Letter to Tony

Dear Tony,

It's been almost three years since you passed away. I think about you when people speak of you and when little things happen that remind me of you. I especially think of your mom at Christmas time. I hope that she's doing alright and that you are watching over her because I'm sure she misses you a lot.
This week, I cleaned the house and unpacked my Christmas decorations and came across your old friend, the penguin, who used to adorn your IV pole, which looked more like a Christmas tree this time of year. Just so you know, he is doing fine and we are happy to have him around. I wanted to share some photos and let you know what he's been up to.

It's Nice to See You

It was a little challenging when Dookie came to stay because, well, the destruction of animals filled with stuffing is her favorite past time. Needless to say, your penguin was a bit hesitant to meet her.

Where is that dog?
Which way did she go?

In the end, it all turned out ok.

Meeting Dookie

He does all sorts of things to keep busy and stay out of trouble during the holidays. Occasionally though, he gets a wild feather up his tail and I need to intervene.

Cutting Loose

Most of the time, he's on his best behavior. You would be so proud.

Watching good quality, family programming.

Reading "Santa Claus: The World's Number One Toy Expert" by Marla Frazee

When he's good, he gets rewarded with his favorite holiday beverage.

Everybody loves a cup of hot coco.

He loves to help me write my posts for Holidailies and read my favorite blogs.

Writing this post.

Reading Jenni's blog.

I have just tucked him into bed for the night. He says for me to tell you that he misses you and he hopes you have a Merry Christmas.

Nighty Night.

Thank you for entrusting him to me. He has become an integral part of the holidays.
Merry Christmas, Tony.

With Love,
Kathy




I am a participant in Holidailies 2007.

Thank You Note

Dear Aunt Laura,

Thank you for the pig. I really enjoyed it!

Love,
Dookie (the Destroyer)

BEFORE

AFTER

Absence Excused

To Whom It May Concern,

(i.e. those of you who sent e-mail and other such messages inquiring where in the heck Kathy-rine disappeared to for the last several days)

Kathy-rine has been excused from her blog posting responsibilities due to a swift and unexpected stomach 'bug' that caught her unawares. She was unable to think clearly, write coherent sentences or leave her bathroom for extended periods of time. Occasionally, she could be heard mumbling to herself, "Something is not right. There is definitely something wrong," while rocking back and forth on the toilet and clutching the garbage pail.

Currently, Kathy-rine is back to work, feeling fine and a couple pounds lighter. She will be returning shortly as soon as she catches a nap, launders some clothing, packs her bags and puppy in to the car and heads down to Tucson for the holiday weekend. Until then, she bids all of you well and will catch up on your posts as time permits.

Sincerely,

Kathy-rine (who does not usually but is currently referring to herself in the third person)

P.S. She says, have a GREAT Thanksgiving everyone! Remember to wait for the thermometer to pop before tearing the bird apart like the savages that you are... we are. Enjoy your 'Buck-a-Gobbs'!

Buck-a-Gobb by Kathy-rine

A Letter To My Brother-In-Law

Dear Jerry,

I'm not sure how much internet time you get because I know you're busy training and serving your country. Just a short note to let you know that everyone misses you! I hope things are going well and that you will keep all of us posted on how you are and, if possible, where you are. Take lots of pictures, post them when you can and we'll keep you updated on the homestead.

Take Care and we'll see you at Christmas!

Love,
Katherine


P.S. Don't let the guys give you too much shit about the Britney, Nsync, BSB, New Kids or Shania on your iPod. Own it!

This one's for you...

Dear Lurker,

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to visit here. It is nice to know that you would view this page either by accident on a Google search, a blog content alert or intentionally via Bloglines or some other subscriber service. If this is your first time here, Welcome! You are welcome back any time and your comments along your way are appreciated! If you are a returning visitor, thanks to those of you who leave your comments to let me know that you have been here.

Today, I was reading a blog that I have been frequenting lately and she talked about the number of visitors to her site and the lack of comments she has been receiving. This post then led me to Schmutzie, who was concerned that her drop in comments may be the result of a personal hygiene issue (which made me giggle). Apparently, people have, for one reason or another, stopped leaving comments after they've visited not just her site but the sites of many. I understand the one time visitor: views, decides it's not what they were looking for or expecting, moves on and never comes back. There is no need to comment. If we all commented on every page we ever visited we would be sitting in front of the screen for hours wasting our lives and wearing our finger tips away. Many of us do that anyway but I digress. If one decides to return to a Blogger's site, I think it courteous to let the person know that you've been there and what you thought during your visit. A simple thought or opinion on the matter is welcomed, not even every time but once in a while.

Before I go on, I must come clean. I have been guilty of lurking, especially when I had just gotten started. To be honest, these people scared the hell out of me, like I had stumbled into a blogger cult of some kind. To leave a comment and let it be known that I was present felt like I was intruding on some secret circle but after a while I realized THE INTERNET IS THE CIRCLE. So, for what ever reason you stay in hiding, dear lurker, come out, come out, where ever you are!
The lurking ends now. For those unaware, software exists to see who visits your site and when, from where and identifies IP addresses. Yes, Blackberry's too. So, even if a comment is not received... you've been spied. In a game of hide and seek, you've been found and tagged. It's your turn to talk.

Be Proud. Be Loud. Today is the day of the Great Mother F***ing DeLurking!

Sincerely and Ever Yours,

~ Scoobers


*Update: Schmutzie has created a blog roll with the participants of TGMfDl of 2007.