Superbowl Sunday

  Congratulations to the Baltimore Ravens who just won Superbowl Forty-seven!  Congratulations also to the San Francisco 49ers who staged a valiant comeback, and made it a very close game.  It is fantastic when every player and fan is locked it to a game with one minute to go. It was close enough that either team could have won.   It was also a weird game,  because there was a power outage, and play was suspended for more than thirty minutes.  Joe Flacco was the MVP, and Ray Lewis will retire with a championship ring.
    I did not have a favorite in the game, and so I rooted for each team when it had the ball.  There was a lot of scoring which makes it exciting to watch as a fan.  As always,  we had lots of snacks, and the menu is a big part of the fun.  It's important to have everyone's favorite junk food.
    I liked the half-time show, and the pre game songs.  I teared up when the kids from Newtown, CT. performed.  It is hard to become famous due to another mass shooting, but I give them credit for trying to continue to live normal lives.
    I cannot recall my favorite commercials at this time.  It usually takes a while for them to sink in.  I also cannot believe that the ads cost millions of dollars.  I heard that the most expensive ad cost close to four million dollars, and sometimes it was difficult to identify the product being sold.  Some of the movies look really good, and they will be fun to see.
    The NFL must do more to make the game safer for the players, and a few ads suggested that there will be an evolution within the sport.  I think it's time to look at all the safety options, because parents cannot let their kids risk serious head injuries.  That is too big of a price for a teenager to pay in order to play a game they love. Gotta run....I want to watch the interviews...and the beat goes on....the beat goes on.....
     
     
    

Inauguration Day

    I got the chance to watch a lot of President Obama's Inauguration Ceremonies, and I really enjoyed it.  I love the pageantry that surrounds every event, and I'll recount some of my favorite things.
    I always tear up when I hear the National Anthem, and I do not care that it may have been pre-recorded.  The prayers, songs,  and poems were tasteful and appropriate.
    I loved the President's address because he spoke to all those who voted for him.  I think he deserves to try and keep the promises he made to voters during the campaign.  We need him to fight for the middle class, and the poor who feel they have no voice.  It was wonderful to watch him stop, turn around on the steps, and reflect on the sea of Americans who were there to hear him take the oath of office.
     I was nervous when I saw the President and First Lady get out of the car and walk.  I give the secret service and other law enforcement high marks for keeping them safe.  I thought it was a great moment when the President and his kids were sitting together to watch the parade.  Malia wanted to take a picture with her cell phone of her parents kissing, but her older sister got in the way.  I laughed because this can and does happen in every family in the country!   I'm happy that they are a regular family, who are living this extraordinary life. They truly represent the best of all of us.  I think I would have pitched a fit if my sister ruined my photo, so I give those young girls a lot of credit.  It cannot be easy to have an entire country watching you.
     I'm always impressed with Michelle Obama's fashion style, and she always looks beautiful!  How exciting it must be for the American designers who had their clothing chosen for this historical day.  I especially loved the red dress Mrs. Obama  wore for the formal balls.  I wish she had twirled around when they were dancing, because it would have made my day!
     Congratulations Mr. President!  You have the love, respect, and admiration of so many Americans.  I pray for you to do great things, because we will all benefit as the country solves its problems.  I do believe that better days are coming, and I'm glad that I'm living during these historical times.  I often wonder how the historians will view these early decades of the twenty-first century.  Let's all get involved, and work to make sure it is positive....this is not a dress rehearsal, it really is unfolding before our very eyes.......and the beat goes on.....the beat goes on......

     
   

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

  Happy Days are Here Again.....the hockey season started tonight, and the Boston Bruins beat the Rangers in an excellent game.  Hockey fans across the country are thrilled to watch their teams and cheer them on.
I'm not sure how the shortened and compressed season will affect the players, but our game was great!  We wondered if the players would look "rusty" because the strike had lasted more than 100 days.  I also love to hear about the back stories, and there were two good items tonight. One of the Bruins who scored a goal was celebrating his twenty-ninth birthday today, and another became a dad for the first time two days ago.
  The Bruins played as a team, and it resulted in their first win.  There is a saying that "Teamwork makes the Dream Work", and it was evident tonight.  That advice works for everyone from families, to co-workers, and for  teammates of any sport.
  We all do better when we concentrate and focus on a single goal.  The new year is a good time to list some goals for 2013.  We always list some things that are likely to happen, as well as one or two items that will be difficult to accomplish.  It never hurts to strive for some things that will be a real stretch.  It's great to look back, and see how we did the previous year.  Some goals are carried over into the new year, and some may take several years to accomplish.  The idea is to stick with it, and see it through.  In some instances, progress may be just as important as reaching our goals on the first try.  We learn things along the journey that become good habits, and good habits take time to develop.
   Last year, my goal was to lose weight and walk more.  I lost half of my target weight , and so I will continue my efforts this year.  I look and feel better, and I know I will reach my goal.  We are also eating healthier, and it has really made a difference.  This year we plan to complete some home repairs.  The list is always long, and emergencies may come up during the year.  "Life is what happens when you are making other plans" is a saying I got from a tea bag, but it definitely keeps things in perspective.......and the beat goes on.....the beat goes on......

Under the Weather

Roses are Red

Violets are Blue

I'm not feeling well enough to post tonight

I Hope I'm not getting the flu.

I'm gonna take some cold medicine and turn in early ......and the beat goes on.....the beat goes on.....

Happy New Year

   My newspaper runs the "Just for Today Poem" in Dear Abby's column at the end of each year.  I think it is really great advice, and so I thought I would share it with all of you. I find it helps to keep me focused in the moment, and keeps the focus on myself.  It's tough to work on ourselves, but these suggestions will help.
   As always, take what you like and leave the rest....have a happy and healthy and prosperous new year... ...and the beat goes on...the beat goes on...

JUST FOR TODAY, I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once. I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime. 

JUST FOR TODAY, I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine. 

JUST FOR TODAY, I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things I can correct and accept those I cannot. 

JUST FOR TODAY, I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer. 

JUST FOR TODAY, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others. I will improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking. 

JUST FOR TODAY, I will refrain from improving anybody but myself. 

JUST FOR TODAY, I will do something positive to improve my health. If I'm a smoker, I'll quit. If I am overweight, I will eat healthfully - if only just for today. And not only that, I will get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it's only around the block. 

JUST FOR TODAY, I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.

Puppy Love

  We adopted an adorable puppy today.  We've been fostering this sweet six month old pup for two weeks, but we fell in love with him the very first day we met.  He is all white with a brown patch on one of his eyes, and some brown spots on both ears.  We decided to name him Bruno, and we are trying to smother him with love.
   We came across the pup called "King",  on a web site  "Ruff Road Rescue", which we have learned is a fantastic organization.  They foster dogs in private homes while they work to find permanent homes.  This means they can only rescue a dog if they have a temporary foster home.  The benefits of this process is that the dogs are pretty well adjusted by the time they are adopted.  Our little guy sleeps through the night  in his crate, has not had an accident, and has pretty good manners for a pup with such a tough start.
   His journey to our home began about five weeks ago as a stray in New York City.   Ruff Road Rescue brought him to New Hampshire,  where  he spent one week with the director.  He stayed another week on a farm with dogs, cats, and chickens, owned by a woman who trains dogs.  She did an excellent job, because he has been totally comfortable in our home, and very easy to work with.  When they brought the pup for the home visit,  I thought they would have more questions for us.  I was told that they get a "vibe" as soon as they walk in the house.  I realize now that they were watching the dog to see if he was anxious or nervous, and that the pup would tell them all they needed to know.  He picked us before we chose him.
    I like the idea of the two week test run, because we know that Bruno will be a perfect fit in our family.  He  loves the back yard, and doesn't bark at the dogs next door.  He was well behaved on Christmas Eve with the little kids and all the adults.  He is not phased by any of the commotion, and does not gobble his food. He is happiest sitting in our lap, and loves ice cubes more than any treats.  He does not like the cold, and wears his jacket on walks.  His dog bed in the den is shaped like a couch, and he is content to lounge around and play with his toys.  He is teething, and so he needs a variety of chew toys.  Matt recommended an elk antler, which is almost indestructible and it is one of Bruno's favorites.  He destroyed all of the soft toys, and is working through his rope toys.  He has no interest in our shoes or stuff, and I hope it stays that way.
   Bruno has gained nine pounds in two weeks, and we promise that he will never miss another meal.  Ruff Road made sure that all his shots are current, he has a micro chip, and he has been neutered.  Our adoption fee helps cover those expenses.  He came to our home calm and well adjusted, and we will continue to build on those good traits.  He will attend obedience classes because we want our dog to be safe, and to know how to follow the rules.  We are looking forward to this new chapter, and I'll update often.
    Have a safe and Happy New Year.......and the beat goes on.....the beat goes on.......

Merry Christmas to All

  Our family festivities will begin Christmas Eve at 2 pm, and end around 10 pm.  We'll attend the early Mass, enjoy a feast, and exchange gifts.  A few weeks ago, I began to panic because I had so much to do.  I took a deep breath, and reminded  myself that I had never missed Christmas, and I would be ready for this one.  It's all part of the hustle and bustle that gets me into the Christmas spirit.
  Yesterday, I shopped until I had purchased the last few gifts and gift cards, as well as the necessary gift bags.  Last year, I bought extra large gift bags, but this year  they are way too big for the toys I bought.  I decide to buy a few extra medium size bags with the hope that I will be more prepared next year.  Tonight, I baked macaroon bars for dessert tomorrow night, and diced the red peppers for the family's favorite cheese ball.  It's important to wrap the peppers in paper towels and leave in the fridge overnight,  in order to absorb the juice.  If they are too watery, I will not be able to form the ball before I coat with crushed walnuts.  It's one of the items everyone will be expecting, and I take this assignment seriously.
   Tomorrow, my short list includes the five gifts for the kids, and two Yankee Swap gifts for the adults.  There should be twenty of us from my side of the family, and we will call my folks in Florida and our son in California, as they were not able to get home this year.
    Christmas Day will begin with dinner at Ron's brother's house for his siblings and their families.  We will exchange more gifts there, and meet at a cousins house for dessert and another Yankee swap.  This will be fun and hectic with ten kids under ten years, several dogs and the parents drove them there.  I love to sit and listen to the different conversations.  It really will be great to see everyone again, especially those  we have not seen since last year.
    I hope you all enjoy your family celebrations for the entire Holiday Season.  Please travel safely, and take time to count your blessings.  May your family be rich with laughter, may you feel an abundance of love, and may you experience all the joys of the season....and the beat goes on....the beat goes on......