Autism Speaks Golf Challenge Raises over $360,000!

Autism Speaks LA Celebrity Golf Challenge celebrated its fifth anniversary with a great day of golf and California sun set against the beautiful backdrop of the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades. Raising over $360,000, golfers hit the course with celebrity players that included, actors Brett Cullen; Clint Howard; Dennis Haysbert; Bubba Lewis; Joe Mantegna; Jack McGee; Ron Masak; Ron Perlman; Richard Schiff and John Schneider; comedian Gary Cannon; rocker Alice Cooper; Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner; singers Drew Lachey and Nick Lachey; ; former NFL stars Ken O'Brien and Jason Sehorn; professional beach volleyball player Randy Stoklos; and actress Paula Trickey.

The day's activities included exciting course contests, the Wachovia Million Dollar Shootout and a celebrity putting contest with Alice Cooper and Dennis Haysbert. The evening dinner reception included a silent and live auction and a dinner program that included remarks from event co-chair and Autism Speaks board member Kevin Murray, Autism Speaks co-founders Suzanne and Bob Wright, and Dale Rodberg, event co-chair. Joe Mantegna, a longtime supporter of the event, served as the co-auctioneer for the live auction alongside Kevin Murray and Bob Wright.

And Speaking of Cats...

We are, once again, a family of 6.

Six days ago, 2 stray kittens that we found and chose at our local SPCA were spayed and five days ago, they came home (with their cones!) to live the rest of their lives with us. They are absolutely adorable and a TON of fun. I cried most of the first afternoon they were here - just feeling blu about the two we've lost - but they are definitely blessings and I adore them with all of my heart. Their Mother (who is still at the shelter, waiting to be adopted) was saved from the streets while she was pregnant. The kittens (Jack, Arnie and their sister (adopted by an adorable girl and her Mother) were with Mom until they were separated at 8 weeks of age. They are obviously very close and have delightful personalities.

Introducing our new baby girls... Jack and Arnie!


Jack at the SPCA Pre-Adoption

Arnie at the SPCA Pre-Adoption

Proud Little Mama with the cone-heads!

All is right with the world...

Engineers And Cats

I found this on a friends' website. It's hilarious - I can't imagine a cat-lover (or an engineer-lover) who wouldn't appreciate. Enjoy!

S.O.S.

"Shit On (A) Shingle"

"Save Our Ship"

"Same Old Stuff"

Regardless of what you like to call it - I love it. It's something my Mom made for the family as I was growing up and something I make periodically now myself. It's what's for dinner tonight!

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups warm milk
1-4 packages (Buddig) chipped beef, depending on your taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper
bread

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour all at once to form a roux. Whisk in milk, a little at a time, increase heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring, until thickened. Bring to a boil, stir in beef and cayenne, heat through and serve over toast.

5th Annual Celebrity Golf Challenge for Autism Speaks

We'd be there if it weren't for another golf tournament (being held on the same day) that my husband has to attend...

5th Annual LA Celebrity Golf Challenge
April 14, 2008

The annual LA Celebrity Golf Challenge will enjoy its fifth anniversary on April 14, 2008 at the prestigious Riviera Country Club in beautiful Pacific Palisades, California. The celebrity golf tournament will offer guests a day of golf, sun, and goodwill as they golf alongside a celebrity player from the worlds of sports and entertainment. The event looks to build on its success in 2007 that raised close to $450,000 for Autism Speaks. The day begins with a thrilling day on this renowned course and concludes with an evening program that includes dinner and a live and silent auction. Join us as we tee off for an exciting round of golf in the California sun! To reserve, please contact Cindy Brown at (914) 935-1462 x 11 or via e-mail at cbrown@autismspeaks.org.

Main Line Animal Rescue

Today's Oprah was absolutely heart-breaking. I usually avoid such shows like the plague - too sad and emotional for me. Something today, however, compelled me to watch.

I've always heard of "puppy mills" but, admittedly, never took the time to learn much about them. Now, I know and my heart is just sickened. I will never purchase another pet from a store that obtains their animals from such a place and will persuade all of my friends to avoid doing so as well.

Please, please, please visit Bill Smiths' Main Line Animal Rescue webpage and support him and his efforts in whatever way you can.

Facts:

• Adopting from an animal shelter, where one out of every four dogs is a purebred, or from a purebred rescue group, can help stop the puppy mill business.
  
• Puppy mills contribute to millions of unwanted dogs who are euthanized each year in the United States.
  
• About 2,500 of the nation's 9,000 pet stores sell puppies.
  
• The Humane Society of the United States estimates 2 million to 4 million puppy mill puppies are sold annually in the United States.
  
• Mill puppies are more likely to have severe health problems, genetic defects and behavioral issues.
  
• Documented puppy mill conditions include over-breeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor food and shelter, crowded cages and lack of socialization.
  
• Dogs kept for breeding in puppy mills suffer for years and are bred as often as possible before they are killed, sold through auction like used cars or abandoned.
  
• Unscrupulous breeders use attractive websites to hide the truth and to dupe the public into thinking that they are dealing with a reputable breeder.
  
• Reputable breeders never sell puppies over the Internet or through a pet store. They will insist on meeting the family who wants to buy the dog.
  

Links to websites with more information:

ASPCA

Lange Foundation