John & Alfie

John recently made his acoustic debut in Asheville at the Sports Zone on Hendersonville Road. The pictures came out a little on the dark side.


Kimberly is the singer. They both did a great job! We talked her into singing "Somebody to Love" by Queen.


I didn't take many pictures. I was having too much fun watching the show. They are hosting open mike night every Thursday night starting at 8:30pm. Come by and check out the show sometime. Unfortunately, I can't be there with him every week. I usually work the next day.


In other news, we took another dog to the park today (10-5-08). I'd like to show you pictures of Swirls, the last dog, but we forgot the camera. This time, we decided to take Alfie out for the day.


This is Alfie. He is one of the shyest dogs I've ever met. He is so timid, that I am pretty much the only person at work who can get him to walk on a leash. I have been working with him, trying to socialize him, everyday I can.

When we picked Alfie up, he was shaking so badly, but at the same time, he was wagging his tail. He was so anxious to get into the car, he couldn't wait until Cory got settled in first. On our way to the park, he was all over the car. Cory couldn't get him to be still. At one point, he jumped up into the front with me and managed to turn the wipers on and spray the windshield soap at the same time. He liked Cory right away, perhaps because we took him away from the shelter. Unfortunately, he pooped in the car. I'm used to the smell, but Cory couldn't stand it. lol Luckily, we were not far from home.

After cleaning up the mess, we continued on our way to the park. John and Laurel met us there. Alfie ran over to John right away! This was amazing to me because, at the shelter, the only person he cared about was me! We started walking with him and immediately noticed a change. It was like he was a brand new dog! Not only was he walking on the leash, but he was trotting, wagging his tail, and holding his head up!


John had an accident on his bike shortly before I took that picture, but I thought it would be rude to get a picture of him in pain. Alfie is staring at a couple of other dogs in this picture. (He doesn't get along well with other dogs.)


Laurel is getting some sniffs from Alfie in this one. I'm actually amazed at how straight this picture is! Cory did a good job this time!


Even John couldn't resist the cuteness in this dog! Alfie decided he would rather be carried. lol I spoil him.


Laurel took this picture. Alfie is a big snuggler. He enjoyed walking around the park, but he really enjoys sitting in your lap and getting attention. All of us agreed that he is perfect for our family, if he would get along with our cats. Unfortunately, we can't afford to take care of him.

After the park, we decided to take him to West End Bakery on Haywood Road. We sat outside in the shade while we ate our muffin and cookies. Alfie was not comfortable with so many people and dogs close by.

When it was finally time to take him back to the shelter, we were starting to get really sad. We put him back in his cage, loved on him a lot, and said hello to some of the other dogs. Before we finally left, we went back to Alfie and loved on him again. As we were saying our last goodbyes, a small family came over and asked me about him. They seemed so excited to see him. As we were leaving, we saw that they had him out on a leash and was very interested in adopting him. I should be happy for Alfie, but I am sad. Cory took it the hardest. We both cried about not being able to keep him.

As of now, I'm not sure whether Alfie got adopted. For his sake, I hope so. For my sake, I just want to see him everyday. John tries to cheer me up by saying that when we can afford a dog, we just might find one that is more perfect for the family. I hope so. But until then, I'll miss Alfie.

Big Picnic

In September, we attended the first Regional Atheist Picnic at Lake Julian. Our group (WNC Atheists), the Rationalists of East Tennessee, and the Greenville Nontheists (of SC) all attended. We were very happy with how many people showed up.

It was a beautiful day! We got to meet so many new and interesting people. Also, I had decided to bring along one of the shelter animals. (Every Sunday that I have off, I pick up a dog and take him/her to the park. This past Sunday, I took Swirls, a very energetic puppy with hardly any manners. Sorry, I have no pictures of that. Laurel will help me remember to take the camera next time.)


This is Max. He is one of the sweetest dogs I've ever met. I tried to get someone to adopt him at the picnic, but to no avail. Luckily, he was adopted shortly after this. (BTW, Cory took this picture. He always takes crooked pictures. lol)

He was one of my favorites. I'll miss him. Our friend Kim loved him! She couldn't get enough of him!

She is the one on the left. Her husband, Russell, has his back to us. Cory is trying to make bunny ears on Max.


This is Darrell, our fearless leader, though he does not like being called that.


This is Josh. John has been trying to convince him to move closer to the city. He has finally saved up enough money and is currently looking for a place. You'll be happier, Josh. Trust me.


This is my absolute favorite picture from that day! John was being a big goof. He would not want me posting this picture, so to make it fair....

If you hadn't guessed it, Cory took this picture. I am eating one of my vegan pumpkin muffins. They were a big hit. I had hoped to have leftovers to take to work the next day, but they all disappeared. I got a lot of compliments, even from the meat-eaters!

Speaking of meat, there were a lot of hamburgers and hotdogs. (Gross!) Luckily, Billy (aka William) and his wife brought veggie dogs! They might have brought veggie burgers too. I can't remember. They saved the day! Billy and Josh have a tv show called Minds Wide Open. We all are proud of them!


You might recognize this one. Another Cory masterpiece! lol


Laurel was very responsible with Max. One thing I forgot to mention, and should have taken a picture of, was that he got carsick. Right as we parked the car, he threw up all over Laurel's lap! Poor thing had to walk around with wet pants. We would have gone home to let her change, but it was a 20-30 minute drive and there was a gas shortage.

We eventually had to get Max back to the shelter before it closed. On the way, we stopped by the house to let Laurel change, and to give Max's stomach a rest. We then spent about half an hour trying to find a gas station that had gas.

When we got back to the picnic, most of the people were gone. We spent the rest of the picnic talking to Darrell, Heather, and a couple from Fairview. Later on in the week, we heard a story about that couple's son. He was riding home from a camping trip with some friends when the subject of religion came up. The boy was asked his opinion and he gave it. The father of one of his friends got in a debate with the boy. Eventually the father got irate, pulled the car over, and proceeded to yell at the boy for about an hour. After the boy got home, he told his parents. They immediately tried to contact the man, yet remained calm until they could figure out what really happened. Not only did the man refuse to return any phone calls, he also went around town telling everyone how evil the family is. Just another example of "Christian Love". Poor kid. I can't imagine going through that.

Anyway, on to a happier topic, John has started his gigs at the Sports Zone. He will be there every Thursday night starting somewhere between 8pm and 9pm. (The owner can't make up her mind.) I can't be there every time, but I will try to get there occasionally. I've got pictures from his debut. I'll post those next time.

Also, I still have 3 articles on Associated Content waiting for the world to read. Check them out here, and feel free to send friends there also. The more views I get, the more I get paid. I'm not sure when I'll have the next one ready. Since I've been working, I haven't had much time for anything.