Back in the saddle again...

Boy, did we get a lot of snow over Christmas! I don't remember this much as a kid, but considering I wasn't the one scooping/shoveling it out of the way, we could have very well had this much before. We have had a lot of fun playing in it though! Thank God for our safe travels and for my sister and her husband's surprise visit here and back. What blessings we all have in each other.

Now it's back to work. My new running plan started yesterday. I get one day off per week scheduled and I will take another if I get too tired or just need a break. I have a goal in mind but am not willing to share quite yet. I will say that I am going to run the marathon in Lincoln on May 3rd. It is 18 weeks away, so I am doing Hal Higdon's 18 week training plan for Advanced runners. We'll see if it kills me! I did make one change in that on Mondays, the day after long runs, I am going to do yoga instead of a short jog. I feel that I need to work on my flexibility, balance, and strength and that should be the perfect tool. I got a DVD so can just do that in my basement. I've found that I'm extremely "board-like" so hopefully this will help me!

I wish everyone a very Happy New Year! It's hard to believe that ten years ago, we were so paranoid about the Y2K thing. I was at Myrtle Beach for New Year's Eve and had a good time. This year I will be at Mannheim Steamroller with my 7 year old. Ten years ago, I couldn't imagine living in Iowa again and having two little boys. Strange how your life turns out, but I sure love it!

Well, better get on with my day. Cats to clean up after, but at least there's only 6 of them!

Merry Christmas to All!

As the three Kings addressed the crowds in Bethlehem, all at once the dark clouds parted and the sky was bathed in a radiant light. The people were filled with wonder as they gazed into the heavens. In the hills nearby, some shepherds saw the same light. They had been tending their sheep, but when the heavenly light broke through the clouds, they fell to the ground in fear. People in towns and villages for miles around and all the shepherds in the fields covered their eyes to shield them from the blinding rays. When they looked up, the glory of the Lord shone around them, and the sky was filled with singing angels. One voice could be heard above all others: "Fear not," said an angel of the Lord, "for I bring tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign: you will find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."
And then the sweet voices of the angels rang out like bells: "Glory to God in the Highest; peace on earth and good will toward men." And the hearts of the people were filled with gladness.

So it is that at Christmas we celebrate the birth of a blessed baby who was born one starry night in a peaceful stable in Bethlehem.

From me to you, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!

Running for a Paws

Dear Friends,

I wanted to let you know that I presented Siouxland Paw Prints Rescue a big check for $3000 for my fundraising efforts. This could not have been done without your help and I sincerely appreciate the thoughtfulness of everyone who donated, whether it was a quarter or $100. One year ago, I had no idea where my life would lead, and I am so happy with the way it has turned. I never thought I would run another marathon, then plan to do yet another at an even faster pace. Crazy cat lady I am!

Some of the money has been used for pet food for people who were going to surrender their dogs because they had no money for food. The husband had lost his job a few months ago and they were down to nothing. They have pet food now and can keep their wonderful dogs who they love. I have also had three cats neutered and immunized with the funds. Beth has had two cats spayed with the money.

I tell you people, it IS making a difference in the lives of these animals and the people who need our help. We are always taking tax deductible donations, so if you want to give for the first time or again, just contact me for the mailing address.

There's so many things to talk about but I have to do some other things in holiday preparations, so will have to wait until the next blog. I do have to update that Sunkist, the cat from my back yard, is doing great. He was neutered and immunized, and he is currently running around my house. He's still a little shy, but he's coming around and is fun to play with. If he only knew how COLD it would have been for him outside! I'm so thankful that I was able to bring him in and take care of him.

The winner of our Christmas tree raffle does not want her name published. So if you haven't heard that you are the winner of our raffle, we're sorry that you didn't win. I can't thank those of you who helped sell tickets enough. The tree was beautiful and the new owner loves it. Thanks to all!