Crazy Idea

I had a crazy idea the other day. I wondered if anyone who owned a Bed and Breakfast in Ireland would be the least bit interested in doing a trade with us at our B & B. We did a trade with Miss Lissia's Bed and Breakfast in San Angelo. Why not somewhere else in the world?

Well, I've put some e-mails out there to see what comes from it. Maybe nothing. Maybe something. We've always wanted to go to Ireland.

It will happen if it is supposed to. I'm sure of that. I'm thinking someone out there wants to see where the cowboys trod and where the buffalo roamed. Then, if they went to Perini's, they'd be hooked for sure!

Hopin' and prayin',
Lila

Dads

I'm so thankful I've had the blessing of experiencing 3 wonderful dads in my life. Let me explain.

I had Diddy, my daddy, until five years ago. He died on April Fool's Day 2004. I never, ever, ever doubted his love for me. Daddy would rock me in the rocking chair until HE went to sleep.

I get to experience daily the precious dad that my husband, Vann, is to our girls and our "adopted son", Serge. Vann would do anything at all for our precious children.

Finally, I have my heavenly daddy who will cradle me in his arms and remind me that he is always there for me and that he is bigger than anything life can throw my way.

How many ways can you say thankful?
"Susan", "Susie", "Daughter of Mine"

Happy Father's Day to all those dads who take an interest in their kiddos.



Goooo, Dads!
Lila

Overheard

A 92 year old lady complains that when she goes to class reunions they all look so old.

Amused,
Lila

Conversation

Our oldest daughter, Katie Lea, is working half time at our retirement community Wesley Court and beginning Monday will work half time at Mesa Springs, our sister facility. I've been amazed at her gentleness and concern with our residents and have been surprised at how much she has loved it.

Katie Lea cracks me up with her dry humor. She e-mailed me this conversation she had with one of our residents (that I've renamed) the other day. Funny thing is, she is right on target!

Pearl - *She walks up rubbing her arms*
Burr. It sure is cold in here! Aren't you freezing?

Katie Lea - No, I'm actually quite warm. I even have the fan blowing on me.

Pearl - Well, that is just crazy. I am freezing. The wind's blowing from the north today.

Katie Lea - mmm hmm

Pearl - Aren't you freezing?

Katie Lea - Nope. Not at all.

Pearl - TC Wesley is sitting out there on the pavement. I don't know why he's sitting there instead of those comfortable chairs.

Katie Lea - Well, I'll bet he enjoys that. The pavement is a bit cooler.

*Pearl walks over to the other side of the door and complains that the plant is in the way."

Pearl - Burr, it sure is cold.I would go see Tomcat Wesley, but it is so cold. Aren't you freezing?

Katie Lea - No.

Pearl - Well, I don't know if I wanna go see the movie tonight. I'm just tired of sitting in my apartment.

Katie Lea - You should go.

Pearl - TC is just sitting down there on the pavement. I wonder why he's not in one of those chairs?

Katie Lea - I'm not sure.

Pearl - Well, I guess I'll go back to my apartment now.


Makes me smile.

I really love my job,
Lila

Just Purr-fect

Several months ago a stray cat came to visit us at Wesley Court. He's such a cute and friendly thing. Gray fur and a wompy-jawed incisor. No collar. No home, but lots of love.

Before we knew it our retired residents at Wesley Court were feeding the cat and even gave him a name...TC (Tom Cat) Wesley. It was so great to see some of our residents who are otherwise kind of listless perk up when the saw TC.

TC all of a sudden had his favorite chair, a little house provided for him, a food dish and yes, even a blankie. You'd see him jump up on Betty's rolling walker and sit on the seat while they walked around the lake. You'd see him hop up in Ruby's lap and turn over so she could stroke his belly. You'd see "Mr. Curmudgeon" become friendly and talk like a baby to him. All of a sudden, we had a gift from God...a pet providing therapy!

After he became so popular (and especially after they named him) I knew it was time for a meeting to see about getting a permanent home for him. We didn't want him attracting other cats (which he had done) or varmints (isn't that such a southern back woods word?) up close to our retirement community.

As we met together, it was clear that many felt that TC was a part of "the home" now while a couple of others referred to him as "that darn cat." I proposed that we take TC to the vet and have him fixed, de-wormed and to get his rabies shots. (One of our resident's children volunteered to pay for that and also to have his tooth pulled.) When I told the residents about someone agreeing to have his tooth pulled, the air went out of the room. No one wanted to do that. They said that was what made him so cute! (Agreed!)

The consensus was built that we would take him to the vet and then make his permanent home in our lovely courtyard - a very spacious outdoor area filled with beauty.

I picked up TC from the vet yesterday and Betty "babysat" him all night after his surgery. This morning he was "catting about" in our courtyard and having the time of his life. He loves his new home!

TC being in the courtyard was the buzz around Wesley Court today. I can see his special spot and his chair from my window. What a neat gift!

He's a well loved cat. The beautiful thing is he loves back.

Purr-fectly content,
Lila

The Count

I was in my office the other day when one of our residents popped his head in. He said, "Do you know how many cars passed by in front of our building between 8:40 and 9:00 a.m.? I said, "Well, I would guess about 100!" He said I was wrong and told me that 398 cars had passed by and then showed me his counter.

I don't know why that stuck with me. As I get older I want to be productive, not just fill up the time with things that don't matter. This man is a loner, a bit negative and yet, he wraps himself around my heart every day!

Father, please open my eyes to your possibilities all around. There are more opportunities than I could ever imagine, I know. Father, I want to be useful to use in all things until the day I go to be with you.

My friend with the counter may have his reasons for doing his counting. Maybe it's to talk with others about the traffic on our road and get people in good conversations. Maybe it's just to pass the time of day. His typical response when I ask him how he's doing is to say, "Well, it's good I woke up on top of the ground instead of under it."

Father, please be with my friend and allow him to focus on other possibilities, too. May we show him the light of your spirit and kindness in all that we do.

Thank you,
Lila