life safari 8/13/08

Dear Dave,

what a huge loss - know that I feel your pain. I just became aware of your mother's passing. She is with other's whom we have had to bid farewell to. She is out of pain and nearer to God now. Her soul is resting in peace.

I have fond memories of the night of your first AA birthday. I was fortunate to sit with her and talk and laugh with her. She loved you so much and was so very proud of your sobriety.

We are strong people and our parents knew we would do the hard things that were in their best interests.

I have come to realize that the harder things are asked of the strongest ones. Also, the ones who love us most depend on our ability to stay the course.

You have one more Guardian Angel. The one who knows and loves you the most.

You and Pat are in my prayers, Dave. I'm sorry I did not know of the Memorial service sooner. I will pay my respects here at the house and keep you both in my prayers. Especially at Mass this Sunday.

God Bless you, kathy

life safari 08/09/08

The Hummers are back ! This shot from past years. I always look forward to August and the arrival of these beautiful little birds. It is my pleasure to watch them feed, fight and run each other off the feeders and plants. Somehow they all get enough of what they need to make their long journey on their yearly migration.

Just another of God's wonders.

Happy Saturday !

life safari 8/5/08

Thank you Edourd for not being a strong, distructive storm.

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful for many things and many people...

Pat's smile and continued strength - this lady has proven to me that I am NOT in control. Our lives belong to God Almighty and that, He alone make the tides come in and go out - the tides of our lives as well

for a relaxed day - cool and enjoyable. One of the enjoyments is the fact that the storm is so docile

that I am renewed by the cooler weather

that I wanted to "eat", "eat", "eat" last night because of the possibility of a bad weather day to come. I, thankfully, resisted that compulsion. I did minimal damage.

That I have dieted and walked for a week and a half to no visible results of weight loss. Precious, on the other hand, has been dieting with me and looks swevlt !

Miss Precious is getting her teeth cleaned this Friday. I am taking the day off due to conflicting hours between work and getting her there and home after her procedure.

that I got very excited about receiving my "red letter Bible" that I have anxiously awaited in the mail yesterday

for the good seats to the Astro's Cubs game Sept. 13th for "Catholic Night". Cardinal DiNardo will throw out the first pitch

that, although I must go into work as usual, I am not as fearful that I will get stuck there by high water at the end of my shift

But, I will be prepared in case I must stay put

for the Grace and forgiveness of God. I strive to be pious, fail most often but, rather than throw up my hands, today I persevere

I am especially Grateful for role models that talk about their struggles on the same lines as above. One beautiful, loving and dedicated Priest that I have come to love and respect - when I stop judging, God shows me Heaven on earth -

THANK YOU, Father in Heaven

life safari 7/31/08

Oh, another month gone. Time is flashing past. However, this past two weeks seem to be never-ending. I have not been able to figure out why and how some parts of time drag and other zoom. Perhaps it has been the heat that causes me to feel like this (?). Or, perhaps it seems so because it has been so very busy at work with two companies leaving the building and three other companies coming in (?). Whatever the reason, we get paid on the 5th of the month again and it doesn't seem as though we'll ever get there !

I am Grateful and Thankful...

that for the past few days I have been walking in the park
I have also been getting up around 7:15 a.m.
Praise God I am eating less and eating better foods - no ice cream or junk
I am less down and achy because I am causing those endorphines to move about. I have heard that exercise helps ones mental state for years but thought it was B.S. - not so any more
to have chosen to get Precious' teeth cleaned. After 7 years of my Vet encouraging me to do it, after she told me it could extend Precious' life, I have chosen to go ahead.
August 8th - Friday. I will take a vacation day and have it down. Just like humans, the state of tartar on teeth can cause kidney problems as well as lead to diabetes and heart disease
that my car is running fine again and I will enjoy it for several more years if I choose
to be content today. There is no "thing" I must have to be happy
to have read a fascinating article in the NG magazine about Iran
to be happy, joyous and free today
thank YOU

life safari 7/24/08

what a couple of weeks ! had to put my car in the shop last Friday. I was blessed that it died in my driveway and I was not stranded out somewhere.

after all I had that needed to be fixed, I'll be driving this car another few years. Things just cost alot more these days it seems like !

work has been busy. had to work both shifts the other day - always tiring. I was supposed to stay even longer for that night (9:00 pm) but, fortunately, the meeting was cancelled-sweet.

I've gotten away from the routine that I had been doing the past 2 or 3 weeks and I am really feeling it. It is amazing to me that when I am not focusing on my routine (prayer, devotions, reading, Mass during the week) I get hooked into work and the problems, stresses and irritations that it brings.

A friend's blog brought me out of my self-indulgent attitude when he wrote about his mother and the end of life issue he and his sister is facing and dealing with right now. I don't have any problems when compared to these family issues. His sharing his process also gave me a new prayer renewal. My heart is with you D.U.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for the fact that I have been through the loss of my parents for sometime now - time has healed those wounds. It dawned on me that it will be 6 years since my father's passing this December. My, time passes so fast.

for my Precious cat. She brings joy, laughter and lots of love opportunities to me on a daily basis

that I have a remedy for a bad attitude if I will just use it

I am very grateful that tomorrow is Friday

I am extremely grateful and happy for a good day of rain without any flooded streets out here in my neighborhood (not when I was finished I should say)

that my car is fixed. I had to rent a car and I was issued a Chrysler PT Cruiser. Now, I was happy to have wheels and airconditioning but, I would not want to own that model of car

that we (Houston) has skirted another hurricane

for God's Grace. I consider God's patience my salvation today.

Thank YOU

life safari 7/15/08

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE M.

Good morning ! No rain for a couple of days. I just started the sprinklers in the front flower beds. I usually water every morning but ran out of time to do so yesterday. Yesterday I was on a quest to find a Brenda Lee CD. I am so grateful for Amazon. After going to search several music/book stores, no one had an album. I did, however decide to buy some other oldies I found in my search:
Kay Starr (Wheel of Fortune) one of my favorites by her
Rosemary Clooney
Kate Smith - she was once so very popular
Connie Francis - always one of my favorite singers. What a tragic life situation . A man who could not control his animalistic urge robbed millions of people of a gem ! Shame on you.
I get haunted by songs that I hear from time to time. Losing You is one of those. It was the background music in a show the other evening. I can not rest until I have it in my library so that I can play it as often as I wish.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for another day of life
for wonderful memories as a kid of watching the Lucky Strike Hour where I heard the most amazing songs and singers (Many other variety shows of the 50's)
the job I have and the hours I work. I have come to appreciate even the late nights
that I have now completed watering everything - sweet
for a childhood and adolescence filled with great music and food - I was fortunate to eat at some of the best restaurants Houston had to offer in the 50's through the 70's
for my Faith today
for a religion that I love and enjoy living
to be sober, clean and smoke-free. It blows my mind to realize that November is only 4 months away
that AA led me to wonderful new ways of life
that had it not been for the years in AA I would not be experiencing this wonderful life !
Thank you people of AA and Lambda Center
Thank YOU Lord !

life safari 7/2/08

So much hurt and heart ache in the news and with folks all around. I wish I could blink my eyes and make things ok and happy.

The news stated that Israel may go to war with Iran over their nuclear weapons advanced and the U.S. is talking about how hurd it will be for us (U.S.A.) to be spread out in another conflict in yet another country. HELLO !!!!!!

Who, when did anyone invite us to go in there and fight? Why do we think we are supposed to fight in every skirmish that comes along? I am so sick of this B. S. of war and interference. Where does it get us? More young men and women in coffins for no good reason.

It seems as though our country is trying to self-destruct. If these 3 and 4 Star Generals want to fight so damn badly, why don't they go into the combat and leave the innocent majority of soldiers to go home to their families-alive. There has not been anyone threatening our borders since 2001. This is now 2008. Ben Laden isn't even a good reason any more.

On a happier note, a company has now made (like-plastic) bottles out of corn - totally bio-degradable. I am in awe. It will save a ton of oil.

Wish List:

to have a greater faith and trust in God
to love my fellow-man (woman) more
to be more charitable and kind
to smile more, love more, be more patient
to do the right thing just because it's the right thing to do
to do something special for someone else that no one finds out about
to have a clear conscience, no axes to grind with anyone
to wish other's all the happiness, prosperity and Grace that I want for myself
to hug that little Precious gift that God gave me tonight and hope that all the little dogs and cats are in their homes and out of harm's way

I am also Grateful and Thankful that I have these wishes tonight
thank YOU

life safari 2008z

Oh, what wonderful rain and cold wind this afternoon. It was marvelous.

After church had a wonderful lunch and long visit with a couple of friends from church. Coming home I got to enjoy that great cold breeze and lighting show. The rain finally started and, I was reluctant to roll up my car window on the passenger side. When it really began coming down hard, I had to.

I have had a relatively quiet and uneventful weekend. Actually, I have been having the same kind for some weeks now. It is just too hot, I have gotten too heavy and I just don't much care about straying too far from my base.

Another work week begins but - Friday off ! Yeah, I can dig it.

I am Grateful and Thankful for...

too many things and far too much to even put into words (for a change)
thank YOU

life safari 2008y

Well, happy Friday !! It is good to have an end to this work week.
I was not able to mow this morning. Yesterday morning I got out and watered everything well and for some reason got very ill after. So, I think it best to save that kind of work for Saturday. Having to go in to work feeling ill is not pleasant and is dangerous considering I was feeling to light-headed and faint.

Feeling better this morning, thank the Lord. I know one thing - I played a very small part in getting to the job. The work I did was to get dressed and pray for help getting there.

I am having to access my eating pattern also. That had everything to do with the problem. I usually do not eat until I fininsh my coffee in the mornings. Working in the heat on an empty stomach could be a major part of the problem. It has been fine for a long time but, time is marching on and I am not as young as I think of myself as being. It is a good case of still thinking my body is as young as my mind wants to think it is. Being over-weight is added into the mix and - OH BABY !!

Well, I guess I have had my pitty-party long enough. Now for what I am Grateful for:

to be alive
to have fairly good health considering how I treat my body
to have rain lately
for the prospect of more in the coming days
that I have a sense of peace and tranquility like I've never known prior
for my Faith today
Precious-what a Gift from God
to be changing into a more Faith-based person
Thank YOU

life safari 2008x

we have a nice breeze this morning-hot but I always welcome a breeze.
tomorrow is Friday, yeah !!!!!
some weeks seem much longer than others, this has been one of those long ones.
I spent much of this morning watering all the plants well. I still have the sprinkler on the front and side beds. Hopefully, I will feel up to getting the yard mowed at 8:00 am tomorrow morning and then can do the finishing - up trimming on Saturday.

this is the first year that I really have been enjoying the yard work - all of it, every time. That is a new feeling for me, just as some of the other enjoyments I have acquired the past year.

I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

there is a larger group of birds feeding on the bird seed put out this year. I have several Cardinals, Mourning Dove, Blue Jays, Mocking Birds, a Tri Colored (wing) Black Bird (have not been Blessed with one of these for some years), Sparrows and Inca Dove
for the Faith I have today
Precious and her sweet and loving manner
that I am still employed and I am enjoying it more. Even though I must work late more and more
that I use my down time more efficiently and my working time more systematically so I create more down time there too
for life itself ! I have a friend who has cancer in the terminal stages. He was in Catechism class with me-Jack, I'm happy that you achieved what you truly wanted the past year
for new ways of seeing life, death and relationships
God's Grace
thank YOU

life safari 2008w

what a nice cool day after the rain. 89 degrees instead of 92 felt really, really good!

I am grateful and thankful for/that...

i do not know what happened to the little dog and do not want to think about it -hopefully, it's suffering is over

for more rain for the lawn and plants

that i am content with my job and making the best of all my late nights with the meetings (microsoft)

my level of happiness increases with my changing behaviors, my changing behaviors are instituted by my changing thoughts, my thoughts change because of my level of happiness

i think i'll go eat a nice slice of cold watermelon

awesome

Thank YOU

life safari 2008v

Goood Morning !!
little dog is still alive and came and ate and drank. He was sound asleep in a neighbor's flowerbed. My joy is that he is alive one more day. I know however, this is just a bandaid over a gaping would - his chances of of survival are hopeless since no one can approach him.
My gut feeling is that this little creature of God was left to survive on his own by the house on the corner -he seems very familiar with that particular place.
My heart aches for situations like this. Today, it brings to mind the sufferings of humans that spend their day trying to find food to eat, water and shelter to get rest where ever they can find it - what an exhausting way to live from day to day !

It is amazing to me to see this little dog rally each day when I find him and call him to let him know there is food down. I want to pet and hold him close, take him in give him love that gets chipped away each day from him. Soon, he'll tire of the whole process and probably walk out into the street to put an end to it. I thought that was what he was doing two evenings ago. I was so proud of his intelligence that he did not go into Corporate Drive. But, he does, in fact venture out in traffic if I try and get too close (Less that a football field).

Today, I am grateful and thankful...
that Precious is safe and healthy
that caring has extended to humans for me today
that I realize the gifts God has Blessed me with
to be greatful and willing to share what I have been Blessed with
Saint Francis of Assisi and His over-sight of all God's creatures
The Grace of God in my life today
thank YOU

life safari 2008u

What a beautiful day the Lord has made today !!

Got my flowers watered and the little dog has not shown itself as yet today. He/she did eat the food left out last evening.

That precious little dog sure knows to stay out of Corporate Drive. I did give it a chance at all the first day I saw it.

Well, I simply could not contain my happy feelings to be alive, well, and happier than I've ever been in my life on my blog this afternoon.

I must get to work and, that is another joy in my life today as well. I have great hours, I get much done in my time prior to work, I am earning a full weeks pay now again, Plus, I get more and more hours because Microsoft is having more meetings at night now.

Plenty of time to utilize those hours for prayer and meditation !!

One little phrase has helped me more than I can believe of late...

Kathy, change your thoughts: change your life.

life safari 2008t

Happy Monday !

it has been awhile since I've made an entry. Life happens. My CPU was down for a time, a power surge took out my regulator (and surge protector). All fixed for less than $ 200.00.

I am Grateful and Thankful for...

Life, itself. It is marvelous to be alive, well and happy
to be sober, clean and smoke-free
for the little stray dog that let me feed and water it yesterday. That poor thing. It was so hungry and thirsty that after wolfing down a can and a half of cat food and a gallon of water, slept from sheer exhaustion and contentment
it appears the poor baby has been homeless for awhile. very thin, mangie looking, seems to know the 2 streets bordering mine, will not come near a person or let anyone approach it. I suspect that owners moved away and left it to fend for itself
that I have a soft heart for under-dogs of all types
for the safety and health of Precious
that the storm has blown over at work and that I have changed those self-defeating behaviors - one day at a time
for a gratifying day with my across the street neighbor - we celebrated Father's Day with a wonderful lunch together. Thank you Don for your company yesterday and Happy Father's Day, again !
for this wonderful coffee. For honey and the bees that are still making it
that I will work both shifts at work today. I have ceased grousing about extra work
to be happy, joyous and free,
thank YOU

life safari 2008s

Oh, Happy Friday !

It has been a long week. Had to stay late at work two nights in a row - my local software company has had meetings.
My a/c in the car is out. I appreciate any cool air more than I ever have.
I have been staying busy on a pretty consistant schedule for the past few weeks. I have a couple of days that I can recoup if my back is giving me problems or I just need a bit more sleep - sweet !
I have been on the computer longer tonight than I have in weeks. Looked in on some of my friend's Blogs - very entertaining and fun.

I'll be staying in town the long weekend. My lawn needs cutting and I want to trim some plants and get them looking more groomed. It will be fun to have an extra day away from work - I am tired. For about 9 months I was only working a 4 day work week. Now I'm back to 5 days a week - yes, I feel it !

I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

I have a new outlook on life
I do not wish to shut the door on my past and,
I do see where my experiences can benefit someone else.
I am very Blessed and have a very full life now. There have been so many changes in me since I started my Faith Journey. The culmination of hard work, study, trust and belief in God and happiness in the Catholic Religion came to a fantastic crescendo on the Sunday of my Confirmation and First Holy Communion. A very close friend of mine said that I was absolutely glowing that day. And, I was. It has been the happiest day of my life. I knew that being able to participate in the Lord's Supper was going to be a transforming experience for me and, it has been !
that we are free to celebrate any religion we choose, here, in America
for God's Grace
for God's gifts - the gift of my faith, the gift of Precious in my home life. the gift of forgiveness of sins, the gift of Love and abundant JOY

Praise to YOU, Lord Jesus Christ !

thank YOU !!!!

Oh yes, today is the 34th anniversary of my Mother's death. I held her in my prayers and thoughts today. I miss you Mother ! And, I love you, Mother !

life safari 2008r

A lovely Saturday, a bit cool and over-cast.

Well, I have been out of the loop for a time. dAAve got a neat, restored T-Bird, he anad his friend have found a new home - such exciting stuff !!!

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

I'm off work today and tomorrow
there is a seminar I am attending for training to work with children (spotting abuse signs, staying beyond accusations, etc.)
I am going out to water my plants, feed the birds (and St. Francis' squirrels)
Have a WONDERFUL DAY !!!!!

life safari 2008q

Happy Thursday, everyone ! Got a spot of rain, now the sun is out - you Houstonians know what THAT means. Say it...humidity to the max

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful...
to be alive and well
to have a job that I like
to have a job, period !
for the bit of rain we did get this morning
for the Gift of Faith that I have today
to the Lord Jesus Christ for His Gifts of many Blessings
that I seek ways to give back what He has generously given me - I don't have to look very far
I am Blessed to be able to help some of the homeless and hungry folks in my area
for the Gift of this very precious cat who lives with me and keeps me laughing. She curled up that fairly large body into a round plastic planter on top of the table in the atrium - what a hoot it was to watch her circle and figure out how to curl up in it - she has great perseverence !
for love
for joy
for health
for happiness
for sobriety
thank YOU
and, for not smoking ! I can breathe - Praise God !

life safari 2008p

What a wonderful evening last night. Visiting with people whom I love and admire, eating a lovely meal that was prepared and placed in front of us with lots of love and care. A most interesting andmoving talk on the Holy Spirit, my life just gets better every moment.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for the richness of my faith and the St. Anne Catholic Community
it is truly a Community of open, loving and welcoming people
I have the best life - the same type of love and people in AA and at church ! Prais God !
Wow, it is grand to be me today. I feel like the most blessed individual around. My life is truly rich. And, I do not desire to forget my past or shut the door on it !
Everything that I have done has gotten me to this point in time. I never thought my life would be like this. That I would feel like this
for the many prayers of my loved ones
for my loved ones
that Jack is free of cancer and is delivered to us for recovery
that I pray for other's today. I keep Valarie in my prayers
for the wonderful, love of my little "big cat" - what a wonderful gift from God to me
for the gift of my faith today
for the Grace of God
thank YOU

life safari 2008o

Another week almost over. Rain on the way-my plants really are ready too. Tax time finished for another year- reason to cheer.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

an up-lifting visit to TrailBoss' blog site - just wonderful !!!
A enjoyable learning experience at RCIA tonight
a morning to sleep in a bit tomorrow
looking forward to working in the atrium this weekend
some cleaning in the bathrooms this weekend
getting all the broken electronic gizmos boxed up to get rid of for Earth Day
Recycling all my bags of aluminum, paper and plastic for recycling - let's get it to the recycling bins now-HELLO?
one more shift and I'm good to go
that I am still employed and I think the shoe in the air has been relaxed now-thank goodness !
God's Grace
Precious
the gift of faith
some mind-blowing realizations tonight. I must be about the only person that takes the Jewish Books literally ! Oh my gosh ! What a sap I am.
for knowledge and understanding - finally
thank YOU

life safari 2008n

Another gorgeous day in HTown.

It's trash day, good bye ivy that I torn down from the wall of my house ! Good bye and good riddance. What a mess.

It was a wonderful cool and breezy day Saturday. I worked in the yard all day until I could barely move. The house and yard are much improved.

Work is going well. The other shoe has not dropped on my head, as yet. Perhaps the trauma is over (?) I hope so.

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful...

to be alive and well in this beautiful day the Lord has made
Precious and I are here together. She is such a wonderful gift from God
Jim, as usual, did a brilliant job getting my taxes done on time. I always get it to him late
after today, I don't have to think about April 15th until next year
honey in my coffee
coffee in the morning. Or, anytime of day or night
time for myself and meditation this morning
Eye Doctor visit tomorrow - we'll see if my eye is well
just to be alive-happy, joyous and free today !
God's Grace
thank YOU