Thanks for the encouragement and info. And, I remember you had mentioned you used to be up here Fruitnut. Like you say, weather swings are pretty much a fact of life up here. I've got pictures from last year where all the flowers and fruit blooms have three inches of snow on them. I really thought we might get an "average" spring for a change this year. Our average last freeze date is April 15, but that is just because half the time the last freeze is in March and half the time its in May. Ah, the good ol panhandle. ;) If you want to see our biggest weather problem at the moment, check out these pics I took of what Lake Meredith looks like right now. Here is a link that might be useful: Lake Meredith at all time low last weekend

For some reason while driving in the car, i picked up a radio station in Minneapolis, Minnesota, probably a 5 hour drive from us, some of the things the man said on talk radio were so true, you spend all the time picking out gifts, only you argue with maybe a spouse if you should get it or the other thing (fighting), the greed in the person getting the gift, the have to spend time with "those relatives) and it went on and on like this, and the ending was what is so Merry about Merry Christmas? I think one of the most perfect gifts for me would probably be that everyone at my house could fend for themselves and basically let me stay in bed and just leave me alone - lol, but that will never happen! we took Matthew to work for 7 am this morning, on the way there people were at future shop (your american best buy) they opened at 6, Wal-mart was a zoo, Carley and i stopped in there on the way home, give me a pat here, we came out empty handed, and to zellers at the mall(these stores may be bought by Target). it was crazy all over the place, so much for peace and goodwill towards men, people were like they came out of a jungle, they were rude, mean and just well......!-lol. I'd much rather "chat" with all of you here! Enjoy your day, we're starting - Carley and I our holiday jigsaw puzzle, drive carefully too, it's raining here! and 33! ps think of Matthew working at the sporting goods store today, hope is doesn't get hit with a hockey stick by anyone! debbie

I love the angel story. I love the thought of Cherryfizz learning mew and growl - my dogs only speak growl but I'm getting there. I love the bake a cake. A few weeks ago someone in this country had a special display at their dungeon at the castle (a tourist attraction, you understand, not a private home!). Instead of 'Santa's Grotto' they had 'Satan's Dungeon', where the song being played was 'Robins roasting on an open fire'. People called the local radio station and said it was an insult to Christianity. I found it hysterical - and I'm a Christian priest. OK, I wasn't so taken with Satan but the robins ......ROFLMAO! Santas and robins are OK - but they're not the reason for the season. Family-feeling is great - but it's not the reason. Being generous is great - but it's not the reason. I'm listening to a TV programme behind me now about gift-buyers for the stars in the States and they're talking about how big 'A Patriotic Christmas' is this year. Don't get me wrong there is NOTHING wrong with loving one's country, I'm patriotic - but it's not the reason for the season. There are so many things, perfectly nice things in themselves, that have been added to the celebration of Christmas over the centuries that the world is in dire danger of forgetting entirely the real reason - the birth of the Saviour of the World. Everett - please don't be offended if I say that maybe you've been given the best Christmas present of all - that awful feeling that it's all hollow, what's being presented to us and that there has to be something more. There is - and you're ready to find it, to find God in Christ. If you think it's right, pray, ask Jesus to come into your life. It's not a magic, instant formula, not many people ever see fireworks, I never have. But this might just be the time your life begins to change. Take care, Alice

Oh, that is such a shame. I too am a pet lover and know how they each become such an important part of the family. Losing them leaves a big hole both in our hearts and in our daily routines. You have a good start with getting ready for the holiday. Maybe you could invite some friends over--knowing I have company coming always motivates me to get busy and get things done. ;o) I need to follow my own advice, I have the bins piled in the family room but not very motivated to get it all put in place! LOL Luvs