Famous Last Words

Don't you love how when you utter the words "my dog never...." or "my dog always" that it creates the universal energy needed for that to change. Often times it makes you look like a fool, other times, the irony is just amusing.

Case in point. Just yesterday I was talking about Sidney. I was saying that in the mornings he's taken to laying on the bed with Mickey and Maddie while we are getting ready for work. But that at night he always sleeps on the couch. Sidney does love the couch. In fact, if someone else lays on it and there is no room for him, he doesn't know what to do with himself. The fact that I used the word "never" in the discussion brought about the cosmic change. Be careful how you use this word.

Here is how it played out. We are snuggled into bed, weary from our day. Talking somewhat sleepily right before we drift off to la-la-land. A dog is doing a little pre-sleep grooming, which is one of Reno's pet "pet" peeves. He says who's licking? I can feel the offender curled up right behind my knees. I nudge the licker with a foot. Licking continues. Who's licking? I say it's Maddie. Reno says Maddie go away. Maddie gets up from her position at the small of my back and leaves. So, if Maddie was the licker and she leaves the bed, who's still licking? I laugh and say, oh, sorry Maddie it must be Mickey licking. Reno says no, Mick is right here looking at me.

One could probably see the puzzled look on my face as I process this. If it wasn't Mick, and it wasn't Maddie, then we indeed had another dog in bed with us. Lo and behold Sidney had put on his stealth pointer mask and tested out the night time sleeping arrangements. Normally, as Reno says, Sidney is like a bear cub on roller skates. You always hear him when he comes into the room. He makes an entrance like only a young dog can.

Now, he has a lot to learn about finding a sleep able place in the bed with us. Such as at the foot of the bed, or on the sides of the bed. In his defense, he is quite the snuggler. He wanted to be right between us. He lasted there for about an hour or so. Then he went back to his sofa. That was fine by us.

I suspect he'll visit us again at night. Possibly just because I used the word "always" or "never", but also because he's learning the finer things in life. He is a life-time away from that bitterly cold shelter in Oklahoma and we want him to soak up the good life in Nebraska.

The Equalizer Goddess

I saw a random comment that referenced the Equalizer Goddess. Wow, I love this whole concept.

If there is a Goddess who helps even things out, all I can say is holy cow, she is a busy woman.

Just in my own life I'd put her to work on this - equalizing the amount of poop deposited in yard with the number of residents willing to help pick it up. She could also equalize my intentions of losing weight with my willingness to do so. She could equalize the state of my IRA. She could equalize my wages, so that my hourly pay reflects my true value. She could get out her fairy dust and equalize my 50 year old body with what my 25 year old body used to be. Heck, she could equalize my regrets with my ability to not pass up great opportunities.

A woman like her could do so much about, you know, equality. Almost everyone likes a Goddess, and everyone would like things to be a bit more equal. Now, I know that to the dogs I am the Goddess of all that is Good in Life. I can't argue with their logic. Dogs are smart. Still they would love the Equalizer Goddess to change up the ratio of treats to hourly rather than daily.

Maybe we are our own Equalizer Goddess. If so, I need to tell her how great she is and give thanks for everything she has equalized for me lately. Now about the dog poop in the back yard.......

Play Group

Sidney got to go to play group. May I just say right now he is one tired boy. Tired pointers are my favorite kind.

A local group offers free play group sessions for foster dogs - so off we went. I was delighted to see two other pointers, one a German short hair pointer, and the other an English pointer. That shouldn't surprise me, people with high energy dogs are usually smart enough to find outlets for that energy. Other than opportunities for destruction of property - like pillows, for example.

I have to wonder if all the commotion, barking and dogs gave him flash backs from his shelter days. He kept a close eye on me, but still played well. Not to mention he worked the crowd - he is definitely a people person, or people dog, however you say that. His best buddy was the German short hair pointer - perhaps he felt like he was with extended family.

We will definitely go back. You can't beat the price, it's great socialization for Sidney. Who knows, maybe he'll find a local home. Play time is good - we all need more play time.

Must Be Too Cold

We have three English pointers and an English springer spaniel in residence. And I have two fat furry squirrels feeding from the bird feeder about 3 ft from the back door.

This leads me to several conclusions. First of all, all those smells and noises that they hear/smell way more than I ever could are selectively heard or smelled. You can't fool me - if they wanted to, they would know about the feeding frenzy in the back yard. Even without the smell/hearing advantage, they could look out the window and see them.

But, wait, they would have to pull their sleepy forms off the master bed to do that. Not gonna happen. Kobe I will excuse from squirrel hunting, age does have some benefits. The other slugs? Well, I just hope word doesn't get out about this.

Maybe they are just conserving their energy. Maybe Sidney knows they are there, but likes the bird seed they leave behind so is choosing to ignore them. More snacking for him later. Maybe at 4 degrees it's too cold to care.

I can't say as I blame them.

I'm Just Happy

Take two pointers - with excess energy and close them out of the bedroom. If that is not a recipe for destruction, then I don't know what is.

I'm just happy it wasn't the sofa. It could have been worse. Now, I thought, well I'm sorta sure, well almost positive, that one of them was chewing on a Kong in the hallway. I heard chewing sounds that sounded - well, acceptable. Maybe that was Maddie.

I didn't hear that "look at me I'm in my bliss" sound of racing up the stairs and down. I was too lazy to check. Maybe the lack of noise should have been a give away.

I'm just happy it wasn't the recliner. Now, they know better. But if no one is watching do rules apply to pointers???

I'm just happy it wasn't the rug. Though truth be told, that would have occupied them for hours. And while this may have been a tag team event, I don't have proof. I think they put their two little brain cells together and the four cells thought up some mischief. Have you noticed that mischief leaves a wide path of debris?

By all rights those two dogs should be exhausted. Now, I can't completely blame them. We wanted a nap without cold noses and dog farts. It's mostly Sidney's fault because he is such a wiggle worm in bed. He can't lay still, he can't keep his paws to himself, he can't keep his nose off your _______(insert body area of choice). We banished them from the bedroom and they entertained themselves.

What was a throw pillow is now a battered, ripped, shredded facade of it's former self. There is pillow stuffing scattered far and wide. There are strips of binding, and pieces of fabric. I'm just glad it wasn't the wing chair.

It was/is pretty amusing to see what remains of the pillow. I have evidence of two pointers having a pillow fight, but I don't have witnesses. Maddie won't tell. I think she may have put them up to it. Kobe slept completely through it. He voted for an afternoon nap too.

Too bad we weren't all on the same nap schedule. Too bad I didn't catch them in the act, to bad an innocent pillow had the stuffing ripped from it. Too bad a responsible adult wasn't on duty.

Computer Magnet

I am continually drawn to the computer. I think there is a big magnet it in and it sucks me in whenever I am near by. Or maybe I have the attention span of a two year old and the computer is my set of Lego's. Maybe the computer room is the warmest room of the house and it's winter in Nebraska. Maybe the computer is my connection to the world and I love feeling connected.

Now, I know I spend too much time on the computer. I could be quilting, exercising, training the dogs, cleaning house (not bloody likely). I could be beading or reading - both things I like to do. I could be out shopping, but the budget says that's not a prudent thing to do.

I have never been much of a solitary person. Some folks thrive on it - I'm just not one of them. So that I spend solitary time on the computer is rather ironic. I have always known I will write a book someday. I've just never known what it would be about. Of course, my plan to write a book and God's plan are probably different. My plan included publishing, payment, hard backs and beautiful illustrations. His plan includes writing a blog, which has neither a hard or soft cover, but is bound on the pages of this blog site. I write because I enjoy it, because the big guy upstairs gifted me with words, because I need to share my thoughts. If they move you, inspire you, and/or make you laugh, that is payment enough.

If we have talents we need to share them. And so I do - at work, with the dogs, in the garden, with my friends and family, in my faith, in random contacts made in surprising ways, via my computer.

Red Velvet and Other Thots

My favorite cake is Red Velvet Cake. I have always wanted to have a red velvet dress. Other than diamonds, garnets (the deep red color) are my favorites. I love red glasses, plates, bowls and vases. I look really good in red. I like red wine. I used to be, almost, a red head. I think I see a trend here.

I have always "known" I'd write a book. I have never known what it would be about. I think Lisa Kogan (who writes for Oprah) needs to watch out. I want her job. But I think my idea to write a 'book', and God's plan may be slightly different. I think this blog is my book. And that's okay too. That the pages are bound on this website, and not in hard back, or paper back is not an issue. If you'd like to send cash, so I feel physically paid, I would graciously accept. If you are an publicist don't hesitate to contact me about a contract. Either way I will write. Because I enjoy it, because I have been gifted with words, and maybe because I like to see my words in print. If you find value, or laughter, or both then I've my goal.


If you'd like to sit down with me and have some red cake, or a glass of red wine - let's do just that. That time shared together may be the next "chapter" in my book.

Fur Balls

It seems early in the season for the dogs to be blowing their coats. But Maddie, our English Springer Spaniel is shedding like crazy.

I took advantage of some warm weather (for late January) and brushed the dogs. Mickey is always the first in line for brushing. He loves being brushed. Sidney, when he realizes someone else is getting first brushing barges right in. I'm sure he's saying "move over Bozo, Mom wants to brush me next". Sid will stand there as long as I am willing to brush. Kobe has to be called over for the grooming session. Of the three pointers he sheds the most - I've never figured out why. Maddie has to be called over too, and held there. She'd much rather be chasing the ball. Standing still when one can be retrieving must be like solitary confinement for a Chatty Cathy.

Fur was coming off Maddie like rhetoric off a politician. I pulled balls of it off the shedding blade and released it in the breeze. Sidney saw fur balls flying and snagged a couple out of thin air. Blechh! I'm sure Maddie would have called him a lemon headed retard for that. Sid probably figured if Maddie wasn't gonna chase the 'ball' he would. Talk about tag team retrieving.

Maybe it's a good sign to have them start losing their winter coats. I just hate to break it to them that there is still plenty of winter left.

CoWorkers

Sometimes life brings you a coworker who is also a friend. It doesn't get much better than that.

I'm writing this because my friend, who I was blessed to have as an employee and coworker, just worked her last day at the store. She and I go a ways back. In friendship years we go back about five years. As kindred spirits we go back forever. We met through someone I was dating way back when. I got something out of that relationship - an wonderful friend. Boyfriends come and go, girlfriends (if you are lucky) are forever.

She is the kind of friend who can finish your sentences when you are too tired to speak. Who understands what you are saying with your brain gets all twisted and your mouth doesn't get the words in the right order.

We've worked at two different places together, how cool is that. Now she is moving to another state so the odds of us working in the same place again are slim to none. I wish so many things for her. A safe and speedy journey to her new home, family and new friends to sustain her, an outlet for her talent and creativity, health (take care of that back, those feet and your teeth!), love, and many hours with her grand children.

I wish she didn't have to go. But I understand that her heart moved back home long ago and she needs to follow. Godspeed, God Bless, and thank you for what we shared.

Division of Labor

I'm guessing people do their great thinking under many circumstances. Some while running or walking, some in quiet prayer, some in the softness of the dawn in the company of good coffee. Some in absolute silence. Some by writing. I seem to do mine while scooping poop.

In this task a profound thought came to me. There is an unfair division of labor at my house with regard to cleaning the yard. Now, there is also an unfair division of organizational skills at my house, so I can't gripe too much. One of us is very organized, one of us slightly less organized. One of us is learning to deal with that. I used to be quite reactive to Reno's swoops of organizational activity. As much as I hate to admit it, he makes good choices on this stuff. Sure my way worked. I knew where the stuff was - in a general way. Now we know where it is in a specific way. It's all good.

I'm wondering if I exercised some organization activity, if he'd exercise some yard cleaning activity. Ideally, for every 2 1/2 bags I scoop, he'd scoop 1 1/2 bags. I'm sure we can find a happy balance on this.

Poop happens. In a multi-dog family it happens a lot. Good relationships require compromise, negotiations (and renegotiation's), and a fair division of labor. He wouldn't want me to tax myself too much and possibly get hurt scooping poop. And I wouldn't want him to miss an opportunity to connect with nature, spend time with the dogs, and perhaps experience profound thoughts and happy satisfaction in the process.

I'll even get the bags and scooper ready for him. I'm just that kind of gal. Thoughtful to a fault.

Fruit

One of my goals this year is to eat more fruit. I'm thinking bottled fruit - like wine - does not count. But you never know.

While riding in a taxi in Dallas last week, the driver told us that eating fresh papaya helps people with back problems. The driver swore by the benefits of eating this fruit. Truthfully, I was not sure I'd ever eaten papaya in anything.

Since another of my pleasures is to buy fruits or vegetables I've never cooked before, getting a papaya fit right in. It qualifies under never been eaten, and possible relief for back pain. There are a couple issues though. Nebraska is not known for being the fresh fruit capital of the world. So I have no idea if the one I purchased if a good example of all a papaya can be. I was surprised at how much of the fruit consists of seeds compared to the actual fruit. Dang it, I don't like that ratio.

As to the flavor - may I just say what flavor? In the interest of Reno's back pain we consumed some papaya. Of course, we improvised. We took a spoonful of papaya and followed it up with a tequila shooter. Strictly for medicinal purposes. I figured either way there would be some relief involved. No, we're not huge drinkers - just creative drinkers.

Basically we figure the driver in Texas should not quit his day job and just peddle papaya's. It's too early to tell if the papaya will make our weary backs feel better. But we had fun with fruit. Maybe that's the key to consuming more of it.

Huddle

This word brings to mind several connotations. There is the football huddle - and may I just add.....Go Steelers. No, I'm not very football driven, but Reno is, so he'd want me to add the Go Steelers mantra. I believe I'll get bonus points for mentioning it twice.

Then there is the famous quote "bring me your huddled masses". We can all relate to that. Especially the "Miracle on the Hudson" folks who huddled on the airplane wing last week after their amazing crash landing.

There are family huddles to celebrate achievements or to plan gatherings.

I enjoyed a huddle of my own this morning. It was a "puppy huddle" on the bed. They were all there. Mick, Maddie and Sidney on the bed and Kobe was the sidelines coach. They were like......tell me all about your trip Mom......and we'll tell you all about our week.....and, really Mom, Dad does his best, but it's just not like having you around. He feeds us, lets us in and out, but, dang, where are the kisses, the loves and the pet names you use.

It was a huddle of contentment. As opposed to a huddle of fear, anticipation, prayer or excitement.

Huddles can be so many things, and we are lucky to have them. Face it, we need huddles. Just like I need the dogs and they need me.

Like Minded People

Surround yourself with like-minded positive people. Yep, this is my advice. Wow, I must be a rocket scientist.

Do this in your personal life, business life, faith life and in your passions. This is one of those concepts that is so basic we tend to over look it.

We belong to an organization of independently owned craft stores. Joining this group is probably one of my boss' best decisions. We share idea's, pool orders, pick brains, multiply our creativity, reduce stress, increase margins, exchange successes and support growth. All this while making friendships and promoting our business.

We all want the other to succeed and never hesitate to help each other do that. Wouldn't it be grand if life was always like this?

I am always amazed at how savvy these people are in buying and selling. I am still learning the ropes. I sometimes feel like the country bumpkin rubbing shoulders with the big city executives. Except, by joining together we level the playing field. We're all pulling for the same team.

Plus, they are the kind of folks who would do anything for you. We need people like this in our life. Last night at dinner we talked business, talked kids, talked dogs, talked about silly stuff, and the serious stuff. Today and tomorrow we scatter to our home states and business' until we meet again.

So my question is this - do you have enough like minded positive people in your life? If not, find yourself some. It will be worth it.

Travel Thots

If someone walked in with a pointer, or lab, or most likely any size dog right about now, I'd probably jump up and down with delight. Four days without canine contact sucks. Perhaps I'm being a weeny about it, but face it, dogs anchor me.

On the other hand, I enjoy going to market. Sure it sounds glamorous to be paid to shop. But it is work - really it is. No, I'm serious here. Quit laughing at me. I'm working my little fingers and toes to the bone. Surprisingly, it's my eyes, feet and shoulders that get a workout here. And my brain, in no particular order. Those of you who know I'm not the fastest at calculating numbers will appreciate how mind numbing it can be for me. Or wait, maybe my mind is just numb about numbers. Market is like boot camp for my brain. I keep showing up, but it's too soon to tell if I'll survive.

A few little travel tips I've learned. Always have a back up pair of shoes. Pack the Advil. A few Tums can be a lifesaver (lesson learned this trip!) If you don't know - ask. Smile, even when you are tired. Never turn down a free cocktail. Tip the driver.

All this said - take time to enjoy the view. Be it the people - great people watching at market - or the landscape. One should never be too tired to observe.

And lastly, remember your grounding rituals even when away from home. I find I forget to pray when I'm busy at market. What a silly thing to do. When we are busiest we need that extra support our spiritual life gives us. At this point I pray for strength to make wise buying choices, energy to sustain me, and a dog (or two or three) to refresh me.

Weary

There is weary, when you are at home. And then another kind of weary, when you are not at home. Both are tired. Just not the same.

There is much more comfort in laying down for the night in your own comfort zone. The comfort comes from being at peace with the surroundings. You know the noises, the light or lack of it, the feel of the bed.

I miss my bed, even if the blanket has holes in it. Mickey, who people think is so, so well behaved holds the house record for chewing holes in blankets. He did it again just the other day. Naughty boy.

While I don't miss getting up the let the dogs in and out, I do miss the dogs. I miss Reno, but I don't miss doing house stuff, dishes, laundry, cooking. I miss the regular rituals. Like pouring coffee for him. I poured coffee for my travel roommate - but I didn't say I love you honey when I gave it to her. That seemed a little forward. I did still enjoy the act of pouring and delivering the coffee - it's always a treat to give of yourself a little.

I have three more days away from home. While I don't miss the cold I hear they are having, I do miss home. For a while today I heard a rumor that my garage had been cleaned enough to get my truck into - sadly, it was just a rumor. C'est la vie. Or, c'est la garage.

So, for the mean time, I am weary away from home. But this to shall pass. When I lay down to rest I'll imagine I'm snuggled up next to my favorite pets and people. I understand it's probably a three-dog night up there, luckily we have enough dogs for such a night.

Travels

God must have known I needed canine contact on this trip. The lady next to me on the plane had her little doxie with her. That made me feel right at home. If I can't be with my dogs, I'd like to be with someone elses. Okay, I didn't get to pet or talk to her dog, but it was a comfort to have one near me.

I tried to imagine my dogs on an airplane. Omg. First of all they are way to big to travel in a little carrier. One can dream though. No doubt we'd have to fly DogmaAir, or AmericanAirDog or some other dog friendly airlines. Sidney would be all skittish and not sure where to settle. Maddie would be happy as long as someone threw the tennis ball. I think the aisle would be a great area for her to be in the ball zone. Plus a plane full of people would mean lots of folks tossing that slimy ball for her. She'd be a happy camper.

Mick (and probably Sidney) would dig looking at the window. Think of all the window's they could check out! Dog gazing heaven.

Kobe would be non-plussed. As long as I was nearby he'd be happy. The walk would be hard on him, but he'd nap extra long to make up for it.

We were analyzing why travelling is so tiring. One could almost say we are dog tired, and we really didn't work at all today. We slept in a little, packed a little, waited a little, flew a little and then we worked a little, had dinner and WOW - we are pooped!!

I may not be able to even circle three times before retiring for the night. I hope the rest of this week includes other dogs to brighten my day. The trip got started out right - you gotta love that.

Packing Under Watchful Eye

Kobe knows I'm going out of town. He's been watching me all night. Following me from room to room. He wags his tail when I talk, looks at what I'm putting in the suitcase. If he could talk he'd probably say I've got more stuff than I need. And he'd probably be right. He'd know I was going on a business trip because I'm not packing any toys or fun stuff. If he could talk I wonder if he'd ask if and when I was coming back.

If I could, I'd say, Kobe honey (and Mickey, Maddie and Sidney) I'll be gone for a few days, but I promise to be back. I'll miss you so much. I know Reno will take good care of them. But, really, they are such Momma's dogs. Granted once I'm gone, all that will matter is that Reno lets them in and out and fills the food bowls.

I'll miss the comfort of their presence, the softness of their fur. I'll miss the in and out of their daily routine, their antics, probably even their dog farts. They are part of what makes me whole. So I really dislike being away from them. I'll miss Reno for almost the exact same reasons. Well, almost.

So for the moment, I pause to tell Kobe I love him, and that he'll be fine. And I hope the time passes quickly so I can come home again and see my many loves.

Someone's in the Kitchen

There is a really creative cook in the kitchen. And guess what? It's not me.

Yes, I'm a really good cook. I can improvise (read substitute), make a mean soup (thanks to the soup bag in the freezer), specialize (have you tasted my Trifle?) Wow, that sounds like a really personal question. I can search out new recipes, purchase odd vegetables and find ways to cook them. Sometimes things work out terrific. Sometimes, just so-so. The meatloaf from last week is a wonderful example.

Reno gets the bonus points for presentation. Presentation takes creativity. Now, he will deny (rather vehemently, I might add) that he's creative. He'll say he's a common hack who counts beans for a living. I swear the guy should have been in theatre. He can be a real Drama King - and I mean that in the nicest possible way. And while he may count beans, he can also serve them up with a flourish. For example, breakfast this morning was chorizo with scrambled eggs served in roasted red pepper rings. Danged impressive.

As we enjoyed breakfast we reminisced about cooking for children. Cutting a whole from the center of bread and cooking an egg in it. Presentation counts and it is chock full of creativity.

Maybe our challenge today, or this week, is to work on presentation. To let ourselves be creative (a little, or a lot), to have some fun, and in the process make some memories. That's not only making breakfast it's making something special. Nourishment for the body, the spirit and the soul.

Saturday Morning

Get UP! C'mon, get up! Pet me, pet me, pet me - get up! Let ME out. C'mon, let me OUT! Let me in. Let me in. Let me in. Feed me, love me, let me out, let me in, let me out, let me IN, play with me.

Let me sleep, go lay down, let me sleep. C'mon, go out, come in - let me sleep just a little more. Go lay down, go lay down, go lay down. Let me sleep. Okay - climb in bed, lie down let me sleep. Wiggle, nuzzle, stretch, push, prod, lick, play.

Get up! Let me out again - there was a bird, there was a rabbit, there was a squirrel. There might have been a bird, a rabbit or a squirrel. There might be a random piece of paper the wind blew in I need to investigate. I need to run out, run in, run out, run in......feed me.

Sigh......I'm exhausted from trying to sleep in this morning. They are like kids pumped full of sugar, amped up, jazzed up, ready to run the tired Momma ragged. Except the Momma was tired before the day really started.

Just like with babies and toddlers - I've got to learn to sleep when the dogs do. I believe that will be all afternoon.

Dog Withdrawals

I'm fast approaching a business trip that requires me to be away from home for six days. I haven't even left yet and I'm homesick. I miss Reno, I miss the dogs, I miss my own bed.

I'll be in Dallas next week. Do you suppose there is someone there with pointers (or a lab, springer, or dobe) that would pick me up, let me play with their pups, share a bottle of wine, take me on a tour of their garden, listen to funny dog stories, and oh yes, let me love up on their pups. I don't think I'm asking too much.

I'll bring pictures of my dogs, gosh I could even be talked in to bringing my own wine. Watching Animal Planet just doesn't suffice. I want (need) some canine contact. Perhaps there is a Pet Therapy group there that would visit me! That would make me feel more at home, reduce my job stress.

Okay, maybe I'm being a baby about this. But, I don't think so. Business travel is stressful. If I could take one of the dogs with I would. Since I can't, I need to connect with a surrogate dog (or dogs) in the Dallas area. Please contact me if you know who can fill this need.

Curb Feelers

Tuesday is my feel good day. My weekday off. A catch up day if you will. I catch up on laundry, groceries, veggie out, poop scooping, chiropractor, and then do pet therapy with Mickey.

Mind you, Abby was my first therapy dog, Kobe was my second and Mick is my current one. He is rock steady on the job. Trouble is, Kobe still remembers what day Tuesday is and what the therapy vest means. I need to find a little visit he can do. He can't handle the distance walking our hospital visit requires. But his need to be social has not diminished. He soooo wanted to go today, and I felt bad not taking him.

You are wondering, no doubt, how I will segue into curb feelers. Hahaha, me too. But, let me explain. I stopped at the car wash after errands this afternoon. It was a drive through, no touch, car wash. I was longing to have my black truck back and get rid of the salty winter white splatter on my vehicle. I've been through this car wash dozens of times. So, as I'm pulling out I'm noticing my truck now makes a funny sound. Like a true female, at a stop light I roll down the window and hear nothing. Hmmmmm. As I accelerate I hear this clicking again. Hmmmm. I should have looked at other drivers to see if they were laughing their asses off. That might have been a clue. Upon arriving home I realize the clicking came from a long piece of accent trim that came loose from the side of my truck. One end bounced along the pavement all the way home. Come to find out it happened on both sides of my truck, the exact same piece, click, click, click. I must have looked like I had giant curb feelers on either side of my vehicle.

Which leads me to the following conclusions. One, I provided comic relief to hundreds, nay maybe thousands of local drivers. Or at least the 30 or so I traveled with between here and there. Two, some cars are equiped with curb feelers and you many not even realize it. Three, curb feelers can be car wash activated.

And in a sense, the dogs are my curb feelers as well. They protect me from hard spots in life and smooth my journey. Plus they don't care if I look like an idiot from time to time. I love that about dogs.

Getting Old

You know you are getting old when you wish Midnight Mass started at 10pm. When milk before bed sounds good - as long as it's got some booze in it. When someone celebrating their 32nd birthday is just a baby. When you start taking herbal supplements for joints, memory, menopause and bone support. In addition to the hand full of other pills you pop daily. When you have a child who is 25 yrs younger than you are.

Getting old kinda sneaks up on you. Although, I'm not saying I'm old, just that I am getting there. I remember when 40 was old, and now I think 40 is young. I remember when I was innocent enough to believe happily ever after happened the first time around. Now I know 'happily ever' is a life choice after all.

I remember when I held my kids hand, before long they will be holding mine. I remember when I didn't have a clue, and sometimes still find myself clueless. If I was prone to having a mid-life crisis, I'd be late for it. I'm pretty punctual, so this would be a problem. I remember when my kids had a curfew and now, I don't even want to know what time they get home, or their condition when they arrive - as long as by the grace of God it's done safely. Or with the benefit of their guardian angels.

Ah yes, I remember.....at least for the mean time I do. Although this too might change with age.

Dog Games

Maddie's favorite game in the whole wide world is fetch. If she was male, Fetch would be the perfect name for her. She is all about the ball. All about the ball.

Sidney's favorite game in the whole wide world is Maddie playing ball. She chases and retrieves the ball, and he chases her. He not only chases, he nags, nips, barks, bumps, and races her. He's not interested in the ball. Just in messing with her. She's in her bliss, and he's an absolute pain in the pa toot!

Come to think of it, Reno's favorite game is to tease me. It's very much like Maddie and Sid playing. It's entertaining, challenging, downright amusing, and sometimes the female comes up snapping.

Kobe's favorite game is napping, resting, snoozing and farting. Once in a while he'll pick up Maddie's ball, but then is not quite sure what to do with it. Mickey digs tug-of-war. Who knew it was such a vocal game. Sometimes he'll snatch up the ball and run. He loves to be chased. But he's not a retriever by any stretch of the imagination.

My game? Well, perhaps shopping - can you say E-Bay?, writing, cooking, loving the dogs.

Games are good, some of them that is. Not so much mind games. But, dog games, I love to watch them. One minute they are total slugs, and the next it's "game on". You would never hear a dog say - I can't play right now I'm watching TV, or reading the paper, or working. We should embrace play like that.

Sigh.....We Packed It Up

It was time to pack up the decorations and take down the Christmas tree. Makes me sad to pack away those special memories for another year. I love the lights, the tree, the macaroni and glitter ornaments the kids made in preschool. I love the magic, the mystery, the nativity. There is so much hope in the holiday season. I feel like we packed it all away.

Now, I know this is not the case. Still, as the naked tree stands on the patio I wonder where the season went. What season packs as much anticipation as this one? In spite of all my graces, I am having trouble shifting gears from Christmas time to normal time. Ironically, even as I make this shift in two weeks I have to go on a buying trip to buy for next Christmas. No rest for the weary (or is it the wicked?) I never can remember.

Sure there are other holidays in the offing. Although Reno says he's not shopping again until August. And I believe him. Valentines is around the corner, Ground Hog's Day, Easter, you name it - they will come.

Letting go is something I struggle with. Maybe we all do. Perhaps, in packing up Christmas, another gift in some way/shape/form will arrive. Life works this way.

Boxes

You never know when you might need a good box. That is the whole premise behind having a stash of boxes.

Maybe not everyone is like this. But I have always been a box saver (much to Reno's dismay!) You just never know....... Shirt boxes, check boxes, jewelry boxes (my favorite), shoe boxes. I mean really, how does one wrap gifts without the appropriate box?

Many of my good boxes were "deep sixed" during recent periods of home reorganization. Sure they may not have been perfect boxes anymore, but they still served the purpose. I mean, if we re gift, shouldn't we re box that re gift?

I'm on a mission to restock the stash. I scored a fabulous "catering box" at work tonight when dinner was brought in. I could do the happy dance over a good box like this. Reno indulged me, probably rolled his eyes when I wasn't looking, and didn't really share my excitement.

Someday he will delight in my stash of good boxes, just like I'll delight in his organizational skills. Even organized people need a good box from time-to-time. Good thing is, we'll be ready. Whohoo!

Full House

I'm no poker wiz, but I believe three of a kind and a pair is a good hand. Obviously I didn't miss my calling. We had our own full house last night when we settled in for the night.

As we snuggled in, I had Mickey behind my knees, Maddie behind my back, and Reno invited Sidney up for a New Year's snuggle. He bounded up in a Pete sort of "whatcha doing, whatcha doing, whatcha doing " kind of way. He curled up between Reno and I. I'm not sure who started snoring fastest, me, Sidney or Reno. Yes, I know we were breaking the "no fosters in bed" rule. But if the Foster Dad extends the invitation who am I to cry foul?

All was good until about 3:30 am. I woke up hot, really hot, in a newly (probably) menopausal, get me out from under the blankets, who invited all the fur balls kind of way. There were blankets flying everywhere. Sidney dashed for the safety of the sofa, Mick and Maddie gave wide berth and Reno slept blissfully on. Maybe he was just pretending to sleep on, I'm not sure. Usually winters in NE require extra blankets and dogs. Not this winter, at least not for me!

I really think after men die (probably from trying to put blankets on a menopausal woman, or trying to have a rational discussion with a premenstrual woman) they should be reincarnated into woman. This way they can experience all that hormonal horror. In all fairness, women should come back as men, so we can experience all those "man things". I'm not sure it works this way, but one can dream.

I sure hope Sidney doesn't have night terrors from the sudden disruption of our happy little full house last night. And I pray his forever home includes both bed and sofa privileges. As he is learning the good life from us. If nothing else he is learning to adapt to the nuances of a female owner. We can be somewhat changeable at times - and that is the understatement of the century.