Random Thoughts on Random Things

Cora

2012-01-30T08:24:00.003-06:00

What do I adore about this dog? She walked in the house and within 3 mins, had Max the 85 lb GSD, sitting with his head in the corner. This little dog totally got in Max's head and it's been that way ever since. Now before you take pitty on Max, he does a good job of dishing it out on the rest of the dogs. But from the moment he entered the house 6 years ago as a rescue dog, the cardigans have had his number. Imagine 10 cardigan puppies(that would be the Jimmy Buffet litter) cornering him in the stair well, all barking and wagging their tails wanting to play. Max on the other had was waving the white flag of surrendor. He avoids trouble, but is the first to cause the crazy game of chase in the front yard. Good way to keep corgis in shape.

Anyway, Ms Cora has claimed my lap in the evenings, much to the dismay of Eddie. Though he tries to sit with her, she usually ends up pushing him off. Then there's the rough and tumble frapping with Pete, again Eddie tries to join in but gives up way too easily. Add in the cat who still hasn't figured out that Cora is nothing like the others when it comes to it's nightly walkabout. Cora really hasn't a clue what to due with the cat, but all else fails, chase and herd. Let's just say Daisy does not understand chase and herd, usually ending up with being stranded on the counter, waiting for someone to save her fat fuzzy butt.

Alec really enjoyed showing her those four short shows-can you tell?Later gators...
C

Proof

2012-01-26T12:05:00.006-06:00

Shelley was dying with envy as everyone else had their photos from St Paul. Well today, here's the proof so no one down the road can ever doubt that Chip won or did something. Gosh the nerve of some people to doubt what a person says! Winner's Dog/Best of Winners for his first major. Thank you Judge Linda More!

And though posted before, just a comparison shot of Charlie-they look nothing alike, do they?
And yes, I have several cobalt jackets--Shelley loves it when I wear them, well and I do too. That color seems to be slightly lucky for me--I'm sending both to Liz as well as the lucky lead :)

And since I'm comparing, here's Max with one of his many wins. Granted none of these photos are the same age, but it's fun to see all three boys at once.

Later gators....
C

Up North, er and to the East

2012-01-25T09:49:00.003-06:00

So Pam got high speed internet. Oh she's sooo lucky! Now I'm getting tons of photos of the Boys.

That would be Arlo, Dove and Frankie's red brother from the Jimmy Buffet litter. Leonard, Pete's big brother out of the Patriotic litter. And last but not least, Mr Ike, the cardigan rescue that I fostered and Pam and Brian adopted.

What a gorgeous group of dogs and guess what? Pam really wants to stir things up-she's requested an Eddie child now--specifically a blue girl to keep the boys in line. She has no idea what she's in for!

Later gators...
C

Dirty Dozen updates

2012-01-25T09:45:00.003-06:00

So the Dirty Dozen aka the Space litter is 18 mos old.

Charlie and Chipper are now champions. Max needs singles to finish, then it's off to agility and obedience.

The rest of the gang has been in contact and all of them are doing great. I'll be posting photos of them as I get them. But for today, how about Jonia(aka Luna) and her blue best friend, Frankie.

Seems Dad's chair is the best place to snuggle after racing around in the snow.

Later gators....
C

Believe what you want.....

2012-01-25T09:39:00.002-06:00

Seems I still saying I told ya so, a lot these days.

Why is it that people choose to lie? And other's are in such hurry to find something wrong that they believe the lie? Even when given the choice of verifying the facts, they choose not to and continue down the path of destruction.

I hate to see people hurt. I hate being hurt. I especially dislike being told that I was the cause of the hurt. And to add salt to the wound, when the truth is revealed, I'm hurt again.

Funny, though people seek apologies from others, they are the last ones to offer up their own.

Sigh, this world confuses me, but at least I'm not the one caught in the loop of never ending drama.

Later gators...
C

Awesome

2012-01-23T09:25:00.002-06:00

So if you keep up with Shelley, you know what happened already. It was a great weekend-crappy weather, awesome friends and big wins for Summit and Foggy Bottom!

We had the usual low riders with us this weekend: Chip, Cora and Cara...

Okay I'm such an idiot, listen to this, the dogs we took this weekend were Connor, Chip, Charlie, Cora and Cara. It was a nightmare because we kept getting the pem Cara, mixed up with the cardigan Cora and the twin headed monster known as the brothers were, well, nuts. Connor was the only sane dog in the group.

Saturday Cora was RWB to Teddy's Swan. Chip was WD and went on to BOW for his 2nd major, now only needing 2 points to finish!!!!
Cara the pem was WB for one point.
AND..........Alec piloted Connor to a GROUP 2 under Judge David Bolus. Couldn't beat Elvis the OES, but he did manage to beat out 5 dogs that ranked in the top 5 in their respective breeds last year!!!
Along the way we helped show a few other breeds and had a blast being interviewed for KCCI during their morning show live broadcast.

Sunday-it was icy. ICY and more ICY. Typical Des Moines show weather.
Connor was BOV(he was the only one entered 'cause no one wants to play with him)
Cara the pem, WB again!
And we now have two new champions!
Chip, who was all about the fun in the ring, amused the judge quite a bit along the way, took WD and BOW for his 3rd major to finish.
Not to be out done, Ms Cora snagged her final major to finish with WB! Four shows, 2 RWB and 2 WB for the girl from the east coast. Wooo Hoo!

Then to top it off, in their debut weekend, Connor and the Ms are now showing in juniors. Nothing on Saturday-not a clue what the judge was looking for, but on Sunday they did a great job with a 4 place out of a big class. Few more kinks to work out but I see a great team in the making.

I do need to thank a few people. First off to Rebecca at Diamante Collies for entrusting us with Connor. Alec adores that dog and they make sure a great team.
Next to Shelley for taking our little chip off the old block, listening to me when I said let him grow up, his time will come. She made him the silly, totally goofy, and solid boy that he is. Oh and that darn pemmie--what a fun dog to have around!
JoAnn, man, you are the best! Thanks for allowing Eddie to come live with us and helping me out by saying-hey, call Karen.
And last but not least, to Karen Lyons for sending Cuco Cora over to the midwest. She's are wonderful addition to the house, keeping Charlie, Chip and Eddie in line!

Now all I need to do is keep ice on my strained wrist(yes I fell, twice, at home last night) and count the days till Dove starts whelping. We are out of dogs to show except for Connor and Cara the pem who will be hitting a few shows solo this spring. I think I have time to start working on a few performance titles?

Later gators...
C

Their famous!!!

2012-01-23T09:19:00.002-06:00

And not for being serious about anything. Check it out....Chip and Connor made the KCCI morning news on Saturday at the Central Iowa Kennel Club show.

http://www.kcci.com/video/30272659/detail.html

More on the show later......
C

Mouse afoot

2012-01-23T09:15:00.002-06:00

And yet another tail from the homestead while I was gone.

We do not have mice in our house. Period. Yes I have them in the garage, they sneak in when the door is open from the field. Yes I have a rampent one scurry through the barn.

Saturday night David laid in bed and suddenly heard tap dancing dogs in the bathroom. Frankie and Pete were attempting to catch a rogue rodent. Of course neither has the talent their grandfather or great grandmother had for this act and it was just creating noise.

David thought, which warm and quiet spot would it hide? Master bath closet. Sets trap. Closes door. 3 mins later-SNAP. No more mouse.

He went back to bed.

Later gators...
C

Pete's ahead

2012-01-23T08:46:00.002-06:00

Oh, what a monster I created. Sorry to everyone that gets in her way!

Pete, it seems, figured out Thursday night that she was no going on the dog show world tour with us this weekend. The pouting started early.

I came home to a detail of the carniage:

One roll of TP-tube pulled out of the center, shredded. Remaining roll, unrolled and trailed through the bedroom and master bath several times.

Two pee spots.

One chair, both arms chewed on.

David is so not happy and has told me that either she gets put in a crate for the entire weekend when we are gone or she has to go with us. Luck has it---I'm not going to any dog shows for a long time!

Later gators...
C

Nah, didn't work?

2012-01-20T08:09:00.002-06:00

First, please excuse what looks like someone strangling the dog, but you don't put Dove on her back willingly and this is the dog that manages to avoid every photo op, unless she's asleep. Add in that she is carrying a tiny bit of extra weight around the middle, which makes laying on her back hard. Lastly please note, Dove is a tubey, skinny girl in regular weight and I fear she's her mother's daughter-carries all the babies up in her ribcage till the very last day.

But I'm still not sure if the breeding took? Just joking! Let's just say Kim wanted to make sure that it took and I won't even mention how many times she breed her-eghads, I'm having flashbacks to the Dirty Dozen! We've still got like 3 weeks? Or is is 2? Again, Kim's fault, I have a huge due date window. Xrays the first week of February-we'll get a head count then.

Wish us luck! Headed to the snowy Des Moines shows this weekend with a herd in tow. I'm hoping that Alec remembers to pack adult beverages, we might need them!

Later gators....
C

People are so predictable

2012-01-19T09:20:00.003-06:00

Alternate title: I told you so!

I’m a people watcher. It’s similar to judge watching at the dog shows. You pick up on trends, styles and preferences. Store that info for later. In the general people watching category, I’ve had the chance to discuss how predictable some people are. How they act, what they do and what their next step is. For some it’s like physics-for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. For many it’s cyclonic, yeah, like a Dyson. Heehee.

I’ve been using the term or wanting to use the term, I told you so, so much lately. There are people out there I’ve said it to and they admit(umhum, Ms P??) I should listen to you more, you were right all along. Then those that I just look at, shake my head and grin, knowing I told them what would happen and they are still shocked and deny the truth.

The most interesting ones are when I can walk by with the knowledge that even though I could have warned them, I chose not to. That type of person would never listen, so why bother. Clouded by their own loathsome attitudes, they think that I’m only going to say something to them to screw them over. Yeah right, that’s exactly what I do, all the time-not. So I get to sit back and watch them get screwed over, rant, rave, cuss and swear about how badly there were treated. But no, still not going to listen or see that it could all have been prevented.

What I do find sad though, is that in the cyclonic nature of some people, they never seem to get hurt, make it so that they come out on top, regardless of who else they hurt-people or animals. Supposedly in it for the love of the animal, but in the long run, really they are in it strictly for themselves. People who get in their way are trashed, hurt and ridiculed to no end.

Unfortunately the other aspect of that type of person comes with a price. The horrible crash and burns you see, you end up being the cleanup crew. Take in the misunderstood and maimed victims. Again, it ends up being all about them with not a real care in the world about who is hurt. You can't do much more then watch as they do it over and over again, predictable like I told you they would be.

And on a lighter note…. I’m getting the bumper upgraded on the truck! Expecting 6-8 inches of snow so it’s Prius Pushing time once again! My brother, the sheriff’s deputy, was ragging last winter about how every time he was out and about during a winter event, he always got stuck behind those damn cars. They cannot navigate the snow or ice worth a damn, slow traffic to a crawl and cause massive accidents because the people behind them get stuck or what not. Prius’ are not a winter weather vehicle in the Midwest! Side note: Okay, I love the economy they offer, but sometimes they just need to stay in the garage.

Anyhow, funny part is that, my brother's complaint rings very true. We started taking notes and yes, everytime we were running errands, traveling home, we had one pull out in front of us, or ended up behind one at a stoplight on a hill. This winter has been no different. New game isn’t slug bug, it’s the Prius Punch! I dread ending up behind one of them more then the crappy weather itself!

Well, buckle up, it's going to be bumpy ride for the next few days-people and weather wise!

Later gators…
C

Me, myself and I

2012-01-18T11:29:00.002-06:00

Why I breed dogs?

For me. Not for someone to have a pet. For me. Not for a potential show pup to try and place and have shown. For me. Not to fill a void in the market. For me.

I breed because I love this breed. Everything about them makes me happy. The clownish personality. The big floppy ears on a puppy. Feet that still make you wonder if they will ever grow into them… at age 9. Intensity when working. Wanting to please their person yet the ability to think independently. The couch snuggler and pillow stealer. The ratter, the skunk cornerer, the eater of horrible things, the vaporizer of the tissue box and the muddy foot prints on the clean carpet.

I breed to create the perfect dog, according to our breeds’ standard. I’ll never actually have the perfect dog-structure, health, temperament, something is always wonky. But to attempt that with each decision I make, is to improve on the generation before and get closer to that goal.

I breed not to place a pup in someone else’s home, that just happens. I don't do it because I’m thinking that someone else will want one of my puppies to show or do performance with. I breed because I want my next generation to show or do performance with. I’m picky, out of 12 pups, there might be only one that I want. Doesn’t mean the rest couldn’t be shown or finish their championship or add something to someone else’s quest for the perfect dog. But I will always keep what I feel is the very best for my program, for me. If you want one of my pups, I know you’ll come calling sooner rather than later. I am much happier placing the rest of my pups in loving family homes where they are spoiled rotten and the center of their families lives.

I breed because I’m selfish. For me. Not for you. I never claim all my pups are show potential. For me only one or two may be and those are my show potentials. And sometimes what other's think is the perfect litter, has nothing that I consider show potential-for me. That doesn't mean it's a less then quality dog, just means I didn't get what I wanted out of that breeding and it's still a perfect companion for someone else.

I breed when I want to. Not because I have a waiting list of people who want one. Though if you are willing to wait till I do breed, you’ll be the first person I call when I’m in puppy breath heaven and am ready to share that with you.

I breed knowing that it’s a lifetime commitment. If you have one of my dogs, you know that I’m there for the whole ride. Call me at all hours, send me photos, hilarious stories to laugh at and we'll both cry when something horrible happens. My dogs are my four legged kids and when you take one home, we become family forever.

The low down being, I’m a selfish person. I’m more than happy to share with others, but when it comes to my dogs, my choices and my breeding, I put my dog and my decisions first. Don’t take my rights away and tell me how and when I can breed. And most certainly know, you don’t come first, my dog does.

Later gators....
C

ABC's and 123's

2012-01-17T09:32:00.002-06:00

Report cards are in. And darn it, I have no poker face. Tried as hard as I could to stare the Ms down and scold her about her "bad" grades. Didn't work, because the Ms once again proved that she can buckle down and do it!

Yeah, the one bad grade is in Spanish, which is by far her least favorite subject. The grade, a B-, and only because she didn't opt for a test retake and had a couple late assignments.

She even managed a couple A+'s, the rest are mostly A's and a B in the dreaded Math!

Way to go MS!!!! Now waiting on the annual ITBS or what ever it is that they take in junior high--crossing fingers that for the 3rd year in a row she qualifies for summer college prep classes! The last two years, her scores in three areas are college level(that's when she was in 6th and 7th grade) while the remainder were mostly 3-4 grades ahead of the norm, avg 10th and 11th grade levels.

And you wonder why I can't keep her nose out of a book?

Later gators....
C

Fox in the hen house

2012-01-17T09:05:00.003-06:00

She's back!!! Last winter we watched a lovely pair of red foxes cavort at the south end of our corn field. They tested the waters by coming closer and closer to the dog/poultry yards. Unfortunately, during our spring walk about in the pasture and fields, the found the body of the male, curled up under some bramble. We figure he had been hit by a car.

During the spring treks to the fair grounds, we were so happy to see Mom and two kits romping in the bean fields north of the house.

We think that either she or one of the youngsters has taken up residence in the barn just west of our pasture-same den site as used last year.

Yesterday I was informed that one of them came within about 20 yds of the dog yard, before the alarm sounded. Seems Mr and Mrs Road Runner were also having a walk about yesterday, touring the field, the garden and really pissing off Chip. So now we are going to have to be extra diligent with the feathered stock, to keep them from becoming the main course for the little red dog down the road. Luck has it that the horses tolerate none of this type of creature, so as long as we keep the south fence secure, dogs on the left, horses on the right and the Mediterranean's in the pen, crossing paws, nothing happens.

Later gators....
C

It's a tie

2012-01-16T11:47:00.002-06:00

So the Pete saga continues. And luck has it, the weekend meant I could supervise the little bugger. Well, I didn't so much as supervise but sic'd the EBD dog on her. Lace has in no mood for her shenanigans.

I would guess that's one for me on Saturday and on Sunday, same thing, just let Lace deal with her. There were some constant arguments abouts who sits in what chair. Not really even a true argument, EBD basically looked at Pete and said, mine. Pete said, yes ma'am.

Talk this weekend revolved around the Ms turning 14--yes 14! Soon to go and get her driver's permit and then driver's ed so she can get a work permit and start working for Doc. Then I started panicking about how high my insurance rates will go-gulp. I'm not ready for this yet.

Then we discussed her plans for 4-H this year. Horses-check. Chickens-check. Ducks-check. Dogs-hum. I suggested Charlie needed to go through classes, Alec is now rolling on the floor laughing. "So which voice does he listen to on recalls?" Poor Charlie. Then we talked about Pete, she's doing agility and pre-novice this year. We also talked about EBD and well, I think she's ready for open? This after I had the flashlight on my lap, she walked over to me, said can I have that please? I gave it to her and she walked off with it, depositing it in her pile of toys in the dog bed. Eddie gets drug out for showmanship, which means that we can't pack his pj's away just yet.

This morning, the battle begins anew. I left with Pete getting the snot beat out of her by a preggers Dove. Frank grumbling at the end of the bed--you touched me. Then the look of-why are you leaving me with them?

Later gators....
C

Pete 2, Me big fat 0

2012-01-13T13:50:00.002-06:00

She's got just one more chance today to prove she can be a bedroom dog during the day. Though I hear her crate calling her.

After arriving home yesterday, noting what was displaced, disboweled and beheaded in the toy department, I gave the pointy headed little twirp a pat on the head and said good Petey.

Heading to bed, I went to pull my pillow, no wait, Hubby's pillow from under the sheets and it fell out of the pillow sham.

Yes, she did. Tore the zipper out of the sham! Luck has it for me she didn't do anything to the pillow itself, a large squishy feather pillow. I know it was her, you can always see her - what me? nah, was Frank--look when you ask why she did it. Rolls her eyes, airplanes her ears and sinks back into her lazy boy with a what ever sigh.

This one, she's a challenge.

Later gators...
C

Pete 1, Me 0

2012-01-12T10:37:00.004-06:00

Pete's been getting house dog treatment. Unfortunately, she's now been banned to the bedroom with Dove and Frank during the day, due to random acts of mischief. One of my moose suddenly appears sitting in the middle of the room. Magazine with pictures "cut" out of it. You get the drift.

See that? Of course the Tall Kid chose not to get actually evidence, but I was told that this is what my bedroom resembled last night when he got home. The term was "she vaporized a box of kleenex".

Way to go Pete.

Later gators....

He was right!

2012-01-12T09:24:00.003-06:00

It snowed, but not nearly as much as Joe predicted. Or yet. What I can tell you after a record high of 53 yesterday, we are now in the teens, with single digit windchills. Snow in the protected areas is starting to be noticeable, otherwise, it's just blowing all over the place.

Dug out the snow boots, finally. Thought about where the shovel is and the livestock is all tucked in for the duration of the storm. Ducks are pissed as their pond is iced over, which means the Ms will get to do her ice stomp and break them a small spot tonight. Chickens, they have a heat lamp. Horses, huddled together, Mooman might get his blanket tonight. Dogs, so over it. Moose's paw was cold this morning but the collies were racing and body slamming each other and not wanting to come in.

Tonight will be a little bit of shoveling, just the drifts. I don't own a snow blower nor see the reasoning behind getting one out here. I invision rocks, sticks and dog toys thrown through windows or at vehicles. Nope, just as easy to shovel a path. Then again, isn't that why the Hubby bought his skid thing a few years ago? Has the handles in the basement. Just need to hook up a clydesdale and go to work.

Later gators...
C

She's nuts!

2012-01-11T13:35:00.002-06:00

I'm quitting my job.

Going to be a weatherwoman. Only job I know where you can play with numbers, mess them up royally, and still keep your job plus make a nifty little paycheck!

So remember yesterday when Joe Winters said 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch?

Yesterday morning: we'll get less then an inch.

Last night at the 10 O'Clock news: 1-3 inches expected.

This morning on the AM news: 3-4 inches.

By the time my tushie hits the office chair at 8am: 6-8 inches?????

Mother Nature you are nuts!

Now....back down to the 3-4 inches or 5 that they figured from last night.

Current temp........45.

I'll let you know if I need to hook the corgis up to the dog sled to get into work tomorrow.

Later gators....
C

What that poor dog puts up with

2012-01-10T15:34:00.002-06:00

It's kind of blurry but Shelley sent me this from the weekend. What that poor poor blue dog puts up with amazes me.

Yes that's the infamous Sock Monkey Hat and yes, he's wearing his purple pj's. He fell asleep on the grooming table for about an hour. Everyone kept stopping by to pet him and take photos.

Later gators...
C

Mother Earth, are you confused?

2012-01-10T15:14:00.002-06:00

O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind? ~Percy Bysshe Shelley

We haven't even had winter yet!!! Per Joe Winters the weather dude this morning, should we get to January 15th with less then an inch of seasonal snow, it will be a historical record. To date, we've only had like a tenth of an inch or something like that. Forecast for tomorrow is that we could get 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of something tomorrow. Temps down in the 20's then back up to the 40's by the end of the weekend.

But today.....it's 55 degrees outside, the sun is shining and I'm wondering where my flip flops are!

Yes this is Iowa. Yes at this time last year I had already had two snow days at work. No, I'm not dreaming. Waiting for Mother Nature to drop the other shoe on us.

Later gators....
C

Bucket mama

2012-01-09T09:14:00.003-06:00

My tall kid? He needs a good swat every now and then.
Group ring on Saturday, he's talking with another handler, Christopher and he motions for me to hand him over his spray bottle and cool towel for Connor. To which, I'm now called the Bucket B*tch, though he did then say that I was actually his mom, but helping out. I swear there are days.....
Guess I should rewind to the beginning of the weekend?
We headed up for our first show weekend of the year. The big St Paul/January Specialties. Typcially, snowy, icy, or something like that. This year, I'm sick with a cold. Oh well, nothing ever goes smoothly.
Load up four dogs, all the crap for 3 days, the Tall Kid and the Ms. Have to remember when packing to leave room for two extra dogs returning with us and their assorted crap. The rule of Tall Kid--I can never come home with more then I left with, exceptions dualy noted.
I think I will take a moment to introduce someone first.....

Woodrose Bring It On aka "Cora"

I have to give ample thanks for the chance to have this lovely little black and white girl from Karen Lyons for the next year or so. JoAnne too for suggesting I call Karen. And yes, you may have guessed, she's the new bride of Eddie. We are showing her - she just needs her majors, health testing and plan to breed her this spring. Much anticipation is already building for this and honestly, I have too many names for the waiting list.
So Friday is the North Star Herding Group specialty. Chipper Shredder aka another Dirty Dozen child, is entered. Originally I wasn't going to go and Alec was going to show Chip, but I totally blew off that he wasn't listed as a current owner of him and therefore could not show him in BBE. So rather then change things last minute, I opted to go and show him. I hate, really hate this age-hormonely challenged 17 mo old boys. UGH! He also decided he wanted to move, like really MOVE. To which I need to apologize to Mac-never did run into her again during the weekend. I had no idea he could gait like that and even with giving Mac tons of room, we caught up with her and almost ran into her. EEEK! I felt like such a heel. But beyond moving like a mad man and hormones, Chip did well-won his class and took RWD to Wanda B's beautiful Tiger.
Also a surprise for me was that Liz came over from WI to show another Dirty Dozen boy, Max. She got grooming space for us and we had a blast! Alec showed Max for her and it was again, a hard choice--Max did well and I think any given day would have swapped places with Chipper.
Cora for her first time out with Alec was awesome, RWB to Teddy's little b/w girl, who has more hair then Cora right now.
Collies ended with another BOV win for Connor, getting him within a few single points of his Silver GRCH!!!! He got pull in the group too.
Friday night-dinner with the girls then back to the motel for a restful(ha) nights sleep.
Saturday dawned with the constant decision, where to park! That's the one thing I hate about this show is parking. Once you get that figured out, the show is awesome. Oh and not being able to walk the dogs outside. But back to the show.
Saturday-early ring time juniors and collies. Oh and pems. Forgot about pems. Yes Shelley, I'm putting you on the spot. We also are showing Cara the pem for Shelley, which when pulled out of the crate on Friday, I went oh no. She's fat--like rolling in it. Seriously not pretty. She's now at Fat Camp and is not happy at all.
Collies--another good day with another BOV win for Connor and now just a few points towards that Silver!
We also got the chance to help show a new to AKC breed-Treeing Walker Coonhounds. Even more interesting was that this breeder, is the foundation of the breed with her grandparents being the original creators of this hound breed. We look forward to showing more for Tricia and Alec's excited to be on the ground floor as it takes off in AKC.
Cardigans rolled around and well, sorry, we didn't share much. After realizing Chipper wants to move, we gave Mac loads more room. Hormones were again flowing and this time the judge and I shared a good laugh as he really was more interested in the afghans in the next ring then me or the bait. The judge was awesome with giving him lots of time to settle once we talked about his "issue" aka girls, girls, girls. We won our class again! Alec went in with Max and won their class too! Then it was on to WD. We made it hard, very hard for the judge. Both boys wanted to play, which made Chip move with his head twisted backwards most of the time. So she took us around seperately, thank goodness. Chip went WD for his first major and Max was RWD. At pictures afterwards she mentioned she thought they were littermates and that it was a flip of the coin as to who won-she just wanted for one of them to make a little mistake.
Alec went in with Cora and easily won WB for her first major. We are all super happy about that win.
Finished out with BOW for Chipper and a chance to relax for the rest of the afternoon. Well that was until Groups and when I had to change my hat to be the Bucket B*tch.
Dinner with friends was great-Barb, Steve, Dawn and her son joined us. Great food, perfect conversation. We delivered eggs to everyone and also presented Dawn with Grace's new bailey chair. Can't say much more-great day, wonderful evening.
Sunday-easy day, right? No that's the packing day. Pem's in early, so was juniors. Then it's the 5 hour wait for collies. We didn't enter cardigans as the judge is predictable as in blue predictable. I could have been a millionaire if there were bets to take on the results of the day. Called every class. And yes we got Select in Collies-the blue dog won. Because it was blue.
Packing - we still managed 2 extra dogs to come home with us, their food and stuff, and had room to spare! Go figure???? Long trip home, nice to sleep in my own bed and sip a hot cup of tea with the hubby while watching Downton Abbey.
It was awesome to see everyone, catch up on what's what and who's who. I'll have a couple more posts on the oddities for the weekend. But now, it's time to relax and get ready for the next show in two weeks. Alec's got an easy shot for groups, no one else wanted to play in smooths for the weekend. Chipper and Cora are both entered, let's hope the major holds. And I swear that Cara the pem will look lean and mean by then. She's so not happy with the diet she's on--keeps looking at her bowl and wondering where the rest of her food is.
Then it's chaos-Alec's hitting shows every weekend in February, gearing up for the Collie Nationals in March/April. And crossing fingers that I'm stuck home whelping puppies :)

Later gators....
C

Reflections

2011-12-29T08:19:00.003-06:00

Hoping that you had a great 2011 and that 2012 is all that you hope for!

See ya in the New Year.....
C

In a bahumbug sort of mood

2011-12-21T11:16:00.003-06:00

There are days and then there are DAYS.

Forgot I needed to run to the bank across the corner, at the end of the work day. No one else had anything else that needed running, so I grabbed my RED coat, and walked over to talk to Vicki and Sharon.

Sharon's off, so Vicki helped me. We talked eggs, chickens(typical topic) and baking. After I'm done in the bank, buttoned up my RED coat and went to the cross walk.

I waited, patiently, no jay walking this time of night/day. The intersection I have to walk across is one way going away from the down town, with the cross street two way. I was walking across the two way street, with the light in my favor, ie, the white walking dude telling me I can go.

So me and my RED coat, start walking. Traffic on the one way, can turn left on to the two way street.....and it did, as fast as the little white van could go and ALMOST HIT ME!!!!!!!!! And my RED coat.

I had been watching the van while it was waiting for the green light, out of the corner of my eye. I kept it in my limited view as I started walking. How in the world can you miss me and my RED coat???? Well he did and the gal who also was starting to walk across the street thought for sure that the van had clipped me. It did stop short of me, by an inch, and waited for me to move with my hands thrown up in the air and a loud-WHAT THE FFFFF???

You take your life in your own hands walking in the downtown area.

When I got back to the office, shaken through and through, I called the company who owned the van. Luck had it the owner's cartoon face and logo were all over the vehicle. I got an Oh My, we're so sorry. And that was it! Not even asking if I was okay, didn't ask my name or nothing. ustomer Service my foot! Not only did I about have a heart attack, but had witnesses and could have been seriously hurt. I was pissed, upset and really not in a good mood the rest of the evening.

Lesson learned---I need to wear reflective orange as my RED coat isn't visable. I won't be purchasing or using the service dept of that business and well, we were life long customers.

I have though kept a slight sense of humor about it all---I'm taking the skywalks from now on!

Later gators....
C

Fa fa fa la la la la

2011-12-21T08:19:00.003-06:00

Update on the non-fluff monster! Thought I would share with you all Jeff Fa Fa's recent de-construction moment. Seems the telephone books at my house weren't enough, he now is into just about anything paper with his new family. Eeek! Sorry Ron and Nancy!

Later gators....
C

Blessings to you and yours'!

2011-12-20T09:36:00.003-06:00

The chaos crew at Foggy Bottom--Hubby, Me, Tall Kid and the Ms along with the furry four legged, featherd two footed and very hairy hooved beasts want to wish you and yours' a very Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

Later gators....
C

Ears to you!

2011-12-20T08:36:00.014-06:00

I love my dogs’ ears. The Hubby always commented about wanting a blanket that felt just like his labrador’s ears. I just love the shape and colors that come in…
Of course there are the “paint brush” ears, we have several of those....
Then there’s the super fuzzy ones….

Non-fuzzy blue... Brindle in all shades...
Red that could be a tich bigger
Sable—wait, those are tipped.
How about hairy tipped ears?
We have also an identity crisis in our house-to tip or not to tip?
Where are her ears? Brother's ears....
Holiday ears...
And just some honkin’ big ears.

Later gators...
C

Eggxalted!

2011-12-20T08:33:00.002-06:00

Okay, so here's what they really look like. And yes, that's about a day and half worth or what happens when you collect in the morning one day, the evening on the next. The color of the blue egg is just not justified with the photo.

Later gators...
C

Eggstrodinary!

2011-12-19T12:42:00.002-06:00

So the egg saga continues......

I have 13 dozen eggs in the fridge at this moment. The Ms is collecting about a dozen a day. The dogs love to trip her up, 'cause that means cracked eggs and extra goodies for dinner. $2 dozen or $3 for an 18 count carton. .25 off for carton exchanges. Seriously folks, you gotta buy some eggs from her---I'm running out of room for all my Christmas goodies! The freezer is packed with baking projects. The crispers have all kinds of fruits and veggies stored. It's been too darn warm to use the "garage fridge" aka storage shelves. I'm thinking about freezing eggs, but no room!

I so need to get you guys photos. Right now it truly is easter egg heaven. She's got white, buff, cream, brown, speckled, blue and green eggs. Chicken and duck. What we can't figure out is this-thought we lost the cayuga hen this summer during the heat, but now getting jumbo khaki green eggs? In the duck hut too. Me thinkest we mis-sexed the black ducks. Think the Ancona chicken hen is now laying as the basket contains medium sized white eggs-should be the only white egged hen out there. The golden wyandottes are sitting fools-they get grumpy when you shoo them off the communal nest. Polly the buff braham is laying small buff colored eggs--with double yolks. And a surprise to us, she's got a blue Araucana hen who's laying the most beautiful blue eggs. Her other hen is a red/salmon Amercana, she's got green eggs.

The joke this weekend was that we needed paint and I want to use "eggshell", haha, not that "eggshell" this one, holding up one of the many odd ball colors from the carton.

Later gators...
C

Horse of a different color

2011-12-15T08:36:00.003-06:00

Ms is taking riding lessons at a local show barn. Her mount is an older, well seasoned leopard appaloosa named Rocky. He's big, he's clunky and he likes to pull stuff on all the students. Except for the Ms. Of the students, she's the only one that gets him to take his left lead, drop his head at the poll, do a nice pleasure jog, etc. And we get the joy of watching her lessons, which also include watching other's work their horses.

So here's my beef for the day. Horse people suck. Okay, not all horse people suck. Those with money, those who are in it only for the win and those who really don't care--suck.

I witnessed the following things over the last couple of lessons:

Girl riding a lovely pinto. Reiner from what I was told. Crippled. He only does reining because in any other event, he'd be dead last. Beyond being ring sour, the horse can not break at the knee, watching this animal perform circle after circle, spin after spin, it makes me wonder why winning at the expense of the future of the animal is so important to these people? Give that horse a couple more years of competition and it'll be on bute the rest of it's life.

Another paint comes in, gorgeous standing there all saddled up. Then it moves. I asked D what the hell was going on? It won't take a right lead because it's heavily favoring on the front left. It's got a lot of head bodding going on, seems cranky. Feel for the kid, sort of. Well, the horse was a futurity horse and was broken down by age 2. Has arthritis in all four legs now at age 6 and in order to show, it's started on twice a day bute two days before the shows and throughout the shows.

Walking the stalls after the lessons, pretty little walking horse with cushings, thing's like 22 or so, very handsome dude. And curly from the tip of his nose to the bottoms of his feet. And the owners are treating it, the horse is in good shape and he's retired. Enjoying life. The exception to the rule it seems.

Three stalls down, mare has her butt to the stall door, head in the corner and is swaying back and forth. Guess what, another former futurity horse and halter champion. 14 yrs old, front legs are totally buckled, broken down and you can see the pain in her eyes as she sways. Had been dumped in a pasture when her halter days were behind her, never able to get her bred, so she's now in a stall under lights to try to get her to come in and be bred. You can tell she hasn't seen a kind hand in years, unwilling to take treats, marks on her head where her halter sat too tightly on her nose. So if the breeding takes, this poor mare who can't carry her own weight will have to endure more pain as she gets heavier with foal. And if she can't be bred, she's going to the kill pen.

It ate me alive last night watching all this unfold. How can people be so inconsiderate of the future of these animals? The saddest part is that I see it just as much in the dog world.

How many times do we hear about a dog getting regular chiro treatments to keep it sound and moving correctly? How many times does a trainer talk about fattening up the dog to show as in a working realistic weight, it won't win? How many times do we see dogs get injured and still show when it should be on crate rest?

Now I have used chiro treatments on my dogs-1 dog, 1 treatment after an injury where she was on crate rest, leash walking for 4 months! To me if a dog is correct structurally, there's not need for dr's appts to fix things all the time. Fattening up a dog? My dogs better be able to go right from the conformation ring to the obedience ring without the beat of an eye, if the judge doesn't like it's weight, then tough-but feel that dog, it's solid and well muscled and can work.

What I think bothered me the most is that these people seem to think they are doing this for the well being of the animal, but is it that important to have the wins and the ribbons that we ruin the animal from having a decent long lived, fairly pain free life?

Hum, I must be doing something wrong. My last three horses lived to be 30 plus years and died of old age issues. Well the third one is 32+ strong now, looks like he's just 20, retired fully now and without a serious issue coming up, I bet he's around for another 4-5 years. And he's not on bute, no chiro adjustments or banned to a life of neglect. He's worn down his teeth so he gets special pelleted feed. He fell a couple of years ago on the ice so he goes in a stall when it's icy out and wears a blanket. Gosh darn it, where did I go wrong?

later gators...
C

Crossing paws

2011-12-13T08:55:00.002-06:00

Normally I wouldn't say a thing about an upcoming breeding until I know for sure it took. But I'm giddy about this one, so I have to tell someone, figured you'd be the best to start with!!

Dove as you know from the St Louis post, road tripped it down past the Arch and then cross country to Salina, KS for a romantic rendezvous with a lovely black and white boy named Monster. Crossing paws that I have a great excuse to stay home from the St Joe shows the first of February due to whelping puppies.

Hoping for black and whites with brindle points, brindles(agouti) and hum, how about a red or two? This line ties back to some really awesome dogs that I've always admired. And seems Dove is up to her mother's old tricks--some how she's managed to sucker Erik and found her spot in the bed!

Later gators...
C

Gift wrapped

2011-12-08T08:49:00.001-06:00

Okay, so now I'm all ready for the season, if you notice anything that just isn't right, let me know. I think I got all of the dodads in the right place.

Later gators.
C

bump in the road

2011-12-07T13:45:00.001-06:00

Please pardon the construction---I'm hoping to be fully in the Christmas mood by the end of the day.

Later gators....
C

Show dawg through and through

2011-12-06T10:09:00.002-06:00

I think she was wondering why she wasn't up on the screen?

Gotta getta a closer look at the competition.....
And couldn't end the photo session with out a current photo of the grandmother of all, 11 1/2 yr old Pheobe...

Later gators...
C

St Louis here I come and then I left

2011-12-06T10:06:00.003-06:00

All things considered, a success!

Road trip should be my middle name. This weekend wasn’t as bad as some but it was a turn and burn, that ended up not turning as fast as it should have. Saw too many people to talk too! Fun to get out of the truck and have to take your coat off it was so warm!

So Dove is now in Kansas, that’s not where we went, other side of MO, St Louis. Meet up with Kim and Kari, looked at some dogs, held dogs ringside(was so not dressed to go in). Talked to Marla who I haven’t seen in ages. Said hi to a few other people we normally don’t see in our area.

Trip wasn’t too bad, though the rain and the roads in MO are so bad compared to IA. Literally you crossed the river and Iowa had road signs, reflectors, lane dividers, flat and straight roads with nice big shoulders. Good thing I had Hubby along to drive. I am also proud to report that the dogs did a great job with an extra hour or so of having to cross their legs. We got hung up on road construction crossing the Mississippi going home. Though I do have some awesome photos of the Arch. And Pete, I was told, makes a great pillow. That was from the Ms who got to sleep all stretched out in the back. Yeap, Peterman is an awesome road trip dog.

Now we just wait for The Tall Kid to get home from his road trip to Savannah, via Pennsylvania. I’m hoping he’s not got anything extra coming back in the Big Tow-I’m finally downsizing on dogs, surprises in a crate might send me over the edge. Other than having a girl in season, the current chaos crew is all getting along surprisingly well.

Oh and along the way..... the world largest bottle of ketchup.

Later gators....
C

Finally!

2011-11-30T11:56:00.003-06:00

I'm a very impatient person these days and waiting for AKC to catch up does not help at all!

CH Summit Foggy Bottom Sailor's Moon - DN29196108
Conformation - Awards Processed Through 12-NOV-2011

Number of Points 16
Number Major Wins 3
Number Major Judges 3
Total Number Judges 8

Now to see where they think he stands with the GRCH points-should have 2 majors, 1 competition win. That'll be another week.

Lator gators....
C

Chicken vs the Egg

2011-11-29T09:17:00.003-06:00

I don't think I've really gone into depth about the whole egg thing, at least here. Few of you know the sordid details but so the rest of you are in on the horrible, terrible truth, here it is.

I can't eat eggs.

I love eggs. Over easy, lightly scrambled and soft. Hard boiled. In a meatloaf. Cooking a custard is one of my or was one of my favorite things.

We have ducks laying right now that have the most enormous eggs that have dark yellowish orange yolks, rich and perfect for baking.

Chickens are going nuts too, laying in the duck nests. The Ms easily gets a 8-10 eggs a day.

I can't eat a one of them.

A fried egg makes me cringe. Pumpkin pie is off the list now. I'm searching out recipes without eggs. Make a lot of wacky cakes. Avoid angel food cakes like the plague.

3 years ago I came down with what we thought was the end all beat all case of the flu. Four days to which my lovely son asked me daily-do you need to go to the emergency room? After surviving that and swearing off ham and eggs(you know the stuff you got sick on), I was good to go. Till a year later and it was even worse. Come to find out it's not that I'm allergic to eggs, but seems my gallbladder is.

You would not believe what eggs are found in! I've been trying to be a good girl once we figured out the issue. Sort . I test my limits on occasion. I can eat cakes with eggs in them, but not brownies. I still cook my meatloaf using eggs mixed in to bind it but can't eat anything using an egg wash before it's cooked, baked or fried. Yolks are better then whites. The pumpkin pie about killed me on Thursday night but nothing a good glass or two or three of wine didn't help numb. It's more about how the egg is cooked, the ingredients it interacts with and the quantity. I'm becoming a food scientist!

If any ones interested, the Ms is selling eggs now. Free range, naturally feed. The dogs are enjoying eggs on their dinner too. But I'm still running out of room in the fridge-last night we counted 13 dozen.

So remind me why I got chickens?

Later gators....
C

Go back to bed!

2011-11-29T09:12:00.002-06:00

Ever have one of those days when you feel like nothing is going right and best to just crawl back in bed and call it for the day?

Alec’s having one of those weeks.

His non-hurting wisdom tooth started hurting on Saturday. He’s got surgery scheduled for the 9th because he’s currently in Pennsylvania and heading to Georgia for the week.

Saturday two bolts broke on the rear tire of the big tow. Got those fixed on Sunday.

Kristine had a work change and was not able to get to our place till late yesterday. Originally supposed to leave for PA around 10ish Monday morning.

She called from North Liberty at 7:30 last night, suv is not running right. David and Alec head down where Alec will pick her up and start driving to Ohio for the first stop on the trip.

David drives suv to KCC where come to find out, tranny is gone.

My dad comes out, load up suv, take to his place and drop.

David arrives home at 11ish, too awake to sleep. No idea when he finally went to bed.

No word from Alec as of 8:30 this morning(9:30 their time)-Rebecca emails wondering if he’s still alive.

Just got a short text-sitting at Rebecca’s new house. My question? Did you make the stop in Ohio as requested?

Now we wonder what will happen on the way back?

Did I mention that I have to go to St Louis this weekend to drop off one of the girls? And that the other girl came back in season after being in earlier this fall. And that Eddie is available free to a good home if the 4am howls don’t stop. And Frank too. Not Charlie, he hasn't a clue and is actually the only one eating. Go figure!

Rounding out the day, the humans(and Pete too) in the house had eggs last night for dinner. My stomach firmly told me not to even think about it. I went and sat in the other room with my new scentsy light on.

Later gators...
C

I live with turkeys

2011-11-23T09:18:00.002-06:00

Big ones.

The rule in the house is that there is no Christmas talk prior to Thanksgiving. I mean seriously as soon as Halloween is over, the stores skip Thanksgiving and go straight to trees, lights and ho ho ho.

I'm a no no no person.

The Ms and Hubby are a pair. Those of you who have met them, know exactly what I'm talking about. They feed off each other. I'm embarassed to be in stores with the two of them and routinely ditch them. One of their little gags is to shout out "CHRISTMAS LIGHTS" all year long, when ever they see some lit up. They are more then welcome to do it when together and I'm not around, but especially before Thanksgiving, it's banned in the truck when I'm riding along.

Last night after another great riding lesson(Thanks Dana!!!!) we had to go get dog food, Charlie food and of course cat food. On the way home, they started a new game. And I might disown them both.

Instead of "CHRISTMAS LIGHTS", it's now "THANKSGIVING LIGHTS" and the other person goes, "GOBBLE GOBBLE GOBBLE" and they explained that those people are turkey's for putting up their lights so soon.

I've had it up to hear with turkeys. We're having ham for dinner tomorrow.

Wishing all of you and your's the blessing of a thanksgiving filled with joy, hope and answererd prayers.

Later gators....

The Head Turkey

More bagel please? Oh and lots of cream cheese!

2011-11-22T11:17:00.003-06:00

Well, I've had some requests for updates on Emmett, now 5 1/2 mos old. First off, it's dark when I leave for work, dark when I get home. He's black and white, you just don't get good photos if it's not in the daylight.

Secondly, he doesn't stop! Unless he's flat on his back in your lap, watching TV and getting his belly rubbed. I'm lucky I got photos without the blur that is usually his very waggy tail.

So here he is, during his morning ritual of demanding his bagel and cream cheese from the Ms. Not spoiled at all, is he???

FYI--he stacked himself like that. Does it all the time, perfectly.

Later gators...

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, oh s**t-is that snow?

2011-11-21T10:27:00.002-06:00

I have confirmed that I am so not ready for winter. Upon arrival in MN, you could feel the humidity in the air, sense the drop in the temperature and well Charlie was more nutty then normal. I was frozen, my feet were numb and my nose still is bright red.

Hit the show site after a short night at a lovely motel. Yes, lovely. Considering our last two stays in another chain, I would much rather stay in a corporately owned motel then in a franchise. Desk clerk was a hoot and uber helpful. Got me right where I wanted to be and we settled in to watch the end of the ISU vs Okie St. Double overtime and I think when ISU won, we woke up most of the motel with our screams and yells. Totally pissed off Moose who went and slept on the floor by the door.

Easy peasy day. No cardigans to show, no wait, Moose. And man for a dog who loves to go to shows, he was pissed as heck about actually showing. That's the last he sees of the fancy show ring. Collies were too easy, Connor was BOV. Pem was 2nd in her class.

Now a small vent. I understand not being able to attend a show due to illness, etc. But what I hate is people who double enter, create points(in this case Hawkins for collies) and then don't show. I'll retract my opinion on the entry this weekend, if indeed it is found to be for a good reason, but to just not show up? It's so interesting how the different breeds work-cardigan people are good, for the most part, about working to get an entry, majors or helping out. Collie people are underhanded and willing to screw you over if need be. Just don't get it.

Mid show, we look outside and this white stuff is falling from the sky. Seriously? NO! My feet are revolting as I only have my mules. Where was my brain when I packed? I need my snow boots!!! On the way to dinner with Shelley and Dawn, it took almost 45 mins to go the short drive to the restaurant. Dawn had it worse, I think. Her drive took her longer, but she was behind snow plows.

At least I had my mittens in the big tow. Oh and the sock monkey hat was firmly planted on the Ms' head all weekend. She got a lot of comments on it, in particular, where in the world did you find that and where can I get my own. She guards it like gold.

Back to the ring.....Connor was BOV on Sunday again. Then to cardigans, where Charlie picked up his 2nd select major. It was a no brainer, how in the world can he beat Picasso? Especially when I'm dealing with a 2nd weekend of not eating while traveling. Skin and bones. Brother Chip though, no longer a tube! He looks damn good but needs some ring time as he was fruiter then his father in the beginning. RWD to Garrett's little puppy(he had the head the judge wanted) Alec got a point on the pem, talk about an excited owner! And then upstairs helped show frenchies and took select with the special.

Group was well, predictable. Only two men in the group, seems they didn't have short skirts, pony tails or blue dogs. Sigh, some judges, just can't win. Packed up, headed home. Man was I ever happy to see the state line and NO SNOW!

So we end the show year with a good show, enjoyable company and albino brain mites. Gearing up for the new year-seems the big tow will be replaced by a van in the near future. Can't fit anymore big dogs in there.

Later gators....
C

The look, the feel, the fabric of our lives....

2011-11-18T12:14:00.003-06:00

So it’s cold now. I dug out the flannel sheets for the bed. I threw on an extra dog last night too. Unwillingly.

To set the scene, we have a king sized bed. For the last 3 years it has literally sat on the floor. Not by my choosing, but Hubby’s old dog, Hope, couldn’t get on the bed, couldn’t climb stairs, so the bed went on the floor. Also let’s add that it’s a sleep number bed.

I’m digressing here. Moose gets made when you leave him at home and he knows that you’re going somewhere he should be going. One weekend, he decided to chew the cord on the remote to the pump for the bed. Making it nearly impossible to either raise or lower the bed.

So back the bed-so the remote, after the Moose incident and all my hard work plus the roll of electrical tape, crapped out a while ago and so only one side of the bed can be raised or lowered. No biggy, we work around it. And well, there’s a slow leak in the one tube, somewhere, so the person with the remote is good, but the other person sinks into the abyss. Then you have to switch the tubing, and hope that the dogs don’t bounce on the other side of the bed and accidently deflate it quicker. Now you might be asking yourself, why don’t they get it fixed. Sleep Number in their great wisdom, won’t just fix a part. NOOOO, you have to buy the whole assembly. $500 bucks worth. I’m searching Craigslist and Ebay for a cheap spare. Maybe even two to make it easier.

Oh and the part about adding another dog to the bed? When you are laying cuddled up watching TV at night, there’s usually the assorted mess-Emmett, Turner, Moose, Phoebe, maybe Pete though she’s usually bouncing on the bed with Emmett. Frank, Dove? No Eddie as he lays on your head. Or Max, who you just give the entire side of the bed for his own.

But when you go to bed at night, it’s a race to see if you can get your spot before the dogs take over. We sleep with Tuli, Phoebe, Fred and Moose in bed. Tuli actually sleeps under the dresser, growling at anyone that dare disturb her. Phoebe, on your feet or right in between Hubby and I. Moose slams his body on my side of the bed, velcroing himself to my legs. This would be after Hubby has unceremoniously kicked him off his side of the bed, where he had laid claim to his pillow and is staring at me. Fred, well, once he gets done licking the floor in some out of the way area, crawls up next to Hubby and in effect, makes him a hostage to the blankets.

Last night, not only were the flannel sheets on, but I had just washed my flannel pj’s. I crawl into bed, Moose already transplanted from the other side and taking up residence, not a long side me but kitty corner on my side. I curl my feet up in an attempt to shove them under him, didn’t work. Next thing I know Phoebe is laying across my feet and Hubby’s at the bottom of the bed. Then the weirdness continues as Tuli is up on the bed, staring at Hubby. She never sleeps in bed with us. It’s beyond creepy. Sherilyn, it’s even worse than Edweirdo!

Not only does Tuli stare at him, but when I acknowledge her presence with a “oh shit, the chic is out of her cave”, then she drags herself over the top of Hubby and plants herself between us! Fred takes the opportunity to jump up next to Hubby and settle in for the night. If you had to go pee, it was not going to happen till morning. You were sandbagged down for the duration of the night. One thing you do not do is disturb Tuli once she’s in her spot.

Oh and remember those flannel sheets and pj’s? Yeap, it’s like Velcro under the covers. My legs on my pj’s migrated firmly up my thighs, effectively cutting off circulation to my toes. Should have worn shorts. Then the heat of four extra dogs makes me sweat. Then of all things, because I’m on the side of the bed that is slightly deflated and in a weird position due to Moose laying kitty corner, I get a cramp in my butt. Then I have to pee-damn cup of tea!

Any attempt to dethrone a dog is not going to happen. You need leverage of some sort, which I have none. Flannel to flannel, deep in a hole, cramp in tush, I start wiggling my way up the bed. That in turn pulls the pj’s firmly up around my thighs, down to their usual length, but the more I wiggle, the more I realize that I’m wiggling right out of my bottoms!

I gave up, finished getting out of bed, bottoms still attached to the sheets. I seriously thought about going to the bathroom, then returning and slipping right back in them as they lay-I knew it would work. But I also knew that would make it nearly impossible to move further during the night. Dug out the bottoms, went pee, came back, sighed with hands on hips. Then I walked back to the bathroom as the cramp in my tush was not gone yet.

When I did come back I did manage to kick Moose off the bed. Quickly, slid into bed, spread out and Tuli looked up and glared at me. Phoebe in the meantime, jumped off for a drink, hacked her way to the dog bed and plopped down. I could stretch out my legs!

When I woke up this morning, Tuli was back in her cave. Fred was upside down in Hubby's spot(he was in the shower) Moose was snoring on the floor and Phoebe was back on my feet. My bottoms were back up at my thighs, having again cut off circulation to my feet. And yes I was still in the divot in the bed.

Ah I love my flannel !

Later gators...
C

It's like pullin' teeth

2011-11-17T08:25:00.002-06:00

Literally!

Dear old Tall Kid has to have all his wisdom teeth pulled. And it's not going to be easy. Two are still in the bone, all four are impacted and one is riding on top of a molar that's causing a cyst. He's a mess, but the wonders of modern medicine are keeping him happy for now. So while he's on vacation, I'll be slaving away, stocking up on pudding, soups and filling what little freezer space I have with ice cream, that way when he does get them pulled, I'm prepared.

And speaking of pulling teeth, I no longer have an excuse to avoid the obedience and rally ring. See a couple years ago, I did a lot of obedience entries plus showing conformation. We always had conflicts. I donated so many entries to the clubs, I finally gave up. Said when I have nothing to show in big ring, I'll then concentrate on the performance ring. Charlie will officially start his obedience training after this weekend. Goal is to be ready for the January shows. Pete-that's the Ms' department as she's her new obedience dog. Moose-we will get those CD legs and then it's official couch retirement. Goal is titles by the end of February on those three!

Now is it "heel" and step out with the right or left foot?

Later gators....
C

Kalamazoo, zoo, zoo, zoo.....

2011-11-14T08:24:00.003-06:00

I gotta gal in ......Kalamazoo! Ever had a song run through your head to the point of madness???

I love Glenn Miller. Have tons of the cd's and listen to them, really loud, when I'm cleaning house, cooking, etc.

But man, this song is stuck in my head. And only because my first trip there was so much fun!!

We headed out on Friday to the Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids shows. Nice drive, long, lots of vineyards lining the roads. Couple wrong turns, one missed exit and finally, road construction. But we made it!

Saturday we went over to the show site to meet up with our favorite collie breeder, Rebecca. Then it was brush, spritz, brush and more spritzing in the cold. Did you know you can hold a pin brush with mittens and do a darn good job of grooming. The scissors are a little harder to hold though. And chalk-it blows every where. Swirling mini tornado's of chalk, very interesting.

So what happened on Saturday? Connor was BOV. Charlie was WD for his final points! And a major to boot! Tegan was select in roughs and one of the tri boys was WD. All in all, not a bad day. We spent the rest of the day boarded up in the RV watching a "24" marathon, munching on spinach dip, marinated chicken, mashed potatoes and manwich.

Merlot also came along for the weekend as she was headed to her new home in Ohio. Tracy and Kathy got baptism by fire-holding rough collies for us ring side at their very first dog show! Thanks for all the wonderful help and even more thanks for giving Merlot a wonderful retirement home! We'll toast to her this next weekend.

Sunday-we showed late and totally had no motivation to get up. RV was just too darn toasty. But the temps outside, other then dealing with wind, were great! Connor took variety again, nothing in roughs and we waited and waited and waited some more for cardigans. I think Rebecca was in Ohio before we showed! Charlie became a show dawg-he gaited great, had a happy outlook on life, gave great ears to the judge--who played with him too. Of course the happy got a little out of hand, as we bounced on the last go 'round, but oh well. Select for 2 points and a competition win. And that folks, is more then likely all he'll get towards his grand. Off to rally and obedience Charle's of the many voices, we go!

So my guy in Kalamazoo, zoo, zoo, zoo is our 3rd official bred by champion, 5th unofficial(as some of Moose and Russ' points were from the puppy classes) and 5th generation "weiner"! Oh and Connor is 24 points away from his Silver Grand Championship!!!!

Now to figure out where my shoes are in the big tow!

Later gators....
C

Woolly bears

2011-11-07T08:37:00.003-06:00

Susan over at Chickens in the Road was commenting about the state of the woolly bears this fall. They seem to be saying a horrible, long, cold, snowy winter. I think mine say the same!

I don't see any brown bands in the middle, do you? Looks pretty solid to me.

Close up for the biggest woolly bear in the pasture-Glory. They have very thick winter coats already. Even Mooman, who at 32 or so, looks great. He chose not to have his photo taken this morning.

Later gators...
C

What's all the stink about?

2011-11-07T08:30:00.003-06:00

Lovely windy weekend. I'm not a person that likes windy days, until last night when the wind died down.

Last round of potty runs for the dogs and they came in smelling non-heavenly. Yes folks, time to drain the pits and inject in the field next door. For those non farm folks, we live near a large hog farm. They also own/rent a lot of the land around us. In the fall, they drain the manure pits and run huge hoses to the fields and run a special plow that injects the liquid into the soil.

You can see the roller that all the hose sits on and the one long one stretched over the hill.

The tractor to the right is the one with the injector on it. In the center is the pump. They must have 10 miles or more of hose, gotta be 1' diameter, all over the place.

I swear I smell as I sit here at my desk this morning. It takes about a week for it go away.

Later gators....

Welcome to Chateau Quack!

2011-11-07T08:17:00.003-06:00

It finally made it to it's permanent spot! After a month of waiting for the "landscapers" to come and remove the corn, pulling fence posts, and waiting for it to dry up some, Hubby hooked up the log chains and drug it into the pasture. Got it almost perfect the first time, took four of us and some rollers to move it 1 foot sideways but it's there.

The poultry yard is currently in a state of disarry with all the construction. Next project is to install PVC fence posts on the south end, new fencing, move the corner post, move the gate, well you know, rearrange it all!

With the addition of the new building, the yard is now about 15 wider and easily 30 foot deeper. Notice everyone inspecting the area.
And of course a butt shot. We need to do some remodeling inside-remove the roosts and nesting boxes-those go to the Chick Chalet. And of course my agility equipment needs to be moved to storage for the winter--that's tonight's project.

Later gators...
C

Forgot-weekend in review

2011-11-03T09:03:00.003-05:00

My brain is in a fog-coming down with something, not sure what, but honestly forgot about a short update on last weekend's Halloween Trail events.

As usual, Camp Hitaga puts on a darn good show. The Hitaga Archery club loans out their targets for the event so as we drive in we pass a huge cobra or two, some assorted dinosaurs, a bobcat, grinning bear and oh, the bats hanging from the trees. Jack-o-lanterns lined the roads and trails. Everyone was done up in their best fright gear. The Mad Scientist Lab, Haunted House and Craft Lodge were all a buzz with activity.

Friday night there were about 125 kids. Lace, Moose and Emmet did an outstanding job teaching dog safety. Lace is the ever great-why you don't pet a dog on the head-demonstrator. Moose did his greatest trick ever-death roll corgi and got umpteen belly rubs for it. Emmet got his first taste of creep costumes, bouncing kids(didn't really like that part) and tons of pets and scratches, under the chin of course.

Saturday we had 4 more hours of the trail, but first we trooped to Monticello to visit my favorite JT Hadderway's, then down the block to the hardward store where time has stopped. I mean seriously, I saw things in there that were genuine antiques with 30 yr old price tags on them. Then over to the antique store, Thesien's and home. Quick lunch/dinner of pizza and off we went, loaded with a few extra dogs this time.

Merlot and Pete were added to the mix as 4 hours of teaching does a dog in. Lace was getting bored and Moose had started herding the kids with the best smelling treat bags, into a corner.

Merlot LOVES doing these events. We did work a lot on sit stays, but she did a great job of subbing for Lace on the head petting part. Pete-this little girl amazes me more and more. A mini-Moose, she adores kids, rest her heads in laps and none of the costumes, masks or noise ever bother her. Emmet played cute and adorable and got better with each group of kids.

I think we had about 400 kids through on this trip and that's 400 more kids that understand how to behave around stray dogs, how to pet and introduce themselves to dogs and a few that aren't as scared of them as they used to be. Good job Canine Ambassadors!!!!

We ended up at home, tired, slightly chilled and ready for bed. And Sunday, that's exactly what we did. Slept in and not much else for the day--of a migraine, which totally explains why I'm feeling worse each day this week--darn bug.

Later gators....
C

Happiness is....

2011-11-03T09:00:00.003-05:00

Being curled up with an cup of hot chocolate, under a down blanket with an almost blind, senior small dog that snorts a lot(in your face typically) and forgetting about the troubles of the day.

Then Emmett comes by, grabs the blanket, spills the hot chocolate and pisses of the small dog.

Later gators...
C

Since I'm on a roll....

2011-11-03T08:59:00.000-05:00

I’ve had some down time recently, so been digging my hands into making cookies, and more importantly kneading bread. My mind tends to wander while I’m doing that and more so after I get done talking to a friend of mine on their way back from a show.

So what is it with people getting gung ho on breeding dogs. Especially young dogs. Is it that all mighty important to have puppies, be a breeder that you need to push young dogs? And I’m not talking 2-3 yr old dogs, but bitches who are 16-18 mos old, or stud dogs who are only 14 mos old.

If it can’t win, let’s breed it. Or even better, if it finishes as a puppy, well then it must be good enough to breed as a puppy. I think what I’m more astonished at is one particular person who’s only been in the breed a short time, throwing claims around about studying the breed, bloodlines and getting their hands on all the dogs they can. Funny though to see them throw their own dogs into the mix as being perfect examples of the breed, when long time breeders and mentors have more than once pointed the faults in the dogs. It does nothing more than show that they really have a lack of overall concern and knowledge, not only in the breed but for the well-being of their dogs. It’s more about it being the “in” thing to do. Same person talks a mean talk, is “seen” in all the right places and throws around names like money.

Shame that the dogs are the ones who suffer.

Later gators....
C

Straddling the fence

2011-11-01T09:49:00.000-05:00

Boy it still amazes me the types of people who are involved in dog shows. Recent occurrences at a big show really cemented my feelings that there are a lot of people who not only shouldn’t be involved in dog shows but also shouldn’t own a dog.

And once again, I go back to me rant on misrepresenting once self and full disclosure.

So this someone out there is showing their dog in what is now called Amateur owner handler class. It’s for those that own their own dog, but aren’t professional handlers. So what is the definition of a professional handler? Right from the Rules Applying to Dog Shows from AKC:

Professional handlers are defined as any person that belongs or has belonged to a professional handlers’ organization, distributed rate cards, or otherwise advertised or represented themselves as handling dogs for pay.

AKC further goes on to mention that payment isn’t defined by cash, but can be a payment in kind-winnings kept, trophies and prizes kept, puppy out of a litter, or even a lease on a bitch and being able to keep puppies out of it to sell.

So this person is out showing dogs for someone else. Further eyebrows raised as not only is she showing them but also parading sub-par breed specimens around as her own! When asked a direct question, it’s well uh, I’m handling the dog for the owner who will then let me lease the bitch(can’t lease a dog). I know I know, gray area, but honestly, can this not be more obvious? This person wants to lease the bitch, so in exchange, is handling the dog for the owner. This same person a few years ago bragged on their website about being the handler for a dog for someone else and the exchange was that the dog would be allowed to be used at stud to one of their bitches.

You can only ride the fence for so long. Yes I know the grass is always greener on the other side, but man, straddling the fence really hurts ya after a while, if ya know what I mean.

Later gators....
C

Primary vs Secondary

2011-11-01T09:33:00.002-05:00

Recent post on another one of my many chat groups had an interesting perspective on judging conformation dogs. Here’s the link to the poster’s original blog post:
http://carrodarsonlit.blogspot.com/2011/06/when-judges-judge-standard.html

I think it’s important as not only breeders but owners and exhibitors, that we do take a long hard look at our dogs for the primary characteristics vs the secondary ones when evaluating. I've seen way too many people-particularly judges of recent, get hung up on one particular secondary item and can’t get past it to see the overall virtues of a dog. For most breeds, the first paragraph of the written AKC standard is the best place to start for that primary look, where in the secondary can conflict with the first but also it adds to what is said. Ie, your first impression of a dog should fulfill the description in that first paragraph.

So here I go, taking from the very first paragraph of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Standard:

General Appearance: Low set with moderately heavy bone and deep chest. Overall silhouette long in proportion to height, culminating in a low tail set and fox-like brush. General Impression-A handsome, powerful, small dog, capable of both speed and endurance, intelligent, sturdily built but not coarse.

Low set-to me that means a dog with short pasterns, low set on the hocks, excess leg will make the dog too tall.
Moderately heavy bone-not so heavy as to make clumsy when moving but with enough to appear substantial and not fragile.
Deep chest-as defined later on, it should sit well within the crevice created by the front legs-not up in the elbows but also not extending beyond the pasterns.
Long in proportion to height-so a rectangular dog that appears longer then tall.
Low tail set—okay folks, let’s remember what a tail SET is vs tail CARRIAGE. Too many judges do not understand that carriage does not equal set-an excited dog will carry its tail higher vs a scared dog who does not raise its tail off the ground.
Fox, brush like tail-not like a Labrador but also not like a golden with flowing feathering.

A handsome(pleasing to the eye), powerful(able to a variety of tasks during a normal long work day), small dog(within the suggested standard of size and weight), capable of both speed and endurance(structure allows for correct movement), intelligent(smart and easy to teach), sturdily built but not coarse(not too light as to appear breakable, but not too much bone to be clumsy, unable to move or unable to work efficiently).

So how did I do? Love your comments as I can always learn more and change my newbie opinion.

What I do find most frustrating is when judges form an opinion of a breed that is contradictory to the written standard? The even bigger issue is that when this is brought to light, many are “old school” judges or “untouchables” and even suggesting that they are wrong in their evaluations, won’t get you anywhere. Set in their ways and exhibitors that win under those types of judges, will continue to show and even finish dogs that are not meeting the primary characteristics of the breed and continue to breed more of the like!

Soooo....what do you think?

Later gators....
C

umhphgdtrs

2011-10-28T11:06:00.002-05:00

Today is a food day here at work. Actually it's called "grazing" food day. So in the spirit of the name, there is food all over the kitchen and we are being encouraged to just mosey our tushies around all day, grazing as we go.

So here's what I've eaten so far:
2 strawberries, 3 tortilla chips with queso dip(my homemade salsa and Velveeta), 2 cucumber/dill/rye breads, and one small(1") piece of pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting.

Oh forgot the carrot, taste of a dip to try to figure out what it is and lingering over the cheese and sausage.

I'm trying to be good and not eat too much, just a little taste of it all. And a taste of that, and that and ...... Okay, so maybe I'm not going to do well.

After work we are off to the annual Halloween Trail at Camp Hitaga. The CRKA-Canine Ambassador's group-just me this weekend, will be entertaining kids with information about dog safety. Lace, Moose, Merlot, Pete and Emmett will be going. Tonight is only 2 hours, but it's 4 long hours tomorrow.

Have a great weekend and yes, I will get photos of the trail events!

Later gators....
C

Highly recommend!

2011-10-24T10:37:00.002-05:00

I spent 10 plus years in the landscape industry. The hours, days, weeks I spent planting bulbs with a heavy duty corona trowel, sharped daily, is a nightmare.

This weekend, this is what I used and let me tell you, it's AMAZING!!! I'm also going to use it to plant annuals in the spring.

Can't wait for spring to see all my little pretties come up, that is if I can keep EMMETT!!!! out of the fresh dirt-seems it's perfect for digging. Rotten little puppy.

Later gators....
C

full disclosure, again

2011-10-24T10:19:00.002-05:00

I didn't bring it up this time! One of my chat groups(which as like a 1000 or more members) is having an interesting commentary about CHIC numbers. For those of you who don't know what they means, it's a database that keeps health testing information and based upon a breed clubs "requirements" if you do the appropriate tests, you can get a CHIC number for your dog. That's it in a nutshell, but here's the interesting part that MANY breeders feel very free to omit or not even mention:

http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/chicinfo.html#numbers "The CHIC number itself does not imply normal test results, only that all the required breed specific tests were performed and the results made publicly available."

It is also the last FAQ here: http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/faqs.html "Do test results have to be normal?" "No, CHIC is not about normalcy. CHIC is meant to encourage health testing and sharing of all results, normal and abnormal, so that more informed breeding decisions can be made in an overall effort to reduce the incidence of genetic disease and improve canine health."

What I find interesting is that so many breeders brag about getting dogs CHIC numbers on only certain dogs in the household. If it's so important, why don't they get them on all their dogs including those that they know will not pass a specific health test with an appropriate score, etc?

If you know your dog's dysplastic, wouldn't it be in your best interest to make it public? And get the rest of the dog's testing done, even if you decide that you'll never use it in breeding?

Just curious. It goes right along with a person I ran across bragging about a dog's offspring having passing hips(parent did not pass), or as they put it-all tested dog's passed. Well, unless you are talking directly with the sources, OFA only posts those that pass unless an owner signs a release to publish non-passing test results. Most owners don't. Or that a dog passed it's prelim hip screening and yet nothing is posted on the OFA website? Sorry, it shouldn't stun me to see this anymore, it's all too common, but it really tells me how much of a salesmen people think they need to be.

So again, what a breeder says vs what it really means, isn't always the full monty. Ask.

Later gators....
C

Happiness

2011-10-21T09:49:00.002-05:00

I'm taking Dawn's challenge--wanted to leave it as a comment but computer won't let me. So here it is, my three(though I have tons more) happy thoughts to end the week:

1. Meredith is looking awesome at riding lessons-she's got a smile on her face and a sense of accomplishment.

2. Emmett's aroooos

3. A weekend at home to bake and bake and hum, bake some more!

Have an great weekend and take the challenge, what are your three happy thoughts of the day?

Later gators....
C

Military procession

2011-10-20T09:30:00.003-05:00

Tall Kid is headed to Springfield, IL this weekend with the collie clan. I'm cc'd on the group emails to make sure that I know what's happening as well as make sure he remembers everything.

Rebecca is into this with military procession. Charts of who is grooming whom. Who is holding which dog outside the ring and who is showing what dog. And once that dog is done, which dog goes back, which goes in what crate, etc. After helping her out the first part of this year, I totally understand why it has to be this way.

First off, if you don't know the dog, they can all look the same-especially the sables. Next, it helps so you don't forget anything and that you also don't delay the judging by being outside the ring scrambling. And lastly, there's a lot of dogs to deal with.

Going to miss going with him to help but he's got his Red Headed Friend going along this trip and I'm supposed to gear up for my own collie immersion later this fall.

FYI--if you read this, Tall Kid, my good brush better be in the tack box when you get home! I know Rebecca's been trying to nab that one for a long time!

Later gators.....
C

Panic, not

2011-10-18T11:57:00.002-05:00

So phone says I missed call. I see scrolling across the screen that it's the Ms' school. Panic sets in-is she sick, hug someone, sneer at the boys or blow up the science lab?

Nope.

I have the same exact same message saved in my voicemail from last October too.

You'll be happy to know that our bookworm is confirmed, again. She's once again, one of the top library users and that the Librarian would miss her if she didn't stop in at least once a day to get a new book.

Now this would be one person not happy if the Ms got a Kindle.

Later gators...
C

Good morning Moon

2011-10-12T08:09:00.004-05:00

These photos just do not do this morning's full moon justice. I wish you could have been there to stand in the light fog and see the moon in all it's glory to my west then turn and see the sun peaking out over the horizon.

Oh and never mind the mess in the yard. Seems the Monsters are into flower bed rejuvenation. They are tearing out all my dead marigolds and cup plant stems. Add in the lovely dog toy massacre, well, I need to do some picking up tonight--that is unless the promised rain happens.

Later gators....
C

One ringy dingy, two ringy dingy

2011-10-11T08:14:00.002-05:00

As you can see, the Monsters were making prank phone calls yesterday. They only got through 1/2 of the Cedar Rapids/Marion phone book. I must apologize to anyone with last names that begin with A through K. I guess they are warming up for Halloween?

Lator gators....

Got my walkin' shoes on!

2011-10-07T11:28:00.002-05:00

Today is October 7th, Iowa's selected day to start getting healthy. And the best way to start? Just by walking out the door, take a little stroll and staying active.

Our office is taking the challenge and will walk at Noon today. 1 km(.62 miles) or an average of 7-10 city blocks.

I routinely walk during my lunch hour or get to work early, park at the top of the parkade, walk down the ramp, then up the stairs. Yesterday's walk around the downtown/trail was a mess because of all the construction downtown from flood repairs and the new federal courthouse. Usual routes are blocked, demo'd or just not repaved. As in your can't get there from here!

Here's the link for today's walk: Healthiest State Initiative There's a chance we could be record setters!

We're also wearing pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Other links: Susan G. Komen and American Cancer Society

For those of you who don't know, I gladly support any research and advances in breast cancer as it can also provide much needed help with other forms of cancer. But you'll more often see me wear purple in support of pancreatic cancer. That's disease that has taken both my grandfather and uncle as well as other members of my mother's family. Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Photos to follow!

Later gators...
C

Good night Moon and a failed attempt

2011-10-07T08:33:00.005-05:00

I know, hard to see plus my camera and I were having issues last night, you'll see that in the next few photos. But I couldn't help but take this photo.

This is supposed to be a photo of the big red dog. He moved. My camera didn't like it.

And this is what he's supposed to look like when he doesn't move. But now he's got devil dog eyes and look at Psycho Chick(rt) and Mother Of All(left), they have space alien eyes.

Jeff said it was his turn now. The camera likes him I think but....

is this not scary? He's not an Edweirdo son, is he? Barks like him, alot.
And again, too dark, but you can see, the landscapers are hard at work and the clean up crew has moved in.
I promised a photo of the new chateau quack. Flamingos are guarding it right now. Waiting for our landscape crew to show up so it can get moved to it's permanent location.
And for Penni, an Iowa sunset....have a great weekend!

Later gators....
C

This, that, Turner, Click and Merlot

2011-10-05T14:55:00.002-05:00

This—high pressure system sitting right over the top of us and my head is killing me! Ears are popping, sinus pressure, eyes are dry, and stomach upset. Though I am loving many parts of the dry spell we are having, ie the landscapers are hard at work. If it would just move a little further east, it would help some. Duck pond needs water, my newly planted bulbs need a drink and the road is so dusty right now.

That---darn cat. Daisy has gotten unusually brave and has been routinely sighted wandering the kitchen, living room and dining room, with dogs present. She wants to die, I just know it’s a suicide run on her part. Could she have had enough of Taylor Swift blaring out of the stereo in the Ms’ room? Or said no more Taylor Lautner and R Pat on the walls J heehee

Turner, Click and Merlot---each are seeking homes of their own. Family discussions as they are have resulted in some decisions.

Merlot(3 yr old black and white cardigan), though we adore her, will not be bred again and seriously needs a home with lots of activity. The Ms is moving on to Pete as her juniors’ dog, partly due to the fact that judges who aren’t supposed to look at structure in juniors dogs, do and Merlot’s excessive turn out is not helping things along. The other factor is that she is in need of someone who wants a fun agility dog or is interested in doing upper level obedience. This dog rocks – already carries metal scent articles, super happy heeling and is always ready to go. So if you want a small(26lbs) black and white blur, call me, we’ll talk!

Click and Turner(blue merle smooth collies, 6 yr old litter mates) Click is on the small side for a female at 45-50 lbs, while Turner is larger male, about 75 lbs. Both have been trained through novice level obedience, had some basic agility and herding. House trained, crate trained, travel well and easy to get along with. Click can be a little pushy, so needs a home without an alpha dog already in residence. She can also be nosy, so you must be able to deal with her wandering and snoping. Turner’s needs are a little bit different. Upon his return to our home after a short span of living away from home as a pup, he had severe trust issues. Once you gain his trust, he will do anything for you, but needs a steady loving hand and consistency. I’ve done loads of work with him at 4-h obedience classes and he does do well but is nervous. Tends to be a flight dog therefore does need a fenced yard. No need for them to go to the same home but would be nice.

If by chance you are interested in one of these guys, just drop me a line at fogebotom@yahoo.com and we can talk further. Just looking for loving forever homes for them.

Is it Friday yet? Lotto drawing tonight, I still swear I'm going to win it today!

Later gators....
C

Crunch time

2011-10-04T11:32:00.002-05:00

The Tall Kid and his canine sidekick have entered into crunch time! Standings as of August 31 so that Connor is currently:

#6 all breed (Canine Chronicle/Showsight)
#11 breed(both systems) up from #12 in July when he didn't show at all!

Interesting to note, in the group stats, 2 OES in the top 20, 3 GSD's, 2 pemmies and 2 cwcs. And I remember when the cwc's were luck to make a cut in group!

Luck has it that the Tall Kid is working mucho overtime and has built up the show reserves. Seems like he's going to be out every weekend till the end of the year. I, senora bucket b**ch, will be attending some of those shows, I just can't wing them all, especially when I get to go play with Elephants up in Madision.

And I'm winning the PowerBall this week!

Later gators.....
C

How to spend a perfect Iowa weekend?

2011-10-03T09:36:00.004-05:00

Cooking of course. No dog shows, no obedience trials, nope, stay at home weekend.

Alec's working major overtime at the Elevator as well as his 2nd job at Lowe's, so we didn't see much of him-fleeting glance was all. Praying he doesn't burn himself out, though the upcoming dog show weekends will give him time to rest, maybe.

CRKA presented a check to the K9Cola organization and helped with the leash cutting ceremony for the grand reopening of Cedar Rapid's only off leash dog park. It was pretty much washed off the map when the 2008 floods came through. Ms took EBD and Moosie for walks in the large area and I spent time talking to a lot of people about the club and dog training. Weather was perfect. Then it was to the bakery for zlincki's and fresh donuts and home to mow. Well, Hubby mowed as he had a new blade for the mower and I felt like we were on safarri in the front yard.

I headed to the kitchen and attacked the table full of butternut squash.

So what did I end up making this weekend? Two loaves of Grandmother bread, 2 double batches of squash butter(ummmm) Went out and cut herbs and got those going in the dehydrator. Lovely salsa with the left over tomatos I salvaged out of the garden and from Alec's hot hot hot, did I mention hot? pepper plant. Big pan of apple crisp, yummy meat loaf for dinner and lunches this week. Oh, roasted garlic - -used that in the salsa and meatloaf. Forgot about the corned beef I cooked Saturday. Ruebens' are my favorite and I was really looking forward to corned beef hash, that was until Alec took the remains for lunch.

Cleaned the freezer and pulled out chickens to give to my brother as well as a couple dozen eggs. We got the Chick Chalet this weekend. No wait, that's going to be renamed Chateau Quack. What ever! Problem being, my dad thought that we had double gates on one side of the barn. Math problem--building is 15' x 15'. Gates are only double coming into the yard, pasture only has 8' single gates. Don't fit. For now it's sitting on skids in the hay field right next to the corn field. As soon as my cousin gets the end rows of corn out, we'll drag it around through the field, remove the panels at the south end of Poultry Central, rip out the section of fence we did plan on taking out and get it where we want it. Then it's rebuilding fence, reroute water run off and get new doors on the building, chicken wire the front and patch two holes. It's already wired so we just need to run electric out to it!

Photos coming--it's just sitting there now and not very attractive. Though the move 5 miles from my brother's was not with drama. Low powerlines and a rogue skunk that Dad had to shoot on the way to our place. Never ever a dull moment.

Moo, Phoenix and Glory spent the better part of the day in the front paddock(aka old hay field). The Monsters spent their day barking at the horses who are not supposed to be there!

Tonight-read 4-H record books, bake more bread and what's for dinner, um, cheddar brats on the grill.

Later gators....
C

Rodney Dangerfield has nothing on us!

2011-09-29T09:40:00.002-05:00

Cardigans get no respect, none at all. Especially from whippets and their owners. Yes, Scot, you giggling fool.

Last night was our monthly kennel club meeting. One of the topics was the show wrap up report and then fielding some ideas for next year. We’re going to try the herding instinct testing again. Cardiac clinic sponsored by the boxer club. And someone is interested in holding a CAT at the dog show.

CAT is luring coursing lingo for Coursing Aptitude Test and now most breeds in AKC can participate at that level and get a CAT certificate. Lots of cardigan have received their CAT’s and well, beyond the funny word and associating it with dogs, cardigans as a whole are a very versatile breed and coursing is just one of their hidden talents.

When I happened to mention that a lot of cardigans have already gotten their titles, giggles erupted from the hound people sitting around the table. I got comments like-how slow do you have to run the lure? Or – do you have a bag small enough? Or-the corgi is the same size as the bag.

Okay folks, let’s prove those thin skinned sight hounds wrong! First off, our dogs can chase and corner as well as those long limbed things. Sometimes much better as our dogs actually think and realize that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Your's blindly follow a plastic bag in circles! And thin skinned, our dogs don’t need no coats or blankets or what not to keep warm when standing still. They can still go out and hunt in the dead of winter. What about injuries? Our lovely cardigans can dive into brush and bramble to continue the chase and come out with nary a scratch, while our poor little sight hounds have cuts, bruises and scratches galor!

We’ll prove them all wrong-our little multi-purpose pooches! I got amazing looks this last weekend when I was talking about how many things cardigans can do. You can shoot over Fred, he points and flushes too. Ratters? Not a problem at all with that. All my dogs love that game in the barn. Guardians, many will tell you that when you come to my house, if you aren’t invited or a stranger, you will get a talking to from the herd and can’t get a pet in until the hoomans say it’s okay. Herding, that’s a big duh. Ducks, sort of chickens, sheep, kids, you name it, we’ve herded it! As companions I have the best hot water bottles in bed on cold winter nights and silly games to lift my spirits.

CAT’s watch out, here we come!

Later gators....
C

Monster updates

2011-09-28T11:03:00.003-05:00

These are by far the hardest photos to take of the two remaining monsters. Neither had any intention of staying still, so you get what you get. The two busiest puppies I have ever had, ugh, their mother through and through!

Jeff Fa Fa--still available and looking for a fun family to join. No he does not have a goofy topline. He was nano seconds from leaping off the table-which he didn't, but boy was it close.

Not the photo I wanted. Can you see the strangle hold Tall Kid has on him? Notice what is in the bottom left corner? What is missing is the audio of Short Stuff sitting on my foot, barking at me-similar to his father's "you're ignoring me" bark.

Much better photo-he's one big boy with ears and feet to match. Silly too.

And then I gave up. Short Stuff(needs a new name-Shelby maybe?) would have none of the table or stacking game. One big pile o'fluffy goo. He too is still looking for a good home but there are some special conditions for his placement.

And this is why you put all the other dogs away when you do photos. Jeff wanted to help out.

Later gators...
C

Who goes to what?

2011-09-28T10:44:00.003-05:00

Since all the "girls" are in the poultry yard together and unless you sneak in the chalet and find one laying in the nesting boxes, chances are you have no idea who is laying what egg. After doing a little research, some of the mystery chickens have been figured out.

Dark brown, speckled egg--well she's a salmon/red maran cross! That so explains the feathered shanks, but she has yellowish legs, which marans are supposed to be white. And since there's only one of her, well, that means, only one egg which is totally correct.

You can kind of see her here. Sort of. She's behind the Ancona roo who is telling me I'm too close to his chickadees. The whiteish butts facing you are the red stars that will be heading to my freezer later on and you can kind of see the Red Amerucana hen in there too.

Small buff colored eggs---of course that's Ms Polly, the buff braham. Super sweet bird and very pretty too. Only one of her right now though we have a youngster in the "wings" from the June hatch.And of course, as I was taking her picture, Mr Ancona Roo, aka Mr Roadrunner, was stomping right behind me. I mean stomping, right on my foot!

Regular light brown eggs---could be any of the plymouths, red stars or golden speckled wyandottes. We have a good set of those. The issue now it to figure who is laying and who isn't. Who isn't will be traveling north the end of the month and become chicken kiev.

White egg---okay, that's still a mystery. Ducks are not laying right now and these is found in one of the nesting boxes or behind the feed bin where the ducks can't get to. Only one being layed so I have to wonder, is the crooked little hen laying them?

She's a funny looking deformed meat bird who got her death sentence commuted. Very sweet and always following you around. The photos mainly for the girls at the bank who keep asking about her.

Up and coming from the June hatch are welsummer crosses, more wyandottes, a couple I can't figure out and one blue amerucana hen---it's the coolest bird around!

Later gators...

Little dog lost

2011-09-26T14:53:00.002-05:00

Recent thread on ShowCardi-L chat group is about lost dogs. Thanks my friend Barb for putting this up for discussion. There have been lots of dogs lost recently and no time better than the present to post some simple suggestions from the list as well as a few more, should you ever lose your dog.

#1 item is to throw pride and shame of loosing your pet out the window and do what’s best for the dog. The more people you enlist, the more emails that get sent out, the greater chances of finding your dog and bringing them home. And the sooner, the better.

Make sure you have identification on or in your dog. Collars with your cell and home numbers on them are best. A rabies tag with your vets information. Microchips and having that information handy. Current photos of your dog showing head, side and something to reference size-table, chair, etc.

Don’t go twenty directions calling your dog’s name. Follow known paths you’ve been, houses you’ve visited and heck, know where the intact dogs are in your neighborhood. Hormones lead to a lot of “lost” dogs. At some point, it’s best to stay in one area and call for your dog. Give them a stationary point of reference to come to rather than a moving target. Especially helpful if lost in pastures, fields and wooded areas.

Contact the animal shelter and make sure they know what your dog or your breed of dog looks like. Leave photos, posters, contact information. Take a dog of the same breed in and have the shelter employees get a firs-hand look at the type of dog.

Posters-short and to the point: breed, age, distinquising marks, health issues, identification(collar, chipped). Temperament-shy, spooky, friendly. Intact? When the dog disappeared and how to contact you as well as a secondary contact person.

Where to post? Animal shelters, vets offices, pet stores, neighbors, school bus drivers, any sort of regular delivery person in your area. The post office, mailman. Hand them out of your baby sitters. In rural areas, feed delivery guys, route salesman, utility people, cable installers, and I can go on and on.

Email to friends, give permission to cross post. You never know if a friend of your brother’s co-worker might see the email and go—you know I think I saw that dog last night on the way home! Or that you might get an email from a friend of a friend who lives in Texas that knows you live in the area of the lost dog. The world really is a small place.

Speaking of the mighty internet, there are some great websites that can help. Yahoo chat group K9 Amber Alert is one. Breed rescue websites can help, the infamous Facebook as lost pet groups. Petfinder has a lost pet page, FidoFinder, FindToto, just to name a few.

If in areas where it’s wooded, dense vegetation, take a long another dog that your dog knows(if it’s an only dog) or one of its house mates. Leave a trail out and then follow the same trail back to the house.

Leave out food and water and some sort of shelter(it's crate for example) for your dog in case it comes back when you are gone. Do so in such a place that you can shut a gate or door so that the dog can’t bolt or run away if you scare it.

Last resorts are live traps available from many humane societies, DNR and animal rescues.

Hope this helps anyone that might lose a dog in the future.

Additonal suggestions in the comments area would be awesome, 'cause there's always things I never think about that will work!

Later gators....
C

It's raining!

2011-09-26T09:49:00.002-05:00

I'm not a fan of rain right now, but yet on the other hand, I am.

Still battling the eye infection, so have my magoos on-I can't see s**t. Rain, I hate rain drops on my glasses. It's fall, it's damp, it's cold.

But we need the rain. The sump pump has not been running, which means the duck pond is drying up. That's okay in that Hubby is digging it out and then lining it.

Weekend was a blast! Not only did we do the 4 UKC shows in the Amanas, but also CelticFest.

As many know, Fred is well, bored at the shows. He gets so upset that he can't spend the day upside down sleeping on my pillow or can't get dirty by taunting the chickens. This weekend, different dog! He actually had tons of fun. Wagging tail, loads of ears and a bounce in his stride. Tango went too and towards the end with a few chats about the whole mat thing, she was walking like the pro she's supposed to be. Fred ended up with Best Veteran in Show, shows 1, 2, 3, with Tango taking show 4.

The Ms was in juniors and came home with 4 giant rosettes for BJIS. Nice competition down there this year too. All those kids deserve rosettes!

And inbetween hussling two veterans between two shows and juniors, Ms was showing white shepherds too. Talk about confusing, but hey it worked. I think she took best female both shows Saturday plus something else and then took BOB on Sunday's shows. That was with a 7 1/2 mo old pup too. She looked like a pro and a lot of people pulled her aside to congratulate her and let her know how good she did.

Now I've been a little outspoken about UKC shows in the past and still have a lot of mixed feelings about it. The quality isn't always there in some breeds and so of the judges don't have a clue what they are supposed to look for in other breeds. This time around, I can say it was different. Granted the thought of getting a championship by being the only dog in a breed and maybe beating one other dog in a group, isn't really valid for me. But a nice group of dogs with a judge that understands what to look for, that's different. 13 boxers showed on Sunday-all are nice dogs normally show in AKC and ones that always do well there. Wire-haired vizsla was gorgeous. Beagles, cockers and TFT's were all nice breed specimans. The judges told everyone why they placed the way they did and what they were looking for. Again, all well done.

What I did like and why we went and showed? The people. This club has one of the greatest group of people around. I know many of them from the AKC shows and help them out there as needed. We all helped each other out, asked questions of each other, jumped in when needed and not asked. And I can't wait till next year!

Saturday we did CelticFest/All Things Scottish, after the show. Moved it down to Middle Amana from Usher's Ferry this year. Not as many vendors or activities, but man was it still fun. Hubby finally found a hat big enough for his head, the Ms got a ring and Curly Wurlies. Dogs got tons of attention. Moose did his famous corgi death roll, Pete budged in line for scratches and Fred grunted and rolled in something smelly. We get loads of questions about the dogs and these three are great breed ambassadors. Bag pipes were a curious item for Pete. Moose enjoyed the tabor throwing and then both of them were pissed that I pulled them away from the sheep herding demo. They said they can do it better then those plain old border collies, anyday!

And then it started raining on the way home yesterday. And it's still raining. Bored dogs, wet smelly dogs and I walked into work with Jeff's art prints on the knee of my slacks.

Later gators...
C

Weekend what ifs?

2011-09-23T11:23:00.003-05:00

It's a weekend full of what if's? You know, what if I do this, then I can do this or that or, nope.

If we go to Amana to for All Things Scottish(moved from CR this year), then maybe, I can get the Hubby to hang around the RV park for the UKC show.

If we go to the UKC, will we have enough time to do All Things Scottish and how many dogs do I dare take?

If it rains, what will be do instead?

So for now, I head down with the club trailer and help set up for the UKC show. Ms wants to show her puff ball in juniors and veterans, so guess who else got drug out of retirement-heehee, oh boy is he gonna be pissed.

But then again, a troupe of cardigans at the Fest is always a crowd pleaser.

Anyway, have a great weekend, we'll let you know on Monday how the "what if's" ended up.

Later gators...
C

It's been sighted!!!!!

2011-09-23T10:13:00.003-05:00

OMG-the first sighting of the season. Though no photo evidence, just happen to see it hanging on the bed post, but won't be long before it's in place on the Ms' head. And once again, it'll be up to no good!(just ask me about my favorite photo on my cell phone)

Okay, so here's the challenge of the day----I would love to see your favorite winter hat on display! The more handmade, the goofier, the better. Hum me thinkest I could bestow a new award on someone - how's the "Sock it to Me! The Sock Monkey Award for Best Hat" sound?

Later gators....
C

No time to be...behind

2011-09-22T14:36:00.002-05:00

Fall is fast approaching....like TOMORROW!! Figured I'd get in the mood early.

I'm not sure if I like fall or early summer the best? Spring is mud, not that I don't like mud, but dogs + mud=cleaning.

Not much of a Halloween person. Get a little decorating done but in all honesty, I'm a little leary of celebrating it. The Ms, going to be a pink poodle, again. I love that she doesn't want to grow up on some occasions. I do miss my little sunflower, Princess and sleeping beauty. Then again if she never grows up, I get to keep my socks, shoes and other shared items of clothing!

I know I read some where that someone was wondering where fall was. They live on the west coast where it's either summer or summer. I'll try to get a photo of the bean fields. The golden yellow is so amazing. Sugar maples are turning orange, red and amber. Virginia Creeper is almost scarlet and green tractors are pulling blue wagons filled with ochre corn.

What next? The Ms is all excited--the Sock Monkey cometh!!!

Later gators....
C

Reminder to self-get new glasses

2011-09-22T10:07:00.002-05:00

So, I've worn contacts for like, 25, no 30 years now. Gosh that makes me feel really old now. Anyway, during that time, I've also had a back up pair of glasses for those just in case times.

I never, repeat, never wear the damn things. I hate them. Go figure, allergy induced eye infection. FYI-don't say the work Pink Eye, people look at you super weird and back away slowly. Let me digress some, pink eye is actually an eye infection. Either allergy induced, bacterial or viral. I've had them all and 20 years ago was prone to them. Had one year where it was every month I went and got meds, so finally the Dr gave me a scrip for mega refills and said you know what you're doing, when it hurts, use them for 10 days.

I can't drive right now as I can't put my right contact in my eyeball. My so called glasses are like 15 years old and I can work on the computer, but feel it's in the best interest of those others on the road, to not drive. My eyeball feels like it's wall papered in sandpaper and glass shards. Left is okay. Antihistamine drops are working some what, but what I really need is a trip to Urgent Care to get some really good sulfa eye drops.

And get rid of these outdated, "magoo" like glasses. Oh and stop in to the one hour place, get an exam and get some new in-style goggles.

This is so not how this week is supposed to go nor the weekend show plans.

Later gators...
C

Look what I found!

2011-09-21T16:16:00.002-05:00

http://colliesonline.com/ad_archive_2011/diamante_4_091711.html

Happy Birthday Jerod!

We miss you Trevor!

And look, Tall Kid and The Blonde Dog!!

Later gators...
C

Would a kindle fair as well?

2011-09-20T09:32:00.002-05:00

Technology is great. At times. We are still on dial up here at home. I have a facebook account, but not the patience to use it here at home. Can you say slooooowwwww! Let’s see website, blog, yahoo, mp3 players, multiple digital cameras, video camera, got’em…but no blu ray, no smart phone, ipads, wifi or a working laptop in the house.

Debate has been about getting either an ipad or kindle. But of course, not for me. Nope, Mom prefers to deal with the real feel of a book. The Ms on the other hand, my book worm child. Who speed reads through 500 page novels like it’s a picture book. The thought of her being able to have access to a library that large with just the touch of a button really intrigues me. Though the constant problem we do have is getting her to put a book down long enough to get her chores or other tasks done, Tends to be a real hassle.

My only drawback is that she might miss the thrill of the chase as we explore Half-Price or Barnes and Nobles, SwapAPaperback or the other great used book stores in the area. Then again....

Would the kindle be able to withstand this? Poor library book got dropped on the way to into the house and well, dogs need reading material too! Cost: $10.

Later gators....

I couldn't stand it anymore

2011-09-20T09:26:00.003-05:00

I, we, whoever, broke my electic kettle. I swore that I could live with out it.

Lasted all of three months. But I had a great cup of tea this morning!

Later gators...
C

He took the day off for this?

2011-09-15T09:24:00.002-05:00

http://easterniowalife.com/2011/09/07/balster%E2%80%99s-implement-era-closes-with-auction-in-scotch-grove/

Yes Hubby took the day off to go to Scotch Grove and wallow in the wares of history.

We already bought some stuff through the online auction--can not wait for him to bring those home tonight. I went to Kathy's Pies yesterday to pick up the fee for shipping those--yes a pie to the auction dudes to bring my stuff down.

I'm just hoping he knows when to raise his hand and when not too--I really don't need a $3000.00 can of oil.

Later gators...
C

Summer has left the building!

2011-09-15T07:55:00.001-05:00

EBD was none too impressed by the frost on the grooming table. Typically, she's right up on the table-great look out position. But this morning, one quick look and she said-let me back in, it's too darn cold out here!

Where did summer go?

Later gators....
C

Way too early for this

2011-09-15T07:51:00.001-05:00

The stores are full of Halloween crap, oops, stuff already. Figured we should start decorating at home too!

BTW-those are Grape Ghouls that line my driveway. Decorating credits go to the Hubby, who says his charges have another month of growing or is that glowing to do.

Later gators....
C

Ummm, cookie

2011-09-13T10:33:00.003-05:00

Happy Fortune Cookie Day!

I've eaten mine already and what a great mid morning snack.

My fortune?

"Be Alert! You're about to make a new lifelong friend!"

Well hello Friend!

Later gators....
C

The secret of life

2011-09-13T08:47:00.003-05:00

No it's not duct tape.

I usually don't post things from emails unless I have time to verify that this is real and correct. But this one really spoke to me. If anyone can verify this I would appreciate it, otherwise I'll do that later.
The one part that got me is right along the lines of a thought I keep with me-God does not give you more then you can handle. In every life experience, if you think you can't, God knows you can! Prayers do not go unanswered, they just might not be answered the way you want them to be, but in the way God knows they should be.

Thanks Mom!

I think this is one of the best ways to answer when someone asks why GOD lets "bad" things happen to "good" people. Or why GOD doesn't always answer prayer in a way we think He should. Rick Warren was the keynote speaker at the Southern Baptist Convention in Phoenix two weeks ago. You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having 'wealth' from the book sales.

This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, 'Purpose Driven Life ' author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California . In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:

People ask me, What is the purpose of life?
And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven. One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me.

I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.

We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.

The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.

We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.

I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.

Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.

No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.

You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems:

If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is my problem, my issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.

We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her- It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.

You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life. Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.

It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.

So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.

First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit.. We made no major purchases.
Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.

Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.

Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.

We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?
Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, "God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better."

God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.

That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD.

May God bless you.

Three Little Words

2011-09-08T08:14:00.005-05:00

We Will Remember

Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brandan W. Schulze, September 11, 2007Images on the Army Web site are cleared for release and are considered in the public domain. Request credit be given as "Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army" and credit to individual photographer whenever possible.

The "Tribute in Light" memorial is in remembrance of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, in honor of the citizens who lost their lives in the World Trade Center attacks. The two towers of light are composed of two banks of high wattage spotlights that point straight up from a lot next to Ground Zero. This photo was taken from Liberty State Park, N.J., Sept. 11, the five-year anniversary of 9/11. (U.S. Air Force photo/Denise Gould)

Bells of Remembrance

This construction photo of the Memorial Plaza was taken late July, 2010.The initial phase of permanent construction of the Flight 93 National Memorial, including the visitor's center, will be completed by the 10th anniversary in 2011.The memorial will be built around the crash site, following the plane's flight path, and protecting the area of impact, known as the "Sacred Ground", which will remain protected and accessible only to family members of the passengers and crew.

Though I will be sitting in my living room on Sunday, watching the new coverage, my heart will be with the survivors, their families and my dear friend Karen, on her 10th anniversay walk across the long bridge. She survied, many didn't.

We Will Remember

Battles

2011-09-07T10:55:00.001-05:00

Quote from my favorite show, “Castle”....
“There are no victories; there are only battles. And in the end the best you can hope for is to find a place to make your stand. And if you're very lucky, you find someone willing to stand with you.”

I’ve often wondered about people and the battles they pick to fight. More so it’s how they can prioritize their lives, then oops, too late, figure out that it's one they shouldn't have even started, n’t win, then it’s the justification of their actions. Oh man, picking the wrong battle to fight sucks.

Did you realize how many people can’t say no? There have been times when we have just said no. Plans in place, all ready to head out the door, something happens and you just have to say, no.

I got deathly ill a couple of years ago and though it didn’t break the major at the dog show, we pulled our entries or as I love to say, donated them to the club, curled up in my blanket and hibernated for 2 more days till death kindly left me alone. I had some many calls, texts and emails, oh why can’t you come, please, no partying, etc. I had no wish to spend my evenings in the ER in a strange city.

Or this spring, planned a road trip for one day to a show, but the evening before, one of the dogs got severely injured. Once he was all back in one piece, though on meds, wearing the cone of shame and had to be watched like a hawk, yes we could have headed to the show the next day. But we decided that the expense wasn’t justified at a time when we didn’t know if we were going to have to go back for further medical attention. Which we did a week later and then four days after that-damn dog and his bloody stitches.

On the other hand, sometimes there is a need to be met even in the deepest and darkest of times. Claire passed away in her sleep the morning of the Hawkeye KC Dog Show. I was all about optioning out of going, sending the Tall Kid with the dogs and sitting at home to cry for the day. But the Ms, after having her own good cry, said nope, we are going because that’s what Claire loved most-going to shows, seeing people. She would have been heartbroken to know that we stayed home because she could no longer go. So we tucked a hankie in our pockets and loaded up the Big Tow and went.

I think we all prioritize differently. But it seems to me on the emotional front, you can do things a little differently. Monetary funds don’t just land in our laps out of the sky, though many think it should. It’s called pick your battles and do so wisely.

Right now I’m listening to a horror story that is a battle of an ego and what has been lost is the fact that a dog’s life is at stake. This person can’t put all other things aside, shelve their ego and do right by the dog-get it to the place it needs to be and started towards a better life. Supposed can’t afford it. But they are entering shows, taking expensive lessons and get this, on vacation at a resort! Oh and it’s not just about entering the shows, their over inflated ego says they have to go to the big ones to be seen. Well guess what, being seen isn’t you getting anywhere, when you can’t be responsible and do right by your dogs.

Pick your battles wisely and know where you stand!

Later gators....
C

Fault(less) judging part three

2011-09-06T11:30:00.001-05:00

Now to the nitty gritty. I always get asked about judges. Why we brought this one in. Why we got this one to sub in for this sick judge. Why we would ever think of bringing in that w***h and so on and so forth.

First off I do need to say that I can get in super big trouble with AKC by saying anything bad about a judge, specifically that is. But here’s what I can comment on. Most judges, overall are very pleasant to deal with, even some of them you wish would be back year after year. Some, rude. Some, demanding. Some, think a lot more of themselves then everyone else does. I think that is just simple human nature and not a judge specific quality.

Many are great evaluators of dogs. Many look up the lead to see who has the dog. Many have no idea what is most important when it comes to the key points of breed and well, many just don’t give a damn what they are looking at.

The key about judging is that all have a preference-type, style, movement, color, etc. As the years go by, a savy exhibitor knows what type of dog to exhibit to which judge. As a show chair, we try to get judges that will draw an entry and guess what, that might just mean they don’t like your dog.

The other comment made by a lot of owner handlers, is that we purposely hire handler friendly judges, ie, the ones that look at the north end of the lead. I try to honestly look at it as the judge is awarding the best dog out there. And guess what, you might have it or not. Many times the handlers have the best dog. It's simple economics-showing crappy dogs does not make they any money.

Judging is subjective. Remember there’s always another dog show and another judge to show to. Just don’t show to the ones that didn’t like your dog.

Another subject near and dear to my heart from this year's show is respect. I saw too many frazzled nerves, too many self-centered people who wanted to take out their frustrations on others. I could go into more depth but I think it’s a topic that I will rest for the time being. Being taken advantage of, humiliated in front of your peers and treated with disrespect has no place at the dog shows. If you can’t get your act together and realize that this is just a dog show, then you need to rethink why you are doing this and are you doing this in the best interest of your dog or your ego?

I'm taking a deep breath, counting to ten and exhaling....

Later gators.....
C

Fault(less) judging part two

2011-09-06T11:29:00.001-05:00

For those of you who don’t know much about our dog show, for the last 5 years we have been working with Tri City Kennel Club to hold a dog show “cluster” . Four days of all breed showing, supported entries and lots of extras. Quad City Dog Obedience club hosts two days of obedience and rally trails. Scott Cty Kennel Club hosted a herding instinct test for the first time this year. We also have a fun match, health clinics, boxer specialty, vendors, exhibitors and visitors galore. It’s a party around the clock.

Areas are set aside on the grounds, which is an RV park, for specific groups of people-beagles and boxers right now. Since I go home each night to do chores and sleep in my own bed, I miss out on the party action once the sun goes down. I was told the blenders were whirring till the wee hours of the mornings.

Our clubs have formed a very well oiled working machine. From grounds to set up and take down, running various portions of the show-hospitialty and other items, we all chip in. This is OUR show, not your show and my show. I see this lasting for a great many years to come.

We drew a lot of professional handlers, this year more then most. Brian Livingston, Jimmy Moses, Paul Catterson, to name just a few. #1 dogs littered the grounds and the BIS line up each day was a who’s who of breed stardom. I love being the group and BIS steward. A front row seat to get a real good look at these dogs. It’s also a blast to be able to sit and discuss things with the judges about, well anything.

What I failed to mention in the first post is that none of this happens without a dedicated team of volunteers. It’s not just the show chair but it’s the judges selection committee, grounds crew, stewards, hospitality, golf cart shuttle drivers, gate attendants, someone who holds a door, catches a loose dog or is handy to hold a dog while the handler runs into the bathroom. For those that read this blog, thank you. No, THANK YOU!!!! We can’t have a successful show without great help, wonderful exhibitors and wise judges.

Later gators....
C

Fault(less) judging

2011-09-06T09:56:00.002-05:00

I'm back. I'm getting sick. And I am so glad to have the show over and done with for another year.

I'll try to cover all the events and the event, in the next few posts, but first, how about we talk about the weather?

Thursday is set up day for our four/five day cluster. This year the tent guys did us in--during their set up earlier in the week, they were heard saying--this is the event where it ALWAYS rains. Dang!

It was hot enough, now add the pressure of possible rain? Eeek. Cedar Valley Boxer Specialty went off without a hitch, sort of. Due to the passing of a judge's wife, the entire cluster was scrambling for a replacement or multiple replacement judges. Of course we got that all handled and on we went.

Friday-hotter still! Outside had heat indexes of 100 plus. We kept dogs calm, cool and handlers collected. We had a good day in the ring too-since Friday and Saturday are the Tri City shows, I usual enter at least one dog. Pete took BOS for her first grand points, Howie was BOB. Connor and Alec went out and kicked some collie butt and took BOV over the #1 smooth in the country. Of course neither breed did a darn thing in group, but hey, started off the weekend on a good foot. BIS went to a stunning and very deserving GSD handled by Jimmy Moses.

Saturday dawns with the promise of rain-and fulfilled it. Rain it did. We had to postpone the start for 1/2 hour, then 1/2 way through the afternoon sets, pulled all the outdoor rings inside to finish. We had just a few lightening strikes. By BIS though, the rain had come down to a short spitting rain and the sky was lightening up. During the day we also hold a CERF clinic and got a record 98 dogs! Microchipping also went on and the KCC students were awesome in helping out in both areas. Connor did not hold up well when a rude handler ran up and on top of him as well as dealing with the change from outside chaos to inside complete chaos, so just select.

And Jimmy and the GSD did it again, BIS #2 for the weekend.

We then stayed for the steak fry-great food! Alec judged in the puppy fun match-he had about 20 herding puppies and loved it all. Meredith got to show Stormy in the puppy group and me? I sat and watched. Kind of a chill down night for me before CRKA started handling the show.

Sunday dawned perfectly. Temps through out the day were awesome. People were awesome(most) and the dogs loved the weather. Pete took BOS for a grand major and Picasso was BOB. The Ms was 4th in her juniors class(she placed all weekend). Connor, select, oh well. And I wore me new pink jacket--you should see it in the Best Puppy in Show photo and especially in the BIS show photo next to, yeap, #3 BIS for the GSD!

Monday was as perfect as the day before. Temps-perfect. People-perfect. Though, never mind, that's for the next post. No Pete today, the old man Fred went in for his last hurrah. Of course it had to be Sulley to compete against in best veteran but he was happy and loved the steak the Ms had. Congrats to Emily and Sulley and Picasso for sweeping the cardigan ring. Ms took 3rd in her juniors class-funny, the old man must have known that it was his last show, he strutted and was almost flawless, other then the drooling :)

Connor took BOV-made Alec's day. He also got the lead on Drew with Weim in group. It's really great when the owner/handler asks him to take her in and let's him just show the dog. I have a post waiting in the wings about owners and handlers and the battles within. Nothing in group for either dog but it ended the weekend on a great note.

Clean up came easy, fast and we were back home by 6:30! Oh did I mention, #4 BIS to Jimmy and the GSD---again, gorgeous dog. I'm smitten with him.

My house-pigstye. Dishes all over, laundry up to the ceiling and my floors, let's not talk about that.

More to come....

Later gators,
C

Tripping down memory lane

2011-08-26T07:56:00.002-05:00

The Dirty Dozen-what a year!

It most certainly doesn’t seem like a year has passed, but as I work on getting the final touches of our annual cluster show done, I vividly remember being exhausted last year at this time.

So here’s a little trip-there is no way to walk down this memory lane as well as updates on the infamous Dozen.

Known as the Space/Sci Fi themed litter though unofficially called the Dirty Dozen, 12 lovely puppies arrived on August 27th via emergeny c-section. Abbey, poor poor Abbey, endured weeks of crate rest and gaining almost 18 extra pounds. Russ is the proud papa offering moral support, though Abbey did request that they not do this again.

10 boys, yes that’s right, 10 boys, 2 girls. 1 mismark black brindle boy, 1 b/w boy and 9 black brindle or dark brown brindle boys, 1 mismark b/w girl and 1 black brindle girl.

There were hours of supplemental feedings, 72 hours of worry about Abbey who was drained, literally. But within 10 days all were eating on their own and it only got worse from there. Imagine 12 puppies escaping the whelping box at once? Or how about moving them to the puppy pen in the study and the noise? Actually the current 4 monsters make more noise J We routinely found 8 or 9 puppies crashed and packed like sardines in one crate, though a few found sleeping in the food dish or the litter pan(Charlie) was more appropriate.

We did manage to find the most perfect new homes for the Dozen.
Here’s a few updates:

The big red brindle boy that everyone wanted-we called him Jr as he was Moose all over again, is now Buddy and living in TN with his water loving Uncle Chopper. Spoiled does not even begin to describe this boy.
Sam, formerly Drew, is now in the SE corner of Iowa being the best bud of our good friend Dan. Never meets a dog he doesn’t like or a human that he can’t bribe a treat from.
Our mismark girl, Beverly is now Anna and her brother formerly Connor is now Tristan, are diehard Hawkeye fans and live in IN. We are hoping to see them this fall when they came back for a football game.
The other pair of Einstein and Percy, run an very successful organic farm, restaurant, event center and market in IL. They have a great family that dotes on them and we go and visit when in the area for dog shows.
Luna, the other girl is now Joria and lives with a very handsome blue merle cardigan named Frankie in Southern IL.
The lone tri colored boy, Walt, is now in the Air Force, and spends time between flying missions from his base in Colorado, at home with his family including wonderful boys who think he’s just perfect.
Adolph, now Gryffin, one of the triplet brindle boys, is happily entering his other cardigan friends in Il with Heather and her family.

Then there’s the other two of the triplets:
Max, who was James, is up in WI with Liz and her family. His ultimate goal is to be the best darn agility dog and get every title under the sun in obedience. But first, he’s got his majors and just needs a few single points to finish his Championship! No pressure now Liz!

Chipster, or Ruffles Jr, the very image of his father, is growing up in MN with Shelley and her herd of corgis. He’s almost ½ way to his championship and searching for majors inbetween being a star on YouTube with his e-collar antics.

Last but certainly not least is Charlie. He chose to stay right here and be mentored by his mom. Not a good thing if you hate barking and running and chasing of the poultry. Charlie is, well, different. The joke is that he hears voices and that sometimes lands him in trouble. In search of his last major, hoping this fall yet, Charlie Bear is a loveable lug who’s certainly his father’s son-man he’s a picky eater!

Photos please for all those who read the blog that are owned by a Dirty Dozen member. Hoping that in the following week that I can show you just how handsome they all are!

Later gators....
C

First and last

2011-08-22T07:51:00.005-05:00

Finally, the last "summer" event of the season, but a first for the Ms!

Sunday was the Iowa State 4-H dog show at the Iowa State Fair. First-we love going to State Fair, though it was the last day of the fair. Reminder to self, go the first two days - everyone is super happy, ready to go and not dragging.

The Ms took Moose in Novice B, while Lace's senior butt got dragged into PreNovice B. Her first State 4-H show!

Along with the 4-H show was a local kennel club's annual fun match aka Open Dog Show. That means tons of other dogs there, creating for many kids, their first real dog show atmosphere. During the time when the oldest two kidlets showed, it started out in the overflow horse stalling area, also known as the west end of the sheep pavillion. Then it moved to the east end of the hog building. Over the last couple of years with the addition of the new outdoor arena, tie areas and new barn, the dog show is now in the Pioneer Livestock Pavillion-the original show building. David and I sat in our chairs in the middle of the arena and marveled at how they managed to hold 6 and 8 up draft horses hitches in there for the shows. Now they are over the Jacobson Arena-much better suited.

So the results after getting up at the crack of dawn to drive to Des Moines??? WOW!

(Doesn't Moose look happy-heehee)

Moose wins high point Novice with a great 194 score!!!! For him, that's awesome and he only got off points on what we consider his normal problem areas-wide heeling on the off leash and a couple tight leads on his figure 8. When your consistent like that-ie, the same issues and nothing new, we're happy!

Now to PreNovice B--48 kids entered! 1/2 the kids scored in the blue range. 10 kids were in the highest bracket with purples. High Point and Reserve only had 1/2 point difference and the top 5 all were within 5 points of a perfect 200. Lace and the Ms???? 195 and 5th place!!!!!! Again, her weakness-she is a crowder when heeling, two points off. The Tall Kid can attest to struggling with that the entire time he worked with her and 3 points off on her recall-slow sit, again, she's got an elevator sit that has to stop at each floor going down, and crowding on the finish.

The Ms? Super happy and really proud of her dogs. She had fun, made some friends, and is ready for next year. Moose-well, once again, he gained a legion of fans and made one special friend.

After showing, it was time to see the sights. First stop, lunch, pork chop on a stick. 2nd stop, DNR building so the Ms could shoot some arrows. In between, we watched a sea of red shirts on Grand attempt to set the world record for the most people doing Stop Drop and Roll at one time. State Farm was putting on the event.

Saw the Butter Cow, all the little concrete cows celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow and our dear friend Dr Joe, who was manning the Iowa Organics booth in the Ag Building. David had to stop and get the toasted walnuts and the Ms saw some great ideas in the horticulture area for projects for next year.

A trip through the Varied Industries Bldg, Walnut Center and of course the morning was spent by David with some draft horse friends in the Horse Barn. Let's see--oh MY food stand, the favorite from all those years showing horses, is still there!! I feared with the building of the new arena, they would have to move and I'd never find them. Nope! Cinnamon roll in the morning, and of course-funnel cakes for the ride home.

I'm tired to say the least but it was a great time had by all, especially the Ms and her four legged pals. Now how many days till next year?

Later gators....
C

The temp

2011-08-19T08:31:00.002-05:00

Like my new temp? Office dog dujour!

Later gators....
C

Now for photos....squirrel.... of the monsters

2011-08-18T08:55:00.006-05:00

And this is why no new photos have been taken, the help can't focus!

Or is it that the puppies don't cooperate? BTW, this is Shorty aka Abbott and he played pudding puppy.

Opps, wait, Dad's gotta get involved now.

Okay, one who's a little more willing, this is Nero. A little scrunchy but he really wanted to help get the ball that was thrown.

A pretty Nero, not so pretty front. He's seriously not that wide but the towel was slippery, my fault. And with fuzzy feet, that don't help at all.

Kinkajou, again, all scrunchy. Seriously, they all have dead level toplines. But he was not about to point his head in one direction, so we got what we got.

BUT.... he is the first with ear lift off! What you can't really see, is his "mohawk". The hair on his blaze, from the tip of his nose, to the tip of his head, grows inward and he has a mohawk cowlick! Super cute

Damn it Eddie, get your fuzzy butt outta the photos!
Jeff Fa Fa. And again, the topline is level, handler error this time as he is a little too stretched out.

Isn't he cute? The current topic of conversation is that dear Jeff might be a cryptic merle! He's getting some interesting markings on his ears, around his blaze and his nose is just finished coloring in, though the inside is still pink.

And finally all, Short Stuff. I was able to get him to work with me for a nano second, then he went all gooey again.

Yes there's a lot of hair there. And yes, I love it! Right now Nero and Kinkajou have great families waiting to pick them up in a couple of weeks. Short Stuff and Jeff Fa Fa are still taking applications for those interested in hiring them for the position of family dog.

Later gators...
C

My version of doing nada

2011-08-15T09:14:00.003-05:00

Someone asked me what I did this weekend. I said nothing. And the reply was, seriously, you didn't do anything. Nope, nothing.

Here's my version of doing nada:
Put up new tent Friday night so we can watch meteor shower.
Start reading a book.
Fold laundry in dryer, but wet load in dryer, start another load in washer.
Chicken and duck chores, move stuff to finish mowing.
Go to Market Saturday
Side trip to garden center-oh oh, another new hosta and daylily
Kick monsters outside.
Work dogs
Continue reading book
Dig potatoes. Pick cucumbers. Dance a jig around loaded butternut sqaush vines.
Piss off duck and take out new duckling.
Duck, Chicken and horse chores
Clean floors
More laundry
Cook dinner-ummm German Potato salad
Sunday-wake up late! Slept with Eddie on my pillow, oh joy
Kick monsters out, Retrieve Click from center of puppy pen and chew her out for jumping in.
Run errands-new screen door, hardware, more plants--they were on sale!
Pre show meeting at Amana
Stop at bakery and get some letters, cinnamon swirl bread and a case of cream soda
Home-oh wait, must get TP-side trip to Wally World for that and of course, ice cream!
Yell at Click to leave the puppies' food alone and remove her, again, from puppy pen.
Laundry.
Chores
Nail trims on puppies and other assorted victims.
Brush molting GSD-okay so I didn't, the Ms did and I watched-it's entertaining, seriously
Take down tent after collie(s) jump on it and break pole.
David finished mowing some where during the day.
Plant stuff, but not all of it.
Finish reading book.
Laundry

And that's how you do nothing for a weekend. I swear there are a few things I missed in that list-like attempt to start cleaning study, dishes, hunt for eggs(darn free range chickens) and stand around debating what not to do this weekend.

Later gators....
C

The three stooges

2011-08-15T07:30:00.003-05:00

And now, there are three!!!

Pip has three more eggs in the nest. This latest addition, we think is a female and though you can't tell in this shot, the Ms thinks she's either a silver or lavender! I just love hearing their peeps and quacks coming from the brooder. Later gators....
C

Quwazy quackers

2011-08-10T07:39:00.003-05:00

Here's the newest additions to the Ancona herd! Not sure what color yet as they will change but the cool part is that they have good markings. One is a duck(correct term for a female duck) and one we think is a drake. By the sounds of it that is-those of you in the know with ducks will understand that. For everyone else, and typical of a woman, females quack the loudest, while the males have a low raspy quack. Mom duck, the infamous Pip was none to happy about the Ms stealing her babies for the brooder but it's best considering the other ducks around. Pip is a silver ancona and the sire is the Ms' special lavender drake. Next breeding will be to the black drake and we are also going to try the lavender with the chocolate duck next spring.

Anconas are still considered a critically endanagered breed of duck. At fair we seemed to have a large group of them or ancona mixes. The unfortunate part is that many a magpie duck or magpie mix is mistaken for true anconas. Luck has it we purchased the parents directly from one of the authorities in the breed and a person credited with saving the breed from extinction.

The Ms is on duckling watch now. She was soooo excited when I got home last night to show them to me. Can't wait to see if we get more today-there's about 6 more eggs sitting in the nest.

Later gators....
C

Break through!

2011-08-09T16:32:00.002-05:00

Just got a message from the Tall Kid, and seems Ms Pip is a good broody duck. First two ducklings hatched this afternoon. Purebred Anconas, Pip is a silver hen and the proud papa is the Ms prized lavender drake. But we could get just about any color available.

She's been sitting and sitting and I was just talking today about having to boot her off the nest this weekend and check to make sure they were viable eggs. Doesn't look like I'll have to do that now!

Man I need to get caught up on photos---again, will have those for you tomorrow!

Now I have to set up a second brooder for them. At least it's not blazing hot like it was last week.

Later gators....
C

And the weiner is.....

2011-08-09T15:05:00.002-05:00

Connor, well sort of. That's what he said he really wants for bait in the ring now. Took 3 of Alec's five fingers off during groups!

Anyway, I haven’t much time to go over the events of the recent weekend. Take one day off at the worst time of the year and well, it’ll haunt you for days. I’m so behind I think I’m catching up with myself!

I think that I can officially say that I have not spent a more miserable weekend showing in ages. I can handle rain, even 10 inches in flash flooding, followed by the mud it brings. Give me ice storms, 8” of snow and blizzard conditions. But the heat and humidity this weekend not only got to the dogs but the hoomans alike.

Top it off with Alec feeling horrible. Tweaked his back and he’s got a lot of back to tweak. Then it upset his stomach and he was sick most of the weekend. But I will say this, he sucked it up and showed. Only time he pawned off a dog to me was in breed and he couldn’t stand up right. But he did make it to all his groups.

I do need to thank Sheryl for letting us stay with her for the weekend. Her suggestion too. It was great to see Annie and Phil orders a great take-out pizza! I’m still rolling over her offer in my brain but until the roof is taken care of, I can’t figure out a way to take her up on it.

Saturday was the most brutal. We spent it alternating between the gym with the A/C and the big fans ring side. Joke in the GSD ring was that it was a wet tshirt contest. All the guy handlers abandoned their coats and ties, but still soaked through their shirts. Kent was the only brave one and needless to say all the handler’s clothing was headed to the dry cleaners Monday morning.

Connor managed to take BOV 2 out of 3 days. You can ask me about day 3 later—to say the least, I won’t be showing to that judge unless I have a great class bitch to take to her. Thescelo took BOB all three days and had a great showing in the groups. Charlie was RWD two days and won his class all three days, though the major broke. Editorial note: sick child, dying parent, car accident, broken leg, or dog is ill, that I can use as an excuse for pulling an entry. There have been a lot of entry pulls recently, having left me to consider that losing the day before is also a valid excuse for screwing over others. Therein lies another problem, a few exhibitors are now getting an untrustworth reputation-will they come, will they stay? From my point of view, if you come you come, but I most certainly won't count on you to stay. And as Kim noted, at some point, you're going to reap what you've sown.

Back to the recap. The Ms and Charlie were a good team one day in juniors, the other two we dragged Fred out from under the Chick Chalet, dusted off the wood shavings and they looked good. Seriously, the old dude did good and other then having to be bribed with steak on Sunday, he done good! And yes, we really did bath and groom him. He just preferred that we hadn’t.

Though, I must make another editorial side track. I think the AKC should require that juniors judges have a grasp of all the AKC accepted breeds that might be presented before them. Such as hand stacking of most herding breeds isn’t as correct as a free stacking dog. Or that a cardigan’s feet can turn out slightly and attempting to correct that for the junior on the table is an insult to the junior as well as possibly hurting the dog. Too many recent judges have point blank told the Ms that she would have won the class if she had corrected her dogs feet to be straight!!!!! Give me an F’in break! Three years running, our 4-H showmanship judges have known that a cardigan can have a slight turn out and they aren't AKC juniors judges! Email sent to judge’s ed for the CWCCA to send information to a handful of juniors judges.

Since I’m on a roll, attitudes ring side and ring etiquette seem to be extremely lacking. I’ve ranted on this a dozen or two times. If your dog doesn’t win, don’t have a hissy about it and then wander around muttering about crappy judges, crappy dogs and crappy people. I hate losing as much as the next person, but I know my dog isn’t perfect and like the judge on Friday told us, he liked things about each boy, Michael and Charlie, but different thing so he had to weigh what he didn’t like. Am I upset that I lost, nope. Did I throw a hissy, nope. Did I berate other’s, nope. Now getting beat by a dog with distinct structural faults, that’s so different. Wide fronts, train wreck rears, crappy movement, those irritate me.

Man, a few editorial side bars today?

As I am waiting for a photo from Rhonda, the only other happening this last weekend is that the Ms spent the weekend socializing the most adorable and outgoing and delicious rotten red puppy. She got to play in the fun match with Stormy, spent her own money to by her a new toy and well, signed on the dotted line. Photo will explain it all and no, it's not living at my house....yet.

So now it’s time off until our local show. I’m rolling up my sleeves for the final prep. Eye Clinic, herding instinct tests, fun match, ugh. I’m getting excited though. Nothing to show this year, so that makes it a little easier on us all. No week old pups to deal with, much easier. I’m looking forward to going home in the evening, doing chores and then sitting around the campfire with toasted marshmallows, then dropping off to sleep in my own bed.

later gators....
C

decisions, decisions

2011-08-09T09:20:00.002-05:00

I had this long post about breeding, gambles and hard decisions, but I threw it away. Plain and simple, we have decided that Jeff and Shorty are now available to good companion homes.

Just because you breed, doesn't mean you have to keep a pup and have to show it. I think too many people aren't honest with themselves. You have to look at what you have, where you want to go and figure out what you need to do next. Unfortunately, I've seen a lot of the opposite lately. If it doesn't have what you want(and I guess that means you have to know what you want first), then don't keep a pup just to keep one.

With that said, I'm not unhappy with this litter. Just didn't get what I wanted to go forward with. Granted Jeff might be just the right pup for someone else, and that's fine. But for me, I need something else that he doesn't quite have.

I will post photos of the boys tomorrow, my camera was at the 4-H meeting last night, or should I say, in the truck at the meeting.

Both boys are available on neuter contracts, with approved references and returned questionnaires. Again, more on both tomorrow.

Email me at fogebotom@yahoo.com if you want more information.

Later gators...
C

Midlife crisis

2011-08-02T09:08:00.002-05:00

Beyond other items, we are currently picking on the Hubby about possible having a mid-life crisis. No it's not the powder blue prius that makes a sound as it goes by..... never mind-unless you know who Walter is and his opinion on such subjects, ask me later.

Anyhow, we are now in possesion of a lovely red convertable. It's sitting in the barn.

Wind in my hair? Not on your life-this thing maybe clocks 25 mph at a hard trot:)

Yes, indeed, the show wagon made it's way home this weekend. It toured the country side as Hubby and Dad showed it off to those in the know.

Plans are to take the girls out some time in the next couple of weeks for a road test. It needs a little polishing on the chrome as well as getting the old farm name which includes the words Belgians, off the side.

So what do I need for my mid-life crisis?

Later gators...
C

broken and fixed?

2011-08-02T08:35:00.003-05:00

So we(Moose and I) decided that a little work out in the heat was in order.

Then we decided, no, we could work inside. Much better idea and less sweat involved.

Alec in one of his boredom induced dog training moments(those are always the worst) taught a certain oversized brindle dog how to play dead. Let me remind you that in another boredom induced training session, he taught his collie how to shake hands, even how to alternate which one he asked for. He's sort of, or should I say that I sort of regret that as she offers that behavior when she's in a pissy mood now. Add in a snark along with the deadly paw and well, it's annoying.

Moose has always had a great down. It's typically flat on his back, feet waving at the ceiling and yes he holds it for 3 mins in novice and a whole 5 mins in open. But add in the pointed finger and a bang, it's even more dramatic. So last night....

We start working on his "around"-swing to the left. He defaults to the "heel" swing to the right and I'm working on getting him to wait for the correct command and not anticipate. Part of this is also working on his left pivot so we can work on RA and RE signs. Moose has no clue where his rear is, my fault in not training pivots on the rear early on. But with a suggestion from a training friend, he's sort of found it again. His left pivots are starting to come together and we use that a lot when working on other things as he loves left pivots and it keeps him up in the ring.

His "around" was hilarious as he was bouncing to the left and then swinging to his butt back to the front-I'm so not sure what he was thinking but I gave in and shot him dead. Mistake. Because next we worked on sit-stand-down-sit. Sit-got it. Stand-he cocked an ear, swiveled an eye and went "seriously?" and feigned a mock stand. Down-oh shit. Yeap, he went down for the count, even putting his paws over his nose in an awesome over the top play dead routine. Do you think I could regain control of the situation and get him back to a sit? Not on your life, he was dead and that's where he was staying.

Of course the collie just looked at him like he was an idiot, came up and said, dude, if you seriously want to quit, just give her the paw---which is what the EBD did.

Later gators...
C

Going raw in a 'round about way

2011-08-01T10:17:00.002-05:00

I feed several of my dogs a partial raw diet. Charlie mostly because he just does not eat and raw seems to work best to get him to eat.

Pete and Fred has decided that since it was good enough for Charlie, it was good enough for them. Though they failed to tell the chef and went about it themselves.

Any chicken or duck(return back to the Fred and the Duck Head incident) or turkey( that's another past post) that ventures into the main front yard, has taken their lives into their own beaks.

Friday night. Call in the hooligans from the front yard. Tuli. Phoebe. Moose. Wait, back track, Tuli what is that on your rough? Phoeobe, why do your feet look red(other then where she licks them)? Moose-okay, you're good. FREDERICK!!!!! Licking his chops all the way with blood on his rough, his feet and drooling out the side of his mouth.

PETERMAN!!!! PETE!!! and so on and so forth until her pointy little head comes around the corner and she makes a dash for the door. Screach to a halt in the kitchen, wags her tail and then I see it. Her pointy little head is covered in blood. So are her feet. Rough too.

"David, I think we have an issue." So we gather the flashlights and find a flurry of feathers and one almost non existent carcass of what appeared to be a red star cockerel. First off, that's okay, it was cockerel. 2nd, it was bound for the processors in a few weeks. But 3rd, I was planning on eating that one!

No jail break but I think that what ever chicken it was, that flew over the fence and landed similar to the turkey, in the middle of a pack of wanna be raw eaters. We found another one in the yard in the morning--this one was still wandering around so must have flown over after the chaos. The Ms did do a quick scan and found Polly safe and sound on her roost.

Needless to say, two dogs didn't get any more dinner, two got 1/2 rations and the last one, good dog Moose, he knows they are for herding, not eating, at least when alive.

So now on the hunt for bulk chicken backs and such. I've turned the corner of concern since they seemed to have proved that indeed, raw is the way to eat.

Later gators....
C