A fitting tribute

Today I witnessed the outpouring of love that only a small community can give to one of its own. Kenai Police Officer John Patrick Watson was eulogized and remembered in a most fitting way.

Our high school’s theatre holds 900 people – the number of people far outweighed that, and the gymnasium held the overflow with a live video and audio feed.

Law enforcement personnel from all over the state, and even other states attended, as did the Head of Public Safety for the state and the Lt. Governor, himself a native of the Kenai Peninsula. Amid the sea of blue uniforms were those in brown, representatives from the Fish and Wildlife Protection side of our law enforcement.

Processional bagpipes were played as the family was escorted in by John’s brothers in blue. Two Alaska State Troopers stood at attention at either end of John’s casket as the Alaska State Trooper/Anchorage Police Department Color Guard posted the colors.

There were 14 chairs stage right – 13 Kenai police officers filed in, leaving the head chair vacant in John’s honor.

Music selections left no doubt as to the love Kathy holds for her husband, or to the love her husband had for his Lord. Many tears were shed as Aaron Neville sang “I Bid You Goodnight” and Vince Gill sang “Go Rest High On That Mountain.”

The pastors from John’s church read scripture and shared their thoughts on both John’s life here on earth, his tragic passing, and his glory with our Lord. John’s own, passage highlighted, scripture underlined, book marked Bible was used by the pastor.

The Kenai Police Chief, gave a eulogy as well, which was thought provoking and heartfelt with emotion.

There was a slide show, highlighting John’s childhood, his life on the force, and his love of family, and motorcycling. There was a twenty-one gun salute (John was also a decorated service veteran) and taps played by the funeral director. (side note: our funeral director plays taps for every veteran’s funeral, and also at Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day presentations. Sometimes he is joined by his son who plays the echo hauntingly.)

As I close, I’d like to share the following poem that is printed on John’s memorial program. The author is Tom Guthery.

To the Wives of Cops

You watch him walk out the door,
Something he’s done so many times before,
Yet each time you give a little start,
Feeling the tremor run through your heart.

Lord, what a man, and he belongs to you.
Your love is real, most of all it’s true.
The father of your children, the reason you live,
Yet he works a job for which his life he’d give.

You note the badge upon his chest,
Knowing “your” cop always gives his best.
He smiles, God what a smile, it sets a fire,
Withers your soul, memories of deep loving desire.

“I’ll be home at six, supper sounds great,”
Inside you know maybe six, maybe eight,
Maybe not at all, as the city takes its toll.
Answering his call, both the exciting and the droll.

What inner faith makes a good cop’s wife,
How does she deal with all the tensions and strife?
How can she raise the children, change a date,
Smile when the meal is ruined, because again he’s late?

Lord, forgive him who wears the badge, he’s often remiss,
To say, “I love you, I care for you,” to more often kiss
The one who waits at home sometimes worried silly,
Wondering if he’s coming home or lying in some alley.

It’s true his job demands an awful lot,
There are calls to be answered and battles to be fought,
To help keep the streets safe for everyone,
He does it at all hours, sometimes with the setting/rising sun.

Help him sometimes, often, to remember her,
Who knows his love for her is certain, sure.
Help him to tell her each and every day,
“You’re the one who keeps me able to face the fray.”

“You are the one that makes it worthwhile,
It’s you that gives me reason to smile:
And it’s you I carry always in my heart,
No one else may ever have that part.”

What's my Name?

Is it Tommy or Sue . . . whooo-oooo, whooo-oooo, whooo-oooo . . . .

Tha Ladybug is asking for your help . . . she has a girl's name, but can't quite decide on a boy's name (possibly because her SO keeps placing thumbs down on her picks - hmm?) Anyway, she has a list on her site of some boys' names she likes and is open to suggestions. So, do this ole granny moose a favor and head on over there to give her your input . . . 'kay?

We sure dont' want the little dickens to go around with the moniker Buglet for her/his legal name, now do we? Nope, we do not. ;-))

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

So, we watched the NBC take on Celebrity Poker tonight - did any of you see it, also? Nah, the poker playing wasn't all that great or anything (West Wing actors were playing for charities) - but . . . .

did you notice the opening scene with the definitely Shag-like characters? I don't have any of the art, but have seen and read Kitty and Faith as they have purchased some of it - the work is so them, you know?

Anyway - having seen it before on their sites - well, it just jumped right out at me. I looked at hubby moose and said "SHAG!" and he looked at me and said "huh?" lol.

anyway - there you have it - name my new grandbaby and Shag with me, 'kay?

'Kay!

Sunday evening

Received a note from the Alaska HOG (Harley Owners Group) webmaster on my last entry. He has set up a memorial page for John Watson, and an article on the Kenai HOG Chapter main page if you would like to see them.

I have been by the funeral home several times in the past two days - hubby's shop is just past it and I am driving him to and from work. Each time I have passed there has been at least one, and more often two, police vehicle(s) in the parking lot. Taking four hour duty stints, area law enforcement officers are standing honor guard over John's body. They will be there until the funeral service Wednesday afternoon.

In addition, Governor Frank Murkowski has ordered state flags flown at half staff.

The funeral will be held at Kenai Central High School's auditorium, which is a 900 seat theatre. I imagine that it will be standing room only. Law enforcement representatives from around the state will attend, as will city and borough dignitaries and the Lt. Governor.

Area bikers will likely be there in force as well. Sadly, we won't be able to ride him out of town, due to snow and ice. He would have liked that, I'm sure. I imagine that we will have a big ride this spring or summer in his memory.

Again, thank you all for reading, for your notes. It helps getting it down on "paper".

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Why my grandkids can make me smile - ALL of the time:

Our phone rang this afternoon. 4 year old Miss Jessi had been our shopping companion today and for her toy she had chosen a play cell phone. All of the way home she whispered over and over (and I have no clue as to why she was whispering OR why she was saying what she was) The phone is just a toy . . . the phone is just a toy . . . the phone is just a toy . . . All the way to her house.

So, back to the phone call this afternoon. Daughter says Your granddaughter! What? What did she do? She wanted to watch her movie and I told her to wait awhile. So, she picked up her new phone and dialed some numbers and chatted a bit . . . . Yes???

Then she walked over to me and said You have to do what YOUR mother says! Yes??? She says you have to let me watch my movie now.

Oh, my good Lord. I was crying, because I was laughing. So I told daughter that she needed to let that baby watch her movie. Whereupon daughter replied She's watching her @#$%+_)*(&^%$#@ movie!

Well, all rightey then! They are so precious, are they not? And, not the least bit fresh or spoiled - really, they are not. This one is going to give her kindergarten teacher a run for her money next year, I'll tell ya.

Lessa, honey . . . THIS one you deserve. ;-))

Sad news

We were greeted this morning with news that a local police officer had been killed in the line of duty Christmas Day. This is a first for Kenai, from what the mayor says. That alone is shocking enough.

But, Officer John Watson was a buddy - a motorcycling buddy - a guy who wore his uniform proudly and who was a gentle giant. John was the kind of guy you would want on your side if you were in a battle of some sort. He always had a ready smile and was able to tame a situation from frenzied to normal.

He would pose for photos with kiddos (my grands included) and passed out sticker "real" police shields to them happily at 4th of July and other functions.

He answered the call of the State Troopers Christmas night - a call to help find a missing car - he found the car, and (details are sketchy) was shot shortly thereafter. The shooter was arrested after a long stand-off with Soldotna police, Alaska State Troopers and Kenai police officers.

John was an 18 year veteran with Kenai Police Department. He leaves behind a wife of just a few years.

I will miss him.

Merry Christmas

Hope that Santa brought you everything you wanted. Actually, what I really hope is that you all have loved ones near, a warm home, and the knowledge that the moosie cares.

Thanks to daughter for the test yesterday . . . isn't she a kick? Funny pictures, kiddo. Just remember . . . . heh

Looks like it may have been a glitch in my connection or somesuch, because today I can finally post the photo I was trying to show you all of our Monday morning surprise:

hubby sweeping off the cars around 8 a.m.
Yes, it is pretty dark still at 8 a.m.

view of spruce trees and houses
across the street after sunrise.

Aye-yup . . . we were greeted with a LOAD of snow. Twelve inches overnight . . . and more throughout the day. Hubby was late to work (good think he is his own boss, huh?) as was just about everyone in the area. The snow plows could barely keep up with the stuff. The city plow didn't make it down our street until midmorning. And, I have no clue where Monday's paper might have landed. We'll find it in the spring, I imagine.

But it makes for a lovely, White Christmas.

Well, hubby has just come back inside from using the snowblower on a neighbor's driveway - and we have two more movies to watch. So, I will take on out of here and bid you all goodnight.

Now we begin to count down to a new year. 2004! Which brings up a question as I leave you. How do you pronounce our years? I say Two Thousand Four. A local radio newsguy says Twenty-oh-four. {shiver} What say you all?

Test

This is a test of the emergancy picture posting station. This is only a test.

And now I must run before Moosie see's that I've posted HER picture on the site. HAHHAHAHAHA (this is her opening the gift my husband got for her. hee!)

And Gramma - give it another try. If it doesn't work, it's a problem with your connecting hitching as it worked for me no problem. *smile*

~Dakid.

PS and just to be fair...

hehehehehehe. What, you thought I'd post a picture of ME? puhLEASE.

Tuesday - closing in on Wednesday

Several tries yesterday at posting some pictures of our early morning surprise - to no avail. Could not get MT to accept my photos. Sigh! So, daughter came up with an option that I am still working with and learning. I will post an address when I am a bit more satisfied with my efforts. Thanks, Lessa.

And, yes, Dan. Thanks for pointing out that reminder. pfffft. ;-)) heh

Had to take the Saturn in today - heater blower fan needed replaced. During the coldest day a couple of weeks ago it just quit - started back up the following day and then came and went as it pleased. Consensus was that there was a bad spot in the motor and whenever I hit a bumpy road it jiggled it enough to get it to working again. So - a new motor.

Spent almost 4 hours there waiting for it to be done - they had been slammed with work, and even though they were expecting me . . . well.

In a way I was glad it took so long - if I had been a bit earlier on the road I might have been involved in a serious accident. Instead, I was just caught up in the traffic jam. The troopers had everyone (eventually) in the nearly 2 mile long jam turn around and go back into Soldotna to take the only other alternate route - Kalifornsky Beach Road.

I began to worry about the Ladybug as I knew she'd had an appt. with her OB. My mommie antenna were dancing, fearing the worst, of course. So I called her phone number just about every ten minutes on my way home. She called me later and reassured me that she was not involved in the first accident, was actually behind me somewhere - and, sadly had been turned back to Soldotna from Kalifornsky Beach Rd. because of an accident there. So, there was an accident before me and one behind me.

The roads were terrible - people were driving too fast for conditions - there was a lot of extra shopping traffic. Sigh! We have not heard any details yet, but rumors hold that there was at least one fatality in the first accident. And, 6 degrees of separation-like (small townitis at work) we know at least 2 of the people involved. That is, we know people who know them.

I am "on vacation" this week. And, it is telling in my step count. I forced myself to get onto the treadmill tonight in order to get in some steps - sitting around an auto repair shop does NOT garner many steps.

Oh - and I get to do that again tomorrow morning. As I drove tonight to pick up hubby from work, the SERVICE senosr light and the SECURITY sensor light came on. Called the shop and they said to bring it in tomorrow. Now I am wondering if this is all electrical and if the motor really needed to be replaced. At least it is all warranty work so far.

So - that's it from here. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. May you have family near and loved ones in your heart.

Christmas Sunday

Well, that's done. It's out of the way, so I won't have to do that again. What, you might be asking, in the world is the moose talking about this time?

Well, you see . . . at least ONCE each winter I must, simply must, fall down in the ice or snow. Today was my day - and, so I don't need to do it again this winter. Ta-dah!

Hubby and I go out for breakfast each Saturday and Sunday. It's a routine we have followed for several years. On Sundays, I generally wear my black birks with my dress or Sunday go to meeting slacks - instead of my winter/snowmachine boots that I would wear with jeans and such. Today was such a day - good looks overcame good sense. I wore the birks.

Fine going in, but coming out . . . well, have you ever seen a moose take a tumble in what seems like slooooooooooowwwwwwww motion? Up one minute and down the next. Newspaper and purse went one way - car keys went the other way - and I landed on my left arm. Hubby says stay still, stay still a minute. I say something inane like but my butt is getting cold - and wet here in the snow. And, so he helps me up.

Midway through Sunday School Bible study my left arm began to hurt and I had to take some excedrin. Fortunately I had two with me.

Nope - pretty sure there is not a break. I think it is soft tissue damage - muscle tear perhaps. Certain movements are more painful than other movements. I'll see how it feels in the morning - whether or not I go in to see the doctor about it. Not sure there is much they could do for it other than to immobilize perhaps. So, we will see.

I'm tuff. It's not broken. Carry on, moosie, carry on. ;-) heh.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Daughter #1 and her family came down this evening to share dinner and Christmas goodies with us. What fun. Esp. the gift we got for SIL. I hope that daughter posts the picture - in which case I will either point you there or steal it and post it here. ;-)) Yes, we are ornery like that.

It's amazing how much noise three youngsters can generate in our small house. Amazing - and so thrilling to my heart. We love to hear them enjoy themselves.

Tomorrow we get to do it again - with daughter #2 and family. yay!

'night, all

Saturday morning

Good morning, friends.

Happy Chanukah to those of you who celebrate. May your oil ever burn.

Looks like we are in the countdown. . . to Christmas and also the darkest night. Yup, this is the time of the year that Alaskans look forward to with glee - soon, the nights will grow shorter and the days will grow longer. Those who are affected by SAD will be able to see their way out of the tunnel in which they live. And, those not affected by that will still seek the sun and greet it hungrily. We're just like that.

It is easy to understand those feelings when you think of the average Alaskan's schedule. Children up and ready for school which starts (depending on age and grade level) anywhwere from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. This means children catch the bus or you drive them or they walk to school in the dark. Adults then go on to work - still in the dark.

Unless people take an outside-of-the-office lunch break, the day is spent indoors. At our family shop there are no windows at the work stations - the printing presses are in a solid-walled room. The type-setting computers likewise. Only the front office has a window, but we are seldom in that part of the building. And, my office at the crisis center has a window that looks out onto a sheltered area which is on the opposite side of the building from the winter sun.

After a day's work, adults drive home - in the dark. There are a couple of months that many adults just never get to see the sun except on weekends.

Of course, in Barrow, the sun doesn't even rise above the horizon for several months. It set Nov. 18th and won't rise again until January 23rd. Glad I don't live in Barrow.

You might understand, therefore, why some Alaskans become snow birds, traveling to the lower 48 ("Outside" as it is known) with the first hint of color on the birches, not to return until the snow is melted in the spring. Those who cannot travel the entire winter tend to try for a week or two in Hawaii or the Caribbean, or Mexico - someplace warm and sunny.

It also explains why Alaskans seem tired and/or cranky during the winter months - and, on the other hand, are always on the go during summer months.

Then again, stories like the Ladybug's might also answer the question as to why this Nana Moose is still tired today. ;-) The only thing she didn't mention was the time - we didn't all get home and into our warm beds until about 3:00 a.m. And, up again at 6:30 a.m. to start the day. I didn't sit down or stand still for longer than a few minutes all of that day because I knew I would fall asleep.

Would I do it over again? In a heartbeat.

So - I will say Happy Saturday to you all and head out of here to finish wrapping presents and making the house presentable.

progressive thoughts

Wish I had had the presence of mind to take photos as it happened - but how was I to know it was going to happen this way? Sigh.

The house across the street from us has been progressing daily in its Christmas lights display. And, it just hit me tonight that it has happened greadually until it is quite . . . erm . . . festive - yes, that's it - festive. (or tacky - depends on your point of view, I guess)

It started out innocently enough - lights around the living room and two bedroom windows, and a swag on the door. Ahhhh. Then a flashing sleigh and reindeer appeared beneath one of the windows. Ohhh-kaaaay, not too bad.

And, then tonight! I look outside and my eyes have been burnt! The light! Oh, no, the light!! Okay, it's not quite that bad - but almost. Now there are icicle lights dripping from the eaves, lights in the shrubs, and traveling blinkers around the garage door and the front door. Can't wait to see what happens tomorrow night. ;-)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I feel like scrooge next to them, you see. I haven't decorated - haven't put up the tree - haven't sent Christmas cards - haven't . . . . oh, but I HAVE wrapped a few presents. I'd better get busy.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Want to do something nice for a third grade class? A friend of mine sent me a note telling of a class in Cincinnati, Ohio that is collecting postcards from around the United States. I have already written out mine so that they can have one from Alaska.

If you are interested in sending one from your state, drop me a note and I will give you the information. Okay? They are asking for them to be postmarked from the 19th onward.

And, with that I am going to close this off. I work one more day and then I am off for 10. We are having three Christmases - sort of. One daughter and family will come Sunday. The other will come Monday. My sister and niece will come Christmas Day. Too much fun.

wrinkled knees

You may have heard of the Camel with Wrinkled Knees or the poetry of Barbara Juster, Words with Wrinkled Knees.

But grandson, Timothy, can go you one better - his Nana has a wrinkled butt. ;-)) Bless his dear little five-year-old heart. How I do love him for his honesty and simplicity.

Dressing after swimming yesterday afternoon, he mentioned this wonderful fact, "Nana, you have a wrinkled butt." Mama was a bit embarrassed, but Nana laughed unashamedly.

It's true, I'm afraid. Nana has a wrinkled butt. It comes from losing weight - the fat cells are shrinking (too bad they never go away), and in their place, the skin is wrinkling a bit. I know that in time, the skin will shrink, too, but in the meantime . . . well, Nana has a wrinkled butt.

She also has a great sense of humor - and a great love for her grandbabies and their honesty.

Have a wonderful Sunday, everyone.

Low-life twit award winning company

Low-life twit award goes to this company. ARGH!

The phone rang at 5:20 this morning. It rang 4 times before I could get from one end of the house to the other to grab it - and by that time it was an open line. Back to bed.

The phone rang at 5:25 this morning. It rang 4 times before I could get from one end of the house to the other to grab it - and by that time it was an open line. GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

I sat in my chair cradling the phone waiting . . . waiting . . . waiting.

The phone rang at 5:30 this morning. Hello . . . hello . . . . HELLO! Young lady talking to me - almost impossible to hear her as there is such a clamor of talkers behind her.

Do you have any idea what time it is? I ask sweetly. Erm, well, no, I just got to work. she says.

Well, you have been busy as this is the THIRD time you have called me - the first two times you hung up before I could get there. No, this is only the second time I have called you.

May I speak to your supervisor please?

What?

May I speak with your supervisor, please!

Please hold - I will see if he is busy - I don't want you to think I am hanging up on you.

irritating elevator music in my ear . . . .

Hello?

May I have your name?

(he even spelled it out for me)

What is the name of this company?

Low-life twit award winning company in Quebec.

Well, (enter twit's name here) you have called me THREE times this morning - getting me out of bed twice to hang ups . . .

No, we have only called once.

Funny, your girl just told me she had only called me twice!

erm . . . stutter . . . stammer

do you have ANY idea what time it is?

no . . . .

It is FIVE-thirty a.m.! Do you have ANY idea where you are calling?

Yes - Arkansas!

ARGH!!! NO!!!!
AK stands for ALASKA! It is 5:30 a.m. You have disturbed my rest - I am not a happy camper . . . .

(buzzzzzzzzzz)

the twit hung up on me.

I googled the to see that this self same Low-life twit award winning company is a SCAM operation (well, duh, moosie, you already had that one figured out.)

I called their 800 number and got a recording asking me to leave my name and number . . . gah! No, I didn't, but I did leave a "nice" message about their sales staff.

And then I did something I should have done when it first came available . . . I signed up for the National Do Not Call Registry. Sure hope they take care of Quebec, also.

Last word from a very tired, sleep deprived moose tonight . . . .

beware calls from such Low-life twit award winning companies. You'll sleep better.

And, so will I.

Night all

Praise worthy

You may remember this entry telling of my friends who underwent kidney transplant surgeries . . . one to give and one to receive. Tonight was a wonderful night.

I almost didn't go to Bible study and prayer service tonight. I had a headache that wouldn't quit and was not feeling quite up to snuff. At the last minute I decided to go on over. I am so glad that I did.

Just after opening prayer pastor began his study. Suddenly he looked up and said "Brother! It's good to see you!" and with that, my friends slipped into the pew next to me. I hugged the wife (we are limiting hugs to the recipient for awhile in order to lessen the chance of giving him a nasty bug) and she and I cried together. It has been a long six weeks.

They arrived in Anchorage last night - saw his kidney doctor there this morning and drove straight down to Kenai in order to surprise us all. And, surprise us, they did. We did not expect to see them until Sunday.

Our Lord is a wonderful God. He has touched two souls and used them both in a great way.

'night, friends

1st grade program

Tonight it was Dezi's turn to shine:

The arrow is pointing to him. I was too far away (900 seat auditorium) and the room was too dark to get a much better picture.

He was having a wonderful time - we were very proud of him. His self control was evident when another boy stepped on his foot getting onto the risers. He gave one yelp and then stood there quietly. Nicely done, Dez.

This program actually featured first and second graders. One of the cutest was the older classes who came out and stepped onto the risers all facing to our left. Each wore a hat that was shaped and colored like a zebra. And they sang a little song saying the Santa was using zebras this year.

Then, suddenly they all turned to face our right - and ta-dah! the zebra heads were replaced with red nosed reindeer heads and they sang Rudolph. It was very cute.

The music teacher at that school has won several awards and just does a marvelous job with these little guys. She even gets the kinders playing instruments during their time with her. She's very hands-on and the kids love her.

But, this gramma is tired - too much excitement with back to back programs like that. So, I am off to dreamland.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Mele Kalikimaka

Sure hope I spelled that correctly. I am copying it from the program from granddaughter's performance tonight. Five fourth grade classes put on their Christmas program in the school gym. It was called Meterologist Mayhem and featured songs and dances with localized flavor.

One class did a square dance to Christmastime in Texas while another did a black hat and cane line dance to White Christmas.

Granddaughter's class were led in a hula by one of their classmates (who looks to be from the islands) to the tune Mele Kalikimaka. Here's our own little island gal:

I think Paw-Paw and Gramma are going to have to bring her back a real taste of the islands in May. Don't you think? ;-)) They did a very nice job. The school's music teacher always gets such a great performance out of these kids. He loves his work - loves music - loves to sing it and to teach it. Couldn't ask for better, to my mind.

And, now I am going to sway my way to bed. 'Night all. Mele Kalikimaka . . .

true confessions

Spent some time at the local hospital yesterday - long story for someone else to tell, as it is not my story. Anyway . . . you know how people do the strangest things when they are highly stressed - or upset - or the like?

Such a thing happened to me yesterday. It was terrible - well, okay, not terrible. It was funny - well, okay, not funny. It was me . . . yup, it was me all right.

I was visiting someone on the OB section of the hospital - we have a very small hospital here, btw. The OB section is just 4 or 5 rooms, set off the rest of the one-floor hospital.

Anyway - there we all were, when a lady two doors away began to scream. No, not grunt or moan - scream. High pitched screams. We were betting it was a teenager going through her first birth, but found out later it was an older than that person giving birth for the third time.

Oh - I should probably say that in our hospital the labor room is the birthing room is the room where the new mama will stay for the duration.

Suddenly I got the giggles - they bubbled up and threatened to spill over into guffaws. I had to clamp both hands over my mouth to keep anyone outside of the room I was in from hearing me.

It was contagious. Soon the other two people in the room were giggling also. But I think they were laughing more at me . . . Look! she's turning purple! I was even offered a pillow to smother (me) my laughter. Nothing worked until the final scream followed by a little one's very angry cry.

I wiped the tears from my eyes, recovered my breath, and said I'm a terrible person, aren't I? Actually I guess I am just normal - it had to be done - and I was the one chosen to be normal for the moment.

At least it didn't last long.

Saturday musi(c)ngs

Good Saturday morning, all

It is frosty again in Kenai. Our subzero temps had finally left us and we had a couple of days of above zero weather. Ahhhh, surprising what 20-30 degrees difference will do for the soul. Alas, we are back to the below zero temps.

This is earlier than usual. We expect at least one week of subzero temps during January or February. December is a no-no. But, we take it as we get it. It's either that or become a snow-bird and fly away when the temps dip below 40 degrees. LOL - a lot of people do that.

We haven't had any more snow, but what is there isn't going anywhere for awhile. It makes driving visibility much better. The moose stand out against the snow on these dark roads. We still have to be careful, but it is easier to spot them right now. See - a good thing about snow.

I am taking a page from Jen's book and have popped in a Christmas cd. This is no ordinary one, though. I have all four of the Merry Christmas from Alaska cds. Ordered the 5th one last night.

Kurt Riemann does the synthesizer work. The musicians are all from Alaska and include a variety of vocal styles and musical styles. One of the cuts (either on this one or #3 - I haven't heard all the way through this one yet) has the Riemann's unborn baby's heartbeat woven through the accompaniment. It is very moving. But, then again, I AM a gramma.

Well, you all stay warm. And, those of you back east who are slogging through heavy, wet snow . . . be careful out there.

a gentle caress

A massage therapist is going to give 15 minute massages to the staff at one of our offices. As volunteer coordinator for the agency, things like this come across my desk. I have to track the stats, you see.

Along with the note came her brochure. I sat reading it during a lull time this afternoon. One of the statements caught my eye and has been niggling at me all day - and on into this late (for me) night.

(paraphrased) massage can ease the longing for the loving caress you are missing.

no, that is not quite how it was worded - drat, the brochure is on my desk at work. But, the meaning of what I have typed here is what I heard in my heart.

I used to get massages by my sister-friend's twin sister. Then she had a heart attack and can no longer do the intense deep muscle massages. I have had a hot stone massage by another therapist. They were all wonderful.

And, they all caused me to cry at times, to sigh at times, to moan in delight (step back from the gutter m'friends) and to ache for more. Each massage filled a need that I have - the need to feel warmth from another human - the need to feel a caressing touch - the need to feel love - the need to feel.

Other than my grandchildren who love me dreadfully, and whose hugs strengthen and delight me . . . other than my daughter's "love you, mama" which thrills my mother's soul . . . other than the hugs from my friends at church . . . I miss being held and loved and caressed as if I mattered. I know, I have much and I should not complain.

we have had nearly 35 years together. the first 20 had many hugs. I will cherish those.

I think I need a massage - I feel the need for a good cry in a safe place.

night, friends.

Short (?) entry

Because I have spent so much time surfing tonight, this will be a short entry. Okay? Ah, I knew you wouldn't mind. ;-))

Through a link from batgrl's page, I visited Jenn's page. Why don't you take a tour through her page and then go one step further to sponsor her in the Susan G. Komen 3 day walk for breast cancer? That would be just too cool.

I am acquanited with the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. A motorcycling friend from Eagle River has participated several times in the Pony Express Tour for Breast Cancer Research, through which all funds raised were contributed to the SGKF. I have supported each of her rides but one - and in that one, well, I participated.

Yup - raised $2400 for the SGKF, flew to Montana (didn't have enough time to ride) borrowed a brand new off the showroom floor Kawasaki motorcycle in Billings, rode it to Helena, met up with the tour, and headed off for Red Lodge.

Didn't make it there - at least not on that bike. Nope, went down in some construction gravel. Rolled right back up and tried to get that bike going again - no go. I had crushed the gear shifter and the kickstand and cracked the windshield and scratched the body paint. My own body was shaken but not stirred.

The tour's truck came along after a bit of a wait and the staff offloaded a BMW 1200 cruiser, which I had not really wanted to ride because it is much too tall for my 5'4". Not one to say die, though, I climbed aboard and shot out to catch up with the rest of the team. We rode into Red Lodge together. Then they rode on with the BMW stored back in the truck.

I was left there with a broken motorcycle, several hundred miles away from Billings, and no way to get there. Or so I thought.

Long story short (too late) the parents of the motel manager loaded up the bike into the back of their pickup truck, squeezed me into the front with them and drove me to Billings. I gave them all of the money that the PET staff had collected for my return (sweet people) for their gas and kindness. The man was beside himself because he said now he could buy a pair of boots that he needed! (see how God works in even the tiniest details?)

The owner of the shop from which I borrowed the bike was ever so sweet to me. He only charged me for the damage - laughed with and at me - and was so very good natured about it. You ever need a bike or some such machine . . . you visit Jack Reiter in Billings Montana. He'll take good care of you.

Well, so much for a short note - lol

The point of all of this is that I can affirm that the Susan G. Komen Foundation is a worthy cause. Jenn is a worthy person to support. Alaska has supported its efforts through the PET alone by raising over $10,000 between myself and my friend. (did I mention, btw, that she is 76 years old - rides the AlCan each summer - on her own machine - while her hubby is sometimes hard pressed to keep up with her?)

Now, go on over there and help Jenn meet and then beat her goal, okay?

okay - finis

a really nice thing

happened today . . .

Remember the tree that was decorated in purple? We received a call yesterday that it had not been sold at the auction, and that the company that paid for the tree and the decorations wanted to donate it to the shelter. It was a bit of a comedy getting it to us, but that was accomplished with only the topper gone missing.

Today we received another call - this time from Agrium, the company that paid for the tree and the decorations, to let us know that our tree had won 2nd place in the popular vote contest. Second prize came with a $500 advertising budget at the local radio station. Agrium donated it to our agency.

Now, that is truly a nice thing. The director is making plans on how best to utilize that nice budget. First place, btw, received $1500 worth of advertising. We don't have a radio advertising budget - we do spend some money on newspaper ads with a preventive message. So, it will be nice to convert some of those print ads into radio ads.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Ladybug had a rough start today - wander over and give her a hug, will you? She is doing better tonight. But hugs are always nice.

That's about it for me tonight - hope that you all have a wonderful Wednesday.

He's outta there . . .

Well, that went just about as expected, didn't it? Talking about the latest in the Average Joe series, of course. Kicking Zach "off the island" has been a long time coming, but I was surprised to see one of the cuties being booted, also. I noted that they did not let us hear all of the remarks from the pool house, mainly Zach's. There had to have been a lot more since she walked into her room with so many tapes.

Ah, well. Now to see who wins the girl's heart - the funny, lovable guy, or the looks. Not that I think Adam is bad looking. He's just a lot different, I think, than she is used to being around.

hmmmm - see how easy it is to be judgmental? Shame on the moose!

On another note - we are having a cold snap tonight. The weather report at 10 said Kenai was sitting at -18 degrees. Brr. The cars are plugged in to keep their little engines warm. That way they will/should/may start easily in the morning.

This should also slow down the snow for a bit. We have been getting new snow every night for the last little while. And, while I know that makes Lisa jealous, I am not so much enamoured of the snow. It keeps me from enjoying some of my favorite pasttimes - motorcycling, watching the kiddos play their sports, etc. I know that there are lots of things I could do in the snow, but, well, I'd rather be warm. ;-))

Have a great Tuesday, everyone.