Proverbs 26:27. I heard and read the same verse in the span of 4 hours. Coincidence? I don't think so.

So know what do I do? Let me tell you, when God talks to you that way, you listen. I defenetly prayed for my self and my family. It was very moving and I prayed for other people I know also. You need to think about the things you say to people. If you want to do Gods will, make sure it's Gods will and not your own, or the stone may just roll your way, or mine.

It has arrived

2007-07-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

It has arrived! I have been waiting and watching daily for my Plumeria to blossom. It has been 10 days since the buds were noticed. Every time I would arrive home I would look and see if it was open yet. Sometimes I would say in frustration to Joe, IS IT EVER GOING TO BLOOM!? I have had this plant for 1 1/2 years. My good friend from work Cathy gave it to me. I was disappointed last year when it didn't bloom. They are such magnificent flowers. It is amazing the miracle of God's doing. No matter how much I wanted that blossom to open, it was in God's time that it was opened, by Him.

2007-06-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken at the Tustin street fair Chili cook off June 4th. Joe sometimes calls me a firecracker, well I guess Madison would be a Mini Firecracker. What can I say like mother like daughter.

Screaming cat

2007-06-14T05:27:00.000-07:00

This is my typical day at work...lol J/K, i see a cat like this maybe once weekly. But most of the time it is just a show, then again sometimes not. Thought is was pretty awsome video of the way some cats act. Enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGvUSCo6_LY
PS sorry if you have nightmares now.

You are all invited!

2007-06-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Wecolme to Alice's blog:

I could have also call this blog: Kevin and Madison go to Disneyland (is there any were else to go?) Piglet's adventures, or Life with the Dunn's. The ingenious title I came up with is Alice's Blog, go figure.

I want to give credit were credit is due. After telling Sabrina my many animal adventures particularly one involving about 6 hours of watching and taking care of baby birds that had fallen into my yard, she said you need to create a blog. The light bulb came on then. The power of suggestion. Then after my Pastor, Pastor Pryor got my husband blogging. I wanted to blog too!