Well, I think everyone would be in agreement that Daniel Flanigan is as cute as the day is long.

As for Becky's closet ownership - all I know is in the Dunlavy house, Taylor has a closet, a dresser and drawers in her bed - ALL FULL

I have half of the closet in our bedroom - dean has the other half AND a whole closet full in the computer room.

I feel like I should have more closet space :(

Good Riddance, Goodwill

I have cleaned out closets for two solid days. Bag, after bag, after bag of stuff to Goodwill. Little jammies that I thought I couldn't part with? Gone. Kevin's size 36"waist pants? Oh yeah, gone, baby. Formals dating from the early 90's? Gone, along with their dyed to match satin shoes (Oh My Word. Did I wear these???) The bizarre thing at our house is the closets themselves. The closet in our room? All mine. Will's two closets? One for Will and one for well, me. Aaron's closet? The hanging part is for him and the shelf is for, uh, me. The coat closet in the hallway? All Kev's. See, you thought I didn't share. Sure, he dresses in the foyer, but heck, it excites the neighbors.

Christmas Update -

Christmas today was very nice and relaxing. Edie's sister Marianne spent the night at our house and a large part of the day today. Mom suggested I am a polygamist. The suggestion gave me the shivers(ala Owen Meany - no not George Meany, the Union guy.) I made the traditional Shultz waffles and served Our Gang, Marianne and Edie's friend Jane. There was a wild frenzy of paper tearing - all were happy with their gifts (I got a hefty man's scale!) For lunch we had Mom, Marianne and later Frau and Amanda. No sign of Marti Dean Taylor or Vanessa. As I type at 7:15 Pm Edie is on the couch napping and the kids are playing in the family room. We really enjoyed the holiday. Looking back at last year, Edie was in a hospital bed in our family room, Riley spent Christmas morning in the ER with a nasty cut from his new Christmas knife and I wondered what the future could possibly hold. As it turns out, the future is pretty swell. May it continue to be. God bless us everyone. Lastly, I urge you to ponder the importance of the word "toward" in this phrase: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and good will toward men. " Toot

Christmas Eve Update - Mom Rocks

Merry Christmas Everyone. Here is an up date on Christmas Eve. Mom and Amanda came with our gang to church. We had a grand time and I think all enjoyed it. After, we returned to our place and had Mom's homemade potato soup with some cider and sweet potato biscuits. But the highlight was Mom singing Karaoke to Mercy Me. She rocked. Merry Christmas everyone.

Toot's Christmas display

Here's one of us at the Creation Museum. Aaron set the camera on timer and ran to his spot. It's the only family pic I have in digital format at the moment.

Can I post this without looking like a braggard?

Hey. As I said, I recently downloaded a bunch of stuff from my camera to the computer. As a person who is artistic and not "technolic" this is a big deal. I wanted to put a few of Aaron's pics on here. There are a bunch of them, so perhaps you can appreciate the fact that I'm only including a few?

Rube!!!!! So nice to hear from you Rube. Tell Dean that Edie wants him to bring a case of his finest imported champagne for the festivities at Toms. She said she wants to drink in the Saviours birth.

Count Olaf. I wuv him.

This is the most wonderful cat in the world. Now you can see why Aaron needs a double bed! We are trying to help The Count lose a few pounds. If it works, I'm thinking about trying some of the Iams prescription weight loss food myself. I'll, uh, let you know how that goes. I just uploaded a bunch of pictures from my camera to my computer, so I may post a few here in the next couple of days. Sorry if I overwhelm you with Figdom. It's not intended.

Christmas at Toots house

This is an open invite to come and spend some time with us on Christmas day. In order to make it easier for all, we will be setting up an all afternoon buffet. Figure on food being available from 1pm until evening. Come as you can as you will. No need to bring anything unless you want to. If you would preffer to land on a fixed time to meet that is fine too. Regardless we will be open to entertaining all day. I know some of Edie's family, (our 3rd child Marriane) will come by as hopefully will a friend or two. Hope to see you there! As for you out of towners - we will hang up a photo of you. By chance could The Lannings and NJ Shultz's post a Photo on the blog of your families that I can hang up for the day? That would be super swell. Hope all can make it either in person or in print. Marti, if you come I can walk you through some blog processes. Lastly all, I changed the blog so you have to sign in each time. This was done so rogue posters cannot get on the blog and post nasties. If you guys thing this is more hassel than risk avoidance let me know and I will change it.

I've heard buzzing's about why I've not been visible on the Blog - well, I'm totally green at "blogging" and don't really understand it. I don't know where you guys get all those cool little things you put in yours either which leads to a boring Mashdun blog message. There, I said it. Now, I will post again at a later date.
I want you ALL to know, that I have only spent $18 on Taylor so far for Christmas. I may be done - I may not - haven't really decided yet.

Cherrio!!!!!!!!!!

Rural Toot - Wisecracks encouraged

masontown library takes books

I just figured out (I think) how to make a new post. So, here goes. Do you guys remember the two green books "The History of Fayette County". Years ago your Uncle John gave them to your dad. They have been bumping around here since and no one seemed to want them, not even your uncle Bill. So, last week I sent them to the German/Masontown Library in Masontown. (German Township is a coal patch between Uniontown and Masontown) The lady called today that they received the books and were so appreciative. They are putting up a plaque with your dad's name and John's name since I mentioned that John had given them to your dad, youknow,donated by etc. I think your dad would be proud.

Have you hugged your hairies today?

I rescued a human today. . .Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them. As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one. I rescued a human today.

The Deak

Kevin is officially a deacon now. He had to kneel yesterday for a long prayer...on his torn miniscus in his right knee. He said he was trembling from pain as the prayer kept going, and going, and going. I think the other Deac's probably think they got a quaker/shaker on their hands. Perhaps he should start talking with "thee"s and "thou"s, and begin crafting quilts and plain furniture.

I thought this was funny

more projects

Today? a "to scale (Hah!)" model of the Panama Canal, along with a diagram of how it works, a lock made out of cardboard and coffee beans, and a report about the canal and why it was important. Tuesday, Aaron had to dress up like Teddy Roosevelt and share two quotes from two different speeches, provide the background of the speeches and explain why these speeches were important. Two more projects due next week, one on Tuesday, one on Thursday. I am projected out! Frau: you read it with glee, don't you. Oh you who have passed through these waters....

catching up

Well, I have been a week or more away from the blog and have apparently missed quite a bit. Some comments - Fig glad you are better. Frau, you have lost your mind but the dogs are very cute. Home work, projects - who needs it? Parents apparently. I too like the idea about Mom's memoirs. I will get a hold of her since it appears she has not been here in a while. I will also give Marty a good shaking to get her on the ball. Lastly, I was glad to hear Obama is a citizen after all. Otherwise, I think constitutionally Rush Limbaugh would be the next president.

The Hairy Report: Chipedydodah & Birdie Boop arrive

Well, the new hairies came home with us Friday night. Chip is 8 lbs of fury with only one tooth, a fang that hangs out of his mouth so he is pretty comical looking. He wears a Cleveland Browns sweater or a jaunty striped one all the time and is very loveable. He gets cranky in the middle of the night if Birdie has more blankets than him and really lets her have it in typical grumpy Chihuahua form. He bares his gums and really speaks his mind! He has big sad eyes and enormous ears that Im quite certain on a windy day may send him sailing away like Piglet in the Very Blustery Day. He's darling.
Birdie is much smaller than she appears in the picture. She is not much bigger than him, but is a major butterball. She is extremely timid and we are taking our time gaining her trust. If Chip comes out and sits on my lap she comes too, but if Chip isnt there she doesnt move. They are extremely attached and she really watches out for him. Birdie is very sweet natured and flutters her eyelashes when you are snuggling her. This morning I changed her sweater into a trendy leopard print and she actually danced a little for me. I was thrilled. When she is outside if she comes back to the porch first, when I call for Chipper she runs back to get him. If they dont get adopted together they dont go. I dont think they could survive without each other.
The kennel gave me a case of canned food for Chipper and a big bag of Eukanuba for both of them. So we are off to a good start at Frau's house of Hairies. Or Hairyville USA.

It's not an appropriate 4th grade project

We, and yes I mean we, have finished with Science Fair '08. Five different playground surfaces have been tested for heat absorption. We have materialed, procedured, abstracted, reported, researched, graphed, tabled, hypothesized, concluded, glue sticked, pasted, cut out, colored and are now going to burn the rubric in the fireplace.

Mom's stories

Mom, we have a book with Dad's stories. Why not write a story from your own childhood here once a week, say every Sunday afternoon, so we can all have them as well....

Gods Hairy Children

You guys remember I lost my sweet Wunky over a year ago, but I've missed him so much since. I decided to take in two oldsters named Chippe and Birdie and foster them. They were dropped off at the pound in the overnight box, they are both 8 and have lived together for years so they need to be adopted out together. They were put in a kennel owned by a lady who works with Paws and Prayers (the shelter I foster for once in a while) because no foster home was available. I felt so bad for these two old timers to be homeless in a noisy kennel and plus Im a sucker for dogs in sweaters, so Im off to buy two more Christmas stockings for the newbies. Im very excited and am picking them up tonight to get them all settled and comfy before Monday. I've included their pictures at the kennel for you to see, I'll add more when they are all settled and wearing their santa hats. I figure since they like clothes hats might be ok too! tee hee

diverticulosis attack. PAINFUL!

You must permit a proud Father his moment of reflected glory. Last night at the Parsippany High School Football banquet, Joe won the most improved Freshman player award. This is no small thing. It is the award the coaches value most. Three boys were given it this year. There was no MVP award.

No one knew who would win the Freshman award, but as the coach described what this player had done to deserve the award, the players quietly began to whisper Joe's name among themselves while the reality dawned on speechless, embarrassed Joe. The coaches were all nodding their heads and grinning in affirmation of everything that Joe had achieved during the year, and the team heartily applauded and congratulated Joe as he went up to the podium to receive his award. It was awesome. I'm sure Joe will never forget that night.

Melanie and I are deeply thankful for everything God has done in Joe's life. In 6th grade at the Christian school in Nutley, he was personally devastated by rascism, hypocricy and violence, all while the clueless asst. principal tried to brow beat him into taking the blame, essentially for being a white kid. This was a confusing and very painful time for Joe and for us. We eventually took him out of there before finishing school, feeling that his very identity was at risk. The aforementioned asst. principal informed us of his belief that Joe's troubles will follow him into the evil public school. I nearly slugged him. What we had hoped to avoid from the urban NJ public schools ( fights, youth-race gangs, and bad academics ) Joe endured in the Christian school, What we hoped to experience in the Christian school ( personal safety, mentoring and high academics ) we have discovered aplenty in the public school. I cannot say how proud and thankful I am.

Yes, I do claim him.

Tonight the Cub Scouts had to give a three minute speech as part of their Communication Badge requirements. The other fellows chose skateboarding, sports, drum lessons...you know, normal stuff. Will's topic of choice? Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague. Too much History Channel!

The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya

My dream is to go here someday guys!

The Giraffe Manor is an elegant, personally hosted, small and exclusive hotel, famous for its resident herd of giraffe. The Giraffe Manor offers a rich blend of welcoming accommodation, highly trained and friendly staff, as well as one of Nairobi's finest kitchens.

Travellers from all over the world now make The Giraffe Manor part of their East African safari, the only place in the world where you can enjoy the breathtaking experience of feeding and photographing the giraffe over the breakfast table and at the front door.


The Giraffe Manor is surrounded by 140 acres of indigenous forest just outside Kenya's capital, Nairobi. As well as the giraffe, the property is also home to many species of birds, large families of warthogs and the elusive Bush Buck.


© Giraffe Manor telephone +254 (0)20 891 078, fax +254 (0)20 890 949, email giraffe@giraffemanor.com

Yes, I did find something way back the railroad tracks, but it wasn't a mine. It was the handmade cistern at an old homestead, made of small stones, that appears when the water recedes. I was walking back the railroad tracks, about 1/2 mile before the trestle where the small little bays and coves begin to emerge, when I saw to my right what is usually a sort of island with trees and vines etc. I walked over to it on dry ground ( about this time of year I think ) and something told me to get a stick and feel my way through the vines. Sure enough I poked through the vines into emptiness. I removed the vines carefully so I wouldn't fall and discovered a cistern about 8 feet deep and 5 feet across. I explored further and found the foundation of the old house as well. It was really quite a find. If I had fallen in, I would have been lost for a while before someone ( hopefully ) found me. Although the opportunity to eat my pork chop at home would have slowed the search efforts for a few days I am sure.