Today is the fifth anniversary of the terrorists attacks on September 11th, 2001. A beautiful postage stamp has been issued in memory of the victims of that tragic day.

As we use it and see it everyday on our mail, let us not forget:

The innocent people who died that day;

The children who lost parents that day;

The parents who lost children that day;

The spouses who lost loved ones that day;

The families who continue to suffer and grieve;

The police, fire, and medical responders who helped the injured and are still suffering and dying;

The servicemen and women now fighting terrorism around the globe;

And everyone else touched by these horrible events five years ago.

We will not forget! God bless America!!!

This expression is one of my husband and my favorites. It's probably not funny to lots of other people, but it came about from us getting ourselves into bad circumstances once when we were traveling. We survived and now we laugh about it!

This summer I have had trouble with my feet. It's taken away some enjoyment from my life because walking is so painful. Anyone else with foot troubles know what I'm talking about --- exercising, shopping, dancing, and many other activities require movement while standing up and using the feet! I am still mobile and for that I am grateful because I know others who do not have that ability.

A medication prescribed by one of my doctors helped somewhat so I took it a couple of times. The last time I took it for a week and felt terrible, having all kinds of strange and frightening symptoms! And my feet were still hurting all the time. This prompted me to get out the three page patient advisory leaflet the pharmacist had given to me upon refilling the prescription. Foolish me --- I had never read it before.

One of the side effects from taking this medicine is DEATH!

Now I don't know about you, but I try to avoid things that are terminal. The side effects for this pain medication would kill a rhino and it will NEVER cross my lips again. Stroke, fatal heart attack, stomach and bowel problems, were all only some of the goodies in store for the taker! Plus, it shouldn't be taken with some other medicines I take daily.

Lordy, give me the pain! It means I'm alive!!!

Why, oh why, can't something that's supposed to help, just HELP us? All I wanted was some pain relief and instead I got a entire other set of more serious problems. My advice to all who read this is to think long and hard, and find out as much as you can, before taking anything you can do without. Find some other way that doesn't involve anything that proves more dangerous that the original problem. Last night I used ice packs and it gave me more relief than those pills.

Stay healthy, Streamers, and be your own best doctor by knowing everything!

Today's animal news, recycled from the birdcage of life, is brought to you by that #1 anchor wench, pin-up girl for the visually impaired, Rita B!

~~~~~Crocs, those goofy, rubbery clogs with vent holes, are the latest fad in footwear! I got some ugly green ones. Made from croslite, they are quick-drying and may help reduce backpain. Good in the garden too.

~~~~~Every minute in the USA, 49 puppies and kitties are born. Time to have your pet fixed before it reproduces! PLEASE........

~~~~~On the other end of the reproduction spectrum, Pandas have very few cubs. Zoo Atlanta is celebrating a rare birth by Lun Lun after seven years of trying. A Zoo Atlanta first! Panda bears are not hoochie-mommas either --- Lun Lun is doing a super job, they say.

~~~~~The Tiger --- Woods, of course --- has won five straight tournaments in the PGA Tour! The record is 11, so The Tiger has a way to go this season, but he's the hottest thing swinging a club!

~~~~~"I didn't mean to!" cried the Sting Ray. "I'm sorry, he was my friend too." And all the Sting Rays wept." from The Buzz.

~~~~~The first self-serve grocery store, Piggly Wiggly of Memphis, Tennessee, just celebrated its 90th anniversary. Love the Pig Wig!

~~~~~A poor pregnant ewe was trying to cross the road when a python came by and offered to help. End of story.

*****Until we meet again in the jungle of life, Streamers. ~~~ Hugs, Rita B, your Cracked Reporter