My Bundle Of Fur Joy

Imagine living in a cage, being used to make money by delivering pups again and again to be sold for huge profits. Imagine fighting to eat anything, so you ingest the used paper that lines your cage. Imagine not even knowing the world around you exists, not knowing how to show affection, give a kiss, or even play. These are all the things our Willow has faced. She came to us a couple of years ago, a rescue from a puppy mill. Unsure of how she would react with our other dogs, we opened our home and gave her love and support, along with proper nourishment, vet visits, and regular grooming.  Fast forward to now, this little beauty is happy and healthy, and while she still lacks the ability to show affection, she has learned she likes to be picked up and held. And we say she loves with her eyes - oh, those big, beautiful eyes! The joy she has provided us is immeasurable. We love her little spins, the wag of her tiny tail, and watching her amazement at the world around her.  She loves to go outside and just look all around, discovering such wonders as butterflies, birds, fall leaves, and snow.  She no longer fights for food but will make you dizzy as she spins around and around when you are about to hand out a treat. She now understands her cage is only a temporary necessity but is still not happy when she has to go into it. It is amazing to me how love and nurturing can provide so much joy for both of us. I encourage you, if you have the love in your heart and the opportunity, to find a little piece of fulfillment by rescuing your own little bundle of fur. 

Today's Baseball Thoughts

 Today's Baseball Thoughts

What a great time of the year. The leaves are changing colors, the holidays are not far away and the World Series is underway. My teams, the Boston Red Sox are in command and have had an outstanding season. Boston has had some great teams recently with 3 World Series and possibly 4 in 15 years.  As I reflect, I wonder what the draw by fans to baseball is. For me I think it is emotional attachment. It brings me back to a time when I was a much younger man and did things all kids used to do (some still do today). I played ball, attended games, enjoyed the atmosphere and collected baseball cards from my favorite players. Through the years being a Red Sox fan in New York has been challenging. One of the most painful memories had an anniversary recently. It was when Bill Buckner mad an error that allowed the New York Mets to win the World Series. It did more than make fans sad, it kept the myth alive that the “curse of the Bambino” was in full force. It not only was a heartbreaking loss but they were big underdogs to the Mets team that had won 108 games that year. Baseball is all American; although it is not gaining popularity among today’s youth as many new and different options are available, including video game sports. Did you know there is actually college teams the compete against each other in the new rage, E-Sports. I am not sure if it my age but I will continue my love of baseball and my beloved Red Sox, who I hope are successful for many more years.

How can you help someone today? 

As we head through our daily lives each day, we feel so stretched thin that we just can not give anymore. We hear the news of shootings in our towns, poverty among our neighbors and more, yet we say - what can I do, I can barely make it myself?  We feel the ping in our heart, yet it passes with time. We become so "me" and go through each day thinking about what do I need next, what do I want now, ignoring the needs of others. If you really want to help others, it only takes a few extra seconds, not hours. It does not have to be big. It can be small actions that can turn into big things. Here's an example: while at the grocery store picking your needed items, grab a couple of extra boxes of cereal or jars of peanut butter and drop them off at your local church's food drive for the poor. I know a church in my area (St. Joseph's in Penfield, NY) that fills up a van with canned goods and non perishables each month for those in need. Maybe buy a baby bottle and put your loose change in it until it's full and drop it off at your local house of hospitality serving homeless women and children (Bethany House in Rochester, NY). It's the small gesture of #kindness that go along way in improving the quality of life for those less fortunate. So again I ask, How can you help someone today?   

#SpreadTheLove today! 

Vee

Here are some random thoughts on this weeks sports. 

It’s hard to believe Michael Jordan has turned 50.  In my opinion he is the greatest NBA player of all time. I only saw Wilt play when I was much younger and my craving for sports was not as strong as it today. I have read his stats and they are really impressive. But that was a different game back then. Did you catch Magic Johnson say if Michael Jordan and Lebron James played head to head 10 times Jordan would win them all? I am not sure I agree with that one, as Lebron may very well be talked about someday the way Jordan is being talked about now. It does however make me wonder if 100 years from now who will be considered the greatest of all time. You and I will likely not be around to talk about it.

The Buffalo Bills have let go several veterans as the new coaches make the changes they believe will get them to be a contender. They have released LB Nick Barnett, S George Wilson, and most recently CB Terrance McGee. McGee had been one of the longest running Bills. I support these changes. However, Many fans are losing hope. I hope the Bills find the right chemistry to make it to the playoffs. It has been far too long.

               

Some random thoughts from this past weekend in sports.

For those worried about Tiger Woods, Don't. He is doing just fine. He showed us the Tiger we all know and love this weekend by surging ahead and winning the Buick Open by 3 strokes. His 69th Career Victory and his third Buick Open win. He will go down as the greatest golfer that ever lived.....

Oddly coincidental, Cardinals rookie RB Beanie Wells signs an 11.8 million dollar contract early on Saturday, Then Wells sprains his right ankle in his first training camp practice later that day......

Will it be Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn as starting QB for the Browns? Coach Eric Mangini says that he will not rotate them. Mangini also says he expects both to remain with the team after his decision. My guess is Quinn will get the nod.....

So far it looks like the Phillies and Red Sox (and even the Cardinals) were the big winners in making moves before the trade deadline. The Phil's got a great first time performance from the newly acquired Pitcher Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez Made Red Sox fans smile. It is going to make for a very interesting stretch run.

As far as Terrell Owens. What a spark he has brought to western NY and Buffalo Bills fans. My friend Scott Pitoniak summed it up well at http://scottpitoniak.blogspot.com/

I've always liked this one.... "On this team, we are all united in a common goal: to keep my job".
-- Lou Holtz

Dont you just love sports???