On Thursday, my part of the country experienced a once in a life time snow. Usually, we get snow about once a year....a little bit of white stuff that makes roofs pretty. Sometimes, there is enough to stick on the ground, and the children make the most ugly snowmen that I have ever seen (snow, mud and grass makes for ugly snowmen).
This snow was different. Initially, they had predicted an inch (the usual) of "winter precip" for the area. The day before it happened, we had fallen out of the snow zone. In the end, we received about 9 inches of snow with an accumulation of 5-6 inches.
I have never wanted to live in a snow bound state, but I found this snow absolutely refreshing. I was lucky enough to be off so that I could get out and enjoy with a camera in hand. Today, 3 days after the fact there is still a little bit of snow on the ground, although most of it has turned to mush/mud. We have had a crazy year (starting last fall) with a lot more rain that normal. We are saturated, and the melting snow is just hanging out on the surface.
I hope you enjoy my pictures:
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Saturday evening musings....
Musings on a Saturday.
1. She's back...maybe.
Mati has been in a blue funk for the past 4 months. I have taken her to the vet's several times without a cause being found, but lots of mysteries suggested.
The funk started in September, after the WRA nationals. Mati refused to go jogging with me. This is the dog that is my 2nd shadow, so I knew something had to be wrong. I thought she might have a subtle injury, as I couldn't appreciate anything...Then she came into season (the 2nd time in 2 months....). I gave her a break from the jogging during her season, but when it was over, she still didn't want to jog.
I took her to the vet's -- low white count without anything else exciting. He suggested she was hypothyroid, although the numbers looked exactly like they had a previous time when he told me she was NOT hypothyroid. Then, she came into season again (3rd time in 4 months). I took her to another vet. He did a hormonal evaluation...blood work suggested she was not in season, while vaginal cytology suggested that she WAS in season. We won't dwell on the concept of the uterus running the show. That mystery, combined with the continued low white count, earned us a referral to the Big City vet who did an US and found nothing wrong. After telling me that he didn't like having dogs on medicines without a reason (referring to the first vet putting her on thyroid), vet number 3 gave me a prescription for doxycycline for 3 weeks without having a reason....I know, I am being critical, but I HATE IT when my dogs are sick and no one can tell me why. I sent blood work to Protatek -- she came back positive for Lyme, but when I sent a a IDEX C6, she was VERY negative. Long story shortened -- we yanked that pesky uterus out after the third season finished (six weeks long) and it was engorged but not pathologic????
Now, 4 weeks later, she seems to be coming back. This morning, she wanted to go jogging with us. When we got out to the road, she froze again, but THEN a pesky little cat decided to cross the road. All of a sudden, Mati, Gabi, Josi and Layla are pulling me.....After that, Mati was back to her old self. I think the cat broke the ice. Think it was in her head or in the uterus?
2. I have decided to try to try some sewing in my spare time. The new house will need drapes and pillows, and after spending all the money on the house, I am hoping that I can produce some of my own things. Well, I was doing great until this evening. I keep getting the same error message (remove lint or rewind bobbin). There is no lint and the bobbin is full. I am assuming that it is a tension thing, but why does this always happen when there is no one to call? No, Saturday morning when I could have called.....nah. Oh, well - there are always computer/picture things to be done.
3. There are times when I am glad that I am not a cow. Now would be one of them.
Yesterday, we went up to the property. The afternoon light was awesome so I captured a nice shot of Gabi. I thought I would try for the cows, next.
However, despite the afternoon light, cool pictures of cows were not to be had. They are filthy! -- hard to ask them to do that when we are SATURATED and predicted to have yet more rain tomorrow (and Wednesday, and Thursday and Friday.....).
How would you like to live with mud to your knees?
They may be muddy, but they are pretty cute, no? Are those not the cutest ears? And the muddy butts? I know, soon to be steak, but until then.....I think they are very cute.
1. She's back...maybe.
Mati has been in a blue funk for the past 4 months. I have taken her to the vet's several times without a cause being found, but lots of mysteries suggested.
The funk started in September, after the WRA nationals. Mati refused to go jogging with me. This is the dog that is my 2nd shadow, so I knew something had to be wrong. I thought she might have a subtle injury, as I couldn't appreciate anything...Then she came into season (the 2nd time in 2 months....). I gave her a break from the jogging during her season, but when it was over, she still didn't want to jog.
I took her to the vet's -- low white count without anything else exciting. He suggested she was hypothyroid, although the numbers looked exactly like they had a previous time when he told me she was NOT hypothyroid. Then, she came into season again (3rd time in 4 months). I took her to another vet. He did a hormonal evaluation...blood work suggested she was not in season, while vaginal cytology suggested that she WAS in season. We won't dwell on the concept of the uterus running the show. That mystery, combined with the continued low white count, earned us a referral to the Big City vet who did an US and found nothing wrong. After telling me that he didn't like having dogs on medicines without a reason (referring to the first vet putting her on thyroid), vet number 3 gave me a prescription for doxycycline for 3 weeks without having a reason....I know, I am being critical, but I HATE IT when my dogs are sick and no one can tell me why. I sent blood work to Protatek -- she came back positive for Lyme, but when I sent a a IDEX C6, she was VERY negative. Long story shortened -- we yanked that pesky uterus out after the third season finished (six weeks long) and it was engorged but not pathologic????
Now, 4 weeks later, she seems to be coming back. This morning, she wanted to go jogging with us. When we got out to the road, she froze again, but THEN a pesky little cat decided to cross the road. All of a sudden, Mati, Gabi, Josi and Layla are pulling me.....After that, Mati was back to her old self. I think the cat broke the ice. Think it was in her head or in the uterus?
2. I have decided to try to try some sewing in my spare time. The new house will need drapes and pillows, and after spending all the money on the house, I am hoping that I can produce some of my own things. Well, I was doing great until this evening. I keep getting the same error message (remove lint or rewind bobbin). There is no lint and the bobbin is full. I am assuming that it is a tension thing, but why does this always happen when there is no one to call? No, Saturday morning when I could have called.....nah. Oh, well - there are always computer/picture things to be done.
3. There are times when I am glad that I am not a cow. Now would be one of them.Yesterday, we went up to the property. The afternoon light was awesome so I captured a nice shot of Gabi. I thought I would try for the cows, next.
However, despite the afternoon light, cool pictures of cows were not to be had. They are filthy! -- hard to ask them to do that when we are SATURATED and predicted to have yet more rain tomorrow (and Wednesday, and Thursday and Friday.....).
How would you like to live with mud to your knees?
They may be muddy, but they are pretty cute, no? Are those not the cutest ears? And the muddy butts? I know, soon to be steak, but until then.....I think they are very cute.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
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?
(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?
Sunday, January 17, 2010
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....
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....
Friday, September 18, 2009
Fear
As anyone who has read this blog for a while has realized, I am a nerd and a geek. It's a lifestyle. I also have my fears. My fears sometimes result in expanding my horizons. If you remember my story about meeting the Fire Department in Smalltown, you know I fear electricity. Yup. That has something to do with that physics experiment in high school. That one teaching us about electricity: volts, amps, resistance and what-not. I don't really remember it, except connecting something and suddenly being 4 feet away from my chair with curlier hair and a heart that not longer seemed to be in sync. I repeated that experience in college....yup, electricity and I have a very healthy respect for one another.
I am enjoying my property and having a lure machine. Problem with that -- lure machines run on batteries, batteries that have to be connected to the lure machines with each use and have to be recharged on occasion. I have used the battery for 4 practices now. My handy-dandy lure machine has a volt-meter attached...the charge was beginning to drop. It is time to RECHARGE THE BATTERY. gulp.
I have a Diehard Platinum battery, which requires some special handy-dandy charger which I also purchased: a "Microprocessor Controlled, Fully Automatic Operation Battery Charger with Engine Starter." I liked that....fully automatic. My cup of tea.
Today, I retrieved the charger and read the instructions. After all, if nothing else, nerds are good for reading instructions, but........what the hey who?
BATERRIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EACH TIME YOU USE THE CHARGER.
OK. You have my attention.
2. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS
2.1 Consider having someone close enough by to come to your aid when you work....
2.2 Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contact skin, clothing or eyes.
.....
2.7 Removal personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces.....A lead-acid battery can produce a short circuit current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal, causing a severe burn.
All right people. At this point, I am fully convinced that I am probably not going to be able to operate this "fully automated" charger. I mean they are allowed to sell these things without requiring a course, without licensing, without having the fire department on standby?
I called my favorite go to guy....he laughed (note to self: find a new go to guy). "Just connect the red to red and black to black and turn it on. It's simple." I thought about calling 911, just in case. They were so nice about coming before the fire last time.
Right now, the battery is in the garage, hooked to the charger.....the house hasn't blown up, yet. My phone is on speed dial for 911, though.....And my rings are in the glass on the kitchen counter. Anyone up for a battery charging party next time? I hate living life on the edge, charging all alone.
I am enjoying my property and having a lure machine. Problem with that -- lure machines run on batteries, batteries that have to be connected to the lure machines with each use and have to be recharged on occasion. I have used the battery for 4 practices now. My handy-dandy lure machine has a volt-meter attached...the charge was beginning to drop. It is time to RECHARGE THE BATTERY. gulp.
I have a Diehard Platinum battery, which requires some special handy-dandy charger which I also purchased: a "Microprocessor Controlled, Fully Automatic Operation Battery Charger with Engine Starter." I liked that....fully automatic. My cup of tea.
Today, I retrieved the charger and read the instructions. After all, if nothing else, nerds are good for reading instructions, but........what the hey who?
BATERRIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EACH TIME YOU USE THE CHARGER.
OK. You have my attention.
2. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS
2.1 Consider having someone close enough by to come to your aid when you work....
2.2 Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contact skin, clothing or eyes.
.....
2.7 Removal personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces.....A lead-acid battery can produce a short circuit current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal, causing a severe burn.
All right people. At this point, I am fully convinced that I am probably not going to be able to operate this "fully automated" charger. I mean they are allowed to sell these things without requiring a course, without licensing, without having the fire department on standby?
I called my favorite go to guy....he laughed (note to self: find a new go to guy). "Just connect the red to red and black to black and turn it on. It's simple." I thought about calling 911, just in case. They were so nice about coming before the fire last time.
Right now, the battery is in the garage, hooked to the charger.....the house hasn't blown up, yet. My phone is on speed dial for 911, though.....And my rings are in the glass on the kitchen counter. Anyone up for a battery charging party next time? I hate living life on the edge, charging all alone.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
It's been a long time....
I haven't posted in a while. Part of that lack of words has been fatigue. My father's death came at a time when I was overloaded at work, and I just didn't have energy for much beyond working and taking care of the hounds. The other part: most of the writing seemed to center around death and dying. You might expect that of someone in my line of work but seriously.....
So this is a update post. Yes, I am alive. I continue to work on the Whippet Wranch, and the "clubhouse" (OK, I will likely live in it part time because I just LOVE it) is coming along nicely. The pups are growing (9.5 months) but interestingly, are both shrimps (that's what you get when you breed moderate sized bitch to nearly oversized dog?). Whatever!
So to reintroduce the kids:
Josi -- She's the "pink" dog (officially blue fawn but her coat has a real rose color to it). What to say about Josi? (Notice, since she's saying, the spelling of her name has been altered to fit: Gabi, Hudi, Mati and Josi....poor Layla). The posted pictures may look a little scary. Yes, I feed her! But this pup has one button with two settings: on and ON. OK, I exaggerate. As she gets older, she sleeps some.
I should have known: when Josi was in the whelping box, she was the first to bark and would stand in the center of the box testing different sounds. She uses them all! She is totally obsessed with catching balls. If I throw a tennis ball and she misses (and another dog gets it) she will tear across the yard hoping to get the next ball thrown.
Layla (dark beauty): Layla is not a polar opposite of Josi, but she comes close. At about 4 months, she went through a "spook" phase. I disciplined her for biting and she refused to come out of her crate for two days! She would have absolutely nothing to do with strangers. For me, it was fascinating. Two pups with the same parents and similar upbringings but almost polar opposite personalities! She is no longer quite the spook, but she is still very sensitive. With her markings (the dark face) for some reason, I expect her to be assertive.
Josi is frequently disciplined (she has a hard head). When I am trying to get Josi to stop barking ("NO barks!"), Layla sits right beside me, almost worried. Pups can be so interesting. Layla is much more reserved. She wants reassurance, but also prefers to be off on her own (much like her mother, although her mother was NEVER a spook).
We will see if I blog more frequently. I should probably have a professional blog to mumble about some of my other thoughts. Hmmmm.
Question of the day: why does the skunk choose to cross the road 3 feet in front of the woman jogging with whippets?
The end of the ramblings for this morning. Off to work on weeds!
So this is a update post. Yes, I am alive. I continue to work on the Whippet Wranch, and the "clubhouse" (OK, I will likely live in it part time because I just LOVE it) is coming along nicely. The pups are growing (9.5 months) but interestingly, are both shrimps (that's what you get when you breed moderate sized bitch to nearly oversized dog?). Whatever!
So to reintroduce the kids:
Josi -- She's the "pink" dog (officially blue fawn but her coat has a real rose color to it). What to say about Josi? (Notice, since she's saying, the spelling of her name has been altered to fit: Gabi, Hudi, Mati and Josi....poor Layla). The posted pictures may look a little scary. Yes, I feed her! But this pup has one button with two settings: on and ON. OK, I exaggerate. As she gets older, she sleeps some.
I should have known: when Josi was in the whelping box, she was the first to bark and would stand in the center of the box testing different sounds. She uses them all! She is totally obsessed with catching balls. If I throw a tennis ball and she misses (and another dog gets it) she will tear across the yard hoping to get the next ball thrown.
Layla (dark beauty): Layla is not a polar opposite of Josi, but she comes close. At about 4 months, she went through a "spook" phase. I disciplined her for biting and she refused to come out of her crate for two days! She would have absolutely nothing to do with strangers. For me, it was fascinating. Two pups with the same parents and similar upbringings but almost polar opposite personalities! She is no longer quite the spook, but she is still very sensitive. With her markings (the dark face) for some reason, I expect her to be assertive.
Josi is frequently disciplined (she has a hard head). When I am trying to get Josi to stop barking ("NO barks!"), Layla sits right beside me, almost worried. Pups can be so interesting. Layla is much more reserved. She wants reassurance, but also prefers to be off on her own (much like her mother, although her mother was NEVER a spook).We will see if I blog more frequently. I should probably have a professional blog to mumble about some of my other thoughts. Hmmmm.
Question of the day: why does the skunk choose to cross the road 3 feet in front of the woman jogging with whippets?
The end of the ramblings for this morning. Off to work on weeds!
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