Thursday, September 25, 2008

Friday Foto for Sky Watch



Okay, this is a storm photo from last fall. The picture is taken looking west of the house and the clouds are rolling back wards(well for us it's backwards) south to the north. It was about the coolest thing I have seen in ages. It stretched from western horizon to the eastern one and it was rolling very fast.
Normally our storms come in from the west or north. Needless to say that day's storms were all weird.
Later gators....
C

Diary of a foster dog-the vet?

Well things are going well here at Camp Cindy. I've been told by the camp counselors(the hairless collies and Moose) that once I get settled in, things get even more fun around here. Hiking, hunting, barking games and the food is excellent. I can already say that the food is 100 % better then where I was at before. Foster Mom Cindy makes sure that my bowl is filled in the morning and at night. At night I get it "diva'd up" with all kinds of goodies. That's what Moose calls it, something he picked up when he went to the Gibson Ranch this summer for vacation. What ever it is, sure is yummy. FM Cindy is making sure that I gain some weight and have loads of energy to play.

Only issue I have is that on Monday, she said early dinner and not as much as usual. I didn't quite understand what she meant by that until Tuesday morning. After everyone was put in their places for the day, she got my leash on and said lets go for a drive. Now I'm all for a drive but this one ended up at the vet's office! No way, man, that was a trick. Sort of. Actually Doc Ross' place is kind of cool. There are three legged cats and vet techs that spoiled me-another diva moment. But FM Cindy handed over my leash to Tara and left me! How could she?? I got a scratch and a pat and "see you tomorrow". What?? Tomorrow??? I felt like I was abandoned, again. I know FM Cindy was not happy either because she saw me want to go with her, but it was for my own good she said. Doc Ross was going to spay me and remove that ugly little tumor that turned most people off when they met me. Now you can't see my tumor, but you can feel it on my tummy.

Okay, so I get dumped at Doc's! I went back to the kennel area with the girls and pouted. Then Tara came to get me so that I could have my surgery. A couple shots, some blood work and boy did I get tired fast. Nap time went way too quickly and when I woke up, I was shaved-the humility of that, had stitches and staples in my tummy and just wanted to sleep more. I guess while I was napping, they also did my nails-I don't make noise when I walk now. I also got microchip so that if I ever get lost again, then they can find my owners. What else, oh, I got to see the dentist too-well Tara was the dentist of the day and now I have clean teeth. Wow, its almost like I went to a spa instead of the dr's! Unfortunately, I had to spend Tuesday night in the kennel at Doc's and well, that wasn't fun at all. Noisy dogs - don't they get that it's night and you are supposed to sleep.

I managed to suck up to Heather, Tara and Doc some-they let me come up and stay with them in the office on Wednesday morning. I was starting to wonder if FM Cindy had forgot about me, but nope! She came in the afternoon and boy was it a relief to see her again. But man was I tired after all stuff they did to me. FM Cindy took me home, it's nice to say that word. We had a long talk on the way home about things. Doc said she thinks my tumor is a good one if there are good ones. Benign or something like that, just means that she thinks it won't come back. Such a relief, but we have to wait for the official results. That also means that I can start looking for a forever home. I really like Camp Cindy but it's not permanent though I am welcome to stay as long as I need too. I can't wait for a home to call all my own, but maybe sharing it with another dog would be okay too. All I am looking for is a cozy lap to sit on and take long naps.

Upon arrival home, I got to go in the HUGE front yard. Some muttering on FM Cindy's part about me being too tired and too sore(yes I am sore too) to get in too much trouble. Instead, I followed her inside where those darn puppies were barking their fool heads off. So out the door they went to bark at the horses, while I just hung out inside. Out came the food and ummm, a big ol'bone to chew on. I gladly accepted the offer to crash in my crate after eating my dinner.

This morning, do I feel better or what???!!!! Good dinner, nice rest and I'm raring to go again. That is if those damn puppies would put a cork in it. Do they not understand what quiet is? Goodness. FM Cindy said that today is the start of brand new part of my life, where I get to start learning things-like how to sit, down and stay,but she is happy that I like to walk on a lead and don't pull. I also get to go herding when my stitches are out!!! Wee haa, that sounds like fun and I guess Moose gets to come along with me. I kind of have a crush on him ;0) I also am going to get more of the run of the house as long as I ask to go outside and do my business there. Oh and I met the evil twins-Moose was right, they are evil, but FM Cindy told them to back off and leave me alone. Grump old girls, heehee, Moose said he likes to pick on them then act all innocent. Funny guy.

So that's where we are today. Waiting for the test results, learning new things and totally getting into this whole camp thing. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings as things are getting better and brighter!

Corgi Kisses,
Carly

(Editor's note: we are waiting for the results on the small mammary gland tumor that was removed. All indications are that it's not malignant but have to wait till the official biopsy report is in. After the results are in, Carly will be looking for a forever home where she can be spoiled into super diva status-she deserves it as she is really the sweetest dog around.)

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Thoughts for Mid Week

Just something to think on during your mid week ho hums....

Sent to me via email:

There comes a point in your life when you realize

who matters,

who never did,

who won't anymore...

and who always will.

So, don't worry about people from your past,

there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.


and.........


'Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'



Later gators....
C

Monday, September 22, 2008

Creek Adventures

As many of you know, we live on a little acreage out in the middle of the black hole zone between three small towns. In addition to the area by the house and the barns, we have a great creek pasture. So without thinking, we trooped the kids down to creek for their first adventure.


Note-the three adult boys who usually go to the creek all on their own, were more then willing to tag along and show the kids how it's done.



So four puppies, Fred, Ed, and Moose, Meredith, David and myself. In all honesty, we were looking for large rocks for the new fire ring. We found two and had to go back to the barn after a series of events with the kids.

First, Eddie shows them how to walk in and lay flat in the deepest part of the creek crossing. Yeah that went well, and now I have not only wet but muddy dogs.

Next Grandpa Fred jumps the creek, puppies follow and well, didn't make it. Plop into the creek. So now I'm fishing out not one but two and then of course three and four follow suit just as soon as I come up the bank with one and two. Wouldn't have been so bad but they started swimming under the weeds that lay over the creek and it was hunt and peck trying to find them. Had to listen for the sound of the dog paddling.

Then it's the constant yelling at Fred and Moose to hang close as the puppies see them, book it down the trail and are right along for the ride.

I gave up after awhile and planted my butt on the bank. Only problem with that is that all the wet and muddy dogs run past me, only slowing down to shake 1/2 the creek out on me. So now I smell like the creek too.

Overall they totally enjoyed it. But next time, I'm only taking one!

Here's a few more photos-they learned not only about the creek but rolling in the good stuff too.




Later gators....
C

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Diary of a foster dog




Hi, my name is Carly, well it is now. I was called Shortcake or Cupcake at times, but Carly is my new name and well I think I like it. I'm a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and this is the start of my very own diary about a lonely little corgi girl looking for her forever home.


Let's talk about the past and get it out of the way. My foster mom, Cindy, says she really doesn't know about my beginning and would really like to know. She says she's figured out a few things but I'm not really in the mood to tell more, just yet. I came to live here because I was in a place called an animal shelter. My former owners surrendered me there along with my sister. She has already been adopted and found what they call her forever home. Unfortunately when I went to the vet to get spayed, they found a lump on my tummy and my supposed forever home didn't want to deal with what they called a defective dog. Defective my foot-I'm just as good as any other dog-that's what Foster Mom Cindy says and she's right! So a really good lady at the shelter called a rescue coordinator-Carla, called Cindy and told her my story. I put on my cute face, batted my eyes and crossed my corgi paws, hoping things would work out.


Seems the stars are aligning for me, again, that's what Foster Mom Cindy says. Something about knowing people in the right places, another angel(that's what I'm told rescue people are called) called Kim made a few calls, rattled a few cages and on Friday Carla picked me up and we took a car ride to meet my new foster mom. Seems in the meantime she's been making some calls on her own and I've been told that lots of angels are helping me out now. I get to go in for that darn spay operation, have my small tumor removed and they are going to check it all out to see if it's good or bad. FM Cindy told me that I'm supposed to say thank you to CorgiAid for helping out. THANK YOU!!!


So in the mean time, let's talk about foster homes. This one's way cool. All kinds of other dogs besides corgis-but these guys are weird, these corgis have tails and look like tigers with all their strips-what's up with that? There's some big nonhairy collies-they run really fast and I'm learning to play tag. Kind of funny, I'm not really sure about all this stuff they call play-never really done it before, but man is it fun. My first friend is a big guy called Moose. He's fun, he's goofy and he's very nice. He's been introducing me to the rest of the gang. Tango a pomeranian, she's majorly fluffy but don't try to use her as a squeaky toy-she'll take your face off!. Ace and Jazper the brussels griffons-way ugly. Their faces are all pushed in and Ace seriously needs a haircut. They bounce all over the place. Then there's the collies-Lace, Click and Turner. They are a family, it's so much fun to see what a real family is like. They all welcomed me in with open arms and asked me to join their's. Is that cool or what?


FM Cindy lets me out in the BIG back yard right next to a herd of ducks. Something about not quite trusting me in the HUGE yard out front as there are a few places that a naughty little corgi could get out of the fence at. Seems I heard some rucus about that yesterday and something called escaping and damn puppies. Who ever it was, boy were they in trouble! The ducks are kind of interesting. I don't bark at them like the other dogs but there's just something I know I'm supposed to do with them, but can't quite figure that out.


So today was bath day. That's just not my cup of tea. Though I did stay in the bathtub but every chance I got I shook all over FM Cindy. She giggled and I gave her kisses. It wasn't as bad as I thought, but then again, not ever having had a bath before, didn't know what to expect. She towel dried me off and I smelled clean, not oily or greasy from living in that animal shelter. Oh did I mention the food? Ummmmmmmmmm--I wasn't getting very much to eat at that other place but my bowl is always full and I have a huge bone to knaw on at night. I am a good girl though and let Cindy take the bowl and bone away from me-something about a test? But she gives it back so I forgave her.


Back to the bath. We went out to the garage where the big door was way open. The breeze was delightful. I got dried some more, shook some more and then combs, brushes and slickers were run through my coat. All the chunks of hair that were still in my coat were gone. Foster Mom Cindy says I look like a real princess now. Only thing I didn't like-this monster blue thing called a drier. She turned that evil thing on and I tried to book it into Tomorrow. She was nice and shut it off saying another day, so the fan was turned on while we finished the brushing.


I'm pretty good about things around here, but noises really scare me. I can't say why right now, again, FM Cindy says she has a pretty good idea of what my former life was like and says that I wasn't exposed to things like I should have been. But I am getting better, just gotta give me time to figure it out.


After the bath, this cute kid called Meredith, took me for a walk so FM Cindy could take pictures of me. She said she was taking them to show everyone the new and improved Carly and so that I could post them on the blog. I love the kid!! She's very gentle, let's me give her kisses and scratches me in the right places. Hum, hoping that maybe I can find my forever home and that there's a kid there too!


So that's the story, so far. My foster mom says that this her home just a short wayside for me. She's helping me find a forever home where I will have all the food I need, all the hugs(I like those) and won't ever have to worry about leaving it again. Again, something she calls angels and that mine will have to be very special angels as I am a very special dog. Well gotta go---Lace is knocking at the door asking me to come out and play some more.


Corgi kisses.

Carly


(Editor's note: Please check in for regular installments of Carly's diary. If you feel that you can be her special angel, drop us a comment and we'd love to share more about Carly with you and maybe you can help her find her forever home.)



Are you lookin at me???


Tried my best DeNiro impression on this guy and well, didn't work.

Notice he's on the stonecrop? Right next to the corn spider. I actually have my chair sitting out there with a cold drink near by, so that I can see the fight ring side when it happens.



Later gators....

C

Friday, September 19, 2008

Friday Fotos--- Skywatch


On the way into work this morning, just a nice little drive to the highway. And no, they got gravel at the beginning of the summer, buggers.
Later gators...
C

Along came a spider....


I know, it's hard to see, but I forgot to add this photo the other day. Meredith has a rock garden right by the garage and yard gate. She collects rocks, lots of them, so we made this as the spot to deposit them. Otherwise they end up in the washing machine, after she forgets to clean out her jean's pockets.
We have added in a lovely sea green juniper and yes I trim it to keep it with in the boundries. Garrett gave us a few sedum ground cover plants that are in the front. Then we have two types of upright or stonecrop sedum, a lovely pink and a variegated variety. Some nice little cranberry cotoneasters and her very favorite hens and chicks.
This year a rather large gardner snake has taken up residence under the sedum and boy is she big. At times she finds her way into the garage when the door is open. That's okay, as long as she's eating mice, I'm good with that. Add in the bull snake and it's million babies in the mulch pit next to the drive, I am hoping for a mouseless garage this winter.
But as I was inspecting the other day I happened upon this lovely yellow and black garden orbweaver spider. It was my job as a kid to catch them in baby food jars so that my cousin could take them to school for science class. But now it's nice to know that they are around to catch those nasty bugs that plague us in late summer. Similar to the bats, swallows and frogs, we allow them to reside with us as natural pest control. My only concern will be if it starts writing words in it's web-granted it is a zoo around here but really.....
Later gators....
C

Thursday, September 18, 2008

I'm easily pleased

Can you see it? Isn't it great? Man, we have been waiting for this for about 6 months now, no wait, since before the first snow flake last year. Wanna see it again?

Beautiful if I might say so. I was complaining about being a red headed step child(borrowing that from Kim and Rus) last week. Heck remember Part 1 of the RV trip last week and how we had to load at the cross roads? One more time.....
Yes I am easily pleased--new gravel on the road in front of the house. No more 4 wheel drive to the house, muddy trucks or sliding to the side of the road and fears of getting stuck. FYI-the driveway is wayyyyy down there at the end before the curve. Heehee, had you going didn't I? I bet you looked at how pictures several times trying to figure out what I am going nuts over! Little things make my day.


Later gators.....

C

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Morning drive

Love fall, hate the next few weeks. I drive south as far as I can before I am forced to turn east and drive to the highway. Sunglasses are a must.

On the way out the door

Just a few shots of what I wandered through on the way out of the door this morning.....



I love the perennial hibiscus. Though I would much rather have a red one, this one seems to have survived the puppies, so it's a keeper.







One of the last blooms on the rose bushes this year. I leave the hips on for the birds during the winter. Can't tell you the variety, I think this is one that's been transplanted from about four different homes, so the name is now lost to history.




Poor ragged looking Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate. I love these when they get to the 6-8 foot heights, but those damn beetles this year stunted it's growth. This is a self seeding plant, so you have to be careful about volunteers, which I have in other sections of the yard. I let them go this year due to the beetles and will collect the seeds to start a few in the spring to put in the places I want. It's right by the lp tank and next year we are hoping that enough will self seed to create a living wall to hide the tank.




Talking about vounteers, yes the Ms loves Morning Glories and especially this deep purple heritage variety. This one isn't supposed to be on the fence, but I think that's a great place for it and well, going to make sure we have some on there next year. But also will add in clematis, climbing honeysuckle, trumpet vine and anything else I can think off.




Last but not least is this monster. A corkscrew willow. This one has a history! It started out as a decorative accent to a flower arrangement that David gave me about 4 years ago. So knowing me and not waiting to waste a thing, I stuck it in water after the arrangement had past it's prime. Let it leaf, grow roots and potted it up . I finally found a spot for it right in that little nook by the gate. At issue is that the damn think bends in the wind that comes around that corner and blocks the gate. Doing some pruning-which of course will lead to more of them ;0)





Later gators....
C

What I have to live with

First a few notes-yes I do know the bed is on the floor. I do have a frame for it but if we put it in the frame then Hope can't get on the bed. I swear, my furniture revolves around that dog. No new living room set until she's gone. Did I mention that she's going to be buried with the sofa?


And yes I also know that the bedroom is a state to scare anyone. It's the last room to get painted and what not. I know, I know, we have been in the house 5 years now, but you know, more concerned about the animals then us, so our painting waits.


Lastly, I did make the bed once this morning. Notice Fred and his feet waving at the ceiling? He made his own bed a few minutes prior. Also, Clairee and Topaz sleep with Meredith at night. They are taking the place of Moose, Tuli and Marg who sleep with us during the night, but can't be trusted alone during the day. Please review the post about my fight with the Sleep Number Service Dept and a certain cord on a remote.


So this is how I left it. Pointless to make the bed, again. It's impossible to move them by this point and well, why bother - 5 mins out the door and they will have redecorated it to their preferences.



Sigh, later gators.....

C

Toast update-not burned yet

I couldn't find any of his baby pictures, but then again, last night after the dreaded county fair meeting(that's another post), I planted my butt and watched a movie. But I digress---short post with a Toast update.

ISU called yesterday afternoon, mom relayed the contents of the call to me. Surgery went well. He had already lost vision in the eye, so actually removing it was not an issue. The mass was contained and had not progressed past his eye lid or eye ball. As in not in the tissue surrounding the eye or eye socket. Pathology report to confirm this should be in in a couple of days. He was up and eating like nothing ever happened yesterday afternoon.

We will know when he will come home today-either Thursday or Friday.


Later gators.....
C

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Bad news, bad news, good news, good news and more bad news

Just not my week, though the weekend preceeding was acceptional, the week sucks.

First off, Monday, just hate Mondays. I work in a business that has a customer care(service) department, a retail show room, a commerical pool services(CPS) division and a construction division(residential and commercial). My job covers all four depts with purchasing and inventory management. Let me tell you, getting everyone out the door on Monday's with just what they want is ugly then the orders rolling in from the weekend's retail customers, it's pool closing season and we are busting our tushes to get shells in the ground before the frost settles in. On top of this--it's quarterly inventory. Thousands and thousands of itty bitty parts-gaskets, orings, screws, bolts up to pools, covers, tons of PVC and well, four depts, service vans and ugh! I am beyond ready to skin someone alive and we aren't even to the point of running variances. So the bad news is that I will be in a perpetual state of pissed off for the next few weeks.

So good news, have to add in a little bad news first. Seems Dad's clyde gelding Toast-aka Forest Gump aka the Gumby Horse, has had some health issues. First a little note. This poor boy had a hard start in life. He was born premature but made it through that. Never looked attractive-all legs but a super easy to live with personality. When we tried to geld him, he reacted to the sedative which we now know is an issue in some clydes. He is gelded now but our friends up north did it while they were breaking him to drive. Two weeks ago Meredith noticed that he had some discharge around his eye and Dad took him up to the vet. Not good news, could be a lot of things but horses with loads of white on their face can be prone to cancer. Ugh. So Dad arranged for a visit up to the best large animal place around-Iowa State University's Veterinary Hospital.

They went up yesterday and good news finally. He does have cancer of the third eye lid, he does have a mass in his eye area, but it's not gone further then that. They are doing surgery today or tomorrow and Dad will go and pick him up on Thursday. Toast will come and live at our place for a time in the sick bay stall. More then likely they will have to remove the eye, he has to have a custom mask that he will have wear most of the time and well, outlook is good for ol Forest.

And on the duck front-Good News-no more casulties, the sick bay residents are well enough to head back to the main herd and David has now caught coon #4 in the live trap. We are putting a dot of spray paint on them to see if we retrap the same ones, but figure relocation 6 miles away and across the Wapsi should presuade them to go some place else. This last one was HUGE, mean and totally pissed off about the whole thing. The trap is back out as we feel that this is just the beginning. And Dad is sending down two more.

Bad news-puppies escaped 4 times into the horse pasture last night. David found the hole they made by the fence. Everyone gets a little worming tonight as I know exactly what they did--buffet! And it's time to send them back into the small dog yard until they get a little bigger. I'm also working permenant duck yard fencing with a pretty little gate that has my victorian double loop fencing one it.

What a week, and it's only Tuesday. I am seriously thinking it's going to be a Road Trip Weekend. Off to Naperville for ducks, Dubuque for tea and home to just enjoy the pretty fall weather.

Later Gators.....
C

Monday, September 15, 2008

Weekend Part 3-Sunday and the way home

Sunday dawned way way too early. OMG-seems that the boys had gotten into something and I had one having an allergic reaction to it all night long-hack hack hack, cough. I had left the dog first aid kit at home so no benadryl. Add in that Meredith at some point in the night crawled up in bed with me and took over the pillow. Okay, maybe the fact that Sherilyn and I drained a few bottles of our "cheap ass" wine, or the stuff that Kim is embarrassed to have in the RV. But hey, we got rid of it for her ;0)

So I get up, set puppies out, Kim comes along too and we watch them -no more hacking so he must be over the worst of the bad reaction. Neither one of us is in any mood to get ready. That is until I look at my watch and go-damn, best get ready. Our instructions, per Nick, were to be quiet as "they" were going to sleep in since Meredith didn't have juniors till late. Not going to happen-I made as much noise as possible but they were already up watch cartoons. Kids. So all dressed, off we go to grooming-Russ and five puppies in tow.

Now I must back track to explain our red headed stepchild remark from part1. Seems Russ is a tad spoiled. No biggy, he deserves it. But on Saturday, while getting ready to show, Kim is in the OMG mood and has to run back to the RV to get his special bait. Now to Shaker and Music get the same treatment, no of course not. Shaker just gets what ever else is left and Music, well she just wants to sit on the couch so she doesn't care. Big Rus remarks about how she treats dog #2 and 3 like red headed step children. Kim of course doesn't take offense to it and actually laughs about it. Well in the mean time, Big Rus is digging into his bag of tricks and we find out that Little Russ loves cheap hot dogs. Kim's back with his special bait-which he refuses. All too funny only because if you didn't know, Lil'Russ has been beyond picky and eats only enough to maintain himself. Kim has tried everything under the sun to get him to eat and I mean everything, except that cheap, gross, greasy canned dog food. Russ eats well, ie the 4 easy steps to a prima dona comment, which I concede to Kathy for that quote. At our shopping trip to Farm/Fleet, Kim picked up a can of Alpo, upon which Russ at the entire can for dinner. She about gagged.

So grooming we go. Russ is still out of coat so not much to groom. Raffle drawing and man, it was Sherilyn's day-she got the cardigan basket and the xpen! Though Meredith did get her ducky basket. Nick I guess went back to sleep, Meredith was up and dressed and brought Moose over to the rings. We sat with baited breath watching a couple of the classes-all of us outside the ring either holding our breath or using our outside voices-oh no oh no, switch'em, switch'em. Then of course when the judge makes the right decision, he must have heard the exhale. Sherilyn and I look right at each other and say-whew. BOB was great-Russ had a blast, was getting wound up, playing, barking and well, having a party. We got a pull out with the eventually BOB and Group 1 winner-just maturity getting us again. Oh well, it's very very promising and both Kim and I were happy.

Tammy got a chance to look at the 6 of 8 puppies. I learned so much from her. Again, overall, a nice litter, achieved what we wanted and can't wait for the next time we breed. Tammy also asked to go over the big boys-Boo, Russ and Moose. I am happy to report that all of us learned a thing or two plus we are right on track with what we are doing! I even learned what I should look for when and if I use Moose-which Tammy said why shouldn't you use him? Thank you Tammy!

Juniors came and went. Meredith got third, then got told she should have won the class by a lot of spectators and especially non corgi people. Her comment-I had fun showing and Moose did too. What a ham he is. In the mean time, Nick appears and tells his mother, I cleaned the RV. To which, Kim gets and OMG look and says, hey Nick, let's go back and check a few things. Heehee, he did the dishes. 3" of overflow in the shower from the tank. My poor crock pot, all of 17 yrs young, was a casualty. Oh well. But we do manage to get packed, hook up the car and then commend Nick on his wise choice of doing dishes as the line to dump would have set us back another hour on the trip home. After getting Erma's head wrapped around the fact that we were going to go 63 home and not her way of 52, home ward bound!!!

Along the way we hashed over the weekends results. Accomplished about 2/3 of our goals. Not bad so it wasn't a total failure. Learned tons from Tammy -- Thank you Tammy!!!! Ate great food, drank cheap wine, well and some good wine too. The best company we could ever imagine having. The puppies were sacked out all over the RV. No racing around, no rough housing, all sleeping. Kids too. Then there was the wine.

I have had a 1/2 gal of cranberry wine, ready for punch should the need arise. It's gone from Amana, to Des Moines, to Davenport, to Central City, to Rochester and now back home again. I think it decided that it needed to be opened. Shhhh don't tell Kathy! It just so happened about 1/2 hr out of Rochester, it some how fell and tried to empty itself on the floor. It wasn't bad until Kim hurriedly pulled to the side and then it went from a small stream to me standing in Lake Cranberry. The smell, I would term it like hanging out in a bog of cranberries. Attempting to mop up a quart of wine, not let puppies in to help. Towels, socks, paper towels, 409, Nature's Miracle and tons of giggles later, it's cleaned up and off we go. We prayed for a cop not to pull us over as the smell of wine was everywhere-we all would have gotten sobriety tested right then and there. Unreal.

As the rest of the trip was uneventful, we decided that maybe we wouldn't go down Lillie, but once again, transport back to the house via 'burb. I think I got all our stuff. If not, we'll be down at Kim and Kathy's new house in October and it can hold till then. Some how though, my cell phone ended up in the front yard in the pile of new dog bones. That was the 9:30 panic search
and it was funny to see the glow in the front yard as David called it via his phone.

So another dog show, another weekend with great friends. I couldn't ask for a better group to hang with. I am counting the days till January, I hear we get to eat Vietnamese that weekend! Thanks Barb, Steve, Rus, Sherilyn Garrett, Mary, Kim, Nick, Wanda and Tammy!! Friends and dog shows--the best combination. Well add a little food and cheap wine, makes it even better!!!


Later gators.....
C

Weekend part 2-Saturday

The day dawns way too early - hate puppies and impatient bladders. So we sit out side for quite a while watching chaos insue in the xpen with the 5 siblings. Moose and Russ had already said Uncle and asked to go back inside and sleep some more. Only had to break a couple sibling fights but let the ones go where Dove was beating the tar out of her brother. Figure that' s good for the boys to realize that the girls are really the ones in charge. Figure that we should really get dressed and head over to grooming. Moose needed an undercarriage wash first so we all take our turns in the shower. Pick up the RV so we can walk through it. Breakfast, coffee and we are off, wet Moose on my lap of course.

Showing was great-we left the chaos in the RV. Unfortunately it just wasn't our day to shine. Emmy looked great and Boo is so much fun to show. We got pulled with the eventual BOB winner and almost had it-what's the line--missed it by thisssss much? Congrats to Barb and Mick who went on to a Group 3!

Back to grooming and great conversation with Tammy Johnson, the breeder of Rus and Sherilyn's little pem boy Ransom--aka Chunky Monkey. That poor boy isn's chunky anymore, but he will forever be that to me. We had planned a taco bar for the day's lunch. Great dip Sherilyn(not Rus, the food-heehee). We did also look around to make sure that there were no fuzzy little dogs as the last time we had taco dip at the show, it ended up on a pomeranian. Barb brought a cake for Steve's birthday. Meredith competed with Barb to see who could eat more pieces. It was too much fun. So we ate and waited for Meredith' s junior ring time. Moose was all about the show. He loves to show and it's a damn shame he's too big to be a special but I think he found his nitch as a junior's dog. He grins when he's happy and other then a little space cadet moment with a surfing expedition around the ring, those two looked great. They ended up with a 3rd place in a very tough class. Little more polish and watch out world. Though she did get comments to the effect that that is a very big dog for you.

Tammy had mentioned that there was a new Farm/Fleet just down the road. Kim was in for a shopping trip anyway as the puppies had exhausted what little Nature's Miracle she had along. Rus and Sherilyn said, sure let's go. It was like Christmas Day. I love Farm/ Fleet's! Wish we had one closer to us then Mason City. This one was brand spanking new too. Not all the shelves were full. The pet supplies-new crate pan for T'Burner, new fluffy crate mats for him and MAx and well, just an extra. 5 bowls to replace the ones I left at home. Toys, chews, clothes, ugh, I was so wishing I had won the lottery. So with tons spent, goodies galore, back to the RV we go. Everyone was going to gather later on for dinner and a movie. But first, the kids had everything everywhere and left the puppies out in the rain. Dry puppies, throw in crates and try to get ready for dinner.

Part 3......
Later gators....
C

Weekend Part 1-packing and the RV

Okay, this last weekend was about the best show trip yet this year-hasn't quite topped Canada, but close. I have had fun with the limited amount of showing I've done this year, but this so far has the best stories to tell. And yes will require several posts. Unfortunately no camera got packed so no incriminating photos to post.

Well, we decided to go up to Rochester, MN for the shows this weekend. First off, I was going to go up just for the fun of it as it would be the last show for the year for us and I had missed most of the summer and fall due to puppies, work and family time. Meredith wanted to go so I asked fine, and who are you showing in juniors? Lace? Ed? gulp, Moose? Yeap, Moose she said. My next question-have you been lifting weights and can you get him on the table? See Moose is well, a moose. 42lbs and yes I admit, he's fat right now. Been enjoying the good life a little too much lately. I think that relates to the comment-turning a dog into a prima dona in 4 easy steps??? So this last week she's been put to task and worked him including her daily exercise of lifting him on the table. And she can do it! Pretty darn well too and she doesn't even have to grunt like the rest of us do.

The best layed plans--I was going up, staying with Rus and Sherilyn and they then asked if I would show Emmy and Boo for the weekend. Sure why not? Well some where along the way, either Kim or I entered Russ and forgot. Until the entry confirmation came in the mail then we looked at each other and said-did you enter him? Figuring that we had already spent the entry fee, might as well show him. I had already kidnapped Rosario last weekend and Kim said nope, not again, she missed her boy too much and why don't we go up together in the RV-sure why not. Nick was so excited and had the weekend all planned for multiple Wii tournaments with Meredith. Those two are great pals and have so much fun together. Actually then it worked out great as Garrett needed a place to bunk so that freed up a bed with Rus and Sherilyn. So I still showed Boo and Emmy and two legged Rus showed the four legged Russ.

Now it rained last weekend. A lot. And the county does not feel that need to put more gravel on our road. I think the term red headed step child was used this weekend(I'll get more into that later) and that's what we feel like at home when it comes to the county and maintenance. So as Kim is planning on meeting me, loading up and heading out, we said, can't come to the house, the RV will get stuck on the way and we just aren't in the mood for Bubba and Bubba Jr either. So we meet at the end of the cross roads. 4 puppies, Moose, Meredith, I and all the crap for the weekend. I did of course forget food bowls but I think that was it. And by the end of the weekend, we all agreed that the new RV with the 3 slides and longer base is really needed if we do this again! We managed but 10-12 people for dinner, plus the playing puppies-meaning caught wine glasses and eggplant almost ending up on the floor was too close for comfort.

Loaded and ready to road trip, we were off. Wii games already in progress, puppies causing chaos, Frank taking over Russ' prize spot under Kim's seat and Dove insisting on sitting on my lap so she could watch out the front window, we made it to Rochester in one piece. Honestly, I have to thank both Sheryl and Kim---roads trips with them are like nothing else and I can't thank them enough for inviting us along.

Got a premo RV spot. No sewer(again that's for another post) but water and electric. Kim brought along the car-good idea as we shuttled back and forth with it each day. Barb is great-got there early and saved tons of grooming space and appropriately marked it with crime scene tape so we would know where to plant our mountain of crap. Yes that's what it when you decided to bring along all four of the puppies, add in Shaker and Bear, well it's mountains of crap. Moose had yet to get a bath, ie, see above comment about rain during the week. That would wait until the morning. Xpens up, chairs out and dinner time. Rus, Kim and I shared some left over Biaggi's pasta alfredo-ummmm and before you know it, it was 9:30. Meredith and Nick were already asleep, Sherilyn was dying for some sleep as she had a bad sinus infection all week. Said our good nights, see you in the morning and thank God for late ring times.

So ends day one..... on to day two and at least the bean dip didn't end up on the pom!

Later gators.....
C

Friday, September 12, 2008

Doing nothing


I gave up last night. Had tons of plans but once I hit the turn onto our road, I gave up. The burb went most of the way down the road sideways. Seems the county has decided that we don't have a busy enough stretch of road to get a new dusting of gravel. Oh goodness, can't wait for the first county truck to get stuck this winter and then they might rethink that one.


So instead of cleaning, vacuuming, packing for the show, I cooked. Moose's bath will just have to wait till Saturday morning. The annual Iowa-Iowa State game is this weekend in Iowa City so the office is having a chili cook off in celebration. I wish I had one of those house divided shirts to wear-Bomp went to UI, Alec is at ISU, Meredith is a Hawkeye Fan and well David and I, Luther, sort of. So out came some venison and we made chili-figured we needed to be a little different then the rest, an edge to win? We will have to wait and see.


As I continued to cook, out came the old cook book with the Corn Bread recipe. Yes this is from my grandfather and it's really, not that johnny cake stuff made with flour. He always loved it when I made it and would goat my mother saying I made it better then she did. He was originally from McMurray Cty, TN, so a true southern boy at heart. Of course the dogs were all hanging out in the kitchen hoping for a tidbit. I tripped over Claire more times then I can count. Dead bananas on the counter, well why not make some banana bread! I have been hankering for Peanut Butter Brownies, so got the jar out and in the oven they went. I think besides the cook off today, we are more then set for food this weekend. I have the taco meat ready too for Saturday's dinner, I know there will be extra chili for dinner tonight, though I have been told by Kim that Rose has been cooking for the trip too. Humm, something about being a good girl this weekend.


I went out and watched the jet trails for awhile. David and I were talking about that due to the Patriot Day events. I remember how darn clear the sky was that day-no clouds, no trails, no birds even. Check the ducks and well wouldn't you know it, we have a visitor. Coon #3 got transplanted far far away last night. Nothing this morning, so hoping we have stemed the flow of illegals. Yelled at Dove and Trouble to quit barking at the neighbor's cows. The cow/calf herd is back in the next door pasture and you couldn't tell that I had herding dogs, could you? That Dove has instinct up the you know what and I am going to start her in a few weeks with some simple lessons with my herding instructor. She and Moose should be entertainment for everyone, I can't wait!!! Watched the pups play tag under the hay rack and then race through a mock agility run. They are so much fun to watch and the adults get involved in the games every now and then.


After cooking, packing and assorted dog stuff last night, I dropped into a chair and David and I had a laugh. Many of the guys at work talk about what they did that night, or over the weekend. Went golfing, mowed the yard, washed the car, watched the game. Then they look at David and ask what were you up to this weekend? Oh no, open the flood gates. Got up, let dogs out. Feed dogs. Check horses, feed horses. Feed self and take shower. Too wet to mow, so clean stall and barn. Relocate coon. Mow duck yard. Go out and shop for something we need dog or duck or horse related. Oh last weekend, went to dog show and worked on grounds all weekend. Mowed yard. Went and got hay, unloaded in barn or went and picked up the 50 bales from the front paddocks that got baled by the neighbor the day before. And that's just part of the day ;0) They all stand there in amazement and ask don't you have fun? Yes, that's what I do for fun. That's my life and I love it. Wouldn't have it any other way. We aren't a family into football games, golf, running to the fitness club, shopping for nothing or going to the movies. Most people in town just can't get it.


Well now the smell of chili is in the air. I'm hungry and it's only 8:15 in the morning. Wonder what I can grub up? Then again, I know that camping with Kim this weekend, there will be more then enough food and spirits flowing. Nick and Meredith have a movie marathon planned. And I need to see if there are any good vendors-I need to start getting some Christmas presents bought.


Go Hawks? Go 'Clones? Nah, Go Me!!!!


Later gators....

C



Thursday, September 11, 2008

Where were you....


The Alan Jackson song keeps running through my head. Where were you when the world stopped turning? I know it's been played a couple times this morning on the local station. I end up stopping what I am doing and just listening.

I thought about Karen this morning too. She's a dear friend who lives out in NY, works in Manhattan and was there that fateful day. She walks the long and quiet expanse of the bridge on to the island, just as she did that day on the way out of the chaos. Not knowing what was happening, thankful to be out of harms way and crying for those that never made it. I feel with her as she hears the bells toll for each unwanted happening-the first plane, then the second. The dreaded bells for the first tower to fall and then the second. I am with her as she thinks of friends lost, families torn apart and thanking God that she left the buildings 15 mins before the terror started. Karen does this not only as a memorial to those who are lost, but to keep this tragedy fresh in her mind, least she forget that empty pit in her stomach or not thanking God for every day that she is alive to retell her story.

My close friends and I shared moments this morning via email. Where were you when....OKC, Lennon, JFK, RFK, Reagan, The shuttles.... Yes a few of us are youngens as Barb said. So we learned from those that do remember. But for all of us, the falling of the towers, the heroic passengers in PA and our service people who died for what they believed in at the Pentagon, it's all too close, all too recent. 7 years is as 1 hour for us all.

In my weekly construction meeting, we all went around and talked about where we were, what we felt or what we remember about that day. This is the part I took for granted as I look up in the sky that day-the emptiness. David and I will still remember for the next week, watching the clearest blue skies I have ever seen. Not one jet trail nor the buzzing overhead when a small commuter jet flies in for a landing at the local airport. It was the quietest time and one of the most haunting. Even at night, no blinking lights, just the dazzling display of God's mighty hand in the heavens as he gently carried those souls up with Him.

So where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?


humbly later gators.....
C

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Wildlife 101

Since the untimely death of Pip the Ancona hen, we have been setting out the live traps hoping to figure out who the culprit is. Proactive response on our part. Anytime we have an unwelcome visitor, there are sure to be more invited back.

So the live trap is set, the ducks bedded down and we waited. Didn't have to wait long. Ricky the Raccoon couldn't resist the temptation. One down and transplanted to a land far far away. Okay, across the Hwy and about 6-7 miles further away. Meredith's reply-hope it tries to come back across the highway and turns into road kill. Ouch, but I feel her pain at getting back at the creature that got Pip. So we set up the trap again. Alec swore it was the mink we have been seeing all summer long, but nope, got another coon! I think we have a small highway through the corn field to the duck pens.

Trap is set again tonight and let's see if we get #3. Ducks seem more settled, though a couple are in sick bay in the barn. It's the chance you take when you have prey ready for eating. We also don't really like to kill them but rather move to more remote location. Only fair as we built our house in their backyard. Speaking of which, seems we have another snapper in the creek so we are attempting to catch that and send it north to the river area.

Looking back, we have a lot of wildlife at our place. When we first moved to the house, the local coyote band would run through the yard at night. Of course you have the field mice that invade when the landscapers change the scenery in the fields surrounding us. The blue herons love the creek and it's so much fun to see them gliding along the roof tops of the house and barns. Snapping turtle, minks, a few deer and of course the human wildlife-teenagers. Snakes-there's a gardner snake-big one-living in the garage right now. Had a beavy of bull snake babies, the frogs and toads, which the dogs gladly played with and ick, ate. Grackles-messy birds. The beautiful barn swallows swooping around at dusk. Bald Eagle, a pair of red tail hawks, the kestrels, morning doves, killdeers and meadowlarks. Forgot the turkeys, ground squirrels, crawfish in the creek and vulture or two.

And I wouldn't have it any other way. Never a dull day or night.

Later gators.....
C

Monday, September 8, 2008

Nothing like Food and Friends

Wanted to send out a huge THANK YOU to Rus and Sherilyn for putting up with the gigglepuss and myself this weekend. Tell you what, there is nothing more fun then friends and really good food. The Annual CorgiQ was held Saturday night at the Mumme's also. Ummmm, wonderful salads, tasty deserts and a huge cake to celebrate Alec's 21st birthday.

It's interesting the diversity of the dog people that we hang out with. Terriers, toys, herding, working, hounds. I think we are waiting for a working and nonsporting person to join the group--then we can have our own private shows. We all sat at different rings cheering each other on. Learned grooming or what not to do in grooming tricks. Ate more cake and popcorn. Played a guess the color game and in general, had way too much fun.

Meredith is becoming a handler extrodinare-put a major on an Austrialian Terrier puppy. Helped out in a couple other breeds too. Won stuff at the obedience raffle. Oh I finally won my utility article box--guess that means I need to go get a set of articles now? Got some great portable agility equipment too. Yes I have been making some but ran across this gal at the show(actually been drooling over her stuff for a few months now) and could not pass it up. So the dogs have new colorful jumps and a chute now. Tried out the chute last night and they all took turns running in and out then pouncing on each other as they went through it. I had to put it away after awhile.

On the puppy front, the wee ones got another look over by a few people. We are still right on track. Frank and Torch are hanging out here with us and will hit the show circuit after the first of the year. Same with Bear but for now he's spending his spare time picking on his dad. Dove will also be staying here and play show girl in a few months. Trouble is still looking through his personal ad replies and trying to decide whom to go live with.

Now it's time to resume the diet. Yes after the medication issues this spring and summer, it's been an up hill battle with taking off that weight. Gotta get serious now and with not having to feed Alec and his hollow leg, I can make moderate meals and low cal ones at that. This weekend, I did good until yesterday-I had to have that piece of pizza and a few cheese cubes on the way home. If this rain quits then with the quiet nights at home, a few dogs and I will be taking walks to wiggle off the pounds.

The burb is still packed and debating how much to unpack for this next weekend. Granted I am only going to have one last weekend of fun for the fall(judges suck at the rest of the usual shows, so staying home) and help Meredith in juniors, but still gotta pack for any occasion. Humm, should work on that, but maybe wait till mid week.

Till my next thought pops in-enjoy this cool weather and remember if it's not friends and food, might as well stay home!

Later gators....
C

Friday, September 5, 2008

Fall is in the air

Brrrr, was it cold last night or what? Actually I loved it, a great chance to snuggle up to David as it's been so warm lately that we both lay on opposite sides of the bed attempting to stay cool in the breeze of the fan. My only problem is that my nose was beyond cold and with this small cough and cold I have, it's a bugger to say the least.

Fall is fast approaching. Driving home with David last night, the Burning Bushes are tinging red, the spider webs in the morning are heavy with dew and the corn doesn't have the lush green sound when it moves. It's now got that dry rustle and is firing up in many fields. We were hoping for a late fall so that we could get one more load of hay out of the front paddocks but nope. The barn is full of hay, but I think we can get at least one more load from Ron before the winter sucks us in.

I woke up this morning pinned into one position and unable to move. Like wearing a straight jacket(no further comments into that one). Hope had dawned her green rubber duckie coat last night, other wise we would have been awakened to teeth chattering in the middle of the night. She also got bedded down with a wool blanket-she sleeps on David's side of the bed. But Moose, Phoebe and Fred had different ideas. Especially Phoebe. Laying right along side your legs, one dog on each side and the other up by your arms. It was like they were tacked down on the bed, cuddling as close as they can. I wriggled, tried to flip over, nope not happening. I called their names, again no response. I had a feeling that I would be in bed longer this morning and that they might be cold? David almost had to drag them off the bed to go out. Poor dogs, I told them that blowing coat this time of the year was not a good idea.

It rained all day yesterday. A nice rain, a fall rain. We have either had down pours, huge storms or mist this year. Not just a simple nice rain. It's enjoyable. Of course that also means it's towels at the door to wipe feet and undercarriages. Dogs know the routine and puppies are learning. One at a time: Stop, drop and roll. I have found it to be easier to just have them roll on their backs so that I can do the feet while they wave at the ceiling, then undercarriage and hanging parts. Moose loves it-that big stupid grin on his face. My poor carpets will need a super cleaning in a week or two, it's supposed to continue raining so I will wait to clean. We are also looking at taking it up this winter and putting in some other type of easier to keep clean flooring. Carpets suck!

I am hoping that fall hangs around for awhile. Farmer's Almanac is predicting a worse winter then last year and I am not looking forward to that. Fall is one of my favorite seasons-the coolness, the crispness and colors. I just don't like that it's a lead up to snow. The dogs coats get lush, the landscapers come and change the scenery. Horses look plump and get fuzzy coats that are so enjoyable to rub your chilled hands through in October. This year looks to be the Ms' last year trick-r-treating. She's growing up. Apples at Allen's Orchard, warm cider too. Umm, thinking on my way to the show this weekend I need to swing by and get a bag of Honey Crisps. Oh yes high school football. Walking around, chatting with friends that you haven't seen in awhile. Hot Chocolate and wool blankets.

Yes, I too smell itl--fall is in the air and I'm ready for it!

Later gators......
C

Thursday, September 4, 2008

It's finally over

Another kennel club show is over. Thank God! Actually it was a great weekend and I can't thank everyone enough for helping out. I need to learn to say no at some point in my life because that's how the whole damn think got started 2 years ago! Oh well, jumped in feet first as usual, and if I can say so, it turned one pretty darn good.

Being show chair was fun, exhausting and frustrating. I learned a lot and we have a list of things to change for next year. Should make it bigger, better and much easier to run too. Thanks to all the TCKC and CRKA folks who jumped in with me.

Music is back at the Gibson Ranch. It's much quieter around Camp Cindy now. Sort of, seems Frankie has decided he can bark just as well as the big dogs. Great, thanks Alec! Moose and Fred are back home too. Fred really is happy as the pool at Kim's blew into the Mississippi during a recent storm and he hadn't had any water to play in. First thing he did upon coming home was run in and lay down in the water. Silly boy. Moose is glued to my lap and makes sure that if I am going anywhere, he goes. Shhh, don't tell him that he isn't going this next weekend. The death wish dog gets to go instead as someone wants to see him again.

Let's see, puppies were evaluated again. I think I'm doing pretty good on my own evaluations, though there is some room for personal preferences. General consensus was that Torch will be hanging out for the time being as most of the breeders who I have asked, said not a mismark and he's so well put together it would be a shame not to show him. Frank too is looking very good-even took a group placement in the fun match Sunday night-he had a handicapped handler, hadn't walked on a lead much and was so tired from the day playing with Shaker. Dove is going to continue to hang out here for awhile. Shaker and Bear got high marks and now it's just waiting for them to grow up more and get those darn ears up! Trouble is the only one of the boys who we all said was nice but would be better off in a pet home. So he's posting ads in the personal section of the paper seeking a family of his own.

We had a fun time Sunday night at the match and for several hours before and after. Yes there were adult beverages flowing and I decided to sleep over at Kim and Kathy's. Pretty safe to say it was a wise choice. Sherilyn, Rus, Kim, Kathy, David and I totally enjoyed the whole evening. Nick and Meredith roasted marshmallows which in turn led to a hunt for chocolate at the obedience building-Kay let it slip that she had some stashed in the fridge. So smore's we had! Almost midnight before we hit the hay but it was so much fun and I can not wait for our next camping experience.

So now it's on to the next show. Not really going for much more then a chance to catch up with everyone and let Meredith show in juniors. Since we are staying with Rus and Sherilyn for the weekend and there is no need to drive anywhere, it should be a very fun time at the Corgi Q. After this weekend, not sure what else is in store for the dog show season. Might be it for the year or at least until the pups are old enough to show. Just have to wait and see.

On a sad note, we finally lost one of the ducks to a creature. Not sure what fourlegged varmint got Pip, the Ancona hen, but not much left of her. Shame, she was one of Meredith's original show ducks. David and Meredith buried her on the hill with Cleopatra, Sophie, Faith, Weaver and the rest of the gang. Live trap is out to see if we can get what ever it is and relocate it before we loose more ducks. That's the down side of livestock and living in the country but something we are very aware of. We do a regular clean out of the buildings, under wagons and such to make sure that no unwanted tenants are residing, but then you always have the chance of visitors from other areas coming in. Moving ahead to get the new poultry building finished with electric and water. That should help some.

Last good note then it's off to get some real work done. Post surgery check up on my eyes was great. 5 weeks till my next check up unless something else happens in the mean time. So it's stable for now, though it is now pretty much healed and the blind area is more pronounced then before. Oh well, at least it's not getting worse for the time being.

later gators.....
C