Thursday, September 25, 2008

Something for our canine friends

Hi everyone; thank you all for the wonderful responses to yesterdays post. I thought about it deeply before and after posting. The purpose of my blog is for fun and making friends, and I hope to educate; as I learn from all of your blogs too! Usually we are all working on making a lovely,happy home; but the world intrudes on that and so I feel we must defend our families and our homes in order to continue with our goal of making a happy healthy home. And from the comments it sounds as if you all support that too.
Today I am sharing with you some info for our canine friends; here is some crucial information on keeping your fur baby healthy and safe! all the mugs here just HATE it when I say we have to check the "list" to see if something is healthy for them; I never knew about the grapes thing until recently; we do not have grapes or raisins in our home at all; I am paranoid about dropping one and having them ingest it!
I will look and see if I can find my other "list" LOL.
From the DogAge website
Grapes of Intestinal Wrath

September 25, 2008

Grapes and raisins, although healthy and popular snacks for people, can cause serious health problems in dogs. Although the exact reason why they're toxic remains unknown, even small doses can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and abdominal pain and can lead to kidney damage and even kidney failure. After ingesting these fruits, dogs show increased levels of nitrogen, creatinine, and phosphorous in their blood, which indicates impaired kidney function. If your dog succeeds in sneaking any of these snacks, a swift trip to the vet can offset potentially serious health complications.
Poisonous Plants
Some of the following plants can be toxic to your dog. Check with your veterinarian before having them in your home.
Aloe Vera
Apple (seeds)
Apricot (pit)
Autumn Crocus
Baby's Breath
Branching Ivy
Buddhist Pine
Calla Lily
Ceriman
Cherry (seeds and wilting leaves)
Cineraria
Cordatum
Cornstalk Plant
Cuban Laurel
Cycads
Daffodil
Dieffenbachia
Dragon Tree
Easter Lily (especially cats!)
Elephant Ears
English Ivy
Fiddle-leaf Fig
Foxglove
Geranium
Giant Dumb Cane
Gold Dust Dracaena
Hahn's Self-Branching Ivy
Hurricane Plant
Janet Craig Dracaena
Jerusalem Cherry
Lacy Tree Philodendron
Madagascar Dragon Tree
Marijuana
Miniature Croton
Morning Glory
Narcissus
Nephytis
Oleander
Oriental Lily (especially cats!)
Peach (wilting leaves and pits)
Plumosa Fern
Poison Ivy
Pothos
Primrose
Red Princess
Rhododendron
Saddle Leaf Philodendron
Satin Pothos
Silver Pothos
String of Pearls
Sweetheart Ivy
Taro Vine
Tomato Plant (green fruit, stem and leaves)
Tropic Snow Dieffenbachia
Yew
Amaryllis
Apple Leaf Croton
Asparagus Fern
Azalea
Bird of Paradise
Buckeye
Caladium
Castor Bean
Charming Dieffenbachia
Chinese Evergreen
Clematis
Corn Plant
Croton
Cutleaf Philodendron
Cyclamen
Devil's Ivy
Dracaena Palm
Dumb Cane
Elaine
Emerald Feather
Eucalyptus
Florida Beauty
Fruit Salad Plant
German Ivy
Glacier Ivy
Golden Pothos
Heartland Philodendron
Indian Rubber Plant
Japanese Show Lily (especially cats!)
Kalanchoe
Lily of the Valley
Marble Queen
Mexican Breadfruit
Mistletoe
Mother-in-Law's Tongue
Needlepoint Ivy
Nightshade
Onion
Peace Lily
Pencil Cactus
Poinsettia (low toxicity)
Poison Oak
Precatory Bean
Red Emerald
Red-Margined Dracaena
Ribbon Plant
Sago Palm
Schefflera
Spotted Dumb Cane
Striped Dracaena
Swiss Cheese Plant
Tiger Lily (especially cats!)
Tree Philodendron
Weeping Fig

Home Safe Home
Even pets that spend most of their time indoors may be exposed to a number of potential hazards. The following list will help keep your home safe and sound for your dog or cat.
Be aware of the plants you have in your house and in your yard. The ingestion of a poisonous plant can be fatal. See above for poisonous plants list.


When cleaning your house, never allow your dog access to the area where cleaning agents are used or stored. Some may only cause a mild stomach upset, while others could cause severe burns of the tongue, mouth, and stomach or even be fatal.

When using rat or mouse baits, ant or roach traps, or snail and slug baits, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your pet. Most bait contains sweet-smelling, inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter, and sugars, which can be very attractive to your dog.

Never give your dog any medications unless under the directions of a veterinarian.

Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly to a dog.
Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of the reach of your dog, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain-killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are common examples of human medications that could be potentially lethal, even in small dosages.
Never leave chocolates unattended. Approximately one half ounce or less of baking chocolate per pound of body weight can cause problems. Even small amounts can cause pancreatic problems in dogs.

Many common household items have been shown to be lethal in other species. Miscellaneous items that are highly toxic even in low quantities include pennies (high concentration of zinc), mothballs (contains naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene — one or two balls can be life-threatening in most species), potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, automatic dish detergents (contain cationic detergents which could cause corrosive lesions), batteries (contain acids or alkali which can also cause corrosive lesions), homemade play dough (contains high quantity of salt), winter heat source agents like hand or foot warmers (contain high levels of iron), cigarettes, coffee grounds, and alcoholic drinks.
All automotive products, such as oil, gasoline, and antifreeze should be stored properly. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) can be deadly in a dog.
Before buying or using flea products on your dog or in your household, contact your veterinarian to discuss what types of flea products are recommended for him
. Read ALL information before using a product on your pet or in your home. Always follow label instructions.
Also, when using a fogger or a house spray, make sure to remove all pets from the area for the time period specified on the container. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, contact the manufacturer or your veterinarian to clarify the directions BEFORE using the product.

When treating your lawn or garden with fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides, always keep your dog away from the area until the area dries completely. Discuss usage of products with the manufacturer of the products to be used. Always store such products in an area that will ensure no possible pet exposure.

Sharp objects such as knives and forks, paper clips, carpet tacks and pins should be kept out of a pet's reach. Children's toys and small objects may attract a playful dog and become lodged in his mouth or swallowed.

Exposed lamp cords and other wires should be kept as short as possible and, ideally, out of your dog’s sight and reach. If extension cords are used, mount them against a baseboard so they cannot be played with or chewed.

Dogs are sometimes at risk on a high-rise balcony. A lively dog could squeeze through the bars and fall, leading to injury or even death.

Other health-threatening pollutants are radon, fumes from household products such as cleaning agents, pesticides, paints and varnishes, microbial and fungal agents found in air conditioners, air ducts, filters and humidifiers. Among common air pollutants are nitrogen dioxide from gas appliances, wood-burning stoves and un-vented kerosene heaters. Gas stoves, and kerosene heaters or stoves should be vented to the outside of the house.

Lead paint should be removed with extreme caution. Cleanup should be prompt and thorough. Other items containing lead accessible to dogs include lead-base paint, linoleum, and caulking compounds. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, loss of appetite, loss of muscle coordination, blindness and seizures

This list came from Purina at http://www.purina.com . I will add to it things like carpet fresheners which often give dogs allergic problems; all products that come into contact with your dog or cat can be irritating to them and can lead to fatal outcomes is sensitive animals; like cleaners,bleaches etc. I use Febreze, but since we have leather furniture; I spray it down in the cushions which are attached and never come into contact with the babies ( yes they sit on the couch!) They say it is safe for pets, but I really don't trust many of these companies anymore after the dog food scandal.

We puppy proofed our house with the first baby and continue to watch to make sure that they are safe. Bitsy liked those electrical cords when we first got her so we hid them under and behind things.

From the Dog Bowl:http;//www.thedogbowl.com
What is toxic to dogs?
While you love your dear dog and want him to have the healthiest of diets, it’s important to know which foods to consume and which must be avoided at all costs. In fact, there are specific foods which are toxic to dogs. Whether its grapes or cabbage or extensive table scraps or bread dough be aware of the list below as toxic food for dogs…in other words, what not to feed!
We’ll start with human food. Baby food can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. In addition, it can result in nutritional deficiencies especially if fed in large amounts. Simply stated, it’s best to avoid since this could be toxic to dogs. That’s why it’s called baby food and not dog food.
Table scraps in large amounts could be classified as toxic food for dogs. Why? Because they’re not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of your dog’s diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat and bones should definitely not be fed. Cooked meat and cooked fats are carcinogenic to dogs.
Bones from fish and cooked bones can obstruct the digestive system. Not good!
Chocolate, coffee, tea, and caffeinated drinks are bad. They contain caffeine which could be toxic and impact the heart and nervous systems.
Citrus oil extracts result in vomiting. Stay away!
Grapes and raisins contain unknown toxins which can do damage to the kidneys. Definitely considered toxic food for dogs.
Large amounts of cooked liver cause Vitamin A toxicity, which impacts muscles and bones. Yet another item which is toxic to dogs.
Macadamia nuts, like grapes and raisins, contain unknown toxins.
Spoiled food and garbage – just don’t go there. Definitely considered toxic for dogs.
Mushrooms can result in shock and cause death.
Alcohol can result in coma and death.
Bread dough can result in a bloated belly and then disorientation and vomiting
. Since it yeast that hasn’t risen yet, you do not want it to expand in Fido’s belly, much less get stuck in the intestines! This, like the other items on the list, could be toxic to dogs.
Onions and garlic, whether it’s raw, cooked, or powder in large amounts have the ability to damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
As for chemicals, dogs need to be kept away from all antifreeze spills since this could be hazardous and toxic to dogs. While the sweet smell and taste may be attractive to his sensitive nose, if your dog consumes any amount of antifreeze, rush him immediately to the veterinarian. (Check your garage and driveway for spills and clean these up before your pet has a chance to smell and potentially ingest this!)
Xylitol is a sugar-alcohol sweetener contained in chewing gum and candy. Seizures, lethargy and weakness are the result if dogs consume significant amounts of this chemical.
Ibuprofen, like antifreeze, may smell sweet. Dogs will eat it if they’re found lying on the floor and don’t be surprised if your dog tries to chew threw a bottle to eat the entire contents. This is definitely toxic to dogs. It causes ulceration and perforates the lining of the stomach, and decreases the blood flow to the kidneys. Yet again, toxic to dogs.
And keep the above mentioned foods and chemicals in mind to prevent your dog from consuming toxins. At The Dog Bowl, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being. For more information about foods and chemicals which are toxic to dogs or if you think your dog could have ingested a toxic substance please contact your local vet as soon as possible.
I will add do not feed GREENIES to your dogs ever!!!! I had been on a site that showed the effects on these treats that stayed in the dogs stomach and maimed and killed a number of dogs. And the company just did not care; I also do NOT give any rawhides for the same reason; you can get KONGS and under supervision you can fill them with treats' peanut butter or KONG makes a filler; this is great for doggies! And safe! I watch them with toys because bullies are BIG chewers; they will disassemble things quickly so we are careful in buying things for them to play with! If they start ripping it up out it goes!
I know it is hard sometimes but we had an incident with Niles a few years ago; he became very ill suddenly on Thanksgiving and the emergency vet did not know what was wrong; my daughter thinks it was a mushroom, but they never did find out; it looked like a toxin; Niles suddenly lost the ability to walk without falling and they thought; and I thought he was dying. I never want anyone to go through that!
He was very ill and needed intense care at home for a long time; we had to take him out and hold him up to go potty and he really could not poop for a long time; the vet said if it was a toxin it had shut down his colon! I made him food for a long time and we just loved him and did everything to help him; eventually he was back to himself and now he is a happy healthy guy, but I watch him closely as I do all of them!
The other thing is spider bites; Murphy has had at least three episodes with these buggers! I am spider crazy now !!!
I hope these things help you keep your fur babies safe and healthy!




EDIT; I forgot about apples; their seeds are poisonous; make sure they are cored well; also if you brush your dog's teeth do not use human toothpaste as it is poisonous for our dogs; there are canine toothpastes; ask your vet for a recommendation! This list is not all inclusive, please ask your vet for his/her list and please make sure your babies get their yearly check up and shots; if you know someone who is on a fixed or low income who has difficulty affording this care, please contact your local veterinary college as they have clinics at times or your local shelter who may have low cost vet lists for your area.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Im MADD as you know what ! For you Jenn






Hello Blog Friends; I am so behind in posting and thanking folks for goodies; and I will get to that in the next post; but first I have to share this with you; I am so tired of reading the paper or watching the news and hearing about the latest victims of jackasses who drive drunk. Usually this blog is a very lighthearted prim blog focused on my exploits in crafting,thrifting and loving my bully babies, but I felt the need to say what is on my mind today.

I get angry each time I hear of the tragedies that these damn moron inflict upon the innocents in our society. Today I am really fired up and if you are delicate, you may not want to read on because I am using impolite language and saying some things that I usually might not.
Today I am talking to all of you because I feel that this is such a serious situation that affects each and every one of us. Every time you or a loved one leaves, there is a chance that they won't return. Yes, there are accidents in life that rob us of those we love and perhaps those can't be avoided, but the menace that I am speaking of is COMPLETELY avoidable and preventable.
We are under attack by big old jackasses that are truly the most selfish, self serving people on the planet. I am not talking about terrorrists (although truthfully they are just that) I am talking about individuals who get drunk or high, then get behind the wheel or a car or on a motorcycle and go out on the highway resulting in death and injury to the motoring public.
Every year, nearly 13,000 people are killed by drunk drivers with an illegal alcohol level of .08 BAC or above. That means that every month more than 1,000 families must live with the tragic consequences of drunk driving*. (*from the MADD website)
Let me tell you a little bit about why I am personally so fired up about this issue. First, I was a victim of a drunk driver. We did not call it that at the time, but this is exactly what it was. I was driving to pick up my sister, I was 16, (married and pregnant at the time) I was two blocks from my mother's home.As I crossed an intersection which was completely devoid of traffic, (it was evening) I was hit in the driver's door of my Chevette at 70 miles per hour (estimated speed) I never had a chance to move out of the way had I seen him in time. The force of the crash sent my car into a tree and the almost into the house on the corner.
The driver that hit me tried to leave, but people had come from their homes and prevented this; he had liquor bottles falling out of the car onto the pavement and was visibly intoxicated according to witnesses. My sister had witnessed this as she began to walk home rather than waiting for a ride. I was very lucky; I was trapped briefly in the car, but I became hysterical and pulled my leg out from under the door and tried to get out of the car fearing that it would catch fire.
Later, I learned that my decision to get gas later, even though the car was almost on fumes saved me from that. (A police officer advised me of that at the hospital) My eye was cut open and had to be sewn up, but that was all that happened to me. I was badly bruised and felt like a train hit me for a while. But I was OK! The policeman that came to the hospital had asked about the DOA from the accident; the doctors said no one came in dead; the policeman was amazed; he said that it was so bad he was sure someone had died. Well, that scared the poop out of me! I was hollerin' here I am I am okay!!! More for myself than anyone else! LOL!
Life went on; the irony was that my idiot insurance company paid for the drunk's damages! They said it was my fault for driving out in front of him!!! I had the yield sign so I was at fault. I could not believe it. The police said there was no way you could know that this jackass was coming at that rate of speed!
Life went on.
I want you all to know that my life from age nine on was spent in the company of alcoholics. My mother started drinking when I was nine; she divorced my father and cultivated a whole crowd of alcoholics to play with. She married one who was abusive as well. Alcohol and drunk driving was a daily occurance at my home.
When I was probably thirteen, I began to try to keep my mother from killing people by driving drunk;( mainly herself) I did not know about alcoholism then, or drunk driving. In the seventies, there was no such thing as far as I am aware. The cops would yell at you and drive you home or if you were abusive, they would toss you in the drunk tank. That's all I knew. I taught myself to drive. I would walk to the bar and drive her home. So began my trying to keep the drunks off the roads.
My mother's whole life revolved around liquor. She could not see past the bottle. She was so self destructive as most alcoholics are. I was nine when she began to drink. I was eighteen when she died from cirrhosis caused by alcoholism. I got married at 16 to escape the craziness; I married a non drinker; my mother had me, at one time, engaged to a raging alcoholic because he would help her maintain her addiction!
So when I tell you all I know what is what with this you will know I mean it. I finally at age 34, finished my college degree. In Addictions Counseling. Once again, trying to keep the world healthy and safe for others.
Here is what I learned over ten years; I worked as a counselor/therapist in a few community mental health centers, a prison halfway house,a prison for men, in a HIV/AIDS care coordination center,a rehab for adolescents and women with children who are addicts. Most of the clients did not want help; most were unconcerned with the effects of their use on society. A large percentage, even those in prison could not be convinced that drinking and driving was in any way wrong and most were repeat DUI offenders in addition to other charges. I have had clients blame their victims for God's sake. I have had mothers who were pregnant use alcohol,crack,methamphetamines and damn near anything else they could get their hands on during their pregnancies! And argue that "all my other kids was okay and I used with them" I have seen crack addicted babies born with HIV! I have seen people continue to drink right up to their dying days. They say it is a disease. I say maybe so, but there is a way to end it. You have to want it. I have seen recovery, a few times,; it involves those who know they made a mistake; are willing to admit it; admit they are not able to use anything safely and are willing to do whatever it takes to be well. They are as committed to their recovering from the addiction as they were to getting and using their drug of choice in the first place. Most did this through AA or NA; a few needed medical and psychiatric interventions, but were willing to do as directed.
Back to the drunk driving issue; I also consider driving while under the influence of ANY chemical drunk driving (impaired driving)
There are so many stories out there; you know as many as I do I'm sure. This goes across all lines;both genders ,all religions,income levels,educational levels. When they kill or maim; the damn courts slap them on the hand and say "now don't do it again" Guess what, yup, they do it again and again. It is such bullshit! The courts and defense attorneys say "it was an accident"
Here's my take on that; you go to a bar; you sit and drink for eight hours; you take your ass back out to that car, turn the key and drive out on to a street. unable to control that big chunk of steel you drive over someone's family and kill them.
Different scenario; you go to the bar and drink for eight hours; go outside and start firing at passing cars with your gun; killing someone's family.
When you walked into that bar; and did not make allowances for your transport home, to me you were already froming the intent to harm someone. That is no accident. After you start drinking your ass does not care how or if you get home; the drug takes over, that is right; alcohol is classified as a drug. In scenario one; you will probably get probation and a bunch of fines,community service and have to go to outpatient rehab. ( and we taxpayers will be paying for that rehab; ask me how I know! and if I thought it would work I would happily pay it) In the second scenario ; well; that was not an accident they will say! Well shit; neither is aiming a car you can't control down a highway you can't see.
If you want to drink yourself silly; go right ahead! That's right I said go right ahead. But keep your ass out of the car and off the damn streets! Stay Home!
I ride a motorcycle; I do it for fun. I NEVER drink anything and ride other than Diet Coke! If I feel badly, I don't ride. You can get your ass killed way fast on a bike by a very small mistake, but you could harm someone else too in the bargain.
In my truck Sparkle; I am more protected; I have airbags that surround the entire passenger cabin as well as the steering wheel. I am still careful when I drive. I take it seriously that I could affect someone's life wioth my actions. I feel responsible for those around me. I have to remain aware of my abilities to pilot my bike and my truck safely down the road. And yes, I do drink on occasion. If I have a drink when we are out, my husband drives. If he has a drink, then I do not and I drive. We usually have Diet Coke and Iced Teas. We are not real big on drinking, we do have wine with dinner at home on occasion and a beer once in a while, but I cook with wine more than I ever drink it. I think that we know the results of playing with alcohol and are cautious.
Yesterday, there was a story on our local news that got me riled up again
http://www.wnem.com/video/17544593/ about an unborn child killed by a DUI driver. Please check out the link for more information. The mother is still in the hospital ; she has very serious injuries. The station WNEM said that they will put up a websire her family is building to help them along; when they do I will post it here.
The mother is a nursing student who is 21 years old and was eight months pregnant. This was caused by an 18 year old! Well, how's that for evidence that lowering the drinking age is stupid? I have treated PLENTY of kids whose idiot parents allowed them to begin drinking as early as 14/15 because" At least I know where they are and can keep them from getting into trouble out there" ( They used the same argument for sex, and many got pregnant and developed sexually transmitted diseases out of the same skewed logic) What ever happened to parents who say NO!!! And mean it; parents that don't want to be FRIENDS with their kids? Guess how many of these kids had major addictions by the time they were 18? I used to tell them just because it is legal it don't make it good for you!
And to my other reason for getting my dander up again; My friend Jenn was in a serious car crash caused by a dumb ass drunk; she has endured a restriction in her ability to move about freely and I don't know how many surgeries. Not to mention pain. She is a mother of three; she did not deserve the sentence that she got; she has developed a new problem causing her to have to speed up the date of her surgery and I am so angry on her behalf! She is a great blog friend and I wish I could figure out some way to help her heal. I am sure the damn drunk is out and about having a fine time. Jenn's whole life has been impacted all because a jackass went out and got drunk and tried to drive himself home. There are so many stories I know about this issue. But for now, can you all put a ribbon on your blog; pass it on that this is a national issue and warn those you know and love about the dangers on the road. It's not just drunks, its also people who are impaired in any way; on prescription meds; sleep deprived, high on drugs (illicit).
Jenn, I have come to love you as the sister I wish I had; so creative, loving and full of light. A good mom, a good friend, a fighter! My prim sister I want the best for you and I hope that you will be spared any more pain after your surgery. I'll be here if you need me! Y'all get MADD too;
I hope you all think about this; the holiday season is coming; but I want you to know that they are out there everyday; all day; As Judge Judy says; "It is not an accident, its an on purpose"
Added later today; I want to also tell everyone that you don't have to be an addict or an alcoholic to be an impaired driver! It could be the very first time that you drink at a party, maybe underestimate your consumption ( they say that a normal body processes alcohol at the rate of ONE drink per hour, one drink is not a 40 oz can either!) alcohol is tricky and makes you feel that you have not "really drank all that much" Regardless; do you really need to take the chance? Call a cab, plan beforehand to have a designated driver if you want to drink, sleep at your friend's home in the event of a party, stay at the hotel,take public transportation!
Fun does not come in a bottle.
The aftermath is not good even if you don't wind up herting someone else; here's what my old clients told me; the costs of driving drunk ( without causing any damage to anyone else)
Legal Fees for DUI: $ 7-10,000 ( yes ten thousand dollars!)
Court Fees: $2500-$5000
Probation Fees; wide range, but at least $1000.00
Your License will usually be lost for some period of time; out here we have NO public transportation to speak of; so you could lose your job.
You may do some jail time; our system in the Thumb charges a daily rate; just like a hotel; I have been to the jail to teach group; it ain't no Hilton! YUK!
License Reinstatement Fees; vary, but hey, they will get their money!
Oh yeah, your car insurance is going up WAY UP!
Now, if you continue to do this; the costs will go up further; you may receive a felony charge which will keep you from certain jobs. And God help you if you harm someone; but I still feel that this is not enough. How do you quantify the harm that is done to a family that has lost their mother? Or to the family whose income was cut in half because one parent or the other was injured and cannot work?
We seem to value human life so very little. Think about it, the next victim could be you or a loved one. My friend Cara was AT HOME sleeping in her home with her husband and young child when her home was hit by a drunk driver; luckily no one was harmed. Her porch was demolished and she was left to bear the costs for much if not all of it! I have had clients involved in drunk driving who harmed and killed others; one was a teen who killed her friends; this kid did not even care; she received little time in juvenile hall, her probation officer appeared to cater to her; as did the home she was placed in. I have never seen such a lack of regard for others; her parents blamed the other girls! This kid had the nerve to say that since this had happened a few months prior, everyone should get over it! You know, this was one of the things that began to build to cause me to walk away from this field! When you see that at such a young age where are you gonna go with that? If I hear "its only alcohol or its only weed" one more time in my life I will go crazy!
So many of these folks do a little time, give up some money and then go on with their lives. I keep thinking of the ones left in the cemetary by their loved ones; when do they get to come back and get on with their lives? When do their loved ones get to be happy again? How do you replace what is stolen from these people? When these jackasses go to jail, their families can visit them and rail about how unfair the system is ( I have heard it believe me!) Meanwhile, the victims lie in a plot of earth, under a cold cement stone; their families visit them too; but there is no conversation with the dead. They can't hug or talk to you; they will never be returned to those who grieve for them. I always wonder, was this the person who may have had the cure to cancer within their brain? Was the deceased the one who could effect peace? So much potential lost due to the carelessness of others. For all those whose lives were impacted and some ended due to this rampant stupidity; I am sorry, and I will keep fighting about it in some way forever.
One last thing; if you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol or drugs; get help; there is plenty out there; AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)and NA(Narcotics Anonymous) are FREE! There are meetings going on in every town; there are websites that will help you locate a meeting; they are also listed in phone books.
If you need any other help; check with your local community mental health center. There is treatment available. If you can't find what you need email me or leave me a comment; I'll try to help you find help. The life you save could be someone you love. Thanks!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

The Noble Wife


WOW! Check out this giveaway; hurry; it ends on the 18th!!http://thenoblewife.blogspot.com/2008/09/giveaway-update.html









Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book
Gooseberry Patch Tote Bag
Book of Recipes for Gift Mixes
Package of 8 Santa Teddy Christmas Cards
Package of 8 Bunny Holiday Cards
Christmas CD
4 Fat Quarters
2 Packages of Christmas Buttons (so cute!)
Spool of Green Grosgrain Ribbon
Spool of Red Grosgrain Ribbon
Well, Good Luck y'all; and you know what I say; I sure hope I win it, but if I don't, I hope it is one of you; my lovely friends!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Happy Birthday Odee




This is Odee; he is also known as The Man; he is proudly owned by Jill at The Fruit of Her Hands. I missed the post about his birthday on Sept. 9,2008;http://thefruitofherhandstudio.blogspot.com/2008/09/working-away-mans-birthday.html. So we made him a license plate ( well, I did WORK in a prison for men once! Remember that I said WORK!!! LOL) and all the lil bully-dogs here want to wish him a big ole' Happy Birthday!!!!! Love from Niles.Murphy,Zoey and Bitsy, to you Odee "The Man" and we wish you many more. The girlz say they think you are Hot! LOL! ( I don't make this stuff up, I just report it LOL) Have fun Mr. Odee. I can see you are a loved lil guy!

Another Great Giveaway

Look what I found at Joann's blog today : She is offering these goodies; hurry on over to http://jo-anne-thecarterclan.blogspot.com/2008/09/100th-post-giveaway-and-grand-opening.html. The drawing for this give away will be held September 19th, 2008! Good Luck everybody!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Fall Giveaway at the Pickled Pepper Patch

Hi everyone; well I found another great generous blogger; her name is Char; her blog name is The Pickled Pepper Patch; she has a great blog! This is the link for the giveaway:http://charsethman.blogspot.com/2008/09/fall-is-in-air-giveaway.html

Here is her description of the goodies:


"Here are the goodies for my giveaway. It includes everything shown: A Medium-sized Breadboard, 2 aged wooden spoons, a navy blue wooden bowl, and 3 of my scented, handmade, fabric Cinnamon Buns! (The flour is not included, but if you would like that added to your package...I can arrange it!) "




Good Luck to everybody!! And check out her blog while you are there; very nice!!!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Handmade Swap

Hi everyone; this is just a brief note for you all; I found a place called Handmade Swap on line that you all might be interested in; just click on the name and it will take you there and I have included it on my favorite list to the left. I think they are just getting up and running, so they would appreciate our support.
I think some of us are always looking for swaps and this is a nice meeting place for that. So check it out and see what you think. I thought it was nice because you can post what you have for a swap, so you kind of know what to do; I know for me it is hard to know what to send or make so this seems like it would make it easier.

EDIT; Here are some other swap sites for you to look at also;
www.swapbot.com
www.craftster.com
www.swapdex.com
Have fun!!!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE!!!!!


glitter-graphics.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JANE!!!! If you haven't visited her at her blog JanesFabrics or at her store http://stores.ebay.com/Janes-Fabrics_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm or her ETSYhttp://janesfabrics.etsy.com/, you should hop right on over!!! She has fantastic fabrics and she is a fellow bully-dog mom!!!! She just got the cutest puppy!!! Sophie




Isn't she GORGEOUS!!!!! I have puppy envy!!!!!!! What a pretty puppy you are Sophie!!!!! I just want to kiss that wrinkle!!!!! And her sisters are beautiful too; she has one human sister and one canine sister named Millie! She is a lucky puppy to have such a wonderful mom and dad too!

Here is what Jane is giving away for her birthday!!! WOOOO!


Isn't this great; it's her birthday and she is giving out gifts!!!!!

Jane is a great friend to me and I just love her store; go on over and get entered and shop a bit, read her great blog full of creative ideas and see her family; more bullies!!!! You will have fun and maybe win this great prize too!!!!! I HOPE I WIN!!! But, if I don't I hope one of you all will; Tell Jane I sent ya!!!!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Just In Time For Halloween

Just in time for Halloween; Aunt Manny is giving these bottles away for your Halloween decor!!
So hop on over and enter; the contest closes Sept.15,2008. I love these bottles, they would be great tucked in a display of Fall/Halloween items or in your prim pantry. Good Luck!

The cutest lil gal

Kitty Cat Hat Giveaway

Isn't she the cutest lil gal? Well her mommy is having a giveaway over at her blog Homely Animal. You can enter and win this darling hat, not the lil sweetie pie ( I KNOW!!!If she were the prize, why I would be ALL over THAT contest; she is just a lil cutie pie!LOL) Her mom says: " It's made from white, 100% merino wool (it's soft don't worry) and is available in sizes 2,4 & 6. Super cute and warm around the neck, ears and outer cheeks ;o) "

Here's the link to enter:http://homelyanimal.blogspot.com/2008/08/kitty-hat-give-away.html

Now, I don't have lil ones, but I figure it would make a great gift for someone I know who does. Many of you have lil ones or you have grandkids or you may just want to gift it to a lil one you know; but go on over and visit and enter the contest. Her blog is great fun; she has a recipe for grilled flatbread that I am itching to try. Well, good luck to y'all! The contest ends Sept. 15,2008


My Country Baby Murphy