Category Archives: Twists and Turns

Firefighter Fundraiser

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Last night the fire department had a fundraiser. The guys cooked pulled pork and brisket, and there were cookies, drinks, beans and chips to go along with the main course. The boot was set out, and all donations were welcome for a meal.

It looked like half the town (or more) showed up for supper! Awesome! I was running a few minutes late due to a bout of “words with friends” on Facebook (thanks, David!). Moving on….when I arrived, the guys asked if I had seen the banner I had made for the department. It was hanging on the gate. I went around to take a look. The guys were very happy with it; it could be seen for blocks! Thank you, Lyndsay, for making me look smart! She did all of the work; I just chose the design.

Looking good!

Looking good!

I usually am not much of a carnivore, but I didn’t have lunch. I was hungry! The guys loaded up my plate, and I took it home to eat. I hate eating in crowded places. (Yes, I know I’m weird.) That food was some of the BEST ever! Now I know why we have a good crowd when the guys cook.

Aside from the benefit of great cooking, firefighters are a valuable asset to any community. Fire departments across the nation need volunteers. If you are interested in being involved, please contact your local department. You are needed!

The Chicken Chick

Bite My Tongue

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The following responses are things I wish I could say to people who ask silly and/or rude questions or make comments that are offensive. Some people do not realize how offensive some remarks can be, so consider this a heads up.

Offensive Remark #1 (to parent of homeschooled children): What about socialization?
What I want to sarcastically say: I’m totally against it! The kids spend most of the day locked in the closet.
The reality is that most homeschooled kids are very well socialized. You appear uneducated when you make a comment like this because you have obviously confused socializing with socialization. Socializing as we know it refers to hanging out with friends in social situations. Socialization refers to getting along and acting appropriately with people of all ages. Most homeschooled children are able to appropriately interact with adults, peers, etc., with little trouble. Parents go out of their way to have interaction with homeschool groups and play groups as well as shuttle the kids to dance class, the library, church, museums and the local nursing home. I think that covers socialization quite well.

Offensive Remark #2 (to parent of homeschooled children): Aren’t there some “gaps” in their education?
What I want to say: Why do you consider it your business? What do you remember from high school? Can you give an example of an isotope? Can you tell me what you know about fractals? When you give me a confused look, I can then tell you, “Oh, I see I found your gaps!” Face it—we all have them. The reality is that education and intelligence are partly about knowing where to find information not stored in our heads!

Offensive Remark #3: People should choose a spouse that is of the same race.
What I want to say: Are you referring to the human race?
The reality is people are people. No race is better than another.

These three examples are the ones that bug me a lot, but there are more. Others include (but are not limited to) things like: Why can’t everyone speak English? We should send all the foreigners back to their home countries. I’m sure you can add your own examples. I am trying to be less judgmental and more thoughtful. I wish others would do the same.

Jinx!

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If you have been reading the blog lately, you are aware that we recently adopted dog number three. 🙂 Her name is Jinx, and she’s a white chi mix with very sharp teeth. She started out on her best behavior, of course. According to Bela and her bestie Gen, the “honeymoon” is over! Last night the girls took her out to play, and they came in looking disheveled, leaves and grass in their hair and teeth marks on them! The puppy won the battle and the war!

They told a horrific tale about getting bitten, chased and mauled by a 10-pound pup. Oh, the humanity! As you might imagine, I got a tummy ache from laughing so hard. After all, a little dog like that is infinitely more manageable than a 100-pound dog, right? The girls do not agree. I heard shrieking outside and looked out the window. As a witness to the “attacks,” I can only say the kids were stretched out in the grass laughing. Not exactly convincing “victims” of a brutal “puppy attack,” am I right?

This little girl looks way too innocent to be so rotten. I think the girls decided to make up a story for my sympathy. If Jinx bit them, she was only trying to “taste” her favorite kids. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it! Judge for yourself—does this look like the face of a vicious pup?

Jinx!

Jinx!


What innocence!

What innocence!

One More, Please!

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Once upon a time in Nebraska, we had two little dogs. My little girl, Boxi, came from the pound. I originally adopted her and her cage mate, Osito (little bear). They both came down with the dreaded parvo; Osito didn’t make it, but Boxi did. I was saddened to lose Osito, but thankful Boxi pulled through. I had planned to have a pair of dogs to keep us company, so I was “missing” one.

Enter Julia and A. R. K. (Animal Rescue of Kindness). Julia put a picture of Chance on Facebook. At first I wasn’t sure we should meet him. After discussing it with Bela (for days), we decided to give Chance a chance. We took him home with us the day we met and have never been sorry. He’s been a wonderful little dog, and so has Boxi. I thought our pack was complete.

Recently Julia posted another little dog in rescue. Her name was Roxy (which sounds a lot like Boxi). She’s a young chi mix with a brown eye patch and freckles on her nose. Julia said she was a bit timid, but very sweet. She needed a family.

I think little dogs are a lot like potato chips—you can’t have just one. That being said, I am also of the opinion that adding a third dog to the pack can be a bit tricky, depending on the personalities involved. Since Boxi hates to ride in the car, we loaded Chance up to go meet Roxy. After a few minutes of mutual sniffing and no growling, we figured it would be safe to take her home with us.

Once home, Roxy and Boxi were able to get acquainted. Again, no growling! Bela and I were elated. It went so much better than we could have dreamed! I don’t want to jinx us—that reminds me—we changed her name from Roxy to Jinx. She comes when we call her, and she has been on her best puppy behavior. I know there will be bumps in the road, but we are ready. It’s so nice to be able to hang out in the living room with our three peaceful little furkids.

Suffice it to say, a dog in need has friends indeed. 🙂

Bela and Gen with Jinx and Boxi

Bela and Gen with Jinx and Boxi


Chance and Boxita

Chance and Boxita