Never Ending Journey

On A Diet?

2009-07-15T09:40:00.002-06:00

SOMEONE in my house is on a diet! No, not me! Are you crazy? OK, yeah, it should be me, but it's not. Here's the deal ....

I took The Boys to the vet for their shots yesterday. It all went well. They were pretty well behaved, all things considered, you know, being in public places, etc. Sam was very afraid, but he walked with the leash well. He was worried about the surroundings, but not freaked and frozen like he used to be. Max did well, too. He barked at some other dogs, but it wasn't awful. He did the ride OK, but I learned another lesson. On the way there, he sat in my lap and looked out the window. On the way home, he sat in the passenger seat .... and threw up. OK, he still needs to feel secure by closeness to me. Joey was, as always, a stellar example of perfect behavior and adjustment. Thank heaven for him!

The Boys got the shots without incident and we were ready to go and the vet decided to weigh them for the record. Joey has gained about a pound and a half, but he is right on target for where he should be. Max has gained about the same, and honestly, he could probably gain another pound and be in good shape. He is so long and lean, just a smidge off "skinny." And then we came to Sammy. Oh, dear, Sammy. He has gained over three pounds!! And he is the smallest structure of all three! Yikes!

I had noticed that Sammy and Lolita have both begun to resemble sausages. Lola, since she is still very young, I can excuse because she still has some baby fat. Truthfully, however, she has gained that belly that I pointed out in the photos of a post a few days ago. And Sammy .... there are no excuses. I've allowed them to "free feed," all sharing the prescribed amount of food from a single dish. My guess now is that Sammy and Lola are eating some of Max's share! Joey, Jazmyn and Maxey all still have waistlines, even though they have all gained since being here. Lola and Sam have waistlines, also. Barely. If your imagination is working.

The vet was not overly concerned, but we agreed that I need to control the amounts of food each is consuming. It's hard to keep the each at his/her own bowl, but I will. I want them all healthy. I don't want to cut their lives short; I hope they all enjoy long, long lives full of love in my home. I understand why Sam overeats. It is almost definitely related to his emotional issues from the past. Like many of us two-leggers, Sam finds comfort in his food. Heaven knows he is active enough, but the abundance of food is doing him in. This is a case of too many good things not being good in the whole.

So this morning, we started back on the old routine with five separate little bowls with the prescribed amounts for each of them. Max gets slightly more than the others (since he has room for growth and a bit of weight gain) with Jaz getting the least, because she is the smallest. Lola and Sam get just a little more than Jaz and Joey a tad more than them. I sat down in the living room where I could watch and be sure they all ate their own and didn't steal from someone else. When they were finished, Lola ate the 4-5 mini nuggets that Joey left behind, eyed me for a long time from the 12-15 feet away, then picked up her bowl and carried it to me! The girl knows what she wants! No, she didn't get any more. Sammy seemed perfectly happy with his rationed meal. Now, we'll see how he holds up during the day! But, regardless of the angst they attempt to shove in my direction, the bottom line is that my two little "plumpers" and to become "hawt dogs" once again.

On a different subject, my neighbor is building a house. It started not long after I moved in, and for a while, I was dealing with noise as they dug the foundation out of the rock with heavy equipment. After that was done, the noise has been minimal to non-existent. This man is a contractor, and he is building it in his spare time so it has taken a while. The house on a lot across the road from where their current house is. Originally, he and his wife planned to sell it, but as he has built, his wife has really fallen in love with it, so they now plan to sell the beautiful "old" home and move into this one. I really like these folks, and I'm glad to have them as neighbors.

About three weeks ago, the construction noise got bad again, and I wondered why. I saw Bill, and he explained that they are putting in the septic system, apologized for the noise as the heavy equipment must dig through rock to create the system and leach field. I didn't think at the time to ask why they didn't do this when they foundation was dug. Nor did I think to ask how long it would take. It is still going on. It is not horribly loud, but it is constant. Constant! The only reprieves have been when it was raining.

Honestly, my nerves are on edge at this point. I'm probably going to walk up and talk to Bill today to find out how much longer this is going to last. Not to complain, not to cause a problem. I'll be nice because I like this couple, and I want to remain friends with them. I understand this is necessary, I appreciate that he is aware of it, I'm glad the noise isn't very loud, but it just gets too much when there is no break. If I could afford it, had a place to go, and could imagine taking this pack of chubby reprobate pups with me for so long, I'd take off for a week for a break. I can't.

The good thing is that when it is done, the landscape will be even nicer. He is installing a new kind of system that uses many environmentally friendly methods. I don't understand all of it, but the leach field consists of a series of "ponds" (not open ponds but underground) that filter so there is less chance that the aquifers will be contaminated. As part of the filtering and cleaning of the waste water, certain plants that clean the impurities will be planted, one being cattails. How cool! There will be a field of nice foliage up the hill from my back door.

I could have some real problems. I'm glad I don't.
.

I Have A Question

2009-07-14T08:15:00.003-06:00

OK, here’s a question for you. Back in the day (my day, that is! Long long ago and far, far away...) everywhere you looked you saw “BE.” It was on plaques, in sculptures, scribbled on walls, and an acquaintance even wrote it below her signature like many write hearts or other doodles. If you’re old enough to remember this tidbit from the era of hippies and flower children, tell me .... what the heck did it mean?

I once said that I liked it, because to me it meant to really BE, to live life fully, to do more than exist. And I was told that wasn’t what it meant at all. So I asked what it meant. The answer? “If you don’t know, it can’t be explained.” Sheesh.

That was the “age of enlightenment,” but apparently the enlightenment was only for a select few. I thought any word was open to interpretation, but apparently that one wasn’t! Confusing! I felt like I was being denied the secret password that would admit me to the tree house. So I kept my thoughts to myself, enjoyed my own interpretation and lived happily ever after; till today when I began wondering again. I've looked on the internet, but didn't find anything about it.

Is there anyone out there who was admitted to the club and is now willing to break the silence? I don't want to be the only aging flower child who doesn't know!

Thus 'n' Such

2009-07-13T21:18:00.006-06:00

I was out mowing yesterday, and when I came in I noticed how dirty my feet were from the dust stirred up by the mower. I was clean under the sandal straps, and it was really funny looking. I showered and when I got out, I was surprised to see that it wasn't dirt at all!

I knew my tan was funny looking on my feet, but I didn't realize how dark it actually was. I always wear the same sandals when I work in the yard, so the tan is pretty specific to that pair. Guess I need to switch off with some others LOL!

Lazy night around my house tonight. Here's proof:

Joe curled up on the other end of the couch.

Sam on the chest in front of the window.

Max in on the couch behind me, not an easy photo to take!

Cutest of all, the girls sacked out next to me. They are both completely passed out! Will you look at that fat little belly on Lola?? She's beginning to look like a sausage! The Girl has no waistline, at all! I hope it is just puppy-fat.

Jaz was beside me, snoozing, when Lola jumped up here. She made a couple half-hearted attempts to get Jazi to play, then sighed deeply and went limp!

Now my only concern is .... will they be ready for bed when I am?

It's Monday

2009-07-13T12:10:00.005-06:00

This morning ....

I woke with a headache, probably some allergies and whatever else. I had some coffee, and the headache was much better. I don't consume much caffeine, usually a cup of coffee or tea in the morning and perhaps a couple chocolate cookies or pieces of candy in the afternoon or evening. Yes, sometimes it is more than than, but rarely past two cups or maybe four pieces of candy. So I don't think it was a caffeine-related headache, but the cuppa java helped. So, no this wouldn't be me ....

I'm taking a "me day," nevertheless. I love "me days"! It's past noon and I'm still in my nighty! I probably won't get dressed today, unless the mood changes. Nothing is concrete.

I found some cartoons that reflect my life with my dogs. The first one is Max.

Groannnnn. He won't .... repeat .... won't stop marking in the house. And of course, it got worse while TL and the kids were here. I had shampooed the carpet a week before they arrived, and it already looks like it was never done. I have found nothing that stops him. I'm at wits end over this. I'll try to keep a sense of humor about it. I'll try. I'll try.

Jazi, thunder .... need I say more?

Joey, food dish .... need I say more?

All of them, any little noise .... need I say more?

And about picnics. Since last week, picnics have been on my mind (and the same with some of you, judging from the comments!), so these caught my attention.

OK, I gotta get back to work. Hey! "Me days" are work! Are too!!

Sunday Funnies

2009-07-12T10:19:00.038-06:00

Man! Blogger did NOT want me to post the comics today! I've been almost 2 hours in trying to upload these, one freakin' cartoon at a time!!
~ ~ ~ ~

Alrighty! Funny stuff! How about a look at relationships? Relationships of all kinds .... romantic, family, friends, all of them. I'd guess that you'll each identify with at least one of these!

The first 3 go together. And I'm betting that all of us have met someone like this in our dating lives. gag.

~ ~ ~ ~

And last ....
I love that one.

Happy Sunday, all!

The Week

2009-07-11T10:01:00.001-06:00

The week:

Monday
I spent the morning running some errands, just a few little last minute things that I'd overlooked. I got back home, relaxed a while and then TL and kids arrived about mid afternoon. Originally, I was planning to pick them up in Albuquerque, but the flight didn't arrive till evening, so they stayed at her dad's place overnight and he loaned her his car for the week. After sleeping in (isn't that always good after a hectic week?) they had lunch with him and drove down here. We just visited a while while the dogs tried to meet them. Jazi and Joey had no problem, of course. Lola was buddies within just a little while, too. Max and Sam were more reluctant. As the week went on, they came around, but every time TL, Lexie or Philip went out the door or down the hall, anywhere out of sight, it was a new beginning when they returned! Those two have very short memories!! It was also a challenge, because the kids move differently than we adults do. I mean, how can you ask an eight year old to not bounce when he walks? Or a twelve year old to not enter a room with a flourish? It is just their natures. Actually, they are fairly quiet and calm children and they did try to avoid unnecessarily startling the dogs, but Sam and Max simply aren't used to little hoomins.

Later in the afternoon, we went to visit Allan and let the kids see his new kittens. We had a good visit, and the kittens adjusted to the kids better than my dogs! After about an hour, the kittens would play with the kids dangling tempting feathery toys, and eventually allowed themselves to be held for short times.

We came back to the house, and I made enchiladas for all of us. One of TL's requests every time she came home for a visit was my hub's flat (New Mexico style) enchiladas. We weren't sure the kids would like them, so I made them just one each, but I'm happy to report that I had to make another for each of them. I'm glad they liked them. I'm afraid they were a bit too mild for TL and I, but since the children liked them, it was worth it!

Tuesday
I got up and after some breakfast, I cut up and fried a chicken. It's been a long time since I fried a whole chicken, and I loved it, because chicken fried one or two pieces at a time just isn't the same. Don't ask me why, but it isn't. I rarely fry chicken these days, and I almost forgot how I used to season it! Fortunately, it turned out very good. "Just like riding a bicycle," right??? LOL!

While I was doing that, TL deviled some eggs I'd boiled. I also baked some beans. Allan came over with a big bowl of potato salad, and we were off to the little lake near my house. We found a nice shaded picnic table and began to unload our bounty. That's when we realized we didn't bring a tablecloth! Fortunately I had a blanket, never used, that I carry in my truck for emergencies. My first emergency need for it! Then it dawned on us that none of us brought paper plates or forks, either! Napkins, yes! Now how did I overlook the rest? Well, it has been years since I've been on a picnic, and I just didn't think of all the needs. I suggested that the others took a walk to the lake while I went for some.

As I was leaving the picnic/camping area, I decided that rather than drive back home or to a store, I'd ask some campers if I could get some from them. If you don't camp, let me tell you that most campers are friendly, generous sorts, most of whom have left something behind before, too. So less than five minutes later, I was back at our table with five paper plates and forks.

After the kids (yes, I can call a 50 yo, a 39 yo"kids" just like the 12 yo and the 8 yo, because I'm "da momma") came back from their walk, we enjoyed a delicious lunch. It really had been years since I'd been on a picnic, and it was great fun. I really should do that more often. But I need to find people to share it with or it won't be the same.

After lunch we rested a bit to let the food settle, then we hiked up onto the mountain and into the wilderness. It is just a lovely place to be. Peaceful, quiet. Poor little Philip began to look "peaked," as my grandmother would have said, and said he had a headache. We figured it was from altitude, not drinking enough water, and the exertion. After a little discussion, I volunteered to walk back with him and let him rest while the others went on ahead on their walk. I spread the blanket for him on the table, and gave him some Tylenol and he rested till his mom came back. By this time, I think the Tylenol began to take over, and he'd had enough water and rest so that he was feeling a bit better.

It was pretty hot that day. The forest was cooler, and it was nice to be there. The day was delightful and relaxing. All of us talked about how we should do things like that more often. We were exhausted at the end of the day, but it was a nice kind of exhaustion, from fresh air, good company, yummy food, gentle exercise. The good kind of being tired.

This is an immature pinecone that had fallen to the ground. Look at the pattern inside. Isn't that beautiful?

Wednesday
This was our day of the big tour. I took TL and the kids on some of the essential spots of Lincoln County. We began with a breakfast burrito at a favorite hole in the wall, then stopped to introduce them to Linda and Annmarie. Then off to Lincoln and retracing the events of the life of Billy the Kid. I sent a book about Billy a while back, and the kids had read most of it, so as we visited the spots, it was nice to see that the names and facts on the placards all made sense them. They asked questions and recalled other related things, so I knew it was well worth helping them to be informed ahead.

We returned to Capitan, for the visit to the Smokey Bear Museum. This was a good experience for the kids, too. They were interested and asked appropriate questions, including wondering if one of the men in a picture might be my late hub's uncle who it was part of the crew who rescued Smokey. No, it wasn't the uncle, but I was glad they recalled that part of the story.

That day was hot as Hades. Even TL and the kids thought it was hot, and remember .... they live in hot and humid Florida. AND .... they just came from a week in Missouri where the heat has been horrendous recently. I think they were also responding to the altitude. That effects us in many ways, including the fact that the air is thinner up here, and the sun more intense. At day's end, we were completely washed out. Home to a cool shower was marvelous.

Thursday
This was a quieter day. I had tried to find a good cake for a belated birthday celebration for Lexie who was 12 on July 1. I couldn't find one that I thought would be of good quality, but in the process of the search, I learned about a new place in Ruidoso. It is "desserts only" restaurant. So I decided to take her to lunch and on to the new place for a "tea party."

I planned on lunch at a place called "Lucy & Ethel's." When we got there, it was closed! I have no idea why, but one of the owners has a very bad heart. I hope he is alright. We did a quick re-planning, and Aleksis chose to have Chinese. There is a good Chinese restaurant, and we had an excellent lunch.

Then we were off to "Crème de la Crème." What a delightful place! And what delightful food! Terri and I had crème bûlée, and I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! Most of the crème bûlée I've had is like a custard. This was creamy in texture and was perfectly crusted on top with a glazed strawberry already sliced so you would take a slice with each bite. OMG. OMG!!! The kids both had mousse. You could pick two flavors to be layered, and Lexie chose chocolate and raspberry, and it was excellent. Philip chose lemon and raspberry, and I cringed at the combo, but it was fabulous! The mousse was perfect. Some mousses are too airy; they are light, but lack sufficient flavor because there is too much air. These were perfectly balanced between the right airiness to make it light, but creamy enough to be, well, balanced. Allan had a piece of carrot cake, four layers, about six inches high! I don't need to tell you .... it was wonderful, too! This was accompanied by hot chocolate for the kids, coffee for us (tea is available, too), and since we were alone in the restaurant at the time, we sang "Happy Birthday" to her. It is a fantastic place, and I'm on board with taking everyone who visits me to it!! Oh, yeah!

We just kicked back the rest of the day. We were all simply worn out.. It was hot again, although a couple degrees less than the previous day. We watched "Ice Age: The Meltdown," "Finding Nemo," and "Oh, God." It was fun, because I hadn't watched any of these in a long, long time. They aren't movies I would usually choose to watch if by myself, but I love them. We completely chilled until bedtime.

All week long, Sam and Max played a game called "get close and back away." They came up to our guests, allowed petting, and even sat in laps during the week. But, as I said earlier, if someone left the room, S & M would bark at them upon their return! They were so funny, but the barking grew old! Max usually barked only when Sam did. Poor Sammy. Will he ever be able to comfortably be around humans other than me? Clearly, he needs socialization. I need to figure out places to take him where he will meet others on a regular basis.

Friday
We did nothing all morning. Just a lazy morning, with the only activity being Terri packing. :( She mentioned that she failed to take a picture of the kids at the Smokey grave site at the museum. So we went into Capitan, had a pizza for lunch, then went to the museum for pictures.

We said our goodbyes, and my little family drove "off into the sunset," heading west, then north, back to Albuquerque for a few days with Terri's dad and stepmom before they fly home to Florida. I wasn't terribly sad, but I wasn't wanting to go home. I knew I would miss them more if I went home right then. I went back to Linda's studio and just hung out for a while, visiting and laughing. Once I did head home, it was alright. I miss them, but life is good, and the visit was great!

It was a very, very good week. :)

h.o.t.

2009-07-09T19:00:00.003-06:00

I don't know why it has to be this hot while TL and the kids are here. Of course, I didn't want rain everyday, but still .... did it have to go immediately to being this hot? Yesterday was miserably hot, and we were glad for the moments of air conditioning respite from the heat. A few of the museums had a/c, and boy, did it feel good. You see, many businesses here don't have a/c, because this is generally mild climate. When I was last at these places, they did not have it, so I was fully aware of my good fortune.

For most of you, this wouldn't seem, on paper (or computer screen), to be hot. 90-92°, admittedly isn't awful, but remember this is very high 6000 to 7500 feet, so the atmosphere is very different. Even Terri and the kids, used to the heat and oppressive humidity of Florida, are suffering. Part of their problem is being unaccustomed to the altitude. But trust me when I say that the heat is very intense. We got home, totally washed out, and spent last night trying to revive ourselves.

I'll be back later to let you know more about our adventures, but not just now. I'm still trying to recover! They will be leaving tomorrow afternoon to go to Albuquerque to spend a few days with TL's dad, and I'll catch up after they have gone.

Hasta mañana!

2009-07-07T23:44:00.002-06:00

Had a super day in the woods, but I'm just too tired to write about it now. I will very soon. With Pictures!! I promise!!

Words Not Necessary

2009-07-06T06:43:00.003-06:00

Sunday Funnies

2009-07-05T07:38:00.010-06:00

Today I have a potpourri for you. A little bit of everything stored in that special folder in my computer that has tickled my funny bone over several months. It may be a little scary to see how my mind works, so fasten your seat belt!

When my brother was about 19 or 20, he was 6'1", lean and muscular. He was teasing my mom and among other things, he called her "little mama," insinuating she couldn't do anything about his smart mouth. Mom was about 5'4" tall. She stated that she could still put him across her knee, and he just smirked. After several back and forth remarks, she whirled around and took my brother to the floor (albeit with a struggle, and of course, he was afraid of hurting her, so I'm sure she had surprise and her son's love for her on her side!), and gave him several smacks on the butt! Never underestimate a mom!!

I felt like this about my mower the other day!

Haven't you known someone with this kind of thought patterns? I sure have!

I love this one!

I've used this trick, but never needed it for dessert!

I'd love to do this!! Just call me Wanda.

Don't ya hope your dogs never have this moment?

All these millennia and we still haven't learned!!

This would be my late husband!

I love these next two: translations for our pets' tails.

And then, there is the face.
I see "the face" when my kids "did it again!

And then they get mine!!

And, yes, that's their response!

Yeah, why is that?

I know someone just like this!!!!!!!!

I'm still working on this myself.

The next two go together. And need no explanation.

Oh, lawdy, yes.

And for all the mom's out there ....

Have a delightful week!!

I woke up in a fog this morning .....

2009-07-05T07:15:00.002-06:00

The Rain's A-Comin'!

2009-07-04T19:09:00.002-06:00

Again!! I've had several rains today, one of them really hard. A few minutes ago I realized it was nearly dark in the house and it was only about 7:00. I looked out the window and saw why I was needing to turn on a light inside ....

This is looking northwest.

I took a few shots and saw it was completely across the western sky and was moving this direction.

I'm probably not going to see a sunset tonight!

This last shot is the mountains to my north. Boy, is it even raining to the left, the northwest!

It started raining within 10 minutes of me taking those pictures.

Anyone want to guess where Jazmyn is?

What excitement can happen in just a couple hours!

2009-07-03T15:47:00.003-06:00

I drove into town to get some groceries. I watched the weather forecast and there was a nice window from about 11:30 till 3:00 when the rain would be light to non-existent. So heading down the road, all was well .... till I got about 1.5 miles away and it started pouring! I continued on, thinking that it would let up down the road. Not so.

It was raining so hard that I couldn't see the road, literally. I was on a dirt road, and the ditches on each side were running as high as the road with muddy water, so the ditches and the road were the same color. I absolutely could not tell what was road and what was ditch! I couldn't turn around because I didn't want to wind up in the ditch! So I traveled between 10-15 miles per hour right smack down the middle of the road, hoping I wouldn't meet another car! I didn't.

I had about six miles like that, then I came to a paved highway and the rain slowed just a little as I did. Wouldn't you know it? In town, it was still raining hard, although not the blinding rain I had experienced, so I dashed in to get my groceries, and when I came out, it had stopped.

One of my purchases was some dog food. I feed my kids Hill's Science Diet J/D which is good for their joints and coats. It has a lot of fish oil in it for that purpose (and it makes their breath stink like fish!), and after talking to my vet I decided to keep them on it although they are young to help avoid problems. I had forgotten that today was a holiday, so my vet was closed, and I didn't have enough to get through the weekend. I bought a small bag of Beneful at the grocery and at home, I mixed it with the J/D and filled the food bowl. Do I need to tell you what happened? Yep. immediately, the little mutts stuck their noses in the bowl and ferreted out every morsel of Beneful! Doggy candy, apparently! I mixed it so they wouldn't get upset tummies from the change of food, but they cancelled my good planning out! Little characters!

And for the record, If I got rain here while I was gone, it was just a smidgen! Isn't that how it goes? LOL!

Facebook Rules of Etiquette

2009-07-03T09:11:00.003-06:00

This must be watched if you are on facebook. And be sure you're doing it right!

Etiquette is important!

Work, work, work

2009-07-02T15:44:00.004-06:00

I spent about four hours doing repairs to the lattice work around my deck getting ready to paint. Much of that time was spent on the ladder with a hammer, screwdriver, staple gun, electric drill, screws and nails to secure loose pieces. Sheesh, I'm tired! And my muscles ache from the "ladder pose."

Originally I planned to replace it all with the plastic kind so it wouldn't wear out. But I don't like the colors available, so I kept putting it off. I could have replaced it with new wood lattice, but I kept hoping to find a plastic in a color that would go with my planned color for the house. Then the economy did it's thing, and I decided to repair it, at least for the time being.

I'm glad it is over. It looks much better without the loose, flapping ends, even if it is still the nasty old green color. Now I have to face the painting. I .. do.. not .. look .. forward .. to .. the .. painting. I probably won't do it for another month or so. The ugly old green will be replaced with a rich adobe color which I think will be much more pleasant. While I dread painting, I look forward to having a fresh look to the house.

My grass is coming up, gradually, slowly. I still have some areas that are not filled in, but it's getting better. I reseeded some of the sparse areas again, so with the rain (Yes, it is raining again!) I hope it will be filled in nicely soon. It was so good to be able to mow yesterday, and Jazi already gave me her seal of approval on it. She was out this morning, rolling in the nice, new, soft grass. She was very happy to have it mown to the right length. So am I!

I didn't think we were going to get rain till tonight or tomorrow, but to my surprise, it started just a few minutes after I finished the lattice work. I was enjoying the overcast skies as it was making things cooler, but I figured it was just going to float on over. I suspect I won't get much right now, but we'll see. We're supposed to have rain off and on through Monday. My mantra through then will be "Not too much, not too fast; not too much, not to fast."

Wanna see a couple funny pix?

First, Lola. She makes me laugh because when she rests, she winds her head into whatever is around. Here she had it under a little foot stool, at an angle that looks so uncomfortable, but she seems to like it. She likes to have her head under something when she sleeps. I don't know what that is all about, but if nothing else, she will put it under a pillow, a blanket, a sheet. Just as I took the picture, she opened an eye just a tad and seemed to be thinking, "Go away, mom."

Before you see this one, you need a story. Many of you know that Jazi doesn't like thunder. She is also thinks the heavy equipment working on the property next door sounds like thunder. So she is nervous a lot of the time. When it happens, she starts trembling and panting. She does better if I sit down and let her be on my lap or right beside me, but when I have things to do, it is a nuisance to be stuck.

The other day it was thundering, but I had a few things I simply had to bet done, so after watching the poor girl wandering around behind me, tail down, shaking and panting, I tried something.
I know she looks as if she is being choked, but she isn't! Don't call the ASPCA. I put her in a cloth bag small enough for her to be able to pop her head out and slung the bag over my shoulder. Then I could go about my business, and she calmed down quite a bit. She stayed in the bag for about thirty minutes while I got a lot done, and she was a happy little camper!

I'm taking the rest of the day off. If you need me, I'll be where you can't find me!

I'm Being Harrassed!!

2009-07-01T18:27:00.003-06:00

Caroline commented on my last post:

"No post since the party....No Tuesday Trivia....are you still hungover from the party??"

No, not at all. I've just been busy. Yesterday I was terribly tired, and I spent the day watching TV and playing solitaire on the computer. Today was nice sunny weather, so I took the opportunity to work outside and got a tone of work done. Tomorrow will be nice most of the day, and I will probably work outside again.

I've also been thinking about the blog. So many of my blogger friends have "defected" to facebook and are no longer blogging as much, some not at all. I miss that interaction. Yes, I read most of those folks on facebook, but that venue is very different. Facebook lends itself to short statements while blogs encourage more in-depth thoughts, I think. As I read other's blogs, I often found things that inspired me for some of the ideas with my posts. I'm really missing some of my blogger-gone-facebook friends. Then another one posted her final post, and it just started me thinking about my committment here. So I'm thinking about scaling back my own volume of posts, also. Facebook, doesn't excite me as much for the content, although it is a wonderful tool for reconnecting with friends with whom I've lost touch. I want to blog, but right now, I'm feeling a drag of inspiration. No decision yet. I'll get back to you on that.

My lawnmower would not start a couple weeks ago, to my consternation. I was cursing myself for not spending the extra dollars for an electric starter when I bought it last summer. At the time it made sense. I can pull the cord, and having the battery to mess with was a negative for me. But when I couldn't get it started, I was frustrated, and rethinking that electric starter. However, the other night at the dinner I mentioned it, and one of the guys suggested that I probably need to clean the air filter. Oh, I hadn't thought of that. Today I cleaned it and voilá!!! It is running like a champ, and I was able to get the back yard mowed today! Whew!

I love it when things work. I hate it when they don't. Today is a good day!

A Good Evening with Friends

2009-06-29T22:03:00.002-06:00

After several months without getting together, we had a pot luck dinner tonight at my house. It was a great deal of fun. I bought a couple London Broils, marinated one and put a dry rub on the other yesterday, then grilled them this evening. I also grilled some asparagus, one of my favorite things. Late this afternoon, I mixed up some dips, only to realize I didn't have chips, so I cut up some tortillas and made my own.

We also had a big dish of enchiladas, potato salad, shrimp, hummus and crackers, fresh fruit with chocolate dip, Parmesan potatoes. The most fun thing was that our "token" child who is now 16 brought food for the first time! He has a job at KFC and he worked today. This kid has been coming to our put lucks for 2 years, and he is usually the only kid there. It doesn't seem to bother him, as he gets along will with all the adults, has a delightful sense of humor, and doesn't seem to notice that he is any different from us. He called his stepmom and asked if he should bring something, and she said sure, to give him the sense of belonging and contributing. Bless his heart, he brought corn, baked beans, slaw, mac & cheese, and mashed potatoes and gravy!! Hey, Caroline, I have left over mashed potatoes and gravy from KFC in my fridge!! Linda made a coconut pie for dessert, and it was yummy!

We had such a good time. We invited some new folks, and they added to our enjoyment. The evening was pleasantly cool, so we spent most of our time on the deck. As the sun was setting, the clouds in the East were absolutely gorgeous, and everyone hung out at the railing just enjoying the sight. The clouds were various shades of pink and just breathtaking. No, I didn't take a picture. I was absorbed in the sight as was everyone else.

I'm SO proud of my pups! They barked as each person or group arrived, but then they all calmed down and enjoyed being spoiled! Sam was the most reluctant, but even he allowed himself to be petted. Jazi charmed everyone, and Lola flirted her little heart out and made everyone laugh. This is the first time they've been around so many people, and they behaved far better than I expected, and it was a pleasure for me to see. Most of these folks had seen them at other times, and they were impressed with the progress, too.

I'm very tired. I didn't have a lot of work to do today, but having a dozen or so guests in tends to wear me out. I think I'm going to bed. Mañana!!

Another Doggy Thought

2009-06-29T10:38:00.001-06:00

Last night I realized another sign of progress with my canine family.

When Lola came here, she was a friendly little girl. I guessing, however, that her previous family didn't cuddle with her very much. She didn't seem to be scarred, as some of the others did, but it seemed that she didn't know what to do with physical contact from humans. She would let me pet her or scratch her for only a minute or so at a time. She seemed somehow uncomfortable with it past that brief period. Then she would scramble away, sometimes to play (understandable, as she is still very much a puppy), sometimes it seemed she just needed to put space between us. It was peculiar to me because all my others loved to be fussed over, even during their hardest times, and wiggled to get closest to me to the attention.

I didn't push it. I petted her when she let me. When she scrambled away after 10-15 seconds of petting, I let her go. I certainly didn't want to let petting become a punishment. Then, last night it dawned on me that she is now allowing petting, belly rubs, ear scratches go on for as long as I will indulge her. In fact, she comes in now, runs and plants herself next to me, and even nuzzles my hand to get my attention! She is not only accepting loving attention, but she is actually seeking it out!

Lola has been with us for six months now. Her adjustment has been fairly uncomplicated. Rules to learn, expectations established, and now I'm thinking, a trust established for accepting physical contact. It is very nice to know she has reached a new level of "owning" her home and her place in the family. :)

I Can Hardly Wait To See What's Next

2009-06-29T08:26:00.003-06:00

Obama has made a choice. Do you wanna bet that there will be fall-out?

It's "non-denominational." Is this a way around declaring his path of faith? Why doesn't he want to be Baptist or Methodist or [fill in the blank]?
Did he choose non-denominational because he really is Muslim?
I'll bet he chose that so he can leave DC every week.
Etc., etc., etc.

Poor guy. Walking his path must be like trying to cross a cesspool without stepping in sh*t.

I can hardly wait to see what develops out of this. Yeah, right.

One Year Later

2009-06-28T08:56:00.004-06:00

Recently I've noticed some changes in my house. I has occurred to me that my adoptees are settling into some different patterns. It is subtle, but it is real. When I thought about it some more, I knew it is mostly the three boys in whom I see change.

After realizing that, I remembered they have been with me for a year. The boys came home to me in June last year. So it makes sense. A few of you might remember that I've "talked" with you about how changes in our lives take a year to gel. Well, guess what? That theory applies to me and my household, too!

In a nutshell, for those of you who haven't heard my "theory," it goes like this: When there is a major change in your life (new job, new family member [marriage, birth, etc.], a move to a new home/area, retirement, loss of a family member, etc.), it shakes our lives, changes them, and it takes about a year to "own" the situation once again. During the first three months, we are learning the mechanics, the rules, the way it is done. You begin to feel as if you can handle it with what you know know. Once that is accomplished, the following three months is often difficult because we know what is supposed to happen; but knowing it and being able to make it work that way aren't always the same. The mind knows, but the hands have trouble doing as told, so to speak, and it drives us nuts as we try to fit everything together and make sense of it. Sometimes the frustration is that the others around us aren't doing what we know or think they should do. We often don't feel respected or worse yet, we doubt our own competence. The burden of doing it right or making it right weighs heavily. Eventually, you begin to relax a little, learning to be flexible, to roll with the punches. Finally, the second half of the year is when things begin to fall into place, to make sense, to be more or less as we expect they should be. We often don't notice this time; it just "happens." However, many people I've talked to say that around a year into whatever it is, they realize they actually know what they are doing, it is finally "right," it is working. This is what I call "owning" the job, the way of life, and feeling like a reasonably competent parent, knowing how to live with (or without) another person doesn't seem like such a struggle any more.

And there it is. I spent the first three months doing major adjustments in their lives .... and mine. I was house training them, teaching them the rules of the house, adjusting them to new food, new routine, lavishing love on their empty little selves. I thought I would go crazy. I've trained lots of dogs before, but all but a couple (who were already trained) from puppyhood, where I was training them, not re-training and breaking old, bad habits. They didn't retrain quite like I expected. Every time I got the handle on something in the routine, another "something" would pop up. And above all was the work of getting Sammy over his terror of everything in the world. That was a full time job in itself, but it gradually came.

As we eased into the second period, I felt as if things were smoothing out. But I was often faced with three boys that were basically in line, but the weren't responding like I expected. Or two were compliant, but one had a major set back, and I wasn't always sure which was which. By three months new little puppies have usually figured out the rules of when and where to go potty, understand what is generally expected of them. The "can't teach new tricks to old dogs" thing comes into play, and it is so frustrating that I know they (should) know, but they take "shortcuts," probably influenced by their previous lives and habits. This time frame led to quite a few tears on my part and sad, sad looks from little guys who, I realize, just didn't quite get it yet.

These last six months have been the settling in of things finally working, making sense for all of us. We still have some work to do; it isn't all resolved, but we are finally finding a balance most of the time. Here's an example: For months, all three of them followed me everywhere. E.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e. If I went to the deck, they followed me. If I went to the back yard, that's where they went. If I was in the kitchen, they would have to check out what I was doing there. If I took five or six steps, the got up to follow, even if I was coming back. If I went to the bathroom, all three of them followed me, if not into the bathroom, then at least to the door where they sat and stared for the full 60 seconds it takes to pee. Now I realize in the last few weeks that the boys are not following me all over the place. Well, not quite! Yes, they still follow me, but it isn't obsessive like it used to be. I can actually go to the bathroom without six eyes staring at me! Sometimes.

As I said, we are still working on some things. These boys were pretty damaged. I figure we still have a couple years of adjustments, but wow, is it ever better now! Almost daily I find an encouraging sign that the worst is over, that we are a family.

The girls .... Jazi is actually a pretty well adjusted little girl. She came with a pretty good aura, was housetrained already, and her adjustment has been less traumatic. She and I aren't quite to the year, but it seems that we have accelorated our adjustment. And Lola, who has just turned one year old, is in her own cycle of adjustment, too. She came housetrained, too, and this first six months with her in the house has been more like a normal adjustment and training of a puppy such as I've had in the past. She, too, while she is still learning, seems to be finding her way to a fit in the family.

I wonder how it will all look a year from now?

Sunday Funnies

2009-06-28T07:42:00.002-06:00

Today .... Kids. Need I say more? I thought not.

Happy Sunday, everyone!!

Raining!! Really, really Raining!

2009-06-27T15:15:00.004-06:00

This is unbelievable! The weather forecast was for "scattered thunderstorms" all day long, something like 20% chance. Well, three hours ago, it began raining, and I'm guessing that the 20% is parked right over my house! It has let up a few times to a drizzle, but it hasn't quit. Thankfully, most of it is a good soaking rain, so it is very beneficial. I haven't seen any runoff. whew. The rain gauge has about .3 inch. 3/10 of an inch rain ÷ 3 hours = soaking all my plants. Yesssssssssssssss.

The best things is that it isn't thundering any more. When it first began, jazi, who is afraid of thunder was a quivering mess. Now that it is merely raining, she is fine. Poor girl.

Now the weather report says we are going to be at 40% to 65% chance of rain and storms from now, all through the night. I hope I don't float away!

New Steps!

2009-06-26T15:18:00.005-06:00

Whew. I finished the re-do of my steps. The steps were reinforced a few months back when some friends put new stringers under the steps. At the time, the friend who was masterminding the project thought we could flip the steps over, putting the unweathered side up, thus saving me the cost of lumber for new steps. Unfortunately, a couple of the boards split in the process. Since I had no replacements, we secured them with the idea that I could later replace the bad boards.

I decided to replace them all. Having a couple new, white boards would have looked odd. The steps were previously painted that odd green, like the rest of the deck. I am working on removing it from all the flat, walked-on surfaces and will finish them natural, then paint all the uprights a rich adobe red. That would have meant that the replaced steps would always look different, thus my decision to simply replace them all.

Then I looked at the steps to be removed, and I noticed that one of the helpers had stripped many of the head of the screws while putting them in. I know who, because he commented several time. I didn't think much about it at the time, and I certainly appreciate his volunteered labor. The problem is that now with me trying to remove those stripped screws, I was going to be frustrated. So I asked my friend if I could simply put the new steps on top of the old or would that make too much weight. He said it would not hurt, and in fact, he liked the idea for sturdiness.

Yesterday I was able to get all but the bottom step done. If you look at the photo, the bottom step where the drill is sitting is the only one not finished yesterday. I was frustrated because my batteries were all exhausted halfway through cutting the final board! But I rested overnight and got after it again today.

Also, I had to fix the concrete step. I have no idea why someone did it this way, but that step is just eight inches deep (front to back). Now measure your foot .... it doesn't, or just barely fits, right? And trust me, in the winter with snow and ice, it is risky. I've wanted to make it deeper to match the others at eleven inches.

This angle shows the odd size of the step.

I charged the batteries overnight and got with it early this morning.

So I wanted to extend that bad step, but I couldn't figure out how to attach an extension to the concrete. I finally figured out how to do it. A combination of screws and Liquid Nails. Good stuff! I love the new step! It will be so much safer, and boy, does it look better, too.

This is the "new view" from the top.

And the "new view" from the bottom!

I feel pretty much like a genius at this moment!

Epiphany

2009-06-25T11:02:00.005-06:00

I wrote this last night, but I was having trouble uploading pictures. I have no idea what was wrong, but this morning was no better. I finally reduced the photos to the smallest possible setting and they loaded. I have no idea what the deal is. I've been uploading full size, full quality pictures for 3 years now. grrr.

Anyway .....

OMG. I just realized .... wait, let me fill in some blanks.

For about 18 years I worked with emotionally and behaviorally disturbed children and their families. Often those kids were "lookin' for a fight." We used to have to keep the kids directed closely to avoid clashes. The ones who had learned to follow directions on the big things, the obvious hitting or name calling, now were more subtle .... whispering insults or, the most refined of the obnoxious skills, looking at another kid, usually one who wasn't as good at covering, until that kid loses his cool and lashes out. You know what happens in those situations, don't you? If you have kids or spend much time around them, you do. The less sophisticated kid does something that gets himself in trouble because what he does is observed and gets caught, even though the other kid "egged" him into it.

In my house, Max is the one I have to watch. Don't get me wrong .... he is sweet, lovable, loves to cuddle with me. He also loves to play with his siblings, especially Lola and Sammy. But he is SOOOOO jealous of the others. If one gets too close to me, especially Sam, Max will growl. Then Sam will growl back. Then Max will growl and posture. Then Sam circles. And, as Yul Brenner, as the king of Siam, said in "The King & I," "etCETera, etCETera, etCETera!" If I'm not paying attention, this is when the trouble starts. However, Max is the kid that hasn't learned to be subtle; I almost always hear him and I call him on it. Sam, on the other hand, has learned to (1) growl very softly so I don't hear him and (2) to posture and circle around Max, something that pulls Max right into the behaviors that get him into trouble. Soooooo. I have to watch carefully to be sure who is the instigator.

Just a few minutes ago Max was beside me on the couch, snoozing, minding his own business. Sam came in and took a complicated path .... jumped onto one arm of the couch, walked across the back of the couch till he was at my shoulder, slid down my shoulder and arm .... into my lap. He was facing Max, and Max raises his head to look at Sam. I was about to say something to Max because I could see him tensing up, when I realized that Sammy was staring him down! I could almost hear a teeny voice saying, "Nahner, nahner, nahner!" OMG! Sam is the silent instigator!! He has perfected the taunting stare-down!!!

Little behavior disordered dog! Cute, sweet, smart, devious little dog!!

Yeah, like looking this coy and cute is gonna help!

I Can't Believe I Missed this!

2009-06-23T18:12:00.000-06:00

Wow. This video completely blows my mind. This occurred in 1980; I was an adult, mid 30s, working in the public, watching news on TV, reading the newspaper, and I remember n.o.t.h.i.n.g of this! Perhaps because there were no human fatalities, the news just didn't make it two states away to Missouri where I lived at the time.

In 1991 or 92 I was on a fabulous tour of Louisana which took us to Avery Island (where Tabasco Sauce is made) and New Iberia, both in the area, as well as Jefferson Island. I don't remember anyone saying word one about this! Holy cow! Watch this video and then tell me .... wouldn't you think I should have heard about this?

Where was I?????? Did anyone else hear about this?