Hey Diddle Diddle, Trash Loves to Piddle and the Cat Jumped Over the Moon

I know by now you've read and seen all the photos of the Greatest Show On Dirt...or as I came to call it...Hellzapoppin'!

Yes...it was hotter than a pepper sprout, but we survived...barely!

(Tell me...how can one sit in a sauna day after day...and still manage to gain weight?)

Yes...the crowds were thin, but those who came...brought cash.

(I'm talking hard core, serious shoppers who braved the heat.  No turkey leg chompers in this crowd!)

Yes...in true carny fashion, the Show will and did go on.

(AND...we did it without a safety net!) 

In spite of things not being exactly how we planned, the big guy's birthday bash went on too.  So some of my appetizers didn't make it to the field, the wine glasses were a tad dusty, and I happened to look like one hot mess in every photo.  So what?

Instead of worrying about what didn't get done, I chose to focus on what did...a good time for him in his own personal Neverland. 

Family:  a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affliction addiction affiliation.

To me..family is more about sharing a lifeline rather than a bloodline.

Family are those who get me and mine...and still choose to love us...thus becoming our lifeblood.

In my life, the common denominators that define family are a raucous sense of humor, a joy for life...and laughter...with just a little junking spirit thrown in for good measure.

Family are those folks we welcome with open arms into our lives.  They bring the much needed spice to add the BAM-M-M into the olio of our existence.

Not because we're related by birth...but by choice...mine...and theirs.

Imagine if the only flavors to pick from were butter brickle and vanilla...or worse still...no choice at all...just vanilla.

                                            BORING!!!

I'm not sure why we say family AND friends, 'cause in my home (whether it's the Casita de Trash or the CaTillac Heights) it's one and the same.  The minute you show up at the door with a smile...you're practically family.

If you can laugh at yourself as well...oh law...consider yourself one of our crazy family members.  Y'all know which ones I'm talking about...those lucky few we put on the front porch for all the world to see.

Now just try and disown me...if you can!  I double-dog dare ya!

A special thank you to all our family (all 100+ of you) who dropped by for Cat Daddy's 60 at 6-ish B-Day.

By the end of the day, with all those perfumes lingering on his shirt...it did waft a bit with the scent of a woman/women.  Can you say Cat House instead of Cat Daddy?

In taking the time to come by, hug his neck, shower him with attention and goofy gifts, thereby making his day...you've endeared yourselves to me in ways you'll never know.

He and I have been blessed to be doing something we love and in doing so...be loved back.

Our workplace is a cow pasture...our cubicle...a 20x30 tent.  Our co-workers come from all over the U.S. and for nine days, twice a year...it's Old Home Week at the Funny Farm.

Our little Ring-Mistress at Zapp, along with her crew, work steadfastly to provide the best work environment possible with her main goal being a successful show for us.  Cheryl is the only CEO I know who wants us to be one big ol' happy family and does her best to make it happen.

How many big corporations can boast that?

That...my friends...is a family business and one I consider myself fortunate to be a part of.

(No...this isn't the ring-mistress.  This is just my pride showing!  Thanks for the loan of the photos, Robelyn and the props Mal.)

(In case you're wondering if the Big Cat was happy at the end of the show...the Cheshire Cat smile says it all.)

Once again, I failed to take a lot of photos capturing the feel and look of the show.  I didn't even get photos of all who dropped by during the week to say "Happy Birthday".  I know...bad, bad...really bad Trash, but trust me...it was fantastic....and just too darn hot for me to get up for my camera. 

(Even though Jenn, Roby, and Bella had to leave, I couldn't resist putting in a little teaser of what's coming later.  I also want to say thank you for all the comments and prayers for Brandon.  This is what makes you a huge part of our family too.)

Ya know y'all...it takes a mighty self-confident man to wear a tiara (thanks Darla) emblazoned with rhinestones, but I do believe he managed to carry it off.

Remember...always.

Laughter and a smile are the best accessories a sharp-dressed man....and his family can wear.

Just like freckles.