Where am I going????

This was sent to me by my good friends, Ken and Pam from Hamilton, Ohio, who are the parents of two of our High Calling Cocker puppies, Lani Angelette and Libbi Christiana.  I really enjoyed this story.  It gave me a much needed chuckle today and I hope you enjoy it as well.

Billy Graham is now 90 years old with Parkinson's disease.
In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte , North Carolina ,

invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in

his honor.
Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he

struggles with Parkinson's disease. But the Charlotte

leaders said, 'We don't expect a major address.. Just

come and let us honor you.' So he agreed..
After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham

stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said,

'I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who

this month has been honored by Time magazine as the

Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from

Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the

aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he

came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket.. He

couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets.

It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it.

Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it.
The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are.

We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket.

Don't worry about it.'
Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued

down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to

move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great

physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his

seat for his ticket.


The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein,

Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are No problem.

You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.'


Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too, know who I am.

What I don't know is where I'm going.''


Having said that Billy Graham continued, 'See the suit I'm

wearing? It's a brand new suit. My children, and my grandchildren

are telling me I've gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be

a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this

luncheon and one more occasion.


You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which

I'll be buried. But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want

you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing.

I want you to remember this:

I not only know who I am .. I also know where I'm going.'

A tribute to Kenny and little Mark~

A tragedy has hit very close to home.  A close friend of my family and his nephew passed away in a mobile home fire in a neighboring village.  Kenny went to school with my kids and played on the basketball team with my boys.  He had had quite a few close calls in his short life before this happened.   The fire struck around 5 AM Saturday morning, and Kenny saved a couple of the children and their mother (his sister), but went back in to get the 8 yr old boy and neither of them made it out. As some of you know, we have 8 boys in our family. Kenny's last name was Martin also, but he is not related to us.  However, he used to joke all the time that he was one of "the brothers".   I pray that the family will be comforted with the peace that only the Lord can give.  Satan prowls around to see whom he can kill and destroy.  But Jesus has conquered death.  He is alive forevermore, and we shall live with Him.  I am posting this video as it ministers to me in my time of need.
  Jesus says, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die."   

Chloe and Natalie from Monson, Massachusetts~

                                                                     Kim with Chloe

Hi Sue




I have finally downloaded a couple of pictures and thought you would enjoy seeing the girls. Chloe is getting so cute and does well with Natalie.

Chloe and Natalie with Grandpa

Kim and Mike just love them so much. We also enjoyed being with them. Your new little ones are so cute I just love checking your site and seeing

your new additions. I can see why they are gone so fast they are just beautiful.

Have a nice day friend. I will always thank you for making my children so happy.



Elaine

On My Father's Side~

I received this today from a friend...it certainly is different and something I've never heard before.  But I thought it was neat!

Put a Smile on your face this morning~

I thought this was too cute, and worth sharing~

Angel Face from Lockport, New York~

Susan, God bless you and your family for being the beautiful Christians you are and lighting up this life for those of us who are blessed to have been with you at any time.

Love, Carol, Chet and Angel Face

Archie from Fleetwood, Pennsylvania~

Hi Mama Sue,


First of all The Amazing Grace snippet on your blog is AWESOME! It gave me chills and then tears as I then looked at the precious pups of Miss Starr! It had such a calming effect on me.



I did want to send you a photo of Mr. Archie and his new fence! He can now run freely in our yard and he is having a blast chasing his frisbee and just being outside with us and not having to be on his leash.

We read that one of the new puppies will practically be our neighbor in the whole scheme of things. Gracie is going to live in Harrisburg and that is almost in our back yard, well, actually only a little over an hour from us! Archie continues to be such a blessing in our life and we are excited for all of the new families who will be getting those bundles of love!



Archie was with his dog training class in attendance at a Reading Phillies ( minor league AA ) game on April 23. There were 6 dogs in the group. As my husband said, if you ever want to get attention at a baseball game, just take your dog to the ballpark. Our trainer led us and our doggies through the concourse, to the pool area and back to our seats. It was a busy night at the park since Brad Lidge and Joe Blanton were rehabbing in Reading, so it did make for a challenging time as the dogs meandered through the crowd. Archie did very well, as I took him up into the full stands to meet some of my friends. They petted and of course admired this handsome and very friendly cocker spaniel. The peanut shells and spilled french fries proved to be somewhat of a challenge even more so than the excited children in the crowd.

We were at the ballpark for about 3 hours and you can imagine that our little cocker spaniel slept the whole way home!



I hope that you enjoy the photo of Archie.

God Bless you and the new families that will be joining the High Calling Cocker Family!

Kathy

Mitzi from Henrietta, New York~

Dear Mama Sue,

Wanted you to see me cause I will be 4 months old tomorrow already.

Went to my Vet lady and got another shot in my hiney, ouch but didn't cry. I weigh now 12 lbs and 6 oz. so you know I am a good eater, always finish my plate. She says I get more beautiful every time she sees me.

I have a very good life and the pics of me in my crate in the car were from a trip to the lake. I just take joy in everything I see and have had lots of new experiences.

My Mom showed me the pics of the new babies and we know they are going to make some people very happy, just like the happiness I have brought to my forever family. They say the hole in their hearts are now cherished memories instead and that I made them heal.

Mom's camera is broken so we had to use another and these pics are not the best but hopefully next ones will be better.

Love you always

Mitzi

Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone~

This song really ministered to me this morning, and I hope it makes you feel closer to the Lord too~

Shane from Oyster Bay, New York~

Hi Susan:

One of my nicknames for Shane is "Mini-Tac"

He is starting to look a lot like his father I think.

Latest pictures of Aspen from Sparks, Nevada~

Now she takes up the whole dash. Also, I have attached a picture from here last haircut and the last one is precious. My girls are really becoming friends. Glad to hear that you have new puppies on the way if they are not already here. I hope every one is well and healthy. I can’t wait to see your new ones.

We are always thinking of you and your extended family.

Valeri & Aspen

Aspen from Sparks, Nevada~

February 21 2010 she is filling up the dash. Look how she is growing

Aspen from Sparks, Nevada~

Here are some pictures of Aspen I just received.

These pictures are from when she came home last year~

Chloe (Hunnie) from Lancaster, New York~

Hi Sue,




Just thought I would say hi and send a few pictures of Chloe now that she is 14 weeks old. We are planning a trip to Memphis to see my two sons and grandaughter at the beginning of May and Chloe will be coming with us to meet everyone. They are very excited to meet her. She loves everyone especially children. She's loves to ride in the car and sit on the windowsill in the back so she can see everything. I think she is eventually going to outgrow that but for now she fits perfectly.

Enjoy this beautiful spring day! I saw the first tulips out today which is the first time I can remember tulips in April.



Diane

Starr~

Great news!

Starr is in early labor, right on time.   I am praising God for a good night's sleep last night.  I checked on her several times throughout the night and she was fine...so we are both rested for today's deliveries.  God is good! 
Much love to all watching and waiting~

Sue

Molly from Fairport, New York~

As usual I'm checking out your website to see if you're had some new puppies!!!! I love to look at them all and watch them progress.




Molly is doing great!!! She is such a wonderful puppy!!!! She still goes out and looks for dried up old leafs to chase and bring back in with her. She is definitely a kisser - she loves to come and lay in bed with me and lay on me to give me several kisses.



She and my daughters dog, Maggie love to chase each other around - doesn't make any difference if it's in the house or outside in the backyard. They just love each other so much.



I've never seen my husband get so attached to a dog. She follows him around all day when he's home, and at night jumps up in bed with him.



I'm going to be retiring soon so it won't be long and I'll have all day to play with her and the others. My daughter, Heather, brings her 2 dogs over every day. The 3 of us will have a great time!!!!



Good luck with the puppies that should be arriving soon. Also enjoy your weddings and graduations this summer. Sounds to me that you're going to be quite busy.



Actually I have a busy few months coming up to. In May I'm going with my daughter to Fort Lauderdale and to Miami for a couple of days and then we're going on a short 4 day cruise. She loves New Kids on the Block and they're going to be performing on the ship. She's extremely excited. I'm just looking forward to a little R&R.



Then I'm flying to NYC with her and a couple of her friends and one of her friends mom to site see for the week-end. It's my birthday when we're down there.



Then the biggest trip of the summer is in August when my husband and his brother and wife and myself are flying to Ireland for a week. He's Irish and always wanted to go there. So we'll be flying into Shannon on Aer Lingus and staying at Adair Manor and taking a lot of day trips. Going to see the Cliffs of Moir, Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone, visit Galway, also go to Ballyduff where Pete's ancestors came from and several other locations. I know I'm going to love going to all the castles.



I'll be checking your website to see all those cute little puppies you have coming. Molly sends her love and lots of puppy kisses to you. She's so affectionate - I know you show them so much love in their early life because they're so loving as they grow.

Jane D~ - Molly's mom and loving every minute of it

Wow! What a weekend!

           What a beautiful weekend it was!  Saturday morning we had to go to downtown Buffalo to the Hyatt Regency Hotel for the Call to Courage Breakfast and presentation of the Athletes in Action Call to Courage Award.   "Athletes in Action" is the Athletic Division of Campus Crusade For Christ.  Frank Reich, former Buffalo Bills quarterback was the Master of Ceremonies. He is now the Quarterback Coach for the Indianapolis Colts.  The Call to Courage Award is given annually to the NFL player who has exemplified outstanding character, commitment and leadership on and off the field and in the community. The award recipient for 2010 was Heath Evans, fullback for the New Orleans Saints.  He and his wife, Beth Ann, have started the Heath Evans Foundation to help children who are victims of sexual abuse. What an inspiring speaker he was!  I can't tell you enough how much I enjoyed listening to this fine man of God!  It was truly an honor to listen to him profess his faith in Christ.

           Our son, Kyle, who is a Senior at Wilson High School, was one of the five high school finalists in Western New York for the prestigious Athletes in Action, "Call to Courage" high school award. Although Kyle didn't win the actual award, it was such an honor to be a finalist! Kyle's football coach had nominated him by writing a beautiful essay about him, his faith in God, and his plans to someday be a pastor. There were over 700 people in attendance, and we got to see many famous football players and important people in the community.  Kyle received a beautiful marble plaque engraved with his name and stating that he was a finalist for the award.  We are so proud of this fine son, as we are for all eight of our sons, and six daughters as well!  God has been so good to us!  I thank God for such a wonderful husband who has helped me raise these kids.  We have been through so much, but God was with us to guide us and direct us each and every day. We are truly blessed!

Sue

Hunter (Elliott) from Juneau, Alaska~

Hi Sue,


Just thought I would get some photos to you as our puppy is growing soooooooo fast! We did change his name to Elliot, and beleive me he is a silly Elliot! He is on the go with us every day, and because we take him and socialize him with other people he is so well adjusted. Everyone just loves him!! He is like one of our kids, we love him so much.

Have a great week-end!

Pam

Hahaha~

Looks like Tommy and Kt are having fun at Disney....wish I was there too!

What a silly guy!  I can't believe I raised this one!  LOL

Shane from Oyster Bay, New York~

Dear Susan,


Thank your for Shane. He is so dear to all of us, not just John.

He is the smartest, most wonderful dog and we all love him. He sits by Karl and me and I babysit him while John works during the week. Very smart little love.


Vivian K

Speaking of weddings~

Here's a cute picture of my son Tommy and his new bride, Kt, in Florida...taking a belated honeymoon.  They look like they're having such a delightful time!  The last time I went to Florida was 26 years ago!  LOL
I loved it!   So glad they're enjoying themselves!  I think Kt looks so cute with her face painted.  LOLOL

Weddings and Graduations Galore~

       I'm so happy today!  We are planning two more weddings in our family this summer!  The picture above is from a previous wedding, and that is my son, Kevin, escorting me down the aisle.  One of my other sons, Tom, was married that day,and I remember how happy I was looking at him standing at the altar, waiting for his bride!  Now my two sons, Scott and Kevin (above) are each marrying wonderful,beautiful girls this summer, and oh, what fun to plan two more weddings! 
     We also have two wonderful high school seniors, Katie and Kyle, graduating this June, and I am in the middle of "grad party" plans for August.  If it turns out we have puppies ready to go that weekend, I won't be traveling to help with the pick-ups.  Guess our new puppy families will just have to come here and help us celebrate!

Starr's Puppies~

Isn't she beautiful?  Her puppies will be here in less than a week.  She is doing well....feeling great!
I groomed her this morning, and clipped the hair where the puppies will be nursing. She is such a sweet girl.  I love having "one on one" time with each of my cockers.  It's such a special time for both of us.
I am so excited to have puppies coming again!   Just wanted everyone who is waiting for one of her precious puppies to know it won't be long now. 
The Lord is gracious.   :")

Sue

Shane from Oyster Bay, New York~

Hi Susan:




Just wanted to say hello, and to say that Shane is doing really well.

He is so intelligent and affectionate. It is such a pleasure to watch him grow and mature--discover new things, birds, etc.

Once in a while, when he is attentive over something, I see him sort of posing, like a dog would in a show. I have tried to take pictures of him , but like I say, it is hard to get him standing still for a shot. Enclosed are a couple of pics of Shane is a sort of pose. (while barking at the patio Umbrella)

I attribute the extra attention to birds and squirrels etc to the breed. (Bird and Gun Dog)

Right now he is sleeping. He is growing so fast! Almost 12 pounds last week.

He still sleeps with me every night. He sort of moves closer to my head now towards the morning, making little grunting noises to remind me that he has to go out to pee and poop. Eventually with his neck across mine, breathing so contentedly. I can't tell you how cozy it is!



I call the noises he makes little piglet noises. As I say, he is so cozy, and totally housebroken, a lot sooner than I expected. Making no demands given his age etc.



My mother takes care of Shane during the day when I am working, She will be sending you an e-mail or two about Shane.

Frankly, I knew that she would grow attached to Shane, but I never thought just how much. And Shane loves her as much as he does me.

He just woke up,and is looking at the door, so I think he has to go out.



Sincerely,

John

A truly wonderful day~!!

How beautiful today is!  I am praising God for His goodness and provision to me and my family!  He is always there for me.  He gives me joy every single day.  I have a smile on my face and laughter in my heart.  God is so good. The sun is shining and I couldn't be happier!! 
By the way...the beautiful cocker shown above is "Goldie" from Texas!

Sue

Bella from Tuckaseegee, North Carolina~

Good Morning Sue,




The sun is out and it looks like we're going to have a beautiful day. We started out around 30 degrees but its warming up. Thanks for your email concerning the weather. We had a lot of rain and the wind was blowing hard but the super cells and heaviest rain didn't get into our area. I'm most thankful for that.



Bella and I will be going to the Nursing Center at 1 this afternoon. It's just so amazing how everyone reacts to her. All the staff and residents can't wait for Bella's little sister to come home and start visitation with them. I told them as soon as Bethany's first photos are made I'll share them with everyone. They're all so concerned that Bella might be jealous of her new sister, they even tell Bella, "Oh, Bella you're still my favorite." They always ask if I've gotten everything ready for the new addition and of course I have. I reassure everyone Bella and Bethany will meet outside of the house so there won't be any territorial issues. Naturally, I'll be watching like a hawk until they're settled in together. I really believe Bella will do well with her little sister as her love is enormous. She does well with other dogs she meets at the Nursing Center and others she meets when visiting the Park, vets office or the groomers.



Have a wonderful day!



Cherrie' and Bella

Chloe (Hunnie) from Lancaster, New York~

Hi Mama Sue,




I miss you and my sisters and brother. My mama took this picture of me today so you can see how I have grown. She got me a new red toy that has a jingle in it and is good to chew on since my mama told me I need a toy to chew on instead of the chairs and her magazine basket.

I hope you are well and I will get to see you again soon.



Love & Hugs,



Chloe(Hunnie)

Asparagus~

I received this in my email.  Certainly sounds interesting! Wouldn't it be wonderful if it worked?

Asparagus---Who Knew ? - From a friend


My Mom had been taking the full-stalk canned style asparagus that she pureed and she took 4 tablespoons in the morning and 4 tablespoons later in the day. She did this for over a month. She is on chemo pills for Stage 3 lung cancer in the pleural area and her cancer cell count went from 386 down to 125 as of this past week. Her oncologist said she does not need to see him for 3 months.


THE ARTICLE: Several years ago, I had a man seeking asparagus for a friend who had cancer. He gave me a photocopied copy of an article, entitled, Asparagus for cancer 'printed in Cancer News Journal, December 1979. I will share it here, just as it was shared with me: I am a biochemist, and have specialized in the relation of diet to health or over 50 years. Several years ago, I learned of the discovery of Richard R. Vensal, D.D.S. That asparagus might cure cancer. Since then, I have worked with him on his project We have accumulated a number of favorable case histories. Here are a few examples:


Case No. 1, A man with an almost hopeless case of Hodgkin's disease (cancer of the lymph glands) who was completely incapacitated. Within 1 year of starting the asparagus therapy, his doctors were unable to detect any signs of cancer, and he was back on a schedule of strenuous exercise.


Case No. 2, a successful businessman 68 years old who suffered from cancer of the bladder for 16 years. After years of medical treatments, including radiation without improvement, he went on asparagus. Within 3 months, examinations revealed that his bladder tumor had disappeared and that his kidneys were normal.


Case No. 3, a man who had lung cancer. On March 5th 1971, he was put on the operating table where they found lung cancer so widely spread that it was inoperable. The surgeon sewed him up and declared his case hopeless. On April 5th he heard about the Asparagus therapy and immediately started taking it By August, x-ray pictures revealed that all signs of the cancer had disappeared.. He is back at his regular business routine.


Case No. 4, a woman who was troubled for a number of years with skin cancer. She finally developed different skin cancers which were diagnosed by the acting specialist as advanced. Within 3 months after starting on asparagus, her skin specialist said that her skin looked fine and no more skin lesions. This woman reported that the asparagus therapy also cured her kidney disease, which started in 1949. She had over 10 operations for kidney stones, and was receiving government disability payments for an inoperable, terminal, kidney condition. She attributes the cure of this kidney trouble entirely to the asparagus.


I was not surprised at this result, as `The elements of materia medica', edited in1854 by a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania , stated that asparagus was used as a popular remedy for kidney stones. He even referred to experiments, in 1739, on the power of asparagus in dissolving stones. Note the dates! We would have other case histories but the medical establishment has interfered with our obtaining some of the records. I am therefore appealing to readers to spread this good news and help us to gather a large number of case histories that will overwhelm the medical skeptics about this unbelievably simple and natural remedy.

 For the treatment, asparagus should be cooked before using, and therefore canned asparagus is just as good as fresh. I have corresponded with the two leading canners of asparagus, Giant and Stokely, and I am satisfied that these brands contain no pesticides or preservatives. Place the cooked asparagus in a blender and liquefy to make a puree, and store in the refrigerator. Give the patient 4 full tablespoons twice daily, morning and evening.

 Patients usually show some improvement in from 2-4 weeks. It can be diluted with water and used as a cold or hot drink. This suggested dosage is based on present experience, but certainly larger amounts can do no harm and may be needed in some cases. As a biochemist I am convinced of the old saying that `what cures can prevent.' Based on this theory, my wife and I have been using asparagus puree as a beverage with our meals. We take 2 tablespoons diluted in water to suit our taste with breakfast and with dinner. I take mine hot and my wife prefers hers cold. For years we have made it a practice to have blood surveys taken as part of our regular checkups. The last blood survey, taken by a medical doctor who specializes in the nutritional approach to health, showed substantial improvements in all categories over the last one, and we can attribute these improvements to nothing but the asparagus drink. As a biochemist, I have made an extensive study of all aspects of cancer, and all of the proposed cures. As a result, I am convinced that asparagus fits in better with the latest theories about cancer.

Asparagus contains a good supply of protein called histones, which are believed to be active in controlling cell growth. For that reason, I believe asparagus can be said to contain a substance that I call cell growth normalizer. That accounts for its action on cancer and in acting as a general body tonic. In any event, regardless of theory, asparagus used as we suggest, is a harmless substance. The FDA cannot prevent you from using it and it may do you much good. It has been reported by the US National Cancer Institute, that asparagus is the highest tested food containing glutathione, which is considered one of the body's most potent anticarcinogens and antioxidants.

____________________________________________________________

Lexi from Dow, Illinois~

Hi Susan,

            Pat and I have meant to write to you before now, but we're always so busy. 
 We just took Lexi up to be spayed, and I'm sitting at home so I thought this would be a good time to let you know how she's doing.
             We couldn't have gotten a more perfect dog for us!  She's darling, smart and so much fun to be with.  We love her so much!
             Her favorite activity is playing with her balls.  She's got 8 of them - 2 that are her favorites.  They all squeak - or some used to ...depending on how much use they get.  She puts them in her mouth and "squeaks" them as we're playing.  They inevitably end up under a chair or the couch, and she will lay down by it and whine until we rescue them for her.
            She also has about 4 stuffed animals that she likes - she "shakes" them a lot.  When she goes out to potty, she takes whatever she's been playing with out with her.  If we're not paying attention, she will leave it outside and we'll find it "frozen" the next morning!  (Not now of course, that was in the winter.)
            She goes to work with me everyday and has become a favorite of all the truck drivers that deliver to us - some of them bring her treats!
            When we are getting ready in the morning, she's right there with us.  One morning she was jumping up on Pat's leg, as he was shaving, as if she wanted the shaver. He pretended to shave her and she loved it!  So now, when Pat shaves, Lexi gets "shaved" too!!  She's so funny!
            Our grandkids just love her too.  When they come over, they run all over the house and play outside and Lexi's right with them.  When the kids leave, she's ready for a nap!
             When we were farming last fall, Pat put her in the combine with him and she loved it.  She wasn't a bit afraid - she loves it.
              In a lot of ways, it's like having Buffy back again.  They look a lot alike and are so lovable, but the similarity ends there.    Lexi's funny - she makes us laugh every day, she loves to wrestle with Pat, she would play 24/7 and she wakes us up every morning with a million kisses!!
           We are totally happy with this sweet little gift we received from God and from you!
           Thank you so much for putting us on your list.  We needed this sweet little puppy and you don't have to worry about her, she has a family who loves her dearly.
            We still visit your website often to see your new dogs and their puppies. It's a wonderful thing you do, Susan.  You have made countless families happy with your puppies.
            Keep up the good work -  will let you know from time to time how our Lexi is doing.

           Very sincerely,
                     Mary, Pat & Lexi

Molly and Piper (Smoochie) from East Grand Forks, Minnesota~

Hi Sue!

I can't believe that has already been 4 wks ago today and Molly is now 3mos old. She certainly has made her home with us and we do so enjoy having her here. Every day we watch as she grows(slowly,ha!)and learns new things. She is getting better everyday.

The picture with the bunnies is on Easter Sunday after church before our grandchildren came so she has grown some but tends to be on the petite order.

Yesterday we took our new little girl to the lake with us for the first time and I don't know who had more fun. She ran and played in the sand,chased our rakes and even got her toes wet but of course that was very short lived as it is way too cold to be playing in. Ken was on the end of the dock and took a picture of Molly running towards him full speed.

She is just such a special little dog and already we can't imagine not having her with us. She slept all the way home last night in her Sherpa bag right between us in the car. Potty training is slow but hoping when the weather gets warmer that will help the process as she doesn't like to be cold or wet too much. We are composing a special little letter from Molly and you should get it soon.

Lynn

Nicholas and Kringle's feather dilemma~