Tony woke me up at six-thirty this morning, then he went over to the Lodge and woke Kinky up, because Kinky had asked for a wake up call, so he wouldn't oversleep and miss doing the Imus show at seven-thirty. When Tone returned home, I was in the middle of feeding our dogs and Lucky. "I am really sick, Nance. I threw up several times last night. I'm going back to bed for a while."
I was sick that T. was sick. After I fixed a smoothie for my breakfast, I started a load of clothes washing, watched Kinky on Imus, and then I walked another six fast miles. After getting cleaned up, I went over to the Lodge to visit with Kinky. We sat outside by the Friedman Family Bone Orchard and we talked about the rescue ranch and self-publishing.
When I returned to the rescue ranch, June and her friend, Jim were here! June and I got to have a short visit, while she handed out treats and groomed our dogs, while Jim walked one dog after another! Thank you June and Jim! We love you, but not as much as our dogs do!
After visiting with June, I went to the trailer. A few minutes later, Ben came inside, and gave me a present— a CD by Xavier Rudd, who I have never heard of. It was absolutely incredible—I loved this man's music, so I burned it, and put it on my eighty gig iPod and my iTouch! And, I can't quit listening to his fabulous music. Xavier plays every instrument himself and he has no band, because he doesn't need one! If you want to check him out, just go to youtube and type in his name. I promise that you will love his music!
I spent the rest of my day doing ranch paperwork, returning phone calls, and then I finally got to work on my book, around five o'clock and it is coming along nicely, but is still a lot of work. I am going to bed early tonight, because tomorrow is going to be really busy for me! The three adorable, wannabe Labrador pups, Hank, Sr., Audie Murphy, and Burt Lancaster and their friend, Ellen Degeneres, are getting adopted, and going to Catherine and David Berry's Happy Dog Adoptions, up in Buchanan Dam, to find their forever homes, Little Skeeter is going to his forever home tomorrow afternoon, in San Antone, and a nice woman is coming out in the morning, to possibly adopt Jack, the sweet little Fox Terrier!
Y'all have a great evening! Good night and sweet dreams.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
It Rained!
This morning after walking six more miles, I went outside to say hello to Aaron and Ben, and to tell them that Tony was still sick. After a short visit with them, I returned to the trailer, and returned several phone calls. Then Rowdy got adopted to the nicest young couple! And the good news is that her roommate, Little Skeeter, is getting adopted on Saturday!
Since I was caught up with my paperwork, I decided to work on my book. Around one-thirty, I realized that it was really dark inside the trailer. I looked outside and it was even darker—we were fixin' to get some rain, at last! Ten minutes later, the bottom fell out! The wind started blowing at twenty miles an hour, then came the pounding rain, thunder and the lightning show! I quickly unplugged everything inside the trailer, and then I watched our rain gauge climb steadily upwards! Within thirty minutes, we had received a half inch of rain! I loved it!
Around two o'clock, Ben showed up, soaking wet, at our front door, and the heavy rain still hadn't let up! Since Tone was sick, Ben and I went into Outer Space with my dogs and we had a nice visit. Kinky called around three o'clock, to tell me that he had over one inch of rain in his rain gauge, just like us!
By five o'clock the thunderstorm had passed through. Ben left the rescue ranch, and I came back inside to continue working on my book. Then the weirdest thing happened! The phone rang and it was my good friends, Herb and Karen Cares! Why it was weird, was because Herb and Karen were in the story, that I was currently working on, for my book!
Y'all have a great evening!
Since I was caught up with my paperwork, I decided to work on my book. Around one-thirty, I realized that it was really dark inside the trailer. I looked outside and it was even darker—we were fixin' to get some rain, at last! Ten minutes later, the bottom fell out! The wind started blowing at twenty miles an hour, then came the pounding rain, thunder and the lightning show! I quickly unplugged everything inside the trailer, and then I watched our rain gauge climb steadily upwards! Within thirty minutes, we had received a half inch of rain! I loved it!
Around two o'clock, Ben showed up, soaking wet, at our front door, and the heavy rain still hadn't let up! Since Tone was sick, Ben and I went into Outer Space with my dogs and we had a nice visit. Kinky called around three o'clock, to tell me that he had over one inch of rain in his rain gauge, just like us!
By five o'clock the thunderstorm had passed through. Ben left the rescue ranch, and I came back inside to continue working on my book. Then the weirdest thing happened! The phone rang and it was my good friends, Herb and Karen Cares! Why it was weird, was because Herb and Karen were in the story, that I was currently working on, for my book!
Y'all have a great evening!
Kinky On Imus Tomorrow Morning—7:30 CST!
Great news! Roxie has just found her forever home! She was adopted fifteen minutes ago, to a very nice young couple, and she will be living in Kerrville! And, don't forget to watch Imus tomorrow morning!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
My Final Wishes!
Yesterday was the weirdest day! Everything was fine, until after I had walked six fast miles—then things started to rapidly go downhill from there. First off, Tony came in from outside and he told me that he wasn't feeling good, so he sent Aaron home early, took some aspirin and then he went to bed.
I had declared yesterday, "my day off," so I could work exclusively on my book. Wanting my book to be the best that I can make it, I made some significant changes to the layout, that took me over three hours to correct. Then I was tired, so I took a break, and checked my e-mail.
My dear friend, Nancy D., from Chicago sent me a short note, telling me that she was going to see Mt. Rushmore, next week, because it is on her "bucket list." I thought that was pretty cool. Then I read on and nearly fell out of my chair laughing, when she writes that she also has a "f - it" list! I sent Nancy D. a reply, telling her that I had never heard that expression before, but I liked it. Then came some bad news.
I received an e-mail from Guinness World Records. It started out like this:
Dear Mrs. Nancy Parker-Simons,
Thank you for sending us the details of your recent record attempt for 'rescue org. placed 2 wild hogs at bed & breakfasts'. We are afraid to say that we are unable to accept this as a Guinness World Record. Here's their e-mailed letter to me:
"698XXXX: Guinness World Records
Monday, July 27, 2009 9:28 AM
From:
"Guinness World Records"
Add sender to Contacts
To:
cousinnan
Claim ID: 698XXXX
Membership Number: 698XXXX
Dear Mrs Nancy Parker-Simons,
Thank you for sending us the details of your recent record attempt for 'rescue org. placed 2 wild hogs at bed & breakfasts'. We are afraid to say that we are unable to accept this as a Guinness World Record.
We receive over 60,000 enquiries a year from which only a small proportion are approved by our experienced researchers to establish new categories. These are not 'made up' to suit an individual proposal, but rather 'evolve' as a result of international competition in a field, which naturally accommodates superlatives of the sort that we are interested in. We think you will appreciate that we are bound to favour those that reflect the greatest interest.
Guinness World Records has absolute discretion as to which Guinness World Record applications are accepted and our decision is final. Guinness World Records may at its discretion and for whatever reason identify some records as either no longer monitored by Guinness World Records or no longer viable.
As your record application has not been accepted, Guinness World Records is in no way associated with the activity relating to your record proposal and we in no way endorse this activity. If you choose to proceed with this activity then this is will be of your own volition and at your own risk.
Once again thank you for your interest in Guinness World Records.
Yours sincerely,
Mariamarta Ruano-Graham
Records Management Team"
As you can guess, I was very disappointed after reading it—and it was way too long! Needing to cheer myself up, I turned on my music to uplift my mood, then I went back to working on my book. My concentration on my editing, made me totally forget about my rejection letter from Guinness, and I was almost feeling happy, but that didn't last for long.
Tony walks in the front door, "No mail today, except this letter for you." Then he hands me my letter, and I unfortunately, opened it up. It was exactly what I did not want to think about! It totally depressed me. Here it is:
I especially liked the little picture in the lower right hand corner, "My Final Wishes." So, I did something that I have never done before in my life—I put the Guinness rejection letter, and my fantastic Funeral offer on my "f -it" list, and I feel so much better!
I spent the rest of yesterday editing my book. Later that evening, Kinky came over, and we laughed about my dreary day.
Today I took care of rescue ranch business, and am caught up with that. And, I came up with my own 1969—2009 saying!
1969
Woodstock
2009
Worthless stock
Y'all have a great evening!
I had declared yesterday, "my day off," so I could work exclusively on my book. Wanting my book to be the best that I can make it, I made some significant changes to the layout, that took me over three hours to correct. Then I was tired, so I took a break, and checked my e-mail.
My dear friend, Nancy D., from Chicago sent me a short note, telling me that she was going to see Mt. Rushmore, next week, because it is on her "bucket list." I thought that was pretty cool. Then I read on and nearly fell out of my chair laughing, when she writes that she also has a "f - it" list! I sent Nancy D. a reply, telling her that I had never heard that expression before, but I liked it. Then came some bad news.
I received an e-mail from Guinness World Records. It started out like this:
Dear Mrs. Nancy Parker-Simons,
Thank you for sending us the details of your recent record attempt for 'rescue org. placed 2 wild hogs at bed & breakfasts'. We are afraid to say that we are unable to accept this as a Guinness World Record. Here's their e-mailed letter to me:
"698XXXX: Guinness World Records
Monday, July 27, 2009 9:28 AM
From:
"Guinness World Records"
Add sender to Contacts
To:
cousinnan
Claim ID: 698XXXX
Membership Number: 698XXXX
Dear Mrs Nancy Parker-Simons,
Thank you for sending us the details of your recent record attempt for 'rescue org. placed 2 wild hogs at bed & breakfasts'. We are afraid to say that we are unable to accept this as a Guinness World Record.
We receive over 60,000 enquiries a year from which only a small proportion are approved by our experienced researchers to establish new categories. These are not 'made up' to suit an individual proposal, but rather 'evolve' as a result of international competition in a field, which naturally accommodates superlatives of the sort that we are interested in. We think you will appreciate that we are bound to favour those that reflect the greatest interest.
Guinness World Records has absolute discretion as to which Guinness World Record applications are accepted and our decision is final. Guinness World Records may at its discretion and for whatever reason identify some records as either no longer monitored by Guinness World Records or no longer viable.
As your record application has not been accepted, Guinness World Records is in no way associated with the activity relating to your record proposal and we in no way endorse this activity. If you choose to proceed with this activity then this is will be of your own volition and at your own risk.
Once again thank you for your interest in Guinness World Records.
Yours sincerely,
Mariamarta Ruano-Graham
Records Management Team"
As you can guess, I was very disappointed after reading it—and it was way too long! Needing to cheer myself up, I turned on my music to uplift my mood, then I went back to working on my book. My concentration on my editing, made me totally forget about my rejection letter from Guinness, and I was almost feeling happy, but that didn't last for long.
Tony walks in the front door, "No mail today, except this letter for you." Then he hands me my letter, and I unfortunately, opened it up. It was exactly what I did not want to think about! It totally depressed me. Here it is:
I especially liked the little picture in the lower right hand corner, "My Final Wishes." So, I did something that I have never done before in my life—I put the Guinness rejection letter, and my fantastic Funeral offer on my "f -it" list, and I feel so much better!
I spent the rest of yesterday editing my book. Later that evening, Kinky came over, and we laughed about my dreary day.
Today I took care of rescue ranch business, and am caught up with that. And, I came up with my own 1969—2009 saying!
1969
Woodstock
2009
Worthless stock
Y'all have a great evening!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Bang! Bang! Bang!
This afternoon, we needed to go to Hoegemeyer Animal Clinic in Kerrville, so we could drop off Burt Lancaster, for some minor eye surgery, and to also pick up Ellen Degeneres. The woman who had adopted Ellen, a few weeks, ago, could no longer keep her, because of a dispute with her apartment manager, so she dropped Ellen off this morning at the clinic, so we could pick her up when we came to town.
Tony and I had just fastened our seat belts, closed the doors, when Buttermilk's air conditioner refused to blow cool air out of her vents. Fortunately, Tony knew exactly what to do, but he needed my help or so I thought. "Nance get out of the car." He and I got out. Then he opened up the hood, and then he picked up a big rock and handed it to me. "You need to know how to do this in case this ever happens to you when I'm not there. See that dark blue canister looking thing. When I turn on the engine, I want you to tap it real hard with this rock." I was nervous.
Tony got back inside the Explorer and cranked the engine. "Tap it Nancy!" Tony hollered. I banged the blue cylinder four times! Then Tone got out of the car, slammed the hood shut and said, "You fixed it. Let's go!"
We drove down to the puppy pen and picked up Burt. Then we took off for Hoegemeyers. After we dropped Burt off, we went to grab a bite to eat.
After lunch, we got back into Buttermilk, and we had no air conditioning, again and it was nearly a hundred degrees outside. Tone popped the hood, and then he got back inside the car and asked me to go find a rock, so I could do my tap routine, again. I refused, because all of these well dressed people were now standing around the parking lot—watching us!
"You do it, Tone," I said, softly. "I'm embarrassed. I feel like we've just become the Beverly Hillbillies of Kerrville, Texas. And besides that, where am I going to find a big rock? The only thing around here are these giant transplanted Palm Trees!" The heat was really starting to take a toll on me. "I guess that I could walk over to Gibsons. I bet I can find a big rock they can sell me. Do you want me to walk over there and buy a rock?" Tony started laughing uncontrollably.
"I love you, Nance." Then he kissed me. Then he pulled off his boot, and got out of the Explorer! "Start Buttermilk." I reached over and turned the ignition key. Bang! Bang! Bang!
"The air conditioner is working!" I half-hollered."Let's go pick up Ellen and go home!"
Y'all have a great evening!
Tony and I had just fastened our seat belts, closed the doors, when Buttermilk's air conditioner refused to blow cool air out of her vents. Fortunately, Tony knew exactly what to do, but he needed my help or so I thought. "Nance get out of the car." He and I got out. Then he opened up the hood, and then he picked up a big rock and handed it to me. "You need to know how to do this in case this ever happens to you when I'm not there. See that dark blue canister looking thing. When I turn on the engine, I want you to tap it real hard with this rock." I was nervous.
Tony got back inside the Explorer and cranked the engine. "Tap it Nancy!" Tony hollered. I banged the blue cylinder four times! Then Tone got out of the car, slammed the hood shut and said, "You fixed it. Let's go!"
We drove down to the puppy pen and picked up Burt. Then we took off for Hoegemeyers. After we dropped Burt off, we went to grab a bite to eat.
After lunch, we got back into Buttermilk, and we had no air conditioning, again and it was nearly a hundred degrees outside. Tone popped the hood, and then he got back inside the car and asked me to go find a rock, so I could do my tap routine, again. I refused, because all of these well dressed people were now standing around the parking lot—watching us!
"You do it, Tone," I said, softly. "I'm embarrassed. I feel like we've just become the Beverly Hillbillies of Kerrville, Texas. And besides that, where am I going to find a big rock? The only thing around here are these giant transplanted Palm Trees!" The heat was really starting to take a toll on me. "I guess that I could walk over to Gibsons. I bet I can find a big rock they can sell me. Do you want me to walk over there and buy a rock?" Tony started laughing uncontrollably.
"I love you, Nance." Then he kissed me. Then he pulled off his boot, and got out of the Explorer! "Start Buttermilk." I reached over and turned the ignition key. Bang! Bang! Bang!
"The air conditioner is working!" I half-hollered."Let's go pick up Ellen and go home!"
Y'all have a great evening!
The Frenchman!
Sunday morning, after I had exercised and cleaned up, I went to check my phone messages, but instead of pressing the play button on Carlton, I accidentally pressed some other buttton, and suddenly a male voice is speaking French and then it stops! This has never happened before. I went back to my office to get the answering machine instruction manual and my magnifying glass, so I could read it. Then the phone rings! Before I could pick up the phone to answer it, the Frenchman starts talking!
I interrupted him. "Hello! This is Nancy, can I help you?" It was Erin. She told me that she and her husband and childredn, had left Austin, and they should be arriving at the rescue ranch around eleven o'clock, to adopt L.T.!
As soon as our conversation ended, I quickly read the owner's manual to discover that our answering machine spoke three different languages—Spanish, French and English. In less than a minute, Carlton was speaking English, again. Then the phone rang, again—it was Kinky. He told me that Eric and his children wanted to adopt Martha Stewart, and he would bring them over around eleven o'clock.
At eleven o'clock, Kinky arrived with Eric and his three girls. Kinky went with us, as Tony and I gave them a tour, to meet our dogs. Five minutes into the tour, Erin and her family showed up, so Tony and Kinky went to greet them and give them a tour. By the time everyone had taken a tour, Erin's family wanted to adopt L.T., and Eric's family wanted to adopt Martha Stewart and Ms. Pepper! In less than twenty minutes, the adoption papers had been signed and everyone was thrilled—especially the three dogs who had found their forever homes!
When Tony put a leash on L.T., she could not wait to get into Erin's van with the two little girls and their baby brother! After they drove off, Tony leashed up Martha and Pepper, and they pulled Tony to Eric's SUV! They could not wait to get out of here!
After Tone had loaded up the two dogs into their vehicle, Eric thanked us, and then they took off for their fifty acre ranch near Poteet—the Strawberry Capitol of Texas!
Kinky, Tony and I were on cloud nine about the three great adoptions! After Kinky left the rescue ranch, Tony and I took off for Kerrville to get groceries. We talked non-stop about how happy we were for the dogs, until we passed the restaurant that posts those funny signs, then we laughed out loud. Their new sign said:
1969
Rolling Stones
2009
Kidney Stones
Y'all have a great day!
I interrupted him. "Hello! This is Nancy, can I help you?" It was Erin. She told me that she and her husband and childredn, had left Austin, and they should be arriving at the rescue ranch around eleven o'clock, to adopt L.T.!
As soon as our conversation ended, I quickly read the owner's manual to discover that our answering machine spoke three different languages—Spanish, French and English. In less than a minute, Carlton was speaking English, again. Then the phone rang, again—it was Kinky. He told me that Eric and his children wanted to adopt Martha Stewart, and he would bring them over around eleven o'clock.
At eleven o'clock, Kinky arrived with Eric and his three girls. Kinky went with us, as Tony and I gave them a tour, to meet our dogs. Five minutes into the tour, Erin and her family showed up, so Tony and Kinky went to greet them and give them a tour. By the time everyone had taken a tour, Erin's family wanted to adopt L.T., and Eric's family wanted to adopt Martha Stewart and Ms. Pepper! In less than twenty minutes, the adoption papers had been signed and everyone was thrilled—especially the three dogs who had found their forever homes!
When Tony put a leash on L.T., she could not wait to get into Erin's van with the two little girls and their baby brother! After they drove off, Tony leashed up Martha and Pepper, and they pulled Tony to Eric's SUV! They could not wait to get out of here!
After Tone had loaded up the two dogs into their vehicle, Eric thanked us, and then they took off for their fifty acre ranch near Poteet—the Strawberry Capitol of Texas!
Kinky, Tony and I were on cloud nine about the three great adoptions! After Kinky left the rescue ranch, Tony and I took off for Kerrville to get groceries. We talked non-stop about how happy we were for the dogs, until we passed the restaurant that posts those funny signs, then we laughed out loud. Their new sign said:
1969
Rolling Stones
2009
Kidney Stones
Y'all have a great day!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
We Had Three Adoptions Today!
Today was a really great day! I walked six fast miles, cleaned up, and then we adopted out three dogs by noon! Little L.T. found her forever home in Austin with a lovely family, that has two young daughters and a baby boy! Ms. Pepper, our 'Ton of Fun' dog, and Martha Stewart have found their forever home in Poteet, Texas!
I've been writing most of the day, and I am hitting the hay in ten minutes. I'm pooped, and promise to blog about it tomorrow. There is much to tell.
Y'all have a great evening
I've been writing most of the day, and I am hitting the hay in ten minutes. I'm pooped, and promise to blog about it tomorrow. There is much to tell.
Y'all have a great evening
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Hello Lamar, This Is Cousin Nancy. Can We Talk?
I apologize for not posting a blog yesterday. My excuse was I did so much writing and editing for my book—I was wore out. Yesterday was a great day, but quiet, too—exactly what I needed! I walked six fast miles, and spent the majority of my morning doing rescue ranch paperwork, while Jim, our great dog walking volunteer, walked our dogs! Thank you, Jim! We love you!
Tone and I had to go to Kerrville, yesterday for a couple of business appointments. Tony and I ate lunch at Chinatown, Kerrville's favorite Chinese food restaurant. Our meals were delicious, and I loved my fortune cookie! In fact, I read it out loud to Tony. "In the province of the mind, what one believes to be true either is true or becomes true!" Then T. read his to me, but it wasn't near as great as mine was.
"A smile is your personal welcome mat," Tony read aloud. Obviously, mine was so much better, but I didn't tell him that, because he was leaving the tip, and I wanted our waiter to get a nice tip. Tony tipped him nicely.
After our business meetings, Buttermilk returned us safely back to the rescue ranch. Then I worked on my book.
Today was a great day, too. Linda T. came out and walked our dogs! Thank you, Linda! We love you, too! And, thank you for helping Aaron!
Around two-thirty, the phone rang—it was Kinky. "Nance, I've got seven beautiful Morning Glory flowers! You have got to come over here and take a picture of them!" I needed a break from my book, so I grabbed my camera and went over to the Lodge.
"I just got off of the phone with Lamar Smith, to thank him for giving me the Morning Glory plant, and to tell him about the seven beautiful flowers that have bloomed today," Kinky said. "And, Lamar just told me that he had just written me a letter, but he hasn't mailed it, yet. Come on outside, Nance. I want to show you these flowers. They are amazing!"
I followed Kinky outside, and was instantly blown away, when I saw the beautiful blue flowers intertwined with the orange Trumpet Vine flowers! So, I shot Kinky and the flowers!
This week, because of my book, my blogs will be shorter than usual, but if anything big happens—y'all will be the first to know!
Y'all have a great evening!
P.S. I am so jealous of Lamar's Morning Glory plant that he gave to Kinky. I just might have to call Lamar and beg him for one. "Hello Lamar, this is Cousin Nancy. Can we talk?..."
Tone and I had to go to Kerrville, yesterday for a couple of business appointments. Tony and I ate lunch at Chinatown, Kerrville's favorite Chinese food restaurant. Our meals were delicious, and I loved my fortune cookie! In fact, I read it out loud to Tony. "In the province of the mind, what one believes to be true either is true or becomes true!" Then T. read his to me, but it wasn't near as great as mine was.
"A smile is your personal welcome mat," Tony read aloud. Obviously, mine was so much better, but I didn't tell him that, because he was leaving the tip, and I wanted our waiter to get a nice tip. Tony tipped him nicely.
After our business meetings, Buttermilk returned us safely back to the rescue ranch. Then I worked on my book.
Today was a great day, too. Linda T. came out and walked our dogs! Thank you, Linda! We love you, too! And, thank you for helping Aaron!
Around two-thirty, the phone rang—it was Kinky. "Nance, I've got seven beautiful Morning Glory flowers! You have got to come over here and take a picture of them!" I needed a break from my book, so I grabbed my camera and went over to the Lodge.
"I just got off of the phone with Lamar Smith, to thank him for giving me the Morning Glory plant, and to tell him about the seven beautiful flowers that have bloomed today," Kinky said. "And, Lamar just told me that he had just written me a letter, but he hasn't mailed it, yet. Come on outside, Nance. I want to show you these flowers. They are amazing!"
I followed Kinky outside, and was instantly blown away, when I saw the beautiful blue flowers intertwined with the orange Trumpet Vine flowers! So, I shot Kinky and the flowers!
This week, because of my book, my blogs will be shorter than usual, but if anything big happens—y'all will be the first to know!
Y'all have a great evening!
P.S. I am so jealous of Lamar's Morning Glory plant that he gave to Kinky. I just might have to call Lamar and beg him for one. "Hello Lamar, this is Cousin Nancy. Can we talk?..."
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Pound For Pound!
Today has been one great, powerful day! This morning after I had walked six fast miles with Leslie, and gotten cleaned up—Kinky called. After he told me that Mr. Magoo was doing great, he asked me to come over to the Lodge for a visit, so I did.
Kinky and I talked about our books, Mr. Magoo and the rescue ranch, then we went outside to sit by the Friedman Family Bone Orchard. "Guess, who I have coming out to see me today?" Kinky asked. "The World's Strongest Man—Pound for Pound, and New York Ratso.
"New York Ratso!" I said, with excitement in my voice! "OMG! Can I meet him? I've never met him and I would love to! I saw him once, years ago, when Jim and I were backstage at Willie's Fourth of July Picnic, at Zilker Park, in Austin. In fact, I took a picture of you and New York Ratso performing on stage. He was wearing some kind of a long kimona or moo-moo. That was when Sammy Allred had to be lifted onstage with a forklift, because he had just had hip surgery. June and Johnny Cash, Waylon and Kristofferson were there, too. Do you remember?"
"Yes, Nance. You've got a great memory," Kinky said. "I want you to meet them, and for them to meet you and Tony.
"Who is the World's Strongest Man—Pound for Pound?"
"Dennis Rogers. Ratso and Dennis are writing a book together, about Dennis, and that's why Ratso is down here in Texas."
"Wow! I can't wait to meet them! When are they coming out?"
"After one o'clock. I will call you when they arrive."
At one-thirty, the phone rang—it was Tony. "Nance, I got Van Morrison inspected, and as soon as I load up these crates at Hoegemeyer's, I'll be heading home. I should be there within the hour."
"Great! I have your lunch ready to eat. Love you."
"Love you, too. Bye."
At one-thirty-two, as soon as I had put the receiver back into the cradle, the phone rang, again—it was Kinky. "Nance, come on over—they're here."
Three minutes later, I was at the Lodge! Kinky introduced me to New York Ratso, Dennis Rogers, and Dennis' lovely wife, Sylvia. To say the least—I was so star struck! We all visited in the Lodge for a few minutes, then Kinky suggested that we go outside to continue our fun conversation. At one point, while I was talking with Ratso, I asked him if he knew John Mankieiwicz—and he did! Kinky and I then told Ratso about John's fun visit, back in May! I was having so much fun! I was sick that Tony wasn't there with me.
Twenty minutes later, Kinky asked Dennis about him being the Strongest Man In the World—Pound for Pound, Dennis told him he would show him. Dennis grabbed his duffle bag, and pulled out the biggest, and longest nail that I have ever seen—then he bent it in half! It was incredible! Then Dennis tore two really big phone books apart! I had goosebumps! Then Dennis drove a nail through a really thick board, using his fist! Then Dennis takes a horseshoe out of his bag, and twists it into a heart for me! Everyone there was totally amazed! Then Dennis did the most incredible thing—he bent a hammer in half! His final show of super strength was when he locked himself up in shackles, chains and handcuffs and busted out of them! Dennis had nothing more to prove. He really is the Strongest Man in the World—Pound for Pound!
Dennis Rogers is so strong, that you must check him out at Dennis Rogers, the Strongest Man In the World—Pound for Pound! Fortunately, I had taken my camera with me, and I have posted three new videos, on the side bar—showing his strength. I hope that you will check them out! My favorite is him making my heart!
When Tony finally got there, Dennis gave us arm wrestling tips, and then he drove another nail into a board, and twisted another horseshoe into a heart for Kinky. Seriously, this fifty-two year old man was super human! He's been on Oprah, and David Letterman, too! Here is a picture of New York Ratso, me, Dennis and Kinky, and a picture of Kinky and Dennis arm wrestling in Kinky's office! The Hummingbird Man lost—hands down!
An hour later, before leaving the Lodge to come over to the rescue ranch, I had Dennis autograph my horseshoe heart!
Kinky, New York Ratso, Sylvia and Dennis came over to the rescue ranch for a visit and a tour, and they went into Outer Space with us! They loved Outer Space, our trailer, the Space Ship and our rescue ranch! And, Rowdy /Roxie, our little Min Pin, stole Sylvia's heart!
Today was so much fun! And, I so enjoyed meeting Sylvia, Dennis and New York Ratso! I love them! Not to brag, I can now add three more famous people to my list of famous people, who have been inside the Nellybelle—and loved it!
Y'all have a great evening!
Kinky and I talked about our books, Mr. Magoo and the rescue ranch, then we went outside to sit by the Friedman Family Bone Orchard. "Guess, who I have coming out to see me today?" Kinky asked. "The World's Strongest Man—Pound for Pound, and New York Ratso.
"New York Ratso!" I said, with excitement in my voice! "OMG! Can I meet him? I've never met him and I would love to! I saw him once, years ago, when Jim and I were backstage at Willie's Fourth of July Picnic, at Zilker Park, in Austin. In fact, I took a picture of you and New York Ratso performing on stage. He was wearing some kind of a long kimona or moo-moo. That was when Sammy Allred had to be lifted onstage with a forklift, because he had just had hip surgery. June and Johnny Cash, Waylon and Kristofferson were there, too. Do you remember?"
"Yes, Nance. You've got a great memory," Kinky said. "I want you to meet them, and for them to meet you and Tony.
"Who is the World's Strongest Man—Pound for Pound?"
"Dennis Rogers. Ratso and Dennis are writing a book together, about Dennis, and that's why Ratso is down here in Texas."
"Wow! I can't wait to meet them! When are they coming out?"
"After one o'clock. I will call you when they arrive."
At one-thirty, the phone rang—it was Tony. "Nance, I got Van Morrison inspected, and as soon as I load up these crates at Hoegemeyer's, I'll be heading home. I should be there within the hour."
"Great! I have your lunch ready to eat. Love you."
"Love you, too. Bye."
At one-thirty-two, as soon as I had put the receiver back into the cradle, the phone rang, again—it was Kinky. "Nance, come on over—they're here."
Three minutes later, I was at the Lodge! Kinky introduced me to New York Ratso, Dennis Rogers, and Dennis' lovely wife, Sylvia. To say the least—I was so star struck! We all visited in the Lodge for a few minutes, then Kinky suggested that we go outside to continue our fun conversation. At one point, while I was talking with Ratso, I asked him if he knew John Mankieiwicz—and he did! Kinky and I then told Ratso about John's fun visit, back in May! I was having so much fun! I was sick that Tony wasn't there with me.
Twenty minutes later, Kinky asked Dennis about him being the Strongest Man In the World—Pound for Pound, Dennis told him he would show him. Dennis grabbed his duffle bag, and pulled out the biggest, and longest nail that I have ever seen—then he bent it in half! It was incredible! Then Dennis tore two really big phone books apart! I had goosebumps! Then Dennis drove a nail through a really thick board, using his fist! Then Dennis takes a horseshoe out of his bag, and twists it into a heart for me! Everyone there was totally amazed! Then Dennis did the most incredible thing—he bent a hammer in half! His final show of super strength was when he locked himself up in shackles, chains and handcuffs and busted out of them! Dennis had nothing more to prove. He really is the Strongest Man in the World—Pound for Pound!
Dennis Rogers is so strong, that you must check him out at Dennis Rogers, the Strongest Man In the World—Pound for Pound! Fortunately, I had taken my camera with me, and I have posted three new videos, on the side bar—showing his strength. I hope that you will check them out! My favorite is him making my heart!
When Tony finally got there, Dennis gave us arm wrestling tips, and then he drove another nail into a board, and twisted another horseshoe into a heart for Kinky. Seriously, this fifty-two year old man was super human! He's been on Oprah, and David Letterman, too! Here is a picture of New York Ratso, me, Dennis and Kinky, and a picture of Kinky and Dennis arm wrestling in Kinky's office! The Hummingbird Man lost—hands down!
An hour later, before leaving the Lodge to come over to the rescue ranch, I had Dennis autograph my horseshoe heart!
Kinky, New York Ratso, Sylvia and Dennis came over to the rescue ranch for a visit and a tour, and they went into Outer Space with us! They loved Outer Space, our trailer, the Space Ship and our rescue ranch! And, Rowdy /Roxie, our little Min Pin, stole Sylvia's heart!
Today was so much fun! And, I so enjoyed meeting Sylvia, Dennis and New York Ratso! I love them! Not to brag, I can now add three more famous people to my list of famous people, who have been inside the Nellybelle—and loved it!
Y'all have a great evening!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Don't Count On Us!
Today has been another great one for me! This morning I walked six fast miles with the Sansone Squad, then Kinky called me, because he was concerned about Mr. Magoo not feeling well. After I had showered and dressed, Kinky called me, again. "I'm leaving Austin, now," Kinky said. "What do you think I should do about Magoo?"
"I think he needs to go to the vet, and get some laxatives, Kink. His tail is still wagging, but he's not walking right. Tony and I have to go to Kerrville this morning to buy some dog food, and we could take Gooie in with us and drop him off at Hoegemeyer's if you want us to."
"I don't know, Nance. Goo really hates going to the clinic..."
At ten-thirty, Buttermilk took T. and me over to the Lodge to pick up Mr. Magoo. Ten miles from Hoegemeyer Animal Clinic, I called Kinky from my cell phone. "Kinky, we're about ten minutes from Hoegemeyers. Gooie is in the backseat and wagging his tail."
"Great! I'm about fifteen minutes away from Kerrville. I'll meet y'all at Hoegemeyer's. Thank you and Tony, for bringing Gooie in for me."
After we hung up, I punched in Wolfmueller's Book phone number. "Wolfmueller's Books. This is Mary Jo."
"Hi, Mary Jo. This is Nancy. Are Jon and Sandy around?"
"Jon is, but he is with a customer. Give me your number and I will have him call you back in a few minutes."
"I can't, because I don't know my cell phone number. I'll call back in a few minutes. Bye." A few minutes later, as we passed by Albertson's, I called Wolfmueller's, again and Jon answered the phone. "Hi Jon, it's Nancy."
"I know," John said.
"We're heading to Hoegemeyer's to drop off Mr. Magoo, and we were wondering if Sandy and you wanted to eat lunch with us at Francisco's? Kinky might be joining us, too."
"Mary Jo and I were right. We figured that was what you were calling about. Sandy is not here, and my brother and his wife, from Oregon, are down here visiting us, and they are eating lunch with us today, and I don't know what their plans are or where they want to go eat. They are running late, too. So, don't count on us."
When we pulled into Hoegemeyer's parking lot, Gooie seemed fine and jumped out of the Explorer and followed us into the clinic, which was full of people with their best friends, needing to see the doctors. As we were explaining to Susan Kelley why we were there—Kinky walked into the clinic, and Goo was so happy to see him!
After Kinky bent down and kissed Goo-man, he spoke with Susan about his fourteen year old dog. Susan suggested that we leave Mr. Magoo at the clinic, so Dr. Rydberg could check him out and suggested that Kinky come back in an hour. The three of us went outside to our vehicles and discussed having lunch, even though Kinky wasn't hungry. Then we took off.
When we got to Wolfmueller's Books, Mary Jo was there, and she told us that Sandy and Jon had left in their van, to go eat lunch somewhere, so we walked out of the bookstore, and headed down the block to eat at Francisco's. Halfway there we saw Kinky walking towards us! Kinky joined us for lunch, but he didn't eat. Our meals were delicious and Kinky and I talked about the books that we are self-publishing.
After lunch, the three of us walked back to Wolfmueller's. Jon and Mary Jo were the only ones there—then the bookstore's population began to swell rapidly. In no time at all, Jon's younger brother, Chuck, came in, then Sandy, then Chuck's wife, Allenda. A few minutes later, Kathleen Keen, Robert Earl's sweet wife, entered the bookstore from the rear door, while Ridge came through the front door!
After a few introductions, we all started visiting with one another! Sandy showed us some hilarious pictures in a Mount Everest book, Kathleen told us some really funny Robert Earl stories, and we talked about how much all of us loved Miles of Chocolate, etc.! Twenty minutes later, the fun unplanned party ended, and we all went our separate ways.
When Tony and I drove into the rescue ranch—Paul McCartney was back in his old pen, and there was a note stuck under's Trigger's windshield wiper! The couple's note basically said that Paul had eaten their two-thousand dollar dining table, and they could not afford Paul's expensive tastes.
Mr. Magoo is doing fine, and he is back at the ranch! Y'all have a great evening!
P.S. I was able to spend three hours today on my book! And, I am already halfway there!
"I think he needs to go to the vet, and get some laxatives, Kink. His tail is still wagging, but he's not walking right. Tony and I have to go to Kerrville this morning to buy some dog food, and we could take Gooie in with us and drop him off at Hoegemeyer's if you want us to."
"I don't know, Nance. Goo really hates going to the clinic..."
At ten-thirty, Buttermilk took T. and me over to the Lodge to pick up Mr. Magoo. Ten miles from Hoegemeyer Animal Clinic, I called Kinky from my cell phone. "Kinky, we're about ten minutes from Hoegemeyers. Gooie is in the backseat and wagging his tail."
"Great! I'm about fifteen minutes away from Kerrville. I'll meet y'all at Hoegemeyer's. Thank you and Tony, for bringing Gooie in for me."
After we hung up, I punched in Wolfmueller's Book phone number. "Wolfmueller's Books. This is Mary Jo."
"Hi, Mary Jo. This is Nancy. Are Jon and Sandy around?"
"Jon is, but he is with a customer. Give me your number and I will have him call you back in a few minutes."
"I can't, because I don't know my cell phone number. I'll call back in a few minutes. Bye." A few minutes later, as we passed by Albertson's, I called Wolfmueller's, again and Jon answered the phone. "Hi Jon, it's Nancy."
"I know," John said.
"We're heading to Hoegemeyer's to drop off Mr. Magoo, and we were wondering if Sandy and you wanted to eat lunch with us at Francisco's? Kinky might be joining us, too."
"Mary Jo and I were right. We figured that was what you were calling about. Sandy is not here, and my brother and his wife, from Oregon, are down here visiting us, and they are eating lunch with us today, and I don't know what their plans are or where they want to go eat. They are running late, too. So, don't count on us."
When we pulled into Hoegemeyer's parking lot, Gooie seemed fine and jumped out of the Explorer and followed us into the clinic, which was full of people with their best friends, needing to see the doctors. As we were explaining to Susan Kelley why we were there—Kinky walked into the clinic, and Goo was so happy to see him!
After Kinky bent down and kissed Goo-man, he spoke with Susan about his fourteen year old dog. Susan suggested that we leave Mr. Magoo at the clinic, so Dr. Rydberg could check him out and suggested that Kinky come back in an hour. The three of us went outside to our vehicles and discussed having lunch, even though Kinky wasn't hungry. Then we took off.
When we got to Wolfmueller's Books, Mary Jo was there, and she told us that Sandy and Jon had left in their van, to go eat lunch somewhere, so we walked out of the bookstore, and headed down the block to eat at Francisco's. Halfway there we saw Kinky walking towards us! Kinky joined us for lunch, but he didn't eat. Our meals were delicious and Kinky and I talked about the books that we are self-publishing.
After lunch, the three of us walked back to Wolfmueller's. Jon and Mary Jo were the only ones there—then the bookstore's population began to swell rapidly. In no time at all, Jon's younger brother, Chuck, came in, then Sandy, then Chuck's wife, Allenda. A few minutes later, Kathleen Keen, Robert Earl's sweet wife, entered the bookstore from the rear door, while Ridge came through the front door!
After a few introductions, we all started visiting with one another! Sandy showed us some hilarious pictures in a Mount Everest book, Kathleen told us some really funny Robert Earl stories, and we talked about how much all of us loved Miles of Chocolate, etc.! Twenty minutes later, the fun unplanned party ended, and we all went our separate ways.
When Tony and I drove into the rescue ranch—Paul McCartney was back in his old pen, and there was a note stuck under's Trigger's windshield wiper! The couple's note basically said that Paul had eaten their two-thousand dollar dining table, and they could not afford Paul's expensive tastes.
Mr. Magoo is doing fine, and he is back at the ranch! Y'all have a great evening!
P.S. I was able to spend three hours today on my book! And, I am already halfway there!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Moon Walk!
Y'all, I am on cloud nine right now! I have just spent three more hours editing my book, and it is coming together nicely! I just told Tony that it might be ready to go to the printer within the next ten days! Please wish me luck!
This morning I walked six fast miles with Leslie! Not to brag, but I am so proud of myself for sticking to my daily exercise routine, because I have never done this good with any exercise program.
After exercising, Kinky called me and we had a nice visit. His book is nearly complete, and it should be going to the printer about the same time that mine does!
After our conversation ended, a very nice Aztec Indian showed up, with his helper, to replace Buttermilk's windshield! The reason I know that the man was an Aztec Indian, is because he told Tony that he was when he introduced himself. "Wow, that's really cool!" Tony told him. "We just had a Navajo out here yesterday. He's a friend of Kinky's." The Aztec smiled, and then he went to work on Buttermilk's facelift.
By noon, Buttermilk had a new windshield, and she looked so much better. I fixed Tilapia and sauteed some of Tone's vegetables for lunch, and it was delicious! After cleaning up the kitchen, Buttermilk took us to Kerrville to get some groceries.
That restaurant that posts those funny signs has a new one! And, it made Tony and I laugh out loud when we read it!
1969
Moon Walk!
2009
Aluminum Walker!
Y'all have a great evening! I'm pooped and fixin' to go to bed.
This morning I walked six fast miles with Leslie! Not to brag, but I am so proud of myself for sticking to my daily exercise routine, because I have never done this good with any exercise program.
After exercising, Kinky called me and we had a nice visit. His book is nearly complete, and it should be going to the printer about the same time that mine does!
After our conversation ended, a very nice Aztec Indian showed up, with his helper, to replace Buttermilk's windshield! The reason I know that the man was an Aztec Indian, is because he told Tony that he was when he introduced himself. "Wow, that's really cool!" Tony told him. "We just had a Navajo out here yesterday. He's a friend of Kinky's." The Aztec smiled, and then he went to work on Buttermilk's facelift.
By noon, Buttermilk had a new windshield, and she looked so much better. I fixed Tilapia and sauteed some of Tone's vegetables for lunch, and it was delicious! After cleaning up the kitchen, Buttermilk took us to Kerrville to get some groceries.
That restaurant that posts those funny signs has a new one! And, it made Tony and I laugh out loud when we read it!
1969
Moon Walk!
2009
Aluminum Walker!
Y'all have a great evening! I'm pooped and fixin' to go to bed.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Off Of The Grid!
Today has been a great day! This morning, Kinky called me around eight-fifteen. "Nance, are you going to be around this morning?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Two men are coming out this morning, to discuss some business with me, and I want to show them the rescue ranch, and for them to meet you and Tony. How does that sound?"
"That's fine with me, but not before ten o'clock, please. I'm fixin' to do my five mile fast walk with Leslie, and then get cleaned up. Will that work?"
"Yes, I will see you in a little while. I've got to take this call. Bye."
Around ten-forty- five Kinky called, to tell me that they were headed our way. Three minutes later, Robert, Michael, Kinky, Tony and I went into Outer Space. Robert and Michael were two very interesting men, and I really enjoyed visiting with them. They stayed for about an hour, and then it was time for them to leave.
After they left, I fixed lunch for Tone and me. After cleaning up the kitchen, I did something that I have been wanting to do for months—I started editing my book, and it felt so good! I got to spend over three, uninterrupted hours, flying through my pages correcting this or changing that! I was on a roll, and the hours flew by faster than fast!
By four-thirty, I came out of my writer's trance, and realized that it was dark outside, but even darker inside the trailer! The solar lights on the front porch had even come on. We were fixin' to get some much needed rain! A few minutes later, there was a loud thunder clap, which in my world, means turn everything off, and then unplug everything—as fast as you can!
It only took me a minute to get us completely off of the grid, while Tone was outside putting a blue plastic tarp over Buttermilk's busted windshield!
As soon as T. had Buttermilk protected, he ran back to the front porch— then the thunderstorm arrived in full force, with its free light show, and hard blowing winds! Lightning was dancing all over the mountaintops, so we grabbed our cameras, and went into Outer Space, to hopefully capture a lightning strike, but unfortunately our reflexes are not lightning fast.
It rained for over two and a half hours at the ranch, and we got a little over a half of an inch of rain! I loved it, but not as much as the wildlife and the trees, etc.! And, the outside temperature dropped from one-hundred-two, on our front porch, to sixty-nine degrees! It felt like Fall.
Y'all have a great evening!
"Yes. Why?"
"Two men are coming out this morning, to discuss some business with me, and I want to show them the rescue ranch, and for them to meet you and Tony. How does that sound?"
"That's fine with me, but not before ten o'clock, please. I'm fixin' to do my five mile fast walk with Leslie, and then get cleaned up. Will that work?"
"Yes, I will see you in a little while. I've got to take this call. Bye."
Around ten-forty- five Kinky called, to tell me that they were headed our way. Three minutes later, Robert, Michael, Kinky, Tony and I went into Outer Space. Robert and Michael were two very interesting men, and I really enjoyed visiting with them. They stayed for about an hour, and then it was time for them to leave.
After they left, I fixed lunch for Tone and me. After cleaning up the kitchen, I did something that I have been wanting to do for months—I started editing my book, and it felt so good! I got to spend over three, uninterrupted hours, flying through my pages correcting this or changing that! I was on a roll, and the hours flew by faster than fast!
By four-thirty, I came out of my writer's trance, and realized that it was dark outside, but even darker inside the trailer! The solar lights on the front porch had even come on. We were fixin' to get some much needed rain! A few minutes later, there was a loud thunder clap, which in my world, means turn everything off, and then unplug everything—as fast as you can!
It only took me a minute to get us completely off of the grid, while Tone was outside putting a blue plastic tarp over Buttermilk's busted windshield!
As soon as T. had Buttermilk protected, he ran back to the front porch— then the thunderstorm arrived in full force, with its free light show, and hard blowing winds! Lightning was dancing all over the mountaintops, so we grabbed our cameras, and went into Outer Space, to hopefully capture a lightning strike, but unfortunately our reflexes are not lightning fast.
It rained for over two and a half hours at the ranch, and we got a little over a half of an inch of rain! I loved it, but not as much as the wildlife and the trees, etc.! And, the outside temperature dropped from one-hundred-two, on our front porch, to sixty-nine degrees! It felt like Fall.
Y'all have a great evening!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Thelma And Louise!
Yesterday was a great day, but this morning wasn't, but this afternoon was!
Saturday morning about nine-fifteen, I drove Trigger down to the puppy pen, so Tony and Aaron could load up the four wannabe Lab pups and Little Skeeter, because they were going to Kerrville. Skeet, and three of the puppies: Hank Williams, Sr., The Duke, and Audie Murphy were going to Pet Supplies Plus to be dropped off, so that Jan and Todd, our great volunteers, could hopefully find them forever homes. Unfortunately, Burt Lancaster was going to Hoegemeyer Animal Clinic, because his scratched eye wasn't getting any better, and Tony wanted our vets to take a look at him. As soon as Tony and Trigger took off—I took off for the trailer, because I needed to finish cleaning it, before P&P arrived!
Hazel had just finished her job, and was about to go back into the closet, when my dogs cranked up barking—Peggy and Patty were here! After hugs and hugs, I invited my friends to come inside the Nellybelle to give them a tour of it, and to visit. They loved our trailer—especially my Roy Roger's wall! I loved it. Then we got to visiting like old friends!
Patty K., who had come up from Florida, came bearing gifts for me—two boxes of beautiful note cards, from the Forum On Women's Health Note Card Project, which Patty is passionate about, and who is also on their Board of the non-profit Forum On Women's Health. The cards were absolutely beautiful and I cannot wait to use them!
While T. was in Kerrville, the three of us had a really great hen party, talking about men, friends, politics, Wolfmuellers Books, her soon to be trip to Vietnam, etc. At one point, Patty told me about her trip to attend an Italian cooking school in Florence, Italy, a few years back. She told me that her friend, Brenda went on that trip with her, and they had to share a room, which turned out great for Patty, because Brenda would repack her suitcase at least six times a day and she taught Patty how to do it! They are both neat-freaks, and they never knew that about each other. "We were Thelma and Louise on that trip," Patty said. "Brenda was Thelma and I was Louise!" Then Patty starts telling me funny stories about her friend, Marta. "Marta is this..."
"I can't believe that I just saw the most beautiful purple bunny in your front yard!" Peggy says, with excitement in her voice! I smiled, then nodded, and then looked at Patty? Patty continued to tell me about Marta. Then Peggy, who is married to Patty's elderly father, gets out of the chair, walks over to the front door, and tells us to look outside at the beautiful purple bunny. Huh? I shot Patty another look. "They are so beautiful! Look there's two in your hanging birdfeeder on the porch!"
I'm startin' to think Looney bird time, here. I look out the window—no purple bunnies anywhere. "Where'd you say that purple bunny was, Peggy?" I asked, as I watched a beautiful Painted Bunting land softly onto the hanging bird feed tray. "I'm sorry, Peggy, I thought you said purple bunny!"
"Me, too," Patty confessed. Then the three of us burst out laughing! And, that's when Tony walked inside the trailer. The four of us visited for about thirty minutes, and then it was time for P&P to leave, so they could go eat lunch in Kerrville. But before they left, I gave them a tour of my writing cabin—which they loved!
After Tony and I ate lunch, Tone and Trigger headed back to Kerrville to pick up our dogs at Pet Supplies Plus, and I went outside to go visit with Linda T. and Aaron, who had been walking our dogs all day. After thanking them, we had a fun visit out by the barn. Then I returned to the Nellybelle.
Jan and Todd called. They had great news! The Duke had just been adopted! Here is a picture that Todd took of The Duke with his new best buddy!
And here is a great picture of Jan holding Hank William, Sr.!
Jan and Todd were disappointed that only The Duke had found his forever home today, but I was on cloud nine that The Duke had found his! I thanked them for helping us out, again! Before hanging up, Todd told me that he would e-mail me the above pictures. Thank you, Todd—I love them!
When Tony returns to the rescue ranch, after putting Audie Murphy and Hank, Sr. back into their puppy pen, and Little Skeeter back into his pen, he comes inside the trailer and says, "I just put all of the dogs up. Todd told me that The Duke is going to be living in Terlingua. That's West Texas and awful far away."
An hour later, I received Todd's e-mail with his photos! After reading Todd's note, I started laughing out loud! "Tony!" I half-hollered down the hallway. "Please come in here!" Tony came into the kitchen. "I just got a note from Jan and Todd. The Duke isn't going to be living in Terlingua. His forever home is in Terra Linda, Kerrville!" We both cracked up laughing and agreed that it's hearing aid time for us, and we need to get ourselves bullhorns or hearing aids.
Around five-thirty, my dear friend Cindy P., came out for a visit! We went into Outer Space, and enjoyed Happy Hour, with a glass of my fine boxed wine. I am so happy for her, but am going to miss her so much, when she permanently moves out to northern New Mexico.
This morning was not good. Buttermilk and Tony hit a deer on their way back to the rescue ranch. Fortunately, Tony is fine, but Buttermilk isn't. The poor deer dented the hood, and shattered the windshield. I'm glad that Tone is okay and didn't get hurt, but I am very sad for the poor doe.
This afternoon, thanks to the advice from Patty, and my dear friend, Cindy P.—I am on a roll with my book, and I hope to have it ready to go in less than a week! Thank you Patty and Cindy, Todd and Jan and Linda T. and Aaron! I love y'all!
Y'all have a great evening!
Saturday morning about nine-fifteen, I drove Trigger down to the puppy pen, so Tony and Aaron could load up the four wannabe Lab pups and Little Skeeter, because they were going to Kerrville. Skeet, and three of the puppies: Hank Williams, Sr., The Duke, and Audie Murphy were going to Pet Supplies Plus to be dropped off, so that Jan and Todd, our great volunteers, could hopefully find them forever homes. Unfortunately, Burt Lancaster was going to Hoegemeyer Animal Clinic, because his scratched eye wasn't getting any better, and Tony wanted our vets to take a look at him. As soon as Tony and Trigger took off—I took off for the trailer, because I needed to finish cleaning it, before P&P arrived!
Hazel had just finished her job, and was about to go back into the closet, when my dogs cranked up barking—Peggy and Patty were here! After hugs and hugs, I invited my friends to come inside the Nellybelle to give them a tour of it, and to visit. They loved our trailer—especially my Roy Roger's wall! I loved it. Then we got to visiting like old friends!
Patty K., who had come up from Florida, came bearing gifts for me—two boxes of beautiful note cards, from the Forum On Women's Health Note Card Project, which Patty is passionate about, and who is also on their Board of the non-profit Forum On Women's Health. The cards were absolutely beautiful and I cannot wait to use them!
While T. was in Kerrville, the three of us had a really great hen party, talking about men, friends, politics, Wolfmuellers Books, her soon to be trip to Vietnam, etc. At one point, Patty told me about her trip to attend an Italian cooking school in Florence, Italy, a few years back. She told me that her friend, Brenda went on that trip with her, and they had to share a room, which turned out great for Patty, because Brenda would repack her suitcase at least six times a day and she taught Patty how to do it! They are both neat-freaks, and they never knew that about each other. "We were Thelma and Louise on that trip," Patty said. "Brenda was Thelma and I was Louise!" Then Patty starts telling me funny stories about her friend, Marta. "Marta is this..."
"I can't believe that I just saw the most beautiful purple bunny in your front yard!" Peggy says, with excitement in her voice! I smiled, then nodded, and then looked at Patty? Patty continued to tell me about Marta. Then Peggy, who is married to Patty's elderly father, gets out of the chair, walks over to the front door, and tells us to look outside at the beautiful purple bunny. Huh? I shot Patty another look. "They are so beautiful! Look there's two in your hanging birdfeeder on the porch!"
I'm startin' to think Looney bird time, here. I look out the window—no purple bunnies anywhere. "Where'd you say that purple bunny was, Peggy?" I asked, as I watched a beautiful Painted Bunting land softly onto the hanging bird feed tray. "I'm sorry, Peggy, I thought you said purple bunny!"
"Me, too," Patty confessed. Then the three of us burst out laughing! And, that's when Tony walked inside the trailer. The four of us visited for about thirty minutes, and then it was time for P&P to leave, so they could go eat lunch in Kerrville. But before they left, I gave them a tour of my writing cabin—which they loved!
After Tony and I ate lunch, Tone and Trigger headed back to Kerrville to pick up our dogs at Pet Supplies Plus, and I went outside to go visit with Linda T. and Aaron, who had been walking our dogs all day. After thanking them, we had a fun visit out by the barn. Then I returned to the Nellybelle.
Jan and Todd called. They had great news! The Duke had just been adopted! Here is a picture that Todd took of The Duke with his new best buddy!
And here is a great picture of Jan holding Hank William, Sr.!
Jan and Todd were disappointed that only The Duke had found his forever home today, but I was on cloud nine that The Duke had found his! I thanked them for helping us out, again! Before hanging up, Todd told me that he would e-mail me the above pictures. Thank you, Todd—I love them!
When Tony returns to the rescue ranch, after putting Audie Murphy and Hank, Sr. back into their puppy pen, and Little Skeeter back into his pen, he comes inside the trailer and says, "I just put all of the dogs up. Todd told me that The Duke is going to be living in Terlingua. That's West Texas and awful far away."
An hour later, I received Todd's e-mail with his photos! After reading Todd's note, I started laughing out loud! "Tony!" I half-hollered down the hallway. "Please come in here!" Tony came into the kitchen. "I just got a note from Jan and Todd. The Duke isn't going to be living in Terlingua. His forever home is in Terra Linda, Kerrville!" We both cracked up laughing and agreed that it's hearing aid time for us, and we need to get ourselves bullhorns or hearing aids.
Around five-thirty, my dear friend Cindy P., came out for a visit! We went into Outer Space, and enjoyed Happy Hour, with a glass of my fine boxed wine. I am so happy for her, but am going to miss her so much, when she permanently moves out to northern New Mexico.
This morning was not good. Buttermilk and Tony hit a deer on their way back to the rescue ranch. Fortunately, Tony is fine, but Buttermilk isn't. The poor deer dented the hood, and shattered the windshield. I'm glad that Tone is okay and didn't get hurt, but I am very sad for the poor doe.
This afternoon, thanks to the advice from Patty, and my dear friend, Cindy P.—I am on a roll with my book, and I hope to have it ready to go in less than a week! Thank you Patty and Cindy, Todd and Jan and Linda T. and Aaron! I love y'all!
Y'all have a great evening!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Happy Birthday Marcie Friedman!
Today is Kinky's little sister, Marcie's Birthday! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Marcie! Happy Birthday to you! And many more! We love you! Kinky, Tony and Nancy
Friday, July 17, 2009
It's German!
Today has been a great day! After I fed our dogs and Lucky, I checked my e-mail, and was thrilled when I saw that I had received an e from D&D over at the Trail's End Guest House! After reading Beckham's Tale, Part II, I immediately posted it, because I loved it, and I could not wait to share it with y'all!
After breakfast, I walked four fast miles with Les, and then Hazel and I cleaned the trailer. As soon as it looked like Tony and I definitely didn't live here—Hazel went into the closet to rest. I wanted to go with her, but I had too many things to take care of—like paperwork and returning phone calls.
Around nine-forty-five, while Jim, our great dog-walking volunteer, was busy walking our dogs, my dear friend, Bob Wightman, showed up to adopt Rowdy aka Roxie, the sweet little Min Pin, that he had brought his friends, D.J. and Barbara, out to see last week! When he arrived, we went into Outer Space, so he could fill out the adoption form.
As soon as Bob had signed on the dotted line, he said, "I'm changing her name to Heidi—it's German. What do you think?"
"I love it, Bob! It's a great name for her." Bob and I visited for about twenty minutes, in the screened in porch, then we left Outer Space, to go get Heidi, so he could take her to her new forever fabulous home! While T. and Bob visited, Tone attached Heidi's dog tags onto her new, purple dog collar, that the NoMads had donated to us awhile back. Then Tony went to Heidi's pen, put her pretty collar on her, and then he handed her over to Bob. I don't know who was the happiest—Bob or Heidi! Bob couldn't wait to take her home, and she couldn't wait to get out of here! After handshakes and hugs, Bob and Heidi happily took off for home, and that really made my day!
After they had left the rescue ranch, I returned to the trailer to prepare the adoption paperwork, on Audie Murphy, Burt Lancaster, The Duke, and Hank Williams, Sr., the four black wannabe Lab puppies that we rescued a few weeks back, and Little Skeeter, the recently rescued Shih Tzu, because hopefully tomorrow—all five of them will find their forever homes!
Our good friends, and rescue ranch volunteers, Jan and Todd have volunteered, once again, to sit out front of Kerrville's favorite friendly pet store—Pet Supplies Plus tomorrow, to help find them super homes! I've got my fingers crossed!
Bob called me earlier this evening. He told me that Heidi and Blue have become best friends, and they were sleeping beside his feet, as we talked! I loved it!
I want to do a shout out to thank these great people for helping us help them! Thank you, Bob, Jim, The NoMads, Todd and Jan, and Pet Supplies Plus! We couldn't do it without y'all! We love you!
Y'all have a great evening!
After breakfast, I walked four fast miles with Les, and then Hazel and I cleaned the trailer. As soon as it looked like Tony and I definitely didn't live here—Hazel went into the closet to rest. I wanted to go with her, but I had too many things to take care of—like paperwork and returning phone calls.
Around nine-forty-five, while Jim, our great dog-walking volunteer, was busy walking our dogs, my dear friend, Bob Wightman, showed up to adopt Rowdy aka Roxie, the sweet little Min Pin, that he had brought his friends, D.J. and Barbara, out to see last week! When he arrived, we went into Outer Space, so he could fill out the adoption form.
As soon as Bob had signed on the dotted line, he said, "I'm changing her name to Heidi—it's German. What do you think?"
"I love it, Bob! It's a great name for her." Bob and I visited for about twenty minutes, in the screened in porch, then we left Outer Space, to go get Heidi, so he could take her to her new forever fabulous home! While T. and Bob visited, Tone attached Heidi's dog tags onto her new, purple dog collar, that the NoMads had donated to us awhile back. Then Tony went to Heidi's pen, put her pretty collar on her, and then he handed her over to Bob. I don't know who was the happiest—Bob or Heidi! Bob couldn't wait to take her home, and she couldn't wait to get out of here! After handshakes and hugs, Bob and Heidi happily took off for home, and that really made my day!
After they had left the rescue ranch, I returned to the trailer to prepare the adoption paperwork, on Audie Murphy, Burt Lancaster, The Duke, and Hank Williams, Sr., the four black wannabe Lab puppies that we rescued a few weeks back, and Little Skeeter, the recently rescued Shih Tzu, because hopefully tomorrow—all five of them will find their forever homes!
Our good friends, and rescue ranch volunteers, Jan and Todd have volunteered, once again, to sit out front of Kerrville's favorite friendly pet store—Pet Supplies Plus tomorrow, to help find them super homes! I've got my fingers crossed!
Bob called me earlier this evening. He told me that Heidi and Blue have become best friends, and they were sleeping beside his feet, as we talked! I loved it!
I want to do a shout out to thank these great people for helping us help them! Thank you, Bob, Jim, The NoMads, Todd and Jan, and Pet Supplies Plus! We couldn't do it without y'all! We love you!
Y'all have a great evening!
Beckham's Tale, Part II!
This morning I was happily surprised when I checked my e-mail! Desiree and David had sent me Beckham's Tale, Part II, from the Trail's End Guest House! It is great! Enjoy!
Nancy,
Sorry it has taken so long to pass on the next part of Beckham's tale. Been a long two weeks. He is growing as Hogs are prone to do. He is a great part of the B&B and the guests are spending lots of vacation cash at HEB buying him treats. You and Super T. come see us when you can.
D&D
Beckham’s Tale, Part II
Beckham had paused after telling the distant past part of his story. He was not tired, just needing a long deep drink of cool well water and some food. To say Beckham needed food is never a fully correct statement. He needs to eat twice per day. He wants to eat if he spies anyone coming within a quarter mile of his pen. He requested a few (meaning as large a bag as one could carry, if possible) sliced tomatoes and none of those fresh ones, please.
“Some of those limp slices that came off guests breakfast plates, if I may.” He grunted. “and don’t forget to NOT scrape off the pesto. How I do love a good pesto,” he squealed.
We went into our private personal larder, retrieved “his” tomato bag out of our personal fridge, poured ourselves a glass of Rustico and went back to his pen. After he had savored the tomatoes quickly he lay down on his side under his water misters, belched pleasurably and invited us to sit back down. While it is strange to be waiting to be invited to sit in a pig pen always in a permanent state of disarray, it is even stranger to see a Hog cover his snout with his trotters when he belches. He usually giggles a bit also. Comfortable again he began:
After the bad time on the salt marshes and the narrow escape the sad times began. Hogs were dying of unknown sickness daily. The Wise Ones only understood fresh food and water. They knew nothing of medicine. This went on forever. Even if new litters were born few made it to life, most never breathed in the air that made them want to suckle. The Wise Ones themselves began dying. Each day they rushed and fretted trying as hard as they could to pass on what they knew to every Hog. They knew their time was short and they had no way of knowing who would live long enough to be a Wise One so they passed it on to all.
The days, no matter how bright and sunny, were dark. Since they could not find how to move to where there were Uprights to call them with treats, the Wise Ones felt they had disrupted the natural order and The Deep was punishing them. What puzzled them even more was that it was the smooth skinned brown Uprights that had push them away. It was those same Uprights that cruelly destroyed the hairy faced Uprights. Why, they wondered, did The Deep punish them for something the smooth skinned brown Uprights did? These were mysteries that they did not understand but they, being animals, stayed true to the Pure Faith and carried on as best they knew how.
Finally after many trips of the night lights and many, many more of the bright light and moon light the bad times were over. The band was now only five but all were Wise Ones. Unlike Uprights who never function well when there are more Wise Ones than Hogs, this band began to grow and flourish. They shared food that was found and kept each other warm when the sky turned purple and sheets of water like ice pelted their coarse hairy coats. They chose not to see themselves as only Wise Ones but as Hogs that had to survive to keep the Pure Faith and share it with their young.
Many years passed. During these passing decades hogs were born, lived wild and with Uprights. The Wise Ones in these generations often discussed among themselves how they lived better than the Uprights. They, the Hogs were free to roam the forests, always finding something good to eat and a warm place to sleep no matter how bad it became in the harsh season of purple sky and iron winds. The Uprights would huddle in crowded caves made of closed-in stacked trees breathing smoky air that made them cough and die. During these times the Wise Ones would caution all the Hogs to stay far away from the Uprights. Though they didn’t understand, the Wise Ones knew it was unwise for any animal or Upright to foul the area around where they slept, yet many Uprights did just that. It was just the hairy faced Uprights that lived this way.
The dark smooth skinned Uprights lived differently. They tended to live like the Hogs. Picking cool places during the times when the sun seemed to shine day and night and send horrific heat but moving to warmer lands when the walls of wind and cold came. The Hogs often wondered at this. There was often laughter among the smooth skins but not as much as in the lands occupied by the hairy faced Uprights. On several occasions the hairy faced would go away and after a time the Hogs would go into the caves of stacked trees. Sometimes they found, while pushing things around, small round objects filled with spicy water. Though it tasted bad at first, it soon tasted better than anything they had ever drank. Wild times would happen after this. Hogs would squeal and dance the secret forest dances until they fell and slept. Where they fell is where they slept.
The next day all would be in horrible moods. Even the finest mast would be unenjoyable. It usually took several weeks for all the bites they gave each other to heal. The Wise Ones never forbade any Hog to drink this spice because they knew they could not stop drinking it themselves. They just stayed out of the way of the young stronger Hogs when the time of dizzy came upon them.
At this point Beckham stopped his tale and asked us of another tale among Uprights that spoke of Hogs drinking this spicy water. At first we couldn’t understand as he became very excited and his grunts were very fast with only tiny little pauses between them. He slowly calmed down and spoke in a clearer manner. When he said the tale was about Hogs taking possession of and living in an Upright’s fancy wooden cave, then we knew. We assured him there was such a tale among Uprights, but it was always believed to be just a story given as an allegory addressing other Upright matters. He gave a displeased grunt and patiently explained to us that while it might have been used among Uprights for political purposes, he assured us the story was based in fact.
As a Hog, he explained, he didn’t mind Uprights using Hog experiences as teaching examples to our young, but he did object to Hogs, once again, being used as a valuable resource for Uprights while getting little if any credit and further being used in such a negative example fashion. He was mostly offended the Hogs as a group did not receive proper credit. He told us he was tired and that he would tell us more tomorrow after his evening feeding. He abruptly turned his hindquarters in our direction, wandered back to his favorite wallow spot under the water misters and within one minute was fast asleep. A single well timed Hog noise fired at where we sat in stunned silence was his final parting salvo to the arrogance of Uprights.
We will send more as he shares the story.
Nancy,
Sorry it has taken so long to pass on the next part of Beckham's tale. Been a long two weeks. He is growing as Hogs are prone to do. He is a great part of the B&B and the guests are spending lots of vacation cash at HEB buying him treats. You and Super T. come see us when you can.
D&D
Beckham’s Tale, Part II
Beckham had paused after telling the distant past part of his story. He was not tired, just needing a long deep drink of cool well water and some food. To say Beckham needed food is never a fully correct statement. He needs to eat twice per day. He wants to eat if he spies anyone coming within a quarter mile of his pen. He requested a few (meaning as large a bag as one could carry, if possible) sliced tomatoes and none of those fresh ones, please.
“Some of those limp slices that came off guests breakfast plates, if I may.” He grunted. “and don’t forget to NOT scrape off the pesto. How I do love a good pesto,” he squealed.
We went into our private personal larder, retrieved “his” tomato bag out of our personal fridge, poured ourselves a glass of Rustico and went back to his pen. After he had savored the tomatoes quickly he lay down on his side under his water misters, belched pleasurably and invited us to sit back down. While it is strange to be waiting to be invited to sit in a pig pen always in a permanent state of disarray, it is even stranger to see a Hog cover his snout with his trotters when he belches. He usually giggles a bit also. Comfortable again he began:
After the bad time on the salt marshes and the narrow escape the sad times began. Hogs were dying of unknown sickness daily. The Wise Ones only understood fresh food and water. They knew nothing of medicine. This went on forever. Even if new litters were born few made it to life, most never breathed in the air that made them want to suckle. The Wise Ones themselves began dying. Each day they rushed and fretted trying as hard as they could to pass on what they knew to every Hog. They knew their time was short and they had no way of knowing who would live long enough to be a Wise One so they passed it on to all.
The days, no matter how bright and sunny, were dark. Since they could not find how to move to where there were Uprights to call them with treats, the Wise Ones felt they had disrupted the natural order and The Deep was punishing them. What puzzled them even more was that it was the smooth skinned brown Uprights that had push them away. It was those same Uprights that cruelly destroyed the hairy faced Uprights. Why, they wondered, did The Deep punish them for something the smooth skinned brown Uprights did? These were mysteries that they did not understand but they, being animals, stayed true to the Pure Faith and carried on as best they knew how.
Finally after many trips of the night lights and many, many more of the bright light and moon light the bad times were over. The band was now only five but all were Wise Ones. Unlike Uprights who never function well when there are more Wise Ones than Hogs, this band began to grow and flourish. They shared food that was found and kept each other warm when the sky turned purple and sheets of water like ice pelted their coarse hairy coats. They chose not to see themselves as only Wise Ones but as Hogs that had to survive to keep the Pure Faith and share it with their young.
Many years passed. During these passing decades hogs were born, lived wild and with Uprights. The Wise Ones in these generations often discussed among themselves how they lived better than the Uprights. They, the Hogs were free to roam the forests, always finding something good to eat and a warm place to sleep no matter how bad it became in the harsh season of purple sky and iron winds. The Uprights would huddle in crowded caves made of closed-in stacked trees breathing smoky air that made them cough and die. During these times the Wise Ones would caution all the Hogs to stay far away from the Uprights. Though they didn’t understand, the Wise Ones knew it was unwise for any animal or Upright to foul the area around where they slept, yet many Uprights did just that. It was just the hairy faced Uprights that lived this way.
The dark smooth skinned Uprights lived differently. They tended to live like the Hogs. Picking cool places during the times when the sun seemed to shine day and night and send horrific heat but moving to warmer lands when the walls of wind and cold came. The Hogs often wondered at this. There was often laughter among the smooth skins but not as much as in the lands occupied by the hairy faced Uprights. On several occasions the hairy faced would go away and after a time the Hogs would go into the caves of stacked trees. Sometimes they found, while pushing things around, small round objects filled with spicy water. Though it tasted bad at first, it soon tasted better than anything they had ever drank. Wild times would happen after this. Hogs would squeal and dance the secret forest dances until they fell and slept. Where they fell is where they slept.
The next day all would be in horrible moods. Even the finest mast would be unenjoyable. It usually took several weeks for all the bites they gave each other to heal. The Wise Ones never forbade any Hog to drink this spice because they knew they could not stop drinking it themselves. They just stayed out of the way of the young stronger Hogs when the time of dizzy came upon them.
At this point Beckham stopped his tale and asked us of another tale among Uprights that spoke of Hogs drinking this spicy water. At first we couldn’t understand as he became very excited and his grunts were very fast with only tiny little pauses between them. He slowly calmed down and spoke in a clearer manner. When he said the tale was about Hogs taking possession of and living in an Upright’s fancy wooden cave, then we knew. We assured him there was such a tale among Uprights, but it was always believed to be just a story given as an allegory addressing other Upright matters. He gave a displeased grunt and patiently explained to us that while it might have been used among Uprights for political purposes, he assured us the story was based in fact.
As a Hog, he explained, he didn’t mind Uprights using Hog experiences as teaching examples to our young, but he did object to Hogs, once again, being used as a valuable resource for Uprights while getting little if any credit and further being used in such a negative example fashion. He was mostly offended the Hogs as a group did not receive proper credit. He told us he was tired and that he would tell us more tomorrow after his evening feeding. He abruptly turned his hindquarters in our direction, wandered back to his favorite wallow spot under the water misters and within one minute was fast asleep. A single well timed Hog noise fired at where we sat in stunned silence was his final parting salvo to the arrogance of Uprights.
We will send more as he shares the story.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Awe Shucks!
Yesterday morning, after I had happily walked six fast miles with Leslie Sansone, I was truly grateful that I never once had to shimmy, or circle the wagons, with my hands in my holster. After I had cleaned up—Kinky called to tell me that Alton and Maggie Lewis Warwick had just left Kerrville, and they were coming out to see us! I couldn't wait to meet these people!
The Warwicks's are the owners of the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport! And, Maggie is also the Chairman of the Louisiana Music Commission! And, there's even more to tell!
A little before eleven o'clock, my dogs outside, started barking—Maggie and Alton had arrived! After greetings, handshakes and hugs, we immediately went into Outer Space for a short visit. Within minutes, I fell in love with these two, and I felt like they were family.
During our brief visit, I found out that Maggie enjoys reading my blog, they both love animals, and that she has been in the music business ever since she was a teenager, growing up in West Texas. She first made her name as a singer at the Louisiana Hayride in the late 1950's, then Maggie went on to a career as an award-winning songwriter in Nashville. And, Dolly Parton and Jeannie C. Riley have recorded many of her songs! To say the least, I was in awe of this woman. Then Alton tells us about their struggles to win back the Louisiana Hayride—and I was in awe of him!
But, the funny thing was, Maggie and Alton told Tony and me, that they were in awe of us and Kinky for what we do, and they were impressed and loved our rescue ranch! I guess this is where I am supposed to say, "Awe shucks." Anyway, after twenty minutes or so, they followed Buttermilk and me over to the Lodge for a visit with Kinky. Before I left the Lodge, I asked them to please come back over to the rescue ranch, after their visit with Kinky, because I wanted to give them a copy of my book, before we all went to Kerrville to have lunch with Kinky.
Forty-five minutes later, they returned to the rescue ranch! Tony couldn't stick around to visit, because he had to go pick up some hay, so the three of us continued our visit in Outer Space, while Tone went on his own Medina Hayride. At one point, I invited them to come inside the trailer, so I could later brag about adding them to my list of famous people who have been inside the Nellybelle, but they didn't know that. After they told me they loved my trailer, we went back into Outer Space.
Before they left for Kerrville, I gave them a signed copy of my book, and they gave me a CD and a cassette of some of Maggie's music.
Tone and I were supposed to meet Kinky, and them at Wolfmueller's Books, at one o'clock, and then we would go eat lunch. By twelve-thirty five, Tony had not made it back home, so I wrote him a note asking him to join us, and then Trigger and I took off for Kerrville.
When I walked inside Wolfmuellers, Mary Jo greeted me. Kinky, Maggie and Alton were already there. "Nance, you need to call Tony," Kinky said. I called Tony, and he told me that he wasn't going to be able to do lunch with us. I was really disappointed, but oh well, what the hay.
Our lunch at Francisco's was delicious and a lot of fun! I was in awe, again, as I listened to Alton, Maggie and Kinky trade stories, for over an hour and a half, about famous country music legends! Maggie had either known or been good friends with Hank Williams, Faron Young and Johnny Horton, just to name a few, and they talked about Elvis, Waylon, Willie, Cash, and their long lists of mutual friends of the Who's Who of country music. Believe it or not—I was speechless! I just sat there and ate it up, and didn't want our lunch to ever end!
After lunch, we returned to Wolfmuellers, and then we said our goodbyes. As soon as I got back to the rescue ranch, I put Maggie's CD into the Bose and cranked up the volume. OMG!—this woman can sing! Tony and I couldn't believe what we were hearing! She reminded us of Patsy Cline, Janis Joplin, and Bonnie Raitt—all rolled up into one, and on that CD, she sang country, soul, rock 'n roll and then the blues! It was fantastic! As soon as we had listened to all seventeen of her songs—we quickly added her music to our iTunes!
All I can say is, that I sure hope that she and Alton enjoy my book, just half as much as Tony and I have enjoyed listening to her music! And lastly, I've added going to the Lousiana Hayride to My Bucket List!
Y'all have a great evening!
The Warwicks's are the owners of the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport! And, Maggie is also the Chairman of the Louisiana Music Commission! And, there's even more to tell!
A little before eleven o'clock, my dogs outside, started barking—Maggie and Alton had arrived! After greetings, handshakes and hugs, we immediately went into Outer Space for a short visit. Within minutes, I fell in love with these two, and I felt like they were family.
During our brief visit, I found out that Maggie enjoys reading my blog, they both love animals, and that she has been in the music business ever since she was a teenager, growing up in West Texas. She first made her name as a singer at the Louisiana Hayride in the late 1950's, then Maggie went on to a career as an award-winning songwriter in Nashville. And, Dolly Parton and Jeannie C. Riley have recorded many of her songs! To say the least, I was in awe of this woman. Then Alton tells us about their struggles to win back the Louisiana Hayride—and I was in awe of him!
But, the funny thing was, Maggie and Alton told Tony and me, that they were in awe of us and Kinky for what we do, and they were impressed and loved our rescue ranch! I guess this is where I am supposed to say, "Awe shucks." Anyway, after twenty minutes or so, they followed Buttermilk and me over to the Lodge for a visit with Kinky. Before I left the Lodge, I asked them to please come back over to the rescue ranch, after their visit with Kinky, because I wanted to give them a copy of my book, before we all went to Kerrville to have lunch with Kinky.
Forty-five minutes later, they returned to the rescue ranch! Tony couldn't stick around to visit, because he had to go pick up some hay, so the three of us continued our visit in Outer Space, while Tone went on his own Medina Hayride. At one point, I invited them to come inside the trailer, so I could later brag about adding them to my list of famous people who have been inside the Nellybelle, but they didn't know that. After they told me they loved my trailer, we went back into Outer Space.
Before they left for Kerrville, I gave them a signed copy of my book, and they gave me a CD and a cassette of some of Maggie's music.
Tone and I were supposed to meet Kinky, and them at Wolfmueller's Books, at one o'clock, and then we would go eat lunch. By twelve-thirty five, Tony had not made it back home, so I wrote him a note asking him to join us, and then Trigger and I took off for Kerrville.
When I walked inside Wolfmuellers, Mary Jo greeted me. Kinky, Maggie and Alton were already there. "Nance, you need to call Tony," Kinky said. I called Tony, and he told me that he wasn't going to be able to do lunch with us. I was really disappointed, but oh well, what the hay.
Our lunch at Francisco's was delicious and a lot of fun! I was in awe, again, as I listened to Alton, Maggie and Kinky trade stories, for over an hour and a half, about famous country music legends! Maggie had either known or been good friends with Hank Williams, Faron Young and Johnny Horton, just to name a few, and they talked about Elvis, Waylon, Willie, Cash, and their long lists of mutual friends of the Who's Who of country music. Believe it or not—I was speechless! I just sat there and ate it up, and didn't want our lunch to ever end!
After lunch, we returned to Wolfmuellers, and then we said our goodbyes. As soon as I got back to the rescue ranch, I put Maggie's CD into the Bose and cranked up the volume. OMG!—this woman can sing! Tony and I couldn't believe what we were hearing! She reminded us of Patsy Cline, Janis Joplin, and Bonnie Raitt—all rolled up into one, and on that CD, she sang country, soul, rock 'n roll and then the blues! It was fantastic! As soon as we had listened to all seventeen of her songs—we quickly added her music to our iTunes!
All I can say is, that I sure hope that she and Alton enjoy my book, just half as much as Tony and I have enjoyed listening to her music! And lastly, I've added going to the Lousiana Hayride to My Bucket List!
Y'all have a great evening!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Hay!
Today was a great day! This morning after walking six fast miles with Leslie, Hazel quickly vacuumed up the dog and cat hair in the Nellybelle, because two of the sweetest, and really famous people, from Louisiana, not counting Mary S., John's mom, and her family, came out to visit Kinky, and to see the rescue ranch!
I will blog about their visit, and our fun lunch tomorrow, because T. and I are fixin' to watch a movie, and then we are hitting the hay early, because I am doing the Harley Show in the morning!
Here's a clue for you—the Louisiana Hayride!
Y'all have a great evening!
I will blog about their visit, and our fun lunch tomorrow, because T. and I are fixin' to watch a movie, and then we are hitting the hay early, because I am doing the Harley Show in the morning!
Here's a clue for you—the Louisiana Hayride!
Y'all have a great evening!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Circling The Wagons!
This morning I walked eight fast miles with Leslie, and thank goodness I did, because little did I know that Kinky, Kevin, Tony and me would be doing lunch, in Kerrville later today.
After my workout, I returned some phone calls and e-mails, then I burned a CD for Kinky. For over a month, Kinky has asked me, over and over, again, to please burn him a CD with these three songs on it: 'Eleanor Rigby,' by the Beatles, 'Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine,' by Tom T. Hall, and 'Navajo Rug' by Jerry Jeff Walker. Several times, I set out to do this simple little task for him, but one thing or another kept me from accomplishing it, and my other excuse is I simply forgot to do it.
After I had burned the CD, I checked it out on my Bose CD player, to make sure the songs were on the disc—they were! I then called Kinky, and went over to the Lodge to give him his long awaited CD. As soon as I arrived at the Lodge, Kinky took his CD, pushed it into his Bose, and then we stood there and listened to those beautiful songs.
Before leaving the Lodge, Kinky invited Tone and me to go have lunch with him and Kevin, in Kerrville. I accepted his invite, and then Buttermilk took me home.
We met Kevin for lunch, at one-fifteen, at La Fours. We were on time, but Kinky was five minutes late. He told us that his new deal is to be fashionably late. Hmmm...
Our lunch was delicious, and the conversation was more than interesting! We talked about John F. Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy, Joe Kennedy, Jackie, Lyndon Johnson, Michael Jackson, Willie Nelson etc. I learned a lot. Before leaving the parking lot, the four of us agreed to do lunch, again—real soon. Then we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.
Tony and I went to Wal*Mart to get some dog food for our rescued dogs. Then we went to Hastings so I could check out their exercise videos. I really think Leslie Sansone has the best walking DVDs, but I was hoping to find a DVD of Richard Simmons old, but great, 'Sweatin' To The Oldies.' I wore out my VHS copy years ago.
Unfortunatley, they had no Richard Simmons, so I browsed the shelves for a dance workout—and that was a big mistake! After spending five minutes reading the backs of various workouts, I found a country line dance workout and bought it. I love to two-step, and I thought it would be fun. It cost me twelve dollars—money not well spent.
As soon as we got home, I returned a couple of phone calls, then I anxiously shoved in my new country line dance workout, which guaranteed to blast off calories. As Tony and I stood in the 'big room' curiously watching it—we got to laughing so hard, we couldn't stop! The workout was not meant to be a joke, but the only way I could figure that you would blast off the calories—was by laughing! It was hilarious!
It took place, in somebody's sheet covered garage, with this unattractive, chunky teenager, wearing a too tight, over-starched, pleated denim mini-skirt, along with her two grossly overweight girlfriends dressed in baggy t-shirts, wearing tight shorts that someone, who loved them, should have told them not to wear! And, to top it off, the three wore these stupid-looking wannabe cowboy hats, bought from a drugstore that had to be going out of business. Tony and I could not quit laughing! Then we decided to work out with them!
The leader told us, in her thick New Jersey accent, to put our hands into our pockets, a move she called 'the holster!' Then we were asked to walk around the trailer in circles—raising our shoulders up and down—the 'gunslinger look!' OMG! I was laughing so hard, that if I had been drinking milk—it would have come out my nose! I'm serious!
After we had 'circled the wagons,' a few more times, while her younger brother, sat in the corner, proudly strumming his fifteen dollar, Montgomery Ward's deluxe guitar—she instructed us to continue 'circling the wagons,' but told us that we had to lean forward, after every five steps and shimmy, while our hands remained in 'the holsters!'
Y'all, it has been a really long time since I have shimmied, and sadly to say, my body ain't what it used to be. In fact, the last time I shimmied was to 'Wipe Out' when I was in the ninth grade, and trust me— Tony has never shimmied in his lifetime—he's pure country!
T. and I tried to shimmy, while we 'circled the wagons' three more times, while raising our shoulders up and down, and then we had to quit, because we had scared our dogs and Lucky! We looked like two idiots— laughing out of control! And, we were also afraid that our backs might just go out on us! Enough was enough—country line dancing workouts just don't cut it! See you tomorrow—Leslie!
Y'all have a great evening!
After my workout, I returned some phone calls and e-mails, then I burned a CD for Kinky. For over a month, Kinky has asked me, over and over, again, to please burn him a CD with these three songs on it: 'Eleanor Rigby,' by the Beatles, 'Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine,' by Tom T. Hall, and 'Navajo Rug' by Jerry Jeff Walker. Several times, I set out to do this simple little task for him, but one thing or another kept me from accomplishing it, and my other excuse is I simply forgot to do it.
After I had burned the CD, I checked it out on my Bose CD player, to make sure the songs were on the disc—they were! I then called Kinky, and went over to the Lodge to give him his long awaited CD. As soon as I arrived at the Lodge, Kinky took his CD, pushed it into his Bose, and then we stood there and listened to those beautiful songs.
Before leaving the Lodge, Kinky invited Tone and me to go have lunch with him and Kevin, in Kerrville. I accepted his invite, and then Buttermilk took me home.
We met Kevin for lunch, at one-fifteen, at La Fours. We were on time, but Kinky was five minutes late. He told us that his new deal is to be fashionably late. Hmmm...
Our lunch was delicious, and the conversation was more than interesting! We talked about John F. Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy, Joe Kennedy, Jackie, Lyndon Johnson, Michael Jackson, Willie Nelson etc. I learned a lot. Before leaving the parking lot, the four of us agreed to do lunch, again—real soon. Then we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.
Tony and I went to Wal*Mart to get some dog food for our rescued dogs. Then we went to Hastings so I could check out their exercise videos. I really think Leslie Sansone has the best walking DVDs, but I was hoping to find a DVD of Richard Simmons old, but great, 'Sweatin' To The Oldies.' I wore out my VHS copy years ago.
Unfortunatley, they had no Richard Simmons, so I browsed the shelves for a dance workout—and that was a big mistake! After spending five minutes reading the backs of various workouts, I found a country line dance workout and bought it. I love to two-step, and I thought it would be fun. It cost me twelve dollars—money not well spent.
As soon as we got home, I returned a couple of phone calls, then I anxiously shoved in my new country line dance workout, which guaranteed to blast off calories. As Tony and I stood in the 'big room' curiously watching it—we got to laughing so hard, we couldn't stop! The workout was not meant to be a joke, but the only way I could figure that you would blast off the calories—was by laughing! It was hilarious!
It took place, in somebody's sheet covered garage, with this unattractive, chunky teenager, wearing a too tight, over-starched, pleated denim mini-skirt, along with her two grossly overweight girlfriends dressed in baggy t-shirts, wearing tight shorts that someone, who loved them, should have told them not to wear! And, to top it off, the three wore these stupid-looking wannabe cowboy hats, bought from a drugstore that had to be going out of business. Tony and I could not quit laughing! Then we decided to work out with them!
The leader told us, in her thick New Jersey accent, to put our hands into our pockets, a move she called 'the holster!' Then we were asked to walk around the trailer in circles—raising our shoulders up and down—the 'gunslinger look!' OMG! I was laughing so hard, that if I had been drinking milk—it would have come out my nose! I'm serious!
After we had 'circled the wagons,' a few more times, while her younger brother, sat in the corner, proudly strumming his fifteen dollar, Montgomery Ward's deluxe guitar—she instructed us to continue 'circling the wagons,' but told us that we had to lean forward, after every five steps and shimmy, while our hands remained in 'the holsters!'
Y'all, it has been a really long time since I have shimmied, and sadly to say, my body ain't what it used to be. In fact, the last time I shimmied was to 'Wipe Out' when I was in the ninth grade, and trust me— Tony has never shimmied in his lifetime—he's pure country!
T. and I tried to shimmy, while we 'circled the wagons' three more times, while raising our shoulders up and down, and then we had to quit, because we had scared our dogs and Lucky! We looked like two idiots— laughing out of control! And, we were also afraid that our backs might just go out on us! Enough was enough—country line dancing workouts just don't cut it! See you tomorrow—Leslie!
Y'all have a great evening!
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Legend Of The Nellybelle!
Two days ago, while Jan and Todd were at Pet Supplies Plus, finding forever homes for Ellen, Oprah and Bandit, I received a phone call from Bob Wightman! Bob and his wife, Helen, are the super sweet couple, who sold me my beautiful 1983 Fleetwood trailer, back in 1995, when I moved to Utopia, Texas. And, they let me make low monthly payments to them, because I could not afford to buy it out right. I love these two people—they are the cream of the crop in Utopia, and were a Godsend to me!
I ran into Bob, three years ago at the Super S grocery store in Bandera, right after my book had come out. He and I had a long visit, and we caught up with each other's news, and then he told me about Blue's latest escapades.
Bob was one of the first people to adopt one of our dogs, back in 1998! I just looked it up in my book. On page sixteen, I listed "The Magnificent Seven," actually forty-one dogs, that we rescued during that Labor Day Weekend. Blue was the sixth dog that we rescued! In my book, it reads: "#6. Blue: Med. blue merle Aussie mix—male, approx. 3 months old."
Blue was rescued along with his two litter mates—Amigo and Candy—all beautiful puppies! I named Blue, because he had one blue eye. When we rescued forty-one dogs over that three day period—we didn't have much time to come up with names, when we were only two miles away from dropping them off at Hoegemeyer Animal Clinic to be spayed, neutered, given shots, etc. And besides—I love dogs named Blue. It is a great name—just ask Tony!
When Bob called, I was so happy to hear from him! He told me that he had had a very rough year. He had a hip replaced and his lovely wife, Helen, at the age of 79, had just passed away on June 5th, from cancer. They had been married for fifty-five years. His sad news broke my heart and I teared up. Tony and I loved Helen.
After we had talked about Helen and his loss, Bob changed the subject, and caught me up with Blue's news. I learned that Blue is doing great, slowing down a bit, because he is eleven years old, but he still goes on daily walks, down to the river, with Bob, and he now wears a seat belt when he and Bob go somewhere in his old white pickup! I loved hearing Bob's Blue's news!
Before our conversation ended, Bob told me that his friends, D. J. and his wife, Barbara, were thinking about getting a small dog, and he wanted to know if we had any. I told Bob about our small dogs, but when I told him about Rowdy, our small, sweet, one year old Min Pin—he told me that his friends had always wanted a Min Pin! He told me that he was going to call Barbara and D.J. and would call me right back!
A few minutes later, the phone rang—it was Bob! He told me that they were interested in meeting Rowdy, and Bob made an appointment for them to come out this morning around 9:45—they were on time!
After meeting Barbara and D..J., I gave Bob a big long hug. Bob then handed me a picture taken of Blue, last year, with this caption on the back, 'Blue 2008—On morning deer watch.' Tony and I loved Blue's picture! Isn't he beautiful!
After I put Blue's picture inside Buttermilk, for safe keeping, Tony and I gave them the 'Grand Tour.' They loved the Space Ship, and going into Outer Space with T. and me! While we were visiting, I invited Bob inside the trailer, for a tour, even though it needed vacuuming! When he walked inside, he was amazed at what all Tony and I had done to it! He loved it! Then I found out that my trailer, the Nellybelle, was even more famous than it already was!
My trailer, over the past fourteen years, has been in several Kinky documentaries, a large picture of our bedroom, was on the front page of the Chicago's Tribune Lifestyle section, years ago, and just to name a few famous people like: Gary P. Nunn, Imus' MSNBC camera crew, U.S. Representative Lamar Smith, Bill Hageman, John Kelso, Little Jewford, Copper Love, Harley Belew, Billy Joe Shaver, Will Hoover, Animal Planet, Mike McGovern, Rambam, Captain Midnight, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Sage and Dylan Ferrero, Tom Price, Kinky Friedman, Christopher Hitchens, John Mankieiwicz, Reverend Goat Carson, Steven Fromholz, PBS film crew, Larry Dierker, Kent Perkins and Ruth Buzzi—have all been inside it, and they loved it, and could not believe that it was a 1983 trailer! I love it!
Enough bragging. Bob told me Nellybelle's untold story. Bob and Helen had bought some property in Utopia. They hired a broker to find them a nice used trailer, in Houston. Bob told me that once a month, there were these trailer auctions, and on one rainy Saturday, their broker went to the auction. Because of the rain, not many buyers showed up. The trailers were parked in a half circle, like a horseshoe, and the Nellybelle was the last trailer their broker looked at. He bought it for a good price!
When the trailer was going to be delivered to Utopia—there was a problem! When it reached San Antone, on 410, the road was suddenly shut down, and their/my trailer caused traffic to stop, and pile up for hours and miles! Bob told me that he and Helen watched it on TV, as the news helicopters circled above our trailer, while the newscasters talked about it! Wow! Bob told me that they had it for over six years, before selling it to me.
After Bob's and my visit, the five us left Outer Space, and we went to show them Rowdy. As soon as Rowdy saw them coming, she turned on her charm, and started climbing up the fence, one foot at a time! When she reached two feet, she climbed back down, to get petted. Barbara and D.J. really liked Rowdy, and told us that they wanted to take a day to think about it. And, before leaving the rescue ranch, she told us that she would call us tomorrow! We've got our fingers crossed!
Y'all have a great evening!
I ran into Bob, three years ago at the Super S grocery store in Bandera, right after my book had come out. He and I had a long visit, and we caught up with each other's news, and then he told me about Blue's latest escapades.
Bob was one of the first people to adopt one of our dogs, back in 1998! I just looked it up in my book. On page sixteen, I listed "The Magnificent Seven," actually forty-one dogs, that we rescued during that Labor Day Weekend. Blue was the sixth dog that we rescued! In my book, it reads: "#6. Blue: Med. blue merle Aussie mix—male, approx. 3 months old."
Blue was rescued along with his two litter mates—Amigo and Candy—all beautiful puppies! I named Blue, because he had one blue eye. When we rescued forty-one dogs over that three day period—we didn't have much time to come up with names, when we were only two miles away from dropping them off at Hoegemeyer Animal Clinic to be spayed, neutered, given shots, etc. And besides—I love dogs named Blue. It is a great name—just ask Tony!
When Bob called, I was so happy to hear from him! He told me that he had had a very rough year. He had a hip replaced and his lovely wife, Helen, at the age of 79, had just passed away on June 5th, from cancer. They had been married for fifty-five years. His sad news broke my heart and I teared up. Tony and I loved Helen.
After we had talked about Helen and his loss, Bob changed the subject, and caught me up with Blue's news. I learned that Blue is doing great, slowing down a bit, because he is eleven years old, but he still goes on daily walks, down to the river, with Bob, and he now wears a seat belt when he and Bob go somewhere in his old white pickup! I loved hearing Bob's Blue's news!
Before our conversation ended, Bob told me that his friends, D. J. and his wife, Barbara, were thinking about getting a small dog, and he wanted to know if we had any. I told Bob about our small dogs, but when I told him about Rowdy, our small, sweet, one year old Min Pin—he told me that his friends had always wanted a Min Pin! He told me that he was going to call Barbara and D.J. and would call me right back!
A few minutes later, the phone rang—it was Bob! He told me that they were interested in meeting Rowdy, and Bob made an appointment for them to come out this morning around 9:45—they were on time!
After meeting Barbara and D..J., I gave Bob a big long hug. Bob then handed me a picture taken of Blue, last year, with this caption on the back, 'Blue 2008—On morning deer watch.' Tony and I loved Blue's picture! Isn't he beautiful!
After I put Blue's picture inside Buttermilk, for safe keeping, Tony and I gave them the 'Grand Tour.' They loved the Space Ship, and going into Outer Space with T. and me! While we were visiting, I invited Bob inside the trailer, for a tour, even though it needed vacuuming! When he walked inside, he was amazed at what all Tony and I had done to it! He loved it! Then I found out that my trailer, the Nellybelle, was even more famous than it already was!
My trailer, over the past fourteen years, has been in several Kinky documentaries, a large picture of our bedroom, was on the front page of the Chicago's Tribune Lifestyle section, years ago, and just to name a few famous people like: Gary P. Nunn, Imus' MSNBC camera crew, U.S. Representative Lamar Smith, Bill Hageman, John Kelso, Little Jewford, Copper Love, Harley Belew, Billy Joe Shaver, Will Hoover, Animal Planet, Mike McGovern, Rambam, Captain Midnight, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Sage and Dylan Ferrero, Tom Price, Kinky Friedman, Christopher Hitchens, John Mankieiwicz, Reverend Goat Carson, Steven Fromholz, PBS film crew, Larry Dierker, Kent Perkins and Ruth Buzzi—have all been inside it, and they loved it, and could not believe that it was a 1983 trailer! I love it!
Enough bragging. Bob told me Nellybelle's untold story. Bob and Helen had bought some property in Utopia. They hired a broker to find them a nice used trailer, in Houston. Bob told me that once a month, there were these trailer auctions, and on one rainy Saturday, their broker went to the auction. Because of the rain, not many buyers showed up. The trailers were parked in a half circle, like a horseshoe, and the Nellybelle was the last trailer their broker looked at. He bought it for a good price!
When the trailer was going to be delivered to Utopia—there was a problem! When it reached San Antone, on 410, the road was suddenly shut down, and their/my trailer caused traffic to stop, and pile up for hours and miles! Bob told me that he and Helen watched it on TV, as the news helicopters circled above our trailer, while the newscasters talked about it! Wow! Bob told me that they had it for over six years, before selling it to me.
After Bob's and my visit, the five us left Outer Space, and we went to show them Rowdy. As soon as Rowdy saw them coming, she turned on her charm, and started climbing up the fence, one foot at a time! When she reached two feet, she climbed back down, to get petted. Barbara and D.J. really liked Rowdy, and told us that they wanted to take a day to think about it. And, before leaving the rescue ranch, she told us that she would call us tomorrow! We've got our fingers crossed!
Y'all have a great evening!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
All You Need Is Love!
Friday evening, near dark-thirty, Tony was loading Trigger's bed with our portable puppy pen, a large crate, towels, a blanket, a water bowl, a case of bottled water, our card table, and two metal folding chairs, while I stuffed ranch brochures, puppy adoption forms, a clipboard with pens, paper towels, a dog leash, business cards, and three big rocks into Trigger's cab. When the Eternal Squirrel, on Yoda's grave lit up—we were set and ready to go! Ready to go to bed, that is, because morning was coming early for us.
Saturday morning, by the dawn's early light, T. and I were in Outer Space—drinking organic coffee, while anxiously waiting for Churchill to crow his first, funny 'crock-ar-droodle-droo' for the day, but that never happened. We figured that he must have stayed up too late.
Around eight-thirty, Tony went to do his morning chores, and I went over to Kinky's for a short visit, because Tone and I needed to leave the rescue ranch no later than nine-thirty, so we could meet Jan and Todd, our friends/volunteers, at Pet Supplies Plus! They had volunteered to sit from ten until two, out front, at the popular pet store, to help us hopefully find forever homes for Oprah, Ellen Degeneres and Bandit!
Trigger pulled up, in front of Pet Supplies Plus at ten o'clock—we were on time! After Tony unloaded the truck bed,and I had unloaded the cab, I went inside and introduced myself to Susan, the store manager, to thank her for helping us. She was real nice, and she gave us some donated dog food! Here is a picture I took before we had everything set up. I've titled it, "Jurassic Bark!"
Todd and his better half, Jan, showed up a few minutes after ten! After handshakes and hugs, they unloaded their car—unfortunately, I don't know its name, but I will find out. To our surprise, Jan and Todd have made up some color brochures with all of our dog's pictures on it, so that people could look to see if we had a muttigree they might be interested in! It was impressive and I loved it! They also had made up a cute donations jar, and they wore their Utopia volunteer t-shirts! I loved it and I had my fingers crossed, that those three cute puppies would get adopted to super homes!
After we had discussed everything that needed to be discussed, and they were ready, set, go—I shot them! Then Trigger took us back to the rescue ranch.
When T. and I got home, Carlton had taken four messages for us. All four messages were from people, who had been to Pet Supplies Plus, who had met and talked with Jan and Todd! I rapidly returned the four calls! All four of them had questions about a dog that they might be interested in, and they all paid me compliments on how nice, friendly and professional— Jan and Todd had been! And yes—I loved it, and I love Jan and Todd!
At one-forty-five, the phone rang—it was Jan! "Nancy! I am so excited! Oprah and Bandit just got adopted to some really nice people!"
"That is fantastic news, Jan! Congratulations! Did they go to the same home?"
"No! Todd and I are so happy for them!" Jan exclaimed.
"Me, too!" I said. "Tone is on his way to the store now. Thank y'all so much! You just made my day!"
After we hung up, I punched in Kinky's phone number and told him the great news! He was thrilled!
At two-fifty-one, the phone rang—it was Jan! "Nancy, I am so excited! Ellen just got adopted to a great home! We are so excited! We can't believe it! Tony's here. Do you want to talk to him?"
"Yes, please." Tony sounded as excited about Ellen and the puppies getting adopted, as did Jan! The three adoptions had made my day or so I thought.
As soon as I got off of the phone—I called Kinky to tell him the great news about Ellen—he was thrilled, again, and he could not believe that all three of those precious puppies had found their forever homes! Before hanging up, he asked me to be sure and thank Jan and Todd for him!
Thirty minutes later or ten minutes before T. came home—the phone rang—it was Todd! "Nancy, I just wanted to give you a heads up. Some people are following Tony home—they're interested in Henry! And, I want to tell you that this very nice woman, Bairbre, that we met today, wants to help the rescue ranch. She is a quilt artist, and she wants to make a quilt to donate to the rescue ranch, to be auctioned off at the next event, because she loves what we are doing! In fact, tears came to her eyes, when we were telling her about Utopia! I put her card inside the brochure sack."
After thanking Todd, we talked about what a great day it had been, and I thanked them for helping us. After we got off of the phone, I decided to go ahead and get Henry's adoption papers ready—just in case, they wanted to adopt him!
Tony and the people showed up around four o'clock, and we gave the nice couple and their kids, a tour of the rescue ranch. At six o'clock Paul McCartney got adopted! They loved Henry, but Sir Paul stole their hearts!
At five minutes past six, I called Kinky one more time, to tell him about Paul! This time Kinky was shocked with my great news! He was so happy that we had four adoptions!
Yesterday was one great day for our rescue ranch, three precious pups and a lucky dog named Paul McCartney! I want to thank Jan and Todd for going that extra mile for our dogs! We love y'all!
Y'all have a great evening! And remember—All You Need Is Love! It really works!
P.S. The three big rocks were used as paperweights.
Saturday morning, by the dawn's early light, T. and I were in Outer Space—drinking organic coffee, while anxiously waiting for Churchill to crow his first, funny 'crock-ar-droodle-droo' for the day, but that never happened. We figured that he must have stayed up too late.
Around eight-thirty, Tony went to do his morning chores, and I went over to Kinky's for a short visit, because Tone and I needed to leave the rescue ranch no later than nine-thirty, so we could meet Jan and Todd, our friends/volunteers, at Pet Supplies Plus! They had volunteered to sit from ten until two, out front, at the popular pet store, to help us hopefully find forever homes for Oprah, Ellen Degeneres and Bandit!
Trigger pulled up, in front of Pet Supplies Plus at ten o'clock—we were on time! After Tony unloaded the truck bed,and I had unloaded the cab, I went inside and introduced myself to Susan, the store manager, to thank her for helping us. She was real nice, and she gave us some donated dog food! Here is a picture I took before we had everything set up. I've titled it, "Jurassic Bark!"
Todd and his better half, Jan, showed up a few minutes after ten! After handshakes and hugs, they unloaded their car—unfortunately, I don't know its name, but I will find out. To our surprise, Jan and Todd have made up some color brochures with all of our dog's pictures on it, so that people could look to see if we had a muttigree they might be interested in! It was impressive and I loved it! They also had made up a cute donations jar, and they wore their Utopia volunteer t-shirts! I loved it and I had my fingers crossed, that those three cute puppies would get adopted to super homes!
After we had discussed everything that needed to be discussed, and they were ready, set, go—I shot them! Then Trigger took us back to the rescue ranch.
When T. and I got home, Carlton had taken four messages for us. All four messages were from people, who had been to Pet Supplies Plus, who had met and talked with Jan and Todd! I rapidly returned the four calls! All four of them had questions about a dog that they might be interested in, and they all paid me compliments on how nice, friendly and professional— Jan and Todd had been! And yes—I loved it, and I love Jan and Todd!
At one-forty-five, the phone rang—it was Jan! "Nancy! I am so excited! Oprah and Bandit just got adopted to some really nice people!"
"That is fantastic news, Jan! Congratulations! Did they go to the same home?"
"No! Todd and I are so happy for them!" Jan exclaimed.
"Me, too!" I said. "Tone is on his way to the store now. Thank y'all so much! You just made my day!"
After we hung up, I punched in Kinky's phone number and told him the great news! He was thrilled!
At two-fifty-one, the phone rang—it was Jan! "Nancy, I am so excited! Ellen just got adopted to a great home! We are so excited! We can't believe it! Tony's here. Do you want to talk to him?"
"Yes, please." Tony sounded as excited about Ellen and the puppies getting adopted, as did Jan! The three adoptions had made my day or so I thought.
As soon as I got off of the phone—I called Kinky to tell him the great news about Ellen—he was thrilled, again, and he could not believe that all three of those precious puppies had found their forever homes! Before hanging up, he asked me to be sure and thank Jan and Todd for him!
Thirty minutes later or ten minutes before T. came home—the phone rang—it was Todd! "Nancy, I just wanted to give you a heads up. Some people are following Tony home—they're interested in Henry! And, I want to tell you that this very nice woman, Bairbre, that we met today, wants to help the rescue ranch. She is a quilt artist, and she wants to make a quilt to donate to the rescue ranch, to be auctioned off at the next event, because she loves what we are doing! In fact, tears came to her eyes, when we were telling her about Utopia! I put her card inside the brochure sack."
After thanking Todd, we talked about what a great day it had been, and I thanked them for helping us. After we got off of the phone, I decided to go ahead and get Henry's adoption papers ready—just in case, they wanted to adopt him!
Tony and the people showed up around four o'clock, and we gave the nice couple and their kids, a tour of the rescue ranch. At six o'clock Paul McCartney got adopted! They loved Henry, but Sir Paul stole their hearts!
At five minutes past six, I called Kinky one more time, to tell him about Paul! This time Kinky was shocked with my great news! He was so happy that we had four adoptions!
Yesterday was one great day for our rescue ranch, three precious pups and a lucky dog named Paul McCartney! I want to thank Jan and Todd for going that extra mile for our dogs! We love y'all!
Y'all have a great evening! And remember—All You Need Is Love! It really works!
P.S. The three big rocks were used as paperweights.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Today Has Been Incredibly Great!
Today has been incredibly great for me and the rescue ranch—four dogs got adopted to loving forever homes! I cannot wait to tell you all about it, but unfortunately after spending more than two hours in the afternoon sun, I am exhausted, so I will blog about this great day tomorrow, because I don't want to leave anything out!
Y'all have a great evening!
Y'all have a great evening!
I Love You, Ronnie!
Today is my big brother's fifty-ninth birthday! Ronnie is the best brother in the whole wide world! He and I have been best friends ever since we were in diapers. Thanks to Ron, I grew up a tomboy, and I had a blast! He taught me how to walk on a fence rail, spiral a football, climb a tree, walk on stilts, roller skate, etc.!
Ronnie was also very protective of me—I was his little sister, and nobody had better hurt me or my feelings or 'they'd get it.' I loved him for that, sorta. Let me explain.
In Fort Worth, at Wedgwood Junior High, not to brag, Ronnie and I were kinda popular. Because of him and his older eighth grade friends, I was elected the secretary of the seventh grade! That was exciting, but not great, because all my job required, was me having to read a Bible verse, over the school intercom every morning. I was okay at it, even though most of the time I didn't understand what I was reading.
Like Cindy, our sweet older sister, Ronnie graduated junior high and went to Paschal High School, where he was even more popular. Because of his likable character, I suddenly had all of these 'new girlfriends' calling me, wanting to know if they could spend the night (in hopes of seeing Ronnie). Well, that got old for me, and besides Ronnie was already in love with beautiful Nita and he still is! Heck, they had been going steady ever since the eighth grade.
So, in 1967, when I graduated from Wedgwood, I had a choice to make that summer. I could either go to Paschal, or to Southwest High School, a just built high school in Wedgwood. I chose Southwest for two reasons. First, because my friends had all decided to go to the new high school, and secondly, was because I wanted to break away from being known as 'Ronnie's little sister.' I made the right choice.
Now here is where Ron's protectiveness plays a part. In October 1969, of my senior year, Cindy, Ronnie, Nita and I all decided to go camping, in a nearby state park. My parents were fine with it, but they didn't know that Ronnie had also invited his friend Steve, and that Nita had invited some visiting cousins, from Connecticut—who were really cool hippies, that had been at the Woodstock happening, and on top of that— they had a VW Van!
Our over night camp out was a lot of fun, and it was drug and alcohol free. Before we cooked our dinner over the campfire, I fell in love with Steve, because he was really good looking, and he could play lead guitar like Jimi Hendrix! After I fell in love, we fixed and ate dinner, then we sang and played our guitars into the wee hours.
A few months later, I found out from my boyfriend, Steve, that when he and other guys at Paschal, had asked Ron if he had a little sister they could date. Ronnie would tell them, "Yes, but you don't want to date her. She's really ugly and looks like ten miles of bad road!"
I love you, Ronnie—thanks for watching out for me—even though you lied! Happy 59th Birthday!
Ronnie was also very protective of me—I was his little sister, and nobody had better hurt me or my feelings or 'they'd get it.' I loved him for that, sorta. Let me explain.
In Fort Worth, at Wedgwood Junior High, not to brag, Ronnie and I were kinda popular. Because of him and his older eighth grade friends, I was elected the secretary of the seventh grade! That was exciting, but not great, because all my job required, was me having to read a Bible verse, over the school intercom every morning. I was okay at it, even though most of the time I didn't understand what I was reading.
Like Cindy, our sweet older sister, Ronnie graduated junior high and went to Paschal High School, where he was even more popular. Because of his likable character, I suddenly had all of these 'new girlfriends' calling me, wanting to know if they could spend the night (in hopes of seeing Ronnie). Well, that got old for me, and besides Ronnie was already in love with beautiful Nita and he still is! Heck, they had been going steady ever since the eighth grade.
So, in 1967, when I graduated from Wedgwood, I had a choice to make that summer. I could either go to Paschal, or to Southwest High School, a just built high school in Wedgwood. I chose Southwest for two reasons. First, because my friends had all decided to go to the new high school, and secondly, was because I wanted to break away from being known as 'Ronnie's little sister.' I made the right choice.
Now here is where Ron's protectiveness plays a part. In October 1969, of my senior year, Cindy, Ronnie, Nita and I all decided to go camping, in a nearby state park. My parents were fine with it, but they didn't know that Ronnie had also invited his friend Steve, and that Nita had invited some visiting cousins, from Connecticut—who were really cool hippies, that had been at the Woodstock happening, and on top of that— they had a VW Van!
Our over night camp out was a lot of fun, and it was drug and alcohol free. Before we cooked our dinner over the campfire, I fell in love with Steve, because he was really good looking, and he could play lead guitar like Jimi Hendrix! After I fell in love, we fixed and ate dinner, then we sang and played our guitars into the wee hours.
A few months later, I found out from my boyfriend, Steve, that when he and other guys at Paschal, had asked Ron if he had a little sister they could date. Ronnie would tell them, "Yes, but you don't want to date her. She's really ugly and looks like ten miles of bad road!"
I love you, Ronnie—thanks for watching out for me—even though you lied! Happy 59th Birthday!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Girl Scout Troop 619 Really Rocks Big Time!!
This morning I was awakened, at six o'clock, when the phone rang—it was Kinky. "Nance? Nance are you there? I just remembered that we are having breakfast with Beth and two of her friends this morning. Call me." Click. Then the phone rang again—it was Kinky. "Nance, call me!"
After my dogs had used me, for their human diving board, to leap off of the bed, I rolled out of bed. I went to the front door, let my furry-friends outside, and then I picked up the phone, and punched in Kinky's number. "Morning, Kinky," I said, sleepily. I just woke up." He and I talked for about three minutes. By the end of our conversation, we had us a plan. I would ride with Kinky, and he and Mr. Green Jeans would pick me up a little before eight-thirty, so we could be at the restaurant by nine o'clock.
After feeding our dogs and Lucky, I made some coffee, and then cleaned up. At eight-sixteen, there was a knock at our door—it was Kinky.
We had a really fun breakfast with Beth and her good friends, Norma and Mack. They were really nice, interesting people. Kinky had huevos rancheros, and I just had coffee, because I had drank my healthy smoothie breakfast, earlier. Following breakfast, Kinky ran a couple of errands, and then we headed back to the ranch.
Kinky and Green Jeans dropped me off at the rescue ranch around eleven o'clock. Our super volunteers, June and her friend, Kay, were here, and so was Jim! June and Kay were in the pens handing out treats, while Jim was out walking our dogs! I loved it, but not as much as our dogs did! Thank you, June, Kay and Jim!
Around twelve-thirty, the dogs outside—started barking! Without looking out the door, I knew who it was! Not because I am psychic, but because they had made an appointment earlier in the week. I picked up the phone and called Kinky! "Kinky, it's Nance. The Girl Scouts from Dripping Springs have just arrived with their doghouses!"
"Great! I'm on my way!"
I grabbed my camera, and then left the trailer, so I could go greet them! When I arrived at the barn, I saw two of the prettiest, well built doghouses that I have ever seen, and then I met Sharon K., the sweet troop leader, in charge of their 'Bronze Award' project! Sharon's daughter, Rose, along with Girl Scouts Bonnie and Brady had built two super doghouses for us! The girls doghouses were beautiful, well engineered with air vents, and mighty heavy! I knew our dogs were going to love them!
I visited with Sharon, Brady, Rose, and Bonnie, and some other troop members, as Ben and Aaron unloaded the doghouses from the trailer. Then Kinky and Mr. Green Jeans arrived. Kinky was awestruck when he saw the super doghouses! While he shook hands and thanked the three girls for their hard work and fine craftsmanship, Sharon filled me in on Dunn, the little dog that she and her family had adopted from us, over three years ago! She told me that Dunn had turned out to be Rose's best friend, and they were inseparable, and he was spoiled rotten! I loved it! You might be wondering why I would name a dog Dunn. I named him and his little buddy, Brooks and Dunn, because I like their music.
After Kinky had admired the doghouses more closely, we had an awards ceremony! Kinky proudly awarded the 'Bronze Award' medals to Rose, Bonnie and Brady—thanking each girl, and then shaking their hands. I have to admit that it brought a tear to my eyes, but no one noticed because they were tearing up, too. Here's a picture that Tone took of the event!
After the award ceremony had ended, Rose went to the car, and she returned with a giant sack, and a big box, full of dog toys, that she had spent her birthday money on—for our dogs! And yes, I teared up, again, but no one knew it, except for Tone, who took this picture.
After sorting through the cool doggie toys, Sharon and the Girl Scouts went from pen to pen handing out Rose's collection of toys to our dogs! It was fun watching our dogs receive their toys and playing with them!
After all of the toys were given away, the girls wound up sitting in Oprah, Ellen Degeneres and Bandit's pen—playing with the happy pups!
When it was time for the Girl Scouts Troop 619, from Dripping Springs, Texas, to leave, we thanked them for being such great girls. And, before leaving the rescue ranch, they promised to return in a few months to volunteer! All that I can say is, "Troop 619 Really Rocks Big Time! We love y'all! Here are pictures of the new doghouses in the dog pens and Pearl playing with her new toy!
This evening, around seven o'clock—Kinky called. "Nance, Billy Joe is playing tonight in Pipe Creek. Do y'all want to go with me to see him?"
"I would love to see Billy Joe Shaver! Let me ask Tony." I asked T. and he shook his head no, because he was too tired. "Kink, we can't go. Tony is pooped and I need to blog tonight. Sorry. Please tell Billy Joe I love him. Wait, maybe Ben wants to go." I handed the phone to Ben. Kinky and Ben left the ranch at seven-thirty to go see our friend Billy Joe.
Before I go, I want to show y'all another picture that Tone took of our new Lab mix puppies. I love it! And, this morning Kinky and I passed that restaurant with the funny signs. This is their new sign!
1969
Hoping for a BMW!
2009
Hoping for a BM!
Y'all have a great evening!
After my dogs had used me, for their human diving board, to leap off of the bed, I rolled out of bed. I went to the front door, let my furry-friends outside, and then I picked up the phone, and punched in Kinky's number. "Morning, Kinky," I said, sleepily. I just woke up." He and I talked for about three minutes. By the end of our conversation, we had us a plan. I would ride with Kinky, and he and Mr. Green Jeans would pick me up a little before eight-thirty, so we could be at the restaurant by nine o'clock.
After feeding our dogs and Lucky, I made some coffee, and then cleaned up. At eight-sixteen, there was a knock at our door—it was Kinky.
We had a really fun breakfast with Beth and her good friends, Norma and Mack. They were really nice, interesting people. Kinky had huevos rancheros, and I just had coffee, because I had drank my healthy smoothie breakfast, earlier. Following breakfast, Kinky ran a couple of errands, and then we headed back to the ranch.
Kinky and Green Jeans dropped me off at the rescue ranch around eleven o'clock. Our super volunteers, June and her friend, Kay, were here, and so was Jim! June and Kay were in the pens handing out treats, while Jim was out walking our dogs! I loved it, but not as much as our dogs did! Thank you, June, Kay and Jim!
Around twelve-thirty, the dogs outside—started barking! Without looking out the door, I knew who it was! Not because I am psychic, but because they had made an appointment earlier in the week. I picked up the phone and called Kinky! "Kinky, it's Nance. The Girl Scouts from Dripping Springs have just arrived with their doghouses!"
"Great! I'm on my way!"
I grabbed my camera, and then left the trailer, so I could go greet them! When I arrived at the barn, I saw two of the prettiest, well built doghouses that I have ever seen, and then I met Sharon K., the sweet troop leader, in charge of their 'Bronze Award' project! Sharon's daughter, Rose, along with Girl Scouts Bonnie and Brady had built two super doghouses for us! The girls doghouses were beautiful, well engineered with air vents, and mighty heavy! I knew our dogs were going to love them!
I visited with Sharon, Brady, Rose, and Bonnie, and some other troop members, as Ben and Aaron unloaded the doghouses from the trailer. Then Kinky and Mr. Green Jeans arrived. Kinky was awestruck when he saw the super doghouses! While he shook hands and thanked the three girls for their hard work and fine craftsmanship, Sharon filled me in on Dunn, the little dog that she and her family had adopted from us, over three years ago! She told me that Dunn had turned out to be Rose's best friend, and they were inseparable, and he was spoiled rotten! I loved it! You might be wondering why I would name a dog Dunn. I named him and his little buddy, Brooks and Dunn, because I like their music.
After Kinky had admired the doghouses more closely, we had an awards ceremony! Kinky proudly awarded the 'Bronze Award' medals to Rose, Bonnie and Brady—thanking each girl, and then shaking their hands. I have to admit that it brought a tear to my eyes, but no one noticed because they were tearing up, too. Here's a picture that Tone took of the event!
After the award ceremony had ended, Rose went to the car, and she returned with a giant sack, and a big box, full of dog toys, that she had spent her birthday money on—for our dogs! And yes, I teared up, again, but no one knew it, except for Tone, who took this picture.
After sorting through the cool doggie toys, Sharon and the Girl Scouts went from pen to pen handing out Rose's collection of toys to our dogs! It was fun watching our dogs receive their toys and playing with them!
After all of the toys were given away, the girls wound up sitting in Oprah, Ellen Degeneres and Bandit's pen—playing with the happy pups!
When it was time for the Girl Scouts Troop 619, from Dripping Springs, Texas, to leave, we thanked them for being such great girls. And, before leaving the rescue ranch, they promised to return in a few months to volunteer! All that I can say is, "Troop 619 Really Rocks Big Time! We love y'all! Here are pictures of the new doghouses in the dog pens and Pearl playing with her new toy!
This evening, around seven o'clock—Kinky called. "Nance, Billy Joe is playing tonight in Pipe Creek. Do y'all want to go with me to see him?"
"I would love to see Billy Joe Shaver! Let me ask Tony." I asked T. and he shook his head no, because he was too tired. "Kink, we can't go. Tony is pooped and I need to blog tonight. Sorry. Please tell Billy Joe I love him. Wait, maybe Ben wants to go." I handed the phone to Ben. Kinky and Ben left the ranch at seven-thirty to go see our friend Billy Joe.
Before I go, I want to show y'all another picture that Tone took of our new Lab mix puppies. I love it! And, this morning Kinky and I passed that restaurant with the funny signs. This is their new sign!
1969
Hoping for a BMW!
2009
Hoping for a BM!
Y'all have a great evening!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
It Was A No Show!
Tony woke me up this morning. "Nance, it's five-thirty. You need to get up." Before I could climb out of bed, our dogs pounced on me, using me as a human diving board—before leaping off of the bed to go outside!
"Ouch! Thank you, Tony. Ouch! I'm awake, now. Ouch! Dog-gone it!"
By seven o'clock, we were on our way to Kerrville with our precious cargo—Ellen Degeneres, to do the Harley Show! As soon as Buttermilk crossed over the cattle guard—Ellen became unhappy, and she started howling, actually it was more like high pitched screaming! Yikes! Tone and I figured by the time we reached Highway 16, she would quiet down—we were wrong. She yelled at us the entire trip, as we tried to listen to Harley on the radio.
As soon as we got out of the car with Ellen, at the Rose 99.9 radio station—she turned into a different puppy! Her tail was wagging wildly and she could not quit kissing us, and she was quiet! She was happy, Tone was happier, and I was the happiest girl in the whole U.S.A.! I'm serious.
Doing Harley's Show was a lot of fun this morning, and Ellen did great! She was calm and relaxed in the studio, as we talked about her, and she even showered Harley with wet kisses, near the end of the show! I was so proud of her!
When our rescue ranch segment was over, Tony, with Ellen sleeping peacefully in his arms, and I descended the stairs to the parking lot to load up. As soon as Buttermilk pulled out onto the Junction Highway—Ellen became a basket case, again—yelling her lungs out! I thought to myself—Ellen has turned into Hell-en!
She screamed the entire three-point-two miles to Hoegemeyers, where we dropped her off to chill out, so we could go eat breakfast at Randy and Lisa's Save Inn restaurant. Of course, the restaurant was packed, but Tony and I were lucky to find us a table! Then the weirdest thing happened!
In less than two minutes, after their friendly waitress had taken our order—Ben walks into the restaurant! We knew Ben was coming to the rescue ranch today to work, but we weren't expecting to see him at the restaurant—it was a happy surprise for us! "I heard y'all on the radio, tell Harley that y'all were coming here. When I saw Buttermilk parked outside, I decided to join you two for breakfast." T. and I were delighted, and so was our waitress!
When the sweet waitress handed Ben a menu, she asked, "Is he your son?" Tony and Ben burst out laughing, and I nearly choked to death on my ice tea!
"No. Ben is our good friend," Tony replied, as I waited for someone to come do the Heimlich manuever on me! Unfortunately, no one came—it was a no-show, but fortunately I survived another one of my—"Well, Nance almost wasn't with us anymore today" incidents, an expression my incredibly sweet, loving parents used to say often, when I was growing up. I must admit my 'almost dead' incidents do seem to occur quite frequently—just ask Kinky, Ben or Tone.
Our party-of-three breakfast was delicious and a blast! T. and Ben teased me about getting all choked up over nothing, and we did a lot of laughing, as we caught up with each other's latest news. I found out, during our meal, that Miles of Chocolate has now been voted 'Best Chocolate' by the Austin Chronicle—for two years in a row! Congrats Miles and Ben! Austin knows chocolate!
As Tony paid our bill, I didn't want our breakfast fun to end, because I was already dreading the twenty-two mile trek, back to the rescue ranch with Hell-en!
As Buttermilk took us home, Hell-en serenaded us non-stop, for thirty-two minutes, with gut-wrenching, soul piercing sounds, that I hope I never hear again in this lifetime! If I do, it will be another one of those "Well, Nance almost wasn't with us anymore today" incidents!
Y'all have a great evening!
"Ouch! Thank you, Tony. Ouch! I'm awake, now. Ouch! Dog-gone it!"
By seven o'clock, we were on our way to Kerrville with our precious cargo—Ellen Degeneres, to do the Harley Show! As soon as Buttermilk crossed over the cattle guard—Ellen became unhappy, and she started howling, actually it was more like high pitched screaming! Yikes! Tone and I figured by the time we reached Highway 16, she would quiet down—we were wrong. She yelled at us the entire trip, as we tried to listen to Harley on the radio.
As soon as we got out of the car with Ellen, at the Rose 99.9 radio station—she turned into a different puppy! Her tail was wagging wildly and she could not quit kissing us, and she was quiet! She was happy, Tone was happier, and I was the happiest girl in the whole U.S.A.! I'm serious.
Doing Harley's Show was a lot of fun this morning, and Ellen did great! She was calm and relaxed in the studio, as we talked about her, and she even showered Harley with wet kisses, near the end of the show! I was so proud of her!
When our rescue ranch segment was over, Tony, with Ellen sleeping peacefully in his arms, and I descended the stairs to the parking lot to load up. As soon as Buttermilk pulled out onto the Junction Highway—Ellen became a basket case, again—yelling her lungs out! I thought to myself—Ellen has turned into Hell-en!
She screamed the entire three-point-two miles to Hoegemeyers, where we dropped her off to chill out, so we could go eat breakfast at Randy and Lisa's Save Inn restaurant. Of course, the restaurant was packed, but Tony and I were lucky to find us a table! Then the weirdest thing happened!
In less than two minutes, after their friendly waitress had taken our order—Ben walks into the restaurant! We knew Ben was coming to the rescue ranch today to work, but we weren't expecting to see him at the restaurant—it was a happy surprise for us! "I heard y'all on the radio, tell Harley that y'all were coming here. When I saw Buttermilk parked outside, I decided to join you two for breakfast." T. and I were delighted, and so was our waitress!
When the sweet waitress handed Ben a menu, she asked, "Is he your son?" Tony and Ben burst out laughing, and I nearly choked to death on my ice tea!
"No. Ben is our good friend," Tony replied, as I waited for someone to come do the Heimlich manuever on me! Unfortunately, no one came—it was a no-show, but fortunately I survived another one of my—"Well, Nance almost wasn't with us anymore today" incidents, an expression my incredibly sweet, loving parents used to say often, when I was growing up. I must admit my 'almost dead' incidents do seem to occur quite frequently—just ask Kinky, Ben or Tone.
Our party-of-three breakfast was delicious and a blast! T. and Ben teased me about getting all choked up over nothing, and we did a lot of laughing, as we caught up with each other's latest news. I found out, during our meal, that Miles of Chocolate has now been voted 'Best Chocolate' by the Austin Chronicle—for two years in a row! Congrats Miles and Ben! Austin knows chocolate!
As Tony paid our bill, I didn't want our breakfast fun to end, because I was already dreading the twenty-two mile trek, back to the rescue ranch with Hell-en!
As Buttermilk took us home, Hell-en serenaded us non-stop, for thirty-two minutes, with gut-wrenching, soul piercing sounds, that I hope I never hear again in this lifetime! If I do, it will be another one of those "Well, Nance almost wasn't with us anymore today" incidents!
Y'all have a great evening!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Laugh Out Loud!
My vacation is temporarily on time-out! Today after walking six fast miles—I went to work. I returned eleven phone calls, twenty-seven e-mails, then Tony helped me take pictures of three of our adorable puppies. Since then, I have done paperwork all day long. I still need to take eight more pictures of our newly rescued dogs, and will take more pictures tomorrow to post.
This morning, during breakfast, Tony and I decided to go to Kerrville, tomorrow morning, to do the Harley Show live. We are going to take Ellen Degeneres with us, in hopes that she might get adopted! If she doesn't, Jan and Todd, two of our great volunteers, are going to take her, Bandit and Oprah to Pet Supplies Plus, on Saturday between 10 -2, to try to find them forever homes for us! We love you Jan and Todd! Here is a picture of Tony playing with the puppies, followed by Ellen Degeneres, Oprah, and Bandit!
Tomorrow, after doing Harley's show, we plan to drop Ellen off at Hoegemeyers, so we can go eat breakfast at Randy and Lisa's Save Inn restaurant—we love their 'Sinker Omelet!' Then we will pick Ellen up, and get back to the rescue ranch.
Kinky called me this afternoon. He is doing fine, and nearly ready to self-publish his book, "Heroes of a Texas Childhood!" I am still jealous that my book is not as far along as his, but someday soon mine will be. Laugh out loud—I need a vacation!
Y'all have a great evening!
This morning, during breakfast, Tony and I decided to go to Kerrville, tomorrow morning, to do the Harley Show live. We are going to take Ellen Degeneres with us, in hopes that she might get adopted! If she doesn't, Jan and Todd, two of our great volunteers, are going to take her, Bandit and Oprah to Pet Supplies Plus, on Saturday between 10 -2, to try to find them forever homes for us! We love you Jan and Todd! Here is a picture of Tony playing with the puppies, followed by Ellen Degeneres, Oprah, and Bandit!
Tomorrow, after doing Harley's show, we plan to drop Ellen off at Hoegemeyers, so we can go eat breakfast at Randy and Lisa's Save Inn restaurant—we love their 'Sinker Omelet!' Then we will pick Ellen up, and get back to the rescue ranch.
Kinky called me this afternoon. He is doing fine, and nearly ready to self-publish his book, "Heroes of a Texas Childhood!" I am still jealous that my book is not as far along as his, but someday soon mine will be. Laugh out loud—I need a vacation!
Y'all have a great evening!
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