A Sign

Most everyone in the blogosphere has heard the devastating news about the loss suffered by the Houston Pittie Pack. And how the bloggers have come together - not just to offer comfort and support, but through Pip's comment donations and the ChipIn for Sandra and her family, a bit of financial support to help get the family and the remaining pack members back on their feet. Coming at Christmas this seems like an even worse tragedy. But coming together to comfort, give, help...isn't that what the real spirit of Christmas is all about?

Today, as I drove through Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee, I kept seeing Shelby's name on signs: Shelbyville, IN, Shelbyville, KY, Shelbyville, TN. Each time, I thought of those five lost furbabies. The last time, it seemed to me as if this had to be a sign - a sign that they are safe at the bridge, and a sign that they will not be forgotten.

Giving Comfort

I was going to post something holidayish before I head to Florida, but today I read Pip's blog about the fire in Houston that took 5 pitties from the Kissa-Bulls. I didn't know them, didn't follow their blog, though I think they may have commented on the Two Pitties in the City blog that I do follow. But the loss of such a big chunk of a family, especially at the holidays is something that is just breaking my heart. Yes, the family lost their material possessions, but the loss of five of their furbabies must be just devastating. If you have a chance, please go over to their blog (http://kissa-bull.blogspot.com/) and offer just a bit of support and comfort. Remember to hug those you love - furred and human - and hold them close.

A Halloween Reminder

Once again I've received a picture of Rainy, dressed up by her mom, this time celebrating Halloween. Every time I think of her, I think I should have just kept her instead of giving her back. The only part that makes me feel so good is that she's happy in her home, with her two brothers. She was the right pug, it just wasn't the right time for me. Now it's the right time....now to find the right pup again!

A Lilac Festival in Heaven

Today is a sad day, yet a day to celebrate quite a life. Lilac over at Tales and Tails has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She was quite the lady who made demands, worried about Timmy falling into the well, and kept her family entertained in her own way. She was quite a lady! If you can, go over and give a little support to her family.

Livestrong Day 2011

Can you imagine a world without cancer? I think most everyone has in one way or another been affected by cancer - either first hand or through a close friend or family member. Great strides have been made. More can be done. For those of you who are dealing with this, Live Strong! The rest of us have got your back!

A Blog Lull

You'll notice a certain lull in my blog for the next few weeks. Once again, I'll be traveling, with spotty internet service and no real keyboard to post with (I'm just taking an ipod touch). But I can read and will try to keep up with everyone's blogs and respond when I can.

It seems as if I'm going to miss not only the start of the football season, but the start of autumn. Yes, I know that September 1st is the meteorological start of autumn, but it's been in the 90s since the month started! That is all supposed to change Sunday as the temperature will drop. I love the cool, crisp days of autumn, without the need for the AC or the heat just yet, with the leaves painted such pretty colors and with a pot of chili on the stove. I'm hoping when I come back there will still be that early fall feeling in the air. I will be home in time for the start of the hockey season!

One of the other things I'm going to miss is the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. It will be strange to be out of the country on this milestone anniversary. While the specials have already started, and people will remember that terrible day, and remember the victims and their families, and hold ceremonies at Ground Zero, the Pentagon and Shanksville, I will remember the tiny Canadian town of Gander where many planes coming into the US from overseas were forced to land once the airspace was closed. My September 11th will be different this year, remembering, but also going forward, continuing on, living brave, as the Ad Council commercial said.

Happy Labor Day weekend to everyone in the US, and Happy weekend to everyone else! Keep blogging, I'll be reading!

What I Did On My Summer Vacation, Pt. 2

The next stop on our family vacation was Colmar, France. The town is in the Alsace region of France and had gone back and forth between French and German control for many years. It is called "Little Venice" for an obvious reason. This charming little town is also the birthplace of Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty. A walk around town, a farmer's market, and some yummy French wine completed another grand family vacation day!