My girl turns two

 Two years ago today, Miss Chelsea Kabob Bennett was born.  When I met her, she was three weeks old.  She lived on a farm in a shed with her Mama.  We picked her out (or, she picked me out when she licked me,) when she was three weeks old, then we visited her two more times before we brought her home at eight weeks of age. 

When Chelsea was little, one of her favorite toys was her bunny.  For her birthday present, I bought her a new bunny. 

Chelsea meets the bunny.

 

Poor bunny.

Trying to get me to play fetch- just before I wrote this post.

Chelsea is very musical and loves to "play" a toy that has a squeaker in it.  For now, the bunny has a squeaker.  I am surprised that the bunny isn't destroyed, yet.  Doug played fetch with Chelsea in the yard this evening and then the three of us were in the yard for quite awhile- he working in the vegetable garden and me working in my full sun flower bed.  Then, when I came in, I gave Chelsea her present and she is tired, now.

Baby Chelsea

2010, Two years old.

All in all, I believe she had a very good birthday.  She makes us very happy.  Loves unconditionally, is happy and smiling all the time, enthusiastic, smart, loves to play. 
She is a good girl.

Blogging Abe Lincoln style

All my life, I heard about Abe Lincoln scratching out his lessons by the light from the fire.  The other night, I blogged by firelight candlelight, so I figure now I got somethin' in common with old Abe. 
In the old days, ("back in the day") as my children say whenever I tell a story, I was accustomed to writing long-hand on a legal pad.  I liked writing longhand on a legal pad.  When I first started using a computer, I would always write my stories long-hand, then "type" them up on the computer.  I probably started to transition to writing via keyboard only after someone wondered why I was using the computer basically as a typewriter and not using it to capability.  Once I got the hang of it, I loved it of course.  I feel like I'm making myself sound ninety years old.  (I'm not.)  The following is what I blogged one night last week, by candlelight when we lost our electricity for many hours.  I was at the table surrounded by Chelsea Kabob Bennett, Milo and Tree. 

Slowed by the lack of electricity, lulled by silence, not even the hum of electricity interrupts our interlude.  I pause to do what it is that I love to do- read.  I sit at the kitchen table, surrounded by a semi-circle of candles to shine upon the page.

The animals, too, sense the calm.  Two cats and a dog sleep nearby.  Normally, the dog demands attention, rudely nudging my thigh with her nose, depositing her toy on my lap, demanding a game of fetch.  This evening, realizing the twilight within the house, serenaded by the sounds of frogs and crickets, she rests at my feet. 

Teased for a moment, with a surge of power which doesn't take, (it is so brief, that the dog doesn't even bark- she replies to the surg with a soft "wumpf" of sound) I am surprised to feel a sense of relief.  Our evening of silence and darkness continues.  Without keyboard, or the light of the laptop screen, I reach for pen to express myself.  My old friend, the legal pad complies, accepting my words.  It is 9:30 and I am ready for bed.  I will rest, expecting my slumber to be halted by the rude sound of electricity. 

**Our electricity didn't come back on until late morning, the next day.  My sleep was uninterrupted, I was able to eek one more hot (fast) shower from the water heater and went to work, not looking too far removed from my normal appearance.

Happy Dad's Day

One of my creations for my Dad

My Dad has always been "Dad."  Never "Father." 
He and Mother both taught me to love nature.
Dad taught me how to be quiet in the woods and how to "see things" in nature.
I am usually the first to spot a critter.
He taught me how to cast a fishing line in such a manner
 that amazed my son when he was young.
(I can also bait a hook and take a fish off a line, but don't often employ such skills.)
He felt it was important to learn to play chess.  I learned to play chess, but I don't think my moves through and usually lose quickly.  But, I know how to play chess.
He kicked my ass on a daily basis when I was younger and eventually kicked me out for arguing with him when I was nineteen. 
We had a few years of barely speaking to one another. 
Later in life, things were very tough for me, through the "lean years" of divorce, but I was strong because my Dad had made me tough.  
We no longer argue.
  I may disagree with him but I firmly say
 "I am not going to argue with you about this- but..." 
He now takes good care of my mother (which earlier in life I couldn't have imagined).
He is a diet-controlled diabetic and takes good care of himself.
He is helping my brother to get his life back on track.
We now have good talks.  Earlier in my life, I never thought that would happen. 
He quit smoking.
I don't think he drinks any longer.
He listens (most of the time).
He has softened.
He is my Dad.

This is why we walk

Finally, I get to tell you about the Relay for Life which occurred last Saturday.

Sarah did Relay last year and she asked us if we would like to have an IUAA (Indiana University Alumni Association) team.  Several of us said yes.  By the time the day arrived, basically, it was Sarah and me who actually did the walking.  One other lady showed up and walked for a few hours.  Sarah's amazing parents walked with us and served as our support team. 

Sarah and me.  By the time this photo was taken, we were sweaty and disgusting- but still smiling.

This photo was scary, but I wanted to take it for Mindy.

We started walking around 12:30 p.m.  For breakfast, I had two boiled eggs.  I didn't have time to stop for coffee.  I took a liter of water with me which was quickly downed.  Someone had a grill and was cooking hot dogs.  I had not had a bun for over nine weeks, but decided to have a hot dog and bun and a pkg of baked Lays chips.  I downed a bottle of Gatorade and shortly after drinking it, I had mega pain in my lower left abdomen.  At some point I had a no-bake cookie.  Then, I started to struggle to stay hydrated and started downing bottles of water.  Throughout the day, I must have had four or five or more. 

first of the survivors in the survivors walk

more survivors

more survivors

Throughout the day there were different recognitions.  The Survivors Walk made me cry.  We stood to the side and applauded as they walked around the track.  One gal (my age or younger) had the most beautiful wide smile.  You could see she was full of joy at being a part of the walk. 

flags representing those yet to be diagnosed

Bringin' home the bronze!

Even though just a few of us walked, a few more helped raise donations.  Our little team raised about $1300.  I was proud of that.

Around 6:30 p.m., I was getting tired and two of my friends- Jennifer and Alysa arrived to walk with us.  I cannot tell you how that caused me to rally!  They lifted my spirits as we walked together.  I was dancing and laughing.  They both continued to walk with me until near the end. 
Late in the day, word arrived that a wide storm front was approaching.  We started to put everything away and got our tent down before it got wet.  We were walking a track behind the Monroe County YMCA and they allowed us to take shelter inside.  Some of us continued to walk on the indoor walking track.  At 9:30, they decided to call the walk.  The rain and lightening and high winds were continuing. 
One of the ideas behind the walk is that Cancer is "the disease that doesn't sleep," and the relay takes place from noon one day until six a.m. the next morning. 
My friend Miss Janice walked the entire time that she did her walk in Florida.  Honestly, I can't imagine.  In nine hours I walked twenty-four miles.  I just kept walking.  I couldn't have imagined walking another eight and a half hours. 
When I got home, I just wanted a shower.  I stood under the hot water for a long time.  I put on my pajamas, put my feet up and ate a Popsicle.  Then I went to bed.  Doug rubbed my feet for me and I told him I could feel the blood begin to stir in my legs when I was laying in bed.  I was in so much pain that I couldn't go to sleep- despite taking two Tylenol p.m. caplets.  Finally, I got up a took a pain pill that I take for my colitis and was able to go to sleep. 
On Sunday, I didn't feel too bad and Alysa and I took Chelsea and went to a nearby state park to hike and work out the kinks. 
We walk to raise the money for research.  I can remember years ago that if you learned you had Cancer, there was usually no hope.  Now, research has improved and we have learned to fight and with early detection, one has more of an opportunity to beat it than ever before.  This is why we walk.

"We interrupt this blog..."

On Saturday, I did the Relay.  I have photos and want to tell you all about it! 
Sunday, I attempted to post and my photos were loading ever so s-l-o-w-l-y.
Sunday night, due to storms, we didn't have electricity.
Last night, I was in TJMaxx and we were evacuated to the back hallway of the store because of tornadoes in the area.  As soon as I was able, I took my purchases (2 pair of unders for Doug, Gray Flannel deodorant for Doug, Chi hairspray for me) to the check-out, paid and drove home.  It was a scary ride home.  While running to my car, I heard a transformer blow.  Clear Creek which runs parallel to our road was up even with the road and there was about an inch of water over the road. 
Then, couldn't blog last night because the cable was out. 
Doug watched a dvd and I went to bed. 
Hopefully, we will be able to resume this evening.

Today we Relay (for Life)!

Quick post.  Quick, lousy photo.  But you get the idea.  I wanted to show you how I personalized my t-shirt.  At this point in my life I am not too crazy about t-shirts.  I am 5'2" and I hate a t-shirt down to my knees (and they are all down to my knees) so I have started whacking off the bottom few inches.  Then, I have a nifty piece of material to use as a headband.  One night when I was heading to the Y I had on an IU crimson t-shirt, freshly whacked and I pointed to my headband and said to Doug, "look, I match."  Sometimes I am just to sexy (for my whacked off t-shirt).
I digress. 
Yesterday, we had tornado warnings, torrential downpour, limbs down, lightening and thunder.  This same weather is basically predicted for this area up until a week from this Sunday.  So, we shall see.  Right now the sun is trying to shine and the relay starts in two hours.
Other than a few lunch-time and a short walk with Chelsea last evening, I haven't walked or exerted myself.  I am stopping at Starbucks for my venti mocha.  I'm eating two boiled eggs with butter.  I am wearing my personalized t, my red Hawaiian athletic shorts, socks and tennies.  Doug said "whatever is comfortable."  Silly boy, it isn't about comfort, it is all about being uniquely cute.  Some men just don't get it.  (The straight ones, anyway.)  I can't find my old plastic poncho.  That is what I really need if it rains like it did yesterday.  IUAA has graciously loaned us a pop-up tent.  We are the IUAA team.  I am stopping for one of those clip-on off! thingys to clip on my waist.
Speaking of clipping on my waist, my electronic pedi went kaput this week, so I am resorting to my old waist pedometer.  One of my readers asked if wearing a pedometer helps.  Studies have shown that if you wear a pedometer, you will move 30% more than if you don't.  I think it is just a constant reminder..."move, move!" 
I'm charging my ipod and camera battery.  I can't think of anything else.   
If you are local, we'll be at the Monroe County YMCA.  Come out and walk for awhile with us!

TEN PEOPLE

My friend Sandy over at Secrets of Season, gave me this award a couple of days ago.  It is "The Fabulous Sugar Doll blogger Award."  I haven't known Sandy for a very long time, but I like her a lot.  Thank you for this award!  Go visit her blog and hear the beautiful song that I never tire of -Revelation Song by Kari Jobe.  If you are a new follower, a new blog friend, or a new blogger, help yourself to this award and pass it on.

Sandy asked that I tell ten things about myself, but I have  done this recently, so instead, I'm going to tell you about TEN PEOPLE that I will honor this weekend. 

This Saturday, I will be over at our local YMCA participating in Relay for Life.  I have ten luminaria bags to decorate for TEN PEOPLE. 

In memory of those who have fought their battle with cancer and lost:

(in order of passing)

1.  My Papaw, Kenny King

He had bladder cancer and let it go for a long time before getting help. 

 We lost him as a result of his surgery, but as the surgeon put it,

 "It was a blessing for him to pass suddenly- he was full of Cancer."

Papaw was the first person that loved me unconditionally.  When I was a little girl, I would sit on his lap and listen to his watch tick.  To this day, I love a ticking clock. 

2.  My uncle, Howard

My uncle and his wife, Emma Lou divorced when I was a girl.  During most of my growing up years, Howard lived with my Grandma in her farm house and was a frequent guest at our dinner table.  When Howard told Emma Lou he had Cancer, they decided to remarry after many years of being apart and she cared for him until his death.

3.  A past boyfriend's Dad, Steve

I sang in Steve's wedding to his second wife and one of my favorite pictures of us was at the wedding.  One of my most wonderful memories of Steve was when one of his best friend's passed away and I sat between he and his son, Michael at the funeral.  Michael held one of my hands and Steve held the other.  Even though Michael was married when Steve died, my daughter and I went to the funeral home.  Michael said "I knew if you came it would be for Dad and if you stayed away it would be because of me.  That wasn't true. 

 Father and son were both very loving and kind.

4.  My hiking friend, Cindy

Cindy was a vivacious red headed nurse, maybe ten years older than me.  We were hiking in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park in TN with our hiking club from Indianapolis.  It was April, and chilly.  My feet got wet and I was inexperienced and didn't have a dry pair in my bag.  I was starting to get into real trouble when Cindy noticed how quiet I was and asked me what was wrong.  When I told her my feet were cold and wet and I was miserable, she took dirty, dry socks out of her pack and gave them to me to put on.  We always joked after that day and said that we became friends because of a pair of dirty socks. 

 She had lung cancer.  She never smoked, but somehow had "spots" on her lungs which kept on until it got the best of her.

5.  My friend Debbie's Dad, Tom

Debbie's Dad was always laughing, never missed a get-together of any kind and would do anything for anyone, especially his daughters and their children.  He was a special man and I know Debbie misses him very much.  I was honored to have been with him at get-togethers with friends at Debbie's house. 

6.  My friend Kathy's Dad, Willard

Kathy's Dad was a true southern gentleman, hailing from Kentucky. 

 When he was a young man, he lied about his age in order to get into the Civilian Conservation Corp.  Kathy and I have been hiking and camping buddies for a very long time and whenever we would happen upon something that was built by the CCC, we would stop and read the information about it, knowing Kathy's dad and men like him worked hard to create buildings and trails that we still enjoy, today.  Ward was a dedicated Christian man and served in the church I grew up in.  His eyes always twinkled and he would always squeeze your shoulder or take your hand or give you a hug. 

7.  A local man, Bruce

I didn't know Bruce personally, but our local paper just did a three page story on his battle with brain cancer.  He had surgery first, did chemo and radiation and then benefited from hospice.  I didn't know him, but I will honor him in my walk this weekend.

With love and support for those who fight Cancer presently:

(in order of the length of battle)

1.  My friend, Gary

Gary is a fighter and strong.  He has always been strong and a very hard worker.  He has been fighting for a few years now, but presently doing well with his medication.

2.  My friend, Brenda

Brenda was my boss at my local hometown paper where I worked for three years.  Brenda just recently retired and learned she has Cancer.  She has tremendous faith and is believing she will make it through this.  She is currently struggling with chemo and could benefit from your thoughts and prayers. 

3.  My friend, Carri

Carri is a friend from high school and has breast cancer.  She is extremely intelligent and is approaching her battle with a very practical point of view-  "Wham, bam, back to school in the fall." Hers was detected early and that has helped a lot.  She sent all of us gals from high school a message on facebook telling us and telling us to take care of ourselves, too.  She is currently doing treatments and will have surgery then reconstructive surgery.  I admire her "out damn spot" attitude as she is fighting to be well and to get past this. 

If you have lost someone to Cancer or know someone who is currently battling, please join me in raising money to fight this disease that touches all of our lives at one point or another.  If you would like to support me, (even $10. will help),  here is the link.  If you are local, come over and walk with us this Saturday between  noon Saturday and 6 a.m. on Sunday.  Or, get involved with Relay for Life in your area.  I promise, you'll touch ten lives and so many more. 

His port in the storm.

Today I'm joining in with Angela's West Virginia Treasures Show & Tail. 

This is Doug's cat, Tree.  He is named Tree because Doug's sister found him in a tree in Arizona when he was a baby.  Tree is an indoor/outdoor cat.  Whenever the weather is bad, Tree wants to be an indoor cat. 

Recently, I was heading south on the highway after work.  The sun was shining, I had the windows down and my sunroof open.  At the light before our road, I looked up ahead and saw something and couldn't quite believe my eyes.  It was a torrential downpour!  I hit the buttons as fast as possible to close the sunroof and the windows.  Suddenly, it was thundering and lightening.  The rain was roaring. 

I pulled into the carport to find Tree hunkered down, on the shelf of my little shabby-chic stand on the porch.  His little port in the storm.  As soon as I opened the door, he ran inside the house.  This is the cat that leaves us "presents" of head-less bunnies, voles, moles, mice...a killer, he is.  But, when weather conditions are harsh, he is truly a scaredy-cat!

Vintage Wine Festival

We got to ride in her new car

Last Saturday we went to Indianapolis to join one of my friends at the Indiana Vintage Wine Festival.

Walking towards the festival

New construction in Indianapolis.  Colt's blue.  Coincidence?  I don't think so!

Jennie DeVoe on stage- from Muncie.  Note the dancing grape guy.

my friend and the duggles.  the rain didn't dampen our spirits

I wanted to win a "stress cow."  I went to the booth and you had to spin the wheel and answer a question.  My question was something like "Indiana's number two dairy export is what product?"  I had been sampling wine and was having fun.  I started jumping up and down and yelling "milk, milk!"  The man in the red hat said "it is a cool sumertime treat."  I started yelling "ice-cream, ice-cream!"  That is how I won my cow. 

We had a lot of fun at the Vintage Wine Festival

Even though we are heading into a stressful time at work, I have no fear I'll survive.
Now that I have my "stress cow."

June!

To celebrate the first of June, Chelsea and I did the Clear Creek trail last night.  We did the whole trail (5 miles) in an hour and a half.  We shuffled along a bit.  I have found that it isn't the amount of distance that we travel, but rather, the speed.  It was hot.  I allowed Chelsea to get into the creek a couple of times and there is a doggy fountain along the way.  I had a small bottle of water.  Last night was the Duggles soccer night, so we went out to the park and tail-gated with the team.  Dug noted how well behaved Chelsea was.  I told him..."she has been worn out now for two nights in a row.

 

window box bordering the carport

The new clothes line that the duggles put up for me recently.

Lovely, don't you think?

These berries are found in a tree in the back yard.

June is upon us, which is amazing to me.  I have quite a lot of plans...Vintage wine festival in Indianapolis, Relay for Life, and council weekend.  The month will fly by, I'm certain. 

**Another new layout in such a short while?  My friend, the other Cheryl, has had problems reading my blog since I last changed the template.  I am attempting to use the blogger designer template.  There are many elements that I appreciate- others that I continue to struggle with.  Please let me know if you have any difficulty reading my blog.