The zooooooo!

This weekend we took Katherine to Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia. Clint and I love animal-themed attractions (zoos, Sea World), so we thought we'd start Katherine early. I think she had a good time, although at this age it's tough for her to really know what she's seeing. And the animals needed to be close and moving for her to zero in on them.

But she did get up close and personal with a giraffe, cow, goat, fish and llama. I suspect she thought most of those were just large dogs since she's used to seeing Belle and Mocha every day. But she seems to be a real animal lover and always enjoys an outing in the stoller.

Riverbanks Zoo was nice. It's not particularly large (although most zoos seem small after being to the San Diego Zoo), but had all the required zoo creatures and was just the right size for an almost-8-month-old and her parents.

Enjoy the photos ....



What is this thing?

Hard times all around

$700,000,000,000

That's a lot of zeros, federal government. Wish someone would bail me out when I make a stupid decision.

Often we look at what's going on in Washington or on Wall Street and it all seems so distant, so removed from our day-to-day lives. But I have to say this current financial crisis is really hitting home. Last week was tense at my office. Like pretty much all publications that exist on advertising, sales are down a bit and we're tightening our belts.

It's tough times all around. I feel fortunate to have a job when so many people are finding themselves in the unemployment lines.

What?!

OK, I know we all complain about this every year .... But, seriously, today Target had Christmas cards out in the aisle across from Halloween candy. What!?!?!?

Update

Sadly, Micah Crimmins passed away this morning. We can take comfort in knowing he is with Jesus.

Here's a piece of the e-mail his family sent out this morning: Micah would always say as I was heading out the door, ”Daddy, wait for me.” Well now, Micah, your earthly father is saying “Micah, please wait for me” because I too want so much to hold hands together again in our heavenly kingdom.

I just can't understand

Many months ago, I posted an entry about friends whose little boy has cancer. After much treatment his cancer was in remission. In fact, last fall the entire family visited us in Charleston and it was wonderful to see Micah running around and playing.

Sadly his cancer returned earlier this year. His parents opted to try experimental drug treatments this summer, but they didn't work. This week Micah has taken a turn for the worse and his parents are opting to discontinue treatments and simply make his final days comfortable.

When I read the e-mail with this news, I couldn't help but cry. It's devastating and my heart breaks for this family. Please keep them in your prayers. We can never begin to understand why something like this would happen. We can simply take solice in the fact that Micah will have a glorious time running and playing in heaven.

Back from Atlanta

Last week I attended the Society of Professional Journalists national convention in Atlanta. It was a great conference and is always wonderful to catch up with all my SPJ pals.

I have to give a BIG thanks to my hubby for doing full-time baby care while I was gone. Having done that a few times when he's gone on business trips, I know it can get a little tiring.

I feel incredibly fortunate to live in a time when men do housework and take care of the children. Fifty years ago I would not have been jetting off to a conference leaving my baby with my husband. Heck, I wouldn't have had a career so there wouldn't have even been a conference to attend!

So, thanks, Clint!

And, more on the SPJ convention soon ...