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Epiphany 2024 Observed
Epiphany Observed – Sun. Jan. 7, 2024 I rather like the years when the Christmas season is extended a bit because of how the dates fall. This year, Epiphany was observed by the Catholic churches in our area today, Sunday, January 7, 2024, rather than on January 6th. The image today is a photo I took today at my church, Sacred Heart Mission. For most of the Christmas season, the Wisemen were a bit off to the side...
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Epiphany 2024
Epiphany – Sat. Jan. 6, 2024 And suddenly the star they had seen rising went forward and halted over the place where the child was. The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:9-11 Holy Light of the Manifestations Today, January...
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Twelve Drummers Drumming
Merry 12th Day of Christmas – Fri. Jan 5, 2024 Today’s meaning for the 12th Day of Christmas reminded me again of my days as a catechist for seventh and eighth graders preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation. On the first day of class, I often did a study of the Apostles’ Creed with the students. Most times, the children did not realize it is basically summary of our Catholic faith in twelve points. Those were some fantastic...
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Eleven Pipers Piping
Merry 11th Day of Christmas – Thurs. Jan. 4, 2024 My mom and dad, when they chose to have each of my 5 siblings and me baptized as infants, promised to raise us in the Catholic faith. While my parents did not always agree with everything happening in the Church, I know they did their best to live their lives as a good faith example to their children. Of course, they were not perfect. None of us are...
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Ten Lords a-Leaping
Merry 10th Day of Christmas – Wed. Jan. 3, 2024 See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. (1John 3:1) This verse is from today’s first reading. On a good day it is easy to appreciate that I am a child of God. On a bad day, it is certainly more difficult – especially when dealing with frustrating situations or difficult people. As a child of God, and follower...
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Nine Ladies Dancing
Merry 9th Day of Christmas For many years, my mom gave me and my sisters a subscription to a magazine called Angels on Earth. It is a sweet little periodical that comes out 6 times a year and is filled with stories of everyday people and how their lives have been impacted by angels – either in the form of other people or some kind of angelic or spiritual presence. I still subscribe to this magazine...
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Eight Maids a-Milking
Merry 8th Day of Christmas – Mon. Jan. 1, 2024 Today the Solemnity of Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God is observed in the Catholic Church. This particular feast day is one which I always attended Mass with my mother. It was kind of our thing! The Entrance hymn was Hail Mary, Gentle Woman. This was a personal favorite of my mother’s. We sang it together often through the years. I sang it to her in...
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Seven Swans a-Swimming
Merry 7th Day of Christmas – Sun. Dec. 31, 2023 Time has moved swiftly this past week. Here we are on New Year’s Eve! Many of my friends have packed up their Christmas decorations already – some the day after Christmas! I am glad to continue to enjoy our Christmas tree, nativity and other décor of the season – especially the lights on these long, dark winter nights! Why Seven Swans a-swimming on the 7th Day of Christmas?...
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Six Geese a-Laying
Merry Sixth Day of Christmas! The beauty of God’s creation is amazing and yet I find I often take it for granted. Even in these short days of winter there is beauty to be found if one looks closely. Outside in the morning, I see squirrels at work stashing food for the season; birds hanging out under the awnings chirping their songs (and driving my cats nuts!), and the beautiful Christmas decorations reminding me yet again it is...
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Five Golden Rings
Merry Fifth Day of Christmas! Why Five Golden rings on the Fifth Day of Christmas? Five Golden Rings are symbolic of the Pentateuch, the first five Books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. On the occasions when I hear the “12 Days of Christmas” song playing, as soon as it gets to the line of “five golden rings”, I can hear my dad’s voice ring out. That part of the song always reminds me...
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Four Calling Birds
Merry Fourth Day of Christmas! Why 4 Calling Birds on the Fourth Day of Christmas? Four Calling Birds represent the four Gospels and Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Today is also the Feast of the Holy Innocents This feast day has always made me cringe as I think about how King Herod ordered all baby boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas who were aged two years or less killed. He was so fearful when he learned...
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Three French Hens
Merry Third Day of Christmas! Morning coffee by the light of the Christmas tree is so lovely! The quiet of this time gives me an opportunity to reflect on this beautiful Season. Why Three French Hens on the third day of Christmas? The three hens represent the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. These were given from God and poured into our hearts. The three hens are also symbolic of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and...
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Two Turtle Doves
Merry Second Day of Christmas! Even as some are taking down the Christmas tree and other decorations, I will continue to celebrate the season! Why Two Turtle Doves on the second day of Christmas? The two turtle doves represent the two parts of the Bible: Old Testament and New Testament. Two more ideas for the second day of Christmas Sometimes the day after Christmas can feel like a let down. The preparation for The Big Day is done. ...
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A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Merry First Day of Christmas! Since 2012, I have shared the meaning of each of the days from the beloved carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This remains one of my favorite carols. I love the symbolism in the carol….and I simply love the actual twelve days of Christmas. My mom always celebrated the 12 days and I enjoy carrying on that tradition. I have always held off decorating for Christmas until the first week of December. This...
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Saying No Doesn’t Mean You’re for the Status Quo...
The ninth Democratic Presidential debate was held on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. I have not chosen my candidate yet because the Illinois primaries are still a month away. I liked what Pete Buttigieg said about Bernie Sanders because I do not think it applies to only Sen. Sanders – it applies to any of the candidates as well as any of their supporters. Mayor Pete said, “On issue after issue after issue this is what Senator Sanders is...
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Friday Dance & Stretch
Today’s workout is 6 dance/walk videos followed by a short stretch. The walking part of workout is approximately 26 minutes of dance/walk videos followed by 5 minute post-workout stretch. This is the fifth in a series of 7 playlists that will include dance/walk and stretching/yoga videos. My Friday Playlist is approximately 31 minutes long: The dance/walk selections today are from REFITREV and Dance Faith Fitness. The closing video is from FitnessBlender. You can find the playlist on my...
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Thursday Dance & Stretch
Today’s workout is 7 walk videos followed by a thorough stretch. The walking part of workout is approximately 29 minutes of dance/walk videos followed by 16 minute post-workout stretch. This is the fourth in a series of 7 playlists that will include dance/walk and stretching/yoga videos. My Thursday Playlist is approximately 45 minutes long: The dance/walk selections today are from PraiseFit Ministries and REFITREV. The closing video is from JessicaSmithTV. You can find the playlist on my YouTube...
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Wednesday Dance & Stretch
I am probably splitting up my workout today so I’ve chosen 3 walk videos that can be done separately or all at one time. Today’s workout is approximately 43 minutes of dance/walk videos followed by an 8 minute Kitchen Barre workout. This is the third in a series of 7 playlists that will include dance/walk and stretching/yoga videos. My Wednesday Playlist is approximately 52 minutes long: The dance/walk selections today are from Jessica Smith and Walking Online Workouts. ...
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Tuesday Dance & Stretch
Some of my work days are busier than others. I try to plan my workouts so that I can at least get a short workout in at the beginning of the day. Today’s workout is approximately 28 minutes of dance/walk videos followed by 10 minute flexibility workout. This is the second in a series of 7 playlists that will include dance/walk and stretching/yoga videos. My Tuesday Playlist is approximately 38 minutes long: Dance/walk selections are from REFITREV, Christian Zumba Dance...
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Monday Dance & Stretch
Today is Monday, October 1, 2018! New week means a new group of playlists for the week. This week I will focus on workout videos that combine dance steps with walking steps and then add in a few minutes of stretching or yoga to end the workout. This is the first in a series of 7 playlists that will include dance/walk and stretching/yoga videos. My Monday Playlist is approximately 39 minutes long: Dance/walk selections are from REFITREV, Christian...
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Sunday Step and Stretch
Sundays are a day to relax and restore! I usually do some kind of walk on Sunday but it may not be as long or as strenuous as other days. I also try to do some recovery yoga/stretching. This is the seventh in a series of 7 playlists that will include walking and stretching/yoga. My Sunday Playlist is approximately 51 minutes long: 20 Minute Walking Workout (from WalkingOnlineWorkouts.com) – 22:30 minutes Marching with Moves in Chicago (from Jenny...
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Saturday Step and Stretch
Saturdays can be busy but I always try to get in a good workout to kick off the weekend. This is the sixth in a series of 7 playlists that will include walking and stretching/yoga. My Saturday Playlist is approximately 49 minutes long: FITIN15 Cardio Party (from JessicaSmithTV.com) – 16:42 minutes Malibu March Across America (from Jenny Ford) – 12:37 minutes Restorative Flexibility and Stretch (from Jenny Ford) – 20:19 minutes You can find the playlist on my...
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Friday Step and Stretch
Fridays always bring a sense of fun for me – the week is over and the weekend is coming! Today’s playlist starts off with a traditional walk video from Leslie Sansone, continues with some of my favorite songs from DanceFaithFitness and ends with a nice yoga session with Jessica Smith This is the fifth in a series of 7 playlists that will include walking and stretching/yoga. My Friday Playlist is approximately 48 minutes long: WAKE UP & Walk...
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Thursday Step and Stretch
Thursdays are a busy work day for me so this day’s playlist is a little shorter than those from earlier in the week. This is the fourth in a series of 7 playlists that will include walking and stretching/yoga. My Thursday Playlist is approximately 39 minutes long: 1 Mile Walk Fast “Wake and Walk” (from JessicaSmithTV.com) – 20:47 minutes 1 Mile Turkey Trot (from JessicaSmithTV.com) – 12:46 minutes 5 Minute Fix Total Body Stretch (from JessicaSmithTV.com) – 6:00...
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Wednesday Step and Stretch
Yay! It’s Wednesday – Hump Day! Let’s start the day off right and get in some exercise before the day gets too busy. This is the third in a series of 7 playlists that will include walking and stretching/yoga. My Wednesday Playlist is approximately 31 minutes long: 1 Mile Fast Interval Walk (from JessicaSmithTV.com) – 14:56 minutes Short and Sweet Stretch (from JessicaSmithTV.com) – 16:57 minutes You can find the playlist on my YouTube Channel here: Karen’s Wednesday...
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Tuesday Step and Stretch
Some days I do not feel like exercising, but having a plan makes it a bit easier for me to get those steps in! This is the second in a series of 7 playlists that will include walking and stretching/yoga. My Tuesday Playlist is approximately 46 minutes long: Autumn Walking Workout (from WalkingOnlineWorkouts.com) – 16:54 minutes All Mixed Up Walking Workout (from WalkingOnlineWorkouts.com) – 21:28 minutes 8 Minute Total Body Stretch (from JessicaSmithTV.com) – 7:48 minutes You can...
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Monday Step and Stretch
I am a walker. I try to get in at least 2 miles a day. Many days I choose to do workout videos. YouTube has so many options to choose from that I have put together a few playlists with some of my favorites for each day of the week. This is the first in a series of 7 playlists that will include walking and stretching/yoga. My Monday Playlist is approximately 52 minutes long: Big Sky Walking Workout...
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Step into Autumn!
And all at once summer collapsed into fall. ~Oscar Wilde The back-to-school sales are long over. Halloween candy, Thanksgiving decorations and Christmas ornaments have adorned store aisles for several weeks. Still, to me, summer is not officially over simply because the school buses are delivering neighborhood children to and from the schools. Summer end when fall truly arrives! Good-bye Summer! Hello, Fall! This evening, the Fall Equinox is at 8:48pm. I always look forward to this time of...
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Welcome, Zoey!
Yes, we did it again! Welcome to the newest addition to our family, Zoey! She is about 6 months old and we are happy to welcome her into our family. We adopted Zoey from Cache Creek Rescue, the same shelter where we adopted Baxter in October,...
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Welcome, Baxter!
It’s been over a year since our Chelsea girl crossed over to the rainbow bridge. Our hearts have been open to adopting another dog. I wanted a female. Short haired. Small dog. And then, I saw this picture on Facebook. Bosco was his name. No, no, no! I thought, he looks like a lab mix. A big dog. A boy dog. Resist! I kept seeing his picture. This was posted on October 1, 2016. Look at that...
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T-Mobile & Channeling My Inner B...
I am, but most accounts, a pretty happy and optimistic person. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt. BUT….you knew there would be a “but”….. Sometimes some thing happens that makes that inner bitch in me come out. The one sure-fire way to make that happen is to lie to me. To tell me an untruth. To feed me some completely bogus, BS line of crap. And that, my friends, is what happened today. It...
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Celebrating 58
On May 10, 1958, my parents tied the knot. The rest, as they say, is history! For their 50th in 2008, I made this video as their gift. They received a special blessing at our church at the 4 o’clock Mass. Afterwards family and friends gathered at their old home for a celebration. (Read more about the Mass here: http://www.crazycatladymews.com/2012/05/10/it-all-started-with-a-dance/) Even though Dad...
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Babies, Bongos and Remembering Dad
Although it is a week into January, this Christmas season keeps on giving! My “present” this Epiphany week came not from the Three Wise Men but instead came from our two grandsons when they were visiting with their parents (our son, Jeff, and his wife, Kristi) as we celebrated Jeff’s birthday. Several weeks before Christmas, I was at my parents old house and discovered that my dad’s old bongo drums were in danger of either getting thrown out...
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Advent Begins!
Symbolizing eternal hope, the wreath goes ’round and ’round, And where it starts or ends cannot be found. Woven of things that grow – for life, and hung for holiday delight, The wreath must be left in place From Advent through Twelfth Night. ~Unknown Today is the first day of Advent – a time of anticipation, darkness and preparation. While we are shopping for the perfect gifts, baking the delicious cookies, cleaning and decorating the house, let...
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Facecrooks: Every Facebook User Should Check It Out...
I love using Facebook. I enjoy sharing information with my friends on it. I like catching up with family and old chums. And yes, I even like to engage in some political and religious debates on it. I use information from a website called Facecrooks to help me sort through the changes Facebook seems to continuously make to user account functionality as well as the many scams that seem to get posted – and reposted – on Faceook....
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If I have Windows, does that mean I have an Office (Suite)?...
When I purchased my first computer, back in the last century, it came preinstalled with quite a lot of useful software applications. Of course, it had an operating system (or OS). That OS was Windows 95. Over the past 18 years, there have been many new versions of the Windows Operating System, with the most recent being Windows 8. Windows 10 is due to be released soon. (All new versions were supposed to have done away with all...
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Nemo Update
Nemo is now almost a year and a half old! He is still the darling of the house, but is also like a “bratty teenager” now! Like our other felines, he spends the afternoons either asleep on our bed or he is perched on my desk, peering out the window! 2/15/15 2/15/15 – the afternoon kitty convention 2/20/15 – Nemo loves to help organize 2/25/15 – Nemo, pestering Dexter 2/25/15 – Begging 2/27/15 This...
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Now, the Work of Christmas Begins
When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and the princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks, The work of Christmas begins ~Howard Thurman Today, at Mass we read about the Baptism of Christ Jesus. This is the time when I usually take down our Christmas decorations and pack them away until the coming December. It is usually a very sad time for me,...
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Epiphany
And suddenly the star they had seen rising went forward and halted over the place where the child was. The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:9-11...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
It’s That Important
I don’t usually share other people’s YouTube videos, but I think this one is That Important. It’s not just teens. Every day I am out there driving I see people of all ages talking or texting. You are NOT more important than the other people on the road. STOP IT...
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Smile!
April 3, 2014. As young Nemo quickly approaches his 6-month birthday, he still manages to do something cute several times a day. Today, he decided to enjoy an empty Cheerios box. Some of our other pets decided to check out what he was doing. First, Ellie Mae came to see what was going on. Next, Zecora got in the act. Even Chelsea, our oldest dog, had to see what was happening. Smile! Young Nemo…peeking out… Here…....
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Nemo on Valentines Day
February 14, 2014. Nemo shares a little love with his pup,...
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Nemo: 14-weeks-old
January 11, 2014. I did not have original intentions to keep posting about Nemo and how many weeks old he is, however, it is hard to resist doing so when it annoys my oldest brother. So, here it is: Nemo is 14-weeks-old today! He continues to be a sweet cuddly kitten. He spends his days annoying the other cats, chasing the dogs tails or sleeping on my lap. Below, enjoy a few other photos of Nemo from the...
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Nemo: Helps Me Help Other Kittens
January 11, 2014. It is hard to believe that our young Nemo is now 14-weeks-old! When I brought him home in October, I did not expect that we would adopt him. However, as the weeks went by, it became clear that Nemo had, in fact, adopted us. At his last veterinarian visit, Nemo weighed 3 pounds 11 ounces. That is a far cry from the couple of ounces he weighed on the day he was brought to Catvando...
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Nemo: 3-months-old
January 5, 2014. Nemo is 3-months-old today!
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Late Night Buddies
December 29, 2013. Kelly and Nemo – hangout on the dog...
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Nemo: 12-Weeks-Old
December 28 , 2013. It is hard to believe that young Nemo is already 12-week-old! He is now able to leap onto chairs and small tables. He climbs onto our bed for afternoon catnaps. And, he still loves playing in the...
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Nemo: 8.5 Weeks
December 3, 2013. At 8.5 weeks old, Nemo is exploring more of our home every day. He is very brave and will stand up to the other cats and the dogs. Nemo is quite the climber and gymnast. Just a few short weeks ago, he would barely notice the small scratch post. Now, he climbs on top of it! Nemo, relaxing on our bed with the other felines, watches me from across the...
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You Might Have a Kitten
When you have no small children or teenagers living at home, and you have to say: Get out of the refrigerator, you might have a kitten. Get out of the dishwasher, you might have a kitten. Get out of my sock drawer, you might have a kitten. Get out of my laundry basket, you might have a kitten. Get off of my keyboard, you might have a kitten. Get off of the bookshelf, you might have a...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
A Little Effort Can Make a Difference...
Today, another example of what happens when someone meets with something unusual in their daily work. We have all had that happen: we are going along, doing our job in the usual manner. Then, BAM! Something happens that requires a little bit of critical thinking, perhaps even a small amount of problem solving. We have had this Mailpost mailbox for almost ten years now. It is clearly labeled with the word “Mailpost.” And, yes, it is a regulation...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 30
November 30, 2013. Today, I am thankful that this challenge gave me incentive to reflect daily on my life. From little things to big things, I can always find something to be grateful for. I am also thankful that this challenge gave me a chance to get back into the routine of daily journaling and reflection. With November wrapping up today, it is time to head into the “most wonderful time of the year.” I will continue to...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 29
November 29, 2013. Black Friday. Today, I am thankful that I am not one of the millions of people who work in retail. I am also not shopping. What are you thankful for today? ...
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Nemo: Crazy on Thanksgiving
November 28, 2013. Happy Thanksgiving to all! This morning, it was tricky to get a good photo of young Nemo because he was so crazy active! Enjoy the video below!...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 28
November 28, 2013. A Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers! While the retailers would have us all thinking about tomorrow and worrying that there are less than four weeks to shop for Christmas, I prefer to spend this day being mindful that we are able to share this day with family and friends because so many of our men and women are serving in our military. I am thankful for their sacrifices. What are you...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 27
November 27, 2013. I do write quite a bit about cats – after all, I am a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady! However, I also have great appreciation for my canine furbabies. Their many years of faithful service have kept our floors clean of any dropped food from the humans who dine in our kitchen. Today, I am thankful for them! What are you thankful for today?...
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Nemo: The Dot!
Tonight, we introduced Nemo to The Dot. Kelly and Ellie love this...
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Here’s a Way to Get Chocolate!
A tasty morning treat from my childhood was chocolate oatmeal. That is correct. Good old fashioned oatmeal with some chocolate in it. I loved it then; I love it now. Who knew it would become one of those “gourmet” kind of foods? I was recently at a Dove Chocolate party and picked up some of their whole grain chocolate oatmeal. Now I know what I am having for breakfast tomorrow! What are you going to have?...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 26
November 26, 2013. Today, I am thankful for one of my recent kitchen purchases: The Deep Covered Baker, by The Pampered Chef. Seriously folks, on the days when I intended to cook in my crockpot, but could not manage to get the ingredients into it early in the day, this baker comes to my rescue! What are you thankful for today? ~Karen P.S. For those looking to purchase Pampered Chef items, or even have a party, contact my...
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Purring Nemo, After His Bath
November 25, 2013. Nemo, like most kittens, is pretty messy. He walks through his water, his formula and his food. He sometimes walks through his litterbox deposits. All of these things means he needs a bath pretty regularly. Afterwards, he usually sleeps for a good long while. If you listen closely, you can hear him purring in the video below....
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Nemo: Sunday Morning Grooming
November 24, 2013. A little Sunday morning grooming by Kelly and Nemo....
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Nemo: Owns the Bed
November 25, 2013. Young Nemo reached a milestone today. Okay, so this is really another way of saying he is quickly finding ways to elevate himself! And get into mischief. This morning, Nemo figured out how to get on the bed – All. By. Himself. This means nothing will be safe by the end of the day! Actually, it was quicker than that! Within minutes of getting onto the bed, he figured out how to get onto...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
November Thankful Challenge Day 25
November 25, 2013. Today, I am thankful for the little things in life that make my work day more enjoyable: computer, smart phone, reliable car, wonderful home office and my feline helpers. Some times I take all of these things for granted, or I get annoyed when they do not work as I had planned. I will try to be more mindful of these blessings! What are you thankful for today?...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
Nemo: Sunday Evening Fun
November 24, 2013. Nemo, at just 7-weeks and one-day old, loves his evening playtime. While Kelly snoozes on her bed, Nemo stalks Ellie Mae. Nemo and Ellie Mae stalk the same fake mouse! I love how Nemo’s hair puffs up when he is playing. ...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
November Thankful Challenge Day 24
November 24, 2013. Today, I am thankful to be able to share these past 31+ years with my husband. While neither of us are ever perfect, through the years we have cultivated a life that is perfect for us – flaws and all. What are you thankful for today?...
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Nemo: Celebrating His First Month
Just for fun, here is a video of some of the photos of Nemo’s first month with us. Such a change from October 8, from when he was three-days-old, to November 5, when he turned one-month-old!...
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Nemo: 7-weeks-old
November 23, 2013. Young Nemo is 7-weeks-old today. While he is still pretty small, his personality is fairly large. He is very social and loves to be with my husband and I, our dogs and other cats. His favorite pooch is Kelly. And, God bless this dog because she has so much patience with this kitten, his sharp teeth and equally sharp nails. It warms my heart – and amazes me – to see how gentle Kelly is...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 23
November 23, 2013. Today, I am thankful for all of the experiences I have had which helped me to become the woman I am today. What are you thankful for today?...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 22
November 22, 2013. Today, I am thankful for the warmth provided by cuddly furbabies on a chilly day. Pictured above: our dog, Kelly, with her kitties, Nemo and Ellie...
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Nemo : 6.5 weeks
November 21, 2013. It’s always a good morning when Nemo snuggles with...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 21
November 21, 2013. Today, I am thankful for Veterans and for those who support them by actually “walking the walk” My friends, Mary and Art James, own a company called HAYS Cleaning, based in Hickory Hills. Art is a Vietnam Veteran. Since May 2010, the couple gives back to other Veterans through the year by giving free 3-hour residential housecleanings to local Veterans. This month are not only doing the free 3-hour cleanings, they are also collecting Slim...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
November Thankful Challenge Day 20
On this 20th day of November, I am thankful that our home, and those of many of our family and friends, were not damaged by the tornadoes and storms from this past Sunday. I also pray that those who lost loved ones, pets, homes and belongings may find the help that they need to recover from the many losses. What are you thankful for today?...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
November Thankful Challenge Day 19
On this 19th day of November, I am thankful for the many little things that bring happiness into my life: A funny message from one of my sons My husband scooping the litterboxes That phone call from a friend “just because” The wagging tail of my happy dogs The peaceful purring of my felines What are you thankful for today?...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 18
Today, I am thankful for non-drowsy cold medicine. That’s it! What are you thankful for today?...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 17
On this 17th day of November, I am thankful for one of my favorite services: Netflix. Our household is one of the few that does not have cable television. Oh, yes, we did have it for a short time, but we found that we still ended up watching most programming from Netflix. I like being able to save a list of movies or shows that I want to watch at some future date. I enjoy watching programs that...
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Nemo: 6-weeks-old
November 16, 2013. Young Nemo is now 6-weeks-old and full of kitten spunk! Today, he climbed up one stair – and promptly turned around and came back down. He helped me put away the left overs in the fridge. He watched the big cats eat meat. And he ended the day…. ….by rolling around…. …. on his back…. …. all over the...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 16
Wow! It is already November 16! Today, I am thankful that all three of our sons have inherited so many of the good things that I love about their father: Love of family Resourcefulness Sound work ethic Tremendously off-beat sense of humor Mechanical inclination Even though these things may manifest differently in the sons than they do in the father, it does not matter. Each son has applied these traits in his own unique way, with the same...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 15
“What you see in the world around you is a reflection of who you are.” Today, on this 15th day of November, I am thankful that I make an effort every day to be happy and optimistic. I love that last line in this short story. I think it goes along with my view of seeing my glass as “half full.” On the days when I feel upbeat and positive, my world looks just that way. On the...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 14
Today, on the 14th of November, I am thankful for the ability to crochet. I learned how to crochet from my paternal grandmother, Elvira, and my cousin Kathy. Over the years I have made many items for those that I love. From scarves and shawls to afghans and curtains, there is something special about crafting something from a skein of yarn that someone I love will wear or use. What are you thankful for today?...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 13
Today, on November 13, I am thankful for texting. My use of texting has evolved over the years. It began when our oldest son started taking classes at the local college. Since he was only 14, I had to drive him and pick him up. There were only 2 or 3 public phones on campus so my husband and I decided to get him a cell phone so he could use it to text us when he was...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 12
Today, I am thankful for being able to go through life with a “my glass is half full” mentality. I try to stay positive, no matter what is going on in my life. Bad things do happen. They even happen to good people. I believe that no matter what happens, there is something good in it. Of course, I may not see the “good” right away, but it is usually there. What are you thankful for today?...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 11
Today, November 11, 2013, is Veterans Day. On this day, I thank all of the Veterans for protecting this great country. They are true heroes! What are you thankful for today? ~Karen P.S. For my local friends, check out the FREE 3-hour cleaning offer for Veterans from HAYS Cleaning, based in Hickory Hills,...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 10
Today, on the 10th of November, I am thankful for my church community of Sacred Heart. This parish is small, but the people there are so genuine. I also love the historical aspect of this church, which began as a French-Canadian mission. The mission has a reputation as a place of healing. To this day, a prayer list is read at every Mass, noting the names of the ill, the deceased and those in need of special intentions....
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November Thankful Challenge Day 9
On this ninth day of November, I am thankful for all of my pets. When life gets crazy and I realize I cannot count on whatever plans I made (while God laughed), I find that I can count on my various pets to be there waiting for me. They are waiting for dinner, waiting for company, waiting for a gentle pat on the head. There is something pretty sweet about having a team of furbabies waiting to simply...
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Nemo: Gone to the Dogs
November 8, 2013. Nemo was a month old on November 5. I took these photos on November 8th. Nemo, and our dogs, Chelsea and Kelly, enjoy their play time together in our family room. The fun began when Nemo stalked Chelsea as she rested on her bed by our fireplace. Nemo did attempt to get onto the bed but never quite made it. After that little adventure, Nemo decided to “stalk” Kelly. Nemo and Chelsea Nemo and Chelsea...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 8
Today, on November 8th, I am thankful for my love of reading. This was passed on to me from both of my parents. There is something wonderful about curling up with a good book, transporting myself to another time and forgetting the noise of my busy life. What are you thankful for today?...
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Nemo: Becoming Like the “Big Cats”...
November 7, 2013. Young Nemo is becoming more like the big cats every day! He is now using a litterbox and is starting to show interest in his “babycat” food. I am still bottle feeding him every day, but will be slowly weaning him from that after he turns six weeks old. Last night, I moved him into the big crate. There is enough room in there for his litterbox, along with a small house to...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 7
On this seventh day of November, I am thankful for our beautiful home. We bought our house just over 28 years ago. Then, it was merely a house. Together, my husband and I, along with our sons, and countless pets, have made our house a home. What are you thankful for today?...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 6
On this sixth day of November, I am thankful for music. I love all kinds of music: classical, country, pop, dance and rock and roll. I love to listen to music. And, sometimes, I even like to play music on my piano or my flute. What are you thankful for today?...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 5
On this fifth day of November, I am thankful for the changing of the seasons. Living in the Midwest, I get to experience everything from hot and humid sunny summer days to crisp fall mornings and snowy blizzards. Of course, living in the Chicago area, sometimes I get to experience all four seasons in one day! What are you thankful for today?...
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Nemo: one-month-old!
November 5, 2013. Today, Nemo achieved two milestones. The first is he is one-month-old. The second – a successful sha-poopy in the litterbox! A morning snuggle with...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 4
Today, on this 4th day of November, I am very thankful for our speedy internet service. After recently spending two weeks out in the country, with internet speeds about as quick as a turtle runs, I will admit to being a city girl at heart, with respects to available technology. What are you thankful for today?...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 3
On this third day of November, I am thankful for that extra one hour of sleep. I do hate that “falling back” makes the nights seem longer, but I rather enjoy that extra sleep time. Too bad it throws of the eating schedule of all the pets! What are you thankful for today?...
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Nemo : 29-days-old
November 3,2013. Happy Sunday morning ! There is a whole lot of cuteness in this tiny kitten! It’s always a good morning for Nemo! Hello! Meow! Jethro watches Nemo groom himself Jethro is just making sure Nemo groomed himself well....
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Nemo: 28-days-old
November 2, 2013. Nemo is 4-weeks old today! He is becoming more active and more interested in his surroundings every day. He is a regular visitor in our family room each evening, along with our other cats and dogs. While his presence has ruffled a few of their “feathers,” the other furbabies seem to take sharing their lives with him in stride. Nemo – 4 weeks old today! He likes sitting on the couch with...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 2
Today, I am thankful for the ability to return to my pilates and yoga exercises. I injured my neck, left shoulder and left arm earlier this year and it has been a long recovery. Thanks to a terrific chiropractor and massage therapist, I have most of my mobility back. That said, I will not be breaking up any tile floors in the near future! What are you thankful for today?...
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November Thankful Challenge Day 1
On this November 1st, I have seen this image pop up several times today on Facebook. I think I will rise to the challenge. Today, as always, I am thankful for my husband, David. He is a great husband, a dear friend, wonderful father and a man who knows what it means to be a hard worker. And, he loves puppies. And kittens. Especially the kittens. What are you thankful for today?...
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Nemo: 26 Days
October 31, 2013. This is no “trick or treat,” young Nemo is simply amazing! This morning he was scampering all over our bed. He is very interested in the other cats and in both of our dogs. This short video shows Nemo doing some early morning grooming. And, of course, we have some photos for the day, too! Nemo, 26 days...
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Nemo: 25-days-old Part 2
October 30, 2013. Nemo is 25 days old and is so adorable. He is more aware of his surroundings and likes to be near our dogs and other cats. ...
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Nemo: 25-days-old – Part 1
October 30, 2013. Since we were up very late, the first two videos here were taken at about 1:30am. The third, a bit later in the morning. Nemo explores in our bathroom. Notice how his ears have popped up a bit. He has also started teething; I can feel the very tips of his baby teeth. As with our other kittens and foster kittens, Nemo seems to like to hide out under the stool in the bathroom. We...