I'm going to 'fix' the formatting, but leaving the text pretty much the same as my original. I was going to try and come up with something new, but after rereading this, I'm pretty much still in the exact same frame of mind.

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So to my little friends, stop reading this.

It's been on my mind very much as of late, so I have to talk about it.

But it's an 'adult discussion', so to my little friends out there who might be reading this, talk to mom or dad and don't read the rest of this--go MSN or something...

South Dakota, seemingly in a rush to overturn Roe v. Wade, has recently passed legislation that makes 'almost' all abortions illegal. Any doctor performing abortions can be jailed for performing one. Presumably, they are doing this because the Supreme Court is leaning towards the right. We'll see about the fallout of that when it happens.

For one opinion, read Molly Ivins opinion column on CNN--South Dakota's stand

Her facetious response to the state legislation--

In a similar vein, there's a guy out there running his own website--Calling all Wingnuts (link not there anymore). What he does is call all the right-wing radio shows--Bill O'Reilly, Rush... whoever, and engages them in 'debate'. As far as I'm concerned, debating personal values with persons so firmly entrenched in their own ideals is a waste of time, but all the power to you if that's your goal.

But anyway, here's an entry--

Wilkow: When in doubt, shout!(link not there anymore)

If you want to listen to the audio, go ahead, but it ends in a shouting match.

The hypothetical situation that is mentioned is thought provoking, however--

As the host of the show rightly points out (during the shouting match, of course), this is a 'Catch-22' scenario and there is no right answer. If he chose the kid, then the fertilized eggs aren't really human. If he chose the 5 eggs, then what's he thinking not choosing the kid.

But wait! There is a right answer--the right answer for yourself.

And, for me, that's what this entire pro-choice/pro-life thing comes down to--the right answer for yourself.

If the situation was black and white--'life begins at this exact point!'--then there would be no debate. However, we haven't come to a consensus as to when 'life' actually starts. Some say it's when the sperm meets the egg. Some say 2nd trimester. Some say when the baby can survive unaided outside the womb, and some say not until the baby actually comes out of the womb all natural-like.

So there's differing opinions. And since there's differing opinions, how can I dictate to someone else what the right answer is. I know what it is for me, but what is right for me in this case might not be right for someone else.

What would I do if I'm in a blazing fertility clinic and I could only do one thing? I wouldn't hesitate to grab the 2 year old and run out.

See, that's where the host was wrong--there is a right answer--the right answer for yourself. If you have convictions, you stand up for them, no matter what the repercussions are.

Listening to a followup (link not there anymore), we find that 'God' is with the host.

Well, if someone has God on their side, then they are definitely suppose to stand up for their convictions. I mean I've heard it in Christian circles basically my entire life--"What Would Jesus Do?" If you want to put aside hypothetical scenarios, there's a role-model right there. The Pharisees were always setting up 'hypothetical scenarios' for Jesus-- (Matthew 22:15-22, NIV)

Jesus answered. He didn't complain and shout about a 'Catch 22', or whine about no right answers--He gave an answer--His answer--what He believed was right.

At least have the courage of your convictions! Who cares what other people think! Do what's best for you!

I think, for me anyway, this is why I'm having such a difficult time with Christianity lately. I was raised in a Christian house, attended church on a regular basis, and even spent some time going to a Christian university. All that said, it still amazes me to this day when I hear and see supposed believers of God berating others. When Christians dictate to everyone else what is morally right and morally wrong, I cringe. When they pass legislation--well, that's just way over the line.

Here's a fascinating website I stumbled across whilst researching this topic--"The Only Moral Abortion is My Abortion" and one excerpt--

We just never know what's going to happen in our lives. Compounded with the idea that there is no definitive point in the pregnancy that we can point to and state emphatically, "There's a child", then we have no right, nor should we have a right, to tell someone else what they can or cannot do to their own bodies.

Don't start with the 'Dave believes that all abortions are on the table--what kind of person is he?!?' I didn't say that. I have a very firm belief that partial birth abortions is killing a baby, for the baby could survive well on its own that late in the pregnancy.

But at the other end of pregnancy, studies have shown that more often than naught a woman’s body may naturally flush out a fertilized egg during menstruation--that's part of a natural cycle, yet many pro-life advocates state adamantly that 'life begins when the sperm fertilizes the egg!'

Getting back to Molly's opinion article, here's another bit that I found worthy of note--

Sen Bill Napoli is already making exceptions for his 'God believing' constituents--only the 'religious' and virtuous who have been 'brutally raped' are allowed to have an abortion, and only if there could be severe emotional trauma to carrying the baby.

Well, what about a non-religious person? If that person was brutally raped, by Bill's criteria--no abortion for her.

Again, this is where the Christian hypocrisy shows quite clearly.

We all frame the issue to make our side look better--Pro-lifers ask, "Is death created when the sperm fertilizes the egg?" The question itself is biased. But again, courage of convictions--I say, "Death wasn't created". At this point, the pro-lifer wins the argument with, "Well, if death wasn't created, then the opposite must be true--life was created!"

Nope. That's wrong. We don't know when life starts. We do know that the sperm and the egg form into a cell, which begins a process which leads to a baby. When in the process actual life shows up, we don't know. This isn't 'the best sound bite wins the day'--this is real life, with real complexity. This isn't won or lost because someone has a pithy "Is death created" argument.

And if we don't know, then we shouldn't pass 'moral' legislation which denies the freedom of choice to half the population.

Furthermore, the entire focus is on the fertilized egg. If I were to frame this issue my way, I'd start talking about guys keeping their zippers zipped up. In this particular instance, it really does take two to tango. If you want abortion clinics to disappear tomorrow, you get your boys to keep their pants on. Within 9 months, no more abortions. And yet there'll be people who whine that "we can't supervise our kids all the time! We can't control every part of their lives!!" Well, if you can't stop your kids having sex, then you certainly shouldn't take away a medical procedure when they get themselves in 'an expectant way' and can't handle it.

Well, this has gone way too long and I didn't say everything I wanted to say, but there you are.

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For a briefer blog stating somethign very similar, go here--Unpregnant like me

It's some sort of turkey...

See, we really don't know what it is. According to what I read in our 'Birds of North America' book, this bird is a Wild Turkey.

However, the website that I frequent--"Field Guide to Birds of North America"-- shows a somewhat different looking bird for Wild Turkey

Have a boo. See, a wild turkey looks like a regular turkey ('xept bigger).

Now, a Turkey Vulture, on the other hand, sort of looks like this bird in our back yard.

But then research shows that Turkey Vultures are carrion eaters (they eat dead things) and this bird in our back yard just eats the regular bird feed that happens to be strewn around our back yard.

I'm leaning towards Wild Turkey myself. A definitive answer will be forthcoming when Sandy and I get over to Uncle Georges place with pics.

Standing on our bench

Sandy got off a few shots the other day. Fantastic!

Looking in the house

I went to let Friday out into the back yard and this is what I saw when I opened the curtain.

Wandering around the deck

This bird has become the topic of conversation with the neighbours.

See all our Wild Turkey/Turkey Vulture/Whatever pics here--Wild Turkey/Turkey Vulture

He's home and acting like a puppy should

It's been a few days since we've had time to update y'all as to the condition of our little pup.

Well, as you know, he was at the vet for a bit.

The vet called on Thursday stating that Friday was doing much better and that he could come home early--he was scheduled to be at the hospital until at least Friday, so this was good news!

So after work I picked him up--along with lots of medication and 'rules' to follow to keep Friday healthy and happy.

Friday at home

The little orange band on his leg is where they put the I.V.--Friday needed to get fluids in him whilst at the vet.

So bottom line is that Friday will be okay--the parvo is almost out of his system and the drugs we're giving him should completely get rid of it over the next week.

A new chew toy

Michelle came over on the weekend and brought a gift! We're gradually introducing frineds back into Friday's life--he's not allowed lots of excitement for a while until he rebuilds his immune system and he isn't allowed to be around other dogs or dog areas for a few weeks.

First bath

After everything that's happened, Sandy and I thought that Friday needed a bath.

Carrots are good for your eyes

Sandy bought Friday a new chew toy--a carrot! Friday loves it!

So there you are!

Thanks to all of you for the good thoughts and well wishes! It's more appreciated than you'll ever know.

Rob--a friend at work--mentioned to me that it really was serendipitous that Friday came into our lives when he did, for not too many people would have put out the emotional and financial effort to keep this puppy alive.

That was something to think about.

See all Friday Week 1 pics here--Friday Week 1 Pics

Sandy just spoke with the vet.

White blood cell count is normal

Temperature is normal

Sugar level is normal

Friday still has bad poopin' and pukin', but that's just the virus working its way out (hopefully)

The vet also stated that she has seen much sicker puppies come thru this, so Friday has a very good chance.

We have to keep Friday at the vet for another few days. If he's good, we get to bring Friday home on Friday.

Our hopes and thoughts are with our little puppy right now.

Sandy and I have had a puppy for 5 days and we're doing what we can to keep him alive ('cause unbeknownst to us he was sick when we bought him), and the 'keeping alive' bit could go into the thousands of dollars...

And some guy somewhere in the states throws 4 kids off a bridge 'for revenge'.

I don't get it.

I just don't get it.

Sandy and I are emotional wreaks over a sick puppy we didn't know before Friday, and this clown throws his own kids off a bridge.

I can't say anymore without completely losing it.

Well, our first few days have been eventful. Trips to the emergency vet at 2 a.m. Sunday night/Monday morning were in order.

Turns out that we bought one sick puppy.

Won't go into the gory details, but we're doing what we can and we're seeing signs of restored 'puppiness'.

(For complete ick, read up here--Coccidia and a very mild case of Parvovirus--poor puppy! )

Our puppy Friday saw our 'regular' vet (regular now 'cause we like 'em) yesterday and is making the trip today as well. We gots us some 'gud drugs' for Friday and the vet states that the prognosis is good and the puppy should be healthy within a week or 2.

Mom and dad (San and me), however, are pretty much complete wreaks. Lack o' sleep and trying not to worry... not playing well on our systems.

But that's what happens when a family member is sick!

So there you are.

We'll keep you updated.

This is Friday

Friday is a Malte-Poo

Sandy and I visited a pet store on Wednesday. WHilst there, we fell in love with this very cute puppy.

We'd been talking about getting a dog for a long time, but just never did due to our 'busy lifestyle'.

Well, that changed. On Friday I picked up Friday and brought him home.

And we're pretty happy about it.

Small enuf to go almost anywhere

Friday is a maltese-poodle breed, which (hopefully) means he won't shed and won't get too big.

So welcome the newest addition to our little family!

On the bed

See all pics here--Friday

Buddy showed up at 1 p.m. in our lives.

Well, 1 p.m. is when I picked up the puppy.

So more to come, but we officially have a dog.

This is a nifty little thing--

SandyVille

It's not SimCity' but it's close.

See, the more you visit, the bigger and better SandyVille becomes.

Bookmark it, return often and let's see what happens to our little city.

If you start your own city, let us know!

Turkey Vulture

Over the last few months, I've heard various rumours about a large bird that visits our yard. Neighbours stated adamantly that a turkey vulture shows up every once in a while, but when I looked--none to be seen.

That is, until the other day.

Look how big those bird prints are!

Saw these prints in the snow when I went out to feed the deer. The bird likes to come right up to our back door--yet elusive 'cause I've never seen it!

Turkey Vulture

This bird is very big--My guess is about 3 feet tall. It's the biggest one I've seen in our 'neck of the woods'.

So there you are.

More information here--Turkey Vulture

We may be wrong--the pictures at the website aren't exactly the same as the bird in our back yard. This may not be a turkey vulture. I may have to consult the resitent family bird expert.

I'll get back to you on that.