A Trip to the past!

I learned a lot from my week-end in Shreveport. I learned that I have ancestors from Ireland on both my Mother's and my Father's side of the family. I learned that we are decendants of "William the Conquerer" and that we have royalty in our bloodlines.

Well, that explains the attitude!!!!!!!!!

I also learned that this is a picture of Chief Moshulatubbee, a Chactaw Indian chief and he is my great-great-great (maybe one more great) Grandfather. Cool Huh?

Apparantly, he married a white woman and changed his name to "Bottoms". Their daughter was my Grandpa's, Grandma.

My niece, Lou Ann has done an extensive family tree for the Allison/Woodard children. She did a wonderful job, I am extremely impressed with her perseverence and hard work. Not to mention the hours of research and patience that this project has taken.

I also learned that I am not the only one of my three siblings that is going deaf in one ear. One of my brothers went to the doctor and found that he had 60% hearing loss in his right ear. My other brother also suffers from hearing loss in one ear and my niece, Lou Ann has hearing loss in her left ear. Mine is my left ear. My brother Roger called it the "Allison Curse". Luckily, Beth is not an Allison. It is some kind of hereditary bone deformity inside the ear!

See kids, sometimes I really don't hear you when you speak. You thought I was just getting senile.

Well, no worries about that.

I had a great time visiting with my Mom, my favorite Step-Dad, and my sweet little sister. I visited with my brother and his wife, and Mom and I went to the Cemetary and put yellow roses on Rogers' grave.

We spent a lot of time just talking, playing on the computer, looking at the family tree website, with my niece and drinking coffee.

I think, I have Beth convinced to come for a visit this Summer and maybe I can really get Mom and Eddie away for a few days.

Mom, I love you so very much, I am so proud to be your daughter. You are an inspiration to me. You have been through so many trials in your life and you still manage to have compassion for others. You still show nothing but love for those who hurt you. You continue to give help to those who are in need, even though they might use you. You are what the Bible tells us a Christian should be. I am blessed to be your daughter!!!!

I am looking forward to your visit this summer!

Easter Weekend Adventures

Friday night after work, we met Cotton and Krysta for dinner at one of our favorite places, Genghis Grill. Jacob and Lucy really seemed to enjoy their food. Eating with chopsticks IS a lot of fun.

After dinner, the little ones decided they were going home with Grandma and Papoo. So... we loasded up the carseats, Lucy rode with Papoo and Jacob rode with Grandma. We went to Walmart, spent too much money, then Jacob and I went by their house and picked up some PJs and a change of clothes for each of them. On to Grandma and Papoos house, we set up the tent, played with Spiderman "Dash and Crash" race cars, ate cereal, ice cream, Barbie Pop Tarts, chips and dip. Finally, we went to bed. Lucy slept on the couch, Jacob slept in the tent and I slept on the floor next to the tent. Saturday morning, we went to McDonalds for breakfast. Then we took two, apparently still sleepy, little munchkins home to Mom and Dad. We all had a blast. It is soo cool that they are getting big enough now to tell us when they want to come over and big ehough to stay all night.

Saturday night, I had to work, 10p. to 6a. When I got home from work. My sweet hubby let me sleep for a few hours, then we were off again.

I had promised to go fishing with him on Sunday and he was ready to go.

We were going to try out a new place, Coffee Mill Lake. Sounds cool, right. We stopped at McDonalds in Bonham for lunch. Jerry stayed with the boat, I went inside. I got in line behind a group of seniors. That's always interesting?!! 10 minutes later, I got to place my order. I ordered our food. Mmmmmm, Hamburgers. And cokes!!! When i tried to get our cokes, something was wrong with the machine and the cokes tasted terrible. No CO2. I asked the girl to fill them from the other side because the one on my side wasn't working. She said,"Oh, I guess, I should have told you, we are waiting for the CO2 man to come. We have bottled water, HiC, Power aid, or iced tea."

NO COKE!!! How can you eat Hamburgers with out a COKE?????

Jerry thought it was hilarious, he drinks iced tea most of the time anyway. I drink cokes. Hamburgers just don't have the same effect with iced tea. Well, I ate it anyway. Then we stopped at the bait shop and bought cokes. It just wasn't the same.

Okay, now we are on the road, we drive around and around the country side. We see cows, horses, mules, goats, dead coyotes hanging on a fence, and lots of pretty open fields and old houses, but no lake. We drive some more, still no lake. I don't think there really is a lake. Lakes are big. They're not that hard to find. If there really is one!!!

We gave up and went to Bonham. We were not even in the water good, when I caught the first fish. Then I caught another one. 4 nice crappie, in the first 10 minutes. Jerry was so busy taking fish off my hook. he didn't have time to get his wet.

Then, the contest was on for real. I ended up with 12 keepers. and threw back 2, one flipped off before we got him in the boat. Jerry ended up with 6 keepers, 3 throwbacks and two really nice Bass, that he caght on his own hand-tied jig.

I told you all, I know how to fish!!!! I just haven't done it in the past 20 years. After this Sunday, I will be taking on challengers. Watch out Krysta, the REAL, "Reel Girl" is back in town and she is HOT!!!!

Easter weekend "Camping Trip"

We are planning a camping and fishing trip this week-end. Everyone (Jerry, Cotton, Jacob) is excited about it. I am usually not all that excited about pitching a tent, sleeping on the ground, no a/c, no t.v. or any of the rest of those cool little two letter words, however, I am starting to get excited. Jerry bought me a rod and reel because I said, I need to get a fishing license so I can fish with Jacob and Lucy while he and Cotton go out on the jon boat. Well, that is all I needed to say! Now, I have my own rod and reel and he is making plans for future fishing adventures with just me and him and his little boat out on the lake for hours. As Lucy would say, "WOO HOO!" I used to really like to fish. Who knows, maybe after this week-end, I will start really liking it again. I know, I can give the rest of the "Reel" Girls a run for their money. I may not have been for a while but it's all coming back to me and I learned from the best and original "Reel" Girl, Jerry's Mom. You know, when we went with her, the ground didn't seem quite so uncomfortable and she was so unpredictable, that you never missed the t.v. She was always so cool, that you never missed the a/c.
I am hoping to create some memories with my own grandkids this week-end. And show
Krysta (and Cotton) that Mom might be old but she ain't lost it!

First Sleep-over at Grandma and Papoo's House

Jacob wanted to have a sleep-over. So we did! Friday night he came over in his pajamas to sleep over at Grandma and Papoos house.

He was a little worried about where he would sleep, but once he arrived, he was very excited.

Grandma had bought a tent, two sleeping bags, and a lantern.

The tent was a "junior". It set up quite easily in the living room. Jacob had a great time playing in it. He also had a couple of visitors. "Spike", who is curious about everything, was his first visitor. They had a good time together. Then, "Digory" played in the tent with Jacob for a little while.

We had ice cream and "Hot Wheels" cereal. Then my little camper watched "Eragon" with me and finally fell asleep in his little tent.

Saturday morning, we made a trip to the donut shop for breakfast. Mommy and Lucy came to pick him up around then.

He is such a sweet little boy. I can't wait until the next sleep-over.

Another Birdbrain Grandma!

This is my Mom! If you have ever wondered where I came from, now you know! I get my sense of humor from this funny lady! I'm not quite sure why she is wearing an Alabama t-shirt, since I am pretty sure she has not been there, but she is wearing the hat in honor of Mardi Gras. TOO CUTE, MOM!!!!

Ollie's Big Adventure

Saturday night, we left the house for a short while. We needed to go to the grocery store and pick up a few things for a family dinner, we were having on Sunday, in honor of Tish, bringing home a Boyfriend (for the very first time) to meet "The Family"! This was not her first boyfriend, just the first one she has brought home!
So, needless to say, we wanted to impress the young man with a wonderful, home-style Barbeque Dinner. We left, only after I made sure the dogs were crated and I had covered the finches, so the cats would not bother them.
Upon arriving back home, the first thing I saw when I opened the door was the bird cage, up-side-down on the floor and "Spike" crouched right next to it, licking his lips.
I dropped the bags, I was carrying in and immediately picked up the cage. "Annie" was still inside, a little nervous but otherwise okay, but "Ollie" was missing. After an exhaustive search through the house, I finally gave up for the night. I thought "Ollie" was a goner for sure, this time. Little did I know, he had a few tricks still up his sleeve.
Sunday morning, I got up, started the coffee and left for the store to get some charcoal and aluminum foil. As soon as I arrived back in the drive way, my cell phone was ringing. "Mom, we found your finch!", "Where is he?", "Flying all over the house!"
Apparently, with the morning light, "Ollie" woke up and decided to dive-bomb Tish, when she walked through the living room. When I got in the house, Jerry was standing in the living room with a large minnow net in his hand and Tish had locked the cats up. It was literally a 20 minute work out to catch the tiny imp. He flew from the front window to the dining room, to the kitchen, back to the living room, back to the kitchen and so on and so on........until, either he decided I had exercised enough or he was hungry, he finally let me catch him with the minnow net. I know, he let me catch him, because, he actually waited for me to net him.
Back in the cage with "Annie" and he dove into his food bowl, the poor little guy was really hungry.
He was no worse for his adventure, Jerry, Tish and I, all got our morning workout and "Alex" had another good laugh.
We had our dinner and met Mr. Really Nice Kid, everyone liked him. Cotton, of course, had to interview him to make sure he was good enough for Tish, he passed the test with flying colors. Jerry liked him, I liked him. Krysta liked him. We'll have to see how things go from here.
It has been along and eventful day, so I am saying "Goodnight" and hopefully, "Ollie" will stay put for a few days.

Bringing home "Ollie"

I named the two finches "Annie" and "Ollie". I named them for my Mom and Stepdad, Margaret Ann and Edward Ollie. Of course, Jerry had a great time with that one considering how teeny the birds are. Mom will get him for that.

I think "Ollie's" name is very appropriate. When we got home from the pet store, I opened the door of the carrier to carefully remove the little things and "Ollie" promptly flew out. He flew here and there throughout the the house for a good 15 minutes. Then, I had a brain storm. I made a careful note of his latest landing, I know, sounds silly, but I am very forgetful. I went outside and got Jerry's fishing net from the boat, then being careful not to spook him, I netted "Ollie". Yeah, I caught him before the cat did. But, my celebration was short-lived. He is so small, he wiggled his way through the net and we were off again.

Finally after several more minutes of chasing him around the house, turning off ceiling fans, making sure the doors to the other rooms were shut and praying he doesn't decide to land in the pot with the boiling potatoes, I caught the little rascal. Very gently, I picked him up, he is so tiny, I was careful not to squeeze and congratulating myself on a safe rescue, when he slipped through my fingers and was off again. Okay, so laugh. Have you ever tried to catch a small bird or a mouse loose in the house?

Luckily, this time, "Ollie" landed on the kitchen counter and tried to slip between my espresso machine and my coffee bean canister. Haha, the little goof ball trapped himself. This time when I picked him up, I kept my hands closed tightly together. We made it to the cage and "Ollie" joined "Annie", who I am sure was cheering him on. I know "Alex" and "Lexus" were enjoying the show, "Alex" was laughing.

I could have let "Spike" help, he was trying to until I locked him in the bathroom.

So, we are all safe, and I am glad, I chose the names I did for the finches. I am sure, even if no one else understands, those who know my Mom and Stepdad will find their names perfect.

I love you Mom and Eddy.

MORE BIRDS??

If you follow my blog at all, you know about, "Saul" our shepherd mix, "Sami" the old man, "Snickers" the hyper one, "Candy" the 20 pound cat, "Spike" the mischeivious cat, "Digory" the sweetheart and The Quakers, "Alex" and "Lexus". You have also met my 4 kids and my gorgeous grandbabies.
Now introducing, "Annie" and "Ollie". They are Spice finches. They are no bigger than a grown persons thumb. I think they are really very pretty. Finches are not really the "hold and cuddle" type of pet. But they sing prettily and are nice to look at.
I really enjoy my pets, but they are quite a responsibility, they require a great deal of daily attention. With my children all grown, they are great company. Even after the roughest day at work, I know when I get home, I will be greeted with a chorus of happy noises. Of course, dinner and household chores have to wait until I let "Sami" and "Snickers" out to potty, let "Alex" and "Lexus" out to play, feed and water "Saul" and give him his treat, feed and water "Digory", and now feed and water "Annie" and "Ollie". Oh, I can't forget "Candy" and "Spike", even if I were to try, they let me know quite loudly and adamantly, that they would like their water freshened and their food dishes filled.
Then, I start the people food. I usually end up sitting down for the first time about three hours after I arrive home from an eight hour day at the office. The good thing is, I think, I have cured my insomnia.

Life is GOOD!

I am sitting at my computer waiting for time to go to work and contemplating my life in general. I have a great husband, who loves me unconditionally, 4 grown children, of whom, I am very proud, 2 beautiful grandchildren, who are the light of my life, 3 sweet dogs, 2 spoiled cats, 2 CRAZY parrots and one little teddy bear of a guinea pig. I have a warm, comfortable home, a decent car, and a good job. My bills are paid, my health is good and best of all, I have the love of Christ in my life. Can life be any better? I have thought about what I would do if I won the lottery, I realize that winning requires playing, I have to start doing that, anyway, I decided that I would definitely move my Mom and Step-dad close to me. Other than that, I haven't made too many other plans. I think I should probably wait until I win, then decide. But first, I should probably buy a lottery ticket!
Anyway, until I become suddenly rich, I am content with my life. To quote, once again, one of my favorite verse, " Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strenghteneth me." Philippians 4 : 11&12.

words and phrases, Alex can say:

It seems like he comes up with something new every day! He says:
Hello,Mama!
Alex, Good Boy! (usually after trying to bite me!)
Arf, arf, arf!
Meow!
Here Kitty, Kitty!
Shut up!
Whatcha' doin'? Huh?
Okay!
Pretty bird!
NO!BARK!
Come here!
Go away!
Night,night!
Snickers!
Ha,ha,ha!!
Fa,la,la!
If asked,"What's your name?" He will answer,"Alex"

He also whistles, he does a "come here" whistle and of course, the all important wolf whistle!He loves to have whistling contests with Lexus and Jerry!

He knows a few commands:
Step-up
Don't bite!
Come here!
He probably knows more than that, but we are still getting aquainted and I don't know everything that he was previously taught! He is very sweet, (most of the time). He enjoys being held, but he makes me work for it. We find ourselves laughing at him quite often.

Lexus will say,"Hello!" and a few other things that I can't quite make out. She is still very shy, but she is letting me handle her a little more, now.
They greet me with very loud calls, when I get home from work. They do a lot of chattering while I am cooking dinner and will sometimes sample what I am cooking. I have discovered that they reayy like pizza crust, peanuts and mashed potatoes. They like other things too, but these are some of their favorites. They are starting to plat with their toys more. That is a good sign. I think we are on the road to a very long and happy relationship! I love my Quakers!!!!!!!!

Little Visitors

"I want to hold Digory, Grandma." Lucy was a little uncomfortable with the new birds. She held "Alex" on her arm for a moment, then she was ready for Grandma to take him back. She still loves "Digory" the guinea pig, the best. "Take my picture with "Digory", Grandma!" So, we took pictures. Lucy with "Digory" then, Jacob with "Digory". Then, I couldn't resist, just one picture of Jacob with "Alex".
This was, of course, after we went "bug-huntin" and had dinner. I think it is really cool that my grandchildren are learning how to handle small animals gently and lovingly. Although, "Digory" is still reigning as the current favorite, Jacob was very interested in the Quakers. I only let them handle "Alex", "Lexus" is too shy and unpredictable. I want to instill respect for the creatures, in Jacob and Lucy, not fear. So, their visits are well supervised. I was also impressed with the level of patience "Alex" showed for one small boy.

ALEX AND LEXUS

They are finally here. I stressed about it all week. I was worried that Dana would change her mind or that the weather would prevent my trip to Lewisville, but everything worked out great and now I have my two new babies. Alex is 6 years old and Lexus is 3 years old. Alex is a little larger. They are definately a "couple". They don't get very far away from one another and they are almost always "touching". Alex is really sweet and very talkative. He is already showing off his extensive vocabulary. Lexus is shy and doesn't know a lot of stuff. She was originally obtained primarily as a companion for Alex by her previous owner and really didn't get much attention. I am hoping we can become friends. Anyway, here they are!! Aren't they beautiful?

My new "babies", Alex and Lexus

This is Alex and Lexus! They will be joining my happy little family on Friday, Feb. 2.
They are Quaker Parrots. They are not really large for parrots. Just a little bigger that a cockatiel.
They do have the ability to speak and can learn tricks. Alex already has an extensive vocabulary from what I have been told.
If you read my previous complaint about adoptions, you need to know, I am adopting, Alex and Lexus from a rescue group in Oklahoma.
I can't wait to get them home!!!

What a night!!

It's midnight and Krysta and Cotton just picked up my two beautiful grandchildren from their visit and took them home.
We had so much fun, tonight. We made "Star" mobiles, we looked at a star through the new telescope. Jacob was soooo excited about the telescope. He kept going out the front door to see if the stars were out yet. It finally got dark enough and he went out to check and came back in the house practically screaming,"the stars are out!!! the stars are out!!!" So we bundled up and went outside in the cold to look at them through the "telescoke". We were freezing and Jerry was having a difficult time finding a good place to see the sky, we have too many houses, trees and streetlights, but, Jacob was not going back in until he got to look at a star. Finally, we found a very bright "star" at the end of the street (on top of a pole) and Jerry got it into focus. After Jacob and Lucy looked at it, we were able to get them to go back in the house and get warm again. Okay, maybe it was a streetlight, but it looked like a star through the "telescoke".
And, it made Jacob happy.
We played with Digory, and he talked his little guinea pig secret language (that only Jacob seems to understand).
We had lots of snacks, including cereal for dinner (that's what Lucy and Jacob wanted, and they always get what they want at Grandma's and Papoo's house)
We watched the "Ant Bully" and "Cars". We played, "Where's Arnold?" with Lucy. I still don't know exactly who Arnold is, we never did find him, probably a good thing since Lucy said he is a monster. Lucy practiced putting her hands on her hips and bossing Papoo around. She is definately a "drama queen" in training. She would throw her arms out wide, when she asked a question. She crawled up on Papoo's chair and said something funny, then she would throw her head back, hold her belly and laugh for all she was worth. We also played,"Hide and Seek" Lucy's way. That is where she covers you up with a blanket and pretends she can't see you.
Jacob is so smart, he likes to analize everything and forgets NOTHING! Several times he informed me that he wanted to "talk" to me. He climbed up in my lap and in his most serious voice informed me that he has fun when he comes to my house, I told him, I have fun, too. He said he has fun when I come to his house, too. I said,"That's fun for me too." Then he said,"You don't go to Grandma's house to be bad, you have to be good." I said, "You're always a good boy." Then, he got down.
Later, I rocked Miss Lucy to sleep and laid her down in Aunt G's bed. When I came back into the living room, Jacob was ready to be rocked, too. I think, I love that part the most. To have those little angels climb up on my lap and lay their precious heads on my shoulder while I hold them close and rock them to sleep.
I love being a Grandma, and Jerry loves being a Papoo. Ther are just no words to describe the feeling of absolute and unconditional love that you get from grandchildren.
I hope we get to do this again, real soon.

Patriotic to the Bone

Here it is! The new tattoo. My son thought this would be a good way to show his patriatism and his dedication to the Army. He also felt that the tattoo would honor his Dad, because Dad loves eagles. It is on his right side because that is the side they wear their American Flag. It's not on his arm, because he didn't want to have to worry about what he was wearing and if it would show. Personally, we are not really big on tattoos, but if you're going to do it; this one is very nice.

Just Yesterday:

Aaron was 9 years old and playing football for the first time.
Tish was 7 years old and living out every little girls dream of being a cheerleader.
Today, Aaron in a soldier in the Army and Tish is a preschool teacher. They are still quite dedicated to each other and still beautiful to me.
To every one of you who have little ones, cherish your time with them. All too soon, you will be remembering yesterday, and missing the way things used to be.
I am so proud of all 4 of my children, but I miss being the Football, Cheerleader, Marching band, Academic Decathelon, Kool-aid House, "Taxi" driving Mom.
Those memories are precious to me!

"Candy and Digory"

Does this picture really need a description?

It is pretty obvious that "Candy" would like to become better aquainted with "Sir Digory".

It is a really good thing that Jerry made a wire mesh cover for his cage.

I don't think he would enjoy being cuddled by "Candy" as much as he enjoys being cuddled by Jacob.

my, how he has grown!

On the left, is a picture of "Spike" at approximately 7 weeks old. As you can see, he was a scrawny looking little thing when we first brought him home.
On the right, is a picture of "Spike" today, at approximately 7 months old. He has grown into quite a handsome guy.
However, some things you just don't grow out of. He is ALWAYS mouthing about something.

Looking for a new love!

I have been searching for a new love. No, not a new lover. I have a wonderful husband who has been the love of my life for the last 30 years and he doesn't need replacing. I am actually looking for a parrot.
I had several birds a while back, all of whom I was tremendously fond of. But, due to circumstances beyond my control, I was forced to find more suitable living arrangments for them. I found good, loving homes for them with people I trusted to care for them and sadly said my "good-byes"
Now, I am in a position to give a comfortable, loving home to another parrot and I can't find one. I would prefer to adopt an unwanted or mistreated parrot, so I have been searching the internet diligently for an organization in the area that might be able to help me find one. The problem is there aren't any.
I am finding that the ones who do exist require a life history, and a pint of blood in exchange for the adoption of their rescued birds. It is becoming increasingly obvious to me that it will be easier to find the right parrot at a pet store than to try and adopt one.
The whole purpose of adopting , in the first place is to give a second chance to a bird that has been abandoned. Also, most of the shelters tell you that you should adopt rather than give more profits to unscrupulous breeders and irresponsible pet stores, but they make the process of aquiring a parrot so difficult that the only option available is to purchase one outright.
I understand a certian amount of screening to make sure that the potential owner is familiar with the very special needs of parrots. I definately understand that so many people get them because the are beautiful and affectionate, not to mention extremely intellegient, then when they discover the amout of time and patience it requires to keep them safe, happy and sweet. These well-meaning but ignorant people quickly become tired of them and push them into a back room or never get them out and give them the attention they need. Then, when their beautiful and usually expensive pet begins to exhibit bad behaviors they want to get rid of them. Some people will turn them loose, not realizing that a hand raised parrot has no skills to survive in the great outdoors and will often die of starvation or from exposure to the elements.
I am knowlegeable about what I am getting myself into. I know that birds require daily interaction and a firm but gentle person to care for them. I know that parrots can be extremely demanding at times and excrutiatingly noisy, at times. I am prepared to deal with all the trouble to have another love like my "Jada".
Why do we beg people to adopt rather than buy and then make the process so difficult that it is easier to buy?
When my little "Hershey" died, I started looking for another small dog. I tried to adopt a female terrier from a rescue organization. They did a home inspection. I wasn't concerned. My house was clean, I had a fenced yard, "Sami" was running around being his charming self. The first thing I was told is the little female could not eat the food that I was giving "Sami". It was very high quality dog food. Then, the woman picked the food bowls up off the floor and gave me a "look". They walked around the house, with the female I was trying to adopt and another large dog, that I hadn't expected to come with them and whispered to each other. When I showed them the fenced back yard (freshly mowed and perfectly clean) they announced that the fence was too high from the ground. there was a 4-inch gap at the bottom and I would have to get the fence properly repaired before I would be allowed to take possession of the dog.
I was extremely angry at the attitude, I showed them the $100.00 check that Jerry had written for the adoption fee, I tore it up and politely invited them to leave my house. A few days later, Jerry saw an ad in the paper for yorky-poos. And we bought "Snickers". He is now 3 years old, loves me endlessly and is spoiled rotten. I related this story just to say, I will never set myself up like that again. I will not invite someone into my home to criticize. If I cannot find a parrot who needs a home and has halfway intellegient people doing the interviewing, I will wait and buy one. Yes, even from the despised pet store that promotes the indescriminate breeding of birds. Why? Because I miss having a parrot and I will get another one, one way or another.
Thanks for listening!

A RELAXING EVENING

Well, here I am after a hard day at work, coming home and cooking dinner, then relaxing on the couch. As you can see, every one is happy to have me home. "Digory" is sitting on my shoulder, "Spike" is perched on my hip, "Sami" picked out his spot on my left leg and "Snickers" (not wanting to crowd me) picked a cozy little nook , beside me on the couch. I am so glad my kids are all grown, where would they sit.
Oh! "Digory" is the newest addition to my happy little family, he was an "after Christmas" gift from my sweet husband. Lucy and Jacob really love him. He is very sweet and small. He also is very young, I expect he will grow quite a bit.