Willow Tree

Yippie!!!!

I'm back, as in computer back, thanks to my parents! The ole computer fried and died and I cried and my parents offered to get me a new one. Well, it does help to pay the bills....

So we are shiny new computer happy today!
Just thought I'd let everyone know.

Happy Chanukah Everyone!!!!!!

Robin, this one is for you!!!!! You will have to scroll to really see everything. And no making fun of my latkahs!!!!! (Livivot here in Israel!)

A Reason To Smile

I don't know how many people have been following this story: Charlottte Wyatt, the little girl the hospital wanted to give up on is doing so much better now, she might soon come home!!! Just take a look at the cutie.

Isn't she worth fighting for?

Pool Warning System

It broke my heart when I read Kris's comment and learned about Luke. I am certain his parents were vigilant and on top of things. Unfortuntely accidents happen; it is impossible for parents to be everywhere, all the time, or to so lock up a pool that the an active and adventurous child can not enter. One site that I read states quite clearly that most accidents happen when the parent has been supervising the child; it only takes two seconds to drown. Parents are not gods; we can not see everything.

There are a lot of new types of alarms available these days that can help alert a parent that a child has strayed into the area. There are various alarms now available to alert parents that their child is in the area, or have fallen into the pool. Unfortunatly this information is not widely known.

If you have a pool, even if you are not a parent but there are many children in the area, these devices could save lives.

Again, I pray for Luke's full recovery, and pray for his parents as well. Luke's mother is also pregnant; may she have a healthy delivery, and a healthy child.

Strengthen The Good

Strengthen The Good starts off the week with their first charity: THE GULF COAST COMMUNITY OF VENICE. Hurricane Charley Disaster Relief Fund.

What can be done for the vicitims of Hurricane Charley while they wait for help from some of the macro-chariites? To help them feel safe and secure once again? As Strenthten the Good states:

Here’s the issue: a burning charitable need at this moment is relief for people affected by Hurricane Charley. And while I very much want to highlight a Charley micro-charity, the fact is that the need right now is macro … incredibly macro. Fundamental needs: housing … water … huge quantities of baby formula … needs that are best met by macro charities such as the Red Cross, the Christian Contractors Association, and Salvation Army, and it’s going to be this way for some time.

Strengthen the good has found this charity:
From their website:

Hurricane Charley Disaster Relief Fund
The Foundation Board of Directors voted Tuesday to match contributions to its Hurricane Charley Disaster Relief Fund up to $100,000. In addition, the Board set aside $25,000 as an initial gift.

You can take advantage of this matching opportunity by donating online or you may deliver it to 601 Tamiami Trail South, Venice, FL 34285. The Foundation is pleased to be able to offer a means for giving where 100% of the donations will be directed to the agencies providing the services required to sustain and improve life for the victims.If you prefer that your contribution is used for a specific community or cause, please include the name in the "Special Instructions" area on the donation form.

You can donate by clicking here and filling out the form.

OR: mail a check to:

Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice Hurricane Charley Disaster Relief Fund
601 Tamiami Trail South
Venice, FL 34285

Please write “Strengthen The Good” in the memo line on the check if you donate by mail.

You may also donate via Strengthen the Goods paypal account here, right column, just under the icon.

Remember, every dollar you give is doubled.

Help One Another

This is a fantastic idea and I'm happy to plug it.

It is real simple; Alan of Command Post has set up a new site. He searches for a worthwhile charity and posts it as his new site, Strengthen the Good. Then we link to the post, getting the word out to as many people as possible.

What a great way to make the world a better place.

via Elms in the Yard

Global Warming doesn't spell Death for Corals

According to the latest findings:

Global warming does not spell imminent doom for the world’s coral reefs. Corals may be able to survive the higher temperatures by forming new symbiotic relationships with algae that can take the heat, suggests new research.

via Great News Network