For The Good Times

Have you ever awakened with a song running around in your head without a particular reason?

I had that happen this morning.  "Don't be sad, I know it's over," were the first words that popped into my head this morning.  Crazy.  "There's no need to watch the bridges as they're burning..." and so on...I think the line that struck me hardest was "make believe you love me one more time...for the good times."

I think we can all relate to those "good times" and those "bad times."  No matter where you are in your life right now, I'm sure you can remember those "good times."  Wouldn't be amazing if you could remember only those, and forget those "bad times."  Then again, I am sure that those "bad times" are sometimes the points in life where we grow the most.

If life were always easy I don't think we could relate to the struggles going on the the world around us.  I would certainly like to see more Love in this world, wouldn't you?  With war, shootings, bombings and all sorts of angst and fighting going on around us all the times, sometimes the "good times" are hard to appreciate.

Do you remember your first crush?  Do you remember how devastating it seemed when it was over?  But, looking back I'm sure you would agree that it was just a tiny bump in the road.  There are lots of bumps in the road on this journey we call life...some little and some HUGE!  The trick is to learn how to survive and thrive in spite of those bumps.

The bumps never really get easier, but I do think that we learn different ways to cope with them as we age.  I'm not saying you will never get knocked down, never grieve, never hurt.  You will.  But, with reflection and effort and maybe a few hugs from friends you will get up and run again.  You will have more good times.

One thing that is really important here is to say that YOU need to reach out and hug someone today.  Under those smiles we all wear in public are sometimes terribly broken hearts, and just one kind word, smile or hug can help another person over a bad moment or even a bad day.  You see, we tend to get so wrapped up in our own troubles that we forget the struggles of those around us.

I am looking forward to some more good times, but I am sure there will be that balance of bad times to go along with them.  I'm looking forward to love again.  It's been a long time coming, but I'm sure that it will return.  Find someone to share the good times with, because with a friend and lover at your side the good times are elevated to new highs.

I've always said that without the really bad times, you can not experience the really good times to the fullest...I still believe that.  So, HERE'S TO THE GOOD TIMES!!!

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Pressed Between The Pages of My Mind

That sweet faced fur baby on the right is Buster The Wonder Dog as he looked on his very last Christmas with me.  He was gone a month later, taken by cancer.  I had him for seventeen wonderful years. He was a rescue who was a total basket case for the first six months I owned him, even eating my wicker porch furniture.  But, with love and patience, he became one of the most amazing animals I have ever had.

Now, I have another sweet fur baby (whose name on adoption was Buster - really) but is now affectionately known as Buddy!  He is yet another sweet blessing I have been given.

This past couple weeks as I have been going through a time of loss, I have been reminded of many, many blessings and memories.  Friends from as long as fifty years ago have stepped up to lend kind words and support.  I have been truly blessed, and I must remember that!

There are all kinds of memories as we pass through this world.  Some are as sweet as honey dripping from a fresh comb, and others as bitter as charcoal.  I have chosen as much as possible to put those bitter ones in the past.  But, as I reflect, sometimes it is good to remember the bitter and the sweet.  We do learn the most through the hard times and if we forget those lessons we are doomed to repeat that negative history over and over again.  Sometimes those bitter memories allow us to empathize with others going through difficult times.

Honestly, I do believe that unless one has experienced great pain, it is difficult for them to appreciate great joy!  Fortunately, I can say I have had both in my life.  The difficulty comes in learning when to put away the negative and focus on the positive.  Grief is normal, and I am reminding myself of that right now, but it too will pass, and the sun and joy will appear on the other side.

Here are a two fun anecdotes/memories I would like to share -

The POOP Chair

When granddaughter Alivia was about two and a half, we were visiting Daytona Beach.  The girls were playing at the edge of the water and Mel and I were sitting in two small beach chairs watching.  Liv came running up and said she had to go potty...well, we ASSUMED she was talking about having to tinkle.  Remember what that word assume can do to you...we watched as she ran back down to the waters edge, pulled down her bathing suit bottom and began to POOP on the beach!  OMG! Two teenaged girls began pointing and screaming and Melanie tried to shrink into her beach chair.  "Oh Mom, please, please I'll give you anything to go pick that up!" she said, embarrassed by Alivia's display.  I was sitting in a backpack beach chair Melanie had recently bought which I found extremely comfortable.  I said, "Well, I will go pick it up if this chair is mine."  Melanie agreed and I went down with a paper cup and picked up and disposed of the poop!  From that day on the lovely green backpack beach chair became the "Poop Chair."  I still giggle every time I think about that.

Then there was the day we went to church as a family one Sunday Morning.  Melanie, who was probably about 15 at the time had gone out that morning and bought six bagels.  We didn't have time to eat any of them before we left, so I told her to push them to the back of the kitchen counter and she could have one when she got home.  She had bought them with her own money.  They were HERS!  Well, upon returning home from church I went to the bedroom to change.  When Melanie came in a few minutes behind me, she was furious! "Mom! Who ate all my bagels?" I replied that I hadn't even looked to see if the bagels were still on the counter when I came in.  I said, "I have no idea, honey, but it certainly wasn't me. Perhaps the dog got them."  "MOM!! the bag is still on the counter, but the bagels are gone! The DOG didn't eat them! One of you did!"  At that moment, my sweet Golden Retriever, Buster, went skulking out of the room only to return a moment later with a raisin bagel in his mouth.  He dropped it on her foot and left the room!  Never try to tell me a dog doesn't understand what is being said! That dog had carefully removed the bagels from the bag, leaving the bag on the countertop without a crumb behind.  Then he ate all but TWO of them.  Yep, I said Two.  The one he returned to Melanie (much to everyones shock and surprise, and one he had hidden under my bed for a snack!  God love him!

I have trusted God to be there for me since I was very young (six years old in fact) and He has never let me down.  In the past couple years I have reconnected with a dear childhood who actually walked the waters of Baptism with me when we were both children.  It has been a sweet reunion, and we have shared many pleasant memories.  What a wonderful blessing.

Childhood memories of building straw and stick forts in the woods, of climbing the apple trees across the street from our homes and camping in the back yard.  Sometimes those memories seem to have slipped away, and then suddenly, as if turning the yellowed pages on an ancient book there they are! They are there to be savored and enjoyed.

Have you ever been walking along and smelled something which took you back to a long forgotten memory.  It is said that "smell" is one of the strongest memory triggers.  Every time I smell candied almonds roasting at a fair I am taken back to my first time in Germany at Octoberfest!

Then there are songs.  Sometimes love songs but not always.  The song "Windy" was playing on air when my daughter Wendy was born!  I can't hear that song and not think of her.  "Could I Have This Dance For the Rest of My Life" was playing when I danced my first dance with my soul mate.  We got lost along the way due to unfortunate circumstances in both our lives, but now I hear "I Hope You Dance," and think of him and the sweet memories we made together.

My grandchildren remind me daily of what it was like to have children...the difficult times and the joyous ones!  I will remember some of the precious things they said and did until I die.  You really never do know what will come "out of the mouth of babes."  Recently, my youngest grandchild a sweet little Liv, was dressing with me one morning and said - "Granma why does you body have so many wrinkles?"  I said, "sweetie, Granma is old and once I was fat, so it's wrinkles or fat!"  She contemplated that for a moment and said, "I think I like the fat better!"  Brutal, but honest, she liked sinking into Granma's shoulder when it was softer!

Next year will be the 50th Anniversary of my High School graduation.  Oh My Gosh!  Fifty Years!
I am going to make a serious effort to return to Maryland for that celebration.  It will be fun sharing memories with people I haven't seen in that many years.

There are vacations, births of children, marriage, death, accidents and oh so many other occasions locked between the pages of my mind....and yours.  Today, on this beautiful Sunday, take the time to flip through a few of those pages.  Some may make you cry, some will make you laugh out loud, and some will just make you remember what a blessing it is to wake up with the ability to still remember!

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Linda

Love and Marriage

What is love? Why marriage? What is a Soul Mate?  Hmmmmm.

I've been doing a lot of deep thinking and pondering about these things lately.  You see, I have had two long marriages the first to my High School Sweetheart.  I met him in my Tenth Grade World History class when I was a tender 15 year old.  I was probably one of the most naive girls in school, and when the teacher sat this young guy by me it was probably because I was quiet and studious and she thought I would be a good influence.  As it turned out, I was.  He had dropped out of high school and had just come back.  He was two years older than me.  Funny thing is, he wasn't particularly attractive at the time...kind of a gangly pimply faced guy who seemed shy at first.

Well, as I said, I met him in World History and he was struggling with some of his subjects.  It wasn't long before he asked me if I could help him with some of his "homework."  One thing led to another and just after my sixteenth birthday we had our first date.  Of all things my MOTHER suggested we go to the Drive-In! I was horrified.  This was my first real date and I was a "Church girl"...the thought of going to a drive in with a boy, any boy was just plain scary.  The funny thing is, I was so scared that I spent the whole evening polishing the door handle of his 57 Chevy convertible!  Aaaauuuggh.  I don't know if he ever realized how scared I was, but he did ask me out again.  We dated through the rest of High School.   I went to work for the FBI in June and we got married July 24th!  I loved him with all my heart and though it would last forever.

Fast Forward! It didn't.  Several years ( and four kids later) into the marriage, and after building a business with him, I found that he wanted an "open marriage" and had been cheating for years! I was devastated.  All I had ever wanted was to love and be loved.  This wasn't at all what I had planned.  The divorce was messy, and because of my naive self, I ended up having to start over from less than square one with four children!  aauuugghhhh.

I have asked several people lately about whether or not they had met/married their "soul mate."  The responses were interesting.  Some people really haven't a clue what that is.  Some have met, and lost as I did.  Some did marry their soul mates and are still happy.  Some are happily married for many years, know that someone else was their soul mate and yet have succeeded with a marriage with love and sharing without the intensity of the soul mate experience.  Hmmmm...so what exactly is a soul mate?

The Urban Dictionary defines it this way:

A person with whom you have an immediate connection the moment you meet -- a connection so strong that you are drawn to them in a way you have never experienced before. As this connection develops over time, you experience a love so deep, strong and complex, that you begin to doubt that you have ever truly loved anyone prior. Your soulmate understands and connects with you in every way and on every level, which brings a sense of peace, calmness and happiness when you are around them. And when you are not around them, you are all that much more aware of the harshness of life, and how bonding with another person in this way is the most significant and satisfying thing you will experience in your lifetime. You are also all that much aware of the beauty in life, because you have been given a great gift and will always be thankful.

Sounds about right to me!

I had gone to nursing school after my first two children were born, so at least I had that to fall back on.  However, working as a single parent RN proved difficult at times, and I found that taking jobs that were a little less restrictive and flexible, and usually paid more, was going to be part of the program.

I stayed in Church and always knew that no matter what God was in control and I would come out all right.  There were times when I thought I would never be able to meet all my obligations, provide for the children and have a good life.  Somehow, some way, something always came along.

After my divorce, I had a lovely room mate move in with me to help with household expenses.  She was quite a bit younger than I and encouraged me to get out and start meeting people.  My first excursion into the "dating world" of which I had NEVER been a part was a dance (I wasn't even sure I knew how to dance) at Parents Without Partners.  I was a nervous wreck.  But, amazingly, everyone was so sweet and I danced all night! I felt like Cinderella at the Ball! OMG

After three months at PWP one night a tall, handsome man approached me from across the room. I had never seen him there before and he asked me to dance.  I will always remember how he looked that night....White hair and beard, extremely well groomed, a gray sport jacket and white turtle neck.  As we danced he explained he was a hairdresser.  He didn't look like I supposed a hairdresser would look! In fact, he looked strikingly like Kenny Rogers.

We danced all night and he invited me to Shoneys for coffee after.  I didn't get home until three AM!  The attraction was immediate and strong for both of us, and within two weeks he told me he loved me!  It is a long story after that.  We had a tremendous amount of fun together.  We sailed, we danced and he was so good with my kids.  He even offered to adopt all four!  Amazing.  However, we hit a wall on moral/religious values.  I have always been a person with very strong faith, and belief system.  We couldn't seem to work out all the differences.  I will always know he was my "soul mate" and I still miss him at times.  I hope that he is happy.  Whenever I hear one of two songs, I am taken back to 1982 and the love we shared.  The first is "Could I Have This Dance For The Rest Of My Life" (that was the first dance we shared together) and "I Hope You Dance."  He will always have a piece of my heart.

I didn't marry again until 1992, when a man in my Sunday School class asked me to be his wife.
I accepted, in spite of the fact that I didn't feel the "soul mate" kind of connection.  We shared church, healthy living and activities...I thought it would work.  Now, I am facing another divorce after 22 years of marriage.  Crazy, but the marriage has always been troubled, and in the last few years he has declared there is no God, drinks excessively and curses like a sailor.  I thought I could live with it, but I can't.  So here I am at 67-years-old facing yet another divorce.  At least it seems amicable so far.

So as I face the future, I wonder whether there could be love in the future.  I wonder what makes some marriages, happy ones, even though they are not "soul mates" work.  What about you?
Have you met your soul mate? Would you know it if you did? If you married someone else, are you happy? Do you wish you could go back and have a "do-over?"

Let me have some comments from some of you.  I would really like to delve into what makes a good marriage and whether meeting your soul mate but marrying someone else has made you miss something?

There is so much more I could say, but I really want to hear from you out there, but for now I wish you...

PEACE, LOVE AND JOY

Linda

Merry Christmas to All and To All a Good Night!

On this night, as I close in on the 66th Christmas of my life, I reflect on so many Christmases Past.

There have been many which included small children with so many memories of rising early and snapping pictures of excited children opening presents. 

Christmas brings back memories for all of us.  Some of them amazingly wonderful...some sad.  Sometimes these are the most difficult days of the year for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one and are facing the first holiday without them. 

I remember one Christmas that always comes back to me at this time of year.  That Christmas in 1968 my husband was in Viet Nam, along with thousands of other young men/husbands/brothers/fathers.  As I sat beneath my Christmas tree on Christmas morning with a 2 month old baby and a 16 month old toddler, I didn't know exactly where my husband was, or if and when he would return.  It was a terribly lonely time.  My parents were stationed overseas and I was really alone except for those two little babes who were too young to understand.  As we go into this Season of Joy I think of all of those mothers and small children going through that same feeling this Christmas.  I am happy that there is SKYPE and email for them...so that many of them can at least see their loved ones.  I am sad for all of those whose loved ones were lost this year.

While Christmas can be the happiest and most joyful season of the year for some, it can be the most painful for others.  I hope that if you know someone who is alone, or needs comforting at this time of year, you will reach out to them to make the season a little easier.  You will never know how just a kind word or invitation to a concert or an offer to babysit while a mom shops can bring joy to someone else.  Christmas really is about sharing.  It is about love and giving to others.  When we are children, the focus seems to be about receiving, about gifts; but as we age, we begin to see that the real blessing in Christmas comes when we GIVE.  We need to remember to give during this Season the way our Heavenly Father has given to us. 

Remember to go to that Christmas Eve service or Midnight Mass and bathe in the joy of the Greatest Gift ever given.

PEACE, LOVE & JOY TO ALL

Linda

COME THY FOUNT

Okaloosa - Gulf of Mexico

It's hard to believe these two pictures are of the same body of water, only hours apart isn't it?

But this devastating beauty is all provided by a Creator who has a much larger view of the World than we do.

Last night I was privileged to go to a concert in Ogden.  Titled Accapellastock, it featured four groups of vocal bands.

While we were awaiting the beginning of the concert, music from those groups and others was playing over the loudspeakers.

One of the songs which floated through the night was "Come Thy Fount."

This song, penned by Pastor and Hymnist Robert Robinson, at the tender age of 22, in the year 1757 immediately grabbed my attention and brought me to my metaphorical knees as I pondered the beauty around me.  The Okaloosagirl is now living in Ogden, Utah where there is yet another type of beauty evidenced all around me.

This is a view of the Grand Tetons and the Snake River.  Amazing isn't it?

I would never have believed that I could love the mountains as much (well, almost as much) as the Sea.

As I listened to the words of the song presented only in melodic/harmonious voices, I was reminded of what an amazing Creator provided all of this beauty for us to enjoy.  I am also reminded that we are to CARE for it.  I hope to be a better steward of this lovely world than I have in the past.  I hope that we all take note of what has been provided for our pleasure and learn to find ways to preserve it.

The lovely song also made me ponder what those who are agnostic or atheistic use as a "moral compass."  Oh believe me, I am NOT a part of those who call themselves the "moral majority."  I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel more than most, and have learned much about other peoples and belief systems.  I am much less judgmental than I was at age 30...my eyes are open much wider.  But, on the other hand, if you don't believe in some kind of Creator and Hereafter, then what is your motivation to preserve beauty and order?

I guess I am presenting a bit more serious point of view this morning, but I would like this forum to not only be entertaining, but eye-opening and thought provoking.  You don't have to agree, just open your hearts and minds to the possibilities.

Here are the words to the song..Come Thy Fount...

I hope they touch your heart as they did mine last night.

1.Come, thou Fount of every blessing,   tune my heart to sing thy grace;   streams of mercy, never ceasing,   call for songs of loudest praise.   Teach me some melodious sonnet,   sung by flaming tongues above.   Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,   mount of thy redeeming love. 

   

 2. Here I raise mine Ebenezer;   hither by thy help I'm come;   and I hope, by thy good pleasure,   safely to arrive at home.   Jesus sought me when a stranger,   wandering from the fold of God;   he, to rescue me from danger,   interposed his precious blood. 

    

3. O to grace how great a debtor   daily I'm constrained to be!   Let thy goodness, like a fetter,   bind my wandering heart to thee.   Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,   prone to leave the God I love;   here's my heart, O take and seal it,   seal it for thy courts above. 

PEACE - LOVE & JOY,

Linda

Grandparents Day!

Started my day today with the cutie at Grandparents Day! Wow, seems like yesterday I was picking up his big brother at school as I was driving his Mom to the hospital to have him! Wow! The time does go fast.

I had grandparents day at one school from 9:30 til 11:30 and it actually lasted until Noon. Then I scooted up the highway to another school for grandparents day from 1:30 til 2:00 with one child and 2:00 to three with another! Whew...Granma was busy today! LOL Couldn't miss it for anything. They are so special and I am so proud of them.

I was impressed with the number of grandparents in attendance at both schools. One of the teachers commented that you could really "feel the love." There is nothing quite like being a grandparent or a grandchild either! It's such a very special relationship.

Cooking breakfast tomorrow morning for about 20+ - Baked an Extreme Banana Nut Bread tonight...house smells amazing! After serving breakfast in the morning, off to watch my granddaughter run her first triathlon...fun! Busy Granma!

God Bless...and happy weekend to all!

RECIPE IDEA

Have you ever dipped fresh strawberries in Basalmic Reduction? If you haven't ... you must!! It is fabulous...I know...vinegar and strawberries...but the reduction is a little sweet and intensifies the taste of the berries. Incredible dessert idea...

Missing You

As Autumn approaches, I am reminded how quickly all the family Holidays will be upon us. As I think about those shared times and memories, I can't help but think of all those who have lost loved ones this past year. Some, many in fact, are the wives, husbands, children and mothers and fathers whose loved one has paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Country. My heart aches for all of them.

I remember a Christmas as a young wife of a serviceman. I had a two month old baby girl and a sixteen month old baby boy. I sat under the Christmas tree that year with my two babies, not knowing whether or not my husband of less than three years would return home safely. It was a very lonely feeling. I was one of the lucky ones, however, and my husband did come home. While I felt relief for us, my heart ached for all of those who were not so fortunate.

Many years later, as my son was serving in Saudi, I was horrified when I heard about the bombing of a new barracks in the location where he was stationed. I was frantic with worry for his safety until he contacted me and told me he was safe. Again, I felt that wonderful relief that he was alive and well, immediately followed by tears of sadness for all of those who did not receive that same comforting news that night.


As the holiday approach, we all need to be thankful for the health and well being of our loved ones. We all need to pray for those who have lost loved ones this year, whether in war, accident or illness. Time passes ever so quickly, and we really don't know what tomorrow will bring...pray for Peace. Peace in the hearts of those who are alone, Peace in the World, in our Country and in our neighborhoods.

They Are More Like Us Than Not

Nearly two years ago now I adopted my little guy Buddy.
I had lost my Golden Retriever to cancer nine months prior to adopting the little guy. Buster and I had been together for 17 years, and losing him was really painful. He had been a great and loving animal, who was also extremely smart.

I have heard all kinds of estimates on a dog's ability to think/learn. Most people say they can learn about the same things as a two to three year old child. I have found this to be pretty much the case. The other thing I have learned after having had dogs for many years now is just how much like us they are.

People will frequently say a dog doesn't have "human" feelings, and don't try to assign that to them. To the contrary, I have seen dogs get depressed, cry at the loss of a "friend", and grieve the loss of an owner. I have seen them give love and comfort when their master is lonely or upset. These aren't "tricks" but demonstrations of real emotions and feelings.

Once, when I lived in Maryland, I had four dogs. All of them got along well and played together constantly. When one of the dogs was killed following a truck when we were moving, all three of the other dogs stood beside the road and cried mournful howls for several minutes. They realized what had happened and were mourning the loss of their little friend.

I had a German Shepherd once that was a fantastic baby sitter. He would follow my oldest son every where he went and any time anyone approached the child, the dog would step in between and watch to see the person's intent. Once when another child was bullying my son, the dog knocked the other boy down and stood over him nose to nose until I told him to stop. He didn't injure the other child, he just protected his master's son.

My daughter and I talked yesterday about a movie which was made about Hachikō, an Akita from Tokyo who showed an incredible loyalty to his master. If you want a story that will tug at your heart and make you understand just how faithful and loyal a dog can really be, you must see this movie.

Dogs can develop many of the same illnesses and problems that people do. Recently, my little Boston Terrier Buddy has developed some serious allergies. He is allergic to grass, and keeping him from rolling in it when he occasionally goes out is a challenge. He gets a runny nose, red eyes and his skin gets red and rough. I give him antihistamines prescribed by the vet when this happens. I have done some additional research and found that dogs can even be allergic to poultry. That was a surprise. Many dogs are allergic to wheat.

If your dog exhibits excessive licking of paws, chewing at his feet, runny nose, or other symptom you think might indicate allergy, you need a quick trip to the vet for treatment. These allergies can sometimes cause serious infections. If you love your pet, please care for him just as you would any other member of your family.
They will return your love and give you more in return than you can imagine.

They are like us in so many ways. They can't talk, but believe me they can communicate. They can love and feel pain. They can be sick and tired. I love my new little companion Buddy, and he loves me. I hope he is around for many years, and I plan to take really good care of him to insure that is true.

Let me hear from you about your wonderful pets. I would love to know your stories.

Love Is In The Air

It is a fact. Every, and I do mean every, married couple need to get away
ALONE at times for a weekend. Oh, date nights are fine and necessary too, but there is nothing like getting away to a peaceful place to just spend time together.

My hubby and I were part of a Marriage Encounter Weekend many years ago. We learned quite a lot that weekend. Like how writing love letters is important. But, most of all we learned about "strawberries". No, not the kind you eat. Strawberries were things we were not allowed to talk about that weekend, like kids, jobs, in-laws, bills, etc. If one partner slipped the other was to say "strawberries" to change the subject. We were to focus only on our love relationship. I think one of the biggest problems in many families today is that the parents have "child centered" relationships. They get so involved in making everything perfect for the children that they forget about growing their own relationship.

You don't have to leave the Country or go somewhere exotic. You could just go to the next town, or a day trip to a place the two of you have never been but would like to share. The lake, the City, wherever. But it must be just the two of you and you must NOT call home! Leave someone responsible for the children and you are only to be contacted in case of an emergency.

Someday those children will find love relationships of their own, and be off, leaving the parents to continue on their own. Have you ever noticed how many people get divorced AFTER their children are grown and have left the nest? Many times it is because they no longer have anything in "common."

Take a serious look at your love relationship today, and make time for you and your partner. You need some alone time..time just for the two of you. This is not selfish, it is what leads to a long and loving relationship that will survive the bumps in the road that are sure to come in everyone's life. Re-kindle that love that brought the two of you together in the first place. Remember it was a "lifelong" commitment to love one another "for better or for worse." You won't be sorry you did.

Jeepers Peepers, It's A Golden Doodle!

This post is in memory of Buster The Wonder Dog who left for Doggie Heaven in 2009.


I had just settled into my seat in First Class when I heard whining and smelled the familiar sweet odor of a new puppy. As the stewardess passed out water to the passengers, I heard her ask, "What kind of puppy is he?" The reply surprised me.
"Why he's a Golden Doodle." I pondered for a moment what kind of animal this was. A childhood story about a goose who laid a golden egg popped into my head, and I couldn't help but wonder if this dog laid golden "doodles." Fortunately, the puppy was quiet during the flight and I was left wondering just what kind of critter he was.

When I returned home, I couldn't resist Googling Golden Doodles on the WEB. As it turns out, they are a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Interesting. But what is even more interesting is the fact that this is only one of hundred of new "hybrid" dogs available to today's crazed pet owners. It seems that dog breeders have finally realized what us average folks knew all along...mutts are better!

Having owned everything from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane,purebred and mutt, I have to tell you that my favorite dogs have always been the mutts. Now some may disagree, but this new trend is something to look at. Breeders are saying that these dogs of "dissimilar parents" grow better, have better temperaments and less physical problems. They are currently being marketed as "designer" dogs, and people are paying big bucks for them, I mean thousands of dollars for a mutt. Go figure.

My first mutt was a Chesapeake Bay Retriever/Black Labrador mix, and he was a great dog. He loved everyone, especially children, and you could teach him any trick in a minute. The children taught him to sit up and beg, roll over, and retrieve anything they pointed to in minutes. His shiny, black coat was curly right down the middle of his back. His eyes were black as coal, and he always looked like he was smiling. I can't remember why, but the kids named him Peepers.

We got him free because he was a "Mutt." He loved to retrieve anything from gigantic rocks to bullfrogs (which he never injured in the process). He could climb ladders and open doors. Needless to say, he was the children's all-time favorite dog. One hot, muggy Maryland Summer I cam home to find a gigantic snapping turtle in the kiddie pool in my back yard. When I asked the children how it got there, they described in detail how they had gotten Peepers to herd it through a drain pipe and into a large trash can for them. Then they carried it home and dumped it into the pool. I am telling you this to show you that there is nothing this dog wouldn't do for those children.

I have owned several purebred dogs: an Airedale Terrier (beautiful, sweet, but very high-strung), a Great Dane (large, friendly and a complete klutz) and a Chihuahua (who only loved me, and attacked everyone else). I owned a really great purebred German Shepherd when I was first married, but he wasn't very fond of my husband. As it turned out, he was a better judge of character than I was. The mutts are still my favorites.

Examining the list of hundreds of "designer" dogs currently available, I didn't come across one with Pepper's background. Guess the American Canine Hybrid Club has not recognized that mix yet. Could call it a Chesalab? I did find some others that made me raise an eyebrow though, like the Papi-poo (there's that poo thing again). How about the Bagle Hound? Do you eat it or walk it? There are endless numbers of others from every letter of the alphabet: Afollie (Afghan Hound/Collie mix), Beagleman (Beagle/Doberman), Chiweenie (Chihuahua/Japanese Chin) and the Cock-A-Mo (American Eskimo/Cocker) sounds like a bird to me. The list is long, some with such ridiculous names that any respectable dog would be embarrassed to be introduced as such.

When I think now about how many times I have had someone ask me about my dog and I replied, "Oh, he's just a mutt," I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't know what a treasure I really had, or did I?

Buster, bless his heart, was a mutt. He was mostly Golden Retriever, and I don't have a clue what else. He had long, silky bond hair, and his big brown doe-like eyes could melt your heart. He loved to give hugs. Smart, sweet and faithful, a loving companion and he is sorely missed.

I now have a cute, amazingly sweet little Boston Terrier. He isn't papered, he is just a wonderful companion who will put up with grandchildren, never (and I do mean NEVER) barks, and is easily trained. He loves to peek over the top of my computer as I write, and steal my "warmed up" seat when I get up.

You can go online an order just about any mix you like. Breeders are coming up with new mixes every day, and thousands of people are clamoring to have a unique dog. So, if you need a good giggle (and laughter definitely is the best medicine) you need to go to www.dogbreedinfo.com/hybriddogs.htm and have a look-see. Have fun. I sure did.

And remember, if you want a really great dog, there are thousands at your local animal shelters who need adopting. They will appreciate you so much that you will never own a better animal. Trust me, I have done it!