Well, not much going on these days. The weather is proving to be "interesting" to say the least. Every day this week, starting Tues, we have had forecasts of snow/rain, and LOTS of it. Yesterday, I awoke to a decent amount of VERY heavy snow. I swear it was about 40 lbs/sq inch. I had to break up the snow into pieces to be able to move it (just slide it, not lift it). As I was shoveling, the snow that fell from branches felt like snow balls pelting me.
I was able to play with the dogs yesterday late afternoon, but it wasn't so fun, because Danny kept losing the ball in the snow. This is one thing he is NOT so good at. I swear, he's the Helen Keller of search dogs... His nose is not so good either. I dare say that if HE were an avalanche rescue dog, I would not hang my hat on my hopes that he would find anyone!
I ordered a new bed for the dogs. Kylie usurped a cat bed, but it's really too small for her. I bought a snuggler bed, that has an egg crate "mattress", and it's the right size for her. Well, last night she slept in it, and it went over well, because her highness did not wake me up in the wee hours, and walk out to the living room. She actually stayed asleep until I turned on the light! That's big. Kylie has back arthritis, so I believe this is going to be a God send for her.
Today, they say we are going to be walloped with snow, all the way through tomorrow late afternoon. They may cancel my surgery, which I will be fine with. It's no biggy, just arthroscopic repairs of various broken down parts ;)
So, that's all the news from Lake Wobegon, as Garrison says!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
One room, pot roast, jabbing
I think my post titles leave a bit to be desired, but they do get the message across. Let's see, Sunday I stayed home- I toyed with going out to Barnes and Noble, but instead, I decided to do that cleaning I need to do. So, I cleaned one room very well, and the others pretty well. The kitchen got a real scrubbing. After that, I watched the Olympics and then headed up to my parents for a wonderful Pot Roast dinner. It was very very good.
On Monday, I worked, and then took some vacation time to be off because it was supposed to snow for basically the entire rest of the week. I ended up working the dogs. It was great. It was such a nice day that I spent some of it just watching the sheep, and getting into my "happy place" I think they call it. This time of year, I feel like a plant soaking up the sunlight makes me feel so much better.
Danny did well, although progress hasn't been what I would like, because this winter the work is just so seldom. He is great on his away outrun, but his come by is tight, and he has yet to understand my trick of stopping him, then I walk up, and chastise him, and he continues on wider. That did the trick for Lucy, so let's hope it does so for him. At one point when working him, the sheep got further away from me than I had hoped, and made it to the gate. Danny had already been sent. So, he ran up on his away side, and *almost* held it together, never crossing, but then he had to split one off, and then focused on another. But, then, Danny engaged his brain again, and just brought them all (gathering them first) and had them at my feet beautifully. He has the same sort of integral good sheep sense as Lucy, and THAT is what I was hoping for. Danny has a long way to go, but he's well liked by those that work him :)
So, then I worked Lucy. Actually, I worked her first to get the sheep calmer, for Danny. Anyway, Lucy did very well. She's just in the zone. Good outruns, downing when I ask, and she did some very nice driving. We are working on cross driving more and more, as she is good going to the right, but the left can be tricky (it's all because of the different pressures). Then, we did some shedding. She was a bit tight, but one correction fixed that. I shed off three sheep from a group, and then one from that group of three. Lucy did well, and held her. With Lucy, sheep learn in fast order that they can't beat her. Of course they try, but she reads them so well. Sometimes I will send her for the other group, or I will have her bring the single back, but the neat thing is, I can then call her "in here, this one", and even if they are within five feet of each other, she will single that one off. She just gets it.
After we worked sheep, I helped vaccinate sheep- I was the jabber. There are lots of sheep getting vax right now. I can't wait for lambs. Such a sense of renewed life after a long winter.
So, then it was time to head home. Was a very good day. I had a sandwich for dinner, and three glasses of milk! I am glad I drink skim... or I would be a whale.
I slept pretty well last night, and now this week, I've just got to see what the weather holds.
Oh, and Friday I am scheduled for my shoulder surgery. Yee haw. Not.
On Monday, I worked, and then took some vacation time to be off because it was supposed to snow for basically the entire rest of the week. I ended up working the dogs. It was great. It was such a nice day that I spent some of it just watching the sheep, and getting into my "happy place" I think they call it. This time of year, I feel like a plant soaking up the sunlight makes me feel so much better.
Danny did well, although progress hasn't been what I would like, because this winter the work is just so seldom. He is great on his away outrun, but his come by is tight, and he has yet to understand my trick of stopping him, then I walk up, and chastise him, and he continues on wider. That did the trick for Lucy, so let's hope it does so for him. At one point when working him, the sheep got further away from me than I had hoped, and made it to the gate. Danny had already been sent. So, he ran up on his away side, and *almost* held it together, never crossing, but then he had to split one off, and then focused on another. But, then, Danny engaged his brain again, and just brought them all (gathering them first) and had them at my feet beautifully. He has the same sort of integral good sheep sense as Lucy, and THAT is what I was hoping for. Danny has a long way to go, but he's well liked by those that work him :)
So, then I worked Lucy. Actually, I worked her first to get the sheep calmer, for Danny. Anyway, Lucy did very well. She's just in the zone. Good outruns, downing when I ask, and she did some very nice driving. We are working on cross driving more and more, as she is good going to the right, but the left can be tricky (it's all because of the different pressures). Then, we did some shedding. She was a bit tight, but one correction fixed that. I shed off three sheep from a group, and then one from that group of three. Lucy did well, and held her. With Lucy, sheep learn in fast order that they can't beat her. Of course they try, but she reads them so well. Sometimes I will send her for the other group, or I will have her bring the single back, but the neat thing is, I can then call her "in here, this one", and even if they are within five feet of each other, she will single that one off. She just gets it.
After we worked sheep, I helped vaccinate sheep- I was the jabber. There are lots of sheep getting vax right now. I can't wait for lambs. Such a sense of renewed life after a long winter.
So, then it was time to head home. Was a very good day. I had a sandwich for dinner, and three glasses of milk! I am glad I drink skim... or I would be a whale.
I slept pretty well last night, and now this week, I've just got to see what the weather holds.
Oh, and Friday I am scheduled for my shoulder surgery. Yee haw. Not.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Saturday
After work, I drove home and picked up Lucy and Danny to take them on a walk on the "rail trail". It's part of the Appalachian trail that communities have all spruced up, and I figure I should start availing myself of it... So, I drove to where I knew it intersected with a road, but there was no where to park. Great. So, I drove up to some sort of mechanical station, and parked near it. Hoping that I wouldn't get towed. There were no "no parking" signs, so I figured we'd be okay.
We began our walk, and soon I saw a couple women and two yellow labs up ahead. They were very nice, as they saw that Danny got stupid, and they moved to the side saying something like "we only have one (each) and you have two". That was very nice, and the dogs behaved. It was then that I decided Danny would be worked on his leash manners. No more in front. Soon, a black mixed breed dog came up, and Danny was fine, pretty much, but I wondered if maybe he's only used to primarily black dogs... Who knows. I know that I spent the rest of the long work keeping the dogs behind me. Danny is not the bravest, and GOD KNOWS he doesn't need to lead the pack..
So, we got home, and I noticed that Nikke was straining to poo. Well, her tumor, or it's close kin was very obvious- meaning she could not poo. So, I make a vet appointment. We get in there, and the vet asks if he could take her in back so all the other vets could see it. So, I wait. Finally, they were ready for me. He tells me that it is basically almost like a GIANT hemorrhoid, even though dogs don't get them. They do NOT think it's the tumor returned. She's been straining, so that has helped it to inflame. Instructions are: Preparation H, and warm packs, also, re-check in a week. Oh, and while they were messing with her, they released things so she poo'd astronomically huge amounts. I bet she feels much better. If it is not better in a week, we have it removed- exteriorally, so the sphincters should not be in danger.
I then made myself an early dinner, and plan to warm pack Nikke, and then watch the Olympics and read. Nothing exciting. It was SO warm today, I was actually perspiring on my walk with the dogs. The sun is so bright in the sky, it's just great!
Tomorrow, dinner at my parents, and cleaning cleaning cleaning. The house really needs it.
We began our walk, and soon I saw a couple women and two yellow labs up ahead. They were very nice, as they saw that Danny got stupid, and they moved to the side saying something like "we only have one (each) and you have two". That was very nice, and the dogs behaved. It was then that I decided Danny would be worked on his leash manners. No more in front. Soon, a black mixed breed dog came up, and Danny was fine, pretty much, but I wondered if maybe he's only used to primarily black dogs... Who knows. I know that I spent the rest of the long work keeping the dogs behind me. Danny is not the bravest, and GOD KNOWS he doesn't need to lead the pack..
So, we got home, and I noticed that Nikke was straining to poo. Well, her tumor, or it's close kin was very obvious- meaning she could not poo. So, I make a vet appointment. We get in there, and the vet asks if he could take her in back so all the other vets could see it. So, I wait. Finally, they were ready for me. He tells me that it is basically almost like a GIANT hemorrhoid, even though dogs don't get them. They do NOT think it's the tumor returned. She's been straining, so that has helped it to inflame. Instructions are: Preparation H, and warm packs, also, re-check in a week. Oh, and while they were messing with her, they released things so she poo'd astronomically huge amounts. I bet she feels much better. If it is not better in a week, we have it removed- exteriorally, so the sphincters should not be in danger.
I then made myself an early dinner, and plan to warm pack Nikke, and then watch the Olympics and read. Nothing exciting. It was SO warm today, I was actually perspiring on my walk with the dogs. The sun is so bright in the sky, it's just great!
Tomorrow, dinner at my parents, and cleaning cleaning cleaning. The house really needs it.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Love is in the air
Yesterday, while I was outside, just before dawn, I heard a Hoot owl, aka a Barred owl, hooting in the woods near my house. Cool, I thought. I had had what I thought was a red squirrel get up into my attic, and I wanted him gone, but he seemed to leave of his own volition. The other day I saw a flattened area in the snow- maybe said owl got him. Double cool.
So, this morning, as I was out with Danny and Lucy, I heard the original hooter, and then, another one, with a higher pitch. They were calling back and forth to each other. The higher pitched one ended up flying closer (I could hear it louder). So, I am hoping that this is a possible love connection, right in my neck of the woods, so to speak :) Barred owls are just beautiful, and they serve a good purpose. They eat just about everything, including squirrels :)
Lucy has decided to come into heat a couple weeks early. That means a lot less free time for both Danny and Lucy, until things go back to normal.
No sheep work this weekend, but I am taking the dogs for some nice long walks this weekend, which will be just what the Dr. ordered.
Tomorrow a hike, and then dinner with an old friend. A quiet weekend, just how I like it!
So, this morning, as I was out with Danny and Lucy, I heard the original hooter, and then, another one, with a higher pitch. They were calling back and forth to each other. The higher pitched one ended up flying closer (I could hear it louder). So, I am hoping that this is a possible love connection, right in my neck of the woods, so to speak :) Barred owls are just beautiful, and they serve a good purpose. They eat just about everything, including squirrels :)
Lucy has decided to come into heat a couple weeks early. That means a lot less free time for both Danny and Lucy, until things go back to normal.
No sheep work this weekend, but I am taking the dogs for some nice long walks this weekend, which will be just what the Dr. ordered.
Tomorrow a hike, and then dinner with an old friend. A quiet weekend, just how I like it!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
That's Better
I just was not in a good mood yesterday. It happens to all of us, I guess. When the day was drawing to a close, I had some Sleepy Time tea, and that seemed to really relax me, and drop my irritation off. That's better.
I awoke this morning feeling like I had finally rested well. It's been a long time. I think for me, a good night's sleep is required for me to be able to take life's irritations... So, I actually got up later than normal. It was good.
When I got dressed to go out with Danny and Lucy, I saw that it wasn't pitch black out, and that made me happier. I am SO OVER this winter. While I was outside with the dogs, I heard an owl hooting in the woods near me. As we went inside the sun was definitely rising, and that just cheered me even more.
I think I will be working the dogs this weekend, not sure, but the plan is to do so. This will be at a new place, so it should be interesting. Danny is still so mentally young, that I bet he will do young dog stuff. Lucy should be good- I am counting on her to be :)
I heard on the radio last night that USA earned 3 Gold medals in the Olympics yesterday- GO USA!
Well, that's it for now.
I awoke this morning feeling like I had finally rested well. It's been a long time. I think for me, a good night's sleep is required for me to be able to take life's irritations... So, I actually got up later than normal. It was good.
When I got dressed to go out with Danny and Lucy, I saw that it wasn't pitch black out, and that made me happier. I am SO OVER this winter. While I was outside with the dogs, I heard an owl hooting in the woods near me. As we went inside the sun was definitely rising, and that just cheered me even more.
I think I will be working the dogs this weekend, not sure, but the plan is to do so. This will be at a new place, so it should be interesting. Danny is still so mentally young, that I bet he will do young dog stuff. Lucy should be good- I am counting on her to be :)
I heard on the radio last night that USA earned 3 Gold medals in the Olympics yesterday- GO USA!
Well, that's it for now.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Entitlement
This is one of those posts, wherein I just have to post my opinion, even if it is unpopular. I will preface this post, by saying that I am someone who believes in this country, all things are possible, with hard work, support of a loved one/family, and that you alone are responsible for your happiness and success. Entitlement mentality really irks me, and that's putting it mildly.
Like many folks, I work hard, so that I can pay my bills. It isn't easy these days- not for anyone, and luxuries are just that, luxuries. I tend to spend as little as possible and pay down bills as much as possible. I have had to my whole life. I haven't been given much. A car, my first car, yes, but I have been working since I was 16, and have never stopped. I purchased a home, with no help from anyone. Yes, I got a great deal, but the bills are all mine.
Many of my friends have much nicer homes, drive nice cars, go on vacations, and many also have good sized farms/acreage. I don't begrudge anyone what they have. Unless... they don't work hard for it. Then, I start to get a bit, well, testy.
Case in point. There is a person who rents a small house, with a small lot. She has a few different farm animals, and loves her small holding. I think it's really cool.
But, then... She has a button on her blog that asks for donations. No, not donations for Haiti, Animal Shelters, Homeless, but rather, for her own life. You know, so she can get her own farm some day. This *really* irks me. People have donated $$ to her, for her dream. No, not to help cover a disaster in her life, but something she really wants, but does not need. Some of these people can barely afford to pay their own bills, yet, they come up with money for this person. It just galls me. I wonder, am I jealous? Would I like to have the temerity to beg for money to help me pay off my bills? Would you all mind? Would it be okay for me to put up a donate button? I wonder. No, no way. I would not accept charity, when working will achieve the same goal. Oh, and this person has a good paying job, and she does other wage earning activities too.
I suppose that this person who has received generous donations will some day purchase a nice farm, and regale us all of her wonderful life, that others paid for. Sweet isn't it?
My grandfather was a share cropper, and carpenter. He and my grandmother bought land in Sullivan county, and he built their house. They also had farm animals. He worked until just before Cancer took over his life- well into his late 80s. He taught me that some animals are a luxury, and that hard work was part of life, AND that people don't' give you $$ because you want it, you have to earn it.
Anyway, that's my beef. So, you think I should put up a donate button?
Like many folks, I work hard, so that I can pay my bills. It isn't easy these days- not for anyone, and luxuries are just that, luxuries. I tend to spend as little as possible and pay down bills as much as possible. I have had to my whole life. I haven't been given much. A car, my first car, yes, but I have been working since I was 16, and have never stopped. I purchased a home, with no help from anyone. Yes, I got a great deal, but the bills are all mine.
Many of my friends have much nicer homes, drive nice cars, go on vacations, and many also have good sized farms/acreage. I don't begrudge anyone what they have. Unless... they don't work hard for it. Then, I start to get a bit, well, testy.
Case in point. There is a person who rents a small house, with a small lot. She has a few different farm animals, and loves her small holding. I think it's really cool.
But, then... She has a button on her blog that asks for donations. No, not donations for Haiti, Animal Shelters, Homeless, but rather, for her own life. You know, so she can get her own farm some day. This *really* irks me. People have donated $$ to her, for her dream. No, not to help cover a disaster in her life, but something she really wants, but does not need. Some of these people can barely afford to pay their own bills, yet, they come up with money for this person. It just galls me. I wonder, am I jealous? Would I like to have the temerity to beg for money to help me pay off my bills? Would you all mind? Would it be okay for me to put up a donate button? I wonder. No, no way. I would not accept charity, when working will achieve the same goal. Oh, and this person has a good paying job, and she does other wage earning activities too.
I suppose that this person who has received generous donations will some day purchase a nice farm, and regale us all of her wonderful life, that others paid for. Sweet isn't it?
My grandfather was a share cropper, and carpenter. He and my grandmother bought land in Sullivan county, and he built their house. They also had farm animals. He worked until just before Cancer took over his life- well into his late 80s. He taught me that some animals are a luxury, and that hard work was part of life, AND that people don't' give you $$ because you want it, you have to earn it.
Anyway, that's my beef. So, you think I should put up a donate button?
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