Imagine a Place...

Where children of all abilities and disabilities, can play together. A place where there is no judgments, no fears, and children are free to be children, side by side, regardless of their handicaps or limitations. A child in a wheel chair can climb a tower, swing, or play in a sand box alongside their friends. Children with downs can participate in activities they normally would stand on the sidelines for. Youngsters who are blind, autistic, those with physical disabilities, all in one place. In Port Washington WI, and in many cities in the U.S. and beyond, there are such a playgrounds. And soon, there will be one here. In our community, built by its citizens, with money earned through fund raising and donations, grants and sponsors. I'm in the process of working with Leather Associates in New York, to bring this amazing project here. Putting together a steering committee is in the works right now. Soon there will be a community informational meeting to gather interest, volunteers, and committee members. This will be a lengthy process, about a year from inception to build week. Design Day will be in November, where an associate from Leathers will be here to get input from adults, and children on what they see in a playground, as they will help design it. To know that all children from all backgrounds and abilities will be able to play together will make this venture all worth while.
I ask your prayers during this project, that the right people come forth for the committee, and that God guide us in our work for this great project!
If you'd like to see more on this project, visit Leather Associates.

Port Crescent Sunsets

One of the things I really enjoyed while on our camping trip was watching the sunsets over the water. On this side of the thumb, we get the sunrise, so it's a special treat to see it set.

I've also loved seeing the water fowl this year. The crane was up north, this swan is at a neighbors pond.

As are the Canadian Geese. They flew in while I was taking pictures of the swan.

A Summer Break

Tuesday afternoon, I took Mom and headed to my brother Jay's house for a couple days. It's the perfect place to go and relax, listen to the quiet and be still.
I've always loved this old coop that sits along the garden. It houses some of his chickens.
Cheryl, his wife, quilts. He does too, in his special way. He calls this his "garden quilt". Every patch carefully placed, and as does hers, yields a bounty of beauty and practicality. He raises chickens for food, and eggs. Jay built the new coop this spring. The wood is over 100 year old barn wood, planed. He made the cedar shingles himself from logs on their property, nestled in the national forest , and also added a potting area for Chery. I'm so proud of him, if you haven't already, visit him at Willow Winds. He's an amazing artist in primitive skills and Native American ways of life. Truly an inspiration.

Good-bye Mitch

"Follow the bouncing ball". And we did. Every week, our family gathered around the t.v. for what was my favorite show. Sing Along With Mitch. I loved this night, not only for the entertainment, but because it was snack night. Things we couldn't have during the week were a big treat, as we sang and ate along with Mitch. Frito's, chips, ice cream, were some of the fare I remember so well. And of course there was Mitch. I loved the smiley face, the way he conducted, the fabulous voices, and of course the bouncing ball, so all could follow along. I was a youngster then, but Mitch is so vivid in my mind.
When we had our puppet troupe, Dad used his records to find songs for the skits. I remember singing along back stage while waiting for our puppets turn to perform. Ah the memories. My Wild Irish Rose, Memories, In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree, all still bring such pleasant memories.
Mitch Miller died yesterday, at the age of 99. But the memories and good times shared will never leave me.

Welcome Paddy!

My sister Kathy, finally got the dog of her dreams! Paddy was adopted from our humane society. She wanted a dog that would be a little buddy, and enjoy her lifestyle. Kathy loves to kayak, bike, and hike. Paddy fell right into the routine. Yesterday he went for his first kayak ride. He did fantastic! He settled right in, and enjoyed the ride. He's a cock-a-poo according to his vet, and the perfect little dog for her!

A Big Surprise From Miss Pearl!!

When I read the post on Pearls blog, about the two girls who could use her MIL's gifts, I had no idea she was talking about my sister Wendy and I! I was so surprised to come home Friday and find a box full of goodies on the porch! This is just a portion of the wonderful things enclosed. So many pretty, useful craft and cq supplies!!! I've already used a couple, and Wendy and I split up a lot of it! Thank-you Miss Pearl! You truly made our day!!!!!

Toby and Tyler

The day came. The day I hoped would. Toby and Tyler are now tamed. So yesterday, I went to talk to the director at the humane society. "Laurie," she said, "I want to show you something." As we began to walk, the tears welled in my eyes. What I saw was more than I could stand. Room after room, cage after cage, of kittens. Cats. Every age and stage of life, but mostly, kittens. Play rooms, c bank, incubation room. All full. Housed in this building are at least 100 young cats, and a few adult. Their future? Hopefully to find a forever home. "For every 3 that may go out in a day, 15 may come in." Heart sick. That's all I could feel. Prognoses for Toby and Tyler? Grim. As wild cats, only used to me, they would go mad if put in a cage, surrounded by cages of other kittens, they wouldn't be able to handle it,and at that point the only option is to be put down. I can't, and I won't. I was offered an option, and will take it. Tomorrow, they are going to the humane society for worming, blood work up, and shots. Next week, they will be neutered. From there, they are coming home. Against my husbands will, but the other option is more than I can bear. With 33 years as director of the humane society, she had hoped to see a change. That pet owners would understand the importance of having their pets spayed or neutered. That they would be responsible. Yet year after year, from early spring through October, hundreds of kittens pass through the doors.

These babies have had a rough start. They took a long time to trust, and though Toby (left) is totally tame and the loudest purrer on the face of the planet, Tyler still has a ways to go.

As it stands now, these are Andy's babies. He bathes them, talks to them, disciplines,reprimands, teaches, and plays with them. He's their daddy, friend, and companion. He would be beside himself if they left.
So they won't. For now.