In a perfect world - everyone would see stars like this from their back deck.
Landscapes: Volume Two from Dustin Farrell on Vimeo.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Landscapes!
I found this video while on Gizmodo earlier. It is so beautiful.
In a perfect world - everyone would see stars like this from their back deck.
In a perfect world - everyone would see stars like this from their back deck.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Baby Connor
Just finished my first diaper change & 3am feeding...solo! Is he just not the cutest thing? He moans @ night too...like a little old man!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Keeping me on my Toes
Last Sunday I went to St. Peter's Night Mass since I slept in on Sunday morning (I slept in until almost 11am. No one called me! It was Glorious!).
While I was there they had a guest pastor from St. Patrick's Church in Adamsville, Father Huguley.
I wasn't expecting anything different than a typical Mass, especially with a guest Priest. I thought it was going to be a typical Mass with a focus on giving, or tithing, or family love. You know - the typical stuff. Boy - was I wrong! First - he was very engaging. Second - he preached walking around the pews. Third - He sang. Solo. And it was AWESOME! I really enjoyed it. I could tell some of the older folks were uncomfortable - because let's face it - this NEVER happens. But it was really really neat. I am sure I just had a huge smile on my face. I had never heard the song before - it sounded like some old Baptist song that would be in a predominately black church in Mississippi. You just don't typically hear this type stuff in Catholic Mass. Maybe it is because Father Huguley is African American and grew up with it? I don't know - but honestly - I want more and I want to visit his church in the near future. Adamsville isn't that far from here - I think he is worth the drive to visit. I am also going to call my church (Our Lady of Sorrows) to see if they can get him to be a guest speaker.
I like being surprised every now and then. It always seems to be that when I think I know everything and finally have a grasp on what is going on in the world, I am reminded about how little I know. And it is humbling. Especially now during Lent. Thanks God for keeping me on my toes!
I found this link on YouTube of Peter Paul and Mary singing what I now know is "Jesus met a Woman". Father Huguley sang it word for word!
Peace in Christ,
Jennie
While I was there they had a guest pastor from St. Patrick's Church in Adamsville, Father Huguley.
I wasn't expecting anything different than a typical Mass, especially with a guest Priest. I thought it was going to be a typical Mass with a focus on giving, or tithing, or family love. You know - the typical stuff. Boy - was I wrong! First - he was very engaging. Second - he preached walking around the pews. Third - He sang. Solo. And it was AWESOME! I really enjoyed it. I could tell some of the older folks were uncomfortable - because let's face it - this NEVER happens. But it was really really neat. I am sure I just had a huge smile on my face. I had never heard the song before - it sounded like some old Baptist song that would be in a predominately black church in Mississippi. You just don't typically hear this type stuff in Catholic Mass. Maybe it is because Father Huguley is African American and grew up with it? I don't know - but honestly - I want more and I want to visit his church in the near future. Adamsville isn't that far from here - I think he is worth the drive to visit. I am also going to call my church (Our Lady of Sorrows) to see if they can get him to be a guest speaker.
I like being surprised every now and then. It always seems to be that when I think I know everything and finally have a grasp on what is going on in the world, I am reminded about how little I know. And it is humbling. Especially now during Lent. Thanks God for keeping me on my toes!
I found this link on YouTube of Peter Paul and Mary singing what I now know is "Jesus met a Woman". Father Huguley sang it word for word!
Peace in Christ,
Jennie
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Vino and my Ladies
Yesterday we braved the bad weather and went to Ozan Winery & Vineyard in Calera for a wine tasting (thanks to Groupon!). The weather was lovely and we sat outside overlooking the grapes and tasted some wines and snacked on cheese and fruit!
View of the Grapes
Me, Guess, K, Ash & Em - Cheers!
The "Whoo Hoo" Girls!
Amy & Em
Amy & Me
Kristi
Ashley having an occasional sip ;)
Afterwards we headed to Joe's in Alabaster and had super tasty food as always!
Last night the storms were really bad and I was a little sad about missing Fred Astaire. He was always such a baby with the storms. But things are getting better for me. I am going to the gym more often although I do miss just being outside on the lazy walks with Fred. Especially now that the weather is getting so nice.
Anyway - looking forward to next weekend where I will be in Nashville visiting Trish for a few days! Hopefully I will get some fun pictures to share next weekend too!
Love,
JM
View of the Grapes
Me, Guess, K, Ash & Em - Cheers!
The "Whoo Hoo" Girls!
Amy & Em
Amy & Me
Kristi
Kristi & Me
Ashley having an occasional sip ;)Afterwards we headed to Joe's in Alabaster and had super tasty food as always!
Last night the storms were really bad and I was a little sad about missing Fred Astaire. He was always such a baby with the storms. But things are getting better for me. I am going to the gym more often although I do miss just being outside on the lazy walks with Fred. Especially now that the weather is getting so nice.
Anyway - looking forward to next weekend where I will be in Nashville visiting Trish for a few days! Hopefully I will get some fun pictures to share next weekend too!
Love,
JM
Sunday, March 13, 2011
All Dogs go to Heaven
I am just going to state the facts. Fred Astaire was the best dog in the world. He passed away yesterday afternoon (Saturday, March 12th). He was loved very much.
Fred was brought into my life after a few years of having to let go of Angie. I had promised myself I wouldn't get another dog. I loved Angie too much just to have her leave me too soon.
My friend Ruthie's boyfriend Adam had found Fred (then named Red) roaming his office complex in search of food. Adam said that they had a pizza in one of the offices and they left him in there for a few minutes and Fred had already gotten in the pizza (I quickly learned that this would be routine behavior!). I agreed to take Fred since they had two dogs already. I agreed to just feed him and keep a roof over his head. I told myself that I would only care for him, not love him.
When I got him (and renamed him Fred Astaire, which my brother and dad hated immediately) we had a slight learning curve. He didn't like it when I left the house. He didn't like his crate (which Ruthie promised me that he loved). And he didn't know how to play. I soon realized that all Fred really wanted was to be able to look out the window when I left. I got rid of the crate, the ottoman was moved by the window which became his perch when I wasn't home. He was my lookout. When I pulled up - his little head would pop up just waiting for me to come home. He also began to play, doing crazy little jumps and little growls. And of course, I fell in love with him. He was my darling Fred Astaire.
He was My Old Man, Junk Yard Dog (Marc), Street Dog (Amy), Grizz (Dad - short for Grizzly Bear), Freddie the Free Loader (Buck), Fredrick (Sherry) and my Baby.
I don't know when Fred was born (the Vet said he was about 8 or 9), I got him in April 2007. I kinda like to think that he had a rebirth when I got him. I know he was loved so much. Not by just me, but by my friends and family too. Everyone loved him. It was impossible not to.
I am not really sure what happened this weekend. It really is just a daze still. Basically, Friday afternoon Fred was fine. I was outside with my neighbors and it was just the usual. Fred was playing with Ryder, my neighbors Pug, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Saturday morning I took Fred on a walk around the neighborhood. Still, I can't think of anything that was different or unusual. I left the house to meet up with some friends to see the parade downtown, when I got home around 2pm, Fred had thrown up on the floor (which I thought was strange because he never throws up or has accidents). I took him outside and he was acting strange, I ran upstairs and got him some water and brought it back down. He drank it up and then went potty. I went back upstairs to clean up the mess and he was just standing there. I got him on the couch and he wouldn't lay down or get on my lap so I could pet him. It was really bizarre that he wouldn't lay down. We went outside again and it was the same. So I got him in the car and we went to the vet. Dr. Murphy came in and said that we should get an Xray just to make sure he didn't eat anything funky (remember - Fred is notorious for going in the garage can when you leave the house - this is why it is almost always on the counter when I leave). The xrays came back clear for blockage, but there was a mass. Dr. Murphy said he thought it might be his spleen. He couldn't tell until he got in there. He said emergency surgery was needed immediately. We discussed that it might not be the spleen - that it could also be something inoperable. He gave me a few minutes with Fred Astaire. I hugged him and kissed him. I asked God to send his Angels down and be with Fred. I prayed that it was just his spleen that needed to be removed. As they took him back, his little fluffy bushy tail was wagging. And I had a breakdown in the Vestavia Animal Clinic parking lot.
Dr. Murphy called me about 30 minutes later saying that it wasn't his spleen. His kidney was enlarged and moved and it wasn't working. The other one wasn't working even at 50%. I don't know all the details, just that Dr. Murphy said that it would be inhumane to bring him back when he was in renal failure. Fighting back my tears, I agreed with him. After having gone through cancer with Angie and seeing her suffer, I knew it was the right thing to do - even though I didn't want to. He let me come back to the operating room so I could see him one last time. He was so fluffy and soft. I kissed his little white spots on his chest and played with is 'afro toes' and let him know that I would see him again and to wait for me.
I gave them Fred's quilt and they brought him back to me with him wrapped in it. I took him to my dads house. Brittany (our first family dog) and Angie are buried back there. So it just seemed right for Fred to be there too. After we (me, Marc and Dad) buried him, my dad said a little prayer. I don't really remember the details, but I do remember being moved and actually thinking that my Pops pulled out a very nice prayer out when I put him on the spot for it. Thanks Dad.
It has been pretty rough this weekend. I think it took a while for it to settle in since it all happened so suddenly. I feel like I didn't have time to process and I am still hazy on the details wit the kidney issues. I keep wondering if maybe I had noticed something sooner? I don't know. I am trying not to think about it and just focus on that he was just a great dog.
I don't know what his life was before me, but I know that he was loved very much with me. And that is all that matters. That he had a great life, lots of hiking trips, lots of outside time, lots of walks, lots of belly rubs, lots of butt scratches, lots of treats and lots of love.
I love you Fred Astaire. You are the best dog in the world.
Fred Astaire - 20?? - 3/12/2011
LOVED from 4/16/2007 - Forever
Fred Astaire - in the beginning - circa Spring 2007
Enjoying the Snow
After a walk on the track at Berry
Surprisingly - I have a lot of snow shots for Alabama. I remember taking this one when I came home from lunch and we went for a walk around the neighborhood.
On another walk. Fred has clocked in a lot of miles.
This is one of those where I am sure if he could talk he would have said "Get out of my face, Woman!"
Fred Astaire taking a snooze.
On a hike on one of the trails at Lake Martin.
Fred taking in the scenery at a waterfall at Moss Park with a stranger. Fred made lots of friends on the trails.
Fred hanging out in the back of the car.
Fred Astaire, Ry and Sophie on a hike at Oak Mountain.
Fred in my Moms kitchen. Waiting for something to drop on the floor I am sure!
Fred just being a good, sweet boy.
"Grizz" eating a Ham Bone.
Fred Astaire - Camping in North Alabama
Fred was brought into my life after a few years of having to let go of Angie. I had promised myself I wouldn't get another dog. I loved Angie too much just to have her leave me too soon.
My friend Ruthie's boyfriend Adam had found Fred (then named Red) roaming his office complex in search of food. Adam said that they had a pizza in one of the offices and they left him in there for a few minutes and Fred had already gotten in the pizza (I quickly learned that this would be routine behavior!). I agreed to take Fred since they had two dogs already. I agreed to just feed him and keep a roof over his head. I told myself that I would only care for him, not love him.
When I got him (and renamed him Fred Astaire, which my brother and dad hated immediately) we had a slight learning curve. He didn't like it when I left the house. He didn't like his crate (which Ruthie promised me that he loved). And he didn't know how to play. I soon realized that all Fred really wanted was to be able to look out the window when I left. I got rid of the crate, the ottoman was moved by the window which became his perch when I wasn't home. He was my lookout. When I pulled up - his little head would pop up just waiting for me to come home. He also began to play, doing crazy little jumps and little growls. And of course, I fell in love with him. He was my darling Fred Astaire.
He was My Old Man, Junk Yard Dog (Marc), Street Dog (Amy), Grizz (Dad - short for Grizzly Bear), Freddie the Free Loader (Buck), Fredrick (Sherry) and my Baby.
I don't know when Fred was born (the Vet said he was about 8 or 9), I got him in April 2007. I kinda like to think that he had a rebirth when I got him. I know he was loved so much. Not by just me, but by my friends and family too. Everyone loved him. It was impossible not to.
I am not really sure what happened this weekend. It really is just a daze still. Basically, Friday afternoon Fred was fine. I was outside with my neighbors and it was just the usual. Fred was playing with Ryder, my neighbors Pug, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Saturday morning I took Fred on a walk around the neighborhood. Still, I can't think of anything that was different or unusual. I left the house to meet up with some friends to see the parade downtown, when I got home around 2pm, Fred had thrown up on the floor (which I thought was strange because he never throws up or has accidents). I took him outside and he was acting strange, I ran upstairs and got him some water and brought it back down. He drank it up and then went potty. I went back upstairs to clean up the mess and he was just standing there. I got him on the couch and he wouldn't lay down or get on my lap so I could pet him. It was really bizarre that he wouldn't lay down. We went outside again and it was the same. So I got him in the car and we went to the vet. Dr. Murphy came in and said that we should get an Xray just to make sure he didn't eat anything funky (remember - Fred is notorious for going in the garage can when you leave the house - this is why it is almost always on the counter when I leave). The xrays came back clear for blockage, but there was a mass. Dr. Murphy said he thought it might be his spleen. He couldn't tell until he got in there. He said emergency surgery was needed immediately. We discussed that it might not be the spleen - that it could also be something inoperable. He gave me a few minutes with Fred Astaire. I hugged him and kissed him. I asked God to send his Angels down and be with Fred. I prayed that it was just his spleen that needed to be removed. As they took him back, his little fluffy bushy tail was wagging. And I had a breakdown in the Vestavia Animal Clinic parking lot.
Dr. Murphy called me about 30 minutes later saying that it wasn't his spleen. His kidney was enlarged and moved and it wasn't working. The other one wasn't working even at 50%. I don't know all the details, just that Dr. Murphy said that it would be inhumane to bring him back when he was in renal failure. Fighting back my tears, I agreed with him. After having gone through cancer with Angie and seeing her suffer, I knew it was the right thing to do - even though I didn't want to. He let me come back to the operating room so I could see him one last time. He was so fluffy and soft. I kissed his little white spots on his chest and played with is 'afro toes' and let him know that I would see him again and to wait for me.
I gave them Fred's quilt and they brought him back to me with him wrapped in it. I took him to my dads house. Brittany (our first family dog) and Angie are buried back there. So it just seemed right for Fred to be there too. After we (me, Marc and Dad) buried him, my dad said a little prayer. I don't really remember the details, but I do remember being moved and actually thinking that my Pops pulled out a very nice prayer out when I put him on the spot for it. Thanks Dad.
It has been pretty rough this weekend. I think it took a while for it to settle in since it all happened so suddenly. I feel like I didn't have time to process and I am still hazy on the details wit the kidney issues. I keep wondering if maybe I had noticed something sooner? I don't know. I am trying not to think about it and just focus on that he was just a great dog.
I don't know what his life was before me, but I know that he was loved very much with me. And that is all that matters. That he had a great life, lots of hiking trips, lots of outside time, lots of walks, lots of belly rubs, lots of butt scratches, lots of treats and lots of love.
I love you Fred Astaire. You are the best dog in the world.
Fred Astaire - 20?? - 3/12/2011
LOVED from 4/16/2007 - Forever
Fred Astaire - in the beginning - circa Spring 2007
Enjoying the Snow
After a walk on the track at Berry
Surprisingly - I have a lot of snow shots for Alabama. I remember taking this one when I came home from lunch and we went for a walk around the neighborhood.
On another walk. Fred has clocked in a lot of miles.
This is one of those where I am sure if he could talk he would have said "Get out of my face, Woman!"
Fred Astaire taking a snooze.
On a hike on one of the trails at Lake Martin.
Fred taking in the scenery at a waterfall at Moss Park with a stranger. Fred made lots of friends on the trails.
Fred hanging out in the back of the car.
Fred Astaire, Ry and Sophie on a hike at Oak Mountain.
Fred in my Moms kitchen. Waiting for something to drop on the floor I am sure!
Fred just being a good, sweet boy.
"Grizz" eating a Ham Bone.
Fred Astaire - Camping in North AlabamaThank you everyone who has left me voice mails and e-mails. I really appreciate it. I know you all miss him too. How could you not!?! I will try to get back to you all shortly.
LOVE,
Jennie
LOVE,
Jennie
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Mutts and Bones
One of the better PETA ads.
It has been so nice out these last few weeks. I have been going home every day at lunch to take Fred on nice long walks around the neighborhood. All the trees are blossoming - it is so lovely. I will try to take some pictures this afternoon.
Peace -
JMD
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Slack
I know I know.
I am a horrible blogger. I promise to pick it up! I PROMISE! I need to get some Colorado pictures from Amy Grana and then I will post all of my summer activities along with some fall/winter stuff (which there isn't much of).
In the meantime - I will let Fred Astaire take it way for me.
Ashley took this picture of Fred when we were on a really quick camping trip up to North Alabama back in early November.
I hope everyone had a great and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Peace -
JMD
JMD
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Surprise!!!!
So, back in May I went to Atlanta to help my cousin prepare for my UH and Aunt Linda's 45th surprise anniversary party. It didn't end up being a surprise - but it was still super fun times! I love my UH and Aunt Linda very much and was so excited to help prepare for this party even though I crashed and burned by the end of the night!
My Aunt Linda and Uncle Henry cutting the cake. My cousin Debbie, Craig and myself spent about 2 hours icing this. Craig used his fine culinary skills and decorated it!
A family shot - I don't know why Debbie's kids are making those weird faces. I took several pictures and they were both making crazy face in every one. I love it!
My Cousin Debbie's good friend Toni and her family. I have known Toni since I was like, 10. She is so sweet!
Surprisingly, I have NO pictures of the ceremony where my dad re-did the vows. Nor do I have any pictures of me and Debbie or anyone else! I must work on my photo taking skills and more action shots!
Also - I have no pics of the food we made! I made Pioneer Woman's Roasted Asparagus and Roasted Riccotta Stuffed Roma Tomatoes. They were delish!
Peace - JMD
Monday, August 3, 2009
A Correction and Let's Go Ride A Bike
Holy Sh*t! I have EIGHT followers! My bold apologies to my previous post where I thought I had only four. My deepest regrets. Sneaky little followers ;)
Also - Trish who writes on the biking blog Let's Go Ride A Bike with Dotty, did a post on our biking at The Biltmore House. Check it out! I am international baby! Well, just really in the biking world for a brief moment ;)
Biking the Biltmore - http://letsgorideabike.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/biking-the-biltmore/
Also - Trish who writes on the biking blog Let's Go Ride A Bike with Dotty, did a post on our biking at The Biltmore House. Check it out! I am international baby! Well, just really in the biking world for a brief moment ;)
Biking the Biltmore - http://letsgorideabike.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/biking-the-biltmore/
Upcoming Week!!! Fasten your Seat Belts!
I have been a slacker with the blog! Sorry to all of my very loyal and patient followers! Wait! Great Scott – What? I have only FOUR followers!?!?! Whatever.I have taken so many pictures and I am very lazy to get them up. But I have over 600 pictures and I need to get them off of my card and in another type of media so they won’t be lost forever!
Posts to come later on this week:
My Aunt Linda and UH’s surprise 45th wedding anniversary.
A trip to Ave Maria Grotto with my Aunt Connie while she was visiting from Pittsburgh.
Also where I sang Ave Maria like a superstar the entire time I was there. Fred Astaire and his new hair cut!
A trip to visit with Almita in Denver!
A weekend at the lake with some Auburn Girls.
A week in Western North Carolina and a trip to Biltmore!
And I am sure some other randomness thrown in for good times!
Peace out –
JM
Lake Martin - AquaPalooza
I didn't go to AquaPalooza this year since I was out of town but I heard it was a lot of fun.
I was on Yahoo News today and I saw a picture of a boat-load of boats and turns out the picture is an air shot of Lake Martin's last weekend. Apparently Alan Jackson is the headliner.
A LOT OF BOATS!
Photo taken from the AP. More than 4,000 boats and 35,000 people attended Alan Jackson's headline performance at Sea Ray AquaPalooza Signature Event on Lake Martin, Ala., on July 25. The fourth annual event is the world's largest "party on the water," and open to all boaters. Photo courtesy of Dave Witty.(PRNewsFoto/Sea Ray, Dave Witty)
I am not really one for country music - but had I been in town and someone else was resposible for the boat - I probably would have checked it out! Then complained b.c it was hot and then complain some more b.c you probably couldn't get out of that lake spot easily and then I would have suffered the heat in silence. Kidding. You all know I don't suffer in silence! haha!
Okay - I haven't posted much in a while - I will write another post shortly on what to expect post-wise this coming week ;)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Guess what city this is?!?!
What? You mean you don't know?
Jacksonville Florida people. I know! Anyway - I was there for just a ride and back and there was just enough time to hit the beach for an hour or two. It was super lovely!
Peace -JM
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Angie and Lakota
My Angie Bear and Lakota.
Fred Astaire would have loved you!
You were such a saucy minx.
JM
Fred Astaire would have loved you!You were such a saucy minx.
JM
Friday, April 24, 2009
Snuggie Wuggie? Anyone?
Today I visited Gawker and found that on the main page - there is a post about 'the snuggie' with a bonus Collegiate Edition.
Classy.
Classy.I actually heard about this yesterday while listening to The Roundtable on Jox. Don't ask me why I listen to the sports show during my 5 minute commute to work on my lunch break. They make me laugh. I just wasn't expecting to see Gawker covering it and then placing Auburn and Alabama together. I hope to never see an Auburn Snuggie - it is just the epitome of wastefull spending.
War Eagle!
JM
Thursday, April 16, 2009
More Babies!
My friends Karis and Rick just had another new baby to add to their bunch!
Enter Cole Patrick Gillespie!
Isn't he so cute??!!?!! Precious!
Now I just need to convince Karis to start a blog so I stay on top of the adventures of Marin and Cole!
Congratulations Karis and Rick (even though I know you never check my blog!)!
I miss you guys!
Love,
Jennie
Enter Cole Patrick Gillespie!
Isn't he so cute??!!?!! Precious!
Now I just need to convince Karis to start a blog so I stay on top of the adventures of Marin and Cole!
Congratulations Karis and Rick (even though I know you never check my blog!)!
I miss you guys!
Love,
Jennie
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Introducing Baby Jules!
On Sunday Rachel and the Gang came to Birmingham to see the Dinosaur Exhibit at the BJCC. Rachel and the new Babe Jules hung out at Amy's moms house, Mrs. Guess, while the rest of the fam went to see the exhibit. I went over to the Guess house to visit!
Here is Jules! She is so pretty and is such a good little baby!!
Kristi with Rowan.
I love the Captin Morgan cup in background ;)
Anyway - it was good to see everyone again!
Here is Jules! She is so pretty and is such a good little baby!!
Kristi with Rowan.
I love the Captin Morgan cup in background ;)Anyway - it was good to see everyone again!
And Happy Birthday to Mr. and Mrs. Guess!
Peace -
JM
JM
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