McKain Christmas Party

Saturday we went to Bartlesville to the McKain Christmas party. Everyone but 2 nephews were able to come one was out of state and one is expecting a new baby SOON)and we had a great time.

It was so great to get to see everyone and catch up on what's going on in everyone's lives!

Wrestlemania!

After the McKain Christmas Party we stopped by Bryan and Noel's on the way home.

Jenna had babysat Roxie for us all day and she did a great job!

For many years Don has shared his wrestling expertise with Trevor and schooled him with his fancy moves. Age has taken it's toll and this wrestling match didn't quite turn out the way the old man expected. Trevor got the best of his Uncle Don and the Uncle was calling UNCLE!

Oh, the honesty of children . . . .

This weekend I got to spend the weekend with my nephew and nieces in Winfield. We always have such a great time together and this weekend was no different. They are such wonderful kids and I am proud of them in every way.

Unfortunately Don was not with us because he is spending a few days with his dad, helping him get some things done around his house. Saturday evening we decided to drive to Ponca City to eat so the kids and Don could see each other and enjoy an hour or so visiting. So, we all loaded in our "new" 1990 Buick. A few minutes into the drive Jenna asked how she was supposed to roll down the window. You see, this car has CRANK windows - something that 6-year-old Jenna has never seen before. Oh, the wonder of such a thing. She had all kinds of interesting questions and comments about how these windows work. So I suggested that when she went to school on Monday she could tell her friends about these windows. She politely said that she did not want to tell anyone. Well, this, of course, led Paige, Trevor, & I to taunt her about being embarrassed about Aunt Neta's car. With all the seriousness of a politition she announces that she is NOT embarrassed. She states that she loves Aunt Neta's car, cause it is an "old-fashion" car - she just doesn't want to tell anyone so it can be our secret! How funny! We all had a good laugh while she continued to proclaim that she LOVED Aunt Neta's old fashioned car!

I just love the honesty - and loving consideration that comes from this wonderful child!

I'm Grateful and Honored!

A few weeks ago one of my professors pulled me to the side and told me she was recommending me for a paid liaison position with WSU and she gave me an application to fill out and hand in to the Urban Teacher Preparation Program Liaison leader.

Today I met with that leader and was asked to join the team. I am so excited. There seems to be about 10 WSU Education Majors on the team. We sign up to attend H.S. FEA (Future Educators Association) meetings and work as a liaison between the school and WSU. We also work as mentors to the FEA members. The maximum 77 hours per year work limit is not a lot of hours but I feel like this is an incredible opportunity and a huge blessing!

Good Friends, Good Food, Good Neighborhood!

Several weeks ago we received an invitation to a neighborhood potluck dinner. There are 3 ladies in our neighborhood who took the time to plan, invite neighbors, and rent the North Park Villa for a potluck dinner so we could all get to know each other a little better. Kathy admitted last night that they were really not even sure that anyone would come - How wrong they were! The ladies invited everyone in an area 2 blocks long & 4 different streets. I counted how many people were there several different times and would estimate that about 50-60 people came. There was more food than we could possibly eat and everyone was mingling around meeting each other. We met several families we did not know yet and everyone there is looking forward to the fall dinner we are having in a few months. WHAT A GREAT IDEA!

We feel so blessed that God lead us to this neighborhood. It is about as close to small town living as one can get in the city.

Riverside Rocks!

Our Vacation Pictures

Last week Don and I were blessed with a wonderful, relaxing, FREE vacation! We got to stay at the Richardson Resort in Winfield. Our pets were welcome and they even had other dogs, puppies, and a cat to play with.

Roxie especially loved the pool. It seems that Roxie, our Golden Retriever (well known for their water skills) isn't really that keen on swimming - but she sure does love to ride around on a floatie! If we tried to go swimming without her she would cry and cry at the ladder. Also, one of the resident dogs (Smore) loved to bring her ball to the pool, drop it in the pool in hopes that you would throw it for her, and walk around the edge of the pool making sure you knew where the ball was at all times. Roxie loved to watch Smore and her antics.

Roxie also enjoyed playing with the 10 six week old puppies at the resort. She wasn't sure what to think of them but did like "herding" them for us when we got them out to play.

Don got to go fishing almost everyday and he caught quite a few big bass. He invited Tony Hemmen one day, his brother Troy another day, and his friend Brent yet another day. A good time seemed to be had by all the fishermen.

We also had a great time when mom and dad invited us to dinner. They only live 25 miles away. We had a great dinner and an even better time visiting with them. It was really nice to just sit and visit for an evening.

One day we drove to Ark City to Graves Drug Store because Kim told us they have an old fashioned style soda fountain. Don and I shared a Brown Cow (for all you young whipersnappers who don't know what that is - rootbeer, chocolate syrup, vanilla ice cream float with whipped cream and a cherry) - DELISH! We even got to sit at the bar in the soda fountain with our 2 spoons and 2 straws sharing our treat.

WHAT A GREAT VACATION!

PEACHES, PEACHES, AND MORE PEACHES. YUM!

Last Friday we took our annual trip to Porter, OK to buy Peaches at the Livesay Orchard. As usual the peaches are so delicious we wound up eating most of them. Every single day, all day, we are enjoying these wonderful juicy peaches. Yesterday I noticed some getting bad spots and froze 4 quarts for later.

We had a wonderful trip to Porter this year. Don called his sister, who lives near Tulsa, and she and her husband met us for lunch. It was great catching up and spending some time with them.

Our camera quit us and we bought a $10 digital camera while in Tulsa. People, it is true, you DO get what you pay for. Below are the pictures we got. But just keep in mind - they came from a $10 camera.

Don, with his sister, Portia, and brother-in-law, JD

Don, Portia, and me

Livesay Orchard

Of course we had to shop at Bass Pro

KROUT FAMILY REUNION

Last weekend was our Krout Family reunion and we had a great time. This was our 17th annual reunion and there was a bigger turnout this time than ever.

Saturday night is the night the "cousins" come out to the lake to have fun the night before the actual reunion on Sunday. We had 22 people come out Saturday night and several of us stayed up until 2:30 AM or later just catching up, playing games, and sharing laughs.

Sunday we had a building full of people and more wonderful food than we could possibly eat. As my cousins' children grow up and get married we are now having new babies every year and it is so fun to watch them all grow. This year we had 2 boys and 1 girl that were born after last year's reunion. One of my cousins and his wife are expecting another baby in December so we will have at least one new baby next year. It is amazing to look around at that large room full of people and think about how it all began when 2 people fell in love and started a family.

By my count there were 61 people at the reunion this year - WOW! The best part was, it seemed like everyone had a great time.

A group picture will be posted as soon as I receive it.

4th of July Weekend

We had a full, fun weekend this 4th of July weekend.

Friday: Don and his 2 brothers went fishing in the flinthills. After fishing Troy had to head back to go do things with his wife's family but Jimmy came home with Don. While they were fishing Jimmy's wife and daughter (Lorrine and Haleigh) came up and we went to Xenon so Haleigh could get a haircut (which turned out super cute). Haleigh has beautiful red wavy hair and this cut is so perfect for her. All she had to do was wash it in the morning and let it dry by itself and it looked incredible.

We all got up early Saturday morning and went to the farmers market and then out to our favorite breakfast place. Unfortunately Jeanne's was closed but we went to The Beacon and it was delish! After breakfast Don and Jimmy came back here and cleaned up the alley, tilled the garden, mowed the lawn, and had a short nap. Us three girls headed out to shop. We shopped until we litterly droppd but we sure did have a good time. Haleigh was able to get everything she needs for the camp she leaves for on Friday and I was so excited to find a pair of Dearfoam houseshoes at Burlington Coat Factory for only $2.99. (Another good bargain - I had coupons for Antie Anne's pretzels in my Entertainment Book. We all three had a pretzel for the price of only 1!!!!) Don and Jimmy went to see the fireworks but us girls stayed home. (Lorrine's leg was killing her from the long shopping day and Roxie was terrified of all the firework sounds.) After they got back the boys and Haleigh shot off some fireworks in the street.

Everyone slept in a little on Sunday then we had breakfast together before they had to head home.

Our pets also had a good time with our company, they were constantly acting goofy or mauling someone. When Jim and his family left on Sunday both Roxie and Bella were standing at the door looking out sadly watching them drive away. They were both asleep 15 minutes later and slept most of the day!

WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND!

Update

Hi Everyone!

My life has been really extra boring (which was a nice break from all the pet drama). Just noticed this morning how long it has been since I blogged. So, here is a little update on what we have been up to:

I have been taking a summer class (Elementary Physical Education - learning to motivate children through movement). This class is a blast! The class ends Thursday, then on Monday I start a second summer class. It is a math methods class. Hopefully it will be as interesting as this class has been.

Don is working hard at BG and NOT enjoying these long hot days. On one of the hottest days last week it was over 120 degrees in the area where Don works. Needless to say, he is worn out when he gets home.

Don is still active in the Men's ministry team and Property team at NWCC and I have been helping the Women's ministry team.

Last week I faced my worst fear and went to the dentist to have some problems corrected. I spent two long hours in the dentist chair and didn't shed a tear - this is MAJOR for me. (Although I did call Dr. Bull a fibber when he assured me I would only feel a little pinch before giving me a shot in the roof of my mouth - he laughed and agreed that it was more than a LITTLE pinch) I get to go back tomorrow to finish up. Then it will be over. Whew!

Someday soon I hope to have time to figure out how to load a video on here. Bella and Roxie are so hilarious when they play and I want to give you all a good laugh. Anyone who knows how to do this - I would love some hints or instructions.

Well, you are all caught up on our boring lives!

SCHOOL'S OUT!

Hooray! Classes are finished for this semester. Now - I need to look for a summer job. Any ideas?

We got a new kitty!

Yesterday we got a new kitty.

My niece's cat (Princess) had kittens 6 weeks ago and I was lucky enough to get to bring one home yesterday. We have named her Bella and she is such a sweet girl. Roxie loves her (maybe a little too much) and we have to monitor them all the time. When you are a 55 pound puppy it is hard to be "gentle" with a one pound kitten. But Bella is playfull and loves to grab Roxie's legs and cuddle up next to her when she wants to sleep.

Here is a picture of "our girls" :-)

Fun filled weekend!

What a great weekend we had.

Friday I had my Zag Bag party and 11 friends/family showed up. It was a lot of fun for me and I appreciate all of you who came to share the fun.

My neice Jenna got to spend Friday and Saturday night with us and WOW what a great time we had with her. We had a dance party, went to the farmer's market, went to Walmart, played with Roxie, decorated our house with balloons, streamers, and hand made signs for a party on Sunday, prepared deviled eggs and cucumbers & vinegar, and made a special mother's day card for her mom. Roxie was super excited to have Jenna here and smiled and wagged her tail the entire 2 days. Today she has slept all morning and seems too tired to do much of anything.

Sunday we had a family birthday/mother's day celebration party. We celebrated my dad's birthday and mother's day for Mom (Granny) and Noel. Toni's fiance brought his son and everyone seemed to have a great time.

No more pins!

Roxie got the pins out of her leg today! The surgeon said it looked like it has healed really nicely. She will be on restrictions from jumping and running for 2 more weeks then she is free to do all the puppy things she wants! YEAH!

Busy weekend.

We had a busy - but great weekend.

Friday night I had dinner at Carlos O'Kelley's with Dara - it was a fun time and of course great food.

Saturday we volunteered with Love Wichita and worked on a ladies home. It was so rewarding to see people pull together to help someone in need. There were 19 people from our church there for the morning shift. We painted the back side of their house, replaced some rotting facia boards, hauled off junk/trash, did a LOT of yardwork, cleaned the kitchen, repaired some cabinets, put a new floor in the bathroom, repaired the toilet, installed handrails, and showed a lot of love to the homeowner, her family, and her neighbors.

Sunday we went to spend time with Don's dad. We had a nice lunch and a great time visiting. We got to see his new house, which was really nice. He is still a little depressed about losing his home in the fire and losing all his family heirlooms but he does like his new house and seems to feel comfortable there. Roxie went with us and Don Sr. enjoyed her quite a bit.

One step back . . . .

Today is weigh-in day. Unfortunately i have to report that I gained 1/2 a pound. BOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next week WILL be better because I am going to be very dedicated this week to my new way of living.

Thanks for the love!

As you all know, it will be two weeks tomorrow since we had to put Domino to sleep. Everyone offers kind words when they hear of the news and we thank each one of you for your sincere comments, thoughts, and prayers.

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We had a few people that truly seemed to understand our grief and we were touched deeply by their sincere concern:

• A big thanks to my sister-in-law Noel, for her email, calls, and knowing hugs.
• Thanks to my sister-in-law Lorrine for her calls and sincere concern for the grief we were feeling.
• Thanks to my cousin, Dianna, for lending a sympathetic ear and calling to make sure I was OK.
• Thank you to my friend Shawny for encouraging me to grieve and not worry what others think.

Today we received the most wonderful gift from our Vet's office. It was a beautiful sympothy card and something wrapped in pretty kittycat fabric. Sticking out of the gift was a note that read: "A clay print has been made as a keepsake for Domino. We hope that this brings you many happy memories." Wrapped inside the fabric was a plaster of paris mold of Domino's paw print. The vet's assistant had to have made it that awful day when she took Domino in the back room to put the catheter in her arm. I am blown away by the thoughtfulness that went into this gift and when I can quit crying I will call and let them know! I also get a little chuckle at the deep claw marks left in the mold - Domino was always really fiesty at the vet's office!

I'll take it!

Today is weigh-in day. I was extremely nervous because last week I did not handle my emotions well and ate like a pig at times. I felt like I was out of control and way too much pop got drank. The one good thing I did was go walking every day with Roxie and Don.

So, weigh-in this morning reveiled a mere .3 lb weight loss. Any other week that would be devastating but hey - I'll take it!

I'm under control again and will work hard this week to stay that way!

We bought a car today

Don and I seized the opportunity to buy a great used car today. It is a 1990 Buick LaSabre and it has less than 51,000 original miles. It is practically brand new on the inside and the outside and comes from an elderly couple we know. We are sure they have taken great care of it.

If you know anyone who needs a Dave Ramsey car - we have a 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis for sale. Don thinks it needs a new carberator (sp?) so we are selling it for only $500!

HI, I'M ANNETTA AND I AM A POPOHOLIC!

OK, it's time to weigh-in. I was super nervous because I am such an emotional eater and as you all know, last week I had a very emotional week.

I learned something about myself last week. I have been so proud of myself because I had totally kicked a long time habit of drinking way too much pop. I had even talked to Don about how it must be the power of prayer because I was not even desiring it anymore. But, when things got emotional - I let the enemy take over and I was at Quick Trip buying a Pepsi as fast as the car would take me! After that 1st Pepsi, it was just one after another and I couldn't seem to get enough. So now I am convinced that as some people are addicted to alcohol - I am addicted to the sugar and caffeine of pop. I am back on the wagon again today and reminding myself that pop is my enemy.

The good news is I still managed to lose 2.7 pounds, and in light of everything, that makes me VERY happy!

Domino has no more pain!

My Domino had to be put to sleep today. I saw her being born in July of 1989 and I was there holding her for her last breath.

Domino was beautiful, sassy, playful, loving, and in-charge. She surpised us all when she accepted, sometimes played with and always loved Roxie. We went through a lot of changes together and I will miss her a lot.

I am so happy that she is no longer in pain!

My Domino is sick.

Poor Domino. Not sure what is wrong with her but this is the 3rd day she has laid on the love seat ALL day. Monday night I found her in the restroom throwing up. (OK, for those of you invisioning her using the toylet for this - she is smart - but not that smart!) This isn't that unusual as she often has intestinal problems created by her long hair. But this is the worst she has ever been, she is not eating or using the restroom. I gave her medicine yesterday and today and she didn't even put up a fight, she just laid there letting me do whatever I needed to do. I brought water to her but she would not drink. We would take her to the vet but she gets so upset when she is there that it just makes her feel worse. Plus, a couple years ago we paid for a bunch of blood work to be done and were told she was starting to go into kidney failure. Since she is almost 20 there really isn't anything we can do about this but put her to sleep when her pain gets too bad. We are very worried about her but pray that if it is her time to go she would die in her sleep. At this point she is not crying like she is in pain - just sleeping all day.

Sorry this is such a bummer of a blog - I will go now and try to think of something more positive to blog about.

Is something wrong with these scales?

Today is Monday, time to weigh in. I weighed twice this morning to make ansure the scales were right. These scales, I'm just not sure. I think I lost 4 pounds this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me and giving me support. I have kicked the pop habit! I only had 2 pops this entire week.

For those of you in our FPU class . . . Don and I figured up the amount of money we are saving by not drinking pop. We are saving at least $40 a month! The little things really do add up.

Roxie takes her first walk in 4 weeks

Roxie got to go for a 10 minute walk today. She was very excited and would have liked to walk much longer than we let her. Doesn't she look happy?

Roxie has her checkup . . .

Today was Roxie's 4 week check-up. She had x-rays and her surgeon says she is doing really well. There are some signs that she has been doing things she shouldn't (jumping, running, climbing on furniture, running down/up stairs, etc.). BAD PARENTS! (but we really did try!)However, overall, she is healing really well and the bones are coming together nicely. Today she can start going on short 10-15 minute walks. She will be very happy to get out and about again and I can't wait until tonight so we can take her on a walk. Each week we can increase her walking time by 5 minutes a day. In 4 weeks she goes back for more x-rays, and if they show the bone healed (which the surgeon feels they will) she will be sedated and the pins will be removed. So, if all goes well, we are halfway through the process.

Monday is weigh-in day

Today was the big day. I have been cheeting and have checked my weight a couple other times during the week. I was all set for a 4 pound weight loss. But, this morning I step on the scale and the official loss . . . . 2.5 pounds. Don't get me wrong, I am happy to have a loss, just dissapointed it wasn't bigger. The weight watchers page did give me a warning that it is not healthy to lose more than 2 pounds a week. However, I figured it would come at bigger numbers in the beginning. I am going to continue because I know that losing 2.5 pounds is better than losing nothing (or gaining). Even though it will be slow - eventually I will hit my goal weight in a healthy way.

Thank you to each and every one of you who has prayed for me and encouraged me. This has been a relativly painless process and I know it is because of your encouragement and God's help.

Diary of a Shrinking Woman . . . . . I HOPE

ok, it's official. I'M SICK OF BEING FAT AND UNHEALTHY! Today is the beginning of a new way of living for me. I am going to follow Weight Watchers and walk on the treadmill daily. In the past this has never lasted long for me so this time I am recruiting each one of you to help me (in a kind and supportive kind of way) to stay on track.

I recently saw some pictures of myself and was ashamed and sad about the way I looked.
My weight holds me back from so many things that I want to do and I feel like I am not the person I could be if I were at a healthy weight. It restricts me from physical activities I think would be fun and it holds me back emotionally from doing things in public that I would like to do. Earlier this week I went out shopping for a comforter and was feeling proud of myself for getting out and walking the mall and other stores. I was mocked and laughed at 3 different times. It surprises me that some people don't even try to hide their disgust. I felt like they didn't really see me as a person with value and feelings and felt perfectly OK about making remarks and laughing. This is a vicious circle because what is left but to hide at home and entertain myself with TV, which is what I have done for way too long! (Wow this sounds pathetic but it is my truth)

Please know that this is a HUGE step for me to tell you all of my plans and ask for help. I just know that I have to do something and I NEED help if I'm going to succeed.

So, today is the first day of my new life. Here we go . . . . . .

Roxie's doing great!

Don took Roxie for her 2 week checkup today and the surgeon said she is doing great. He said everything looks and feels like her leg is healing really well. She is now scheduled for another check up in two weeks to take x-rays so they can see how far the healing has progressed.

Cha-Ching! Cha-Ching!

Catch 22 - Doc said it is a good sign that she is trying to run and jump. This means that she is not in pain. Although it is a good sign for her to WANT to jump and run it is not a good thing for her to actually do it. So, we have our work cut out for us, to help her stay calm, because this is a hard thing for an 11-month-old puppy to do! Fortunately, she is eager to please and does the best she can. We took her outside yesterday to lay in the sunshine and she did great. She just layed there on her blanket enjoying the birds and the sunshine.

SPRING BREAK IS ALMOST HERE!

My Spring Break begins Satuday and Don will be on vacation! We will be tied to the house most of the time since Roxie is still recovering from her surgery. However, Don has managed to plan some fishing days and is very excited to get started. I am going to be organizing kitchen cabinets and decorating our bedroom.

If any of my friends have free time and want to do something fun - just let me know!

Jenna makes the paper!

My wonderful neice made their local paper. Check it out! http://www.winfieldcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&TM=18522.16

It's a miracle!

Only those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting our beautiful Domino will fully understand just what a miracle it is that Roxie and Domino are actually laying on the love seat so close together!

We will NOT spoil Roxie!

Don and I had a long discussion while Roxie was still in the doggie hospital about how easy it was going to be to spoil her when she comes home. We also agreed that that would not be the best thing for her in the long run as we want her to be well manered at home and around others. So, since she got home we have been working hard to take care of her and not get her too spoiled.

How do you think we are doing so far?????????????

Roxie is home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Roxie got to come home as scheduled. She is doing really well and was quite happy to see us.

Surprisingly enough her sister (yes, her sister is a cat) was very happy to see her get home.

She is doing surprisingly well and the bars and screws on her leg don't seem to be bothering her.

Domino is very curious and concerned. She has not gone far from Roxie since she got home.Thanks for all who prayed for Roxie to heal and to all those who prayed for Don and I.

We feel so happy tonight that she is home and doing well!

Roxie's coming home!

This morning's report from the Doggie hospital is that Roxie is doing great and we get to bring her home today!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait until 3:15 gets her so we can see her and bring her home.

Roxie Report

Roxie's surgery went well. YEAH! The surgeon feels that healing should go well. They will call us with an update tomorrow and we should be able to bring her home tomorrow afternoon.

No More Loritab

When I cut my finger the Dr. prescribed some Loritab for the pain along with Ibuprofin for swelling. I decide by the 3rd day not to take the Loritab any longer because I was looking forward to it way too much. It was great on the pain, but more than that - it gave me such a "happy" feeling of "everything is GREAT!". As I sit here looking at the clock and see that it is now 3:06 in the morning I have decided to put that one last Loritab to use - My finger is hurting tonight - REALLY - IT IS! - I'M NOT FIBBING! Well, maybe not fibbing - but maybe exagerating a little because it is really my heart that is hurting. But I'm giving that one last Loritab a chance to put me to sleep. So, Dara - so much for selling it on E-Bay - hee hee - it's been put to good use!

Another adventure

Boy, just when I say we lead a borning life things just start happening. Unfortunately they are not good things. This is a sad blog and I probably won't be able to be humorous.

This afternoon Don was outside with Roxie when she saw the neighbor and darted across the street - right into the side of a moving car. Well, I'm in the house and I just hear Roxie yelping and Don yelling NO NO NO NO NO. OMG I have never moved so fast.

After a very frustrating time of driving all over town to three different places (we will be meeting with our Vet's office and possibly finding a new vet - If you have suggestions please leave a comment) we find out that she has broken both of the small bones that run from her elbow to her paw on her left front leg. She is currently in the hospital and will be having surgery tomorrow. This is the reason I am up creating my new blog at 2:30 AM - I can not sleep - I feel like we are TERRIBLE parents.

Thank God for wonderful neighbors! Our neighbor Matt was such a help getting her in the car to go to the vet and even locking the garage and unloading items in my backseat so we could get going. Unfortunately the person who hit Roxie was not so caring - they just drove off. Matt said they were not driving fast and there was no way they could have avoided hitting her but I still think it is very calous to just slow down and look and then drive off. I am trying to give them the benefit of the doubt and know that Roxie was already getting lots of help and Don was SOOOOO distraught they may have been scared to get out of the car. He was yelling NO NO NO - maybe they didn't know what he was saying.

Please pray for Don - this was very emotional for him and he feels responsible. The truth of the matter is it wouldn't have mattered if we were all standing out there - she was excited to see Matt and she just bolted accross the street.

Like I said before - we have not been blessed with children - these animals are our babies and today is a hard hard day. For our FPU friends - we now have a major set back - but I know we will overcome.

I got a new vegetable slicer!!!!

Last week I was finally able to replace my long ago broken veggie chopper that I just loved. When it was delivered I was just beside myself trying to think of something to cut up. This was not just the plane jane model I was replacing - Oh NO - this had more gagets. I took everything out of the box and examined each piece - imagining all the fun things I was going to be able to do in the kitchen. It even has a mandolin type slicer that fits on top. So, when Don came home from work a night or two later and advised me he needed to take a pot luck dish to work the next day, I resisted the urge to complain about the short notice and set my attention to encouraging him to want to take a dish where I could cut something up with my new toy. He decided he wanted to take smoked sausages with green peppers and onions. Oh joy - I GET to slice up all those green peppers and onions. So, off to the store for supplies - but we had to hurry back so I could get started. I anxiously set up my new toy and gleefully cleaned the veggies readying myself for the fun that was ahead. I began slicing green peppers - "WOW, This thing is GREAT" I yell to Don (as he relaxes watching TV while I prepare his last minute dish request - oops, I digress). The green peppers were getting sliced so quickly it was unbelievable! I was on the 3rd green pepper when I realized just how sharp my new toy was. As I decided to cut this wobbling green pepper without the safety of the veggie holder, that was slowing me down, I quickly sliced the tip of my finger and a corner of my fingernail right off - it was so quick it was painless and I didn't even realize until I saw the blood - Now that is a problem. I stay calm and run my finger under water but to my dismay the blood just keeps coming. I call Don for help, we wrap up my bleeding finger, pick the chunk of finger with the nail still on it out of the bowl, look it over, and make some jokes before getting serious about all this bleeding. (Oh yeah - we did throw the green peppers away). After a call to my friend - the trained paramedic - we decided to head to the hospital. (To make a long story short - I know, I know, it is far too late for that . . . .) I now have "tallman" on my right hand wearing a big guard and a fancy gauze coat. It is quite the fashion statement and draws a lot of comments. Big excitement in the McKain house!

Pressure to Blog

My wonderful blogger friend Dara has pressured me into starting a blog. Since the only "children" God has blessed us with are a 19 year old cat (Domino) and a 9 month old puppy (Roxie) I seriously doubt that I will have anything interesting enough for people to read. But peer pressure has worked on me and I will give it a shot!