LovesTailWags

Yarrow Settles in and Explores

2011-03-07T22:57:00.000-08:00

Yarrow is settling in and this past week was my first full week to have her, since Linda and I are co-raising and sharing this wonderful experience, as we did with Francie.

We fell into a nice little routine although I have not yet found my organization mode fully, as with a puppy (like a baby) ya need your wits about you, it takes longer to get ready AND you need more STUFF to lug with you. :D) I felt like I was always two paces behind where I wanted to be. But it's all good and we'll fall in synch soon enough. It just takes a bit, as I DID have a 6 month break since Francie's turn in last August.

Yarrow is my first pup to get to share the experience on Facebook and actually follow and share with Yarrow's litter mates and THEIR puppy raisers. What a great CCI family there is - like one large alumni group across the country.

Yarrow enjoys exploring her world, here she checks out my garden. Always on the move I was lucky to get her in the frame!

She enjoys walking with Kerry in the mornings on the green belts. She found a pine cone and Kerry's nose can be seen as Ker loves to peel pine cones and is ready to steal this one from little Yarrow.

Kerry does play with Yarrow and their favorite game is "keep away".

Across from my home, Yarrow checks out the smells on the green belt.

I believe the company of another dog makes for a self-confident well-adjusted puppy.
Kerry has been a wonderful big sis to five other puppies I've brought home from CCI. I didn't know it then but I believe it now, that THIS was indeed Kerry's role in life as a release dog, to be a mentor to the puppies that I take on and my companion for support when it's time to give them back. Well done good and faithful one, Kerry!

The bonding has begun. . .

2011-02-28T21:32:00.000-08:00

It was interesting having Linda take Yarrow for the first week. While I found Yarrow adorable I didn't really feel connected with her until this week where it's my turn with her full-time. And now? Oh now - I just adore her and am marveling at all her nuances.

Yarrow is extremely bright and cocks her head more than any of my prior pups - a sign most say, of intelligence.
She is bored being held and wants DOWN (now!) to explore.
Hates her crate as again ditto above- she wants out to explore!

She is quite affectionate and knows she can look up at me and rest her paw on my shin to be picked up on our morning grass walks as we trail behind Kerry who is off doing her sniffing.
She has loads of energy - plays hard and then sleeps hard. Ah the life of a puppy.

Yarrow is at my office with me this week and is doing well - but is most happy being out of the crate and laying at my feet playing with her toys. I on the other hand, get nervous afraid I may wheel over her toes with my chair. So back in the crate she goes even if she does protest a bit.

But the barking is a lot less than the one day from last week when I watched her for Linda. Yarrow is still quite tiny and there was only one other puppy smaller than Yarrow in her puppy kindergarten class tonight. Yet Yarrow still did the 2 story stairs, straight to the top, at work with me today!
And these are some TALL stairs for a 9 week old.
(In fact, here's a shot of Francie at work when she was at the top of those very stairs @ 5 months old.)

Today we learned that Yarrow's Daddy is Camden - not the Black Lab Hickman also mated to Keara. So Lil Red Yarrow is 1/2 golden and 1/2 yellow lab - the same mix as my Kerry girl.
AND I just love that combo. (Kerry's Momma was more gold in color where as Keara, Yarrow's Mom is quite red - thus Yarrow's coloring.
So pretty.

Welcome Yarrow! My heart is filled with gladness from your presence!

One week ago today....

2011-02-25T23:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome Yarrow!
Yarrow with big brother Young who will be raised in Orange County so, easy access for puppy play dates for Yarrow & Young. :D)

On the rainy drive home from CCI

I picked up Yarrow II, my 6th puppy to raise for Canine Companions. She is so tiny -I am always surprised and marvel and just how little they start out. AND this one, I've had the blessing of following on Facebook from the breeder/caretaker's wonderful videos and pics from the day Yarrow was born.

One of 11 (yes, 11!) puppies = Golden Retrieve Momma named Keara who is the gentlest of souls and Pappa either Hickman - a black lab or Camden -a blond lab.

WELCOME little Yarrow. Co-raiser Linda had you for week 1 and tomorrow begins my first FULL week with you. My arms are open as is my heart!

Yarrow explores one of her kitchens...

Francie's Progress

2011-02-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

So to my delight, I received the most wonderful return email from the officer that is training with Francie for her sniff training/narcotics role. I had invited them to this Friday's CCI Graduation (as Fay, Francie's sister has been matched and there will be a total of 12 teams graduating with their new partners!)
Here is the email I received back from Officer Tom: my heart is bursting with pride for the wonderful progress Francie is making.

Vickie,

Unfortunately Francie and I can not make the CCI graduation Feb 11. Francie and I are in narcotic detection school, week 3 of 5.

Francie is doing great, she knows all the narcotic odors and alerts to the scent by scratching at it. The scratching was no easy task, because Francie is such a polite dog.

My biggest challenge with Francie is showing her she can be "bad" to find the drugs.

We will come down there to visit and also to come to another graduation. I am allowed to take field trips, especially to the people who raised an awesome partner for me.

And I while I pick up my 6th puppy on Feb. 18, this chapter is far from over as I follow sweet Francie Pant's path.
Good girl Francie, good dog.

The Future for Francie

2010-12-14T23:38:00.000-08:00

Well the days somehow got away from me but 3 weeks ago (Nov. 19), I received "the call" from CCI that Francie was being released from the CCI service dog program, but with the good news she was reviewed, considered and accepted into what CCI calls an "affiliated agency". In her case it is the Ontario, CA police dept as a Search & Rescue dog!

Linda and I are thrilled. It took me a bit since in the old days, a dog as high-energy and ball driven as Francie got returned to her puppy raiser so a part of me really thought she was coming home to me if she did not make the service dog route. Yet the more I thought about this new job for her, it really is her perfect career. She gets to go to work every day and "sniff and find" to earn her coveted tennis ball (I imagine that is what they will use for her motivation).

Here is the email I sent out to my "Francie Fans":

I am so proud and thankful this Thanksgiving Time to share the news that miss Francie has been selected to work in Search and Rescue; released from CCI and place with an officer that will do drug detection at Ontario International Airport in Ontario, Calif. That ball drive and desire to be active will be put to good use after all, she just had too much energy to be matched with a person in CCI's field (assisting someone with a disability).

If for some reason she does not successfully complete her training for Drug Detection K9 officer, she will be released to me/Linda as a pet (not likely-as these dogs succeed 99% of the time.)

She will live in the home with the handler and never be placed in any dangerous situations with weapons, bombs etc. The police dogs would go in first on those type of assignments.

I have mixed feelings as I love her so and miss her greatly, yet as we always say, they land where they are most needed.

Thanks always for your support, love and encouragement.
Look for news on my 6th CCI puppy in February!

The Great (dog) Pumpkin

2010-10-24T12:37:00.001-07:00

I love October.
I don't always have plans to attend a costume party or go to a pumpkin patch. Indeed this year will be a rather quiet "spooky season".

Ah but the fun memories of Octobers past.
I enjoy dressing the dogs up, but only for a photo op or our Halloween card. I'm clearly aware of most dogs' disdain for the ridiculous costumes we humans adorn them with this time of year (or really anytime there is a reason- see recent past blog for Surf dogs). I suspect many of you have even received the popular emails that circulate of various dog costumes. My sister's Golden "Bo" always LOVED being dressed up since he reveled in all the fuss and attention he received, so it really depends on the dog. Some of my favorite October pics from past years...

2009 - My Francie and her sister Fay at Bates Nut Farm. They are now both in advance training in Oceanside at Canine Companions for Independence, for future roles as service dogs hopefully.

2009 - Francie as a kitty and Kerry wearing the witch's hat for our Halloween card that year.

CCI puppy #4, Ever at the pumpkin patch

2006 - Ever as "Batdog". Funny enough but even has the long face when not in costume.
He's now a favorite Therapy Dog at Scripps Hospital with Dad.

My dog-o-lantern from 2006.

Kowabunga Dude!

2010-09-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

I took my #4 pup (now Dad's boy) Ever and my #1 Kerry to Del Mar to check out the surfing dogs.

Dog Beach has the notoriety to host an annual dog surfing contest to benefit the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Several have been on YouTube numerous times - Ricochet is one such local K9 surf celebrity.

The dogs are in competition against other dogs their size and then there are heats to see which dogs ride a wave for the longest time. The crowds were enthusiastic and cheered whenever a pooch caught a good ride.

We enjoyed our day and Kerry even got some play time to romp along the sand and waves; wanting to retrieve another dog's toy of course.

Just Turn Your Back for a Second

2010-09-02T22:26:00.000-07:00

So while at a cook-out tonight, we were all enjoying our grilled steaks, shrimp and chicken, an enjoyable early Labor Day gathering to watch the season opener of Ohio State Football.

Half time was dinner time, sitting down to a feast at the dining room table.Kerry was laying under the table as I felt her furry side with my bare feet but then she left at some point and I could no longer feel her there. So I called out to see where she was...
She didn't come. I also told her "cookies!" and she still didn't come; concerned I got up to see where she could have gone as both the front and the back doors were opened at my friends' home. She doesn't go far when food is around so I was not too concerned, just curious.

Well "the nose" had found the grill's drip pan out back and here's the face I found when she turned around all happy with herself and busily lip-smacking away!

Oh my.As Bob said, "Hey now she looks like a German Shepherd!" Ha!

Although here she looks like she is growling she is actually just getting ready to lick AGAIN to get all that wonderful taste off her face before I go after it with some paper towels and Dawn liquid detergent and water - the soap did not taste nearly as good.

Well at least she had the good sense to politely pre-rinse the dishes in their dishwasher, for them before we left!

(photos courtesy of Bob Paxton)

Pup #1

2010-08-28T23:09:00.000-07:00

A smiling Kerry on one of our last hikes, before Francie turned-in.

Kerry - a little spoiled and getting to sleep in the "big bed" the day after Francie leaves for K-9 college at CCI.

Kerry III really was the one that started it all for me. Started me on the path to my love affair with raising service puppies for Canine Companions for Independence.

She turned 9 this summer.
Kerry is so good every time I bring home a new CCI puppy. She knows what she is in for; ear biting, neck grabbing; lip tugging, toy sharing, bed stealing, nuzzling, the little newbies checking and just to see if there might be a nipple to nurse on-OUCH, although they've been weened for weeks- they still check; Kerry is quick to indicate - "no way!"

But Kerry is now an only child again to me; with Francie II off to Advanced Training at CCI's campus. Kerry relishes this alone time with me - and I must say I too enjoy this special one-on-one time with her.

She spent the day with me today - watching a football scrimmage with Coach Ziggy a fellow CCI puppy raiser who's pup Tatiana II, is Francie's room mate as they are only two weeks apart in age.

Mom loves you Kerry. Thanks for being a great big sister to the pups.
It's fun to have you back to myself and I know YOU feel the same! :^D

Departure

2010-08-19T23:43:00.000-07:00

Words won't convey what the photos tell:

Two Days From Now

2010-08-12T22:49:00.001-07:00

Two days from now she will leave my arms, with a swish of her tail she will trot away.

For sixteen months I've loved her and help shape her, into the dog I hoped she'd become.

Now, it's she her turn to decide where her life's path will lead.

But this I know, Two Days From Now my heart will ache yet my hope resides;
resides in a place that may come in the future-
where a new friend I'll meet with their welcoming smile
as Francie leaves me once more, to go to them - the goal all along.

April 2009 Francie's arrival Aug 2010 - tired after play

Time Winds Down

2010-08-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

It's my week once more to have Francie, our sweetie. It's good to have her back as Lyn had for two weeks in a row due to her scheduling needs. Francie is on the mend from her health issues of recent days. She should still have her eye drops twice a day, the Vet said and her last immunization shots will come this Monday.

These are the challenging days, filled with mixed emotions.
When you know you will soon be parting, it's hard to not be emotional.
I find myself watching her more, taking more photographs, trying to remember every little thing about her. As we quite possibly won't see her for 1/2 a year, as she trains on campus for her future role as a service dog for someone. In the old days, puppy raisers could visit the pups they had turned in; but then Canine Companions decided it was too hard on the dog, too confusing.

Ugh, waiting that 6 weeks for the first report to come back of how she's doing...was she spayed?...still in tact for consideration as a breeder? ...is she adjusting to kennel life? Who is her roommate? Which trainer does she have? From August until the beginning of October will seem an eternity. She's lucky that she doesn't know time as a concept; of the coming change to her days, her life.
What bliss to just go about her day, eat, play, train, chase her ball - oblivious to the new experiences that she soon will be experiencing -just 8 days from now.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Tonight Francie attended another Friday night TGIF Concert in the Park with some friends and me.
She did great and was quite the hit as the photo of the people she is greeting, clearly shows.

I sure will miss her sweet face and that nose, always nudging me to play fetch with her.

Time is winding down.

And the Vet appointments continue

2010-07-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

(Francie II at age 9 weeks - April 2009)

After a rough weekend with some very red eyes causing Francie to actually squint; and with her having very little energy to engage or play, we got her into the Vet Monday just like he wanted when he returned my emergency call to him on Saturday night. Yesterday's exam had Linda and I leaving with eye drops for her poor swollen red eyes, which Doc thinks is just a flare up of allergies.

We never did determine what her spike in temperature was from last week's appointment; but are happy that returned to normal.

Well the vet called today and Francie's fecal shows traces of the parasite Giardia.
He had wanted to wait to give her, her needed immunizations until she was done with her eye drops and now, he also wants her done with her Giardia meds.
Yeesh a year and a half of a wonderfully healthy service pup in training and now so close to turn-in, all this!

So he'll see her again on Monday before he leaves for vacation and hopefully give her her final series of vaccines then (12 days before turn in back to Canine Companions.)

Get well sweet baby, we want you healthy for canine college!
Time flies when raising a puppy.
Francie at 8 weeks old tugging on breeder dog Terrence's leash.

They hurt - We Hurt!

2010-07-23T23:45:00.000-07:00

I took Francie to the Vet yesterday for her routine exam before CCI's turn in. She was due her basic shots - Rabies booster, DHLPP and Bordetella. The only problem was, she had a high temperature (above 104) when 101-103 is normal range. So the Vet was not comfortable giving her her scheduled vaccines.

So now we wait and take her back next week for her shots and in the mean time watch her closely. Well her temp is down today- it came down a bit last night and even more this morning (such good news) but her eyes this morning were so very red and she still seemed "not herself" and run down.

We wondered if she possibly got a bug bite as she does not tolerate bites well and past times they have proven really hazardous to her. Here is a photo from last spring in AZ when she got stung or bit.
So we gave her a Benadryl today for her eyes and will have her rest and not chase her ball.
She doesn't look near this bad today as these pictures show from last spring, but her eyes are quite red and she keeps squinting.

Poor baby. When she hurts, I hurt.
Isn't this always true for any of our fur kids?
Get well sweet one.

l

A Black Among Blondes

2010-07-22T23:34:00.000-07:00

So I am puppy sitting a friend's CCI PIP (pup-in-program) while he is in the hospital...sadly enough he may not even be well enough in time, to get to take his pup Tatiana across the stage for Matriculation when the ceremony takes place August 14th.
I hope for the best for him; in the meantime I offered to puppy sit his sweet, petite Tatiana II. Here's a photo of her. Isn't she darling?
I've never had a black lab to raise for CCI myself, I prefer the blondes for various reasons but Tatiana is a darling.

She is Francie's buddy and in the same classes on Monday nights. They are just weeks apart in age and Tat is, in fact the pup Francie has done several trips with this year (like Yosemite and Easter weekend in Orange County). So they get along quite well.

Yet it's Linda's week so Francie and Tatiana are not here at my home together. I took Tat to puppy class this week, and while Linda handled Francie, I did Tatiana's commands during class. She is so solid with her commands, but alas -she has some real challenges while at home; she tends to alert bark when she hears sounds.

Practicing the "back" command

Coming to the "side" command

A finished "side" command; she seeks approval

From her body language she obviously knows she's doing something that's not permitted but it's as if she can't help herself. And right after doing so she'll come over to me and fawn for attention as if to apologize. Well they are who they are, so we'll see how she does in Advanced Training.

Her future is up to her. (as it always is for all of these pups)

P.S. Kerry III, my first CCI pup to raise and now a COC (change of career) dog turns 9 TODAY, JULY 22.
Hard to believe she was the little pup that started me down this road 9 years ago.
Love you Kerry!

Francie's Friends

2010-07-17T23:34:00.000-07:00

Francie has had a busy weekend.
Friday night she enjoyed some play time with the neighbor's dogs here on the cul-de-sac (Lila - the standard poodle, Cork and Jax the two Corgi's and Jamay the Maltee-Bijon (and of course sister Kerry standing in the background in the one shot)

Then this morning we went to CCI pup social for her to practice her good manners with other CCI pups. In these two photos below she tries to get the ball from Cinnamon, a service dog. Black CCI pup-in-training Gomez also wanders over to see what is happening...these times are bitter sweet since they are now, fewer in the little time she has left with Linda and I before her turn-in on Aug. 14.

Fortunately she will get a roommate while living at the CCI kennels for the next 6 months.

Almost Turn-In Time

2010-07-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

Francie at 1 month old and at 16 months

Four weeks from tomorrow Linda and I walk across the stage to present Francie II for her advance training at Canine Companions for Independence's Southwest campus in Oceanside.

CCI matched up her parents, had her come into this world and planned for this destiny for her, all along- so now it will soon be time to see if Destiny also chooses the same for her.

I go back and forth between thinking -no way her ball drive and prey drives are too strong -they'll release her...to later thinking wow! what a great "stay" she has, holding her command when her ball is thrown right by her -she'll make someone a great service dog; maybe a deaf person, as she has SO much energy and loves novel sounds -yea, a hearing dog - Francie wold be perfect for that!

So you see I really have no way of possibly knowing what her future holds AND these dogs often surprise their puppy raisers -by either outcome.
I just know I love her to bits as does Linda. We did our very best to socialize her, build her confidence, expose her to new environments and train her the basic 30 commands. Soon it will all be up to her. Where ever she lands, we know she was meant for that very place.

Tonight I went to dinner with a friend and we met a service team; a gal in a wheel chair that graduated with her gorgeous black lab 2 years ago. I whispered in Francie's ear as they headed away - pay close attention Francie, that is what you are aspiring to be.

10 minutes later she was pouncing on bubbles in the grass as we walked by the park on our way back to the car.
Oh boy.

Patriotic Pups

2010-07-08T21:37:00.000-07:00

Lovely Coronado, CA - it started as a cool breezy day and parade watchers were bundled in their blankets and sweatshirts.
But by the time we were back at the house for the BBQ and pool party the SUN was OUT!
Yippee

GROUP SHOT

The first ever Southwest Region CCI puppy drill team made it's debut this past weekend at the Coronado July 4th Parade. The audience loved us and broke in to cheers and applause when we passed by and they were even more enthusiastic when we did our mini routine = "Sit" "Shake", "Down", "Heel", and "Let's Go" in unison.
Jim was our fearless leader blowing the whistle to cue us to certain maneuvers.
(we've been in many parades -but this was our first drill team exhibit- but based on it's success, it won't be the last.)

That's us in our red caps and blue shirts with our pups alongside in their stars and stripes bandannas. Francie and I are in the center of this shot.

An Admiral and his lovely wife with Francie in the dignitaries' parade stands

Francie with buddy Tatiana who also turns in Aug. 14 waiting to take our spot in the parade.
The waiting is always the longest part of a parade.
The Marine Corps band is behind us - Semper Fi!

That's Francie on the pool's edge wanting the toy but not willing to go in the water to get it!

Here's Francie and me when I was drying her off from chasing toys near the pool. She doesn't care for swimming -go figure!

Happy Independence Day! ! !

Purely Puppy Pleasure

2010-06-30T00:41:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of my recent trip to Napa for some wine tasting was getting to visit a brand new litter of CCI puppies. (Santa Rosa is the breeding HQ for Canine Companions for Independence; so all litters are born with 90 minutes of the center, at various breeder/caretakers' homes).

The "G" litter's Momma is Keara a lovely golden retriever and proud Pappa is Terrence - a stunning black lab that only throws blacks.

The result = an all black litter for the lovely golden Momma.

They refer to this litter as the "G-Force" (clever)

The pups were only a week old at my visit but oh so very cute...don't you think!

Eyes still closed, ears still sealed. Only about a pound in weight.

Now it has me thinking, should I take on puppy #6 this August when I have to turn in Francie? Oh, it so hard to resist . . . . yet so hard to imagine as I really was thinking of taking a well deserved break.

But then -seeing these babies...ooh it would be so fun having met him/her while this young, to then go on and raise that very puppy.

Just so precious.

Ladies Home Journal - July 2010

2010-06-26T23:30:00.001-07:00

Here it is:

The article (3 pages)

and drum roll please. . . .my smiling girl

(and what was going on behind the scenes- me with her tennis ball! This was the key to keeping her attention and keeping her ears perked.)

FRANCIE - THE MODEL

2010-06-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well Francie did it again.
For the second time she has been in a magazine BUT this time she is in a national publication! If you get the JULY 2010 issue of Ladies Home Journal (Chrisite Brinkley on the cover), page 64 you will see my lovely girl, as a model. She was a "prop" for an article about creating affordable outdoor furniture. We did this photo shoot in March and I was not quite sure if she would actually make it in the issue -there's always the risk of ending up on the editing floor of course...but lo' and behold there she is!

Here are some shots I took of the contract photographer (from L.A.) who came down to do the shoot. He was amazed at how well behaved she was and commented several times on how easy it made his job compared to other shoots he's done that involved dogs.
Well sure! - I mean she IS a service pup in training and certainly knows her commands. But to get her ears up and make her look pretty AND to get her to look right at the photographer, what you don't see in the magazine is me holding her beloved tennis ball and standing just behind the photographer :) Good "stay" Francie good "stay". I'd say "release" and she'd pop up and immediately come over to my side and wait for her next assignment.

I love the magazine photo LHJ selected - Francie is smiling oh so lovely. (The chairs I'm not so crazy about but with her in the photo it sure does catch one's eye.)
Don't you agree?

* the stunning yard was at the home of friend, Encinitas neighbor and Bunco Babe: Davielle, former staff member at Caninie Companions for Independence.

Thanks Davi for this neat opportunity for Francie! We LOVE your gorgeous yard!

Art is Life

2010-05-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

Kennedy (age 10) and Parker (age 8.5)

I attended my nieces' Art Festival tonight where the art work of grades 1 - 12th is exhibited... I was pleased to see such a strong art program in place at a school since in Calif there seems to continually be an outcry at how art programs have no funding available and therefore must be eliminated from the schools- even though it's known how beneficial to development the arts are, for children of all ages.

Tonight I found myself most drawn to the works depicting dogs...

Paintings, drawings, pastels, sketches, mosaics, wire forms, clay sculptures...they all

demonstrated how at a every age, the family dog is indeed an integral part of the family unit.

As it should be.

A Clearing of the Mind

2010-05-06T21:38:00.000-07:00

What is is about a change of scenery? An opportunity to be away from that which is familiar? It clears the senses, makes me take in new sites as though I have never seen them before and then I appreciate them all over again; that which is familiar but at the same time feels so brand new!

Spending time in Ohio these few weeks, away from southern California has provided a sense of wonder to my senses. I've enjoyed the powerful thunderstorms, taken in the multitude of varying shades of green as winter's long dormant trees burst forth in their leafy green branches of lush cover.
The lilacs are blooming -oh the fragrance -it's as if it has a melody that sings especially for my nose.

I take my walk each day and ponder the comparisons of a place I love so much (Encinitas) against a place I grew up (Columbus, OH) but still find myself so fond of...

These photos are around the farmer's fields near my Mom's home in Granville Ohio where she spends her summers. I wish there were more walking paths along the farms' fields here, like all the trails across the countryside in England
I noticed when I worked over there in the 1990's. I have to pretty much pick my way along the fence lines to peer into the woods. The British on the other hand can walk for miles along trails that connect one farm or homestead plot to another; from one village to the next withOUT having to walk on the roads with the cars, (What a concept!)

How I love being out in nature.

Days gone by and blogs not yet posted...

2010-05-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

My sister's golden rescue Max (above and below)

A smiling, happy boy!

oh yea I let my brothers cat Sabrina slip in here but she is just adorable and really thinks she's a dog, she's THAT friendly!

This is Oscar, my friends' Shihtzu

and his sister Fiona

My brother's lab/greyhound mix= Brutus
Below Brutus says - here's my pink pig toy PLEASE play with me!

I admire the full time bloggers who can balance their days (or seem to, and STILL find the time to place coherent thoughts in cyber space).

It's been over a month and I often think of things I so much want to post to my blog. I have the photos too - trust me- LOADS of photos since my last blog post back in March.

I have been to gorgeous Yosemite and Francie and her black lab friend Tatiana saw LOTS of snow for their first time and LOVED it. I can't wait to post these shots!

Then there was Woofstock - a fundraiser and festival for dogs and people -very cool and YES lots of photos.

And then the Carlsbad Flower Fields and this was a CCI puppy outing with our service pups=so load of stunning puppy photos in the flowers...

now just to find the time to download them and get some posts in place.

See http://www.theflowerfields.com/

But alas I am in Ohio now, here originally sadly, for a funeral of a dear childhood friend that has shaken me.

And since that time I am now spending additional time with family before heading back to San Diego next week...

Thus thoughts have been swirling and the idea came that I should log on and see to posting something on my belated little blog site.

So for now capturing these few shots of some sweet Ohio dogs will have to do.

Fly Ball Races in Ramona

2010-03-21T23:21:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I joined Julia for a drive to rural Ramona.
Within an hour we were in the rolling hills of eastern San Diego county.

She was invited to watch a friend's passion: Fly Ball and I came along with Kerry and little Francie.

Franice and Kerry here. I was proud how calm pup Francie was.

Kerry however was quite excited with the races and very eager to be involved if she could.

Here are a few trial runs, with dogs racing against each other and the clock.

This handler "revs" up her dog and gets him hyped for the race.

A practice at the ball retrieval end of the course.

This dog's name was Stare. (no wonder!)

Rebound with the ball and he turns quickly, to head back.

The shots that are blurry are because the dogs ARE that FAST, as in under 4 seconds for the whole course!

A blur of fur!

...closing in on the that ball...

...and BAM! he has it....

This one was wicked fast!

...can you tell?!

COOL PLATES!

The hills are still lush and green from all the rain San Diego county has had this winter.

The desert flowers will be stunning.

Here are some short videos, that capture of the full race course although these dogs were the slower ones we were told.

Kiwanas Ugly Dog Contest

2010-03-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

Spent Sunday March 7 at the annual Kiwana's Ugly Dog Contest.

That's Ronie above.

Jim took puppy in program Tatiana and since P.I.P Francie was still in heat, I took Ronie (Linda's girl) to give my Kerry the day off. Plus with the rain, 2 dogs were plenty.

They moved the event indoors which was quite a change from past years spent outdoors at the Del Mar Racetrack paddock area. I'm sure Kiwanas also felt the impact to their donations - but it was a very fun day. Besides the ugly contest there are a myriad of other categories to also enter. But we just watched and enjoyed the spectacle this year.

Many were already in the Irish spirit since it's soon St Paddy's Day.

me with Ronie

First up - CUTEST PUPPY Category:
.

CUTEST PUPPY ENTRIES. Really? How on earth do the judges pick one?

Here's the winner! Can anything really trump a golden pup?! Never

Ah but this is close...

and this button nose and fuzzy face...darling

The judging in fierce. Prettiest female entry...

Another female contestant.

This big guy received MOST HANDSOME male.

AND the Ugliest dog is ...

Rascal!

Of course it didn't hurt that his person actually campaigned for Rascal!

Here he meets his adoring fans after his win....

A trophy? A trophy? A stinking trophy!? Where are my cookies, some kibble at least something edible?! Hmmm this wiener leash looks tasty...

Bandit the Biker dog's protege' is this new guy - Chopper. Rest in peace Bandit - he looks like he'll make you proud. Do I need additional adornment? Then how about a sweater for this rainy day?

One pooped out pooch!

What a mug

Strawberry Season is here!

2010-03-18T00:07:00.001-07:00

It's Strawberry season - yippee! This stand is in lovely Carlsbad and due to the valuable real estate, may not be around within a few years.

Rows and rows, acres and acres of strawberry plants...

Can't you just taste their sweetness? The first of the season are always the best!

It seems you can also buy the plants to take home and have your own harvest.

Baby is all grown up

2010-03-17T23:57:00.000-07:00

Oops - a little blurry. But who would guess that just in a matter of a few weeks, THIS is the baby, all grown up.

Ah this is better - much clearer.

But now the possibly sad news, a few days later I checked and the nest was empty -the sad part? Well there was a partially dug hole at the base of the little tree trunk...did a dog get the baby hummer as it was learning to fly?

I guess I'll never know...but the circle of life... I will hope the Tiny One made it off into the great big world beyond it's miniature, meager beginnings.

After all there are plants to pollinate.

An update to Hum Dinger

2010-03-07T23:07:00.001-08:00

Some time ago I discovered the humming bird's nest with the two eggs on my greenbelt where I walk the dogs....(see past post).

A few weeks went by and I recently discovered this little guy - yes just one baby. I guess out of the two eggs, only one made it.

And a baby only a mother could love!

I'm sure it will get cuter but for now - eeeew.

:^)

Visiting La Quinta for Scrap Booking

2010-03-06T17:06:00.000-08:00

January 2010

A very cool sunset the night we arrived.

My work station and Lyn's on the right.

Get aways are so fun.

Just to have a change of scenery... but it's even better to do so with friends AND also get to stretch my creative energies.
In January Linda, Lisa and I ventured to La Quinta and enjoyed a weekend of scrapping at Dusty's.

See http://www.scrapinatdustys.com/ for packages.

It's a wonderful retreat for all you creative types! I spent the weekend working on Ever's puppy albums - one for Dad; one for me. I also worked on the Christmas gift I am handcrafting for my sister Natalie in Ohio.

At home, getting around to my projects it is so hard to sit down and get them done I find. There's always stuff needing done at home.

But if I go to Dusty's - she has everything AND I mean everything I need right at my fingertips. In 2 1/2 days I had a total of just 7 hours sleep. Stayed up until 6am the first night I arrived. Then Saturday night stayed up until 3am, to bed and then up at 7am to get back to the fun.

Here's a peak at Dusty's awesome "scrap shack" in the desert. Although being spoiled with all the supplies you can use and enough yummy food to send you home completely satiated -the word shack really is a HUGE understatement.

Lyn and Lisa

Lisa at her work station

Linda hard at work

Supplies and more supplies....

and more supplies - I think you get the picture here!

Just bring your own photos and album and your ready to get at it...

Dusty is raising a CCI pup so I took as many photos of the dogs as the scrapping fun!

Her current pup is Novia ("Mia") and her release pup is Joanie.

They had a ball with Francie. Francie was so worn out we even caught her on the furniture (gasp!) napping.

Wow Mom - neat new slippers from these ladies!

Joanie, Mia, Francie

Playtime - so fun!

And they all came from wolves?

2010-02-28T23:05:00.000-08:00

Jim and I attended the Silver Bay Kennel Dog Show today as Canine Companions for

Independence had an information booth we were volunteering for.

Before our shift we wandered around and took in all the happenings - so many dog related products and some serious toy shopping for spoiled pooches.

I'm always amazed at all the various breeds - the multitude of colors, sizes, fur types, ear types, tail types...and they all came from wolves? Just amazing!

Here's Marissa - CCI service dog extraordinaire for Jason

Tatiana II -Jim's service puppy in training below

At the CCI booth - Tat and Marissa

In the ring- the various trials (sporting, working, toy etc.)

ALL SHAPES and SIZES

Rainy (Dog) Days

2010-02-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

Another winter storm front came through last night and this means more showers for San Diego. Encinitas picked up an inch, the most of any towns. I just love the sound of the falling rain. Kerry woke me to go out just about the time the deluge of rain burst forth, heavy in its weight as the clouds could no longer contain it. Ahh Kerry, poor timing. OK nature calls, so let's go...

Kerry padded downstairs, following me to the garage so I could put her Outward Hound rain jacket on her. She did pretty good not dilly dallying and then came back indoors where she still needed a good rub down to dry her off. But better than if she had not had her rain slicker helping to protect her some.

Here's a cute video of the last time we had our rains a few weeks back. In this first video Kerry models the jacket she only barely tolerates. Funny because as much as she hates to wear it, she also hates to get wet...

Kerry reluctantly models her rain coat...and then ventures outside.

Trying to find her perfect "spot" to take care of business in the rain...

"The Art of Racing in the Rain"

2010-02-15T00:38:00.000-08:00

There's a stellar book called "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. It's a best seller and is going to be made in to a movie. But interestingly, it almost was never published because it's written from the perspective of a dog. A wonderfully charming dog named Enzo.

I highly recommend you read it if you want a completely fun and captivating read.

Well Garth, the author was recently local doing a reading in La Jolla at Warwicks' Bookstore.

Here is little Miss Francie sweetly doing a "lap" with Mr. Stein.

I can't wait to read more of his books now that I've "gotten to know him". His work is quite compelling and he was so fascinating, listening to him reading his story. His voice truly became Enzo's as he read.

I wonder who will be the voice for Enzo in the film...

Francie's First Visit to the Ocean

2010-02-05T19:43:00.000-08:00

I took Francie to Cardiff State Beach today; it was her first visit to see the ocean.

It was so cute. All the smells! Her toes hit the sand, then her nose and up she came with grains of sand all over her black nose. She sniffed and then picked up a mouthful of sea kelp. Blah!

She froze and was transfixed by a little flock of seabirds pecking on the sand and running out toward the water and then back in as the waves rolled in after them.

Then she found a stick and tried to entice Kerry in a game of tug or chase. Here's the video:

It was a blustery day as a new storm front was rolling in for a wet weekend. We still met a few other dog walkers also out on the beach as well.

Francie's ears blowing as she watches other dog walkers.

Kerry, I love you!

Francie watched this pelican cruise low right in front of her...and then flap in and land above the boulders near the coast highway.

Flowers are the Earth Laughing

2010-02-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

Without a doubt we have abbreviated seasons in Southern California. While the rest of the country is still literally buried in snow, our blossom trees are budding with whites and pinks and my bulbs are coming up in my yard!

Today I noticed that I have a daffodil that actually bloomed this year...other springs have only brought me sprouted leaves. I was never able to get the bulbs to bloom. I think the recent rains must have soaked the earth enough to convince the flowers to come. And now this week we actually have a very warm Santa Ana with coastal temps in the high 70's.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Flowers are the Earth Laughing".

Well said Ralph!

A "Hum Dinger"

2010-02-02T19:33:00.000-08:00

One day last week, on my dog walk in the morning, I saw this hummer darting back and forth into the lower branch on this tree. I walked over to investigate.

Then this week, I checked to see the progress and sure enough when I peeked into the nest - lo and behold two tiny hummingbird eggs! They look just like jelly bellie candies don't they?

I had my camera with me and took some shots. The mom would dart away and I could not get a good photo of her on the nest. But once I was a few paces away she'd shoot back and sit on the nest.

Years ago, I had a hummer nest right outside my upstairs window. It was so neat watching the parents feed the babes, and watching them grow until they finally both left the nest.
I will enjoy watching the progress of this hummer family too...

Francie Through the Months

2010-01-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

A rainy January. Us at the dog park.

Age 11 months (10 months in, 7 to go)

When Linda and I picked up Francie II from CCI in April of last year (we're co-raising this puppy together; sharing all the joys and trials) we started taking photos each month to capture her development and how quickly she's changed, as she's grown. This month was tricky with our schedules plus with the winter rains that San Diego has been blessed with, it was tricky finding a time between storms to get the January shot. We ended up taking the picture at our dog park rather than the usual spot we had been using.

But at last, here it is above - Francie at age 11 months; next month she'll turn 1 year old. We keep in touch with some of her siblings. We learned Flower was released from Program in the North Central (Ohio) Region for excessive fear. Poor dear, she has selected another career and will find the right home for herself I'm confident.

Two pups Francie's age that are in her training class, have come into season (pups Garden and America). But each female is different just as in humans. Yet Lyn and I will keep a watch. The females are boarded at CCI's campus for 3 weeks while in heat to avoid accidentally matings.

I received my postcard this week, in the mail announcing Feb 20 as the next CCI graduation (see http://www.cci.org/site/c.cdKGIRNqEmG/b.4011071/k.A894/Southwest_Region.htm) and May's date as well. That means the next postcard I receive will be for Francie's turn-in, in August. Oh my. I don't want to even think about that yet as I just know this year will fly by.

To see the changes in her since we picked her up at 8 weeks here she is in April, June, Aug, Oct. of last year.

8 weeks old and 4 months

6 months and 8 months

Our girl at Puppy Social 2 weeks ago.

Play time, so she's stopping just long enough from running for me to take this shot...

2010-01-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

I have been associated with and volunteering for Canine Companions for Independence since 1996. And like many of it's volunteers, most of the time I feel I get far more back, then what I give - the friends I have made, the love from the pups I receive and witnessing the miracles the partnerships create!

Some years back CCI began an annual tradition of recognizing volunteers by having a party in January. Today those that could, met at the SW Regional Center in Oceanside and were spoiled by the CCI staff. They served us wonderful pasta, a garden salad and cake. Trophies were awarded to volunteers that routinely go over and above in their efforts. There was a raffle with great prizes, and fun games to play.

Today's theme was the Olympics. The staff came in carrying American flags to the Olympic theme song. One of the trainers was dressed in drag as an ice dancer. It was a fun afternoon.

me with Francie

Here are some shots I took from today and a few fun videos of one of our doggy games: Doggy Down. It's like musical chairs but when the music stops the PR commands their pup "down". The slowest pup to respond drops out until the champion is the last dog "laying" so to speak.

Francie did okay and made it to about the top 5 out of 10 for her age group (7 - 12 months old).

The staff arrives in a procession with American flags.

Gloria with new arrival she is fostering - "Harrison"

The first one is of the graduate teams playing the game. Daniel is a good sport when Cinnamon is too distracted with Francie being right there, to promptly do his down.

In this second video it's a crack up because the one dog has his butt in the air and is too busy trying to rub off his halti. Too funny! (this is puppies aged 13 - 18 months)

This third video is sweet as service dog Marissa hears to the command but just doesn't execute it fast enough...

So great seeing all the new babies; here's Davi with a fluff muffin.

Love seeing the new babies that have arrived at campus...

Batten Down the Hatches!

2010-01-21T21:03:00.000-08:00

It’s too bad that weather can create such havoc for some when it arrives, because generally I LOVE it. Living in such a semi-arid place that typically has such awesome year-round weather, I've adored watching the mightiness of Mother Nature this week.

That is, since I’m not working and therefore don’t have to drive in it.

So it is oh so nice to be at home, hunkered down watching the wind whip the trees around and the rains come down in torrents.

This is El Nino of 2010.

It’s a doozey of a storm that last Sunday, was predicted to last all week with a series of storms, one after another. They were all sitting off the coast out above the Pacific waiting to roll in. Well true to form, we have had 1-2 inches every day. Yesterday we even had lightening/thunder AND even two tornadoes that touched down.
Now I used to brag that although we have earthquakes, fires and mudslides in Calif I was able to leave the tornadoes back in Ohio – but I guess that is no longer true!

The waves are huge, and the coast highway was saved from flooding only because it was not high tide.
It's supposed to nail us again tonight and tomorrow and not let up until Saturday morning. When it’s all over- we will have gotten one half of our year’s total rain in just this ONE week!

I went to Swami's to watch the brave surfers ride the 18 feet swells and I ventured over to Cardiff State Beach.

Here are some videos I took today.
The videos are from Dad’s deck; I was shaking out the patio furniture covers to empty out the water and let them dry. But they look like I could take flight in the “parachutes” the wind created as I shook them! Check out the water the flies out of the cover in the one video.

Today Southwest Airlines cancelled ALL their flights from San Diego airport and Phoenix. Even Sea World and Lego Land closed and they are opened 365 days a year. Unheard of.

The good from these storms hammering us is: the trees self-prune that’s a new word I learned from the weather casters this winter. But really, everything is SO clean. Loose leaves and pine needles are whipped out of the trees. Sidewalks, roads and the local world in general, is rinsed off and scrubbed clean by Momma Nature, everything is so clean and fresh. I just love the fresh crispness of the outdoors after a good, hard rain shower.

Tonight we got hail and more lightening. Oh my – a huge thunder clapped just above my house just now, mercy that is loud.

Time to get off the computer I think.

A rainbow today across the green belt from my home. A reminder of a promise long ago. . .

It’s so comical to see Kerry dog wear her raincoat outside to potty. She hates me putting it on her, but once it is, she seems to then take her time knowing she can sniff around and not get as wet as she would without it.

Ahhh but that's another blog for another day....G'Nite

The GrandDaddy of them all - The Rose Parade!

2010-01-15T21:22:00.000-08:00

It all came together so well...meeting Betsy, getting to stay at her lovely home with Mom, in Pasadena.

Built in 1923, it is so cozy and Betsy's has it decorated so richly...

The living room...

The guest room Mom and I shared; Betsy had our towels and little gift ornaments lying on the bed.

Betsy and Mom on the front porch.

New Year's Eve we spent on "Mansion Row" = Orange Grove Blvd. where they stage the floats for the next day. See here to play the video :

We were able to walk around and get right up close to the floats before going over to the the NY's Eve party we attended with Betsy and her fun friends.

Mom, Betsy and me

Parade Day - Wake up and watch an hour of the parade on TV before strolling over to Sierra Madre Ave. with our coffees to see it "live". Mom and I in our chairs just a few feet from the curb thanks to new friend Paul from Fallbrook who saved our spot from the night before. His family stayed overnight on the median strip to have this awesome parade perch. Perfect viewing!

And here they come...many floats are too tall to fit under the freeway so they are motorized to fold down and then come back up once they clear the overpass...

The Grand Marshall was US Airlines' Capt. Sullenberger (Miracle on the Hudson River) and his wife Buckeyes know this is TBDBITL (the best damn band in the land)- OSU's Marching Band

The float Mom and I posed in front of the night before - here it is in the daytime in all it's colorful glory.

These stunning horses are pullling the carriage carrying the family of the Parade President who passed away this year before seeing all his hard work come together. Here they are below:

This float below received the Bob Hope Best Humor award: (also see the video a few pics down)

These seven below, are just SO pretty... this year's theme was "A Cut Above"

These first two are the Boy Scouts of America float:

The Budweiser Clydesdales and Dalmation -that's true horse power for this float.

Above is Dick Van Patten aboard the Natural Balance float with "Tillman" the famous skate boarding and snow boarding bulldog. See the video here below for him riding down the slope on the float:

This float below got the award for best animation. Neat!!!

I was touched by the float carrying the Tuskegee Airmen from WWII (the only all black pilots group that had no casualties in the war), some vets were riding the float.

Also there was a float carrying recipients of organ donations, they rode the float and held the photo of the generous person that gave them their "new life".

After the parade, we shared Betsy's scrumptious New Years Day brunch

We even got hula hoop lessons from Mel, see here:

Here're our new friends: me with Betsy & Minnie, Mom, Gordon with Fannie.

It was a spectacular day. Mom and I watched the Rose Bowl football game on TV and my Buckeyes came through, beating the Oregon Ducks quite handsomely! We ended up staying a second night and driving home Saturday. It was an awesome day/weekend and beyond our expectations!

Craigslist comes through again for me! And Linda too for watching the pups. :>)

New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-11T22:12:00.000-08:00

OK so these all aren't original to me, however I liked them enough, that in addition to my own private resolutions, I also plan to:

Watch Less TV – I actually started this one last year and LOVED all that I accomplished by NOT have the tellie on to distract me. Balloon Boy, Tiger Woods and John & Kate? Life is too short. I resolve to watch even less TV in 2010. When I watch, it should add value to my life.

Watch Less News – We can get more of everything in life except “time.” The news focuses on the negative and the sensational. Not a productive use of our time. I resolve to watch less negative, toxic news in 2010.

Don’t Spend Money you Don’t Have – If everyone followed this philosophy the financial system would not have collapsed and the government would not be $1.5 trillion dollars in debt. In my family, if we don’t have money, we don’t buy it.
I resolve to only buy what I can afford in 2010.

Last night on the Learning Channel, the show "Brace for Impact" was a documentary on US Air's Capt. Sullenberger who safely landed his jumbo jet on the Hudson 1 year ago. The passengers that were interviewed had a whole new perspective on their lives.

Without going through an ordeal such as that, I hope to strive this year, for that kind of clarity in my life.

2009-12-24T01:41:00.000-08:00

When I hear them, certain Christmas songs remind me of family members...
The past few weeks while hearing carols on the radio, I smile when certain songs are played.

For Dad, I think of “Sleigh Ride” for at the end of the song a trumpet makes a neighing sound for the horse call –I remember Dad sharing how as a boy he used to enjoy that part while playing his coronet for Christmas concerts.

For Mom I think of Brenda Lee doing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”. In the 1970’s Mom used to love to dance with us kids in the living room. We had an old console stereo/radio, a large beast on legs where if you lifted the top, inside was a turn-table (kids, ask your grandparent what a turn-table is) and a radio. I remember grooving with her when this song came on.

For Lorrie – she loved the country band Alabama. In the 1980s they did a song called “Christmas in Dixie”. I still love this song although you really only hear it on country music stations these days, and not often.

For Eric’s Christmas music, I think of him when I hear anything by (none other than) Elvis. Elvis’ “Mama Liked the Roses” and “Blue Christmas” especially.

When I hear “Jingle Bell Rock” I think of Natalie. Because as a little girl her Music Director at Valley Forge Elementary would do a silly little lean forward when directing her choir… “THAT’s the jingle bell, THAT’s the jingle bell, THAT’s the jingle bell rock…” Too funny. For years we made fun of her directing style doing that song.

Ok family, this blog’s for you….do you all recall these?
Feel free to share what songs remind you of each of us. Just click on the comment button if you wish to play along...

Memories and Making Merry

2009-12-23T22:59:00.000-08:00

What a grand idea.

Linda decide this year's Christmas present from her would be to "make a memory together".

So she made reservations and surprised me with dinner "down in the city" at Cucina Urbana in the Park district.

We took Francie and after a scrumptious dinner of pasta and vino, walked around Balboa Park enjoying the cool crisp night and all the lovely lights!

International Village at Balboa Park.

At the Prado, looking toward the Tower of Man at the Natural History Museum

Delightful!

Tree Time

2009-12-07T14:10:00.000-08:00

Tree time...if I'm going to take the time to put up a Christmas tree, for me it has to be a live one.

I am still a sucker for a live Christmas tree. Yesterday I picked out a noble fir at the tree lot and let it soak over night in a bucket in the garage. Today I put it upright in the stand after first slipping it into the huge bag that I’ll use when it’s time to take it down in January. (It’s easy to hide the bag underneath the tree skirt.) I am aiming for making things easier for myself this year whenever possible.

I screwed the bolts into the trunk to keep it upright in the stand and carried it inside to the living room "Oooof, that's heavy, it will be so much lighter when carrying it out in January, after it has dried out from being in the house for weeks", I thought. Ah but for now that smell, that fresh pine smell –it is almost intoxicating! so fresh, so woodsy. I learned this year that the small nodules on the trunk’s base are actually where the scent comes from. That if you cut open these nodules, the pine fragrance is released. Well that’s too tricky once the tree is upright. (But I did go back a few weeks later when my tree’s scent had subsided, to collect the round trunk scraps cut from others’ tree trunks). I love that smell can you tell?

Ahh fresh pine...such a wonderful smell...

These nodules are the little pods that containt that pine scent.

A noble fir from Oregon.

This year I had the brilliant idea to leave the twine around the tree and just go on faith, picking out the tree by its wrapped fullness and how straight the trunk looked. I think I did pretty well.

Still wrapped up here, it looks almost like a lady’s figure or mannequin doesn’t it?

But once the twine comes off, and the branches relax, wa-la – it’s a tree! I put the fullest sides facing out from the corner.
The angel goes on top first and then the colored lights.A second person would have come in handy for this step, to hand the lights over to.

The dogs are both pooped from their busy day and fast asleep unaware of what’s happening in
their living room.
Kerry says - Too tired Mom, sorry :)

Francie dreams of sugar plums...

After the lights, I open all my boxes of ornaments. I have way too many for this smaller tree (6 foot). I’m a sentimentalist so I save every ornament that has a memory for me, of Christmas’ past.

Well I picked out my favorites. Here are a few of them…can you guess their meaning? I bet most of my family will recognize them or guess their meaning.

Irma and Kerry in a frame

The last ornament Lorrie got for me.

From my ballroom dancing days.

Ralph the sock monkey from PLP training...

My oldest are ones that were hand blown glass that my grandparents used. See the old box – Uncle Sam shaking hands with Santa as it proudly proclaims “American Made”. You won’t see that on any ornaments anymore!

Drats! I only had six of these and now I have 5 :( This sounded like shattering china when it hit the floor. My heart sank.

Ah yes, so pretty. It was an empty corner in my living room just waiting for a week, as I had out my other Christmas décor, but now, the tree is up so the house is complete.
I love spending quiet evenings just sitting in my rocking chair looking at it; fondly recalling Christmas’ past.

And after a busy but fun afternoon with carols playing, I have this lovely result.

Raise a glass and welcome Christmas.

Francie's First Parade

2009-12-06T22:29:00.000-08:00

Francie joined her friends today and was in her first parade.
The La Jolla Christmas Parade. It's a lovely route with stunning views to the Pacific ocean now and then through the buildings, down the street below us.

This baby girl loved the dogs and squealed with glee to see Francie and Ronie.
It was an overcast day with a sky that looked like it could threaten rain, but alas this IS San Diego and it held off for us. Linda brought Francie’s Aunt Ronie, and this too would be her first parade as she was released too young as a CCI pup in training to participate back in 2005. All the pups wore their best holiday get up – antlers, bells, Santa hats- they looked festive and seemed to know they were dressed up for a reason.

Here is a photo of our Canine Companion group:
A float gets some finishing touches. Francie is more keen on a dog coming her way.

In the staging area waiting for our number to come up. Pups in training.

Me with Francie wearing our Christmas red.

Nancy was a great organizer and her Girl Scout troop again carried our banner at the front. We weren’t supposed to throw or hand out anything but I quietly handed the kids on the curbs CCI bookmarks about service dogs, encouraging them to read.

The girl scout troop that carried the CCI banner.

Francie was fascinated by the horses, her nose quivering as she took in their scent. Most intriguing however was a piece of tinsel blowing across the road, for Francie is quite fascinated by anything light and dancing in a breeze – feathers, fuzzies, her handfuls of fur when I brush her…yes these absolutely captivate her. Hopefully she grows out of this fixation or it just may prove a reason for release from the CCI program in Advanced Training next summer. (But we thing positively and keep working on her training so she dis-regards such distractions).

Willie and Garden in the parade, blurry due to trying to walk and take a photo.

Linda, Ronie, Willie and her pup Garden and Francie and I enjoyed a yummy lunch together at a sidewalk table each selecting menus from nearby restaurants and then it was homeward bound with some really tired dogs.

I wonder if they had visions of sugar plums dancing in their doggie heads? Naaaah – probably just rawhide chewies or nylabones.

BLOG ANNIVERSARY - 1 YEAR

2009-11-15T19:01:00.000-08:00

It was November 2008 I started down this path...so my blog celebrates it's first Birthday.

A neat shot I got using the macro setting on my camera today...see the bee?

Here are some more photos I took on my hike this morning with the girls; at the local golf course trails:

Francie now 9 month, Kerry 8 yrs.

She's a Star (well locally anyway)

2009-11-13T22:43:00.000-08:00

In August I took both Kerry and Francie to Cardiff by the Sea for the annual Dogs Days of Summer festival.

I entered Francie in the costume contest and she modeled Irma's old Tango outfit -the one I sewed for the Canine Companions Benefit "Tails and Tango" back in 2003. Francie was a Spanish Belle. I thought she looked stunning! At only 6 months old, Francie was just the sweetest about donning the outfit.

But after all our effort she didn't even place... I thought she would maybe take 3rd place. But some big dog with a lazy costume, consisting of board shorts and an aloha shirt won 3rd place.

And of course 1st and 2nd places went to the little dogs pulling wagons or something. One can NEVER compete with those little dogs. They're just too darn cute. But really, not even 3rd place for darling Francie in her pain stakingly hand-made outfit!?

Come now.

Well, turns out we got the last laugh -as when I opened the November issue of Encinitas Magazine there is Francie! Page 2 as soon as you open the magazine. And in good company too with our local skate boarding legend, world renown Tony Hawk!

See for yourself here: http://www.encinitasmag.com/ then you'll need to enter an email address to flip the pages and see this issue - but there she is, a candid of little Miss Francie, black hat with red ball fringe and all! Be sure to turn a few pages forward to read the whole story on the dog festival.

Here's a shot a friend took of me taking a rest with the girls.

Francie naps while Kerry smiles for the camera. And another pup also rests from the heat.

A Birthday on NOVEMBER 8

2009-11-08T23:49:00.000-08:00

A birthday celebrates the completion of one year, and offers a fresh beginning for starting another year.

It was a sweet start to my day, my Mom phoning me at 6:30am out of a deep sleep (stayed up late watching SNL after my party last night). She sang me happy birthday and was quite proud to be the first to reach me...Natalie later bragged she loved me enough to NOT wake me that early- actually she wouldn't be up that early to be able to, but all the same she made me laugh.

My nephew Bobby texted me from his own phone...then Eric text me but also later phoned me to chat too which was so very sweet -I was really touched...we had a nice talk as I was driving up Palomar Mountain.

As the day broke with me in a mood to get out, take a trip, see a change of scenery. But where? Well by the time I dropped Kerry at Grandpa's for the day and got on the road I didn't want to go far...or else it would be dark when I got home. So Palomar Mt was perfect. Only 70 miles from my house but at 5000 feet elevation, the trees were changing against the evergreens so it was just lovely. The air crisp and cool. Francie slept most of the way and then at the top we got out to take a brief tour of the Observatory and the Hale telescope.

Isn't this a lovely picnic spot? Franice would have voted for a meal I know!

The mountains we're heading toward....the golden trees ...the Observatory.

Watch for rattle snakes many signs warned...approaching the Observatory...some posters in the visitor center, of what can be viewed in our universe - how remarkable!

A favorite stop for travelers.... ..and these guys boast a mean apple pie.

The motorcycle of choice are these mean "road rockets" where the rider almost seems sideways when they take a sharp curve.

Francie and me in front of the US Post Office of Palomar Mountain

I took this shot over my shoulder as Francie was just fascinated by the cycles behind us.

...and back down the mountain heading for home. Happy Birthday to me :)

click this link for cool info about this neat place:

http://www.astro.caltech.edu/observatories/palomar/

Ghosts and Goblins Trick-or-Treat

2009-10-31T23:39:00.000-07:00

What a grand night. Linda and I sat on sunset hill at Eagles' View in Cardiff and enjoyed some lovely wine as the dogs waited not so patiently nearby in the car.

Then when it got dark, we went to downtown Encinitas and enjoyed the festivities. What a perfect night - a full moon and just the right temperature - not too cold not too warm.

The costumes were imaginative. The kids so darling. One little girl who's costume you could tell was hand made, I asked her if she were a cat? She replied ever so seriously, "no I'm an arctic fox". I said how special as no one else has THAT costume. And with a little coaching from her Mom, she said it was because arctic foxes are endangered...yessiree. My kind of Mom - save the animals while educating the little ones; tee hee.

My favorite costume was on a dog of course -a large clock face and then I realized it was a giant watch wrapped around the dog's trunk as he was, of course, going as a "watch dog". Fun-ee!

Self Realization Fellowship outdid themselves again as always, with some stunning jack-o-lanterns. Here are some photos I took so you can see for yourself:

Kerry if front of the cutest dalmation puppy jack-o-lantern.

Goodness, how long did these take to carve?

These folks were enjoying their night -funny to notice the farmer boy looking right at my camera...

Ah yes, a yoga pose as it IS Encinitas.

Francie with the pumpkins. Me with all the dogs. Ronie laying and Kerry and Francie on each side of me.

These girls reminded me of my nieces in Ohio.

I asked if I could take their photos and they quickly struck a pose!

The kids watch all the goings-on at the Lumberyard courtyard as the band played and folks got refreshments...

Oh no, it's "paranormal activity" -->

actually it's just what happens

when a puppy turns her head too quickly while I have my camera on a slow shutter speed.

We ended the evening with a brief visit to Pam and Mark's as their street really does Halloween!

GoD and DoG < --> DoG and GoD

2009-10-28T23:19:00.000-07:00

Over 1 million hits on YouTube... Today's 2 mintue feel good!

Click here and more will know why we call them miracles...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY&feature=player_embedded

or enter http://www.godanddog.org/ to play it.

So very precious!

PUPPIES & PUMPKINS

2009-10-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

The Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center is by far one of my most favorite seasonal places to visit in San Diego. Nestled amongst rolling hills of rural ranches and farms, (although the urban sprawl and developments are gradually encroaching) this family farm/pumpkin patch is chock full of Kodak moments.

We had a grand day, starting early and a good thing too as it quickly got quite crowded. A nice size CCI group turned out and we enjoyed finding clever places to put the pups for photos...there was also a Halloween dog costume contest so I'll include some of those fun photos here too.

I did notice that against the straw bales and brilliant orange pumpkins, the black lab pups really did have the advantage of that great contrast. Our yellow/blonde pups were often lost in the blonde straw and hay...but there were plenty of neat place to pose them - scarecrows, tractor rides, and even the giant pumpkin scale -oh yea, that's little Francie on there. Little? Hardly not, she weighed in at 52.5 pounds. At $.69 per pound she would have been a $35 pumpkin to purchase!

Tractor hayride or horse drawn wagon ride...

who's grinning more, Francie or the scale operator?

Francie with Shirley and Cane above her.

Francie and me on our tractor hay ride

A bird dog literally A banana A scarecrwo WITH his diploma,

("if I only had a brain....")

A giraffe and Cyndi

A monarch butterfly

A Fall Saturday

2009-10-24T21:12:00.000-07:00

Kerry & Francie below the OSU flag

It's fun when a routine falls into place...for me today it was a Football Fall Saturday.

I hung my OSU flag and headed down to town.

So Football Saturday- today it was back to D Street Grill to watch the Buckeyes play football on what looked to be a chilly day in Columbus. Brrr. And by 4th quarter it started raining there- ugh. That's why I live where I do!

So we beat Minnesota, appartently on a mission to redeem ourselves after last week's loss to Purdue.

Dad met me there and little Francie was restless under the table but finally settled in. My Buckeye friend Bob also came and Betty and Michaela (who will be a pirate this Halloween courtesy of my costume I'm loaning her). She looked SO cute when she tried it on.

When our fog burned off it was actually quite warm here today. It was great talking with Chris this morning and catching up on all our news.

Francie at D Street in her Buckeye clothes- since I can't have her wearing Michigan colors.....

This morning before the 9am game, I actually made it to an 8am Qi Gong class at Moonlight Beach for an energy healing class...it was so peaceful listening to the waves hitting the shore below. I realized how tight my shoulders are and I will really work on that...too much computer work and rounding forward throughout my work day I suppose.

God Painted the Sky

2009-10-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight on a whim, Linda and I decided to pop down to Moonlight Beach just in time to catch the light show. And what a show it was....the colors were fantastic. Peaches and purples....the watercolor brushed sky was stunning. It was a clear night and we could see the city lights all the way up the coast to Oceanside. A sailboat bobbed out beyond the waves. We could smell the beach fires. From our picnic table on the overlook, we enjoyed our wine with the pups at our feet; we watched the sun set and the colors slowly fade....giving thanks that we live where we do.

Thank you God - another good work, we loved your sunset.

We appreciate this day. Amen.

So what have you been doing for 23 years?

2009-10-01T16:00:00.001-07:00

A self timer shot using the tripod.

At the Beach Grass Cafe for dinner.

I believe one of life's treasures is reconnecting with friends.

I received the email this Monday past. Jan (pronounced "Yawn", whom I first met in Sweden in 1985) was able to get a flight to LAX (he's a pilot for Emirates Airlines and now lives in Dubai). Was I around? Could we hook up? Maybe enjoy a dinner to catch up?

I emailed him back YES! I have to work but will try to get off early. Can you come south? Take the Amtrak maybe, I could meet you in Oceanside? We swapped numbers and when he got to his hotel on Wednesday evening he phoned me. He had rented a car and was driving down.

Traffic was horrible (no surprise - LA at rush hour?) but he arrived at my door around 7:30pm. Oh my gosh - there he was! It had been 23 years. I last saw him in Cardiff in July 1986 when he visited me only a few months after I had moved here from Ohio. I was still living with Dad at hiss first Cardiff home (see blog from a few weeks back). And here Jan was 23 years later! Big hugs and smiles.

I popped a champagne bottle and we reminisced as we enjoyed the bubbly. Kerry dog welcomed him like a long lost friend although she of course had never met Jan. (aren't labs just so accepting and welcoming?) We laughed and looked at the old photos I had dug out, from over two decades ago. He caught me up like one can only do in person and told me about Katrina and the kids (Martin and Malin - son and daughter 19, 18 yrs old).

We laughed at remembered events of his first visit to Calif when we were both in our early 20's. I recalled his keen dream to be a pilot...he recalled a fortune he got when we went for Chinese back then. It said "your success will be determined by your efforts" and he said at the point he was in his life, that really stayed with him. The Top Gun movie was huge that summer and we went to the Miramar Air show. We watched the impressive Blue Angels...and now here Jan is flying jumbo jets = wide bodied 777s 15 hours over the north pole to arrive into LA. I have such respect for a person that has a dream and sets out to achieve it.

We went to the Beach Grass Cafe and enjoyed yummy seafood salads and Merlot. More talk, more catching up...our trip to Tijuana, and Rosarita, MX that summer for lobster...."no, no Mexico is not really a place you would want to visit these days", I shared with him.

He crashed in my spare room for the night and after her morning walk today, Kerry charged up the stairs to see if he was awake. Well his door was not latched and former service dog in training Kerry has the skills she needs to just push a door open with her nose -it's quite easy she always tells me with her eyes....you want to keep me out? then all you have to do is close it tightly. ("really you humans!") I failed to share this vital info with Jan.

So she barged in and jumped up on the fold out bed doing circles all excited that our guest was still here, carrying his socks in her mouth as she must always carry something - a true retriever without doubt.

"Are you awake Jan?" Kerry wants to know.

We had limited time as Jan had to head back up to LA around lunch time. So after a bit of visiting over coffee we headed out to Pipes Cafe for some good, cheap surfer breakfasts and lattes.

Then I showed him Eagle's View, Dad's home now which he had never seen. Ooohing and ahhhing...

Some goofy photos with Kerry; shots of the lagoon; the pacific ocean; me, clothed in the jacuzzi tub (I'll have to post that one later as it's quite funny but its on his camera)....and then we cruised by Dad's old place waiting until someone went through the gate so we could follow in behind them.

Jan remembered exactly where Dad's former house was and what street to turn on...things stay with you when it's an adventure for sure. He kept remarking how gorgeous the area was. And of course it's October today and this is some of So. Calif's best weather -plus a Santa Ana arrived today so clear BLUE skies, sunny and warm!

It was fascinating to learn about his life in Dubai the past 7 years; learning about the nomads that still live in those parts, camel raising - VERY expensive and a huge indication of wealth; the fear of Iran's amassing nuclear weapons as Iran is only about 60 miles from Dubai; Jan's concern about his daughter who gets too much attention from the young Lebanese men....

I told him as interesting as it sounds, I prefer to trade him a stay in So. Cal at Dad's if Dad and I can come visit him and Katrina at their home in northern Sweden where during the summer it can stay light for the whole day. I have not been to Sweden for so long and I would love to visit there again. He said that sounded like a fair trade to him. LUCKY him, het gets 42 days vacation a year and free flights as an airline employee perk. Wow.

Getting a shot from Dad's driveway.

Jan and Kerry at Sunset Hill.

Our time went by much too quickly but how wonderful to see him again.

Dinner with Jan and Bob

2009-09-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

A top favorite activity for me is dining with friends...good company over good food and there's not much better.

My "California Mom" Jan, who is also my "Scorpio friend" (as our birthdays are just a few days apart in November) had me over for dinner recently for yummy lasagna.

I love Jan and Bob's home. They have a wonderful yard and we sat out back and caught up and visited over appetizers before moving inside for pasta and vino.

Pool side I admired the golden sunset beyond the trees. Jan is a busy realtor although she's at a point in her life she c/should taper off the work load and spend more time enjoying activities more important than working. Especially with a wonderful husband to spend doing those things with!

Bob is retired and he is my role model for how I want to be living my life in my 80's.

It's so nice having friends that although they are a couple, they invite me over to get together - when often times folks that are married don't consider doing this for those of us who are not coupled.

I've had them over for dinner and sometimes Dad and I dine with them- often for holidays as they are generous to include us in their holiday celebrations such as Easter or the like.

I adore their company and find them both so interesting - the places they've traveled, the people they've met and their views on the world.

Here are some self portraits photos I took of us while I was there. My arms are too short so Bob took the other (better) one since his arm is longer. I told him he should have smiled though! ha.

They supplied me with a new stock pile of lemons from their tree which I LOVE.

Yum. Here's to friends!!!

Welcome Home New Vets

2009-09-18T23:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I want to blog about something that happened, and well I just don't get to the computer for awhile. So it goes in this case, as it went with yesterday's post.

Back in August I experienced some things I'll share here;

days filled with appreciation and wonder.

I volunteered at the CCI booth for "Welcome Home New Vets" at the local VA Hospital.

This was a privilege. An information fair was put on to help returning injured veterans know what resources are available for them. The hallways were filled with vendors promoting what they offered that could help with various injuries.

I worked the booth with Jim and two pups in training, which are always a natural draw for folks.

CCI launched an initiative last summer to actively outreach to military veterans so that they know the benefits that a trained service dog can provide them. See this link here: http://www.cci.org/site/c.cdKGIRNqEmG/b.4011033/k.D44E/Veterans.htm

I’m used to volunteering to work CCI booths when most of the questions are about donating time or money or answering questions about puppy raising. This booth duty was different. As it was quite sobering to meet these young men; men that have given so much for the benefit of others; soldiers working for freedom in the world. What was so remarkable was seeing these young men with their various disabilities just going about getting on with their lives.

I saw a dad in a wheel chair with his wife and two little kids, one wanting to climb up on his lap to "ride" as he had just parked his wheel chair van and was wheeling into the hospital from the parking lot as I came out to toilet one of the training pups. I thanked him for his contribution. (I have stopped using the word “sacrifice” when thanking veterans I see now). For I realize most don’t consider it a sacrifice. They truly consider it a service to their country. It makes me so proud, so honored to live in America.

As an additional note ~ ~
On Saturday 8/22 CCI had their largest graduation ceremony to date with 23 people/dog teams (two classes- June and August) graduating. Normally there are 4 classes, one each quarter, so this was awesome to see so many new teams going out into a new world - a world filled MORE independence, thanks to four paws trotting along side of them. Three of the graduating teams were Iraq veterans – they all received standing ovations.

It was very moving.

Puppy Progress - How Francie is doing in training

2009-09-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

FRANICE’S FIRST PRESENTATION

Little Francie did her first public CCI presentation in July. It was at Rancho Coastal Humane Shelter in Encinitas. Linda and I took her and I did a brief presentation to an Animal Camp group. They were a group of 9 girls in age from 10-13 years. At five months old, Francie’s commands were limited as to what I could demonstrate with her, but she did great at her “sit”, “down”, “shake”, and “wait” (for permission to eat a treat). I told them about CCI’s mission although many of the girls had heard about CCI previously through a school presentation. This summer camp was focused on careers with animals. So I focused some of my presentation about the various jobs in place at Canine Companions for Independence such as trainers, Vet Techs and the like.

After the presentation, I took Francie’s cape off and allowed her to just play in the room with the girls. She chased and fetched her ball for them. I outlined appropriate play for a service puppy in training. I gave them CCI flyers and book marks. It was a good first outing for the little one. Here is a photo above of us with the group, at the camp. And a video of her playing with the gals at the bottom of the text.

FRANCIE’S TRAINING

Francie has completed her kindergarten (KPT) puppy training, passed her exam and has advanced to Intermediate level. Here are some photos from class with a video from when Mike, the class instructor, had us do the “here” command. It’s funny, as the tile floor is so slick, Francie looks like a cartoon character running in place until she gets a grip and bolts over to Linda. But she was tested and passed so she now advances to intermediate level training for the next 6 months. She demonstrated that she knows, let’s go, sit/stay, here, down/stay, leave it ignoring food on the ground, and wait.

In our most recent (intermediate) class we are introducing “stand” and will soon instruct the “heel” command. I love this age as the dogs understand what’s really going on and that they are learning so they start tuning in more to see what it is exactly, that we want them to do. They try so hard to please us and get it right – for a treat of course.
Francie is quite food motivated but Lyn and I balance it carefully as this can actually make her more distracted knowing I have a treat. So for stand she gets lots of verbal praise. I use the treat more for “heel” where it helps to lure her through the maneuver until she learns the proper placement. Francie is a quick study and picks things up easily. At one class recently, I introduced "out" to her (passing through a threshold ahead of me, turning to face me, then sitting to wait for the next command) right before the class began and it was the first she had been exposed to this command. Later in class when it was her turn, she demonstrated "out" as if she had known it for weeks. Good girl Francie!

Where the surf meets the turf-in old Del Mar

2009-08-31T00:13:00.000-07:00

Friends of Casey, Day at the Races (July 2009)

A pivotal summer activity for many in San Diego is going to the horse races at Del Mar. Since 1995 or so I’ve been joining a friend’s group for a pre-race party and racing advice seminar.
Now Casey is from Kentucky originally so he prides himself on knowing horse racing… When Casey first started putting the group together & would buy a block of grandstand tickets - the Del Mar folks asked him the name of his group –so he just dubbed us “Friends of Casey” so we’ve been FOC every since. While his parties were a bit rowdier in his earlier, single days in Pacific Beach, Casey still has a kicking party. Although he now lives in La Jolla, is married (to a fellow Kentuckian!), and has two young boys. Casey taught me what a true Mint Juleps tastes like and it is SO GOOD – made only with authentic Kentucky Bourbon of course, fresh mint leave branches poured over crushed ice into real pewter glasses!

His friend Garth always puts on a racing tips forum outlining the proper way to place a bet, and updates us all on the season’s stats to date for the various jockeys, trainers, horses, and stables. We figure if Garth does well enough that the IRS has him fill out tax forms at the races, then hey! we just might learn something from him. Ha
this little gal is all ready in her hat and sun dress...

Well even with all the tips, I still came out in the red this year…picking only two first place winners, but the one I got closed out at the window before I could place the bet due to a lady allowing her friend to ditch line. And doesn’t it just figure, THAT was one of winners I selected-- “Time Gone By” (sentimental meaning).

(Side note: I met a gal last summer that has a charity called “after the finish line”. See her link here: http://www.afterthefinishline.org/
Her group helps retired race horses, finding them homes; as race horses that no longer race or perform well enough are considered disposable. So as much as I still love the pageantry horse racing, this Sport of Kings; watching these majestic animals run; it’s hard for me to not think of the by-product of the industry.

I am glad to know groups like Dawn’s exist to help these magnificent racers.

Time to redirect - a blog you gotta see!

2009-08-28T23:29:00.000-07:00

So every now and I visit brand new blogs that blogs I follow, say are funny.
And this one is funny -> see here: http://jacqueslefeesh.blogspot.com/

It's a blog by Jacques Le Feesh and it's a riot.

It makes me wonder about the time the author took waiting, waiting to get the perfect camera shot....well click above and take a look. Best fishes, I mean best wishes for a grand day.

Summer Fun with Friends

2009-08-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

I heard a funny saying the other day: "Life is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer to the end, the faster it goes!" Well for summers the most, it does just seem to fly by...

And very recently the weather in sunny Calif has been hot and not just warm but HOT. Up in the 90s on the coast which is quite rare. It's like a Santa Ana but without the dry winds. And clear -so clear like winter days after a good hard rain. You can see every detail of the distant hills, and lots of stars at night and the colorful sun rises and sunsets....what a show by Mother Nature. So as to not waste these lovely evenings when there's still plenty of daylight left after work, I went to Wine Steals in Cardiff with Lori last night and then tonight sat on Sunset Hill with Lyn at Dad's yard, to share wine and pizza and watch the brilliant coral sky fade into the Pacific. (the dogs napped in the car after their play time). The moon rose crystal clear and casting a long bright arch on the shimmering sea. On they way from my place the bank sign said it was 83 degrees at 7pm...this is most unusual for us. By this time of the evening it's time for a sweater, even in summer.

So Lyn and I enjoyed our meal and we reflected how the summer has been speeding by...

but tonight I was looking through my photos on my computer and I realized how much fun I'm having this summer...fun with friends, relatives and with the dogs.
Trips, picnics, parties, parades, classes, dining, dates and activities.

at Lake Arrowhead cabin

Dinner on the patio with the pups... I love the long days of summer; and although it's been warmer than I like, the balmy nights are great for walks and star gazing. Here's to summer!

The Satisfaction of a job done ...well BY ME

2009-08-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever accomplished something that gave you a huge feeling of accomplishment?
When my friend Linda made me a cool window valence for my bedroom and she and her father hung it up, I was delighted when I got home and saw it for the first time.

I thought “Man! How amazing to hand-make that!”

And, my friend Belinda does reupholstering. Seeing furniture she has transformed, blows me away. How satisfying that must be, I always thought.

Well I now know from a recent experience, that the more foreign something is, it is then that much more satisfying, to take on and accomplish. Allow me to share:

My experience was a dripping bath tub faucet. For months this faucet leaked no matter how tightly I tried to turn off the handles after a shower. And the dripping would drive me crazy. I put a container under the faucet to catch the water. Then I could see how much was really being wasted (although I did use it to water the house plants.) Something needed to be done.

Geesh this would be a great time and oh so handy to have a man around (i.e. a boyfriend, husband, roommate or father – Dad’s still on his trip).

The internet! That was it! As it has the answers to everything, right? Recipes, driving directions, health advice – and “how to” for doing just about anything that needs being done (how do you think the crazies get instructions for making bombs for crying out loud?)
So, I googled “fixing faucets” and immediately I had all kinds of troubleshooting ideas. Heck there was even a “live help” site where you can decide what you will pay for a contractor to help you through a repair job live from his computer to yours. But I figured I’d use that only as a back-up, if I got stuck- but first I would try to fix my leaky faucet myself.

Well the first night didn’t go so well. As I needed to take the faucet stem off to take with me to Home Depot to see what size replacement was needed. Except I could not get the old part off – the stem needing removed was receded behind the tile wall. I was so frustrated, trying to do this with what tools I had; I got frustrated, started feeling sorry for myself for not having a guy in my life that was available to help me with it. Well after a brief fussy fit and a bit of crying, I finally gave up for the night realizing the repair would have to wait. I turned the water back on for my morning shower the next day and went to bed.

I went back to Home Depot the following day and got a helpful sales associate. I showed him the digital pictures I took on my camera showing him how the stem was receded and I could not reach it. I had also measured it with my tape measure so I would not have to make yet another trip. He promptly showed me the proper tools I would need – a faucet seat wrench and a valve socket wrench and he selected the correct size stem that would probably work, based on my measuring efforts. Ah, now I was in business as I was learning how critical the proper tools are…

So my second day went much better. Using the new wrenches I purchased, I removed the old faucet stems and handles and replaced them with the new ones I bought. I dug out the old plumbers putty around the stem valves and replaced it with new putty I bought. The new faucet handles are shiny and they operate so easily. With a few quick turns they easily turn on and off lightly without any heavy cranking needed. So for around $50, some internet research, a few trips to Home Depot I had fixed the problem.! Gosh what a feeling that was! A repair some plumber probably would have charged me $200 or more to do.

But the biggest rush for me from this experience? Why the amazing sense of satisfaction from doing this job, this completely foreign project, ALL by myself!

Kerry wandered in the bathroom staring at me sitting on the side of my tub turning the faucet on and off, quite smug with myself, doing a little seated victory dance. She wagged her tail finding my behavior odd I’m sure. “Hey!” I said, “Remember the first time you figured out how to open my kitchen cupboard to get to the trash can FULL of wonderful smelling stuff and how YOU felt?” Well that’s how I feel! And it feels GOOD! Yes it does.

<--The After shots -->

Plumerias Please Me!

2009-08-10T20:52:00.000-07:00

For those that know me, and my efforts to grow plumeria trees (from Hawaii) these folks will chuckle at today’s post.
For finally and I say FINALLY, I have blossoms! Plumerias are those wonderfully fragrant flowers that grow in Hawaii and from which leis are typically made. The trees can have pink, yellow, light red or white flowers.

Well every time I visit Kona, I bring back a stick or two or three! When Dad visits his 2nd home, all I ask him to bring me back is Kona coffee and plumeria sticks. (he rolls his eyes every time- he does, I can hear it in his voice, I can) and says “what happened to the ones I brought you last time”?

Shoot, I recall years ago as a kid the first time I saw the fair vendors hawking the plumeria sticks at the Ohio State Fair. One whiff and I was sold; buying my first stalk at age 12 or so. They told me to root it in water to get it started and then transfer it to soil. Well, it sprouted two leaves and then promptly died.

The dozens of stalks I’ve tried to grow since moving to California have often not fared much better, though usually here in sunny, arid San Diego I get them to sprout 6 to 8 leaves and last a summer or two before they croak.

Well a few years ago I got the grand idea to smuggle some lava pebbles (yes I know the tail of bad luck for taking lava off the island) and black lava sand home from Kona to mix in the pots with my soil here and wa-la, that seemed to be the trick. Oh and I also bought some food to add to their water during growing season.

So often people would brag to me and say, “ahh, all I ever did was stick them in the dirt and they took off!” My friend Celeste showed me a tree in her old yard at her first Coronado home and that tree is now full of blossoms and probably 12 feet or taller. Oooh to have a beauty like that, in my yard...

Well imagine my delight when a few weeks ago the small buds I noticed peeking up continued to venture forth and have recently become full blown blooms?! Woo hoo I'm a plumeria parent, finally. It's kind of a crack up too, as this stalk has ONE single leaf but a dozen flowers on the way. Isn't Mother Nature a kick?

I am thrilled!....now if I can only get the other stalks to follow suit.

A drive down memory lane....

2009-08-08T00:48:00.000-07:00

The first home I lived in when I moved to San Diego.

Through the front windshield ...and this second shot - out the passenger side window.

Today quite spontaneously, after breakfast at Pipes Café, I drove by the first place I lived when I moved to California. Cardiff-by-theSea…
I had not been in this neighborhood (Sandy Point) for probably 14 years although it’s only minutes from where I now live. It was my Dad’s first home in San Diego from moving down from Mission Viejo. And I lived here with him for a year after college graduation before getting my first apartment across town in Mira Mesa closer to my job.

Now it’s a gated community so I really didn’t think I’d get in, to see the home unless I followed a car through the gate. But oddly for some reason the gate was wide open so I just drove on in. What a drive down memory lane…I told Kerry dog, “this is where I lived before you were ever even a blip on the radar”, as she sat in the back seat and sniffed the air, her nose out the window, taking in the scents, trying to decipher what information she could glean from smells.

Everyone has regrets, but regrets are funny things. They really serve no purpose as the past is the past and noone can change anything about it. But one regret I do have is not moving into this beautiful home when Dad’s renters moved out and he was looking to sell it. I could have just taken over his loan – but I was too intimidated by the prospect. Plus I had only just purchased and moved into my first (and current) condo and settled in, in nearby Encinitas. But in hind site, (yes WITH 20/20 vision of course) living in this wonderful small community AND having this awesome investment – a home with an ocean/white water view?!

Here below is the path down to the pool/jacuzzi and party house.

How could I have been so dense? And why didn’t Dad sit me down and really emphasize the opportunity? Of course to this day, he wishes he would have kept it but when his renters were continually giving him fits, emotionally it was too big of a drain. But oh what a lovely home – the gated community, a pool, a jacuzzi, ocean views, mountain views, a fountain/pond with trails and a community room for use by residents. Even in this market I did not see a single for-sale sign this morning.

This is the back; with a circular staircase to a deck with an incredible 180 degree view off the master bedroom (which has a dual fireplace) with an adjoining office.

There are many memories from living there- fun neighbors and parties with Sam/Phil, Art/Twila. and Jan and RJ. My room had the stained glass hot air balloon window.

Isn’t it pretty?

I can picture myself walking Kerry along these streets in the evening…would we have met other dog friends here? Would I have met someone’s son or brother; a potential suitor? Perhaps. The home is large enough I probably would have had a roommate… ah well.
But then I love my current neighborhood, my friends, the dog friendly open spaces of Encinitas and Village Park, the proximity to many things – restaurants, shops etc.

But oh that view! And a home so new I did not need to remodel...as my ancient kitchen still beckons now after 20 years in my condo for a much needed re-model and the storage I would have had in this home...gosh I better stop now. I truly realize how fortunate I am. To own my very own home; on a cul de sac, with a fireplace, two car garage, access to pool and tennis courts. I am truly blessed. Sometimes things just slip from our fingers and we don't realize until later what opporutnity was missed.

John Deere Tractor

2009-08-06T23:56:00.000-07:00

Many American families have in their family or genealogy (somewhere) a family farm. Growing up my Uncle Bud and Aunt Ginnie on my Mom's side farmed the same farm my grandfather farmed in Warsaw, Indiana.

While it was thrilling for me as a kid to visit this old farm house in northern Indiana and see the animals and the crops in the fields, I know it was a hard and demanding life for my cousins.

Me and Walt on the John Deere...

Eric and me on the quad with Bobby nearby

Walt and Juanita

Well last month on my visit to Indiana I had the treat of experiencing the fun aspects of visiting a farm once more. As friends of an Aunt and Uncle (in Ft Wayne, IN) on my dad's side have an awesome farm. And they delighted in sharing it with us. When we arrived from Ohio, we called Dad when we got into Ft Wayne to see where we should come. The answer - "come on over to Walt and Juanita's". So my brother, nephew and I were welcomed at their kitchen table and had root beer floats and Juanita offered us REAL whole cow's milk- not pastur OR homogenized.

Walt offered Bobby a ride on the swing in the barn and I was not going to miss this, as I LOVE to swing- and this one was amazing. This old barn was built in the 1800's with hand hewed log beams and the swing was suspended from a beam in the ceiling about 60 feet up, you could really get going!

We ended up climbing over and exploring farm equipment that seemed more like a cock pit in a jet with all the control panels; we learned about the incredible farming technology of today.. How the computers tell the farmer their exact yield per acre and they are guided by precise GPS systems as they track, plant, fertilize and nurture their crops until harvest time.

Walt knows farming inside and out and boy did I learn a lot. Technology does wonderous things for farming and I learned some enlightening information about modern farming versus so-called organic. It's not like the old days of blasting a pesticide and wiping out the good with the bad bugs.

We got to ride Walt's quad runner; Bobby and Eric were in heaven and I think Bobby was ready to come back at harvest time this fall for more farming fun. Walt even taught me to drive his John Deere tractor! The photo evidence is above.

Walt and Juanita are good people. I even took some cool photos of the neat old windows in their home...it was a nice treat to get to see them again and share an afternoon. And we returned later that evening at their insistence as they were having their kids and grand kids over to launch fireworks and enjoy s'mores by the bonfire.

I just love the wonderful rich woods, in old farm houses - such character and so warm and welcoming. ...such unexpected fun moments on vacation.

And good ol' Midwestern hospitality.