Month: December 2024

Earlier this week, Julie Thorton Johnson woke up to a big surprise. Snuggled up next to her in bed was a large, sleepy dog—one that neither she nor her husband had ever seen before. The Johnsons have three dogs of their own who sometimes join them in bed, so it took a moment for the couple to realize this dog wasn’t one of theirs. “My husband said, ‘Julie, whose dog is this?’ I rolled over, and for the first 10 seconds, we just stared at each other. I said, ‘That’s not our dog,’” Johnson told The Dodo. The mystery dog, however, seemed very happy. Naturally, Johnson and her husband were a bit surprised by their unexpected new bedmate, but it soon became clear that the dog wasn’t there to cause any trouble. “She was just lying on our pillows, completely content,” Johnson said. “She just wanted to snuggle.” A strong storm had swept through the area overnight, and Johnson believes the dog was lost and looking for shelter. The couple had accidentally left a back door open, so the dog likely came in that way. “Dogs are really smart,” Johnson said. “She found an open door and came in.” Thinking… CONTINUE READING…

A park bench can be a magical place. It’s where the world passes by at its own pace, and where a couple of old friends can share a laugh, swap some tall tales, or simply sit in silence, letting life happen around them. For two older gentlemen on this particular day, it was the perfect spot for doing absolutely nothing — and doing it well. These two weren’t out to break a sweat or keep up with the news; they had earned the right to just sit back and enjoy the show. The world kept spinning, kids kept playing, and dogs chased after balls with boundless enthusiasm. It was the kind of day where even the smallest things seemed to carry a little bit of humor — like the sight of a young woman in jogging shorts and a sports bra. Here’s the story: Two old men are sitting on a bench in the park. A young, attractive girl runs by in a sports bra and shorts. One of the men smiles, and the girl comes over, asking, “Why are you grinning at me, you creep?” The old man replies kindly, “I’m not smiling at you, I’m smiling because no… CONTINUE READING…

There is a lot of worry in the entertainment industry and among fans about Mark Harmon, the beloved 72-year-old actor best known for his role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on *NCIS*. Harmon has won the hearts of millions of people with his talent and hard work over the course of his decades-long career. Harmon is a well-known actor, thanks to his big break on “St. Elsewhere” and his long run on “NCIS.” He is “an enduring symbol of strength and integrity” because of how he played Gibbs, the tough leader of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. News of his health problems has caused fans to flood social media with messages of love and prayers, telling him how much they admire him and hoping he gets better. “The impact of Harmon’s work is clear in the outpouring of support,” said one fan. People close to Harmon have asked for “privacy and understanding during this difficult time,” which means that details about his condition will not be shared. People in the entertainment business have also shown their support by sending him health wishes. Mark Harmon is still a symbol of strength and grace, and his fans hope that their love and support… CONTINUE READING…

In a post on social media, Jennifer Garner said that her father, William John “Billy” Garner, died peacefully on Saturday. He was 85 years old. William went to Texas A&M University and got his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering. He then worked for Union Carbide. Jennifer, her sisters Susannah and Melissa, and their mother Pat had been married for almost 60 years and were very proud of their dad. Jennifer wrote with deep sadness, “My dad died in peace on Saturday afternoon.” We sang “Amazing Grace” with him before he left. He was 85 years old and had a healthy, happy life. His death is not a tragedy, but I know that grief is going to happen. She thanked her father for having a “kind nature and quiet strength” and the medical staff at City of Hope and Charleston Area Medical Center for their care. She talked about his legacy and said, “My sisters and I will always talk about how great my dad was.” Her mother, Patricia Ann Garner, grew up in Locust Grove, Oklahoma, on a farm. Jennifer’s parents celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary on January 1, 2024. She thanked them for their love and support… CONTINUE READING…

On TV, Grandma and Grandpa were deeply absorbed in a healing service. The pastor told the audience to put one hand on the TV and the other on the area of their bodies that needed to be healed.Grandma, who has arthritis, dutifully followed by positioning her hands appropriately. Grandpa unexpectedly got up to join in, resting one hand on the TV and the other on a different body part. Grandma laughed and said, “You seem to have missed the point, dear. Healing the sick, not resurrecting the dead, is the goal. The playful moment between the two caused their living room to suddenly erupt in laughter. Both Grandma and Grandpa found resonance in the message of faith and healing, even in spite of the humor. As they kept watching, a feeling of consolation and hope filled the room, reminding them of the value of helping one another overcome obstacles in life and the strength of belief. The couple found comfort in their shared laughter and a revitalized sense of connection in that straightforward moment.

Many envy those who sleep easily, while the sleep-deprived can only dream of a full night of rest. If you’re looking to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day, there’s a simple fix that can help you achieve deeper, more restorative sleep. For some, sleep is merely a means to reach the next day, while others view it as a cherished daily retreat. Regardless of perspective, sleep is essential to our well-being. It’s not just about the number of hours spent in bed, but the quality of that sleep and how effective it is in rejuvenating both body and mind. Experts recommend that adults aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Lack of quality sleep has been linked to long-term health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. Sleep deprivation can also weaken your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. One often overlooked factor that affects sleep quality is room temperature. A well-balanced sleeping environment, neither too hot nor too cold, is crucial for deep, uninterrupted sleep. When it’s too hot, your body struggles to lower its core temperature, making it difficult to fall and stay asleep. On the flip side,… CONTINUE READING…