Hot Diggity Dog

Saturday morning was incredible! We had over a hundred serving, sacrificing people give up their entire morning to do whatever needed done at GGYR. God is great and we are blessed! Thank you Sagebrush Second Saturday volunteers! Also thanks to our wonderful friends who have absolutely nothing to do with Sagebrush but believe in the goal and have a serving heart as well. Incredible.

Because of this community outreach program, GGYR is up and running. Max thought he'd eventually get around to building pens and the arena--he had no idea it would all happen in four Saturday mornings-- November '07, February '08, September '08, and this Saturday morning.

I took over 450 pictures of the day. That overwhelms me. I would love to show you each and every amazing person pitching in, but that isn't practical. Perhaps I'll create a slide show again to show you. Perhaps. As you all know, I promise the world and always forget to deliver. If my energy equalled my ideas, I'd be unstoppable.

Tonight I'd like to thank the always generous B. family of Albuquerque Cafe who kindly DONATED meals for the whole big crew!!

That's right--Marvin and Jackie shopped for, prepared, and hauled out enough food to feed 200 people. Who does that??!! I just marvel at their generosity! We had chili, fritos, cheese, onions, hot dogs with all the fixings, and lemonade for our dining pleasure. If you ever find yourself by Alexander Blvd. in Albuquerque during breakfast or lunchtime, please stop in at their cafe to get one of Marvin's delicious creations. And if you do, please tell him thanks for us.

Marvin, Jackie, and girls--thanks once again! We appreciate you so much!

Let's Be Random

Shall we? I don't recall posting this picture of a bucket of horny toads caught by some boys at the ranch. I might have shown it, but I cannot recall when. All were returned before day's end. I have heard that you must return them within so many feet of where you find them, but I'm not so sure about that. We were also told that they cannot live in captivity, but we proved that theory wrong. Garrett kept one alive over a year one time. Yes, so sad that we kept a wild animal in a cage--a protected toad we later found out. To make the story worse, there were two lizards living with it. Hardy creations, those big ranch reptiles. We never keep them any more. Garrett is great about releasing all creatures he catches. (And there are a bunch of them!!)
My sis-in-law, Regina, knitted this heart for Max before his surgery. Sweet, and especially so coming from Regina. Max made fun of her one time for crocheting and knitting. She had offered to make him some fingerless gloves to keep his hands warm, but he declined and called her an old lady. She swore to NEVER make anything for him, even though she makes gifts for family members for Christmas. Regina got mushy and sensitive and made something for me to hold while Max was having his surgery and then for him to have after. We loved it and were very touched! Check out the impressive collection of items she made this year.

Is this picture a repeat? I got a kick out of seeing all these different animals in one spot. Again, this picture was from our family ranch, not Galloping Grace. The kids were having fun watching the pigs, cows, horses, and goats all in one area. Simple pleasures.
This is Marvin and Jackie. They are the generous couple who donated and cooked food for the big work day in September. One night at the Christmas Corral, Marvin called letting me know they would be dropping by for a bit. When they arrived, they came with a large vat of peppermint hot chocolate for all working that night. Amazing and delicious and not nutritious. We all couldn't believe what a thoughtful thing that was to do!

This Santa was donated to GG by "Grandma from El Paso", Renee and Regina's mom. While Renee and Maria Elena were shopping in El Paso, they came across this little guy and knew we had to have him. He made me happy every time I walked into the Christmas Corral not only because he was so cute, but because I thought that was such a nice gesture. Thanks, Maria Elena!

Max continues to do so well. We were looking at some pictures earlier today of him last week--AMAZING how far along he is now. I should mention he is losing weight at a very rapid rate! From yesterday to today he shed TEN pounds, all fluid. He actually counted getting up ten times to pee (sorry, kinda crude but urinate sounds silly) during the night. Dr. Levy wants to make sure he is losing and not gaining right now. Apparently they put a great deal of fluids in him and now need them out. Two days ago he actually looked a little chubby in his tummy because of all the extra fluid. Today, he is looking much more lean.

Max is cutting down on his pain meds already. I wonder if the nurse wanting to take away his clock would be interested in that little fact. Maybe he won't be a drug seeker after all! ;) Perhaps he was just in huge amounts of pain and needed some relief. Again, most of the nurses were awesome with him. A couple have ways that might work on other patients, but were hurtful to us.

I'm headed to the couch for the night. Max is still sleeping in the recliner, the most comfortable place for him. The biggest benefit to this arrangement is that I haven't had to make my bed all week. Pretty cool.

Maybe tomorrow I'll tell you about the alarming thing happening to me during Max's recovery. Prepare for a riveting read.

Happy day.