Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Fat Tuesday, Lazie Style



I love Lent. It reminds me of the first outdoor church service I attended in Grand Forks. I also love Lent because I remember the time Mom and Dad did that silly fast between Good Friday and Easter. They were so hungry on Saturday that they were eyeing my kibble! My final reason for loving Lent is the pack tradition of Fat Tuesday. While many people eat pancakes, our pack dines on chicken and waffles-- but this year, we had chicken and pound cake! As you can see from the photo, there was no chicken left after Mosi and I got done with it. Dad made the pound cake this morning, and I am so glad I got some. I love sweets. I love my pack!

Your pal,

Lazarus

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

With respect to my grandfather...



David Beard

b. August 1, 1912
d. February 9, 2009

David Beard, plant geneticist, died Monday February 9 in Adelphi, Maryland. He was born on the family farm in Portage, Ohio. He received bachelors and doctoral degrees from Ohio State University. In 1936, he married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn Gillian also of Portage. He taught in the Agronomy Department at OSU during World War 2, and accepted a position with the US Department of Agriculture in 1950 working at the Beltsville Research Farm in Maryland. As he developed expertise in bolstering forage crop yields, he was lured away from his government post by the Waterman-Loomis Company of Bakersfield, California. Dr. Beard was so instrumental to the success of Waterman-Loomis, that they established a Maryland branch of their company in Fulton, Maryland to accommodate him and his research on alfalfa. He retired in a gradual process during the 1980s and remained in Adelphi, Maryland.

David Beard is survived by his wife Kathryn Beard, his daughters Nancy Bell of Port Republic, Maryland, Joan Romig of Melbourne, Florida, his son Timothy Beard of Melbourne, Florida, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.

Post-mortem arrangements have been handled by Upchurch Funeral Home of Cumberland, Maryland, and a memorial service will be held Saturday March 28, 2009 at the Adelphi Presbyterian Church.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Spring in Texas




On this blog, we have generally shared our landscaping projects from the back yard, but when we bought this house every inch of yardspace was an absolute mess. On of the first things I did was to clear out a small garden area in the front of our circular driveway. Everything was over-grown and in bad shape. I had to decide what should stay and what needed to go because not everything could survive in cramped conditions. One of the things I saved was a large mountain laurel. I trimmed it up and allowed it to have some room to grow by taking out some competing bushes. Well, now we are reaping the rewards. This mountain laurel is in full bloom and covered in purple flowers. Julie says that this is its way of saying thanks. The flowers are fragrant and smell like sweet licorice. Enjoy the attached photos.

Kevin

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Volunteering



I am volunteering at the San Marcos Animal Shelter. My job there is to walk the dogs, love the dogs and cats, help socialize the animals, give treats, hugs and love to the animals. It is very rewarding and also difficult. I truly love these animals, and I wish they could all go to nice homes. Unfortunately, not that many people come to adopt. I try to give them as much love and attention as I can until they find a good forever home always mindful that it is, unfortunately, a kill shelter.

Today, I am happy because one of my favorite dogs was adopted. I know she is so happy at her new place. She was ready to go, and I know she'll do great. Please pray with me that all the dogs find great people to love and care for them. The shelter is a stressful place for the animals and they could all use your prayers.

Some of their stories are really heartbreaking, so if you think you might have a little extra love, and space for one more being, I KNOW a shelter dog would be grateful.

-Julie