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Who are you, mysterious reader?

So every once in a while, I check how many "pageviews" Land of Osbourne has. Usually I'm unimpressed. 9 views here. 4 views there. The last week or so, there are like....38 page views....43 page views.... Which begs the question, who are you? Do I know you? Did you stumble across "Land of Osbourne" by mistake? Are you stalking me? (wink, wink) Feel free to comment, make yourself known! April Osbourne, author of Land of Osbourne

Tears for Katie

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying...you found it hard to sleep. I whined to you softly as you brushed away  a tear. "It's me, I haven't left you...I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here." I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea. You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me. I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore. I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more. I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care. I want to reassure you that I am not lying there. I walked with you toward the house, as you fumbled for your key, I gently put my paw on you. I smiled and said, "It's me." You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair. I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there. It's possible for me to be so near you every day. To say to you with certainty, "I never went away." You sat there very

My Sweet Katie Goose

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So you guys know that my beloved Boston Terrier Katie crossed the rainbow bridge on June 15th. Being an avid Boston Terrier lover, I am a fan of any and all Boston rescue efforts. One of the ones that I "like" on Facebook is MidAmerica Boston Terrier Rescue - their website is:  http://www.adoptaboston.com/ They have a deal where you submit a photo of your Boston Terrier, and a $25.00 donation, and your Boston Baby is guaranteed a spot on the 2014 Calendar. I found out about this right around the time I lost my Goose. What better way to remember my sweetheart than to donate to this wonderful rescue site and immortalize my Goose? Here is the last picture I took of my Katie, the day before she crossed the rainbow bridge - this is the one I submitted. I received confirmation today that my Goose will indeed be on the 2014 Calendar. I cried a little, out of sadness and joy all at the same time. I love you Katie Goose. I'll see you again someday sweetheart. Until

Osbourne Update

Greetings & Salutations!  I figured I haven't updated my millions of fans out there so I am taking time to do so today.  I think when we last spoke I told you about my Katie Goose who crossed the rainbow bridge. I am doing better.  Earlier this week,  I dreamt that I was in a mental hospital because I couldn't stop crying. I kept telling everyone I lost my Goose, and that if I could just find her I would be okay.  They showed me a picture of my goose and asked if this was her, I said yes.  They took me down the hall and brought me into this little room, and opened a door, and Katie came running out, and into my arms. I sat on the floor with my legs crossed and held her in my arms and cuddled her and told her how much I loved her. She looked up at me and kissed me and she telepathically told me how much she loved me too. She was young, and slender and healthy.  Sorta neat huh?  You guys know I have birds, Gouldian Finches to be exact, also know a

Letting Go

To let go isn't to forget, not to think about, or ignore.   It doesn't le ave feelings of anger, jealousy, or regret.    Letting go isn't about  winning or losing.   It's not about pride and it's not about how you  appear, and it's not obsessing or dwelling on the past.  Letting go  isn't blocking memories or thinking sad thoughts, and it doesn't leave emptiness, hurt, or sadness.   It's not about giving in or giving up. Letting go isn't about loss and it's not about defeat.  To let go is  to cherish the memories, but to overcome and move on.    It is having  an open mind and confidence in the future.  Letting go is learning  and experiencing and growing.   To let go is to be thankful for the  experiences that made you laugh, made you cry, and made you grow. It's about all that you have, all that you had, and all that you will  soon gain.   Letting go is having the courage to accept change,  and the strength to keep moving.  Let

Boston Terrier Information

 Boston Terriers… Are lively and active; generally  NOT  couch potatoes or over-the-top hyper Are house pets and must be inside with air conditioning in the summer months and heat in the winter months Are energetic but  NOT  jogging partners, as they overheat easily, especially in hot, humid conditions Are amusing and can play on a moments notice, but can also settle down into your lap when playtime is over Love to cuddle and give wet kisses Are enthusiastic and occasionally rambunctious Have a great sense of humor and can sometimes be mischievous Are a great family pet. patient, tolerant, and reliable with children Are eager to explore new things in their environment Love to be the center of attention Have a high degree of intelligence but can be headstrong Often aim to please their owners Do well with other pets, though they can play rough Love for their owners to take part in their activities (playtime and one-on-one time is important) Prefer sleeping in bed with th

Case of the missing song

So by now, you've surmised I am a Elvis Presley fan. Naturally, I have numerous Elvis Presley CD's with a variety of his music ranging from early 50's to late 70's. I have an iPod and and iPhone. My music is with me always as such. I don't know if its happened to any of you, but occasionally a song is eaten by the iTunes monster and I have to find it for iTunes and show it where the file is so it will once again appear in my musical device. Song in question this time: King of the Road by Elvis Presley. I don't know where I got the song originally, as I couldn't find it on any of my CD's, and evidently I didn't download it from iTunes. Dad to the rescue. I emailed him my situation and within 30 minutes I had an email response with the attachement I needed! Just like that, "King of the Road" is back in my musical directory. Thanks Dad!

Goodbye Katie Goose

Today John and I are taking our precious Katie Goose to the vet for the last time. A few months ago she began having seizures and was put on medication. Thursday night they've returned, and again last night. Faced with giving her more pills to mask a brain problem or letting her cross the rainbow bridge is breaking my heart, but I can't keep her here with us and be selfish, is time for her to go home. I know my big sweet Rommy Bear will meet her and show her the way. 11:20 today we say goodbye. We've been blessed to have her in our life for the last 12 years, she's led a good, much loved life. RIP Baby Goose.

Boston Terrier's Katie & Ozzy

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God Hath Not Promised

God hath not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through; God hath not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain But God hath promised strength for the day, Rest for the labor, light for the way, Grace for the trials, help from above,  Unfailing sympathy, undying love. God hath not promised we shall not know Toil and temptation, trouble and woe; He hath not told us we shall not bear Many a burden, many a care. God hath not promised smooth roads and wide, Swift, easy travel, needing no guide; Never a mountain, rocky and steep, Never a river, turbid and deep.

Turkey....?

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So I work in Roseville, Minnesota. Often in the suburbs and cities one often sees Mallards and Canadian Geese around and occasionally a white goose. This morning, I got to work early as usual and was sitting in my car reading my book.  I heard this sound that sounded like a turkey "gobble gobble". I looked around, didn't see anything. Went on reading my book.  Heard the sound again. Looked up, huge turkey strolling around the grass. Huh.  I got out of the car to go in to work, 5 more turkeys casually walking around the parking lot.  I went into the building, set my purse and keys down, looked up and they were all by the front doors looking in at me.  Turkeys....in Roseville, MN? Weird. 

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that little things can be the special things in life. When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick,  and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't. When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me good-night, and I felt lo

Winter

THEN IT IS WINTER I FIRST STARTED READING THIS EMAIL AND WAS  READING  FAST UNTIL I REACHED THE THIRD SENTENCE. I STOPPED AND STARTED OVER  READING SLOWER AND THINKING ABOUT EVERY WORD. THIS EMAIL IS VERY THOUGHT PROVOKING. MAKES YOU STOP AND THINK. READ SLOWLY! You know. . . time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is... the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise...How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did myyouth go? I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and thatwinter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like.

Any Way You Want Me (that's how I will be)

I'll be as strong as a mountain Or weak as a willow tree Anyway you want me Well that's how I will be I'll be as tame as a baby Or wild as the raging sea Anyway you want me Well that's how I will be In your hands my heart is clay To take and hold as you may I'm what you make me You've only to take me And in your arms I will stay I'll be a fool or a wise man And my darling you hold the key Yes, anyway you want me Well that's how I will be, I will be Any Way You Want Me (that's how I will be) (posted for my sweetheart John, everytime I hear this song by Elvis, I think of him, for it describes him to a T)

April 17th 1997

On April 17th, 1997 at approximately 7pm, I married John Osbourne in Las Vegas Nevada, at the Las Vegas Wedding Gardens. I was 23 years old. John was 27. I am now 39 years old and looking back that seems impossibly young to get married. On April 17th, 1993 also at approximately 7pm, I went out on my first date with John Osbourne, at DeGidios Italian Restaurant in St.Paul, Mn. I was 19 years old. John was 22. I can say that the road we've traveled hasn't been smooth sailing the whole way, its been rocky in some spots, a tough road, however through the good times, the bad times and the very hard times, we've found a way to make it through. I love John more than I ever thought I could love another person. I am so grateful to have him with me. To have someone like him who embraces me for who I am, even though I am positive I drive him nuts from time to time.  He is my best friend in the world, and I can't imagine my life without him in it. Happy Anniversar

I sell Avon

http://www.youravon.com/aprilosbourne

There's A Brand New Day On The Horizon

  There's a brand new day on the horizon Everything's gonna be just fine There's a brand new day on the horizon And the whole world's gonna be mine I'm gonna tell old trouble, he'd better be moving on Happiness is going to take his place around here from now on The old dark clouds are gonna roll away The sun is gonna shine And the whole world's gonna be mine I'm gonna tell old heartaches, pack his bags and go I've decided that I don't want him hanging around no more Don't you know I said everything's gonna be just fine 'Cause the whole world's gonna be mine I'm gonna chase away those blues till they're out of sight And I guarantee you honey they won't be coming back Well don't you know I said everything's gonna be all right 'Cause the whole world's gonna be mine I know my luck's gonna change, just you wait and see Startin' tomorrow only good things in life are going to come to me There's a

Crohn's Disease details you never thought of

Why are Chronic Diseases like Crohn’s Disease, Colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (“IBD”) such expensive medical conditions for Patients who even have Health Insurance?  I get asked this question many times by friends and acquaintances who care a great deal about me and can’t understand how my Crohn’s Disease has so badly damaged my financial “health” when all along the way I have maintained my Health Insurance. This is what I tell them when I try to explain. Any Chronic Disease such as these, which is also incurable with autoimmune components, can create ongoing needs for medical care, expensive drug treatments, unpredictable or emergent hospitalizations and possibly several surgeries. While having Health Insurance is BEST, people don’t typically understand that in an ideal setting the Health Insurance Company may pay 70% of the cost of what they deem to be “reasonable and customary” for any of the aforementioned medical costs but there may be also be a significant “Deductible

a message from your dog

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful: remember that before you get me.  2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.  3. Place your trust in me- it is crucial to my well-being. 4. Do not be angry at me for long, and do not lock me up as punishment. 5. You have your work, your entertainment, and your friends. I only have you. 6. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understands your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.  7. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.  8. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily hurt you, but I choose not to bite you because I love you.  9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I might not be getting the right food, or I have been out too long, or my heart is getting too old and weak. 10. Take care of me when I get old; you too will grow old. Go with me

Depression

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I am struggling with major depression. I have had it pretty much since I was around 18, off and on. I've been on every antidepressant out there: Prozac Paxil Effexor Zoloft Luvox Xanax I am currently on Wellbutrin XL and Buspar. With Xanax on the side too. Also broke down and found a Psychologist. One thing about depression, while your in the middle of it, its hard to remember what it was like to be happy. I'm embarassed and ashamed. I don't feel I have any right to be depressed. Saw this picture today. This sums up exactly how I've been feeling. Its so hard to pretend all day long that I am happy. It is so hard to force myself out in the world and be social, when all I want to do is curl up in bed and hide there.

Seeing things from both sides

Recently, I was asked an innocent enough question  - I've probably been asked it before and I know what my answer was previously, but now my answer was different and it has really made me think a lot the last few days. I use to work in a customer service type atmosphere, where I was a part of a group of people, all working towards a common purpose, led by a supervisor or two.  Some people in that group excelling more than others, but each contributing.  Looking back, this type of setting definitely has it benefits.   A smaller privately owned company, maybe not as good pay or benefits. I now work as an office administrator, where the dynamic is a lot different. While the company I work for now is very very large, with smaller offices throughout the United States (and world, for that matter); So I have the benefit of a large company, thus meaning good pay and benefits. I am very thankful for my job. I know that I am good at what I do. (not perfect, I am human, I am gonna screw

Knee Update

  Good news (sort of),  No surgery for now.   The ACL that was replaced last May is frayed, not totally torn. But it IS stretched out.   Miniscus that was repaired last May is also torn again.  Doc fitted me with a custom permanent brace so I shouldn't have to worry about it going out on me, and is sending me to physical therapy.   I check back with her in 6 weeks via phone, then in 3 months to see if I am happy or not.  If not, then I have to have a whole new ACL put in.  

Goose Update

Katie is now back to her old self again.  Wanting to play 100% of the time. Very unhappy with her diet, as she use to be able to eat whenever she wanted. She isn't quite as spry as she use to be, she can't hop up on the bed anymore, so she'll whine when she wants up, and John or I will pick her up.

Greg Brady

So due to ongoing depression, anxiety, panic and all that other crazy stuff I'm lucky enough to have inherited, and since not only my doctor and family have urged me to do so, I've sought out a counselor. Finding a Psychologist that does evening hours is hard. When you DO find one, you'll be lucky if they have any openings before the end of the year. The stars must have all been in just the right places, because I found one in Cambridge. 3 miles from home. Evening hours. Thank God! I met with him last night, very compassionate guy, warm, inviting, small quiet office. He looks exactly - EXACTLY like Barry Williams aka Greg Brady. Made me smile.

The Carpenter

The Carpenter     Once upon a time, two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side-by-side, sharing machinery and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference and finally, it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence. One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I 'm looking for a few days' work," he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?" "Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor. In fact, it's my younger brother! Last week there was a meadow between us. He recently took his bulldozer to the river levee and now t