Here we are at Thursday again. A week and a half and it is Christmas. The sun is shining brightly here, which is not a normal in December. - it is chilly, but pretty.
I got Blackie to the vet at 7:30 this morning. He was not a happy camper. Poor baby - I get him home this afternoon. Here's hoping it all goes well.
Be Kind - is huge - I am not sure why so many people feel today that they have the right to be nasty and mean to others. I guess we all live behind the anonymity of a computer screen today - so people think they can say things to other that one would never say to people's faces. It happens daily - we all see it.
I was raised to work hard and to be nice. I also feel that I need grace as I get older - it seems to harden a lot of people. And just being humble - that is huge.
Life is short and fleeting. There is much negativity in the world - we don't need to add to it.
Take time to be kind to another - in every way. You may change their life at least for today.
May you all have a wonderful day and a great weekend.
Thank you, Cheryl. It takes so little effort to just be KIND.
ReplyDeleteYesterday a delivery was made by an older man in a car; UPS and USPS have seasonal jobs for the overflow. I was on the porch. At first he was miffed that I didn't walk down to him. As he came up, he saw the walking boot and I handed him a gift bag with a card on top. As he walked backed to his car he peeked beneath the card and saw the tub of cookies. He said, "Oh, you've made my day! Thank you!" I wished him a Merry Christmas, knowing he'd be even more happy when he sees the $20 tucked into the card.
I'm not saying hand out cash like cookies, or even that you need to gift cookies. A little kindness goes a long way.
You'll be relieved when Blackie is back home. I've been praying all will go without a hitch and he'll heal up quickly. (((Hug)))
--Elise
Oh Elise, that is so much fun. Hahahahahaha....And the though of the man seeing the $20. bill is just wonderful. Great little story!
DeleteDon't you just love doing things like that?
Have fun today, Elise. I think you must be the "Cookie Angel"! : ) ~Amelia P.S. Not many like you anymore!
That was a wonderful thing to do. He will be so pleased.
DeleteYou are so right - it takes little effort to be kind. Yet it seems it also takes little effort on some people's part to be nasty! I just shake my head.
Thank you - I will be happy when he is home.
It's just me. I feed people. :-)
DeleteBecause I have a Dr. apt. with the surgeon tomorrow, and I know he has a staff of 6 women, in my oven today are butter sugar cookies with Christmas sprinkles. When they're done, I'll take a break for awhile. Then, if my foot cooperates, I'll start a batch of something else for the neighbors. The effort brings back happy memories of baking Christmas cookies with my mom and grandma.
Poppy is eating today and seems to be doing better. She's getting used to the kid's tee she has to wear to keep her away from her stitches. Animals seem to rebound so much faster than us humans! --Elise
So glad to hear Poppy is doing well. Gentle hugs sweet baby.
DeleteMy cookie baking for the week is done... butter sugar cookies and Snickerdoodles have filled up two lasagna sized Rubbermaid "take along" containers. I have holiday printed zip-top bags to divide them up into. Whew!!
DeleteFor all the canners... my 2nd batch of apple butter used all the same ingredients as the 1st, other than using Fuji apples vs. Honeycrisp. It came out twice as dark as the 1st batch and sweeter. I'm guessing it all depends on the type of apple used?
Have a fabulous Friday! --Elise
Elise, I grew up in an apple-growing region in SW Michigan and get back over there regularly. An apple grower once commented to me that Honeycrisps are mostly for eating, and Fuji's are for baking and cooking. This was back when Honeycrisps were first coming to market there, mid-80s maybe? I've since learned that it's good to mix apples when making sauce (and I'd assume apple butter). My favorite farmstand sells a mixed bag for applesauce -- including gala, roma, jonathon, jonagold, fuji, macintosh, and at least one other. Don't need to add any sugar, either. The best!
DeleteWe see these signs posted in yards "Just be kind". Kindness takes many forms, from a smile to a helping hand. My niece Nancy is a kind person and someone I am always delighted to see. Her dad (my brother) is always smiling and mostly likely laughing about something. Nancy is very much like her dad. Erin says she liked Uncle Carl's laugh. How can a person be unkind with these personality traits? They can't! Life is ever so much sweeter with the positive vibes that kindness brings. I'm sure you've heard the phrase "scratch your mad and get glad".
ReplyDeleteHope Blackie is doing okay. I bet he was not happy!
Beautiful sunshine! Temperatures are crazy.
Donna, Aha! I knew a young man who would say, "They'll have to scratch their heads and get glad". I knew it didn't rhyme, so you have solved the mystery! Haha! It's "scratch their *mad*"....
DeleteHave a great day, ~Amelia
Cute saying! I like that.
DeleteThe world would be so much better if everyone did something kind each day. EVERYONE
Such a small thing that is such a HUGE gift.
No not happy at all. Can't wait to get him home.
Oh so very true, Cheryl. Oh so true.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to be nice right? That is what my old pastor's senior pastor would say to him! : ) I've always remembered that.
I'm flabbergasted at times what people will do, write, say or not do, write or say. Even the punctuation they use is halting to others, it definitely sends a bad, bad feeling to the recipient and can raise one's blood pressure! Or on the other hand? We can bless others with our words, giving a soothing feel to the person on the receiving end, blessing that person.
Your wrote: "Take time to be kind to another - in every way. You may change their life at least for today." Amen sister.
Very good reminder here, Cheryl. I'm praying for you and Blackie, have been since early this morning. : ) (((big gentle hugs to you and Blackie))). Let us know how that little guy is doing please. : )
I appreciate you, ~Amelia
Yes it IS nice to be nice. Some people only think of 'it is nice to be right'. Which is usually only in their minds! There seem to be so many people today that just appear to be miserable. It is so sad.
DeleteThere are some people I have tried and tried to be nice to and I get yelled at or put down for it. You tend to just shut those people out after a while.
May we all smile and be nice and just spread the love.
Amelia, my Sis is 7 yrs. older than me and started her family at a younger age. Meaning I got to see how she mothered. When her kids were little, she used to say, "If you're going to be ugly, you can go be ugly by yourself!" She'd send them to their rooms. When I had kids of my own, our #1 house rule was treating each other with respect. To this day I don't tolerate ugliness in my house. When there are arguments (as sometimes happens in every household), they're not allowed to get ugly, because even when frustrated or angry, respect is possible. JMO.
DeleteAs my maternal grandma used to say, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."
Seems like many of us are on the same page. (((Hug)))
--Elise
Cheryl, Yes, it's so hard to understand. I'm the same way, I'm pretty quiet spoken for the mostpart and laugh loudly like I mean it, but if someone keeps on with rudeness or anything as disrespect etc, the velvet curtains slam down and dust flies! lol ...And as you wrote, I hold them at arms length (if I have to), no more trust, I forgive and wouldn't hurt them but I know that leopard hasn't changed it's spots as my dad used to say. My Irish grandma, my German grandpa's second wife used to say: "You fool me once, shame on you. You fool me twice, shame on me." I have to protect myself, I have a sensitive disposition and can't take those kind of people if I can help it.
DeleteI sure hope Blackie is ok? ~Amelia
Elise, those are very good pointers. I agree! : ) No ugliness allowed. And no door slamming tolerated. Yes, I don't mind opinions being shared but respect and kindness, please.
DeleteMy mom has always said the same thing, Elise. 'If you can't say something nice than don't say it at all." That's the first thing I think of.
Yes, I think many here are on the same page with that. : )
Have a sweet evening, Elise. (((hugs!))) ~Amelia
P.S. Have you or anyone seen the beautiful Hobby Lobby commercial? Oh it will do your heart good if you haven't...Just beautiful. The kindness and sacrifice that is shown by a young man towards his working (single?) mom is so beautiful....
ReplyDelete~Amelia
Yes, there are a couple of heart warming commercials this year.
DeleteOn Tuesday when we were in Sam's and heading for the exit a man with a huge loaded flat bed cart almost ran me over so he could get in front of us in line. A little further on a couple were waiting to get in the exit line and Hubby told them to go in front of us. We had the most happy conversation with them while we were waiting which was just a bonus in our day. If we all just did one nice thing every time we go out it would make a different world.
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT! Yes - seems everyone is in such a hurry and only thinking of themselves today. I truly hate that.
DeleteI let people go ahead a lot - especially when they have a few things - and they always seem shocked. It is just the kind thing to do.
You can meet some of the best people that way. Not only did you make their day, but yours as well. Job well done.
Exactly, Lana. Don't you think it starts with just being grateful ourselves? Too many today look for things to be angry about, ignoring all they have to be *thankful* about. I don't know. It just seems (to me) nicer people appreciate all the little things too often overlooked.
DeleteA grocery checker responded to my question about her day this way... "I have a job, shelter, food and a son who loves me; it's a GREAT day!" She just beamed. And that made my day! --Elise
As Saku would say, "paws crossed" that all goes well for Blackie. He probably won't be happy with you when he gets home, and will hide, but I'm sure having less pain will be a real benefit to him.
ReplyDeleteYes, paws crossed! I just got a call and he is doing fine - groggy - but fine. I will pick him up a little later today. They said he was a trooper and a vet tech fell in love with him!
DeleteGreat! : ) PTL
Delete...That little Cassanova. lol Keep us posted, Cheryl as you are able.
Lovely post, thank you for reminding me. I am generally nice but this time of year it seems especially important. Hilogene in Az.
ReplyDeleteI think we all need a reminder now and then. This time of the year can be depressing and it can be hard on people. That doesn't mean we should not be nice. We should be extra nice.
DeleteHopefully Blackie will be so happy to be back home and out of the cage at the vets that he won't be too mad at you.
ReplyDeleteKindness does go a very long way. For the giver and the receiver. Every time I hear or see someone being rude or mean I think to myself they need to put a little love in their heart, sometimes I even tell them.
He will be more than happy to be home. I know I will be.
DeleteYes, it does go a long way, on both sides. Reminds me of a song!!! Put a little love in your heart!
LilBit will probably not be friendly to Blackie this evening, his smell will be all wrong. I'm not sure what one is to do, but rub LilBit with a damp washcloth and then rub Blackie with it to make him smell more like home and less like the vet's office? Or dab them both with vanilla extract? Poor Blackie, will he be in a cone? Limited to liquid or soft wet food?
ReplyDeleteYes, a little kindness is very helpful. I've had days of kindness this week, and I'm very appreciative. :)
MaryB
Oh Lil Bit sure has missed him! She cried and cried, now has been laying close by me.
DeleteNo cone. Soft or wet food for many days. They said he should feel much better.
Just those moments of kindness can change everything. So lovely and so unexpected when we recieve them.
I’m so glad that Blackie will soon feel better. How lucky those two cats are to have you.
ReplyDeleteLouise
I feel like the lucky one. I just wasn't even going to have an indoor cat again - then well, I have 2!
DeleteI think from what the vet said - he will feel a lot better.
I would so very kindly like a nap!
ReplyDeleteYou have my permission! If nothing else go to bed early tonight.
DeleteSo many people are just plain nasty, and I really don't understand why. It takes nothing to smile, or say something nice especially at this time of year.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Agree 100%. Being nice is downright FREE to give away!
DeleteBeen thinking about Blackie all day. Is he home yet? Glad to read (above) he came through fine and endeared himself to a vet tech.
ReplyDelete--Elise
Yes, home and glad to be. He is calm and quiet this morning, I am sure some of the loopy medicine(LOL!) has worn off. Resting.
DeleteThank you for the update, Cheryl. Lil Bit is probably happy to have him back! By next week he'll be back to his normal self.
DeleteHow is Blackie? I tried to find a comment to see if he's home yet and reading between the lines it looks like things are fine? I could very well be overlooking the latest though. : )
ReplyDelete~Amelia
He is home and fine. Glad to be home. He actually ate like he never had before last night (soft) - but not so interested this morning. I am sure the anesthesia is wearing off. He is resting.
DeleteThank God, glad all is well and you can rest, relieved in your cozy home with those fur angels as Blackie recoups. : ) Thank you for the update, Cheryl! A hug!
DeleteThe other day, I was thinking how bad it must feel to have all his teeth pulled. So, the kitty is taking up with you because he/she is lonesome? Did you ever figure out the sex of kitty?
ReplyDeleteHe had 4 pulled, although it appears he has lost others over the years. So still has some teeth. Eating soft food for a while!
DeleteYes, Lil Bit was close to me all day for missing Blackie.
I still think girl.
I'm not sure why people have to be mean. I look for the nice ones and smile. Unfornately trying to smile at the mean ones is very hard! I'm glad your little kitty is better..it's worrisome when they need the vet. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteI don't get it either. Yes, but that smile at a snarky or mean one - does get their goat! Maybe it makes them stop and think!
DeleteThanks - he is resting.
Hello, all!
ReplyDeleteI thought I oughta pop 8n so you didn't think I died! I'm just going about my normal ignoring of Christmas lol. Sorta lol. I'm actually scanning ideas for things to make next year lol. Winter is a good time to craft because there's no yardwork. It doesn't annoy me in January. Hubs is using some vacation time so we're hoping to get a couple of boxes to the thrift store.
I'm assuming Blackie had a tooth abscess? My bud has dealt with many of those in her stray little freeloaders lol. It takes a bit to catch them, but they come back neutered, out of pain, and ear snipped to indicate they're strays and neutered so nobody else needs to catch them. 7nless they're soft hearted and help them when they're sick or injured. I know Blackie will feel better.
I hope you're all enjoying the season. I wish you the best and I'll see you after New Year's, when all us Scrooges come out to play lol.
Hi Debby - glad to see you post and check in. We do worry about you! Only a few more weeks and it will all be in the rear view window!
DeleteHe has gingivitis, abscessed teeth (removed 4), and just an icky mouth. He had lost some on his own in the past from what they said. He is resting and that is good.
Look forward to you and your normal self in January!!!
It takes nothing away from us to be kind to other people. Great message, Cheryl. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is so true. We gain - we do not lose. Thank you!
DeleteBe joyful! Everyday above ground is a good day. I hope everyone can find the good in themselves. There is too much hate in this world.
ReplyDeleteYES MAM!!!!!!! There is so much hate and just nastiness.
DeleteI love that "I hope everyone can find the good in themselves". Only then can they find good in others!!!!
Thanks!
Laurie, watching the sunrise again this morning it occurred to me no two are the same. It's a reminder that each day is a gift in itself, wrapped in different colors and patterns. --Elise
Delete