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Thankful Thursday, 7/23/09

By
Real Estate Sales Representative with RE/MAX Preferred RS152252A

If you are among my many friends who are sick to death of hearing JJ stories, you may want to move onto someone else's Thankful Thursday post.  I can't help it, I am helplessly enamored with my little dog.  He just cracks me up each and every day, and I can't get enough of him.  Let me start this story by telling you that he is a chicken.  He is afraid of his own shadow and finds even a plastic bag in the wrong place, to be a menacing enemy, that he must run behind me to bark at.  He loves to tease the cat, but when she's had enough and chases him back, if I am sitting, he will jump straight into my lap!  If I am standing, he will run behind me and start threatening her with his growling. 

This morning, I was out on the deck enjoying a cup of tea and my Oprah magazine.  I was reading a shocking story about teen girls and sex and may I digress long enough to be thankful that I have sons and not daughters?  Into this quiet morning, JJ comes out and starts barking at the cooler that is still on my deck, filled with water and soda from the family party we had on Saturday.  I am not really thankful that no one else will empty this and I will eventually have to do it myself, but that's another digression! 

JJ

Shhh!  JJ!  Why are you barking at the cooler?  "Growl... Ruff.... Growl... Ruff!!!" 

He is not backing away from this enemy, and I assume he is barking at the cooler, because it shouldn't be there anymore! I know JJ, you'd think one of the able-bodied men that live here with me would have emptied that darn cooler already.

What is it, JJ?

 

"Growl... Ruff.... Growl... Ruff!!!" 

 

What is it little guy?

 

A horny toad It's a toad!!  You would have thought JJ was a Republican and Obama was trying to make his case about health care, the way this dog was carrying on!  (Just kidding... no comments on politics on Thankful Thursdays, please!!). 

I'm telling you, the dog is quite simply one of the great loves of my life and I am ever grateful to him for lighting up my days with his antics and his doggy face.  He is the cutest thing I've ever seen and he makes me laugh out loud everyday!

I am also thankful today for the peace that came to my friend Evelyn Ward.  Evelyn, aged 82, fought a dignified fight against bone cancer and is now at peace.  She passed away the Sunday after I got back from vacation and is flying up in heaven with the angels and her beloved husband John, whom she met at aged 65, when she stopped in the local airport to take flying lessons.  She got more than she bargained for, she got lessons and the love of her life.  Evelyn was a fun loving and unique individual that hired me to deliver meals on wheels some time last year.  We hit it off immediately and became wonderful friends.  I will miss her, but I am at peace knowing that she is on her way to a new adventure in heaven.  I am thankful to have met and befriended such a wonderful little lady!

I have much to be thankful for,  My sons are healthy, my husband and I are both busy at work, my mom was just here for a visit, I have many friends that I adore.  I am going to the beach with my best friend on Sunday for an overnight.  Life is good.  I am thankful.

Carpe Diem!!

Posted by

Susan C. Mangigian

re/max preferred
117 Campus Blvd, Suite 155, Newtown Square, PA 19073

610-719-1700 main office, 610-299-6237 cell 

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Elizabeth Bolton
RE/MAX Destiny Real Estate Cambridge, MA - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge MA Realtor

Hi Susan ~ I can completely relate - I am besotted with my Champ (I feel a post coming on - ha!). So sorry to hear about your friend Evelyn - she sounds absolutely amazing.  Your posts about how much you get out of Meals on Wheels has really put a bee in my bonnet - I may just end up volunteering myself.

Liz

Jul 23, 2009 12:33 PM
Suzanne McLaughlin
Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN
Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

Susan, you really know how to Carpe Diem!  I love your posts.  I loved the dog story.  My dogs take down rabbits, which I am not happy about.  But, the love of my life, Lefty, would bark at a toad all day.  She was one helluva dog. 

Evelyn sounds like a kick.  You two must have really hit it off.  I would have loved to have been in on just one of those conversations. 

Keep up the great work.  Talk soon!!!!

Jul 23, 2009 01:18 PM
Judy Schneider
eXp Realty - Bellingham, WA

Susan,

JJ is very sweet and I enjoy hearing about him. I am sorry to hear of the loss of your friend! My prayers are with you and her family! Continue to be Thankful for all of the wonderful things in your life.

Enjoy every Moment!

Judy

Jul 23, 2009 03:53 PM
Jesse Clifton
Jesse Clifton & Associates - Fairbanks, AK

Who could get tired of JJ stores?  Seems like we all have a soft spot for sweet furry little critters... and cabernet.  :)

Jul 23, 2009 07:18 PM
Leesa Finley
RED Properties - Wake Forest, NC
RED Properties - Raleigh NC Real Estate

The thing is?  I love JJ too!!!!!  He is absolutely adorable and I would never tire of your stories!

Jul 23, 2009 11:52 PM
Caren Wallace
Premier Property Group LLC - Tualatin, OR
Portland Caren Real Estate

Susan, you always weave an entertaining story........I too will never tire of JJ! Toads beware!

Jul 24, 2009 12:37 AM
Mike Saunders
Retired - Athens, GA

Hey Susan - this is supposed to be a politics free zone;^) So there goes my Barney Frank comment! But you certainly made up for it that wonderful story about Evelyn, God keep her and John.

Jul 24, 2009 12:58 AM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

We all need a JJ - whatever form they take - and we all need JJ stories from you !

And god's peace to Evelyn - she's moved on to join with her hubby again :o)

Cheers Susan !

Sheldon

Jul 24, 2009 01:45 AM
Susan Mangigian
RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA
Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

Gerry, you are a dog lover too and I love you for it!

Fran, I'd love to hear more about Daisy!

Janice, I'd love to write a book.... just don't know where to start!

Carole, as I type this, JJ is chasing a fly around the family room!

Gary, well I hope that toad is somewhere catching flies because he isn't on the deck anymore.  Should I be checking what comes out the back end of my dog??  Thanks for your comment about Evelyn.  She was a very special lady.

 

Jul 24, 2009 02:01 PM
Susan Mangigian
RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA
Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

Liz, thanks.  I'd love to hear more about Champ.  Here is a link to Meals on Wheels in your neck of the woods.   I don't know if it's the correct link but it's a place to start! 

http://www.mealcall.org/meals-on-wheels/ma/cambridge.htm

Suzanne, you would have loved Evelyn.  Very smart, very funny, very proper!  I could really make her laugh!  I loved that about her!  xxoo

Dear Judy, thank you for the prayers.  I am quite sure that Evelyn is flying beside her beloved John, with the angels as we speak!  xxoo

Jesse, we do have the same soft spots!  That's why I am so darned fond of you!

 

Jul 24, 2009 02:04 PM
Susan Mangigian
RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA
Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

Leesa, you are the best!  Thanks!

Caren, the toad is MIA.  I hope he is not in Toady heaven or in JJ's belly!! xxoo

Mike, thank you.  I have no doubt that Evelyn is regaling God with her flying stories as we speak!

Sheldon, thank you.  God's peace is what I wish for Evelyn, along with her reunion with John!

 

Jul 24, 2009 02:05 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

You brought up politics and now you won't let me talk about it, that's just wrong Susie, wrong.

But on to happier things.  I'm glad it was a toad only.  When I first glanced at the photo I was looking for a snake. 

I'm sorry about your friend Evelyn, but I'm sure her life and yours were enriched by you two knowing each other.  You bring out the best in people.  And it's so understandable to feel a sense of rejoice that someone sick moves on to a better life.  Have super fun at the beach.

Jul 24, 2009 03:37 PM
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Hi Susan, I never tire of your JJ stories, he doesn't sound like such a chicken since he alerted you to the "Deadly Invasion of the Toads" HAHAHA!  I like the way you remember your friend Evelyn, I always picture the departed reunited with those that have gone before - and yes, Peace. Hope you have a great weekend Susan!

Jul 24, 2009 04:05 PM
Liz Moras Migic
Chilliwack, BC
Chilliwack, British Columbia - Realtor

hmm now you've got me thinkingabout whether or not I should get a dog! :-)

Jul 24, 2009 04:50 PM
Susan Mangigian
RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA
Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

Hi Tammy!  I love you too much to talk politics with you!  I am so happy that Evelyn is out of pain and onto whatever comes next!  xxoo

Mary, the last 10 days of Evelyn's life, she was in a coma.  When I would visit, I would describe to her how I envisioned her John, waiting for her, in their little two-seater plane, ready to soar the heavens with her by his side.  xxoo

Liz... you should definitely get a dog.  Aside from having my two beautiful sons, JJ is the best thing I ever did for myself.  Is it a lot of work?  Not to me.  Everything I do for that little dog is a labor of love.  Truly!

Jul 24, 2009 11:32 PM
Carol Culkin
Diamond Partners Inc - Overland Park, KS
Overland Park Residential Real Estate

Susan - Funny you should mention it, I had a frog attached to my back window last night.  Very wierd.

Jul 25, 2009 02:57 AM
Russell Lewis
Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX
Broker,CLHMS,GRI

Susan, I always enjoy your Thankful Thursday posts and I am still not tired of hearing about JJ. I am sorry to hear of the passing of your friend and think that it is remarkable that at age 65, she met and married! How cool is that and what a great testament to living life to the fullest. Thanks for reminding me of the importance of gratitude!

Jul 25, 2009 06:54 AM
Lanre-"THE REAL ESTATE FARMER" Folayan
Samson Properties - Bowie, MD
I don't make promises.I deliver results.SOLD HOMES

Susan I guess I have been reading any of your blogs for a while because I didn't know about JJ. May your friend Evelyn rest in peace. Glad I finally stopped by. Have a great weekend my friend. Great post.

Jul 25, 2009 01:26 PM
The Somers Team
The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA
Delivering Real Estate Happiness

LOL, great photos !  That toad caused a stir indeed !  We have 2 cats and love them so much !!  ~ Chris

Jul 26, 2009 01:55 AM
Sharon Richards
Kirsten Realty Tampa Florida - Tampa, FL

Susan - I love your posts and enjoy reading about JJ! 

Jul 28, 2009 12:35 PM