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Friday, February 22, 2013

In Honor of our great cat CJ

You know the day will come.  Nothing that a person looks forward to, but it always come.  Your beloved animal that has been a part of your life for a very long time has reached the end of their life. 
Today, was that day for our cat CJ. 

Anyone that has ever been to our house, would have met CJ.  He was just one of those types of cats.  He was the greeter.  He didn't care if you liked cats or not, he liked you. 

CJ's life started with us in 1995.  There was a little farm store in Yukon, and they had pets, and animal food etc. The store was called Lovable Critters.   We were with the boys and stopped in one day.  The boys spotted these kittens.  Well, you know the rest of that story.  Heck we had 1 cat, why not 2!!! 

As the story goes, the boys named him CJ...thinking it stood for Critter Jasmin.  Named after the store kinda.  Well, low and behold when we took CJ to the vet, Dr. Holmes informed us that CJ was a guy!  OH MY~~  Never had a "boy" cat before, but he would be fixed and all would be good in our world. 

I had no idea how little boy cats liked to go outside.  I never had a cat that even wanted to think about it.  In the middle of the night, CJ would meow to his highest level.  About drove us all crazy....well, at least it did Chuck and I.  The boys could sleep through anything.  One morning I woke up and told Chuck I had the best sleep I had in months, and wondered why CJ hadn't meowed all night.  He said he had no idea, and went about our morning.  I started looking for CJ and could hear him meowing and it sounded like he was outside.  Opening the front door, guess who was standing there...CJ!!!!  Chuck just grinned, and told me he had put him outside the night before. 

From that day on, CJ became our indoor, outdoor cat.  He was such a good cat.  Big and beautiful.  He was pretty independent, and knew his boundaries in the neighborhood.  He loved our dogs, but knew to stay away from the ones he didn't know. 

CJ was the typical crazy cat.  He loved Christmas.  Heck, the Christmas tree was for him, wasn't it!!   He found his way up to the middle of the tree, and there he would sit.  He only did that one year, but he always loved to sit under the tree.  I guess he thought he was outside.  LOL 

Fast forward to 2003.  We move to the "country".....I worried about CJ and the move.  He was great.  As long as his dog sisters, and brother was with him, all was good in the world. 

The country living brought a new world into view for CJ.  He adorned us with small snakes, moles, and baby rabbits.  He thought it was so exciting to bring them to us.  He adapted to the country life quite well. 

I am so glad he was able to live out his wonderful 18 yrs of life as a happy and content cat.  He had really started to slow down the last couple of years, and had become my buddy in the evenings, sitting next to me in my chair.  He was kind of a chair hog, as he wanted to lay as close to me as he could. 

He slipped away rather quickly.  He was showing age, as he liked to sleep all day, but what cat doesn't.  He didn't greet people when they came over.  The last week we noticed he wasn't eating very much.  His back legs were getting very weak.  His hind quarters were sinking in.  We knew his time was near, and last night, he gave me reason to decide to take him and have him put down. 

I feel so bad to have to have an animal put down, but he was not able to get around.  He was lost and confused, and acted as if he had gone blind.  He would just sit and look around like he wasn't even sure where he was at.  Last night I closed him in the utility room so he would be safe, and this morning with a very heavy heart I took him to our vet and asked them to put him out of his misery.  He was down to 8 lbs. and was just a skeleton of the cat he once was. 

So is the life and times of CJ....our wonderful cat.  I think we are through with any new animals in this house.  This is just too painful. 

I know that CJ is without pain, and living the good life on the other side.  That gives me peace inside, but I will really miss my chair pal. 

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Sunday (Quartet) Afternoon Ride 2-17-13

Weather is just about perfect today.....except....the wind....Yep, the wind.  You know if you live in Oklahoma, for it to get warm  the wind has to be out of the south.  Well, let me tell you it is today!!!

I think from now on, instead of naming our riding partners by their names, Chris & Diana, I will coin a name that I saw for a new movie.  We will be knows in blog land as the "Quartet".  Now I know that has to do with music, but I think we are going to make it for motorcycle riding friends.  Yes, spread the word....The Quartet's are riding.

We, the Quartets had a bit of a mission today.  Part of it is to soak up some of the great vitamin D that God has so graciously given us today.  The other is to fill our stomachs...(imagine that)....and the most important part of the day is to run by and see how Tom is doing.

We decide to eat at Flat Tire Burger in Bethany.  The place was pretty full when we got there, but looks like it is clearing out by the time we get our food.  Oh My Gosh....their burgers are so good.  I am not notably a burger person, but I really do like theirs.  Chuck is able to get a turkey burger there as well, so it is a win, win for this Quartet.  Diana tried the Taco Salad and she said it was really good as well.

I have been texting Norma to make sure Tom is up to having visitors today.  She said she thought he would enjoy it.  We made a quick stop at the Braum's to get him some milk....yes, we deliver...bet you didn't know that!

Tom was feeling pretty good.  He is a bit weak on his right side.  He is so lucky that the stroke wasn't that bad.  Dr's say he can go back to work.  Not sure when he is going to do that, as Norma says it may take him too long to get ready...LOL...said he was a bit slow today.  Hope he doesn't rush it.  He has plenty of R&R time at work, so he needs to get well.  He has one restriction and it is that he can't ride his bike for 3 months.  No bueno on that, but a guy has to do what the doc says!!!

Tom's daughter, Jennifer, was working on a ceiling fan in the dining room as we got there.  Chris being the gentlemen and electrician that he is, stepped right in, and help Jennifer get that fan up with just one small hitch.  She had to run and buy some different screws for the fixture.  Chris makes the installation look so darn easy.  I think he has done it a few times.



We didn't want to wear out our welcome, so we said our goodbyes, and got on the bikes and headed east on I-40.  Temperature was great, but that darn 25 plus mph wind was not good.








Chuck had gotten a new app for the Iphone yesterday, and I had to try it out as we rode.  I think it is pretty cool...I may use this for some of the pics for the blog!!!  Might want to try it out yourself.  It was free!!!






We just made a big circle and came back towards Yukon.  Our last stop of the day was to Louie's and mothers.  Louie's computer had an issue that Chuck checked out.

Sure is nice to see the days are getting longer.  Maybe we will actually see Spring pretty soon.  We have some trees that are budding out.






Our final stop was the Braum's in Yukon.  Have to top the day off with ice cream.    The sunset was very colorful this evening.  Love those sunsets!
All in all, we had a great day.  We seem to do that when we are with the Biggs.  As we get home, that South wind has decided to change to blow from the North for awhile.  I just thought the wind blew hard from the South...we are supposed to have wind gust up over 40 mps on Monday.  Hold on to your hat!!!  That wind is sweeping down the plains again!  Whatever you lost yesterday, will be back in your yard tomorrow.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

CA Run 2-10-13

The annual Candy Ass Run was a big success this year.  The reason it was a big success is the weather was beautiful.  I am telling this story second hand, because, I didn't go!!!  Oh no!!! 
There was no reason to not attend, other than about a thousand reasons...LOL.

First and foremost, my side kick, Diana was in Florida visiting her sister that is having to deal with chemotherapy.  Second...I just didn't want to go!  There, I said it.
So, from here on, this is just hear say!!! From my husband....LOL  ps...he didn't take any pics, and I found these on the CA site!!! 

Chuck met up with Chris at the Braums in Yukon at 9:30.  The plan is to meet up with the other riders around 10am.  I have to say the weather is just about perfect.  Still a bit cool but, was going to be a picture perfect day. 

Guess they all met up and took off on the poker run.  Allen, Doreen, Tom, a friend of Allen's, Chris and Chuck made up their little group of riders.  Seems like they saw about everyone we knew that road a bike. I am here to tell you, the weather was "perfect".   Will be a great money maker for the Oklahoma City HOG Chapter! 

They made all their stops, and I guess the only interesting thing that happened along the way was the guy that Allen had brought with, almost ran out of gas.  Not to sure how a person does that as the poker stops are at gas stations.  Just sayin!!! 

Their last stop is the casino in Shawnee.  Understand that they had a coupon to eat there and it was only $5.  They say the food was really good...and heck, the price was awesome. 

Looks like the group were "loser's" again this year.  I know my Chuck didn't come home with the bacon.  Sounds like they had a great day to ride, and had a fun time.

Everyone got home safely.  So glad they can ride with loads of bikes, and make it home without any incidents. 


Picture of Tom & Chuck  :) Doreen too! 



I have to add to this post, and say how very, very lucky we feel that Tom was able to make it home safely.  Seems that we get a call on Tuesday, and Norma informs Chuck that Tom has had a small stroke.  Apparently it happened as the guys left the casino.  He is doing fine and in the hospital getting checked out.  We made a trip to the hospital, and Tom says things are kinda foggy.  He says as he was leaving, he kept trying to fiddle with his throttle.  He said it just wasn't acting right.  I don't think the throttle was the issue.  So thankful that his guardian angel got him home safely.  Praying that all the meds and Dr.'s fix him up as good as new. 

I was reading a persons blog and they had this scripture and I thought it was fitting for this post.
Matthew 6:34  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own. 

Keep Tom and Diana's sister, Debbie, in your prayers. 

We just never know what is around the corner for us...better enjoy the day!!! 

Happy Trails Ya'll




 

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Casi Cielo (at least for February) 2-2&2-3-2013

I saw this new coffee at Starbucks last week.  It is called Casi Cielo, translated it means Almost Heaven. Haven't tried the coffee as I am not a real hard core coffee drinker, but,  I can sure can make it a title for the blog!!!  LOL

We had a Saturday impromptu without a doubt.  Chris & Chuck were riding from Shawnee and Diana & I are in the car, since the reason to go to Shawnee was to pick up Chris's bike.  Anyway, Chuck gives me a call to say they are going to make a stop in Midwest City to check on a job that Chris is working on.  During the conversation, Chuck says that Chris has said he wanted to ride to Durant.  Are we interested in this little adventure....of course we are.  Heck the weather is great.  We are getting some 60 degree days, and this just happens to be one of them, so why not!!!

Not sure why we didn't think of this a little earlier in the day, but that is the way it goes sometimes.  Guess that is what makes it an Impromptu!!!  By the time we get back home, packed and reservations made at the Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant, OK., it is about 5pm.    It is about 3 to 3-1/2 hours away, so we are going to wear some of the heated gear we have to make this ride a little more comfortable.  For some strange reason, I just couldn't get myself together.  I forgot my leather legs,  so about a mile from the house, we did a u-turn and went back.  By the time we get back to the house, I realize I don't have the thermostat for my coat.  I am not a happy camper by this time.  Can't find my thermostat, can't find my heated gloves...what the heck!!!  Finally back on the bike, I don't need anything heated, cause I am hot enough at this point  :/  You know, you have been there.

Finally we are on our way, and the wind has calmed down some.  It is a nice ride.  Our first stop is in Ardmore so we an fuel up.  As luck would have it, we get the one pump that doesn't want to work...do you see a trend here!!!  After I walk in and stand in line for what seems to be hours, finally the lady goes ahead and turns on the pump.  I didn't have the credit card in my hand, and she said to be sure and come back and pay...YOU THINK!!!!!  Don't think I have ever driven away from a gas station and not paid.  Truly if I ever did, it sure would be for the $21 of a motorcycle fill up...give me a big ole honker of a gas hog!!!  LOL...

Back on the road, and we make good time and get to the casino around 8:30.  Check in went smoothly, and the guys found really good parking spots for the bikes.  We get our stuff up to the rooms, and head down to the registration booth.  We have never been here, so we have to get a "players card".  After we get registered, we head to eat at the buffet.  The line closes at 10pm, so we just made it in time.  Food was very good, and the service was great!

OK...so it's time to hit the casino floor.  We have $10 of free play burning a hole in our pockets....LOL
Diana & I have been checking the machines as we walk through.  They have a packed house tonight, so had to decide where we might want to drop this big wad of dough.








Finally light on a few machines.  I have spied one that has some bee hives on it.  I sat down and punched all the buttons to get my $10 free play going.  I spin 2 times, yes, 2, and all of a sudden my machine starts paying off.  Have no idea what is going on, cause I have never played this machine before.  By the time it finishes, I am $288 richer.  Wow, cash me out...Stick a fork in me, I am done.














Not sure if anyone knows this, but this girl is usually the "loser".  I am so excited....$288 cold hard cash....WOW!!!  Can't say much for the rest of the guys...no smiling faces on the other 3.  As we stroll and talk about my winning....I come across a machine that was calling my name.  I went over and stuck $20 in it.  It was a Year Of Happiness machine.  Well, what can I say...I am on a roll.  $184.41 later...I am happy, really Happy....Not sure if my stars are in alignment or what but I am on a roll!!!




Wish my husband and friends had been as lucky as me tonight, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be.  This girl is on cloud nine.  Not pushing my luck any further, I think I am going to cash out and put my wad of bills in a safe spot.  LOL

Sunday.....

Woke up and started to get cleaned up, and guess what!!!  I have no foundation or blush....hmmm, guess I didn't pack very well yesterday.  Too busy getting heated gear, and to heck the the necessities...LOL...But, I did have eye makeup and lipstick.  My head is going to be stuck in a helmet all day anyway, so I guess it really doesn't matter...Just another one of those crazy things I did yesterday, or didn't do.

Wow, the view from our room was really nice.  We couldn't see what was out there the night before, so with the sunshine we see a whole different world.  Too bad it is winter.  There is a beautiful pool, slide, hot tub and palm trees out there.
















We go down to the breakfast buffet around 9am.  It was about 10 minutes before they opened, so I thought I would see if my luck was holding on or was this just a fluke.  I think it was just a perfect alignment of the lucky star, cause it wasn't working this morning.  I spent $10 in nothing flat.
The line opened up for the buffet so we go and eat.  The food was as good as the night before.  They sure had a lot to choose from.  When finished we start wandering back towards the rooms.  I find another game that looks interesting but that $10 was gone in a heartbeat as well.  Best just leave and be very happy with the earnings from the night before.  :)

The ride home was a nice ride.  We went down some roads we had never been on.  The wind is blowing out of the east, and it is pretty overcast, so the day isn't as warm as the day before.  Still a very nice ride for the month of February.  Got to see how low the lake was at Texhoma.  We are really in need of some rain.  The wheat doesn't look very good either.  Just hope the rain gods decide to come and visit Oklahoma this year.  We sure don't need to have another dust bowl!





















As we go through the town of Kingston, OK, Diana tells us a "factoid" about the town.  The town only has one traffic light, and it seems they hung the traffic light upside down as a novelty.  It was just that until a color blind man ran that said light, and hit a car and killed someone.  They asked him why he ran a red light, and he said he didn't.  They informed him that he did, and then he explained that he was color blind.  Well, you know where this story is going.  He ended up suing the City, and he was not charged with the death.  Now, I didn't check all this out completely, but this is what Miss Diana tells us.
So we take it as "fact"...LOL







As we are riding through the town of Ross, Chuck says he is going to do a u-turn and stop for pictures.












I just love the red and white paint on the old decrepit shops.    If you look in the window you can see a wild animal sitting there looking at us.



























We meandered our way back home, and pulled into the house around 4pm.  Had a really nice time on this impromptu!  I am a WINNER!!!!  Thanks Chris for suggesting we go there!  Looks like we traveled about 400 miles on this little trip to Casi Cielo!