Random thoughts on random things

State Fair highlights

2008-08-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

Oh the funnel cakes at the west end of the horse barns, the caramel apples in Pioneer Hall, taffy from the Varied Industries building and a big cold pickle right out of the ice water from the general store. I swear that we have rituals at the fair each year and they always involve food.

Did you know that joke is that you can get anything, on a stick a the Iowa State Fair? Pork Chop on a stick, steak, apples, hard boiled eggs, fried cheese and yes even a salad. It's kind of fun to see what there is. Oh I did miss out on the fried Twinkie and fried Snickers, of course, both on a stick. Alec said I walked right past the booth. Have to wait for next year.

I went on the first Saturday of the fair to watch Alec show a few of our ducks at the FFA Poultry Show. Both of us learned a lot. I stayed for the day and Mom and I went to the Rick Springfield concert that night. Yes he's still hot at 50 and I do have photos of him that I have to send to Holly out east. It was fun and would do it again and again.

The next week it was Draft Horse Show!! Again, learned tons, made some great new friends-HI to the Lacrosse's from WI! But the best part was this.........

Still can't believe that is our horse but Glory took the Best in Iowa class at the Clydesdale show. Wee Haaaa! Bragging rights for a year.

Can't wait for the fair to roll around again. Until then, I'm going to practice my rubber chicken throwing so I can enter that contest next year.

Later gators.....

Darn it, lost my dog, again

2008-08-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

At some point in the near future, I would so much like to have a dog of my own to show. Got Eddie for me, nope, kid stole him, finished him and said, my dog. Russ belongs heart and sole to Kim and with 5 short shows, that's all I got. So I sit here admiring my lovely little puppies, trying to decide who to keep, who to show, who to send out to someone else. Seems Alec has decided that he will make the time to show Frank, so hands off. RRRR, well that leaves me with the lovely little girl, Dove. As you can see below, I lost again.

Yes, Ms Lovey Dovey will be co-owned by myself, Mumme's and Meredith, guess who's showing her? Yeap. Squirrel. And I get to stand ring side holding brush, spray bottle and towels-kennel assistant once again. The Ringer already has her free stacking, on the table nice and square and now working on baiting.

When do I get a dog all my own to show????

Later gators,

Would someone please shut off that damn Music!

2008-08-20T18:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've been conned! I agree to dog swap, thinking I'm getting the better deal. I know my boys and well, love'm to pieces but there are days that you just shake your head at what they do. So far Moose has found all the corded electronics and slimed them. Fred has stolen corn cobs out of the garbage, taught his grandson the fine art of properly chasing cats and oh yes, Moose has once again demonstrated his ability to find the tallest object and stand on it-like the dining room table. All this while charming the pants off the residents at the Gibson Ranch.

What do I get, oh a sweet little girl who never causes any problems. She's a couch potato and well, that's it. She's the book end for Hope. Notice that little grin on her face?

NOT! I got chewed out, harassed and got a talk'en to on the way in the house from work tonight. Not my own dogs, noooo, they stood by and watched Music voice her opinion. She and Marg are best buds, which I might add, could be part of the problem. Marg taught her the fine art of herding ducks and horses. I'm thinking it's like a Dr Jekyell and Mrs Hyde movie--I have Mrs Hyde at my house!

Thanks Kim---I owe you one!

Later gators,

leaving the nest

2008-08-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

Sigh, well it was bound to happen. My baby is leaving the nest. Yeap, down to just the three of us at home. I won't know how to cook for so few--lots of left overs.

Alec leaves today to move into the dorms at Iowa State. He spent the last two years doing an ag transfer program at Kirkwood Community College - much cheaper and gets most of his prerequisites out of the way early. Now it's on to ISU to complete his teaching degree. My only complaint---I couldn't figure out a way to pack Lacey or Fred in a suitcase and send them with him. Hopefully in an other year he will get a campus apartment and can take those two dingalings with him. I swear it's not so much that I will miss him-last year he was gone so much with FFA related activities, that it's not much of change, but that Lace will have a fit for a few weeks. Fred is happy at Camp Gibson so he won't miss him as much-he's got Nick right now.

So now it's down to the three of us. How boring-truly, the three of us are about as much fun as molasses in winter. Guess it's time to start doing dog shows, horse shows and start tracking classes. Or paint the four rooms that need paint, move Meredith to the bigger bedroom, rip up carpet in the new dog room, install the tub, gosh that sounds like a swinging time, doesn't it? Not.

I seriously need a life, only problem is that I have no idea what a real life is.

Help!

later gators....
C

We're even, I think

2008-08-11T11:19:00.001-07:00

Just an FYI--found the back of the cell phone and yes found it when I was doing pooper scooper patrol in the yard. BUT unlike the suggested locations I might find it, I found it in one piece, laying in the yard with only one tooth mark on it. It did not seem to go through the collie as initially thought.

Not sure if that makes us even or just lucky cause I was not going to do another incident like we had in February with Eddie.

Later gators....
C

Collie 1, Me 0

2008-08-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

I swear this dog will be the death of me. But there's nothing I can do about for, let's see, another 8 years? That's when `her kid goes off to college.

Okay, here's the deal. Meredith picks out a favorite puppy out of the litter. Inevitably, I sell that one and keep another one for ourselves. When the damn collie litter came around, and I am reminded daily why you don't let people convince you into doing a breeding-worst mistake I have ever made. Anyway, when the damn collie litter came around, I finally gave in and told Meredith yes, you may keep one puppy out of the litter. So what does she do--picks the runt.

Now let's talk about this runt. I swear when God got to done creating the #10 puppy, he looked around and saw spare parts. Scratching his chin and gently pulling at his whisker on his beard, he said, what the heck and threw them all together to create puppy #11. This puppy is totally leftover parts. She was 1/3 of the size of the rest of her littermates. She has pea sized eyes. her head planes are, well, all one. Prick ears that even with heavy duty glue and the expensive Japanese tape would not fix. They are too small and too thick to tip correctly. Her body-OMG-she can't walk in a straight line-sidewinds horrible. Has a blue merle head and neck, tri saddle, blue merle butt and tri tail. And her name....Click.

Meredith adores her and has a blast training her. Both are about as hard headed as they come so it's fun to watch. She loves agility-tunnels and chutes are especially fun. Click was a total embarrassment at Fair this year, just being her usual bubbly happy self and giving her best What??? look when asked to do something. Beyond that, she's very responsive, loves to sit in your lap. Did I mention that she is slightly under 50lbs too? Not big at all.

Now Click and I have a truce on things. We don't bounce on Mom when she's sitting in the chair. We don't put our nose on the table, counter or help out in the fridge. And we don't chew on things we aren't supposed too. Including cats, puppies and frogs, well sort of. I found a lawn chair that has nibbles on the handles now. Someone is chewing off the wellhead cover-I can only guess who. Buckets always loose handles and Frisbees are in thousands of pieces in the lawn. But all promises were broken after I went outside last night and found that someone, namely Click had jumped up on the grooming table and gotten something off it. I take responsibility for leaving it out there, but come on, she had to jump on the table to get it! So here's my cell phone--post collie chew.

New one is being overnighted to me. I still have no idea where the back cover is, with my luck, oh I don't even want to think about that.

Collie 1, Me 0

Later gators....

Words from Above

2008-08-06T07:38:00.000-07:00

Alec and I drive to work each day, the same way. I love getting to one spot in our trip and reading the newest saying on the Baptist Church's sign. It's a super busy intersection so they are great at getting catchy slogans. So in the quest to find more, here's a few fun websites with other church sign sayings from across the country.

http://www.cheesychurchsigns.com/

http://family.webshots.com/album/327663713rjGXAy

Here's the link to the infamous God's Billboards
http://www.godspeaks.com/AboutTheBillboards.asp

Later gators....
C

top heavy

2008-08-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

Okay it's been asked how things are going with puppies and certain matters that must be attended to as they grow up. We have house breaking, crate training, leashes, collars and of course those awful vet visits.

Last night we did the whole collar thing. That's always too funny to watch. I use adjustable puppy collars that are really thin and light weight. I have them very loose so they can come off if they decide to fight or play with each other's collars. Well the funniest part is when you put it on, they tip over. Yes, puppies think they are weighted to the ground. I know of a cardigan puppy who when put in his life vest the first time, fell over and refused to move until they took it off. Same here. Harry was the first. Quizical look at me, flopped his head and over he went. Everytime he tried to get up he would sit, then flop over. I said-gotta get used to it and walked out of the play area to find another victim to put a collar on. He got over it but not without voicing his opinion on it all. The other fun aspect of collars is the inability to move more then a foot without having to scratch at it. Makes for slow moving puppies.

After a couple hours, all was well. Though George did manage to get his off and I haven't found it yet. He looked very proud BTW.

Crates-they have four nice little crates in their play and sleep area. They fight in them, on them, around them and sleep in them. But no the doors are not shut-yet. That's this weekend. I do put treats in the crates and they are very comfortable about going in and eating their biscuits in them. Though two of them got into it this morning, with one dragging the other out of the crate by his tail. Boys will be boys.

House breaking. Boy is that just an unpleasant thought for most new puppy people. But this time around I tried something that a few other breeders suggested-litter training. And I swear, at 8 weeks, these guys are pretty much house broke! I have a small 2'x4' box in their play area. As I started to wean them, I would shrink their paper area down daily, only keeping shredded paper and fresh newsprint in the box. They learned to go over and use the box instead of messing up their area. I added wood shavings and alfalfa pellets to the mix and it keeps it dry, smells clean and easy to clean up daily. So when the kids start going home, new families will get a bag of alfalfa pellets and wood shavings to take home and sprinkle in the yard where they want the new puppy to go. Most of the time they all are good about running through the house and holding it till I let them outside too. This litter has been a cinch--even David remarked about it.

Next week is their vet visit for microchips. That's always a good one. I usually have to go hunting for puppies as vet techs like to walk off with them. Some puppies take it well and some well like Puppy Russ, turn into statues. With his chip, Doc said she didn't even think he breathed the whole time he was on the table.

Tonight is intro to the new agility equipment and swapping of dogs with Kim. If you haven't read poor Russ' woos-his housemate is in season so she's coming to Camp Cindy and the boys here are going to Camp Gibson for a vacation and to play with Russ.

Later gators...
C

Future show dawgs?

2008-08-04T06:21:00.000-07:00

(apologize about the size on a couple of these. Meredith was taking the photos-pretty good for her first time I might add, but I forgot to tell her how to use the zoom )

Let's see-these should be Shaker, Harry, Dove and Bear. The red boys and George were avoiding me. And Eddie was supervising.

Cooperation at 8 weeks is not their greatest trait. Besides having to resort to peanut butter, they were not interested in staying still. Too many things to get into, including the find of the weekend-the horses' loafing shed and all the goodies in there. Harry, Trouble, Frank and Bear all got dunked in the pool and warning, don't let them kiss you any time soon. Yucky puppies.

So here's a few shots that we were able to get this weekend.

Later gators...

weekend off

2008-08-04T06:08:00.000-07:00

Not sure if I should really call it a weekend off, but maybe a weekend without a preexisiting plan? So we sit around Friday night and wonder, what the heck do we need to do? Usual cropped up-haircuts all around, groceries, dog errands, then try to figure out if we need to tackle garage and barn cleaning, weed the garden or mow the lawn.

So we did we actually do? Played with puppies, sorted ducks for State Fair, and built some new agility equipment. The teeter needs two more pieces-seems I got PVC glue happy and glued something the wrong way-oops. The rest of it needs painted and decorated. Lace has tested it out the dog walk, several times. She even jumped the stuff I put on it to block the ramps. Shaker the puppy got 1/2 up and slid down. Stood there with his ever adorable cocked head and wondered how the heck he was going to get all the way up. Kim-I see agility in that boy's future!

If you would like the plans, let me know. The gal that sent me the plans did a great job. Pretty easy to do and portable too. Not totally regulation size, but it's a great set of equipment to practice on between classes. Tire jump and pause table are on the plans for this next week as well as some hoop jumps. A chute for the week after, then go pick up an A-frame from someone selling their's.

Later gators....

Happy Barkday to the boy who started it all!

2008-08-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

Yeap, I blame it all on Fred. The reason I know have those oh so obnixous, loud and rowdy puppies in the house. They are of course his grand kids and he now figures that since they are almost ready to leave, it's time to start teaching them the ways of the world. Like how to get in the wading pool, lift your leg on things and barking. That's got to be the worst. As soon as he starts, they all start.

He did get some extra hugs, treats and a run at the ducks yesterday. I couldn't do it on Wednesday, his actually birthday, so a day late-like he knew that.

Happy Birthday, Iron Gut Fred! We love you!

Later gators....

Pupdate for August 1st

2008-08-01T18:11:00.000-07:00

The kids are 8 weeks old now. Time sure flies. They will be leaving for their new homes in about 2 weeks. Well most of them that is. It's been so darn hot and humid that we let them out at night, then it's back inside after only 15-20 mins. Let's seem several found the wading pool last night and Dove is now in and out of it on a regular basis, as always following her best bud Eddie. Five of them figured out that they can crawl through the front pole gate and now it's time to get the diamond fence welded on those.

But tonight they were inside playing and playing. Got a few good pictures. Funny, the red boys tend to hang out together, while Harry is a little independant, but does tend to be with George alot. Dove wants to be with any one who will show her undivided attention-I swear she's a diva in the making. Bear and Shaker, well those are the trouble makers.

Check out some new photos at http://good-times.webshots.com/album/563986195ldJOvu

Later gators....

It's all in the eyes

2008-08-01T07:58:00.001-07:00

Unique objects, our eyes. Showing sorrow, pain, glee, astonishment. I think too many of us take them for granted. That is until something happens.

I've always worn glasses or contacts, since the first grade. I remember the stigma of being a "four eyed" kid in school. Luck had it, my first grade teacher, Mrs Kirkpatrick, was an angel sent down to help me through it. She actually made it a big deal and how special I was to be given my glasses. So I proudly wore them until my grandfather helped me get contacts in high school. Haven't looked back so to speak. I wear my contacts longer then I should-always get a finger wagging when I go in for exams. But so far so good. At some point, when finances and insurance allow, Lasik surgery will be attempted so that I have even more freedom from my nearsightedness.

Meredith has cool eyes. One has a brown stripe running up and down through the center of her baby blues. Ellie has the most beautiful soulful eyes and Alec has these blue grey orbs.

Well to the point, I just came back from having laser surgery on mine. Yeap, it's way cool to do it right in the office but not cool the reason. I've been having progressive vision distortion in my left eye. Got much worse of the weekend. So I called up Dr Smith-the best around and my regular eye guy. Today was an appointment with a retinal specialist. I have what's called POH, or presumed ocular histoplasmosis. Tongue twister isn't it? From our discussions today, I could have been exposed, like more midwesteners have been, to the histo fungus, 10-20-30 years ago. No one knows and that's a mute point now. What I do know its that I have two super minor scars on my right eye, while my left eye looks like a mine field. Over 20 scars with three of worry near my macular. The one that caused me to contact my dr, has started a bleed and that's what the surgery today hopefully stopped. Dr Boldi was pretty up front and very good about explaining the ins and outs of my new problem. I might have some permenant vision loss-a small blind spot from the laser scar. Or if this doesn't stop it, we will need to do some more aggressive measures. But he's pretty hopefull that we nipped it so to speak.

Anyway, I'm wearing my 10 yr old glasses instead of the contacts and can't see clearly with a numb eyeball and dilated eyes. For now I have to adapt to a slight off center feeling and keep a viligant "eye" on my vision should it get worse. I have a little issue working on the computer with the wavy lines in my upper left sight, but that I can manage. I also have a little issue with my balance as it takes both eyes to balance correctly. Ah the joys of it all. The prognosis is good, long term just to watch it and the brain does like the challenge of adjusting to the new sight limitiations. Just watch out when you come at me from the wrong side--I might think you're a monster or worse. No just kidding, nothing more then the line looking crooked and not straight.

For those of you interested here are a few sites to go to for more information. It's a very common thing in the midwest, the leading cause of blindness for those 20-40 years old and can affect you decades after you have had your initial exposure. And no, it's not contaigous!!

http://www.revoptom.com/HANDBOOK/sect5o.htm
http://www.williamsoneyeinstitute.com/theretinacenter/trc_pohs.php
http://mamtasomaiya.blogspot.com/2008/06/presumed-ocular-histoplasmosis-syndrome.html

Well, off to put my contacts back in so I can see to work!

Later gators...
C

You know you are an Iowan if...

2008-07-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

From a Jeff Foxworthy comedy sketch.....

You've never met any celebrities...and you don't really care.

Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor on the highway.

"Vacation" means driving through the Amanas or going to Adventureland.

You've seen all the biggest bands ten years after they were popular.

You measure distance in minutes.

Down south to you means Missouri.

You know several people who have hit a deer.

You have no problem spelling or pronouncing Des Moines.

You know the answer to the question, "Is this Heaven?"

Your school classes were canceled because of cold.

Your school classes were canceled because of heat.

You know what "Hawks, Panthers, and Clones" are.

You've ridden the school bus for an hour each way.

You've had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.

You think ethanol makes your truck "run a lot better".

You know what's knee-high by the Fourth of July.

Stores don't have sacks, they have bags.

You see a car running in the parking lot at the Quick Stop with no one in it no matter what time of the year.

You end your sentences with an unnecessary preposition. Example: "Where's my coat at?"

All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable or animal.

You can locate Iowa on the US map.

Detassling was your first job or that of a brother or sister.

You've been on a "Geode Hunt".

Your idea of a really great tenderloin is when the meat is twice as big as the bun and accompanied only by ketchup and a dill pickle slice.

You learn your pickup will run without a muffler.

You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.

When asked how your trip was to any foreign, exotic place, you say "It was
different".

You consider being called a "Pork Queen" an honor.

People from other states love to hear you say Iowa and other words with "Os" in them.

You carry jumper cables in your car.

You drink "pop".

You know what the numbers 80, 35, 280 and 380 mean.

You know what "cow chips" are.

Later gators....
C

If you don't like the weather, wait 5 mins and it'll change!

2008-07-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

I love Iowa. Lots of other places that I could live-places with out tornados, big ugly bugs, high pollen counts, horrendous winters and gravel roads in the spring. But at least we don't have hurricanes, mud slides, deserts, big ugly bugs that are poisionous or man eating sharks. Notice I didn't mention earth quakes-had a couple of those out this way this year.

So ran across this list and thought you might enjoy a taste of Iowa-"legal wise"

Dumb Iowa Laws

Kisses may last for no more than five minutes.
One-armed piano players must perform for free.
A man with a moustache may never kiss a woman in public.
It is a violation of the law to sell or distribute drugs or narcotics without having first obtained the appropriate Iowa drug tax stamp.
In Dubuque .....
Any hotel in the city limits must have a water bucket and a hitching post in front of the building.
In Indianola.....
The "Ice Cream Man" and his truck are banned.
In Fort Madison .....
The fire department is required to practice fire fighting for fifteen minutes before attending a fire.
In Marshalltown .....
Horses are forbidden to eat fire hydrants
In Ottumwa ....
Within the city limits, a man may not wink at any woman he does not know.

Later gators....
C

Canada revisited

2008-07-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

Since I have a little more time each day, I figured it's time to catch up on some of the stuff from past blogs where I went-more on that later. So today it's Canada revisited.

Like I said before, it was a trip of a lifetime for me. Considering I have never traveled up north of the border, it was a totally different environment for me. Now I will always treasure my trips out east-the Nation's Capital, the battle fields of the Civil War, the Mountains and the locations. But this trip up North was something I wasn't prepared for-fun,breathtaking and so worth it. I'll make sure to add the pictures of the Falls tonight. But what was more fun was the company. From Lynn the Hollywood Movie Star, to Crazy Annie and then a fun game of cribbage with Sheryl and the other Annie. Well let's see if I can describe the group a little more.

First we have the Frenchie Crowd. I still laugh thinking about Kim's expression ring side when she gets told she's showing a Frenchie. How to show one? Just like a cardigan-okay, she's game, until we throw her in first! Man we all were giggling but tell you what, Kim took the bull by the horns and had a blast all weekend long. She's now an all breed handler, though she did refuse to show the psycho toy poodle-now that leads us to Crazy Annie.

I've never laughed so hard in my life then when we were at dinner Friday night with the gang. A beer and a burger was the order of the day, down the road at the bar in Stanley. It was amazing food and we must have been there for at least 3 hours. The stories rolled out and the belly laughs insued. Crazy Annie is a poodle person and knows all the tricks of the trade. She talked about the mini poodle that she showed just for the fun of it and over a serious of shows, well it magically changed colors-black, silver, apricot, and well green? She had more fun keeping the regulars guessing as to what color it would be next. Then there was the story about the switches, Dorothy Welch, and a screaming poodle. Oh and Annie saying that she can't lie and all the judge had to do was ask about the switches rather then hold the dog up by it's topknot. Let me note here, the topknot didn't fall out, Dorothy apologized, the other exhibitor was excused and escorted out, Annie taking the points.

And Annie and Lynn, what a hoot. Annie is the queen of thrift shops so we went into town on Saturday and shopped. I found some darn good deals and Sheryl got bigger coffee cups for the RV. Lynn, couldn't find a thing. Lynn is fun too-she's the "filler dog's" breeder. And she looks like she should be sitting in a red covertable, movie star sunglasses on and her blond hair blowing in the breeze, not running around a show ring with spinning poodles and Frenchies. Saturday night was a night for grilling out, though the left over porkchop on Sunday morning wasn't appealing to anyone-considering it was still on the grill. I learned a little on how to play cribbage and also learned the best way to win---distract Sheryl so she forgets to count!

I have more stories to tell, it could fill an entire journal. And I can't wait for next year. The word is that it's going to be an even bigger and better party! We are going to try to make it a family trip and I think Mumme's will be joining us too. Oh I can't wait!!

Later gators....
C

Getting nothing done

2008-07-29T05:59:00.001-07:00

I swear, I have too many things I should be doing, yet it seems each night when I go home, I get nowhere. Rooms to paint, floors to mop, cleaning, throwing away, laundry to wash, dogs to work. So what do I do instead? Granted I get enough done to keep the house functioning, but since the puppies have started going outside in the evenings, I opt for a nice lawn chair, cool drink and great conversation with David.

Puppies are all about the outside. Add in the babysitter Eddie, collies to play with, a BIG dog called Max who they totally have his number and it's more entertaining then a good movie. Last night they got to play with ice cubes. I usually fill the water dishes and add ice to them in the hot weather. Eddie showed them how to dig them out of the bowl and suck on them. Too funny, many just didn't know what to make of those cold wet things. Harry and Shaker opted to just stick their front feet in the water dish to cool off.

Exploring is really vital for a well rounded puppy and man do I have places to explore. Harry, once again, along with two of the red boys, found the horse pasture gate last night. It's all blocked off so they can't get in, but imagine itty bitty puppies and the reaction to a clydesdale walking up to the gate. Wish I had had the camera. No one ran away, they just stared at each other for awhile.

The humidity will knock you down quickly, so the gang came in early last night and romped in the house till dinner time. What a time they had. Hope made the mistake of laying down in the center of the room and it was like a religious experience for the puppies. They crawled along the floor, bowing to her, licking her face and ears, belly up and begging for attention from her. Hope on the other hand, kept looking at David like-and when do they leave? Not soon enough for her.

We had games of chase around the back of the couch. Some good aroos from under the chair and couch later on and Shaker, oh poor Kim, he was intent on rearrange the fans in the house by dragging them around by the cords. Unplugged of course but he didn't care. David's boots got a good cleaning after coming in from the barn. Yuck and a good reminder that I need to worm the pups again this weekend. Then they collapse right where they were and nap. Found Torch with his head deep in Alec's shoe - had to pull his nose out so he could breath. The only one not tired was Dove who was frapping around the room and playing with Eddie. She loves Uncle Eddie and he her.

When it came time to feed the rest of the house, we had to hunt for Frank-as usual. He was 1/2 way under the chair asleep. Count heads and put the pups away for the night. Tomorrow they get to start some crate training, though they all fight over who gets to sleep in the small crate that's already in their xpen. Then this weekend is the horrible leash and collar introduction. Could be very interesting to say the least. Last litter, not an issue at all. Litter before, Moose insisted on taking himself for regular walks by grabbing the leash in his mouth. Then I remember a puppy named Grant that had a hissy fit with the collar and leash. You would think I was killing him. But a good pop and he went okay and off we went for a walk. Each puppy is different, so this is always a fun time.

Hoping to get temperment testing this done weekend. Depends on the weather and if its not raining I can pack them up for their first trip over to a good friends for the testing.

So once again tonight, it's a cold drink and comfy chair in the yard. Will bring the camera along for some more action shots. Hoping that the predicted thunderstorms don't ruin the plans for the evening. Though I love watching the storms roll in, its makes it a crazy household to say the least.

Later gators....
C

Time for a breather, maybe, sort of

2008-07-28T07:11:00.001-07:00

Man, where did summer go? I swear it's been go go go go go, from the day Meredith got out of school. Though I might add that she didn't get out of school till mid summer. Ah reflection back on winter 08!

So here we are almost in August. My baby is flying the coop to head to his finally couple of years of college. Alec took advantage of the community college's association with Iowa State University and took an Ag Transfer program. It allowed him to get a lot of stuff out of the way, much cheaper, he was able to live at home and work too. But that's over and now he's gotta hit the books and finish up his teaching degree. We are moving him into his dorm on the 20th. It'll be hard to see him go, but at the same time I can't be happier he's succeeding in what he wants to do.

Meredith starts 5th grade this year. Can't believe it. Won't be long for her to start driving, then graduate, then.... In the mean time, she's up to her eyeballs in 4-H, swimming and her horses and dogs.

Ellie was over this weekend and got the Mooman out for a short ride. He still knows how to push her buttons. They had a good ride and she was already complaining about being saddle sore. That poor old boy, bet he wishes he could retire to a land far far away.

We had a great weekend to start winding up the summer. Over 20 people with 40 plus assorted corgis, corgi mixes and corgi wannabes. It was so much fun and other then Eddie rubbing Boo the wrong way(I think that's Eddie's goal in life-piss off Boo), they all had a blast. Puppies were totally undaunted by the other dogs, though I had to do a head count everytime someone left-threats of kidnapping where rampent all day long. A good game of chase was had by all with Cody the sammie in the lead. We can blame it all on Music and her flirting. Some dips in the pool, game of frisbee, barking at the ducks and horses, and great food. Corgi Crumpets, cookies, BBQ and grilled sweet corn, Ummmmm.

The silent auction, be it small, netted 150.00 for CorgiAid, hope to make it bigger and better then ever next year.

So now it's a few weeks of quiet, nope, just one. State Fair starts with duck shows, a great concert to go to, the draft horse show, school starts, BIG DOG SHOW coming up and puppies going to their new homes.

On the puppy note, we can't be more tickled with a few of these four legged monsters. The boys are turning out so nice and that one little girl-wow. I see some nice performance traits too. Multipurpose puppies-gotta love that. Most will be going home on the 17th to their new families, though George has to wait for the cool fall temps to fly to the East coast, unless I can figure out a way to get him cross country earlier. This weekend, nothing bothered them-the big dogs, strange people and all the chaos. They were bushed at the end of the day but ready to go on Sunday. The little hams, I think they were disappointed in the lack of entertainment yesterday and took all their energy out on the big dogs.

Now it's on to the work week. With the all the weather delays, the pool business, which should be a slight slow down, is crazier then ever. That's okay, lots of overtime.

Later gators......
C

Pupdates

2008-07-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

Well that's what we call them around here. Updating everyone about the recent happenings with the current litter of puppies. And boy do I know why I only do one litter at a time and at least a year between them. They wear you out. Especially at this age-6 1/2 weeks and they know it. I can't be happier with this group. By far the happiest, not the sassiest, that was Moose's litter. Tails wagging all the time. Here's a few candids we took tonight while we were working in the yard.

I have a HUGE front yard that is set up for the dogs. They love it and the puppies have grand adventures in different areas each night. To night mom introduced them to the ducks and horses. No big deal, just more fun stuff to roll in.

So here's some shots-bottom to top-- first one is Dove. The lone girl and she will be staying here to see how she matures. Going to let Meredith show her for now. Striking isn't she? Then there's Shaker sleeping between the pots, Torch asleep on the wall and Frank asleep in the middle of the walk. He has a sweet face.

Enjoy--later gators.

Barkdays

2008-07-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

I have tons to catch everyone up on but this one will have to be short to start with.

When you live with dogs, you celebrate Barkdays, not birthdays. Also when you adopt, since many of those dogs have unknown birth dates, you have Gotch Day celebration. July is filled with tons of birthdays around here. Here we go!

Happy 8th Barkdays to my first cardigans-Farmer Fred and Ms Phoebe. Look where we are now!
Happy 9th Barkday to my dearest Clairee. Who would imagine the roads we've been down in a quest to learn. I don't know where I would be without you, our bestest ClaireeBear.
Happy 1st Barkday to the Alcohol litter-Wonder Puppy Russ, Tristan, Mandy, Lila, Copper and Albert.
Happy 7th Barkday to a super whiner Lace. You are a boy's pride and joy and a pain in my a** Many thanks to Jackie and the kids for breeding such a great dog and sending her our way.

And I can't forget-Happy Birthday to my mother. I won't tell her age, but we still get mistaken for sisters. Thanks for it all MOM!

It's scary that some of my fourlegged kids are getting up there in age. Lace can now officially hit the veterans ring and I am sure Meredith will be happy to take her in. Fred and Phoebe are showing some grey in the face but their bodies are still ready for a run. And Clairee, what can I say about her. She's endured training errors, handler mistakes, loads of hugs and even been the victim of a sick kid and got puked on. That was a cleaning nightmare-she smelled of you know what for a week even with 4 bathes. Then there are the youngsters who continue to amaze me with their talents and personalities.

Blow out your candles, eat some cake and enjoy your day, you earned it.

later gators....
C

Little behind

2008-07-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm a little slow. Blame it on jet lag, time change or just plain lazy? And yes that is a French Bulldog, no I am not changing breeds but isn't she just the cutest??

I have returned from the wilds of Canada. Both Sheryl and I survived the trip, even if I had to be reminded to use my Other Left while driving the RV. Ah the power of the big rig. Heehee.

Promise to post more later along with some great stories and photos. But here's the abridged version.

Sheryl and I left early Wednesday morning after a quick breakfast at a great little Diner in Monmouth. Thanks Phil-that's one to keep in mind on my next trip down. I got the joy of driving the RV part way up to Superior WI, which was our first overnight stop. 10 hours is about the limit for both of us. Nice little campground just outside of Superior and Duluth. Bugs weren't too bad either. As the official kennel assistant for the trip, the dogs and I got used to each other and routine got established. Thursday morning dawned and after a little bit of an issue with the black water valve-thanks to the Two Harbors campground for helping out, we made it to the border with no issues. And yes Canada did let me in. And the US let me back in later on, so there!

The drive along Lake Superior is awesome, well worth another road trip, making sure to schedule time to side trip it to some neat little shops. Made it up to the show site with lots of time to settle in on Thursday. But man, those mosquitos are HUGE up there. Maybe it has to do with the excessive daylight hours? We all had a hard time getting to sleep with it being so light. 11:30 was the average lights out for the trip.

Show day arrives and Kim is dropped off by Kathy and Nick. Russ is in full glory, realizing that indeed he gets to be the center of attention and not that darn Music. He's just too funny. In the end after 3 days and 6 shows, Russ is now a Canadian Champion, pending approval. He also garners a group 2! Music comes home with one point, Emmy with 5. Poor Justin, had to settle for a frap and slime with Russ before the show. The filler dog - Frenchie, was a hoot also. Seems Ms Cricket likes to show and I managed a group 4 and group 2 with her. But we did manage to share the points with everyone else the rest of the weekend. The golden I was showing for my good friend Paul Grimm, Ms Bonzee, was having a grand time. Though she only managed a second place in her class all weekend long, we all fell in love with her. Someone even renamed her Pearl because of her color. She kind of stands out amongst the golden dogs, she's cream colored. Moves like she could hunt all day long but just not enough coat and fluff for the judges. Shame, take her any day over a show golden.

Sunday afternoon we pack up and head home. Once again, camping overnight in Superior, then Monday morning heading home. I think both of us needed to get home, but it was still enjoyeable on the way home. Too many things to remember and laugh at about our grand adventure. Crazy Annie, Lynn the Movie Star, Annie, beer and a burgers, poodles and having your sides hurting the next day from laughing too hard.

Best dog show trip I have ever taken and can't thank Sheryl enough. Can't wait for next year. I think it really has to do with the quality of the people we were hanging around with all weekend. Honest, open and willing to laugh at themselves. Thankful for all my friends, that's the way a dog show should be.

I will post some photos in the next couple of days-had too much fun with Phil's camera and need to update everyone on the puppies. County fair is this week so gearing up for Meredith's first year-ducks, rockets, dogs and horses. Let's see--oh kennel club fun match, dog show loose ends to catch up on and more exciting news to hint at on the dog front. Stay tuned!

later gators....

North of the border

2008-06-24T07:10:00.001-07:00

Puppies are getting huge! I can't seem to find one I like in particular, though I believe that interested parties are already arguing over the black masked red male. Not sure if they really want him now-found him in the whelping box this morning rolling on his back trying to catch his rear foot, then chasing his tail till he was dizzy. Are you guys up for that personality?

All their eyes are open and I've even seen some mock fighting and growling. Amazing the difference at two weeks when eyes open. All of them are completely pigmented and well, I'm darn smitten with the whole bunch. Thanks Boo! Great job that might get you some repeat business ;0) Check out the new photos on the website.

Heading up for my first trip to Canada tonight. After I get done teaching classes, it's back home to load up the rest of the stuff then down south to Sheryl's. Kind of funny to head south then head north, but that's just the way it works around here. Nothing is ever simple. Taking along the Ms M&M. Russ is already vacationing up north so Kim will meet us at the show site with the monster. I've heard she's got her hiking shoes along and will be walking many miles each morning trying to take a little bit of edge off Russ' ego before we show.

I'm also venturing into the golden retriever ring this time around. Our good friend Paul is sending up his lovely little cream colored girl, Bonzee. Of course she's in season, that should make things interesting, but it will be fun too. She's so pretty, not a lot of coat, but she's comes out of UK lines and looks like a golden who could do a fine days work in the field or water.

So, we'll see you all in a week or so, eh? Can't wait to see the wilds of the north and have a great trip RVing it with Sheryl.

Later gators....
C

2008-06-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

I thought that this was kind of cute. The boys tend to like to use their sister as a pillow-a lot. You will generally find one or two of them laying on top of her. And no, I did not set them up this way, walked in and giggled then ran for the camera.

Later gators,

High and dry

2008-06-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

While we remain high and dry, the rest of Iowa seems to be walking around in their hip waders. It's unreal, or what was it that Scot said-surreal.

David and I spent the weekend at the Kirkwood Community College working with the displaced animals and shelter dogs. WOW--I was never so happy to go to my home and hug my herd. But it really made me feel good when owners were able to come and visit their animals, knowing when they left that they didn't have to worry about at least one thing. It was also very heartwarming to walk down the aisles, look in stalls and see volunteers sitting on the ground, hugging, petting and telling the pets that it would alright.

If I can get the network to move a little faster, I will post a few photos of the puppies-now a week old. We did head shots of them last night as they are hardwired for food, any time you touch them they immediately start rooting and grunting, looking for mom. All are doing well, gaining at least an ounce a day if not more and noses are all pigmenting well.

Later gators,
C

2008-06-13T04:58:00.000-07:00

The area of Iowa where I live is really summed up by some famous words by an equally famous actor-"Is this Heaven? No, It's Iowa!" From the movie Field of Dreams filmed in Dyersville Iowa. Unfortunately, in the recent week many think this is on the other end of the spectrum and turning into hell.

We are now living during the time of a great flood. Unlike anything ever seen in this area. Cedar Rapids is underwater. I really can't describe it as words escape me to tell you what I see. Things such as the Czech Museum, The Village and all the homes and businesses - gone.

Check out our local stations www.kcrg.com and www.kgan.com Both should be given medals of honor for the hours and days of coverage that has saved lives.

As we know with Katrina, many people did not want to leave because they would have had to leave their pets behind. After Katrina, this was a side that was seriously looked at and action taken. The sad downfall of this is until we have FEMA step in, some of those new rules don't take effect. So it takes the community to step forward.

If you feel the need to help, please read the following prepared by our kennel club president and please feel free to pass it on! I'm off to volunteer.

later gators,
C

Permission to cross post as needed....

I just got off the phone with Mark Schearer, head of the IOWA VETERINARY RAPID RESPONSE TEAM [(515) 281-5798]. He indicated that they have been working with the AKC Disaster Relief Dept(Lisa Peterson). I believe he said that the AKC would be sending them SEVERAL HUNDRED crates and kennels to assist with the pet shelters in the Cedar Rapids area. Truly amazing! He couldnt say enough good things about the AKC!!!!But, that doesnt mean everything is done. They are going to be in dire need of volunteers to help with the Linn County animals that are pouring into the Kirkwood Equine Ceneter in Cedar Rapids.Projections indicate that there will be OVER 800 located at that site...and my guess would be that the latest round of storms may push it to 1000.

With the Cedar Rapids Shelter being a total loss...Kirkwood will serve for the next several months as a base of operations.If you would like to volunteer to help, please call the Operations Center in Des Moines. 515-323-4267. The Des Moines Disaster team is coordinating the volunteer effort so that the folks at the Kirkwood can focus on the dozens of cats, dogs, horses, etc that are coming in EVERY HOUR! Its a rate of 25 per hour...I did not get the Johnson County information as he was called away to an emergancy briefing to discuss the violent storms that are heading our way tonight. I'll forward that as I get it.

Once agin, volunteers are needed at the Kirkwood Community College Equine center...call 515-323-4267 to help. It is critical that when you signin at Kirkwood, that you sign in as IVRRT. That way you are covered as a "temp" employee of the state of Iowa for insurance purposes.

Hug your hounds, unfortunatley it is going to get worse before it gets better. We got 4 more inches of rain today.
Scot Northern
President - Cedar Rapids Kennel Association