They practice the "It's only a quarter" look all day long.

Don't underestimate the llamas.
The want their snacks--and they want them now.
If you are too slow in emptying that dispenser, they know just what to do.
Oh, the beautiful sound of quarters!

Good ole what's-his-name

Here's a two-year-old white lion who is looking for a name.
He's relatively new to the zoo and as far as I can tell, he's not even aware that he's the subject of a contest.
He certainly is a beautiful cat!

(Be sure to click on the pics to get a better view of the white king.)

It's not easy strolling through the zoo...but somebody's gotta do it.

The trip begins in the garage--we're ready!

Lift up the lid to find important answers.
The wonderful bubble machine.....followed by a lunch break.

Ahhhhh...smooth, glossy and tranquil........
The hair, not the water!

Shhhhhhhhh........it's a surprise

I completed this blanket last week for baby Thomas, whom you saw in a previous post. (click on April to see that beautiful baby)
Don't tell Becky, though. I will give it to her as soon as possible.

Memorial Day--It's not just a long weekend

I was thinking about our flag today and I remembered being in third grade. We got a new student that year who arrived from England.
Each morning we said the Lord's Prayer together, then stood and saluted the flag and pledged our allegiance to it.
The teacher noticed that Sharon did not salute the flag. Afterwards, she called her out on that.
The new student's answer: "I'll NOT salute that flag! My flag is the Union Jack!", thrusting her chin upward in a defiant way towards the teacher. The teacher carefully explained to her that she now lived in OUR country and that she was expected to be a part of our traditions. There was some buzz about her parents being contacted by the school and Sharon joined in with her peers in saluting our flag forevermore.
Now, on to the present day: Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, as southern women were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War. Several places claim to be the birthplace of this holiday, so it remains in dispute. However, Waterloo, N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966. Some southern states still have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead. In any case, the holiday is now celebrated on the last Monday in May. This was passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays. Some of you can actually remember that taking place. Before that, Memorial Day was observed on May 30th. A few years ago, the VFW stated in its Memorial Day address: "Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day."
On the web, you can visit "Help Restore the Traditional Day of Observance" page for more information on the issue.
Until then, enjoy your cookout-- but remember that it is a special day to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country.

T-Ball time again !

Whew! Being a ballplayer certainly works up an appetite and an incredible thirst!

--Go Twins--

Put on your listening ears....Obama plans to DISARM America!

Click on the video here:
http://www.macsmind.com/wordpress/2008/02/27/obama-plans-to-disarm-america/

S - E - V - E - N

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Markie!
What better place to have your seventh birthday, but at the mall with a bunch of friends?
Markie wore the blue ribbon, as guest of honor, and everyone got to pick out a bear to fill with stuffing. After the staff person helped with the assembly of the bears,everyone personalized their bear with a special outfit. Evidently today's bears are fond of wearing sunglasses, roller skates, karate uniforms and even bridal gowns, scrubs and much, much more.
I think 7 must be a really lucky year!

I need my space, OK?

Grampa's fave food in Plymouth, MA

Why yes....I AM a model.

I'd rather be flying....

Detective son gets a ride over crime scene area.

No comment.....

Increases for Noreen

Using this varigated yarn, you can see the white horizontal stitch, which connects your left and right needles together. It's just below the X formed by your needles.
My directions for the increases you are trying to follow in your pattern is to take your right needle and lift up the white stitch. Then just loop your yarn around, and knit it as you would any knit stitch. Now, you've increased a stitch!

Mother's Day luncheon

Here is a clue about where we went to celebrate Mother's Day. Can you guess what the name of this restaurant is?

(Nice try, "Anonymous", but it begins with "Benj....."

A prayer for Georgie...

Georgie A. had a ribbon-cutting ceremony at his new group home last week!
May our Heavenly Father watch over Georgie as he lives under the care of others in his new home and as he experiences his own life's journey. Mom and Dad keep a watchful eye as he resides with his friends.
May God send bright, devoted and loving staff to support Georgie and keep him happy and safe in his parents' absence.
"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all they ways." -- Psalm 91: 11

The "LOOK"

Many people have probably wondered why I dote on Taylor and give in to most of her whims.

Still need an explanation?

Christian S. and some of his admirers

Christian was thrilled today to receive Holy Communion for the very first time. These girls will have their opportunity in just a couple of years. Stay close to the Lord, Christian, as you grow up. And best wishes from all of us! His little admirers are shown at the rented hall where we had his celebration and plenty of great Portuguese food!

Almost "garden" time

Well, I started some seeds indoors and look what happened last week. These will be green bean plants for my outdoor garden as soon as the weather warms up in New England. It's really miraculous how a tiny seed will provide food, isn't it?

Straight up now Paula...tell me

American Idol fans saw an uncalled-for gaffe last week from Paula again. She says that the confusion started because after the contestants sang their first round of songs, the producer changed things up and asked the judges to give a quick critique of the first songs.
Now, although I'd like to sympathize with her for not being able to make that change without confusion, it seems that everyone at home was having no problem deciding how the singers had presented themselves, and we're not even getting paid for it! She's been doing this for years now, so I just didn't get why she would wail her excuse of "This is so haaaard....." She's been a singer/entertainer for years, is used to live television, and the intrusion of asking the judges to comment on the first round of songs just threw her. Hmmmm....oh well, thank God she's not an air-traffic controller! (or a Mom)

A bouquet of love!

You may be thinking that these are tap-rooted biennial or perennial herbaceous plants, commonly known as weeds or ruderals.

But actually, these bright, eye-popping yellow, stunning dandelions were brought to me by my four-year-old granddaughter. So, obviously, they are flowers.