These are my Horny Tomatoes in my garden!

We’re all looking forward to Irishfest this weekend…Ever wonder why the Irish dance that way?

This should help…

I just read a New York Times article that struck a chord with me. It was titled “The Vagabond Cat That Came to Stay”. In it, the author detailed the life and death of his family’s beloved stray cat. It was a heartwarming and heartbreaking tale of how these wonderful animals come into and enrich our lives.

I’m not a dog person. I’m not a cat person. I’m a dog and cat person. I’m an animal person. I love them all, big, small, hairy, bald, loud, quiet, slithery, ugly and pretty. Actually, there are many times when I would prefer the company of a four legged creature to some of the two legged ones I know.

Unfortunately, my mother was not a fan and many of the animals I brought home didn’t get to stay. My first cat was Dee Dee; she was given away to a farm. My second cat was Twinkles; she met her untimely demise when my father accidentally ran over her with the family car on the way to the Memorial Day Parade in Beloit (that made for a long parade for my siblings and me). My third cat was Twinkles; he too made his way to a farm after he brought fleas into the house. If I was going to have a pet I needed a plan; a good one.

It really was pure shame that got the dog. My parents caught me walking a caterpillar in a jar around the block. I knew what I was doing and I made sure that the neighbors witnessed my odd behavior. I figured my parents didn’t want their middle daughter to be the talk of the neighborhood and something would be done. My plot worked and we got Tally and life without pets ended.

Tally was a black, white and tan two pound Chihuahua puppy I found in the classified section of the Beloit Daily News. She was heaven. We had 14 years together and losing her was one of the saddest days of my life. There have been many animals since then, everyone a stray or a mutt, someone’s throw away: Elsa, Aldo, Webster and Artemis(Artie). They were loved unconditionally and their love was equally unconditional. Never were there better teachers or companions for my children and my family. If only we could have them forever, but that dreaded day of decision always comes, and no matter how many times I promised that I would not go through it again, I always found myself on the steps of the Humane Society ready to bring home another group of rag-tag animals.

Eleven years ago, we lost our beloved dog Elsa. The call to the vet came after the grim diagnosis of cancer and on a cold December morning he arrived at our home to end her suffering. She died under the Christmas tree a day before my 40th birthday. It was a while before I could get the courage to add another dog to our family. When we felt the time was right I called a friend of mine at the Wisconsin Humane Society and a few weeks later she called me back. She had a puppy that she felt was right for us. I called my husband and told him to prepare to be greeted by a puppy when he got home (there is no way you go to a Humane Society with two small children and come home empty handed). When we arrived we were escorted into a private room and a few minutes later a little black puppy was unleashed. She had a huge scar on her belly (a harness was left on too long), she was nervous, skittish, and frightened. She’d been through a lot; probably not an attractive choice for most folks, but we were smitten. Two hours later we were on the way home with our Shadow.

Two years later my daughter was a volunteer at the Ozaukee Humane Society. I dropped her off and asked for a short tour (not a good idea for an animal lover) and there she was a 6 month old Black Lab mix. She had a tattoo her on her stomach and an injured front paw and as a friend of mine later told me …..all that was left was the paperwork. How true. Lulu turned 9 years old this year.

Four years ago we lost Artie, our cat of 18 years. He was the last of the original three. Webster had passed a number of years prior and Aldo left us shortly after that. Hello Ozaukee Humane Society! Three cats came home that day. We named them Jasper, Cleopatra and Gypsy. Leaving the building the kind woman behind the counter said “See you in 20 years!” I winced for a second, but I know she’s right.

I’m not exactly sure if it’s me or the animals that get more out of our relationship. They’ve seen me through some of the best and some of the worst moments of my life. They shared in the birth of my children and I leaned on them when my father died. The joy that they bring far outweighs the sadness when they are gone. They ask for nothing in return but undying love and affection and that then begs the question, “If you’ve never had a pet, what are you waiting for?” Open your home and your heart they’re at your local Humane Society and they’re waiting for you.

The Wells family with Dave and Carole!

When you look back on your life what will you see? Will you have led a rich full life full of family, friends and community or will you see nothing but work, work, and work.  For a great many of you it will be the first.  That’s because you have taken the time and opportunity to help raise millions of dollars for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.  
 
Dave and I have just finished the 13th Annual Miracle Marathon for the hospital and once again this wonderful community raised 1.4 million dollars.  It was a herculean effort and it paid off again this year.  I cannot possibly begin to thank the residents of Milwaukee for coming together for this worthwhile cause. It is through your gracious donations that Children’s Hospital will have the resources to help save lives. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 
 
I would also like to thank the families that we interviewed.  They tell their stories in order to try and thank the hospital employees for everything that was done for their children.  Many times the stories are heartbreaking and tragic, but they are all inspiring and our lives are richer for hearing them. 
 
Spending three days at the hospital gives us all a brief glimpse into what goes on in those huge white buildings we see from the freeway.  It is a place where sick children go to feel better and where families find help.  It is a place where doctors, nurses and health care professionals work to find solutions.  It is a place where maintenance workers, cooks, volunteers and scores of others spend their days because they love kids.  It is a place of hope.
 
So for all of you who have opened your hearts and your wallets to help, I think in the end you will see that you have led a wonderful life.

You can still give to the Miracle Marathon - click here

Wow! This is a busy place.  The cars never stop, the people never stop and the care never stops.  Dave and I are in the middle of our 13^th Miracle Marathon for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and we are still amazed by everything associated with this place.

Did you know that in 1998 Children’s Hospital had 222 licensed inpatient beds?  In 2010 that number  increased to 296.  Did you know that Children’s Hospital in 1998 completed two heart transplants?  That number  increased this year  to 49.  It’s nothing short of miraculous what this hospital has been able to accomplish in just 12 years.

Children’s Hospital is about people; it’s about kids and families.  The entire staff works together towards one single goal…..getting kids healthy and keeping them that way.

During this Miracle Marathon we have heard all kinds of stories, some  are sad and some  are inspiring.  Everyone has one and they are ready to share them with us.  One of our moms even said that she would travel around the world to get to Children’s. I think that speaks volumes.

Children’s Hospital is a treasure to be supported and that’s why we have held the Miracle Marathon for the past 13 years.  I am blessed with two biological children, but through my association with Children’s’ I feel I have hundreds more. These are all my kids and I want to make sure that Children’s stays right here. 

Please donate to the Miracle Marathon. 

Listen to Dave and Carole’s Miracle Marathon on 96.5 WKLH and donate generously to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.  Online @ WKLH.com

A personal experience in the form of a poem, from a listener:

A TRIBUTE TO RACHEL
A year has passed since we said good-bye;
A year to mourn, a year to cry.
A year to reflect on the love she brought;
A year to remember the battle she fought.
The mountain she climbed was ever so steep;
The valley she walked through, ever so deep.
But she did not climb the mountain alone;
We were right there with her on her journey home.
We could not go with her when she reached the top.
Though we still had the strength, we had to stop.
For Jesus was standing there waiting for her.
He was her answer; He was her cure.
Now we find ourselves back in the valley so deep.
Every day is a struggle; every day is a feat.
But we must not forget the fight she put on,
The hurdles she crossed, the reward she won.
A year has passed; what a heartache it’s been.
But we’re one year closer ‘till we see her again.

Listen to Dave and Carole’s Miracle Marathon on 96.5 WKLH and donate generously to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.  Online @ WKLH.com

There’s a saying that says that out of the mouths of babes comes wisdom. It is something that I learn every year. The Miracle Marathon is not only a time when we as adults should take the time to help a very important facility. It is also the time that we should take to listen to what the youth of today is telling us. Sometimes we can learn very important life lessons from the young.
I know that as adults we feel that we are the ones who should lead, but as adults we should also be able to recognize brilliance in people of any age. I have learned many things from the young people that we have interviewed during the Miracle Marathon. The children that are battling for their lives very often have important lessons for us all.
Mike Halbauer was one of those extraordinary people who left us an unbelievable gift. He used his struggle to tell all of us how to live.
I wanted to share it with you.

Mike’s Credo 2004
· Live large, take chances and seize the moment because you never know
when opportunity will pass you up.

· Smile, even if you don¹t feel like it; you¹ll be happier by doing it.

· Learn to laugh in all situations, it¹ll make you and everyone around
you happier.

· Be able to be serious, though, when you need to.

· If other people don¹t like you, that¹s their problem. Nobody likes
being around downers.

· Be glad you have the friends that you do; don¹t be sad for not having
the friends you want.

· You can¹t be in six different places at once, and if you can, the
scientists need to reverse the cloning.

· You can¹t do everything. If you could, you wouldn¹t have any friends.

· Help people who need it, but don¹t forget to help yourself.

· Attitude is contagious, so make sure you have a good one.

· Pessimists say the glass is half empty, optimists say it¹s half full.
I say there¹s none left after I drink it all!

· To see who your true friends are, screw up and see who¹s left.

· Take what you like to do, and practice. Learn how to do it well, and
make something out of it.

· School may end, but we never stop learning.

· Time changes things, for example, bread and milk.

· Love others for who they are, and love yourself for who you are.

· The farther up the ladder you go, the farther you have to fall so wear
a parachute!

· Your friends ARE your second family.

· War doesn¹t determine who¹s right it determines who¹s left.

· The most important thing anyone can learn in life is tolerance.

· Share your feelings with others.

· Let your friends know how much you care.

· Opinions make the world go around. Some just make your head spin.

Take the information that Mike left us and use it. He was a young man who was obviously much older than his years. How many of us can say that we live our life like Mike did? He taught me that every day is a gift to appreciate. That every day we should be thankful for our lives, our families and our friends.
I look forward to this years Miracle Marathon and the new lessons that I will learn. I know that through the families and children that I will meet during the Miracle Marathon I will see the world from a different point of view. The stories you will hear will inspire and motivate you.
Please join me May 26th-28th.
Take the time to not just listen, but to hear and take the time to donate. It’s so easy, just go to chw.org/miraclemarathon.

Carole Caine
WKLH Radio

Tomorrow we head off to do the show from the Center for Independence. It’s an organization that a lot of people don’t know too much about or have any interaction with, but they should.
The MCFI is an organization that helps people with special needs; special people who look at the world differently. The center helps people who could really teach us a thing or two about the appreciation of the world, our fellow human beings and life.
How do I know this? My nephew Phil is autistic and he is a blessing and a wonderful part of our family. He has taught me that every day is an adventure. He has taught me that everyday we would experience something new.  Phil is never going through the motions; he never suffers from the same old same thing. It is never “different day sameold  s*** ” with Phil.
Just a quick example—-I went bowling with Phil a few months ago . WOW! He is a great bowler. He has an unusual approach and throw, but amazing accuracy. He tried to show me, but I only succeeded in giving him a good laugh. We had a blast!
Phil has taught me  not to  take life so seriously;  not to get so excited about some of the ups and downs of life.
He struggles everyday, but you would never know it. He laughs all the time and wants you to take part in the fun.
I wish that Phil lived here in Milwaukee so that he could participate in all of the activties the Milwaukee Center of Independence has to offer. He would benefit greatly and I know that my sister could relax and know that he was safe and being taken care of.
I look forward to the broadcast and meeting all the wonderful people at the Center.
My weekend will be brighter for it.

WE HAVE AN OBSESSION IN AMERICA, AN OBSESSION WITH REALITY…REALITY SHOWS THAT IS. WE WILL SPEND HOURS DISCUSSING “THE SITUATION”, THE HOUSEWIVES FROM WHATEVER COUNTY AND COUNTLESS OTHER SHOWS. THE QUESTION IS WHY? WHY DO WE EVEN CARE ABOUT THESE OVERPAID, OVERHYPED AND SELF ABSORBED PEOPLE? IT TRULY IS A CULTURAL MYSTERY.
WHAT WE SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT IS REAL REALITY. IT IS THE DAILY LIVES OF REAL PEOPLE, COMPLETE WITH THEIR UPS AND DOWNS, THEIR BEST DAYS AND THEIR WORST.
IT’S BEEN A TOUGH YEAR FOR A LOT OF FAMILIES AND I’M NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT THE ECONOMY. THIS YEAR, I SAW TWO FAMILIES DO SOMETHING UNIMAGINABLE. THE REALITY FOR THESE FAMILIES WAS THAT THEY WERE BURYING THEIR CHILDREN. DAVE AND I MET THESE FAMILIES THROUGH THE MIRACLE MARATHON. THEY WERE KIND ENOUGH TO ALLOW US TO HEAR THEIR STORIES AND THE STRUGGLES THAT THEY WERE GOING THROUGH.
THE REALITY THIS YEAR WAS THAT THEIR STRUGGLES ENDED.
I WILL NEVER FORGET THE FACES OF THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF LUKE AND GUADALUPE. IT WAS HEARTBREAKING AND THE THOUGHT CROSSED MY MIND THAT THIS IS THE REALITY PEOPLE SHOULD BE OBSESSED WITH. THESE ARE THE STORIES THAT PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW.
I UNDERSTAND THAT WATCHING PEOPLE COMPETE FOR A MILLION DOLLARS ON SOME ISLAND IS COMPELLING AND HELPS YOU ESCAPE FROM THE DAILY GRIND, BUT WHERE WAS THE ESCAPE FOR LUKE AND GUADALUPE’S PARENTS. THE ANSWER IS, THERE WAS NONE. THEY WERE AT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL DAY AFTER DAY AND YEAR AFTER YEAR. THEY FOUGHT, THEY HOPED AND THEY PRAYED, BUT THE STRUGGLE PROVED TO BE TOO MUCH.
WE ARE HEADED INTO ANOTHER SPRING AND THAT MEANS THAT ANOTHER MIRACLE MARATHON IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. THIS YEAR IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR ME TO MAKE EVERYONE UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL. SO FAR 13 MILLION DOLLARS HAS BEEN RAISED, BY YOU, FOR THE HOSPITAL AND DAVE AND I ARE HOPING YOU WILL BE GENEROUS AGAIN THIS YEAR.
THE REALITY IS THAT THIS HOSPITAL IS THE HOPE THAT MANY FAMILIES ARE SEARCHING FOR AND WHILE THE REALITY IS THAT NOT ALL CHILDREN CAN BE SAVED, YOU CAN BE SURE THAT THERE IS NO PLACE IN THE NATION THAT WILL WORK HARDER.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE CAUSE. THE FUTURE OF MANY FAMILIES (MAYBE EVEN YOURS) DEPENDS ON IT.
CAROLE CAINE
WKLH RADIO

Hi my name is Carole and I’m an Olympics addict.
There’s my first step in my twelve step program to get over the Olympics. I know that the games will be ending soon and I am going to have to adjust. I just don’t know how.
I love watching these things. I don’t know why, but I just freakin love them.
Maybe, it’s because I am so NOT the athlete. Maybe, it’s because I would like to be. I’m not really sure.
I find it fascinating to see people who can strap blades or boards to their feet and fly around rinks or down mountain sides. Walking is a challenge for me. In fact, when Lew and I started dating he told everybody that cracks in the sidewalk carried new meaning. He is constantly aware that I may go down at anytime. It doesn’t matter where. I’ve fallen in some of the coolest places in the world.
Years ago while broadcasting from Munich during Octoberfest I was walking with Matt Vasgersian when I slipped and fell over NOTHING. Matt looked at me and said with astonishment “What happened”? I had no answer.
There are days that I wake up and find a huge bruise somewhere. How did it get there? I don’t know.
So maybe that is why I’m fascinated. I love watching people doing what seem to be impossible feats. I love watching the Americans kicking butt. I love the fact that finally there may be some respect for the American athlete.
So yes, my name is Carole and I am an Olympic addict. I’m sorry if I have caused anybody any pain for my rabid and constant infatuation with them and I promise to try and curb myself when the Summer Olympics come around.