A note from Sophie

Moving day?? What? I'm moving? Huh? I'm not moving yet? Wait, I'm going, I'm not going, I'm still going, not just today?? ~Sophie

Today was, in one of the plans, Sophie's departure day. The key is "one of the plans". Isn't that just life - plan A, plan B...sometimes even plan C & D. Not to worry, her adoption hasn't fallen through. It's just been postponed for about ten days.

This is what I love about it. Her new Mom wants to be with her in the worst way. So much so that she will delay that pleasure to make the transition easier for Sophie. You see, her forever home is moving from Omaha to Minnesota this weekend. All that commotion would be hard on a pocket pointer with anxiety issues. I know Sophie's gonna crap when she moves. Probably a large hideous crap. To that I say "it's okay Sophie", followed by pass the paper towels and the odor eliminator. Sometimes that is the best, most normal response to change. Crap, then move on.

Her new owner has Sophie's best interest at heart. That makes my heart happy.

Easter Thots

First of all, I thought Easter was in Spring? May I just say it's a good thing the Easter Bunny has a fur coat this morning. At least here, it's a frosty morning. Not exactly seasonal weather, but really what is seasonal?? At least in Nebraska seasonal changes by the hour.

I remember past Easters. Easter dresses, hats (yes, I'm aging myself here), baskets. Easter Ham, Chocolate Bunnies, Easter egg hunts. The obvious is often hard to find, and yes, that applies to colored eggs.

I treasure the memories of getting up early, early morning to hide the eggs for our kids to find. And, I remember hiding one egg under the soft belly of my Labrador Abby. She was kind enough to lay there hiding the treasure without trying to consume it! That was an Easter miracle.

This Easter finds us in transition. I remember "transition" from having babies. It is no piece of cake. It leaves you breathless and wanting to inflict bodily harm on anyone who comes near you. Not serene Easter thoughts for sure. I'm apprehensive about what is ahead, stressed about all that needs to be done, and wishing I had the answers to all the who, what, when, where, and how's on the horizon.

I wish it was a simple as looking for colored eggs in the grass. Maybe it is. Sometimes they are obvious, sometimes they are obscured, sometimes filled with treats and surprises. Sometimes months later the eggs are finally discovered! Looking forward to little surprise like that.

Just Another Example of Normal

Eleven days away from Sophie going to her forever home and she achieves another milestone!

Actually, I think each foster dog of ours signs a guest book and shares their escapades. That way they can see what has been done and what hasn't been done in the name of foster dogs. Read, what damage has been done in the name of foster dogs.

There have been the usual scratches in the wood work, the skirting on the sofa gnawed on, a chair with a hole in the upholstery, chewed leashes, the rockers on the chair sampled. There is the crate that got bent, and many blankets aererated. Sophie read the manual and knew she could not do something so mundane and so, so, done already.

She chose to sample the carpet fibres. Lovely. We were planning to recarpet anyway. But, holy crap Sophie...what were you thinking???

..."well, Momma, you were gone so long today.... Yes, I can hold my pee all day, but what about my creativity and need for activity?? Seriously, I was just supposed to lay there and wait for you. I had things to do, playing to enjoy and carpet to sample. And, frankly, none of the other fosters did carpet. Somebody had too!" ~Sophie

Ahhh, the new normal with Sophie. I just can't be mad at her for it. You have to take the good with the bad, and sometimes the bad reflects just how good it is.

It's All About Me

I've come to the conclusion that dogs go through life with this headset. It's all about me.....surely you've come to visit me.....is that for me?......what about me!! Not to mention....pet me, pet me, pet me......don't forget to feed me!!

How do they do that and be so darned cute at the same time? When company comes they act like they haven't seen a human being in a millennium. When it's dinner time they act like they are starving. When you want them to go out in the rain they act like prima donna's. Me?? Moi???? Go out in the cold? wet? What?? You want me to get off the bed??? Do you know who I am??? Excuse me, that is not your pillow, I just loan it to you.

With Reno commuting, Hank thinks he has it made. Monday through Thursday Hank sleeps with me. Joined at the hip, like Velcro, snug as a bug in a rug. If I get out of bed I return to find him firmly ensconced on my pillow. I'm sure he waits all night for just such an opportunity. And he seizes that moment like there is no tomorrow. On Friday/Saturday/Sun he has to sleep on the sofa or the dog bed. Don't feel bad for him, either way he lives the life of Riley!!

Last night Ms. Sophie slept with us. We felt honored. Life really is all about her....okay, and Mick and Hank. Face it, they are the best. I rotate my life around them. Truthfully, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Prix Fixe

This blog is not about dogs. But, it is about something else totally near and dear to my heart. It's about food, friendship and most importantly my daughter.

She is many things that I envy. She is strong, confident, passionate and oh, so talented. She is studying to be a chef. Heck, she's a damn good chef already. I used to call my Mom for cooking help, now I call my daughter. The roles have changed.

Part of her program includes a Prix Fixe dinner. It is a multi-course menu that she and another student plan, prep and present. The "fixe" part means a set price for the four courses. Now I have to say I hope I'm half the cook she is. Because their dinner was amazing.

Of course, we have both evolved over the years. There was a time she would have preferred to run me over with a Mack truck. Truthfully (at the time) it would have been a blessing if she had. Life molds us, softens us, strengthens us and dishes us up like a Prix Fixe dinner.

We are multiple courses, complex layers, subtle nuances, refreshing, nourishing and engaging. We are also salty, sweet, savory, peppery and smooth. I believe she is one of my favorite dishes, and I love her dearly.

Sophie the....

It used to be Sophie the Scaredy Cat, Sophie the timid, followed immediately by Sophie hides, runs, dodges, races to the door. Don't make me go out, quick let me in. Move, I need to run for cover. The other night wild horses racing through the yard wouldn't have made her come in.

If she had texted me, it would have said "quit callin, hunting bunnies, leave me alone". When I whistled again it would have said "on point, don't bother me". When I clapped and called her name I'm certain she rolled her eye's and said "enough already. I'm hunting here, don't you get it?"

Wow, Sophie the hunter. Birds, squirrels, bunnies you name it she hunts it. Amazing how time will change you. Well, time, some loving and the big Guy upstairs.

Gated Community

Our vegetable garden is a gated community. Mostly because of Hank's propensity to snack on the heirloom tomato's before they are table ready. Not to mention Mick thinking the garden is the most huntable area in the yard.

I noticed yesterday that something has been digging in this little gated area. I think it's Momma Bunny. I like the way she thinks. Close to the produce section, away from the bird dogs, nice sunny lot, semi-safe location. Except...its in an area they dogs run by a thousand times a day. She must have missed the no vacancy sign.

Seriously, Momma Bunny, you have got to be kidding. Of course other years she has built her nest in areas of the yard that the dogs do have access to. It never ends pretty. Maybe this year she thinks she has a running chance. Literally and figuratively.

I'm thinking not. Don't get me wrong....Spring, baby birds and bunnies...it's all good. Hunting dogs and baby birds and bunnies....not so much. I believe I'll post an eviction notice before Momma B gets too settled in. I just hope she can read.....

Fostering on Pause

We are sort of in a holding pattern on fostering. Sophie is in her last month with us. Technically, she's not really a foster, she's just boarding with us. No fosters waiting in the wings, but that can always change. I am always one breath away from succumbing to the charm of another dog. I like it that way.

It probably makes Reno nervous as all get out. Knowing at any time, I could say "honey - there is a dog who needs us". It could be worse, I could say "honey, there is a litter of puppies who needs us". Frankly, I'd be scared he would say yes to that. Honestly, he'd say yes in a heartbeat to that!

We had the challenge of trying to walk two 4 month old English Pointer puppies yesterday who are in foster care with Great Plains Pointer Rescue. Thankfully, we were trying this as a team. Blessedly we were armed with paper towels and poop bags. Patiently we encouraged them. Hysterically we laughed at them as they wrestled/romped/rolled/lunged and peed through walk. And yes, we fell in love with them when they just plopped down on the pavement to rest. Sleeping puppies are the best.

Sometimes life gives us time for a pause. Time to rest, play, relish the moment, prepare for the future. When paws pause - it's even better.