How Much Is That Kitty in the Window

My beautiful black, long-haired cat has developed red sores on his face. First, one in front of his left ear, then, another in front of the other ear. Before my husband could take him to the vet, another spot appeared just above one of his eyes. We couldn't figure out what could be causing such sores. The vet asked if the cat goes outside. No. Does he sit in an open window? Yes, every morning my wife opens the window for him to hear all the sounds and sniff all the smells. The vet promptly diagnosed an allergy to ragweed. Yes, an allergy. Now who would figure that our household where every member has an allergy or two would also have a cat with allergies? The vet gave him a shot of cortizone, and the sores are healing quickly. I wonder if the cat that I am allergic to could be allergic to me? That would be poetic justice.

Pardon My Break

With the start of a new school year and internet difficulties at home, I have not posted in a while. I will probably not be as faithful until I can establish a routine, one that allows time to get it all done. Ha. My husband and I went to the Indiana State Fair yesterday. Other than the hot, humid temperatures, the day was fun. Several changes have been made to different parts of the grounds with the biggest change in the Department of Natural Resources. In their section on the north side of the grounds they have created a large "pond" where children get the opportunity to fish. On hand are several fishing experts who assist the children in catching a fish. The pond is shallow, allowing the children to see the big one that got away or the little nibbles at the end of their lines. The DNR also remodeled the free-range butterfly garden to house them inside a screened area where children and adults alike can view the beautiful creatures. I must say I was impressed with the changes. The ugly lamps were displayed on the main floor of the Arts building, thus, making it easier for the knees. We felt that the second place lamp was a run-away for the ugliest lamp. Guess it is in the eye of the beholder. The Hook's Drug Store also had several changes that were worth a second look. We entered the cattle barn only to be hit with a pungent smell of billy goats. The Boer breed of goats were being housed and shown, many of which were billy goats. PU! That barn smelled much worse than the pig barn. Also in the barn were hundreds of llamas. I did not know that they were an animal to be shown at the 4-H fair. I can now check off the fair on my list of things to do this year. Certainly glad we went and look forward to another one next year.

All in a day's flight

We took a whirlwind/long weekend vacation to Orlando this past weekend. We flew Delta. Here is the timeline: 1.5+ 2 + 1.5 + 7 + 3. Now each number represents hours and each entry represents a leg in our journey. The total represents a lost day, unless you count the vacation time of 7 hours spent in the beautiful, accomodating Atlanta airport. We didn't count it. Check back for more info on the trip. If you want more vivid and to-the-point descriptions, you might also check Waiting for the Punchline. The blogger has a way with sarcasm.

LiveStrong

My daughter sent for the information from the Lance Armstrong Foundation, LiveStrong. Lots of interesting information as well as helpful. I read a few of the survivor stories and especially found the one by Heidi Adams, a young cancer survivor to be of interest. She set up a web site, planet cancer, that should be very helpful to young adults. Check it out.

This and That of the State Fair

If a person has earned a MD and a PhD, would you call that person Dr. Dr.? State Fair Trivia The State Fair is celebrating 150 years. But it was cancelled in 1861 because of the Civil War and again 1942-1945 for WWII. So is it really 150 years of the fair? The Beatles played two sold-out shows in 1964. Some of you (especially Heidi) are thinking, "What were they thinking?" and I am thinking, "Wow, even the Beatles thought our fair was worthy!" The Pepsi Coliseum at the fair had a propane gas explosion in 1963 that killed 74 people. Our school was to go the next night and sit in those same seats. The first State Fair queen of 1958 will be at the fair this year. Not hard on the eyes either. New Kids on the Block drew more in one show than the Beatles did in two shows. Were there just more tweenagers in the late 80s? In 1948, the fair keeps all TV broadcast out for fear coverage will keep people away. In 1991, 212 radio and television stations cover the fair.

Pigs, Pioneers, and Popcorn

Yes, I am excited because the Indiana State Fair begins tomorrow! Did you know that the fair is the sixth oldest in USA? (A little fourth grade trivia.) This is the fair's 150 year celebration. I try earnestly to attend at least once each year. I so enjoy visiting the Pioneer Village, the displays in the Manufacturer's Building, the displays by adults in the Home and Family Arts Building, the flowers and vegetables of the Horticulture Building, riding the shuttle, and just walking around. We saw a calf born last year. Thought my teenaged niece and nephew were going to throw up. They are not too fond of walking through the pig barn, but I love it no matter how hot. Back in the 80s, as an adult, I entered a dress review with an outfit I had made. Didn't receive any placing, but have the satisfaction of being chosen to represent my county at the State Fair. My brother entered photography and an ugly lamp a few years back. Just having the photos shown is an honor. He had 3 of 4 on display. So glad he was able to fulfill his dream before ALS took him from us. Because of the early start of school and a last-minute vacation, I may not get to go to the fair until the next to last or even last day. Hope they still have lemon shake-ups and funnel cakes. Doubt if I try the newest deep fried food this year. The twinkie was terrible a few years ago. Like eating sweet bread soaked in lard. The caramel corn is always good as is the grilled corn. Oh, this is making me very hungry so I best stop talking or I will drool on my keyboard.

Pass the Chicken, Please

Went to the annual church picnic last night at our local park. Lots of people, some I did not know because we have such a large congregation. Lots of food, especially desserts. I think I counted 4 blackberry pies, homemade! Sorry H that you were not here to enjoy a piece of pie. I tried to skip the dessert buffet altogether, but the blackberry pie called my name loudly and clearly. And of course I had to try the peanut butter no-bake cookies. Wow! Both were awesome. So today it is back to the diet plan. Without all those different dishes and desserts to tempt me, and the fact that I don't really enjoy cooking, the diet plan will be easier to follow.

Money can't buy me love, but it can buy a name

As I blog this morning, I am listening to the news and all the hype about the Brickyard 400. No, wait! Someone gave enough money to buy the name and change it to the Allstate 400. Why couldn't it be the Brickyard-Allstate 400 so we would know which race it is? I still call the Colt's current stadium The Hoosier Dome. In our last Social Studies textbooks it was listed as such. The current stadium should be called The Hoosier-RCA Dome. The new one should be called The Hoosier-Lucas Oil-RCA Dome. Then maybe we would know what they are talking about. The Hulman family was smart enough not to change the whole name of Rose Poly Technical Institute. Instead they made it ROSE Hulman Institute. They were smart enough not to change the name of the race track either. Oh, I just heard that the gates to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened at 7:00 for a race that begins at 2:00. Hey, why am I not there right now?

Attitude Assessment

As I crawl out from under the covers this morning, a wave passes over me, again. Is that all there is? Remember the movie Ground Hog's Day? Today feels like that. Same old thing--hobble to kitchen, make coffee, feed cat, open window for cat, devotions, blog, news, breakfast, shower, and on and on. Really I'm not complaining. I am the first to want a routine so things feel normal and in focus. It must be the heat. As I reread this blog, it hit me that things are not normal, especially with TT's cancer and decision for treatment. Are there more treatments available? Would one be better than those offered? Should he go for another opinion? Will this work? How many treatments will he need? Where are his friends? Have they called his cell phone or talked to him online? Is there more I can do as his mom? Why couldn't it be me and not him? Then I remember Psalms 46:10a "Be still, and know that I am God." That helps. And I remember I Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you." What more could I ask for? Thank you God, for helping me to remember and to calm me with Your Words.

Go Figure

I purchased hot dogs and buns for a quick meal this week. Then I wondered why do they package buns in 8, but dogs in 10? I also bought beef sausages which were packed in 6. I guess you find the common denominator and buy the items in multiples in order to come out even. So I should buy 5 packages of buns and 4 packages of hot dogs. Then throw in a son who likes to eat just the buns for a snack which changes the equation again. Gives me a new idea for a lesson I can teach in math. Also gives me too many dogs and buns for 3 people.

It's Almost Time

Can't believe it is August. Can't believe school starts for teachers in 12 days. Can't believe that in less than 2 weeks I will be on my second day with my students. Can't believe I'm ready.

Feel the Heat

It is unbelievable that it is 77 degrees before 7:00 a.m. today. On the news I just heard them say it will be 95, but not to fret, because it could be worse. We could be at 100 like those to our west. (Now that makes me feel cooler.) By Thursday we will cool off to 85, a 10 degree drop. But wait, by Friday we will heat back up to the upper 80s (88). Okay, do the math. 85 up to 88 is only 3 degrees. Will we really feel the difference?