Komen Link

This may not be new information to some others, but I recently read about a link between the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Planned Parenthood. I was shocked to learn that they have a history of giving money to Planned Parenthood, the top abortion provider in the country! The pink ribbons and breast cancer research touted by the Susan G. Komen Foundation are pretty well-known; people are familiar with the foundation and have probably given money for "cancer research and prevention" without knowing where some of that money is going.

According to this article by Right to Life Indianapolis, there were 115 affiliates of the Susan G. Komen Foundation in 2005. 43 of those affiliates have given money either to Planned Parenthood or other abortion clinics, using funds from their well-known Race for a Cure fundraiser.

Looking into the background of the founder and board members of the foundation gives some insight into how this is happening. The Susan G. Komen Foundation's founder, Nancy Bricker, has also served on the board of Planned Parenthood of Dallas. Other board members have worked for or donated personal funds to Planned Parenthood, and several affiliates have received awards from and participated in joint fundraisers with Planned Parenthood.

Thankfully, most of the Southeast has no documented history of using Race for the Cure funds to secure abortions. (For a list of some of the past donations, go here. This is another good article on the link between Komen and PP.).

While Planned Parenthood does provide breast cancer screening, I don't think the few good things that they do outweigh their lack of regard for all human life. What is fairly ironic about Susan G. Komen affiliates giving grants to our top abortion provider is that there have been several studies into a possible link between abortions and an increased risk of breast cancer. (Not to mention that a foundation that's supposed to be committed to saving lives donates to an organization providing abortions that cause physical and emotional damage to women.)

In response to the defense that Komen only gives money to Planned Parenthood for breast cancer screening, Eve Silver, a former board member who quit the Susan G. Komen Foundation after learning of their grants to Planned Parenthood said, "If you relieve pressure on one side, that means they can use more money on the other side for abortions. It's not separate, and people need to know that. You cannot kill people in one room and do breast services in another and somehow think that's a balance."

Spank Spot

A few days ago, I think I shocked a few people when I smacked my dog's face after he returned to get a second drink from my punch glass. I'd had to clean out and refill my cup after he snuck a taste, and had just given him a good warning before he came back for seconds. Without really thinking, I popped him.

At our small group, I'm constantly trying to control my spaz-tastic dog, Ace. He loves to greet people (and babies) with drive-by lickings and uninvited jumps into your lap. Leaving him locked in the back yard isn't much of an option with a book study group meeting in our den - Ace cries (loudly) while doing his best Jack Russell jump on the door, and he can go for hours without taking a break.

He is a trash hound, bee-biting, prized-plant-destroying, neighbor-obsessed, ball-stealing bully, and can be a real pain in the... But, even with all of that, I still love the little guy, and have tried to somewhat control his behavior; which means that he often gets spankings on his "spank spot" (seriously, God made him with a built-in bullseye), wears a "stubborn dog" shock collar, and receives quite a bit of yelling and "Get in your bed!" commands.

I know some people think that dogs are just dogs: they should stay in the yard, and only be treated as outside-only animals, not family members. Other people hand-make their pets' meals and would never dream of using a shock collar - let alone spanking their dog when he's got his head in the trash can. (I guess the same can be said for child-rearing... some people are adamantly opposed to disciplining their unruly children, others might take it too far).

I probably treat my dogs as more than just pets, but do I expect too much out of them? I want a well-behaved dog, but what's the best way to achieve that when you have what my vet likes to refer to as an "intense" dog?

(Vote ---->)

English Roses

'Sharifa Asma'

I was thinking about what I'm most excited about blooming this year, and I think it has to be my new David Austin (English) roses.

After tearing out my giant, blackspot-addicted climbing roses from the pergola last summer and moving them to the far corner of the back yard, I made a pact with myself to only adopt roses that are disease-resistant from now on.

My purchases last year of 'Mardi Gras', 'Tamora', and 'Sun Flare' turned out to be great. They had no (or very minor) problems, bloomed all summer, and I didn't have to spray the darned things every other week.

This spring, I moved some stuff out an overgrown front bed and replaced several too large shrubs with 'Sunny Knock Out' roses. They should be extremely hardy and bloom non-stop through fall. I also got a standard (tree) rose of 'Cinco de Mayo' from Bennett's, an All-American Rose Selection (AARS) winner that I am excited about seeing bloom too.

'Pat Austin'

But, my most anticipated purchases were three David Austin roses - 'Pat Austin', 'Sharifa Asma', and 'Anne Boleyn'. I ordered them as own-root roses (not grafted) from Chamblee's. That way, if (when) I kill several of the canes, they'll still come back as the intended plant. (Plus, they're supposed to be hardier and more disease-resistant when own-root).

David Austin breeds his roses to have the same form/habit as old roses (scent, high petal count, bushy form, etc.) , but with modern roses' disease resistance, vigor, and repeat bloom. They're all so pretty - it was hard to limit myself to just three!

'Anne Boleyn'

Matt and I were both excited to receive UPS packages last week. He got birthday presents (tools), and I got flowers. The roses from Chamblee's look great and all had blooms on them. I got all three planted in the garden this past weekend and can't wait to see if own-root roses really are better.

Of course, all of this is dependent on my "problem child" staying out of the flower beds. He's been obsessed with a bunny nest on the other side of the fence from my tree rose, and last week he dug up the clematis I purchased from the spring plant sale. I used bone meal - a doggie attractant - when I planted the roses last weekend, but also left a good sprinkling of red pepper on top. Hopefully he'll get a mouthful of that and stay out of the plant beds!

Toddlers Wreak Havoc

While emergency crews were scouring the neighborhood looking for brothers John and Matthew, the 2 and 3-year-old were busy ransacking their sleeping neighbor's home.

This reminds me of the time that Amanda and I went next door to have a tea party in the next-door-neighbor's camper trailer. When Crissy came over to ask if we'd been in there, I said I didn't know anything about it. As she offered Amy's play tea kettle and a toddler shoe as the reason for her suspicion, I told her that my 2- and 1-year old sisters must've snuck out without me. Amanda could open doors (and "child-proof" locks) at a very young age, after all!

Happy 30th!

A Very Happy Birthday to Matthew!

These past 8 years have been the best of my life. I love you so much!

'79

Michael, Matt '82.

Michael & Matt - Homecoming '96.

The (first) graduation. Auburn '03.

Matt, Ron, Michael. San Francisco, 2003.

Yosemite with Ron and Anny, fall '07.

Christmas '08 with Diane and Michael (and Macho).

Christmas '08 with The Shipmans.

Spring Plant Sale

The Botanical Garden Spring Plant sale starts today (members) and tomorrow (public). I plan on going for at least one day! Last year, I got some great herbs/perennials, and at good prices.

April 16-19: Spring Plant Sale
Members Only Sale: April 16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Public Sale: April 17-18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; April 19, 1-5 p.m.

A long-established Huntsville rite of spring and the largest in the state, the Spring Plant Sale offers annuals by the flat or pack; ferns, geraniums, a huge selection of herbs, cherished heirloom plants, houseplants, orchids, perennials, old-fashioned roses, vegetable plants, water plants, wildflowers, shrubs, vines, and trees. All varieties have been specially selected to thrive in North Alabama. Master Gardeners will perform soil pH testing. Vendors offer garden accessories.

Killing Pirates

An excellent editorial on the recent pirate debacle off of the coast of Somalia...

(an excerpt):
"In 1851, the Navy sent the U.S. sloop-of-war Dale to Johanna Island, a pirate haven off the coast of Madagascar, in response to the seizure of Capt. Moore of the bark Maria by local strongman Sultan Abdullah bin Salim. The Dale's commander, Capt. Pearson, rejected any notion of ransom for Moore and instead demanded $20,000 from the pirates for our trouble, or he would open fire. In the ensuing negotiations, the sultan was willing only to give $5,000, most of which would be paid in trinkets, cattle and cotton cloth because of lack of cash on hand. Pearson was unimpressed, and after a series of threats from the sultan, the Dale commenced firing. It took 19 volleys to make the sultan see the error of his ways. He raised the white flag, said he would pay what he could of the demanded indemnity and promised never to harm Americans again - a promise he kept."

I agree with the author's main point: we shouldn't try to talk nice with a group of criminals - it only teaches them that they can continue capturing and holding Americans for ransom in order to get what they want.

He Ate the Easter Bunny!

So much for happy seedlings...

I think I've learned my lesson about what I can blog about.

Only a few days ago, I posted a photo of a healthy, happy zucchini seedling. Well, this weekend, the very same plant shriveled up and DIED. Boo!

Another thing I wrote about last week was that my sister's doxie could teach my wimpy Tyson a thing or two. Well, Saturday was a bloodbath for all small furry creatures near our yard. (disclosure: the following is not for the faint of heart).

Matt and I were enjoying a rare Saturday morning where we were in town with nothing that we had to do when little Tyson came to the back door with a happy face and early Easter gift. (This is our almost 5-year-old dog who has a definite reputation for his non-hunter and wimpified status).

Ma, look what I got!

I know he's a dog, but I must've forgotten that dogs kill things. We've had Tyson for so long and neither he nor Ace have ever killed anything (that we know of). Tyson has never shown even the tiniest bit of interest in chasing small furry or flying creatures - he's usually content to either sit in my lap or chase his b-a-l-l. I guess I've gotten used to this and that's why I was so shocked to see him strut around with this thing.

...and the Rats of Nimh plot their revenge...

It was the fatest little mouse I've ever seen! It looked like a bloated hamster (poor Tidbit) with a tail. Tyson was so proud. He showed off his find and refused to drop it so Matt could bury the rodent until I bribed him with chicken jerky treats.

About two hours later, my friend Jenny came to get some perennials and we decided to walk over to the neighborhood pond. No sooner had we let the boys out the back gate when Ace grabbed a passing bunny. Tyson wanted a piece of the action and started chasing Ace, trying to get the prize away.

Horrified, Jenny and I were trying to get the two dogs to let go and drop the poor rabbit. I grabbed a hold of Ace's tail, eventually lifting him off of the ground by it, but unable to save their poor victim. To save you all of the details, they both got a taste before Jenny and I dragged them back into the yard. Gross!

Jenny yelled, "He ate the Easter Bunny!"

Rabies Over-Vaccination

For more info, see the Rabies Challenge Fund.

I have seen/read in the news recently that Alabama is considering changing the rabies vaccination requirement for household pets from every year to once every three years. (Currently, it's the only state in the country that requires rabies vaccination every year, and many states are moving to 5 and eventually 7-year increments).

In an open letter to the Alabama governor and state legislature, the founder of The Rabies Challenge Fund, which fights to keep our pets from being over-immunized, writes:

"According to Dr. Ronald Schultz of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine... 'There is no benefit from annual rabies vaccination and most one year rabies products are similar or identical to the 3-year products with regard to duration of immunity and effectiveness.'

"Alabama’s code requiring annual rabies boosters may have been intended to achieve enhanced immunity to the rabies virus by giving the vaccine more often than the federal 3-year licensing standard, but, more frequent vaccination than is required to fully immunize an animal will not achieve further disease protection. Redundant annual rabies shots needlessly expose dogs and cats to the risk of adverse effects while obligating residents to pay unnecessary veterinary medical fees. The American Veterinary Medical Association’s 2001 Principles of Vaccination state that 'Unnecessary stimulation of the immune system does not result in enhanced disease resistance, and may increase the risk of adverse post-vaccination events.'

"Immunologically, the rabies vaccine is the most potent of the veterinary vaccines and ...it is medically unsound for this vaccine to be given more often than is necessary to maintain immunity." (For a list of side effects, and to read the entire letter, click here).

The proposed bill to expand the Alabama rabies requirement to once every third year passed the committee vote (unanimously), but still needs to pass the full Alabama House and Senate votes.

Since the vaccine has been proven effective for up to seven years, I don't know why we have to get rabies vaccines each year. I've quit getting all of the other shots (distemper, parvo, etc.) every year because of the possible effects of over-immunization and will only do them periodically. I only get the rabies vaccine annually for the boys because it's required by law.

My dogs are not boarded, not exposed to kennel cough, and don't have exposure to any rabid animals. Other than Ace's "contact dermatitis" (seriously, what dog do you know that is allergic to GRASS?!) and obsession with biting stinging bumble bees, they're very healthy pets.

I personally witnessed a dog having a severe reaction to it's yearly vaccines this past winter when I took my dogs in for their shots. I'm all for legislation that will protect my dogs' health - in addition to protecting my time and wallet.

Best Friends

One of Tyson and Ace's favorite things to do is to look out of the front door. They love it when people come over to visit them.

Tea Parties

I was talking about the upcoming Tea Parties several days ago with Charlie when he asked me what they are.

The TEA Party (Taxed Enough Already) is a grassroots movement by ordinary, fiscally responsible Americans who want to send a message to Congress. Thousands of events are planned for April 15th, tax day, when people will gather to show their frustration with our government's tax, spend, and bailout agenda.

Tax Day Tea Party lists all of the confirmed events around the country. There will be one in our town from 12-1 pm on Clinton Ave. across from the Post Office. I'm not sure if I'm going or not, but I have talked to several people who are.

This isn't just about the Democrats or Republicans, the president, or any single member of our government. Michelle Malkin puts it succinctly: "This is about you, your families, and your voices being heard in opposition to confiscatory policies and reckless bailouts supported by too many public servants in both parties."

What's interesting/strange/exciting to me is the fact that all of the people that I know who plan to attend are not very politically outspoken and have never protested anything before in their lives. They're just everyday hardworking people who don't feel like they should have to give up even more of their income to the government's bottomless bailouts, "stimulus", spending, and "wealth distribution" programs.

Providential

One of my best friends got married this weekend. Robin was my roommate for three years in Auburn and was the absolute best roommate I could have ever asked for. I've never known anyone more kind and generous than "Rokn", and we were so excited to share in her joy. She was such a good friend/roommate to me and Amanda (and Amy too) that the whole family came to Atlanta for either a wedding shower or the wedding ceremony.

I met Robin the first week I was at Auburn. She was in the same rush group as my freshman roommate, Whitney. We all became fast friends.

Whitney is getting married later this summer to Timothy, who she's been dating for almost 10 years! (Finally!) ;) She's the last of my Auburn girls to get married.


It wasn't until just a few weeks ago that I thought about how different my life would have been without these girls. Whitney introduced me to Robin, who introduced me to my husband. Sometimes I think about how if one little thing had been different, I would have never met the love of my life.

It's so funny to be able to look back and see how God has been working throughout my entire life, bringing special people into it, and putting me exactly where he wanted me at the right time. I feel so much better knowing that He's got my best interest at heart and that I do not know best.

Last Frost

Giant zuccini seedling, with buds!

Hopefully last night was the last frost for the season (fingers crossed)! According to the average last frost date and upcoming forecast, it looks like it will be safe to put out my seedlings this weekend.

I am pumped because this is the first year (after several attempts) that I've successfully started seeds indoors! - I think it's all because of my genius honey's grow light rig. Not only did I NOT kill all of the plants, but I successfully started and maintained about 85% of them. (It's about time... I've killed more than my fair share).

I can't wait for the weather to stay warm... we did a big flower bed remodel last fall and I'm excited to see how it will turn out.

My little seedlings will join these blooms soon and as long as I can keep the boys from peeing all over them, they might stand a chance for survival!

Daffodil 'White Lion' -

I got this and the other daffodils pictured from Costco last fall; great buy

White Geraniums from Bennett's for the patio pots.

Daffodil - 'Salome'

Subway Song and Dance

Saw this on MM.



I've never seen anyone do the macarena to The Sound of Music before.

Matt hasn't seen The Sound of Music (yet). I keep meaning to up his classic movie/musical experiences - he's already sat with me through Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and The Worst Witch, but those were a while ago. He's a good sport!

Great Gardening Find

I read in an article that it's a good idea to add water absorbing/releasing crystals to your pots to help reduce watering needs. I've seen stuff like this advertised on potting soil packages, but never sold separately before. It's a pretty good idea for me because 1. I often forget to water, and that has proven deadly for several of my potted plants in the past 2. We always have to ask someone to water our plants for us every time we go out of town.

Last weekend, I bought a bag from one of my favorite places, Bennett Nursery, and decided to test it out.

Well, I added one of the small scoops to my empty measuring cup. After several water refills, what started out as about 1/2 teaspoon of Soil Moist has now ended up absorbing > 2 cups of water... it can definitely take more water, but I ran out of volume in the measuring cup! Even Matt was thoroughly impressed.

We'll see how this stuff works out this summer. I read that it's not a good idea to put the dry crystals on top of a pot because they'll swell right out of the pot when you water it, and after watching them expand, I believe it.

The Cutest Little Terror

Little Maddie... you should hear her digging for moles. She growls the whole time.




She could teach my wimpy Tyson a thing or two. ;)

Two Chickens

... Two Chickens means "Keep Your Mouth Closed."

A favorite pass time of Dad and the brothers-in-law is paddling. Ever since I was fully wimpified after getting stuck upside down without a paddle and unable to wet exit from Matt's kayak, I generally prefer to stay on dry land. It works out well since Mom feels the same way and we often end up spending the day together while the rest of the group spends the day in the rapids.

Last week, after a big dump of rainwater, one of the whitewater rivers within driving distance was at a good level for the boys (and Amy Beth) to paddle. (Monitoring river flow charts is a common activity in the Harnation household.)



Alabama Whitewater has a rating system for all of the rivers with water gauges. It rates each section of river from one to three chickens. (Three being the worst). The chicken rating tells you the level of runoff and pollution - possibly from chicken houses and cow pastures. (Mmmm, yum!)

Now that a couple members of the group have gotten sick after running the Locust Fork, we think that the chicken rating should be a stern warning. I know I try to never swallow any of the water, but when you get flipped or splashed, it's pretty hard to stay completely chicken-water-free.

Like when in Mexico, if you paddle here, DON'T DRINK THE WATER!