Son captured this unladylike pose of Oreo's. It's funny. He take really good pictures for a 4 year old. Maybe it helps that he's closer to the ground?
Today was miserably hot with worse to come this week. I hated to leave my house, but had to do my tri-weekly look at the shelter for Squeekie. Still no clues to where he is, or who may have him. It's very hard to stay optimistic and up-beat about this for my Son, but I am trying for his sake.
Had to also go grocery shopping today. The kids make it such a joy (warning, sarcasm alert!!). They want everything on the shelves and drive me batty. By the time I get home and put the groceries away, all I want to do is find a room with a lock and let them fend for themselves. BUT, I don't! Promise. I do however feed them, so that their mouths are too full to argue with each other or ask me for something/to do something.
I've been a little lazy with my excercises these past 2 weeks, and am feeling very guilty about it. It's just the heat is killing me, I never seem to feel cool enough. Especially if I've been outside. But, I'm going to try and get out of this slump this week. Wish me luck!
I picked a book up at Wal-Mart last week because the premise sounded intersting, but I have to wonder how it got published. It wasn't even the fact that it was in first person. I've read a few books written that way before that worked. But, this book made me want to sling it against the wall....pick it up.....and sling it again!! Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots by Luane McClane was the name of the book. I try not to bash a book, so make up your own mind, but if you have the same reaction to it that I did, I wouldn't be surprised!
That's it for the night. Have pleasant dreams and treat yourself to something nice tomorrw, even if it's just a piece of chocolate, B.

Can you just sense the disdain coming off of Layla? She is still being resisitent to the kitten and hisses whenever he gets near her. She is so jealous too. He likes to crawl in my lap and goes right to sleep, Layla sees me as her "Mom" and when she sees him in my lap, she hisses and skulks off.
We went to my Dads today, but didn't stay long, we needed a new blender and had to get to the store before it closed. We did promise my Dad that we would stay for a longer visit next sunday. MIL called right when we were getting ready to leave for my father's , asking us to come over there today. Um, we don't like it over there, AND we already had plans. Plans we made a week ago. It's like we're expected to drop everything we are doing or planning on doing and rush over there to be bored out of our ever-loving minds and to be controlled. Uh-uh, isn't going to happen. ANYWAY, forgive me, they just push every button I have.
You'll never believe what happened today? My Dh did yard work!!!! Yes, he did. I am in shock! He weed-eated and edged the yard and is going to put down weed-block tomorrow morning (I'll believe it when I see it.) But, at least he did that this evening after we got home. I cleaned out the van and vacumned it, and made my daughter get in there and clean out the seat pockets. I wanted her to see the mess she and her bother make. Maybe she'll think better of it the next time she puts trash in there! And! He made dinner. Shish-kabob's and I made fried rice to go with it. YUM.
Did I tell you why we had to got to the store today? He fried my blender. Kidding. We bought that blender over 10 years ago, but it has been making a burning smell the past year or so. Well, last night he made me a vanilla milkshake (It helps my acid problem and hey, it's sweet and cold.). The blender motor stopped and started smoking a little. Fried! We looked at blender's for an hour and ended up getting a brushed steele one. It's so pretty and has a great motor. That's all I ask for. Let's hope it works well the first time we use it.
I hope y'all have a good evening and enough rest t start the week off well. Sweet dreams, B.

Oreo looks suspicious but regal at the same time doesn't she? She has been playing with the kitten today. It's so funny to watch this small kitten attack and try to tackle a cat that is almost 10 times his size.

I have been busy running errands today, so if y'all don't mind, this is it for me tonight. I'm tired from being with the kids and Dh and having to referee fights between the kids and keep Dh in check so he doesn't go off on them. Ya'll have a good night. I wish dreams of joy and happiness onto you. Night, B.

I will post a picture of another of my cats, but I just had to show you this sign that my MIL bought for me. Um, what does this mean? Does is mean she thinks I have too many cats? (She's made comments to that effect before.) Does it mean she finally realized I like cat stuff? Ooooh, if so that's PERFECT. NO MORE CLOTHES FROM HER!!!!! Yippee! It's just that even her nice comments and gifts have 2 meanings. You know, like, "Oh I love that color on you. It's so flattering to someone your size". Yeah, she really has said thing like that. Well, whatever way she meant it, I LOVE IT! It's perfect.

Speaking of the In-laws, they came over today and were introduced to the newest member of our family. FIL liked him, MIL said somehting to that effect as well. But, I know for a fact that she can barely stand them so I guess she was making an effort for me. Anyway, the kids and I were supposed to meet Dh at Whole Foods for dinner (I needed a few things from there adn they have hot food for sale) adn after asking what we were doing for dinner and upon hearing that, MIL turns to FIL and says ( I kid you not, w/0 asking me) Want to go with them? Um, excuse me, did I invite you? WTH? Hello! Manners people. Haha! Revenge is sweet, I don't think they enjoyed the food available at Whole Foods AND the kids were past rambuncious when we left and were making farting noises all the way back here! HAHAHAHA! By the time we got home, they LOOKED tired. Aghhh! I still giggle thinking about it. I told them: go home, take some tylenol and find a quiet place, you'll recover in no time. Haha! I am so bad. I loved it! (hence the exclamation points)

Anyway, enough from me. Y'all have a good evening, try and dream wonderful dreams. B.

Tomorrow I'll post a picture of another of our cats, but I am trying to convey to you HOW TINY this kitten is. This picture was taken while he was under my chair. He is all eyes and ears. I need to try and get him to the Vet tomorrow because he has the sniffles. It may be his adjustment to a new environment or he may have what is often referred to as "kennel cough", it is easily treatable and isn't threatening.

I am now going to make inane comments on the weather. IS. IT. FARTING. HOT. ENOUGH. OR. WHAT? Granted, I live in the South, yes the lovely HOT and HUMID South. God help us all. See, I did a really stupid thing today. Yeah. I cut the grass. I thought it would cool down the later it got, so I waited until after 7:30pm and then, refusing to cowe to the heat, I tackled the yard. I may have finished, BUT the heat kicked my arse. Big Time. So maybe 95 degrees and humidity in the kill me now range wasn't the smartest place to be. By the time I was done I was bathed in sweat and red in the face as a tomato, and it was hard to breathe. Now I am sucking down liquids like they are going out of style and the mere thought of going outside for anything is enough to give me the shakes.

The library called AGAIN today and since tey have a new policy of not holding books longer than 48 hours before pick-up AND my In-Laws are stopping by tomorrow, I went out early this afternoon with the kids and got them. Bad Boys of Summer, an anthology with Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy and Amny Garvey. And, Master of Wolves by Angela Knight. The last is funny because this isn't her first book, and she lives here, but this is the ONLY book that the library has of hers.

Not much else to tell, except that Oreo is now playing with the kitten!! WOW! Layla still acts like the spawn of hades when it gets near her and Patches is like, "Yeah, whatever. Just stay away from me". Son carries Midnight around like a baby and says that Squeekie is going to love his little brother. Awww! Every time he says it I want to cry, and he's said it several times today. *sigh*

Anyway, y'all sleep well and get ready to tackle Friday so that the weekend is that much closer!

Night, B.

Her's another picture of Midnight. He is so small it's a little scarey. He's supposedly somewhere between 6 and 8 weeks old. The other cats still hate his guts. I know that it will be over 2 weeks before they accept him.

We picked him up from the shelter in the next county yesterday evening. Son picked him out from a room full of cute kitties. We then proceeded to think up names, and the first name out of my mouth was Midnight. Son grabbed onto that name and no other would do for his kitty. Midnight slept with Son last night, and there were no tears at bedtime for a change. The kitten curled up next to Son and went to sleep, he woke Son up this morning licking and nibbling on Son's ears. (Yes, his food was handy.)

I had to check the shelter in our county for Squeekie today. I may file a complaint because the place was filthy, stank horribly, and the staff I dealt with today were indifferent, at best. I didn't see him and the kids had to go through with me too. Dissapointment is so hard to face in a child's eyes.

My good news for the day? The library called with a copy of Aussie Rules by Jill Shalvis that i had on hold. I can't wait to start it. (I have to finish Smitten by Janet Evanovich first.)

That's it from me tonight. I'm going to try get a few things done before bed. Night, B.

Meet Midnight. My Son picked him out, at the Shelter. He has the sweetest disposition and the other cats hate his guts. When he see's them his tail puffs out like a bristle brush. I have to be honest. He looks like a bat when he hangs his head upside down. But, the best of all, he likes my Son.

Hi. I have been missing Squeekie so much today. It just comes out of no where. A sense of grief. I went through all the pictures on my computer and just wanted to cry as I saw pictures of Squeekie. I am really at my wits end. I don't want to face the fact that we'll probably never see him again, and that thought is terrifying. I'll have to confess this, but I hope whoever took him rots in Hades!

I haven't had a chance to do much today. Son has had a strange fit of temper all day. Normally he can be charmed out of one of these, but today seems to be the exception. He has been cranky and demanding all day and frankly I need a break. It might be connected to the fact that he wanted his bed time buddy last night and had to hear again that we don't know where Squeekie is and that wherever he is he loves Son. Somehow the words don't seem as much comfort now.

Am I the only happy with these afternoon thunderstorms? I love them. Just the chance to sit and listen to the rain is relaxing. Usually.

In other news the Rescue group we had contacted, that assigned us a Case Manager and everything....changed their policy yesterday about placing their cats with families with young children. We had our hearts set on a certain cat, and we now know that the placement will be impossible.

Today has just been a gloomy day all around, and I for one, am glad that it will soon be over. I am going to finally try and relax with a book in bed for a while. Night, B.

Oreo is trcking a moth that got in when I opened the garage door. One day I might find her swinging from my light over the sink.

Nothing much to talk about today. I have a "tag" to do. Michele has tagged me YET AGAIN! Sheesh! Kidding! I don't mind doing them, I think they are fun.

When did you start blogging and why?
I started blogging a year ago last week because I saw that a few authors I enjoyed had blogs and I wanted to be able to comment. At first I felt it was a good way to get information about an author and their books, now I enjoy the bantering that goes back and forth on the blogs.

What don't you talk about/discuss on your blog?
I don't discuss politics, religion (in detail) or Very personal details.

Are you and your blogging persona the same person?
To be honest? Pretty much. I am actually more outgoing and personable than I would be in person because of my shyness. But, the way I come across is really me, like I am with my family.

How do you use blogging to build friendships?
I have actually reached out in my blog and on others where in person I am the person who sits in a corner and am glad to be there! I have MADE friends by blogging, but I feel like we would be friends if we met in person.

How would you describe your writing style?
There's a style? I write what goes on in my life, my thoughts, fears and dreams. I write from within myself. I don't think that's a style, per se.

No news on Squeekie today and we don't know what else to do, except keep visiting the shelters and make sure the posters stay up around the neighborhood. The situation is just a big pile of dog doo!
Haven't read my other 2 books today. I helped Daughter with school work though, and can I say I'm glad that I'm not in the 5th grade anymore?! And WHY do kids TALK SO MUCH????? I couldn't do anything today without Son jabbering away and when HE wasn't Daughter was!

We continue to get our nighttime visitor of little opposum. Who is so ugly, it's cute. And really enjoys cat food.

I think I've blathered on about nothing enough tonight, so I'll go now! (you can stop with the THANK GOODNESS' now!)
Night, B.

Thought I'd show you me, giving Layla a hug while she tried to get me to forget my blogging buddies!

Not feeling too well today, woke up at 6:30am with a acid in my throat and got very ILL. I had to wake DH to get me some milk afterwards, and yes I know that's not normal operating procedure, but I had to get that acid out of my throat! TMI, I know, sorry.

We've had no news on Squeekie and I asked our Priest to pray for him (different one than last week). Fthr. Bart is such a sweetie and agreed to do so. I know it seems silly to ask him, when there are so much more important issues in the world, but to me, this is important too.

I finished my new book Marriage By Design, written by Lynn Michaels. It was a fun read and the plot flowed smoothly. Mia Savage is her fathers top Wedding Gown designer, but she has had enough, she wants to design the treassue(sp) line instead. Her father refuses to transfer her, so she quits, an hour before shocking allegations of corporate espionage (stealing a design of Mia's for a Senator's Daughter) appear. Mia is innocent and her father knows it as well, but he needs to find the thief and hires a Private Investigator, Joe Kerr, a former police officer. The story is convulted at times with false clues and personal issues from her parents past muddying the mix, but everything is added to the book without making it seem jumpy. But, love conquers all, and helps solve a mystery. I enjoyed the book, and for now it will sit on my keeper shelf.

Not much else going on, I expected to be busy catching up on a few household things that were pushed back yesterday, but I don't feel at my best so I'm going to take it easy. Y'all have a good night, B.

Guess where I went today? After making the rounds at the other shelter with my family, we went to the bookstore. I piccked up these 3 books (I needed a boost.) and have already started the Lynn Michaels book. So far I really like it.

No news on Squeekie today. We drove around looking for him and since the fliers we made up have our phone number on them I made DH check the answering machine all day.
This is the part where I sound like a complete bad person. We were going to adopt another cat before Squeekie went missing and am still trying to. Note I said BEFORE he went missing. We contacted a rescue group and am still expecting the adoption process to go through. Does this make us bad people? I hope not. One of the reasons we are going through with it is that last night my Son couldn't sleep and Layla was doing her pounce on my chest and demand to be petted (after I got my breath back) he said, " I don't have anyone to pet at bedtime anymore". I almost cried. I felt so bad for him. Layla was really sweet and let him lay his head on her fur and pet her. BUT, Patches dislikes him, Oreo is a bit of a misfit- don't touch her unless she instigates it, and Layla is Mommy's girl. He has no buddy. THAT is why we are going through with it, and if that makes me bad, then so be it. Please understand why.

Having Dh home off today was nice for a change. We didn't have to run everywhere because he isn't as tired and he is so relaxed now he doesn't look like a walking zombie. After spending the WHOLE day with us (the kids and I) he now understands why I am so tired at the end of the day! Heh-heh. He seemed surprised that I'm not a raving loon!

Ok. That's it. Have a nice night. B.

Ok, (deep breath) here goes. My first REAL kitty picture in about a week. Layla makes it very difficult to get to my blogging and blog hopping every day. She will LAY DOWN on the keys if I'm not careful.

No news about Squeekie, it's been over a week now. Daughter thought she saw him outside late last night, but with no moon and everything, we didn't see him. We even went out in our bare feet with a flashligh calling for him. Nothing. We think she saw what she wanted to see. His absence has affected all of us deeply.

I had to visit the shelter again today. It's sadder every time I go in there. This time the kids went through with me. They were well behaved (might have something to do with my threats before we went in) and my Daughter looked on one side of the rooms we went through and I looked on the other. It made it easier and faster, as far as time is concerned. But, I hated to strip their innocence of what it was really like for the animals.

Daughter went to feed the strays outside this morning and you would not believe what was sitting on the wicker table I set the cat dishes on!( setting the food on the table tricks the ants.) A young opposum. He was just sitting there eating the cat food. Luckily Daughter was smart enough not to go outside while it was there. They are notorious for being mean as snot and their teeth are as sharp as razors. I have to admit it was cute in an odd sorta way, though. Tiger , the outside stray that adopted us, slunk up under my van and waited for it to finish.

Didn't go to the bookstore today. I'm trying to be good about my gas mileage. I thought I'd wait until tomorrow when I have to be in town anyway for a visit to the other shelter.

Anyone else remember the tv show WKRP? For some reason all those old shows on TV Land have made me think of it, and therefore the theme song is running through my head. Make. it. stop.

Oh, I have a list of my (to date) favorite books.

1. Little Women- Luisa May Alcott

2. Fast Women- Jennifer Crusie

3. Also Known as Sadzia the Bellydancer! - (YA book) Merril Joan Gerber

4. Avalon High- Meg Cabot

5. Open Season- Linda Howard

6. When You Call my Name- Sharon Sala (category)

7. All the Janet Evanovich books, can't pick just one. Although, number 3 of the Stephanie Plum series is very funny.

8. Chill of Fear- Kay Hooper, actually all of them are good.

9. Ghost Hunter- Jayne Castle

10. I'm leaving this open. I have so many favorite authors it's hard to choose. Just know that Charlaine Harris, Jill Shalvis and Lucy Monroe are my favorites. This was harder than I thought it would be.

Since I volunteered this information and most of you are probably asleep by now.....Hey! Wake up! I'm typing here! Anyway, have a good day, night, whatever! B.

I read this book to my 4 yr. old last night and by the time we were done, I was laughing, my Son was laughing, my Dh was snickering and my Daughter was rolling. It is soooo cute and funny. I especially loved the "Small Girl, Red Hood". Too, too funny. The Insert reads: Once upon a time there was a grown-up looking for a book with very short bedtime stories for a kid who wouldn't go to sleeep. So the grown-up picked up this book and read this flap and took the book home and read it out loud and they both laughed and fell fast asleep fast. Just like you. The end. I originally picked up this book at the library for Son for the summer reading program, and because the cover was cute. But, I may have to find a copy for us to keep.

I still want to do a post about the 10 books I like the most, but I need to compile a list, so it won't be today. I could name 4 right off the top of my head, but I need to look on my bookshelves for the others. And a few of them aren't technically adult books.

Still no news about Squeekie today. He was my Son's cat and he is starting to feel the loss. Squeekie would sleep with him and would actually put up with Son a lot more than the other cats will. We know this was mostly due to his temperment and the breed of cat he was. I can tell at bedtime how much he misses stroking Squeekie as he went to sleep. He has been antsy at bedtime and hard to settle down. I keep telling him that no matter where Squeekie is, he loves my Son and misses him. *sigh* And I have to go back to the shelter tomorrow. Dh tells me the one in the other county is nicer, in that the animal cages are cleaner, the whole facility is nicer and that the PEOPLE are nicer. At the one I keep visiting, they treat it as a normal job. Which, to some, it is. But, what about compassion for the animals?

Change of subject. If not I'll start on my Spay/Neuter rant.

I need a book to read. I'm waiting on my library to get my book on hold in, and in the meantime I am about ready to climb the walls. I may have to break down and visit the bookstore tomorrow. The UBS has been a disappointment the last few times I was there. I think I'll wait a bit before going back there. I might try and download an e-book, but won't put it on the palm thingie my DH has, the last few times I tried to read on it, I got the biggest headache.

That's it for this household. I'll "see" y'all later. Night, B.

No news whatsoever today. Dh checked the storm drains near us, on our street today. No sign of a kitty. Which is actually a blessing. We are more and more convinced someone has taken him. There are just too many cats running around the neighborhood without going missing.

Funny thing. I caught Oreo and Patches fighting over a cricket that had gotten in the house. I had to shoo them aside and trap the cricket under a plastic bowl and take it outside before they killed it.

I have been tagged to name my 10 favorite songs by Michele. So without....here goes:
1. Amazing Grace- especially if done on bagpipes.
2. Carol of the Bells- yes, I know it's a Christmas song.
3. Emannuel- sooooo pretty!
4. I'll Give All My Love to You-Keith Sweat (sentimental reasons, song DH first kissed me to.)
5. American Woman- Lenny Kravitz.
6. Sing, Sing- Benny Goodman and Orhestra
7. Chattanooga Choo-Choo- Glenn Miller
8. A Little Less Conversation- (JXL Remix, from Las Vegas(org. Elvis Presley)
9. Galileo- Indigo Girls
10.Fever- Peggy Lee (Call me old-fashioned)

I am without a doubt an eclectic musis listener. I didn't even mention the classical or rock I listen to. I love just about all kinds except alot of country.

If you want to be tagged, consider yourself IT!
And I want someone to do a list of the 10 books that have been your favorite, or have affected you in some way, or you just love. I may list mine tomorrow.
Well as much fun as this has been, I have to go. I feel sleepy for a change. Have a good morning/day. B.

The picture I have posted today is of a cross-stitch I did a few years ago. Those checker-boards were hard, not to mention the black parts on the cat! Be patient, I'm working my way up to real kitties again.
Well, we had a call today of a sighting that had our hopes up. Turns out it was another ginger here, just up the street. But, we are heartened to know there are some who are thoughtfull enough to keep an eye out. The Cat rescue group in our are forwarded my e-mail to another local vet I was unaware of. *HUGE sigh* I had to visit the shelter today. It's so depressing to go through there. I had almost no hope he'd be there, and then to not only not have him there, but to see all those poor animals......it breaks your heart. I just wanted to cuddle all of them. If I had the money I would have a rescue organization of my own. Cats just call to me, and to my heart.

Well, I expect felicitations! Today I have been blogging for exactly one year! I can't believe it has been that long, and I am so blessed to have made friends I feel close to. I finished the books I won that came last week. Did I tell y'all about that? I won a contest of Lucy Monroe's. 3 Secrets Books and a soft-sided briefcase. The books? Whoah (fanning self) they are, um, spicey. They remind me of the Ellora's Cave e-books. I think I blushed through reading all 3. If you knew how I was raised, you wouldn't blame me. There were early stories of Angela Knight and MaryJanice Davidson in one. Oh, Kay Hooper's new book was supposedly released yesterday (it's after midnight, I count that as 'yesterday"). I now have to wait forever for my library to get it in. They just NOW have Master of Wolves in their database. Which is good because I am now out of books to read again. *sigh* It almost sucks to be a fast reader. A friend sent me a book today and I finished it hours ago. It was great. I highly encourage y'all to read "Closer" by Jo Leigh. It has a heroine stalked and at her wits end, she calls a number thinking it will be a friend of her deceased brother's, only she thinks it's a wrong number. Hours later a stranger she mistakes for her stalker, at first, sneaks into her house. Turns out he was a friend of her brother's. He is there to help her fight back and destroy the stalker, unfortunatley it turns out to be harder than they thought. If I tell you anymore I'll spoil the whole thing. Just know this is a continuing story-line for a series.

I don't have much to add, except that today was an OK day. My kids are fine. I had to sit my 4 yr. old down today and tell him that Squeekie may never come home, but that no matter where he is, he loves us and misses us and that God is watching over him. (I normally try to steer clear of too many religious things here, so if I offened you....I can't apologize for my beliefs.) I left it vague on purpose. I just want to protect him. Heck, I don't want to face what could have happened either. Y'all are probably sleeping now, so I wish sweet dreams for you. Night, B.

Bear with me, eventually I will post pictures of the kitties again, OK? No news yesterday either. It's been a week as of tody and we are all on edge. I placed a lost pet ad at PetsMart yesterday afternoon, plus another online one as well. I also contacted a local cat rescue organization that is located in our tiny town as well as a local very small magazine for animals called Critters. Everyone that has responded has been most gracious and willing to help. Although I am actually upset with my local library. I asked yesterday if I could place a flyer on a bulletin board IN THE LOBBY and was told it was for official libray programs only. Uh-huh. Explain the ad for a pot-luck at a local Baptist Church then. It aggravated me, but then I only glanced at the flyer for the church thing. But, um, aren't libraries funded by state and federal funds? Any one ever heard of seperation of church and state? Just saying. I would probably not even give it a thought if the guy I asked hadn't seemed to lie to me.

While at the library I picked up a few books for Son. I signed him and Daughter up for the Summer Reading Program. They didn't have anything I was interested in so I am rereading my Janet Evanovich books, most among them the Stephanie Plum novels. I love the one where her grandmother tazers her father in the middle of dinner and he collapses into the mashed potatoes. I think that's book three. Then there's the one where there is a body being transported on top of a car, with the prerequisite orange safety flag, AND IT FALLS OFF! On the Highway!

I've tried to only leave the house for short bursts of time. I am afraid to be gone for too long, too afraid of missing a phone call, or something. I have to go to the shelter again today, and because Dh will be at work, I will have to take the kids with me. Still not sleeping well. Dh has completed his first day with his shorter commute and was actually able to stay awake and talk with everyone after he got off work last night. He says he's not as stressed either.
That's it from us/me. Hope your day is good. I am finding the stress is making my patience VERY short with my kids, so all I hope for is a quiet day. B.

No news. No tips from anyone and we have now placed flyers on every telephone poll and even a few stores that are near us. We had to replace a few flyers that we could tell had been torn down by someome for whatever reason. I asked the Priest at our Church to pray for Squeekie, he must think I'm a loon, but it's worth it just to feel like I DID something.
I truly appreciate y'alls support during this. I know there are much more serious issues faced by families every day, but I wish y'all knew how much your kind words have meant to me.

I've decided to try and stop being so melodramadic, yes my loved pet is missing, but there is still life here. My kids are OK, my Dh starts his new job tomorrow (monday) and we are so happy to finally have him back to a short commute. He has been so light hearted since he began his count-down to the transfer.
I've also had lots of time to read since I haven't been sleeping. I finished MacKenzies Mountain by Linda Howard. I truly liked it. Emotionally strong yet feminine teacher heroine who meets a Hero shunned by his town and hated for his Indian (Native American) bloodline. Throw in a a mystery and you have an emotional and exciting book. I also read the new Janet Evanovich book, Twelve Sharp. Can I just say I loved it? I did. I managed to laugh at a few scenes and that's saying a lot right now. Stephanie has her hands full in this book. Ranger is wanted for kidnapping his Daughter, only the REAL Ranger didn't do it. And so begins a chase to hunt down the fake and save Rangers daughter. Stepahnie also has to deal with Ranger moving in with her until the fake is caught. This makes Joe VERY unhappy. And Lulu and Grandma Mazur are as outrageous as ever. Although Lulu's personality seemed toned down. So if you want a book you can't put down until you're done, go get it. I've read a few others but they are just rereads and I might post them or I might not.
I'm not moving on, I'm just trying to distract myself from whats going on. Unfortunatley the distractions don't work when I'm trying to sleep. Y'all keep thinking good thoughts or praying for Squeeki, OK? Please?
Get some rest. Maybe eventually I'll sleep better, but not yet. Night, B.

No picture today. I just can't bear it. No news either. We have searched a bit outside our neighborhood, thanks to a phone call from a lady who thought she saw him. We aren't sure, there are many strays around here. Dh even searched the train tracks near our neighborhood. (here in the South, they are everywhere). What's sp puzzling is that Tiger (I've posted his pcture before) the sray we adopted to keep outside comes and goes at will. So does another stray we call Meow Mix because he won't stop meowing when he sees someone. Also a neighbor has a cat that she lets out regularly, he's fine. So how is it Squeekie somehow got out and disappeared? it's just not right. I finally broke down last night. I cried until I was sick, and hyperventilating. Dh tried to comfort me, but I can't be comforted. It's my fault he somehow got out, it's my fault he's either out there somewhere or not, it's all my fault. I had to put away his 'dolly' this morning. I just couldn't look at it. My hope of finding him is gone. My faith is gone. I hate this.
Thank you all for your support. I'm sorry to be so depressing. But, it's hard not to be, when you are majorly depressed. I truly appreciate all the kind words. When I see them, I don't feel so alone, and I cry because y'all are so nice. Thank you.

I want my baby back. I can't take this much longer. I can't stop crying. Layla is looking for him all around the house and out the window. We have papered the neighborhood with flyers, taping them to front doors today. If he were taken, we have a suspect, a boy my Daughter plays with who was mad at her because she won't give him her Dad's skateboard like he demanded. (He's a brat. And not to judge, we feel he'll end up in jail when he's older). We live in a good neighborhood, no crime. In a way our neighborhood is isolated. How can someone not see the flyers posted everywhere. We have had NO calls. We have offered an award. No information. None. I keep saying this, but it's like he vanished like a puff of smoke. I just want my sweet boy back. How can people be so uncaring here? Oh, God, please bring my baby back.

My sweet baby is still missing. We have done everything the shelter recommended. We've printed flyers and posted them around the neighborhood (on poles, stop signs and mail boxes), we've gone through the neighborhood calling him, we've filed a report with the shelter, and I've emailed his photo and a description to both local shelters. Oh, and we've placed an ad in the paper. I don't know what else to do. I keep bursting into tears and can't stop. I miss him, Layla is looking for him. It's sad to watch. How can a cat vanish into thin air? NO ONE has seen him. Not one peek. I'm afraid he's been taken or is hurt. I'm trying to keep faith, but it's so hard. Please, I'm begging, say a prayer for him, please. B.

OMG. OMG. My poor baby is missing. Sometime yesterday he slipped outside. We're not sure how. We didn't notice him missing until early this evening because he tends to keep to himself, unless he wants attention. I have been all over the neighborhood looking for him. If he got out, he would have immediately tried to get back in, he a big scaredy baby. Please, please pray that we can find him safe. We are so worried and scared. We think someone might have taken him. OMG, my poor baby!

In this picture (Why yes, it is from lunch the other day.) Layla is checking out her picture on my blog. She must be checking to make sure I post more of her than any other cat.

OMG! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my library right this minute. (Yet, that can change soon.) The book I started out at # 24 finally came in and I picked it up today. Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich. I. Am. So. Happy! The book has gotten great reviews, everyone says it's WAY better than the last. Why else was my day great? (For about 2 hours?) My In-Laws picked up the kids and took them to a movie today. They went to see the new Garfield movie. Believe it or not, they not only liked it better than the first movie, but they liked it better than Cars! I SO enjoyed my 2 hours without my kids. (I feel SO ashamed!) I was able to look at anything I wanted in the library! I picked up a few other books as well, sad to say they didn't have the others by Linda Howard about the Mackenzies. *sigh* But, they did have what I THOUGHT was going to be a good book, the premise was cute. Disinherited heiress is trying to prove to her family she can be responisible, buys a "magic" bowl. Her older brothers friend, whom she has loved since she was a teenager, moves back into town and she still loves him. Sounds cute, huh? I (pardon my language) REALLY DISLIKED THIS BOOK!! She's the anti-heroine. Whiney, self-obsessed, petulant, aghhhhhh! I could go on, but I won't because I may pull my hair out! So DO NOT pick up a copy of Bedazzled by Christine Holden. I don't want to bash a book, but for all that is good in the world, the opposite is this book! I feel bad, yet lighter. I was nice while at the library though, and picked up a few books for Son. I looked for Daughter but I didn't see anything for her. I'll take her back to the library later this week.

I made Spaghetti for dinner and not only did my DH have 2 helpings, so did Daughter. What a lovely way to hide tomatoes! (Dh won't eat them unless I hide them.) Son had buttered noodles instead. He still won't eat red meat. Daughter was the same way until she was almost 6.

Nothing much else to share, sorry. I did note the date and I am going to hit my one year of blogging soon. I can't believe it's been a year. I have so enjoyed myself! And hope that I will still continue to do so.

Have a good night. Hope y'all have wonderful dreams. B.

Since Squeekie is blocking Son's face, I thought it was OK to post this picture. Isn't this too cute? Squeekie sleeping right alongside my Son.

I have a very scarey thought for y'all. I am already looking at Christmas gifts. Isn't it freaky that it's JULY and I'm looking at this stuff? Even I know it's freaky!

I made it to the UBS today to look for a few more books, because I read fast and it's hard to keep them here. I picked up The Real Deal by Lucy Monroe, I've read it beofre, but enjoyed it, so thought I might like to reread it soon.

Is it right that I am dying to see my Dh on his old skateboard? So that I can laugh when he falls off? I've missed it once already. Daughter say that he rode it the other day, but I was folding clothes and didn't get to see. Darn! Daughter said he didn't fall anyway.

Gotta run, more laundry to tackle and Dh just got home. I'd like to spend some time with him. Y'all have a good evening. B.

Daughter took this picture at lunch today. See why I love my kitties? They share my like of the computer and of HOUSE. Actually, I think Layla is starting to get jealous of my time on the computer, because now when I get on and she wants attention, she'll lay on the computer. (I apoligize if the picture is too fuzzy, Daughter got the lense smudged.)

Sunday is a pretty slow day around here usually. Today seemed to be the exception. We ran by the drugstore and then to my favorite place, BaM! When we got home Dh decided to actually start to work on the idea I have had for a telephone table using a plant stand. While he did that, I mowed the lawn. *sigh* I had hoped he'd do it, but if I was holding my breath, I'd be purple and passed out.

Oh, one good thing about visiting the In-Laws yesterday. They still had Dh's skateboard and my Daughter is having a blast trying to ride it. Also, they had his old legos as well and Son has entertained himself for 2 days now with them. The In-Laws also sent us home with some fresh produce: some apples, tomatoes, bell peppers and squash. They plant a garden every spring and then give away the produce the rest of the summer. As Daughter and I love tomatoes and especially tomato sandwiches, of course I let them give us some!! They've had the apple tree since they moved into their house, over 30 years ago! Actually, I now have so many tomatoes I may have to learn how to make Salsa. Or, I could make Dh and Daughters favorite, Spaghetti and Meatballs (my families recipe). I don't fault that they are generous people, to a degree. I DO fault the controlling they try to do.

Since we went to BaM today and Dh bought a book on ASP.NET (can we say EXPENSIVE?) I felt it was only right that I bought 2 as well. I picked up Velvet, Leather and Lace an anthology of related stories by Suzanne Forster, Donna Kauffman and Jill Shalvis. The other book I picked up is Mackenzie's Mountain by Linda Howard. I so enjoyed her book Cover of Night the other evening/morning, I decided to try one of her smaller books again. I feel bad sometimes about the amount of money I spend on books that I am actually starting to enter some author's contests to try and win some books. Also, I have been HAUNTING my favorite UBS for the past couple of months. And am hoping to find some good deals at a library booksale next month. Anyway, I'll let you know about the 2 books I picked up today.

Y'all have a good night, I'm off to finish watching a special on the Discovery channel about Egypt and a new tomb. So COOL! Get a good night's sleep, B.

Say it with me now, AAAAwwwwww! Layla is using Squeekie's paw as a pillow.

I. AM. SO. TIRED. Daughter and Blondie stayed up until almost 5AM. They slept a little later than I expected, but I feel like I never slept. Son loved having Blondie here and did I mention her Dad didn't pick her up until almost 3:30pm? Dude, we asked if she could spend the night, not the weekend.

The dinner with the In-Laws was looooooong and booooooring. Which didn't help with the lack of sleep issue. But, we survived it. Tell me, how bad of a cook do you have to be to make a T-Bone steak taste blah?

Ok, Cover of Night. Let me just say, I really enjoyed the book. I even stayed up an extra 20 minutes to finish it last night. The Heroine, Cate Nightengale, is a widow and mother to 3 year old twins. She decided to move from Seattle to Trail Stop, Idaho to raise her boys. Both from an economic standpoint and also from a sense of history with her deceased husband. Calvis Harris, the Hero, is a local handyman who has basically worshipped Cate since he's seen her. But, she doesn't know that his shy manner is only with her and that the townspeople know all about his love for her and try to help by sabatoging small things at the B & B she owns to draw them together. Jeffrey Layton, a guest at the B & B goes missing, and it seems he has stolen something from the type of person you just don't do that to. This person (hey, I'm not giving everything away) hires a private detective to track Layton and get back what he stole. Layton sends 2 employees to Trail Stop and they terrorize Cate and her friend Neenah, a former Nun now the owner of the local feed store. Cate is smart though, she finds a way to show Cal(vin) that she is in trouble. He pretty much saves the day and then the REAL action starts. This all happens by the middle of the book. I'm not going to give any more away, but just know that the action continues, the romance (my only complaint is, there wasn't enough of personal time between the Hero and Heroine) blossoms, and the ending is not only a HEA type, but there's a twist.

Anyway, that's it from me tonight. I'm tired and the kids are too. Dh slept like a log last night so he's OK. I hope your day was nice and that your night is relaxing. Night, B.

I didn't know Bailey was going to post a kitty cube piture today, but I thought the coincidence was pretty funny! Oreo looks like she's tired of me taking her picture doesn't she? The strangest thing happened today too. She came and got in my lap today and just lay there and let me pet her for about half an hour. She was so sweet!Where's my crazy kitty? FOUND HER! When she got down, she ran all over the house like there was some kind of race!

Today has been.....interesting. As I type this my Daughter has a friend staying over (Blondie). I can hear thumps and jumps from upstairs and am actually Ok with it. Blondie is staying the night, and my Son has a crush on her, he is following the 2 of them around like a little puppy. It's too cute!

I am dreading tomorrow. We are supposed to have dinner with the In-Laws tomorrow evening. At their home. Ugh! Their house is SO tiny, and MIL has things fixed 'just so'. There is never anything for the kids to do over there, except watch TV. Dh gets where he won't talk at all, and then it's ALL up to me to carry on conversation with them. AAgghhh! DH is going to so owe me big!

I have started reading Cover of Night, by Linda Howard. I haven't gotten farther than the first chapter (Hello! Slumber party!), but so far I like it. The backstory for the Heroine is set and the hero has been inroduced. I have a feeling that the Heroines twin sons are going to be major scene stealers. I have heard mixed reviews on this book, and am approaching with an open mind. One reviewer commented that Linda Howard never seems to write the same way twice. I hope so, as I didn't really care for her last book (the one about the time travelers). I hear she will try her hand at writing a Paranormal for a new category later this year. I am looking forward to that. So far, out of all her books, Open Season, Mr. Perfect, and Dream Man have been my favorites.

I have to now round of a herd,( yeah right, 3 kids is a herd) okay, sounds like a herd of kids, up for bed. Y'all have a quiet night for me! Night, B.

Oreo is just SO curious! One of the kids left the door open and a fly got in. She tracked that thing all over my kitchen! (Making those cute little 'chhkkk' noises.)

Oh, notice the cute little rose plant in my kitchen window? (farthest on the right.) Dh brought that home for me the other night. (We saw something about men buying flowers for women on t.v. and I turned to him and asked him when was the last time he thought to buy ME flowers. Then I told him he SUCKED, because it had been a VERY long time!*g*) Next day, BAMM. Flowers. Men are soooo obvious. Especially if you've been married to them for a long time.

Guess what? I found a pair of tennies today!!! And they aren't silver,Yay! They don't hurt my toe (it's still sore) and BEST OF ALL- they were on sale!!

My Linda Howard book came in today. Cover of Night. I can't wait to start it.

Ever wonder why you blog? I do it to stay connected to other people and to seek out those I may have something in common with. I know my blogs aren't witty, or even that entertaining. I just need something that doesn't involve me cleaning or fussing at my kids. I don't always blog about how bad I am truly feeling or about how bad my day was. I don't blog about politics or religion. I ty to stay neutral on most topics. BUT, I hope those that visit here feel welcomed and enjoy it. I just wanted to thank those that are regular visitors. Michele, Bailey, Junebee, M. E. Ellis. Thank you so much for the time you take to make my world a little brighter.

Well y'all, I'm tired. So it's off to La-La Land I go. Have a good evening, and even better, a wonderful Friday! Night, B.
***** Update! Those DARN tennies are going BACK to the BLASTED store! I now am the proud owner of 2, yes 2 blisters form the stupid things. I only got a little over a mile done on the treadmill before I noticed, Yeeeouch! Oh, and my broke toe has decided it doesn't like tennies yet!

Every time I look at this photo I HAVE to laugh. See that bag on the left? Yeah, that's catnip. I had to clip claws last night and it helps if I can get them in a good mood. Actually Squeekie is the only one that isn't mean as heck when the time comes. He's just too sweet. Layla, Patches and Oreo become HellSpawn in a matter of seconds.

I hope y'all enjoyed your 4th of July. We were undecided what to do almost until the last minute. I just didn't feel like going anywhere and let Dh buy some fireworks to set off. He had the BEST time. So did the kids. I was just glad to stay home. Oh, yeah, we live in a state that allows the sale of fireworks and allows you to set them off. Scarey, huh? Actually we were very carefull and safety conscious the whole time. Most of the neighborhood kids came over to watch for a while as well.

Still waiting for the library to add a few books to their circulation. I am now close to getting 12 Sharp and Cover of Night. Crossing my fingers close!

Nothing else to add. I hope y'all sleep well and start Thursday off full of energy(well, maybe with the help of some caffiene). Just think, the weekend is almost here! Night, B.

Layla and Son's Star Wars figures.

Goodnight.

Normally I'd post a picture of my cats. But, as today is the 4th of July, aka Independance day. I thought I'd go a little more patriotic, with a twist. This plane is called a U-2. It has been in existence for over 40 years. The last AFB we were stationed at was the home of this plane. I just thought you'd like to see one of the tools that our country uses to KEEP fighting. Because we must never forget that although 230 years we earned our freedom. There are still other countries out there, that don't have theirs.

Happy 4th of July!

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

On a personal note, what is up with tennis shoes these days? I need a new pair of running shoes and I went to look for a pair today and being a conservative person was quite surprised to find most were "flashy". Not flashy as in, reflective. Althought they may have been. Flashy as in SILVER. Uh-huh. I just can't see myself wearing these. Really. I am not capable of drawing attention to myself. Let me rephrase that. I DO NOT want to draw attention to myself! I kinda get the feeling wearing metallic colored shoes would do that.

Had Daughters hair trimmed today. Funny thing was I found myself asking her if she wanted to cut her hair SHORTER. AM I insane?!! I must be, because if you recall, I cried like a baby when she had her hair cut short earlier this year. She is, luckily, sticking with the original cut.

Son woke up coughing from the stupid cold today. I also could tell he wasn't feeling well when he did something odd, for this time of year. He put on socks. Seriously, he wears sandals all summer, usually. Poor baby. I did the Mommy thing and bought him some M&M's. Hey, chocolate seems to make him feel better, who am I to argue? *g*

I've started to read Blue Smoke by Nora Roberts again. It was just released in paperback and I picked it up a couple of weeks ago. I read it last year when it was first out in hardback, so I am hoping it was as good as I remembered. Actually I am hoping I DON'T remember it at all. Yeah, I don't have high hopes for THAT.

Well, this is it for now. Have a good evening (or morning, as I'm up late). B.

Thought y'all would want to see how Oreo is doing. She is still the hyper, crazy kitty (I forgot sweet, too) that we know and love. She still manages to get herself trapped in the garage about once a day as well.
Today was pretty quiet around here. We moved the big computer (the one with the tower) around, so that we have a bit more room in the LR. We also went to church, bought a few fireworks, and made ice- cream. I thought the kids would enjoy making some ice-cream from scratch, but they were "Uh-huh, ok" about it. *shrugs* Oh, well. Dh and I liked it. Oh, don't get me wrong, the kids ate it! They just weren't that excited about making it.
Oh, their sunburn isn't that bad if y'all were worried. But, the cold my Daughter and I thought was allergies, was really a cold! She's OK, now Son is dripping everywhere. I hate that thing kids do, too. The whole, hey who needs a kleenex when my ARM is right there, thing. Son just manages to smear it around his face. Say it with me now: EEEEWWWWW!!!!
I haven't read anything today. I've just been spending time with my family. Even when I wanted to send Daughter to her room. I thought of the better good, and kept her around. After Son and Dh fell asleep last night, she and I stayed awake and talked for a while. Turns out she likes alot of the old music I do from the 50's and 60's and some of the Broadway and Big Band music I like, too. I am eclectic in my musical tastes( that the politic way of saying I like almost everything, except country). I have broadened Dh's musical tastes over the years as well. He used to listen to what I call Boom-Boom music (if you have/had a "box" of speakers in your car) it would make it thump. Some still do this. Anyway, now I have him listening to classical and celtic. Of course he also like that "techno" music. AND CAN SLEEP listening to it!! I have to have something soothing. I love that part of our satellite package. But, I know enough to know that the talk my Daughter and I shared was special. It will probably be one of the bright spots I can look back upon when she becomes a teenager.
Well, sorry to bore you. My mind seemed to wander tonight. Again, sorry! Y'all have a good evening! B.

I love the fact that her teeth are shoing in this, you know, the ones that look like fangs. Come to think of it, when she was just a few weeks old she looked like a baby bat. What y'all can't see is that Layla has 2 black dots, one on either side of her nose. Makes me think of freckels or beauty marks (think 17 century).

Well, I spent ALL day at my Dads today for a cook out. My kids had the best time. I remembered to take ice, their bathing suits, towels, a drink for me (I'm the only one who drinks diet), a lunch for my Son (he doesn't eat red meat or hot dogs) and toys for him to play with if he got bored (they stayed in the van, he had the greateest time w/o them). The one thing I DIDN'T rememeber was sunblock. Because at home, they play outside all day and no problem. At my Dads? Well, they got sunburned. I feel like a bad Mom. *sigh* Fortunately their sunburns aren't bad, just enough to be uncomfortable. I picked them up some lotion for it. The stuff I have at home (for me) is a limited use product.

We were gone all day, and then went straight to the grocery store afterwards. We didn't get home until 10:30. We are all wiped out, DH had to work he wasn't able to attend, but he's tired from work. Anyway, this is it for me tonight. I hope you all had a lovely day. And I sincerely wish a peaceful day for y'all tomorrow. Night, B.