Puppy Mom

     Oh the joys of raising and teaching a new puppy the rules, lol.  It's pretty wild around here now, but one thing I appreciate is that he likes to take several naps for a nice length of time.  I need to vacuum as I haven't for a few days due to needing some new bags.  I wonder how he will do with it.  I'm sure he'll bark at it, but I hope he doesn't the whole time and gets use to it.  We gave him his first of two parvo shots today and he didn't mind it one bit.  I use frontline for ticks and fleas and can use it on him, which is good that he is old enough to apply it.  I gather the ticks will be bad this year as will the mosquito's.  I need to get to Wal Marts and get him a good supply of toys.  He loves my old house shoes, and the toys we've gotten so far, but he doesn't have that one yet that will keep his attention for more than 5 minutes.  He goes from one thing to another and then is on the hunt to find something else to chew and play with.  I feel mean taking his found treasures away from him, but he will learn eventually that his toys are his and my stuff is mine, lol. 
     He loves to be outside and just sniffs and has his little nose in the grass all the time.  Was fine till he found a dead mouse and just keep rubbing and rubbing all over it.  Bath time, and he wasn't to happy, but hope he'll get use to it in time.  It's wearing on me though to be constantly looking to see where he is and what he is into.  If I don't see him I know he is checking out things and might get into something he shouldn't.  That is usually the case, lol.  Nights are good though.  When I am ready for bed I turn off the tv and he lets me pick him up easily and put him in his cage.  I love that he is quiet all night until I am up and ready to let him out.  Having a pup that doesn't cry all night is a real blessing :-)
      So that is how my world is revolving these days.  Hope yours is going well.  Till next time.

Love and Hugs,

Nancze

Busy and Dealing with Tragedy

     I'm sorry I've been absent for quite some time and my thanks to friends who have stopped by and asked about me.  About a week and a half ago it was Spring break.  We had Preston a couple of days and JD took him to a Train Museum which was a whole day.  They had a blast and I have a few pictures to share in another post.  It was a busy week and though I felt good I had times I wasn't but it seemed that I managed to stay very busy.  Then one night tragedy hit.  JD had taken Buddy my beloved doxie out to do his thing.  JD had come back in for a few seconds, I can't even remember what for, but went back out.  During that short time something had happened.  He called and called and Buddy didn't come.  That is very unusual.  Also he never went out of areas I trained him to stay in when he was out.  He was always within sight.  JD came in and looked thinking that Buddy might of snuck back in, but I told him no.  So he went out again and called and so did I.  It was the strangest feeling being so quiet for one as he was always barking at something.  We eventually gave up and came back inside and I just had this horrible gut feeling.  Some how we managed to go to bed for the night.  Although JD told me he couldn't sleep well and even got up late in the early morning hours and went outside to call and look for him again. 
     When I got up JD said that we won't find Buddy.  He had went out when it was light to look and out by the barn and in an area the outside light didn't show he found a bunch of tracks and some blood.  We had been seeing coyotes around and JD had been carrying a shot gun in the truck if needed.  Seen we've lived here when have only lost 2 calves to coyotes in the last 20+ years, but you always need to be prepared.  We also have been hearing that wild pigs are now showing up in this part of the country.  In my heart I knew he was right, yet it seem so unreal.  My heart just was sick and has been because it was hard to picture in my mind what had happened.  His back problems were so much better but he was slower in running and tired out quickly.  It still pains me to think of what happened when he went to see what was there and then to be attacked. 
     He had been through so much in his 8 years, the attack by one of our outside dogs 4 or 5 years ago when my sil and a vet friend of hers said not to expect him to live.  Yet he did and even the vet said he was a miracle dog.  To me he was that and so much more.  Then since Jan. and 6 weeks of confinement in a special bed we made for him he came back almost 100% to being his old self.  He even could sit up again, but we made him stop that.  Doxies are prone to have serious back problems with those long little bodies.  But with confinement and time sometimes they come back without having to have surgery.  It's very expensive surgery too, which I knew we really couldn't afford. 
     I will miss my little Buddy more than words can express.  He was my constant companion and that was like a life saver for me since I can't get out much.  He didn't like to be held much, but every now and then I could pick him up and he would just lie in my arms letting me pet and kiss on him.  Like he knew I needed that extra lovin' and he did too.  He was always by my side, lying on my feet most of the time.  He like to play and chew, much to my dismay, lol...  He ruined a lot of things around here, but he was just so sweet and lovable that it was hard to stay mad and upset with him.  His constant love and devotion to me made up for any of the bad things he did.  Buddy I will miss you so much!  Even JD misses him a lot.  He had grown very attach to him over the years.  Since we moved out here on the farm I've not had the best luck keeping a little dog.  Something always seemed to happen.  Buddy was with me for 8 wonderful years.  I would of loved many more, but I guess it just wasn't to be.  May you be happy my little sweetheart at rainbow bridge till the day we meet again! 

The day I got Buddy, a Birthday gift

from my sister-in-law Becky.  He was

just precious then as he was 8 years

later.                                           

    

       Knowing I am not happy without a dog to love and care for.  I had help from my daughter and a dear sweet friend of hers, Lindy.  Lindy knew of this little puppy that was looking for a home.  He was left at a groomer's she used and the sign said free to a good home.   He was going to be a small dog and seem to fit the bill for what I wanted and liked.  So I said yes if he was still available.  I know it seemed soon after my loss but I know Buddy wouldn't of minded my getting another little one to care for.  So Curly, named by JD came into our lives.

     We are not sure of his exact breed but I see a lot of terrier in him with maybe some chihuahua.  The fur around his face is not as long and thick as in some terriers, also his little tail is long and curls up over his back.  He is a mix for sure, lol.  Also he is about 2 months old so I have had my hands full keeping him busy for he is still in the playing and biting stage.  He is crate trained though and does very well at night.  He goes right in, might bark once or twice but settles right down and is quiet all night.  He will potty outside except for pooping,  We are working on that, but so far no real luck.  All I can say is that at least they aren't runny and easy to clean up and he seems to have found one place to do it, so it's easy for me to clean up.  lol   He is a handful.  He needs training on the lease to.  And I'm glad it's warm weather where I can be outside with him.  I am trying to teach him as I did Buddy that he can only go so far.  So far it is working when he is with me.  When JD takes him out he ventures a bit farther, but JD can chase him down easier than me when it's time to come back in.  I use treats to get him to come in and so far it's doing great to get him back on the porch.

     So this is what I have been up to.  I am emotionally worn out from Buddy's loss.  I still have him on my mind so much and have even called Curly Buddy several times.  I know in time the pain will ease and soon Curly will be as good a companion as Buddy was.  But Buddy will always hold a special place in my heart.  I thank God for good memories, and the time he allows me to love each of my little friends.

Love and Hugs,

Nancze





Storms go away

     Tomorrow is the first day of Spring, but it's been working on it here for a few weeks.  Today we've had our first big rain with lighting and thunder.  Most of it has passed for the moment and so I thought I would get in here and post.  I know I haven't for a couple of days, but nothing big or truly exciting has happened to post about.  I got out all my crochet items and began a shawl.  When it gets a bit further along I'll take a pic of it.  It's a light blue so I think it's going to be very pretty. 
     This week is spring break for the schools.  I'll be keeping Preston the next 4 days so I hope I have time to post something, lol.  Might be the evening time before I do.  I'm trying to think of some things we can do together instead of just watching tv.  He loves to play with his little cars, but I have problems getting down on the floor to play with him.  Buddy will help to keep him entertained too. *smiles*  Preston has a noticeable scar on his left eyebrow from Buddy.  The only time Buddy snaps at him is when he is trying to take food or something from his mouth.  Preston learned his lesson though and has quit doing that. 
     I hear some rumbling so might be in for some more rain and all the goodies that come with a storm.  So I'll cut this off and wait a bit and then make my visits.  I hope everyone had a great week-end. Till next time.....

         Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambition.
         Small people always do that, but the really great make you
         feel that you, too, can become great.
                                                                  --Mark Twain

Love and Hugs

Nancze

Good Morning

     Finally I have gotten my sinus headache under control.  I find that using Sudafed with Ibuprophen is the best way that I can get rid of them.  A bit of sneezing this morning, but overall I am finally feeling decent again. *smiles*  Today is another cloudy day with the Sun peeking through at times.  The next 5 days it all shows very cloudy with higher chances of rain.  Besides needing rain it will help clear the air so I really shouldn't complain. 
     I am going to take my camera around with me on the days I get out and start getting some pictures.  I've been very neglect in getting anything over the past year.  I visit a blog called A Rural Journal,  it's blog writer is named Nancy to and she is a former city girl transplanted to the country.  She shares many pictures that she takes as she drives around and she is great to visit.  I see many interesting things around here too so I may start a photo journey of my area to share.  It should be a lot of fun, and I might pick up some talent in taking photos.  I had once thought about taking a photo class at the college here, but Emily took it and besides needing a fancier camera, which I can't afford, it looked a bit hard.  So I never signed up.  I might look on the net and see if I can find any sights that would help.  I love candid shots the best, but never can see to capture what I am seeing.  One thing I find is when I see a good shot by the time I push to get it there is a short pause before the camera takes it and most of the time the subject has moved.  I find I get the back of heads or not so good side views of people. lol.. Any tips anyone wants to share would be appreciated. 
     JD had to work today, working for someone as a favor and he is suppose to get off around noon, but he feels that it will possibly be later.  He took his pick up and left the car as today is our day to pick Preston up from school and if he can't get away then I will go and get him.  As for what the rest of the day my world holds, well that is yet to happen.  Always some time spent doing things around the house, but maybe something else exciting will happen to write about.  I just never know till it happens. 
     I see another big tornado did a lot of damage in WI.  They sure get around the country anymore.  I don't feel like mid America is the tornado belt anymore.  They are happening every where and in some states I would never of dreamed they would hit.  They still hit in Oklahoma enough though.  They really turn the lives of  those hit topsy turvy.  Such damage from wind, Is one of God's wonders for sure.
     I will take off for now.  If anything exciting happens will post about it tomorrow.  Till then I'll leave you with this thought....

             It's impossible to overstate the value of One Day
             No one can confidently say that he will still be living tomorrow
                                                                        --Euripides

Love and Hugs,



Feeling Lousy

   Felt bad yesterday due to the weather, it's cloudy but no rain and the dew point and humidity is off the charts for me.  Then I couldn't sleep last night even though we turned on the a/c in the bedroom to lessen the humidity.  I woke up this morning with a sinus headache that just has put me down.  I was suppose to go to the Senior Citizen Center for Bingo at 10am, but just couldn't get motivated to get dressed and up soon enough.  I went to town anyway as I had a couple of errands I needed to get done.  JD is usually off on Thursday, but he is working the feed store all day.  I mostly wanted to pick up something for my headache.  I got some 12 hr Sudafed, it's help some but the headache is still there.  I plan to go lie down in a minute and see if I can get a nap in.  It's a balmy day, with a high wind, but not cold.  I am sitting here feeling cold and clammy at the same time.  I wish I could get by without this pain of allergies.  Where does it come from?
      I didn't get any visits in either yesterday, but will try and make the rounds this afternoon.  Till next time....Think of this.

                  Live so that your friends can defend you, but never have to...
                                                                                     -- Arnold Glasow

Love and Hugs,

Nancze

Sleep Perchance to Dream

     I wish I knew why I can't sleep at night.  Last night I was up and down until about 5:30 am Then when I fell asleep JD woke me up when he left and Buddy started Barking from his bed and I couldn't fall back to sleep.  So reluctantly I got up feeling horrible on just maybe 2 hours sleep.  Of course I laid down this afternoon and slept until now and it's almost time for JD to be heading home.  I do this quite frequently and now I'll probably not be able to go to sleep tonight.  It really frustrates me as I am tired and want to sleep, but just can't.  I can't think of anything particular that I'm worried or stressed about.  I guess I just mess up my time clock and get turned around.  I don't know why I worry so much as I've always been a night owl, ever since I can remember.  Even working the graveyard shift for years because it was easier for me to be awake and alert.  It was a pain much of the time when the kids were little and growing up.  I would be lucky to get 3 or 4 hours sleep before they came home from school and I would take a nap in the evening before I had to leave for work.  Now that I am home I can't seem to get my body schedule turned around.  If I ever have to go to a home when I am a lot older  I will drive the help crazy,  lol...
      Another nice day.  The clouds keep the sun from shining most of the time, but it's around 75 degrees right now.  It's suppose to make it up to the low 80's but not sure it's going to make it.  Since I've slept most of the day away, not much to chat about.  A couple of my favorite shows are on tonight so I'll just settle down and watch them.  Also I started reading Sarah Palin's book "Going Rogue"  Bought it out of curiosity some I'm anxious to see if it's any good.  It's a book book, got it before I got my Kindle.  I love my kindle.  It doesn't talk or anything, just down load books to read.  You can categorise them into different types of literature which makes it easier to keep up with what you have.  Only thing I wish it would do is mark a book somehow to let me know I've already read it.  I would like to get the Kindle Fire one day.  Would be fun to have one you can interact with and watch movies on.
     Well I did post a picture, it's my new profile picture of my perm.  I believe I really needed it to be a bit more curly as it's so much body that it will fall out pretty quickly.  What really hurts a perm for me is having to wear that cpap mask every night.  It does push the hair down and the curl disappears faster till I wash it again.  Not a problem I guess since I really don't go anywhere that often.  I can wash it quickly and air dry it or use my brush curling iron to make it a different look.  I hate the picture.  I look so old, so many wrinkles and I look so pale to me.  I feel I am one who is not aging gracefully, lol... 
     This is rather short.  Maybe my world will hold more excitement tomorrow.  Emily saw the doctor yesterday and everything is going well.  They want her to lose and I need to lose badly myself.  I get so little exercise that cutting my calories way back is about the only way I drop weight anymore.  I can't get my son or hubby to bring my treadmill back into the house, but with my knee being so bad I don't know as I'd be able to use it that much.  Every little bit helps though.  I will put some upbeat music on and move while in my chair.  I do believe that though it doesn't help much it does help some.  So till next time I'll leave you with this thought......

          .... True wisdom lies in gathering the precious things out of each day that goes by ...
                                                                                          -- E. S. Bouton

Love and Hugs,

Nancze

Woohoo a pretty week ahead

     It's predicted to be in the 80's today and the next two days and then the mid 70's the rest of the week.  After a dreary week-end and some much needed rain, it will be nice to see the sun and blue sky again for a few days. *smiles*  I kept the car today, and called the senior citizen center to see what they had going today.  Not much so I guess I won't be going any where.  I don't go shopping alone any more and if I do I usually see when Emily can go and we will head out late.  Our Wal Mart is open 24 hours and if I need anything specific I can usually find it there. 
     So I have my itunes up right now listening to my play lists.  I am trying to collect all my favorite songs over the years and I'm doing pretty good so far.  They had my all time favorite song by the orginal artist and I was so thrilled to get it.  You may laugh, but this song can really get you movin' lol  I love to dance and the songs from my teen years and younger were great.  So my favorite you ask?  Well it's "Dancing in the Streets" by Martha and the Vandella's.  Every time I hear it I feel like I could just get out and start dancing and get everyone else to join in.  lol.  A flash dance, wouldn't that be cool.  Now just to have a way to play it where it would blast out in a big lot or neighborhood. *smiles*  My dancing days are just about over, but I can sit and move to the music and feel like I'm getting a great work out anyway! If I start losing and toning up any, may think about a sit down work out video, hehehe
     I love having my new iphone Emily gave me for my birthday.  I am playing words with friends on the phone will typing my post.  I've even used it to harvest my FV crops and send and receive requests.  So cool.  I download one app that I can't wait till the nights become warm enough to sit out.  It's called Sky View and it is to name planets and will do all kinds of things when you point it up to the night sky.  I would love to get a really good telescope some day and star gaze.  I really want to learn to recognize all the groups of stars that make up say Gemini.  Right now all I can recognize is the big and little dippers. lol  They say you're never to old to learn and that would seem like a very interesting hobby.
     Well not sure what the rest of the day holds for me.  I leave the porch door to the house open on very nice days like this as the porch is enclosed and Buddy can go out there and bark away without driving me crazy. lol..  Going to try and get a bit of cleaning done.  So much needs doing, but I have to do it in very slow tiny increments in order not to hurt and breathe so hard.  Would be nice to be able to afford a house keeper for even 1 day a month.  But don't know of anyone who even cleans.  No one even advertises in the paper here.  Oh well I do what I can get done and the rest waits till I make it there.  lol.... 
     I really appreciate the quotes people share on their blogs.  Thought when I close I would share a few of my favorites with everyone.  So till next time....

    "Conditions are never just right.
     People who delay action until all factors are favorable do nothing."
                                                                                       --William Feather

Love and Hugs,

Nancze