Our American Idols

Memorial Day is much more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. To many people, especially the nation's thousands of combat veterans, this day, which has a history stretching back all the way to the Civil War, is an important reminder of those who died in the service of their country (www.history.com)

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:

The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit (www.history.com)

So this Memorial Day, take a moment and remember those who have given their life for our country so that we may have "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Hapiness".

Cougar vs Bear

This is some amazing footage.

Tiny Bubbles

A new dog grooming place opened up in November of 2008 called Tiny Bubbles Pooch Parlor. Steve and I have been toying around with setting up an appointment for Levi.

Steve and I are pretty loyal and faithful customers especially, when it comes to our regular dog groomer. Last week Levi was scheduled for his 8 week grooming appointment, but when I got to the Groom-mobile, (this is a dog grooming facility on wheels) the vehicle wasn't there; Levi's groomer was no where around. Immediately, I thought that we must of had the day mixed up, since we usually set his appointments up on Friday's. But when we tried to call the business all we got was the message machine and a series of fast beeps. Hmmm. We tried for a few days with no success.

In the meantime, my little Levi was looking shabbier and shabbier. So, Steve and I decided to call Tiny Bubbles and set up an appointment for Levi to be groomed. Well today was the day and Levi was taken over to Tiny Bubbles.

This was not an easy step to take because Levi is my baby and I just don't trust him to anyone. Well as you can see from the picture, he survived. He is kind of snubbing me right now because I left him with a stranger, but he'll be get over it (+/- 24 hours).

The gal who groomed him did a good job. Levi's ears are a little shorter than I like, and a bit uneven, but Levi can get wiggly at times. So I can imagine trimming his ears is not an easy task.

In the meantime, until Steve and I can figure out what happened to Levi's normal groomer, we may have to keep bringing him back to Tiny Bubbles. At least it is right around the corner from my store.

Mom.....You're One of A Kind to Me.....

Nobody's Like You, Mom

Nobody's quite like you, Mom.

You're special in every way.

You cheer me up, you fill my cup

With tenderness, come what may.

Nobody loves me like you, Mom.

No matter what I do,Good or bad, happy or sad,

You support me; You always come through.

Nobody's equal to you, Mom.

With you in my life, I'm blessed.

I love you so, and I want you to know

I think you're the very best!

By Joanna Fuchs