Mazie Gets A Present

A friend dropped off a present for Mazie this afternoon. I put them together and the fun began. She ran in and out and managed to tip it up on so that it was up and down and then on the floor side-by-side. Now the "Fat One" (Neffie) is wondering if she will fit inside it. She stuck her head in and then backed out - but we think she will get brave by tomorrow. Mazie sends her thanks for the cubes!

Cedarburg

Alan's Birthday found us wandering about Cedarburg, Wisconsin after having lunch at a German Festival. We then traveled to Cedarburg and took a tour of the Cedarburg Winery. What was amazing was that it used to be a woolen factory and until the 1960's (or so) had a tunnel that went under the street to the building on the other side. It was used to hide people at certain times in American history. My fanciful imagination imagines it was used during prohibition (long before it was a winery). Alan was enthralled with the idea of becoming a home wine brewer. Out basement would probably be the perfect year round temperature. The process on the other hand - not so easy, and who would drink the wine? But it was very cool. I mean, thinking about how they made wines a hundred years ago and got the yeast mixture to add to it. It was very interesting.

After the tour we went on to do our most favorite activity - Ice cream. I had a sundae - Alan had a float. Behind Alan was a full candy display. It took me back to the days when I was little and my grandma bought me chocolate stars every time we went to the Department store. I gazed at the stars and was instantly transported to 1970, 1971, 1972 at Randhurst Mall. A very nostalgic day. It was very nice.

Long drives and nights out at the local WalMart

I have settled in nicely. The drive to work is long, but my satellite radio keeps me good company. I may need a new one soon. It seems to have antenna issues - but then I switch to my Ipod - the best of both worlds. I especially love all the news feeds - I get Fox News (my favorite) and CNN. Then there is the comedy channels to make me laugh as I get closer to work. I am almost guaranteed to come in with a smile no matter how bad the construction traffic is (and it is bad).

Just once I got stopped by a train and I captured this picture with my camera. Until I get to the highway, the scenery is just beautiful. I can't complain. I bet even the snow will be pretty, slipping and sliding all the way in.

Most of our nights out this summer involved going to places in the Village, concerts on the Square, and our favorite weekly event - the nightly trip to the large Walmart the next town over. Some weekends we try to figure out what to do and go hang out at the Walmart just for fun (seriously). Last night was groceries and appliances. Alan started to do the speed walk through the store when he realized it was 7pm. He was missing Rat Patrol - an old favorite of his available on our cable channel. So at the checkout he abandoned me to get the car and have it waiting for a quick get-away.

Our check-out clerk, young college student, easy on the eye (wink wink) gave me a quizzical look. I said "oh, we have a hot date." He asked what. I laughed and said TV - Rat Patrol is on. He then had to ask "What is Rat Patrol". I told him he was obviously too young to remember that show. I said, you know, this is a day I realized I married my father. And he gave me this shocked look. I said oh, just wait, 20 years into marriage you'll look at your wife and realize you married your mother. He said, "oh, oh, that is sooo sooo Freudian - I don't think so". I said sure you will. That one out there (and I pointed to the exit) listens to Sinatra all the way to Minnesota until I am crazy. 10 hours of Sinatra. He then says "I love Frank, I fall asleep to him". I said "Are you sure you aren't his son?" I then thanked him for my groceries and made a graceful exit (for once). He is probably still trying to figure out who to marry so she is not like his mother! I wish I could put the shocked tone of his voice into this writing!

Well, home I am for the night and we need to clean, do laundry, clean piggers cage and all those good things. But I just want to take a nap. Maybe the nap will win. Ciao!

Men and Electronics Stores

We did the final move yesterday (Wednesday, 8/6). The movers moved the family room furniture that had been taking up living room space into the basement (despite it not being finished), which was nice because it was heavy as can be. Saturday the new carpeting gets installed and hopefully the Illinois House will sell soon.

The TV for the Living Room (27") takes a long time to turn on. It is 15 years old and so a decision was made to replace it with a thiner, sleeker version. So, off to our favorite store, Best Buy. Now time to decide LCD or Plasma, 720p, 1080p. Lots of choices and we haven't even come to size. We settled on 1080p first. Now for size. I voted for 42". The living room is not that big. It would look fine. Alan wanted the 46". Now came the pleading (Imagine a 3 year old in the cereal aisle). Oh, honey, look at the difference, don't you WANT the 46", please, please, please. Then plasma or LCD. LCD is better in sunny rooms (our Living Room is sunny), but Plasma will hold up better to the slobbery dog due to the glass front. So I caved. 46" plasma Panasonic. Settled. Then the bad news. We don't carry that one in this store. So now we had to make another choice. I was pushing for the 42" and hubby said, lets check on the Samsung 46" LCD. While the guy went to check, we noticed it was the only one NOT ON SALE. Almost $1900 for that one. So off the list that one came.

Then, there it was, THE ONE. The ONE HE HAD TO HAVE. Was it 42" - of course not. Was it an LCD - of course not. Was it a 46". Laughable. IT, the dream TV for our little living room was a 50" Plasma Panasonic TV. 20,000 to 1 ratio, 1080p, and so many good things, my head was spinning with "is he insane". Now comes the pleading again. Oh look honey, it is so great, look look look, please, please please - it's cheaper than the Samsung. I whipped out the Iphone and showed him the little living room. NAH. He wasn't buying it. So home it came. We spent the rest of the night setting it up and all he could do is say wow.... Wow.... WOW. He threatened to call in sick today - just to enjoy it. But he didn't.

Now we just have to build the enclosed DVD stand instead of the messy one. I shall take great pleasure in watching Big Brother tonight as one of the first full TV shows on it. And that is why he is never going to Best Buy again.

She Demands All

Mazie must have Siamese in her. She meows constantly. When you get her to sleep you can see the triangular shape of her face. She demands everyone's food. When we walk into the kitchen she races to meet us there - just in case there may be food. I want to know how she understands people food. I ate some cheetoes last night and she lost her mind. When I brushed her away and touched my shirt - she decided to try and suck the cheetoe cheese off my shirt. But I am having lots of fun with her. We especially enjoy watching her try and get to Q's food. She has absolutely no fear of him - he will be eating and she will sneak her paw into his bowl and grab out a piece of canned food. Then carry it to her plate of cat food. Any other dog and she would be part of dinner.

Then there is the matter of Charlie - he seems to really enjoy her on top of his cage and gets upset when she leaves. That is until she gets older and decides he is food too. For now, she is still more interested in the dangling toys. Let's hope her interests stay there!

Hoping to get some sleep tonight. Still like having a toddler in the house. We are tired! She may go back to the cat room tonight!

Mazie Discovers Charlie

The name is settled. Mazie - shortened for Amazing Grace. I ended up singing it to her last night again to calm her down during a storm and she settled in and slept in my arms. Amazing Grace soothes her. Maybe because the song soothes me. For too many reasons, she just is not "Grace" or "Gracie", but Mazie fits her. She has a bad case of the kitten crazies. She runs around like a banshee! She meows / talks all the time and is always asking for food. She has identified the kitchen with canned cat food and thinks she should get it each time we walk in there. I am trying to explain what the meaning of hard food is.

Then she discovered how to get on top of Charlie's cage. She likes the hanging toys Alan put in there. The first time she stood against it Charlie put his little paws on the cage and nosed her back. Now she just heads straight to the top of the cage. We have to find a way to keep her off before she gets bigger. She is sure full of energy.

Poor Neffie doesn't know if she is coming or going. Mazie chases her around the house and Neffie has refined her hissing to a new evil long drawn out tone. It stops Mazie in mid double-leg up prance. Hopefully we'll catch a picture. For now, Mazie spends her nights in the green room for her own protection, but when we are home she gets the run of the house - and we get some exercise. Stay tuned for further.

She Has A Name - Sorta

Finding a name has been tough. We went through Indie (Independence Day) - but that really did not suit her. She has the kitten crazies, but loves people. So next we tried a variety of names, none of which fit. That left us Zoe and Winnie. We settled on Winnie for about 8 hours. Then Kevin came to visit and she is Lil Roo. Roo fits her perfectly, the only problem is we call Q "puppa-roos" and he comes when we call Roo. Maybe she will learn her name that way. We call her, he comes. But then Alyssa weighed in. Alyssa said we can't call her Roo - Q is the one and only Roo (and Lil Roo is a boy in the Winnie The Pooh books anyway - didn't I know anything). So we are now stuck between Winnie and Pepsi. Leaning towards Pepsi. We should have a firm settlement by tomorrow morning - but I am not holding my breath.

She has settled in. She does not like being confined to the Winnie The Pooh room anymore. It is her comfort zone - but she really wants out into the living areas. She is quite small for her age. They found her Mid-April so that puts her at 10-12 weeks old. But at just 2.1 pounds and very thin and lanky, she needs to get some weight on her before next shots in 3 weeks. She loves Q's food and the plan to feed everyone together is working - so well - that she won't eat in her bedroom. Q still has a little of the chase instinct going on - and Neffie is just permanently in a bad state of mind. She finally ate with her last night, then proceeded to hiss and growl at the kitten during the last bites of dinner. This morning Neffie refused to eat breakfast with her at al. So adjustment is coming slowly. She loves to chew cords. I have her room all unplugged except for 2 necessary plugs and there is stuff in front of them. I need to pick up bitter apple before she can have the run of the house. She is very persistent - with very sharp teeth. I hope it works!

New Baby Kitten

We had a busy morning. A very unhappy Neffie went to the vet for shots. She sat very nicely on the table and had her nails clipped. But she eyeballed the 3 injection needles and I could see the processing in her mind (those are for ME?!) Then off to home for her and off to the shelter for us.

Neffie has seemed generally okay since Peri died, but the one thing that has not changed is that every day she saves half her wet food for Peri. She waits for Peri to come and after an hour, she comes back and eats the remainder. It is actually very sad. So we have decided to get a kitten. I had thought of going to a breeder, but decided to get one from the shelter. I forgot how much shelters break my heart. The dogs there were so sad. Many turned in by their owners - one was a pair of beagles - an older and younger dog. I wanted to bring them home. I know Q will love a kitten, but a pair of beagles would push his old man buttons!

So initially, I wanted a kitten from the "Flintstones". http://www.lakelandanimalshelter.org/kittenseason.html
Scroll to the middle to see the litter).

But in the end, it was Rosy who stole our hearts. She never stopped purring - she was very content to snuggle with Alan and me. I think she will do fine. She was not ready to come home today - she had just been spayed. So she comes home Thursday July 3rd.

Rosy needs a new name! We are thinking Gunnie (as in Gunnery Sergeant). But Alyssa said we just can't call her Gunnie. We haven't decided yet on a name. Let us know any thoughts you have!

Stay tuned for updates! The picture came from the shelter. Please support your local shelter!

Introducing Drill Sergeant Nefertitti

Neffie keeps Q company. Everywhere Q goes, so does Neffie. She particularly loves sharing his bed. I will post more pics later. But the best is when we sleep in on the weekends. My loving cat turns into a terror! Every weekend I usually wake up earlier than everyone and manage my way to the couch for some quiet internet time (meaning no television on!). Neffie refuses to join me. Rather, she sits in the bedroom doorway watching Alan sleeping with a really bad attitude. I tried calling her to no avail. When Alan finally got up (she woke him up), she marched him down the hall - Neffie leading, Alan then Q following. She had her ears back and was chirping and making these growly sounds. She marched them right into the kitchen for her breakfast. French Chartreux are mute! It was the funniest thing I had seen in a long time!


So this weekend I was determined to capture her on film. She raked her nails across the side of the mattress to wake up Alan. I grabbed the camera. This is the best shot. She is stomping through the living room by the DVD rack on her way to the kitchen. The best part was when Alan stopped and sat on the couch - just to make her wait. She then came and sat in front of him with her ears back and would try and lead him into the kitchen. Now, lest you think she is starving - she has dry food available. This whole output is for the small can of food she used to share with Peri. You just can't be late to breakfast in our house! I look forward to the ongoing saga. Alan said he is not getting up at 5am on weekends just to feed her.

Hide and Seek

I have a great story about Neffie (with Photos of course) and I have been spending time with Lucy from next door (Illinois House) - but alas, I have no camera transfer cable. I am now looking for the secondary card reader. Living in 2 places and still tons of stuff to unpack, Alan and I are beginning to realize just how much stuff we just cannot find. Over the weekend I found his camera cable and transferred some pictures. But I have no idea where mine is. Maybe Alyssa knows, but she is in London. Besides the camera cable we are missing a few boxes of papers, Alan's Birkenstock sandles, all the other shoes that were not currently being worn by the guys, and some of my pottery.

We started the Seek part of this game Sunday and it quickly wore us out. We managed to open all the boxes of Alan's mother's stuff we have been storing for 15 years and yes, still storing, until AJ comes home and decides what he wants of his Grandma's stuff.

Wish us luck. We'll be having a big garage sale soon!

In Loving Memory of Per-puppy (5/5/99 - 5/22/08)

We fell in love with the French Chartreux cats and in 1999 I I flew to Kansas to pick up Peri - to be a companion to our first French Chartreux, Nefertitti. Having shown dogs for a number of years I had pursued some interests in the cat show world (purely spectator). Thus, Peri (Perriwinkle Purrfection) born May 5, 1999, came to join us in July 1999. We convinced Alan that Peri was really part dog and after 3 weeks, Neffie accepted that too, allowing her to occupy the same room in the house with her now that "puppy" status had been conferred upon Peri. When Neffie showed Peri her mean side for her first 3 weeks in the house, Peri turned to the dogs for comfort and that was the turning point for Neffie too - all fell in love.

Before I flew to Kansas to get her, the breeder called to warn me that Peri had some interesting fur for a French Chartreux. Her fur was too long for the show ring. Well, we decided to take her anyway, and see how she turned out. She was basically a long-haired French Chartreux. Not real common and not showable. And my husband decided it was a lucky break (for him). She would be spayed and no show ring rounds for us. Alyssa had already told us Peri belonged to her and she was quite glad to have her all to herself.

Neffie and Peri had a hate/love relationship. I think it was more show for us - at night we could hear them stomping through the house playing. (Neffie is closet to the front in the photo.) While it took Neffie 3 weeks to accept that this cat was here to stay - I think it will take her much longer to understand she is gone. When we had Peri shaved due to being dog slimed, Neffie would treat her as a stranger until her fur grew back in. (Who can understand cats!). Richard said Neffie looked for Peri all around the house after we left for Minnesota.

Peri loved Alan and Q though. Peri loved to be at the center at whatever was going on. She always made sure to run her entire body under Q's mouth for much slobbering. When we moved, she took to the new house just fine and explored with great interest. She loved people and always came to see who had come over. She hated being carried or picked up. But lay down next to her or have her join you on the bed or couch and she was content. She wouldn't let you stop petting her!

Alan got home from work about 4:30 and found her laying on the floor by our bedroom door. She would not move. She managed one loud meow. When he picked her up she went limp. She was obviously very ill. Our regular vet said they couldn't see her. So Alan drove her to the vet in the nearby town. They were so kind and took her in. She passed away while they were treating her. I managed to make it to the Vet's office while they were still working on her. They brought her to us to say good-bye. We asked them to find out why she died. She was only 9. It turns out Peri had a large tumor in her stomach and it had invaded her liver and then her kidneys, causing kidney failure. There was nothing anyone could have done to save her. I know she is now at Rainbow Bridge.

RAINBOW BRIDGE
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to
someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are
meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they
can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water
and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to
health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made
whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our
dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy
and content, except for one small thing; they each miss
someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one
suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright
eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly
he begins to run from the group, flying over the green
grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special
friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion,
never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your
face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you
look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long
gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

CNN, London Webcams and Lettuce Wars

What a day today. I get 1 video and 2 pictures to make my heart just ache. I get to see AJ on CNN. Nic Robertson was with his team and there we get to see our son. And it was good. I am very proud of AJ and all he has accomplished! See the Link on the Right Column!

The second is we managed to snap a shot of Alyssa in London of the West London College Web Cam. Now, you won't be able to tell it is her - as I cannot zoom in. (I can't wait to see what the next 30 years brings in technology!!!).

She is standing next to the curb just after the white street line - and has a black shirt hanging below her jacket. There is a guy approaching her. I can't see her face, but I can see her.

2 kids overseas. One in school in London.

One in a war zone. Some days we just count our blessings and turn away from the negatives.

Speaking of wars, I got sent a clip of the last war of today. Alan managed to capture Q and Charlie nose to nose. It turns out that all those longing looks that Q gives Charlie is not in anticipation of eating Charlie, rather it is in anticipation of eating Charlie's treats. We found out years ago that Q liked carrots, but Lettuce. Who would have thought. The secret - give it to Charlie and Q will want it.

A brief tug of war and you guessed it - CHARLIE won! It may have been the dad look to Q, but Q gave up after a quick final sniff of Charlie's nose and skulked away to get his bone (which is bigger than Charlie, might I add).

Towels "Look Mom, No Dad"

We all have the little pet peeves or list of minor but "important to us" list of rules in our homes. Mine is towels. I buy towels from Wal-Mart, Target and Kohl's for everyday use. Sometimes I get some pretty nice ones and when they are new, I like them to stay in that state as long as possible. With a Mastiff Dog that can be hard as towels are used frequently around our home to wipe out said Mastiff Dog's face. Hubby loves to use the newest towels or newest kitchen towels for that use.

Then, occasionally, I splurge. I buy those outrageously expensive towels - where you only buy one or two and if I get a bargain, the better for it. And that was how I came upon the Eddie Bauer Beach Towels. Thick, plush, large. Everything you want for taking to the beach or pool and they stand up to multiple washings. I love those towels. They get used more for showering by hubby than the beach but that is ok. I love them anyway. He has one at Wisconsin House, I have one at Illinois House until I move up there.

So hubby has an I-Phone. I won't get one until Christmas (waiting for my plan to expire) and he takes all sorts of pictures of Charlie with Mastiff Dog and emails them to me. He wants me to know they enjoy each other's company. This picture was titled "Look Mom, No Dad". So he is soooo lucky Charlie didn't get eaten. I just know Mastiff Dog is waiting for an opportunity - but more importantly, I caught my expensive towel draped over the back of the couch - being used to wipe up Mastiff Dog's face and who knows what else. He didn't realize I would catch him with this, but the towel will be grounded when I get back to Wisconsin House. I must save it from ruination. The best part, he has no defense - It was caught in a photo. The towel will revert to my ownership (solely and completely). Now I just need a place to hide it........ The towel wars begin afresh.

What's For Dinner or "How to Torment Your Wife"

So Alan is living the life at Wisconsin House while I prepare Illinois House for sale. The realtor comes Saturday - so I have from tomorrow until Saturday to "clean up". In the mean time all the animals and most possessions have moved their way North. Charlie, the extraordinary guinea pig, has taken a real liking to his new accommodations. He talks a lot more now and popcorns around his cage in great happiness. Alan takes him out every night and sometimes in the mornings too. So, I guess to either remind me what I am missing, he takes pictures with his I-Phone - and then emails them to me.

Tonight, Q-puppy is seen watching the piggie with great interest. Not a great photo, put it does enough to scare me. I guess Q doesn't scare Charlie - even as he licked his lips over and over while staring with hope and anticipation at Charlie. Charlie is back safe and sound in his cage. I can sleep tonight and I know Q will sleep hoping he gets another chance tomorrow. There's always tomorrow.

The Kid Makes Captain

Today was a big day for our son. A little history - he was commissioned on December 17, 2004 as a Second Lieutenant and chose Armor for the Branch he wanted to serve in, thus, becoming an Armor officer. He was an honor graduate at the Armor Officer Basic course that following Spring and Summer and has gone on to serve our Country. He completed his first deployment from November 2005 through November 2006. During his first deployment he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. During that tour he received the Bronze Star. While home on his one year break from combat he got married to our wonderful daughter-in-law and has added a new dimension to our family.

Now he is on his second combat tour in Iraq. He was promoted to Captain today. We are very proud of him and honored that he has chosen to serve our Country. And of course we get to brag cause we think he is just great!

Guinea Pigs, Cars and Cabin Filters

Charlie supposedly "asked" for a tour of his new home. He was "not content" to stay in his cage or on dad's lap and view his surroundings, so off he went to the master bedroom. Of course, the Master bed is the domain of the cats. Charlie's visit was overseen by "fat cat" Neffie. I think her massive obesity kept her hunter instincts stilled long enough to let him explore without fear of death.

Of course I get sent the photos and want to know was he really protected - one turned back and he would be swiss guinea pig. But I guess it went well and more visits are planned when I am not around.



My car came back from the Dealership. One problem fixed and one not fixed. The problem fixed - the horrible smell is gone. Last week this foul odor waffs it's way into my car. I thought something must have died in the engine. But it turned out to be my "cabin filter". (Who knew I had a cabin filter - craziness). It had gotten wet at some distant point in the past and had grown full of mold and mildew. Yeah, that bad. Then the mold moved into the vents. So they replaced the filter and "smoked out" the vents. The smell is gone. The turn signals - well they still click for awhile after they have turned off despite a parts replacement. And all that with almost 3 inches of snow today. Spring really needs to come!

Q and Charlie Go To The Vet

Q's foot is still not healing. He went for a recheck and it was decided that he would not be put through the x-rays again. The prior week they x-rayed his foot and he was so traumatized he soiled himself in all ways. This required much bathing afterwards. Now I think we will just watch him, care for him and let him live out his life until he is no longer comfortable.

Charlie went with for moral support. The vet clipped his nails and checked his teeth. His teeth are in find shape for a guinea pig. He let her look for all of 3 seconds, but enough to make a determination. Charlie has officially moved in with Q and the cats. The cats are doing fine. The fat one has adjusted to the new house but is crabby at times. I officially live pet-less Monday through Friday while Alan has all the pets. I think Q is happy to see the guinea pig come live with him. That is all my news on the pets.

Happy 21st Birthday To My Daughter

Today is my daughter's 21st birthday. She is the baby of the family and today is bittersweet for me. We are separated by an ocean. She is pursuing her education in London - her Aunt Sharon is with her today and they are having a wonderful time (6 hours ahead, I have already talked to her). Her boyfriend is flying over on Thursday 3/13 to see her (arriving on 3/14) so he is bringing her present from us. (I am publishing this after her boyfriend arrives with her present).

I had a hard time deciding what to give her for her 21st birthday. In our family, birthdays are not about the amount of money spent and we have already spent quite a bit flying her to London. So I wanted to make it meaningful, but not jewelry as Alyssa is picky (at least with me). In the end, I decided to give her the gift of music.

The present in and of itself will be fleeting as time goes; but it is the memory that she is to keep forever. I sent her an IPOD Shuffle in bright red with an inscription. Something witty - that fits her. That she can wear on her lapel and be hip and fun. 21 is the time to be hip and fun.

I also sent her a letter and a CD of songs I selected for meaning - songs about a parents love; facing challenges; my favorite love song for the wish that in the future she finds a husband that will love her and cherish her as much as we do - as much as my husband does for me. It has songs about finding a home and coming home and a song about remembering the child in you - to have fun in life while getting through life. A song that this is her time, and that no matter the struggles in life, she needs to do them anyway. There were only 20 songs I choose - they wouldn't be everyone's choice, but they were the choice I chose for her. I sent Itunes gift cards too. She has her own impressive collection but you can never have too much music in your life. It is music that tells the stories of our lives. It makes us laugh, it makes us cry and it makes us think.

There is so much I wish for all my children. The boys turned 21 while we were working, raising kids, struggling with health issues. They didn't get the letter and the special thoughts and wishes about remembering your faith, remembering your family, finding a home, being involved in your community (you have to stand for something) and taking your time to find those things - don't be in such a hurry. As much as I wish this for her, I wish these things for my sons. My wish for my children - to live a life fully lived - a life with few regrets - and a love to last a lifetime.

News From The Kid

He is married now and almost 25.... but we still call him "The Kid". Affectionately, lovingly, and we miss him very much. We are so proud of all he has accomplished - he has his bachelor's from George Washington University and is now doing his second overseas tour. He remembered to call me on my birthday - he is so much better than us with remembering birthdays and special events. He called me back today to give me updates - life is good, temps in the 70's - (it will be 130 by summer). The washing machines were delivered - no more waiting for the cleaners... they can do their own laundry. They have a few stray dogs they have adopted and are taking care of. Things are moving along. He should be promoted to Captain on April 1st. I can't say where he is - but we are grateful for the internet and phone connections that put us in contact with him. His birthday is in late March. Send great birthday thoughts his way!

Snowed In

The snow began yesterday. By 10:30am Richard had borrowed the neighbor's snowblower and was trying to dig us out slowly. Richard and I both have the flu - so it has been a tough week. He is younger then me and in better shape, so off he was sent to do the work. We have great neighbors because as the snow continued, he snowblowed my driveway twice more after Richard left for work.

Q has found the snow too deep for his liking. He is refusing to go down the deck stairs and absolutely making me miserable with him. (I guess the adage "misery loves company" works for dogs too.) I went to take a picture and couldn't resist the squirrels chasing each other on the back fence. What I didn't capture was that the rear squirrel kept slipping. He or she managed to hold on and make it to the end of the fence and up the tree to almost safety.

We're expecting more snow tonight. I really hope it is just flurries. I can't even think about adding more snow to what we have already. I think the goal is to see if the birdbath gets buried this year. Stay warm everyone!

All Things Q

Q went to the vet Saturday morning. He had a split toenail and a "growth" thing growing out the bottom. Alan took him. They ended up having to cut the nail way high up into the foot. The Vet said Q was the oldest mastiff she had seen in awhile. He is just over 8 years old. The Vet said she suspects cancer - but they are not doing a biopsy (why charge us money - he is so old). If the growth comes back then it is probably cancer - they see a lot of toe cancers in old dogs. Alan and I have suspected cancer for awhile in his right leg/shoulder. But he is comfortable - and until that changes we'll keep him comfortable and alive. To be serious I don't think we could put him to sleep unless he was suffering. Just having cancer doesn't mean he is suffering. So, I have the Flu - and every time I fall asleep I have nightmares from the fever. I have had nightmares about Q since last night. It sucks to have an old dog. Alan took his bandage off this morning and he is doing okay - hopefully the nightmares will stay away!

So last month after we moved to the new house, I got a linksys router (it was the only brand available) at Wal-mart. Well our neighborhood is full of linksys routers and on the list there were 2 or 3 named "linksys". I was pretty sure i had picked our router and went about setting the security settings. I asked Alan what he wanted it named and he said name it after the wonder-dog Q. So I did. Well we had issues and then I could not get back into the router. So I reset it to factory settings and there, on the network list in the neighborhood appeared the router with Q's name. Now the guilt set in. New neighbors and I mess up their router - that and I had no way of knowing which neighbor it was. I suspected that since they never renamed it or set security settings, they may be unfamiliar with how to do it. We have an open concept back yard and I can see 5 houses from my living room. So we unplugged everything and sure enough the next morning it was still there. It took about 2 weeks for it to disappear from the neighborhood list. I told Alan not to open the back door and yell for the dog until we get to know our neighbors a little better so we can make the appropriate apologies. We plan to throw a summer barbeque. We renamed our router completely differently. I think I want the new Apple router. I may get one. They are much pricier than the other models, but after the basement is finished, I see many new things on the horizon for us.

Speaking of basement finishing, I am excited about getting the basement done. We will not do the Owens-Corning system. It is a lovely system, easy to install, with a R11 rating. They do the electricity, the drop ceiling and 14 lamps. The price to do 500 square feet left us gasping - $35,900 and that did not include the flooring. So we meet with a builder Wednesday. I think I want radiant heating in the floor. He estimated around $15,000 so we will see after he actually looks at the house. I had sent him pictures so he isn't totally unrealistic. It is amazing at the costs to do walls, ceilings and flooring. Once we commence the project I will post updates and pictures on the blog. We have the movers finally coming 2/23 to move the rest of our stuff to East Troy. Yeah! We'll leave a skeleton house in Illinois until we sell it or rent it. If my friend doesn't post her baby feet picture I may ask her if I can - it is wonderful. Congrats Christy and Nick on your new baby boy - Ben!

Off To London Again

Alan flys out to see Sharon next week and check on her. I wish, very much so, that I could go with. But I can't. So he shall send my love for me. While he is gone, I get the dog. The DOG - the one pictured above - that will FREAK OUT when dad is gone. The one that has all his "stuff in Wisconsin" and babysits the "usual spots" where his "stuff" used to live in Illinois - as if the items will magically appear if he wishes hard enough. On top of that, he insists on being hand fed - or almost hand fed. We have to hold his bowl (my corningware baking dish) for him as he eats. In how many languages can you say SPOILED! (German: Verdorben - Dutch: Bedorven - Spanish: Estropeado - Italian: Guastato - and Greek: Χαλασμένος) The Greek have pretty letters. The italian - I think their word for spoiled is classic. But I digress. Needless to say, I am for a few days of the dog putting on his own version of "A Greek Tragedy."

I am going to see mom the weekend of my birthday (2/15-2/18) and Alan will stay home with the dog and cats. I cancelled my Key West trip for May. The Singer/Songwriter Festival will (sadly) go on without me. They just don't know what they are missing in Key West. Ha ha. I may try to fly to The Netherlands to see Sharon in May.

Alyssa is getting ready to go to London. This time she has to pack her room for the movers to take to the new house. This one may still be unsold by the time she comes back (with the way the market is), but in any case, all her stuff is going to Wisconsin "just in case". Her Visa is valid only until May 30th - so that means while she is over there she will have to get it extended to complete the program year. They (they, being the British Visa People), are waiting for the final tuition payment to be made to extend her Visa to the end of the program. In my opinion, another way to soak another $210 out of us and I have no idea how that works while she is there. Here, she had to send her passport in, whereas there, she is required to have it on her. But that is what being 21 is all about. She will have to figure it out. 

So stress, I have no stress - just have to get her to the airport on time for Monday - and off she goes. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be her age again - but with options. And my quotes sadly did not readjust her. I got "the look". But London will readjust her. I am looking forward to the changes.

New Year Musings

The New Year has certainly started with a blur of activity! We are STILL moving. The movers are finally being scheduled. In the meantime we are working on getting the final packing put together. Alyssa just got her Visa Application papers yesterday. School starts 1/31 so we are uncertain if she will make it in time for the start of school. She will be very disappointed if she has to wait for a June start. The college in London offers a program not available in the U.S. (or very difficult to find) so hopefully her Visa application will go through quickly. Knowing Murphy's law and the Brits, it will, no doubt, be delayed by bureaucratic shenanigans. (Thus leaving me stuck with a very mad 20 year old).

I ended 2007 recuperating from being ill and Sharon has started 2008 being ill in the Netherlands. AJ is in Iraq and doing well. Emily and I get to talk daily about Bishop - their lovely Lab/Sharpei puppy.

So while we do the packing and moving the plus side is discovering the various things you forgot you owned. Alyssa packed up all the china and in the cabinet found old photos, papers and cards I had bought 12 years ago at Successories (a store selling business items). I found 18 cards - 16 large square cards with phenomenal pictures and quotes. So I thought I would share a few of them with you and what they mean to me on this day in 2008.

The Essence of a Hero

True Heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others whatever the cost.

To our soldiers. Each of you is a hero in my eyes. Thank you for your courage, your service, your sacrifice.

Living A Legacy

All that we are we will pass on to our children - our loves, our hopes, our dreams, our character. Therefore, let your thoughts be planted in rich soil and let your actions stand tall in a child's eyes. Just as fruit does not fall far from the tree, children do not stray far from their heroes.

It is important to remember that we are our children's heroes. What we do will impact them, teach them how to behave as they grow. I read this and am reminded of the song
"Watching You" by Rodney Atkins

Chorus:
He said I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We like fixing things and holding mama's hand
Yeah we're just alike, hey ain't we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Essence of Survival

"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed....every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle... when the sun comes up, you'd better running"

I decided to include Survival - the raw reality of everyday life.

Finally, my last card for tonight is a tough choice: Topics are Attitude, Integrity, Today, Giving, Destiny, Achievement, Success, Leader, Persistence, Belief, and Truth.

To survive in this world, you need integrity and courage - and sometimes it takes courage to have integrity.

The Courage Of Integrity

The highest courage is to dare to be yourself in the face of adversity. Choosing right over wrong, ethics over convenience, and truth over popularity... these are the choices that measure your life. Travel the path of integrity without looking back, for there is never a wrong time to do the right thing.

Well thanks for reading along with me. I enjoyed my cards and am looking over the booklet I found with the cards: Attitude, Your Internal Compass. and Fall In Love with Your Future. I should be readjusted by the end of the weekend (or have Alyssa readjusted by the end of the weekend). Wish me well!