tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-108394032024-03-05T18:52:00.860-05:00Just ThinkingEclectic musings <br> from New Englandgardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-89854596767459215942013-01-16T11:36:00.000-05:002013-01-16T11:36:12.910-05:00....About Our Future Choices.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DcF5PJfQIXD1I62NFtuXIRxRWN_3PCWZKKSU86Y_12GV1EAkK1buwQGprelcGmMRRD8CUgZlnHbt_MIsJ2QyCRBlYcxhM1BWL4kk9IUr8H3s3AuugCEEPo-zHFrp_thJ9Ufj/s1600/IMG_2204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DcF5PJfQIXD1I62NFtuXIRxRWN_3PCWZKKSU86Y_12GV1EAkK1buwQGprelcGmMRRD8CUgZlnHbt_MIsJ2QyCRBlYcxhM1BWL4kk9IUr8H3s3AuugCEEPo-zHFrp_thJ9Ufj/s320/IMG_2204.JPG" width="320" /></a>There becomes a time as we age when we have to pause and contemplate the end part of our lives. We have no control over it, but choices we make today do affect the direction we take in the future. With both of us heading towards our mid-sixties, we asked each other the question: "Is the life we are living together at present the life we wish to continue living through our retirement years?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMA19K4hPak4IVjCwkmeFJuYcmTnoXeGkXnsiLNI2q75z0y1AXCDyQO8MITokh6jpRvZJaOz2E8Urso7Hk68_PM48SflK-2NJgEOEW6P8DByw-U7NYwgihoBxhElFgYqwCRS4/s1600/IMG_1846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMA19K4hPak4IVjCwkmeFJuYcmTnoXeGkXnsiLNI2q75z0y1AXCDyQO8MITokh6jpRvZJaOz2E8Urso7Hk68_PM48SflK-2NJgEOEW6P8DByw-U7NYwgihoBxhElFgYqwCRS4/s200/IMG_1846.JPG" width="150" /></a>In our present "together" life, we have tied ourselves down with rescuing, fostering, and adopting dogs. We stay within a number of dogs that we can just manage to afford but little is left for travel, luxuries, nice furniture, quiet time together, and all the other joys retirement will make time to enjoy. So what do we do to be sure we have the most enjoyable life together as possible for as long as we can?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZ7AiuQWLxqE_ffu5BT9Srrs27r6uENIjPCIg0Ylg3uq_X589YRD59bgniegmln-NqE_eGaNZeG6ub2Ty_v6dMutAec3w9W8grm7SYiEo8Tqx-mxiijJIDdIzMDQC6LHHMLLj/s1600/IMG_8833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZ7AiuQWLxqE_ffu5BT9Srrs27r6uENIjPCIg0Ylg3uq_X589YRD59bgniegmln-NqE_eGaNZeG6ub2Ty_v6dMutAec3w9W8grm7SYiEo8Tqx-mxiijJIDdIzMDQC6LHHMLLj/s320/IMG_8833.JPG" width="320" /></a>Ralph asked me, "Are you happy as things are right now? You know that with all our dogs, we will never be doing a lot of traveling, going out to eat, having nice furniture, and even getting to socialize in enjoyable clubs and groups as many older folks do. Is this enough for you?"<br />
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Of course, instead of answering, I asked the same question of him to which he quickly replied, "I am very happy doing exactly what we are doing and I hope to do it for just as long as we are able." That was my answer also, but I wanted him to say it first to be very sure I was not pushing my ideas on him since I am the bossy one...lol. So I let him know that his words held the same beliefs as mine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMR7qaHrdJwi9eEXGhPHIFRrAbfnskdLo5hROzjNROY3p0ooTGZ4l-0L0LWEfcXiUOGCpKOaMEa7SsGJaKe1KLb8j3X4oEKQBRxpCStmorFLaiKhPD80xL1MnQ1vHbina2j3Tz/s1600/IMG_2545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMR7qaHrdJwi9eEXGhPHIFRrAbfnskdLo5hROzjNROY3p0ooTGZ4l-0L0LWEfcXiUOGCpKOaMEa7SsGJaKe1KLb8j3X4oEKQBRxpCStmorFLaiKhPD80xL1MnQ1vHbina2j3Tz/s320/IMG_2545.JPG" width="240" /></a>Within a few days of this discussion, we got a call about a sheltie who may need a home. Nothing is set in stone at this point but the coolest part of this is that we are both on the same page in our lives and it was very easy to say that "yes, we will accept your sheltie if all works out and he fits into our household". In two weeks we might have a new member to our family...or maybe not, but one thing I know is that Ralph and I are joyously committed to doing just what we are already doing. There is something very comforting about that.<br />
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Take care,<br />
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gardeningartistgardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-23682893882244013072013-01-09T14:17:00.000-05:002013-01-09T14:18:29.956-05:00....about the quiet blessings of winter.The holidays are over and now we are in the long winter months minus all the bells and whistles. This is a cherished time to catch up on all those indoor tasks and hobbies that bring me joy. There are plenty of choices waiting for me but none of them need be done in haste but rather once the mood strikes me. That is one of the things I like about winter. Things tend to slow down in New England, more time is available to turn inward, and the result is the chance to get to know oneself much better. <br />
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Some of my cherished choices are reading, writing music, creating stained glass pieces, painting scratched woodwork, brushing dogs, finding new music to enjoy, meditating, enjoying comfort food, doing many crafts, enjoying time on my computer, sharing meals with friends and family, and taking time to be thankful I am well enough to appreciate each of these adventures. The list is long and plentiful.<br />
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Of course, much time is spent being with our dogs, sharing time with my husband, and chatting with my son by phone. Yes, the winter months are special.<br />
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Take care,<br />
gardeningartistgardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-55102212904823924962012-09-13T19:57:00.000-04:002012-09-13T19:57:14.388-04:00...about staying peaceful.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0osd3lFL2Bj1YEQVxIFnvBjHWhhGnl0r1G0MTg_td99SQyX1g9tymYCx_ENWY7GeHYHI2GAl-mjbRanssW90-SFZVS3Fy9-F2V5hhFznSNXskG24oR-My0_EVIEPNdcKptTWI/s1600/166073_926395688461_1136736074_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0osd3lFL2Bj1YEQVxIFnvBjHWhhGnl0r1G0MTg_td99SQyX1g9tymYCx_ENWY7GeHYHI2GAl-mjbRanssW90-SFZVS3Fy9-F2V5hhFznSNXskG24oR-My0_EVIEPNdcKptTWI/s200/166073_926395688461_1136736074_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>Staying peaceful is a difficult feat to accomplish during election years. With all the foolishness going on between the crazy extremists on both sides, it is difficult to stay grounded somewhere in the middle. Yet, that is what I am trying with determination to do. So what does one do to stay grounded?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXHStphvbGpxIY3bJDL7rbDBewTslI1-pDPaNceGfYJJYduZGgWKepH8jmutbmR77caFTXrYDDpB2gEk5mmLD8mYa8Em-bNL8BmwuMzlP_DNUw2qEJkBz_NMfbbuPbv8l2JRO/s1600/human_and_animal_connection_by_beautifuldragon322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXHStphvbGpxIY3bJDL7rbDBewTslI1-pDPaNceGfYJJYduZGgWKepH8jmutbmR77caFTXrYDDpB2gEk5mmLD8mYa8Em-bNL8BmwuMzlP_DNUw2qEJkBz_NMfbbuPbv8l2JRO/s200/human_and_animal_connection_by_beautifuldragon322.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKW2-UXme2zHMr9gNNDvH2GvD6qUzkfVyM9iFZrKqKSBAG1KYsGWexDmIpNyWhXKCyR1voO7XN57H70zRcctWqpmpzfLT7oYWpKv4zJJQeXgHcip18rQhyphenhyphen6pGcu-RqAlETu4-/s1600/253485_10151127627665139_95315533_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKW2-UXme2zHMr9gNNDvH2GvD6qUzkfVyM9iFZrKqKSBAG1KYsGWexDmIpNyWhXKCyR1voO7XN57H70zRcctWqpmpzfLT7oYWpKv4zJJQeXgHcip18rQhyphenhyphen6pGcu-RqAlETu4-/s200/253485_10151127627665139_95315533_n.jpg" width="141" /></a>For me, it is remembering to embrace nature, and remain as self sufficient as I presently can. It also means being thankful and grateful for what is in my life and to be satisfied. Seldom do we allow ourselves to feel we have enough, can take a rest, and just enjoy the feeling of not needing more at the moment. That does not mean we give up our dreams and goals, but rather that we take some quiet time to just reflect on what we have attained. I am taking the time to experience this to the fullest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-6ejK-Ze25LhzNKAnkf6WuBNuOvxywIl60EnLiwgDX6WqL_Qz-nE2DIlV9BRqGOrdOmzSRuudI8YBzek1b-pD3fjFjOYhhnUxmugwfE-MM__zX5L78IAQhyXEVWRL1np6fDC/s1600/318707_3899044887765_210119135_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-6ejK-Ze25LhzNKAnkf6WuBNuOvxywIl60EnLiwgDX6WqL_Qz-nE2DIlV9BRqGOrdOmzSRuudI8YBzek1b-pD3fjFjOYhhnUxmugwfE-MM__zX5L78IAQhyXEVWRL1np6fDC/s200/318707_3899044887765_210119135_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>How many of us can quiet ourselves down, reach out and hug someone or something, and give our minds (and hearts) enough time to capture the whole feeling, the dear experience that sometimes enough good can be enough good for a while. We don't have to be throwing these moments aside as quickly as we do in the quest for even a "better" good. Enough can be rewarding enough if we give it a chance.<br />
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Study these photos and try to think of the last time you have been satisfied by what you already have within your grasp. Are you taking enough time to fully and deeply experience thankfulness? It can bring a peace that is so overwhelmingly precious.<br />
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Take Care, Gardeningartist.<br />
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<br />gardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-14147596723619818472012-07-11T19:10:00.000-04:002012-07-11T19:10:00.255-04:00...about how life is humorous.Life can really be humorous when it is not trying to be. Or perhaps I just see "funny" where it isn't? I don't know. My husband and I often see things that strike us funny and start a silly banter between us that is ridiculous and pointless. We are like little kids who laugh over knock-knock jokes that have long ago lost their intrigue. But we cannot seem to stop ourselves.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgov7JLT-6v9Uyynsd2QX4HVB-rUXzPc7DEh68onQJJYs5c0iay79QBgybAstsSI1IpwktLu8ZhHUZVWEuNiAKp74FbWBzFCq1EFwAovuqumq9k2wiY_PH66poIpy2TDhyjhW9E/s1600/applebees-door-e1332359451461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgov7JLT-6v9Uyynsd2QX4HVB-rUXzPc7DEh68onQJJYs5c0iay79QBgybAstsSI1IpwktLu8ZhHUZVWEuNiAKp74FbWBzFCq1EFwAovuqumq9k2wiY_PH66poIpy2TDhyjhW9E/s200/applebees-door-e1332359451461.jpg" width="150" /></a>Just today we noticed the "Welcome Back" sign over the door of Applebee's. How quaint and sweet, except....drum roll.....Ralph and I have never been to Applebee's....cymbal crash. So our banter begins. How do you enter a place that has a "Welcome Back" sign if we have never been there in the first place? Would we be proceeding in a dishonest way if we entered in under the sign and went in. Are we always doomed never to go in so we can keep our integrity? Should we go around to the back of the building and enter through the back the first time so we can enter legitimately? If we walk in the front door backwards, then they WOULD be welcoming our backs first. It amazes me that my husband and I can chatter about this for quite a while. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENqpEMwxBPVVPam5TJBH1H_6T30_5BqSVt7ED37-GJ-5TN-DLGM96kxIwigjhQV4H06-X5vUVHQr4Fh-HE7vEqrw4v8kp_HhykJ36sLJhGKXu7a-GjKEmr-WuqIdtsFOoHhIX/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENqpEMwxBPVVPam5TJBH1H_6T30_5BqSVt7ED37-GJ-5TN-DLGM96kxIwigjhQV4H06-X5vUVHQr4Fh-HE7vEqrw4v8kp_HhykJ36sLJhGKXu7a-GjKEmr-WuqIdtsFOoHhIX/s200/images.jpeg" width="168" /></a>A few days ago, when my husband was waiting for some ice cream in Shain's, a little boy who had been playing games in the arcade room came up to the cashier and asked if he could have his tips back that he had put in the tip jar earlier. The waitresses were taken aback, of course, and really didn't know what to say. It was doubtful that the child even understood what the tip jar was all about. When the boy looked up at my husband (who shrugged and said softly "I don't think we are allowed to take money back out of the tip jar") the boy just shrugged back, copying my husband's body language and went back into the arcade area. It was so funny and cute. We love situations that happen naturally like that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDmZ7y7tLAZjBkaVe7dbgSCBOjhZycwx37sBVe_WizpXWANPcMPv0s2uxBBQ_lDaoPYVuxeKG4zG9lln343ZUwzLqP49nB-08k4-H1Pr8DHIrorw7fe7ZiEmHSvC0XbNqA630/s1600/Photo+on+2012-07-11+at+18.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDmZ7y7tLAZjBkaVe7dbgSCBOjhZycwx37sBVe_WizpXWANPcMPv0s2uxBBQ_lDaoPYVuxeKG4zG9lln343ZUwzLqP49nB-08k4-H1Pr8DHIrorw7fe7ZiEmHSvC0XbNqA630/s320/Photo+on+2012-07-11+at+18.46.jpg" width="320" /></a>In the dollar store today, my husband came upon a "3-fer" product in the shampoo aisle. No it was not a three for a dollar product. It was a product that does 3 things. My husband seldom gets excited about shopping but this was the find of the century, as far as he was concerned. It is called "White Rain for Men 3 in 1 Cool Ocean Wave Shampoo Conditioner Body Wash". He exclaimed happily, "Look! With this I can just squirt it all over me in the shower and it will take care of everything at once." Well, as most of you know, the shampoo section usually has a few women hanging around deciding what shampoo they want, so there was plenty of laughter suddenly coming out of that section in the store. Any of you that know my husband are aware he does have a shy side, but also has an unusually humorous side and he made a few older ladies very happy for a few moments today in the dollar store.<br />
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So these are brief, happy moments out of our lives. Life is a happy event if we take the time to pay attention. Hope you smiled....if just a little.<br />
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Take care,<br />
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gardeningartistgardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-90028758452902011662012-06-28T20:27:00.000-04:002012-06-28T20:28:56.778-04:00...about how life doesn't stand still.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAWjqWnsatUsECjvjP6sP30Sqj-lQsHNYd4qMylX93oZL-7DwGjKWSizgLW_KzUMB7JGkJMqHeQVZYPXDiChha16_jpO5clIddtFmiNzHAApkLza5tT5hsbZ4Z98WaOEvW_D-/s1600/560377_3311244426159_1171072106_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAWjqWnsatUsECjvjP6sP30Sqj-lQsHNYd4qMylX93oZL-7DwGjKWSizgLW_KzUMB7JGkJMqHeQVZYPXDiChha16_jpO5clIddtFmiNzHAApkLza5tT5hsbZ4Z98WaOEvW_D-/s320/560377_3311244426159_1171072106_n.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dear Lexi. RIP</td></tr>
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It has been a while since I have written here. The circle of life has continued although I really hoped I could make it stop for a while. Lexi, my dear sheltie who spent her whole life taking care of me every minute of every day, finally succumbed to old age and illness. I pampered her and care for her to the very best of my ability but it was her time to leave me. This happened on Memorial Day, a very appropriate day since she served as a soldier, defending me at every turn. Bless her dearly for being such a true, dear friend for 12 of her 14 years...from the very day she came into rescue. On her last day, she was out planting in the garden with me, enjoying life right up until the very end. She taught me that no matter what must be faced through one's life, it can be done with bravery and joy. I still miss her dearly but must accept that life keeps moving on, and I have to keep moving forward, too.<br />
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I have so much for which to be thankful. Our seven dogs are all doing well. With the two older ones, it is a day to day blessing that they are still with us. The other five still have not been slowed down by the ravages of old age and spend their days keeping all the rest of us motivated to stay moving in a joyous manner. It might take a little longer for us to get going, but once in action, both my husband and I still have a lot of life left in us. Of course, like our two old dogs, we do a lot more sleeping and napping than we used to. <br />
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So life moves forward and my husband and I spend our days being so grateful and thankful of all the positives in our lives. One of the wonderful aspects of being older is that it takes so little to bring a smile to our faces, and we don't need a bunch of bells and whistles in our lives to feel extremely satiated. Just being is enough.<br />
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“To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter … to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring—these are some of the rewards of the simple life.” ~~<b>John Burroughs</b></div>
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<b>Take care,</b></div>
<div style="color: #333233; font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px;">
<b>Gardeningartist.</b></div>gardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-9704366829605746632012-05-24T15:11:00.002-04:002012-05-24T15:18:46.646-04:00...that life is a very curvy road.Had a wonderful visit from our son. Now that he is on his way back to the other side of the globe, we now have several things to deal with, some quite serious and others quite fun. Happy Birthday, Marc.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOszyVrbVwsvsiB38tgMWiX6ot_HNtPzMd0E8xTD01LFI2XebhRJREaGC96RY9U6T4u6s-5XhZoSnmaryl5xsw7ONjpcU2lgdqqMuFe9DkVtm0P6padHMGLl_uKJyt1ENyn2f6/s1600/560377_3311244426159_1419571993_32348406_1171072106_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOszyVrbVwsvsiB38tgMWiX6ot_HNtPzMd0E8xTD01LFI2XebhRJREaGC96RY9U6T4u6s-5XhZoSnmaryl5xsw7ONjpcU2lgdqqMuFe9DkVtm0P6padHMGLl_uKJyt1ENyn2f6/s200/560377_3311244426159_1419571993_32348406_1171072106_n.jpg" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexi</td></tr>
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Our three older dogs, Lexi (14), Jazz (12), and Sam (12) are needing a lot of extra attention, and I am the lady ready to give it. Lexi's tumors are growing back very quickly, she is finding it very hard to get around and walk, so I am keeping her close 24/7 and helping her in every way possible. She is too old to bear another surgery and the probable results is that the tumors would just come back like they did after the last surgery, She will not be with us much longer so I want her to be feel comforted and loved in these days we have left with her. We have done everything humanly possible for her and now it is time for a higher power to decide how many more days we get to hug her and appreciate her. Bless her dear heart. She has spent her lifetime watching over me and is my very best doggie friend. <br />
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Jazz is still getting around pretty well, but sleeps most of the day, and is sometimes quite hard to wake up. Both Lexi and Jazz still get their monthly acupuncture. It keeps Jazz moving around and was doing so for Lexi, too. Thankfully, Jazz still gets around fairly well once he has been up for a while, and still loves to amble around and bark at the younger dogs during their playtime. Since he is mostly deaf, we have to use sign language with him, and go wake him up when it is time for a meal or to go pee. He cannot hear us call him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XPPE6HYdJ0qN6vGPpiuOZlwwbAH3adS_VFvw1ztNmwsVNLDKTxV6ca5gOZjLyaDO0VwcMLceRicGr2CmNFjjUxJPTutX95ZO63NsmiVsNzerxx0W8eKcvsJjFSfTu1oFsnTi/s1600/75936_3297179034533_1419571993_32342359_281841382_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XPPE6HYdJ0qN6vGPpiuOZlwwbAH3adS_VFvw1ztNmwsVNLDKTxV6ca5gOZjLyaDO0VwcMLceRicGr2CmNFjjUxJPTutX95ZO63NsmiVsNzerxx0W8eKcvsJjFSfTu1oFsnTi/s320/75936_3297179034533_1419571993_32342359_281841382_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All getting a taste of ice cream</td></tr>
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Sam is doing the best of the three at present but his quirk is that he has decided not to use the dog door. I just have to remember to let him in and out often, and that works well. He still gets around fine, his saliva gland is staying healthy with remedies from his homeopathic vet. He gets two doses a day and that does the trick. No more swollen faces, thanks to his vet.<br />
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The two middle aged dogs...Zac and Sadie are doing quite well. Zac has tested positive for Lyme again this year (his vet called this morning with the results of his blood test) so we will have to go pick up some antibiotics for him to take. Sadie is doing fine and acts like a much younger dog. <br />
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The young ones, Kati, Toby, and Lucy are full of energy, all healthy, and did I mention, full of energy? They do everything with great gusto and eagerness, from agility to just going for a walk. They request several lengthy ball playing sessions a day so Ralph and I get exercised daily, too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdOTDDhm4sAQ0dTjcgEwfmW__F3NzQFgFncqyRlexoonY0TU_bCWkMbwww5dRhax6rnhJvgNj6J3fIqqGIFK8Qk4XWxO97Pbctvt32z7vVQ8HafnfrgFO8fAe5cqb6y8t0YAC/s1600/bac48d2d-ec86-48c9-bfe2-a538c21a9f0e-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdOTDDhm4sAQ0dTjcgEwfmW__F3NzQFgFncqyRlexoonY0TU_bCWkMbwww5dRhax6rnhJvgNj6J3fIqqGIFK8Qk4XWxO97Pbctvt32z7vVQ8HafnfrgFO8fAe5cqb6y8t0YAC/s320/bac48d2d-ec86-48c9-bfe2-a538c21a9f0e-1.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My great grandmother and her<br />
twin sons.</td></tr>
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Have been doing a lot of work on my ancestry tree and find it so interesting. I have put up quite a few photos on Ancestry.com and plan to add more. Tracing down my son's ancestors so he will have both my husband's and my family trees to go visit whenever he finds an interest to do so.<br />
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Have my stained glass piece close to finished so will be starting some new things very soon. So glad to have found such a creative hobby that keeps my imaginative mind engaged.<br />
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Some of the plants I have been bringing over from the other house are beginning to get used to this new property. My white clematis is in full bloom today down by the pond. The spearmint and chocolate mint are growing strongly by the agility fence and will be used for tea this summer and through the next winter. I always dry a bunch. Also it is time to put in tomato, pepper, and cucumber plants since they always taste so much better than the supermarket rubber veggies. Thankfully, we also have local farmers' markets with tasty Maine grown products. A lot to be thankful for.<br />
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Life is a mixture of so many varied emotions and I plan to experience many of them in the coming weeks. May you all embrace the many twists and turns that life brings you!<br />
Take care,<br />
gardeningartistgardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-36576266129012221042012-05-11T15:54:00.000-04:002012-05-11T15:54:58.257-04:00...about making lemonade when life gives lemons.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVsi_bmk2graj-QhO5hEKX5suLc3M_bZCyR4x4VAzMwzFYMKHUiVc6dUK2nNaRwuSGP42nlf0yTfdxPXW_5AlueqZAONDBYcbLYp3n7ZvEFfJ1ar_7pbIkNqXCwZyb0gq-_gK/s1600/IMG_9974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVsi_bmk2graj-QhO5hEKX5suLc3M_bZCyR4x4VAzMwzFYMKHUiVc6dUK2nNaRwuSGP42nlf0yTfdxPXW_5AlueqZAONDBYcbLYp3n7ZvEFfJ1ar_7pbIkNqXCwZyb0gq-_gK/s200/IMG_9974.JPG" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The huge moon!</td></tr>
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This has been an unpredictable week, not that any future moment is 100% predictable, but this week has been extraordinarily odd. For several weeks, my husband and I have been excitedly looking forward to a rare visit from our son. We cherish these moments with him so dearly and they seem to pass much too quickly.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijO2get2M4cYu4pWNtRaxWztRM5MZH6TNx7XABD7D8SyXFdry4wC9A7n0B6RMbruC0ZSl4b3pxaJsPRkZRY0kk3EvEfh98Wa8tbkmL27PeC-wIjCuAeXInr0-GZbwHz8M6oXuk/s1600/IMG_9034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijO2get2M4cYu4pWNtRaxWztRM5MZH6TNx7XABD7D8SyXFdry4wC9A7n0B6RMbruC0ZSl4b3pxaJsPRkZRY0kk3EvEfh98Wa8tbkmL27PeC-wIjCuAeXInr0-GZbwHz8M6oXuk/s200/IMG_9034.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Son</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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When our son arrived this past Sunday evening, it was clear he was not feeling well. He had arrived with a bad cold and just not feeling up to par. Ralph and I tried to coax him into going out and capturing some photos of the huge moon but he was just too ill and tired. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaAqX7MnHzq3wrxa8Suvp5ZL31GVnG4lUYcaUvvtycSA3kCNcRAMbPKDq0fCgEiAta_dz5KDjifjI2Qm3mPA_CEzVl0zEh5cdf4vMbWBgQc27iGVreDwN7-GSHIDSnyR3KoDF/s1600/IMG_1297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaAqX7MnHzq3wrxa8Suvp5ZL31GVnG4lUYcaUvvtycSA3kCNcRAMbPKDq0fCgEiAta_dz5KDjifjI2Qm3mPA_CEzVl0zEh5cdf4vMbWBgQc27iGVreDwN7-GSHIDSnyR3KoDF/s200/IMG_1297.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Emergency Vet</td></tr>
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We all turned in around 11 PM, and that was when we discovered that one of our old shelties had a large bleeding sore on her leg. Not knowing what to do, my husband and I took her to the emergency vet in Portsmouth, NH. It ended up being a sort of bed sore caused by sleeping on the hard floor. Lexi has many soft beds to sleep on, but being a cold weather dog, she always chooses the cold wooden floor. Anyway, her leg was a mess so it took a while to get it all bandaged using a doughnut sort of shape so she could not put pressure on the wound. By 3 AM we were back home and finally got to rest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fm_rCFn0j70JJg4iQAB-GZ-K95YG1iBNt2CdTOtqk9r7A4IKBZN6WPdaOvmh34EDWKmKw481OVpGfhyhQnyDTo-wl0K2khQw1xci94Y4y-5YLi3I-XF00XNcjfqyzm-v8tS3/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fm_rCFn0j70JJg4iQAB-GZ-K95YG1iBNt2CdTOtqk9r7A4IKBZN6WPdaOvmh34EDWKmKw481OVpGfhyhQnyDTo-wl0K2khQw1xci94Y4y-5YLi3I-XF00XNcjfqyzm-v8tS3/s200/IMG_1308.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Monday and Tuesday went very well. Marc rested a lot, we had supper with friends on Tuesday, Lexi went to a couple of vet visits, I had some acupuncture. All seemed to be going along quite well. Then Tuesday night, I got my son's cold, so now two people and one dog were ill. By Thursday night, Ralph was added to the list. Today, (Friday), our son is beginning to see the end of the worst part of his cold, I am in the middle of mine, and Ralph is at the beginning of his. Lexi needs lots of care, but her leg is slowly healing.<br />
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When one thinks of our son visiting and all the ways we could have spent it, this is definitely a time when we have to settle just making lemonade when life gives us lemons. We have all stayed in fairly good moods, taken good care of one another, and taken good care of all our dear dogs, too. We have gone nowhere, and done nothing, but sometimes, just making lemonade is the best we can do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJIlkGH4UlKC_WvbVwk_W6T7_Vu9ssE4DauYtcKav8oe8SDB_UubdjZYE3n7J8Q4h3_Y8IcV6qorfa2WwNXbOYuEiDGvaEuQF8chDaD72B3NcWpnwTBPcL_Z6uqZVjyWZkV9H/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJIlkGH4UlKC_WvbVwk_W6T7_Vu9ssE4DauYtcKav8oe8SDB_UubdjZYE3n7J8Q4h3_Y8IcV6qorfa2WwNXbOYuEiDGvaEuQF8chDaD72B3NcWpnwTBPcL_Z6uqZVjyWZkV9H/s200/IMG_1287.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are warm, we are all safe, we have a roof over our heads, we share a lot of love and humor, and are just waiting for our colds to take a hike. They will eventually. My husband's birthday, Mother's Day, and our son's birthday will all be honored in the next days, no matter if we party or just quietly support one another quietly through these special days. It really doesn't matter. What matters is that we are all together and share a bond of caring. It can't get any better than that. We are a family and that is what truly counts.<br />
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Take care,<br />
gardeningartistgardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-1184304845042382352012-03-21T14:08:00.000-04:002012-03-21T14:08:12.910-04:00This March weather is just unbelievable. So warm, sunny, and spring like. All the windows in our home are open today, the dogs are having a grand time playing outside then resting inside, and both my husband and I feel somehow lighter with these refreshing temperatures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUzWKKI6bH3xymumzxKSdo-7q1zgHyWyxXZMwGm2-Sf2aHv2S2n6Z8oZ_0qiJ2w9QB6gmspahXmrjsOuk5EE53Sy-4RSljmF0TlUxDVmuWEgvQxXrTrCM8VforkjAQE_R27Lu/s1600/IMG_0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUzWKKI6bH3xymumzxKSdo-7q1zgHyWyxXZMwGm2-Sf2aHv2S2n6Z8oZ_0qiJ2w9QB6gmspahXmrjsOuk5EE53Sy-4RSljmF0TlUxDVmuWEgvQxXrTrCM8VforkjAQE_R27Lu/s200/IMG_0992.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexi and Toby snoozing on our bed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have several little blessings of which we are delightfully thankful. First off, both of us and all our pets are presently quite healthy. Our Lexi sheltie came through her surgery just fine and has been amusing us by now being able to come up the ramp and sleep on our bed all by herself once again after years of not being able to do so. What a joy to have her close. Also, we have a new family member who also enjoys sleeping next to us at night. What a little pistol he is. He runs like the wind, is now Lucy the BC's favorite playmate, and even like gardening with me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqkzz1unmoNhlU2fM9ydh9NO6tMBSZNgRY40D296TgXDrgENJz1mv1uy5AZ_8B3185XRn1H-PugRKDT4TyZoPP5ic7JEXX7y9Wcdbm4VepVNR6vnwAUZ9BUoP5dwTFDhrP_CJ/s1600/banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqkzz1unmoNhlU2fM9ydh9NO6tMBSZNgRY40D296TgXDrgENJz1mv1uy5AZ_8B3185XRn1H-PugRKDT4TyZoPP5ic7JEXX7y9Wcdbm4VepVNR6vnwAUZ9BUoP5dwTFDhrP_CJ/s640/banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YZHz15MuQB41WWwH_WvpVKfHwFDgBdXlSnfXTmSJibr5DChP5yDToa_lCf0pG9i069VvUUhSK5QfV403sRkvvtnuskTsBDMJ67p9i0OJPkdrDAk60gjU23VMD3Ax7-X8BDmY/s1600/stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YZHz15MuQB41WWwH_WvpVKfHwFDgBdXlSnfXTmSJibr5DChP5yDToa_lCf0pG9i069VvUUhSK5QfV403sRkvvtnuskTsBDMJ67p9i0OJPkdrDAk60gjU23VMD3Ax7-X8BDmY/s200/stars.jpg" width="200" /></a>Presently, my husband has 6 of our 8 dogs over at our agility building. They love going there and learning how to handle all the different obstacles. It is also a very positive work out for Ralph and helps to keep is aging body in shape. Certainly, an especially fun way to stay active.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvi8cZEPoyU_xtunwiR3Zf6ukDVyJIEi0yO7PucsZlCfErBBiRCE0PDXnhoxJ7zGb9De4hz-ewsbCOCsj9a5u43S0-BfxuBwAfe8MfB0baysUV2UqaBP7VfJKb40QDM3OVkQkL/s1600/IMG_9385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvi8cZEPoyU_xtunwiR3Zf6ukDVyJIEi0yO7PucsZlCfErBBiRCE0PDXnhoxJ7zGb9De4hz-ewsbCOCsj9a5u43S0-BfxuBwAfe8MfB0baysUV2UqaBP7VfJKb40QDM3OVkQkL/s200/IMG_9385.JPG" width="158" /></a>I will be 62 in two days. The years have passed so quickly. I can remember when I thought anyone that was in his/her sixties was super old. Now that I am in this class, perhaps my youthful perceptions were a bit wrong. I still seem to have plenty of life left in this body. It doesn't look young and "perky" any longer, but looks can be deceiving. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0lqoHd-RhiTkKsss0Q0vwXtuA0BU-j5SRiiXXv6ZWCqunvBO427H4h0d5e8CWeHAB8MMCzvNh_VOf_jJOLLf3ygOrM1uEBqDmuRz9Nn40mAEpidRAOITegD2QhmDHYluqSp7/s1600/IMG_8773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0lqoHd-RhiTkKsss0Q0vwXtuA0BU-j5SRiiXXv6ZWCqunvBO427H4h0d5e8CWeHAB8MMCzvNh_VOf_jJOLLf3ygOrM1uEBqDmuRz9Nn40mAEpidRAOITegD2QhmDHYluqSp7/s200/IMG_8773.JPG" width="196" /></a><br />
Ralph and I are certainly thrilled by much less than we used to be. Just waking up to have another day to enjoy is very cool. Getting moments to do things between health issues...lol...is pretty cool. Being able to spend all our money on our dogs is such a cool thing. Having so many caring, interesting people in our lives is mighty cool, too. Yes, there are more stressful times due to health now that we are getting up there in years, but all the "coolness" in our lives balances it all out. <br />
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So on this gorgeous, sunny day in southern Maine, this "cool" family is thankful. We have another shot at making memories.<br />
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Sending joy, peace, and meaning to all that read this!<br />
Take care,<br />
Gardeningartist<br />
<br />
<br />gardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-91602497801075957082012-02-11T14:26:00.001-05:002012-02-11T14:26:36.897-05:00...our strange winter weather.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVl7zfqTXdj73z4YBOiEsrekBQRIfFNf89ui6w2vTMDpGJBPc2yftvAPGmnfhKngHWEqo0yjRjM-HIlyicaMiyZQwpLSSg9vqM6oLqJ6LWGrfRVVdtdSZApB-2aYZgVGMRaiP/s1600/IM001281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVl7zfqTXdj73z4YBOiEsrekBQRIfFNf89ui6w2vTMDpGJBPc2yftvAPGmnfhKngHWEqo0yjRjM-HIlyicaMiyZQwpLSSg9vqM6oLqJ6LWGrfRVVdtdSZApB-2aYZgVGMRaiP/s200/IM001281.JPG" width="133" /></a>We have had cold days and warm days all winter. The snow cover just is not staying in southern Maine, so on the warm days like today, it is exactly like Spring mud season over and over. My oak wood floors glistened beautifully two days ago and today it looks as if a football teams has trampled through here straight off the field.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MguKoe2EpaxVDr_vavk1_V0JXDYzg4P54gCrv9b8hKYJVy0wQsd4QLoInICi_WeKlSuqMatFHdr7SZ_IERY9SOPS9F7Z_xuLIUSsnfT267hOP3Et96mbi_1mdRHBCAurUQe3/s1600/IMG_4126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MguKoe2EpaxVDr_vavk1_V0JXDYzg4P54gCrv9b8hKYJVy0wQsd4QLoInICi_WeKlSuqMatFHdr7SZ_IERY9SOPS9F7Z_xuLIUSsnfT267hOP3Et96mbi_1mdRHBCAurUQe3/s200/IMG_4126.JPG" width="200" /></a> I am not sure how I feel about our climate warming up. Whether it is caused by atmospheric pollution or is a natural occurrence of the universe, I do know it seems strange. Nature is taking a jolt in this area and flora and fauna are confused with this "new normal". Many of our trees and flowers need a cold blanket of snow to sleep deeply. Without that cover, the stress is taking its toll. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXdxIGCH6OfATpYuBPzim5c1beRA3R3nEOZjBr7MpR2ST5cLpo_f9ul5mUGq2Qf48j-CIub4D39OtDvRBtTYzvtUQjkD1wfLDnkuwNiUfQwWOEE7ReVlIZCZp8HUOX0I0chRj/s1600/IMG_7088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXdxIGCH6OfATpYuBPzim5c1beRA3R3nEOZjBr7MpR2ST5cLpo_f9ul5mUGq2Qf48j-CIub4D39OtDvRBtTYzvtUQjkD1wfLDnkuwNiUfQwWOEE7ReVlIZCZp8HUOX0I0chRj/s200/IMG_7088.JPG" width="200" /></a>Will the plants and animals that are indigenous to our area be able to hang on or will our native plants and animals change with the climate? For example, lilacs are very happy in our zone, but in the last years, I have noticed they are blooming earlier and earlier. Some of my forsythias have gotten so confused that a few years ago, some buds actually opened in the fall (odd to see) and again in early spring which is their normal blooming time. Our dogs get winter coats but when we have days in the 40F-50F range in the winter in Maine, the winter coat doesn't really know whether it should stay or shed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vwh68N397UK5GulODzO_tMHn_zSWWJSYV88GsIpw4ObaHsNlI1LfmgbmQc6CdtRINUJUOxnct8aQELQLeSgnr9wvHMIlrtFloiRu_5fK93ssUmFQJUSWQj3dr-gmWZsGJiRs/s1600/IMG_7363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vwh68N397UK5GulODzO_tMHn_zSWWJSYV88GsIpw4ObaHsNlI1LfmgbmQc6CdtRINUJUOxnct8aQELQLeSgnr9wvHMIlrtFloiRu_5fK93ssUmFQJUSWQj3dr-gmWZsGJiRs/s1600/IMG_7363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vwh68N397UK5GulODzO_tMHn_zSWWJSYV88GsIpw4ObaHsNlI1LfmgbmQc6CdtRINUJUOxnct8aQELQLeSgnr9wvHMIlrtFloiRu_5fK93ssUmFQJUSWQj3dr-gmWZsGJiRs/s200/IMG_7363.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">I have to truthfully say, I enjoy having less snow and ice to deal with but, being a gardener, also can see the negative aspects of it, too. It will be an interesting future seeing what the world holds for us as the ice caps grow smaller and smaller and our area gets warmer and warmer. I know that Europe has been having some terrible times dealing with too much snow, too much ice, and too much cold. Then there are also pockets in Alaska just buried in snow. Is this all "normal" or are we changing our world ourselves with careless emissions of manmade gasses? I don't know but do know it is worth watching and pondering about. Just thinking.... </span>gardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-5014911927955851772012-02-01T14:11:00.000-05:002012-02-01T14:11:07.099-05:00...about my addictions.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwTo69TlW16dn9OYybhyphenhyphen3iPmVyw1EbjVRt3syspczH9FishZqNXNMvjJ7GfQzrgIqh9kGfNsCS7rgJZcBCNaKvimhajLxDr6dH4yu-okzRU4DiFZxor1kVYlVyAtdxm0YrH2k/s1600/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwTo69TlW16dn9OYybhyphenhyphen3iPmVyw1EbjVRt3syspczH9FishZqNXNMvjJ7GfQzrgIqh9kGfNsCS7rgJZcBCNaKvimhajLxDr6dH4yu-okzRU4DiFZxor1kVYlVyAtdxm0YrH2k/s1600/image1.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCmgZZYov4NVdLym9MZTQnNvLw6HNRpO1Qo1XyjESXS3tE5MWYvoqiVqaRFmGyFXXL19E2ZEi3hdOD6n4Mu-AIEmhOfypYTIm4cmimCLLkfIqI3B1wlVsM70c1yG48ssuE8fh/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCmgZZYov4NVdLym9MZTQnNvLw6HNRpO1Qo1XyjESXS3tE5MWYvoqiVqaRFmGyFXXL19E2ZEi3hdOD6n4Mu-AIEmhOfypYTIm4cmimCLLkfIqI3B1wlVsM70c1yG48ssuE8fh/s1600/image.jpeg" /></a>Everyone has addictions of one sort or another. I don't drink, I don't smoke, never done drugs, don't drink coffee, the list goes on. But that does not mean I am at all free of addictions. I love facebook because it has given me the opportunity to reconnect with so many wonderful people who too briefly passed through my life during my childhood, my own school days, and my teaching years. To be able to reconnect with so many is such a unique gift I never thought would be possible. Several years ago at Thanksgiving, we were going around the table stating what we each were thankful for and my "clever" son answered "technology". At the time we all laughed and remarked "How deep of you!" Now I am beginning to believe he was way ahead of us in his things to be thankful for. Today, I can truthfully say I agree with him. I am on my computer way too much, but it is a wonderful, rewarding addiction to have.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pWxiFOUym7CyuP1xOessx63UlbAmLDiaiihO7ndleLIrLfvyKaVIP6ZlecuZP1UKdtv9xkTS0GZwaVPccmjTxJ6u81uaPVurY9AXVmkXKM2cJlG3I0a8vvbSGu4U6_2jyE9v/s1600/chute_done.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pWxiFOUym7CyuP1xOessx63UlbAmLDiaiihO7ndleLIrLfvyKaVIP6ZlecuZP1UKdtv9xkTS0GZwaVPccmjTxJ6u81uaPVurY9AXVmkXKM2cJlG3I0a8vvbSGu4U6_2jyE9v/s320/chute_done.JPG" width="320" /></a>Another addiction is our dogs. As heaven takes them back, we keep adopting new ones. Since we have become dog rescuers and owners, we have received more delight and joy in our home than we could ever imagine. From when we get up in the morning until when we finally drop off to sleep at night, our lives revolve around our dogs. We feed them, hug them, tend their wounds, train them, take them for walks and rides, comfort them, play games with them, bathe them...the responsibilities are many. But they love us deeply and do everything in their power to help us feel the world is a wonderful place to be a part of and how very lucky we are. Dogs stay in the moment and only anticipate the very next moment. Their anticipation is always filled with eagerness and joy. Right now, five of our dogs are with Ralph at the agility building going through their paces and our other two are here with me, both having much needed quiet naps. They appreciate all the things we too easily take for granted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypKQRZK4LkZfTU6qf3ggO7DOq4T4WTMcyELGziG76q-yEMiCj0qPtWsKHr2tZT8xPFE-b__HXba7KRQoQV__nvdaqxZ-RFYafe19J0U9v5Wbpsl0GhtLof3WvEUY1csqNkkfJ/s1600/images-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypKQRZK4LkZfTU6qf3ggO7DOq4T4WTMcyELGziG76q-yEMiCj0qPtWsKHr2tZT8xPFE-b__HXba7KRQoQV__nvdaqxZ-RFYafe19J0U9v5Wbpsl0GhtLof3WvEUY1csqNkkfJ/s200/images-2.jpeg" width="200" /></a>Another addiction of mine is NCIS. That sounds so surface like, but I love the show and the interactions between the characters. When I was a little girl, we had a neighbor who loved Perry Mason. It was on every Sunday evening, and she would have her coffee and toast already for her once a week fix. Her large arch-shaped living room doors would be closed from everyone, and that hour would be hers (and Mr. Mason's). So if we were there playing with her daughter (a childhood friend), we were not allowed to bother her for that hour. Any other time, she was always available and doted on us all. I am sort of like this with NCIS except that it is on nearly everyday so has now almost become my background music. It is on no matter how many times I have seen it. Addiction? You bet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoC1a4Q36QI7pFwATuLUffDRVUi5dSR2f4gYnZioa4kO_NAVDeqglD87Hzz3GZJzwTd2sh0A3l9gjNtsPb3DbCg_uGYeUplX-XVTr5o3BWekYZlIqDtAhxW0agbut-6p8clJk/s1600/food.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoC1a4Q36QI7pFwATuLUffDRVUi5dSR2f4gYnZioa4kO_NAVDeqglD87Hzz3GZJzwTd2sh0A3l9gjNtsPb3DbCg_uGYeUplX-XVTr5o3BWekYZlIqDtAhxW0agbut-6p8clJk/s1600/food.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdmcnnmGygG0TVgdxU2WsNBUPWzfpi22oH4XvF5F1WPJfe0ouBEn7w6ilOkgjHFzMhqz684mVti6Ng9zCZFLa128A-EQoV2ksZtPdRuLQnzUKm2IADw_4NRsbHrTTKU79LP06/s1600/hy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdmcnnmGygG0TVgdxU2WsNBUPWzfpi22oH4XvF5F1WPJfe0ouBEn7w6ilOkgjHFzMhqz684mVti6Ng9zCZFLa128A-EQoV2ksZtPdRuLQnzUKm2IADw_4NRsbHrTTKU79LP06/s1600/hy.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPN3wEbQymGTgW4o5R9pQKdfaXwnu4ODwuoU9Ozyt9ou8XcYS2I4X1cZBOQo3uQrcQuOERWVdAvSThJBYlbUA5TfQtQ4sfggZavTFPozdvRuZt5oqBAjA7mNHJQHymfbupBMQ/s1600/couch.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPN3wEbQymGTgW4o5R9pQKdfaXwnu4ODwuoU9Ozyt9ou8XcYS2I4X1cZBOQo3uQrcQuOERWVdAvSThJBYlbUA5TfQtQ4sfggZavTFPozdvRuZt5oqBAjA7mNHJQHymfbupBMQ/s1600/couch.jpeg" /></a>Of course there are addictions I am fighting....like eating too much food, being too sedentary, being too concerned about health issues, yadda-yadda but I am not alone in these areas. These are "fighting one step at a time" addictions. Have been losing weight, getting out and about, seeing the right health gurus, and so on. These will be pesky foes as long as I am alive, so might has well stay in the present and not get wound up about what's ahead down the road for me. <br />
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So I will play on my computer with NCIS playing in the background, hug my dogs, watch what I eat, get out and go shopping, and keep myself as healthy as possible. And I will, as Marc is, be very thankful for technology...lol.gardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-87197399277250599812012-01-24T14:20:00.000-05:002012-01-24T14:23:15.666-05:00...about aging.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXPXaglXe91J4phkCPnGmzf8CFBfsqDbLBWkuDkKHVTNyX7GLn2OH7u7Ul2oTO05Q9BIQFFNkqwZX68SYzypvRf4BBIRl4qF0JF3EittrSZzlzG0hO4GyvrNIvrMQqbvcrCx2/s1600/110-old-couple-cartoon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXPXaglXe91J4phkCPnGmzf8CFBfsqDbLBWkuDkKHVTNyX7GLn2OH7u7Ul2oTO05Q9BIQFFNkqwZX68SYzypvRf4BBIRl4qF0JF3EittrSZzlzG0hO4GyvrNIvrMQqbvcrCx2/s320/110-old-couple-cartoon.gif" width="248" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikA3yqAOxayVOyW6onLjeKXL76h4ODsdTkAw4OUBsbu6-ZVVGfhWtLubHccZ90Rrvi3yssQ0FvBvBDUR8Jsy1hMlSpW9W0BYeefNmPUREEJ8ozcPqFe1XiUflNi3g-exijChLR/s1600/2060291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikA3yqAOxayVOyW6onLjeKXL76h4ODsdTkAw4OUBsbu6-ZVVGfhWtLubHccZ90Rrvi3yssQ0FvBvBDUR8Jsy1hMlSpW9W0BYeefNmPUREEJ8ozcPqFe1XiUflNi3g-exijChLR/s200/2060291.jpg" width="200" /></a>Getting old is serious stuff. Our bodies are not as agreeable to be flexible as they were when we were thirty and we find ourselves having to get more and more things checked out so that our bodies keep working properly. Our minds slowly change also and we start to find we must pause more to find the right word, the right thought, or the right memory to share with others. Often times, I see comments about "old people" getting in the way or slowing down traffic or making shopping much harder for those younger folks who still have the "taken for granted" ability to zip in and out of situations with hardly a thought. As we age, "zipping" becomes more of a memory than an actual way of moving. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3AfTtohXXAX4xc437EWJOej4JLoHg5nHl7VUAW62mQxawTIlJ_pxDFCH33_n9q2_CcAeD-eeurOLzv3fwf5AEs-HE7BbdGcI3AaSP3ACFBtSI_phYOsXKBlKgJnbJyZgbk7_/s1600/Funny-Cartoons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3AfTtohXXAX4xc437EWJOej4JLoHg5nHl7VUAW62mQxawTIlJ_pxDFCH33_n9q2_CcAeD-eeurOLzv3fwf5AEs-HE7BbdGcI3AaSP3ACFBtSI_phYOsXKBlKgJnbJyZgbk7_/s200/Funny-Cartoons.jpg" width="184" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGhK_P3a_VvmlzHsMezxO0fOmp3NkLagT2oBaGcYcMIM3jivqky4h5VzQCJwlFRVygKvAjwcUrogF5gNujcckNuNdwYzP5myYBvAttvmnLyMGf41FCBroQ3c_6eI74-x-Cj9B/s1600/cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGhK_P3a_VvmlzHsMezxO0fOmp3NkLagT2oBaGcYcMIM3jivqky4h5VzQCJwlFRVygKvAjwcUrogF5gNujcckNuNdwYzP5myYBvAttvmnLyMGf41FCBroQ3c_6eI74-x-Cj9B/s200/cartoon.jpg" width="175" /></a>So how do us older folks feel about this whole process? To be honest, sometimes it is downright depressing to feel in the way holding up the works and making younger folks irritated. But there is also an amusing side to all of this, too, because laughing at all the changes that age can cause is much better than moping over it. We are aware that we are nearer the end of our lives than the beginning, but it lets down so many barriers that we do not have to worry about. That can be fun. While younger folks are still attempting to behave with decorum, we older folks have gained the right to just relax our behaviors. It is easier to say what we truly feel, irritate people who are being obnoxious, and just generally have fun with it. We can be easily open with our doctors, with our family members, with our friends, and with total strangers. We have time to stop and fully embrace an appealing moment because there is no hurry to rush anywhere. We can take a nap in the middle of the day without guilt. We can do hobbies that appeal to us, take our time with them, and begin to let others do the "shoveling" of all the stuff we never liked to do anyway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfNK3Hz5ir0Wm30AaXQ4x2Fi1gwwcXuW2B0TZV6pH2ZZkvMFZFJuPITRvahYEQceESbHAJ6wb45L0beuBwuNVYIaAiP1kaz0LxafqDNfObZ2RTmKAc_3hIjk5X7AD17bY6E2Q/s1600/Old+Age+%25288%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfNK3Hz5ir0Wm30AaXQ4x2Fi1gwwcXuW2B0TZV6pH2ZZkvMFZFJuPITRvahYEQceESbHAJ6wb45L0beuBwuNVYIaAiP1kaz0LxafqDNfObZ2RTmKAc_3hIjk5X7AD17bY6E2Q/s320/Old+Age+%25288%2529.jpeg" width="287" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiFgowUj3xBWbXPTJVOJac9yDzfdU_OiGcHoPsV1vXVikePkLeE-msJVrrJRXHVg2-KzRwc2yMESsPlg5XIFLaeTwxzNjhXd5IzVN-nOPGM6yul9WMQ3CWhvqFrL6uyOoUwG9/s1600/ggm090109l.jpg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiFgowUj3xBWbXPTJVOJac9yDzfdU_OiGcHoPsV1vXVikePkLeE-msJVrrJRXHVg2-KzRwc2yMESsPlg5XIFLaeTwxzNjhXd5IzVN-nOPGM6yul9WMQ3CWhvqFrL6uyOoUwG9/s320/ggm090109l.jpg.png" width="254" /></a>Yes, it is an interesting time...not at all what I expected, but still interesting. Waking up is not taken for granted now but rather a honored blessing. Being able to get around and do our day to day tasks is a true gift and one deeply appreciated. It is so positive to not be wanting more "stuff" because we finally have the time to completely enjoy the things we already have amassed and never had the time to use fully. We find ourself paring down on materialistic things just because we are tired to keep moving them about and dusting them...lol. We enjoy having less space but with a very comfortable chair and our favorite things at our fingertips. We finally understand the saying that "less is more". Time passes much quicker and it is much more urgent to spend it in enjoyable ways and with enjoyable people and pets. Life is definitely a mandala, spinning round and round, the seasons passing by quickly. Hopefully, most of us find much humor mixed into the whole process.<br />
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Take care,<br />
Liz<br />
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<br />gardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-27039847691142465382012-01-11T18:27:00.000-05:002012-01-11T18:27:20.320-05:00...about the humor in being married for many years.<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-3DngwwQ6qK5JEmQrry1pYnViZPn88VB8KL1O2EwH6pfATyjrm2OMHTUwTY84j8Xx_fzM6STS757AZbEVngcGSaOqUM83e4eSxZtUgyROvbhyphenhyphenJT6JQxYO8NBmrr223BAYdDd/s1600/Better_Half.20100209_small.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-3DngwwQ6qK5JEmQrry1pYnViZPn88VB8KL1O2EwH6pfATyjrm2OMHTUwTY84j8Xx_fzM6STS757AZbEVngcGSaOqUM83e4eSxZtUgyROvbhyphenhyphenJT6JQxYO8NBmrr223BAYdDd/s1600/Better_Half.20100209_small.gif" /></a>When a couple has been together for as many years as we have, we begin to have our own language and behaviors just like twins do when they are young. Many times through the day, we find ourselves chuckling over the things we do so naturally that would look ridiculous to others. To us, these habits are amusing. For example, I put on jeans and a shirt and wear them the entire day. My outfit works for shopping, playing frisbee with the dogs, watching tv, doing housework, and so on. Ralph, on the other hand, has school clothes, agility clothes, dog walking clothes, cleaning clothes, shopping clothes, tv watching clothes, yaddah-yaddah. So when we get ready to do something, I always have to wait for him to put on the appropriate clothes. Now granted, to anyone outside our family, the clothes look basically the same, but he finds a humorous comfort in this habit. While he is changing, I have learned to just play a game that lasts a few minutes on my computer so I don't have to be annoyed waiting for him.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Another thing is his Christmas duck made out of an old piece of very rough wood. I have all the Christmas decoration boxes labelled so I can find what I need each season. Well, while I was otherwise occupied one day many years ago, Ralph added "No Duck" to all the boxes except the one he put it in, which he labelled "DUCK!!!" .....so when he gets out the decorations each year, that duck is the very first thing he gets out and puts up on the mantle. Anyone who saw the boxes would probably wonder what the duck labels are all about. </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HrDT3Uqgugdxru42J-JK78ZwU6rgfjB6QyeREKWjLt7T_bgjjPHlTpVDcQykNPCqhsUPpLuRUvyxo2oPn6Agzj9vAim9x8RcF8o08d6FVo0594sznZTWVK1x_Z9QfBc_kMB4/s1600/mar1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HrDT3Uqgugdxru42J-JK78ZwU6rgfjB6QyeREKWjLt7T_bgjjPHlTpVDcQykNPCqhsUPpLuRUvyxo2oPn6Agzj9vAim9x8RcF8o08d6FVo0594sznZTWVK1x_Z9QfBc_kMB4/s320/mar1.gif" width="320" /></a>The differences in our personalities and expectations is like day and night. He can hide something he is waiting for me to find, and if it takes months or even years for me to find it, he never gets impatient. It is very odd to discover something…a note or a little gift…several months after he hid it for me to discover. This has happened on several occasions. If I hide something I want him to discover, it eats away at me steadily until I finally have to tell him where it is. The most I have been able to keep my mouth shut is maybe a couple days…lol. Then I get impatient and ask him why he didn't look in his sock drawer or whatever. How he can maintain that much patience I have no idea? It amazes me. </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">We made a pact as we aged to help finish each other's sentences since we kept forgetting words. It worked well, but now that we have aged even more, sometimes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"> </span>neither of us can remember a word we want to say, so our conversations take on a very unique and oddly funny banter back and forth while we discover what we are not finding the words to say. It is not unlike the game of Jeopardy in some cases or Name That Tune. "Did you remember to pick up the…you know…the thing I asked you to get?" I might ask. "What thing?" he inquires. "You know, the third thing on the list I gave you…" I respond. "I lost the list", he replies, "but can you remember what store I was supposed to buy it?" On and on we go until we finally hit the jackpot. It never ceases to be an adventurous conversational journey when we are in this mode of trying to remember something. It usually gets us both laughing.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPQ54X0Ij94FwZRfMydTi36zOprdMF_DaqORsv97Q3Jr4-DFQl-BwDNjX-53USY9N-A8KWrEsJB6XAwI81iUUhqKvJKh94yFwGa43ro6eO_Em-sX6ibX1xDH8Md5f192e9rSV/s1600/MarriageCartoon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPQ54X0Ij94FwZRfMydTi36zOprdMF_DaqORsv97Q3Jr4-DFQl-BwDNjX-53USY9N-A8KWrEsJB6XAwI81iUUhqKvJKh94yFwGa43ro6eO_Em-sX6ibX1xDH8Md5f192e9rSV/s320/MarriageCartoon2.jpg" width="320" /></a>We also have little jokes between us that others are not aware of. Through years of living together, we don't have to say anything but we are both thinking the same funny thoughts. Mixed up sentences are always fun like "he married his dead wife 30 years ago". I read that one today in a biography. I haven't shared it with Ralph yet, but this would keep one liners running through our heads for five minutes... and if we both actually wrote down our individual muses, our thoughts would be very similar. Then we always have the running jokes like when we are given fries at the drive up window after we asked for none, and one of us will always mumble, "They must have been all out of no fries." </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Yes, being married and in each other's daily lives for 41 years is an interesting experience. I have to say that humor is the reigning force that keeps it all working. Ralph is at the agility building in Berwick teaching lessons right now, and yes, he is wearing his agility outfit….and yes, it looks like everything else he wears. I still have on the jeans and shirt I put on this morning. Married life goes on….lol.</div><div><br />
</div>gardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-2157429703451846362012-01-01T00:46:00.000-05:002012-01-01T00:46:23.934-05:00....about the new year 2012.<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhciqfK7HhDvt_8oavG83u2KLUGXoKYcsFI-erGLTb4VG50tB4tTu3f9eOOgdoXZHKfeK1u_1lSM4_ST5mfZ94CM8-MSQF2WCURVcwh2EkJ18d3DOFI8iDHmU0BWiCVNdZO4t/s1600/I2011_before_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhciqfK7HhDvt_8oavG83u2KLUGXoKYcsFI-erGLTb4VG50tB4tTu3f9eOOgdoXZHKfeK1u_1lSM4_ST5mfZ94CM8-MSQF2WCURVcwh2EkJ18d3DOFI8iDHmU0BWiCVNdZO4t/s320/I2011_before_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a>It is now the end of year 2011 and what a year it has been. The nicest event is gaining two new dogs to our canine family. Lucy and Sadie are both wonderful little beings and we feel so blessed to have them join our family. As the months have passed, they have meshed into our pack beautifully and brought joy to so many of our friends who visit us to spend time with the dogs. Our older dogs, Lexi, Jazz, and Sam are delightful to have. They are so well trained, spend much time sleeping, and show so much joy to be with us doing what they can manage. We love them so dearly and although their time left with us might be short, we are treasuring every moment. Kati and Zac are a special team who are the competing agility members of the crew at present. They are also the frisbee stars, catching any frisbee thrown their way and bringing it right back to our feet. Lots of times, Zac passes it off to Kati and she brings it in. Teamwork!</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">My anxiety came back full force in February and decided to hang around almost all the rest of the year but finally, after a lot of work, I have tamed it once again. I feel very thankful to have such a nice group of friends and professionals to help me learn better ways to deal with panic/anxiety issues. Thank you, each and every one of you!</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Ralph retired at the end of June, then went back to work half time in July…lol…but it is wonderful to have him here at home much more. Being here in Sanford, we have much less driving to get groceries, building supplies, etc which enables us to have more time just to relax and do our hobbies. I am heavily into stained glass and Ralph is dividing his time between dog agility and woodworking. </div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyjCMjEnEdP3MXbgzSE5tOPsajBI7nUta42_iCUFkGTnc_lgoWmRdpzVDuW4yJYMuM7BLfMiMoYL5aBDpqdbvl82tZGcuPCVf0G0f54HqPfb8U0Dhaa_Zx-t1BaJ2YliFHSdh/s1600/2012_after_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyjCMjEnEdP3MXbgzSE5tOPsajBI7nUta42_iCUFkGTnc_lgoWmRdpzVDuW4yJYMuM7BLfMiMoYL5aBDpqdbvl82tZGcuPCVf0G0f54HqPfb8U0Dhaa_Zx-t1BaJ2YliFHSdh/s320/2012_after_sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Hopefully, although we are in our sixties, we still have a lot of interesting years ahead of us and many more adventures to experience. Health wise, we are both chugging along just fine. I have lost nearly 50 pounds this year and hope to lose some more weight in 2012. For both of us, having 7 energetic dogs keeps us both much more exercised than we might be otherwise so besides the quiet joy they bring us emotionally, there is a physical health benefit, too. A lot of people remark how lucky the dogs are to have us, but the really astute folks also are aware of how lucky we are to have the dogs! We are thankful to care for them.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Neither Ralph nor I have any ridiculous New Year's resolutions except what we always embrace….to continue to make our little corner of the world a pleasant, positive place…. one that contains plenty of humor and caring for all people with whom we interact. We will continue to appreciate the wonderful beauty of diversity in the people around us and touch our lives. Life can't get much nicer than that!</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">So to all who take the time to read this, have an adventurous 2012! Both positive and negative things are bound to happen on the journey, but we all have the inner strength to move forward step by step and savor special little moments whenever they occur. Happy New Year!!</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Take care,</div><br />
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Liz</div>gardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-44282826300914920292011-12-20T23:58:00.000-05:002011-12-20T23:58:19.227-05:00....about how life changes day to day.The Christmas season is here bringing much hope for positive changes to occur in the world. Our wishes are always for peace, good health, and equality for all people everywhere. May we always have this desire within our hearts...the desire for goodness, tolerance, and understanding. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVS3kAcS9qdvrG-QFUyfLSA8oDPvdqazWxL7N7Kfxb2lfRdAV36IUPt9fg_LwwQi5HQfm-DAHxPoNButskk6pCnQcf-s_St789Zq8aWtf-Gsqen85DGkHTRFhfjiyZhTNBHFLl/s1600/hang_in_there_kitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVS3kAcS9qdvrG-QFUyfLSA8oDPvdqazWxL7N7Kfxb2lfRdAV36IUPt9fg_LwwQi5HQfm-DAHxPoNButskk6pCnQcf-s_St789Zq8aWtf-Gsqen85DGkHTRFhfjiyZhTNBHFLl/s200/hang_in_there_kitty.jpg" width="150" /></a>Sometimes though, unexpected changes happen in our own lives that change our treasured holiday plans. This year there is some illness my extended family, and my own anxiety is still not under control. I have had to cancel some special things I was really looking forward to experiencing. I feel so thankful that my dear friends and family understand, but a little sad that everything didn't come together without bumps in the road. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIy62-7s-BXDch4Gm3y-zksLieQqFsY6dxkje6lgUpes49ncDW6bJQwBXh-bnAo_aEiGXdYtjtUjjccSTg-gJwNqIYiY5xqArtP3xF7Ij-2lSMUdnTeuGBOfaYxZzaTLM67Ly/s1600/391820_2381929582759_1086281099_31904654_1076284974_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIy62-7s-BXDch4Gm3y-zksLieQqFsY6dxkje6lgUpes49ncDW6bJQwBXh-bnAo_aEiGXdYtjtUjjccSTg-gJwNqIYiY5xqArtP3xF7Ij-2lSMUdnTeuGBOfaYxZzaTLM67Ly/s200/391820_2381929582759_1086281099_31904654_1076284974_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>At these times, how we decide to process these changes shows us what we are made of. I find it so hard to adapt to change but when given no opportunity to do otherwise, will work hard to embrace the positive, play down the negative, and eke out the best experiences I can within the present limitations. Our son is home for a long visit, all our dogs are healthy, my husband is healthy, and except for my anxiety issues, I am doing well also. Our tree is beautiful, the fire in the fireplace is delightfully warming, our home is clean, food is plentiful, I am being faithful to my diet, and Christmas joy abounds in our little home. We say prayers for family and friends who are suffering and make ourselves available if needed. Next week, we will have our grand niece with us to help out our extended family. In helping them, it will bring more joy into our own lives.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_gEQCYJ_NAUe9NboykNAY4gxoTEA3nAXzweSGRWSQb5GWEYZq0J-F3xqNYTDzD8E7gbG8owUnzwPT52BaKOEfMEUDzbbFqVaraiGxThry6ONpTaefd7shFMjH_t7VH2ju1YZ/s1600/IMG_9004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_gEQCYJ_NAUe9NboykNAY4gxoTEA3nAXzweSGRWSQb5GWEYZq0J-F3xqNYTDzD8E7gbG8owUnzwPT52BaKOEfMEUDzbbFqVaraiGxThry6ONpTaefd7shFMjH_t7VH2ju1YZ/s200/IMG_9004.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
For myself, when I am feeling calm, I take in every moment of happiness around me. When struggling with stress and anxiety, I listen to my body's signals, and treat myself with gentleness and respect. It took me years to understand the importance of being as respectful to myself as I am to others. May we all embrace the wisdom of giving ourselves a break when we need it and to be kind and forgiving to ourselves when we cannot always live up to our own expectations.<br />
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The New Year will soon be here with new adventures awaiting.<br />
<br />
Take caregardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-33324622268189637542011-12-09T19:26:00.000-05:002011-12-09T19:26:49.138-05:00...Sam's Christmas letter to everyone.Sam, our little old sheltie boy, has written the following for our Christmas cards and letters:<br />
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<br />
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hello Everyone!</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93jd989WBVTZFyBJ-vqAVKNKnqzuVVPMmR9stXH_XKep0uLzZBzRjK9EKtUJgjJuzdFuQEmsN9AnCkOsJgAO4ZQb56PcXYyN1mPYvdsxZhqQWnmfkqN7Xfj5X86vWSnR8mqyL/s1600/IMG_8990s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93jd989WBVTZFyBJ-vqAVKNKnqzuVVPMmR9stXH_XKep0uLzZBzRjK9EKtUJgjJuzdFuQEmsN9AnCkOsJgAO4ZQb56PcXYyN1mPYvdsxZhqQWnmfkqN7Xfj5X86vWSnR8mqyL/s320/IMG_8990s.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Another year has nearly gone by and I decided it was time to write my outstanding celebratory</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">missive to let you know how we in the Vose household are doing. It's been unusually warm here </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">in Maine this fall. My mom and dad have been enjoying the warmth, but for someone with my </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">heavy coat, warm weather is highly overrated. I like to lie in the white, fluffy snow and cool down </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">my belly. I don't understand why but snow doesn't stick around when it's 50-60 degrees every day. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Go figure!</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mom has been spending a lot of time doing stained glass projects. I guess it's her latest hobby or </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">something! She says she likes to "paint with glass". I'm not sure what that means, since she</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">doesn't use a paint brush at all, but I definitely approve of the work that she does.</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dad retired in July and has been working half time since then. He really seems to enjoy having </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the extra time at home. I enjoy having Dad here more, but he gives us a treat when he leaves for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">work in the morning and less times going to work means less treats. Oh well, life is full of tradeoffs, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I guess.</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My human brother Marc visited in July with his friend Cheryl. We had a good time with them and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cheryl cooked some unusual foods that we had never eaten before. The cuisine was really </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">yummy (I should know, since I am an expert in food). Marc moved from China to Malaysia this </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">summer. I'm not sure where those places are, but I'm quite sure they are way beyond our play </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">spot at Wells Beach. Marc is coming home for Christmas this year, too. We're all truly looking </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">forward to that.</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A little while ago, mom found an email address for my dadʼs Uncle George. George lives in Texas </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and Dad had lost contact with him. Now Dad is writing to both Uncle George and Aunt Irene, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">George's sister who lives in Florida. Dad has been having fun learning about the Voses of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Washington County, Maine. I don't know where Texas, Florida or Washington County are, but </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mom has assured me those aren't at Well's Beach either. I'll have to trust her on that.</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My dog pack is doing quite well under my wise guidance. We added two new members to our</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihN4EqNsbUsKeUZcvMyRu-esLtoXqUamx5puLBJBkiciN1wNvtjobImU2TDlZTsUz4hvOA5Z-PTrlv4jbPtSjiV5wKQCK_l5Qwf4zTHpeK0lwjrAlD4VJNGVwVM5KoIp1qFBDP/s1600/IMG_8375sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihN4EqNsbUsKeUZcvMyRu-esLtoXqUamx5puLBJBkiciN1wNvtjobImU2TDlZTsUz4hvOA5Z-PTrlv4jbPtSjiV5wKQCK_l5Qwf4zTHpeK0lwjrAlD4VJNGVwVM5KoIp1qFBDP/s400/IMG_8375sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">family. My mom decided that we should adopt a small border collie named Lucy, and then found </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">out that Kati's mother Sadie became available for adoption. As soon as we adopted Sadie, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">another border collie named Zena suddenly needed a home. Zena stayed here for a few days </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">before we found a great home for her with our friend Gina in Lebanon. It took a while for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">everything to settle down but now we are all meshing together beautifully. Of course, most of this </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">was accomplished under my firm paw.</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Most of us dogs still do agility, but three of us (including me) are getting up there in years so Dad </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">takes it easy on us. Zac and Kati have been competing in events and bringing home lots of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ribbons. Dad says he's going to try Lucy and Sadie in competition as soon as they are ready, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">probably next spring. I have retired from my job with Dad as the agility demo dog and have </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">passed my duties and my students on to Kati. Dad says Kati does very well, but he also says he </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">misses having me do it since I was so great at it.</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeUBTgXuoL4WkDNhSS3mA7SXHMgApFhi_EKkM_nLt7nOmhIZ2sbtUpevkf96rp7x9yauD3LUNrALfRkj_9SU4TECs1EoCO536xTGPC2xeaiUv2wTQl2ucPS3N7dqeK1H6Objn/s1600/IMG_8500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeUBTgXuoL4WkDNhSS3mA7SXHMgApFhi_EKkM_nLt7nOmhIZ2sbtUpevkf96rp7x9yauD3LUNrALfRkj_9SU4TECs1EoCO536xTGPC2xeaiUv2wTQl2ucPS3N7dqeK1H6Objn/s200/IMG_8500.JPG" width="168" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We all hope you have had a wonderful year and that you have a happy holiday season. If you are </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">lucky, your festivities will include an abundance of sloppy kisses and crunchy treats. That's my </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">goal!</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="color: #1a1a1a; font: 9.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sam, Ace Reporter for the Sanford Voses, Demo Dog, Ret.</span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div>gardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-33945302168128575512011-11-28T15:30:00.000-05:002011-11-28T15:30:55.463-05:00....about the holiday season.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizV6FbhKN0yOQKZqDyg8_fovhyphenhyphen0XspCtNUmxfI2-_fWFsST7e67O3tJuw4yyjRjiYKIPiSQH07962E2YkfFbt9ranrKdPtakxmu8JJ8Cvj2AfnljiL5fiH80Rvhw_usLbgIKJ0/s1600/IMG_6932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizV6FbhKN0yOQKZqDyg8_fovhyphenhyphen0XspCtNUmxfI2-_fWFsST7e67O3tJuw4yyjRjiYKIPiSQH07962E2YkfFbt9ranrKdPtakxmu8JJ8Cvj2AfnljiL5fiH80Rvhw_usLbgIKJ0/s200/IMG_6932.JPG" width="200" /></a>The holiday season is upon us once again. There are so many delightful aspects to this time of year that warm me through and through. The colorful decorations bring such joy to our senses, as does the smells of fresh trees and traditional cooking of pies, cookies, turkeys, hams or whatever one's tradition might be. As in every season, I embrace the joy of diversity...the enlightenment that we all don't have to celebrate the same way or share the same beliefs. Some of us are more about our own inner feelings and memories, some of us are about our religions, some of us are about getting together with family, ...the list is infinite. I feel one of the most important ideas I like to embrace is understanding and respect for all people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqs3YQSx0Z3V9-xoTWChfdKbiRjurC1NG3ByeZh6O8mBymwl15-oO4DQ57ZzJhq5FMpGOG0MHE2CCqJZ9mD7bPKknAUMdijapKPo-fh30_7FkzLix379GsEIDRW9IIzCLSw07/s1600/IMG_8984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqs3YQSx0Z3V9-xoTWChfdKbiRjurC1NG3ByeZh6O8mBymwl15-oO4DQ57ZzJhq5FMpGOG0MHE2CCqJZ9mD7bPKknAUMdijapKPo-fh30_7FkzLix379GsEIDRW9IIzCLSw07/s200/IMG_8984.JPG" width="110" /></a>For example, I have always called my decorated tree a Christmas tree, but am not bothered in the slightest by anyone who calls theirs a holiday tree. I have always wished folks of the Christian faith a Merry Christmas, and those of other faiths a happy holiday. I am not offended if someone wishes me a happy holiday. I feel so blessed that the person took the time to share a heart felt greeting with me. I feel sad for the souls who are so persistent that their religion is the "right" religion and everyone HAS to adhere to their faith or else! How utterly closed minded that is. There is room on this beautiful planet for everyone, every faith, every ethnic background, every color of skin, male or female, gay or straight, fat or thin, tall or short, old or young, educated or uneducated, rich or poor, ...gosh, the list is infinite. We are all here together and have it within ourselves to love masses of people no matter who they are.<br />
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So to all of you, I share any greeting that fits your belief system and I do so with graciousness, thankfulness, sincerity, and love. Life is much too short to be excluding anyone who is different from me. I feel comfortable and caring enough in my inner soul to embrace all peoples with honesty and simple joy. That is what Christmas means to me.<br />
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Take care,<br />
Lizgardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-65701942495249249112011-11-16T21:26:00.000-05:002011-11-16T21:26:57.399-05:00...about my brother who just passed away.Just got the news this evening from my niece Sarah that my half-brother Tom passed away. I am in shock even though I did not know him very well. Tom was a strikingly tall man...around 6'5"...and had a face full of character. He could look quite serious, but when he smiled, his face beamed. I feel so blessed that I got to meet him and that Marc and Ralph got to spend time with him also. This is all due to my niece. Although she lives on the west coast, she came across country and got us together. Not only that, but Tom came to spend another special day with us after Sarah was back on the other side of the country.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNau6V1xYez-6b4aTVnNER2B-NKcp_5mug4VubBZLV9uJlaPgZ6jl4qdr29_Jz9Eot4DAdX0VEhMXkb1cz1ovDfdqOFVO9K287ZV7lH7xGE67r29PpXqUIZ1YYMW7EA8AsL1u/s1600/IMG_8257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNau6V1xYez-6b4aTVnNER2B-NKcp_5mug4VubBZLV9uJlaPgZ6jl4qdr29_Jz9Eot4DAdX0VEhMXkb1cz1ovDfdqOFVO9K287ZV7lH7xGE67r29PpXqUIZ1YYMW7EA8AsL1u/s320/IMG_8257.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ralph, Marc, and Tom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Tom was on his way to California to live out his remaining years near his daughter and his grandchildren. Since he could not bear to part with his Harley, he was crossing the country by motorcycle. He checked in with Sarah every evening so she would know he was safe. Last night, he did not check in, and although she called his cell several times, there was no call back. Late today, a detective found my brother. Tom had passed away in his motel room. He had diabetes, and probably other conditions that he had shared with none of us, and died of natural causes. He had made it all the way to Arizona so was not that far from his destination. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBLlFfd-lqFbik-ACB4Oz6JQ1Pzo3mEqG23I95TgjFuVxCqK0zw9jJH3QmEEzikt1xRVn8SOhfgXyI7w1sclJcL8S_ly1cVm6BAALGjlAT9bJSGc_HrYo4F0kogv4xB7hCJZ5/s1600/36271_180583548634658_100000490419198_611891_3144354_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBLlFfd-lqFbik-ACB4Oz6JQ1Pzo3mEqG23I95TgjFuVxCqK0zw9jJH3QmEEzikt1xRVn8SOhfgXyI7w1sclJcL8S_ly1cVm6BAALGjlAT9bJSGc_HrYo4F0kogv4xB7hCJZ5/s320/36271_180583548634658_100000490419198_611891_3144354_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and Scarlett</td></tr>
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I am so very thankful to Sarah for approaching me by email and bringing my brother and me together. What a very special lady she is. I feel honored that she felt comfortable contacting me and feeling secure in knowing that Ralph and I would always be here for her, and welcome into our home warmly. I had wished for a lifetime that I would get to meet the other half of my family and Sarah made a small part of that wish come true. So in our grief, I also feel thankfulness and joy because Sarah made the impossible possible. I am sending her all the love and understanding I can muster. Bless her heart. May my brother rest in peace.<br />
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Take care (and hug your loved ones!).<br />
Lizgardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-78694615598900827362011-11-15T12:18:00.000-05:002011-11-15T12:18:53.259-05:00about the nice furniture my husband is making...While I have been playing with my stained glass, my husband has been building furniture. So far he has completed two beautiful chests/coffee tables and a nice rolling cart to hold our bird cage holding eight parakeets. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi604aZAHfWMhI51HAXAE-TlXwuRdKQ7FU7gaZBhaRj-fLABlfT8OkdiXd1wOO36LmggnTwYXvZTXFcMRbZmRFh-0020O_xsqE53rkCc2Hg3226bCb7Y4JhOYDYutftuos17M/s1600/IMG_8848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi604aZAHfWMhI51HAXAE-TlXwuRdKQ7FU7gaZBhaRj-fLABlfT8OkdiXd1wOO36LmggnTwYXvZTXFcMRbZmRFh-0020O_xsqE53rkCc2Hg3226bCb7Y4JhOYDYutftuos17M/s320/IMG_8848.JPG" width="220" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNCWyVYLWXgrJ8Nd8A5PKoVzGHMZ5i8I-JPYXGiaBZb2av3rARZycMGqSsXyHjgABceChGO399wW7HcgrmtXH7JJ6C92k_gHyqZzAh68ZI6XApPK4mSof66m6OLMxIUp77Ran/s1600/IMG_8847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNCWyVYLWXgrJ8Nd8A5PKoVzGHMZ5i8I-JPYXGiaBZb2av3rARZycMGqSsXyHjgABceChGO399wW7HcgrmtXH7JJ6C92k_gHyqZzAh68ZI6XApPK4mSof66m6OLMxIUp77Ran/s320/IMG_8847.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Presently, he is framing one of my stained glass pieces so it can be hung in the window in one of the bathrooms. Next, he wants to build a tall unit to hold all our electronic devices that go with our living room TV. It will be wonderful to have all that stuff behind doors in a beautiful cabinet.gardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-80460975832996457552011-11-10T19:14:00.000-05:002011-11-10T19:14:20.193-05:00...how nice it is here at home.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CMBALQG8T7Wh7ywXJ-pBJti6vNJqEq772q7vtSgm5q4v-MR8REJduXvepgQUsY2WXHQ-_CMNwMfqyji5dhd8iXA8Fy3Mt9bR1DIK5I0IG4q_Eea3-sEuVF-ZaBQVzWKaI5ZN/s1600/Picture+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CMBALQG8T7Wh7ywXJ-pBJti6vNJqEq772q7vtSgm5q4v-MR8REJduXvepgQUsY2WXHQ-_CMNwMfqyji5dhd8iXA8Fy3Mt9bR1DIK5I0IG4q_Eea3-sEuVF-ZaBQVzWKaI5ZN/s200/Picture+1.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-Y8I5ZWfNpC4NZ6SYg0Hsc-x6NntvzXxSqlkzpqsfGL2han36HBDky5xErJbp0ZHDHQ5Y_gymRNPK6w8rdeMsYsToKc0U54kch5Hviq6VDaFB6I0d71ikq9xKhJbyI5riNx3/s1600/Picture+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-Y8I5ZWfNpC4NZ6SYg0Hsc-x6NntvzXxSqlkzpqsfGL2han36HBDky5xErJbp0ZHDHQ5Y_gymRNPK6w8rdeMsYsToKc0U54kch5Hviq6VDaFB6I0d71ikq9xKhJbyI5riNx3/s200/Picture+4.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zac with his frisbee</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdExNNVUAdNGUTFHYFXd_VhKie3L9CnA9qVPgxTp9MQxyi52riZpv8gza8131lbPfI_aaKiiNMgGYZ5H81CyF2hNdwvqh_SMWmG4usKoU0FsokTPMBDsXZ5PnAqiYl-TEx-_Z/s1600/Picture+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdExNNVUAdNGUTFHYFXd_VhKie3L9CnA9qVPgxTp9MQxyi52riZpv8gza8131lbPfI_aaKiiNMgGYZ5H81CyF2hNdwvqh_SMWmG4usKoU0FsokTPMBDsXZ5PnAqiYl-TEx-_Z/s200/Picture+2.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jazz in the leaves</td></tr>
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I am a strong believer in diversity. It takes all sorts of people to make an interesting world and I, for one, am glad we are not all the same. My husband and I enjoy a simplistic life, and like it that way. No bells or whistles. We are thankful waking up each day relatively free of pain, having a predictably friendly day, then snuggling in to a quiet night. We are not into having a million gadgets, traveling all over the world, or having our home full of tons of activity.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2-QuBlKlCQlWFxBQ_UNTNjtqa-wcaSs5i5KD13dS42VAtPyDBkXDlUGh37eIMXwIuJdMr8G248Y_6D90hLR5g4TmhAptdi2NNEKBLwu36nEteuwszbiGhD7i3d6ma1nljTGs/s1600/Picture+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2-QuBlKlCQlWFxBQ_UNTNjtqa-wcaSs5i5KD13dS42VAtPyDBkXDlUGh37eIMXwIuJdMr8G248Y_6D90hLR5g4TmhAptdi2NNEKBLwu36nEteuwszbiGhD7i3d6ma1nljTGs/s200/Picture+3.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Many people would find having seven dogs anything but simplistic, but for us, it works. Our lives, although probably dull to others, are very fulfilling to us. Now that my anxiety is getting back under control, life feels so perfect, so right. So while many others are still searching for their place in the world, we have found ours, are comfortable with it, and hope to enjoy our simplistic existence for many years to come.<br />
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Take care,<br />
Lizgardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-35353131703519812212011-10-26T13:24:00.001-04:002011-10-26T13:56:46.957-04:00...about when anxiety is up.Since the age of 39, I have been dealing with on again/off again anxiety. It is presently on again and has been that way for months. Panic and high anxiety are not a lot of fun but when compared to some of the complicated challenges people face, it is something that can be addressed with cognitive behavioral therapy and meds, if needed. I have done well for the last few years without the latter but now it is time to take an aggressive approach once again. Too often, people with panic disorders do not want the world to know of their malady, but I figure the more folks that know, the less I have to worry that someone might find out.<br />
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Many creative people and perfectionists tend to have anxiety. It is a "perk" they would probably rather not have, but if one has it, one has to deal with it and put it in its place. Last night, I started a new med. These meds have side effects and these vary greatly from person to person. Some lucky souls have no side effects. For me, since my body is very acutely sensitive, I tend to get just about every side effect possible while weaning onto certain meds. Thankfully, most of these side effects do pass once the med finally kicks in which can sometimes take a couple of months. For the next few months, I will be working hard to bear through these side effects so I can reach the goal of having a calmer mind. Not easy, but doable.<br />
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Anyway, if I appear a little strange and different while getting used to my anxiety med, bear with me. I am still the same happy, lovable lady who loves life with a passion. Just facing a bumpy road at present while readjusting my techniques and tools that help to keep anxiety from gaining power over me. It is a challenge I plan on winning. Positive thoughts and cheering me on is greatly appreciated.<br />
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Take care,<br />
Lizgardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-72974883564964770352011-10-19T21:58:00.000-04:002011-10-19T21:58:26.539-04:00...about how much I am enjoying stained glass making.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeQrIY1tuWS4IGdn7mO6jMEB1m2Qi-k1aeZjjqBfhu8wViH3tlbdl5E7BO2xuYWTvti4Qm_l-08_Og_0L1rKLAAfqcRMMo3nyQV7-jp16glsZEfyi0a5wk9HAAm3crVOxLJgT/s1600/IMG_7303SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeQrIY1tuWS4IGdn7mO6jMEB1m2Qi-k1aeZjjqBfhu8wViH3tlbdl5E7BO2xuYWTvti4Qm_l-08_Og_0L1rKLAAfqcRMMo3nyQV7-jp16glsZEfyi0a5wk9HAAm3crVOxLJgT/s320/IMG_7303SM.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><br />
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Have just begun my forth stained glass piece. Who would have thought I would have found such a fun new hobby that is so rewarding. My first piece was designed from a photo of our sheltie Kati. It is a free form piece with no frame. It was with the kind instruction of my instructor that I learned how to cut glass, grind it so it fits together well, copper foil each piece, solder all the pieces together, burnish the solder, and wax the whole piece. Several steps but well worth all the careful steps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GaLgi35JlhtpLqr3UiowkreARcwoLGgEhd-EAtQbQccJHCM481kLkYjmPnZmHm1RJc52yqc0-NCzTkwlj6CVeGBInBOcDNdOx6bcCgw97u3gkB2Dr4gm1jREpz7LfHsdMJ-w/s1600/IMG_7468sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GaLgi35JlhtpLqr3UiowkreARcwoLGgEhd-EAtQbQccJHCM481kLkYjmPnZmHm1RJc52yqc0-NCzTkwlj6CVeGBInBOcDNdOx6bcCgw97u3gkB2Dr4gm1jREpz7LfHsdMJ-w/s320/IMG_7468sm.jpg" width="313" /></a><br />
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My second piece was based on a painting by Gianni Strino entitled La lettera. I just loved the setting he created so did a similar setting. It just seems so peaceful and I love the flow of the dress. It was an inspiring piece to make.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDclCO1pNHfRN5LPENJNYj8XdbAn2Fw094gMo7190Xi-DCR0Y4K1OXX0gOBxoaZRDmW09Q4F8M3yGiTcntzUh3vG-GeWeV55uM3E3au0x-37-cQmvDcXECXRp-w9y9TFvs6RVE/s1600/IMG_8753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDclCO1pNHfRN5LPENJNYj8XdbAn2Fw094gMo7190Xi-DCR0Y4K1OXX0gOBxoaZRDmW09Q4F8M3yGiTcntzUh3vG-GeWeV55uM3E3au0x-37-cQmvDcXECXRp-w9y9TFvs6RVE/s320/IMG_8753.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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My next piece is for our bathroom window. I wanted to create another peaceful setting that would make the room a special place to be. So after a search for just the right children in pretty white dresses, I found a calm but busy ocean scene and put it all together in photoshop. I like the result.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLOJCla8_93DygexdZwSIN_Vg4R56j4bkI-mPZ02-hUKqNhz2NHpLXsC-pSeAfmr-Npoj7Wr171eopM0PZuxRgRPsdvvVMmlAJZOKzE8KPTf7vToAa8S6Ozh2m7Sh0GYoJ6Zg/s1600/elements.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLOJCla8_93DygexdZwSIN_Vg4R56j4bkI-mPZ02-hUKqNhz2NHpLXsC-pSeAfmr-Npoj7Wr171eopM0PZuxRgRPsdvvVMmlAJZOKzE8KPTf7vToAa8S6Ozh2m7Sh0GYoJ6Zg/s320/elements.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Presently, I am working on a piece that contains the 5 Chinese elements used in healing: wood, metal, earth, fire, and water. This piece will be given to my acupuncturist. I have just started cutting the glass for it but of course, like the others, it will take many weeks to do since I like the intricate approach. This piece will change several times as it comes together and will probably not resemble the photoshop example here. Right now, I have just begun cutting some of the leaf sections for the tree.<br />
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Hoping this piece turns out just as nice when all is said and done.<br />
Take care,<br />
Lizgardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-32689701360522772442011-10-17T19:55:00.000-04:002011-10-17T19:55:52.227-04:00...with 7 dogs, one is never alone.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BouilU7EtJ0cr4CuhJYCsTJadTqkI9thN9I5nQD-VZuBwToApzgHQH3ZgdR4wtFBBcBO4fGliDF5Esq8hPKX-CUxO8o7r5wGOP07Az5JV8ZZpUN4VGEfUm84w0nGXie_l5RP/s1600/IMG_8773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BouilU7EtJ0cr4CuhJYCsTJadTqkI9thN9I5nQD-VZuBwToApzgHQH3ZgdR4wtFBBcBO4fGliDF5Esq8hPKX-CUxO8o7r5wGOP07Az5JV8ZZpUN4VGEfUm84w0nGXie_l5RP/s400/IMG_8773.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Caring for seven dogs properly take a lot of work and money, but the rewards are well worth the effort. With seven dogs, a human is never alone. When I fill the dishwasher, Zac the BC is always with me helping to scour any dish that is not dishwasher ready. If the phone rings, Lexi barks up a storm to let me know it must be answered. If Ralph goes to a take out place to get us supper, Jazz the rough collie goes along for the ride so he can have his quiet time with "Dad". Ralph tried to convince me that sometimes Jazz does the driving, but I'm not buying that! When playing frisbee, Kati the sheltie grabs the frisbee from each dog after it is caught and she is the official "I'll bring it to mom and dad" volunteer. I guess she likes the extra pats and the other dogs are okay with that. Little Sam the sheltie is the dancer of the group. When I take the time, he will dance with me for several minutes, doing his own little foot to foot step, a big smile on his little old face. Our two new dogs, Lucy and Sadie, are still deciding what their duties will be. For the present, they are both on bathroom detail... so no one in this house goes to the bathroom alone unless he/she can outrun the dogs and get the bathroom door shut before the dogs get there. So in this home, every task one does has a dog who "helps". <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwy6U6M1yYNXuCtefBgA-JpbArD6gjT9_vnI-vit5tQHFCY-QtGtRpSZ3Xx4H9GROTqo2zJLYIXKwY' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Vacuuming involves around three dogs who just lie in the way and get that perturbed look when they have to move. Mowing the lawn takes about two dogs, who keep watch from the other side of the fence to be sure the human is doing it right. The two border collies have to be sure the neighbors behind us are behaving themselves so check things out at the back fence often. When someone comes to visit, all seven canines give the loudest, happiest greeting imaginable, including tons of kisses. When mom or dad take a shower, there are two determined dogs who lap dry our feet and ankles when we step out of the tub. On the bed in the evening, there can be anywhere from two to four dogs lying around mom and dad keeping us safe and warm. The dogs keep the bedroom at least ten degrees warmer than all the other rooms in the house so help us save on our heating bill. If Dad is at work, the dogs keep Mom very safe day or night, and would never allow a stranger to get close to me unless I gave the okay. Every morning and evening, five of the seven dogs take Dad on a nice long walk to keep him in good shape.<br />
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Yes, with seven dogs, we are never alone. How cool is that! Works for us!gardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-26759357927242629432011-10-12T00:13:00.000-04:002011-10-12T00:13:42.077-04:00...about how the seasons change my daily pace.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzj6e7KdSVcI8ph3yqPd7Phlnr4uQyOqCAJlI5nseDuRvPrs080AzhTz2qghgcU6cC8paXd1YAbADv_FFMZ7ealRoPi4lxN_05Nr2OX3VjbdQqtI39ue_e_XHFoVH4yHXImd3T/s1600/IMG_8312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzj6e7KdSVcI8ph3yqPd7Phlnr4uQyOqCAJlI5nseDuRvPrs080AzhTz2qghgcU6cC8paXd1YAbADv_FFMZ7ealRoPi4lxN_05Nr2OX3VjbdQqtI39ue_e_XHFoVH4yHXImd3T/s320/IMG_8312.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back Yard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As the fall progresses, I find (just like most animals) I begin preparing myself how life gets a little more compacted and quieter. The tourists depart, many waterfront homes are closed up for the season, and Maine's population gets a bit smaller as some Maniacs head south to warmer climates. The days here get shorter and the nights get longer. Still, the fall also gives us a spectacular show bursting with bright fiery warm tones of colorful foliage. The colors are getting stronger in southern Maine at present, and we are appreciating the cooler temps that have finally arrived.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rX5aZL6hVaTnLWU6xc4og04Ummm-xmr8Zu-2DkPbkE1kqfUncWGPRcOrMWL3mojQ1TxgU6Wpg4ud7ceU4ofQ1gOMcQl6wwsUkEph_MnGCv6adzpWOwpl5KrsY9PlZBtssl4q/s1600/IMG_6173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rX5aZL6hVaTnLWU6xc4og04Ummm-xmr8Zu-2DkPbkE1kqfUncWGPRcOrMWL3mojQ1TxgU6Wpg4ud7ceU4ofQ1gOMcQl6wwsUkEph_MnGCv6adzpWOwpl5KrsY9PlZBtssl4q/s200/IMG_6173.JPG" width="200" /></a>Fall is my favorite time of year but does remind me that a long winter will be following. As the nights get longer and longer, I feel appreciative that I can zero in on indoor hobbies like reading, playing piano, doing my crafts or snuggling under the covers and watching old movies. The dogs seem to embrace the darkness by sleeping more and of course, cuddling with Ralph and me much more. Ralph, in order to beat the dark, has to hurry home to do agility with the dogs. Together, Ralph and I tend to do all the tasks we can after school so that we can have the the evenings to settle in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAssj2MI9VUkjpsM1OImlva0qkKn1N85zu9tB2jDW9TXEdDvw7DZZkl_TU4xLWwpn-pc9VbCSY-tnZSR2fz_zTLPG4WB1s2x8imAubHrrCrVcAV7F2YmckC1meHQNZeErkf90b/s1600/IMG_6116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAssj2MI9VUkjpsM1OImlva0qkKn1N85zu9tB2jDW9TXEdDvw7DZZkl_TU4xLWwpn-pc9VbCSY-tnZSR2fz_zTLPG4WB1s2x8imAubHrrCrVcAV7F2YmckC1meHQNZeErkf90b/s200/IMG_6116.JPG" width="170" /></a>Sometimes it is refreshing for our lives to become less complicated and "smaller" for a while. Unlike living in a big city, things don't go on the same year round. "See you in the Spring" is often seen on business signs the closer we drive toward the coast. The miles of beaches become ours once again and no one cares if we take our pack of dogs to run up and down the shore in the middle of the day. There is no bumper to bumper traffic on Route One to avoid. Maine is just for hearty Mainers once again. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiHcPmSiG-iOmOdu_n35_WntUGYTGBBVPlRqY0GmnSFxX7BRlM74khuO1Kty1sQVka5RoFq6enEGv9IhtXKTlLZyCZz-JQoECHJuV62amzJMCQj1n34OE3y6AKpZQD7vwIyj3/s1600/IMG_5960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiHcPmSiG-iOmOdu_n35_WntUGYTGBBVPlRqY0GmnSFxX7BRlM74khuO1Kty1sQVka5RoFq6enEGv9IhtXKTlLZyCZz-JQoECHJuV62amzJMCQj1n34OE3y6AKpZQD7vwIyj3/s200/IMG_5960.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Peace, serenity, and simplicity become the norm in the winter months. We are forced to take the time to come to know ourselves once again, to listen to our own thoughts, and rediscover who we are. It is an introspective time for the most part. We learn if we are capable of living with less and still able to feel comfortable within ourselves. I am not a snow person but can still see the lesson being taught when snow shuts everything down and we have to be patient and wait for it to set us free once again. <br />
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Just thinking....gardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-88235455054388604052011-10-04T14:27:00.000-04:002011-10-04T14:27:32.094-04:00....about this and that.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpg9N3Oazy-bBxUitob3VXfVR50Pw7-pZC9An1ZUGtXjz1jzIu9Qh_cwjw9ogoCaRHWvPr2IVp2eJFWFBpzeCodnyEOTV9ziSNeqbEZqsAsyaBYHPFEODqiWXp0JlZdgb1DqS/s1600/Photo+44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpg9N3Oazy-bBxUitob3VXfVR50Pw7-pZC9An1ZUGtXjz1jzIu9Qh_cwjw9ogoCaRHWvPr2IVp2eJFWFBpzeCodnyEOTV9ziSNeqbEZqsAsyaBYHPFEODqiWXp0JlZdgb1DqS/s320/Photo+44.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy sleeping on the bed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our two new dogs are beginning to settle in at our home and becoming part of our huge dog group. Lucy, the little border collie from NEBCR is turning into a real cuddle dog. Every evening she snuggles right up next to Ralph and sticks to him like glue until it is bedtime. We figure it won't be long before she will not need a crate any longer. I bet she will just sleep right against Ralph all night on the bed. Lucy has tons of focus and is really zeroing in on her agility lessons. She also works extremely hard to keep this whole giant clan, including the people, all herded together neatly into one large crowd. Sadie, the sheltie, is putting on weight and turning into a real character. She voices her opinion about everything going on in the household and is learning that is not always the accepted approach...lol. She is taking to agility like a duck to water and is an outstanding jumper. She is now learning how to weave through the weave poles and understanding it quickly. For a seven year old dog, she has the same spunk as her daughter (Kati) who is only three. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTtASJzAOeV01L-QhcdX0BlWl3MJNqv1CVpbpxzTSrSdCurlB41qnnN3sSSvzCE2oNMOjJcyLhjDBZFQHgMer9LsHfFQ3vkGvUB15cfazAb3Tfg73doorolzXLVkHu01XuXeD/s1600/IMG_8545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTtASJzAOeV01L-QhcdX0BlWl3MJNqv1CVpbpxzTSrSdCurlB41qnnN3sSSvzCE2oNMOjJcyLhjDBZFQHgMer9LsHfFQ3vkGvUB15cfazAb3Tfg73doorolzXLVkHu01XuXeD/s320/IMG_8545.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadie (back) and Kati</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I am still trying to rein in my anxiety and doing my best to turn all worrisome thoughts into positive ones. It doesn't seem to lessen the anxiety yet but does help to train me how to question what I am thinking. I saw a nice quote the other day that explained that by making one's inner peace, you generate outer peace around you. Surprisingly, our home is pretty peaceful even with 7 dogs running around. They all have the ability to settle down nicely and our home is a pleasant place to be. In the midst of all this serenity, in inner thoughts can be running wildly amuck although I look just as calm on the outside as the setting I am in. So...., I am working on my thoughts, stopping them, and replacing them with better ones. This takes a great deal of effort but I am hoping the results will pay off in the long run. Those of us who grew up in insecure childhoods had to remain vigilant to stay safe but now that we are grounded in security as adults, that intense vigilance is not needed. What was once a positive habit to keep us safe has now become a negative habit that needs to be addressed. So I will continue to challenge my thoughts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFL1hZup9BkmvW3MHsQV-6KYujlCrotm0TzYOCh8YS9xnkDiO6G0hvbK9f4f8VgnAuach4sGwMUfujRxFZRNNdVP_OJa7U6kdpp4PZKjemOZPAOLN1FPujd7Uuk8IFmIN5wp-y/s1600/Photo+54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFL1hZup9BkmvW3MHsQV-6KYujlCrotm0TzYOCh8YS9xnkDiO6G0hvbK9f4f8VgnAuach4sGwMUfujRxFZRNNdVP_OJa7U6kdpp4PZKjemOZPAOLN1FPujd7Uuk8IFmIN5wp-y/s320/Photo+54.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain and leaves of early fall through the window.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We have had several days of heavy rain. On the plus side, wells will not be low this year like they were last year and everything is still beautifully green. On the negative side, we Mainers are hoping the sun comes back soon so we can get out and enjoy the autumn temperatures, go to the local fairs, and just enjoy one of the best seasons of the year. Leaves in the southern part of Maine are just beginning to change their colors a tiny bit and some are falling to the ground, but for the most part, all that is still ahead of us to enjoy. The photo I have put up is taken from my bedroom window and shows how the leaves are yellowing and beginning to fall on the side yard in the rain. So the circle of life and the circle of the seasons go on here in the north east. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>gardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10839403.post-26595951423133961602011-09-22T10:43:00.000-04:002011-09-22T10:43:16.822-04:00Surprisingly, most dogs don't like the rain....Ah, the one-of-a-kind smell of seven long haired wet dogs who go out into the rain just quickly enough to do their business and then come right back in the dog door. Or to scurry out to inspect the squirrel sitting high in a maple tree and throwing down bunches of leaves in its harvest. Or to run down to the end of the fence to see what the neighbor's dog is barking about. Or to run to the gate of the agility area, wishfully thinking it might be possible to catch the bird digging worms on the other side of the gate. Or to tip toe out just to be sure it is still raining. Or to all run out when one dog starts the "rumor mill barking" and all have to go see what the first dog is barking about. The list is a long one from a dog's point of view.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF97HsDzntGERdWdmaiRZTQnX-8az4omr1gJtSjxc_LTDQ-N-xmveDUNad9MPvMFTxi4f9AEOk0Pv_bXANmqomcMFM2J5F73P8OCCSf3bHE-1fhRB-tYpVENXnN1LkyPGljXmY/s1600/IMG_7795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF97HsDzntGERdWdmaiRZTQnX-8az4omr1gJtSjxc_LTDQ-N-xmveDUNad9MPvMFTxi4f9AEOk0Pv_bXANmqomcMFM2J5F73P8OCCSf3bHE-1fhRB-tYpVENXnN1LkyPGljXmY/s320/IMG_7795.JPG" width="213" /></a>During a rainy day, between short sleeps in the house, the dog door flap is constantly in use just long enough to enable the outer coat of each and every dog to stay wet all day long. It is just a dog thing. Yes, I could close the door, and keep all my dogs inside all day but then they get bored, and their curiosity wains. The younger ones get antsy from lack of doing anything and create new, less positive activities. No, it is much better to keep the dog door open and in use, not pay attention to the wet floors and furniture (thank God for leather) and just accept the whole experience as a special rainy day event.<br />
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For those of you who don't know much about collies, they have a very thick undercoat that keeps them quite dry close to their skin even though the outside coat looks sopping wet. So when they come to cuddle with us, they are not feeling much of the water they are spreading all over us. But you know what, I still hug and cuddle them even though I get sopping wet. I seldom pass up a dog's request for attention. Clothes, floors, furniture, and outer layers of dogs eventually dry, but our dogs are with us for such a brief amount of time. So I react to them as if they were totally dry. It is just my thing.<br />
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Take care,<br />
Lizgardeningartisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967362185121896200noreply@blogger.com1