08/27/2008
I've talked about favorite new shows on TV this summer.. Another one which we are enjoying is on the A&E network. It stars one of my favorite actors, Benjamin Bratt (pictured above). "The Cleaner" is inspired by the true story of a real-life 'extreme interventionist.' Bratt stars as William Banks (could this be a relative of mine????? Hmmmmmmm!) who, after hitting rock-bottom from his own addictions after the birth of his daughter, strikes a tentative deal with God. Now along with his unconventional team (who are also recovering addicts), he helps people get away from their addictions and get 'clean' using any means necessary.
Together with his eclectic team, Williams works week-in and week-out to bring addicts of all kinds to the point where they are ready and willing to get help and begin the difficult process of recovery. With every success and every failure, William wrestles with his own demons through his unusual relationship with God. He's a man caught between an unwavering commitment to his work, deep love for his family, and the ghosts of his own addictions. William Banks is the one person you would want by your side in your darkest hour. In the face of tragedy and addiction, William Banks will risk everything to be "The Cleaner."
This is a thought-provoking series---showing what people with addictions go through. I've never seen a show like this ---dealing deeply into the minds and hearts of people in trouble with all kinds of addictions. You may not think this is a show to watch--but it truly is (for adults). AND---it's great to see a human person such as Banks intervene to help others in trouble --which is what all of us Christians should do, with God's help.
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08/26/2008, Our Yard
I am basically a 'newbee' when it comes to knowing about birds. BUT---I've always loved birds. BUT it was only recently, after discovering a family of Bluebirds in our yard, when I developed a REAL interest in all of our birds. Since the bluebirds were here, I have done lots of research about birds (their looks, their sounds, their habits, etc.) and also added several things to invite birds into our yard.
We first bought a bird-bath---which they enjoy!!!! AND--I started putting out food for them including a 'seed-bell' and a mesh bag filled with thistle. These are in addition to sunflower seeds and other seeds which birds enjoy. AND---all of this has helped since we've seen MANY birds in our yard recently.
Our favorite visitors to the feeders have been the Tufted Titmice, the Black-Capped Chickadees, the Carolina Wrens, our beautiful Cardinals and a gorgeous House Finch. Since we luckily don't have many squirrels this year (the Blue Jays chase them away), I am able to put some seed in the back yard for those birds who won't come to the feeders. Besides our Pileated Woodpeckers, Crows, Blue Jays and our Ruby-throated Hummingbirds---which we've had around here for a long time, some of the other visitors to our yard recently have been our Bluebirds, a Goldfinch, a Downy Woodpecker, a Northern Flicker, A Mourning Dove, and a gorgeous Brown Thrasher.
I'll admit that a few months ago, I wouldn't have recognized most of these birds. BUT--with research, I AM learning about our birds, and am enjoying every minute of this 'birder' life!!! ha... This past week when I saw the Brown Thrasher, I was amazed at his LONG beak and his long tail... We took his picture (above) and I immediately starting searching to find out which bird he was. Since he is so different-looking, It didn't take me long to find out that he was a Brown Thrasher.
I learned that Brown Thrashers are the state bird in Georgia! They are brown or reddish-brown, with a white breast and throat streaked with brown, and two white bars on each wing. It has a long tail, and its beak is relatively large and somewhat curved. Adults average about 11.5 inches in length.
This bird prefers thickets and heavy brush, often searching for food in dry leaves on the ground. In fact, he is more likely to be heard than seen, not only because of the rattling of leaves, but also because of his call, a sharp lip-smacking type sound. The Brown Thrasher eats insects, berries, nuts and seeds--as well as earthworms, snails and sometimes lizards.
The female lays 3 to 5 eggs in a twiggy nest lined with grass. The nest is built in a dense shrub or low in a tree. Both parents incubate and feed the young. These birds raise two or three broods in a year. They are able to call in up to 3000 distinct songs The male sings a series of short repeated melodious phrases from an open perch to defend his territory and is also very aggressive in defending the nest.
Although this bird is widespread and still common, it has declined in numbers in some areas due to a loss of suitable habitat. I feel privileged to have seen this gorgeous bird ---and to even get his picture!!!!
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08/25/2008
My friends will tell you that I don't read or respond to 'forwards' very much. Many times I hit the delete button before even reading them. But--for some reason, this one (sent by friend Reida) stuck out in my mind as a very special one. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
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How to Dance in the Rain
It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.
While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.! The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health.
He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.
I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'
He smiled as he patted my hand and said,
'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'
I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'
True love is neither physical, nor romantic.
True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message. This one I thought I could share with you.
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have. I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did. 'Life isn't about how to survive the storm,
but how to dance in the rain.
(NOW---if it will just RAIN here in the Glade!!! I'll be glad to DANCE!!!! ha)
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08/24/2008, USA Network
Every once in awhile, a new show comes on TV which catches our eye. This Summer, George and I found another new show which we both enjoyed. Of course, we love "The Closer" and "Saving Grace"--both of which are continuations from last year. The new show (on the USA network) was called "In Plain Sight." The summer series is over now---but from what I've heard, it has been renewed for next summer. We are pleased with that!
"In Plain Sight" revolves around Mary Shannon (Mary McCormick--shown above), a United States Marshal attached to the Federal Witness Protection Program. Mary must find ways to balance her professional life of protecting witnesses with her very dysfunctional family life. The show is filmed and based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Anyone who knows me knows that I enjoy 'character-based' shows. This show has some excellent characters besides Mary Shannon. Here are some of the other characters:
-Marshall Mann (Fred Weller)---This is Mary's partner, as well as her best friend. He seems to know a little about everything, which Mary calls 'useless information.' There is often friction between Marshall and Mary ---due to his cerebral approach and her 'gut' instinct. They really are a great team!
-Stan McQueen (Paul Ben-Victor)--This is Mary's and Marshall's boss.
-Jinx Shannon (Lesley Ann Warren)--This is Mary's nutty mother. (Mary is really the 'mother' in this family --or at least the 'most stable' member.
-Brandi Shannon (Nicole Hiltz)--This is Mary's younger sister. She has her share of problems also!
-Detective Bobby Dershowitz (Todd Williams)--This is a homicide detective who is frequently assigned to cases involving Mary's witnesses.
-Rafael Ramirez (Cristian de la Fuente)--This is Mary's on-again, off-again boyfriend. He's good-looking and basically a good guy. He also has a 'friendship' with Brandi...
The Shannon family was abandoned by an alcoholic husband/father. On the last show of this season, the father was 'discussed' by Jinx, Mary and Shannon... I'm not sure what will happen next year --but I think the father is going to somehow come back into the picture!!!!! Watch for this one if you like DRAMA next Summer. I really recommend it!!!!
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08/23/2008, Our Yard
My email friends and family will tell you that I've gone a little crazy over our birdies recently. Some of my favorite little birds ---who love to come to the feeder (including our little bell--made out of seed) are the Tufted Titmice. We have as many as 6-8 of these titmice all at once, flitting around playing and eating --and showing off JUST for me!!!!!
The Tufted Titmouse is common in our area and is a regular visitor to backyard feeders. Its call, "Peter-Peter-Peter" is one of the earliest calls heard in Spring. This bird is so pretty. It is grayish above and whitish below. Adult males and females are similar although the males are more colorful. The adult males have a black crest/tuft --and the females and juveniles have a gray tuft.
Summer foods consist of insects, snails and spiders, shifting to fruits, seeds and nuts in the fall and winter. Titmice store their winter food.. They have a very powerful bill which is used to crack seeds and open snail shells. You should see them pecking on that seed-bell... Amazing!!!!
The black eye-ring surrounding the black eye makes the eye look particularly large for this small bird. Tufted Titmice are found mixed wintering flocks with other species including Chickadees, Northern Cardinals, Downy Woodpeckers, Carolina Wrens, and Dark-eyed Juncos. (SO far---we have seen all of the above-list of birds in our yard except Dark-eyed Juncos.)
The Tufted Titmouse is a cavity nester. Pairs select a natural cavity or old woodpecker hole to construct a nest of leaves and grasses lined with animal hair often collected from living animals. From 5 to 7 eggs, incubated by the female, hatch in just under two weeks. Both parents tend to the young, who leave the nest cavity in two to three weeks. Young birds stay with the parents for up to two months.
The babies leave the nest from 15-18 days. They may fledge at anytime of the day. Unlike bluebirds, they may all leave the nest quickly, one after the other. Fledglings are feeding themselves by 6 weeks of age. The young titmice often stay with their parents during the winter and then disperse later in their second year. Some yearling titmice may stay on and help their parents raise a brood the following year.
Tufted Titmice tend to have one brood per year in the north, and two broods in other areas. Here are four pictures for you to enjoy of our Tufted Titmice!!!! They are amazing little birds!
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08/23/2008, Our Yard
These two little titmice are working hard ---chewing on that seed-bell... They really peck and peck on this bell!!!!
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08/23/2008, Our Yard
This is a MALE Tufted Titmouse. Note its black crest/tuft.
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08/23/2008, Our Yard
This is a juvenile Tufted Titmouse sprawled out on our deck.... My My---wonder what it is doing????? I know! It is just showing off for the camera!!! Or---maybe it's ready for a nap!!! ha
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08/22/2008, Our Yard
This is the first year that we've had all of our roses in the front yard. Altogether for 2008, we have had THIRTY FOUR different varieties of roses, each of them with many, many blooms. I could sit outside and look at these roses every spare minute!!!! That's one reason George put a bench in the front ---so that I could relax and just stare at the roses. LOVE IT!!! George also brings a rose bud or bloom into the house almost everyday for me. He'll sneak it on the dining room table --waiting for me to notice... Am I a lucky and spoiled girl????? YES!!!!!
George also has put together a webpage showing one picture of each of our 34 varieties. It is a gorgeous site---and you can almost smell these beauties. Click here to see all of our roses: 2008 ROSES. The picture above is one of my favorites, Veterans Honor. I love all of our roses, but I'm sorta partial to beautiful RED ones!!! (There are two more pictures below.)
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08/22/2008, Our Yard
Another of my favorites (besdies Double Delight, Mr. Lincoln and Veterans Honor) is the one above, named Bella'roma. This rose starts out with alot of pink along the corners, and as it gets older, it turns almost totally yellow. Amazing!!! MAN---does this rose smell wonderful!!!!
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08/22/2008, Our Yard
This is one of NINE new roses we have had this year. This one is named "April in Paris." It starts out a very light pink (note picture above) and then gets darker as it gets older. Gorgeous Rose!!
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08/21/2008, Melbourne, FL
How many times in the past 2 years have I said, "We need some rain." MANY!!! This past Monday I wrote my cousin Bonnie --who lives in Melbourne, Florida, and asked her to send that tropical storm, Fay, up to Tennessee.
WELL---if you have followed Miss Fay at all, you know that she seems to like the Melbourne area, since she has 'parked' there and given those folks WAY too much rain. Note picture (above and below) taken by Bonnie from her home. Some reports say their area has gotten 15 inches and some say they have gotten as much as 25 inches of rain in TWO days!!!! Whatever it is, it's too darn much!!! We just want a little of it.... Think they could share???? (I'm sure they'd love to!)
Bonnie and I have been emailing back and forth---and she and hubby Dave are busy building their ark now!!!! (HA HA...) But they don't really need an ark. For you see, since my cousin and hubby are VERY smart, they checked out the area before buying their home. They managed to choose one of the homes which is on higher ground than many others. SO---except for having water almost surrounding them, they are 'high and dry' right now.
Hopefully, this storm will move out ----and if it's really nice, it will weaken and come THIS WAY!!!! Bonnie said that they didn't need the rain---but we sure do!!! Come on up here, Fay!!!! We need you!!!! (Say a prayer for Bonnie and Dave, and for all of the folks in Florida who have experienced flooding, wind damage and tornadoes.)
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08/21/2008, Melbourne, FL
Here's another picture taken from Bonnie's yard.... That's alot of water, isn't it???? SCARY!
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08/20/2008, Cosby, TN
Kudos to Cosby Creek Cabins, 4378 Cosby Highway, Cosby, TN 37722, Telephone 1-800-508-8844. George had scheduled a surprise Birthday Trip for me from August 2-6, and we had to postpone this vacation due to George's surgery. Like most rentals such as this, we had to pay 'up-front' ---and the 'rules' said that we couldn't get our money back. We were both upset---but knew that we couldn't postpone the surgery.
SO--the only thing to do was to 'beg and plead' for a chance to reschedule. It took awhile--but we finally heard back from the cabin saying that we could come back for the same number of days/nights and wouldn't have to pay another dime. YEAH!!!! We talked about when to reschedule ---and decided to wait until Nov. 9-12--when it hopefully will be cooler outside. (It helped knowing that the cabin also has a wood-burning fireplace!!!! ha ha)
Because they were extremely nice to us, we are recommending these cabins to YOU... You can check out our little 1-bedroom cabin (next to a creek) by clicking here: BUNNY BROOK CABIN. The picture above is of Bunny Brook Cabin. Cute, isn't it????? (George did good at finding these cabins!!! I know that I'll have a wonderful belated birthday trip!)
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08/19/2008
Since moving to the 'woods' of Fairfield Glade, we have had many 'critter visitors' to our yard..... Let's see if I can name some of these critters: deer, groundhogs, raccoons, chipmonks, squirrels, rabbits, bats, all of the many birds including our hummingbirds---- and now----a TURTLE!!!! Yesterday, I was passing from one room to the other in our home, and I just glanced outside... My My----I hollered at George and said, "Guess what is in our yard????? A turtle is marching across the yard!!!! "
We both got our cameras and went outside to check on Mr. Turtle. He got VERY still when we got close---but never did hide his head! I guess he thought he was safe as long as he was still.... We took our pictures (note picture above and below) --and then went back inside. Once we were out-of-sight, Mr. Turtle was on his way to the empty lot!!!! What a nice critter to have around!!! He doesn't eat our flowers. He doesn't build a nest under our shudders. He doesn't dig tunnels in our flowerbeds. Wow---he's a real friend!!! So---please come back, Mr. Turtle!!!
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