~December 28, 2019

I try to write something relevant to what is happening locally every week. Sadly, last Saturday (what they are calling a hate crime) occurred in Ontario. An African-American man was at Arby’s when he was attacked, being stabbed repeatedly in the neck area. The attack happened without provocation. While it is true this is a redneck country type of setting, it is also true we are culturally diverse. So, this is totally unacceptable. The attacker was from Nebraska but working at a local trucking company. The victim had recently relocated from North Carolina.

Despite the horrendous event, the community is pulling together to make a difference in the victims circumstance. Several businesses have rallied to raised funds to help Ronnel Hughes with his medical costs and his loss of income during recovery. We send positive thoughts and prayers for this man’s recovery.

AT OWYHEESTAR

We took photos as well as worked with puppies. It was insanely crazy tucking the work around the Christmas holiday. It got done–which is what counts, right? Here are some of Bernie’s babies to enjoy. Maybe it will be the perfect fix if you are suffering from holiday stress. (Haha)

This Week On the Blog…

As always, thanks to our faithful OwyheeStar contributors–they make this all possible. (Haha) We sincerely hope our readers enjoyed these updates as much as we did, too. If you have a story that you will let me share–I need at least three sentences and a decent photo. I prefer to receive it via email. (FYI–we only use stories that feature the OwyheeStar Weimaraner).

And–yes, I believe I have used nearly everything you have sent to us. So–we can use your story if you are willing to allow us to do so. Thanks to those who continue to make my life easier when it comes to the blog.

Sunday— December 21 — Holiday Cheer (Martee)

Monday–-December 23—Stackhouse (ready for the game)

Tuesday – December 24 — Second Christmas

Wednesday December 25 — Merry Christmas

Thursday –- December 26 —  Waiting for Cliff (Stack)

Friday — December 27 — Sunbathing in Texas

On a very personal note

Our Christmas was spectacular in many aspects– we spent time with family. Being included in events means the world–we no longer are the hosts, so the agenda has changed. The time and opportunity to spend a portion of Christmas with grandkids and the great-grandkids means the world to us. Each one delights us when they share something–anything. I guess, like all grandparents, we are easily amused. Isn’t it just grand? The moments shared –how can we say what they mean?!?

I want to thank our son and our oldest granddaughter, Ashley, for hosting the family get together. I know all too well what it takes–and with Ashley expecting (due in January), it was especially exhausting. The food was fabulous, and everything was perfect.

I suppose the biggest disappointment was that I didn’t get the decorating done–and from discussions with others, it might have been that kind of year for them as well. I think we are going to rethink our Christmas decor and make it simpler–as my very wise (and older) sister commented–with the two of them, she doesn’t do as much. A wreath at the door–that would be a good start. I purchased a tiny little tree for our table that sat nakedly adoring our meals, but somehow I loved it. Next year, decorations are happening. I think miniature ornaments and possible some time packages below it would be a nice touch.

Finally, I want to say something about the family discovery–because this is the last Saturday of 2019. The finding out that I was adopted (and the secret kept from everyone so aptly) has brought an array of emotions–shock, disbelief, dismay, wonder, and especially the desire to find out where this story began. Who were my birth parents? There were many questions–quite a few have been answered. I sincerely hope to discover more information, especially about my parenteral lineage. After waiting for about two months, I did receive a pre-adoption birth record from the State of Oregon. To my surprise, it did list my actual birth mother and father. Now, it is time to prove or disprove the listed father–why does it matter? Well, if it is true, I have at least one full brother, and if not–then I would like to figure out who my biological father is and whether he might still be alive. I highly doubt it is possible, but I do have Aunt Lil, who is just lovely, and 92 years young. I hope that I can meet her, and my brothers and sisters–possibly a few other family members in 2020.