Goodbye, dear friend

It's been a hard weekend. With all the joys of the holiday, I was so saddened to have been informed that one of my dearest friends passed away Saturday morning. She made it through the holidays with her family, which I hope, gives them a joyful memory.

This grand lady taught me compassion, love, how to giggle in the middle of 7 inches of rain, and how to make lemonade when God gives you lemons. This world is less one great person.

Kay spent years doing what she loved. That should say something about her spirit. We all could learn from that. She was an advocate for those in need plus a great animal lover. I learn so much from her and I know no one will be able to fill her shoes.

Funny how life works. I haven't been in the kennel club long, just a little over 4 years or so. Kay and I became fast friends and worked together any chance we could. And life? Well, my mom's best friend, Annie, is Kay's sister. Again, small small world.

What I see now is a fullfillment of a promise. Kay spent years working with dogs that no one else wanted or could deal with. Those that she helped to the bridge are waiting there for her, walking across into heaven with her--in perfect heel position? Nah, how about a little dancing!

Thank you Kay, life wouldn't have been the same with out you.

Later gators...
C

True meaning of Giving

Moose and Eddie are dusting off their vests for one visit at one of the local hospitals this week. Actually just Moose this time. A request was sent out that we answered, for a therapy dog to visit a stroke victim in a local hospital. First off, I know just what the visit of a dog can do for someone. When I started out doing therapy work, Hope and I made a huge difference in one man's life. Now it's the boys turn, Eddie will start visiting this person once she's moved to a rehab facility.

During this time of year we have to remember it's not about getting, it's about giving. What a greater joy it is for me to help in this time of need. Simple companionship is priceless and I know that the boys love what they do.

Later gators....

C

I did it!

Yeast bread has always been something I've been hesitant to do. The kneeding, getting the rise right etc. But thanks to Susan over at Chicken on the Road blog, I tried her Grandma's Bread today and well, noting that 1/2 of a loaf is gone already, I think it's a winner. I've got a 2nd batch rising right now and everyone's asking for french toast tonight. My Amish Friendship bread was also ready to go so I made that and yes, 1/2 a loaf gone already. I've been requested to hold back two starters for ourselves this time so that I can freeze a couple loaves next week when it's ready.

We also have the makings for peanut butter brownies and chocolate kiss cookies. I didn't get around to the sugar cookies this year but maybe that's a New Year's weekend treat.

OOPS, time to kneed some dough!

Later gators....

C

Cardi Claus Arrived!

So sorry this is late in posting, it's been crazy around here with office parties, kid's parties, shopping etc.

Thank You to the Jinnie and the cardigans at Solstice. I love the pin and wear it to work each day. The ornament has a special spot on the tree-making sure it's above collie and GSD tail range. But you know, I think I like the caption on the card the best. Thanks!!!!

Later gator.....

C

Sweetie Petey aka Demon Child

Always on the hunt for some sort of chaos to cause. Learning the ways of the masters, she's figured out that outside is the best side. Though, you will be amazed at this, she's not a great fan of snow. Or could is be a not so hot on getting buried in it, drug through it or sat on in a drift by her 1/2 siblings and Auntie Marg? She much prefers to high tail it out front wtih the Hopester and play there. So for those of you wondering what has become of the pretty little runt puppy, here's some photos from today, about 6 1/2 mos old. Now reminder, she's been out playing the snow and not at all groomed.

Verdict is still out on her. She got RWB and 1 pt with WB/BOS a few weeks ago. Since we're on hiatus from the shows for a few months now, we can wait and see how she looks in the late spring before making any serious decisions. I just hope her body continous to keep up with her "me-me-me-me" personality. It's like showing a female version of Moose. And that also gives her time to really learn that her name is Petey and not "hey, get out of that!"

Later gators....

C

The days after

We survived. Sort of. Kids were home for three days, we got out the day after, sort of. 4' and 5' drifts on the road made for an exciting trip to work on Thursday. For example, here's the look out the back door. Yes it can get drifted shut.

Then of course there's Fred after only 5 mins outside. Took everything we had to drag him in. Fiesty old coot.

Of course there's always down time when snowed in and Hope took advantage of one nano second that Petey was still and used her as a pillow.

For those in Cardi Bloggerland, a little taste of Iowa is winging itself East to our Cardi Claus friend. Hope you enjoy!!

Later gators...

C

Winter Wonderland or No-Man's-Land?

Here's a few shots out the south slider door overlooking the backyard and field. There's a road about 1/4 mile to the south. The other shot looks SW of the house to the nearest farm. I usually post some cool sunset photos overlooking it, but today it's just a mass of swirling snow. Dogs keep going out and running up to the fence looking for ducks to bark at. Chateau Quack has no vacancies and I would bet you the moon, the current occupents are now thanking us for allowing them to hang out in there till the weather breaks.

Later gators...
C

Climate change?? Have the expert been to Iowa today?

OMG---what a mess outside. As I last reported, we were expecting our first signifcant snow fall of the year. They underestimated that a just a little. We have at least a foot of snow, some rain, ice, sleet, oh did I fail to mention--Thunder Snow!!! Blizzard warnings and what many are calling storm unlike anything we have seen in 20 years. Holy Carp Batboy!

So here's the scoop. Can't get out the end of the driveway. No let's back track to yesterday. I got to work, David and I carpooled for the "just in case" scenerio. Both Linn-Mar and Kirkwood Community College canceled school so Alec and Meredith were home for the day. David was up till, oh midnight on Monday, getting things all finished up-duck house cleaned, extra stall ready, horse blankets out and generator found in the duck house. About 4 on Monday, the office said enough and sent us home.

Alec and Meredith had been charged with duck wrangling and getting the flock into the newly named-Chateau Quack for the impending storm. That in itself was a riot as the Ms gets bonus points for catching the Khaki's on the fly, literally, two in one fell swoop. They are all in their chateau now and not happy.

Horses are huddled in the barn. Phoenix is still on stall rest and Moo is set to join her. This morning blankets are on the stock horses as the windchill is set to drop to the negative 30's and 40's tonight.

David and I managed to make it home after running errands. We followed the Zamboni through town, aka the Shriner inspired Marion synchronized snow plow team. They might have gotten the several inches of snow off the street but left us with a nice slick surface to drive on. Not too many other idiots out on the roads, I think they all heeded the warnings of get home, stay home and don't even think about traveling.

This morning, wow! The winds are gusting, snow is causing white outs-I can only see about 1/8 of a mile out the window right now. I can't get much further then the end of the drive, so no way to get to work today. The furnace exhaust on the house can get drifted in and yeap, we have to keep breaking down the drift to keep the warm flowing.

I've baked two loaves of bread, washed a couple loads of blankets, dogs are all lazing around in piles on the floor, though the Demon Child feels that exile to her crate is not warranted. I disagree as she has totally pissed off the older dogs with her excess energy. She'll get kicked out in a drift later on.

David and the Ms have already been out doing chores, goofing around but both agree, best to stay indoors. Blizzard warning till midnight tonight.

Oh funny one--ran into my brother at the grocery store. Seems he has a large dislike of Prius. They don't do snow and if you know my brother, who's out in his Jeep making his own roads, getting stuck behind 3 different ones last night set him into a great mood.

So please keep warm. We are doing more baking, getting out more Christmas decorations and well, just vegging. Dogs agree with me, climate change? Get real!

Later gators....
C

It was too good to be true

Man I was so enjoying the whole warm winter thing. I giggled when I say the photos over on the Solstice blog showing their snow down south, literally in AZ and that area. You can keep it, we have always get enough to share. That was until, gulp, tonight, tomorrow and the rest of the week.



Quick front moves through tonight with 1-2 inches of snow. Okay, not bad except it's going to be a Monday morning, work week start with the first snow of the year idiot drivers. I think I see the long way into town rather then the usual route up Sucide Hill aka Mt Vernon Road.


Oh and it doesn't end folks, life threatening wind chills by Wednesday after the next storm on Tuesday is done dumping 6-10 inches of show on us. OH MY GOODNESS But as Alec and I chatted this afternoon, I can live with snow, rather not have the snakes, spiders and other big bugs from the south. The horses' blankets are all ready to slap on it needed, along with Torey's special leg wraps and Moo's not liking the whole stuck in a stall with the pony thing. Duck hut is cleaned out and ready for residents if it gets too cold and the dogs, well, they jus don't seem to understand that it's going to get cold, they just want to play outside, so let them do that all day today.



As my usual prepping for a storm goes, we have bread(fresh baked), milk( several gallons for the Ms and her milk addiction) eggs(the ducks are starting to lay) and lots of baked goods.



We have 2 double batches of triple chip cookies, 1 double batch of black forest cookies,2 double batches of chex mix(with enough to do at least one 1 more) bananna bread-though a little over done as I got distracted reading up on everyone's blogs. And last but not least, getting the Hummies cookie dough ready as well as a huge batch of sugar cookie dough. I usually let the last two sit in the fridge for a few days before I bake, always seems to taste better. I also have plans for "bacon and eggs", zucchini bread and some rolls.



Tomorrow I'm going to start on some liver treats for the dogs as my brother has given me a lot of beef liver from his last butcher. A little bit goes straight to the dogs each night and the rest to the dog treats.



I'm hunting up crock pot ideas for tomorrow too. Huge party tomorrow night and I need something warm, especially if we do have the party, considering the weather.



I also have set aside a few projects that can be handled should I not be able to get to work, such as replacing parts on my carpet cleaner-it's been DOA for a couple of weeks now and I seriously want to get carpets cleaned before the tree goes up.



And last thought on weather, I have a Cardi Claus present ready to ship somewhere in the USA. Now to find time between the storms to get to the post office and mail it!!!



Now to the 10th load of laundry I fold and pulling out a few boxes of Christmas ornaments to put up tonight.



Later gators....

C