Ecclesistes 3:1-8

This has really helped me today as I have begun to deal with the loss of Madison as well as the loss of friends who have died recently.

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

This is from The Holy Bible

Maddie

My first baby was born April 30,2002. He came to live with me on July 3, 2002 and the adventures began. I had been wanting a pet for a while and was finally in a place home wise, financially, and just in life where I could have one. I had originally wanted a dog and almost adopted a Golden Retriever, but realized that would not be a wise decision given my travel habits; so I decided to adopt a cat or kitten. I then ventured to Florence (I had just moved to Sumter and was not familar enough with the community to find the local SPCA) in search of a young cat or a kitten. Upon entering the SPCA in Florence, I was greeted enthuastically by a variety of kittens. Several greeted me on the spot thus tempting me to take them all home, however, I had already told myself that the first kitten that came to me would be the one I took, however.....
I had a small calico colored kitten with a musache in my arms and had turned to pick up my pocketbook when I saw this little orange body half in, half out my pocketbook. "Perfect", I told myself because I had come in pursuit of an orange cat or kitten having been advised by several friends that an orange kitty would be a good choice, and too they have great personalities. I also was looking for a male because I had also been advised that male cats and kittens have better personalities than females especially after being neutered. Well, I had grown up with cats more females than males, however I knew what I wanted, so this kitten had made his appearance at the right time. The kitty and I then made our way to the desk where I paid (this was on a Tuesday which happened to be Cat/ Kitten Adoption Day for $10); so I could have adopted the other kitty as well, but decided to wait. After paying the fee and signing the paperwork. This kitty and I were on our way with well wishes from the Florence SPCA.

At the time I had planned to name the kitten (kitty) Clemson because he was a beautiful shade of orange and call him Clem. Well, this kitten would have nothing to do with that name, so I went with my second name choice which was James Madison. Madison proved to be a better fit. I had planned to get Madison (quick to become known as "Maddie") a wife ( after being spayed, of course) and name her Dolly after President James Madison's wife. Therefore, my cats would be known as James and Dolly Madison, only Madison would be called Madison or Maddie. Can you tell that I had a lot of extra time that summer? Dolly never made her appearance as Maddie's "little brother", Kaby or KB (for keyboard as the piano keyboard is black and white) joined our family that next year, December of 2003 to be exact.

Back to Maddie, I took lots and lots of pictures the first few months I had him. One would have thought I had given birth to my first child as I was so proud. You see, Maddie was "my" first pet as an adult; so I really was proud. As any good parent would do, I set out to train him to be a good, well mannered pet, by litter box training first with which he caught on to immediately. Next, I leash trained him and went on to teach him to "sit" in order to receive treats thus showing up my friends who were dog owners and who honestly did not believe that kittens or cats could be trained or taught tricks. Boy, did Maddie and I show them!

Madison grew to be a LARGE cat. He really resembled Garfield, the comic strip cat, although he did not eat lasagna. People actually refered to him as Garfield, however, that never seemed to dampen Maddie's spirit nor personality.

He truly was a sweet cat and was loved by all who met him. Though he DID claw some things as a younger cat, he did learn quickly what was and was not tolerated, although, he would forget from time to time, that never changed our relationship as a pet and pet owner.

I have really been blessed to have had such great cats as Maddie and his "little brother" Kaby and pray that Kaby will be with us much longer. Poor Maddie was stricken with what appeared to be Congestive Heart Failure with which there seems to be no cure. I was with him, and he did not appear to have suffered much nor for very long. In fact, he died quickly and quietly in his sleep so it seemed. As for orange cats, I may end being like Sir Winston Churchill who owned only orange cats. From what I have read about Churchill recently, there continues to be an orange cat residing at his home in England. I can't say that orange cats will always reside at my home even when I am dead and gone, however, I plan to have as many as I can as long as I am able to own and maintain pets. Pictures of Maddie will follow in upcoming posts.

Saturdays

A couple of pictures of some historic house at the Bluffton Oyster Factory.

I Had No Idea

that boxes could be so entertaining for a cat!

Fun Kitties

Hangin' Out

Greek Taboule Salad

1 package NEAR EAST Taboule Wheat Salad
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large tomato, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice (I use fresh lemon)
1 cup (4 ounces)crumbled feta cheese
3/4 cup peeled, seeded and chopped cucumber
1/4 chopped fresh basil
Romaine lettuce leaves
Lemon wedges

1. Prepare the taboule as the package directs, except stir in cheese, cucmber, tomate, and basil during Step 2.

2. Serve on bed of lettuce with lemon wedges.

* I didn't use basil, lettuce, or lemon wedges, but the salad still turned out well and is really good and filling. A very healthy, inexpensive meal and maybe served again this week. Also something easy to make and have for lunch. I see a few packages of this grain in my cabinet in the near future. May go look for this tomorrow at Fresh Market.

Chocolate Chip Dip

Chocolate Chip Dip

8 oz. cream cheese, softened (I used 1/3 less fat.)
1 stick butter, softened (You could try margarine.)
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 tB. brown sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
6 oz. mini chocolate chips

Beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the remaining ingredients except the chips and beat until blended. Stir in the chips. Serve with graham crackers or strawberries (my favorite), or use as cannoli filling.


I have most of these ingredients, you may too. May try this in the near future.

Control

Yes, I'm back. It has been an incredibly busy year and too I really have not felt like blogging. There's lots to blog about as well as pictures to include, so I am slowly getting back to it. Like many of you, my blog is my online journal/ photo album/ scrapbook; so I really want to keep it up as I may have this and my past blog (Bluffton Briefings) complied into a book as a birthday gift to myself this December. I will be 40--YIKES!! Below is a post from another blogger about control. Before I go any further, we ALL say that we don't want/like having control. YES we do. 'Nuff said. Enjoy the post below.


As much as we like to think we can exert control over our lives, the truth is that the Lord has it all. We can be sitting in church worshiping with our families one moment... and the next moment be taken home to be with Jesus. So, why do we try to control every minute of our lives when instead we should be savoring every minute of our lives? Cherishing each minute as if it were the last. Heavenly Father, take away my desire for control. Pry it from my hands, oh Lord. I want you to wrestle this from me so that I can be free. I want to put my whole trust in You. Because I know that You are the true owner of my life. I just pretend that I can have a say in it. Lord, I don't need to create a false sense of security for myself here on earth. Because in You I am secure for eternity. Amen.
"I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, LORD, but only in due measure." (Jeremiah 10:23-24).

A snake- ARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGG

Walking back to my apartment, I saw this. Can you see it? Didn't think it'd hurt anyone, but I wasn't going to find out!

Meet Maggie

This is a member of our neighborhood who has befriended us, mainly Madison. Don't worry she's been fixed and stays outside. She (meaning Maggie, the cat) probably knows more about this neighborhood than the rest of us. If only cats could talk! :)

Two yummies!

If you're like me ( who loves to cook when I have time), I like good recipes, especially those that are easy to make, inexpensive, and something that may last longer than one meal (depending on how many people you are serving or how much you, personally, eat at one time)


Grits
I'll eat this anytime, though it's normally a breakfast food.

Broil 1/4 cup of chick broth (low sodium works well if you're watching your sodium level)
1/4 (maybe a little more) of half and half. Turn down the heat, stir in 2 1/2 to 3 tablespoons of Quick Grits ( I use the Piggly Wiggly Brand, but I think any brand'll work) after you remove from the heat. I have added a taste of salt and some garlic salt. Very tasty, although today I added a pinch of shredded cheddar. DELICIOUS! This is a recipe that I made up, but it was tasty, not soupy and not overly lumpy if you know what I mean. I like my grits creamy.


Quick Carbonara

This involves some ingredients you may already have. DELICIOUS and may lasts for 2-4 days depending on how many people you are serving ( the recipe says it serves 4), but also depends on how much you eat at one time. If making for a large group of people, say 8-12, just double or triple the recipe. Here is the actual recipe.

Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 19 minutes

1 (8 ounce) package of spaghetti, uncooked
8 slices of bacon
2/3 cups of chopped onion or bell pepper ( something to break up the saltiness)
1 (4-ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 to 1 1/2 cups (4-6 ounces) finely shredded Cheddar cheese
Dash of pepper

Cook pasta (spaghetti) according to package directions. Meanwihle, cook the bacon in a large skillet until crisp; remove the bacon reserving 3 tablespoons of drippings in skillet. Coarsely crumble the bacon and set aside.

Cook green onions (or bell pepper) and mushrooms in the reserved drippings in the skillet over medium heat from 2 minutes. Drain the pasta, and place in a serving bowl. Stir egg yolks into hot
pasta immediately after draining the pasta. Stir in the bacon, green onions (0r bell pepper), mushrooms, cheese, and pepper; toss. Serves immediately. This serves 4.

I didn't do this, but you can probably serve with some type of green vegetable ( such as green beans; the recipe suggests a green salad) and white wine. Like I said above-- DELICIOUS! I know that I'll be making this often this next year and will probably eat for lunch as well during school.

God's Promise

Can you see it? A rainbow rather pretty, too. I suspect we'll have more as the summer unfolds.

The End, well almost

Two and a half days to go for the kids and five more for me. We have two days of staff development on Thursday and Friday; therefore, our last day is the 11th. Anyhoo...

This is been a rewarding year,but it has had its challenges. After Christmas, additional students were given to me, most of them very needy and not used to a full day of instruction. However, we got through it and like one of my college roommates has said "You're a better person because of what you have done for those kids." There were alot of times, I wanted to quit, but then too, you know the saying from the movie, "Steel Magnolias" 'What doesn't kill us, makes us grow stronger.'

Would I do this year again? Yes. Are there things I would do differently? ABSOLUTELY!!

Here's to my sixteenth year of teaching. I am looking forward to my seventeenth this fall.

My Plants

Isn't this pretty? Hopefully I can keep them alive for a long time.

Tenth post today!

This post makes the tenth post I have done today within an hour and a half. Told you I've been busy, hopefully, I can post more often during this next month. Hopefully, I'll have more fun memories to share.

Catching Up

Blogging has not been first on my list of priorites. A month ago, I was at the end of my Spring Break which I thoroughly enjoyed, however, I was worried about how I was going to get the rest of my testing done by the end of April ( as in the 30th) as well as the rest of my IEPs (with the exception of a transition which can't be done until May). Guess what? One month later I met both my goals-- IEPs were finished on the 21st and I finished my testing ONE WEEK EARLY (the 23rd); just in time for the Port Royal Softshell Crab Festival and Sidewalk Arts Festival in Savannah that my brother likes to come down for. What a great way to celebrate!! Problem was, last year, I only had four students to test, spring break came later, and too, we didn't have two days off for the Hertiage, but everything worked out! I stayed a couple days this last week to finish bubbling, check over all seven answer booklets,and pack up the testing materials. Whew... the majority of my work is done, though we have one week, before the PASS testing begins! Summer is coming!!

Silkworms... yuck!

That's what these little furry friends are. According to my neighbor, they're to last for about 14 days. They have a unique look for sure. My neighbors' doors are practically covered; had to go back in and get my camera to photograph on my way to church this morning.

It's been a while

My, my , my... it's been awhile. As usual, I've been swamped. Story of my life, but that's OK. Here are some pix starting with last weekend with the snow. Enjoy.

A pretty plant picture