Saturday, November 19, 2011

Holiday Planting and an Alarming Surprise

"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today."
~ Dale Carnegie


Here's an insanely ridiculous story for you. 

I (the kind, loving daughter I am) graciously purchased two tickets to the Bob Seger concert and gave them to my dad for his birthday.  I know, super nice, right?  I figured that he and my sweet mama could enjoy a day of fun- frolicking in the city, eating good food, listening to classic rock.

He was psyched, and said (I quote), "That's as cool as hell," upon opening his birthday present and realizing what it was.  

One problem:  Their dog, Millie.
They don't like to leave Miss Millie.  She's the queen of their castle and doesn't spend too much time alone. 

Like the geniuses we are, we made a foil-proof plan. A plan that was so simple, even a caveman could have done it.  The plan went like this:  I, Cathy, would venture over to 862 to feed, play with, and water Millie at 3:30 and 9:30 PM.  Easy, right?

Wrong.

Now, I must not forget to tell you that I am old-school.  I have a key to enter my little abode.  That's it-a key.  One, little, gold-colored key is all that stands between me and the inside of the door.  Not so at 862.

My parents recently decided that they would sleep better knowing they were under the watchful eye of a fancy-schmancy security system.  Well, thank God.  Let me tell you about all the intruders it has kept out. (eye-roll).

Knowing that I am not overly comfortable with working the high-tech motherboard provided by ADT, they promised not to set the alarm.  (ahem.)

So, over to 826 I ventured, hot cocoa in hand, all set to spend a good hour with Mills.  Knowing the alarm wasn't set, I inserted my key, gave it a turn, and opened the door.  

A quiet set of beeps greeted me. 
 Those beeps must have been happy to see me because they kept getting louder and louder.  "Humm, I thought.  Those will probably stop soon since dad didn't set the alarm."

Just as I reached my parents bedroom, where Miss Millie was spending the day, those little beeps turned into a full blown siren, complete with computerized voice information.

"Front door- Breached!  Motion Sensor- Living Room- Breeched!  Authorities have been notified!"

Poor Millie went into a set of canine convulsions due to the severe pitch of the siren.  I scooped her into my arms and ran her outside.  I figured the smart thing to do would be to call my parents to get their "secret alarm code" to end the craziness.  

Now, it would make complete sense to dock a portable phone in a central location like a kitchen, but today wasn't the day for typical.  After a frantic search I located the phone, neatly tucked away on a perfect table in their bedroom, and I attempted to place my call.

well, well, well...

As it turns out, when the alarm goes off, the phones are also disabled.  Perfect.

Nope, I did not have my cell phone.  

So, I was stuck outside, with a convulsing dog, and some broken ear-drums.  


Apparently the police called my dad, who called Chad-o, who came over to check on the situation.  

  Much to my delight, the alarm finally stopped and the experience culminated with a few squad cars circling the residence.

Good thing my mom left me this lovely Christmas Amaryllis bulb on the counter, as a way of thanking me for taking care of Millie. 

 I bet she had no idea how necessary this "thank you" treat really was. Ha.

With a Handmade Touch

"The defining function of the artist is to cherish consciousness."
~ Max Eastman


A few weekends ago I tip-toed away to craft land. I blocked out the word and lost myself in creativity and imagination.  

In a few more weeks, after these crazy graduate classes are over, I'll be there everyday.   

...And It Snowed for Halloween

"The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?"
-J.B. Priestley


Forgive me for being a bit behind.  ..sigh...Life has a way of enveloping me with responsibilities.  

But, the first snow has happened~ has fallen from the sky and kicked my love affair with winter into full gear.

Happy Happy! Joy Joy!


I remember the moment most vividly.  Husband and I were laying in bed, aware of the supposed forecast, when he said to me, "Well, we have't heard any plows."  

Just then, I kid you not, the scratchy, rumble-y sound of the snowplow echoed through the icy air.  


I dashed from my bed, peered through the blinds and then ran (honest) downstairs to fully investigate the natural wonder.

The day turned into one of comfy jammies, warm socks, hot java and cozy blankets.

CT enjoyed an abundance of time in Snuggle City.  She was oh-so-happy, that furry one.


First Snow~ October 29, 2011
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