Silver is ___________!

February 23, 2013

Well hello, Readers!  It is an absolutely gorgeous day in the neighborhood!!  I woke up with two sets of big brown eyes staring down at me letting me know it was time for breakfast, a potty call, and PLAY TIME!!  Love it.  I also had a text from my husband letting me know he was boarding a plane to head home to Dallas.  (More on that story in another blog!)  I greeted my day ... a day full of hope and promise.

It's downright cold here this morning and I find myself peering through a frosty pane of glass as I peek out at the birds gathering around the feeder.  Guess I am following in my grandmother's shoes 'cause I love to sip on a cup of tea or mug of hot coffee as I hypnotically watch them munch, sing, and flutter about.

I am getting things in order for my neck surgery on February 28.  I know I will be out of commission for a few weeks then who knows what the orthopedic guy will decide about my shoulder.  Oh, I just hate it that I fell and managed to bum myself up so much.  I'm a silver haired lady who loves to be active and on the go...

Speaking of silver ... my Aunt Laura had beautiful silver white hair, my mom had beautiful silver white hair, and I managed to get kind of a mix between silver and dark brown.  I have the stacked color without having to pay for it!!  How cool is that?

I spent mucho dollars on getting my hair colored then coloring it myself.  The good news is that my hair looked great; the bad news was that my hair started falling out from coloring it so often.  To rectify the problem, my children Tommy and Jane decided to shave my head.  The dark brown hair was passe!!  If you're wondering what I did before that lovely day, I made a trip to Mimi's in Richardson, TX (she does wigs for cancer patients) and got  me one of those pretty silver wigs.  I had a friend, Tamikka, at work who encouraged me to start playing with my hair using wig products.  As a very conservative person, I found that getting out of my rut was exhilarating!!  My husband LOVES all my different looks and so do I!

Jhirmack sends me posts on Facebook about silver haired beauties and their stories. There are times when I think we try so hard to stay youthful by dying our hair that we miss the beauty of going the way of silver with stylish do's and fashionable clothing.  Silver doesn't need to mean dowdy!  There are wonderful hair products out there to take away the yellow in gray hair and even hair spray to make that silver pop and shine.  Yep, silver can be very sexy!!  What do you think?  How would you fill in the blank?  Silver is ________!!

There is nothing more attractive about a woman than the glow that comes from within and the smile on her face.  I attribute my serenity and glow to my faith in the goodness of my Savior.  I am so grateful that He tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Come!"  My silver hair is my reward, my halo!

"A gray head is a crown of glory; it is found in the way of righteousness."

~~Proverbs 16:31

Have a wonderful day and always remember that you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

PS  "Gray hair is God's graffiti." ~~ Bill Cosby

PSS  If you're a blond, brunette, or red head who is covering up your gray with bottles of dye and you want to know what you'd look like with silver tresses, visit a wig shoppe that does wigs for cancer patients (please don't go the cheap route -- your wig won't look natural!).  I will warn you, it probably won't feel normal when you look in the mirror.  Bring a trusted friend that will tell you the truth about how you look.  Above all else, have fun and make it an adventure!!

It's my turn...

February 16, 2013

Okay, okay ... my Mommy (I am needy, I don't call her Miss Dottie) let my sister, Sadie, get her paws on the computer.  I'm the jealous sort and, as usual, I whined and begged until I got my way.  I wanted to have a say-so too.  Now, look at my photo ... don't you think that I am a rather handsome guy?

I came into this family because Mommy's little Yorkie passed away from a genetic defect.  The breeder was willing to replace Pete with another Yorkie but Mommy and Daddy were afraid of getting another really small dog.    Her fellow breeder had some Yorkie-Poo pups and they decided to take a look-see.  I was the largest of the litter - my brothers and sisters were all apricot poodley looking but I resembled my Yorkie dad.  I was so laid back, Mommy wondered if I was going to have any spunk in me.  The breeder assured her that I would.  Little did she know how much spunk, vim, and vigor I would bring to the family.

It took me a little while to find my place in the family ... sister, Sadie, was so patient with me and my other sister, Khelsea, tolerated me.  In Mom's blog, Sadie described me as a half-breed ... a mutt.  That hurt my feelings.  Mom's dad was 100% Norwegian and her mom was an assortment of nationalities (English, Scotch, French, Dutch).  That didn't make her a human mutt ~~ it made her unique and special. I am a designer dog!  I am fearfully and wonderfully made!  God says so...

The Poodle in me gave me lots of smarts.  It didn't take me long to understand commands and get what I wanted.  The Yorkie in me made me a pretty wily, sly little rascal.  The male in me wanted me to be top dog in the family.  After Khelsea died, Sadie rose to the top of the pack and knew when to put me in my place.  I fussed about that but since she is bigger and has more teeth, I had to back off.

I like to follow Sadie around the back yard.  She knows how to hunt and bark really loud.  She likes to dig and rub her belly in the dirt.  I think that's rather dumb.  I don't like getting dirty so I sit and watch her.  She thinks I am the dumb one having to mark my territory on every tree and shrub.  I want to make sure that any animal coming in to my space knows that they are treading on MY territory.  I do like to tease Sadie by rubbing my toys in her face.  She bit me a few months ago in the nose and Mom said, "Enough is enough ... no more toys."  Looks like I bit off my nose to spite my face ~~ little pun there.  I am hoping she will change her mind about those toys but (sigh) I doubt she will.

I am a companion dog through and through.  I hate it when I am left alone and would prefer being with my masters.  Basically, I am a daddy's boy and follow him wherever he goes.  He is my idol.  When he naps, so do I.  When he goes to the bank, I get all excited 'cause they give me two dog biscuits.  When left alone, I get separation anxiety and whine and shake until mommy and daddy get me calmed down.  I can really get myself wound up and create quite a scene.  This morning, Mommy and Daddy were having morning coffee and were talking about making a trip to Mansfield.  I knew that meant they were going in the c-a-r.  I got so worked up ... tail wagging, dancing, and shaking ~~ I wanted to make sure they knew I wanted to GO!  They said I could so I am waiting for Mom to get her purse.

Like my sister, I enjoy a trip to the stylist.  The problem is most of those stylists want to groom me like a Poodle.  Can't they see that I look like my biological father, a Yorkie?  I think Mom's found a pretty good groomer in Waco who understands that my beard should be full and my ears left long.  She cuts my hair really short and I wonder if she's going to scalp me but my hair grows really fast and I must admit, I do feel clean and rather sporty with a short do.  Naomi even splashes me with a bit of manly smelling cologne!  It frustrates me sometimes because Sadie gets so much attention when she leaves the salon ... I must admit she's a beautiful Scottie but golly gee, I'm no slouch.

Mom likes to dress me up and I rather enjoy those sweaters and t-shirts she gets.  I have one I really like when it's cold outside 'cause it has a hood attached.  Mom got it out this morning and I can hardly wait til the people in Lowe's say, "Ooh, he's so cute!"  Mom tells me I can get a pretty good swagger on...  I'm glad the breeder got rid of my Poodle-tail and docked it like a Yorkie - when I wag my tail, my whole butt wags ... more attention ~~ "Oh look, he is so happy his whole body wags!"  I think I got the best traits of both breeds.

My sister is the serious one ... I make my family laugh.  It's my job to make sure everyone is happy.  I like to do dog tricks and be in the thick of things.  I am a cuddle bunny ... a lap dog.  Mom sometimes calls me "Velcro Dog."  I am five but I still have a lot of puppy left in me.  I am a "licker" ~~ I give mommy kisses and daddy kisses.  When one of my family is sick, I can sense it and I want to lick their troubles away.  Sadie tolerates me licking her ears ... Mommy will shreek ... "Ewwwww, what are you doing?"

I am a foodie.  The breeder said I was born a foodie ... it's a good thing my tummy is made out of iron because I taste EVERYTHING!  Mommy shares her food and I like that.  Daddy doesn't share, no need begging or playing like I'm ready to die.  I am first in line at 7:30 am and at 5 pm for eats.  I NEVER miss a meal and am on guard any time Mommy or Daddy rattles the dog treat jar!  Mom told me the other day that she needed to cut back on my treats.  OH NO ... doesn't she know that once it warms up more then we will be out in the gardens and I will work off my Winter poundage??

Mommy prays for you guys who read her blog.  In fact, Mommy prays a lot.  I like that because I can sit beside her and it is sooo peaceful.  Just like me, she has a whole lotta love to give!!

Tobias (aka Toby)

PS  Have a great weekend.  Mommy says that life is what you make it ... if it was up to me every day would be a have fun day!

PSS  I wonder if Mommy and Daddy would consider a trip to the doggie park??  I love smelling butts, peeing on the trees, and being the greeter at the gate.  Ah yes, life is good!!

The lot of the warrior...

February 11, 2013

Today the nation mourned the loss of Chris Kyle, Navy Seal.  Chris was a warrior ... a sniper ... a man focused on keeping his men safe and conquering the enemy.  Now, I've read some pretty cruel statements ~~ "Our video violence comes of age..." and also watched Chris's memorial service as man after man and woman after woman gave tribute to the soldier, husband, father, son, brother, and friend.  Chris Kyle's life was a study of contrasts.  How could such a fierce fighter have such a soft heart?  How could a warrior like Chris (a man who loved the Lord) kill the enemy?

David wrote Psalm 144 which was quoted in the memorial service for Chris Kyle.  I read through the Psalm and tears filled my eyes to the point of my having to stop and meditate on what I had read.  I thought about warriors of all sorts who make this world a better place.  Oh, I know what you're thinking ... there are bad warriors as well.  I'm afraid you're right but for now, I am thinking about the good guys.  Don't you forget, in the Bible, the good guy wins!!

Psalm 144

  Blessed be the LORD, my rock,

who trains my hands for war,

and my fingers for battle;

he is my steadfast love and my fortress,

my stronghold and my deliverer,

my shield and he in whom I take refuge,

who subdues peoples under me.

O LORD, what is man that you regard him,

or the son of man that you think of him?

Man is like a breath;

his days are like a passing shadow.

Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down!

Touch the mountains so that they smoke!

Flash forth the lightning and scatter them;

send out your arrows and rout them!

Stretch out your hand from on high;

rescue me and deliver me from the many waters,

from the hand of foreigners,

whose mouths speak lies

and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

I will sing a new song to you, O God;

upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you,

who gives victory to kings,

who rescues David his servant from the cruel sword.

Rescue me and deliver me

from the hand of foreigners,

whose mouths speak lies

and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

May our sons in their youth

be like plants full grown,

our daughters like corner pillars

cut for the structure of a palace;

may our granaries be full,

providing all kinds of produce;

may our sheep bring forth thousands

and ten thousands in our fields;

may our cattle be heavy with young,

suffering no mishap or failure in bearing;

may there be no cry of distress in our streets!

Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall!

Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!

I am a warrior ... I asked God to put me on the front lines and He did.  I am here to tell you that it has been worth it.  He gives me courage to stand up for what I know is right when my knees are knocking and my words are a stuttering.  David had his Goliaths and Chris Kyle had his Goliaths.  In fact, we all have our Goliaths and dragons to slay.  When you're worried, give Psalm 144 a read ... it'll calm those raging storms and give you peace knowing that whatever you're facing, God is faithful to equip you.

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!

Miss Dottie

PS  "I've lived the literal meaning of the 'land of the free' and 'home of the brave.' It's not corny for me.  I feel it in my heart.  I feel it in my chest." ~~ Chris Kyle

Maybe we all need to be less quiet about the evils of this world as well and not worry so much about being politically correct.  I've always said. "I may not like what you have to say but I darn sure will listen and honor your right to be heard!!"

  

Valentine's Day 2013

February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day, Readers!!  I woke up to a sweet kiss, a steaming hot cup of coffee, roses, a beautiful singing card, and my sweetheart saying, "Happy Valentine's Day, I love you."  Doesn't get much better than that!!

My gardener genes got the best of me last weekend and I dragged my sweet husband from nursery to nursery looking for interesting plants.  Because of my wimpy shoulder and neck, he helped me plant and enlarge the center garden by two feet.  I knew it truly was a labor of love BECAUSE he is not an outdoor yard person.  We are opposites ~~ I'm not an indoor person.  I probably would be content living outdoors on a wonderful tropical island where I could dig in the dirt to my heart's content.  Michael would whither up and die without his computer, IPhone, and television!  This morning he said, "I really love you -- just the way you are."  Whoa!!!  Now THAT was awesome...

As a Christian, every day is Valentine's Day for me.  The love and forgiveness I have been given has lifted me high when I was at my lowest of lows.  I used to think that because of my past that there was no way Jesus could still love me and have a plan for my life.  I felt this way because of my own low self-worth and some people who knew me that had knowledge of my past and would not let it go.  I had a hard time forgiving myself for some of the crazy choices I had made.  OMG, what a wonderful feeling to rid myself of those heavy burdens.  I had to start listening more to what God had and has to say about me.

"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus."

 ~~ Romans 8:1

Some people have a tendency to be self-righteous like they have never done anything wrong or they have been a saint since the time they were born.  I want to tell you that is NOT TRUE.  The Bible says there is no one that is righteous except God.  Jesus came to die on the cross for our sins so that we would not be lost.  When we go to God and repent of our sins the Bible says that He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness and He will not remember them anymore.  I used to say that I needed to get myself together BEFORE going to church or receiving salvation.  I needed to realize that salvation is a free gift from God because He loves us so much and secondly, if we could get ourselves together we would not need Jesus.

"Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord.

"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

~~Isaiah 1:18

As you think about Valentine's Day today, remember the greatest love gift of all ~~ the gift of eternal life!!  Now, that's L-O-V-E!!  Can you imagine hanging your son or daughter on a cross so that sinners would be saved?  I cannot even fathom depth of the love that God has for us.  If He loved me that much when I was broken, he must really be smiling when he looks at me as I have grown under the shelter of his wings and wisdom of his word.

Miss Dottie

 PS  Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you!!  Bring on the chocolates!!!  Enjoy your day knowing that you are loved and prayed for ... ya you!!!

PSS  Blogspot isn't cooperating today (background text is white???) ... Good grief!  Challenges ... challenges...  LOL

  

Buzzard Billy's Swamp Shack

February 6, 2013

The night air is cool and I am reveling in the glow of a fabulous day.  The month of January 2013 was fraught with crisis after crisis.  I think I muddled through the month in a state of shock and sheer determination of getting things done that had to be done.  By the time February arrived, I was ready to collapse in a chair wondering how I managed to get through those weeks.  Feelings put on hold have come gushing out needing to be dealt with.  Mom's passing has left such a void in our lives while my fall has made it's presence known for sure.  All I can say is ouch ouch ouch!!

My friend, Beverly, picked me up late morning and chauffeured me down I35 to Buzzard Billy's Swamp Shack located on the Brazos River.  I'd been there a few times before and was so excited to be not only out of the house  but, as a foodie, looking forward to some sumptuous Cajun and Creole cooking.  We were hoping to park ourselves out on the Buzzard Deck so we could feed the fish, turtles, and ducks that circle below waiting for treats.  No such luck ... it was raining and we had to venture inside and enjoy the view from the windows.  I must say, the view of the Brazos River is breathtaking!

Besides offering a fun atmosphere, the menu was chock full of interesting fare.  I was wishing they'd had a sampler plate so I could be more adventurous in expanding my palate.  I'd had their crab corn soup before and I knew that was a must.  The dilemma came when decided whether to try the Alligator Eggs, Texas Toothpicks, Mean Green Buzzard Wings, Alligator Strips, Fried Crawfish (better known to locals as mud bugs!) or other pasta, sausage, fish, and meat dishes common to the Gulf and Louisiana.  I knew for sure I wanted to save room for their bread pudding with whiskey sauce.

The walls at Buzzard Billy's are covered with gulf signs, pictures of boats, and Waconian memorabelia.  Colorful lights border the deck to make night time dining a special treat.  Shelves are filled with young alligator heads and there is a sense that this shack has always been a part of the Brazos River coastline.

For me, dining is not only about the food, it's about the whole experience.  It's about trying new foods and expanding my taste buds to include something besides the all-American burger and french fries.  Like me, Beverly is enjoys finding local hole in the walls.  Most of the time, we ooh and aah over the cuisines indigenous to different areas of Texas ... then again, there are times we say, "never again."

Alligator Eggs - Yum!

It was fun to savor each dish brought to our table.  We had decided to split some Mean Green Buzzard Wings, Fried Crawfish, Key Lime Pie, and Bread Pudding.  Believe me, we managed to stuff ourselves and have fun critiquing each dish.  Would we do the wings again?  Probably not ... not hot enough.  The Fried Crawfish?  Absolutely!!!  The desserts were wonderful and large enough to ask for a to-go box for another round of sweets before bed.  I also asked for a to-go box for the wings.  (Goofy me ... I set my to-go boxes on the patio table outside when I got home and went inside to get a fork.  While I was gone, Sadie managed to snatch the boxes off the table and munch down a feast.  I was left with the sauce.  Bummers!!)

Each day is such a gift and I revel in the times when I am able to walk into the world and experience all the goodness, joy, and beauty around me.  Today, I had a block of time that was free of the saddness and pain of Mom's passing and my health issues related to my fall.  I was able to think beyond the doom and gloom reported by newscasters and realized how important it is to focus on goodness, friendship, and what I can do rather than what I can't.

My habits often can get me into a rut.  I am so used to doing a lot of manual labor around the house and yard.  I really don't mind because it keeps me in shape and saves on the budget.  Since my fall, I haven't been able to stretch above my head, dig, and get down on my hands and knees and scrub the floors.  Therefore, when I am not able to follow my usual routines, I feel rather lost.  It's nice to have friends who say, "Come on ... get dressed, we're headed out for the day ... all you have to do is enjoy!"

As night closes in on me, I shut my eyes in prayer for you my Readers...  I pray that you have a friend who dares to kidnap you for a day of fun.  I pray that you know that you are loved and cherished at a time when you need it most.  I pray that God will wrap you in his arms and sing songs of love to you this night.

Miss Dottie

PS  Ecclesiastes 4 tells us:  "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.  If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up."

  

Sadie puts a paw to the computer...

February 7, 2013

Holy Schamoly!  It's a great day to be a dog in Miss Dottie's life!  I've been fed, had my morning nap, and am out hunting in the backyard.  I keep an eagle eye out for vermin and varmints of every shape and size.  Don't let my age fool you, I am still able to hear, see, and chase a squirrel at the speed of light ... well, almost!

I have a very loud bark which can be a bit annoying at times to those who have to listen to me.  Miss Dottie gives me the Shhhhh quite often but my exuberance gets the best of me and often times, I will turn tail and do my own thing.  I get in an extra woof woof as I see her shaking her head at me.

Miss Dottie is an independent soul so I'm not surprised that we have become such good friends. We're both staunchly self-reliant and fearless.  Most things we attempt we do with rollicking enthusiasm.  Miss Dottie likes to dig in her garden (and, so do I!).  I especially like Spring when the dirt is cool and fluffy from the Winter rains.  I am one lucky dog ... Miss Dottie left an entire area at the back of the yard for me to romp, dig, and play in.  No rules except to stay inside the fence.  I had to push those limits by putting on my Houdini hat and playing escape artist.  Rats!  I think she's managed to close up every opening over 2" wide ... now, I am having to be content living within my boundaries.  I still keep my eyes open though, just in case!!

My brother, Toby, can be quite a bothersome little rat.  He is a cross between those foo-foo Poodles and those pesky Yorkies making him a pain in the butt.  He tries to get me into trouble by rubbing his toys in my nose.  Can I help it if my jaw is lined with teeth and my growl pretty ferocious?  Miss Dottie got in the middle of one of our tug of wars over a sock and I accidentally bit her.  Another time, when Toby and I were pulling on a toy, I got his nose good.  It's one of my breed's weaknesses, you know ... if pushed too far or jerked around with teasing, we have a tendency to retaliate.  Oh boy, I thought I was going to be a goner.  It took an understanding master to forgive me for those fiascoes.  No more tug of war contests with Toby.

I've had some chronic health issues to deal with this past year.  My thyroid has been out of whack and my liver counts off the charts.  Bad breeding?  I didn't pick my parents so I can't help it if I have some genetic issues.  Miss Dottie says I'm her forever dog and we take life one day at a time.  I stick pretty close to her knowing she takes good care of me.

I wonder why humans get so uptight about every day life.  I don't worry about much of anything.  Somehow I just know that at 7:30 am I have breakfast and at 5:00 pm, dinner is served.  My bowls are always full of fresh water and there is a jar of cookies on hand to reward me when I am good and come when called.  I am not a perfect dog but Miss Dottie tells me I am perfect for her.  I live in a household where praise and rewards are plentiful and love knows no bounds.

Every couple months I make a trip to Waco to visit my stylist -- I just love getting my nails trimmed, teeth brushed, a bubble bath, and designer haircut.  I love to strut my stuff and have people ooh and aah over me.  Call me a bit snobbish but I know when I am lookin' good!  My brother tags along with me and gets his usual puppy cut ... nothin' special for him but, I must say, we look pretty awesome walking out the door at Petco!

You can thank Miss Dottie for letting me yip and yap today.  For several years now, she's been blogging and I've been sitting patiently at her feet waiting my turn.  As pets, we do have a voice you know.  I was one of the lucky ones ... I got a great home and a loving master to live out my life on earth.  Some of my doggie friends haven't been so lucky.  I put my paws over my eyes and ears when the newsman reports on animal abuse.  Gives me the shakes!

Uh oh ... I hear something outside.  It's probably Miss Betty working in her back yard but my masters count on me to watch over them.  I like having a job to do ~~ it makes me feel important.  Gonna run ... 

Sadie

Note from Miss Dottie:  I must say, Sadie holds a special place in my heart.  Just like Sadie looks to me as her master, provider, and protector, I look to my master, the Lord Jesus.  I am his forever child and his love knows no bounds.  My beloved, Sadie, has a job to do here on earth and so do I.  My prayer this day is that I will always remember to be thankful for God's constant provision and protection in my life.  We don't always know how God has protected us but we know that He is good.  Have a blessed day and always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!
   






  

There comes a time...

It's Friday, February 1, 2013

Can you believe we can kiss the month of January off for 2013?  I don't know about you but it seems as though the days just seem to whiz by.

Sadie and I decided to walk through the gardens today.  It's windy and she loves to be outside in the brisk air.  Today she sat on top of the storm shelter with her eyes on the squirrels next door then she moved to the bottom of the big tree in the center of the yard and gazed upwards for what seemed to be hours.  She has the patience of a saint when she is hunting!  I shared a cookie with her and we had a nice chat.  One thing about dogs is that they don't talk back ... Sadie is a great listener!

Yesterday, I had one of those scary days where I really felt my challenges.  I have been hurting pretty bad from my fall and have been doing my chores s-l-o-w-l-y.  Well, I decided I would clean the little cottage.  I got the tub, toidy, and sink cleaned with no problem ... dusting, no problem ... then, it came time to wash the floor.  I started to sweat, the pain in my fight shoulder and arm was horrendous, and tears began to trickle down my face.  I couldn't wash my own floor...

I am the one who basically takes care of the house and yard.  I wondered:  "Who will do my work for me??"    I felt the anger well up inside of me and I threw a temper tantrum.  I heard this little voice inside of me ... "Are you done yet?"  I felt so silly.  Here I was, a grown woman having a temper tantrum.  I have a very high tolerance for pain and my "I can do it" attitude usually can pull me through what needs to be done.  This time, I couldn't, I just flat out couldn't.

Michael looked at me and in this soft voice said, "Honey, it's going to be ok.  We'll find someone to clean for you and I can take my clothes that need ironing to the cleaners."  Somehow, that didn't help.  What he didn't understand was that "I" couldn't do it.  No matter how much or how hard I tried, I couldn't clean the floor.  It's different when I used to have a cleaning lady come in when I worked outside the home -- I could still do my own cleaning, I just chose not to.  Notice how many "I's" are in this paragraph?  I, I, I ... I was miserable because I couldn't do what I wanted.  Hmmm  Do I sense a bit of self-pity?

It is true ... you really can't understand what someone is going through until you walk a mile in their shoes.  I am beginning to understand my mom and Michael's mom and countless other moms who realize there comes a time when no matter how much we want to do something, our bodies say, "No."  I don't like that word no.  I've always been strong and able to leap tall buildings.  Well, not really, but almost!  I could move furniture, dig holes, do my own plumbing, paint, and have energy left over to go dancing at night.  I'm still a high energy person but, for right now, am trapped inside a body that needs to heal.

I'm sure you've heard the old saying "Every cloud has a silver lining."  I can't speak for you but I've found that in times of trial I lean more on the Lord.  I pray more deeply and rely on God with faith and patience.  I develop more of a compassion for others and as God comforts me, I extend that comfort to those around me.

Maybe you are going through what I am.  I have a Facebook friend who is confined to a wheel chair.  I think he can relate.  I have another friend who has MS and struggles to feed herself.  Oh what those with physical challenges would give to be able to do the simplest things on their own.  To be at the mercy of someone else or to have to ask for help can be so ... humiliating.

Monday, I begin to work my plan of recovery.  I am thinking positive thoughts and will do whatever I can on my part to hasten my progress.  I will move on and think of it as another challenge.  I will look for a cleaning lady who will do windows and a gardener who can rake and haul branches.  I will make a trip to the cleaners and will keep telling myself that this is a temporary thing.

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

PS  "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature, and God.  As long as such a place exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be.  And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles." ~~ Anne Frank