$$$

Last week DJ found out just how expensive I am to live with. First he went and bought MS a new bumper for her BMW that I may or may not have backed into. (I was told that was my Christmas present) Then he went and bought a new door to replace the one I put a hole in, well the barstool put a hole in when it fell as I was getting off...

I wonder if he's starting to rethink things!?

Learn From My Mistakes...

If you're on your second date with someone and they whip out the blueprints to the house they are going to build, don't just pretend to look at them and say they look great.  Take a look at them and tell them what needs changed-- they're still trying to win you over at this point and will listen to whatever you say.  And you'll have closet space if you ever move in.  You may think this doesn't happen, but it has and history is apt to repeat itself!

Wordless Wednesday

Brr!!

Woofta, it's cold out there!!  I get home from work and lose all ambition and any desire to go back outside into the frigid tundra!  Maybe I'm just a pansy; MC doesn't seem to mind going out one bit! 

DJ thinks we need to clean the garage, so I guess that's where you'll find me tonight!  Luckily it's heated so I should be able to feel all of my digits when we're done.  Hopefully we can find those mice we have been trying to catch and get rid of them before they find a way into the house-- gross!

So while most other people are spending their time wrapping presents and sitting by the warm fire, I'll be heave-ho-ing our DJ's new garage cabinets around until they're in the right place for him!

Ahh good times.  Feel free to stop by and lend a helping hand! :)

Catching Up

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!!  DJ and I celebrated with his family early and then with my family on Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving.  We took the boys with us to Ma and Pa's and they got to play with their cousins.  MC got along great for his first over night trip!  He wasn't even the one we had to clean up after!!

I made CJ a lemon meringue pie (gross).  I winged it, but she said it was good.  I took her word for it.

Ma told me I had a fat ass.

We ate.

We went home.

I went to work and watered.

And that is how we spent the holiday!!

MS came and spent the night and we went shopping on Friday.  And as always, we were hot messes.  It just wouldn't be black Friday without it!  :)

I put the lights up outside.  All
DJ and I put the tree up tonight.  He did "help" me put lights on it and the moose on top.  Now I'm trying to get presents wrapped and figure out who else I need to buy for!

During this crazy time, I hope you will also remember the real reason for the season and keep Christ in CHRISTmas!

:)

Yay!!

We got the news we wanted today, thank you all for the prayers! 

The Finale (apparently I forgot to hit publish last night...)

We're at the end of the month.  Seriously!? Am I the only one that thinks that is CRAAAAZY!?  I'm pretty sure it's only supposed to be July 4th... 

The last day.  I saved my family for the last day.  I can't even put into words how thankful I am for them.  From my parents and siblings to my cousins and aunts and uncles and grandparents to DJ and his family.  I know that I could call any one of them and they would be there.  DJ gets those calls all the time!!  I'm not sure if I call him or Pa more when I need something, especially when it has to do with cars/plumbing/electricity!  MS and OS are always there when I need to vent and Ma always has recipes for me!!  The brother knows something is wrong when I call him.  CJ and him showed up after UC passed with a six pack and scratch tickets-- he knows how to help a hurtin' gal!!  When we get together, look out.  Our traditions consist of eating, drinking, and laughing.  Those are our top priorities!!  We all give each other a hard time and most of us can take it!  

I can call TM one of my best friends.  We were cousins able to grow up like sisters and then lived together without either of us killing the other!!  I have gone to Texas multiple times to visit DC and my cousins.  One of them got me my car-- not as easy of a task as he thought it was going to be!!  My love of horses was bred into me.  There are very few horse people I have come across that doesn't know at least one of my grandfathers.  Gma taught me how to make fried chicken and pie crusts.  She also gave me my love of card games and taught me to play caroms.  I have so many fond memories of my great grandparents and Gma M.  We always built blanket forts.  Lemon drops and Werther's Originals can take me back to them like nothing else.  

DJ's parents were there for me when I found JW caught in the trap.  She called the vet and told them we were coming, he was able to get the trap off of JW.  They call when the power goes out to come stay warm up there.  She let my pony stay at her barn and got him out when it caught on fire.  I'm pretty sure DJ's brother is the reason I never got an apartment when I got my job at prison, saving me tons of money!  He's also helped with stripping a door from the rental.  

I'm going to ask again for extra prayers for my family this week.  Hopefully we will get answers and soon will be able to put everything behind us, but for now, we pray.  

Lordy Lordy

A part of me is dreading this coming week.  A part of me can't wait for it.  All of me is thankful that the good Lord above will get us through it.  I am thankful he is always there for us and that he is forgiving, because anyone who knows me (and many who don't...), knows that there have been a time or two I have needed forgiven.  He has been with us through everything, and this week especially, my family and I need your prayers.  

We really appreciate it.  

Thank you

xoxo

Spiraling Out of Control

Ahh I missed it.  I did the catch up post, but got busy and forgot to do another!

I am thankful for traditions.  Holiday ones seem to be the best and they always seem to leave us in side-splitting laughter!

I hope you all had a very wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to spend it with your family making more memories and traditions come alive!!  

Fallin Apart

Ahh fail...

For Yesterday: I'm thankful for drinks after work. Sometimes a girl just needs to forget about work for a lil bit. 

E-I-E-I-O

I can't say this enough times, but I am so thankful for farmers!! While most don't portray the picture that the song "Old McDonald" paints, they've had a huge influence on my life! My childhood, my education, my jobs, my present, and my future.

While I didn't grow up as the farmer's daughter, I did grow up in a farming community.  Pa has always worked in the agricultural field, working early hours and late nights to provide his services and products to the farmers.  I would often ride with him.  I loved being in the sprayer, "Bear" (a semi truck-- hmm, see DJ and I really are meant to be- ha!), tractors, combines, or even just his truck driving around.  I always asked ask who lives there, or who farms that?  I'm not sure if he really knew or if he just said a name-- it's a complete toss up really!!  We'd drive around and look at crops and get out and walk fields.  I was his little helper.  I spent many afternoons/evenings standing around some farmer's shed with the guys. 

My grandparents owned a farm and did both row crops and livestock.  I was always there riding or helping Gpa with the horses.  We would ride back around the field to check on the cattle.  I was in FFA and on the beef team in high school.  I worked at the chicken ranch, not to be confused with the Pizza Ranch!!  The chicken ranch was the term we gave the egg packing plant.  There were maybe three of us girls working there through high school.  It was not the most pleasant, but we would rather be there than all dolled up working retail or something!  I went off to college and helped in the hog barns.  I graduated with a BS in animal science. 

I worked summers at a crop dusting company and fell in love with it!  I decided that I needed to take some classes in agronomy.  Then I found my internship, which led to my job, and DJ.

Now I'm back to riding in the trucks, tractors, semi's, combines and standing in sheds with the guys. I'm back to going on crop tours and giving the guys rides when they need it.  I check the rain gauge.  I go out and feed the "hay burners" in blizzards.  I haul hay racks home in the heat of the summer. 

I am one of the very few lucky ones who get to see first hand the hard work that farmers put in throughout the year.  I see the risk they deal with first hand.  So next time you see a farmer, thank him or her, your belly is full because of them!

oh noooooo

I missed a day!!  Ahh after 25 days you would have thought I'd remember.  Fail.

To make up for it, I'll be doing two posts today, here's the first.

I am thankful for the people I work with, as they are often the ones who I try out new recipes on.  They'll tell me how it is and if I should keep it or ditch it.  Most of the time they don't complain about the free treats!!

On the Beach

Ahh can you imagine how nice a long walk on the beach would be right now!?  Glorious, right!? 

Instead the neighbor and I took the dogs for a nice long walk around the snow covered field!! It was actually really nice. The sun was out and we only fought the wind for a little bit at the end. It was nice to get out and move while catching up with a friend and wearing out the dogs, all at the same time!!  Talk about multitasking.  

Who needs a warm day on a beach!? So tonight I'm thankful for  long walks in the snow. On a side note, my butt better be lookin good cuz those Muck boots are heavy!!! 

Brr

I'm thankful for heaters. It was cold today. 

As I Stuff My Face...

HELLO!! 

We had a makeover last night.  Just to celebrate my 100th post!  (Okay, maybe the truth sounds something more like, I finally found a tutorial I could follow and while I was doing that I discovered this would be the 100th...)  Aren't I talented!?  I was impressed with myself!  Pa actually took the picture of the windmill, so I must thank him, but the "editing" I totally did on my own!!  Impressive, right?!  But on to day 22 of me being thankful!  (where did this month go?!)

DJ once told me he liked me the way I was.  Not too skinny.  Although, I'm pretty sure he failed to mention I wasn't too fat...  But anywho, as I sit here and stuff my face with a healthy salad the largest salad I've ever seen in my life, I'm so thankful that he doesn't pressure me to stay skinny.  He once told me that OS was too skinny.  He didn't want me to get that skinny.  So I asked what about MS?  He said she was just about perfect.  (I guess that makes me the fat sister?!)  It's nice to know that I can participate in one of my favorite hobbies without having to worry about what he'll think if I put on a few more pounds.  I think we're a match made in Heaven!! 

Seasons Greetings

I'm so glad I live in the Midwest!  Even though I complain about the weather 75% of the time!  I don't think I could handle one season.  Here we get all four seasons, sometimes within one week!  I love that I can still wake up to go to work and look at my phone and there can be a text saying it's a late start due to the bad weather!  It's like that Christmas morning feeling you had as kids, but for adults!!  I love that I can  could get off work and go ride throughout most of the year.  I love the fall colors.  I love the spring storms (until the house starts whistling... then I realize this is real life, not a tv show!!).  I love the summer nights.  I get sick of the hot weather and then I think, hey at least I didn't have to scrape my windows.  Then I get sick of the cold weather and think hey, at least I'm not sweating just walking outside to get the mail!

I like both extremes and can't imagine living in a place without one or the other.  I would get bored.  I can't imagine having next to zero possibility for snow on Christmas morning.  I love the unexpected, rapidly changing weather we get here.

I am thankful for what many people use as an excuse not to live here-- and maybe that is why I'm most thankful for it!?

Storm Rollin' In

Summer Nights

Winter Storm

Time Flies

I went to a junior college and played softball for two years there. I then went to a state university for three years. I was one of the last people in my class to decide where to go. 

Boy am I thankful I went the route I did. I met some great friends, including JT. I lived with my cousin for a year. I lived with JT for multiple years. I lived with a boy for a year. I learned what it was like to have a dog to take care of. And I guess I got an education. 

I made memories, some I only remember through pictures. It led me to DJ and it led me to my job. Sometimes you just have to have faith that it'll all work out!

Goin' Places

I don't have a fancy car.  Most people would probably consider my car nice.  Others wouldn't even consider making it their own.  I, however, LOVE it!!  I got it while I was going to college.  I had a good paying summer job so I convinced Pa I needed something bigger.  (I can't remember if I had JDB or if I got her right after, but let me tell you, she took up a lot of car space!) I drove the Mountaineer for quite awhile and decided that I didn't need something that could hold eight people and allow them to watch DVDs, and cost a lot to fill up... I apparently thought I was a soccer mom.  I went back to my old car.  I drove it around from place to place and only got stranded a couple multiple times!  The ol' gal just got tired sometimes!

I started looking, but couldn't find anything I liked.  The only two things it had to have were leather seats and a sunroof.  I wanted it to be white, silver, black, gray, or red.  And of course be in my price range.  And then I found one.  It was a dark gray VW Jetta.  We got in touch with my cousin at the dealership and he said he'd have a guy look at it and if it was good to go he would keep it for us.

And then it sold.

And so I looked more.  With no luck.  And then I found it!!  It was only on the clear opposite side of one of the largest states in the country, but no biggie.  He sent his guy after it and it was mine.  Sight unseen.  Oh boy.  What was I getting myself into!!

A silver VW Jetta.  Diesel.  Sunroof.  Leather.  Perfect.

And we flew to Texas to bring it home.  We picked it up and headed home, only to run into a blizzard half way back.  Lucky for me, it was Pa's half of the drive!!

We made it home with only having to stop once for fuel and then again to put some anti-gelling agent in.  She was in shock.  Going from warm, sunny southern Texas to our state that could be 60 one day and a blizzard the next!

I still have her.  I still love her.  I hardly drive her.  I drive the dogs' car to work to keep miles off of her.  I plan on keeping her around forever.  My grandkids will drive her if I have my way!

She's our road tripping car.  She's been to Texas, New Mexico, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Missouri, and I'm sure I'm forgetting some!!

Even though she sits in the garage most of the time, I'm thankful I have her and the Exploder for the dogs.  Some people don't have one vehicle and I have two.  I'm a lucky gal.

Mmmm....

I love pizza. I would hate to know how often we eat it! I am so thankful for carry out pizza on nights like this! We were supposed to have soup. That didn't happen. 

Someday soon I'll have a good post!!

Ahh Refreshed

I am so thankful for lazy days!  I had a pretty hectic week and weekend, but today I was able to just relax.  We got up early to meet up with Ma and Pa for breakfast.  After we ate, they went to shop, MS & BM headed home, and DJ and I went and picked up a few things to make soup and headed home.  I bummed around the house and then met up with OS for a late lunch/early supper.  I brought some pizza home for DJ and we've been watching football since.

And now, I think my bed is calling me.  Hopefully I'll catch up on some sleep!!  Have a great week, last full week of work until Thanksgiving break--whoo hoo!

Oh no

My ms is amazing. She's hilarious. And awesome. And amazing. And amazeballs. 

And that was the guest post from ms...

But I am thankful for her. And the rest of my family. But that's for another day. A sobER one. 

Tonight I'm thankful for a good night out with good people. And sleep. I need sleep. 

Uh oh!

I missed a day. My bad. But I have to say the heart to heart was so worth it. 

SO so so Thankful for those talks :)

In a Hard Spot

Ahh it's late, but I remembered. MS did remind me so there's her little shout out!! 

Tonight I was quite thankful for hardwood and tile floors. Crazy, right?! But seriously, vacuuming carpet is hard work. I only have to little bedrooms to do and I'm pretty sure I burn more calories in those two rooms than I do in the rest of the house combined. Just think how skinny I could be if I didn't win the hardwood battle of the build! Wait, that would probably mean I'd have to vacuum more than when I'm expecting visitors... Just kidding, I totally vacuum more often than that. Sometimes. Maybe once. 

And now I'm thankful for bed and I don't think I'm the only one!! 

Out cold!!

Say Cheese!

I was asked to find some pictures for a Christmas present.  I started going through my stash on my computer and came across a bunch of pictures from my college days.  I couldn't help but laugh at some and shake my head at others.  There were people I didn't remember and events I had forgot about!  I'm sure JT and LR would LOVE to see them and we could laugh at ourselves.

I also ran across lots of pictures of both JDB and UC.  I still miss them, but I couldn't help but chuckle at some of the pictures I found.  They were both so full of life and would get themselves in quite the predicaments!

I'm so thankful for these pictures and the memories they can revive!

Have a great night friends

Home Sweet Home

It snowed yesterday.  Not much at all, but enough to really make a person stop and think how thankful they are they have a warm place to go home to.  I have never been in a position where I didn't have a warm place to stay.  Most times that warm place has food in it too.  While it may seem "normal" to many, there are some out there that don't have that blessing.

While I often say I would change things about the SHITMON, I'm glad I can consider it mine and not worry about feeling the breeze blow through it, like I did in the rental...

On a Serious Note...

I wasn't planning on writing about veterans today, as I think they should be thanked more than the 2-3 times a year that they do get a kind word (mainly in the form of their friends posting a status saying thank you, vets, with some actually taking the time to thank that person individually).  I'm not saying this is a bad thing to do, as I do it, but I wish people would think about them throughout the year, not just on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran's Day.  They really do deserve more than a simple thank you. 

Take time to fill a care package up and send it overseas.  They love getting the packages.  Or just send a simple (hand written) thank you note.  There are many groups that will send things over, you just have to drop the items off for them.  You can also find soldiers' addresses online and send them a suprise.  Who knows, it might be the only thing they receive while they're deployed.

They're putting their lives on the line for us, I think it's only fair to take a couple minutes out of your day and do something for them.  So thank a vet today.  And tomorrow.  And the next day.  And the next day...

Short n Sweet

Today I'm thankful for real life. Ya know, the bad things that happen or you're not expecting. They make the good times that much sweeter and remind you to take a look at your life and what the important things really are. It reminds you of how precious life is and how to live in the moment. And to always tell your loved ones how much you care. 

Good night and God bless. 

Run Forrest, Run!

Well we did it.  After a long, eventful drive, we finally found the correct location and we ran in our race that we have been "training" for.  We started out jogging down the gravel road and then it took us to the cattle pastures, with nice fresh cow pies!  We ran through the pasture for awhile and then came to "the woods."  We went up a mountain rather large hill (I forgot those existed in this state after living in the flats for so long!) over trees and through creeks and up and down more hills.  I can't lie.  I walked.  A lot.  I only rolled both of my ankles twice, so not bad considering I am known to do that when running from first to second base! I only saw one of the mile markers, three, so I knew I was closing in on the finish line by then.  There was one point that I crossed the creek and then I lost the path.  I couldn't see trail markers and I couldn't see any other runners.  I finally caught a glimpse of a shirt way ahead of me so I headed towards it and finally found the trail again.  I didn't take my phone with me since I didn't know how wet I was going to be getting, so no pictures.  I was racing a girl at the finish line and so I didn't even look to see what my time was.  

I got done, grabbed a bottle of water, and went to wait for the boss to finish.  And then someone started calling my name.  I turned around to see a high school classmate.  I talked to him a bit and then went to see what the timer said, it was just rolling over to 50 minutes.  I'm not sure if they will post times online or not, but I'm still happy I finished under 50 minutes considering the terrain I was on!  The boss finished shortly after and instead of grabbing the famous beef stew they have, we decided to head home.  

So today I'm thankful I finished!  I'm also thankful for my training partner, even though we are probably the worst partners ever, as neither of us ever push us...  

And when I got home I got a package full of goodies to start my next venture with-- we're going to see how well I can sell things! Wish me luck!

It's the Weekend

And that is exactly what I shall write abut today!! I'm so thankful for weekends. Can you imagine not having those two days off!?  Most of the time we wish we had more days off, when really we should be happy we get any!!

This weekend should be interesting and the posts should give you all an idea of how I spend my weekends. 

I totally tried posting this last night and MS let me know this morning it did not. Nuts. There goes that record. 

Catching Up

I am so thankful for my friends. I don't get to see them all as often as I'd like, you know, that whole growin up and gettin big girl jobs puts a strain on friendships.

But I have a few close friends who I could, scratch that, do, go without seeing for months. And then when we see each other or even just talk on the phone, nothing has changed between us!! Our lives could do a complete 180 but we still have each other. It's great. 

And we can always relate to each other. I seriously love my friends and I would be lost without them!! 

Still Truckin'

I hope you all are as impressed with me as I am! 

I wrote about books yesterday, so now I must write about music. I am so thankful I am able to crank up the radio and unwind on my way home from work. I also listen to it at work to make the day go by faster. My iPod has everything from Johnny Cash to Nickelback to Jock Jams     And we can't forget a little Britney and Christina in there!! No matter the mood, you can always find a song to relate to. Or to make things better. 

And now I gotta go watch the CMA's and see if any of my favorites win!! (Okay, okay I mainly watch to listen to performances...) 

Another Close One

I almost forgot to write tonight!! 

I'm thankful for books. I went through a phase (called school) where I didn't like to read. The closest thing to reading for pleasure I got to was my sister's horse magazines. And then I took a summer job where I worked from before sunrise to after dark and did very little actual work. It was a game of hurry up and wait. And then work your tush off for ~12 minutes before you were back to waiting. 

Believe it or not, I could only sleep so many hours in a day, or maybe the extreme heat made it impossible for me to sleep??  And so I started reading. I don't know how many books I read that summer. Ma would pick some up for me and I would run to the library and pick a handful out whenever I had the chance. 

I don't read as much as I did that summer, I spend more of my time outside or inside quilting and cleaning than reading. And then I'll find a really great book that I just can't put down!! And that is way better than any tv show. 

Ugh

Third time writing. 

I've written about a couple different things now. But it's late and I'm hungry so tonight I'll write about how thankful I am for the food I put in my belly. 

And with that I'm off to eat ...

Third Time's a Charm!

I'm makin' it happen here in November!

Today's ramblings won't be as long as yesterdays, probably because it isn't about my animals!  

I'm going to write about being thankful for my health today.  I think a lot of us, me included, take our good health for granted.  There are a lot of people out there wishing they could just be "normal."

I've always been pretty healthy, I don't know how really, I sure don't eat healthy.  I mean, my post-workout snack is usually Oreo's and milk.  (I once read that chocolate milk was the perfect post-workout drink, but that's just gross, so I make do!)  I don't work out regularly.  I always played sports in school and I ride, but I don't go to the gym and pump weights.  I have been running again, not that I enjoy it (at all...).  I signed up for another off-road race this year to motivate me.  I'm hoping some day it will hit me and I'll decide I love to run.  I'm still waiting for that runner's high they speak of.  I think it's all a lie!  I guess I'll keep running though, because I can.  Someday I might not be able to and I would hate to look back and think why didn't I run when I could!  I'm trying to work on eating better since I'm feeding more than just me, but darn it, pizza just tastes so good!!  So I'm trying to do my part, but I could totally do better.  

I have to thank God for my health, cuz my habits are definitely not the reason I'm healthy!  

On a Roll

Day 2.  (Warning: this went from a one paragraph post to the 2nd longest post ever...with pictures)

So far I haven't missed a day.  I'm impressed with myself.

I'm thankful for my four legged chillins, both living and passed.  They have all taught me more than the 18 years of schooling I went through.  They've taught me real life lessons that you can't get from books.  They're always there when you've had a bad day and want nothing more than for you to be happy.  They've taught me patience, kindness, love, how to nurture, how to react in an emergency, how to compete, how to always try to better myself.  They've taught me to live each day to the fullest and how precious life really is.  They have taught me not to hold grudges, that most things won't matter in five years, or really, quite often, five minutes.

Just this morning, I was heading out to pick DJ up and help move them to a new field and I loaded the dogs up and MC ralphed.  Not just once, but three times.  In my vehicle.  (all in different spots, all of which had cracks/crevices for it to run down into...)  Instead of getting mad because now I was going to get in "trouble" with the boss man for being late cuz I had to stop and clean it up, I was more worried about the little guy's upset tum tum.  (Note: He is back to being his wild and crazy self, so I think he's over it.  And I didn't get in trouble for DJ having to wait on us!)

I had multiple pets growing up.  The family dog, CJ.  He taught me to get along with everyone.  That dog would have done anything for anyone.  He had his route around town that he would go on everyday, stopping by to say hi to multiple people.  He would go to work with Pa everyday and sometimes go watch the high school football or track teams practice.  Everyone knew Ol' CJ.
A random cat showed up and I named her MW.  She ended up having kittens.  We were able to give them away, but I kept LT.  He was so fat and fluffy.  I'm not even a cat person, but you couldn't help but love him.  And then one day Pa found him stuck between two railroad ties (that's what they told me anyway...).  MW left shortly after that.  They taught me to have an open mind.  Or that I'm a sucker for anything with four legs and in need...
MS had LR.  We thought he was a she until one day Ma spotted something between his back legs...  I wasn't fond of that old cat, but when I would get in trouble, he was there to comfort me.  He taught me not to hold grudges.  Even though I didn't give him much attention he was there when I needed someone.

I picked out Pony when I was 10.  He was supposed to turn gray.  ha.  He's as brown as brown can be.  The one color I didn't want, but I love him.  He's taught me soooo much.  I was the first one on him, and the only one for quite awhile as I was only ten and probably weighed nothing.  From then on, if I wasn't playing ball, I was probably out at the farm with him.  Some days we would work on backing, side passing, pivoting.  Other days we would just go ride around the field.  I showed him, used him to give trail rides to kids at camp, took him to petting zoos.  He's far from perfect, but I wouldn't sell him.  He knows my mood.  If I'm in a good mood, he might be a handful.  If I'm in a bad mood, he'll do anything I ask.  He knows who is on him and he knows when he needs to set an example for the youngin's now.  He's 15 now and makes me feel old.  Some days he still acts like he's a three year old, but that reassures me he still feels good!  He has taught me more than I could ever explain.  Horses will do that to a person!  He taught me to trust.  We have to trust one another.  He's had to get us back home before when we're lost on the trails (or off of them...) and if I ask him to do something new and scary, he has to trust me that it's gonna be okay!  Here we are last year at the competition I wrote about.

Scary spiders don't faze him.

MS gave me JDB my first year at ISU.  It was "a trial run," which to MS means, she's all yours now.  BM found out he is allergic to dogs so they had to get rid of her.  She taught me to have fun in everything.  She was hilarious.  She would entertain herself (and anyone watching) for hours.  She was crazy!!  She loved to run, so I decided to leave her home with ma and pa so she could run instead of being cooped up in my apartment.  Pa called one day to tell me that a friend was jogging and found her at the end of the driveway.  I don't know what happened to her, but I can tell you that she lived everyday to the fullest.  For being a dog, she never slept!  She was always going!!  That following Christmas, we were opening presents and a cast iron skillet was thrown and landed on my toe.  I was laughing so hard and then I started crying.  No one knew why I was crying until I was like I miss JDB.  And then half the room started crying too, because even though SH tormented her, he loved her.  She was a pistol, just like he is.  

What you lookin' at!?

The sisters and I went and picked up JW a couple hours away.  I found him online.  They had found him on the streets.  They said he was a puggle that was a little over a year old.  We got to him and I wasn't sure what I had gotten into.  He wasn't a puggle and he looked about 12 and ready to keel over, but I loaded him up.  He moved into my apartment ("illegally) with MP and me and all he did was lay there.  I would occasionally be able to get him to play, but not often.  And then one day the city tested their tornado sirens.  He went nuts.  He was howling at them and I was dying laughing.  We moved into DJ's place and he discovered that he loves to run.  He's like the Forrest Gump of dogs and for only having stubby little legs, he can move!!  He has taught me a lot.  He taught me to never stop smiling.  He always has his grill out smiling at the world.  He helped get me through when UC passed.  We helped each other heal.  

G-Ma calls it a snaggle tooth, I just like to smile

UC.  You've already read about all we went through.  I miss that dog alllll the time!  I'm still not used to him being gone.  JW isn't either.  That dog taught me to never leave a man behind!!  Seriously, JW got locked in the shed and UC sat there and waited.  MD pulled up and wondered why UC was there and not JW.  Then he opened the door and figured it out!  When JW got caught in the trap, UC waited with him for me to get there.  That's how I found him, I spotted UC's head sticking up out of the grass. 

Eating is hard work

Which brings us to MC.  Oh MC.  I think he is teaching me how to care for a kid.  It's like all those years of babysitting wrapped up in this little guy that I can't take back to his parents cuz I loooove him!  He's my first puppy and he is perfect.  We love him, but the 14 wake up calls a night are getting a little old!!  He goes goes goes and gets along with everyone.  He's learning so much and never gives up.

This is a lot of work but don't worry, I got this!!

So there you have it.  Another long post about the animals in my life!!  Have a great weekend!!

Joining the Bandwagon

The past few years, or maybe since Facebook has been around, every November people do the thirty day thing where they say one thing they are thankful for each day.  Due to my lack of creative writing skills, I'm jumpin on! 
And knowing me, I'll probably have to do a couple days on one day due to me being forgetful...

But hop on and hold on tight to the edge of the wagon!  It could get crazy. 

I might even include pictures.  See.  Crazy.

Okay, here goes.

Day 1.

I am thankful for a job.

It may be able to be a part of the show "Dirty Jobs" (is that even still on!?), but I still love it and its gloriousness...  mmm... bugs!!

(Sorry, no pictures today.  Come back tomorrow.)

He's Here!

As promised, here is the newest member of the family!  Sorry for the terrible quality pictures, they're all from my phone since that is what I usually have with me!!  And NOW...

Introducing, MC.  

(and the crowd goes wild...)

DJ and I went down to see the puppies.  She had had two litters within three days of each other and I believe she had a total of 15 puppies.  They were 4 months old when we first visited. .

MC at 4 months

We drove down to see him and his sisters the week before we left on vacation.  As soon as she opened the pen, legs and tails went everywhere!  MC was the first puppy to come over to me, so I was thrilled to know that it was the only male left!  After we asked lots of questions and played with the puppies, we asked the breeder if she would be willing to keep him until we got back and then we could pick him up.  She was more than happy to do that for us.

JW wasn't real sure what to think of him.  He blew MC off when we brought him home.  I think he is figuring out that this is his new partner in crime and it won't be too long until JW leads him astray!!  It seems that MC picks up on only the naughty things JW does!  (Mainly annoying things for a dog his size, but things I want to prevent becoming habitual for a dog that will be bigger than me.)

JW decided to let MC on his bed with him.

We got him when he was around 4.5 months old.  When we took him to the vet, they looked at his teeth and discovered that he still had some baby ones.  So far I've found three of them.

One of his last baby teeth. 

He is really learning things quickly.  He can entertain himself for quite awhile outside with his toys and the sticks that he can find.  He also loves to pull weeds (and occasionally some flowers) for me.


 

Helping mom plant some bulbs. 

Ehh, I guess we can keep him...

He's also figuring out that five letter word that every dog should know:
Treat!!

Mmm, a treat!

He isn't nearly as picky as JW about those, but he does eat them pretty slowly and off away from everyone else like JW.

While he does remind us a lot of UC, he definitely has his own personality!  Luckily he doesn't mind water and it will be fun to see if he will go swimming when it warms back up.  I'm also excited for the first snow and to watch him play in it.  UC loved the snow and would roll in it and cover his face in it.  Hopefully MC does too and isn't quite as wimpy as JW when it comes to the cold weather!!

Stay tuned for more UC and JW updates... I'm sure they're plotting their first adventure!! 

Life w/ a Farmer

I ran across this blog on Facebook.  A couple of my friends posted it.  Check it out.  Here's my opinions from my personal experience thus far... (note: neither of my friends are married either... that must be a farmer thing!?)

1. 10. Directions.  Act completely clueless as to what he is talking about (because he is terrible at giving directions...) and wait until he has his brother call you with directions simple enough for the dogs to figure out...

2. 9.  Dinner conversations.  Who has time to talk?  We're eating.  Hello... we love food!  Okay, I can relate to this one, but I've learned not to ask questions because then, the smart ass that he is, will go step by step as to how to do something I will never do and half the time don't know most the words he is using.  Smile and nod girls, smile and nod.

3. (crap.  I just noticed she started with 10.) 8. Date nights.  HAHAHAHA  that girl is funny.  What are date nights?!  Oh, sitting at the shop with a cold one in hand??  Yeah, he's a romantic...

7.  Random things in the dryer.  Oh yes.  This happens when he does laundry.  I haven't had any permanent markers in there drawing on my clothing for awhile...  I try to be the one to do the laundry so that I can empty the pockets-- finders keepers = a trailer for me someday!! 

6.  Supper times.  This has always been my life...  or maybe I just always eat??

5.  RSVPs.  Oh, you're supposed to fill those things out?!  Actually, most of our friends and families are in the same industry so we don't run into too many events during planting and harvesting.  (But if it means free food and drinks, you can probably count us in!!)

4.  Out of town trips.  Our roles might be reversed in this one!!  A lot of the times he is the parts runner, so I'll have him stop and pick something up at the store for me while he's there.  It works out well.

3.  Going with the flow.  Again, what are these dates she keeps speaking of!?  This one is pretty true, but I'm usually flying by the seat of my pants as well, so having plans is pretty rare.

2.  Glass half full.  This is something that was a huge surprise for me the first year we were together.  The Knollies don't get too worked up over things they can't control.  It is awesome!!  Instead of worrying about the rain (or lack thereof...), they just get everything else they can control ready for when it's needed.  That was a nice surprise.  No crazy worrying over every little thing here!

1. Mother nature.  Ahh, Luke Bryan was so right, Rain is a Good Thing!  I've grown up around the farming community my whole life and it still amazes me at how much or little rain the plants can take.  Knee high by the 4th of July with very little time and rain-- impressive.  Someday I'll get around to doing a blog series about corn growth.  Some.  Day.

Bullet = Bitten

We did it!!  We got a puppy!!  No worries, there will be a real post about him (complete with pictures) real soon!  I must warn you, he is so stinkin' adorable!! :)

Addition to the Family

We have started our search for another dog.  Actually, we've been searching for awhile. 

BUT, we're going to look at one this week.  I'm super excited/nervous/excited/happy/sad/excited/stoked/etc...

A PUPPY!?  We've never had a puppy before!!  What are we thinking?!  This might be the death of us!! 

I'll keep you posted.

Expect pictures!

Update.

At our last weigh in, DJ was exactly the same weight.  Down to the tenth of a pound.  I had lost two. 

And now he'll take one thing out of his diet and drop 15 pounds in one week... gahh!

Game On

DJ and I are having a contest.

I challenged him to it and I have a feeling I'm going to be the loser.  He's been wanting to lose weight so I decided that we would have a contest.  Our goal is to lose 9% of our weight.  If you lose it, the other person puts extra money toward our vacation.  If you don't lose it, you put in the money.

I have a feeling I'll be broke come weigh-in.

A Blogger?

I used to think my life was too boring to have a blog.  I mean, what would I write about??

Clearly I was right.

It seems the stories come in waves.  One day I'll have ten things to write about (but only write about one, because I'll remember) and then the next my memory has failed and I'm stuck writing about how I have nothing to write about! 

I thought the iPhone was going to help with that?!  Fail. 

I did finally get some stuff out of my weed patch garden.  We had a lettuce salad last night that came from it, although neither of us liked it.  Way too bitter for us.  I also made some guacamole with avacados that came from the grocery store, and then onions, tomatoes, and jalapenos that came from my garden.  It most definitely beat the salad.  I'll have to update you with all my flowers.  Some have decided to bloom.  Others decided to die.  So goes my green thumb...

Hopefully I'll have some good stories come up here soon.  For your sake.

Short and ...

Sweet.  Embarrassing. 

DJ's mom asked if I could go pick up her CSA for her last week.  I said I would. 

I went once last year as well, and when I pulled up the local news channel was there.  The people looked at me like I was crazy.  Apparently they had sent out an e-mail saying they weren't doing it that week, but she was on vacation and didn't have her computer, so how was I to know! 

I thought my second shot would go better... 

I pull up and head toward the barn.  A little girl was riding her bike so I said hi and continued on my way, acting like I knew what I was doing.  I get in the barn and there's a sign that says to grab your box and something about a list with your name and to check it off when you take some.  So I walk into the fridge and look around to see what I was supposed to be taking.  I found the list of names and her's was already checked off.  Hmm... did someone else come and pick it up?  Or is that just for the extra stuff and they take turns?  I don't know!  I look around and see a bunch of boxes, none with names on and they all look the same.  There were also some loose green beans in a box.  I decided I was supposed to grab a box and some loose beans and headed out. 

And then the door wouldn't open.  Awesome.  I tried pushing.  I tried this little lever thing on the side and the pull thing on the other side.  Hmm... what else should I try.  I go back to just pushing. 

And then I remember the little girl.  So I start knocking.  Luckily she comes and lets me out-- but still won't talk to me when I try, so I decide to get out of dodge before someone else sees me informs me I'm taking the wrong thing.

I see two workers on my way out, I just said hi and kept on a truckin'!

I think I'll pass the next time she asks me to go pick it up!! ;)

And the Beat Goes On...

It started out to be another normal morning.  Get up, get ready, go to work.  Get a text from DJ that the barn is on fire...

Yep.  Just another day!

Ponies are safe and sound and that's all that mattered to me!  Things can be replaced.

UC was watchin over the ponies just like he did when he was here!  :)

15 Ways

I got this idea from one of the blogs I follow, http://highheelsandshotgunshells.wordpress.com/.  I figured I would give it a shot; hopefully I won't have so many complaints of making people cry as I did with my last post.  All it is, is fifteen ways DJ and I are different...  we'll see how this goes!

1.  He's a boy.
     I'm a girl.  That counts right?!

2.  He could live on Natty Light, yeah,  he's classy. 
     I would rather drink water from a pond...

3.  To him, horses are hay burners.
     To me, they're part of the family.

4.  He's a morning person.
     I consider hurting him when he wakes me up.

5.  He won't eat anything that lives in water.
     I wish there was a coast that was closer for this reason alone.

6. He's never had glasses or braces.
    I had 'em both and now retainers.  He's a lucky, lucky man...

7. He's a planner.
    I fly by the seat of my pants.

8.  DJ likes to stick around home.
     I love to travel.

9.  DJ won't take his shoes off in the house without being told.
     Ma has me trained to drop em at the door.

10. DJ likes to fall asleep with the TV on.
      I prefer the radio.

11. If food is open for more than three days, DJ thinks it needs to be tossed.
      Unless it has mold on it, I'm gonna eat it.

12.  DJ loves chicken and noodles and beef and noodles.
       I would be A-OK with never having to eat it again.  Ever.

13. DJ loves history.
      I guess I'm more of a science nerd.

14. He's not a fan of country music.
      I'm trying to change that about him ;)

15. DJ throws anything and everything he can find in the washer and start it.
      I like to sort them out and make a complete load before starting it.

Alright, that was difficult.  I can't lie.  I'm sure if I was doing 15 things we have in common, I would be able to think of a bazillion differences, but I'll save that for another day!  Hope you learned something new about one or both of us! :)

A Love Story

Note: this post will continue to be updated as more memories come up.  I don't want to forget anything!!

Just a forewarning, this may be the longest post in blog history!

DJ and I woke up Saturday and I got up and made breakfast.  That should have been our first clue it wasn't going to be a normal day.  We ate and he headed to the shop and I headed into work since I had weekend duty.  I get home just in time for OS to call saying she has some plants for me to pick up.  So we plan to meet in 20 minutes or so.  We meet and exchange our stuff for each other then I head back home, when I'm sidetracked by the garage sales.  I stop at a couple and then head to the grocery store to pick up some stuff for supper since MS was coming up to spend the night.  DJ called and said he was going to go fill the car up and then maybe take a nap.  Alright, I'll be home soon.  I leave the store and head home.  Only to again be sidetracked by a garage sale.  I head home after that and about two miles away, DJ calls.

And this is where it gets a little blurry.  He tells me UC has been hit.  I said "What, how bad?"  I needed details.  He said he was pulling in and UC came out to greet him and didn't see the car coming from the other direction and they hit him and he doesn't know what to do.  I remember him mentioning killing him and I said I'm almost there hang on.  I put the hammer down and upon arrival the car that hit him is in the road and DJ's over UC.  I turn around and with the help of the driver, we load him up and head to the "ER."  [I would like to take this moment to say thank you to the driver for stopping instead of keeping on driving.  And also for helping us load him up.] 

I call the ER to tell them we are on our way and what happened.  I was in the back holding UC's head and talking to him.  He kept moving one of his back leg so that it was up against mine and would put pressure on it.  It was almost as if having it like that gave him some relief.  That worried me.  He was breathing normal for the most part, but then it would turn into labored breathing for a bit and then go back to normal.  That worried me.  I kept talking to him and petting him.  I made him keep his eyes open.  I told him to be strong and that we were almost there.  I called Pa but Ma answered and I told her what happened.  I don't remember what UC did, but I hung up on her to give him my attention.

We finally get there and they bring a carrier out for him.  DJ and the vet or vet tech, I don't really know what he was, carried him in.  I filled out the paperwork.  We sat in the waiting room and waited.  The vet finally came out and told us that his vitals were all normal and ECG looked good but he was shocky so they were giving him fluids and then they would go from there. 

After the fluids, she came back out and said he was really tender in the front shoulder/neck area but couldn't feel that leg.  She said she wanted to do x-rays to see what was going on.  She said it could be something in his neck and/or front leg. 

They did x-rays.  Lots of x-rays.  And they took forever.  She finally came and got us and we went back and looked at them.  Nothing was broken or out of place.  Yay, right?!  Normally one would think.  It was actually what I was praying I wouldn't hear.  I started crying.  She said she couldn't say for sure, but was guessing it was a brachial plexus avulsion, which basically means the nerve "ball" in his armpit was ripped out of place.  This was why he couldn't feel his leg.  There isn't much to do for this.  Very rarely does it fix itself.  Pretty much our only option would be to amputate.  She said she could send it to radiology to determine if that was what it was or if they thought something else was going on.  She said she would hear back within four hours.  I was crying too much to talk and so DJ asked if we could talk about it so the vet left the room.  I settled down and we agreed to send it to the radiologist and go from there.  Then OS got there and I lost it again.  (Get used to that in this story...)  The vet came back in and we told her we wanted to send it off and then we would decide what to do.

We headed home.  We talked about our options.  DJ didn't think he would be happy with three legs and didn't think we would be able to care for him like that.  I wasn't sure.  I could understand that.  He came from a home where he was in the kennel most of the time and I saw how much he loved to run when he first came.  And how much he still did.  I understood where DJ was coming from, but I couldn't let myself not give him a chance.  I don't think I ever agreed to anything.  I think I said we would just wait and see what the radiologist said.

MS got there about then and DJ went to shower.  I was looking up stuff online about brachial plexus avulsions and three legged mastiffs.  I was ready to put up a fight for UC.  DJ came upstairs and I said I was going to shower.  And then the phone rang.  I gave it to DJ, knowing I couldn't talk. 

The radiologist confirmed what the vet thought.  It was a brachial plexus avulsion.  I heard that and I knew DJ and I were going to have a discussion/arguement.  But she kept talking and I couldn't really hear what she said.  He said we would talk about it and call back.  He tells me its the BPA, but there is also some fluid in the abdomen.  I again started crying.  I wasn't ready for that.  I just said I was going to shower and walked away.  I knew what had to be done.

I came back in after showering and we talked (okay, I cried...) about our options and I finally said the words.  And I cried more.  JW came over and sat on my lap and I cried with him. 

I told DJ I wasn't ready.  I told him I wanted to wait until he would be home to be with me.  I wanted UC to be able to come back home one more time.  To sleep in his bed one more time.  To know he was going to stay there.  DJ tried getting someone else to take his trip, but with the late notice, he had to go.  He said he didn't want UC suffering anymore and it had to be tonight.  I agreed, but told him I wanted to make something first so we could get his pawprint.  He stuck MS on that duty and we went out to look for a spot for the grave. 

We decided on where we would put him.  I told him we would have to have it where we could put JW there when it was his time (which I later said better be a long, long time from now and he better go in his sleep!).  We marked the spot with a rock and then we just held each other.  It was terrible.  We knew we were doing the right thing, but it sucked.  We didn't want to do it, but we were his parents and we had to for his sake.  We went in and got his blanket.  The one he always slept on by my side of the bed.

We went back to the clinic and told them our plans.  We wanted to see him first though before we told the vet.  They were doing another procedure so we had to wait to see him.  I kept hearing a whimper and I wondered if it was UC.  He would do that when he wanted a door opened at home.  After what seemed like forever and a ton of tears, we were told we could go back and see him.  They took us to him.  He was right by the door by where we were sitting.  It was him I heard.  We got down and we pet him and we talked to him.  He stopped crying when I started talking to him.  I took that as he could hear me.  I kept telling him I was sorry.  I hated seeing him like that.  So did DJ.  We couldn't put him through it any longer and we agreed it was time.  We went and told them and I said I wanted to be with him when they did it.  DJ said he couldn't be there/watch.  I totally understood that, it's not like I wanted to.  I just couldn't let him think we didn't care or that he was alone.  I wanted him to know we loved him and that we cared for him so much.  We did the paperwork and they told us they had to wait for the vet.  He started crying again so I went and talked to him through the door.  DJ and I just sat and cried.

And then the nicest lady came over (or maybe this was before we went back to see him.  I'm not sure.  Blurry.)  She handed me a hand full of tissues and said she got them for me and told me that she was praying for us.  Then she gave me a hug.  And pet my head.  And was just there.  I don't know why but she had this calming affect to her.  And then she reminded us that God doesn't let us down.  And those words helped so much.  They still do.  I think about her often.  I wish I could tell her thank you for her kind gestures.  A total stranger.

When it was time, they came and got me.  I went back with them and she asked if I was ready.  I said no.  I sat with UC and cried and I told him I was sorry again and I told him the plans.  I told him he was going to come back home and he would have to watch over the farm and JW and the barn when we put it up.  I told him he was going to go meet OB, WD, CJ, and JDB and that they were going to dance until DJ and I got there to dance with them.  I told him that he was a good dog and I loved him and DJ loved him.  I told him I didn't want him to be in pain anymore.  I hugged him and I kissed him.

I told the vet it was time and she explained the procedure.

I talked to him the whole time.  Telling him I loved him.  That he wouldn't be in pain anymore.  And then he was gone.  And then I hated myself.  I had just given her permission to kill my dog.  My baby.  I sat there and cried.  I couldn't believe it.  That has to be the hardest part of all this.  I told her.  I said do it.  Then I watched her do it.  The image of the syringe and the fluid going into him still runs through my mind.  It haunts me.  Damnit.  I wish it wouldn't have turned out that way.  I wish I didn't have to make that decision.  She apologized for not having a coffin big enough for him and I told her it was okay, we had his blanket.

I went back up front and when I saw DJ and told him he was gone I cried more.  It took me a bit to mumble the words that we had to drive to the back to get  him.  We went back and they loaded him in.  We brought him home.  I told him this was his last ride.  I hated thinking that.  Man.  He loved going for rides!

We got him home and BC had dug the hole.  It wasn't where we had picked, but it worked.  I brought JW out to see UC one more time and to say bye.  I wanted him to understand.  I didn't want him wondering where UC was.  I don't know if JW saw the accident happen or not.  DJ and I then carried him down.

I couldn't watch DJ cover him.  I drove away.

MS decided to get us some pizza.  DJ and I just talked.  It all happened so fast.  We made the right decision.  He wasn't in pain anymore.  He's watching down on us.

I cried myself to sleep that night.  Poor DJ.  I don't know if he got any sleep or not.  His alarm went off and he went to shower.  I just laid there and cried.  Every time DJ left before I got out of bed, UC would wait for the garage door to close and then jump crawl into bed with me.  I knew he wasn't going to that morning.  And I cried.  JW came up like he always did when DJ got out of the bed and we both just laid there.  I think I cried for a solid three hours that morning.  I finally made myself get up and out of bed just so I would stop thinking of that.

I have had some good and bad moments.  I couldn't talk about it/him for awhile.  I would just start crying.  I could text or type, but as soon as I started talking the tears would flow.  I think I cried every time DJ and I talked that day.  Just hearing his voice would set me off.  Ma and Pa took me out for lunch the next day and when we pulled in BC's dog barked.  And I ran inside and cried.  It should have been UC looking out the window barking at us to let him out.  After a few days I was able to talk about it.  I was mowing one day and the lady that was in the car that hit him stopped to check on him.  I told her what had happened and she apologized.  She said they had been thinking about us.

I don't know where they were going when it happened, but I know it all happened for a reason.  I don't know what that reason is, but there was a reason.  Maybe it was just to remind us how short and fragile life is.  To remind us to live each day to its fullest.  To remind us of the important things in life.  Maybe by stopping to check on him and help load him, they were able to miss being in a wreck.  Instead of losing one of them, we lost UC.  Maybe it was something completely unrelated.  Maybe he had cancer really bad and instead of us agonizing over the decision to put him down due to the problems from that God made it clear to us.  Maybe it was because there is going to be another dog that needs "rescued" like he did.  Growing up, I always told myself I wanted to experience as many life events with my future husband as possible before getting married so I could know for sure what I was getting into and that he was the one.  Losing a loved one was on that list.  Maybe that was God giving DJ his shot at that life event and instead of us losing a close family member or friend, we lost our dog.  I don't know what the reason(s) was, but there was one.

I'm sitting here writing this.  I don't know why.  I guess I was hoping it would help me cope.  Here I am, sitting at work on lunch break, and I have tears rolling down my cheeks.  I can't even count the number of times/people that have told me that I have a heart of stone.  It's true.  I don't think I've ever denied it.  I would watch movies with friends or read the same books they would and I would never cry.  I could get hurt and wouldn't cry.  I got dumped and no one knew until they asked why he wasn't coming around anymore.  But when it comes to my babies, I cry.  And I am not ashamed.  I have cried so many tears for UC and there will be many more that will fall.  He was going to be one of my ring bears.  He was my running partner. One time he was limping so I left him home and the next day I wasn't going to take him either but he made his mind up that he was going.  I opened the door up just enough for me to get through and then he pushed me out so he was able to get out and he was not going back inside!  He was my baby.  One of my best friends.  I talked to him like he was a person.  He knew everything.  He saw me naked.  Heck, we took showers together (hey, you try giving something that big a bath in the regular sized bathtub!)  He slept with me.  He comforted me.  He loved me.  And I loved him.  I still do.  I always will.  He has a place in my heart forever.  I was told to get a tuft of hair so I could clone him.  He was already burried when they told me that, but I said no anyway.  There will never be another UC.  It could have the same DNA as him, but it wouldn't be UC.  Nothing/no one will ever replace him.

I have to thank all of my friends and family members (and that one stranger) who are helping me get through this.  All the texts, phone calls, visits, words of comfort, prayers said, hugs, food fed, drinks, scratch tickets.  I am blessed.  I have to thank the family that gave him to us.  I mentioned to him once that I had always wanted a mastiff and then he helped make my dream come true.  He called and asked DJ if we wanted UC and DJ called me and I said yes I'll be home soon he can bring him!  It was love at first site.  I'm glad they wanted more for him and I'm glad we could provide it.  I hope they don't regret their decision on letting him go to us.

I have to thank UC.  You made a statement wherever you went.  You helped introduce us to a couple who have turned out to be some of our best friends.  GG sure misses you coming over for treats!  Not every dog could leave with such an impact.  Thank you for the memories.  And thank you to everyone who reminds me of something crazy he did or something about him they remember.  Having tea parties with the neighbor girl and the rest of the Knollie Dog Gang.  Waking Pa up by "licking" him (I still say it was just his wet nose).   His tail.  It was so powerful and it was always wagging, which for multiple guys, caught them off guard!!  Him stealing a pound of bacon.  Twice.  Swallowing a porkchop bone whole. Barking at random objects (saddles, antlers, machinery, a pair of pants, the list could go on and on...).  Just his personality in general.  Him running.  Him running through peoples' legs, or trying to.  Me being able to give him a bath outside without  having to restrain him.  Him waiting by JW when JW got caught in the trap.  He saved JW's life.  Oh man, him and JW.  They were tight.  Best pals.  Mutt and Jeff.

Last but definitely not least, I can't thank DJ enough.  That poor guy!  He has definitely passed the test.  I think I could count on one hand how many times he has seen me cry prior to this.  For him to handle me with such care means so much.  He can say the right thing or not say anything at all and just hold me.  For him to care as much about the dogs as I do means the world to me.  They really are our babies.  I don't know if he'll ever read this, but I love you, DJ.  Thanks for putting up with me and the crazy animal lover that I am :)

UC came into our home/lives as a surprise.  And he was taken from us the same way.  Until we meet again my baby... Good Dog, Carl

The Calm Before the Storm

A couple few weeks ago on a Sunday I decided I was finally going to put my garden in.  So I did:

Pretty.  Nice.  Straight.  Alive.

And then my asparagus and pumpkins:

Asparagus trenches and my little baby punkins.

 

And then about six hours later 108mph winds came ripping through throwing little frozen peas around... 

 

I will have to get an updated photo to show you how everything is fairing after the wind/hail. 

I Suck-You-Lent

It's only been a day or two since I last wrote, right?!  Right.  I tried something new this year with my black green thumb.  Succulents.  My neighbor gave me a couple jars this spring and I knew I wanted to try an atrium.  And when I told her what I was thinking, she said she had some succulents I could use.  And then we went to the greenhouse and I couldn't help but buy a few more, which I don't have pictures of yet.  It has nothing to do with the fact that they are still in the pots I bought them in...

Here was one of my original jars with not the plants I had planned on putting inside!  Turns out that hole is much smaller than I thought.  I couldn't fit the plant and my hand both in the hole.  It got stuck with the small leftovers.  They may or may not have died already, leaving the jar sitting on the deck with just dirt in it.  You'll never know!



Little baby jar

I sent my neighbor a picture of the first one I did, which I think I put a picture on here, but really it's hard telling at this point. She said she had a bowl I could use for another.  I picked it up and instantly thought of a few of my friends that I thought would love the bowl.  So I put something together in it.  I can't tell for sure if the little evergreen tree is going to make it or not-- it definitely wasn't that green when I gave her the bowl...



OS's birfday present

In the Middle of It All...

As I've told you, we had some crazy weather last week.  Or a couple weeks ago.  I don't really recall when.  We lost some siding and some limbs, nothing too big that I couldn't drag up out of the rode by myself.  And to the two trucks full of guys driving by looking at damage, watching me drag limbs to the pile and not offering to help: thank you very much.  I really appreciate the thoughtfulness.  Enter mean names here.

One of the big storage sheds had part of its roof torn off, but nothing like losing a whole barn/shed like our neighbors did.  I thanked God that night for sparing us from too much damage, as DJ wasn't home (and didn't realize anything was going on...thinking I was crazy for going to the basement when the house started to whistle...). 

The next night I went up the road to our neighbors and this is what I saw:

 

God's Promise

  A big rainbow! It reminded me that he has a plan and is watching over me.  (Seriously, whats with the underlining?!  Does it show up for you?!) 

Later that evening we stood in awe as this went by.  He spared us from getting any bad weather from that one, which I was extremely thankful for!!
 
The more it moved the more layers it seemed to have!  We watched it until it got too dark to see the clouds and we went in.  We keep getting rain, but I'm not going to complain, as it could be raining and I could have nowhere dry to go!