Wednesday, April 30, 2008

happy, happy, joy, joy

I'm trying to get all the dust out of my eyes this morning, still, even after a nice long shower last night and going to sleep with wet hair. My shoes feel like they have a sand dune in them, every now and then I get a taste of grit-where in the heck is it all coming from? Trying to put on my best smile but man, nothing worse then gunky eyes and sandy shoes to make you miserable for the day. As the title reads, I'm chanting happy, happy, joy, joy. Isn't it true the longer you say something, the more likely it is that you will believe it? So I am attempting to be happy this morning, but give me a moment-gotta empty my shoe again.................


Okay, back at ya. Now you must be asking, what the heck am I doing with all this dirt. Needless to say it's not helping the breathing issues-I know that the Dr is going to chew me out when I go in. We had finally gotten on a road to recovery with this battle. Flat tire, time to pause. But anyway, I digress here. It's the annual spring ritual-4-H obedience has started, once again!! I actually look forward to it. One thing Mom taught me was the value of volunteering. I've been volunteering for about 20 years in the 4-H program in various ways. Horse project, helping at county fair but for the last 9 years, it's been the dog program. Alec and Ellie got involved in 4-H and took our first two dogs-Hope and Addie to the fun match and well, cleaned up. Since they didn't take classes offered but trained at home as well as took classes with an other instructor, the program leader asked if I would help out. Of course I would and look where it's taken me.

I love working with kids. They are the foundation of our society and if we don't take the time to work with them and build them up, scares me to think of where we might be in 20 years-eek. So last night was the first full fledged night for dogs and kids. I have great friend in Tim Miller who is working the agility end of things. So I teach obedience while he works agility, then we flip kids and do it all over again. 4 levels of obedience, then showmanship, rally obedience, agility and who knows what else. Minimum of 3 hours each Tuesday-by the time I get all done it's around 4 hours. This winter , we also started a pet therapy program modeled after the Ohio Pet Pals program and hoping to have a group of kids and dogs pass their TDI's and start doing hospice visits later this fall.

Back to last night. We have our own building up at the fairgrounds now. It's great. We can set up and run a full agility course and still have room for an obedience class in the same building. Unfortunately, and this relates to the whole dust issue this morning, it was very dry in there. Every time a dog moved, it created a cloud of dust. I felt like Pig Pen when I got home last night. I think every person and every dog was coated in a fine layer of it. So the goal is to get a hold of Leonard and have him water it down this week. That in turn could be interesting as we might be working in mud ;0) Considering the lower infield and track at the fair grounds was under several feet of flood water last night, asking to water something might raise an eye brow or two.

There are at least 25 kids in prenovice obedience this year! WOW--many are brand new to the program, which is great. Unfortunately we also lost many kids to graduation last year and the novice class consists of 4. Poor Meredith has a dog in each class except Rally. She's always running here and there. Jasper in novice and agility. Click in prenovice and agility. Eddie in showmanship. Clairee in open. All in all, she's doing good with her dogs. Of course Clairee has been shown by every member of the family so she's got the hang of it, now just trying to get her new handler to figure out her buttons. Jasper is going to do double duty and work in 4-H on Tuesdays, then take a competition class on Thursdays-that one's a tough boy to crack. Still working on some issues with him and his dislike of big blue dogs. Click-now that's one who never stops amazing me. Regardless of the situation, she's ready to work, ready to go and I haven't touched that one at all-all Meredith and really tells me that kid's got a nack for training. Last but not least, Eddie. He gets the easy job of the night-stand and look pretty. Showmanship is going to be a tough class to judge this year. Don't envy that person's job. Some really good kids out there.

Moose got to come along. Is there ever any doubt that the boy would have to stay home while Mom goes out and has fun? One gal had to leave her dog at home so Moose played substitue last night and worked with a stranger. Makes one feel good that you can hand off one of your own dogs and they will help teach someone else the ropes. Granted I did get a few looks from across the ring of -hey Mom, what's happen'? But the other end of the leash person produces hot dogs and I'm just a memory. Loyalty, eh?

So happy, happy, joy, joy, if I can get past the dust, eye goobers, asmtha attacks and sand in my shoes, then it really will be a joy to go each Tuesday and teach. Or should I say learn-all of the kids are wonderful and I in turn learn from them each time we work together. Now that really does say something for the next generation!

Later gators....
C

Monday, April 28, 2008

passwords

This world is hopeless. I need a password to do everything and anything these days. Heck even logging on to post this blog, since I didn't take my cap lock off, I had to retype my password, again.

I have a password to login on my aol account, one to do the website, one for the student loan website, yahoo email, 4-H website and email, proplan club, lunch account for Meredith at school. I can name dozens more too. The ones I have for work change every 30 days so I have to come up with something easy for me to remember but not something someone else will figure out. What is this world coming too that we are so concerned about our privacy that we forget about honesty and trustworthiness?

I admitt, the other day I even managed to remember part of my locker combination....from high school gym, my freshman year. That was, never mind, just a long damn time ago. All those useless facts stored back in our brains or should I say, taking up space that could be put to better use such as solving world hunger or figuring out if a tree falls in the woods, no one is there to hear, does it still make a sound? Okay, not that much free brain space for me, but I might be able to remember where I put that missing health form for school next year. I mean I know I set it down here but it's now gone??

Is a password worth all the trouble of unlocking all our dirty little secrets? I have nothing to hide but in this day and age of people scheming to get the better of you for no reason other than nothing better to do with their lives, I guess I feel the need to password protect my life. Sad state of affairs, really. Wish people could find meaning in their lives that revolved around good and honest intentions, rather then trying to make their way in the world by scheming and plotting against others.

I have a list of my accounts and passwords. One here at work, one at home. And I know I have some wrong as I had to change them "for security reasons". Ugh, best get back to work. Cap Locks on so I can logon to yet another site and place an order. Now what did I use this week for the password....

Later gators.....
C

Where did spring go?

Okay, I'm all for this whole global warming thing going around, but honestly, we had almost 60 inches of snow this winter-2nd highest on record, now it's April 28th and it's supposed to be a low of 28 tonight? Get real. So I dug out an extra blanket, found my wool socks and snuggled down for a good "winter's" nap last night. This morning, even Moose had burrowed under the blanket and after his trip outside, right back under he went.

Spent the weekend running everywhere. First up at God only knows what time to go to Marshalltown. No points available for Edweirdo, but we went to hold breed points for Boo. Now this show site is one of those fickle ones. It's either warm and breezy, wet and breezy or just cold and breezy. Get the trend there? It was 35 degrees in the main building, for most of the day-brrrrrrrrr is in understatement. Thank goodness I didn't have to dress up, poor Meredith was cold all day long, that means it's really cold as she's always running a few degrees warmer then everyone else. I think the dog was even cold. So on we troup-of course Eddie was WD and BOW-no points. Meredith and the blue bear then went to Juniors and wow-a nice 2nd place behind a young man with his near perfect sheltie. Good show. Oh and forgot the Moose went in for obedience-prenovice really. Just to see where we are at and what we need to work on. 191, can't complain though the judge really wanted to give him the cute points for his long down. In typical Moose style, he spent 3 mins laying on his back with his feet in the air. So we are back to working on straight sits and some more focused heeling.

Next stop-airport to pick up David. Wouldn't you know it, not enough pilots in Dallas, so he's late. We decided to spend out time out at the Pet Expo and work the CRKA booth. Moose loves these types of events. Suck up time. Eddie got lots of ohh and ahhhs, he's a magnet with his cuteness. So a couple hours mingling with the crowds and off to get the hubby. Nice to have him home again, at least for a little while. Home ward bound to check on dogs, ducks and ducklings. After the lamp incident on Friday, I am a little worried that I will come home to a burnt out lamp and duck popsicles.

Sunday-for the first time in about 3 weeks-sleep in! Nope, dogs know as soon as David rolls over in the morning, they can work their magic to get a romp outside. Man was it cold, I rolled up in the covers, pulled them over my head and went back to sleep. Sleeping in turned out to be 7:30 and that's all I could get. Into the shower, Moose, Eddie and Turner spent a couple hours romping in the yard and my first look out the front window was horror. Supposed to go to the Pet Expo again Sunday to help out with the K9 Ambassador's program and work the CRKA booth. Eddie and Moose thought they had a day off so went and made mud pies. Then rolled in them. Granted I told Eddie the day before he could get dirty as his next show wasn't for two more weeks, but I didn't think he would feel the need to get that dirty. Sorry no pictures as I was trying to figure out how to work two bathes in to the already tight morning schedule. Anyone seen the Muddy Eddie shot? This time his face is even caked with mud. So I finally get dressed and hair dried, grab a Moose and wash. Don't know where they got all that damn grit but took two shampoos to get it all out. Eddie was worse. I even had him drying on the grooming table and found more dirt-so back in the tub for more scrubbing.

We made it to the Pet Expo, few errands on the way, cleaner dogs - still got a few spots that aren't spotless. Had Clairee along, as well as the two griffs. Moose and Eddie spent the day lounging in front of the table getting lots and lots of pets. Jasper hung out with Meredith and did agility and Ace, well the UBD-aka Ugly Black Dog, got lots of comments and made his little sissy noises, though stayed on his crate perch for the day-very well behaved, still ugly though. It's always fun to meet the crowds, talk dogs and just enjoy the company of other dog lovers. I lost Meredith to the petting zoo, again. She is begging for goats-not going to happen, but we did run into our herding instructor and have Moose signed up for classes in about 3 weeks as well as working on buying a few haired sheep for our place so we can work the dogs at home.

Back home, it just kept getting cooler. Ducklings are all huddled in piles under the lamp. There's another post-I think my ducklings are racist. Run around trying to get things done-dishes in the dishwasher, dinner made, dogs out and about, horses, ducks, oh my, it's Sunday night and I have to go back to work tomorrow. Another weekend shot. And thankfully I resisted the urge to by plants this weekend. They would have froze their little flower heads off tonight! I did check on a few things and my fern leaf peonies are up, so are the regular ones in the hedge area. Cup plant is really growing, and my lily of the valley are popping up - places I didn't think I planted them either? Ah spring has sort of sprung, mud is in the air, on the dogs, in my shoes......will the real spring come foreward----I could use some sun and warm breezes, any time now.

Later gators.....
C

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Mooman

Yes I spoil my animals, to the point where you can smell them miles away. Always making new fluffier dog beds, trying a new dog food, new recipe for dog treats and then there's the horses. We have just a small group. Small in numbers, 6 to be exact, but size, ain't small at all. David lays claim to the elephants, ie, the clydesdales. 2 of them, mother and daughter. Fun animals and very unique personalities. Then there's the joint custody on the buckskin girls-again, a mother/daughter duo of buckskin paints. Mooch is what Dad nicknamed them, Witch is one of the words I use for the mother-she has a mind of her own. The daughter is a sweetie. Last but no least are the boys-Torey and Moo.

Torey is a 1000 lb golden retriever. I didn't believe in reincarnation until I met this horse. Constantly happy, always carrying around something in his mouth and into everything. Nice horse to ride but he druels on me one more time after getting a drink from the tank and he may have to go.

Last but not least at all is Mooman. He's my baby. Raised him from birth. Turned from a wild man with no manners to the perfect babysitter. Last year for instance, I watched Meredith attempt to get on him. What a production. He was wearing just his halter and lead rope. Eating grass and minding his own business. So she ties the end of the lead rope to his halter to make reins. Then brings over the plastic lawn chair and wedges it under his belly(he's not small at all, 16 hands of quarter horse racing lines). Climbs on the chair and still can't jump on him. Horse totally ignores what's going on under him. She steps back, hands on hips and surveys the surroundings for a better "ladder". Already tried pulling him over to the hayrack to get on and he wouldn't have any of it. Meredith spies the bucket. You guessed it. Stacks the bucket on top of the chair, then moves it back, wedging under Moo's belly. A balancing act of circus quality, she climbs on the chair, on to the arms of the chair, finally on top of the bucket. Perfect height and up she goes. Of course, his head is down, rope is almost at his ears and in the attempt to get the rope, she about falls over his head. But got it and a swift kick in the ribs, off they go to graze in the hay field.

Poor ol'Mooman. He's almost 30, had a few injuries that prevent him from being any more then a lawn ornament now. He gets the free run of the front yard at night, dogs for the most part ignore him. Alec hates me leaving him loose-those two butt heads about going back in the pasture. Something about having to push a 1000 lb horse through a gate just doesn't sit with Alec well. But Moo's always waiting at the gate, ready to come out. No halter, no lead, he's free to go where ever on the property but chooses to stay close to home. Ah to have another one like him.

Later gators.....
C

In a rut

Woke up this morning in a rut, literally. Dog on either side, kid in the bed and I stuck in the damn dip in the bed. I like the current bed, not love it, but like it. Unfortunately there is a small canyon between the two portions-ie, David's side and my side. Every now and then as I flip and flop at night, I work my way to the center. It's usually because Hope has decided she likes my spot(which means her human isn't home so I am the surrogate). Damn black dog, likes to spread out and the king sized bed can only hold so many dogs and people.

Ever feel like your stuck in a rut in life? Job, recreation, nothing ever seems to get finished or last for long before you are right at it again? I've had that feeling for months. Not the job, love it and it's always a challenge. I more thinking about the daily grind, part of it is when you're doing it alone-up early, get ready for work, out to do chores, yell at ShuBug to leave the damn ducks alone, do more chores, now yell at Fred to get out of the damn water puddle, off to work. Come home, run run run run and more running to get kids fed, more chores, more dog issues, throw in classes or meetings for good measure and then the head hits the pillow late that night. Still haven't touched the house-floors are in need of mopping, vacuum the front room, clean the bathroom. See the rut? Maybe spring will help?

David's still in CA so the rut continues. Last week he was home but I wasn't. I think he got stuck in my rut, er, ah, routine maybe. Humm, maybe part of getting out of the rut is changing my thinking of it. Routine? Nah, like the rut theory ;0)

Going to work on getting out of it this weekend. Try a new dog in a new venue, see what kind of clown he makes me look like. Then outside to work on the yard. Mulch to spread, massive search and destroy mission to clean up the remaining winter leftovers and then I am seriously thinking it's time to plant more pansies! On of these days I will get out of the rut, till then, I might need a little push or a shove to roll out of it each morning.

Later gators.....
C

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Going Green

Today is Earth Day. Read an article a day or two ago that many of us are celerating Earth Day each day--I think that's very important and a wonderful idea. Around our house we reuse and recycle, alot. We don't have garbage pick up in our rural area, so we have to make runs to the dump at least once a month. David remarked that we have 3 times as much recycling as regular trash each trip. I think that's grand!

I try to composte as much as possible. Poultry is great as a lot of the veggie and fruit waste heads out to their bowls. Have to watch anything meat or eggs in the pile as that attracks some unwanted visitors, specifically coons and skunks. So that goes in a secure pile or unfortunately in the trash.

So here I sit wondering what steps I can take next to help out ol'Mother Earth. Other then offering up lots and lots of horse manure to local gardners, I don't have much to offer, so it's what in my life is waste, what can I improve on and what can I do to help my community?

This summer we are adding some solar panels to the house, installing a couple of solar fans in the attic, rain barrels by the house to use for the garden, and yes I am recyling at work! Heehee, they are replacing two liners in our pool park above ground pools. Heavy vinyl liners and just going in the trash. I caught the guys and said, wait, I can use those. I have a duck pond to line, I can cut it up and line the new whelping boxes with it or on the floor under puppy pens. Amazing what you can reuse instead of throw out.

Planting trees and creating a wind break is another summer project. Adding to the prairie area in the pasture and planting wildlife friendly plants. Using wood mulch from the local arborist, mowing less and at a higher level, using plants that don't require as much water, I could go on and on.

It's not just about thinking green today, but everyday.

Now I have to go off to the first night of 4-H dog obedience classes. Should be fun to see old friends, new faces and the chaos of getting everyone in the right place at the right time. Poor Meredith has a herd of dogs for this year, but again, it should be fun. Let's see if Click can keep all four feet on the ground for a change.

Later gators....
C

Monday, April 21, 2008

don't wanna come home

I seriously thought about calling my friend's the Loyla's in West Virgina and asking if I could come live with them. Last week I was down in KY for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi National Specialty. The host city was Fort Mitchell, KY and let me tell you, the weather was so perfect, the people were so nice and I was so sick of winter in Iowa. The drive down was kind of like magic. The further we went, the greener and longer the grass was. At one point both Garrett and I took a big deep breath, after passing a guy mowing his lawn. The smell of fresh cut grass was intoxicating to say the least. Forsythia blooming, redbuds ready to pop, yellow daffodils dotting the fields. Heaven, simply heaven.

Now I hear the week didn't start off very well. It was cold and wet at the herding trial, even ending up with hail. Moose and Eddie both tested for their herding instinct certificates. As expected, the blue bear did a "huh" at the sheep-needless to say that didn't qualify for passing. On the other hand, my Moose was the star. Judge's comments were-"finally, a dog that can think" and "wow". He was so into the business at hand that even with hail bouncing off his big head he keep working. Yeah Moose!!!!

Next was rally. Moose and Eddie had road tripped it down to KY a few days before me with the Mumme's. Moose was shown by my dear friend Kerri and did very respectable, considering neither dog nor human had worked together before and were still trying to figure each other out. Hey, he got his RN! Now Eddie, totally different story. He was in love, in love with Sherilyn that is. My understanding of the story was that he wouldn't sit, had a hard time downing, grab a pant leg or two, then batted those baby blues at her and it was all over. She was going to kill him. Photos to follow later on that one. Once again, the cute didn't work and no leg on his rally title.

Megan-a members only fun match for champions. Moose was entered and look marvelous, simply marvelous. Didn't do anything but smile and roll on the floor. Silly boy. Two legged Rus showed him for me and had a blast. I think I lost my dog!

Sweepstakes-again the blue bear looked cute. That's about all he can do it seems. Ferris, his co-owner showed him for us and her comment when she was handed the lead so that she could groom him was-what do I do with it? HA HA-that's an understatement. Connie showed Russ for Kim and I. He got 3rd in his class and made enough money to pay for a good Chinese dinner afterwards. Meredith helped out our good friend Barb and showed one of her girls.

Let's see, in the between times we shared some really good laughs with our good friends from the Midwest. We all chipped together for food, held dogs, commented on clothing, hair styles and someone's handling skills. Oh the jabs were flying on that day. Kim was exhausted, something about can't party with the kids like she used to. The hospitality gals kept the food flowing in the suite. Above all the group we show with is one of the best around. It's more enjoyable when we all have fun and don't worry about winning. Granted that's a bonus, but friendship is even more worthwhile.

So let's see where was I, oh, regular classes. Lyla-Russ' little sister made the cut in her class-Yeah for the little red girl. Eddie and Meredith took 4th in his class-YEAH for the blue bear and cute kid. Then Russ, oh that lovely little puppy with buckets of attitude. He won his class!! Oh was there a ripple of excitement when she pointed at us. I want to thank the judge - Leah James-for giving him the nod. I got so many good comments about him after wards. His mom Kim is the best and has done wonders with our statue puppy. He strutted and puffed his chest. No barking but he did try to grab my skirt once. Now we didn't do anything in Winner's Dog but I can't be happier to have a class win. Pictures coming soon.

Meredith then won her junior's class. Boy I am glad I wasn't in Leah's shoes that day-well not only did she trip a couple of times, but that was by far the hardest class to place.

Oh and Meredith has a new nickname-Lucky Rabbit's Foot. The raffles she won, the gifts she got. Goodness you would think that the kid is spoiled or something-nah not her ;0)

We enjoyed the trip down and back with Garrett. We were able to fill most of 7 1/2 hours down and the same back. Amazing! He even gifted me with a new duck!

Almost forgot-Eddie and Moose got their TDI tests-passed with flying colors. Then Russ did his momma proud and easily passed his CGC test-now he's got titles at both ends.

Whirl wind week, tons of work on my desk to catch up on but I can't wait to go down next year. Watch out Topeka, the Midwest Gang is ready to invade!

Later gators....
C

Friday, April 11, 2008

Grandpa Fred


Posting this for his grandson Russ to look at. Seems the two really like to sleep in this position-scary isn't it? Add in a love of smelly stuff to roll in and thinking they are really water dogs, cut out of the same mold-even the whine is the same.


Fred loves his chairs. Prefers Alec's lazy boy downstairs but in a pinch the chair in the living room works. This truely is his typical sleeping position. The boy just is weird. Alec took several pictures, tickled his toes, rubbed his tummy but nothing roused him, until someone said "I'm going to the barn." Fast as lightening, he was at the door, ready with his Farmer Fred cap on.


Later gators.....

C

warm fuzzies


Here's a pic of the newest residents. Aren't they just about the cutest little things?


Later gators......

C

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

drizzle with a chance of yuck

It's gotta be the whole being sick thing that's got me going blah. Talking to my friend John today, he said man, when are you ever going to get better? It's been one thing after another for about the last month. Finally figured out what triggered 2 weeks of asthma attacks, but now I have a hacky, drippy nose, achy cold. Must have gotten it at the dentist office last week-that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

So here I sit, eating lunch and the umbrella is not up todayi n the pool park, it's drizzling out and I just want to take some good cold drugs and go to bed. Not going to happen with this pile of papers on the desk nor the list of things to get done at work this week. I guess that's life when you are in management. Decided a little bit ago to think spring. Got the ducklings coming, so how about the garden?

David and I decided a long time ago to try to do things in our lives to keep history alive and well. We are regular visitors to the History Center, even offered up some items from our families for them to display. Worked wtih CSPS on a project a few years ago. David is currently writing a group of short stories to be published at a later date. In the here and now, we have clydesdales which are listed as an endangered breed with the Livestock Breed Conservacy-working on breeding to preserve the old lines that came from overseas. The ducks we chose to keep not only are they good for herding with the dogs, but three of the breeds are also considered endangered. But on to the garden.

www.seedsavers.com

We love road trips. Dubuque is a favorite, so is Balltown. But David went to school at Luther College in Decorah and we like to go camping or just go visit places up that direction on occasion. At one time a small farm across from the college was being maintained by the fledgling company called Seed Savers. The historical farm also boasted rare breeds of cattle, horses and swine. It was magical. But as things do happen, they out grew their old location and are now just up the road a ways-you can get lost finding them but that's part of the fun. I can't wait for a couple of weeks to go up and roam around. Their goal is to create a park like atmosphere where they keep all of their rare plants, heirloom seed growing operations and a lovely herd of white park cattle.


So this year I dream of a garden full of fun, unusual but better tasting veggies. I have seeds from West Virginia that have been passed on to me to grow in Iowa. The Bread Squash was huge as well as very tasty, and I am a little nervous knowing that the seeds had been passed from generation to generation for decades. Hope I can live up to it's history. From Seed Savers, comes lovely golden and pink beets-yes I am a huge beet lover. Then orka, lettuces, onions, peas and beans. Though I must say the best thing is the tomatos. Big Hungarian Hearts, Brandywines, Amish Paste and The Wapsie Peach tomato. The taste is unlike anything you buy in the stores. Can't forget Meredith's watermelons, Alec's cantalope and David's hot and sweet peppers. My order is a mile long already.

Again, glancing out the window, no more snow left on the garden, but it's too muddy to till. Gotta think up new way to keep the dogs out of the garden this year-I have tomato & bean robbers-namely a Hope dog, a Moose, a Phoebe and a Click. Oh well, it's as good for them as it is for me. I always have help when working in the garden. Someone chasing a toad-usually that's Click. Or laying where I just weeded-that's Moose. Phoebe choses to lay on the lettuce, must be a cool spot. And Hope, well she just sneaks in and eats the tomatos on the vine.

Has it stopped raining yet?

later gators......
C

quack-addendum

Yeah-new ducklings are here! Sort of, gotta go pick them up on the way home tonight. I can't wait! They will get to live in the study for a few days until David is back and we can get the pen in the barn set up with a heat lamp and all. Hoping that this entertains Eddie some as his whine is about to kill me-three girls in season in the house and none of them are for him. Poor boy. I also got the confirmation that the show ducklings will be in the week of the 21st. I'm really excited about those as there are a few very rare varities that I ordered.

I know that the last ones we got, Fred and Moose camped out pen side as much as possible-guarding "their" ducks. Yes that's why I get them-just for the boys.

Will add photo tonight of the newest residents at Foggy Bottom!

Later gators....
C

Monday, April 7, 2008

quack

I promise to add pictures later but the girls decided to be camera shy yesterday.

David was home for the weekend so it was run here and there trying to get things done before he had to leave. Taxes are done-YEAH! But prior to that, he spent the better part of the afternoon tending a fire. It wasn't supposed to be a fire, okay, it was but the large round hay bale was not supposed to catch on fire. Small burst of wind sent a cinder to a very old bale and well, poof. Actually kind of funny, in a smart ass sort of way-at least we don't have to look at it anymore. My house smells like a smoke, which brings back memories of my parent's house fire.

So on Sunday it was clean out the stalls and pens day. I spent the day sewing some stuff for friends, coughing up a lung and dealing with a severe pinched nerve in my back. I opened up the ironing board by the slider window to the back yard and I got to watch the girls-ducks that is-Pip, Peep and Sarah, play in the water, while pressing seams. Still snow in their pen so they get the back dog yard to wander in while their inside pen is cleaned. Never seen ducks so happy to see a trough of water. Sarah kept trying to dive in, but hit her head each time. It's not that deep. Layed a couple of eggs in their wanderings and left lots of poo for the dogs to roll in today.

The topic of discussion at the dinner table was how best to make their regular pen easier to keep up on. More so, the water issue. Currently there's a wading pool out there, but it's such a hassle. Our sump pump runs a lot so David is now trying to figure out how to create a pond for them with the sump discharge. Should be very interesting to see what he comes up with. All I know is as of tonight, those girls are headed outside to their big pen for the long term. I need to get the inside one ready for more ducks!

Now I have ducks more for the amusement then for anything else. I love to watch their waddle, their feigned interest in anything on the ground and best of all they are better visitor alarms then the dogs. They quack like they are laughing. Makes you happy just about anytime you hear it. Eggs are a side benefit and make wonderfully rich custards and quiches. I've been bringing in some for my CFO and his kids love them for breakfast. Little did anyone know but at the last dog show the egg salad was a huge hit-it was duck egg salad.

Last but not least, the ducks have a job of teaching the dogs to herd. Fred's getting good at moving them from one pen to another. Max wants to eat them so Sarah pecks him as he runs by their fence. And the puppies, oh what fun it was last fall to let the puppies in and see what they would do. All of them got a chance and all of them knew right away what to do -Albert was by far the best and hoping his skills come in handy with his new family. Next time Russ and his mom are up, we will see what he thinks of them. Though I know when I tell him he can't tackle them I will get one of those famous "I don't get it" looks.

So I sit here waiting for the clouds to part and the phone call that the new ducklings are ready for pick up. I ordered from OR this year. The company specializes in rare, historial breeds and show ducks. Yes that's right, show ducks! I also ordered just a run of Indian Runners to have extras around.

We aren't Ol'McDonald's farm yet, close, but not yet. No goats or sheep, though I am looking at getting a few lambs later on. NO chickens-thems stupid birds. Looking into a Dexters or Scottish Highlands this year or next, but no pigs. I do have to draw the line somewhere-don't I?

later gators.....
C

Sunday, April 6, 2008

ARK

I promised Meredith that this weekend I would rent a few movies. So after getting our taxes done(YEAH!), we took the boys on a walkie to Petsmart then stopped by the video store. She had her mind set on Xmen-the kid is comic book crazy and loves all the Batman, Xmen and Spiderman movies. Yes she is indeed a pretty little girl, but I think her big brother has tainted her a little. So she grabbed the first Xmen movie, I got Martian Child(highly recommend) and Pride and Prejudice(the one with Kiera Knightly). I'm going out and buying P & P this week as I love Jane Austin movies. Meredith also got Evan Almighty. I'd seen bits on TV when they played it, so after my shower, while still dressed as the Towel Lady, I sat down with my toast and tea, continually told Click to move out of the way and watched the movie with her.

Through out our daily lives, we do things we should, or shouldn't or have the "wish I had" moments or even worse, the "wish I hadn't" moments. We either learn from them or get more sullen and resentful about our lives. Then there are those moments within our lives where we do something for nothing. No gain on our part intended. No wishing for things in return. Evan and God talked about it in the movie and called it ARK or Act of Random Kindness. Whoa, hold it there, kind of like a V8 moment-what have I done lately that fits that bill?

In our day to day wanderings, similar to Click and her ever present pacing, we will run into situtations that ask us to step outside of ourselves, out of a comfort zone or heavens, that we grow as a person. What do you do when presented with that? Is the first thought in your mind, what's in it for me? How is this going to affect me? Is this really something that I should do? Do you question yourself over and over. letting precious time slip away? Yes at times I do wonder if this is really something God wants me to be doing. At yes I admit that there are times I wonder the ramifications of the action I take. What I do know though, is that regardless of the act, that God only places before me things that I can handle as long as I trust in him to help me along the way. If I for once, misjudge His intentions by not trusting in him, then that's when I get the pie in the face.

"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. . ." (1 Chronicles 28:20).

That one act of kindness is not to be planned, well thought out and you have your boyscout backpack there to solve all the issues along the way. Random is just that-it happens with out notice. It's up to you to take up that load and go forth with it, with the only knowledge that your one little Act of Random Kindness is one more step in making this world a better place for all of us. It's not about keeping score-God doesn't keep score. He looks for honesty in your actions, He looks for faith in your dependence on him and He looks for truth that you are doing the right thing.

ARK- one small step, one small leap, one giant growth in heart and soul for all of us. So take the challenge this week. Don't plan it just take it as it is presented to you. Let me know how it feels and how your ARK is surviving the flood.

Later gators.....
C

It's all in the name

As I sit here waiting for it to rain-yes we went from snow to rain and snow again, and now rain, I'm also watching the world's ugliest collie wander around the house. She's not the ugliest, maybe the most homely? Or the most ill put together collie around. A constant reminder that every time we breed tha we need to expect the unexpected. We hope for the best and then God says, let's knock you down a rung or two-give you a taste of the honey but instead here's a little vineager.

Meredith's Click is a combination of honey and vineagr, just depends on the day. Talk about using left over parts-this girl should not have made it to 2 yrs old with the start she had. Runt, beyond runt, tiny little puppy, dwarfed by her siblings 3 times over. Yes 3 times over. Not sure if what God was thinking with her color, but it's a conversation piece to be sure of. Little blue merle here, little tri color here. Itty bitty eyes-she's has a few issues in the dark with running into things. Prick ears-way too small for her and never could get them to stay tipped over. Can't walk straight, sidewinds across the yard. But of course I gave in to a little girl's wishes-can I keep one puppy out of this litter? Sure, so what does she do, goes to the runt. It'll haunt me till that dog dies.

Click is a lesson in humility. There is never a day where you don't cock your head in wonder with her antics, her charm and never ever has this dog had a bad day. Even when she's sick, she's one bubbly little girl. Did I mention that she's all of 45 lbs when soaking wet? Never carries an oz of wasted weight. She can jump on the counter(that's been cured for now), annoy the big dogs with a gleeful look in her eye and stand there with a wondering and joyful look on her face, slowly wagging the tip of her tail. All the while, I tense up waiting for the next nose poke or worse, pounce where she tells you she's so happy to be with you today.

Click is short for Summit's Click it or Ticket. The litter theme was things that happen on road trips. Now it's shortened to Click and once again, people just giggle at her when you say her name. It so fits, most of the time. Take this morning for instance. We are watching Evan Almighty(that's another post) and the entire 2 hours of so of the movie, this dog might lie down for 1-2 mins, then it's up again. She is a perpetual motion machine. Collies in general have a pace mode. This one is stuck in 5th gear. We joked about it - we should have called her Timex, takes a lickin' and keeps on ticken'! Or named her after a car-Pacer. What ever her name should have been, Click really fits her.

We do theme litters around here. Many breeders do letters-like A litter or the B litter, and so on. In Europe, many will use a specific letter, determined by the year. I like themes-have a book full of the but occasionally we have to come up with a new one based on just a happening during the breeding, the whelping or that given day. Marg and Roy produced the Alcohol litter. That one was great fun to narrow down the names. Upcoming litter is a beach theme. Then there's those call names - sometimes we get registered names that have a very good call name to go with it. Take little Russ-his registered name has White Russian in it, or his sister is Lila, she's Tequila Sunrise. Then you have Moose-nope, nothing within in his long registered name would indicate that he's Moose. He's Rvenge Is Sweet. But one look at him and well, he's a moose-was a huge puppy. We called him the whale puppy then the ox then settled on him just being one big Moose. And it stuck. Each and every name fits the dog. He wasn't a goliath or a giant or anything else, he is and always will be Moose.

So Click will be Click, not Timex, not Perpetual Motion. And just for today she gets to be called the Birthday Girl--- Happy Birthday Clicker-regardless of all your jumbled parts, we love ya!

Later gators.....
C