Personal S P A C E

I've met a few interesting characters this month. As the saying goes, it takes all kinds to make the world go around. Some people you like the minute you meet, and some you wouldn't want to run into again. Yet others you warm up to over time. The characters I ran into lately have fallen into the never meet again category.

At our town's May Day festival, I was perusing the vendor booths while I waited for the parade to start. In the rain no less, but I guess that doesn't pertain to the story. I digress. As I am looking over desserts at one booth, a lady runs up and asks if I remember her. No, so she introduced herself. She used to be a neighbor of mine, but it's been years since I've seen her. She's now married with two children. Before I can say anything, she launches into a diatribe about how hard it is to be a stay at home mom. She included her schedule, and her child's disability in there as well. I felt like I was under attack, and I hadn't said anything!

Fast forward to my daughter's graduation. The ceremony was very professional, and enjoyable. DD was properly graduated and turned her tassel, then the ceremony dismissed. With 146 graduates, plus friends and family outside, it was complete chaos, and we couldn't find dd. We were standing around waiting for her when this small child runs up and grabs my rear! At first, I thought; okay, he was just running and I was in his way, so he grabbed me rather than crash. The second time I wasn't quite as accommodating, and spend the rest of the time standing up against a brick wall.

Fast forward again to church last Sunday. We went to a church we don't normally attend, because they were honoring graduates, dd included. The pastor asked the graduates and parents to stand before the congregation at the end of the service, so everyone could see us. Ladies came up and started hugging on me, telling me they were so proud of dd, or they didn't know I was her mom. (what do you say to that?) One lady, with a very ample bosom (to be polite here) came up and wrapped her arms around me, and proceeded to well....not keep that ample bosom to herself. Then she asked me how so and so was doing. She acted quite disappointed and put out when I commented she had the wrong person and I didn't know. Yes, I live on the same street, but that doesn't mean I am all up in her business. Especially when family members of the lady in question were just a few feet away.

So these snapshots lead me to the point of this post. I need personal s p a c e. Especially if I don't know you. An average person's personal space is 3 feet around him or her. Please don't invade this bubble! Feel free to approach and talk to me, ask if I remember you, or talk about something we may have in common. I do not want physical contact unless I know you, I love you, I miss you, one of us (or both) is about to die. Even then....

I hope this doesn't make me less of a Christian. Jesus told us to love our enemies, but did He specify allowing them to wallow all over us? Probably He did. After all, Jesus healed the woman who had suffered with bleeding for 12 years just because she had the faith to touch His garment, and believe she would be healed. Matthew 9:18-26

He also washed the disciples feet at the Last Supper, but that was with men he knew intimately. John 13:1-20. Who am I kidding, He knows all of us intimately! I am sorry, Father, for shunning Your sheep. You loved us all unconditionally and accepted us without reservation. Please instill in me the grace to be more understanding and accepting of your lambs. I love You Jesus!!

God Bless
Chela

Catch-22

Everyone knows what a catch-22 is, right? A situation where you have two options, and you're in a pickle no matter which one you choose. For example, a catch 22 could be when your cat insists on having a litter box in your bathroom, (and you can't argue with this) but your ferret sees the box as this:




And then this:



Then this, of course:



I needed to clean this up, as company was expected. When I went in with my broom and dustpan, Allie joined me, and laid down in the dust pan. No cleaning up her playground please!!

God bless,
Chela

Wilma

When I go over the rules for our Veldt tour at the zoo, I always tell people to put away any food or drink so the ostrich doesn't get sick. It's partly true, as our female ostrich Wilma tends to snoop pretty close to the trailer. More-so, it's just a cute way to present a rule to the public. After what happened today, it's completely relevant.

We had almost completed our tour, and were sitting just inside the gate, talking to our guests. I don't even remember the subject, we were just talking about something. Wilma has been hanging out around the gate lately, pacing back and forth. Even though I have to exit the trailer to open the gate, she never bothers me, keeping her distance. As we sat and talked, Wilma comes over to inspect the trailer. Then she gets closer, until she is within easy reaching distance of all of us.

Do you remember the children's game, "Duck Duck Goose"? Everyone sits in a circle, and the one who is "it" gets up and walks around, tapping the other players saying, "duck, duck, duck". Then they pick someone, say "Goose", and run. The goose has to try and beat the other child back to the seat. Well this is what Wilma started doing. Without the vocalizations, of course.

Wilma starts walking slowly around the trailer, looking at every person in turn. When she found a child, her "goose", she'd stick her head in the trailer; her beak actually on the seat. We had to move all the people sitting on one side of the trailer. It was really hilarious, and probably something they will never forget. In actuality, she was looking for food. Everyone is supervised on the Veldt, so I know no one tosses her food. But for some reason, she associates children with goodies.

As I think about it though, she used to be on display in a different part of the zoo. It could be that children tossed food to her there, or she saw them eating crackers, ice cream, cookies, etc. Perhaps birds aren't quite the "bird brains" we think they are!

The rest of the day, when I went over the rules, I added, "please keep your food and drink put up so the ostrich doesn't get sick. Really, earlier today she had her head in the trailer!"

By the way, Wilma's mate is named Fred. Not the best picture of her, but Wilma is to the right of the tree here, peeking out.

God Bless,
Chela

Hi Jasey Rae,

It's Grandma Cheri. I love you so much; you're such a blessing to our family. I'm so excited to see you grow and see how you develop. Is your hair going to stay red, are you going to like butterflies? Your Auntie Angie was afraid of them when she was little. Are your eyes going to stay blue, will you have dimples? Are you going to wear your hair long like your mommy?

I'm so excited to teach you new things about life. Like...what caterpillars and tadpoles turn into. How an ugly bulb can turn into beautiful flowers, finding shapes in the clouds, and shooting stars. The Lord's Prayer and how much Jesus loves you. He loves children the best, you know. There are also Christmas and Easter to celebrate, oh and valentines from the little boy at school. You can feel the warmth of the summer sun and the bitter cold of snow in your hands. I'll show you how honeybees carry pollen on their back legs, and what honey tastes like. It's so yummy!!

Your dad is really good with computers, and has a degree in Game and Simulation programming. He knows how to make video games, you are so lucky!!! He's really patient with me when I don't understand something on the computer; I'm sure he will be with you as well. He also enjoys putting things together-projects we call them. You can help him put together your toys, beds, dressers and things. No worries on Christmas morning-your toys and bikes, etc will all be assembled. :0)

Your mom was just about to enroll in college for the same degree when you came along. She also loves video games; I can see the three of you playing them together. Your mom is also really crafty. She likes to make soaps, tie die shirts, pillows, and things like that. I have some of her soaps, they are really pretty, and smell so nice. I can see your mom styling your hair in different ways, and putting together cute outfits for school. The two of you can play make up and nail polish too.

We can make cookies together, and potato candy. We can take a day and see how bread dough rises, and how good it tastes when you make it home made. Then of course there are cupcakes, those are always yummy and fun to make.. Your mom and dad may make cupcakes for your classroom, your birthday, lots of fun times. Or they make just go to the bakery. Can you believe some people go to work making cupcakes and cookies all day?
Your Auntie Angie is really excited to teach you things also. She loves to dance, so I’m sure she’ll teach you some great dance moves once you can walk. She also likes cartwheels, and all sorts of tumbling. So you are going to be a pro! Your Great Great Grandma Elaine loves dance, and she danced for years and years. It’s in your genes! Of course Angie will tell you all about Jesus, and how much He loves you.
Uncle Matt loves his video games, (are you seeing a trend here?) but he has another passion-snakes! You are going to be an expert on all the snakes in Georgia before you’re 5. You’ll know exactly which ones are safe to handle, and which to stay away from if you see one in your yard. But always yell for daddy if you see one.
Uncle Josh also loves his video games. But he likes science, astronomy, and frogs. I see lots of frogs in your future-holding tree frogs, toads, any kind you can catch. He’s always fishing them out of the pool. Josh is also good at putting things together, and fixing stuff around the house. He’s really funny too.
You have a lot of fun learning ahead of you, Jasey Rae. I can’t wait to take you to the zoo! You can see all the different animals, and where they live. We can see the education animals, like the big lizards and the owls. You can pet the soft bunny and feel the turtle’s hard shell. We can ride out on the Veldt, and see the big ostrich that is taller than your daddy!
Your Grandpa Dennis likes to play video games also. He also fixes things around the house, and works on the cars. He teaches Sunday school at the church too. He likes to play board games, so I’m sure he’ll play lots of Candy Land and Apples to Apples with you. He can help you ride your bike, too.
We all love you, and give thanks to Jesus that you are a part of our lives. You’re so beautiful, and loved. Just thinking about you brings a smile to our faces. Welcome to the world, and welcome to our family.

God bless,
Grandma C

Our excitement this evening...

It does seem that there is never a dull moment in this house. There is always something going on to make it lively. It could be all the kids and critters that share our home. Yes, that must be it. LOL

Tonight, I went to cook dinner, and heard something rattling around under the stove. Now we've had a problem mouse that has evaded all our traps, so it could be him. Or it could be a ferret. To solve this dilemma, and feel safe cooking dinner, I did the only logical thing. I called my son in to open the under stove drawer and find out what it was. What? You didn't think I'd do it, did you?

So ds pulls the drawer out, and at first sees nothing. There goes the ferret idea! Suddenly, he sees the mouse-the same time our cat Taco sees it. In a second, she's under that stove, and came prancing out with her prize in her mouth. I wish I had my camera handy to capture the expression on her face. Imagine this cat with a mouth stuffed full of mouse, thinking, "oh my gosh, what do I do now?"

I open the kitchen door, hoping she'll take her trophy outside. No such luck; she hides under the dinner table, and lets him go! Ds jumps up, and starts moving things to find him. At this point, this poor little mouse has 3 cats and a dog on his little tail. He high tails it around the dining room, and out the door!

This is a relief, because for the moment, the mouse is gone. Does anyone else have that song from the Wizard of Oz in her head? "Ding dong, the witch is dead, the Wicked Witch is dead?" Okay, sorry, back to the story. Yes, I do realize he can come back inside if he so chooses. However, with the escort of multiple people, a dog, and three cats seeing him out, he may choose not to return! Yes, I also realize he most likely has family around. I'll keep the traps baited. But for now, for this one evening, the mouse is gone!!

Sorry, no mouse pictures, this all happened in the time span of about two minutes. I do have a picture of Taco for your viewing pleasure. She's a really good cat; loves attention, flat demands it from people. The time you spend petting her equals the amount of time she will then spend licking ds' head. Really.



God Bless,
Chela

Thank You

Jesus, my precious Heavenly Father, my Savior, and my God, I just want to say thank You. I want to thank You for the frogs outside my window that are singing like crazy, and keeping me awake. I can hear them, and they mean spring is here. Thank You that they love my pool enough to have a frog party. Thank You for my yard, and all the cantaloupe coming up in it.

Thank You for my home; a warm place to live, where we are safe and comfy. Our neighborhood is wonderful, and I don't think we could find a better one anywhere. Thank You for food in our cupboards, running water, electricity, internet, warm beds, and a lot of love between these walls. Thank You for all of our warm blankets, and soft pillows.

A lot of people are not so lucky to have these things we take for granted. We may not win the lottery, but You always provide enough for us. Enough food, enough money for our bills, just enough for us to be. For that I am thankful. Just like in Exodus, when the Israelites were wandering in the desert for so many years. You provided manna, and told them to gather just enough for the day. Anymore, and it would spoil before morning.

Thank You for the warm socks on my feet, and my several pairs of shoes. Others are not so fortunate, and have not even one pair of shoes. Mine are soft and thick, and keep my feet very comfortable. I am grateful also, for my worn out red crocs. They are great for wearing outside, and not having to worry about getting them dirty in the mud. They aren't much to look at, but they do keep my feet happy.

Thank You for my online friends. I may never meet them in this life, but I call them sisters still. We pray together, weep together, and celebrate as well. They will drop everything to take my call or read my message, and pray for my concern, and I for them. Thank You for bringing us together in such a special way.

Thank You for all of my family; a loving, hardworking husband, and four outstanding children. They are so smart, kind, full of love, and goofy as well. They have been a pure blessing. Thank You for all of them. Thank You for the surprise of Jasey Rae. She is so precious and sweet, a miracle for all of us.

Thank You for the freedoms we have in this wonderful country of ours. Thank You for easy access to medical care, communication, freedom to travel, and a host of other freedoms we take for granted. Thank You also for those who have given their lives to assure our country remains so great. Thank You for the freedom of speech, so I can write this, and share it publicly without fear.

I am also grateful for my pets. They make us laugh with their antics, comfort us when we are down, and share with us when we are happy. Although, Father, I am not sure what You had in mind when You made ferrets. They are absolutely crazy!

Thank You for the freedom of religion, that we can attend church, and speak your name without fear of persecution. Thank You for all the saints and martyrs who persevered to attain this for us. Thank You for your birth, life, death on the Cross, and Resurrection, to bring us eternal life in Heaven with You. Also for all the love You have poured out on all of us.

I could definitely go on and on about Your love, and the blessings you have bestowed upon us. However, looking at the clock, I have to say thank You for one last thing, and that is sleep. The frogs have settled down, so it is time for me to do the same. I love You Jesus, and goodnight!

God Bless, Chela

Animal Facts

It's been an interesting week learning about some new animal facts. I thought perhaps you'd enjoy some new trivia facts as well!

Bullfrogs bite. This is an interesting one to me, thank you Georgia Aquarium. They don't actually have teeth, but do have bony projections on their upper jaw that can draw blood. Bullfrogs have to hang onto their prey so it doesn't hop/fly/run away. So once they bite, they don't let go. You have to actually use a tool to pry their mouths open.

Remember Career Kid's bullfrog a couple of years ago? We all played with that guy, with not a care in the world. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine he could bite. Guess we were just lucky. I'll still hold them, but with respect for what they can do. As my boss at the zoo would say, 'everything with a mouth can bite!'

Cold water anemones cannot sting. Warm water ones can. Cold water anemones live off the coast of Alaska, Canada, etc. You can touch their tentacles, but our skin is too thick for them to penetrate. They can stick to you, but not sting. However, in the Carribean, they can sting you. I'm not too sure the reasoning, but as I'm more likely to be scuba diving around the Bahamas, I'll keep my hands to myself!

Sting rays are venomous. Yes, I know they have a stinger at the base of their tales. (Remember Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter?) I thought that was as far as it went. No, they have venom as well. It usually doesn't cause problems in humans, but still.... At the aquarium, they have a touch tank where you can touch small sting rays. One was in a bad mood, and positioned himself in the middle of the tank, with his tail in the air. I sure wouldn't want to step on him at the beach.

Dolphins, beluga whales, and harbor seals can swim upside down. We were watching a dolphin show, and in the dim theater, I noticed one of them didn't look right to me. Then I noticed he was swimming on his back. I didn't realize they could do that, physics and everything. Not only do they swim upside down, they can do it really fast. Later, the belugas and harbor seals showed me they have that talent as well. Very interesting.

Goliath frogs can jump 10 feet. In one display, they had a Goliath frog skeleton. These are the largest frogs in the world, and come from Africa. They can be 3 feet long, and weigh 7 lbs. I don't know what I'd do if one of those showed up in my pool!

I hope you've enjoyed your lesson on random animal facts. Have a great day, class dismissed!

Chela