Time Passages

So here we are at the end of another year. Good thing I never got used to writing 2008.

I suppose I could get all deep and philosophical about wisdom earned or squandered, and the passing of time, but instead? This is what I've got:

I've been noticing that people are holding doors for me more now than they did this time last year. Younger people, I mean. Doing their good deed for the day.

And sometimes now, I'll look at somebody I don't know and think oh they're probably about my age, only to find that they're actually somewhere in their thirties. And the ones I look at and think they're somewhat...elderly...are actually about my age.

There's your time passages, right there.

Ah, well. Age is only a number, right? Happy New Year anyway!

That You May Know the Warmth of Love

Having always been a much better writer than speaker, I've found many times in my life that there are things I'd like to be able to SAY, but have to write instead. When I talk about things that are emotional, well, I just get ugly. My face screws up, my voice goes away, I get all soupy and snotty and sappy, and...trust me. It's just not a good thing. So this year, you get to watch John Denver sing a song that expresses my Christmas hopes and prayers much better than I ever could.

For my children, who light up my life and take my breath away; for Randy, whom I love more than anything; for the family of my heart - Paula and Ben, Denise and all of hers; for my brother, my sisters-in-law, my nieces, nephews, and the awesome husbands and wives they have brought into our family; for the children whom I am blessed to have in my life: Jackson; Jack & Lola; Sam, Colin & Cody; Grace & Luke; Will & Pierson; Parker, Angie & Emily: here are the words of John Denver that are also my Christmas wish for each of you:

A Saviour-King was born that day,
A baby, just like you.
And as the Magi came with gifts,
I come with my wish, too.

That peace on earth fills up your time.
That brotherhood surrounds you.
That you may know the warmth of love,
And wrap it all around you.

Merry Christmas. I love you all.



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Have Your sELF a Merry Little Christmas!

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Hall of Fame!

Randy and I just got back from snowy Denver, where Randy was inducted into the Quiznos Hall of Fame as the 2008 Franchisee of the Year! I'm SO proud of him.



With us in the picture is Casey Lindsey, our Operating Partner in Lubbock.

Just a Dog

In my neighborhood, there is a backyard where a dog lives. This dog is chained to a tree seemingly at all hours of the day and night. I can only think of a time or two since these people moved to this house when I haven't seen the dog in the yard. When the tropical storm that had been Hurricane Ike passed through town? Even then, this dog was in that yard.

This yard is on the normal path that Sammie and I take every morning. Sweet Doggie (as I have come to call her) doesn't bark much, but she keeps a close eye on us as we walk by every morning, and it gets ever harder for me to just keep on going. My neighbor, Judy, used to take Sweet Doggie a treat every morning as she walked her two dogs. She bought a new collar and put it on S.D. once when she felt like her collar was too tight. The next morning, the old collar was back on, and the new one, cut into pieces, was on the curb when Judy walked by.

Judy has called Animal Control about this dog. I have called Animal Control. I believe other people have called also. Did you know that in the state of Texas, the only ordinance regarding dogs being tethered is this:

821.077. UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOG. (a) An owner may
not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that
unreasonably limits the dog's movement:
(1) between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.;
(2) within 500 feet of the premises of a school; or
(3) in the case of extreme weather conditions,
including conditions in which:
(A) the actual or effective outdoor temperature
is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit;
(B) a heat advisory has been issued by a local or
state authority or jurisdiction; or
(C) a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado
warning has been issued for the jurisdiction by the National
Weather Service.

But unless a member of law enforcement actually sees a dog being restrained in violation of any of these conditions, nothing can be done to enforce it. Nothing. So, what do we do? Call Animal Control every morning? It was 25 degrees here this morning.

A month or so ago, I saw a city truck at the house, and the next morning there was a large "NO TRESPASSING" sign posted on a tree next to the street. It might as well have said Screw you for caring.

Judy doesn't walk her pups down that street anymore. Sammie and I don't go that way much anymore, either.

I look at all the ways our pets have contributed to and enhanced our lives, and I cannot imagine life without them. It's been more than a year, and still, I can hardly stand to talk about Cinnamon.

Honestly? I never thought I could love another dog the way I loved Cinnamon. We are approaching the first anniversary of Sammie coming into our family, and now it seems as if she's been with us forever. She has wiggled her goofy little way into my heart, and the thought of not having her with us is inconceivable. Sammie is NOT just a dog. She is a member of our family.

Now, I know that my family is perhaps more sappy about our pets than many people, but jeez louise...why have a dog if all you're going to do is chain it to a tree and forget about it?? Sweet Doggie - and every dog - ought to have a chance to become as much a part of some family as Sammie - our very own Pound Puppy - has become.

Now It's South Beach or Bust, Baby!!

I wish I could link to Amanda's Rammer Jammer Facebook video from the Iron Bowl on Saturday. She and Randy had just a terrific time at the game!!

But, instead,here's a YouTube video. Try to ignore all the comments left by idiots. Yes, it's rather...ummm...crude, perhaps? But ding-dang, y'all! They earned the right to sing it. Six times!

Oh, Bama - this makes up for 1972. I didn't hardly ever get over that. Until now. All is forgiven.