Not to be TOO cynical . . .

Peace: In international affairs, a period of cheating between two periods of fighting.

Ambrose Bierce

Early Mother's Day . . .

 My husband has to work on the weekend so surprised me with flowers and a card yesterday afternoon. It was a win/win for him in thinking smart because he avoided the last-minute crowds, he didn't forget, and he got there when the selection was good. He even stopped by another store to pick up a vase for the gift. All my favorite colors and flower varieties.

Difference between a Mother and a babysitter . . .

Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully.

- Zig Ziglar

Our resident stray cat . . .

 The old cat that thinks that we are his home is still with us. He is too mature to play childish kitten games but does like to throw himself at our feet in hopes of getting his chin or stomach scratched.

Cats and table manners . . .

 We have yet to figure this out but Howl and Stubby always seem to start off meal time crossed over like this. No matter how we arrange the bowls, they want the opposite one and climb over each other in order to have their breakfast experience just perfect.

You will simply call her Mom!

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

"Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it's life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

"You will simply call her, 'Mom.'"

- Unknown

Pope John Paul the Great . . . knew of what he spoke . . .

"Every generation of Americans needs to know that freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought."
-- Pope John Paul the Great, homily at Orioles Park, Baltimore, Oct. 9, 1995.