It's a Scottie Kind of Christmas!

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

~~Luke 2:14 (KJV)

December 14, 2012


Merry Christmas and a Good Morning, Readers!  Countdown continues at Seidler house to Christmas.  I absolutely love this time of year.

I opened my eyes this morning and smiled.  Not only was it my favorite day of the week, it was THE DAY we were going north to take in the Gift of Christmas pageant at Prestonwood Church in Plano.  The church seats 7,000 and the performance (as well as all performances) is sold out.  There will be live camels, peacocks, singing voices of 1,200 and on and on.  Do you see why I am not just excited but ecstatic?!!

Some years ago, I saw a man walking down Frankfort Road in Dallas leading a black dog in a plaid jacket.  I just had to pull over and ask him what kind of dog it was.  The dog's name was Angus and he was a handsome Scottish Terrier.  Every now and then I thought about how beautiful the Scottie was and wondered about being a Scottie owner.

I don't remember talking much about my love of the Scottie but in August 2004, Michael gave me a beautiful Scottie puppy as an anniversary gift.  I was sooo excited as we pulled up to the door of the breeder's home.  There, in the kitchen, were 7 Scottie puppies!  They had mom and dad on site and the puppies had been socialized well with adults as well as children.  I knew I wanted a female and had the pick of Fiona or Bonnie.  Fiona became our puppy and we named her Sadie.

In a day's time, we were hooked on our Scottie. We looked for plaid coats, collars and leashes.  Sadie made Christmas that year extra special ~~ she was funny, playful, and smart. She loved the tree and spent hours laying under the lights. In turn, we oohed and aahed over her spoiling her rotten.

We didn't know much about the Scottie and soon found out that the Scottish Terrier is a stubborn breed with a mind of it's own.  As she has grown older, she has become quite bold, confident, and dignified.  She loves to be groomed and her heads up, tails up attitude has made her a favorite with groomers.  Petsmart gives out report cards ... hers always has stars and complements.  We always ask if the groomer knows how to groom a Scottish Terrier because when Sadie get a bad "do," she hangs her head and hides for days.

Friendly and playful as a puppy, Sadie matured into a bold, jaunty, yet steady and dignified adult ~~ she can be quite crusty and independent at times.  One thing about Sadie ... we know NOT to have her off leash.  If a squirrel, rabbit, bird, cat, or another dog catches her eye, she is off to the races paying no mind to where she is going.

As with many Scottie owners, we have made it a tradition to purchase a Scottie Christmas ornament each year.  Some of my favorites are made by artist Jim Shore.  My winter pajamas have Scotties on them and I'm always on the lookout for a Scottie sweater!

As Christmas approaches, I am so grateful for my precious Sadie.  She makes my life merry and bright!  If you are a pet lover, you know exactly what I mean!!

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

Miss Dottie

PS  Francis G. Lloyd: “All dogs are good; any terrier is better; a Scottie is best.

The Gift of Life

December 12, 2012

Today is 12-12-12, the last major numerical date using the Gregorian or Christian calendar for almost another century. The next time three numbers will align as they on 9-9-09, 10-10-10 and 11-11-11 will be on Jan. 1, 3001, or 1-1-1. Just thought I'd throw that little tidbit it.  LOL

Anyway, come on in ... it's nearly dark and I've got the fire going and the Christmas lights on.  I just got home from the nursing home a little bit ago.  Tomorrow night is the family dinner for residents at the nursing home.  I got a new Christmas sweater for mom to wear so I took it over to her. 

Mom was laying in her bed facing the wall, pillows tucked all around her.   She looked so tiny and frail.  I stood there for a moment thinking about this year and wondering if we would make it through another year with her.  I could tell that her eyes were open and I gently nudged her, "Mom, it's me."  Her eyes got big and she held out her arms.  I hugged her and told her that I brought presents for her.  She grinned,  "For me?"

Mom has Sundowner's Syndrome and I knew we had a short block of time before it kicked in and her clarity of mind would fade.  We giggled and laughed and talked about the dinner and how beautiful she would be in her new sweater.  She held on to my hand and begged me to never forget her. 

That did it, my eyes welled with tears and I held her close promising I would always remember her and how special she is (I can't bring myself to say, "was").  Then, she looked at me and said, "I thank God for you; you are my angel."  By that time, we both were crying ... one of us knowing that life was soon coming to an end and the other wishing that we'd have a lot more time.  All of a sudden, her eyes glazed over and she began to babble and speak loudly.  She still knew me but she became angry ... about her failing body, the nursing care, the woman who came into her room at night and put odd things on her nightstand ...  I hugged her, told her I loved her and that I would see her tomorrow.  It was time for me to leave and allow her to rest.



Mom & Me ~~ November 2012

As I walked out of Mom's room, I blew her one final kiss and said, "See you tomorrow."  She looked up with a puzzled look on her face and said, "How will you find me?"  I assured her that I would always be able to find her and not to worry.  As I have cared for her the past ten years, I have come to love her as deeply as I would my own mother.  At first, she seemed so needy ... the spoiled Southern Belle.  Then, one day, I realized that she was a blessing not a burden ... she hadn't changed, I had.

 

Mom & Me ~~ February 2012

I laughed remembering Mom on Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day, 4th of July...  How chipper she was and excited about the holiday at hand.  I think of her now and pray that we will be able to attend the resident's Christmas dinner tomorrow night.  We'll try ... if Sundowners hits, we might just have to take our plates and eat upstairs in her room.  We will celebrate the gift of life ... of being with Mom!!  One day at a time, Mom, one day at a time!

My Mom & Her Mom

I was very young when my father passed away and still young when my mother passed. I mourned their deaths, especially my mother's. We had so much unfinished business that needed to be addressed. I'd love to be able to pick up the phone and hear her voice. I'd love to be able to rub her back and take her for another ride around Lake Minnewaska. There are so many questions I'd ask ... not in a threatening way but in a loving, caring way. The good Lord placed me in the right family and formed me. My parents gave me the best parts of each of them ... the gift of life.

It is at Christmas that we think about the baby Jesus and the magic of his birth. God the Father blessed us with his only Son that He would breathe life into our dead souls. What a gift He gave us! And so, it is with us ... we are created by our Creator for a purpose ... we are given the gift of life. We are placed into homes not by accident but with purpose. Oh, you might say ... "Well, I sure got a bum deal ... I was abused and poor and well, you can't imagine what I went through." My reply is always ... "God doesn't make mistakes and if He brings you to it, He will bring you through it."

You see, I trust in God and I have faith in him knowing that he sees the big picture.This Christmas, let's not forget those who God has entrusted to us to love and care for. Let's not forget those laying in hospital beds wishing they could get up and walk. Life is so fragile and in the wink of an eye those we love are gone. No more phone calls, letters ... they are but memories and those good intentions we had? Gone...

I am feeling kind of nostalgic tonight.  I get that way after a trip to the nursing home.  It makes me appreciate my own mobility and clarity of mind.  It makes me want to pack all I can into my days ... living and loving as Christ intended.

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

Miss Dottie

PS  “The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.” -Andy Rooney

Silent Night...

"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world."~~Psalm 46:10

December 10, 2012

The night air is crisp and downright cold.  The North Wind has been whipping through all day making being outside next to miserable.  I went out to mail a couple boxes early afternoon and to pick up some net lights for the bushes outside the cottage.  Until I get my packages off to family, I feel pretty unsettled ... they are important to me and I want them to know I am thinking of them as they open gifts Christmas morning.  One more box to go out tomorrow and I can heave a sigh of relief.

Last night I spent some time in the cottage ... I read, prayed, and sang along to the Christmas music playing on the Bose.  I lit a fire and cuddled up with Toby ... Sadie curled up close to the fire on her blanket.  It was so peaceful.  Just before I went to bed, I shut off the music, lights, and peered out the french doors at the lighted tree just outside in the garden.  For a moment in time, everything was so ... still.  All of a sudden, in rapid fire, my mind raced through Christmas's of the past 65 years...  Yet, even with the rapid fire, I was so ... still.  I had this sense of well-being, of inner joy, and the knowledge that in each of those 65 Christmas's, Jesus was a big part of my life.  I've never not known Him.  What's even better is that Jesus has always known me!!

There are times when I must retreat into my shell of solitude.  Some years ago, I had the privilege of attending a retreat called A Walk to Emmaus.  We had blocks of time of complete silence responding to bells much like monks do.  At first, it was tough not opening my mouth ... then, I began to understand...  It is in stillness that we come before the Lord with our hearts and minds open ... the time where we are most vulnerable and are able to hear when God speaks to us.  It was then that I asked the Lord to put me on his front line.  I put on the full armor of God and have never regretted my decision.  Shortly after my walk, I became a Stephens Minister ... then, went on to serve on the first Board of Directors to open a women's shelter in Collin County, Texas.  My purpose has been to come alongside others ... to comfort ... to encourage ... to bless...  It all started with stillness...

This Christmas I pray you will set aside some time to be still and know that God IS God.  He is the reason for the season ...

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

Miss Dottie

PS  “And when we give each other Christmas gifts in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, and the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans--and all that lives and move upon them. He has given us all green things and everything that blossoms and bears fruit and all that we quarrel about and all that we have misused--and to save us from our foolishness, from all our sins, He came down to earth and gave us Himself.”~~Sigrid Undset

PSS  Recognize Hamilton Elf?  He makes me smile!!

Nightmare on Franklin Street

December 6, 2012

Woo Wee ... I was glad to wake up this morning.  Have you ever had nightmares?  I haven't in a long while but last night my dreams were full of them.  Several times, I woke up, sweat on my brow, and my heart pounding wildly.  Everything was so vivid ... so awful ... so terrifying ... so frantic!  When I woke up about 7:30, I looked out the window and it was foggy and so eerie.  Gave me the creeps! 

I don't know about you but my nightmares usually come from the residue of an unresolved issue.  When working through my childhood trauma issues and young adult issues, I had recurring nightmares.  As my life unfolded, I suffered a lot of anxiety which affected my nights and my days.  I kept on wading through the muck and mire and eventually the nightmares subsided.  I was surprised to have one pop up again last night.  I was trying to remember the whole dream but only snippets remain.  I do remember a man with lipstick and nail polish on his fingernails ... I remember looking for my son as a little boy of ten ... I remember having to catch a plane, packing frantically, and a woman who had borrowed my ticket forgetting to give it back to me.  Lots of thrashing about ... trying to make deadlines ... emotional tears ... a red dress taken away... betrayal...  Makes me shudder just writing this all down.

My sinuses have been giving me fits for several weeks.  Thought I could self medicate but think it's about time to cry, "Uncle" and get some antibiotics.  My equilibrium is being affected so, at times, I look like I've had one too many drinks!  Nightmares ... sinus ... hmmm ... time to get on top of things and find some JOY!

All that aside, today will be a busy day. Michael is holding a Christmas Open House at the college bookstore and asked if I would drop by. They borrowed my Bose radio so they could play Christmas music and are having all sorts of goodies to munch on so think I will head on over about 11. He has two very creative young ladies working for him and I am anxious to see the Christmas tree they made out of books and lighted garland.  (Since I am posting this 12/7, here is a photo of Michael, the Bookstore Manager at the college in Cleburne, & the infamous tree.  Pretty cool, I think!)

We are about to get a cold front on Sunday and should get our first freeze.  I love the cold (for a few days) and then am ready for it to warm up again.  Last year at this time, we had snow in North Texas.  I don't think we will see much snow now that we are further South ... bummers!  I still don't have my lights up around the cottage ... I think I should finish that today.  I had some challenges but I think I've figured out how to resolve my dilemma.

My gardens are starting to take on the appearance of Winter -- a time of rest for the trees, shrubs, and perennials.  Won't be long and I will need to gather some good books and indoor projects to keep me occupied. 

Do you think Jesus had nightmares about what his purpose was on earth OR, do you think He rested in knowing that his father in heaven would deliver him from the pain of unresolved issues and betrayal?  Luke 22:24 says, "And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground."  His way?  "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." ~~Luke 23:34  Today, I am praying to be more like Jesus knowing that He knew all I would endure in this life, molding me and making me more like him.  I was looking at pictures of the babe in the manger today and singing songs of thanksgiving ... songs of peace on earth good will to men.

My nightmare was a reminder how dependent I am on my Savior, my Redeemer, my Lord who keeps me whole...  I thank God for the bad times because those were the times I grew the most!!

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

Miss Dottie

PS  He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.~~Roy L. Smith    













 

Jingle Bells & a white haired lady in a VW Bug

December 5, 2012

A rousing good morning to you Readers!  I woke up this morning humming Jingle Bells.  I love music and find myself humming away most of my day.  I started doing that when I needed to erase the old tapes running rampant in my mind.  I would keep my mind occupied by quoting scriptures from the Bible to refute Satan's words and would sing uplifting songs.  The old adage of changing a habit in 30 days is true, 'cause I've managed to keep new habits (with the help of music!) going for eight years!!!

The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.~~Exodus 15:2
 

Did you know that Jingle Bells is one of the best-known and commonly sung winter songs in the world. It was written by James Lord Pierpont (1822-1893)  and published under the title "One Horse Open Sleigh" in the autumn of 1857. Even though it is commonly thought of as a Christmas song,  it was actually originally written to be sung for Thanksgiving.  When Michael and I took our horse-drawn carriage ride in Clifton last Saturday, I was singing that song.  I am glad that my husband isn't embarrassed by my little quirks!!

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.~~Psalms 95:1

I decided to spend some time in the cottage today.  I poured myself a cup of Ahmad of London Breakfast Tea (if you are a tea drinker, give this one a try!), grabbed my computer and headed out to the backyard.  One thing about going on vacation, I don't have to go far!!  Now all I need is a pond or swimming pool!!

    
What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.~~1 Corinthians 14:15 ESV

Do you like flannel sheets?  I bought a pair for the bed in the cottage and put them on this morning.  I can hardly wait for a cold night so I can go out, light a fire in the fireplace, and hop into some cuddly sheets.  On cold nights in Minnesota, my mother used to put my flannel sheets in the oven to warm them before putting me to bed.  When my babies had tummy aches, I used to put flannel blankets in the dryer to warm them and put the blankets on their tummies.  It did the trick.  Warm fuzzy memories!!

After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.~~Aldous Huxley

Sadie is struggling with thyroid and liver issues again.  She had a bout of diarrhea that lasted a couple weeks and her coat once a glistening black has dulled.  I hate it that she is growing old and having to deal with health issues.  I've been reading up on Scottish Terriers and the problems she is having is typical for the breed.  As I type, she is laying at my feet ... she is my Sadie Lady ... my constant companion.  I am grateful for our time together!

There is no truer truth obtainable by man than comes of music.~~Robert Browning

Yesterday, Beverly and I went over to Dress Barn.  On the way back home, we were chatting and not paying attention to the speed limit (in a school zone no less).  I looked ahead of me and saw a police officer motioning me to pull over.  He looked inside the car and smiled, "Sweetheart, did you not see the speed posting?"  "No sir, I did not, we were chatting away and I missed it."  He asked for my driver's license and insurance card and walked back to his car.  I looked at Beverly and she looked at me ... oh dear, those tickets for speeding in a school zone are $200 or more...  The officer returned to the car grinning ... "Maam, today's your lucky day, see that car behind you?  You were going 32 in a 20; he was going 35 in a 20 ... we'll get him instead.  By the way, do you know that you need to have a front license plate?  (I shook my head)  Better get one on.  And, another thing, do you wear contacts?  (I nodded yes - didn't want to get into my cataract operations)  Well, you little ladies have a great day and drive safe."

Phew ... little white haired lady behind the wheel of a red VW bug.  I guess the police officer didn't think I posed much of a threat to society.  I've noticed that the older I get, the less people expect of me.  There are benefits to being a senior!!  I'm not particularly frail looking but do enjoy having doors opened in front of me by total strangers and the patience afforded me wherever I go.  When Beverly and I went out yesterday, I put on my Uggs, leggings, and a long sweater ... the manager at Dress Barn said, "Miss Dottie, you are so cute today, I just want to squeeze you!"  PLEEZEE!  Who said I needed to be a dowdy white haired lady?!  He he

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

Miss Dottie

PS  "The earth has grown old with its burden of care But at Christmas it always is young.  The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair And its soul full of music breaks the air, When the song of angels is sung."~~Phillips Brooks (1835-93), American Episcopal bishop, wrote 'O Little Town of Bethlehem

A Christmas Miracle

So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” ~~John 4:48

December 4, 2012

Hey ... I thought I heard you at the door!  Come on in.  Michael made a big pot of fresh hot coffee before leaving for work.  We can share a cup and chat awhile.  It's so good to see you; AND, I love having company.  I'm so excited ... I have a wonderful story to tell!

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” ~~Matthew 17:20

We've been having unseasonably warm weather this year.  I met a friend, in Waco yesterday to spend my birthday money sent to me by some stores.  The sales are pretty deep already and I managed to do pretty well for myself.  I seemed so odd to see folks in flip flops, shorts, and t-shirts!  When it comes to December, I am wearing my boots and sweaters (light ones on warm days!).

 

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven~~Psalm 107:28-30

 

Some of my family members have really been going through some tough times this year.  The brunt of the force was coming down today and yesterday all seemed so dark and foreboding.  Everything humanly possible had been done then ... there was that dreaded wait not knowing...  I wished I could help but all I have been able to do is pray and be of encouragement.  With tears in my eyes, I came before the Lord while driving to Waco, praying for his divine provision, protection, direction, and guidance.  It was Christmas and a Christmas Miracle was needed.  I thanked Him for all the times in my own life that He came through and I knew that above all, He cares (even more than an earthly Father would).  My time of prayer ended when I got to Waco ... I thanked Him for listening and told Him that I couldn't wait to hear the "news."  (I am human and did add ... Lord, if it is your will that this is something this family must go through, that you give them supernatural peace and direction ... your will be done.)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.~~Philippians 4:6-7

 

My friend hadn't eaten lunch so we met at the Panera Bread Company for something to eat.  Their Bear Claws are to die for!  Yum...  I shared with her my burden and she said, "You really believe that your God is going to fix that?"  "Yep, I do..."  We went to Belk, to Target, then on to Tuesday Morning finding bargains before heading for home.

Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees.~ Corrie Ten Boom

We jumped in Lily, and whirrrr I received a text.  Oh, my gosh, it WAS A MIRACLE!!  I wish I could share more about this and hope that one day my family members will share their stories.  Since my blog is about my story, my hope, strength, and faith.  All, I can say is that on December 3, 2012, God acted in a way big enough to make me realize that he is in control.  You say ... "Well, I prayed and God didn't answer my prayers."  To that, I say ... "I prayed for a Christmas Miracle; AND, I prayed for God's will to be done, whatever that might be."  I have faith that if God brings us to something, He will give us the strength and perseverance to move through it no matter what that "it" is.  (Oh,  my friend rode home with me and I shared the miracle with her.   She looked at me not knowing what to say except ... "You think your prayers influenced the outcome?"  The door was opened for deep conversation about my faith and prayer.  Go God!)
  

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish,

and it will be done for you.~~John 15:7

It is my hope and prayer that whatever challenges you are facing this Christmas that you will see Christ as the answer.  There are times when I don't understand the suffering and pain of this world.  I don't have all the answers and won't understand the big picture til I get to Heaven.  All I know is that I was born to fulfill a purpose and when that purpose is done, I will pass away to be with my creator and those who have gone before me.  Until then, you and I will continue to chat and I will share my hope and strength with you.

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

Miss Dottie

PS:

God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith;
the warmth of Christmas, which is love;
the radiance of Christmas, which is purity;
the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice;
the belief in Christmas, which is truth;
the all of Christmas, which is Christ.
--Wilda English

 

 

Woo Weee, It's my birthday!!

December 2, 2012

Hello, Readers!  It's my birthday ... happy birthday  ... yep, it's my birthday ... happy birthday!  Sixty-six years ago today, I was born on a cold, snowy day in Glenwood, Minnesota.  My mother wrote in my baby book that I was a pretty baby ... not red.  I had wisps of brown hair and big blue eyes.  Hmmm.  I look at my baby photo that was taken when I was six months old and laugh ... I can see the mischievous look in my grin and eyes.  I had spirit then, and I have spirit now!!

I like birthdays.  Milestone events I like to call them.  I'm still alive and kickin' which is a good thing.  I used to have birthday "weeks" ... when my children were growing up, they had birthday "weeks" ... a time of celebration  just for being born.  How about that?!

Miss Dottie~~December 2, 2011

Last year, I was in Florida for my sixty-fifth birthday.  What a wonderful memory making day it was.  To be able to celebrate at my favorite restaurant with some of my dearest family members was over the top.  Have I mentioned often enough that I have a fabulous family?!  LOL (that's laugh out loud in text talk!)  I vowed to make my sixty-sixth year a memorable one.  It has been and, for that, I am grateful!!

I'm a kind of fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of lady.  My daughter sent me a box for my birthday with instructions NOT to open it until today.  Well, it arrived yesterday, and I couldn't wait.  I opened the box and OMG, inside was a beautiful sweater and shirt.  I texted her thanking her for the gift and she said, "Hello?!  You're cheating, it's not your birthday."  I informed her that I was of the opinion of why wait for tomorrow when you can celebrate today!  Yep!  That's me.  Carpe' Diem ~~ Seize the day!!

To celebrate my birthday, yesterday, Michael and I drove to Clifton, Texas to attend the Norwegian Country Christmas festival.  We got there pretty late in the day but still managed to have a great time.  Next year, we will definitely sign up for the Norwegian Lutefisk Dinner.  We went to the activities center to get a glimpse of the Norwegian crafts ... I won the door prize of the hour ... a beautifully cross-stitched hand towel.  How cool is that?  We visited with renowned bronze artist Jack Walker, took a horse-drawn carriage ride, toured the Bosque Historical Center that featured Norwegian heritage in the area, and then drove out in the country to the Old Stone Church.

Old Stone Church ~~ St. Olaf Lutheran ~~ Est. 1864
Has no electricity ~~ oil lamps in use
Still holding services



Norwegian women with the towel I won!!
Yes, they spoke Norwegian!!

Norwegian Heritage Bosque County



View from carriage ride
Beautiful park with sculptures

I had not driven out in this area of Texas before.  The terrain was absolutely breathtaking!  Evidently, it reminded the Norwegian settlers of their native homeland.  They built churches and homes from the limestone that was plentiful in the area and farmed on the rich land.  I laughed ... I thought native Texans were crazy about their state ~~ the Norwegian Texans were wonderfully proud of their communities established on the rolling hills.  In fact, Norwegian was the main language spoken in this small area of Texas until 1969.  I hadn't heard Uf-da since I left Minnesota ... well, it was prevalent there!

 

Here I am, December 2, 2012 ... It's always nice to think about my heritage on my birthday.  I am one half Norwegian and am drawn to know more about my history and the history of the Pedersons and Torgusons!  They were such trail blazers ~~ kind and loving folks who lived their Lutheran faith.  I am so looking forward to meeting them in Heaven!!  My mom used to say that she was a duke's mixture of English, Scottish, French, and ??  Maybe that's where I get my spirited side?? 

Miss Dottie

PS  Our birthdays are feathers in the broad wing of time.~~Jean Paul Richter