I Pledge

I have not seen such hope and enthusiasm among the people of this nation since John F Kennedy was elected President in 1960. I am not so naive as to think that every person in this country is as hopeful and enthusiastic as others. However, it seems to me that this hope is spreading like rich, soft butter on warm, home made bread, and once you get a taste of the goodness of it, you want more and you want others to taste the deliciousness of it too.

I've been watching news programs or listening to the televised celebrations going on all over this country. The songs, the joyous words, and tears of hope for a better America have affected me more than I would have ever thought.

I'm in love with the thought that maybe, just maybe the people of this nation and the whole world are beginning a spiritual shift that is bringing the realization that we are one people who, like the flowers of the fields, have many colors, sizes, shapes and needs. Alone, we are unique and beautiful in our own way; gathering together, if we stand back and look with open eyes, we will see the exquisite beauty this blending can create.

President Obama strongly believes this, and has asked, throughout his campaign, that we believe it too, and to pledge, individually, to contribute in any way we can, to making this nation one of exquisite beauty. He is not talking exclusively of money, although it is crucial, he is speaking of trusting in our greatness, giving of our time, speaking out of our belief in the innate goodness of every human being, being willing to get our hands dirty to help our neighbors, cities and states, putting our families first; not with "things", but constructive time spent together; talking, laughing, reading, playing, teaching, working, volunteering to help others.

Tonight, I heard a black man, waiting for tomorrow's inauguration, make a profound pledge. This quote may not be exact, but close. He said, with great emotion "Barack Obama has given me hope for the first time in my life. Tonight I pledge to be an American, for I no longer have the need to be an African-American." The cheers his words arose, from the crowd of many colors, told me that he is not alone in this.

Obama is not perfect; certainly mistakes will be made; his enemies will try to bring him down; critics will take pleasure at picking him apart. Regardless of this, he is our President and I, for one, pledge to be an American first, supporting our Commander-in-Chief in his sincere desire to bring this country back to being the most respected, powerful, generous, well educated, and prosperous nation in the world. I have the utmost faith that this successful journey begins at noon on Tuesday in Washington DC, United States of America, with every citizen. Together, we can do it!!!

Peace and blessing to all........................

Amazing Grace?

Thanksgiving day was nothing special at my house. I was tired from working ten straight days to get through the much appreciated frenzy of people coming into my store to fill their carts with all the ingredients for the feasts they would enjoy with their family and friends on this day. The weather was lousy and I had canceled my plans to drive to Pasco for dinner with my sister, not just because of the weather, but because I was feeling a little punk.

I was all nestled up it my bed that morning, my favorite flannel jammies keeping me warm and comfortable, determined to spend the day reading or watching old movies..or both at once. However, I have these four little furry creatures who can't stand it when I've found the perfect position of pure comfort where I can enjoy my laziness. Oh, no... it is only then that they demand to be let outside to do their "thing". So... I get up for the third time that morning, pad to the doors off the deck to let the little rascals out, while telling myself they could just stay out for an hour or so, after all they do have thick fur coats. And, just maybe they would appreciate staying in a little longer when they came back into "their" cozy, warm abode. I nestled back into a comfortable position, eyes drooping and ready for a little nappy-poo, when I heard a loud chorus of snarling, snapping and yapping creatures, wondering what the H.. is going on out there? The Fireman was oblivious to anything except the latest book he was reading, so I jumped out of bed, forgetting my slippers, and ran to the deck to investigate. My feet were freezing as I looked down the stairwell which lead to the yard. There they were, my four little darlings, attacking something. I was thinking maybe it was a field mouse or one of those little brown rabbits living in the neighbor hood, when Mumz pulled back to reveal a tiny little kitten whose was obviously scared to death.

I yelled to Mike that the dogs were trying to murder a kitten as I ran past him to get my slippers. By the time I retrieved them and got back to the door, (a matter of seconds) Mike, who loves animals with a passion, was coming in, kitten in hand, with four rabid dogs nipping at his heels. He handed the poor, helpless little thing to me. She was shaking with fright, soaking wet from dog slobber, and had pooped all over herself. What could I do but give the little ceature a bath, dry her, feed her, and try to soothe away her fear while keeping her away from those other brats who thought she was some kind of toy to knock around.

I'm not sure where she came from, but I couldn't just put her back into that cold weather and snow, could I? It took a few of days of isolation and slow introduction, but soon she and the dogs were cool with each other and playing like kids do. I admit..I payed a lot of attention to her for the four days I was off work and when I came home that first night, after going back to the job, she saw me, stood up on her hind legs and reached up for me, like a little kid! For the first couple of weeks, (no one ever claimed her) she followed me like a puppy dog, licked my face and let me hand feed her. (she still likes that ). It was amazing! That is why I call her Gracie. What can I say? She is now a part of our family, curling up next to Buddy, to sleep with me every night. I am such a wuss!!

Anyway, though hard to capture, here she is: Amazing Gracie........................................











By the way, Maggie Mae, my other cat, tolerates her to a point, but Gracie loves her anyway. LOL

YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU...............................

You maaaaaaaaade me love you.
I didn't wanna do it, I didn't wanna do it.

Anyone remember that old song?

Well, here's the reason I am bringing it up at this time. As I have mentioned before, it is that damn global warming which has made the North Pole slide down over the Northwest, making it impossible, on many days, for me to get my vehicle out of the driveway so that I can get to work. Since the buck stops with me at the store I manage, I have to figure out a way to get there, come hell or high water. On the worst days of snow, and after the plows have left a two to three foot berm in front of the drive way, I get up extra early and wait with anticipation, shovel in hand, to spend an hour or three digging my way out. Not fun for a worn out old body like mine!

Last week I finally found someone who was willing to shovel my entire driveway. He brought his eight year old son, they went to work, (yes, the eight year old worked like a man) and two hours later, after several weeks of wading through snow to my knees, I could see the concrete and had a clear way to back out onto the street. It was awesome!
The next night we had a huge snow storm and I woke up to about 14" of snow covering that same driveway. It was Monday morning, I had to be to work because my Assistant was on vacation, and the snow plows were not running because school was cancelled for the next few days. I called work, told them I couldn't get out but would try to find a way to get there ASAP. When daylight came, I went out to assess the problem and it was still snowing heavily. I was stuck and panicking. The hills of Moscow were not alive with the sound of music. It was more like snow blowers, spinning wheels, and strong winds howling with laughter as they made impassable snowdrifts across the streets.

I watched out the window, willing the snow to stop. I watched as a snowplow finally made a quick pass, leaving me another beautiful berm to dig through. Damn! Then, a few minutes later, I watched as a huge four wheel drive pickup, with a commercial type snow blower on the trailer it was pulling, stopped across the street at my neighbor's house. In a matter of thirty minutes, he had her walks and driveway clear of snow. A beautiful sight. I put on my coat, waded through the snow, approached the stranger and sweetly asked if he could possibly fit another job into his schedule. I introduced myself, explained my job position and why I had to get to the store. Turned out he is a loyal customer, and a business owner who understood why I needed to be there. He was glad to clean my driveway but explained that without following that snow plow, he would not have made it up the hill to my neighborhood, even with his four wheel drive rig...the roads all over town were treacherous and he doubted I could get there in my car that day. So........he offered to give me a ride after he finished clearing another neighbor's driveway. I accepted. Then I went into my house, packed a bag for a couple of days and reserved a room at the motel across the street from Winco. I would worry about how to get home later.

This was the last straw! I couldn't take any more of digging or begging for rides to work, or paying $100 bucks a night for a room when I had a perfectly good one three miles away. Winter is in it's infancy, leaving me with no choice but to give up the vehicle I have loved more than any I have ever owned. I fought the battle with my Azera last winter, I just couldn't do it any more...so on the first good day that I could get around, I started calling dealerships to see which would be open after my work hours so that I could go in to look for a vehicle with the ability to maneuver throw these awful Winters. I started with a Mercury Mariner. Very nice and very pricy. I was honest..telling them I was comparison shopping and would not buy until I found the right vehicle at the right price. My secretary recommended a dealer with a certain type of vehicle, which she owns, so I went there next. I fell in love! It had everything I wanted...leather heated electric seating, six disc player, air, a fabulous reputation for getting around in snow, energy saving gas milage, almost zero emmissions, and best of all an affordable price.

No, it is not as luxurious as my Azera (I will always love you) or as big, and the ride isn't as smooth, but this morning, after it snowed again, I backed out of my driveway with no problems whatsoever! Yes, my precious little Subaru Forester, you made me love you...even if I didn't wanna do it! Let me introduce you to the world............................

Yes, most of the snow melted by this afternoon and life is indeed, good..................

Facebook and Twitter????????????

I have never been ashamed to admit this fact: when it comes to electronics of any kind, i.e., remote controls, video players, computers, cell phones, etc., I am somewhat challenged. For example: my first cell phone. I am not a telephone person; that is, I could live life perfectly well without one even though I love it when someone calls to talk to me, sometimes even a friendly salesman. (is that sick, or what?) Anyway, I do realize that phones are a necessary part of life from time to time. When I was promoted to Assistant Store Manager in 2000, I decided it was important that anyone at work, especially my boss, be able to contact me at any time in an emergency situation, regardless of where I might be. Thus the cell phone. It was a pretty little thing, (candy apple red) and seemed quite simple to operate. Like the dedicated-to-my-job person I am, I carried it with me everywhere, even making a call now and then. (I have over 4000 rollover minutes, if that tells you anything)

One day, Blaine, my store manager, asked me why I never answered my cell phone when he had tried to call me on several occasions. Of course i quickly answered that the phone had never rang, assuring him that it was always on my person and that I charged it faithfully. He asked to see it. I handed it to him; he looked it over; he got a silly looking grin on his face; he told me I had to turn it on; my face matched the candy apple red of that phone. What can I say? The damn things are wireless; some nano size little phone faerie is supposed to magically make it ring, right?

Ok, so this is basically the same experience I am having with Facebook and Twitter. I have managed to do just enough with each to be in danger of losing what little mind I have left. This baffles me because I have no problem with the programs I use on the computers at work on a daily basis. Therefore, for those who send me flowers, drinks, kisses, hugs, snowballs, invites, etc., etc., or who may be slightly interested in anything I might "twitter" about, you are SOL for a reply....I do try. I would tell you to read my mind for my responses, but I do have enough wits left about me to realize... that would require 'thinking' on my part. Apparently, I ain't good at that either. But........keep in mind.....I am lovable! And, I may just be the tool God gave you to learn patience.