Here is my spoiled little girl.  I got her back in GA.  Even though she is going to be 10 years old next year she still acts like a little puppy.  Of course she always loves all the attention mommy and daddy give her. Bonus part of having her, she is a great judge of character, she fell in love with Daddy the 1st time she met him, unlike the other men, so we both knew he was worth keeping around.

Here is the latest addition to the family, my niece just born Monday, February 20, 2006.

February's Flower Violet Botanical name : Viola Meaning : Faithfulness

Greek legend tells of a nymph named Lo, who was beloved by Zeus. To hide her from Hera, his wife, Zeus changed Lo into a white crow. When Lo wept over the taste and texture of the Coarse grass, Zeus changed her tears into dainty, sweet smelling violets only she was permitted to eat.

Roman myth tells a different story, one of lovely maids of antiquity who became the victims of Venus' wrath when Cupid judged them more beautiful than her. In jealous fury, Venus beat the maidens until they became blue, and thus turned into violets.  

To dream of violets is a promise of advancement in life. They are considered a good luck gift to any woman in any season, but where violets bloom in autumn, epidemics will follow within the year.  

Violets are a symbol of faithfulness.  

Blue violets say "I'll always be true" and signify constancy 

White violets depict modesty or the desire to "take a chance on happiness" 

Yellow violets convey modest worth. 

Mother of the groom.   Here is a recent picture that was taken of Harvey's mother.  Irene is an amazing women.  For a 75 year old women she gets around and takes care of herself.  She still is fully able to drive herself around and has not suffered yet from any of the usual age related problems.  I only hope that I will be half as healthy and mobile as she is when I am her age.

January's Flower Carnation Botanical name : Dianthus Meaning : Whimsical , Fanciful , Capriciousness, Fascination, Destination

Carnations were known as "Jove's Flower" in ancient Rome as a tribute to one to their beloved gods. In Korea, a young girl places three carnations in her hair to tell her fortune. If the top flower dies first, her last years of life will be difficult; if it's the middle flower, her earlier years will bring the most grief. Worst of all, if the bottom flower dies first, the poor girl will be miserable the whole life!  

For the most part, carnations express love, fascination, and distinction. Light red carnations represent admiration, while dark red denote deep love and affection. White carnations indicate pure love and geed luck; striped symbolize a regret that a love cannot be shared, Green carnations are for St. Patrick's Day; purple carnations indicate capriciousness.  

Pink carnations have the most symbolic and historical significance. According to Christian legend, carnations first appeared on Earth as Jesus carried the Cross. The Virgin Mary shed tears at Jesus' plight, and carnations sprang up from where her tears fell. Thus he pink carnation became the symbol of a mother's undying love, and in 1907 was chosen by Ann Jarvis as the emblem of Mother's Day, now observed in the United States and Canada on the second Sunday in May. 

This is Patches.  Irenes cat.  I have nicknamed her psycho-cat because she seems very sweet, she will come up to you and meow at you and purr as she walks between your legs, but beware.  Don't pet her unless your Irene, she will scratch and bite you as soon as you do. We all get a good laugh out of her behavoir.

11/26/07

Today we morn the passing of Patches. May you rest in peace Patches.

We recently discovered that Patches had thryroid tumors. She seemed  perfectly healthy aside from her loss of weight and her personality change. She was still stealing food and trying to take your food and jumping up on everything as she normally does. However today she passed away in her sleep. May she rest in peace. We are comforted with the knowledge she went in peace and was in no pain. We will miss her. 

Stephen graduated from Great Bridge HS in June 2006.  He is currently attending James Madison University.

Congratulations Stephen, Great Job.

This is Ruth.  Ruth is Harvey's older sister and she is the eldest child in the family. 

Yes this was at Christmas, don't you love her hat.

Sue is Cathy's other sister.  Even though Sue lives in NY, we have always been close.  Sue was one of my foster sisters when I was a young child and we have always stayed close since then.  Sue is the mother of Michael.

I was truly happy when Sue and Tim became a couple because Sue finally found the happiness she so richly deserved and Tim couldn't be a better partner for her.  I have to say that I have looked up to her and the great relationship she has with Tim and I believe that this has helped me to find such a wonderful and healthy relationship.

Congratulations Sue & Tim on your 10 year anniversary and hope to see you two celebrate many more in the future.

Tim is Cathy's Brother-In-Law.  Tim and I have always had a great relationship ever since Sue and Tim become a couple.  I am probably the only one in the family that gets away with terrozing and picking on Tim as much as I do.  I am also the only family member that gets away with my little nickname for Tim (old man).  I can always gurantee that not only will Tim make me laugh all the time but he will be there for me as well and I have always been grateful for that.

I was truly happy when Sue & Tim became a couple and I am so happy that Tim has been able to bring Sue the happiness that she so deserves and he does as well.

Congratulations Sue & Tim on your 10 year anniversary and hope to see you two celebrate many more in the future.

Michael is one of Cathy's nephews.