In Memory of Gypsy

       They say that the dog is man's best friend and I have to agree with that. Almost four years ago we were very happy to open our hearts and home to a dog someone dropped off and sped away. We adopted the dog and called him Gypsy. That little ball of fluffy black, curly hair worked his way into all of our hearts. He was already old when we got him, but age is only a number, or so they say.

     There were long summer evenings spent lying on the grass with Gypsy, talking, and playing with him. There were picnics spent with him trotting jauntily along beside of us. There were woodland walks, mischievous chases, rescuing visitors from his loyal protection (his bark is worse than his bite, and he never bit anyone), nights spent getting up at midnight to sneak out and talk to him when he was lonely (yes, I'm guilty) there were many happy greetings whenever Gypsy saw us, we spent many hours every day simply enjoying the blessing of his loyal and devoted friendship.

      Yesterday our beloved dog passed away of old age, we all loved him dearly and his death brought many tears to our eyes. Though we are very sad we find comfort in knowing that we filled his last years with lots of adventures and happiness for him, he had found a loving family and he spent the rest of his life with us. We will cherish his memory always.

     In memory of Gypsy. Our beloved dog.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. February 17th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. It lands on the calendar one day after National Do Something for a Grouch Day (February 16) which somehow feels related. Perhaps the 16th inspired the 17th?

Tell about a time you performed a random act of kindness or were the recipient of one. Will you make an effort to perform a random act of kindness on the 17th? Share details if you're so inclined, and if you have something specific in mind.

     Hmm, I honestly don't know if this counts but yesterday the UPS stopped by to deliver some new packages that my Mom had ordered a few days ago. The UPS driver was such a jolly fellow and cheerfully offered to help me carry my packages down my long sidewalk to my basement. So I was the recipient of an act of kindness.

2.What's the most uplifting or encouraging thing you see happening in the world right now? You may have to dig deep for this one.

     The most encouraging thing I see happening in the world right now are all of those Christians out there standing up for their faith no matter what. Take Pastor Saeed for example.

3. Black olives, black currants, black grapes, black beans, blackberries, Oreos...your favorite food the color of night? Your least favorite on the list?

     I absolutely love black beans, they are so delicious.
     My least favorite food of all are olives of any kind, not only is their texture disturbing but I can't stand the flavor either.

4. A while back I read (here) a list of twelve things you should do before you turn 50. They were-

travel when you have the chance, take care of your skin, learn a foreign language, make exercise a habit, leave a toxic situation, stop caring what others think about you, stop worrying, volunteer, spend time with your grandparents, pledge to work less, learn to cook an amazing dish, and seize an opportunity as it arises

What do you think of the list? What would you add or remove and why? If you're over 50, have you done all 12? If you're not yet 50, have you done any at all? What's on the list that you haven't done, but would like to do?

     I am not yet close to being 50. I have already learned how to make an amazing dish if Chocolate Lava cakes count. And am currently studying French, so hopefully by the time I am 50 I will know how to fluently speak and write French.
     
5. Besides the classic Christmas flicks, what's your favorite film where winter plays a part in the setting? 

     Though winter wasn't always in the setting  The Lord of The Rings was my favorite film that winter played a part in.

6.When did you last feel helpless, and what did you do about it?

     The last time I ever felt helpless was when I was sitting on my bed with my massive Fudge Ripple afghan spread out around me, I realized I had misjudged my necessary length for making a bed sized afghan and had made it way too big, so now I have to undo it and start over.

7. Share a favorite proverb.

     This is actually an Amish proverb but I loved it: "Happiness is not the absence of problems but the ability to deal with them."

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

     I have signed up for the April A-Z blogging challenge and I am having a lot of fun planning out my posts and even writing up a few. I am very excited for when it actually arrives!