Just when you think.....but why did I think?

Just when you think that spring is around the corner: BLAM. A cold snap comes your way.

As they say around here, "if you don't like the weather, just wait until tomorrow." Temperatures were increasing nicely after that last cold snap. A few days just to wet one's whistle with the hope that the really cold stuff was over, and then this front hit. Once again, it was accompanied by rain. I have decided that I need to keep a tally of how much rain we are having. It seems like a lot (well over 5 inches this month), but there is no official weather data collection center in this town OR this county. Odd. In the past 24 hours we received over 2 inches, which is now frozen in my rain gauge:


I know it was a little bit of a stretch for me to think that spring might be around the corner since it is still January....but I am really tired of this winter and it's short days. I have decided that I may need to move to the equator.

The winter weather is really inhibiting my resolution to keep running. As I have grown older, I have become a cold wimp, although running in 25 degree weather is a possibility. However, with the rain we had yesterday and the potential for ice, I think it was better for both me and my head to stay inside.

Work continues on house by the cows. I have been pleased with how it is turning out, although making all the decisions does get tiring. For the most part, I have made a decision and moved on, not looking back. That would take more time and energy than I have.

I am going for a "country" look -- trying to hit the 1920's with some modern touches so the overall look is eclectic. When the tile FINALLY came in (long story but it is really quite boring so I won't repeat it), I was pleased with the colors. I love the earth colors and so far, everything is nice and soothing. For some reason, the floor tile for the upstairs bath wasn't available when everything else was....it arrived two weeks later. When I first saw it, I was a little shocked. The pattern is right, but did I really choose those two colors? (Also, the tile is matte finish rather than shiny). However, the more I look at it, the more I love it. A little funky retro something....
I really thougth I had two shades of green, not green and blue, but I LIKE this. Still, did I choose it? If so...what was I thinking? But, in the end, I really, like it. Odd how things turn out that way.

A shot with the shower tile in view:

OK, maybe I shouldn't give up my day job to become an interior designer, but....it really does grow on you in person! Honest. So, come visit in a few months (I think it will be that long before we have a prayer of getting gravel in for the driveway, again).

The garage has a dog/utility sink constructed out of tile that I had leftover when I removed the carpet in my study:The MOST important thing: a flushing toilet for use if I ever have races at my place. (Big, big, big grin).I know, it's a toilet in a closet, but it is in a location where muddy shoes, etc. just won't matter

January 26, 2010. A year later.

The "almost" silent post.
(Don't ask what Charlie was doing...)

Dad, I miss you. I'm still trying to figure it all out.
In celebration of your life 11/24/36 - 1/26/2009. Has it been a year?

It's Been a Long Time

With the turn of the year, one of my "resolutions" (which I try not to make because usually, I fail) was to blog more frequently. We can see how well that is going.....

Somehow, with Dad's death last year, the Muse left me. Or, the Muse was still there, I just didn't want to listen or feel comfortable in what she was saying. I still do not feel comfortable -- I try to, for the most part, separate my professional from the personal, and much of what She has been telling me goes to the professional. Perhaps, another blog....perhaps, not.

Another of my resolutions was to get back to running. About a year ago (likely longer), I took several falls in a row. Most of these were induced by running with 4 whippets combined with wild varmints, but the right hip chronically hurts. I think it may be a damaged tendon-thing. Still, it hurts. Then there is the left heal...that chronically hurts, too. Needless to say, I am beginning to feel my age. Still, running is my sanity. It's my centering time. It's my anti-depressant. Who cares about aching joints? I am now running with two dogs, which is, for the most part, manageable. Gabi can take me down on her own, and I think if Layla ever wants to, she could launch me into the stratosphere. Thankfully, she hasn't figured that out, and I'm not going to teach her.

This morning, I talked myself into running. I last ran Friday, and had promised myself that I would run Saturday but woke up too early and then was involved on the 'puter. If I don't get out in time, my neighbors leave their dog out, and their dog (a golden retriever) has a tendency to attack us so..... I have to get out by 6 or the bewitching hour comes. I was having a good run, although Layla, who is new to the game had to be watched.

We were on the way back, when I heard a car behind us so I started walking. Although Layla has an aggressive appearance, she is afraid of her own shadow (interestingly, she is NOT afraid of 1500 lb cows, but that is for another post) and cars. The car slowed; I glanced over. It was a police man. Cool! I like police...."Ma'am, I know you are just out here walking, but you need to keep your eyes open an call us if you see anyone on foot. We have had few car break-ins, and with the last one they got a 12 gage shotgun." You know officer, I was actually out here jogging, and you have just given me the motivation to run! No additional events, but talk about a bad morning to forget the pepper spray.

Back to the New Year's goals: I have also decided that I want to take up sewing. I used to do embroidery, but stopped. For some reason, the fingers feel like they wouldn't like that anymore, but I think I would like to try sewing, again. Need to get a machine, though.

I want to get back to my photography. This year, because our club has so few members, I haven't been able to take many race pictures. I did take pictures at this year's nationals, but felt off my mark because it had been so long. We are expanding our office at work. I want to take some local pictures for the walls.....I am tired of 1980's motel art.

Just a few updates:
1. Since my last post, Darby died. He was my first whippet. He had been sick for a long time and finally developed an oral cancer. The vet's didn't think he could stand surgery, and I agreed. I hope he and Charlie are running around pain free at the Rainbow Bridge.



2. Gabi's puppies have grown. I ended up with two (there were FIVE). They are about as opposite as pups can be coming from the same two parents. Layla (Midnight Gossip), is a little hunka-chunka. People tell me she looks aggressive, but I think it is just her boxy head and black mask. Josi (Global Chatter) is a mess. She is constantly on the go, and seems to have a disconnect about her body and the potential for injury. She is in your face, and since the whelping box has been very in touch with her voice box. She is constantly on the go, and constantly too thin because she is on the go. Layla has begun racing and is doing well. Josi....well she just doesn't have her head together, yet. (Josi is the blue fawn, Layla the red with mask in the picture below).


So that's it for now. We'll see how the resolution goes....