Spring Break...

I've mentioned before that I never know who or how many are upstairs with Adam until I look at the shoes on the floor in the entryway. Can you tell it's spring break?

God Speed Valerie Agosta...

About a year ago, I had the opportunity to live the job of my dreams, even if it was only briefly. I got to work as a Private Investigator with the Spy Moms. The first time I met Val was at the airport, she was watching for a man to get off an airplane to see if he had a woman with him. It was so exciting and right then, I was hooked! Val took me under her wing and taught me so much from digging through garbage to doing hours and hours of boring surveillance. She had the kindest heart yet she was a damn good PI. I didn't get to work for very long as Val's cancer came back and she had to quit the job she loved so much.

Last night I went to pick mom up at the airport and picked up the newspaper. There on the obituary page was my friend Val. How odd that my relationship with Val began and ended at the airport. She fought a good fight...

Valerie was first diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 1999. She endured two mastectomies, numerous radiation and chemotherapy treatments. She never complained about her situation. Instead she took on the cancer and battled it toe to toe. Eventually her body wore down but her spirit never did. During the last nine years Valerie started Spy Moms Private Investigative Services. She became an excellent detective and served many clients, most for no charge. Valerie's Private Detective talents and her strong desire to beat cancer earned her guest appearances on 20/20, MSNBC, The Today Show, along with many other TV, radio and magazine articles written about her. Valerie was a giver and touched the lives of many people. The family requests that any memorial for Valerie be sent to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to support the fight for breast cancer prevention and to find a cure.


You were my hero sweet friend and I'll be walking for you during the Komen Race this year. God Speed...

The Pig Cooker...

I thought you'd all appreciate an update on the pig cooker. I know you've been wondering "I wonder if those hillbillies are gettin' that pig cooker ready for the big Hillbilly Gatherin'".

Well, we got her all painted up purdy and Elmer's dad went out and bought a trailer for her. Yup, we got the pig cooker free and Elmer's dad spent a whole bunch of money on a trailer. So, today they got her permanently placed on her trailer and now Elmer and his brother and cousin are out puttin' a double BBQ together to go on one end. The baby BBQ is going to be for doin' things like jalapeno poppers and stuff.



Elmer works on this thing almost every night. I have to admit, when it's all done, it's going to be a pretty neat set-up. He's going to try and get some catering jobs for a little extra money. Now I know you're thinkin' "Geez, I hope she posts pictures of that beaut when it's all done!" Well, of course I will.

But, she's just about done and will be all ready to cook that pig for the Hillbilly Gatherin' on April 25th.



Hope to see you all there!

Ya'll Come!

If I don't have yer email address, here's yer invite ta the First Annual Hillbilly Gatherin' and Warm-Fuzzy Fundraiser. Double click the image ta make it big anuf ta read!



Feel free ta bring a friend 'er 2 but RSVP yer intentions (jpogue56@hotmail.com) so we know how much moonshine ta make!

Gentle Lessons of Life...

My mother sent me the following and so much of it hits home, I thought I'd share...

When I'm feeling down, I like to whistle. It makes the neighbor's dog run to the end of his chain and gag himself.

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.

If you think there is some good in everybody, you obviously haven't met 'everybody'.

There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example, I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.

Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.

Some people try to turn back their life's odometers. Not me, I want people to know 'why' I look this way. I've traveled a long, long way and some of the roads weren't paved.

You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.

One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.

Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.

First you forget names, then you forget faces. Then you forget to pull up your zipper. It's even worse when you get to the point that you forget to pull it down.

Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth...AMEN!!

Just a Reminder...

I'd love to have you join The Riot Squad for The Race for the Cure! Click on the link on the right of my Blog page and sign up from there! If you can't walk/run with us but would like to help our team raise money, you can follow that link and make a donation under our team name. I appreciate those of you who've signed up for this great cause and I look forward to walking with you!

This Is Me...

I've used this picture on my blog several times. It's so, well, ME. But I've made a decision that I'm posting here for all the world to see. I found a website that just makes sense - it's all so logical and I am finally determined...

to quit smoking.

This program is called "Become an Ex" and it's all about re-learning life without cigarettes. It just makes sense. Instead of trying a drug (which I also intend to use to increase my chances of success) I have to practice being a non-smoker. For the next 2 weeks, I'll keep track of when and why I smoke. I have to identify my triggers, and then I have to practice doing the things I do while smoking (such as driving) without cigarettes. It's all just so logical and I think if I really have to THINK about what I'm doing, it will help me understand that this is just about the most stupid thing I've ever done and how happy I CAN be without them. I've discovered just today, how much I want to AVOID going out and having a cigarette just because I don't want to look at this paper at the end of the day and see that I smoke.

I've always felt like such a strong person, but I've smoked since I was 16 - thirty six years - do you know, that's the first time I've actually counted that out - but nicotine has had such a strong hold on me. I'm going to be updating my blog as often as I feel I need to in order for you all to tell me how I CAN do this - I'm going to need your support.

I've been cancer free for 5 years. I dearly love my kids and grandkids and I have a new one on the way (Grace and I are calling it "Jellybean"). I want to see Adam have his kids too.

I CAN and WILL do this!

She's A Beaut...

As you all know, we're having the first annual Hillbilly Games on April 25th - I hope you've all marked your calendars! Elmer has a friend who for years, did catering and kind of specialized in huge gatherings and often cooked whole pigs. So, naturally, he had a HUGE BBQ that he built about 35 years ago to accomodate these large gatherings. The other day, we were working on details for the Gathering and thought, heck, let's call Krupper and see what he'd charge to do a whole pig for us! I mean really, can you think of ANYTHING more proper than to cook a whole pig for the Gathering? That's what I thought...

Well, sadly, it turned out Krupper was retired from pig catering. "BUT", he told Elmer, "If you can find 5 guys to help you move it, I'll give you that BBQ." Needless to say, Elmer thought he'd died and gone to hog heaven (sorry). A big-ass BBQ FOR FREE!

Elmer found 5 friends (and yes, it took 6 of them to load it) and they put it on a trailer that his goose hunting buddy Pat has. Pat and Debbie are dear friends. So much like us. The guys hunt geese together EVERY weekend from October until it closes in January.

Anyway, she was a little rough when the guys brought her home. She'd been sitting outside for several years with no use. Lots of rust and definately in need of some TLC.


So she got some shiny new wheels and was winched off the trailer...

where she got a new coat of protective stove paint. She's so pretty now that we don't dare leave her outside. So, she has a spot in our overly-crowded garage, that I've NEVER, even one day, actually been able to park in due to all the wonderful things we seem to find. So what do ya think!


We're definately going to have to give her a name - your thoughts? If we don't come up with something, maybe we'll do a contest at the Gathering...

Boise Komen Race For The Cure - Join The Riot Squad!

BECAUSE EVERY STEP COUNTS!

I belong to a club. But it's a club that no one wants to join. Our club has very strict criteria in order to join. You must be either male or female, aged 18 to 112. You have to be of any race and live anywhere in the world. It's a club that also touts thousands and thousands of survivors, but not all are so lucky.



I've walked The Race For the Cure for many years. It's a venture that is very dear to me. Last year, we decided we really should get a Team together to make it more fun. So, this year I'm starting early and hoping to get a huge team together - in fact, I would love to win for the largest team of "Family and Friends." We're going to have a GREAT time! You don't have to actually walk or run with the group, but I'd love to have you join the team!

Click here to join The Riot Squad! Or, if you can't walk or run with us, feel free to make a small donation.

Every step counts to help us find the cure for breast cancer...

Take That!

Bryan at Dad in the Headlights just posted about an LED scrolling message bar you can buy for just $69 to mount in the back of your car to send messages to people behind you as you drive. That's right, no more finger waving!



Here’s mine…

Hey buddy, your right front tire is about to fall off!

Did you know there’s a hand sticking out of your trunk?

Don’t make me stop this car!

Dim your damn lights dumbass!

And then I’d have a finger - could you do a finger? If you CAN do a finger, I’m gettin’ me one.

What would YOU put on yours?