It's a Mac!

One picture is worth a thousand words!

Merry Christmas from 18 years ago!

Extended Family Time

Uncles, siblings, cousins, pets, etc.-- a great time was had by all! Can't wait 'til Christmas!

Ahh..memories

As the temps plummet changing the rain to our first snow and our household is missing its main character, I thought it would be fun to see the family enjoying sunshine and blue skys. We are a great looking crew, wouldn't you agree? Greetings from here to Albuquerque! You are missed!

GO BOILERS!

While it hasn't been a stellar season, it has still been enjoyed. Visiting the Alma Mater, singing the fight song, enjoying the good weather, seeing family are the positives. Tomorrow we can make this season mean something, according to the 13 year old seen below. The 'Ole Oaken Bucket game will be enhanced with the presence of this fan and his homemade & customized bucket!

The Playful Duo

Anna's kitten, Snickers, is seen here "helping" me with my dog fence wiring. Sienna placed herself in the middle of the closest bush to analyze the scene. I buried the wire, Snickers dug it up. I put the trash in the bag....Snickers dumped it out. While they aren't exactly helpful...they sure are cute. If only they could remain cute little fluffballs forever!

Picture of the Week

Cool picture taken by our friend Sarah down in Waco. Note the teamwork in holding the rainbow....clearly taken several years ago since these two are currently in the "always annoying" phase.

Who knew?

An intense driver even at such an early age....can you guess who this is?

Shopping.....shopping.....and more shopping

Recently it was brought to my attention that my 1980's clothes seemed to be bothering certain so called "friends" and family members. Is it really a problem that I like comfortable clothes, even if they have been around longer than my now teenage children? Here's the proof that I actually took hundreds of pounds of clothing to our local Goodwill drop off. Last week Kate tortured me at Stinemart, then this week Aunt Karen, in town from Ole Miss, spent countless hours trying to train me to shop in a more "fashion forward" manner. My eyes are still getting adjusted to some of the new styles out there, that's for sure! I feel like I've met my shopping requirement for this decade.....and yes, I did find several new items to fill the void in my closet.

Miracles never cease...

What may look like an ordinary bathroom to you is really an amazing event. That's right-Grandpa R finished his project, and it only took, well- put it this way, my 13 year old doesn't remember it ever using it. Looks great! You can cross that one off your list.

Settling in....

Enjoying the sunshine and each other's company, Duncan & Simon seem to settling in just fine. With 32 degrees first thing this AM, the current 48 degrees seems like a heat wave! Duncan's no dummy...much less effort eating this way!

Introducing Duncan!

After a loonng summer with an empty field and having a pang in our hearts every time we passed our empty barn, we have found a new When Pigs Fly resident.....Duncan. He is a 9 year old, 17 hand, bay,warmblood gelding. He came to us via Michigan and Sarah had a chance to play with him a few weeks. We tried all sorts of tests, and he kept passing them with flying colors, so we decided to bring him home. He loves attention, treats, and company. Right now we have his friend, Simon, staying with us too while we figure out a permanent pal. So say your prayers....to St. Francis of Asissi if you're one of our catholic friends...that our place will soon be back to normal-dogs, cats, and horses all healthy and happy!

It's another world!

Twenty years of marraige to this guy earned me the opportunity to travel all the way to China! We had a great time exploring another world Thanks to all those individuals involved in keeping the household running efficiently while we were away!! Hopefully you're none the worse for wear! A few random observations on the country: The airports, roads, and buildings are engineering marvels. It's a world where the old and the new are literally side by side...vast skyscapers along a six lane parkway with sculpted plants in the median are the backdrop for the Chinese farmer in his straw hat pedalling his tricycle loaded with hundreds of pounds of lettuce he his taking to market....bamboo scaffolding is used when building the newest builings...bikes and baskets are parked in the Wal-Mart parking lot, not cars. The term "Foot Massage" has a whole new meaning for me, if only I could franchise it! The arts and crafts passed down for generations like brick carving & silk needlepointing are becoming extinct as the new generation heads off for University rather apprenticing the masters. A meal is not a meal unless it has a minimum of TEN courses all served in the original baking dishes placed on a huge lazy susan and you're served by the person on your right! Speaking of food-let's just say that no part of the creature goes to waste! A few more photos.... Dongguan's ""Lovely Park", Hong Kong's incredible architecture, and last but not least, the North Pole! If you ever have a chance to take a trip outside your "comfort zone", we recommend it!!

Scuba Diver Extraordinare

Happy 56th anniversary to Grandma & Grandpa! Wow! Congrats!

Who's the mystery diver?
That's right....Eric! Hew's now a PADI Scuba Diver! He worked hard and completed the course with Taskmaster-Divemaster Smith leading the way. Thank you JR! Mom worked hard too, so watch out for the diving duo during the next warm weather vacation spot! As an added bonus... Shortwave now has her own "cleaning crew!"

And life goes on....

With the pet woes aside, Summer 2006 has had many memorable moments! Eric's "Bluejays" won their tournament, Sarah learned to drive the family vehicle, new friendships were forged and exist in a whole other hemisphere, old friendships were strengthened while trapsing around Italy, a fun trip to Wrigley Field was had, two new kittens were added to the barn, and of course, visits with various family members rounded out the summer. Now with only a few days before the start of school, we are checking off those last few empty boxes on our to do list. Here are a few photos for your viewing pleasure.
A lovely Venetian day &
Anna with her kitten Snickers

Iron Cross 1995-2006

June 30, 2006 Felix was laid to rest.
We will remember him always as a great horse
with a big heart...a true friend.

Iron Cross aka Felix Update

Just a note for those of you following the progress of this magnificent animal. He seems to be moving more slowly over the last few weeks. I had the vet out to do a rescope and general update. He said while the pharynx hasnt gotten worse - 20% of normal diameter, the palette is having trouble moving, letting food be diverted in the pharynx rather than just the esophagus. All this would make Felix frustrated, but not in pain. He coughs when all this is happening. With all this in mind, we feel it is time for us to let him go. Sarah had a great "last ride" with Patty for old times sake. God certainly blessed us with a beautiful day, and both Sarh and Felix enjoyed themselves. Felix has been a great horse with a big heart, taking both Sarah and me everywhere we would have wanted to go on horseback!

Dé la bienvenida a nuestras huéspedes... Yoselyn & Ximena!

Ximena (left) and Yoselyn (right) are visiting from the beautiful country of Chile. We have had fun learning about each other's cultures. The Lutheran Church of America brought them here for our National Youth Gathering which will take place in July. Our youth will travel to San Antonio to meet with all the other youth including the other international guests. We are happy they are here! Maybe we will become more prficient in Spanish before they leave!

Ximena (dejado) y Yoselyn (derecho) están visitando del país hermoso de Chile. Hemos tenido diversión que aprendían sobre uno a culturas. La iglesia lutheran de América las trajo aquí para nuestra reunión nacional de la juventud que ocurrirá en julio. Nuestra juventud viajará a San Antonio a la reunión con el resto de juventud incluyendo las otras huéspedes internacionales. ¡Somos felices que están aquí! ¡Haremos quizá ma's prficient en español antes de que se vayan!

Come sail away...

The Captain allowed two First Mates to help guide Short Wave on her 2006 Inaugural Sail. A great day was had by all! While the young mates were hoping for fog,(allowing them to ring the bell incessantly) fortunately for the rest of the crew's sanity the sun shone bright all day long with an intermitent breeze. The new slip is going to work out well, and we look forward to more happy sailing days! Thanks Papa!

The Launch!

She's in! That's right, Short Wave has been launched, and settled into her new home. The day was a spectacular, sunny 75 degrees with a mild breeze. (No, you sailors, I don't know the knots!) Not a curse word was heard, and no new dings were inflicted by the ignorant help. Now, if only the "old" folks could swap a right arm for a left knee, one successfully working body could be had! (Don't feel bad, Kevie could use a couple of new elbows right now and he's not even approaching 50 yet!)
After Monroe, we still had time for the Bluejays to win a baseball game by the ten run rule, Eric to pass a Board of Review at Boy Scouts so he was promoted to First Class, and Sarah to complete her first day of Driver's Ed. Wow! The only sad thing was that Dad had to miss all the activity since he had to be in the Motor City having a little visit with Scott's buddies. Speaking of Scott, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of The Fishers! We've ordered good weather so a boat ride could be on the agenda, and Kevie's World Famous Fireball Spaggetti is on the menu!
A quick note on Felix...he is slowly getting over his loss of Cash, and his breathing has stabilized, even though the tumor is becoming much larger. He is content.

Heavy Hearts

It's with a heavy heart I write this update for you keeping track of things here at When Pigs Fly. On Friday, May 26th, at 11:37 AM, our beloved Cash left us for a much better place. He had a horrific accident which we still can hardly fathom, but his death was quick. His last thought must have been..."oops", then nothing. Yes, it is extremely ironic that the terminally ill Iron Cross is still with us even though his burial plans are in place. Needless to say, heavy hearts and many tears have been prevalent here.
Thank you to all of you who have kept us in your thoughts and prayers. It is really appreciated. Patty and Jim went way above the call of "Friendship Duty", with their tried and true help, which is why they are so dear to us. A special thanks, as usual, to my dear Kate, who brought this wonderful, full of personality, stomach centered creature to live here with us. Her support is constant, loving, and unconditional. I know that the happy memories of Cash, who was such a good boy, will last forever, and I can only hope these painful days will subside with time. Here are a few photos of Cash, who we'll always love.

The Foot has been repaired

Felix is happy again with the exception of the enlarging lump in his neck. His breathing is still comfortable as long as he is not excited. If the weather clears, he may even get to go for a walk around the block with his buddy, Cash.
A big thanks goes out to Katee for her super care of all our beloved ones while we were away. Speaking of being away, 104 degress of "dry heat" is still 104! Good thing the pool was handy! Hey- hello to Susan! Was hoping to see you this week, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. Maybe next time?! Remember these guys? Hello from them too!

The ongoing saga...

OK so if the tumor doesn't do Felix in anytime soon, it appears that he will do himself in! That's what I've figured out watching him over the last few weeks. He must feel pretty well since he bolts out to the pasture at a full gallop. This is okay, until he can't get enough air, which then freaks him out, so he runs like a maniac, only making matters worse! No one ever claimed he was brilliant, that's for sure. Then yesterday he came out of his front shoe, but then stepped on it sideways, driving it back into the soft part of his foot....ouch. Now I have to pultice and wrap that! But this is all still better than the alternative! Maybe a miracle can still happen.

Update on Iron Cross aka Felix

For those of you who haven't gotten to meet him, this is Felix . This is how we'll always remember him...a happy guy always enjoying the attention! For those of you keeping us in your thoughts and prayers, I will keep you updated on his condition right here. He's living the good life right now getting lots of carrots, pasture time, comfy bedding, and attention. His breathing is still good.God bless you all for your support!

Retired Command Master Chief James R. Smith II, aka Eric's true hero, in Napoli 2005.
Check this link out and imagine JR & Eric sailing the seas! http://www.bsaseabase.org/adventure/seaex.html

I am the luckiest woman in the world

Yes, it is true--I am the luckiest woman in the world. You see, my husband is the greatest and makes my life so wonderful that it is just like a dream. I just had to create this blog to share my happy news with everybody. Caio for now!