Three Hours to go...

Happy New Year!

Just A Quickie

As if LIFE hasn't dealt me enough already... My gramma is in the hospital. I'm not sure she'll be able to come home again. New Year's Day will be her 84th birthday! She told me last night, she only wanted to make it through Christmas, and she's done that. Actually, she sounded pretty content with herself, relaxed. I am sure gramma will go to a nursing home after this stay in acute care for her severe pain complicated by other problems of age.

I am soooo ready for a New Year!

Anxiously Waiting

I've been checking the UPS Tracking website all day at work. I kept refreshing the screen, and as soon as I saw that my package from NYC was delivered, I was going to rush home for lunch! The package never came. So, I decided to take a late lunch, run some other errands, pay a bill, and then run home anyway to let the dogs out for a few minutes.

It's been trying to rain all day. The walkway from my driveway to the house was damp and there was even a puddle where some light rain had pooled. As I walked towards the house, I didn't see any packages nestled behind the chair on the porch where the delivery guys typically leave them.

When I got to the door, I noticed a damp footprint. It was a man's boot. It was a very recent marking. I thought, "Ooh no, he's already been here!" Then I saw it, the sticky receipt the drivers leave stuck to your door when they need a signature for receipt of packages, and no one is home. ARRGGGHH!

I pulled the receipt off the door as I entered the house. The customer service phone number was proudly printed at the bottom of the receipt, right below the Tracking number.

I called customer service and explained I had missed the delivery and would like it redelivered tomorrow, at my place of work. When I purchased this camera, the shipping address was noted as my work address. But, when I gave them my credit card information, they verified my credit card billing address. I was so excited about the camera, I never thought anything more about the shipping address.

Anyway, I got things all squared away. I would receive this new camera at work tomorrow! I still was so very excited. People at work have asked me before to take pictures of this or that for them, and I've always done it because I love to take pictures! So, these same people knew I was expecting this camera and couldn't wait to see it either. Delivering it at work would be perfect!

So, now I'm driving back to work. It's starting to really rain. I have to keep my wipers on without using the intermittent control. I didn't get any lunch and was thinking where I could drive through fast. I made it down the street, turned and went down the next street, and then turned again onto the last street before getting out of our subdivision, and there he was! The UPS truck!

I honked several times and pulled in front of it. It was parked on the street in front of someone's house. It's absolutely POURING by now! I run back to the truck, waving my little UPS receipt, and this young guy pokes his head out from the back of the truck and says, "You must be C...!" He smiled. "I am! I am!" He found my package, I signed his electronic signature device and he handed me my package! I’ve got it! YES!

Look at all this stuff it comes with! I can't believe it! It's amazing!

I've got it all put together and now I'm so tired, I'll have to wait 'til tomorrow to play some more with it. I'm so happy!

My Christmas Present to Me!

I had waited until Christmas Eve to go shopping for my family. For months, this was my plan. It would be payday and no bills due that couldn't wait. Purchases of little things here and there for everyone on my list, were made since summer. When this week came and my family fell apart, I wasn't empty handed with gifts, but decided I had enough for everyone. I didn't need to get anything more for anyone. I felt it was time to treat myself. I deserved it.

My original intent of this journal was to be more of a "photo journal" of my life as I see it, and I've been very disappointed with my old camera. It is really old. Photos not turning out as I'd hoped. This new camera is the most camera I could find for what I could afford. I have great expectations for this new camera. It has so many more options and technical things than my first digital camera. I'm so excited! It was shipped today from NYC and I should receive it Wednesday. I can't wait!

Airing My Laundry

This doesn't happen to us, not to my family. Other people have these problems, not us. What the heck is going on!?

I said my 'good byes' to both my kids Christmas Day. Both kids flew out on the same airlines. Both flights were at about the same time, though in different directions. My parents took my kids to the airport.

My daughter flew to her home in Seattle without resolving any issues she has with us. I feel horrible this has happened. I love my kids! I'm so proud of who they are becoming in their adult lives. I feel confused and hurt. My daughter claims she wants to be treated like an adult, yet is allowed by my parents, to keep from seeing or talking to us. Staying away does not resolve anything. She stayed with my parents from Tuesday through Christmas, without seeing me the whole time other than the visit with the deacon. I'm angry at my parents for enabling her in this direction. She wasn't in any great danger, there was no fear for her life. She had an argument with us, that's it. A misunderstanding, a perception and reality never intended the way it was received. Apologies were given, and it seems, not accepted.

Christmas Day, before she left for Seattle, my guy and I drove to my parents house. I wanted to see my daughter. I wanted to give her a couple of gifts I had for her, one gift I had made for her before all this happened. My daughter ran and hid in a bedroom when she heard us pull up. My dad, after inviting us into their entry way, insisted she didn't want to see us. We handed him our gifts. My guy went back to our car. It was only when my daughter heard our car door shut and must have thought we had both left, did she come out from hiding and ran right into me. I gave her a huge hug and kiss, and told her I loved her. I asked if she would call me when she got to Seattle, just to let me know she got there okay. She said she'd try. I haven't heard from her.

My son supported his sister and stayed with my parents the same amount of time. He came home at 9 a.m. Christmas morning. I had talked with him Christmas Eve and he agreed to come home at 10 a.m. Christmas Day. So, when my front door opened I thought it was my guy who had just left a few minutes earlier to go get his son. It was my dad and my son, standing in my livingroom. They could have called to let me know they were coming earlier than planned. I wasn't ready, but I was very happy to see my son. My dad left with gifts we had for my parents.

My guy returned with his son shortly after my son's arrival home. We had a nice homemade breakfast, not my usual feast, but nice still. After breakfast we opened our gifts. Time seemed to move so fast, before we knew it, it was noon. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. My son asked me earlier if he could see his girlfriend and her family before leaving for Las Vegas that afternoon. (His dad lives in Las Vegas, my son will be visiting him there for a week.) I told my son, of course, I had no problems with him visiting his girlfriend. His girlfriend would pick him up here and then drop him off at my parents so my parents could take him to the airport when they take my daughter. The girlfriend arrived at our house and waited outside, she didn't come in like she usually does. I gave my son hugs and kisses and told him I loved him, and he was gone. He did call me when he arrived in Las Vegas. I think there's hope for this one.

I haven't spoke with my Mom since the day at the church. I fear I've hurt her with what I had to say to her, my true feelings. When my dad cancelled all our Christmas plans, he made it clear I would need to go through him for anything to do with our family.

Tonight, I am totally alone. My guy has just left for a long haul run to Los Angeles and will end up in Seattle before coming home next week. He teased about stopping by my daughter's to say "hello." I will have this week for soul searching and trying to get this mess worked out somehow. I have called my daughter a couple of times since she returned to Seattle. She hasn't responded. Now, I will leave it in her hands to get in touch with me. My son will return from Las Vegas on Friday. We will spend the New Year together, alone. Funny, I work at a mental hospital with all sorts of "free" counseling! I think I need some!

Will Life Ever Be the Same

We met with a church mediator yesterday at noon. We, my guy and I, both of my parents, and both of my kids. This ordeal has been blown way out of proportion. My son, who seems to be hurting the most, has been pulled into this by his sister. She is not budging from her feelings, even after the deacon suggested, just for the holiday, to let things go and get along for the Christmas holiday. Both of my kids decided to stay with my parents instead of coming home with me.

It was obvious that all six of us have issues much greater than this one hour meeting could resolve. The deacon scheduled us all for another meeting in two weeks. Of course, my daughter would not be able to attend as she lives in Seattle and is only visiting this week.

It seemed as though the rest of us were willing to work this out and try to have a Christmas together. But, when I called this morning to confirm the plans made after yesterday's meeting, I was told all plans had been cancelled. I was also told that there would be no meeting with the deacon in two weeks, this has to be postponed to an unspecified date in the future.

Christmas Blues

All my gifts are wrapped and under the tree, waiting for kids to arrive. See, my daughter flew in from Seattle, late Monday night, but by Tuesday night, she was gone. She ran off to my parents' home after arguing all afternoon with me and my guy. My son teamed up with his sister, and left too.

Now, my parents live just up the road, so I knew they were safe and sound. I am totally grateful these kids have my parents to go to when they feel they have no where else to go.

Today, we are all going to meet at the church with a mediator. I do not think an hour with this person will solve anything, but it will be a start. My parents, my kids, and my guy and I will there.

Yes, I know, we have serious problems at home and it's not all the fault of rebellious teens. My kids feel like I do not listen to them, I feel the same about them. My whole family cannot stand my guy, I feel like it's not their choice who I love. My guy knows how much my family means to me and will do what he can to help the situation.

We are all a little nervous about today, but it's something we need to do if we are to continue to be a family. If anything, it will be a start at mending the anger and hurt they, we are all feeling. At least, that's what I want out of all this.

It's Christmas Time

Oh, I haven't even started shopping yet! This year, I'm so far behind in the shopping department! I wanted, so desparately, to have something for everyone on my list by now!

Let's see... My Christmas cards are mailed, a package with presents to my brother's three children is on it's way. I have presents for my mom and my dad, and my gramma, all wrapped and under the tree.

Christmas Tree! Yes, my son got our tree out of the attic Sunday, and decorated it himself, lights and all the trimming! My daughter says it just won't be Christmas without a tree. I'm hoping the dogs don't decide to chew their way through all the presents! I've spray some of the product that keeps them away, around the tree and the presents. Let's pray!

But, I haven't a clue what to get my kids. I'm knitting (yeah, I haven't knitted in years!) a cute little scarf, red and black, her favorite colors out of this furry yarn. It's pretty cool looking. I'll have to get a picture of it when it's done.

Then there's my guy and his son, what should I do! I haven't a clue what to get them either.
Oh, I did get something for all the pups! They'll love their new toys, I'm sure. These dogs are so darn cute and funny. I love 'em all.

Christmas morning my kids are flying out, my son to his father's in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Did you know there's a Las Vegas, New Mexico?) My daughter will be flying back to her home in Seattle, Washington. My guy's mother, brother and nephew will be driving up from Twin Falls, Idaho to visit with us Christmas day.

My parents were going away for Christmas initially, now they're staying home. Turns out, where they thought they would go, is colder than here, so they changed their minds and will be home for the holiday.

I picked my daughter up from the airport tonight, she flew in from Seattle, Washington. My guy will be in about 2 a.m. and I'll go to pick him and Ozzy up then. My house will be filled with people within the next few hours. And my guy and I have the whole week off work! I can't wait!

My Furry Friends

Lucy is now our oldest Yorkie, and our biggest. Funny, we asked the vet just what was the average weight of Yorkies she sees. "Weights are across the board," she said. Lucy is about nine and a half pounds, and among the average weight this vet sees. Lucy is unrelated to our other pups, and she mother-hens them all, so well. She's very gentle and loving when playing with them. She entices and teases them, lets them win at games she plays with them.


Molly is one of Harley's daughters. Always full of energy, she loves to chase Lucy around, all day long. They play tug-of-war most of the time. She is the big sister to the boys, from another litter. Like most big sisters of little brothers that I know, she could do without the little brothers. Molly weighs in at just over four pounds. She's a little sweety and has her daddy's gold.

Rodney is now 14 weeks old! Time sure has moved right along. Seems like yesterday, we were bringing this little guy home at just six weeks old. Last night he weighed in at two pounds, fourteen ounces. Rodney loves to give kisses to anyone and everyone. He's our little love bug, cuddle butt. Rodney and Peanut go to work with me every day and are socialized very well. The patients love them. The boys lift the spirits of many who seem to have no hope.


Ozzy is growing like a weed! Also 14 weeks old, weighs more than five pounds! Hard to believe Rodney, Ozzy and Peanut, are all from the same litter. We think maybe mom dated a laborador on the side. Ozzy is such a good boy. He rides around the western states with my guy in a big rig most of the time, just like his dad used to. (Still miss you Harley!) Today, we noticed his colors are turning bright gold. He's gonna be big and beautiful.


Peanut is just doing wonderful. Fourteen weeks old. Hard to believe this little guy, the runt, was bottle fed and lifeless the first few weeks of his life. At six weeks old, we took him to the vet as he just was not right, he weighed only 11 ounces. We learned then, he had water on his brain causing massive swelling in his little head, which caused severe pressure to his eyes, and he was blind at best. Since then, he's been receiving treatment and amazingly, doing very well and much better. He's been able to see since two weeks into the treatment. Last night Peanut weighed two pounds, twelve ounces! Just two ounces less than Rodney! The vet was astonished. He's caught up to Rodney in size and weight, and running and jumping and biting and tugging, just like the rest of them.

Saturday Six - Episode 36

1. What is your all-time least favorite Christmas Carol or holiday song?
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.

2. Who is the most difficult person on your shopping list to buy a gift for, and have you already purchased his or her gift, yet?
Hands down, my parents! They are well off and have everything they need or want. No, I have only thought about this and that to get them, but haven't purchased anything yet.

3. What picture are you least proud of: A) Your most recent professional portrait B) Your driver's license photo C) Your passport photo D) Your work ID photo E) Your senior class portrait
B) My driver's license photo. Does anyone's ever turn out good?

4. How many Christmas/holiday parties have you been invited to this month and how many have you (or will you) attend?
I've been invited to one, attended none.

5. A previously-unknown rich relative appears and offers to buy you the car of your choice. What would you like?
Something in a two-seat, sporty car.

6. What is your favorite thing to wear around the house when you know no one else is at home? Is that what you're wearing as you answer these questions?
Well, that depends on the time of day. If you're talking, first thing in the morning, I would stay in my nighty. If it's later in the evening, I would just wear a big, baggie t-shirt and demin leggings.

Entries

Just a quick note, I've been having a hard time making time to add entries here. Life has been hectic, to say the least. I hope to find time tomorrow.

Saturday Six - Episode 35

1. What is your all-time favorite Christmas Carol or holiday song?
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Oh! You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
Santa Claus is coming to town!

He's making a list,
Checking it twice,
Gonna find out who's naughty or nice.
Santa Claus is coming to town!

He sees you when you're sleeping,
He knows when you're awake.
He knows if you've been bad or good,
So be good for goodness sake!

Oh! You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
Santa Claus is coming to town!

2. What percentage of your Christmas shopping have you completed?
Ooohh! I'm in trouble! I haven't really started my Christmas shopping. Just have a few little things I've been collecting since late this last summer.

3. Other than yourself, which of the following would you most like your child to have as a role model and why: A) Doctor B) Politician C) Professional Athlete D) Businessman A) A Doctor.
I think doctors, in general, have a great compassion for people. I've worked in healthcare for twenty years and have witnessed this compassion most physician truly have towards fellow humans. My son attends a Medical Arts Charter High School, he's a sophomore there, and all his training is geared to the Healthcare industry.

4. What current television show would you most like to see disappear permanently?
I only watch a few particular shows on t.v., as for the rest of the shows, I don't know what's really out there. Of course, I want the few shows I do watch to continue to air.

5. Have you used any themed photo wall calendar in 2004? Do you already have one ready for 2005, and if so, what is next year's theme of choice?
Yes, in 2004 it is "YORKIES", of course! LOL I think for 2005 I will be using the hospital's scenic themed calendar, which I already have stuffed in a drawer, waiting for the new year.

6. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #35 from Armand: Read this quotation from Ralph Waldo Emerson recently posted in Armand's journal, "Uncommon Sense." Given the context of the quote, how have you been most successful in your life?
Not giving this much thought, the first thing that comes to mind for me is, raising my kids. I have a 23 year old daughter who is doing well on her own in the big city of Seattle, Washington. She's in her second band, playing self-taught guitar. My son is 15 years old and doing excellent in school this year. He's a good kid, has lots of friends and others are always telling how nice he is, like a month or so ago, he was given the "Best Attitude and Most Mature Award" in class.

Saturday Six - Episode 34

1. Think back to weddings you have attended (other than your own): what was the nicest part of the one you liked the most? My best friend's son's wedding. It was perfect, in September, the weather was gorgeous. The wedding itself, was held outside in a beautiful, huge, perfectly manicured yard. I took photos for the bride and groom and had plenty of backdrops to capture their special day with family and friends.

2. What is your favorite color and which room of your home has the most of this color in it? My favorite color is purple, but I don't have much of it in rooms. The most popular color around my home is green, a soft sage green in shades from dark to light, not the bright kelly greens.

3. What is your favorite kind of popcorn:A) UnsaltedB) ButteredC) Extra ButterD) Kettle CornE) Caramel Corn Can I pick two!? I really like buttered movie popcorn, but also go nuts over Poppycock caramel corn with nuts!

4. Take a little time (!!) for a quick inventory of the clocks in your home: how many do you have and what is the widest difference between any two of them? OMG! I don't know that I can count the number of clocks we have! My guy collects clocks, his favorites are the Anniversary dome clocks. We have clocks in every room.

5. When was the last time you used a real rotary dial telephone to place a call? I can't remember.6. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #34 from Shannon: What is your favorite sport and why? I love baseball. Baseball is a game everyone can play. I've played baseball all my life, and have enjoyed a few Yankie games in Seattle. I have found recently, football to be running a close second in my interest in sports.

Go BSU!

Out of the Blue

Ever wonder how things that just happen, out of the blue, for no particular reason, and this thing is like the something that was meant to happen? Am I talking in circles? I don't mean to be confusing, but the other day something very strange but good, happened to me.

I know I've mentioned before how I take the puppies to work with me. The other day, when I had Rodney and Peanut with me, they needed a potty break. So, I took them down the hall and out the side door which opens to an empty lot. I always try to walk them down the fence line to the back of this lot, out of the foot path of anyone else. Our facility has grown so much, many of us have had to start using the street front of this empty lot for parking.

While I was out there, I noticed a man working on another employee's car. The back window was missing from this Jeep, and he was measuring to replace it. I wondered if he also fixed windshields that have been hit by gravel thrown up from another vehicle in front of you traveling 60 m.p.h. (My recent trip to Salt Lake City found us behind a gravel truck throwing pebbles half the size of golf balls! We tried to stay back and get around this truck as soon as we could, but my windshield was hit hard, leaving a pretty big blemish!)

I was holding Rodney and Peanut in my arms. This guy seemed to be really interested in the pups and asked if they were Yorkies. He told me he had a Yorkie at home. He wondered if I planned on breeding them. I explained I had two females at home that I had planned on breeding, but that I would have to find a stud for them. He explained that he had a three pound male at home that he was hoping to stud out.

My ears perked! I started asking questions about physical traits; are his ears up, color, etc. I told him my little female, just four pounds, wouldn't be ready until next summer sometime. He said that would be perfect, his male was born in April and is only about 8 months old.

I started to explain about the puppies' father, our stud, and how he had just been killed a few weeks ago. I mentioned Harley's name, and the guy just looked at me and said, his little three pound Yorkie's name was Harley too! It sent goose bumps all through me! I am sure we've found our stud for Molly!

Thanksgiving Weekend

My Thanksgiving was good...

My daughter came home from Seattle, arriving here in Boise, late the Sunday before Thanksgiving. She had to leave Thanksgiving morning to be in Los Angeles that evening. So, time spent with her felt way too short. I had to work and my son had school, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the whole time she was here. The evenings just were not enough time when she's been gone so long! Of course, I would take what I could get, and we made the best of the time we had together. I miss her, but love that she's enjoying the life she lives. She spent alot of time with my parents this visit.

My brother and his four kids, ages 20, 19, 17, and 15, and his first grandchild (above, and who was featured in my previous entry), starting arriving Wednesday. They all stayed at my parents' home just four miles up the road, joining our holiday celebration. My brother drove up from the central coast of California. He was able to visit with my daughter for a few hours.

His oldest, my niece, flew in from Louisiana with our precious little angel, her daughter, Gabrielle. My brother's oldest son flew in from Santa Barbara, California, where he attends UCSB. His youngest two sons flew in from West Virginia. These two missed a connecting flight in Washington, DC and didn't arrive until Thanksgiving morning, more than 9 hours late and missing their luggage! The poor guys were exhausted. They all missed my daughter.

My guy got in Wednesday as well. I surprised him at his load destination, not far from our home, while he was waiting to be unloaded. I remember driving right up to the front of his truck, as it was backed-up to the dock. We were talking to eachother on our cell phones, and he didn't even see me pull up. He was very surprised.

After checking to see how long it would be to get unloaded, we went and had an early dinner together at a great local barbecue rib place. Mmm... it was so good! We talked about kids and family and how this holiday would be different for us. See, after dropping my daughter off at the airport Thanksgiving morning, he and his son would be going to his brother's for their Thanksgiving feast, a two hour drive away, in Twin Falls. And, my son and I would stay in town with my family. This is the first time in many years, my guy and I have spent the holiday apart! By the time we got back to his truck, it was unloaded and ready to go. We met at home later. It would be our last evening spent with my daughter together.

Thanksgiving... I woke up feeling a bit under the weather. Even so, I fixed a special breakfast to have some sort of celebration with my daughter while we were all together, before she had to leave. By noon, she would be on her flight to California, my guy would be on his way to Twin Falls with his son, and my son and I would be headed to my parents' home. I was back home and in bed by 5pm. Whatever I woke up with was hitting me hard and strong. I slept until 8pm (I set my alarm... lol). I wanted to see The Apprentice! My guy got home about 11pm.

Friday... I fixed a Thanksgiving dinner for us at our home. My guy's son joined us. The four of us, our two boys and us. It was very nice and simple. I love the smell of home cooked meals, especially those that roast all afternoon. It was worth all the time and effort getting it together. I was surprised at how easy everything came together, the timing was perfect for everything. Mmm.

Saturday morning... My guy had to leave to pick up a load in Ontario, OR. He left at 5am. I awoke hours later to our first valley floor snow! This photo was taken from my dining room window onto my frozen roses in the backyard! It snowed, off and on, all day. By the end of the day, the snow had all melted away. My guy was back in town and home by 6pm. I spent the afternoon with my family, and was home just after my guy. We watched the BSU game on t.v. together before he had to leave for southern California. Great game against University of Nevada, Reno!

Saturday night... BSU WINS WAC CHAMPIONSHIP! BSU is undefeated, 11-0 for the season! They are waiting for an invitation to play in the Liberty Bowl at Memphis, Tennessee, against Louisville. Whoo-hoo! Go team! It's possible they may go BCS to the Fiesta Bowl. BSU is number 8 in the BCS listings, and needs to be at number 6 to be in the Fiesta Bowl.

I've not ever really followed football before, but the last couple of years, my school, BSU, has done very well. They won the WAC Championship outright the last three years in a row. This year I didn't miss one game!

Puppy update... We now have three of Harley's sons from this last litter. Remember, we received Rodney as our stud fee about six weeks ago. He's just as cute as can be. I need to get more pictures of all of them! Then, two weeks later, Harley's horrible accident happened. We came home with Ozzy, later that same week. Ozzy and Rodney were then eight weeks old. About two weeks after Ozzy entered our lives, we went to the litter home to keep our end of our financial agreement, and ended up with Peanut. Peanut is very special.

At about six weeks old, we and the litter family, took Peanut to the Vet. He just wasn't doing as well as the other pups. Peanut weighed only 11 ounces, was pretty much blind, maybe seeing shadows, and had a condition called hydrocephalitis (water on the brain) which was causing his head to swell and pressure to his little eyes.
Peanut had been my guy's "pick of the litter" since the pups were born, September 8th. After this particular visit to the Vet, we just didn't think we had what we thought it would take to care for such a sick puppy. The Vet was talking about shunts at the cost of $2500/3000; this, that and the other thing, this pup might need or go through.

All four of us came out of that first Vet visit in shock. None of us had thought little Peanut was that bad off. We all went home without making any decisions on Peanut. After a couple of days, our gathered group thoughts were Peanut would live a happy life with his momma and familar surroundings with his litter family. We brought Rodney home. The Vet promised to contact Washington State University in Pullman, WA, to see if there was something else we could do for Peanut.

When I picked up Ozzy that Friday night, the pups were eight weeks old. I was totally amazed at Peanut. He looked really good. I was impressed at the difference in him from the Vet visit just a couple of weeks prior. I thought even, maybe he was able to see. I wasn't sure, but he looked really good.

My guy wanted to make his payments for Ozzy to the litter family in person so we could see Peanut and how he was doing. The pups were now ten weeks old when we went to make this first payment. Peanut looked great! The litter family had heard back from the Vet and were giving Peanut step-down doses of prednisone. His head swelling was shrinking, his eyes appeared to be clearer and he looked as if he was seeing just fine. We had brought Rodney and Ozzy with us that night, and Peanut was playing right along side with these pups.

The litter family practically begged us to take Peanut, if we had any inkling to do so! See, the wife fell at home last January and broke her femur. She's been in a wheelchair ever since. They are in the midst of remodeling their home to make it wheelchair friendly. And being in a wheelchair, she just isn't able to care for Peanut. Housebreaking was impossible. Peanut looked perfect, he had gained weight, appeared to be seeing fine, and was as active as the other pups. The litter family told us they would only let Peanut go to us or her mother, who has the only female pup from this same litter. We took Peanut home that night.

This week the pups will be twelve weeks old! Ozzy goes trucking with my guy, coming home two to four days after five to ten days out. Rodney and Peanut go to work with me everyday. Peanut's just about the same size as Rodney now, it's amazing! Peanut weighed 1# 15z last week. Rodney weighed 2# 3z. We take Peanut to the Vet every two weeks and so far, there's been no charge for his visits, just the cost of his meds, less than $6. His swelling has gone done to nearly nothing, his eyes are bright and clear, and he's on the tiniest dose of prednisone, every other day for now. If you know what you're looking for, you can find a couple of things that make Peanut special, but Peanut is doing GREAT!

Peanut! First night home with us at 10 weeks old. Dang camera! Blurry, a bit like Peanut.

Photo Scavenger Hunt #6

What a Face!

I cannot take credit for this photo of my little niece,

but I couldn't resist sharing with you all.

A Landscape... North end of Payette Lake, Idaho.

Far Away... My son fishing at Scout Pond near McCall, Idaho.

Close Up... Wigs, my cat.

Thinking About Harley

Harley, I miss you so much!

Saturday Six - Episode 31

1. Who is the last house guest you invited into your home and was it a pleasant visit?
It was my daughter, last February. Though I was at work most of this visit, it was nice to come home to a houseful of young adults, the band HIMSA stayed here too. The lead singer of HIMSA is my daughter's boyfriend.

2. Other than to work or school, where was the last place you drove?
Salt Lake City last weekend to see my daughter in concert with her band KiTTie.

3. In terms of emergency supplies, how many of the following do you have in your home?
A) Candles B) Fresh batteries C) Containers of bottled water
A) tons of candles
B) quite a few new batteries laying around, definitely should have more on hand for emergencies
C) actually, I have three 3 gallon water bottles waiting to replenish the 46 gallon fresh water fish tank, but for us and emergencies, none

4. You're invited to a pot-luck dinner: what specialty do you offer to bring? (It has to be something you can cook yourself, not something you bring from a store!)
Easy. I'd bring a pot of my Mexican Stew! Especially during this time of year when it's cool to cold out.

5. Which of the following do you feel is the most true based on your own life experiences:
A) It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
B) The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.
C) To have a friend, you must first be a friend.
D) Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
E) Never judge a book by itscover.
F) The tree of knowledge bears the noblest fruit.
A. It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. To know what love is, to feel it, is priceless.

6. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #31 from Cherie: We have all watched movies and TV shows that have inspired us to want to do what the characters in the show are doing, (doctors, lawyers, politicians, fire fighters, etc). Has there ever been program that you watched that made you realize that the occupation of the characters was something you could NEVER become?
Though I have worked in hospitals most all of my adult life, I could never be an ER Nurse. Some of the blood and gore these people see is much too much for me. I am very grateful they are there for us, I could never do what they do!

Get your Saturday Six at PatricksPlace

Salt Lake City Weekend

It's been since February... since I've seen my daughter! Her home is in Seattle. In April, after auditions, she was asked to be the fourth member and second guitar player for Kittie, an all girl, heavy metal band. I remember a phone call from her last year sometime, all she wanted to be is a "rock star." She's played piano since she was three years old, and taught herself guitar.

Last weekend, we drove to Salt Lake City to see her play guitar, it was our first time to see her in concert. We weren't quite sure where the venue was. Then, my son spots it. He pipes up and says, "There! The black line!" He meant all the kids dressed in black. The crowd surrounded the building. It was quite a site. The show was sold out.

We drove behind the venue to find the tour bus. OMG! It was huge! One I would expect to see any huge named artist in. It was dark green with dark windows. I phoned my daughter's cell. "We're outside! Come get us!" I was so excited!

This wasn't the exact bus, but theirs is very similar.

Again, these are very similar to the bunks in my daughter's tour bus. There are twelve bunks on the bus like the ones above, two lobbies - one in front and one at the back, on either ends of the bunk area. A nice kitchenette with fridge, microwave, sink, etc.; and restrooms. Really nice inside. We hung out with the band, meeting Morgan Lander (lead singer) and Jennifer Arroyo (bass), the tour manager, and a couple of others. Backstage passes were hand out to us. Us old folks were given earplugs. Their band was the headliner, two other bands touring with them, lined up for them. At each venue, there's always a couple of local bands that also play, first up. So there can be like five or six bands that play in a night.

I need a new camera! This is the best photo out of all the shots I took during the show. It was a very loud show. And, this photo also makes you feel the show. It was a good show. Though I do not really care for the music, I sure was proud of my daughter! She's a great kid.

After the show, the girls do a "meet and greet" with the fans. We caught up with them before this got under way and was able to get this photo. That's my son in the center. His sister is the blonde, to his right.

The next morning, the band was gone. We got an early start heading home. Poor Ozzy... we had just picked him up from his litter home Friday night. And, Saturday night, he was at a hotel in Salt Lake City! Sunday, we drove home.

This is Molly riding in the back of the truck on our way out of Salt Lake City. She really didn't care to be on the road and hung out ontop of the luggage in the back most of the way home.

Leaving Salt Lake City, about 30 miles northwest of Salt Lake City. This mountain range is so incredible! They're huge. On a clear evening, to watch the sunset against these mountains... oh, what a sight!

Ozzy

Puppies, puppies everywhere...

This is Ozzy!

A couple of days after Harley was gone, my guy called the family that had Harley's puppies to see if they had any left. They had one male left! My guy asked if nobody was interested in him, he would like to have the pup.

Ozzy, 8 weeks old.

Ozzy looks a lot like Harley! Lots of gold. Remember when we got Harley, we talked about his "black with gold trim." I picked up Ozzy, late Friday night. My guy wouldn't be home until the morning. Once home, I gave both pups a bath. These pictures were taken immediately after baths. My guy hadn't seen Ozzy since we picked up Rodney, when they were 6 weeks old.

The next morning, I picked up my guy up for the first time without Harley. I had Lucy, Molly, Rodney and Ozzy with me. Harley will be there in heart and soul.

I was afraid of picking up my guy. Afraid of how I would react knowing Harley was really gone. When I got there to the truck, my guy was still in the sleeper finishing up paperwork. His boss was hanging onto the passenger side of the truck, leaning in the window, talking to my guy.

I wanted to just run up to my guy and give him a gigantic hug, but it was all business. Unloaded his belongings into our little truck and chatted with the boss.

I grabbed Rodney and Ozzy and brought them to my guy. The boss came over and checked out both the pups. He gave his condolences about Harley and then got the greatest face washing he had all day! These little guys were so sweet! The boss even said he wanted to get one like them.

The next thing I knew, another older trucker came up to us. He explained that he had to put his Yorkie he'd had for years, down just last week. OMG! Here's a pup! I let him hold one of the boys while I got Lucy and Molly out to show. I told him that the pups' daddy was killed just last week. It felt good to share the babies with this old trucker. I could see he was really missing his Yorkie.

Everyone got their puppy kisses and we were off. On the way home, my teary-eyed guy told me how sorry he was about Harley, how he blamed himself, how he missed Harley more than anything in the world. When we got home, he handed me Harley's collar. At this point, I lost it... again. This was real, this wasn't a bad dream, Harley was not coming home.

Ozzy, or Rodney for that matter, will never, ever replace Harley. But Harley lives on through them. We would have never gotten another puppy if it hadn't been Harley's pup. Immediately after the accident, I even thought to give all the dogs away! I didn't want to feel this deep, heartwrenching pain ever again! Of course, after a couple of nights sleep and clearer thinking, I would never give these little guys away! I love them! We love them!

Rodney

After breakfast out and a quick clean up and packing, my guy, my son and I left for Salt Lake City with four of the cutest Yorkies ever! We wanted to be in Midvale, Utah, by 6 or 7 p.m. to meet up with my daughter and her band. With two 8 week old pups, we would be making lots of potty stops along the way. And remember, my 15 year old son has his driving permit, so he'll get to drive tons of miles! He was pretty excited!

Here's Lucy!


...and last, but not least, Molly.

Life Goes On

Life does go on.

I have cried a river of tears over the death of my little Harley. I still cannot believe it's true. I remember asking my guy, "Are you sure he's gone? Are you sure?" As if maybe, just maybe, only the air had been knocked out of the little guy. Because my guy and Harley are out for a week at a time, it's hard for me to truely believe Harley is gone. For my guy, it's very real. He lived this horrible nightmare. For me, my guy hasn't been home since the day of the accident, their first morning out. My guy will be home tomorrow morning for the first time since the accident. Harley will not be there. This will then become so very real to me.

Yes, that's a Harley my Harley is on. He loved to go! He didn't care how or where he went as long as he got to go!

A couple of days after the accident, my guy made a call to the people we had bred Harley with their little Meggie, to see if they had any puppies left. The puppies are 8 weeks old. We got Rodney for our stud fee a couple of weeks ago. They had one puppy left, it's a male. He's twice the size of Rodney, more like Harley. My guy then told them that Harley was gone and he would like this puppy if they didn't have anyone interested in him. They felt so bad. The puppy was ours if we wanted him. They would hold the puppy until my guy was back in town.

My guy hadn't finalized this deal with them yet, but tonight, the lady called me to see if we still wanted this little guy. She knew how upset we had been over losing Harley and wanted to make sure we weren't having second thoughts about taking another puppy, now that some time had gone by. I assured her we were still very interested in having another puppy. She said to come by tonight and pick up "Andre", we'd work out the finances later. Wow!

Early tomorrow morning, I will be picking up my guy from his run without Harley for the first time. Immediately after his arrival home, we are going to Salt Lake City to see my daughter and her band play a club there. Got the tires rotated today, the oil was changed last week. I had our girls, Lucy and Molly, groomed today. They are so pretty. This was Molly's first grooming. She turned out beautiful! Rodney had his ears and toes nails trimmed. And then, I picked up Andre. In the morning, I will pick up my guy with a puppy for him. I haven't seen my daughter since last February.

Harley's Gone

I'm so very sad...

I can't tell you how upset I am about Harley. I feel like we've lost a child. I know that must sound silly. I can't believe I feel this bad. I keep telling myself, I'm being a big boob, he was just a dog. But, Harley was more than just a dog to us. He went everywhere with us, he did everything with us, he slept with us, he was part of our family, and I can't stop crying.

Harley was hit by a big rig at a rest area in Oregon yesterday morning. My guy had stopped to stretch for a minute, and give Harley some time out of the truck. They were the only ones there. They had walked to the pet area and were walking back to the truck when another truck drove in. Harley got under the trailer of this truck. My guy had only enough time to holler for Harley before the trailer tires got him. It was just a horrible accident. The other driver never even knew he had hit Harley. Immediately afterwards, Harley lifted his head for a second, and then he was gone. My guy was right there.

When I finally talked with my guy, I had no idea what had happened just hours before. I cried hysterically. I couldn't believe it. Harley was so good, he minded us so well, always by our sides, so eager to please us. Always happy to see us, even if it had only been just 10 minutes since he saw us last.

When my guy hollered for him in panic, Harley just froze. Harley didn't know or understand what was happening. It happened so fast. I've heard this from so many other people when they've lost their dogs tragically.

My guy ran back to his truck to get something to wrap Harley in. Harley just looked like he was sleeping. My guy picked Harley up and took him with him, hours up the road, hoping all the while that Harley would wake up. My guy arrived at his load destination and then was back on the road again before he stopped to buy a shovel and flashlight. It was now dark. My guy found another rest area they stop at all thetime and buried Harley under a tree there. My guy feels just horrible.

I'm sorry to have gone on and on here. I know I will be okay. I know accidents happen. (I just wish this accident happened to someone else!) I will miss this little guy. I can't imagine the pain my guy is going through; the what if's, the blame, the guilt, the emptiness he must feel without Harley there with him, the hours of driving along with nothing more to think about, the replays of the whole incident the mind goes through, etc.

Anyway... it will take time.

Oops! They did it again!

Photo copied from online Idaho Statesman newspaper.

BSU's 19th win in a row! Last night, BSU won 69-3 against Hawaii. It was a slaughter, to say the least. In the third quarter, our sophomore quarterback made school history with an 85-yard touchdown run. Wow!

Now, I haven't known much about football before, other than it was on t.v. in my house at every fall/winter holiday event when I was growing up. So, as I grew, married, divorced, and eventually had holiday dinners hundreds of miles from my family, the kids and I had football on our t.v. because it just felt right. I never knew anything about football though. It was on t.v. for the familiar noise in the background.

Well, I have been to two separate BSU games. The first game was about seven years ago with a gal who had won tickets. And the other time was last year when I won tickets.

Anyway, since I am a former BSU student myself, I consider BSU my team! Right now, they're doing great! Each new game that's played, I hold my breath. I am watching the game instead of just listening to it in the background of whatever I'm doing around the house. It's been pretty exciting lately.

Precious Moments...

Rodney... This little guy is so good! I love him to death! I take him to work with me all day long, build a make-shift doggie play-pen around my desk. Throughout the day, staff members come into my office to get their puppy fixes. On Wednesday, I weighed Rodney on the postage meter... he weighed 1# 3.8z at seven weeks old.

Teenagers

I've got to brag a little...

My son... He's my youngest child, 15 years old, a sophomore in a Charter High School which specializes in health care, and he just graduated from his Driver's Training course tonight. Whew! He was given his driver's permit at the end of class tonight. I think that might have been the easy part! Now, he's going to want the keys to the car, all the time! I dread calling my insurance company to add him to my policy. I need a raise!!!

Actually, in the State of Idaho, my son will have to drive an additional 50 hours with a supervised adult, of which, at least 10 of those hours must be night driving hours. Idaho gives the instructors the kids' permits. The instructors hold this until the kids graduate driving school. Then, as long as the kids keep their permit (and do not get their actual driver's license), Idaho parents do not have to pay more on their premiums. I think this sounds too good to be true. I will call my insurance tomorrow and find out for sure.

Tonight, after all the students received their permits, the teachers talked about the class in general. This group of kids averaged the highest on tests in the history of this school, a private driving school. We were told we should all be proud of these kids. I am.

Then the teachers had three verbal awards they wanted to acknowledge to the group of us there, (maybe 30 to 40 parents and kids were there). Best Driver, Best Score on Test, and Best Attitude & Maturity.

I really felt like my son was going to get the Best Driver award. The teacher had made a comment after their first drive that my son was an excellent driver. He's been driving for years with us. They announced the Best Driver, it wasn't my son, we all applauded. Then they announced Best Score on Test winner, applause. And last but not least, they acknowledged the Best Attitude & Maturity... it was my son! Wow! Teachers have told this to me before, but you'd never guess it from his behavior at home! LOL

Anyway, it was after 9 p.m., it was starting to rain, he had his permit and was asking for the keys! I agreed he could drive us home. We started for home and realized we needed fuel, so we turned into a side street and did a u-turn, then headed back down to the gas station, probably three miles away from where we were. My son was totally excited. He got to drive half way into town for gas, then back home. He did very well! I never doubted he would.

#16 Boise State Wins 18th Straight

BSU Football...

33-16 OVER FRESNO STATE


This team, my team, I might add, has won 18 games straight! WOW! I haven't missed one game this season. This year I've caught the games on either local t.v. or ESPN satellite t.v. This last weekend, the game was played here in Boise, at Bronco Stadium. The score, 33 - 16, Boise. It had rained hard all day long. I wasn't sure the game would go on, it had rained so hard. Then, just before the game, the sky cleared and the game began.

Some time during the game, the rain started up again. It even hailed on the game, but the game went on. The hail storm was short lived and the sky cleared again.

GO BRONCOS!

Photos courtesy of BSU website.

Harley's Little V-Rod

Rodney... Isn't he cute?! Rodney, "Harley's Little V-Rod". Yes, he's Harley's son. Rodney's six weeks old in this picture, and a little spitfire. I don't normally like to take these little guys from their momma's so soon, but his momma had pretty much stopped nursing him. Rodney was eating puppy food on his own and playing well with the other pups, so we took him home Saturday.

First Snow ~ Fall 2004

Wow! From 75 degrees and sunny on Saturday, to cloudy, windy and 59 being our high today! Sunday night we received our first snow in the foothills. I tried to get pictures yesterday but the clouds weren't cooperating. Today, another storm is brewing. I was able to take this picture during my lunch today. We're supposed to have rain for the next ten days!

This picture is a bit dark and gloomy, reflecting the mood of the day.

Saturday Six - Episode 27

1. What was your favorite Halloween candy to receive as a child?
Candy corn! Packaged in those little plastic bags, I'd like to eat them in layers, first the white top, then the orange middle, and finally the yellow base!

2. Of cities you've visited (that you don't live in), which is your favorite and why?
Hands down, NYC! There's so much to do and see! I spent three days there in 1999 and it just wasn't enough time, there's so much more to see and do.

3. What is the oldest appliance in your kitchen (and how old is it)?
It's got to be the olive green blender! It was a wedding present in 1978.

4. How many broken bones have you suffered in your life time, and when was the most recent?
One. I broke the larger of the two bones that go from your knee to your ankle, at my ankle in 1985.

5. Check your caller ID: who is the last person to have called you?
Well, there's two sales calls that I have no clue who they are, the numbers are from out of state. I thought I had those kinds of calls blocked! Hmm. And then, the very next call came from someone I know very well, from my guy. ;)

6. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #26 from Nettie: What would you say is your biggest "character flaw?"
I think I have a hard time telling people how I really feel, worried that I'll hurt their feelings or make them mad. It makes for a long day sometimes!

Fire over the fence...

Fall, my most favorite season!

Wigs Update

Finally, the gal at work stopped to talk with me!

I didn't think I was going to get a chance to talk with her about Wigs. I wanted desparately to know that Wigs was doing okay. I had been off work for five days since she took Wigs home with her, and yesterday was another day that I didn't see this gal at work. We work in different parts of our facility. So literally, days could go by without seeing eachother, though, I've seen her car parked in our parking lot.

This morning, she saw me and came into my office to talk with me. She began by telling me she didn't think Wigs was eating, she wasn't able to get Wigs to take her meds (I had recently took Wigs in to the doc for some skin irritation), and she thought she may even need to bring Wigs back to me. (My heart sunk!)

Then, she figured out Wigs was eating at night, after everyone had gone to bed. She thought she'd try something I told her about before she took Wigs home. She gave Wigs a cup of yogurt!

Now, I didn't exactly tell her to give Wigs a cup of yogurt, but I did say that Wigs becomes your best friend when she hears the sound of spoons scraping the insides of a yogurt cup. I explained that I would set the practically empty yogurt cup down for her. Wigs would always use her paws to finish off anything left in the cup.

So now the whole cup of yogurt was set before Wigs for her delight and pleasure. Of course, Wigs being Wigs, she began eating the yogurt with her paws! This set the elderly mother-in-law into an uncontrollable giggle, she nearly peed her pants she was laughing so hard. Wigs! She's so cute!

Ahh, I miss her!

Holiday Traditions

tradition: n 1 : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought or action 2 : the handing down of beliefs and customs by word of mouth or by example without written instruction; also : a belief or custom thus handed down

There's been chatter around here about what to do for the holidays. The holidays are just around the corner and will be here before we know it. So, we've been trying to figure out our holiday plans.

To me, holidays are for family gatherings. This probably comes from growing up with tons of relatives celebrating the holidays together over huge family dinners. It really didn't matter how old or how far apart we lived from eachother at these times, everyone did everything possible to be together for holidays.

Times have changed.

My daughter has mentioned being home for a week at Christmas, leaving us Christmas day to return to her home in Seattle. She did this last year. My son lives with me and will also be leaving Christmas day to visit his dad, out of state. He did this last year too.

For me, this is becoming an unwanted tradition at our house, me dropping these kids at the airport for their Christmas day departures. Then I get to go home, alone, to a fully decorated, empty house. Hmm... huge let down.

This past week I received an email from my daughter. She's coming home for Thanksgiving! Yeah! My office is closed the Friday after Thanksgiving, so this will be a nice, long weekend visit with her! It will be nice to have her home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays this year.

Then, I read more closely and realized she is arriving here at the airport at 9:30pm, the Sunday before Thanksgiving and leaving at 12:00pm, Thanksgiving day. This means we'll need to leave the house about 10:30am, Thanksgiving morning, to have her at the airport by 11:00am.

Hmm... I'm feeling a bit short changed. I haven't seen her since last February and won't get to see much of her while she's here.

My daughter's band is traveling to Europe and she is not exactly sure when they will be returning. Now her Christmas plans have been put on hold. As soon as she knows more about her travel dates, she'll be able to book her days home at Christmas. I'm sure she'll be home for Christmas.

My guy and I are starting to think we should make some Christmas plans of our own. Maybe a romantic cabin weekend, or a flight to a city that's up all night, or a short cruise somewhere warm. A new tradition. We'll see.

Saturday Six - Episode 26

Patrick's Place - Saturday Six - Episode 26
1. What is your favorite cartoon show?
I'm going to be showing my age here, but I used to love Johnny Quest.

2. Patrick found this on Wil's Journal: Take the Quiz... What natural disaster are you?
I found this very same Quiz on Sammie's Movin' On last week, and took it. I'm a Tornado! See my answer here: quiz answers.

3. What was the design of the last postage stamp you used?
Peel and stick, USA 37 cent, images of Mary Cassatt's paintings.

4. What was the last pill you took?
I take two at a time, both are something I'll need to take for the rest of my life.

5. It's your ultimate breakfast: what's on the plate?
Mmm... Scrambled Denver omelet (ham, cheese, green bell peppers and onions) with hash browns smothered with sauge gravy. A medium size glass of orange juice and a cup of coffee with cream and sugar. Mmm!

6. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #26 from SpringsNymph and Neil:
a) When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was real little, I wanted to be a veterinarian.

b) Are you anywhere close to that dream now?
Well, I work in a hospital and have a zoo at home.

c) Now that you're in the "real world," is your current job now really what you want to do for a living?
I enjoy my job, but often daydream about a different life, a life of driving and travel. When I was in high school, I wrote a paper for an English assignment about trucking and the pro's and con's of working in the trucking industry. I've ridden across the country, trucking, and though the hours are crazy, I still think I'd like to go fulltime someday when I have less responsibilities here at home.

d) If not, what would you ultimately like to do?
Ahh... I think I got ahead of myself in my answer above. LOL

Wigs

I'm feeling aweful tonight. See, Wigs is my most favorite cat. She's loving, clean, doesn't shed, eats with her paws when she has the chance to. We've had her for more than seven years, since she was just a few weeks old. Today, I gave her away to a wonderful home where she'll be loved and cared for like a queen. I will miss her terribly.

Let me go back to the summer before last. We had three cats at the time, Wigs, Taz, and Nermal. Wigs and Taz came to us at the same time, adopted from our local Humane Society, years ago. Nermal was a stray we took in a couple of years later. Of course, we also had Harley (you can read how we got Harley, here: Black with Gold Trim). And, we were in the midst of purchasing Lucy, another Yorkie. I've always loved animals.

Then, my guy's son was not able to keep his two cats, Goose and Sketch, so we offered to keep and care for them until he was able to take them back. Wow! Now there were five cats in the house! That's alot of cat-box duty!

I do not know what got into me, but about this time, a gal at work brought in a box of kittens, and yes, I came home with yet another critter, Bunni. Bunni was a Manx who had a major wobble to her walk. She hopped when she ran. With all the older cats in the house, the kitten was refreshing and fun. I admit now, it was a very selfish act on my part, to bring her home.

Lucy came home in September, last year. This brought us to two dogs and six cats! CRAZY! We have a pet door and a large backyard, so it wasn't so bad. But in the evenings, there wasn't much room left on the sofa!

After a long winter of pet fur and smells, I started suggesting we give some of our furry friends away to good homes. My guy's son's two cats were off limits. So, I began giving away my cats. First to go were Taz and Bunni. They went to the same home, a gal at work took them. Then, Nermal went. Goose disappeared. I think one of the neighbors is taking care of him. Sketch left last Sunday, home with my guy's son. And, tonight, a gal from work who has an elderly mother-in-law at home all day, took Wigs. Then there were none.

We still have the dogs; Harley, Lucy and Molly. The dogs are not going anywhere. My guy takes Harley with him, long haul trucking. It's now just me and the girls. Much more managable for me. I think keeping Wigs would have been fine, but this gal at work could offer Wigs a better place with more attention. I hope I've made the right choice.

Work

Boy! Do you ever just wish you could have Calgon take you away? Tonight is one of those nights for me! I've worked non-stop for nearly four weeks now. I've had to let people go, train new people, and get my own job done too. It's got to say something about my ethics, at least my work ethics. I'm there until I'm done. Not to mention, housework at home!

And, here I sit at yet another computer with my shoulders aching, back stinging, wrists throbbing, saying kick me again, I didn't have enough at work! LOL

Dinner's done, dishes and laundry are at a managable stage and can be left for another day. The dogs could use a bath, but that just doesn't sound fun right now. It's nearly 80 degrees outside still, just a gorgeous evening.

More About Harley...

I've wanted to get these pictures of Harley out for all to see how he's grown. Yorkies change so much as they grow. They start out looking like miniature Rottweilers. You can see newborn Yorkies here: Puppies!

















Harley is our first Yorkie. In the past, I've always had large dogs, two Golden Retrievers at the same time. I love Goldens, but these little guys are so much fun! They're smart. They play all day long. It's so funny to watch them.

















I'll have to introduce to you Lucy and Molly next time, often referred to around here as "the girls." Lucy is just over a year old, not related to Harley. And Molly, is eight months old. She's Harley's daughter. No, no, Lucy is not the momma.