Happy Eco-friendly Holiday!

Thanks to our sister Suzy, we were able to go Eco-friendly with our Christmas cards this year. Year after year, we get Christmas cards just to be displayed during the season then to be tossed out upon decoration cleanup. Ro and I thought it would be a great idea to send an email with the card attached to our family and friends. We are still mailing out a couple but we saved about 30 cards and envelopes (and postage cost). Thanks to our sister Suz, who designed this beautiful card, we were able to take a step forward in our quest of being an ecologically friendly home.

Happy Holidays from our Family to Yours....

Got Milk?

Ro and I volunteered for Equality Utah last week. We passed out postcards to everyone leaving the filming of MILK. The best part is we got to watch the movie - free!

Until the last year, I hadn't had much contact with the GLBT community, I wasn't too aware of our history. So, coming into this movie, I wasn't sure what to expect. I got more than I expected.

Harvey Milk is often known as a "martyr for gay rights". He opened a camera store on Castro St. and setup residence in the Castro district. This was at a time when this district was experiencing an influx of gays and lesbians. He ran for and lost City Supervisor a couple of times until a final victory. He used his popularity to lead the gay political movement in fierce battles against anti-gay initiatives. When I was one year old, Milk became the first openly gay man to be elected into office. During his time in office, he took on the likes of Anita Bryant, John Briggs and the infamous Proposition 6, a bill that would have taken the job away of any openly gay teacher.

Milk is especially known for the two bills he sponsored. The first one was a civil rights bill that outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation. The other bill Milk concentrated on was designed to solve the number one problem according to a recent citywide poll: dog poop. Within a month of being sworn in, he began to work on a city ordinance to require dog owners to scoop their pets' poop.

Sean Penn is Oscar-worthy in his portrayal of Milk. Everything, including real clips of rallies, marches, was fabulous!

It amazes me that the fights Milk started in the 70's are still being fought today - with the addition of same-sex marriage. Many states have anti-discrimination and hate laws for sexual orientation or sexual identity. Not Utah. I could be kicked out of my apartment or fired from my job...just because of who I am...just because I am gay. It's very scary but true.

I would have loved to be part of the movement in the 70's, been part of the Stonewall Riots, but I wasn't. I am proud to be part of the movement that is today. The movement for same-sex marriages, a supporter for Common Grounds Initiative, which is going to the legislature next session, and an activist for Equal Rights for All! When it comes to my rights as an American citizen, I will stand up and fight. I have the right to justice, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - just like the guy next door.

"There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the highest creed."

Tonight Ro, Suz and I had the fabulous opportunity to meet up with Denny and his family to a kitchen to serve dinner to the homeless. The three years we've done this, it has been a very special but different opportunity for me. The first year, I was conscience but more in tune with what had to be done in the kitchen and for setup. I love working with my family in order to feed the mouths of almost 100 people in an hour. We get the food dished up, serve it, make sure everyone has water and a napkin, then we clean the dishes. After dinner's served, we do the cleanup. Wash the tables off, fold them up, sweep, mop and cleanup in the kitchen.

It has always been such a humbling and rewarding thing to do. For some reason, this year hit me hard...real hard. To know of our economic woes in this country, I didn't know what to expect. I was working in the kitchen so I was behind the scenes. As I looked out at the people that were there for a warm meal, they were all kinds of people. You could tell a few patrons were homeless, but most of them were like me. They were fairly well dressed, clean and pretty well put together. One lady that works there told us that this year, the service to homeless people had dropped to only 30%. The other 70% were people who had homes but could not afford food. This is where it hits me. These are people, like me, who had a circumstance in their lives that dropped them down a little in the reign of class. A simple middle-class person who has gone to a lower-middle class person. This could happen to anyone. The loss of a job, sickness of yourself or family member or death of family member. It just reminded me that we're all the same, though our struggles may differ, we all have them. One young man arrived 20 minutes before the end of service. He had walked an hour to get there and feared he would be late and wouldn't have dinner this night. He arrived just in time and was able to eat, yet he had another walk back.

I am so happy that I have the oppurtunity to serve a hot meal to people who need it. I turn around and look at my life and how grateful I am to have a fridge full of food, a truck, a house and most of all my family. I am grateful Ro and I have our health, grateful I have a job and am able to provide for our family. I am grateful our dogs have a warm bed and plenty of food.

After serving, we went to Denny & CeCe's new house to have dinner. They have a beautiful new home. And the spirit of family is so strong. They are neat people and I'm so glad they're my family. Both Rhonda and I have the utmost respect for Denny & CeCe, they set such a good example for their boys and for us. They love us for who we are even they don't agree. I have never felt judgement from either one of them. I treasure the love I have for them. They are the first that gave Ro and I a "couple" present. It meant so much to both of us. We thank them for their love and acceptance. We love their family bunches and bunches!!

I have so many things in life to be grateful for. Sometimes I lose touch of that ultimate appreciate but I thrive for opportunities like this to remind and humble me.

This holiday season, the only thing I ask for is everyone to have a warm place to sleep and a hot meal.

Nutcracker

A week or so ago, Rhonda, Suzy, Jeff and I all had the opportunity to see Ballet West's Nutcracker. After waiting for Suz and Jeff to get to our house (they were late, of course), we were off. While walking out of our apartment building, we smelled smoke. Notably worried, I asked Ro to knock on our neighbor's door. The boy that answered assured me that if anything happened, he'd call the fire dept.

After being escorted to the wrong seats, we were corrected by another matron. Just a row or two back - easy remedy. The seats were in the mezanine - up high but pretty good ones.

The ballet was amazing. The athletic talent of each dancer is baffling. We enjoyed every part. I knew when Ro had found her favorite part. After the Russian dancers, she sat higher in her seat and clapped with more enthusiasm than the rest. She loved the Russian dancers!

After the ballet, we stopped at Faustina's for a late night dinner. The food, company and many many laughs were fabulous! We laughed so hard we cried, snorted and maybe...well...um-no. All of our tummies hurt from laughing. We had such a great time.

I am glad we were able to go and take our sister Suz and our friend Jeff. We have such great times with both of them. Guaranteed: tons of laughter!!

Ro's Random Questions

It's kind of funny seeing Ro's name in front of "Random". It's normally the reverse. We call her "Random Ro" just because of some of the random things she comes up with. Now I'll be even more honest, she stole this idea from me - these random questions.

Name FIVE things on your "To Do List":

1. Surgery/Procedure
2. Go grocery shopping
3. Take dogs out
4. Go see Karen
5. Laundry (this starts by clearing De's clothes off the rocking chair)

Name THREE bad habits:

1. Crazy about hiking (borderline OCD)
2. "Forget" to make the bed
3. Constantly chewing hard candy or has a sucker
   

Name FIVE jobs you've had:

1. Telemarketer
2. Front Cashier
3. Medical Assistant at Dr.'s office
4. Office Manager for dialysis unit
5. Live-in counselor for pregnant teenagers

Name FIVE places you've lived:

1. Gardena, CA
2. Obatha, KS
3. Carson, CA
4. L.A., CA
5. SLC, UT (the best yet)
   
   

De's Random Questions

I will admit right off the bat that I stole this idea from another blog I ran across. I thought it was cute. Just a few random questions that most people don't know and don't ask.

Name FIVE things on your "To Do List":

1. Rummage through the big box of papers taking up coveted space
2. Win the Lotto
3. Organize the closets
4. Scan old photo prints into the computer
5. Watch The Rachel Maddow Show...daily

Name THREE bad habits:

1. I've gone to the dark side: Extremely Political
2. Using the rocking chair as a clothes closet
3. Coffee Snob
4. Peanut M&M's (whoops, it said three)

Name FIVE places you've lived:

1. Logan, UT
2. Murray, UT
3. SLC, UT
4. Glen Head, NY
5. Chester, CT
   
   

Name FIVE jobs you've had:

1. "Sank yoo fo cawing Hing Woon, may I hewp yoo?"
2. Popcorn maker: Ernst Hardward
3. Gift wrapper: Bed Bath & Beyond
4. Nanny: Live-in & out
5. I.V. mixer & Pill counter (Pharmacy Technician)
   
   
   

VOTE

Maybe reversed psychology works...maybe not. Either way - Declare Yourself & VOTE!!

Gray Matter

When I speak of gray matter, I'm not talking about what's between my ears rather what's starting to appear on the top of my head. That's right, little strands of course, curly gray hairs are starting to emerge! When I discovered the latest one, the chorus of Tennessee Ernie Ford's Sixteen Tons raced through my mind.

You load sixteen tons, what do you get
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store

I remembered back in 7th grade choir class when we'd sing this song and I'd think to myself, "Wow, whoever we're singing about must be ancient." I now see myself in the chorus of that dreaded song. With each day, I get older and in this troubling economy, who isn't getting deeper in debt? Maybe replacing Saint Peter with "Old Devil" suits me better.

I am mildly encouraged by a few minor details though. One is the gray nuisances are far and few between. In other words, they're still within "plucking" standards. I have some time to decide whether I will take the bottle of color or not. And the second most saving grace is to remember my Grams. Up until the day she passed, she had a full head of black hair with a little patch of gray in front. Maybe I'll enjoy the same luck she had. If any of you are about to tell me that gray hair depends on my father's mother's sister's niece's daughter, please spare me. When it comes to gray matter on my noggin, I remind myself, the geneticist's studies do not pertain to me. I must clinch to any hope out there.

Gardener's Village

Who could resist spending a beautiful fall day at Gardener's Village with Grandma and Auntie Ro? With Halloween being my most favorite holiday - I can't even believe that work held me back from such an adventure! Nonetheless, I resisted.


I start by saying, I really hope he didn't drive all the way down there! Fingers crossed hoping he just parked the car - and hopefully he wasn't on his cellphone while doing it!



My eyes must not be working right, but I see three witches and Kelan in this picture. Anyone see different?

I'm hoping Kelan doesn't become the next ingredient to be added to this witche's brew!!


Part of the Worthington clan sitting with...is that? couldn't be? is it.?...Aunt Suzy. Sure enough, they were able to meet up with their Auntie Suz! I never thought she'd be part of the witch scavanger hunt!

All in all, I hear everyone had good times. I can't wait to get down there, check out the witches and Halloween decorations. I know one thing, Ro didn't want to leave just to come home and see another witch!

A Dog's Prayer

I'm beginning to think the name of our blog does not fit it's contents. I should consider a rename of "Pooters", "Pooparoos" or maybe just "Our Dogs". I notice I talk more about our two dogs than I do us. I ran across the following and it definitely got the best of me. By the last paragraph, I had tears running down both cheeks. I just had to share it.

A Dog's Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do. Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

--Beth Norman Harris

Hiking Buddies

Ro spends a lot of her time hiking in the beautiful mountains of Utah. It keeps her grounded, sane and frankly, easier to live with! I love that she so enjoys this new state she calls home. You'd be hard pressed to find such beautiful, majestic mountains elsewhere.

With trees reaching towards the almost painted sky and snow encompassing Mother Earth, not only is our snow the greatest on earth, our mountains are too!

Surrounded by all this beauty, Rhonda glows! She loves being outside, hiking and just being one with nature.

She has found a new hiking buddy with our pooter, Kasper. As he prances through the woods, his tail is no longer between his legs with fear, his ears are no longer perched with anxiety and he no longer shakes in anticipation. Having been chained up, starved and cracked feet from the cement he called home for the first two years of life, I am happy that he's found a home. It was a tough start for him but he's come through as a champion. He still gets anxious and fearful but he knows his mamma's will protect him. He has a hard time with new people but once he's a friend, he's a friend for life.

I am so happy for the foster mom that spoke up and took him in when the inevitable was to happen at the animal shelter. I am so happy we saw her flyer up City Creek Canyon and that he's grown to love us! I am so happy he no longer sleeps sitting upright! He has gained so much confidence in himself. After accomplishing what would have been a very anxiety-ridden task, he gloats with pride. It's quite difficult bringing an unsocialized dog into a household. He has taught me it's very worth it! It's worth the love, hugs and cuddles we receive in return. It's worth the tail wagging to and fro, the circles of excitement he runs, and him meeting us at the door...with a toy in his mouth! I thank Kasper for the love and patience he has taught me.

Now I look at my big boy and can't even imagine a time in my childhood when I was actually scared of dogs! Both of our dogs have brought so much happiness and joy to our house. Louis Sabin puts it the best, "No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich." We are definitely the richest people around.

Six Years

Seis Anos - Spanish
Six Ans - French
Sechs Jahre - German
Sei Anni - Italian
Zes Jaren - Dutch

No matter what the language, it means one thing - SIX YEARS - that's how long Rhonda and I have been together!
It hasn't always been the best of times at our house. We have definitely had some worst of times. Nonetheless, we have worked through these times, grown closer and happier. It has also taken both of us some time to realize that relationships do take time and effort. Great things do not come easy.

I am so happy to be able to spend each day with my best friend, to make one another laugh, to enjoy each other's company and most of all to love and be loved.

I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. I am who I am and most of all, I am true and honest to myself. It has taken me a while to get here...but I am here and I am happy. I can only hope that everyone has the chance to find the happiness and love that I have found.

We are at six years and still counting...happily!

Mini Ro

One thing I was surprised to find was a Mini Ro-just hanging on the beach.

While waiting for the sunset, Rhonda needed something to do to keep her busy. The first thing that popped into her head was something to make Suzy laugh. Knowing Suzy's querky obsession with little people, she had an idea. She would pose as a Mini Ro.

To my surprise, she pulled of a little person quite well. I was laughing so hard, I couldn't take the pictures, so she stood- I mean knelt- there for quite a while. I can only imagine what the people around us were thinking! I really didn't care, we were having a good time.

Buffalo Whisperer

When we planned on going to Antelope Island, the main thing Ro wanted to see were the bison. We were on the way to the ranch and saw our first herd. Ro immediately pulled the truck over. She pulled out the camera and started taking pictures. After the adrenaline rush of seeing such an animal, she returned to the truck. I asked her if she had ever seen one before this. Her reply, "Yeah, the puppet head one at Knott's Berry Farm." I knew then she was definately from L.A.! Having grown up in Utah, I guess I have taken advantage of having the wildlife so close.

We were able to see many bison on the side of the road. We even ran into a bison crossing. Ro would get out of the car and take pictures as I had visions of a sudden attack. Sometimes, we were too close for comfort! As Rhonda would get back in the truck, she would look at the bison and tell them "Thank You". She told me she was thanking them for letting us be there with them and take pictures of them.

After the many hours of discovering the island and being with the bison, Ro has deemed herself "The Buffalo Whisperer." I thought, hey, if Cesar can whisper to dogs, Ro can whisper to bison! Whatever it took for them not to attack us!

So, the next time you see an American Bison, think of Rhonda and the great energy she exchanged with them. She is "The Buffalo Whisperer".

Working the Ranch

One of the first stops we made on our trek of Antelope Island was The Fielding Garr Ranch. The ranch was built in 1848 to manage the Mormon cattle herds. It's located on the east side of the island at Garr Springs, one of the 40 springs on the island. It was simply amazing to run into such greenery (and water) in the middle of a desert. We had a great time exploring the adobe ranch house, the storage area, the corrals, barn and land. The houses and barn were full of antiques. Ropes on a bed frame supported the mattress. Old lanterns, horse saddles and ancient tools filled the barn.

I was suprised that even on our weekend out, Ro couldn't resist doing some laundry. I also caught her using the old oven and making some coffee. When we saw the ironing board and iron, she asked me if I wanted her to iron. I let her have the day off ironing.

Ro decided to make herself at home. Sporting a hat too small for her noggin, she wanted to make a fire. Good times playing with the stove as I had a blast trying to lasso a play cow!

Of course, I couldn't let Ro be the only one "dressing up" for the occasion.

If you're ever on the island, take an hour or so and stop by the ranch. Good times to be had by all. Thanks Papa for telling us about it!

Ro and Lindy's Adventure

This past weekend, Ro had the opportunity to go camping with our friend Lindy. They went up to Mt. Timpanogos. From the 500+ pictures Ro brought home, it looked as though they had good times. Ro opted to borrow Kousin Kona and take her up. She's a good camper and awesome hiker. Ro was worried she would wear our dogs out - or that Karob would be too needy for her. It's usually my lap Karob jumps up in and my sleeping bag she cuddles in.

Ro, Lindy, Kona and Gracie spent most of Saturday hiking. The pooters were all tuckered out by day's end. The weekend also included a dutch oven pudding, steak and salmon dinner and pancakes! They ate better in the mountains than I did here at home!

As for my weekend? It was nice, quiet and relaxing. I was able to spend some time putting the Halloween decorations out. Our house is nice and festive now. Putting the decor out also meant dusting and cleaning the house. Something I'm glad Ro wasn't home to see! Another secret? I cooked for myself too! Even made my own coffee. See, I'm not as dependent as people think I am! Ro just takes really good care of me!

I'm glad Ro was able to get a camping trip in before winter hits. She loves it up in the mountains. Hiking and being outdoors really helps keep her grounded. We all need an outlet and I'm glad she's found one - and a healthy one at that!

I am happy to have her home, even though she hasn't stopped talking yet. Shortly her voice will fade out and the voices in my head will reign.

The K Korner

Not realizing it, Suzy and I have set a trend. We started giving our pets names that started with a "K". It was never intentional but we've been quite surprised to see the trend flourish! The first dog to enter The K Korner was Karob - named after the chocolate-like treat. Then Kirby came along. She was actually named after some baseball player - Kirby Puckett? Kona, Suzy's black lab joined our family. Her namesake is a bicycle line. Kasper joined the Korner a short time later. He came donned with the name, we opted, once again for the K. Of course, they all know each other as Kousins. It's a good thing they all play well together.

The K Korner started getting a little crowded when our sister Cheryse named her two dogs Kiley and Kramer. We soon realized it was time to get out of The K Korner when Suzy's boyfriends got dogs, followed the trend and turned The K Korner into a KalMart. This added Kiley and the most recent Kelty.

We have many nicknames for our pooters. Mostly incorporating The K Korner. Missy K, Special K, Karebub, Kabber Boy - oh and Mr. Magoo.

I don't know how many more pets are lucky enough to be in The K Korner but with the recent conversion from The K Korner to Kalmart, parking is horrendous and we're out. Next pooter up...definately NOT a K.

**This post brought to you by the letter K and the number 3,865,905,396.**

Happy 1st Birthday!!

Shout out to our nephew Caelen for a very Happy 1st Birthday! His birthday party was all we expected...plus more! The party sported the likes of Elmo, Grandpa W.'s famous candy cake and a one year old ready to dive into a massive amount of sugar! He was a little skiddish, at first, he soon realized the cake tasted pretty good. The bottom of their tub was red from the frosting they washed from his body.

Ro and I are very blessed to be this little guy's aunts. We are so grateful to Ben and Crystal for sharing him with us. We will cherish the memories they have let us have with him. We had a great time and we're glad we were there to experience this with their family.

EarthDance 2008

Rhonda and I were able to volunteer for The Utah Pride Center at this year's EarthDance. We ran the show for them. We had thought two days would be quite cumbersome but they turned out to be quite enjoyable.

EarthDance is a festival to promote global peace. It's a worldwide synchronized "Prayer for Peace". This prayer happened in over 300 locations in 60 countries. Celebrations included The Hobi and Aztec Indian dancers, Deeksha Healers & numerous vendors including Yoga, winter gardening and healing. The food was provided by "One World Cafe" (Mmmmm good). http://www.oneworldeverybodyeats.com/

It was such a pleasure to be in the prayer circle. To know that the same prayer was happening in so many different locations throughout the world. People in different countries were doing the exact same thing we were doing...praying for peace. The Offering Dance that was performed by The Native American Indians was amazing!