My Haley Girl

I really love my Haley girl. The last dog I had was a black lab named Patch. He was so beautiful and such a gentle boy. He wouldn't even bark at the ducks that would come up in the yard. They would walk all around him and he never even raised his head. The kids would throw things in the water for him to fetch until I would have to tell them to stop. I believe he would have fetched forever. After both my boys left home, I gave him to a friend down the road that had 2 kids. John carried him to his boat shop every day and Patch eventually passed away one day lying there in the sun. When John call me and told me Patch was dead, both of us cried. He was a truly special dog.
Now back to Haley. I got her in September 2006. I was a little hesitant to get her and there were 3 other couples that had been to see her and wanted her. But when Ray and I went in the house, it was as if she had always known us. Larry told us if we wanted her, she was ours. I had to go back to work so Ray brought her home for me. She is a sweet dog, a little over weight I admit. I'm sure the vet will scold me when I carry her back in for her yearly checkup. She sleeps with me, under the cover at the bottom of the bed. I guess she did that with her other owner or either she knew I was a pushover. When the alarm goes off in the morning, she crawls

up from the bottom, puts her head on the pillow next to mine and tucks her head under my chin. Since I do not have a fenced in yard, I can't just turn her loose outside. She has a long rope and can reach the pecan tree for shade or get under the porch. If I turn her loose, I learned the hard way, she will put her nose to the ground and just walk. The only time I did that, I found her 3 miles down the road. After her morning constitutional, she gets back on my bed and just waits on me. I can go in and out of my bedroom a hundred times and she never moves. But the minute, I put on my shoes and earrings (the last thing I do before I walk out) she jumps off the bed and goes into the living room. She is kennel trained and as soon as I get her a dog bone she trots down to the office and goes in the kennel and waits for me to shut the door.

There she waits for me until I get home from work. Last year, during the busiest time of my tax season, I carried her to work with me to I would't have to leave at 5:00. She slept on a bed at the end of my desk and greeted everyone that came in. After we went to the post office and bank, we would go for a short walk and both of us benefited from that. I will probably do the same thing this year. She loves all people and gets along with most other dogs.

The picture above is where she spends most of her time when I am home. She is lying on her bed in my office-at-home. Wherever I am, that's where she will be. I sometimes feel I am not being fair to her. I can't do much walking due to having arthritis in my foot and she loves to go for a walk. I honestly don't have a lot of time to spend with her; but she seems perfectly content . Tommy tells me that she's happy and I should quit trying to find her a "good" home. I just feel like she deserves better. But, she is definitely my pal and I love her a lot. I can tell her all my secrets and I do and I know she will never tell on me. I have wrapped my arms around her and cried, many times, and she just snuggles down and gives me whatever comfort she can. I can gripe about my day when I come home and she just sits there with her head cocked to one side waiting for me to finish. She brings her toy to me when she wants to play and keeps hitting me on the leg with it until I stop what I am doing and play. She only wants to play for about 5 minutes and then it's nap time again. She is a great dog.

COMMERCIALS

Have you ever stopped to think about commercials?  I sometimes think the people who write most of the commercials, think the people that will watch them are absolutely crazy.

Take toothpaste commercials. Can you brush your teeth without getting toothpaste on the outside of your mouth and maybe dribbling down your chin? I can’t, but maybe I’m doing something wrong because it also usually ends up spattered on the mirror too.  BUT, the people that brush their teeth on tv, never have any toothpaste on the outside of their mouths.  You see, I don’t think they even have any on the toothbrush.  I would just once like to see a toothpaste commercial where the person brushing his teeth actually looks like it. Maybe make a little mess

Car commercials – why do all the announcers have to yell?  I hate being yelled at and I’m sure you do too.  Can’t they extol the virtues of the automobile or truck without all the yelling? Why don’t you ever see a woman buying a truck?  I love to drive a truck and if I could afford  two vehicles, one of them would definitely be a BIG truck.  That is the first thing I drove after getting my driver’s license and I loved it. You hardly ever see a woman buying a sports car or anything that isn’t a “MOM” car.  When I had to get a car in February, 2008, I really didn’t have time to do a lot of looking for the perfect car.  My old car just died and I had to replace it right away. After I called my son, Tommy, he went to Kia of Greenville and talked to the owner and told him what he was looking for.  They didn’t have anything right then, but just an hour or so later, the dealership called Tommy and said he had a car for me.  Tommy checked it out, drove it, called me and told me he had found me a car and it wasn’t a “MOM” car.  It’s a Mercury Sable,sun roof, floor shift, leather bucket seats – definitely not a “MOM” car. Ray was really impressed with he saw it – he said it was “hot”.  You see, my sons know I love to drive fast.  I raced at the Kinston Drag Strip back in the 60’s.  They wouldn’t time me because then women just didn’t race.  My boyfriend at the time has a really sweet 66 Chevelle, 327, four in the floor and she would really run (and later she became mine).  I learned to speed shift, shift without using the clutch and I ran many a quarter mile on the Chowan River bridge.  The transmission would sometimes get locked up between second and third gear and I learned to crawl under the car and unlock it.  I really hated to get rid of that car but Towe Motor Company in Hertford suckered me right out of it.  The transmission locked up and I couldn’t unlock it. Towe Motor towed it and told me it would cost about $2000.00 to fix it. So I decided to take that $2000.00 and put it on a Mercury Cougar, three speed. Later, I found out they had a buyer for the Chevelle and it only cost about $150.00 to fix my car.  Sadly, the new owner wrapped it around a tree about six months after he got it. Thankfully, he wasn’t hurt.  Sorry, I got way off commercials, buy maybe you enjoyed this story.

Back to commercials – have you ever noticed that most of the women shown in weight loss commercials have gone from a size 12 to a size 4?  Imagine that! I’d gladly settle for a size 12 and be happy about it.  Why can’t they show large, overweight women in these commercials.  I know occasionally you do see someone besides a small woman, but not often. 

Viagra commercials – why are most of the men that supposedly need viagra look like there are in their late 30’s or early 40’s.  I know some men of that age could possibly have a problem too, but not often.  I also know that sometimes an older man is used in the commercial but again, not often.  And….what about the warning they give you about contacting a doctor if the condition last longer than four hours. I mean, get real, don’t you think the guy would realize he had a problem?

Have you ever noticed in the beer, wine or alcohol commercials that most of the people in the bar, party, etc. are young and good looking.  Don’t any ugly, old people drink?

I guess I just wish commercials would be more realistic. I know it’s never going to happen, ‘cause then the product wouldn’t sell. 

My favorite commercials are those made my Hallmark, especially at Christmas. I always cry. I also love the little yellow lab puppy that does the toilet paper commercial.  I just want to reach inside the tv and grab him.  I also love the Budweiser commercials that have the horses in them. 

There are many other commercials I could rant about; but I guess I need to do something constructive with my time.  I decided to write this while I was waiting on some forms to finish printing.  They are done now so I will get back to work.

Have a great day everyone.

Manns Harbor Scenery in January 2010

The last couple of weeks have been really cold. I think some of the coldest I can remember. Of course when I talk to my son Ray, who lives in North Pole, Alaska, and find out its 32 degrees below zero, then 29 degrees doesn’t seem so terribly cold.

These are just pictures I have taken over the last ten days or so that show the very different weather we have been having. All were taken from my front porch except the first six, which were taken from the old Manns Harbor Bridge. I stopped in the middle of the road to take them. It was so cold, the wind was really howling and after I got back in the car and headed on to work, I decided I must have been out of my mind.

These two of a new pier being built. I believe it is for viewing purple martins.

The next four were taken on the east end of the bridge.

This “tree” is located on the Ferry Dock Road, just down the road from my house. Some people would probably look at it and call it “trashy”. I look at it and see a “Fisherman’s Christmas tree”. This fellow always has some pretty unique things in his yard.

I have seen some of the most beautiful sunrises from my front porch. I am truly blessed to live where I do and be able to see the glorious handiwork of God every day, whether is a sun hidden behind clouds as in this picture…

…or the sun seeming to rise up right out of the sound…

…or the sun looking like a ball of fire that exploded over the sound.

Whatever the sight, it is always awesome. It never ceases to amaze me how anyone can see sights like these and doubt there is a God.

These two pictures were taken today, Sunday, Jan. 17. The temperature is 62 degrees. What a change from last week! I took these from my front porch to show you the fog lying just above the water. I wish I’d had my camera with me as I was coming home from church. I could have had a truly amazing picture to share with you. As I crested the high-rise of the bridge, the expanse of road to the end of the bridge was covered in fog. It was as if the road just disappeared. Kind of an eerie feeling actually.

Have a great day friends. I know this beautiful weather won’t last and it will turn cold again. But, I am enjoying the sun today. My dog, Haley, is too. I let her out when I got home from Church and went to let her in a few minutes ago, and she had found a dry spot on the porch in the sun and she refused to move. I completely understand.

Entering a New Year

I hope all of my friends and family had a Merry Christmas. Mine was quiet but enjoyable. We opened our presents on Christmas Day and had our Christmas meal on Saturday. TJ, Hannah, Amy, Josh, Lynda and Katie were here. Lynda is TJ and Raymond’s aunt and Katie her daughter. I did a lot of my cooking Friday afternoon after the kids went back to Amy’s parent’s house. I started again bright and early Saturday. I cooked so much food it was kind of ridiculous. I always tend to over-do at times like this and this meal was no exception. I really don’t like to cook so when I do make the effort, I go all out. But the food was good and the fellowship was great. Haley finally gave up on trying to get some people food and collapsed on her bed. I did put some turkey and gravy in her food later that night.

TJ received some new toys for his woodshop, some coveralls to keep him warm and one of his most special gifts didn’t get here in time. I ordered him a branding iron with his family logo, “Jordans Woodshop” on it. But, since Mama Santa was late placing the order…..oh well. Josh “graciously” agreed to wear the bow until all the presents were opened. And Miss Hannah got her Carhart jacket. She was absolutely thrilled.

TJ also got a new hat which he proudly displays. Amy got pj’s, a cook book and a special gift from TJ. Josh got legos, legos, and more legos. He has quite an imagination and can build really neat things with them. Haley got a little love from TJ. He doesn’t often show her this much affection so I had to get the picture.

Hannah also got a really funky pair of shoes; lots of different colors on them. Again, she was thrilled.

Everyone went to church with me Sunday; Hannah had to go home after that and TJ, Amy, Josh and I went to Pizza Hut for lunch. Pizza Hut? TL’s was closed. Shucks. About the middle of the afternoon, TJ’s Jeep was all packed up, with just enough room for the 3 of them to sit and they headed back to Albemarle. The Jeep was so tightly packed, TJ had to leave half an apple pie and a whole coconut pie at my house. You know his heart was burdened by this.

I was very glad to get back to work Monday. I’m the kind of person who likes to stay busy and I had been off work since Tues. of the week before. I enjoyed the time off; I caught up on some of my reading and did a lot of crocheting. But, it was time to get back on the job. I am an income tax accountant and have been with Melvin T. Twiddy, Jr., Inc. since February 1974. I am usually the only person in the office most of the day. Melvin does a lot of his work at home and doesn’t come in until late in the afternoon. I am pretty much my own boss. If I don’t have any accounting work to do, I can watch movies on the computer, play games, read, etc. Of course, these are pretty good working arrangements for me. I hope Melvin will continue to work until I can retire, because after having working conditions like these for so long, it would be very hard to “train” another boss. I am truly blessed with my job. I love it and look forward to going to work, even during the tax season.

I am also the treasurer of North Carolina Beach Buggy Association; and the office is located in my home. Again, I can do the work at my own pace as long as I reach all the deadlines. I really enjoy this job and it offers me lots of challenges. It is an elected position and I have held the office for more than 20 years and never had anyone run against me. This job has allowed me to meet many, many people; both through personal and internet contact.

Being involved in my church, Roanoke Island Baptist Church, is very dear to my heart. My church is very small with less than 20 active members. Most of our membership is my age and older. But, I love my church and my church family. We are truly blessed with our pastor and his wife, Charles and Candi Tyler. I am the treasurer and also play the organ. Being the treasurer is a piece of cake for me. Playing the organ is another story. I only took music for 2 or 3 years and I’m not very talented, but I love to play and I am all we have. So, I do the best I can.

As I look back on 2009, there are a lot of things I regret. I’m sure most people feel this way. Regret for things I did, things I didn’t do, etc. The year was hard for me in several areas – financially, physically, emotionally. My hormones always seem to be out of step and I am either crying or angry. Sometimes I just can’t get a handle on them. But in September we had a revival at church and I began to see a change in my life. I was going through several medical problems then, all of them with the potential to be life-changing. God took care of every one of them; I have one more follow-up visit this month and then, hopefully, the doctors will turn me loose. Some things I will have to learn live with and others I will be able to over come if I just do as the doctors say.

A couple of weeks ago, on a Sunday night, I rededicated my life to Jesus Christ. I was saved on May 5, 1988. I haven’t always been the Christian I should be and God has always chastened me. But, after the revival, I just felt like some things weren’t right in my life. I did not doubt my salvation, but I knew I needed to do more for my Lord. I have done things in the past that have hurt my church and my church family in addition to the hurt heaped on my children and family. I know they have forgiven me; but I needed to do this for me! I need to walk a closer walk with Jesus and I need for the world to be able to see that I am a Christian.

So, as I sit here today typing this post, I wonder what 2010 will hold for me? I really don’t ask for much out of life. I would like to have enough money to pay my bills with maybe a little left over (I think that is what everyone wants). I don’t care about world travel, but I would love to visit Raymond in Alaska. I really miss him and Alaska is one of the few places I have always wanted to visit. I would like to see both of my boys married and settled down with good Christian wives. I would like to see both of them get involved in a good, Bible believing church and lead a Godly life. I would like to see the war end and all our soldiers return home to their families. I would like to see the politicians remember that WE put them there and they should be taking care of us. I would like to see my country have a President that cares about us, REALLY care about us. I believe my country is “going to hell in a hand basket” and it scares me to death. But, I also believe God is in total control. I believe Jesus is coming again and soon! And with that realization, I understand that I have all I really need – my salvation!

I hope and pray that all my family and friends have a wonderful and blessed 2010. My prayer is that if you don’t have Jesus Christ in your life that you will take the appropriate steps to fix that. If I can help you with this, please feel free to call on me. May God bless you and God Bless America!