Thursday, December 6, 2012
Not too many words, just pictures. Finally got the camera of my dreams...and I am trying to use it as often as possible. It takes the best pictures and it so incredibly easy to use. My favorite subject is of course my puppy, Bella. She is marvelously photogenic, when you can get her to slow down. Since we were getting ready for the holiday last weekend, I took several pictures of my holiday decorations.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Football!
September 1, 2012
D2 football began last night. This is the time of year when I hate being so far from my alma mater, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. We played in Massachusetts last night and we won, 44-28. There are some things that still concern me, but it was the first game and I think adjustments will be made in future games. We are definitely a rushing team...and sometimes that is bothersome to me, but it keeps the Huskies competitive without a doubt. To all my D2 friends, I invite you to view the picture of the latest north Texas high school stadium. Wouldn't we all love to have this stadium for our D2 teams. This is the brand new, Allen ISD high school stadium.
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On other notes, the first week of school is in the books. All went smoothly, although we are really growing. Not sure of the final count, because I am certain more students will arrive after Labor Day, but we are looking at approximately 580 -600 students with Pre-Kindergarten added in. That's a lot of classes visiting the library so I will be busy!
Once home from work, my days and nights are filled with Bella Zeta. What a beauty she is becoming! Now four months old and about 30 pounds, we are getting a picture of just how big she will become. We're thinking close to 80 pounds. Her personality is lively, but not aggressive. She's friendly, inquisitive, and definitely the smartest dog I've ever owned. Now that can be good and bad. She does respond to commands fairly well and I think once she comes back from professional training she'll be the IDEAL dog. Not that I don't love her already!
D2 football began last night. This is the time of year when I hate being so far from my alma mater, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. We played in Massachusetts last night and we won, 44-28. There are some things that still concern me, but it was the first game and I think adjustments will be made in future games. We are definitely a rushing team...and sometimes that is bothersome to me, but it keeps the Huskies competitive without a doubt. To all my D2 friends, I invite you to view the picture of the latest north Texas high school stadium. Wouldn't we all love to have this stadium for our D2 teams. This is the brand new, Allen ISD high school stadium.
.jpg)
On other notes, the first week of school is in the books. All went smoothly, although we are really growing. Not sure of the final count, because I am certain more students will arrive after Labor Day, but we are looking at approximately 580 -600 students with Pre-Kindergarten added in. That's a lot of classes visiting the library so I will be busy!
Once home from work, my days and nights are filled with Bella Zeta. What a beauty she is becoming! Now four months old and about 30 pounds, we are getting a picture of just how big she will become. We're thinking close to 80 pounds. Her personality is lively, but not aggressive. She's friendly, inquisitive, and definitely the smartest dog I've ever owned. Now that can be good and bad. She does respond to commands fairly well and I think once she comes back from professional training she'll be the IDEAL dog. Not that I don't love her already!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Spinelli's Bella Zeta
There's been a big change at our house. It comes in the form of a little package named Bella Zeta. Bella Zeta means beautiful little girl in Italian, and she definitely fits her name! We picked her up on Sunday, FAther's Day, even though she was a gift for me. She is such a precious little friend. Her mother, Tara, is a Standard French Poodle. Her daddy is a an Italian Spinone.
She has a delightfully pleasant personality, very laid back like her Spinone ancestors, but quite playful as well. She has the most expressive blue-gray eyes I've ever seen in a dog. They say that Spinone eyes are noted for their human like quality and Bella definitely has those eyes. When she looks at me, I melt.
Her first trip to the vet was perfect...no problems. She's already had her first dose of heart worm medication and is scheduled for two more visit to round out her puppy shots. I think I might cry on those days, just as I did when my kids got shots.
And lest you be fooled by her diminutive size, she'll grow...to about 50-70 pounds and 22-26 inches high. More to come!
She has a delightfully pleasant personality, very laid back like her Spinone ancestors, but quite playful as well. She has the most expressive blue-gray eyes I've ever seen in a dog. They say that Spinone eyes are noted for their human like quality and Bella definitely has those eyes. When she looks at me, I melt.
And lest you be fooled by her diminutive size, she'll grow...to about 50-70 pounds and 22-26 inches high. More to come!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
How does this happen?
Being a Pennsylvania native, I have carefully followed the unfolding scandal at Penn State. Several things have really bothered me as I watch the news coverage and videos. What is predominantly on my mind is the failure to consider the safety and welfare of these children that were abused at the hands of Mr. Sandusky while Penn State administrators and coaches knew about it and did nothing.
I've taken the time to read the twenty plus pages of the grand jury indictment. If you haven't read it, you should. You can find it here. I am appalled at the number of victims already uncovered, with the hint that there may well be more. Perhaps the most disturbing fact is that McQueary, then a graduate assistant at Penn State, witnessed a rape of a ten year old boy in the locker room shower of the football facility. Not only did this 27 year old do nothing to stop what was happening, he apparently had to call his dad to ask what to do next. Really? At 27, being a teacher and a mom, I am confident that I would have intervened, even if I needed a baseball bat, and I also would have called the police—that night.
Joe testified to the following in the grand jury testimony:
Joseph V. Paterno testified to receiving the graduate assistant’s report at his home on Saturday morning. Paterno testified that the graduate assistant was very upset. Paterno called Tim Curley (“Curley”), Penn State Athletic Director and Paterno’s immediate superior, to his home the very next day, a Sunday, and reported to him that the graduate assistant had seen Jerry Sandusky in the Lasch Building showers fondling or doing something of a sexual nature to a young boy.”
Something of a sexual nature? McQueary testified that he reported what he had seen to Paterno. Read the document to see exactly what McQueary saw. Here’s my next big question. Even if you only heard the words “sexual nature” and “young boy,” wouldn’t that be enough for you to immediately call your superior, not wait a day? And speaking of his superior, am I the only one who is a bit shocked that Joe had enough clout to make his superior come to him, not the other way around? I know I probably shouldn’t be shocked, but I have been out of Pennsylvania for over thirty years.
It was wrong and both of these men knew it was wrong. Yes, Joe notified the proper university officials, but did he ever ask a question about what they did about it. He apparently did not, because several years later, Mr. Sandusky was still recruiting for Penn State. In fact, reports indicate that Mr. Sandusky went on recruiting visits as recently as this past spring, during the grand jury investigation.
Another disturbing fact is that reports of sexual abuse surfaced long before this report by McQueary. According to MSNBC: “ … in 1998, Sandusky was investigated after he was accused of "behaving in a sexually inappropriate manner" with a boy in a shower at the football team's facilities, the grand jury said. The report said an attorney for Second Mile who was also university counsel, Wendell Courtney, was aware of the allegations.” The entire article can be found here. He was observed again in 2000, in the showers of a Penn State facility by a janitor. The janitor tells his immediate superior who advises him to file a report, but since the janitor was a temporary employee, it doesn’t get done. So, 2002 was not the first time that Penn State facilities were used by Mr. Sandusky to abuse young boys, nor was it the first time he was observed or investigated.
Sandusky is arrested on November 5, 2011. Joe makes a statement on Sunday, November 6, 2011, released by his son Scott in which he states: "If this is true we were all fooled ... we grieve for the victims and their families. They are in our prayers." Joe goes on to defend his actions in going to administrators and not following up. On Wednesday, the day after his press conference was cancelled, Paterno announces his retirement effective at the end of the season with this pre-emptive warning to the board. "At this moment the board of trustees should not spend a single minute discussing my status. They have far more important matters to address." (Atlanta Journal) Wednesday evening Joe Paterno is relieved of his position as head coach of the Penn State football program.
What occurs following this is what disturbs and grieves me most. The outrage displayed by the students, alumni and fans of Penn State for the firing of the legendary Paterno, far overshadows anyone’s grief for what has happened to the victims in this scandal. How and why do you side with a man who covered up the acts of a depraved person? The same man who was, until this past week, suggesting they allegations may not be true. Joe, you have at least one eye-witness on your staff and quite probably there are more who were afraid to speak up. Angry mobs overturning a mobile news van, blaming the media for Joe’s dismissal are the scenes displayed across the country and world-wide. When one Penn State grad stands outside the stadium bearing two signs that say, “Put abused kids first,” and Don’t be fooled, they all knew. Tom Bradley, everyone must go.” He is ridiculed, cursed, slapped, showered with beer and over the course of an hour, only one person stopped to agree with the man. (Washington Times article) While the fans inside the stadium seemed reticent and sad, outside the stadium people were still loudly protesting the firing of JoePA. I’ve heard of mob mentality before, even seen it first hand at anti Vietnam rallies while a college student, but I have never witnessed people so concerned with the future of a football program and the 60 year career of an 85 year old man who had clearly not done enough to protect these young victims. Several former players have been heard defending Coach Paterno's actions, saying he did what he had to do. Maybe as suggested in Micah 6:8, he should have done more.I sincerely hope that the board continues to clean house at Penn State. They did the right thing for the student body and the university. Not until the house is clean, can this football program move forward with the pride of Nittany Lions.
I've taken the time to read the twenty plus pages of the grand jury indictment. If you haven't read it, you should. You can find it here. I am appalled at the number of victims already uncovered, with the hint that there may well be more. Perhaps the most disturbing fact is that McQueary, then a graduate assistant at Penn State, witnessed a rape of a ten year old boy in the locker room shower of the football facility. Not only did this 27 year old do nothing to stop what was happening, he apparently had to call his dad to ask what to do next. Really? At 27, being a teacher and a mom, I am confident that I would have intervened, even if I needed a baseball bat, and I also would have called the police—that night.
Joe testified to the following in the grand jury testimony:
Joseph V. Paterno testified to receiving the graduate assistant’s report at his home on Saturday morning. Paterno testified that the graduate assistant was very upset. Paterno called Tim Curley (“Curley”), Penn State Athletic Director and Paterno’s immediate superior, to his home the very next day, a Sunday, and reported to him that the graduate assistant had seen Jerry Sandusky in the Lasch Building showers fondling or doing something of a sexual nature to a young boy.”
Something of a sexual nature? McQueary testified that he reported what he had seen to Paterno. Read the document to see exactly what McQueary saw. Here’s my next big question. Even if you only heard the words “sexual nature” and “young boy,” wouldn’t that be enough for you to immediately call your superior, not wait a day? And speaking of his superior, am I the only one who is a bit shocked that Joe had enough clout to make his superior come to him, not the other way around? I know I probably shouldn’t be shocked, but I have been out of Pennsylvania for over thirty years.
It was wrong and both of these men knew it was wrong. Yes, Joe notified the proper university officials, but did he ever ask a question about what they did about it. He apparently did not, because several years later, Mr. Sandusky was still recruiting for Penn State. In fact, reports indicate that Mr. Sandusky went on recruiting visits as recently as this past spring, during the grand jury investigation.
Another disturbing fact is that reports of sexual abuse surfaced long before this report by McQueary. According to MSNBC: “ … in 1998, Sandusky was investigated after he was accused of "behaving in a sexually inappropriate manner" with a boy in a shower at the football team's facilities, the grand jury said. The report said an attorney for Second Mile who was also university counsel, Wendell Courtney, was aware of the allegations.” The entire article can be found here. He was observed again in 2000, in the showers of a Penn State facility by a janitor. The janitor tells his immediate superior who advises him to file a report, but since the janitor was a temporary employee, it doesn’t get done. So, 2002 was not the first time that Penn State facilities were used by Mr. Sandusky to abuse young boys, nor was it the first time he was observed or investigated.
Sandusky is arrested on November 5, 2011. Joe makes a statement on Sunday, November 6, 2011, released by his son Scott in which he states: "If this is true we were all fooled ... we grieve for the victims and their families. They are in our prayers." Joe goes on to defend his actions in going to administrators and not following up. On Wednesday, the day after his press conference was cancelled, Paterno announces his retirement effective at the end of the season with this pre-emptive warning to the board. "At this moment the board of trustees should not spend a single minute discussing my status. They have far more important matters to address." (Atlanta Journal) Wednesday evening Joe Paterno is relieved of his position as head coach of the Penn State football program.
What occurs following this is what disturbs and grieves me most. The outrage displayed by the students, alumni and fans of Penn State for the firing of the legendary Paterno, far overshadows anyone’s grief for what has happened to the victims in this scandal. How and why do you side with a man who covered up the acts of a depraved person? The same man who was, until this past week, suggesting they allegations may not be true. Joe, you have at least one eye-witness on your staff and quite probably there are more who were afraid to speak up. Angry mobs overturning a mobile news van, blaming the media for Joe’s dismissal are the scenes displayed across the country and world-wide. When one Penn State grad stands outside the stadium bearing two signs that say, “Put abused kids first,” and Don’t be fooled, they all knew. Tom Bradley, everyone must go.” He is ridiculed, cursed, slapped, showered with beer and over the course of an hour, only one person stopped to agree with the man. (Washington Times article) While the fans inside the stadium seemed reticent and sad, outside the stadium people were still loudly protesting the firing of JoePA. I’ve heard of mob mentality before, even seen it first hand at anti Vietnam rallies while a college student, but I have never witnessed people so concerned with the future of a football program and the 60 year career of an 85 year old man who had clearly not done enough to protect these young victims. Several former players have been heard defending Coach Paterno's actions, saying he did what he had to do. Maybe as suggested in Micah 6:8, he should have done more.I sincerely hope that the board continues to clean house at Penn State. They did the right thing for the student body and the university. Not until the house is clean, can this football program move forward with the pride of Nittany Lions.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
I'm Back!
Who'd have thought I'd been gone from writing this long--certainly not me. Some family problems have filled my days and nights with worry and a little stress, but things are looking up and it is time to write again. That said, heat is on my mind.
I like heat...there's something to be said for spicy Mexican or Indian food, a hot cup of cocoa after a snowball fight, a steamy shower upon waking in the morning. However, I do not like endless days and nights of 90+ degree weather. Who wants to walk in 95 degrees? I long for breezy weather and cool mornings to walk. It also wouldn't hurt if when the sun set, the temperature fell to someplace in the sixties, with low humidity. I long for a lovely porch or patio to share the evening coolness with friends and family.
Such a place does exist, but it isn't here in Dallas. I am so ready to go home to Pennsylvania...where such things do exist. Yes, there are hot days, but a limited number. Yes there are snowy cold days, but that's when I'd enjoy a lovely fire with my feet up and a good book. I think the lure of retirement has me hooked. More to come as I begin planning my journey.
I like heat...there's something to be said for spicy Mexican or Indian food, a hot cup of cocoa after a snowball fight, a steamy shower upon waking in the morning. However, I do not like endless days and nights of 90+ degree weather. Who wants to walk in 95 degrees? I long for breezy weather and cool mornings to walk. It also wouldn't hurt if when the sun set, the temperature fell to someplace in the sixties, with low humidity. I long for a lovely porch or patio to share the evening coolness with friends and family.
Such a place does exist, but it isn't here in Dallas. I am so ready to go home to Pennsylvania...where such things do exist. Yes, there are hot days, but a limited number. Yes there are snowy cold days, but that's when I'd enjoy a lovely fire with my feet up and a good book. I think the lure of retirement has me hooked. More to come as I begin planning my journey.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Conquering Heroine?
Wow! One week, two days and the glucose meter is not looking like such a formidable machine any longer. After days of sticking with no results, I finally got all the bugs worked out and actually got a reading. If you've never used a meter before, there are a few things to consider. Don't think that intuition will guide you through. What you think will work doesn't. Follow the directions to the letter. My meter requires 1.0 micro-liters of blood, which I am happy to say the American Diabetes Association actually pictures. It is about the size of a the top of a straight pin, not the point. My first couple of attempts I tried to drop the blood onto the strip--no go. After coaxing the appropriate amount of blood to the surface, you bring the test strip to the blood and gently let it flow onto the strip. It's fun to watch actually. The channel fills quickly and in five seconds you have results. So simple, despite all my worries.
Now I just have to learn what it all means. I think I'll celebrate with a pedicure tomorrow!
Now I just have to learn what it all means. I think I'll celebrate with a pedicure tomorrow!
Friday, June 18, 2010
One Week In
It's been one week since my diagnosis of Type II diabetes. The week seem to drag by--probably because I am anticipating my vacation which starts next Friday. I am like a little kid waiting for Christmas morning. But not so fast...the drag could be due to the darn glucose meter. If you remember, that's the machine that causes me to prick my finger on more than one occasion during each day. I think I've finally gotten over the fear of the prick, but I was having real trouble managing the meter. My husband suggested I go back to the doctor's office, but I don't cave that easy. I finally went to the site of the company that makes the meter and all my questions were answered. Goodness, Gayle, what took you so long. My meter is a OneTouch Ultra 2 made by LifeScan. It really is easy to use and I have to say the prick isn't that bad.
The first week on Bob Greene's 1500 calorie diet for diabetics didn't go badly. For the first three or four days, I think I was too nervous to really care about eating, but my appetite seems to have returned today. I've always been very conscious about reading food packaging labels, but am even more so now. I am mostly looking for sodium, carbs and fiber content. I love salad, which is very good for me to eat--low cal, low carb, high fiber. I just hate making them and I refuse to buy salad in a bag-it just never tastes fresh enough to me. I have a salad spinner which really rinses and dries the lettuces very well. Using a variety of greens makes the salad interesting. I usually throw in some yellow or red pepper, cucumber, red onion,cherry tomatoes and sometimes either broccoli or cauliflower. Depending on my flavor moods, I add avocado, or Gorgonzola with roasted walnuts or pecans. Okay, now you see why I hate making salads--I am fussy and it is a lot of work, but oh so good. One of my favorite dressings from a bottle is Newman's low fat lime vinaigrette. It goes perfectly with the avocado.
The most upsetting part of my new eating plan is having to cut down on my favorite carbs. I am not a big sweet eater, so I don't really miss desserts. A bowl of fresh strawberries or blueberries fills that niche. I do miss my potatoes and my pasta. It is not that I can't eat them, it is the amount that I can eat. 1/3 of a cup of cooked whole wheat pasta does not take up much room on the plate. Nor does a third cup of brown rice or half a baked potato. I haven't had a chip of any kind since last Friday and may go into withdrawal since tortilla chips are probably my favorite snack. I've added a lot of seafood choices to my menu--even though I prepare for me only since Eric does not eat fish.
I've been walking--but not every day this week. Eric and I had some errands to run so I guess I could count walking through stores we visited. I did walk Monday and today, just around the neighborhood for about 20 minutes. I actually love to walk but here in Texas, even at 8:30, it is a chore. It was probably close to 90 degrees this morning.
Here's hoping I can keep this up on the road. I will keep posting from my vacation stops.
The first week on Bob Greene's 1500 calorie diet for diabetics didn't go badly. For the first three or four days, I think I was too nervous to really care about eating, but my appetite seems to have returned today. I've always been very conscious about reading food packaging labels, but am even more so now. I am mostly looking for sodium, carbs and fiber content. I love salad, which is very good for me to eat--low cal, low carb, high fiber. I just hate making them and I refuse to buy salad in a bag-it just never tastes fresh enough to me. I have a salad spinner which really rinses and dries the lettuces very well. Using a variety of greens makes the salad interesting. I usually throw in some yellow or red pepper, cucumber, red onion,cherry tomatoes and sometimes either broccoli or cauliflower. Depending on my flavor moods, I add avocado, or Gorgonzola with roasted walnuts or pecans. Okay, now you see why I hate making salads--I am fussy and it is a lot of work, but oh so good. One of my favorite dressings from a bottle is Newman's low fat lime vinaigrette. It goes perfectly with the avocado.
The most upsetting part of my new eating plan is having to cut down on my favorite carbs. I am not a big sweet eater, so I don't really miss desserts. A bowl of fresh strawberries or blueberries fills that niche. I do miss my potatoes and my pasta. It is not that I can't eat them, it is the amount that I can eat. 1/3 of a cup of cooked whole wheat pasta does not take up much room on the plate. Nor does a third cup of brown rice or half a baked potato. I haven't had a chip of any kind since last Friday and may go into withdrawal since tortilla chips are probably my favorite snack. I've added a lot of seafood choices to my menu--even though I prepare for me only since Eric does not eat fish.
I've been walking--but not every day this week. Eric and I had some errands to run so I guess I could count walking through stores we visited. I did walk Monday and today, just around the neighborhood for about 20 minutes. I actually love to walk but here in Texas, even at 8:30, it is a chore. It was probably close to 90 degrees this morning.
Here's hoping I can keep this up on the road. I will keep posting from my vacation stops.
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