Spring - Rain and Storms

     I sure miss the sun lately, in the past 2 weeks it has only shown for a bit on just maybe 3 or 4 days.  This dreary weather is good for the earth and the growing of trees, plants and flowers, but it does nothing for my mood.  As hard as I try I can't seem to not let it make me a bit depressed, then to top it off with other problems well it really is hard to fight off the sad and maddening mood that comes over me.  But I am trying and always will.  Being sad and upset just really makes me feel much worse.  How does it effect you? 
     Yesterday I took Curly outside on leash, otherwise he'd take off and would be just to hard for me to catch.  Our new outside dog, Blue, was here of course.  He has a wonderful disposition and stays up around the house so well.  If he wanders any, it must be at night when we are asleep.  Due to his size and build though I don't worry about him running into any coyotes, for he could certainly take them on.  I posted one of the pictures on FB telling family and friends and two family members say he looks like he has blue heeler in him and coon dog traits.  One sister in law said he looked iike her Tucker who is a Blue Tick Coon dog.  What ever that is, *smiles*.  Anyway I wanted to share them here with my blogging friends too.

Blue guarding the door and Curly wanting him to play.  lol you can see how Curly's tail curls up over his back real well and lets his hind-end show!

This shows Blue's size well and his all blue=white tail.  I have no idea what he weighs, but I do know it's a lot and he is strong.

     My daughter in law shared a new picture of her and the kids so I wanted to share it here.  Eli looks just like my son Cliff at that age and Madison looks so much like her beautiful mom Valarie.  They are growing up to fast!

Maybe one day soon they'll share a picture of Cliff and the kids *smile*

     JD is off today and running around.  It says it is 63 outside, but I am cold.  The wind is blowing pretty hard though and that always makes it feel colder than it is.  Not to sure what the rest of the day holds for me.  I am working on a prayer shawl that I'm doing with string and using the filet stitch to put a rose on it with the crocheting.  I can see it's going to be really lovely.  Not sure when I'll finish it, just working on it bits at a time each day.  The pattern is beginning to show up though so it makes me anixous to get it done.  If any of you my friends would love a shawl just let me know.  I love making them and they need homes.  Just tell me in the comments if you'd like one.  I'll get a picture of this one when I finish it.  It doesn't have to be a prayer shawl either.  There are some lovely ones that aren't and I would love to make them too. 

     That about covers the news in my world for today, well at least so far.  Let me leave you with this......

DOING WHAT'S RIGHT

WON'T GUARANTEE

HAPPINESS OR SUCCESS

     Life has not taught me to expect nothing, but she hastaught me not to expect success to be the inevitable resure of my endevors.

                                                                                       -- Alan Paton

Love and Hugs,

Nancze

Exhausted

   I'm sorry I haven't posted in quite sometime.  Losing my doxie Buddy was just so hard on me and then I dove right in getting an 8 week puppy which has been so hard.  He is taking up so much time and then I get so tired and just can't seem to get in here to the computer.  In fact I just haven't had the desire for awhile.  Things are getting better though so maybe in a month or so he'll calm down a bit and not require so much attention.  He is doing so well in the potty training except for his pooping.  He just does it in the house and when I take him out he just won't do it.  He waits it seems till he is inside.  Luckily he doesn't have loose stools and the clean up is not hard,  just time consuming.  lol.  Then he has tons of toys to chew on, but he prefers to play with me, getting into tussles and actually nipping to much at my hands.  So far no serious scratches, but boy his little teeth are so sharp!  We named him Curly because his tail curls up over his back.  He has the definite look of a Terrier, the Yorkshire, but his hair is not long and his has a beard around his little face, but it's not thick and kind of hard to see in pictures.  I haven't had much success getting to many pictures cause he is always on the move, lol.  Marge wanted to see a pic and though I posted this before I will do it again and I have one of him playing with his rope.  He will run after his toys, but as yet doesn't understand to bring them back to me to throw them again or play tug of war, which is his favorite. 

 

My little Curly or sometimes I call him Curly Top. 

     As you can probably imagine me den is a mess,  I could vacuum every hour to keep up with him and his chewing things he finds that I have to take away.  I just hope to be able to break him of the habit so he doesn't become the destructor that Buddy was, lol...

     Preston has been here quite a bit due to teachers meetings and etc.  Which is fine as I will be keeping him during the summer.  We went in with his mom and dad and got him a bigger bike for his birthday and then his old bike, which is in good shape is out here so he'll have it to ride this summer.  I'll have to show him how to tie Curly to the handle bars so he can take him with him at times.  Then JD has a new outside dog named Blue.  He isn't a pure breed heeler but that is the dominate breed in him and he is big and so stocky.  I am having to teach him to stay at arms length from me because one good bump and he'll knock me down.  He is as sweet as he can be though, a very gentle nature and loves to be petted and sit practically on top of you, lol.. At first Curly tried to engage him in some very strong frisky play.  Blue would just put up with him and then one back and snip and Curly is out of there, lol.   He loves to chase him and run with Blue, but Blue is very laid back and stays up around the house all the time real well.  Curly, well I have to keep him on a leash or he take off for who knows where, lol.  So as you can tell I have my hands full with dogs for the moment.  I just keep telling myself it will all turn out for the best in time.

     Last Friday they celebrated Preston's Birthday at school and also had an egg dyeing and hunt for Easter.  Here are a couple of pics that Emily shared with me.  I can't believe how fast they grow.

The Birthday Boy!

Mom and Son dyeing Easter eggs

     I will be around visiting.  Thank you everyone for stopping by.  I am back now and hopefully will be able to post more often again and visit.  I miss it, but I just felt sore, tired and worn out every evening to even eat.  Not sleeping well either.  Seems my mind need to just keep working when I am trying so hard to relax and sleep.  I often need something to motivate me to get up and get busy doing.  I ran across this Chinese rhyme that got me to thinking. *smiles*

     This one makes a net, this one stands

       and wishes.

     Would you like to make a bet which

       one gets the fishes?

Catch you all later, till then.........

 

Love and Hugs,

Nancze & Preston

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