A Tribute to Katie

On Tuesday I had the honor and privilege of conducting the memorial service for Susy Dirr.  After battling cystic fibrosis for 31 years, she finally succumbed to the disease after putting up an heroic battle, even undergoing two lung transplants.  Her bravery and courage were applauded at the service.  I want to pay tribute to Katie, her big sister (the blond in the picture.)  Katie stood in the background, as in the picture, and did what was needed to help her family and Susy.  For example, when Susy was too weak to walk to the beach, Katie carried her on her back.  Katie is a wonderfully talented and beautiful young woman.

My family is blessed with good health, wonderful children, of the two legged and four legged variety.  I pray we will all cherish each moment we have and never take LIFE for granted.

The Book

My Birthday Book

My daughter, Marian, made me a book of my Sheltie-Mom blog and gave it to me for my birthday. She is a graphic artist, so the book really looks professional. It contains all my entries for 2007. I am taking orders for copies! I am now a published author!

Monthly Bath Day

Today was dreaded bath day again!  The boys can't understand why they have to go through this ritual once a month?  After enduring so much humiliation (after all, what pup looks good looking like a wet rat!),  the boys get a treat/bone to make up for what they have suffered.  Roy is really going at it!  Showing such enthusiasm is beneath Andy, but he finally gets with it when his picture is not being taken.

Christmas Morning

We had a joyous Christmas morning. 

The boys: Finny (our granddog), Andy and Roy woke up first and had a short walk.  Then we awakened the rest of the family and gathered around the fireplace to open stockings. The boys opened their stockings first with lots of treats and goodies.  Then we adults opened ours and went on to our presents from Santa.  The boys watched patiently hoping that they would get some more goodies from our presents.  We had a wonderful Christmas morning that went on into the afternoon.  Then we had a huge Christmas breakfast and all fell asleep around the fire.  I hope all of you who read my blog had a very Merry Christmas too!

Our "Charlie Brown" Christmas Tree

Merry Christmas!

Our tree is all decorated and I am afraid we couldn't hide its many flaws even with a poinsettia trying to cover up the big hole in the center.  But, alas, it has much personality!

Our "

Helping Dad trim the tree.

Dad is getting lots of help with the tree......

Getting our Christmas Tree

For years when our children were little we grew our own Christmas trees.  After a while the trees all got too big or we had already cut them.  This year, we found a real "Charlie Brown" white pine in our yard to decorate.  It is crooked and slightly spindly, but it is ours.  the boys helped pick it out and then helped Dad trim it for the stand.

Apartment in New York City

Three fluffs floofing on the floof chair with Aunt Floof!