CNN, London Webcams and Lettuce Wars

What a day today. I get 1 video and 2 pictures to make my heart just ache. I get to see AJ on CNN. Nic Robertson was with his team and there we get to see our son. And it was good. I am very proud of AJ and all he has accomplished! See the Link on the Right Column!

The second is we managed to snap a shot of Alyssa in London of the West London College Web Cam. Now, you won't be able to tell it is her - as I cannot zoom in. (I can't wait to see what the next 30 years brings in technology!!!).

She is standing next to the curb just after the white street line - and has a black shirt hanging below her jacket. There is a guy approaching her. I can't see her face, but I can see her.

2 kids overseas. One in school in London.

One in a war zone. Some days we just count our blessings and turn away from the negatives.

Speaking of wars, I got sent a clip of the last war of today. Alan managed to capture Q and Charlie nose to nose. It turns out that all those longing looks that Q gives Charlie is not in anticipation of eating Charlie, rather it is in anticipation of eating Charlie's treats. We found out years ago that Q liked carrots, but Lettuce. Who would have thought. The secret - give it to Charlie and Q will want it.

A brief tug of war and you guessed it - CHARLIE won! It may have been the dad look to Q, but Q gave up after a quick final sniff of Charlie's nose and skulked away to get his bone (which is bigger than Charlie, might I add).

Towels "Look Mom, No Dad"

We all have the little pet peeves or list of minor but "important to us" list of rules in our homes. Mine is towels. I buy towels from Wal-Mart, Target and Kohl's for everyday use. Sometimes I get some pretty nice ones and when they are new, I like them to stay in that state as long as possible. With a Mastiff Dog that can be hard as towels are used frequently around our home to wipe out said Mastiff Dog's face. Hubby loves to use the newest towels or newest kitchen towels for that use.

Then, occasionally, I splurge. I buy those outrageously expensive towels - where you only buy one or two and if I get a bargain, the better for it. And that was how I came upon the Eddie Bauer Beach Towels. Thick, plush, large. Everything you want for taking to the beach or pool and they stand up to multiple washings. I love those towels. They get used more for showering by hubby than the beach but that is ok. I love them anyway. He has one at Wisconsin House, I have one at Illinois House until I move up there.

So hubby has an I-Phone. I won't get one until Christmas (waiting for my plan to expire) and he takes all sorts of pictures of Charlie with Mastiff Dog and emails them to me. He wants me to know they enjoy each other's company. This picture was titled "Look Mom, No Dad". So he is soooo lucky Charlie didn't get eaten. I just know Mastiff Dog is waiting for an opportunity - but more importantly, I caught my expensive towel draped over the back of the couch - being used to wipe up Mastiff Dog's face and who knows what else. He didn't realize I would catch him with this, but the towel will be grounded when I get back to Wisconsin House. I must save it from ruination. The best part, he has no defense - It was caught in a photo. The towel will revert to my ownership (solely and completely). Now I just need a place to hide it........ The towel wars begin afresh.

What's For Dinner or "How to Torment Your Wife"

So Alan is living the life at Wisconsin House while I prepare Illinois House for sale. The realtor comes Saturday - so I have from tomorrow until Saturday to "clean up". In the mean time all the animals and most possessions have moved their way North. Charlie, the extraordinary guinea pig, has taken a real liking to his new accommodations. He talks a lot more now and popcorns around his cage in great happiness. Alan takes him out every night and sometimes in the mornings too. So, I guess to either remind me what I am missing, he takes pictures with his I-Phone - and then emails them to me.

Tonight, Q-puppy is seen watching the piggie with great interest. Not a great photo, put it does enough to scare me. I guess Q doesn't scare Charlie - even as he licked his lips over and over while staring with hope and anticipation at Charlie. Charlie is back safe and sound in his cage. I can sleep tonight and I know Q will sleep hoping he gets another chance tomorrow. There's always tomorrow.

The Kid Makes Captain

Today was a big day for our son. A little history - he was commissioned on December 17, 2004 as a Second Lieutenant and chose Armor for the Branch he wanted to serve in, thus, becoming an Armor officer. He was an honor graduate at the Armor Officer Basic course that following Spring and Summer and has gone on to serve our Country. He completed his first deployment from November 2005 through November 2006. During his first deployment he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. During that tour he received the Bronze Star. While home on his one year break from combat he got married to our wonderful daughter-in-law and has added a new dimension to our family.

Now he is on his second combat tour in Iraq. He was promoted to Captain today. We are very proud of him and honored that he has chosen to serve our Country. And of course we get to brag cause we think he is just great!