BEST FRIENDS FOREVER ~ ERNIE & CHARLIE

We adopted Charlie in January as an adult kitty from the Cat's in Need Rescue in our community. He's between two and three years old. We brought him home and instead of running to hide until he got used to his new surroundings, he just jumped up on the bed and sprawled out as if he had always been here.

We had hoped he and our eleven year old kitty Buddy would become friends, but, that didn't happen. Charlie tormented Buddy terribly.

We brought Ernie home June 1st. He was one of a litter of feral kittens found in a neighborhood near us. He's a poly-dactyl kitty. He has six toes on each of his front paws and five on each of his back. They are also known as Hemingway Cats because Ernest Hemingway introduced them to this country and to this day, even though he has long passed, the descendants of his original polydactyl casts live and are cared for on the property he lived on in Florida.

He and Charlie have become best buds. They play, romp and wrestle and when things get a little too feisty, Tink steps in to referee.
When playtime is over, Charlie and Ernie cuddle up together and Charlie even grooms him. The baby loves it.

And Buddy? Well, he's just as happy as can be now that Charlie isn't pestering him anymore. He enjoys watching them play.

I'm so happy they all get along so well. What a blessing!

Father's Day

Today is Daddy's first Father's Day in heaven. I have been thinking about what I could write on this special day....

I decided to write about one of my favorite memories of him.... Daddy dressing up like Santa Claus. He did it for many years and we really believed it was the real Santa. Mom would wake us up after midnight on Christmas Eve to tell us Santa was coming. Outside the door we'd hear a big "ho, ho, ho!" and Mom would open the door and there he would be with his bag of gifts. (we didn't have a fireplace) We'd sit on his knee and just be in awe of him. I remember the year I realized Santa was really Daddy. I felt a little disapointed then, but, as I matured, it just made me love him more knowing he went to all that trouble for us to have a magical Christmas and make us feel so special.

Thank you, Daddy. Happy Father's Day.... I miss you so much.

June 14th Flag Day ~ Daddy's birthday

Today is Flag day. Did you know there is a special day every year set aside to honor our flag?

Daddy was born on flag day. That's the reason I can remember it. For his birthday celebrations we'd decorate red white and blue. Today, Daddy would have been 91 years old. Just above is a photo taken on his 88th birthday.

It's hard to believe it's been a month and a half since Daddy passed on to heaven.

Last night Tinkerbelle started barking like crazy. Later we found something left on our front porch. Tinky heard the visitor. They had left a package beautifully wrapped up in red, white and blue. It was from a very dear friend named Julie. The card was so sweet. Here is part of what she wrote....."special prayers to our father in heaven today as your daddy spends his first birthday with Jesus. May he comfort you and encourage your heart like only He can." Brings tears to my eyes.

Inside the package was a case to hold the Veteran's Memorial Flag that was draped across Daddy's casket. It is now proudly displayed in our dining room with a photo of him, his wrist watch, and a little figurine I made for him on his 80th birthday.

Flag Day has always been a special day, but, it's even more precious now.

Jesus, please give Daddy a birthday hug and kiss for me.

Times Remembered....

I was going thru some of Daddy's things today and found several figurines I had made for him over the years for special occasions. The figure of the little girl is from Father's Day in 1978. The birthday bear was for Daddy's 80th birthday. The Santa ornament wasn't dated, but, I can tell it's an oldie. Daddy used to dress up like Santa Clause when we were young children. He used to sing "I saw mommy kissing Santa Clause", so I put a little kiss on Santa's forehead. It's musical and plays that tune.
The little bear for Father's day play's the tune "You are my Sunshine". That was another song Daddy used to sing often. He's singing with the angels now.

I sure do miss you, Daddy. I really do.

A Fab-U-Lous evening with the FabFour

Just above is a photo I took last night of the Fab Four at the Rose Center Theater (sorry for the blur) The next is a photo I found online of the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl in 1964.

The Beatles were introduced to America earlier that same year. Oh my goodness! How many remember seeing them on the Ed Sullivan Show?

When we found out they were going to appear in person at the Hollywood Bowl we so wanted to be there. My sister was able to get tickets for us along with my two best friends.

When they came on the stage they literally looked like beetle bugs...so tiny...our seats were way up high about three rows from the very back. There were no big screens back then...we had a pair of binoculars shared by 4 of us. It was very exciting. My first concert ever. It was just a couple of weeks before my 14th birthday.

Last night we were transported back in time. We were all singing along to those familiar early Beatle songs. This was a very small venue and a benefit concert for the Westminster police department. After the show, the "boys" came out for a "meet and greet". The musician who plays "George", my favorite, is a brand new papa. His first son was born 2 weeks ago. I was able to squeeze in and congratulate him. He was very sweet. Got a photo to show you. I'll be posting that another time.

Here is a clip of Ardy singing Yesterday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o10DhNZfmEY&feature=related

Is it a coincidence or a gift?

Many years ago...in 1964 the Beatles came to America. I was 14 years old. My sister, me and friends became fast fans. We were so excited to get tickets for their performance at the Hollywood Bowl. We were seated way up high in the "nose bleed" section. There were four of us and we all shared one pair of binoculars!

That same year, my mom passed away.

My Daddy passed away a couple of weeks ago. After his funeral we had a reception at my brother and sister-in-law's house. I was talking to friends and we began to reminisce about the "good old days". Of course the Beatles came up in our conversation, and then we got to talking about the FabFour, an awesome Beatles tribute band we had seen a couple of years ago.

When I got home, later that day, I checked my email and there was one from the FabFour...seemed strange, I had never heard from them before, though I have been on their website. It was an invitation to an unscheduled performance in a nearby town. I got tickets and we are going tonight. I am so excited! Coincidence...or a gift from my Dad?

The Fab Four is absolutely the best Beatles tribute band around. Sound just like them. Play and sing everything live and even have their mannerisms down pat. When I saw them the last time, I found myself smiling through the entire first set of the early Beatles....my favorite. It was so much fun. There were folks there in their 80's all the way down to toddlers. Most sing along to the very familiar songs.

If you live in Southern California, the performance is at the Rose Theater in Westminster. Tickets may still be available. Box office opens at 2 pm pacific. No online sales, but, you can order over the phone and pick them up at will call.

If you are a Beatles fan, you will love the FabFour. If you'd like to take a peek...click the link below to see...keep in mind, these are not the Beatles! Hard to believe...they're spot on. You can hear the audience singing in the background,too.

Here is the link for the Rose Center Theater in Westminster California:
http://www.rosecentertheater.com/index.php?step=directions


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVPi_WFMsw0

Fab four website: http://www.thefabfour.com/

Memorial Services for Louis Anthony Heringes Sr. (Daddy)

Family and friends gathered together yesterday, May 6th 2010 to celebrate the life of Louis A. Heringes Sr. (Daddy)

The service took place in a little church in Upland California that was built in 1910. It was a lovely old building.

Pastor Don Roy from Pathway Church in Garden Grove, opened with a beautiful prayer and noticed there were baby birds chirping. (It sounded like they may have nested in the rafters of the ceiling.) He made mention of how appropriate that was...a symbol of new birth...Daddy has just begun his new life in heaven. Pastor Don's kindness and comforting words meant so much to Richard and me and our family and friends. The Lord used him in a wonderful way.

My husband Richard sang a very sweet song called Goin' Home". One of the verses say,"one day I'll be sleeping when death knocks on my door and I'll awake to find that I'm not homesick anymore...I'll be home...I'm goin' home...where I belong." (That's just how it was for Daddy. He passed so peacefully from this life into eternity.) A few stood and shared sweet memories and stories.

The service ended with a beautiful version of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" (Glory, Glory, Hallelujah...one of Daddy's favorites. )

Everyone seemed happy to receive their little kiffles in remembrance of Daddy.

We then had a police escort to the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The service there was so moving. It was extra special to see that the color guard were veterans of WWII.
Some of them looked very frail, but, they proudly stood on both sides as Daddy's casket was carried into place. We all followed after. My sister Darla, brother Louie Jr. and Richard and I sat in front to receive the flag.

A gentleman stood and welcomed us and spoke so beautifully thanking Daddy for his service to his country and offering his condolences. Next those dear veterans gave Daddy a 21 gun salute. Then we heard the sound of taps being played very slowly and sweetly.

Next was the presentation of the flag that was draped on Daddy's casket. Two soldiers carefully removed it. It was amazing to see the care and respect they showed as they slowly and reverently folded it. Then, one of the soldiers holding the flag knelled down and personally offered his condolences to the family as he presented the flag.

Pastor Don then shared a beautiful poem and comforting words and Scripture.

At the very last, Richard stood and invited everyone to sing Daddy's favorite song "God Bless America". I could just imagine him smiling and singing along waving his arms directing the "choir" just like he did the day before he passed.

There was a lovely reception for family and friends at Louie & D'Ann's house. (my brother & sister-in-law)

It was all beautifully bitter-sweet. Sad to think Daddy is no longer here with us in the physical sense, but, ever so sweet knowing he is safe with Jesus reunited with my mother and so many who have gone before.

Needless to say, there were many tears shed yesterday. Even as I write they are welling up. I expect that will happen from time to time for a while.

I love you and will miss you sweet Daddy...untill we meet again.

If you would like to listen to the the song "Goin' Home" by B.J. Thomas, just click on the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wQgx98jmZQ

This is a beautiful version of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" (Glory, Glory Hallelujah) by Andy Williams:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVF6uFanJxs&feature=related

My sister Darla, brother Louie Jr. and I want to thank our family and friends for the lovely cards, flowers, food, prayers and comfort so freely given at this difficult time.