Baby Lexie... she was a momma's puppy

And she still is!  She loves everyone until her momma moves then she says, "See ya ... got to go."

Dogs are so good for the human ego... they love you no matter what you say or do.

What do I want to be when I grow up

Hummmm... let me see,

1. a good wife... half a check because I'm not very good sometimes


2. a good mother... I'll give myself a check for effort











3. a jockey... yet right ... don't they weigh about 50 pounds.... I could be three jockey

4. a rock star... I could be because all of them today just scream and I'm so good at that

5. an alien... y'all do know I'm listing my six year old wish list right... and I'm going to give myself a check mark because I'm different... some people would say alien

6. a circus performer.... life is a circus... check

7. be rich, I'm rich in friends, happiness and love

check

check

check

Dangers of picking peppers in the Fall

Went to pick my peppers this afternoon... which I not suppose to do since I'm just getting over surgery... and BAM..... I got stung by a wasp.... one of those big black and red ones.  Now I can't ask for sympathy because Ronnie got stung last week and I laughed..

Pay back is heck.


But the worst part was taking pictures for this blog.... I mean really, don't you think those hands look like something out of a horror shop... Dang I feel old.

The mums was a gift from my friend Irene.  They made things better but not much.

I don't want to take a nap

How many times have I heard this from my kids and grandkids.

I would say... Rest... it makes you grow big and strong....
Now I say...I'm big enough and strong enough

I would say...You'll be in a better mood this afternoon when Daddy gets home....
Now I say.. I'm never in a better mood in the afternoons... bad or semi-bad are my moods

I would say...You're going to take a nap and you will lay there until you do...
Now I say...want to bet

Yes I'm cranky
Yes I know I need to take it easy and be good
but easy and good are not adjectives that usually describe me... really they're not

awesome and fabulous are my words...

Okay now I have to take a nap because I laughed so hard my side is hurting.

National Book Fair... "Don't Feed the Boy" by Irene Latham

How cool it must be to have a book represent your state at the National Book Fair... you go Irene
 www.irenelatham.com

Fall... the last sigh

Don't you just love spring ... it calls to us, "Are you ready!  Get ready!"  Everything is new and fresh

Don't you just love summer... it calls to us, "Lets play.  Lets go fishing, swimming, go camping or ride a horse."  Everything is moving and active.

Don't you just love Fall... it calls to us, "Bring in your crops.  Cut back your flowers. Read a book in the weak sunshine.  Prepare."  Everything is sucking in the last breath and preparing for winter.

Don't you just love winter... it calls to us, "Relax.  Re-group.  Make plans.  Rest."  Everything is sleeping.  Winter is the charge cycle for most living things.

Enjoy this day for what it is and all the possibilities it has.  Don't let the one negative to this day be your attitude. 

A Friend...but so much more

It is with a sad heart that I write my finally goodbye to someone I've known nearly forty five years.  You was the kindness, gentleness most generous person and I was blessed to be a daily part of your life.  We have laughed, cried, danced with joy and share our hearts.  I talked to her nearly every day.  She was a sister more than a friend and her husband is just as important in mine and Ronnie's life.  I recall our conversation last week when she was showing me the new puppy she was fostering....
 "Don't get attached," I said. 
"I'm not but isn't she cute," she said.
 I rolled my eyes and said, "You don't need a puppy!  Don't you think forty dogs is enough? 
She grinned and said, "I'm only fostering the new ones." She cuddled that puppy, put it back behind the gate in her basement and turned to me... "By the way, do you know anyone looking for a good grown cat." 
"Debbie!"  I said.  "Tell me you didn't take another cat."
She calmly walked up the stairs and said," no ... three.
"What are you crazy.  What are you going to do with three grown cats.  You already have more cats than you need.
"Tell me I'm stupid... maybe someday it will sink in."
"You're stupid," I said.  Then we laughed and talked about books we had read and me helping her get organized and the garden .... just normal things.
When I had my surgery on Monday... she called several times to check on me and to make sure Lexie was being cared for... she called my phone around 8:30 pm leaving the message to call her so she would know I was okay.... I never got to talk to her.
I know I fussed at you for taking on all those strays but you knew I didn't think you was stupid... you was special... you had a heart that embraced the weak, unwanted and neglected.  You always wanted to make things better... easier... even if it made things harder for you...I have lost a dear friend and the world has lost a guardian angel.  Maybe your heart just couldn't hold all the love you held for Robert, your dogs, and cats, your customers, your employees, your family and your friends.

Every time I watch a sunset or a sunrise... I eat a piece of chocolate, or make a cup of coffee  I will remember you.
I can almost hear you singing in heavens choir.




Debra Lou Keener Watkins, of Iron City, Tenn., passed away on Monday, Sept. 9, 2013, at ECM Hospital unexpectedly at the age of 58.Visitation will be Saturday, Sept. 14, from noon-2 p.m. at Rogersville Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow immediately in the chapel. Burial will be in the Piney Grove Cemetery, Mt. Zion community, at a later date.Debbie was the owner of Debbie's Tidy Dog, a very proud member of the Shoals Praise and Worship Choir and a member of the Church of Christ.Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Al and Hazel Keener; brother, Travis Keener; brother-in-law, Johnny Linville; and niece, Gayla Adams.She is survived by her husband, Robert Watkins; sisters, Janie Linville and Ann Adams; brother, Dan (Teresa) Kenner; special aunt, Lucy Killen; mother-in-law, Edna Watkins; sisters-in-law, Donna (Fay) Parker and Paula (Keith) Stevenson; brother-in-law, Anthony (Kathy) Watkins; and numerous nieces and nephews.Debbie found her niche in life when she opened Debbie's Tidy Dog. She truly loved her customers, but caring for their pets was what made her happiest. She never tired of trying to find loving homes for all homeless animals. She loved fostering animals for H.A.R.S.A. and believed all pets deserved loving homes.