Get well Grandpa Jim.....

Mom & Dad got a call last Saturday evening that Grandpa Jim had been in a motorcycle accident. He was riding with 5 other guys and had an asthma attack while riding in the hills of Arkansas. He ran off the road and flipped off the bike. He ended up being life flighted by helicopter from Arkansas to St. John's Hospital in Springfield, MO. He broke his right collar bone and all of his ribs on his right side. He also has a punctured lung. As bad as it is, it could of been a lot worse, as there was a 30 foot drop off about twenty feet from where he laid the bike down. He was in ICU up until a couple of days ago. He is in much pain and will be for some time, as there is not much they can do for broken ribs and collarbone. I ask that everyone will keep him in your prayers as he is on his road to recovery. He is still in St. Johns Hospital and it appears he will be for a few more days. St. John's in Springfield is a great hospital and they are taking very good care of Grandpa Jim.
I have been staying home taking care of Eric and the two cats while Mom & Dad have been away. Mom and Dad came home yesterday. Dad brought Mom home and he went back down to Springfield early this morning to be with Grandpa.

Take care and "Don't forget to hug a dog today!"

Happy Memorial Day and Flowers

I would like to take this time to remember all those that have gone before us. You will always be in our hearts. Also, to Molly and Samantha, the two doggies that lived here before I came along, you are still missed. I know how you felt living here. Someday I will meet you and we can exchange stories of our lives and just how well we have had it here on this great earth. As always, we want to remember the men and women that have given their life serving our country for our freedom.

I spent a large amount of the weekend taking it easy (what's new?) I like to rest at the top of the steps. Mom and Dad took some pictures of the backyard and of the house. We had a cookout of ribs, corn on the cob, potato salad and baked beans. I really thought those ribs looked good, as well as all the other people food they had. Dad did fix me a Hot Dog on the grille. However, I often wonder where it gets it's name "Hot Dog". I like to just call them "Tube Steaks".

I would like to share a few photos that were taken of my house over the weekend.
Here's a couple of shots from the front yard.

Here's one of the old bike Mom found at a flea market (I hate the word 'flea") Why do they need a market to sell fleas anyway? I'm starting to itch just thinking about it.

I do like the flowers Mom put in the basket.

Here are a few taken in the back yard. This is my stomping grounds. I hang out here most of the time. Well, some of the time. I'm really mostly inside sleeping near Mom and Dad while they are working. But, I do enjoy my back yard the most. Mom has so many pretty flowers there. Here are a few.

Here I am peeking through the gate. I see my next door neighbor outside. His name is Cooper. He is a Collie.
Here's Cooper, he is such a sweet guy.

Hope you enjoyed Mom's flowers. Take care and until next time.......... Don't forget to hug a dog!

Another Great Weekend

This is my sad Teddy Bear look. I have been doing this look for a few days now. It drives Mom & Dad crazy. That is one of the reasons I do it........ This has been another great weekend. The weather has been fantastic. Mom & Dad had a couple of graduation party's to go to. I stayed at home and rested up. They went to Lexington, MO. for Tony's party on Saturday afternoon. Tony is the son of Kari and Mark McCurry and grandson of Linda and Jerry Markley. Tony is a good kid. We are very proud of him. Tony is going to go to Wentworth Jr. College next year. On Sunday they went to Drake's graduation party. Drake is the son of Roger and Kim Siegel. Drake is going to Iowa Wesleyan Jr. College. He will play football there. Drake is also a good kid. Good luck to both of these guys.Here I am laying out back while Dad was cooking out on the grille. I usually go where Dad goes. Especially if he goes outside. It doesn't matter if he is cooking out, mowing, cleaning up his motorcycle or just sitting on the deck. I want to be with him. I am usually laying next to him when he is in his office working also.

Here I am sleeping next to him as he works on the computer. Dad works from home a lot and I get to sit or lay next to him while he works. We keep each other company. We get along with each other real swell. Sometimes if Dad is working away and has a snack, he will share a little bit with me. It may be the sad Teddy Bear look that makes Dad give in and share with me. That is not the main reason I am always next to him, but it is one of them.
Here I am again, in my bed in Mom & Dad's room. The weekend is winding down and I am worn out. It has been another fun one. I got to spend a lot of time with Mom, Dad & Eric. My good friend Linda stopped by to visit with me on Saturday. Linda used to live across the street from me. She moved to an apartment downtown. I don't get to see her as much as when she lived next door. I always like it when she stops by to visit. One of my other friends, Winnie, also stopped by for a visit. I have fun when Winnie comes by also. They are both very special humans. Hope every one''s weekend was as good as mine was. Don't forget to hug a dog......we like it when you do!

Happy Mother's Day

Saturday was a good day! The sun was out and we had a nice breeze, temps in the low 70's. Just a perfect day. We celebrated Mother's Day at our house. We ordered out for pizza, since we didn't want the Mom's to have to cook. Dad fixed a gluten free pizza for Amber. I spent most of the day outside enjoying the day. I love to lay next to Mom's flowers. Every once in a while I'll take a quick sniff of them. They smell so gooooood............ Amber and Scott came over, as well as Grandma & Aunt Patti. Uncle Keith had to work. Mom, Dad & Eric were here as well. We spent a lot of time outside on the deck. Eric brought out Callie to also enjoy the nice day. Bailey was upstairs sleeping and didn't want to be disturbed. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Eric & Callie


Amber & Mom Amber & Scott


Me again, laying in one of my favorite spots. Next to some of Mom's flowers. Mom has many flowers and she really enjoys being outside with me working in her flower gardens. I'll have to get more pictures of our gardens once they are in full bloom.

Later that afternoon, Dad took off for a ride on his Harley. He had a nice ride. Here is a picture of Dad's bike. He loves his bike.The next day, Sunday (Mother's Day). Eric fixed dinner for Mom & Dad. It was his Mother's Day gift to Mom. He went to the store to buy all of the goodies and came home to fix the meal. Mom & Dad didn't have to do anything. They relaxed and watched TV while Eric prepared dinner. (He even did all of the dishes.) I'm told it was very good, however I had my usual.........Purina One, yummy.... yum!

Here is Eric, hard at work on dinner........

And the finished masterpiece.........

"Sauteed Chicken with Sicilian Olives, Capers and Roasted Lemons"
We all had a good weekend. Why are weekends so darn short and quick to come to an end? Oh well, later that evening, I finished off the day with a quick nap before bedtime.
Happy Mother's Day Grandma Ruby. We all love and miss you so very much.......... Until next time.............."Don't forget to hug a dog!"

Way to go Eric!

Amber and Eric

This past weekend, Eric received his Masters. It was 10 years and 1 day to the date from when his sister, Amber graduated from the same school. Northwest Missouri State University.....Go Bearcats! We are so very proud of both. Now, it's off to the work world. He is waiting to hear about his trip to Spain to teach for a couple of semesters. He would leave this October. He's real excited about this trip.

This is a picture of Eric and his friend Susan. They have know each other for several years. It was a happy day for both. Congrats Susan. I, myself, didn't get to go to the graduation, however I did attend the graduation party last weekend.

Well, I had promised a "Manly" photo of Dad. Well, here it is. He was breaking broncos at the early age of three years old. Hope everyone is having a good week. Don't forget all the Mother's this Sunday.

Most of all...........don't forget to hug a dog!

My cousin, Owen

Here's a picture of my cousin Owen. Owen lives about an hour away from my house. I hardly get to see Owen much. He snores a lot when he sleeps. His Mom and Dad are Kenny and Suzette. They treat Owen real nice and sometimes they spoil him, but you could never tell it. He is built real close to the ground and he wobbles a little when he walks. Owen is a real good fella!


This is a picture of my Mommy. Isn't she cute in her blue rain suit? She will probably get a little upset with me for this picture, but I think she looks real cute. Mommy looks cute no matter what she wears. Her and Dad like to go on little trips on their Harley. Dad calls it a Hog, but I've seen pictures of hogs before and that doesn't look like any hogs I've seen. I miss Mom and Dad when they leave on these trips. I don't know if they just like to get away for a couple of days or enjoy getting a away from me and the cats. Nah....I'm sure they miss me when they're gone (not so sure about the cats though) and I really miss them.

Hey, you've seen pictures of the spoiled cats, Me, Mom, Eric, Grandma Chickie, my cousins, and my red neck friends. But you haven't seen Amber and Scott yet. Well, here they are. What a great looking couple! They are getting married on July 11th and we are all so excited. We can not wait to have Scott become a part of our big family. He fits right in and we love him. We are so very happy for the two of them and we know they will enjoy spending the rest of their life growing old together. Just like Mom and Dad do. (not that Mom & Dad are old by any means) Scott & Amber spent last weekend on a get away with friends and we can't wait to see the pictures. Check out Amber's new blog here: http://www.avocado-owlet.blogspot.com/

So long everyone, maybe next time I'll post a picture of my Dad. He is quite an adventurous sort of a man. I'm sure I can find a real manly picture of him to post. It seems that most of his photos are that way........ until then, "Don't forget to hug a dog."

Busy and Fun Day

Here's a picture of Eric and his new Dell laptop. He will graduate next Saturday and he will earn his Master's Degree in European History. Way to go Eric, we are all so proud of you. He is hoping to go to Spain in August and teach over there for a couple of semesters. We also celebrated his 25th birthday, as well as Grandma Doris's xx birthday. Dad cooked out on the grill and it was fun seeing everyone. Our dear friend Linda also stopped by for a visit. It was such a nice day out. I spent some time outside on the deck, doing one of my favorite things. Making mulch.............

Making mulch is such a hard job. It really wears me out form all of the physical labor involved in this type of activity. I usually try to rest a little after working like this.

Here I am walking everyone to the gate as they left for the day. Mom and Aunt Patti gave Grandma Doris a ride home. Grandma couldn't stay too late, as she had to get home and check on cousin Boo. If you remember, Boo has been sick and had to spend some time in the Doggie Hospital. He is feeling a lot better now. (Thanks Dr. Pete) Boo has to eat special food and take it easy for a while.

Mom took the camera to get a couple of pictures of Boo. I am so happy that he is feeling much better. Boo likes it out on the deck also. He likes to lay in the sun and soak in some rays.


This is his favorite position to relax in. I think he looks like a miniature bear rug myself. I can't get this flat. I hope everyone had a good weekend. I sure did. Don't forget to hug a dog.

First time for everthing

Well, I never thought it would happen. In a past blog I mentioned that Callie is always taking a nap on my bed. Since I am a little scarred of Callie, I always go and get Dad and make him get Callie off my bed. This happened again the other day and I went and got Dad to make Callie leave. Dad followed me into the bedroom and what Dad did next shocked me. Dad looked at me and said " Annie, don't be scared of that little cat, get over there and just crawl in your bed next to her." Well, I could not believe my ears, Dad would always just make her leave and go get into her bed. I mean, I never lay in Callie's bed and why is she always in mine?. And then Dad just walked out of the room. Well, I never......... I paced back and forth for a little while and I could see that she was not going to budge. I slowly crept onto my bed. Callie raised one eye and gave me that look. I gently laid down and she didn't even as much hiss at me. I laid there for a few seconds and before I knew it I had dozed off. We both had a nice nap for a couple of hours. I guess Dad came back in and took this picture of us sharing my bed. Maybe she isn't so bad after all.


I want to ask all to say a prayer for my little cousin, Boo. He is in the doggie hospital tonight and is real sick. I sure hope he is feeling better tomorrow. He has been sick off and on for a few weeks and I worry about him.
Dad and I went for another walk tonight and I got to spend most of the day outside in the beautiful sun. It was a good day for me. Take care and don't forget to hug a dog.

Some of my Redneck Friends

Here's a picture of Delmar, Earl & Junior. They live down the road a spell. They're good folk. Their idea of a good time is a 12 pack of Natural Light and watching "Blue Color Comedy Tour" on the Comedy Channel. I will say this, if it wasn't for them I probably wouldn't be so interested in NASCAR. I love watching NASCAR races. I can't imagine chasing one of those cars.


Today I got to spend most of the day outside as it was real nice out. I also went for a walk with Dad after he got home from work. That is always fun. I get to visit some of the neighborhood dogs on our walks.

I wanted to give you a glimpse of what I looked like just a few years ago before I lost my left eye. This was a good day. It was Christmas Day 2002 and I was sitting right next to Grandpa Tom (Mom's Daddy). Grandpa Tom was such a sweet, gentle man and he loved me so much. He also loved watching NASCAR on TV. His favorite driver was Jeff Gordon. I root for Jimmie Johnson myself.

Grandpa Tom and Grandma Ruby (Dad's Mommy) are always looking down upon us and watching out for our family. They are both in a much better place now. I sure do miss Grandma Ruby and Grandpa Tom. They both left us way too soon.

Please remember to hug a dog.

Dog Art, a good movie and Grandma Chickie

This is one of my favorite paintings. I wanted to share this with everyone. Dad and I went for a walk tonight after him & Mom got back from visiting Grandma Chickie. Grandma Chickie is our Grandma that is 98 years old (that's people years). She still lives by herself on the farm. Mom and Dad go out to visit and they take dinner. Mom always fixes good food and usually a dessert to take out. Grandma loves her sweets. Grandma lives with her dog, Shelby. Shelby was adopted from a real prison. She actually lived with the prisoners and was trained by the inmates. Shelby is a sweet dog and keeps Grandma good company. Grandma got her name because she used to raise chickens and sell eggs on the farm. Here's a picture of Shelby and Grandma Chickie.

Tonight we watched a good movie. It was a tear-jerker. Mom, Dad & I watched Marley & Me. I love dog movies. This one was kinda sad. I have come to the decision that us dogs are not on this planet long enough. We must make the most of what time we have to be with our owners and they must do the same with us. And remember: Don't let a day go by that you don't hug a dog.

I Love my little Duckie

Here's a pic of me and my little Duckie. I feel safe when I'm with it. Last night I had a bad night. We had alot of thunder and lighting. I don't like thunder and lighting. It makes me nervous. When I finally calm down and I can relax, I like to use my little Duckie for a pillow. My dad, Rick stayed up with me during the night while it was storming. That makes me feel better. With another day of rain, Rick and I are watching baseball again. I have been resting most of the day after all of the trauma from last night.

I had promised to show a picture of Callie. If you remember, she's the one that thinks she owns this place around here. She gives me fits. Just to be rude, she will sit next to my water bowl. She knows that I am a little scared of her. I know she does this just to keep me from getting a drink of water. Sometimes she will go and sleep on my bed. This really ticks me off. I have to go and get my Dad to make her get off of it so I can nap. Did I mention that I love to nap. That's one of my favorite things to do.

Well, I hope that all had a good weekend. Amber & Scott will be here soon and I will visit with them. Eric didn't get to come home from college as he is still a little under the weather.

Until next time............Don't forget to hug a Dog!

Another day, another dog biscuit

Today is a lazy day for me. Come to think of it, most days are that way. It is raining today off and on. I'm not real crazy about going out in the rain. I do enjoy looking out the window when I hear someone outside. The cats are usually in this window seat sleeping. I think they do that just to keep me from looking out.



Here is Bailey napping in the window seat. I get along pretty good with Bailey, but Callie is a different story. She's always hissing at me. Callie thinks she owns this place around here. She has more seniority than Bailey or myself. It's hard to believe that Callie and Bailey are sisters. They are as different as night and day.
Maybe in the next day or two I will post a picture of Callie. I really hate to give her much attention. She gets enough as it is. She's so spoiled.

Rick and I are staying in today, just chilin' and watching baseball on TV. He likes baseball. We play catch when it is nice outside. Right now, there is new grass seed planted in my back yard. Those areas are off limits to me for a while. I get to go on the leash and go on the outside of my fenced in back yard. That's always fun to go for walks. I do have a little arthritis on my right hip, but I tuff it out when we walk.

Amber and Scott are coming over tomorrow. That is always fun, I like seeing them. Amber gives me hugs. Eric was suppose to come over as well tomorrow, however he called and is not feeling very well today. Bummer, I was wanting to see him too. I hope he gets better and can come over. He receives his Master's Degree on May 2nd. We are all proud of him. Keep checking back for pics of Amber, Scott, Eric and oh yeah, Callie - the grumpy cat. Hug a dog today!