Wrinkles and World Hunger

I was reading the paper last night and on one page there was a large article about how many children are dying worldwide from a lack of food.  The numbers were appalling. On the same page was a huge advertisement for a local department store touting a sale on a trio of beauty treatments to stop the aging process for a mere $99.00.  Now maybe it’s just me…but somehow that struck me wrong.  I don’t like what aging does to my body anymore than most people.  But, the world is going to be in the hands of the children someday.  Maybe it would be $99.00 better spent on food than creams to take away the wrinkles…

But, that’s just my humble opinon

So you want a big dog…

Ten years ago we adopted a St. Bernard from the local shelter.  She had been dumped in a remote rural area and left to make her own way. She was bone skinny, frightened and in general, a mess.  It tooks plenty of time, attention, and visits to the vet to get Molly to healthy and happy.  She was a fantastic member of our family for a decade.  We lost Molly right before Thanksgiving and it broke our hearts.

Three weeks ago, we adopted another St. Bernard from the local rescue group.  Thankfully, Shaggy was in much better shape than Molly.  She is beautiful, full of energy, and a nice dog.  We’re glad to welcome her into our home.

I can’t help but wonder, however, what people are thinking when they bring these dogs into their lives.  Did they think a St. Bernard was going to stay that little white fluffy puppy?  Hey, these are BIG dogs.  It just makes me angry that people bring them home thinking how cute they are and then when they eat like horses and act like puppies, they can’t handle them and out they go.  At least Shaggy’s former owners had the good sense to turn her over to the rescue folks.  Molly’s did not.  Their loss was our gain.  Yes, both Molly and Shaggy are very large dogs, but I can’t imagine not having them in my life. 

I could ramble all day.  I won’t.  Just hope that people think about these animals before they bring them home.  If you don’t want a big dog, don’t get one.   

Enough Already

Spent four wonderful days in Portland, Oregon.  Sure, it rained a couple of them, but it was relatively warm.  It’s such a pretty place with the lush green of a coastal city.  Good people, good food, and great weather.  And then….we drove home.  Oh, even then, it was fairly pleasant.  A fair amount of sun despite the rain.  It all took a turn for the worse about the time we hit I-90 at Ritzville and went downhill from there.  By the time we were at the top of the Sunset Hill, usually the place that makes you sigh because it is such a beautiful view of the city, we all just groaned.  Why you ask?  BECAUSE IT WAS SNOWING!  It’s April…you know the month filled with sunshine, daffodils and clear weather.  Yeah, right.  Except for this year of the winter that will not end.  I have only one thing to say.  ENOUGH ALREADY.

Bring on the sunshine…I dare you.