newest baby

We are proud to announce the arrival of newest grandson, James Petros Sarantopoulos.  He is such a handsome fellow.  Oma and I took Xavi (Figueroa) to see him today after James' sisters Lily and Zoe went home with their dad.  Then  Oma and I went in the evening to see the Indian Land Elementary School's production of "The Wizard of Oz", in which Dominic Figueroa portrayed a munchkin.  It was a precious production and very innovative in the staging process.  We enjoyed it immensely.
Last weekend at the farm, Jim and I took another load of log house debris to the dump.  We measured for the back  window of the kitchen and I will be on the lookout for a replacement.  I will try and find something at the Habitat Store, but sometimes I find things on the side of the road.  I might call Tom Ratliff, a builder we know, to see if he might know of someone doing reno work. 
At the dump, there were the cutest 2 shepherd looking puppies.  I cried to see them foraging around.  Jim said they probably live around there and tramp about on the mounds all the time.  I will believe him.  Down the street from the dump is the kill shelter.
Oh, if I could only save all the puppies and dogs.  I just finished reading a book called, "City of Thieves" about the siege of Leningrad during the second World War.  (Benioff)  It was a  quick read, funny and sad.  But there was a section in it talking about the foolish plan by the Russians to use their dogs as suicide/homicide bombers on the German Panzer tanks.  Cruel.
So I can only pray to St. Francis when I see strays now.  Jim says I have done my duty and will not allow further rescues.  I am so lucky that he allowed me to rescue throughout our 35 years of marriage.
(at one point we had 7 dogs).  We give them love, shelter, food and basic medical care.  However, no dental appointments.  So here's to Sam (1) '76-'84; Jessie '84-'99; Frannie '85-'95; Thumper '89-'01; Elvis '91-'97;Potter '93-'03; Jack '93-'09; Sam (2) '96-'11; and Dooley '98-'04.  These are the years they lived with us after "we" were found.  And of course we have our Penny and Hannah since '01; Riley (only dog purchased, a gift from my children) '04; and Frank '05.  May they continue with our legacy of long canine lives. And here's to my children carrying on this legacy of rescue/adoption.  In our family the count now stand at 12 dogs, Matt's dog Manny just being adopted out to another family.
 I am not going to mention our cats at this time....mostly because at this point we are suffering in the Weddington house from neighborhood cats who are coming by to leave their scent under our screen porch!  (cats should live indoors!) 
To anyone who reads these posts, (now over 500 readings throughout the world) please feel free to comment.  We realize many come through our website and are interested in "an American family".
But please, no haters....
Living the life of Riley......