Tag Archives: Christian bloggers

The Cat Who Predicted Seizures

27 Dec

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

author of Window Wonders

                           Tee Cee

Animals are such remarkable creatures-
often misunderstood.
Were it not for their independent personalities,
Cats might be naturals for all sorts of jobs.
“Service Cats”, if you would.

So far, however, they’ve firmly rejected
any such callings.

All save for one.

The cat in question is named Tee Cee,
who has earned International fame
for his uncanny ability to predict
epileptic seizures of his owner.
Modestly, he answers to his name.

Ironically, the English feline had endured
quite a bit at the hands of a human who
stuffed Tee Cee and his littermates in a
box and tossed it in a river.

He was rescued and taken to an adoption center
where he became the pet of Michael Edmunds.
a man who suffers from an extremely dangerous
and unpredictable form of epilepsy..
The disorder causes sudden violent seizures
that strike without warning.

The problem is so serious that Edmonds can’t leave
home unescorted for fear of having an attack at
some unexpected time or place.
Edmunds’ new cat provided almost providential
help.

Tee Cee took a great deal of interest in his new owner-
particularly when he was about to seize.

This was remarkable, because Edmonds displays
no symptoms prior to attacks…or, at least, none
detectable by humans.

“We noticed that Tee Cee began staring at my stepfather\
prior to a seizure and then ran to my mother to let her know all
is not well, acting as an early warning system.”

Edmund’s stepdaughter, Samantha Laidler, told the BBC.,
“Once assistance arrives, Tee Cee doesn’t leave Michael’s
side until he regains consciousness, and his warnings have
proved invaluable to the family.”

The behavior was so unexpected that it took a while for
family members to make the connection between the cat’s
staring sessions and Edmonds’ epileptic fits. But once the link
was established the fame of the former stray spread far and wide.

In 2006 he was nominated for a prestigious
“Rescue Cat of the Year Award”-
quite an accomplishment for a feline who was once thrown
away as garbage.

P.S. Corky and Angel, my little feline friends, are holding their headsup higher, too. They may never receive public recognition for their loyalty or rescue service, but they definitely deserve recognition from me. There is nothing that will bring one’s blood pressure down like a purring cat against your legs or lying peacefully on your lap  They look up at me with eyes that seem to say “Thank you.  I love you, too”  

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Our Trip to the UK~Part 4

26 Dec

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Bill Lites

Bill Lites

Our Trip To The UK Part 4

By Bill Lites

 There seemed to be a Pub close to most everywhere we stayed, and Whitmoor Farm was no exception.  Just down the road a short distance, was “The Nobody Inn” where many of the locals took their meals and a pint or two after work.  The food was always good, but the servings were larger than what is normally served in the U.S.   Even when DiVoran and I would share, there was still food left over, and we didn’t have anywhere to keep it over night. 

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We headed west to the Cornwall area, intending to visit the home of Dame Daphne du Maurier in Kilmarth, where she lived and wrote many of her now famous books.  But, we ended up at the now famous Jamaica Inn and Museum, in the middle of the Bodmin Moor.  We had afternoon tea at the inn, while browsing the many posters and memorabilia they have collected, related to the famous Cornwall coastal area.  The Jamaica Inn, was originally established in 1750 as a Coaching House and staging post for changing horses during stagecoach runs over the moor.  The inn is known for being the base for smugglers in the past, and has also gained notoriety, for allegedly, being one of the most haunted places in Great Britain. It is also known as the setting for du Maurier’s novel by the same name, which was published in 1936.

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As you may know, du Maurier was known for her romantic suspense novels, such as Jamaica Inn, My Cousin Rachel, and The House on the Strand.  After we finished our tea, we visited the “Smugglers Museum” adjacent to the Inn.  The museum’s focus is its collection of smuggling artifacts that depicts the history of the Jamaica Inn and the inn’s role in the smuggling trade over the years.  The museum has also recreated a room that du Maurier used to do some of her writing, using various items owned by her, including her writing desk and typewriter.  This was all especially interesting for DiVoran, as du Maurier was, at one time, one of her favorite authors, and told me all about how her novels were filled with lots of smugglers and intrigue.  As an example, in her novel, Jamaica Inn, the plot follows a group of murderous wreckers who run ships aground, kill the sailors and steal their loot.          

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As we headed north, we stopped near the city of Bristol, and enjoyed the Dunan Guesthouse, where Sandra Devereux showed us a wonderful time and another wonderful typical English breakfast.  Then it was on north to the city of Hereford, located in Herefordshire, on the Wye River, to visit their cathedral and the surrounding area.  Hereford is another of the many, what in England is called a cathedral city, and is dominated by its beautiful 12th century Hereford Cathedral and many other city buildings and structures from that same time period.

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 The name “Hereford” is said to come from the Anglo Saxon “here”, meaning an army or formation of soldiers, and the word “ford”, a place for crossing a river.  The Wye Bridge is said to be the first bridge built to span the Wye River and dates back to the 12th century.  Hereford is rich with history, and even claims to be the birthplace of Nell Gwyn, the 17th century actress and mistress of King Charles II of England. 

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While visiting the city of Hereford and the Cathedral, we enjoyed all the comforts of another English B & B.   This time it was at the Webton Court Farmhouse, run by Mr. & Mrs. Andrews, who made DiVoran and me feel right at home, with a bountiful home cooked dinner, fit for a king and his queen.  What a wonderful time that was!

 

 

—–To Be Continued—–

 

 

 

 

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Dateline Flanders, December 24, 1914

24 Dec

DiVoran shared a wonderful poem over on Rebekah Lyn Books.  I hope you find it as touching as I did. Merry Christmas to each of our bloggser and readers. I hope you are able to spend time with your loved ones. Remember our soldiers both past and present~ Love, Onisha

candle05

Dateline Flanders, December 24, 1914

By DiVoran Lites

 Cold night, starry night,

Not a solider here in sight.

Trenches dug as deep as graves,

No one stirs, and no one waves.

Suddenly from out the dark

Comes a candle like a spark

Set upon a small pine tree

Lighting bold and shining free.

German sign ‘cross no man’s land

A song rings out, a friendly hand.

Sunrise comes, thus ends the night.

“You don’t fight. We don’t fight.”

Daylight now, they bury dead

Not in trench, but grave instead

Then the boys share gifts of food

In Christmas cheer and kindly mood

And then a bit of playful rest

The touch of Life, a game of zest

Until the Brass Hats get the word

Oh, no, they say, it’s too absurd.

Get back to work and shoot some more

Peacefulness is such a bore.

The Christmas truce comes to an end,

Millions dead before the mend

In the spring red poppies grow

Around the crosses, row on row.

We’ll always have the wars you see,

But Peace has come for you and me.

British and German troops meeting in No man's ...

British and German troops meeting in No man’s land during the unofficial truce (British troops from the Northumberland Hussars, 7th Division, Bridoux-Rouge Banc Sector) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Never Mind Trying to be Nice

23 Dec

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Author, Poet and Artist

I’ve been to parties once or twice,

And I don’t like them, I’ll tell you that,

Except for the time you wore that funny musical hat…

Remember?

And when the wooden wheel with the candles under it scorched from grown-ups playing with fire—

When jellied cranberry didn’t melt in the casserole,

And Stan brought boat flares for the gift exchange and related them to kisses,

And Billy and Christian pinned on the girl’s add-on braids and dangled them over their shoulders,

When the paper-ball battle broke out and everyone was fair game, even the granddads?

 When Rebekah Lyn came over to have a chat and deliver homemade cookies,

And seven relative strangers sat in a cozy den one night and had a real conversation with soft Christmas music in the background,

Donna brought her million dollar brownies to the church dinner

And we met Connie and her college age wonder-son?

 Remember when Alicia told us about learning to play the piano two years after her daughter’s death from aids And you had a quiet tea, in pretty cups, with a dear friend from long ago

How about at the grade school program when baby Jimmy pulled off Santa’s glasses, and pushed him away and Santa said, “I don’t know what you want for Christmas, kid, but you sure don’t want me.” Jimmy’s mom said privately that Santa was too skinny, anyhow.

 No, I don’t have to be nice, but I need to be honest and I guess I must say, I wouldn’t have missed a minute of it.

wreath02 skinny

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Christmas Memories

22 Dec

SUNDAY MEMORIES

 Judy Wills

JUDY

 

Christmas memories……..so many……all good.  I remember, as a child, waking up to Christmas morning and rushing into the living room to see what Santa had brought.  And then to opening all the presents from Mom, Dad, Granny and Aunt Jessie.  I suppose my brother had gotten me something as well, but I just dont remember that.

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I remember Daddy sitting us down and reading the Christmas story from the Bible.  He and Mom always made sure that we knew the true meaning of Christmas – why we celebrated the season and all the gifts that came with it.  And why we gave gifts to each other and to those who didn’t have all we had.

I remember one Christmas that we were traveling to San Antonio from Albuquerque to spend the holiday with Granny and Aunt Jessie before they moved to Albuquerque.  We had a car wreck along the way and Aunt Jessie came to pick us up and take us to her home.  We still had Christmas!  We didn’t have a workable car any more, and Bill had a broken arm……….but we still had Christmas!

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I remember the last Christmas my Daddy was on this earth.  He’d had a very unfortunate accident in the hospital and was really banged up.  Fred and I flew in from California, and Bill and DiVoran, with their two children, flew in from Florida, to celebrate that time together.  I remember the children tearing into their presents under the tree that morning, and DiVoran stepping out of the way to urge Bill to get in the best position to get some good pictures of that. And there was Daddy, with that black eye, just enjoying his grandchildren and children around him.  It was a time to treasure.

I remember traveling from the Florida Panhandle to Titusville to have Christmas with my brother and his family, and then across the peninsula to Clearwater to have another celebration with Fred’s parents.  Being with family at this time of celebration is so very precious, and we cherish each memory.

And now I remember a recent time with the family in Titusville and the significant others that have joined the extended family.  I wouldn’t trade it for anything – no amount of non-Christian beliefs and just the time for partying is nearly as satisfying and delicious as being with family, in the Spirit of God’s blessings.

Nope………Christmas Memories and just too precious.

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What Do YOU Call Him

20 Dec

 

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

author of Window Wonders



Oh, my Lord, my God, my Savior, my Friend-

Blessed Redeemer, you will abide to the end.

(Mark 8:27, 29)


How I wish conditions had been different.

that Christ had been glorified.

After all, it is His birth we celebrate.

It is in Him we choose to abide.


It is more blessed to give than to receive-

I confess it was not always this way.

As a child, my thoughts were full of fantasy-

It was all about Santa and his sleigh.


My spiritual eyes were opened as I aged.

I became aware of the presence of God.

Why are parents reluctant to discuss Christ?

I find that truly odd.


That God humbled Himself and came to earth as a child-

I am sincerely awed!

Dear Jesus, it is Your birth we celebrate.

“Happy Birthday. dear Lord, my God!

				
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Our Trip to the UK~Part 3

	
		18
		Dec
	

	

	

		
A Slice of Life


Bill Lites


Bill


Our Trip To The UK Part 3


By Bill Lites


 


Now, We headed northwest to our next stop, to visit the city of Bath, best known for its famous hot springs.  The city was first established as a spa town about 60 AD, when the Romans built the famous baths around the hot springs.  Archaeological evidence shows that the site of the Roman Baths’ main spring may have been treated as a shrine by the Iron Age Britons, and dedicated to the goddess Sulis.  Messages to her scratched onto thin metal sheets, known as “Curse Tablets” or “Binding Spells” have been recovered from the springs and were used throughout the Greco-Roman world, as a method where someone would ask the gods to do harm to others.  For example, “May his body itch all over for the rest of your life.“  For a price, tourists can still buy a small copper “Curse Tablet” to scratch a curse on, and leave it in the hot springs for Sulis to read and act upon.  The Roman baths have been popular down through the ages, including the mention of “Taking the Waters” described in Charles Dickens’ novel The Pickwick Papers.


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We visited the amazing “Museum of Costume” which displayed some of the most beautiful and elegant attire from the 18th century to the present (including dresses only Twiggy could wear).  Then we had afternoon tea and the famous Bath Buns at the Grand Pump Room, while being charmed by a soothing chamber ensemble.  One of the interesting features of the Pump Room was the small fountain of “Healing Water” that everyone was encouraged to sample.  It was said, that this water had great healing properties, and there were supposedly many testimonies of people being healed of all manner of ailments by drinking this water.  It had a very strong odor and taste of sulfur to me.  But then who am I to complain, if I’m being healed by drinking a small glass of smelly water.   Right?   DiVoran reminded me that the Pump Room was a favorite place for the author Jane Austin to visit and to set her characters into, and wondered if she ever drank the water?


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 Up the road a few miles from Bath, we came to one of the most interesting parts of the trip, to me, the “Fleet Air Arm Museum” in Yeovilton.  Now this is my kind of museum, lots of neat airplanes that you don’t usually see in U.S. aviation museums.  Of course DiVoran took a nice long nap in the car while I was browsing through the museum, admiring the wonderfully restored British Naval Aviation aircraft and their histories.  I’m not sure why they had the Concord 002 prototype aircraft, but it still had a lot of the flight test recording equipment installed in it, and visitors were allowed to walk through it at will.


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Most of the B & Bs we stayed at were very nice, but then there were a few that were great, and i just have to tell you about them.  The Whitmoor Farm in Doddiscombsleigh, near Exeter, was one of the nicer ones.  Mrs. Lacey was an older widow who ran the Whitmoor Farm B & B all by herself and did a wonderful job of making her guests feel special and at home in her home.  An example of her hospitality was that she would pick fresh raspberries for our breakfast each morning.  Yummm!  Raspberries and cream.  They were ripe, sweet, and oooh, so delicious!


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—–To Be Continued—–

				
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Look Before You Leap

	
		16
		Dec
	

		
	

	

		
My Take


DiVoran Lites


Last Friday when I wrote the date, December 13, 2013, I thought, dum-de-dum-dum, it’s Friday the thirteenth, bad luck day. In case you didn’t recognize it, dum-de-dum-dum is the theme song to the old T. V. series, “Dragnet.” Bill and I use it as a warning that we’re entering suspenseful and dangerous territory.


This blog is about three of the many other superstitions I’ve heard in my lifetime. You probably know them too.


    

  1. If you walk under a ladder propped against a building you’ll have bad luck.
    2. 

  2. If a black cat walks across your path…bad luck. I suppose the cat has to be black because black cats are associated with witches.
    3. 

  3. If you break a mirror, you’ll have NINE YEARS bad luck. Don’t ask me why nine, not eight or ten.
    4. 



So what’s the truth about superstitions?


    

  1. If you walk under a ladder there’s a better chance of a gallon of primer falling on your head than there is if you walk closer to the curb. But watch out on that, too.
    2. 

  2. Any color of cat can twine around your feet if you get too close. You could trip and fall and break your arm.
    3. 

  3. It gets much worse. If you break a mirror and a shard of glass flies up and cuts your leg you can get an infection that if you don’t clear up you could develop gangrene and have your leg cut off. The effects from that could last nine years–or a lifetime.
    4. 



Mostly though, and this I know, God looks after us in our carelessness and preoccupation. This doesn’t answer the BIG QUESTION, of course, but to me it’s apparent that by asking the Holy Spirit, not why bad things happen, but how to take them, and in what way to be blessed by them will more than meet our needs for comfort and guidance when bad things do happen. The Holy Spirit knows all the truth and He will tell us what we need to know.


Meanwhile:


    

  1. If you take any wooden nickels, be sure they’re round tuits.
    2. 

  2. Keep looking up.
    3. 

  3. Look before you leap.
    4. 



Have you heard of any new superstitions connected to the digital age that I don’t know about? I suppose you have, otherwise, why would we need Snopes?

				
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Christmas in Florida

	
		15
		Dec
	

	

	

		
SUNDAY MEMORIES


 Judy Wills


JUDY


 


                                                   


 Even though I DO love a white Christmas, I’ve come to really love Christmas in Florida.  We’ve both had our fill of snow, and so the sand and grass and beach and…Florida suits us just fine. We thoroughly enjoy Christmas at Disney, as well.  We’ve been a bit disappointed in recent years, however, that even Disney has bowed to some of the political correctness that is abounding now, and have left off some of our most cherished decorations.  We do enjoy that they include the traditions from around the world.


We usually have at least one of our daughters and her family with us at Christmas – occasionally both daughters and their families – and we always make it a point to go to Disney.  Not just to “do” the theme parks, but to see the decorations.  One of our favorite sights is the Osborne lights at the Studios.  Amazing.


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One of our favorite things to do is to park at EPCOT and take the Resort Monorail to the resorts on that line, get off, see the decorations at that resort, and then on to the next resort.  It’s fun, it’s free, and we get some gorgeous ideas from them.  Of course, there’s no way we could duplicate the life-size gingerbread house at either EPCOT or the Grand Floridian.  But it’s fun to see.


 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 


Another free thing to do is Downtown Disney.  Actually, we like to take friends there who aren’t really into the theme parks, when they come to visit us .  That way, they get a “taste” of Disney without having to spend the money and all day at the park(s).  We like to walk the length of the entire area and back.  And at Christmas time, they decorate the whole area with fun stuff.


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Seems we never get tired of doing the same thing – especially since most of the decorations are the same as the previous year – and the year before that – and……


Another favorite resort we like to visit is the Shades of Green.  If you’ve never heard of that, it is a resort on Magic Kingdom property, and is solely for military – active duty and retired.  If you’re wondering about the name – it is called Shades of Green because every branch of the U.S. military has a uniform that is a shade of green.  Hence the name.  We like to stay there for our anniversaries each summer.  They also decorate, but a lot of the time it is “military” themed, and quite interesting.


So, as you can see, there is a lot to do around Christmas time for us in Florida.  We usually have some time to spend with my brother and his family, and that is always a most joyous time for us.  This extended family business is wonderful!


Christmas in Florida…………yeah, it’s great!

				
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You Are a Star

	
		13
		Dec
	

	

	

		
From my Heart


Louise Gibson


author of Window Wonders


 




Being good isn't good enough


to meet another's expectations-


I'll be the best I can be,


But I have to be ME-


What do you see in YOUR reflections?




God created us just as we are-


He had a plan, don't you see.


In His plan for your life,


You are a STAR!,


But I will still remain Me!





Oh, but God has a plan for all of us-


even though we can't all have top billing.


On the "Stage of Life" we all have a part-


To serve takes a heart that is willing!





God, Himself, came to seek and to save-


What an example He set for you and me-


Lay down your life for your fellow man,


We are here to love and serve all humanity.







1 Samuel 7:3, 12:14 “Thou shall fear the Lord and serve Him.

				
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