Random thoughts on random things

Garden part 1

2009-07-16T10:37:00.003-05:00

I'll get some more vegetable garden photos tonight but here's a few snaps of the flowers currently blooming.

Daisies are my favorite flowers. I would rather get an bouquet of daisies then roses any day. They are sunny, last longer and well, just plain and simple.

The poppy looks like one of those that the American Legion makes, doesn't it. All wrinkled and just so perfect. These are Meredith's favorite flowers and we have many of the large varities, but this is one of the red California poppies that self seeded in front of the garage. Going to be careful and remove the ripe seed pods this year and sprinkle in a few of the other flower beds.

Lator gators....

Belated Happy Barkday!!!

2009-07-16T10:25:00.003-05:00

I am a bad dog mom, very very bad.

Sending out Happy 2nd Barkday wishes to our most special Ruff Ruff or Rosario or Hugh Ruffner, which ever personality he is at this moment.

Special dog who belongs to an equally special family. Thanks for the ride Kim, Kathy and Nick!!!! Stay tuned--Russ has a special announcement in a few weeks ;0)

And to talk a little more about where he lives, here are a few shots that I just got off the camera from when Meredith was down in LeClaire for the week. A barge on the Mighty Mississippi, a drink at the Go Fish bar and standing beside the cabin at the Buffalo Bill Homestead museum.

Later gators....

Easily amused and very tired too

2009-07-16T09:25:00.003-05:00

There are some days that I am easily amused. Usually when I’m coming down off a week of chaos and am extremely tired. Like this week.

So last night I decided it was time for the brats(not the brats I grilled to be mentioned later-reminder I am easily amused right now-heehee) in the xpen to expand their world and go outside. No sorry, no photos, the batteries in the camera went dead so I had them on recharge while they were playing. Anyway, this is the first litter that went outside and immediately took off for the hills. Not a fear of something new. Though I now have to put up something by the steps so they don’t squeeze behind them. I fear one getting in but not being able to get out. Go figure it was Lee too. It was actually a great time for me to just sit back and relax, watching them exploring their new environment-remember right now I am easily amused.

So they raced around the planter bed, spilled water, pummeled Eddie, grabbed their mother’s tail and tried to kill it. One hosta is a little worse for the chewing, so are a few pansies. Lee, once again, proved why he’s a Harry in Red. The goofiest puppy of the litter and would run to the 3” tall grass, plop down and play-you can’t see me. Then he would crawl through the grass like a snake. Way too funny and he knew it.

Pissy Pants aka Sienna, who is no longer living up to her fun name, has taken on both boys and won. She was in charge of running the foot path and barking at the other dogs. Sweet Pea spent quality time with Eddie and managed to slime him. Connie had a hair up her butt and it was zoomie time all night. Then there’s Papa aka Leonard. He can’t decide if he wants one ear up or not. I am so thankful that none of them have ears up yet. I always dread those early ears-they tend to be smaller, lighter in weight and just not correct cardigan ears when they grow up. Leonard’s only got the one, so at 7 ½ weeks, I’m not upset at all. None of the rest are ever considering going up—thank GOD!

I did manage to get some stacked photos – they are posted on the website under WEEK 7. Not to shabby, though they figured out what cheese was and were just up from a nap, so not as good as they should be-squirmy little things! Connie is the only puppy available. Yes she’s a dark black brindle with tons of spunk and would make anyone a great companion.

More amusing items are that TJ the Turkey didn’t learn a damn thing from his sibling’s early demise, nor from the week being harassed at the petting zoo. This morning he was sitting on the fence where he had roosted all night long. We go out and check the fence first before letting dogs out in the morning-he was lucky.

And more you say? How about playing tag with a collie? I was bored while the brats were on the grill for dinner so Lace and I played catch me around the trailer. She’s one smart cookie and knew that she could out run me-I got a nip right in the butt cheek for that one. She’s one sassy girl when she wants to be. Practiced a few weave poles, the dog walk and then some rally advanced and excellent moves--she might just have to come out of retirement and try a few runs for another title.

Yes one more. As I have stated over and over again, I’m open about my life and dogs. Why hide things? Why act secretive? I find it absolutely hilarious the lengths that people go to to hide or even purposely omit things on their websites. Yes I do have a few things on mine that due to a few people’s copyright infringement can only be viewed with a password but everyone knows about that. The next best thing is the lies that are told. They tend to evolve into a life of their own—ever notice that? Or the way people warp the truth to suit their current set of ethics? But by far the thing that gets the most chuckles out of me is that those people think they are much more ethical, more reliable and better because of their secrets, lies and tall tails. ,Unfortunate for them what they might be doing to thwart one person, actually makes them look seedy and suspicious to the rest of the world. Good Job!!! Roflamo is all I can say. Thanks for the chuckle.

To which I remind those reading this blog-you know about me. You read about my life here and on the website. I don’t remove posts, don’t change them(well other then if I see a spelling or grammar error that I didn’t catch before) and the same on the website. Wysiwyg in computer terms.

Lastly, to address a comment from LybertyGirl about Dawn. Yes, there are people in this world who will use her passing as a tool to belittle me, condemn me and to pass judgement on me for the worse. They will also turn it to what they think is their advanatage when they are asked about me and will say that I breed sick, unhealthy dogs and that I am unreliable as a breeder. It’s such a shame, not something I am amused by at all. Those same people are just the ones I noted above who harbor secrets and are not open and honest to all about their dogs.

To end on a chuckle, how about this--I ate too many of these and regretted it last night. Not funny at the time but this morning I laugh at myself and am reminded that less is more sometimes. Zucchini pancakes with some of our first picks of the garden. Did I not remember that those darn plants explode with fruit? Yes it will be 101 ways to use zucchini over the next month! Anyone want any? Beets too or lettuce or beans or or or..... my eyes were too big for my stomach this spring when we planted the garden-heehee.

Later gators.....

Iowa Corgi Frap

2009-07-14T10:50:00.002-05:00

Okay, here is the information as requested.

Many states hold annual corgi picnics. There is an MN/IA picnic but unfortunately it falls on a date that many in both states can't attend, so a group of us decided to hold one later in the summer.

SOOOOOO----

Usually the last full weekend in July, this year it will be on the 25th.

Location--Central City, IA at the Foggy Bottom Farm. I will post a link to a map in a day or two.

Time--10ish to ?????

Food--- but of course, lots of it. David and I provide bbq chicken, grilled sweet corn, lemonade and iced tea. Plates and such are also provided. This year the garden is really in full swing so some garden delights-snow peas, broccoli, lettuce, zucchini and maybe some beans, but no tomatos yet. Please bring a side dish to share-desserts always welcome as we have a sweet tooth. Doggy treats welcome too.

The area where the picnic is, is fully fenced and corgi proof. Corgi wanna bes also welcome as we know they dream of being a corgi one day. We've had Ibizian hounds, collies, sammies and lots of other wanna bes and it just makes it that much more fun.

Also if you read this blog and are interested in meeting a corgi, come on over. Everyone is welcome.

Suggestions for games readily accepted. We do have a few wading pools out, ice to chew, and lots to bark at. Please bring an ezup if you have it, it's been hot a few years and we don't have enough trees yet.

Also taking donations for a small silent auction for CorgiAid. A lovely little girl that benefited from a grant last year, will be in attendance this year!!!

That's about it-looking forward to all the fun and conversations we can have. I promise Eddie will try to be on his best behavior but you know Eddie. Oh and puppies---they will be 10 weeks old, have 2nd shots and would love nothing more then socialization time with adults, children and other dogs. Sunday will be Leonard's(Papa) trip to his new home, Sienna and Lee are hanging around till mid August.

If you have any questions, email me at fogebotom at aol dot com . Yes I had to spell it out-blogger doesn't like emails posted.

Later gators....
C

Endings

2009-07-14T07:42:00.002-05:00

It's finally over and we are all exhausted. I know anyone who's been in 4-H, had kids in 4-H or volunteered for this wonderful organization, knows that you wait all year for county fair, then can't wait for it to be over.

As noted before, Meredith had ducks entered. Linn County has the single largest poultry show in Iowa and when it finally ended at 9:30ish on Thursday night, we all agreed, it's now a double judge show so we can get out of there earlier. Since her ancona's had molted the last two weeks before fair-again, it always happens that way, she had no big anticipation of winning big. So in the light duck class, another ancona won, simply for his condition, though he did have incorrect markings. But the surprise is that Paige, the lone Indian Runner we have left, took Reserve Light Duck. All got blues in the end, so that was okay too. Everyone loves Paige and she really is a wonderfully correct Runner.

The ancona and cayuga ducklings spent the week at the Cock-A-Doodle Zoo and it was the best way to get them hand tamed. Loads of kids playing with them all week long. The Pekins and TJ the Turkey also went up and more kids found it fun to be able to pick up a big duck and then hand feed TJ and the Pekins. Good learning experience for them all. They came home happy and tired birds last night.

In the dog building, Meredith got a blue in showmanship then it was wait until Sunday for the obedience and agility. In between, yes, we were up there all 5 days of the fair, we took Old Glory up for the Draft Horse pull--no she didn't pull, just wanted to have another type of draft. She was a hit and handled all the chaos of the pull well.

I honestly don't think we got to bed before 10:30 or 11 each night and most mornings up by 5 or 5:30. I need a vacation now.

On Sunday at the dog show, Moose and Meredith were an awesome team, in the beginning. They ended up with the High Scoring Regular class dog with a 196 in obedience. Jazper also got a blue but with all the dust up there, this was his retirement show. Now Moose fell apart in agility when he got too excited after the teeter and darted out of the ring to see his public. So no score there, other then he was doing really good to that point. Ah I see more agility classes in his future.

One more show, bear with me. Monday, yesterday, was the horse show. It's hurry up and wait time. Glory won the draft class and once again, the judge remarked about how spectacular a draft she was, even saying she was one of the top three horses in the ring today. But no champion or reserve-though she still got a trophy. Moo was a gentleman and they did awesome in the trail class. I think she's caught the bug and now we have to build trail equipment for the front yard ;0) 4th place in her age division!!!

So fair is done. Booths are torn down, ribbons litter the dinning room table and she's plotting what will happen next year and all I want is to make it through the end of August.

On a sad note, we made the difficult decision to send the puppy, Dawn, to the rainbow bridge on Saturday afternoon. It's about the hardest decision I've ever had to make. Old dogs or ones that I have had for a long time are hard, but you can prepare yourself for that. It's the young and those that you only have in your life a short time that seem harder. I think Henry was super difficult, knowing that if he had been treated earlier at the shelter, we might have had a chance. But a baby with no reason to be sick, it's torture. Unfortunately, she started seizing again on Friday night. All test had come back normal so Doc feels she had something wired wrong in her brain or a tumor. A total fluke and only God knows why. So it's out there for people to mull over and take as you will. No one feels(vets that is) that it's genetic. With no history of it in either line, it's just something we couldn't predict happening. Doc was crying with me, how come it's the always the cute ones?

This is the one reason I am open about the health of my dogs. I keep an extensive record of all puppies -pets and show, that I produce and have what would be called an open data base available to anyone. Just ask and I'll be more then happy to provide you with the information you need. Unlike some breeders who chose to hide their dogs faults, isn't it in the best interest of the dog to share?

Well now I have to find my house and yard before the 25th and the annual Iowa Corgi Frap. I know I have a dinning room table under all those trophies, ribbons and projects!

Later gators...
C

And the winner is.....

2009-07-08T14:44:00.002-05:00

First round results from County Fair Static Exhibit judging and it's all blues for the Ms!!!

Due to the rain, no rocket launch but blues on both her one stage and two stage model rockets. She also got blues with her head of broccoli and two entries in the heirloom vegetable class.

We were worried on the broccoli as it was so close to bolting this week but thank GOD for cool weather the last three days. Her lettuce-which is the heirloom entries(Amish Deer Tongue and Forncenalus-something like that), were a little smaller then I would have liked but looked good none the less.

Poultry is entered today, with the show tomorrow. Not looking good for a repeat win there-they all decided to start molting again this last week so the Runner looks a little moth eaten and Commander Cody with his girl Pip lack a little feathering also.

The ducklings and a couple adults will go up to the Cock-a-doodle Zoo tomorrow along with the remaining Turkey. Should be an interesting little group-I guess there's a goat in with them too.

Dog showmanship is tomorrow afternoon. Obedience and agility on Sunday then it's Horse show in Monday.

We look forward to it all year long but when it gets here, I just can't seem to shake the feeling of - when will this end????

Later gators....
C

Dictionary

2009-07-07T08:29:00.003-05:00

We watched the National Spelling Bee a few weeks ago. Wow is all I can say. Those kids are amazing but it got me thinking about the words we use and why we use them. One of my favorites, not to use, but to pun around with is assume.

Assume: to take something for granted; presume. Or in layman's terms-to make an Ass out of U and Me. That's the kicker that a former boss would use all the time. It's stuck with me and I like to use that acronym at times with others. But let's think about it a little more.

I must apologize for the way I came off yesterday. This is my soap box to stand on. I get to say what I want, when I want and if you don't like it, tough. But after a weekend of worry with a young puppy, a big pain in the neck-a real one with a pinched nerve and 400mg of advil every 4 hours and once again issues with my sciatic nerve, well, I'm just a peachy person to be around. I spouted off a little rant and for those is might offend, sorry. But let's use that word-assume, for a moment.

There are people in this world with little self dignity, low self esteem, that feel the only way to make themselves feel better is to belittle others, push them further down when they are already hitting rock bottom. I didn't want gossip to find it's way to people who will - here's that word--- assume that I am not forthright nor a responsible person. When it back fires it does just what the acronym says-not only makes an ass out of you but also me. If I had decided to withhold information, to not say a thing or have people wonder what way going on--aka make assumptions that lead to rumors, false accusations or worse, a foot hold for someone to attempt to malign me.

I greatly appreciate the comments from other's after my post. We can try and try to do everything right, but there are just things we have no control over. Flukes in nature, God's will when it's not ours. Breeding is not an exact science. No matter how careful, how much or little we test or how we manage our breeding program, we will always have unexplained things crop up. What I dislike the most and what has happened to myself and close friends in the past is that people in this world have two sets of standards by which they live. The one where they do no wrong, they are righteous in what they do and that if others can't live up to that high standard, then they are low lifes, unworthy and irresponsible. Then those same people turn around and do just what they accuse others of doing wrong but can justify it for their own means. It's a shame to have to deal with people like that.

My point being is that within a definition of a word, there are many many different meanings. One is not the only answer, the only truth or the only way to interpret the results.

Assume: to take over the duties or responsibilities of, as in "to assume the office of treasurer."

Everything needs to be taken in context of the situation but yet we also need to look outside the box. There is no perfect way to accomplish a goal, just our own way to do it. In many cases even our way isn't the right way, God's way is. That's the fun part though, figuring out how He wants us to continue down that path.

Update-I love my vet, love her, love her, love her. Puppy Dawn is at the clinic today to be spoiled and monitored. She's on some heavy antibiotics as well as drugs to control the seizures, though she's been seizure free since Sunday morning. Going to look at lowering her dose on a few things and then just see where it takes us. One test left to come back tomorrow, so crossing your fingers it points us in the right direction. Things are looking up though I could use a good nights sleep without whining puppies, headaches, awkward sleeping positions(just so you can be some what comfortable).

Later gators....
C

Out in the open

2009-07-06T15:18:00.002-05:00

What a weekend! Hoping everyone had a pleasant holiday, ours turned out wet and weird.

Our usual trip to Hanson's Grove was a short 45 mins. It was raining, parking sucked and 1/2 the usual vendors weren't there. Sad actually as one vendor who I always think about buying something from and don't, I had actually saved up to purchase something this year-bummer. So up to Mt Vernon where a few of those missing vendors turned up. We had fun, wandered and headed to Marion for the rest of the afternoon.

I will say we did come away with a few prizes-a couple collie prints and Meredith found a hug, no GIGANTIC jar of marbles. The kid will never complain about loosing her's as she's more to spare, hahahaha. Anyway, I did find one collie statue that I hadn't seen before, so the day was not a total loss.

Now on the out in the open part. I don't hide things about the health of my dogs. I will be open and honest, not hide or tell one person this lie, another this one. I don't bend the facts and I stand my ground. Funny, I've heard of people belittling others for their stance on health, say they are better then others for what they do, yet their own follow through lacks. Okay, here it is, if you are going to go on and on about testing, then test. Don't breed a dog before the test results are available, don't buy a dog dog from untested lines and if you are so big on testing, then wait for the offical paperwork to be in your hands before you brag about how much you test. Stick to your guns, draw a line in the sand, or shut your trap. Oh and be forthcoming about your dogs-all of them, dead or alive and give the real reasons for a dog's demise. Sorry, got that off my chest-it's been a bad weekend.

For me even if it's a dog not envolved in our breeding, such as the collies, the pom or the 14 yr old lab, if it gets sick, you will know about it. So Hope, the lab, has a large tumor, has had it for a long time. It's growing and she's got fluid on her lungs and heart now. We are treating with love as you do have to realize that some times treatment does give you a few months or a year but in all honesty is it a good quality of life balancing vet visits, drugs and everything else? Doc and I are on the same page and Hope's happy, so leaving it that way. But this weekend, she was beyond goofy so she's not the issue right now. .

At issue is that I came home Saturday afternoon to a 5 1/2 week old puppy have seizures. Called Doc, tried a few things-maybe her blood sugars low, maybe Mom snapped at her and she is hurt. Nope, so off to the EIVSC(emergency and specialty clinic). I love this place and in all honesty it's worth the $$$....$$$$ you spend for their services. So the puppy spent Saturday night and Sunday night at the clinic. Now on meds, with no clear idea what's wrong, she's not seizing now, happy, eating, drinking, pooping and peeing. Waiting for the results of one more test before we decide the direction to go.

We've done all the research this weekend into the pedigree, bloodlines, asked multiple breeders about their lines, it's been covered. So at this point, it's limited to this puppy, for what ever reason, she's gotten the short straw. Honestly, we are hoping it's something toxic-though the house is totally dog proofed, but she might be just the one pup to have a super sensitivity to what ever it is or a super rare occurance of chemical drift off the neighbor's field. Could be a liver shunt. Don't know, might never know, but what we do know is that it's not something we could have tested for on the parents, grandparents or so forth. Not something that will show up further in the line. Just happens. But one think I know is that I'm am open to anyone who wants to ask questions, open to anyone who chooses to use this against me and my breeding program, and I am open to say I don't know why or how, but that everyone I know needs to know the truth.

Oh, her siblings, perfectly fine, not one thing out of place and not one looking anything but adorable. So please keep little Dawn in your prayers. She's home tonight, back with her siblings and hopefully, it's just a random act of God-only he knows why.

Later gators....
C

It's dead!!!!!!

2009-07-02T10:42:00.002-05:00

Mom called and was over joyed to tell me - it's dead!!! Well her thyroid is!!! After two rounds of radiation, umteen tests and all the highs and lows, at least now all she has to do is get the medication correct.

Later gators....
C

A little calmer evening

2009-07-01T21:01:00.002-05:00

It was much more relaxed this evening so we took some time to take stacked shots of the puppies. After looking at them day in and day out, taking the photos helps with evaluating them more. Go to http://www.foggybottomusa.com/ and they are listed under the 5 week photos. But for now here's a couple shots of them interacting with the rest of the crew. Well at least Hope and I think I see some blue Eddie in the one shot.

Later gators...

It's that time of the year...

2009-07-01T10:09:00.002-05:00

YIPEEE---three days and counting for the once a year event that David and I have done for over 8 years now. Yeap, it's time for the Hanson's Grove 4th of July Antique Show!!!

It's a huge one day flea market/antique show held at a farm along Hwy 1 between Solon and Mt Vernon IA. We all have our missions or a list of what we are looking for. After wandering the Grove for about 3-4 hours, we head up to Mt Vernon and shop at Polly Anne's, The Silver Spider and of course, eat hot dogs and brats at the UMC stand. If we are still steaming ahead and the weather cooperates, we go to Marion and all the shops up town.

Several years ago we were there when severe storm came through. Spent 15 mins holding up tents for the vendors. Then there's the year with 90 degree heat at 9 in the morning.

It's always an adventure and we always come home with something neat.

Hope to see you there!!!!!!!

Later gators....
C

Turkey Jerky

2009-07-01T07:45:00.002-05:00

I'm officially naming them-Turkey Jerky being the stupidest one of the two, his smarter pal, ie the one that stayed in the poultry yard, is Turkey Dinner.

Update on TJ-still clucking. He's up, eating, drinking and pooping. So there's hope for some tasty turkey later in the summer.

Forgot this little tidbit last night. I suggested to Alec that he bring over the other turkey to keep the injured bird company. So Alec goes and gets it, you can hear him muttering as he carries it through the yard-stupid bird, hard to catch, etc etc. Then as he comes into the garage I hear "Oh shit!" Panic. Did he drop the bird, it claw him(see the claw mark on my leg from last week), is it loose???? No just oh shit---heehee, it shit on him as he was walking through the garage. About spewed the whine I was drinking. Just a nice cherry on top of the whole nights events.

Yeap, as Jinne asked, that's pretty much a typical night for us. I thrive on chaos but I honestly was looking forward to coming to work today. Scary isn't it?

Later gators....
C

A glass of wine, or is it whine?

2009-06-30T21:38:00.004-05:00

Got a moment, well, let me tell ya about the day that was plus the evening that beats it all. I have started on a bottle of CAW(cheap ass whine or wine-depending on the day) and if all goes as the rest of the day has, I think I might just finish it too.

I'm sick. As in some sort of throat infection that has my glands the size of shooter marbles. My voice is mostly okay but I can't swallow, can't cough, anything hurts. Drinking is okay, eating-as long as it's something soft. I've been in a rotten mood for a few days now and it's not improving. Add in this is the last day of the month. I work in accounting, that means closing out the month, today. I didn't get my last property done till 2pm and that wasn't the last official one as two I have to keep open and two can't close until I get the word. So why so long with four not to do? College kids. That's all I have to say on the subject and August will be even more fun.

So no billings done yet, no rents deposited yet. Way behind! Did I mention that it's only a four day work week too? I leave work early as this is the last night I have to teach 4-H classes. Get home and start letting dogs out. Seems one dog decided to come in season early-good and bad. I was getting her spayed but that will now have to wait. Meredith was showing her at fair, that too will have to be passed on. But a friend needs a teaser dog for an AI collection, so she's picking her up tomorrow. But that also means letting out dogs seperately and in more then one shift.

I get Moose and Clairee ready to head to class. Now to preface this, yesterday David left early before I had a chance to get all my stuff out of his truck from errands on Sunday. My office and car keys were in the truck. I got the spares, went to work and then David brought me the other set later on so I could get in my desk. Back up a little further and my grooming box with a spare door key is in the tahoe as I haven't cleaned it out since the fun match. Following me here? So my keys are on the console between the seats. Moose and Claire in the back of the tahoe. I put a few dogs in, walk through the garage, come to the car and Moose is standing on the console---got it yet?? I have one of those nifty auto door lock gadgets. Yeap, click and the doors are locked, with all three sets of keys in the tahoe.

My phone is in my pocket, to which I start calling people--my dad first as he's a car dealer and must have some secret to get the keys out. No answer. David-where in the f are you??? Be home in 10 mins. Alec-nope, home in 45 mins. My mother-who calls my dad-duh, no answer. Calls my brother the deputy and he goes looking for dad's jimmy set. No go. Did I mention two dogs in the car, a bag of pretzels, I can see my keys, and I have to be at class in 10 mins??? By this time I started swearing and cussing and stomping around. Dogs retreated to the back seat and just watched in awe.

David gets home, we try everything. Clothes hangers, pry the door, check each door, thinking of coures we missed one. I crawl all around on the ground looking under the tahoe, thinking someone else has been in this situation before and now hides a key. Nope. We bribe Moose into the front seat. I work on my target cues-yeah he targets on the finger I'm pointing at him-need to work on that a little more later. And yes he does step on the keys and yes he does make them click-but ends up relocking the doors at least 4 more times. Again, something I seriously need to work on later.

45 mins into this insanity and my dear, lovely husband, sticks his hands in his pockets and thinks, hum, I wonder..... he has a chevy truck, few years older then the tahoe. Sticks in the truck key to the tahoe door lock and yeap, you guessed it, opens the door.

Now, at this point he figures he needs a reward. To which I say, hey Einstein, why didn't you think of this 45 mins ago!!!!!! So I hop in the tahoe, zoom off to class and am there late, super late.

We do a rally course and then play on agility equipment the rest of the night. But it only gets better.

I call Alec, hey, feed the puppies, will ya. Sure he says. 2 mins later I get a call, what's Dr Joe's number I need to ask him a turkey question. A turkey question at this time of night?? Seems that one turkey that likes to fly up at you when you feed them, is seriously the stupidest turkey around. Hello! look around you, surrounded by carnivores! Yes you guessed it, either TD(turkey dinner) or TJ(turkey jerky) landed in the middle of 5 cardigans and one large GSD. They thought it was Christmas.

It's got lacerations to it's thigh, it's neck, wings and one leg. From what I am getting out of the story, it just laid in a pile in the yard and it's eyes swiveled around. Alec thought, let's just put it out of it's misery now. David can't find the hatchet so goes and gets the trusty shot gun. For those unaware of the past events with David and his trust shotgun, he's only allowed to have turkey shot in it-very appropriate for right now. But as they look at it, they decide to give it a few minutes. David offers it some food, which it tries to take off his hand. Yeap it's good. So after a call to Dr Joe, the wounds are cleaned out with chlorehixidine, it's now residing in one of the indoor dog runs in the garage with its pal, the othe turkey. It's eating and drinking and moving around. Will clean out the wounds twice a day and watch for infection. What I won't do for a turkey dinner.

Want one more event??? How about the mallards that decided to join the domestic ducks for dinner tonight??? Yes indeed, as the other ducks were being fed, two mallards flew by, then dropped in for a snack. Ate, wandered around a little then flew down to the creek.

Okay, let's recap-sick, truck, keys, dogs, class, turkeys, ducks and just waiting for the other shoe to drop........

Later gators....
C

I hate technology

2009-06-30T12:00:00.002-05:00

Ugh, old servers are the worst. Never know when you can get on or not, what will post and what won't. Could do a darn thing but read email yesterday. Couldn't even send some emails till late yesterday.

I am happy to report that yes, Kim did survive the concert with the kids on Sunday night. Nick and Meredith went to see Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. Actually they went to see Taylor Swift, left when Keith came on stage. Now nothing against Keith, but both kids are crazy Taylor Swift fans. After a good long sleep, they went to the park with Ella yesterday(see Ella's post on Kim's blog) and as I type Kim is in the boat with a sweatshirt on while Nick and Meredith are out on the tube, running down the mighty Mississippi. Goodness they have to be cold, but alas, they are young also.

On our way down to Kim's on Saturday we kind of ran into what is becoming typical for any of our road trips-bad weather. Any of you in eastern Iowa or Western IL that experienced the storms late Saturday will know exactly what I am talking about. We drove to it, through it and then out of it, with just enough time to turn south and get hit once again by 70-80 mph winds, rain, hail and I couldn't see the road. Thank God for bluffs. That section of open road on 67 just past the Wapsi was white knuckle. I wasn't sure we would make it! Nick met us at the drive, telling us that the sirens had just gone off too. Yippee. Funny part was 45 mins earlier I called Kim to tell us where we were at, to which she commented it's sunny and bright here at Princeton Beach, and I said, not for long. They had a heck of a ride back to beat the storm, luckily they did, just as the hail followed them down the river.

For those curious about puppies-they are eating more gruel, have the run of the house at night and Eddie's in heaven with someone to play with. I will try to get more pictures up tomorrow night.

Last but not least, Alec had the pleasure of helping finish Bear's championship this weekend. That's #2 champion for our Margie!! Frank shouldn't be far behind needing that one little point and Dove will be hitting the ring again in August. Rogue should be back out later this summer also. The shock of the weekend was Alec getting a 3pt major on Merlot. I still don't believe it but won't go further on that either. I guess she was in prime form and even with the tent rocking due to the wind, she and Krissy ignored it and rough housed all over. It was a pleasant and quiet weekend without her at home. Seriously, my ears and voice needed a break. We all just love yelling-"Merlot-stop that" or "I swear, I'll debark you myself in about 10 seconds if you don't SHUT UP!" She is full of it, all the time and sometimes, ya just need a break. The collies have gotten to the point of sitting on her when she gets to be too much ;0) But you know, she tolerates every thing you throw at her and is one of the most willing obedience dogs I have. Now to find the time between training Moose, Lace and Frankie, to fit her training in.

Later gators....
C

Flower power

2009-06-26T08:02:00.003-05:00

Yeah!!! The daylilies are starting to bloom now! Here's a shot of one of the early varieties and one side of the row. We have about 20 different kinds and the goal is to add a row behind the original row, each year. Eventually the area to the right of the drive and in front of the fence will be full of daylilies. We have some that have awesome fragrances as well as some doubles, huge singles and small dwarfs. I don't the really common Stella D'Oro's as I honestly don't like them.

Oh and a photo of one of the pansy pots.

Later gators....

Dinner time

2009-06-26T07:53:00.002-05:00

Last night was the first official solid food for the prisioners. They have been trying to climb in Shooter's food dish-hung high on the side of the xpen and drinking out of her water bucket-much to her dismay. So out came the gruel.

I start them out with baby rice cereal and goat's milk. Make a loose paste and let them have at it. In a few days I will make it a little thicker and start adding protein-usually finally ground turkey or chicken or if time is essential, baby food chicken. By the end of next week we will start adding soaked and mashed puppy food. With cardigans, I use the Pro Plan large breed puppy and by 8-9 weeks have graduated them to the Adult Chicken and Rice.

And on that subject, Purina loose a lot of my trust and business with their shredded food fiasco this last year. Thank GOD they brought the tried and true good formula back, just in time for this litter. But it was a bad 9 mos for the rest of the dogs as I tried to find a food that would keep weight on, hold coat and that they would eat. My only HUGE complaint is that you can only find the C&R in a few stores now and that the price has gone up almost $9 a bag. Around here at Petsmart it's $41 a bag-ugh. Believe it or not, it's more expensive then the Professional formula, which I don't get at all. I worked in the feed business for 10 years and know that a lower protein formula is cheaper to make. Also add in that they only do one size now-no biggy for me, but that also cuts costs.

So here's puppies first dinner....

Later gators....

speaking,talking, reading, writing

2009-06-25T08:16:00.003-05:00

I must admit that the inventor of spell check needs to be sainted. I don't know where I would be without it. I have a super duper version of it on my work computer and I will say that I am just a tad bit spoiled. I do miss-spell, mostly when I am typing fast or of course when my hands are on the keyboard wrong. But what I don't understand is why people don't use the tools given to them. I read so many blogs or surf websites and see horrible spelling, red neck grammar and just simple unprofessional comments.

Now think about this, usually how people write is just how they talk or talking=writing. One of my favorites is the use of "don'ts do" something. And yes, I can honestly say that I have heard someone talk just like that. I feel it's caused not by a lack of education, but lack of self awareness or even a lack of care.

In order to present a professional image, especially when you have a public website or blog, people, people, people, watch what you type! This is now a media where face to face interaction sometimes never happens. Business is transacted with email, tweeter, text or facebook. What a person reads or sees on the Internet, forms the very first impression that they have of you--good or bad. How do you expect someone to take you seriously if you don't act in a business like manner? Grammar and spelling but also what your site says. Sayings, words, comments will either turn someone off or even worse, make them think you have hidden agendas, personal vendettas or in all reality, not a clue about the world around you. Does that make them want to trust you? More then likely not. And many times it just reinforces what they have heard about you.

Boys and girls, time to go back to grade school! First impressions can make or break you-listen to what you say, read what you write, and speak knowing the world is listening.

Oh and yes, I did run spell check before posting this. ;0)

Later gators.....
C

Panic attack

2009-06-23T08:08:00.002-05:00

A mother's work is never done, seriously. Even as they are old enough to fly the coop or at least make their own life decisions, you stand by to help if needed. Just ask Margie. Down at the MO shows a few weeks ago, Mama Marg made it her mission to whip the kids back in shape. At one point she had all the kids-Russ, Ella, Shaker, even Frankie, cornered under the chair at the front of the RV. Yes indeed, she stomped her foot and they all went-Yes Ma'am!

So driving into work today, I have a panic attack. Just down the highway, next road(Austin Rd-one of the other routes I take to the Hwy) is an accident. I slow down, get in the left lane and as I slowly drive by, look at a car, a red car that had some how managed to flip over. Wish I knew how they did it, as the only thing I can think of is it hit the bridge. But red car. Alec drives a red car, had left about a 1/2 hour before and drives the same route to work. PANIC ATTACK! As I try to see the type of car, while still driving, finding my cell phone and not get in accident myself, I dial his number. Pick up, Pick up, Pick up. And yes, he did and yes he did make it into work and yes, he did drive past the accident. Thanks, have a great day, see you tonight. Hang up phone and have shaking hands grip steering wheel.

A mother's work is just never done. Always worry about them, look after them and thank God for them each and every day.

Later gators.....
C

Outside for a change?

2009-06-22T21:48:00.002-05:00

You just can't go outside this week as the humidity and heat will get you in no time flat. Heat Advisory in store for tomorrow. So about the only time we can go out without breaking a sweat is in the late evening. Just a few shots of the garden tonight. My heirloom lettuce-been having some awesome salads and I really like that speckled variety. Then Meredith's challenge crop-not much of a challenge if you ask me-broccoli. It's coming along well.

Later gators....
C

A Turner around story

2009-06-22T20:59:00.003-05:00

You know how sometimes dogs come into your lives and you don't understand why until much later? I've had a few-Jack, Carly and now Turner.

Turner is a beautiful blue merle smooth collie with the ability to love to no end, and a heart of a chicken. There is no doubt in my mind that had some of the events of his life been different, he would be a totally different dog. Something when he was young and not with me, caused him to doubt, yes I think that is a good word, doubt the trustworthiness of people. It's a shame that he had that happen and it really changed the way I trust people and who I let deal with my dogs. Sad part is it's still happening to other dogs.

Turner doesn't go out a lot unless I can really concentrate on working with him and spend lots of my attention on him. In public he is nervous, but very reliable in obedience. He tolerates the attention he gets but looks at me with a panic in his eyes that says when can we leave---NOW??!! All too typical flight dog. When we have company, he usually ends up in his crate in the bedroom with the door shut, otherwise you have to deal with the pacing and the panic that he thinks someone might touch him. But this weekend was an OMG moment!

As you know, we had dinner up here with our good friends-The Gibsons and Mummes, on Saturday night. Kathy spent some time outside with the dogs and Turner did his usual bark and observe a ten or twenty foot perimeter between him and any person. Well, he was within 5 feet of her all the time-but still had the don't touch me look. So he came inside when the game got a little too much for him-ie, chase the collie, followed by 20 some corgis hot on his tail. AND AND AND......within 5 minutes he was laying down in the middle of everyone. Kim got to pet him, then he got all googly and wanted everyone to scratch his butt. I was about in tears--he had finally decided to trust someone else other then the four of us!!!!! What a milestone for my Turner Burner! He was great all the rest of the evening with everyone in the house. No freak and runs, super pacing or omg moments.

Makes me feel as though time is what he needs and that's what he will get. Hoping that at some point he can find a home of his own, but until then, he's my best bud and making huge strides.

Later gators....
C

Pupdates

2009-06-22T20:27:00.003-05:00

Hoping to be able to have more regular installments of this feature but man, it's been busy around here.

For those eager for news, the prisoners caused a jail break on Sunday morning as I was getting ready to go to the Iowa City show. So it's time to release them to general population. I move them to the study, which for those of you that know my house, the south side is an open floor plan, with the door to the back yard on the study end. Lots and lots of noise, dishes and pots banging, blenders, vacuums, doors slamming, dogs barking. You name it, they get exposed to it.

Also by this age, they regulate their body temperature on their own. Which is funny because the a/c vent is right by the xpen. The way the weather has been here, we definately appreciate central air. And so do the pupplets. They tend to lay right by the vent. Smart puppies.

No formal photos this week, so some candids to post. They are also on the website under week 4.

Later gators....

The one point club

2009-06-22T07:57:00.002-05:00

What a weekend! Good friends, good food and great conversation. Wait, I think that was last weekend too? At least this weekend it wasn't the Beverly Hillbillies look alike contest. Though we did seem to have the same amount of rain.

Friday night Alec went down, met up with Bekka and Sherilyn, set up and then he and Bekka brought 1/2 the Winjammin crew to our house for the weekend. Duchess is not impressed with our back yard and the hooligans that inhabit it. She's certain she's supposed to be in the front yard but to keep the peace, she had no choice but backyarding it. On the other hand, Dreamy was just in heaven with her current crush-Moose. Those two were inseperable all weekend. Wrong colors but oh well, they can play for now.

Saturday was hot, humid with the chances of bad weather looming. I think we were all melting, at 9am in the morning! It was Ella's first show and she did very well, though Kim thought she forgot all that she had learned in class and at home. She was in the same class with her sister Sterling. Kim F and Grace went on to win WB, with Cindy and Tana RWB. In the boys, Frankie was 1st in BBE, Bear 2nd. Dougal went on to take a much needed major WD, Frankie took Reserve. Mary's lovely black boy Raider was BOB.

We hung around to watch a few other breeds, cheer on Tammy in pems(didn't help though-let's not even get into that judging.) then it was get the heck out of Dodge and go home where it's cool!

Everyone came up that evening for dinner and to squeeze puppies. As it would happen, Saturday morning as I was doing my makeup, I looked over to see puppies with their feet up on the side of the pool, then plunk, over they went. Jail break at the worst time but it also meant it was time to relocate the criminals to the study. They weren't to upset, their mother was though. Heehee, I locked her in the xpen with them, which in turn meant she had no means of escape. She's not happy right now.

So everyone picks out the same puppy-Connie. I see a fight going on over her. Should be interesting but overall, they are all nice and coming along well.

Alec and Bekka left for a movie, Rus and Sherilyn, David and I sat and watched a DVD while the dogs--all of them, romped in the front yard. They lounged in the pool, barked at the ducks, played tag and were tired doggies at the end of the night. Everyone slept well.

Sunday dawns with an ugly four lettered word-Rain. Ugh. It rained off and on all weekend. Which meant carrying dogs to and from the grooming to the building. Someone gave me heck for carrying Frankie-thank God he isn't heavier-to which I said, he's heavy enough. At least we were in the main building where the lighting was better and the floors were dry. Connie had gone to Karen Johnson's funeral so Kim F had brought all but her BBE dog. I got to show the super cute Sterling. We won our class! and she was a very well behaved puppy. The judge even looked at our class and shook her head-now isn't this going to be a fun class. After our first go around, she said 1st one up on the table, the rest of you relax and go play in the corner-too funny. Frankie came away with WD/BOW for his second major, officially entering him in the One Point Club. And as it usually happens, it might be forever for him to get that one point. Bear was RWD. Cindy and Tana got their 2nd major with WB. Sulley was pulled out of mothballs and was BOB. Doggone old dogs anyway.

And it rained. And rained and the pems and GSD's were in an outside ring. And it rained. Alec showed Sheryl's french for WB/BOW and I think BOS. Taffy is a super cute little girl and fiesty. Looks like Alec might be picking up another dog to handle this summer too-just what I need in the house, a Frenchie. I helped with Ibizian hounds and took BOB with DB. And it rained. And it was hot and humid and sticky and it rained. Pems were outside. Much better judging today-Tammy was BOB with her open bitch. The comment of the weekend was too perfect--someone asked Tammy why her dog wasn't as muddy as the rest, to which she replied, maybe it's because mine moves better then the rest. We all rolled at that one--good one Tammy.

Tammy and Sunny went on to a Group 3 and Sunny is now in the 2pt club. As the heat just got worse, we all broke camp, headed home and well, waited for it to rain again. Went around us, go figure. But the temps are in the 90's this week with heat indexes in the 100-105 rang. YUCK!

We are now off for many weekends as it's county fair time. Then it's just a few weeks to defrag the brain and get ready for the fall shows. Fall already?? It just turned to Summer yesterday!

Small plug here---the CRKA/Linn Cty 4-H fun match is this upcoming weekend-----if anyone would like to help out with judging or just helping out, please contact me!!!! The weather and health issues have wiped out many people who usually help us.

I'm also looking for someone to judge obedience at the Linn Cty Fair--anyone??? It's a paying gig too!!!

Later gators....
C

What a weekend!

2009-06-14T19:46:00.003-05:00

Okay, it started out a little crappy--rain, rain, rain, rain and well, more rain. Ever set up a tent in the rain? Not me ;0) The other hooligans did. We had gone to the Fort Dodge Shows this weekend and well, it seems like a trend. The last time we were there, we drove through a severe thunderstorm/tornado.

So it's wet, the rain did stop but not till later in the evening. Make for soggy show grounds the next day. Bekka and Kim were prepared though with super cute mud boots. After straigtening out the chaos from the night before, it was time to groom. The one perfect thing about this weekend was that we had 12:30ish ring times. Oh to sleep in, not rush and enjoy the day. The other unfortunate effect of the rain was that Meredith and David had stayed home to go to a horse show but 1" of rain in the arena canceled it. Bummer, she's been working really hard to get ready for it too.

So back to the dog show. We weren't sure after the chaos was rearranged if we were looking more like professional handlers with our string of dogs or the Beverly Hill Billies. More on what we decided later. Grooming was attended to and off we go, too many dogs and not enough hands. Alec enlisted Sheryl from frenchie fame and handed her the infamous Russ. Frankie, Justin, Krissy, Merlot and Boo also towed along behind. Now Alec is showing a new dog, Justin. I love him to pieces and he's really coming along, but he's blowing coat! Hair is every where on every one and every other dog. What a mess. But in the end it was a good first weekend for him. Frankie and I took WD/BOW, our good friend Cindy and her girl Tanna took WB and Russ was BOB.

Now let's talk about Russ a little. He's a character and we feel has multiple personalities at times. Somedays it's the inner puppy he's channeling and goes by the name Ruff Ruff. Other times it's the horribly evil teenage dog called Rosario and then there's the newest persona-Hugh Ruffner---hot stuff extrodinare. Let's say he's figured out what girls are and he's not above flirting with each and everyone of them-two or four legged! Just ask Bekka, he's in love with her. The call for the weekend was the Hugh Ruffner was in the building and he was strutten his stuff--all the way to a group 3!!!! I don't think it hurt that Kim had cooked Rib Eye for him either-Alec and Russ were well feed.

So back to the RV to chill, eat, drink and be merry. Kim's a great cook and the best pet owner I could ever ask for. We had pork plus tons of other food to keep us full all night long. Rus, Sherilyn, Kim, Kathy, Nick and I kept eating and drinking around the fire while Alec and Bekka took off to dinner and movie. Being in the company of good friends beat the rain any day.

Sunday dawns with rain clouds in the distance. Once again, Thank You ONOFRIO, for the 12:30 ring time but I only ask that in the next few shows that if you could, schedule Novice B obedience at a time other then when cardigans and pems show-yeap, once again I had to ditch Moose's CD work to show Frankie. Oh well, one of these days.... It did start raining again, but we all got under the awning and enjoyed a lazy Sunday morning-including Kim's Sunday paper. Groom, go and show-same as the day before but the LS puppy-Merlot took RWB, considering this time she decided it was time to play show dog, not obedience dog, and stood nice, gave ears and it was almost impossible to keep up with her on the go rounds-that girl can move!! Frankie is WD/BOW-now just needing a major to finish. Bekka was once again a good luck charm and Russ took BOB. Nothing in group, it was all big hairy dogs this time around. But congrats to Leslie, Marla and Paul on their wins this weekend! Again, great group of friends.

Now back to the decision on what we really are. Yeap, Beverly Hill Billies seems to fit better then anything else. Kim had brought out a frying pan and spoon and was using it to make noise to distract the barking dogs( bottle of NO was not working by then), then the chaos of tarps and tents didn't help matters much. We promised to work on being more professional the next time around and should be easier as we now know what not to do--as in set up in the rain!

Thanks guys--I know I missed even more fun last weekend and promise to not miss too many more in the future. Now it's back home, dogs are super happy as they can get muddy and wet for awhile and not have to be show dogs. Frank is already brown not red ;0)

Hope everyone else had a great weekend---summer is here!!!

Later gators...

C

New residents

2009-06-11T16:49:00.001-05:00

Okay, so the picture is a little red but look who's arrived, finally! Part of the reason for the late arrival is that these are the show ducks, not the plain old ducks that they hatch out early in the season.

Later gators....

The Museum

2009-06-11T13:36:00.003-05:00

Right across from Greene Square Park is the Museum of Art. It's in the old Carniege Library building and was effected by the flood-wait for more photos tomorrow to show just how far away from the river it is! Anyway, they have an awesome collection of Grant Wood and Marvin Cone. One of my lunch time destinations. This photo is of the addition to the main building on the west.

Later gators....
C