I swear, On-Star is such a scam.
When we purchased our new Vue last year, it came with a one year subscription to On-Star at no charge. We also received 30 minutes of hands-free calling which expired after 30 days from activation.
We never once used the On-Star that first year. And I only made two or three phone calls using the hands-free calling, and they weren't even necessary calls. I did it simply to use some of the minutes or lose them.
After that first month was up, On-Star started calling me on my cell (or maybe it was at work, I don't remember) trying to get me to purchase extra calling minutes. I always refused. After a couple of months, they finally took the hint and stopped calling
Back on July 12th, about 6 weeks before the On-Star subscription was due to expire, they called again. Again I refused their service. I didn't want it renewed. In fact, truth be told, I hate that large rear-view mirror with all the buttons on it. It blocks too much of my view. The caller told me I could always take my Vue to a dealership and have it taken out and a regular mirror installed.
Uh-huh, sure, at what kind of price I wonder?
So here we are, a few days before we're to leave on our vacation, and I thought it might not be a bad idea to have the On-Star and hands-free calling... just in case...
I mean, what if we are in an accident, far from home in a place we were totally unfamiliar with, and/or what if our cell phones didn't get coverage there?
I tried calling On-Star Tuesday, while at work. They wouldn't help me, said I had to be in my car in order to activate it. Fine. But could you at least tell me what the charges would be? Or what the least amount of time is I could re-new it for? The girl wouldn't help me.
On-Star was quickly getting on my bad side.
Last evening, I sat in my car and pushed the button on my mirror. I went through the whole rigmarole, was told that On-Star was a month-to-month service, and that 30 minutes was the smallest package of minutes. The next size package was 100 minutes, blah, blah, blah. Of course, On-Star had to be active in order for the phone to work. I debated for a moment, then told the girl that I wanted just one month of On-Star, and only a 30 minute package.
She started rambling off the charges, but I wasn't able to get all of them written down. She told me to call back on Friday to get the new phone number. All I had to do was push the phone button and say "My Number".
This morning, after arriving at work, I attempted to do just that. I pushed the phone button and it asked me for the number I wanted to dial. I simply said "My Number". The voice on the other end claimed to not understand me. I repeated myself, slowly and clearly. Again, it didn't understand what I was asking. I disconnected and pushed the On-Star button. Once connected, I asked the girl for my new number. She gave it to me and then informed me that I could've just pushed the phone button and said "My Number" and it would've given it to me. Uh, no, I tried that, it didn't work.
I then asked her what the total charges had been, as I hadn't gotten them all written down. She proceeded to look it up and started giving me the break-down. Apparently, the person I'd spoken to on Thursday, who I had very clearly told I only wanted 30 minutes, had signed me up for 100 minutes, and given me 30 minutes of free calling which came with the On-Star activation. ARGHHHH!
She never told me I received 30 minutes of free time for activation. And what part of "I want 30 minutes" did she not understand?
So I now have 130 minutes of call time that I have to use up by the end of October.
A hundred and thirty minutes!
John and I don't talk that much on our cell phones combined in a month. I really don't foresee us using all those minutes while driving down the road.
But since we have them, I'll probably be using them. So some of you may be getting a phone call from us while we're tootling down the road next week.
Friday, September 28, 2007
A setback
I fear I may have sustained a minor (hopefully only minor) setback on my low-back problems.
My back has been feeling pretty good these past few weeks. Mostly just an occasional muscle ache if I've over-done something. And then there's this on-again/off-again twinge in my right shoulder, but that's minor compared to what I've lived through this past year.
So as I was driving to work this morning, I had just gotten on to I-71 north, when I felt something crawling on my left arm. I glanced down just quick enough to seem something black crawling on my arm. Thinking it was a spider, I reached down to flick it off and twisted sideways in my seat to avoid having it land on my again, and in doing so, nearly lost control of the car. Thankfully, there were no other cars beside me (or close to me in anyway for that matter). The car started swerving a bit, and I grabbed the wheel to regain control, all the while wondering where the "spider" had gone.
I saw something crawling along the window out of the corner of my eye. Once the car was once again traveling smoothly, in a straight line down the road, I glanced over and saw that it was, in fact, a common fly. I rolled down the window... there goes the perfectly coiffed hair-do (yeah, right!)... and let the fly out into the free world.
Once I started to relax, I then felt that familiar ache and tightness in my low back setting in. I suppose between the sudden tensing-up I'd done and the quick twisting in my seat when I had flicked the "spider" away, that was enough to aggravate my back. Hopefully a heavy dose of Advil will allow it to ease up. I really don't want to drive 8 hours tomorrow with an achy back, or be hampered with pain during our whole vacation. Grrrr.
My back has been feeling pretty good these past few weeks. Mostly just an occasional muscle ache if I've over-done something. And then there's this on-again/off-again twinge in my right shoulder, but that's minor compared to what I've lived through this past year.
So as I was driving to work this morning, I had just gotten on to I-71 north, when I felt something crawling on my left arm. I glanced down just quick enough to seem something black crawling on my arm. Thinking it was a spider, I reached down to flick it off and twisted sideways in my seat to avoid having it land on my again, and in doing so, nearly lost control of the car. Thankfully, there were no other cars beside me (or close to me in anyway for that matter). The car started swerving a bit, and I grabbed the wheel to regain control, all the while wondering where the "spider" had gone.
I saw something crawling along the window out of the corner of my eye. Once the car was once again traveling smoothly, in a straight line down the road, I glanced over and saw that it was, in fact, a common fly. I rolled down the window... there goes the perfectly coiffed hair-do (yeah, right!)... and let the fly out into the free world.
Once I started to relax, I then felt that familiar ache and tightness in my low back setting in. I suppose between the sudden tensing-up I'd done and the quick twisting in my seat when I had flicked the "spider" away, that was enough to aggravate my back. Hopefully a heavy dose of Advil will allow it to ease up. I really don't want to drive 8 hours tomorrow with an achy back, or be hampered with pain during our whole vacation. Grrrr.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Do you believe...?
I don't quite know whether or not I truly believe there is such a thing as "BigFoot" or "Sasquatch"(sp?), but obviously there are a lot of people out there that do believe. Even a few that claim to have born witness to such a creature.
I'm skeptical.
Sure, there very well could be, but until there's some hard, scientific evidence, then I'll remain skeptical.
Why do I bring all this up you ask?
I was playing around on Google-Earth (love that site!), and was zooming in on the small town where I had grown up. I spotted the high-school, the city pool, the house I grew up in... then I panned out and looked for the lake/forestry where we spent so much time swimming and picnicking. It was hard to find, because I was naively looking for a body of blue water. What was I thinking? I finally had to type in "Deam Lake" in order to find it. I was somewhat grossed out by the big green area. Yuck, green water. Blech!
Anyway, if you're panned-out enough, then little "lights" appear at various spots. If you hold the mouse over the "light", it tells you what it represents. Usually some kind of landmark or famous place.
I held the cursor over the first light in the Washington Co. area and it popped up a date. Odd. I clicked on it. It took me to a reported sighting of a BigFoot. You've got to be kidding me!!
I moved the cursor on to the next light. Again, another date. I clicked on it. Yet another sighting of BigFoot in the Washington Co. area.
Who knew? We apparently have BigFoot sightings so close to home. I think I need to email my father and tell him to be on the look-out when he drives to/from work.
BigFoot. Yeah, right.
I'm skeptical.
Sure, there very well could be, but until there's some hard, scientific evidence, then I'll remain skeptical.
Why do I bring all this up you ask?
I was playing around on Google-Earth (love that site!), and was zooming in on the small town where I had grown up. I spotted the high-school, the city pool, the house I grew up in... then I panned out and looked for the lake/forestry where we spent so much time swimming and picnicking. It was hard to find, because I was naively looking for a body of blue water. What was I thinking? I finally had to type in "Deam Lake" in order to find it. I was somewhat grossed out by the big green area. Yuck, green water. Blech!
Anyway, if you're panned-out enough, then little "lights" appear at various spots. If you hold the mouse over the "light", it tells you what it represents. Usually some kind of landmark or famous place.
I held the cursor over the first light in the Washington Co. area and it popped up a date. Odd. I clicked on it. It took me to a reported sighting of a BigFoot. You've got to be kidding me!!
I moved the cursor on to the next light. Again, another date. I clicked on it. Yet another sighting of BigFoot in the Washington Co. area.
Who knew? We apparently have BigFoot sightings so close to home. I think I need to email my father and tell him to be on the look-out when he drives to/from work.
BigFoot. Yeah, right.
Fix this
I don't quite understand how it is that we can put a man on the moon, or fly to the international space station and back, and yet, we can't make an eraser that fits on the end of a pencil without splitting up the side and then falling off.
Perhaps the engineers at NASA could fix this problem for me.
Perhaps the engineers at NASA could fix this problem for me.
More dreams and my senility
I had another one of those off-the-wall dreams last night. Again, somebody I went to school with was in the dream, although this girl was a year ahead of me. My dream really jumped around a lot. Does that ever happen to any of you? It just goes from one topic to another, or one scene to another, constantly changing characters. It's almost like channel-surfing of the subconscious. It started off with that girl throwing a fit because she wanted to watch Wheel Of Fortune, and I changed the channel to see what else was on. Her fit didn't stop until I put it back on W.O.F. Then the dream jumped to me rushing to pick my two little boys (human children, imagine that!!) up from their swim lessons so I could get them to daycare. They were such cute little kids, I wish I could remember what their names were in my dream. It jumped around some more, but I don't really remember the rest.
My senility has once again reared it's ugly head... that or I'm just really in desparate need of this upcoming vacation. I stopped in Crestwood to get gas, as it's usually cheaper there. I dug out my gas-card and popped it into the card-reader at the pump. It came up and asked me for my zip code. Hmm, strange. It's never done that before. Okay, so they have a new security feature I suppose. I entered my zip code, and then was promptly advised that my card had been declined.
WHAT??? No FREAKING WAAAAAYYYY!!!
When I signed up for on-line bill pay last week, BP was the very first bill I paid, and it had already cleared my account. No way could it have reason to decline. It advised me to see the cashier. I stomped into the store, ready to do battle. I stood in line, waiting my turn. Just as I stepped up to the counter and held out my BP card to the cashier, I suddenly realized why it hadn't worked... I was at a Chevron station. Duh!! Honestly, I really do need a vacation!
My senility has once again reared it's ugly head... that or I'm just really in desparate need of this upcoming vacation. I stopped in Crestwood to get gas, as it's usually cheaper there. I dug out my gas-card and popped it into the card-reader at the pump. It came up and asked me for my zip code. Hmm, strange. It's never done that before. Okay, so they have a new security feature I suppose. I entered my zip code, and then was promptly advised that my card had been declined.
WHAT??? No FREAKING WAAAAAYYYY!!!
When I signed up for on-line bill pay last week, BP was the very first bill I paid, and it had already cleared my account. No way could it have reason to decline. It advised me to see the cashier. I stomped into the store, ready to do battle. I stood in line, waiting my turn. Just as I stepped up to the counter and held out my BP card to the cashier, I suddenly realized why it hadn't worked... I was at a Chevron station. Duh!! Honestly, I really do need a vacation!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Dirty diapers?
I changed a diaper last night, twice actually. I do believe they were the first diapers I've changed since my 13 (almost 14) year old nephew was an infant (that I can recall).
I've changed many diapers in my life. I've babysat numerous children, most of them now have children of their own.
When I was a teenager, I had the market cornered in our part of the neighborhood. There were 10 children among my "regulars" that I frequently sat for. But once I moved to Kentucky at 20, babysitting all but ended except for the rare occasion when I'd watch a family members child.
So when my friend/neighbor asked me on Sunday if I'd be willing to watch her almost-5-month old on Tuesday, I was only too happy to do so. I had no fear of changing a dirty diaper. I was sure that, like riding a bicycle, it would all come back to me.
Now I've never been much on sticking my finger into a diaper to feel for wetness, or holding the diapered area to my nose to sniff. No, I tend to rely on my sight for proof of it being soiled. After I'd been there for about an hour or so, I took my little charge and laid her on the changing table. Peeled back one of the diaper tabs to check, and sure enough, it was yellow. That was all the proof I needed.
I removed the dirty diaper, or so I thought, wiped her down with a warm baby-wipe, and opened the clean diaper up and prepared to slide it into place under her tush.
But wait a minute, this diaper looked yellow also. What gives?
I looked a little closer, and the diaper manufacturer, for whatever reason, decided it would be a good idea to put some kind of yellow coloring in the center of the diaper. That was stupid!!
As the "dirty" diaper was already wadded up, I went on and put the clean one on her and snapped her onesie back in place. But curiosity was getting the better of me. I unwadded the "dirty" diaper and looked closer. I couldn't tell based on sight. I had to feel it. Indeed, it was dry. There was a wasted diaper. And diapers aren't cheap. I wondered how many other unsuspecting parents and/or caregivers had made the same mistake I'd just made?
If the diaper manufacturer felt the need to put a colored strip in the diaper, why not blue, so that when the yellow pee hit it, it would turn green?
It's a scam I tell you. The diaper company probably did that on purpose, just to mess with people so they would waste diapers, forcing them to purchase more, which means diaper sales would go up. Grrr!!!
Needless to say, next time I checked her diaper, I had to rely on my other senses to be sure.
I've changed many diapers in my life. I've babysat numerous children, most of them now have children of their own.
When I was a teenager, I had the market cornered in our part of the neighborhood. There were 10 children among my "regulars" that I frequently sat for. But once I moved to Kentucky at 20, babysitting all but ended except for the rare occasion when I'd watch a family members child.
So when my friend/neighbor asked me on Sunday if I'd be willing to watch her almost-5-month old on Tuesday, I was only too happy to do so. I had no fear of changing a dirty diaper. I was sure that, like riding a bicycle, it would all come back to me.
Now I've never been much on sticking my finger into a diaper to feel for wetness, or holding the diapered area to my nose to sniff. No, I tend to rely on my sight for proof of it being soiled. After I'd been there for about an hour or so, I took my little charge and laid her on the changing table. Peeled back one of the diaper tabs to check, and sure enough, it was yellow. That was all the proof I needed.
I removed the dirty diaper, or so I thought, wiped her down with a warm baby-wipe, and opened the clean diaper up and prepared to slide it into place under her tush.
But wait a minute, this diaper looked yellow also. What gives?
I looked a little closer, and the diaper manufacturer, for whatever reason, decided it would be a good idea to put some kind of yellow coloring in the center of the diaper. That was stupid!!
As the "dirty" diaper was already wadded up, I went on and put the clean one on her and snapped her onesie back in place. But curiosity was getting the better of me. I unwadded the "dirty" diaper and looked closer. I couldn't tell based on sight. I had to feel it. Indeed, it was dry. There was a wasted diaper. And diapers aren't cheap. I wondered how many other unsuspecting parents and/or caregivers had made the same mistake I'd just made?
If the diaper manufacturer felt the need to put a colored strip in the diaper, why not blue, so that when the yellow pee hit it, it would turn green?
It's a scam I tell you. The diaper company probably did that on purpose, just to mess with people so they would waste diapers, forcing them to purchase more, which means diaper sales would go up. Grrr!!!
Needless to say, next time I checked her diaper, I had to rely on my other senses to be sure.
Define Irony
The definition of "irony" in the dictionary reads: 1) The use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning. 2) An expression or utterance marked by such a deliberate contrast between apparent and intended meaning.
I bring all this up because of a bit of irony I've observed in this historic little town I work in.
On the edge of town, just past the I-71 overpass, is a sign proclaiming LaGrange to be a "Preserve America Community".
LaGrange prides itself on being a historic town.
But let's be honest, if they were truly trying to preserve it, then shouldn't they try to keep it as it was originally? I mean, with lots and lots of trees, hills, some fields of grass and wild flowers and such? After all, that's what this land originally looked like before it was settled and a town full of 2-story buildings were built and a train track was laid through the middle of town.
So here's what I find to be truly ironic...
This town is in the process of building a new library. I'm not arguing that there isn't a need for one, quite the contrary. However, as I drove by the site where the new library is being built, I see them clearing out many of the large trees and digging away at the hill that currently mark the land. So by doing this, aren't they in fact not preserving the community?
I bring all this up because of a bit of irony I've observed in this historic little town I work in.
On the edge of town, just past the I-71 overpass, is a sign proclaiming LaGrange to be a "Preserve America Community".
LaGrange prides itself on being a historic town.
But let's be honest, if they were truly trying to preserve it, then shouldn't they try to keep it as it was originally? I mean, with lots and lots of trees, hills, some fields of grass and wild flowers and such? After all, that's what this land originally looked like before it was settled and a town full of 2-story buildings were built and a train track was laid through the middle of town.
So here's what I find to be truly ironic...
This town is in the process of building a new library. I'm not arguing that there isn't a need for one, quite the contrary. However, as I drove by the site where the new library is being built, I see them clearing out many of the large trees and digging away at the hill that currently mark the land. So by doing this, aren't they in fact not preserving the community?
Once upon a time...
Once upon a time, there was a girl named Leslie.
Recently, Leslie went to visit her friend Krista.
Krista had recently moved and was having an open-house for everyone to come see her new home.
With Taylor, Leslie's 19 month old daughter, on her hip, Leslie explored the new house. As she was coming down the stairs, she missed a step.
And WHOOPS! Down she went.
As would be any parents instinct to protect the child, this she did, but in doing so, broke her own foot. GASP!!
Strangers gathered around as Leslie tried to play it cool and laugh it off.
But then the pain and humility set in and she started to pass out.
One of the other guests, who was a nurse, went into action. She had Leslie lie on the floor (where she already was, duh), and prop her feet up the stairs.
Taylor, surrounded by strangers, and not understanding what had happened to her mommy, grew quite upset.
Leslie's husband was called to come and get her and take her to the ER.
Now poor Leslie sits, foot encased in a cast, propped up, unable to put any weight on her foot what-so-ever. Taylor, still not understanding why mommy can't just pick her up and carry her around, is still unhappy.
Leslie & her husband are supposed to be house-hunting, but I don't know if I foresee this happening while she's on crutches.
So here Leslie sits, for the next 5 or 6 weeks.
Don't you feel sorry for her!?
Recently, Leslie went to visit her friend Krista.
Krista had recently moved and was having an open-house for everyone to come see her new home.
With Taylor, Leslie's 19 month old daughter, on her hip, Leslie explored the new house. As she was coming down the stairs, she missed a step.
And WHOOPS! Down she went.
As would be any parents instinct to protect the child, this she did, but in doing so, broke her own foot. GASP!!
Strangers gathered around as Leslie tried to play it cool and laugh it off.
But then the pain and humility set in and she started to pass out.
One of the other guests, who was a nurse, went into action. She had Leslie lie on the floor (where she already was, duh), and prop her feet up the stairs.
Taylor, surrounded by strangers, and not understanding what had happened to her mommy, grew quite upset.
Leslie's husband was called to come and get her and take her to the ER.
Now poor Leslie sits, foot encased in a cast, propped up, unable to put any weight on her foot what-so-ever. Taylor, still not understanding why mommy can't just pick her up and carry her around, is still unhappy.
Leslie & her husband are supposed to be house-hunting, but I don't know if I foresee this happening while she's on crutches.
So here Leslie sits, for the next 5 or 6 weeks.
Don't you feel sorry for her!?
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
My "Step-Children"
Just thought I'd share some pix I took of my "step-children" that I cared for over the weekend. These were the only three danes I could get to sit still long enough to snap a picture.
The black beauty is Bella. She is the litter-mate of my Bootsy.The top pictured Harlequin is none other than Candy. Yes, the one that gave me fits in the beginning.
And last but not least, is Desiree. This ol' girl turned 12 back in May. You wouldn't know it to look at her now, but she was quite the show-dog in her day. A winner, no less. Not too many danes live to such a ripe old age, but she's still very playful and such a sweet dog.
Pictures of my little Livvie
My silly little girl, likes to play "keep-away". She'll latch onto a stray sock or one of the dogs' slobber towels, and dare me to get it from her.
The last two pix were taken this past weekend at our breeder's house. The ear-flipped-back look is as close to having upright, cropped ears as Livvie will ever have.
How could anyone resist a face like that???
Just a swangin'!
After the husband arrived home from work Sunday afternoon, 
Again I offered to go and get the necessary parts. He finally told me to go inside and leave him alone. Fine. So I went in and did some chores.
I cajoled him into putting my swing-set together.
The two of us drug the heavy box out of the garage
and sat it down in the driveway. Neighbor "M" was outside and walked
over. He has an engineering degree, so I felt John had good help in figuring out the swing's assembly.
They set to work, and I went to visit with "M"'s wife and baby. After just a few minutes, "M" came home.
Oh no!, my John left alone with a project and a set of instructions isn't a
a good thing. I hurried back home to see if I could lend assistance.
He was cussing and cursing, picking things
up and dropping them back down, sweating
profusely (of course, it was over 90 degrees!), but he was getting more agitated by the minute.
He now claimed that it hadn't come with
enough of the long bolts. Fine, tell me what you need, and
I'll go to Lowe's and get some.
I insisted it would. Better to try that route than for him to keep throwing things and damaging stuff so that it couldn't be put together at all. Still he refused to tell me what he needed, so I stood back and watched him take things apart, put them back
together, then back apart again.
Again I offered to go and get the necessary parts. He finally told me to go inside and leave him alone. Fine. So I went in and did some chores.I came back after a while to check his progress, and couldn't tell that he'd accomplished anything. I went back inside.
Another half hour passed and I went out again. He'd made only small headway in the progress. He was now stressing over the placement of some other parts. I went back inside.
Another half hour passed and I went back out. "M" was back, and the basic frame was assembled. They were now working on the seat, and had a problem. The jehu that had packed the box, had included two right-hand arm-rests, instead of one left and one right. They couldn't be turned around and interchanged, they were definitely different. Okay, new problem...
All over the instruction manual, on just about every page, it was printed in big letters with a red "STOP" next to the words: Do not return to the store.
If we had a problem with the swing, we were to contact the manufacturer, monday thru friday, from 9am to 4:30 pm, blah, blah, blah.
Uh, I don't think we're going to leave this mess lying out in the driveway while I wait until the next day to contact them, and then wait several more days for them to ship us the correct part. "M" gave us the receipt and we took the two arm-rests and went to Walmart. John kept insisting this wasn't going to work. I argued, "we won't know unless we try. The girls behind the service counter probably don't know we aren't supposed to return the 'defective' item to the store, it's worth a try." And it was. Just as I predicted, none of the people we dealt with had any idea, and another swing, still in the box, was located. They opened it up and swapped out the arm-rest we needed. Case closed.
Back home, they guys finished putting it together in little time.
I let John & "M" have the honors of sitting on it first, since they worked so hard on it.
I just LOVE my new swing!!
Quest for an accurate Mapquest
Mapquest. Most of us have used this site at one time or another when we've needed directions from one place to another. I've used it many, many times. Most of the time it's fairly accurate. I have found occasionally that there are sometimes better routes than what it suggests, but it still gets me there. But not this time.
As I was staying out in Henry Co. this past weekend, and I had my orientation class at the Luci Ctr. Saturday morning, I needed directions on how to get there coming from my friend's house, as I'd be coming from the totally opposite direction from what I was used to.
Friday afternoon, I printed off the directions from Mapquest. As I looked them over, I even commented to my co-worker that step #6 in the directions seemed a bit odd, as it told me to "turn right", but didn't say what road I should turn right on to. Hmm.
Well, possibly the road comes to a "T" junction, and I have to turn right in order to stay on the road (because turning left may lead to a private driveway or parking lot, who knows!?!). Still, usually it tells you something to the effect of "turn right to stay on Hwy. 53", or some such thing.
Anyway, on a whim, I looked up the directions from my place of work to the Luci Ctr., just to see how it would get me there, and I jotted them down on the back of the other directions. I thought it would be good to have, just in case I ever had a situation where I went there after work. You never know...
As it turns out, it was VERY fortuitous that I had done this.
According to Mapquest, it was going to take me 49 minutes to reach my destination. I had to be there at 9am, so I left the house at 8am. I should arrive with 11 minutes to spare. Should.
Things were going along fine, the miles slipping away, and I was coming upon each turn of the road just as I should according to Mapquest. Step #5 of my directions said to turn left onto KY-322/Ky-53 and follow this road for 4 miles. Then came the mysterious step #6.
I watched my odometer carefully. After I'd gone about 3.8 miles, I started watching for a road to turn onto. Four miles passed. Four point one, four point two, four point three. Hmm, I wasn't finding a road. Several driveways, but no road. I went an additional mile, 'til I found a place to turn around. I back tracked to the area where the four-mile mark should've been, thinking I'd overlooked that turn-off, but still nothing. I decided to backtrack all the way to when I initially turned onto this road. So four more miles down the road, I came to that intersection. Fortunately, there isn't an abundance of traffic that early in the morning on these old country roads. I turned around in the intersection and pulled off to the side to sit and study the directions.
It just wasn't making any sense!! There simply wasn't any road around the four-mile mark. I looked at the clock. It was now about 8:40. I had twenty minutes to get there, and I didn't know what to do at this point. Okay girl, think! I'm sitting at the intersection of Hwy 322 & Hwy 53.
Hwy 53! Hey, that's the highway that comes out of LaGrange. Okay, maybe I can do this. I flipped my directions over and studied the directions I'd written down coming from my work. Follow Hwy 53 all the way to Dover Rd., then from Dover, turn right onto KY-362.
Hmm, I didn't know where Dover Rd. was, but my mind was mulling, hadn't I just seen a sign for KY-362 when I was driving back and forth? Well, only one way to find out. I headed back down the road. Well before I got to that four-mile mark and the non-existent turn-off, I saw a sign that pointed to the right for KY-362. WOO-HOO!!
I turned onto 362, and started watching for Hebron Rd. I had no idea how far down it would be, as I was obviously entering onto this road from a point different than what my work-directions listed. But as I drove cautiously on, I did finally see Dover Rd. on the right. Okay, so that's where I'd have entered from had I been coming from work. Now I knew I only needed to go another .7 miles (according to Mapquest that is). I went that far and indeed, there was Hebron Rd. on the left. From that point on, it was a breeze. I arrived with about 3 minutes to spare.
I don't know what made me write down the directions from work on the back of the other directions, but I was ever so glad and thankful that I had, else I'd probably still be out there driving around, lost!
Stupid Mapquest!!
As I was staying out in Henry Co. this past weekend, and I had my orientation class at the Luci Ctr. Saturday morning, I needed directions on how to get there coming from my friend's house, as I'd be coming from the totally opposite direction from what I was used to.
Friday afternoon, I printed off the directions from Mapquest. As I looked them over, I even commented to my co-worker that step #6 in the directions seemed a bit odd, as it told me to "turn right", but didn't say what road I should turn right on to. Hmm.
Well, possibly the road comes to a "T" junction, and I have to turn right in order to stay on the road (because turning left may lead to a private driveway or parking lot, who knows!?!). Still, usually it tells you something to the effect of "turn right to stay on Hwy. 53", or some such thing.
Anyway, on a whim, I looked up the directions from my place of work to the Luci Ctr., just to see how it would get me there, and I jotted them down on the back of the other directions. I thought it would be good to have, just in case I ever had a situation where I went there after work. You never know...
As it turns out, it was VERY fortuitous that I had done this.
According to Mapquest, it was going to take me 49 minutes to reach my destination. I had to be there at 9am, so I left the house at 8am. I should arrive with 11 minutes to spare. Should.
Things were going along fine, the miles slipping away, and I was coming upon each turn of the road just as I should according to Mapquest. Step #5 of my directions said to turn left onto KY-322/Ky-53 and follow this road for 4 miles. Then came the mysterious step #6.
I watched my odometer carefully. After I'd gone about 3.8 miles, I started watching for a road to turn onto. Four miles passed. Four point one, four point two, four point three. Hmm, I wasn't finding a road. Several driveways, but no road. I went an additional mile, 'til I found a place to turn around. I back tracked to the area where the four-mile mark should've been, thinking I'd overlooked that turn-off, but still nothing. I decided to backtrack all the way to when I initially turned onto this road. So four more miles down the road, I came to that intersection. Fortunately, there isn't an abundance of traffic that early in the morning on these old country roads. I turned around in the intersection and pulled off to the side to sit and study the directions.
It just wasn't making any sense!! There simply wasn't any road around the four-mile mark. I looked at the clock. It was now about 8:40. I had twenty minutes to get there, and I didn't know what to do at this point. Okay girl, think! I'm sitting at the intersection of Hwy 322 & Hwy 53.
Hwy 53! Hey, that's the highway that comes out of LaGrange. Okay, maybe I can do this. I flipped my directions over and studied the directions I'd written down coming from my work. Follow Hwy 53 all the way to Dover Rd., then from Dover, turn right onto KY-362.
Hmm, I didn't know where Dover Rd. was, but my mind was mulling, hadn't I just seen a sign for KY-362 when I was driving back and forth? Well, only one way to find out. I headed back down the road. Well before I got to that four-mile mark and the non-existent turn-off, I saw a sign that pointed to the right for KY-362. WOO-HOO!!
I turned onto 362, and started watching for Hebron Rd. I had no idea how far down it would be, as I was obviously entering onto this road from a point different than what my work-directions listed. But as I drove cautiously on, I did finally see Dover Rd. on the right. Okay, so that's where I'd have entered from had I been coming from work. Now I knew I only needed to go another .7 miles (according to Mapquest that is). I went that far and indeed, there was Hebron Rd. on the left. From that point on, it was a breeze. I arrived with about 3 minutes to spare.
I don't know what made me write down the directions from work on the back of the other directions, but I was ever so glad and thankful that I had, else I'd probably still be out there driving around, lost!
Stupid Mapquest!!
Days 3 & 4...
Sorry, didn't have computer access as those days were occurring, and I was simply too swamped at work yesterday to blog. So...
Days 3 & 4 went considerably better, er, somewhat.
Friday evening, for whatever reason, Sadie refused to come into the house that evening, so Candy & I spent the time alone, watching a movie. No cheetos this time. However, when it came time to return to the kennel, she balked at having to go through the door of the kennel, and I had to let her back in by way of her exterior gate. Goofy dog.
Saturday morning, she somewhat had a repeat of Thursday morning, in that she wouldn't come in the kennel when the rest of her group came in. But I wasn't fretting about it this time. I left her out alone and went in the house to eat. I finally saw her within the fenced area, and went out. I got the gate closed before she could run back out, and did get her to at least come into the house while I finished eating. Then she was content to return to the kennel, but again, refusing to go through the doorway, instead going back in by way of her exterior gate. Again I say, goofy dog!
After my orientation class at the Luci Ctr. (getting there is fodder for another blog!) was over, I went home and picked up Olivia, and visited with my other children. They seemed over-joyed to see me, especially Bootsy. Eliott and Olivia both pee'd on the floor. I expected as much from Eliott, as he does this when he's excited. But Olivia surprised me. They "golden showered" me with love.
Later that afternoon, I had Olivia confined to the wash-stall, and the whippets were out running, so I managed to get the other seven Danes confined to the exterior of their pens, and closed all doggy doors, as I set about cleaning out the pens.
Slight mishap though, while I was lowering the doggy door to Diva's pen, the rope slipped from my hands and the door came crashing down like a guillotine. I was thankful her head wasn't in the way, else it would've probably decapitated her. Now the doggy door was wedged in there so tight, I couldn't get it out for nothing!! I called my friend, seeking her advice. She suggested using pliers and a hammer, but that didn't budge the door. She said if that failed, put Sadie in with Candy (as her pen is slightly larger), and move Diva down to Sadie's pen. This is what I ended up having to do.
Olivia spent the night in the house with me, and I actually got to sleep 'til 7:30. I felt so lazy!... not!!
I took Livvie out to potty, and as we approached the kennel, all the dogs of course were barking their heads off. Suddenly, Sadie & Candy got into a fight. Both were reared up on hind legs, teeth were bared, mouths open wide, snarls, growls and all around ugliness emerged. Oh shit! Even though they were both going at it equally, I could just tell that Sadie was the instigator. I started screaming at her as I drug Olivia along behind me. My first concern of course was to get Olivia secured somewhere, so she didn't end up in the middle of it in the event I had to open the pen, and as I was running for the kennel, my mind was racing as to how I'd ever get them broken apart, and if/when I did, what damage would they have done to one another?
Fortunately, just as I got to the doorway, they broke it up. I got Olivia stashed in the wash stall, let Diva & Sara out into the yard, then drug Sadie away from her sister's pen, and stuck her back into her own. Okay, there was simply no way I was leaving there that day, without Diva's doggy door being fixed, because there was simply no way I was going to put those two dogs back together in the same pen. I went in search of a Phillips head screw driver and set about loosening all the screws that hold the doggy door frame in place. Finally, after loosening each screw twice, the door started to get some wiggle in it, and I was finally able to get it freed and operational once again.
Upon examining the dogs, I didn't find any marks on Sadie, but did find a spot of blood on the back of Candy's head, where Sadie had punctured the skin. Not a bad wound, and it wasn't dripping blood. She'd probably had worse wounds from ticks, so I let it be.
I'd had my adrenaline rush for the day.
While the last group of dogs was out running, I got Olivia bathed and fluffed.
We were back home by 11am. So 1 sink full of dishes, a dustpan full of dog hair from the hallway, and 9 loads of laundry later... it was good to be back home.
Days 3 & 4 went considerably better, er, somewhat.
Friday evening, for whatever reason, Sadie refused to come into the house that evening, so Candy & I spent the time alone, watching a movie. No cheetos this time. However, when it came time to return to the kennel, she balked at having to go through the door of the kennel, and I had to let her back in by way of her exterior gate. Goofy dog.
Saturday morning, she somewhat had a repeat of Thursday morning, in that she wouldn't come in the kennel when the rest of her group came in. But I wasn't fretting about it this time. I left her out alone and went in the house to eat. I finally saw her within the fenced area, and went out. I got the gate closed before she could run back out, and did get her to at least come into the house while I finished eating. Then she was content to return to the kennel, but again, refusing to go through the doorway, instead going back in by way of her exterior gate. Again I say, goofy dog!
After my orientation class at the Luci Ctr. (getting there is fodder for another blog!) was over, I went home and picked up Olivia, and visited with my other children. They seemed over-joyed to see me, especially Bootsy. Eliott and Olivia both pee'd on the floor. I expected as much from Eliott, as he does this when he's excited. But Olivia surprised me. They "golden showered" me with love.
Later that afternoon, I had Olivia confined to the wash-stall, and the whippets were out running, so I managed to get the other seven Danes confined to the exterior of their pens, and closed all doggy doors, as I set about cleaning out the pens.
Slight mishap though, while I was lowering the doggy door to Diva's pen, the rope slipped from my hands and the door came crashing down like a guillotine. I was thankful her head wasn't in the way, else it would've probably decapitated her. Now the doggy door was wedged in there so tight, I couldn't get it out for nothing!! I called my friend, seeking her advice. She suggested using pliers and a hammer, but that didn't budge the door. She said if that failed, put Sadie in with Candy (as her pen is slightly larger), and move Diva down to Sadie's pen. This is what I ended up having to do.
Olivia spent the night in the house with me, and I actually got to sleep 'til 7:30. I felt so lazy!... not!!
I took Livvie out to potty, and as we approached the kennel, all the dogs of course were barking their heads off. Suddenly, Sadie & Candy got into a fight. Both were reared up on hind legs, teeth were bared, mouths open wide, snarls, growls and all around ugliness emerged. Oh shit! Even though they were both going at it equally, I could just tell that Sadie was the instigator. I started screaming at her as I drug Olivia along behind me. My first concern of course was to get Olivia secured somewhere, so she didn't end up in the middle of it in the event I had to open the pen, and as I was running for the kennel, my mind was racing as to how I'd ever get them broken apart, and if/when I did, what damage would they have done to one another?
Fortunately, just as I got to the doorway, they broke it up. I got Olivia stashed in the wash stall, let Diva & Sara out into the yard, then drug Sadie away from her sister's pen, and stuck her back into her own. Okay, there was simply no way I was leaving there that day, without Diva's doggy door being fixed, because there was simply no way I was going to put those two dogs back together in the same pen. I went in search of a Phillips head screw driver and set about loosening all the screws that hold the doggy door frame in place. Finally, after loosening each screw twice, the door started to get some wiggle in it, and I was finally able to get it freed and operational once again.
Upon examining the dogs, I didn't find any marks on Sadie, but did find a spot of blood on the back of Candy's head, where Sadie had punctured the skin. Not a bad wound, and it wasn't dripping blood. She'd probably had worse wounds from ticks, so I let it be.
I'd had my adrenaline rush for the day.
While the last group of dogs was out running, I got Olivia bathed and fluffed.
We were back home by 11am. So 1 sink full of dishes, a dustpan full of dog hair from the hallway, and 9 loads of laundry later... it was good to be back home.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Day 2: Making progress
Day 2 of house/kennel sitting.
We're making progress, at least, I thought we were.
Upon arriving at the house yesterday afternoon, once I'd changed and headed out to the kennels, I established a new order on who goes out when. I let the whippets out first, as I knew they wouldn't stay out for very long. The second group was Diva & Sara, a mother/daughter couple. I made the large group go last, sans Candy.
While the 2nd group was out playing, I opened the gate to Candy's pen so she could come into the kennel with me while we waited. I sat down in a chair on the opposite side of the room, discretely watching and waiting. It was almost comical. She'd venture a couple of steps from her pen, then turn and go back in, then come back out and go a little further, then turn and run back in. She kept repeating this process, each time getting just a little further away. When I saw that she'd finally gotten several feet away from her pen, I got up and shut the gate. She nearly panicked as I'd taken away her safety net. I grabbed a couple of cubes of cheese from the fridge and went back and sat down. Eventually she ventured near. It was hard to not look directly at her, as I didn't want her to think I was staring her down. I tried to look nonchalant and face away from her, but kept watch out of the corner of my eye. I finally held out my hand with a piece of cheese and I nearly fainted when she actually stepped close and licked the tips of my fingers before grabbing the cheese. She scurried past, and I felt a glimmer of hope that she was warming up to me. She came back for the second piece, snatched and ran.
If there's one thing I've learned about dogs, is that they can get jealous quicker than anything, if they see another dog getting all the attention. I decided to try this theory out and let Candy's sister, Sadie, out of her pen. Sadie and I are pals and she was quickly leaning all over me. I sat back down in the chair and within seconds, my theory proved true. Candy seemed to want what Sadie was getting, and she came over, squeezing herself between Sadie and the wall to get to me. She wasn't approaching with the unbridled enthusiasm that some of the others show, but hey!, at least she was approaching. Candy stood there long enough for me to finally pet her, rub her head and scratch around the ears and throat. This was a major accomplishment!!
When it was group 3's turn to finally go out, I let the other four out, then grabbed a leash and approached Candy. She had reverted to her old habit of running from me, so I had to corner her. But she let me approach and clip the leash on. I took her outside and we went for a walk around the yard. She was less than thrilled to be restrained so, but at least I wouldn't have to worry about her not coming in later.
After all the dogs had been fed and my own dinner consumed, I decided to let Candy & Sadie into the house with me while I watched some tv and relaxed. They were only too happy to come inside. Once inside, Candy actually let me approach and pet her on several occasions. When it was my bedtime, I took a moment to spoil the girls before sending them back out to the kennel, by giving them a couple of cheetos. I'm sure their "mother" wouldn't approve, but we all need to be spoiled from time to time, and if it helped me to make friends with Candy, what was the harm? It took Candy several minutes to eat her first cheeto, first licking all the cheese off before finally eating the now soggy treat. But she decided she liked it, and actually came over to the chair I was sitting in, looking for more. How could I refuse? A 2nd cheeto for each, and then it was time to go back to the kennel.
I brought Sara & Diva in the house with me for the night, and went to bed confident that I'd made some real progress with Candy.
But this morning we seemed to be right back where we'd started when I first arrived on Wednesday. Candy kept herself outside of her pen, hiding from me the entire time I was out there. When it was her groups turn to go out, she stayed hidden. I just left her until almost time for me to leave. I then grabbed the leash and sought her out in her doggy-run. We went for a walk, and afterwards, I took her in the house with me while I finished getting ready. When it was time for her to return to the kennel, she seemed terrified of going through the kennel door. I ended up having to open the exterior gate of her run, to get her back inside. Goofy dog!
I wonder what day 3 will bring?
We're making progress, at least, I thought we were.
Upon arriving at the house yesterday afternoon, once I'd changed and headed out to the kennels, I established a new order on who goes out when. I let the whippets out first, as I knew they wouldn't stay out for very long. The second group was Diva & Sara, a mother/daughter couple. I made the large group go last, sans Candy.
While the 2nd group was out playing, I opened the gate to Candy's pen so she could come into the kennel with me while we waited. I sat down in a chair on the opposite side of the room, discretely watching and waiting. It was almost comical. She'd venture a couple of steps from her pen, then turn and go back in, then come back out and go a little further, then turn and run back in. She kept repeating this process, each time getting just a little further away. When I saw that she'd finally gotten several feet away from her pen, I got up and shut the gate. She nearly panicked as I'd taken away her safety net. I grabbed a couple of cubes of cheese from the fridge and went back and sat down. Eventually she ventured near. It was hard to not look directly at her, as I didn't want her to think I was staring her down. I tried to look nonchalant and face away from her, but kept watch out of the corner of my eye. I finally held out my hand with a piece of cheese and I nearly fainted when she actually stepped close and licked the tips of my fingers before grabbing the cheese. She scurried past, and I felt a glimmer of hope that she was warming up to me. She came back for the second piece, snatched and ran.
If there's one thing I've learned about dogs, is that they can get jealous quicker than anything, if they see another dog getting all the attention. I decided to try this theory out and let Candy's sister, Sadie, out of her pen. Sadie and I are pals and she was quickly leaning all over me. I sat back down in the chair and within seconds, my theory proved true. Candy seemed to want what Sadie was getting, and she came over, squeezing herself between Sadie and the wall to get to me. She wasn't approaching with the unbridled enthusiasm that some of the others show, but hey!, at least she was approaching. Candy stood there long enough for me to finally pet her, rub her head and scratch around the ears and throat. This was a major accomplishment!!
When it was group 3's turn to finally go out, I let the other four out, then grabbed a leash and approached Candy. She had reverted to her old habit of running from me, so I had to corner her. But she let me approach and clip the leash on. I took her outside and we went for a walk around the yard. She was less than thrilled to be restrained so, but at least I wouldn't have to worry about her not coming in later.
After all the dogs had been fed and my own dinner consumed, I decided to let Candy & Sadie into the house with me while I watched some tv and relaxed. They were only too happy to come inside. Once inside, Candy actually let me approach and pet her on several occasions. When it was my bedtime, I took a moment to spoil the girls before sending them back out to the kennel, by giving them a couple of cheetos. I'm sure their "mother" wouldn't approve, but we all need to be spoiled from time to time, and if it helped me to make friends with Candy, what was the harm? It took Candy several minutes to eat her first cheeto, first licking all the cheese off before finally eating the now soggy treat. But she decided she liked it, and actually came over to the chair I was sitting in, looking for more. How could I refuse? A 2nd cheeto for each, and then it was time to go back to the kennel.
I brought Sara & Diva in the house with me for the night, and went to bed confident that I'd made some real progress with Candy.
But this morning we seemed to be right back where we'd started when I first arrived on Wednesday. Candy kept herself outside of her pen, hiding from me the entire time I was out there. When it was her groups turn to go out, she stayed hidden. I just left her until almost time for me to leave. I then grabbed the leash and sought her out in her doggy-run. We went for a walk, and afterwards, I took her in the house with me while I finished getting ready. When it was time for her to return to the kennel, she seemed terrified of going through the kennel door. I ended up having to open the exterior gate of her run, to get her back inside. Goofy dog!
I wonder what day 3 will bring?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Skid marks
As I was headed north on I-71 yesterday, the cruise set at a comfortable 68 mph, I was half paying attention to the road, while the other half of my mind was off somewhere in la-la land. So as I was toodling along, minding my own business, I vaguely became aware of a flatbed tractor-trailer, loaded down with a giant mystery object under a tarp, over-taking me in the left hand land. Just as he was coming parallel to me, I heard a loud BOOM!!! and out of the corner of my eye I saw smoke and debris and flying through the air.
I thought the end of the world had come.
As my heart started beating out of my chest, I swerved onto the shoulder, hoping I didn't lose control of my car. My mind was racing to figure out what had just happened. Was it my car? I glanced over at the semi and saw his now flapping tire, with pieces of it continuing to fly off. I then realized he'd had a blow-out. Not knowing if he'd lose control of his vehicle, I feared he'd come over on top of me. I floored it and stayed in the emergency lane 'til I was well past him.
This all happened in probably less than 2 or 3 seconds time, but at the moment, it seemed to be happening in slow motion. It took a couple of miles for my heart beat to return to normal. And I seriously wondered if there were skid marks...
in my underwear.
I thought the end of the world had come.
As my heart started beating out of my chest, I swerved onto the shoulder, hoping I didn't lose control of my car. My mind was racing to figure out what had just happened. Was it my car? I glanced over at the semi and saw his now flapping tire, with pieces of it continuing to fly off. I then realized he'd had a blow-out. Not knowing if he'd lose control of his vehicle, I feared he'd come over on top of me. I floored it and stayed in the emergency lane 'til I was well past him.
This all happened in probably less than 2 or 3 seconds time, but at the moment, it seemed to be happening in slow motion. It took a couple of miles for my heart beat to return to normal. And I seriously wondered if there were skid marks...
in my underwear.
Day 1: I may have to kill the bitch
I'm house/kennel sitting for my friend. This is going to be one of my long blogs, so you may as well settle in for a while.
Day 1: I may have to kill the bitch.
One of the dog's that is, not the friend.
One of the yearlings, Candy, was destined for the show-ring. She's a beautiful bitch. But, an unfortunate incident earlier in the summer traumatized her emotionally/mentally, and she suffered a broken foot from the incident. I'm thinking she may never be "right" again. The broken bones heeled, and physically she's fine, but otherwise.... oh my!
This is actually the first time I've been around her since last January, and I'm sure she's not remembering me from that long ago. The other times I've dog-sat since then, Candy has always gone on the road-trips along with the other showdog. She's currently on "puppy-prozac" for anxiety, and I'm of the opinion that I'm not too sure it's helping.
Upon my arrival yesterday, I unpacked my car, changed my clothes, put away my groceries, then went to care for the "kids". As I let the first group of dogs out to run/play, I opened her pen to let her out into the kennel, so she would get comfortable around me. Hmph, I couldn't get her to come in from the dog-run. I had to go outside to get her to go inside. In and out, in and out. I finally got her inside and was able to close the doggy-door quick enough to trap her inside. I left her gate open and she finally ventured out. No amount of coaxing would get her to come near. I finally sat down in a chair and laid a piece of cheese on my knee. She finally came close enough to knock the cheese onto the floor, then backed away. I didn't push the issue. As long as she wasn't showing any aggression, I figured she'd warm up in time. I've had this issue with a few others in the past. Once they realize I'm their source for food, they warm up to me.
When it was finally her groups turn to go out and play, I sent them on their merry way. I went and sat on the front porch and five Danes gathered around. Candy stayed on the outer fringe of the group, but I thought she was at least relaxing some.
Oh how wrong I was.
When it was time to go back in, the other 4 went willingly. It took just a couple more minutes to wrangle Candy and get her back inside. I felt if that was all it took, I was doing good. In the past, I've had a couple of them that were a bit head-strong and I'd easily spend 10 or 15 minutes trying to get them back inside. I set about preparing all the food dishes. Everyone but Candy gobbled theirs down. She wouldn't even look at her dish. She kept going out into her run and peeking inside to see if I was still in the building. Once I had everyone elses dishes taken back up and washed out, hers remained untouched. I certainly wasn't going to force-feed her. I left the dish and went in the house to fix my own dinner.
Just before going to bed, I went out to check on the kennel and saw that she'd finally eaten. yea.
I brought three of the older dogs, Cory, Desiree and Bella, into the house with me and settled in for the night.
I got up at 5am, not really sure how long the morning routine would take me, plus the commute, so I figured that gave me plenty of time. Little did I know that I would need every bit of that time. I let the 5 out to exercise. Again, I had a little trouble getting Candy just to go outside. But once she was out there, she decided to spend the next hour and 45 minutes playing "catch me if you can". She simply refused to come in. I almost had her once, when she was inside the fenced-in area, but I wasn't quick enough with the gate and she slipped by me. It was absolutely pitch-black outside at that time of the morning, so I wasn't about to go out onto the property and try to run her down. I left the gate open, the door to the kennel open and the gate to her pen open, and I went inside to eat a bowl of cereal. I thought perhaps if I was out of sight, she'd go back in. I did finally spy her inside the gated area, but she saw me through the window and took off again. This game of tag went on 'til about 6am. I finally decided to go ahead and take my shower. I even left the back door of the house open, thinking she might come into the house. No such luck.
I put my kennel clothes back on, dried my hair, and went outside to check. She still wouldn't come near the kennel. I was starting to fret. Should I call my friend and wake her up? No, what was the point? There was nothing she could do from Atlanta that could help me. I went on and fed the four dogs that had already been outside. I fretted some more. What if I couldn't ever get her in? How could I go to work? I'd be too afraid to open the gate down by the road, for fear she'd run out when I tried to drive through. What to do, what to do!!
I saw she was standing near the front of my car, and I went out with a dog treat to try and coax her in. Now she was growling at me, and not in a very friendly manner. Fine, have it your way! I went back in, still had the doors and gates wide open, and set about washing the dirty dog dishes. My back was to the door, and I kept half expecting her to do a Cujo and come charging me from behind and take me down. Then suddenly, with the Cujo-thought no sooner out of my mind, here she comes, slinking past me. I hurried to shut the kennel door, at least now I had her trapped in the building. Now I let her have it! I told her to get her ass in that kennel before I got a gun and shot her with it!! We played ring-around-the-rosie as I chased her around the kennel's island. She finally ran into her pen and I slammed the gate closed behind her. I felt ready for another shower.
Then I thought, "oh shit, did I leave her outer kennel gate open?" I could see the gate to the yard was open, crap, what if she just ran out her kennel gate and back out into the yard. I made a made dash out the door and ran for her gate. Thankfully, it was closed.
I finally was able to let the other group of dogs out, but as soon as they'd done their business, they were more interested in coming back in and eating.
I did finally get everyone settled in and get ready for work with a half hour to spare.
New rule: Candy doesn't get to go out for a run with the others. She goes out on a leash, or not at all.
Day 1: I may have to kill the bitch.
One of the dog's that is, not the friend.
One of the yearlings, Candy, was destined for the show-ring. She's a beautiful bitch. But, an unfortunate incident earlier in the summer traumatized her emotionally/mentally, and she suffered a broken foot from the incident. I'm thinking she may never be "right" again. The broken bones heeled, and physically she's fine, but otherwise.... oh my!
This is actually the first time I've been around her since last January, and I'm sure she's not remembering me from that long ago. The other times I've dog-sat since then, Candy has always gone on the road-trips along with the other showdog. She's currently on "puppy-prozac" for anxiety, and I'm of the opinion that I'm not too sure it's helping.
Upon my arrival yesterday, I unpacked my car, changed my clothes, put away my groceries, then went to care for the "kids". As I let the first group of dogs out to run/play, I opened her pen to let her out into the kennel, so she would get comfortable around me. Hmph, I couldn't get her to come in from the dog-run. I had to go outside to get her to go inside. In and out, in and out. I finally got her inside and was able to close the doggy-door quick enough to trap her inside. I left her gate open and she finally ventured out. No amount of coaxing would get her to come near. I finally sat down in a chair and laid a piece of cheese on my knee. She finally came close enough to knock the cheese onto the floor, then backed away. I didn't push the issue. As long as she wasn't showing any aggression, I figured she'd warm up in time. I've had this issue with a few others in the past. Once they realize I'm their source for food, they warm up to me.
When it was finally her groups turn to go out and play, I sent them on their merry way. I went and sat on the front porch and five Danes gathered around. Candy stayed on the outer fringe of the group, but I thought she was at least relaxing some.
Oh how wrong I was.
When it was time to go back in, the other 4 went willingly. It took just a couple more minutes to wrangle Candy and get her back inside. I felt if that was all it took, I was doing good. In the past, I've had a couple of them that were a bit head-strong and I'd easily spend 10 or 15 minutes trying to get them back inside. I set about preparing all the food dishes. Everyone but Candy gobbled theirs down. She wouldn't even look at her dish. She kept going out into her run and peeking inside to see if I was still in the building. Once I had everyone elses dishes taken back up and washed out, hers remained untouched. I certainly wasn't going to force-feed her. I left the dish and went in the house to fix my own dinner.
Just before going to bed, I went out to check on the kennel and saw that she'd finally eaten. yea.
I brought three of the older dogs, Cory, Desiree and Bella, into the house with me and settled in for the night.
I got up at 5am, not really sure how long the morning routine would take me, plus the commute, so I figured that gave me plenty of time. Little did I know that I would need every bit of that time. I let the 5 out to exercise. Again, I had a little trouble getting Candy just to go outside. But once she was out there, she decided to spend the next hour and 45 minutes playing "catch me if you can". She simply refused to come in. I almost had her once, when she was inside the fenced-in area, but I wasn't quick enough with the gate and she slipped by me. It was absolutely pitch-black outside at that time of the morning, so I wasn't about to go out onto the property and try to run her down. I left the gate open, the door to the kennel open and the gate to her pen open, and I went inside to eat a bowl of cereal. I thought perhaps if I was out of sight, she'd go back in. I did finally spy her inside the gated area, but she saw me through the window and took off again. This game of tag went on 'til about 6am. I finally decided to go ahead and take my shower. I even left the back door of the house open, thinking she might come into the house. No such luck.
I put my kennel clothes back on, dried my hair, and went outside to check. She still wouldn't come near the kennel. I was starting to fret. Should I call my friend and wake her up? No, what was the point? There was nothing she could do from Atlanta that could help me. I went on and fed the four dogs that had already been outside. I fretted some more. What if I couldn't ever get her in? How could I go to work? I'd be too afraid to open the gate down by the road, for fear she'd run out when I tried to drive through. What to do, what to do!!
I saw she was standing near the front of my car, and I went out with a dog treat to try and coax her in. Now she was growling at me, and not in a very friendly manner. Fine, have it your way! I went back in, still had the doors and gates wide open, and set about washing the dirty dog dishes. My back was to the door, and I kept half expecting her to do a Cujo and come charging me from behind and take me down. Then suddenly, with the Cujo-thought no sooner out of my mind, here she comes, slinking past me. I hurried to shut the kennel door, at least now I had her trapped in the building. Now I let her have it! I told her to get her ass in that kennel before I got a gun and shot her with it!! We played ring-around-the-rosie as I chased her around the kennel's island. She finally ran into her pen and I slammed the gate closed behind her. I felt ready for another shower.
Then I thought, "oh shit, did I leave her outer kennel gate open?" I could see the gate to the yard was open, crap, what if she just ran out her kennel gate and back out into the yard. I made a made dash out the door and ran for her gate. Thankfully, it was closed.
I finally was able to let the other group of dogs out, but as soon as they'd done their business, they were more interested in coming back in and eating.
I did finally get everyone settled in and get ready for work with a half hour to spare.
New rule: Candy doesn't get to go out for a run with the others. She goes out on a leash, or not at all.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Don't mess w/mother nature
I was reading an article earlier that absolutely made me shake my head. There just comes a time (in my opinion) when science goes too far and interferes with Mother Nature. Sometimes you just have to cut your losses and if a species becomes extinct, then "oh well". Sometimes it was meant to be. Yes, unfortunately we lose a species from time to time, but then again, just like that new bat species that was discovered in the Philippines (or wherever), new species are formed, or at the very least, discovered.
The article I was reading was talking about preserving a species of fish, the sockeye. I read it twice but still was confused... I couldn't tell if the salmon were producing trout, or if the trout were producing salmon. Either way, I just don't think it's right.
The article I was reading was talking about preserving a species of fish, the sockeye. I read it twice but still was confused... I couldn't tell if the salmon were producing trout, or if the trout were producing salmon. Either way, I just don't think it's right.
On the edge of town...
Over on the edge of town, sat a little house, a bit run-down.
It sat there on the city corner, much in need of a loving owner,
to come and give it some TLC, soon to become a sight to see.
A fresh coat of paint on it's siding and trim,
was the color they chose done so on a whim?
Upon first sight it hurt my eyes, the color they chose!, have mercy, WHY?
But as time has passed and I go by often, the color in time has began to soften.
Though it's the color of a pumpkin, so very, very bright,
It's no longer so offensive, not even in daylight.
Of that little orange cottage, fond have I grown.
That little house, on the edge of town.
It sat there on the city corner, much in need of a loving owner,
to come and give it some TLC, soon to become a sight to see.
A fresh coat of paint on it's siding and trim,
was the color they chose done so on a whim?
Upon first sight it hurt my eyes, the color they chose!, have mercy, WHY?
But as time has passed and I go by often, the color in time has began to soften.
Though it's the color of a pumpkin, so very, very bright,
It's no longer so offensive, not even in daylight.
Of that little orange cottage, fond have I grown.
That little house, on the edge of town.
The greeting card
I meant to blog this a couple of weeks ago, but completely forgot! So better late than never.
My house is a wreck, that's no secret. My kitchen counters are so cluttered it's unreal. I have my work-space to either side of the sink and stove that I try to keep clear and sanitized... the rest of it, beware! It's a catch-all for everything and avalanches occur often.
So going back to the last week of August, John and I celebrated our wedding anniversary. A few days later, I wanted to heat something up in the toaster oven, and this required me to dig a path to the appliance, and pull things away from it that might possibly catch fire if they stayed against the hot object. As I was clearing debris, I came across a white envelope that obviously contained a greeting card. Fearing it was an invitation to some event that we'd missed out on, I turned it over and immediately recognized the handwriting, even though I hadn't seen it in many years. A glance at the return name/address in the corner confirmed that it was indeed from the person I suspected.
I was quite puzzled by this.
I opened the envelope and it was an anniversary card. Actually, it was wishing John & I a happy first-wedding anniversary together. Yes, 18 years after the fact, but still, an anniversary card that suddenly appeared, the same week as our anniversary.
Okay, so what really made all of this so strange is: the card was from my maternal grandmother, who died almost 10 years ago.
Where did this card suddenly come from? It was post-marked August of 1989, and the envelope had been previously opened, so obviously I've had it all these years. But I'm not one to save greeting cards for the most part. And I've cleaned off my kitchen counter (believe it or not) in the past 5 years, so where it come from and how freaky that it appeared at that time???
My house is a wreck, that's no secret. My kitchen counters are so cluttered it's unreal. I have my work-space to either side of the sink and stove that I try to keep clear and sanitized... the rest of it, beware! It's a catch-all for everything and avalanches occur often.
So going back to the last week of August, John and I celebrated our wedding anniversary. A few days later, I wanted to heat something up in the toaster oven, and this required me to dig a path to the appliance, and pull things away from it that might possibly catch fire if they stayed against the hot object. As I was clearing debris, I came across a white envelope that obviously contained a greeting card. Fearing it was an invitation to some event that we'd missed out on, I turned it over and immediately recognized the handwriting, even though I hadn't seen it in many years. A glance at the return name/address in the corner confirmed that it was indeed from the person I suspected.
I was quite puzzled by this.
I opened the envelope and it was an anniversary card. Actually, it was wishing John & I a happy first-wedding anniversary together. Yes, 18 years after the fact, but still, an anniversary card that suddenly appeared, the same week as our anniversary.
Okay, so what really made all of this so strange is: the card was from my maternal grandmother, who died almost 10 years ago.
Where did this card suddenly come from? It was post-marked August of 1989, and the envelope had been previously opened, so obviously I've had it all these years. But I'm not one to save greeting cards for the most part. And I've cleaned off my kitchen counter (believe it or not) in the past 5 years, so where it come from and how freaky that it appeared at that time???
Dreams and other miscellaneous stuff
I feel my arteries slamming shut, even as I type this. I had Long John Silver's for lunch... I do believe their food is, without a doubt, the greasiest stuff on the fast-food circuit. Fortunately, I don't eat there very often. I often refer to their food as "heart-attack in a box".
---
Okay, I have to mention some dreams I've had lately. Just in the past 2 or 3 weeks, I've had dreams that included people I went to school with. What makes it so strange, is that they aren't people that I ever ran around with, we rarely spoke to one another, we hung with different groups of kids, and with the exception of one of them that I only recently started keeping in touch with a little bit, the other two I never communicate with. So why would they suddenly appear in my dreams at night??
The first dream actually had two of my classmates, except in my dream, one was the mother, the other was her daughter. Totally off the wall!!
In the second dream, I had invited one of "popular girls" to join me and my gal-pals for a girls night out. The only thing I can figure on that one is that I had invited a woman I had met recently to join us ('though she declined), and she had the same first name as the "popular girl".
But the most recent dream had one of the (male) jocks living with the husband and I. And truly I'll never figure that one out. In the dream, he came into the house and let Olivia outside to go potty, all on her own, dragging her leash behind her. What an idiot!! We were out chasing her all over the neighborhood trying to get her back, and of course being deaf, she couldn't hear us calling her. Now, I had had a conversation recently with our "tour guides" about the times our various pets have gotten loose and the scary moments until we were able to retrieve them, so I can understand where that part of the dream came from, but I still can't figure out the classmates part in it all.
And for the few readers I have that were once classmates, don't worry, you weren't the weirdos in my dreams.
---
Okay, one last dream... I had a dream Monday night that John & I went to church one Sunday (which is odd in and of itself, as John works on Sundays). The church was a small one, located in the middle of the small town I grew up in, about a block from my aunt Ruby's house. As we entered the sanctuary, sitting next to my aunt Ruby, was my great-grandmother, who has been dead for 16 years now. The preacher was a little old man that preaches here in the small town where I work. What made this service different was that towards the end, everyone got up and formed what I can only describe as a conga-line and sang hymns as they "danced" through the church. Yes, even my 110 year old great-grandmother (had she actually lived that long).
That particular preacher had stopped by my office earlier in the day to bring us some produce. He often does this and sits and visits for a while. He's a sweet ol' guy, and reminds me a lot of my grandfather. Not so much in the looks department, but in that they both are/were avid gardeners, are/were very good natured, and both always wears/wore a string-tie.
It's funny how little things that happen to us in our daily lives influence the things we dream about at night, and yet just how out of proportion our dreams end up being over what actually happened.
---
Okay, I have to mention some dreams I've had lately. Just in the past 2 or 3 weeks, I've had dreams that included people I went to school with. What makes it so strange, is that they aren't people that I ever ran around with, we rarely spoke to one another, we hung with different groups of kids, and with the exception of one of them that I only recently started keeping in touch with a little bit, the other two I never communicate with. So why would they suddenly appear in my dreams at night??
The first dream actually had two of my classmates, except in my dream, one was the mother, the other was her daughter. Totally off the wall!!
In the second dream, I had invited one of "popular girls" to join me and my gal-pals for a girls night out. The only thing I can figure on that one is that I had invited a woman I had met recently to join us ('though she declined), and she had the same first name as the "popular girl".
But the most recent dream had one of the (male) jocks living with the husband and I. And truly I'll never figure that one out. In the dream, he came into the house and let Olivia outside to go potty, all on her own, dragging her leash behind her. What an idiot!! We were out chasing her all over the neighborhood trying to get her back, and of course being deaf, she couldn't hear us calling her. Now, I had had a conversation recently with our "tour guides" about the times our various pets have gotten loose and the scary moments until we were able to retrieve them, so I can understand where that part of the dream came from, but I still can't figure out the classmates part in it all.
And for the few readers I have that were once classmates, don't worry, you weren't the weirdos in my dreams.
---
Okay, one last dream... I had a dream Monday night that John & I went to church one Sunday (which is odd in and of itself, as John works on Sundays). The church was a small one, located in the middle of the small town I grew up in, about a block from my aunt Ruby's house. As we entered the sanctuary, sitting next to my aunt Ruby, was my great-grandmother, who has been dead for 16 years now. The preacher was a little old man that preaches here in the small town where I work. What made this service different was that towards the end, everyone got up and formed what I can only describe as a conga-line and sang hymns as they "danced" through the church. Yes, even my 110 year old great-grandmother (had she actually lived that long).
That particular preacher had stopped by my office earlier in the day to bring us some produce. He often does this and sits and visits for a while. He's a sweet ol' guy, and reminds me a lot of my grandfather. Not so much in the looks department, but in that they both are/were avid gardeners, are/were very good natured, and both always wears/wore a string-tie.
It's funny how little things that happen to us in our daily lives influence the things we dream about at night, and yet just how out of proportion our dreams end up being over what actually happened.
Losing it? Or....?
I swear I think I'm losing my mind!!!
I arrived at work this morning and as I was exiting my car, realized I'd gone off and forgotten my lunch-bag on the kitchen counter.
I'd also forgotten to get the bowl of veggie soup from the fridge I'd wanted to bring for my lunch.
And, I'd forgotten to grab my bottle of iced tea I'd set in the freezer to chill while I got ready for work.
Hmph!
So now I'm without my beverage to sip on at work, and I suppose I'll have to take an early lunch (as we've a funeral this afternoon) and go out for some fast-food. That's the last thing in the world I want right now, and I gave the husband just about all the cash I had on me this morning, since I wouldn't see him again most likely 'til Sunday afternoon. He was going to need the money for bowling Saturday.
Darn it!
Okay, the only other option besides "losing my mind" is that I've just got way, way, waaay toooo much on it lately.
Yes, I think I'll take that option.
Between our upcoming vacation, and the fact that I won't be home for the next several days as I'm house/dog-sitting for a friend, and in addition to 7 of her dogs, I've suddenly acquired 3 more dogs to care for at the same time that I wasn't expecting. Yes, I'd say I've got a lot on my mind. But that's still not to say that I'm not losing it, just a bit.
I arrived at work this morning and as I was exiting my car, realized I'd gone off and forgotten my lunch-bag on the kitchen counter.
I'd also forgotten to get the bowl of veggie soup from the fridge I'd wanted to bring for my lunch.
And, I'd forgotten to grab my bottle of iced tea I'd set in the freezer to chill while I got ready for work.
Hmph!
So now I'm without my beverage to sip on at work, and I suppose I'll have to take an early lunch (as we've a funeral this afternoon) and go out for some fast-food. That's the last thing in the world I want right now, and I gave the husband just about all the cash I had on me this morning, since I wouldn't see him again most likely 'til Sunday afternoon. He was going to need the money for bowling Saturday.
Darn it!
Okay, the only other option besides "losing my mind" is that I've just got way, way, waaay toooo much on it lately.
Yes, I think I'll take that option.
Between our upcoming vacation, and the fact that I won't be home for the next several days as I'm house/dog-sitting for a friend, and in addition to 7 of her dogs, I've suddenly acquired 3 more dogs to care for at the same time that I wasn't expecting. Yes, I'd say I've got a lot on my mind. But that's still not to say that I'm not losing it, just a bit.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Imagine my surprise, again
You may recall back on 08/28 I blogged about our episode at Walmart and our attempts to purchase a new lawn mower. While there, I mentioned having spotted something else I really wanted to purchase, although I don't think I ever mentioned what that object was. Of course we ended up leaving the store without buying either item.
Every time I've been back to Walmart since then, as I drive by the lawn & garden section, I look over to see if the item I longed for was still there. Thus far, each time, it has been, and each time it gave my heart a little flutter of hope that maybe it would still be there when we returned from vacation, and then we'd come up with a way to purchase it. The item in the outdoor section was pre-assembled. Nice, would certainly save us the trouble of putting it together, but #1) how to get it home, and #2) it was kind of soiled from sitting outside and from so many people sitting on it. On the other hand, on the inside of the store, way, way, waaaay up on the very top shelf, like a quarter mile up in the air it seemed, was the same item, still in the box. Hmm, it would certainly be easier to get home and would be clean, unused, but again, it would require assembly.
Decisions, decisions.
Oh well, I'd worry about that (maybe the choice would be taken out of my hands) upon our return from vacationland.
Last evening, the husband and I walked over to a neighbor's house on the next street. These guys are two of the travelingest people I've ever known in my life. I don't think there's anywhere they haven't been at least once, 'cept maybe for the South Pole, and I wouldn't even swear to that! I knew if anyone could give us some tips and tidbits on getting around and what to see/do while on our trip, it would be them. They did give some great advice and love sharing their travels with others. We spent about 90 minutes pouring over maps and travel books around their dining table.
While there, John got a phone call from our friend/neighbor across the street, asking where we were, and telling John that his car windows were down. When John hung up and told me who'd called and why, I looked towards the window, but as it was getting darker, I couldn't see much. "Is it getting ready to rain?" It seemed a bit odd that our friend would call to tell us this, but I put it out of my mind and went back to taking notes from our "tour guides".
By the time we left their house, I had to go "#2" (tmi?) really bad, and wasted no time walking home. As we were cutting across our yard and approaching the front porch, I saw a large box sitting on the porch. What the hell was this?
As I got closer, I saw the picture on the side of the box and knew immediately what it was, where it had come from, and who was responsible for putting it there. I told the husband, "I have to go to the bathroom, you go over there and kick their asses."
I couldn't imagine why they had done it, and I wondered if somehow the husband was in on it.
Okay, I had made mention of it several times how much I wanted this object and that it was still at the store. I wasn't dropping hints, just being wistful when I talked about it. But I guess my friends were tired of hearing me talk about it and decided to put me out of my misery. ;)
So without further ado, here are a couple of pictures (from the outside of the box) of the object of my desire.
It's a hammock-swing. It can sit up like a swing, or lie down like a hammock. Comes with cushions and the canopy. I'm in love!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you M&J, you're the bestest!!!!!!!
Every time I've been back to Walmart since then, as I drive by the lawn & garden section, I look over to see if the item I longed for was still there. Thus far, each time, it has been, and each time it gave my heart a little flutter of hope that maybe it would still be there when we returned from vacation, and then we'd come up with a way to purchase it. The item in the outdoor section was pre-assembled. Nice, would certainly save us the trouble of putting it together, but #1) how to get it home, and #2) it was kind of soiled from sitting outside and from so many people sitting on it. On the other hand, on the inside of the store, way, way, waaaay up on the very top shelf, like a quarter mile up in the air it seemed, was the same item, still in the box. Hmm, it would certainly be easier to get home and would be clean, unused, but again, it would require assembly.
Decisions, decisions.
Oh well, I'd worry about that (maybe the choice would be taken out of my hands) upon our return from vacationland.
Last evening, the husband and I walked over to a neighbor's house on the next street. These guys are two of the travelingest people I've ever known in my life. I don't think there's anywhere they haven't been at least once, 'cept maybe for the South Pole, and I wouldn't even swear to that! I knew if anyone could give us some tips and tidbits on getting around and what to see/do while on our trip, it would be them. They did give some great advice and love sharing their travels with others. We spent about 90 minutes pouring over maps and travel books around their dining table.
While there, John got a phone call from our friend/neighbor across the street, asking where we were, and telling John that his car windows were down. When John hung up and told me who'd called and why, I looked towards the window, but as it was getting darker, I couldn't see much. "Is it getting ready to rain?" It seemed a bit odd that our friend would call to tell us this, but I put it out of my mind and went back to taking notes from our "tour guides".
By the time we left their house, I had to go "#2" (tmi?) really bad, and wasted no time walking home. As we were cutting across our yard and approaching the front porch, I saw a large box sitting on the porch. What the hell was this?
As I got closer, I saw the picture on the side of the box and knew immediately what it was, where it had come from, and who was responsible for putting it there. I told the husband, "I have to go to the bathroom, you go over there and kick their asses."
I couldn't imagine why they had done it, and I wondered if somehow the husband was in on it.
Okay, I had made mention of it several times how much I wanted this object and that it was still at the store. I wasn't dropping hints, just being wistful when I talked about it. But I guess my friends were tired of hearing me talk about it and decided to put me out of my misery. ;)
So without further ado, here are a couple of pictures (from the outside of the box) of the object of my desire.
It's a hammock-swing. It can sit up like a swing, or lie down like a hammock. Comes with cushions and the canopy. I'm in love!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you M&J, you're the bestest!!!!!!!
Monday, September 17, 2007
The Great Dane
When you're standing close I fail to see, just how large you appear to be.
But as I approach you from afar, then I see the giant that you truly are.
It's not just your height and weight that are immense, but your very being, your soul, your essence.
You love with a heart as big as all outdoors, and in return you are loved, that which matches yours.
Others are mistaken when they think mayhaps, that a dog of this size doesn't belong in a lap.
But I disagree as you back up to the seat upon which I sit, your backside upon me is a perfect fit.
This sight you present makes others take pause, as do the size of your massive paws.
I speak not just of a dog, but of a noble breed, one that stands out, and makes one take heed.
The Great Dane is unique, a one of a kind, nary another dog like this will I find.
For as long as I'm able to care for and give, I'll always have a Great Dane, as long as I live.
But as I approach you from afar, then I see the giant that you truly are.
It's not just your height and weight that are immense, but your very being, your soul, your essence.
You love with a heart as big as all outdoors, and in return you are loved, that which matches yours.
Others are mistaken when they think mayhaps, that a dog of this size doesn't belong in a lap.
But I disagree as you back up to the seat upon which I sit, your backside upon me is a perfect fit.
This sight you present makes others take pause, as do the size of your massive paws.
I speak not just of a dog, but of a noble breed, one that stands out, and makes one take heed.
The Great Dane is unique, a one of a kind, nary another dog like this will I find.
For as long as I'm able to care for and give, I'll always have a Great Dane, as long as I live.
What I thought I saw
I'm thinking it's time for new glasses. Actually, I know it is, as I just got a reminder card from my eye doctor last week.
I was glancing at the Yahoo news headlines and saw where (Brett) Favre passed away. I had to do a double-take, as I thought, "Wow, he's so young, wonder what happened?"
As I re-read the headline, I saw it actually stated: Favre passes Elway.
Yeah, I'd better make that appointment right now.
I was glancing at the Yahoo news headlines and saw where (Brett) Favre passed away. I had to do a double-take, as I thought, "Wow, he's so young, wonder what happened?"
As I re-read the headline, I saw it actually stated: Favre passes Elway.
Yeah, I'd better make that appointment right now.
"The End"
I imagine this will be the final chapter in the bush-saga.
Saturday morning, I left around 8:30 to go get my allergy shot. As I was leaving the neighborhood, I noticed a handful of Brownhurst citizens out helping to plant the remaining shrubs along the main street in our little neighborhood.
Upon my return, they were nearing completion. As I was exiting my vehicle, one board member walked up and asked me if I wanted them to dig up our shrubs. I told her I supposed we'd just leave them, as it would look odd having a big gap among all the newly planted shrubs. But she asked again, stating that if we really didn't like them, they'd remove them and use them elsewhere. I told her we weren't crazy about the plants, so she stated they'd remove them. I said, "whatever."
The plants were gone a short while later.
Later that afternoon, I spoke to the husband by phone and reported to him that our new shrubs were gone. I thought he was going to stroke out.
First he was furious because they were planted, now he was furious because they were gone. Make up your freaking mind man!!!! You can't have it both ways! So all weekend long he's been making an issue of it 'til I finally had to tell him to drop the subject and not say another word. What's done is done. I couldn't possibly be a mind reader on what he did/did not want. I think his biggest gripe now is that there are these bare spots of freshly tilled dirt. I'd say that's the least of our worries. Throw down some grass seed and things will be fine.
I couldn't help but notice that not every yard got a shrub planted in it as I understood was the plan. Instead it looks like about every third home has one. I don't know if they ran out of shrubs or what happened there. I also noticed that several of the shrubs planted last tuesday are already looking like they're on their deathbeds. They've never been watered, and are quite dried out and shriveled.
Let the beautification begin!
Saturday morning, I left around 8:30 to go get my allergy shot. As I was leaving the neighborhood, I noticed a handful of Brownhurst citizens out helping to plant the remaining shrubs along the main street in our little neighborhood.
Upon my return, they were nearing completion. As I was exiting my vehicle, one board member walked up and asked me if I wanted them to dig up our shrubs. I told her I supposed we'd just leave them, as it would look odd having a big gap among all the newly planted shrubs. But she asked again, stating that if we really didn't like them, they'd remove them and use them elsewhere. I told her we weren't crazy about the plants, so she stated they'd remove them. I said, "whatever."
The plants were gone a short while later.
Later that afternoon, I spoke to the husband by phone and reported to him that our new shrubs were gone. I thought he was going to stroke out.
First he was furious because they were planted, now he was furious because they were gone. Make up your freaking mind man!!!! You can't have it both ways! So all weekend long he's been making an issue of it 'til I finally had to tell him to drop the subject and not say another word. What's done is done. I couldn't possibly be a mind reader on what he did/did not want. I think his biggest gripe now is that there are these bare spots of freshly tilled dirt. I'd say that's the least of our worries. Throw down some grass seed and things will be fine.
I couldn't help but notice that not every yard got a shrub planted in it as I understood was the plan. Instead it looks like about every third home has one. I don't know if they ran out of shrubs or what happened there. I also noticed that several of the shrubs planted last tuesday are already looking like they're on their deathbeds. They've never been watered, and are quite dried out and shriveled.
Let the beautification begin!
Weekend in review
What a fabulous weekend!!!
I don't think the weather could've been any nicer if we'd ordered it special just for us!
With the exception of last night, I've been sleeping so well at night, with the cool air coming in the windows... don't know what happened last night, but I woke up about 2:30, and was wide awake, tossed & turned for an hour, finally gave up, popped a movie in and worked a puzzle 'til 4:45 before finally attempting sleep again. Oh well.
Anyway, I ventured out to the Luci Center again on Saturday. When is work not really work?... when you're enjoying what you're doing!!!
Mucking out a stall, unloading a truckload of hay, climbing fences and filling water troughs... I don't care how dirty I get, I'll take that over cleaning house anyday!! Although, considering the condition of my house, it wouldn't be much different than mucking out a stall. I can't wait 'til orientation this coming weekend!
Sunday was the husband's company picnic. Ho-hum.
Once upon a time they used to really take care of their employees and treat them right. Company picnics were held at either Hubers Orchard, Louisville Zoo, King's Island or Kentucky Kingdom. Lot's of door prizes were given out, and they were well attended. Last year, they didn't even have a picnic. This year, it was held at Shively Park. **yawn**
Okay, in all honesty, it was a very nice, inner-city park, considering the part of town it was in. I wouldn't mind having that park within walking distance of my home. But come on... Shively Park? Aside from the playground equipment and tennis courts, which I really didn't see anyone from our group using, the only other thing they had going on was a corn-hole tournament. And the only prizes handed out were to the top finishing teams of that game. The picnic was poorly attended... hmm, wonder why??
But I drove over to the far side of town and met the husband there. I took one of our children, Eliott. I'd have rather taken Olivia, but not knowing if there would be any shade, I didn't want her to be out in the bright sunlight. As it turned out, there was a lot of shade, so I'll know better next time, if there is a next time.
As it was, Eliott and I staked out a spot under a large tree, and he seemed to be the center of attention. Did we expect anything less?
Unfortunately though, a group of 4 or 5 children ganged up on him almost immediately and wouldn't heed my warning to not push the issue if he didn't want to be petted. Eliott started backing away from the group and I told them to stop, but not listening, they kept advancing on him, so he then growled and lunged forward. Fortunately I had a tight hold on the leash as I expected that reaction. The children on the other hand nearly wet themselves. Perversely, I took secret delight... maybe next time they'd listen when someone tells them to stop. Oh, who am I kidding?? So from that point on, I had to tell all children to keep their distance. A few parents insisted on bringing their children close anyway, and fortunately, Eliott behaved. He's fine with adults, or one child at a time, it's when they gang up on him that he freaks out. Can't say as I blame him.
I give the weekend an A-
I don't think the weather could've been any nicer if we'd ordered it special just for us!
With the exception of last night, I've been sleeping so well at night, with the cool air coming in the windows... don't know what happened last night, but I woke up about 2:30, and was wide awake, tossed & turned for an hour, finally gave up, popped a movie in and worked a puzzle 'til 4:45 before finally attempting sleep again. Oh well.
Anyway, I ventured out to the Luci Center again on Saturday. When is work not really work?... when you're enjoying what you're doing!!!
Mucking out a stall, unloading a truckload of hay, climbing fences and filling water troughs... I don't care how dirty I get, I'll take that over cleaning house anyday!! Although, considering the condition of my house, it wouldn't be much different than mucking out a stall. I can't wait 'til orientation this coming weekend!
Sunday was the husband's company picnic. Ho-hum.
Once upon a time they used to really take care of their employees and treat them right. Company picnics were held at either Hubers Orchard, Louisville Zoo, King's Island or Kentucky Kingdom. Lot's of door prizes were given out, and they were well attended. Last year, they didn't even have a picnic. This year, it was held at Shively Park. **yawn**
Okay, in all honesty, it was a very nice, inner-city park, considering the part of town it was in. I wouldn't mind having that park within walking distance of my home. But come on... Shively Park? Aside from the playground equipment and tennis courts, which I really didn't see anyone from our group using, the only other thing they had going on was a corn-hole tournament. And the only prizes handed out were to the top finishing teams of that game. The picnic was poorly attended... hmm, wonder why??
But I drove over to the far side of town and met the husband there. I took one of our children, Eliott. I'd have rather taken Olivia, but not knowing if there would be any shade, I didn't want her to be out in the bright sunlight. As it turned out, there was a lot of shade, so I'll know better next time, if there is a next time.
As it was, Eliott and I staked out a spot under a large tree, and he seemed to be the center of attention. Did we expect anything less?
Unfortunately though, a group of 4 or 5 children ganged up on him almost immediately and wouldn't heed my warning to not push the issue if he didn't want to be petted. Eliott started backing away from the group and I told them to stop, but not listening, they kept advancing on him, so he then growled and lunged forward. Fortunately I had a tight hold on the leash as I expected that reaction. The children on the other hand nearly wet themselves. Perversely, I took secret delight... maybe next time they'd listen when someone tells them to stop. Oh, who am I kidding?? So from that point on, I had to tell all children to keep their distance. A few parents insisted on bringing their children close anyway, and fortunately, Eliott behaved. He's fine with adults, or one child at a time, it's when they gang up on him that he freaks out. Can't say as I blame him.
I give the weekend an A-
Friday, September 14, 2007
New Law
I heard on the news this morning that Gov. Schwarzenager (sp?) signed into law, banning teenagers from using cellphones or other electronic gadgets while driving.
Um, yeah, good luck with that law.
Let's go a step further and ban everyone from using them while driving. I would comply. It's not very often I use my cell while driving as it is.
But I say good luck with enforcing it, because you'd have to catch the kids at it and then prove they were using it.
It's not that I think it's a bad law. There are a lot of good laws out there on the books, designed to protect us. But look at all the scoff laws out there that ignore them.
After all, drinking while intoxicated is against the law, but people still do it.
Driving over the speed limit or making U-turns on the interstate, even though signs are clearly posted stating what you should/shouldn't do, but again, people still do it.
Yes, there are a handful of citizens that will obey, if it's the law.
But I think we can agree that most are going to go right on doing what they've been doing all along.
Um, yeah, good luck with that law.
Let's go a step further and ban everyone from using them while driving. I would comply. It's not very often I use my cell while driving as it is.
But I say good luck with enforcing it, because you'd have to catch the kids at it and then prove they were using it.
It's not that I think it's a bad law. There are a lot of good laws out there on the books, designed to protect us. But look at all the scoff laws out there that ignore them.
After all, drinking while intoxicated is against the law, but people still do it.
Driving over the speed limit or making U-turns on the interstate, even though signs are clearly posted stating what you should/shouldn't do, but again, people still do it.
Yes, there are a handful of citizens that will obey, if it's the law.
But I think we can agree that most are going to go right on doing what they've been doing all along.
Summer's over
Summer is officially over for us. We closed up the swimming pool last night. This was originally on our agenda to accomplish this saturday, but since I got off work a bit early yesterday, I went home and forced the husband from the recliner. I vac'd it out real good, drained the water below the return line, threw in the remaining chlorine we had left and we covered it up. **sniff** No more swimming this year. We'll be entirely too busy over the next several weekends to enjoy it, even if it were to get warm enough outside. The husband grumbled the whole time I was prodding him along to help me, but once it was done, he agreed it felt good to have it out of the way.
It has been so wonderfully cool in the evenings these past few nights, we've been able to turn off the a/c and open the windows. And I tell ya what, I've slept better these past three nights than I've slept in ages. There's just something about sleeping with fresh air vs. a/c or the furnace.
On the other hand, having the windows open you can now hear things out there in the world that we'd otherwise not notice. For instance, the traffic from the interstate. I've always heard it (when the windows were open), but after a while, you learn to tune it out. Fortunately though, we're not so close to it that it's unbearable, there is actually another subdivision that lies between us and the highway and it acts as a buffer or filter for most of the traffic noise.
However, last night as we were lying in bed, the husband commented on the noise and how he was glad we didn't live any closer.
Uh-huh. How many times have I commented when we're out walking in those neighborhoods that butt up to it that it was unbearably loud?? So loud in fact, that you had to really raise your voices to be heard, even though the other person was right next to you. I don't know how those residents stand it!! There's no tuning that noise out. I can't imagine trying to have a cook-out in your yard if you lived in those neighborhoods, or sleep with the windows open. Good luck!!
It has been so wonderfully cool in the evenings these past few nights, we've been able to turn off the a/c and open the windows. And I tell ya what, I've slept better these past three nights than I've slept in ages. There's just something about sleeping with fresh air vs. a/c or the furnace.
On the other hand, having the windows open you can now hear things out there in the world that we'd otherwise not notice. For instance, the traffic from the interstate. I've always heard it (when the windows were open), but after a while, you learn to tune it out. Fortunately though, we're not so close to it that it's unbearable, there is actually another subdivision that lies between us and the highway and it acts as a buffer or filter for most of the traffic noise.
However, last night as we were lying in bed, the husband commented on the noise and how he was glad we didn't live any closer.
Uh-huh. How many times have I commented when we're out walking in those neighborhoods that butt up to it that it was unbearably loud?? So loud in fact, that you had to really raise your voices to be heard, even though the other person was right next to you. I don't know how those residents stand it!! There's no tuning that noise out. I can't imagine trying to have a cook-out in your yard if you lived in those neighborhoods, or sleep with the windows open. Good luck!!
Update on the shrubs
Well, I'm not sure what's going on with the new shrubs that were unexpectedly planted earlier this week. While there are still about 30 of the things sitting in the presidents driveway, no more have been planted. I don't know if he's nixed his plans to plant more, or just hasn't had time to get to it.
John sat down in the yard last night and proceeded to pick up all the rocks that they left behind when they dug the holes. Just from the first three shrubs in our yard, he picked up a two-gallon bucket, full of the things. Ridiculous! He also discovered that more than one hole was dug per tree. I'm not sure, but I suppose they dug the first set of holes, then decided they were either not lined up properly or not centered between the curb and sidewalk, then dug a second hole to plant the shrubs in. The original holes were barely filled in. Somebody walking along in the grass could've easily twisted an ankle.
Eliott has been "watering" the shrubs in the evening when we take the dogs out for a walk and last night, Olivia stopped and fertilized one of the neighbor's shrubs. The dogs are getting into the spirit of things, if nothing else.
John did break down, much to my dismay, and water the shrubs last night. But he claims it wasn't to help the twigs, so much as to try and revive some of the grass that has been uprooted and trampled down in the area. We're going to have to put down some grass seed around the shrubs, else have big bare patches every few feet.
I've learned that this decision to plant the shrubs, or "beautify" the neighborhood as it was told to me, wasn't one made by the board of directors as a whole. No, instead it was done by just one or two of the members. And, I'm guessing, one of them has paid for all this out of his own pocket (I'm sure with the intention of being reimbursed). But I spoke with the treasurer last night, she was totally in the dark about the whole project, and agreed the shrubs looked puny, and felt they should've been placed along the outer perimeter of the neighborhood, not inside. I agree!!
So far, not counting John & I (because you know our opinion), of the 9 other households we've spoken to concerning this project (not including the two board members that were in charge of it), only one household was initially in favor of the plantings. And after John talked to that one person last night, apparently that man gave John somewhat of a different opinion than what he initially gave me. So it sounds like at this point, nobody is in favor of this.
It will be interesting to see what happens over the next few days.
John sat down in the yard last night and proceeded to pick up all the rocks that they left behind when they dug the holes. Just from the first three shrubs in our yard, he picked up a two-gallon bucket, full of the things. Ridiculous! He also discovered that more than one hole was dug per tree. I'm not sure, but I suppose they dug the first set of holes, then decided they were either not lined up properly or not centered between the curb and sidewalk, then dug a second hole to plant the shrubs in. The original holes were barely filled in. Somebody walking along in the grass could've easily twisted an ankle.
Eliott has been "watering" the shrubs in the evening when we take the dogs out for a walk and last night, Olivia stopped and fertilized one of the neighbor's shrubs. The dogs are getting into the spirit of things, if nothing else.
John did break down, much to my dismay, and water the shrubs last night. But he claims it wasn't to help the twigs, so much as to try and revive some of the grass that has been uprooted and trampled down in the area. We're going to have to put down some grass seed around the shrubs, else have big bare patches every few feet.
I've learned that this decision to plant the shrubs, or "beautify" the neighborhood as it was told to me, wasn't one made by the board of directors as a whole. No, instead it was done by just one or two of the members. And, I'm guessing, one of them has paid for all this out of his own pocket (I'm sure with the intention of being reimbursed). But I spoke with the treasurer last night, she was totally in the dark about the whole project, and agreed the shrubs looked puny, and felt they should've been placed along the outer perimeter of the neighborhood, not inside. I agree!!
So far, not counting John & I (because you know our opinion), of the 9 other households we've spoken to concerning this project (not including the two board members that were in charge of it), only one household was initially in favor of the plantings. And after John talked to that one person last night, apparently that man gave John somewhat of a different opinion than what he initially gave me. So it sounds like at this point, nobody is in favor of this.
It will be interesting to see what happens over the next few days.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
In today's news...
Some of the items making headlines in the news today....
**The young woman that is suing McD's for $200,000,000 (that's 2 hundred million!!) because of the abuse she suffered 3 years ago.
While I agree, what happened to her was VERY wrong, I'm sorry, $200mil. just seems a bit excessive. She could've refused to comply, fought back, or whatever. Okay, okay, I know it's hard to judge someone in that situation, if you've never been in it yourself, but that's just my opinion. I'm entitled to it.
**the sheikh of Dubai is being sued in Lexington because of supposed enslaving of young boys to be camel jockeys.
Um, I'm not quite sure I understand how this case ended up in a Lexington court, or any American court for that matter. Last time I checked, we don't race camels in this country, and it didn't mention the boys that were enslaved as being Americans. What gives? But as long as we're on the subject of camel racing... why not race them (camels that is) in the states? We have plenty of desert areas out west. We race horses, dogs, and even rats at Derby time. I say, bring the camels to America!
**Poor Britney.
Need I say more?
**the Muslims in our area want to purchase land for their own cemetery. They purchased approx. 50 spaces at a cemetery in Jeffersonville, but those are quickly being used up.
Well, I know for a fact (as I used to work at a large cemetery), they were offered, just for starters, 100 spaces at a discounted price. These spaces would've been set aside strictly for use by those int he Muslim community. For whatever reason, the leader(?) of the Islamic Ctr. on River Rd. rejected the plan, but came back a couple of years later with renewed interest. Again, we made the same offer, and would've been more than happy to discuss other options as well, perhaps using an acre of undeveloped land and making that a Muslim cemetery. But again, they refused our offer. If they are running out of space, they've nobody to blame but themselves. That was nearly 10 years ago... do they think if they try to purchase that same land again today, they're going to get it for less? Not likely.
**today's Marmaduke cartoon depicted a depressed Marmaduke, being dressed up in women's clothes and the little girl applying dangly earrings in an effort to cheer him up.
Hmm, makes me wonder if he was depressed before being dressed up, or because of it.
It also made me thing back to all the times I dressed up Smokey & Kelsey. I can recall dressing Smokey in a muscle shirt once when we went to the park and to some other doggy-outting, and putting him in one of John's old Coke uniforms when we attended a Coke function. I also dressed him up in a fire dept. t-shirt, complete with a Nomex hood and a fire pager clipped to his collar, that was at Halloween. As for Kelsey, I had her model a pair of John's briefs (I had to use men's underwear so I could stick her tail through the front opening). Somewhere, I've also got pix of her in her raincoat, and wearing a denim and flannel jacket. And of course her nails were always polished to perfection.
Ah yes, those were good times!!
**The young woman that is suing McD's for $200,000,000 (that's 2 hundred million!!) because of the abuse she suffered 3 years ago.
While I agree, what happened to her was VERY wrong, I'm sorry, $200mil. just seems a bit excessive. She could've refused to comply, fought back, or whatever. Okay, okay, I know it's hard to judge someone in that situation, if you've never been in it yourself, but that's just my opinion. I'm entitled to it.
**the sheikh of Dubai is being sued in Lexington because of supposed enslaving of young boys to be camel jockeys.
Um, I'm not quite sure I understand how this case ended up in a Lexington court, or any American court for that matter. Last time I checked, we don't race camels in this country, and it didn't mention the boys that were enslaved as being Americans. What gives? But as long as we're on the subject of camel racing... why not race them (camels that is) in the states? We have plenty of desert areas out west. We race horses, dogs, and even rats at Derby time. I say, bring the camels to America!
**Poor Britney.
Need I say more?
**the Muslims in our area want to purchase land for their own cemetery. They purchased approx. 50 spaces at a cemetery in Jeffersonville, but those are quickly being used up.
Well, I know for a fact (as I used to work at a large cemetery), they were offered, just for starters, 100 spaces at a discounted price. These spaces would've been set aside strictly for use by those int he Muslim community. For whatever reason, the leader(?) of the Islamic Ctr. on River Rd. rejected the plan, but came back a couple of years later with renewed interest. Again, we made the same offer, and would've been more than happy to discuss other options as well, perhaps using an acre of undeveloped land and making that a Muslim cemetery. But again, they refused our offer. If they are running out of space, they've nobody to blame but themselves. That was nearly 10 years ago... do they think if they try to purchase that same land again today, they're going to get it for less? Not likely.
**today's Marmaduke cartoon depicted a depressed Marmaduke, being dressed up in women's clothes and the little girl applying dangly earrings in an effort to cheer him up.
Hmm, makes me wonder if he was depressed before being dressed up, or because of it.
It also made me thing back to all the times I dressed up Smokey & Kelsey. I can recall dressing Smokey in a muscle shirt once when we went to the park and to some other doggy-outting, and putting him in one of John's old Coke uniforms when we attended a Coke function. I also dressed him up in a fire dept. t-shirt, complete with a Nomex hood and a fire pager clipped to his collar, that was at Halloween. As for Kelsey, I had her model a pair of John's briefs (I had to use men's underwear so I could stick her tail through the front opening). Somewhere, I've also got pix of her in her raincoat, and wearing a denim and flannel jacket. And of course her nails were always polished to perfection.
Ah yes, those were good times!!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Imagine my surprise...
A few weeks ago, while out piddling around in the yard, the association president was walking past on his nightly walk with his wife. John & I adore this couple. So nice, friendly, and a joy to chat to. The president put the question to us, hypothetically we assumed, what did we think about the association planting a bunch of trees along the curb, all down the main street in our neighborhood? While I don't recall either of us really having an opinion one way or the other, I do recall having mentioned that I didn't think anything was supposed to be planted there, as I'd wanted to plant something several years ago, and seems like someone told me I couldn't because technically, even though we're responsible for maintaining the area, it's not really our property.
The conversation pretty much ended there, and later that evening, when John & I had gone in, we brought the subject up again, both agreeing that we didn't think it would be a good idea. But again, since we felt it had been a hypothetical question, there was no need to dwell on it.
So imagine my surprise when I got a call from the husband yesterday, frantically telling me that our yard was full of holes. Hmm?, What? What do you mean? Did the dogs dig some holes in the backyard? No no, there were holes in our side yard. Again, what are you talking about?
He then informed me that there were some "sticks" planted down the length of our yard, for that matter, down the length of the street, in the area between the sidewalk and the street.
Huh! Didn't know anything about it.
The husband wasn't happy.
When I got home and saw them, I wasn't happy.
Every time we tried to take Olivia out to poop (as that's her pooping section), she wasn't happy. She kept running into the twigs (I hope she doesn't put an eye out), or I kept getting the leash wrapped around them while she sniffed around. This wasn't going over very well at all.
I had to seek out the president and another board member to voice me disapproval. I was very nice about it. I like these people, and I didn't want to offend them, although I'm not so sure that I didn't hurt the mans feelings because I didn't like what he'd done.
John & I aren't alone in our opinions. I've talked to a few of the other neighbors, some that are equally effected (or will be), and some whose yards won't be affected, and they weren't happy either. Of the 4 different households I spoke with, only 1 was delighted with the shrubbery. Okay, fine, let him drag his water hose down to our yard and water the things.
We're not happy, because, let's face it, we'll have to maintain them. I don't just mean watering (which we've already declared we're not going out of our way to do), but mowing around them, trimming around them, and trimming them if need be when they get larger. Plus too we're concerned that when they get larger and fill out, they'll obstruct the view of drivers trying to pull out of the cul-de-sacs onto the main drag. On that, I suppose we'll have to wait a few years to see...
We don't want to be party-poopers on the neighborhood beautification, but we just think that it's something that all the homeowners should've taken a vote on, been given a choice on, or at the very least, been notified ahead of time. I mean, good grief!, who wants to come home to find new floral fauna planted on their lawn?
While we do like our neighbors, and the neighborhood in general, I've always wanted to live in the country, where I (we) wouldnt' be governed by a bunch of homeowners rules. This is just one more reason for me to want to move. If only we had the funds...
On the other hand, now that I know things can be planted on that stretch of land, maybe I'll get out there and plant a bunch of shrubs now. Wonder what the association would think of that????
The conversation pretty much ended there, and later that evening, when John & I had gone in, we brought the subject up again, both agreeing that we didn't think it would be a good idea. But again, since we felt it had been a hypothetical question, there was no need to dwell on it.
So imagine my surprise when I got a call from the husband yesterday, frantically telling me that our yard was full of holes. Hmm?, What? What do you mean? Did the dogs dig some holes in the backyard? No no, there were holes in our side yard. Again, what are you talking about?
He then informed me that there were some "sticks" planted down the length of our yard, for that matter, down the length of the street, in the area between the sidewalk and the street.
Huh! Didn't know anything about it.
The husband wasn't happy.
When I got home and saw them, I wasn't happy.
Every time we tried to take Olivia out to poop (as that's her pooping section), she wasn't happy. She kept running into the twigs (I hope she doesn't put an eye out), or I kept getting the leash wrapped around them while she sniffed around. This wasn't going over very well at all.
I had to seek out the president and another board member to voice me disapproval. I was very nice about it. I like these people, and I didn't want to offend them, although I'm not so sure that I didn't hurt the mans feelings because I didn't like what he'd done.
John & I aren't alone in our opinions. I've talked to a few of the other neighbors, some that are equally effected (or will be), and some whose yards won't be affected, and they weren't happy either. Of the 4 different households I spoke with, only 1 was delighted with the shrubbery. Okay, fine, let him drag his water hose down to our yard and water the things.
We're not happy, because, let's face it, we'll have to maintain them. I don't just mean watering (which we've already declared we're not going out of our way to do), but mowing around them, trimming around them, and trimming them if need be when they get larger. Plus too we're concerned that when they get larger and fill out, they'll obstruct the view of drivers trying to pull out of the cul-de-sacs onto the main drag. On that, I suppose we'll have to wait a few years to see...
We don't want to be party-poopers on the neighborhood beautification, but we just think that it's something that all the homeowners should've taken a vote on, been given a choice on, or at the very least, been notified ahead of time. I mean, good grief!, who wants to come home to find new floral fauna planted on their lawn?
While we do like our neighbors, and the neighborhood in general, I've always wanted to live in the country, where I (we) wouldnt' be governed by a bunch of homeowners rules. This is just one more reason for me to want to move. If only we had the funds...
On the other hand, now that I know things can be planted on that stretch of land, maybe I'll get out there and plant a bunch of shrubs now. Wonder what the association would think of that????
Arghhh!
Okay, like some kind of dumb-bunny, I managed to use up my last check without having ordered a new supply. At least I managed to use the last check for our house payment. Hmm, now what to do with this stack of bills in front of me.
First order of business, order new checks. If I simply re-order from the last place I ordered from, the total bill would be around $55. Yikes! (that's for 4 boxes of dublicate checks).
Okay, I went through all the coupon packs I had and found several order forms for different companies. I then looked at each one and decided which would be the least expensive. I found one where the total bill was about $26. I can handle that. Since I was completely out of checks, I decided to order them on-line instead of waiting for a postal delay. I hadn't even noticed that it was the same company I'd last ordered checks from. But the computer noticed. I went to place the order and it promptly informed me that I was a repeat buyer and that the "code" I'd entered from the coupon wouldn't be honored. My bill was back up to $55.
Hmph!
I cancelled the order.
I ended up ordering from another company, still spent as much money, but the in-plant rush is what killed me. What can I say?, I needed checks, quickly!!
I don't quite understand these companies... if I re-order on-line, over the phone, or by sending in my re-order slip, they charge me full price. But had I mailed the coupon in, they would've given me the lower price. Trust me, I've done it for years!! They've never refused to fill the order at the lower price when submitted by mail. It just doesn't make sense!!
So now I'll be without checks for a week or so. I've still got bills to pay. I haven't really gotten comfortable with the notion of on-line bill paying through my bank's website. Perhaps it's time to come into this century. Or maybe not. I'll have to give it some more thought.
In the mean time, I paid the cell phone bill simply by pushing a few buttons on my cell phone. Easy enough.
I paid one of the gas cards on-line... again, easy enough.
I went to pay the other gas-card, not so easy. There is something wrong with their website and I couldn't get signed up. Stupid computer! I'll try again later.
Maybe next time I won't let my check supply run out before re-ordering. Maybe...
First order of business, order new checks. If I simply re-order from the last place I ordered from, the total bill would be around $55. Yikes! (that's for 4 boxes of dublicate checks).
Okay, I went through all the coupon packs I had and found several order forms for different companies. I then looked at each one and decided which would be the least expensive. I found one where the total bill was about $26. I can handle that. Since I was completely out of checks, I decided to order them on-line instead of waiting for a postal delay. I hadn't even noticed that it was the same company I'd last ordered checks from. But the computer noticed. I went to place the order and it promptly informed me that I was a repeat buyer and that the "code" I'd entered from the coupon wouldn't be honored. My bill was back up to $55.
Hmph!
I cancelled the order.
I ended up ordering from another company, still spent as much money, but the in-plant rush is what killed me. What can I say?, I needed checks, quickly!!
I don't quite understand these companies... if I re-order on-line, over the phone, or by sending in my re-order slip, they charge me full price. But had I mailed the coupon in, they would've given me the lower price. Trust me, I've done it for years!! They've never refused to fill the order at the lower price when submitted by mail. It just doesn't make sense!!
So now I'll be without checks for a week or so. I've still got bills to pay. I haven't really gotten comfortable with the notion of on-line bill paying through my bank's website. Perhaps it's time to come into this century. Or maybe not. I'll have to give it some more thought.
In the mean time, I paid the cell phone bill simply by pushing a few buttons on my cell phone. Easy enough.
I paid one of the gas cards on-line... again, easy enough.
I went to pay the other gas-card, not so easy. There is something wrong with their website and I couldn't get signed up. Stupid computer! I'll try again later.
Maybe next time I won't let my check supply run out before re-ordering. Maybe...
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Ode to Olivia
Olivia, how do I love thee?I love the feel of your soft, white coat,
despite how you leave traces of it everywhere you go.
I love the nudges from your speckled, pink nose,
despite the smudges it leaves on my windows and clothes.
I love the antics you perform for me each night,
whether growling at your shadow, or pouncing on a ray of light.
I love the way you lie outside my bedroom door,
your curled tail wagging as it sweeps across the floor,
I love how you nudge the cat's head as he ventures ever near,
it's obvious to him, from you he has nothing to fear.
I love to sneak past you as you lie in deep sleep,
but from time to time, my hands to myself I can not keep.
I love to reach out and grab your puppy-butt,
though it makes you jump, the smile on your face tells me your a happy mutt.
I love to watch you curled up or sprawled out on the chair,
for all the world as you sleep, you have not a care.
Olivia my love if you only knew,
just how very much I love you!
Monday, September 10, 2007
This & that
I left the house about 9:30 saturday morning to run some errands.
First stop: The Goodwill Store in Lyndon.
I wanted to see if they had any quilts or blankets that didn't require dry-cleaning, so I could put them down for the dogs to sleep on. Their quilts are getting pretty ratty, and since K-mart by our house closed down, I don't often get to the other one in Hikes Pnt. to purchase their el-cheap-o's.
I arrived at the Goodwill at 9:45. The challenged clerk that was standing out front smoking a cancer-stick informed me they didn't open 'til 10. But before leaving, I asked him if they had and blankets/quilts. He informed me that had lots of them, with emphasis on "lots". Cool! Okay, I'd return there after my other errands.
Next stop: Superpetz over in Hikes Pnt. Imagine my surprise, and disappointment when I pulled into the lot only to discover they had gone out of business. **grumble, grumble** Granted, I didn't often shop there, but I did prefer that store for purchasing leashes, collars and the like. They had a much better selection than any of the other large pet stores.
Next stop: K-mart Hikes Pnt. I wasn't there for the quilts, no, I had every intention of getting those at the Goodwill. I thought as long as I was over there, I'd look and see if they carried the dvd for the show "Oz". They sell it on-line, so I thought perhaps they'd have it in the store. Needless to say, they didn't. So far, I was batting a thousand. As I headed back up Taylorsville Rd., I passed another Goodwill Store. I was half tempted to stop, but decided against it, since I'd told the clerk I'd come back to his store.
I arrived at the Lyndon store and looked high and low. The only thing even remotely resembling a quilt was some fabric for a child's quilt, that needed to be finished, or rather, needed a border on it. As it was, the fiber-fill was sticking out, and that would just be an encouragement for the dogs to de-gut the blanket... no thanks.
I did stop at the PetSmart before returning home. Just as I suspected, their leash/collar selection wasn't much to write home about. But I did get a new harness for Livvie.
I went home and got in the pool, only to have it cloud over almost immediately. I decided to tough it out, but about an hour later, the rain started.
What a dismal day. Pretty much the only hi-point of the day was when I took Livvie for a walk with the new harness. Granted, she isn't crazy about me putting it on her, and if I don't get it on tight enough, she'll pull right out of it, but when it's on correctly, walking her is such a breeze now! I always hated fighting with gravity in my attempts to keep her soft-choker up high on her neck. It was a constant battle, and one I usually lost. But the new harness stays put, and she does much better about walking right next to me and sitting when I stop.
Bootsy isn't crazy about the harness, but she finally settled down and walked pretty well with it also. Eliott on the other hand, well, I can say is, "he's a man".
First stop: The Goodwill Store in Lyndon.
I wanted to see if they had any quilts or blankets that didn't require dry-cleaning, so I could put them down for the dogs to sleep on. Their quilts are getting pretty ratty, and since K-mart by our house closed down, I don't often get to the other one in Hikes Pnt. to purchase their el-cheap-o's.
I arrived at the Goodwill at 9:45. The challenged clerk that was standing out front smoking a cancer-stick informed me they didn't open 'til 10. But before leaving, I asked him if they had and blankets/quilts. He informed me that had lots of them, with emphasis on "lots". Cool! Okay, I'd return there after my other errands.
Next stop: Superpetz over in Hikes Pnt. Imagine my surprise, and disappointment when I pulled into the lot only to discover they had gone out of business. **grumble, grumble** Granted, I didn't often shop there, but I did prefer that store for purchasing leashes, collars and the like. They had a much better selection than any of the other large pet stores.
Next stop: K-mart Hikes Pnt. I wasn't there for the quilts, no, I had every intention of getting those at the Goodwill. I thought as long as I was over there, I'd look and see if they carried the dvd for the show "Oz". They sell it on-line, so I thought perhaps they'd have it in the store. Needless to say, they didn't. So far, I was batting a thousand. As I headed back up Taylorsville Rd., I passed another Goodwill Store. I was half tempted to stop, but decided against it, since I'd told the clerk I'd come back to his store.
I arrived at the Lyndon store and looked high and low. The only thing even remotely resembling a quilt was some fabric for a child's quilt, that needed to be finished, or rather, needed a border on it. As it was, the fiber-fill was sticking out, and that would just be an encouragement for the dogs to de-gut the blanket... no thanks.
I did stop at the PetSmart before returning home. Just as I suspected, their leash/collar selection wasn't much to write home about. But I did get a new harness for Livvie.
I went home and got in the pool, only to have it cloud over almost immediately. I decided to tough it out, but about an hour later, the rain started.
What a dismal day. Pretty much the only hi-point of the day was when I took Livvie for a walk with the new harness. Granted, she isn't crazy about me putting it on her, and if I don't get it on tight enough, she'll pull right out of it, but when it's on correctly, walking her is such a breeze now! I always hated fighting with gravity in my attempts to keep her soft-choker up high on her neck. It was a constant battle, and one I usually lost. But the new harness stays put, and she does much better about walking right next to me and sitting when I stop.
Bootsy isn't crazy about the harness, but she finally settled down and walked pretty well with it also. Eliott on the other hand, well, I can say is, "he's a man".
The girl gets around!
While driving to the country the other day, radio reception isn't always so great, so I opted to listen to some cd's instead. I have a small collections of oldies, in other words, 40's, 50's, and 60's, and listened to several on the long drive.
As many times as I've heard these songs before, I had never really noticed one recurring theme among them. On the drive home, I even pointed out the common "denominator" (a girl) to the husband, and he agreed it did seem a bit odd.
The very next morning, as I was preparing for work and watching GMA, they played a snippet of yet another song, this one from the 70's, that too mentioned the same girl.
I no sooner commented that the girl sure does get around, when I then realized yet another song about this girl.
Have you figured out which girl seemed to be so popular a few decades ago?
I'll give you a moment to think about it...............
---------------------------------
*****************************
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
#######################
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Okay, time's up.
It's "Suzie" or "Sue".
Seriously, think about it...
We have "Wake up little Suzie, wake up...", "Peggy Sue", "Susie-Q", and then
we have Elton John mentioning how much fun he and Suzie had in "Crocodile Rock",
and then the song that sums it all up: Keep away from "Run-around Sue".
Yep, the girl sure did get around a lot. ; )
As many times as I've heard these songs before, I had never really noticed one recurring theme among them. On the drive home, I even pointed out the common "denominator" (a girl) to the husband, and he agreed it did seem a bit odd.
The very next morning, as I was preparing for work and watching GMA, they played a snippet of yet another song, this one from the 70's, that too mentioned the same girl.
I no sooner commented that the girl sure does get around, when I then realized yet another song about this girl.
Have you figured out which girl seemed to be so popular a few decades ago?
I'll give you a moment to think about it...............
---------------------------------
*****************************
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
#######################
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Okay, time's up.
It's "Suzie" or "Sue".
Seriously, think about it...
We have "Wake up little Suzie, wake up...", "Peggy Sue", "Susie-Q", and then
we have Elton John mentioning how much fun he and Suzie had in "Crocodile Rock",
and then the song that sums it all up: Keep away from "Run-around Sue".
Yep, the girl sure did get around a lot. ; )
Friday, September 07, 2007
A quickie
Just a quick note to let everyone know I'm still among the living.
I took a couple of days off from work this week, and upon my return to work, was greeted with a large pile of work. I'll be lucky to get caught up before quitting time.
I've much to blog about, so it may have to wait 'til Monday.
Have a great weekend!
I took a couple of days off from work this week, and upon my return to work, was greeted with a large pile of work. I'll be lucky to get caught up before quitting time.
I've much to blog about, so it may have to wait 'til Monday.
Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Smith Family Reunion
Labor Day weekend brought the annual Smith Family Reunion in Glasgow, KY. Okay, actually Cave City, but Glasgow in theory.Some of the ever-faithful regulars were in attendance, including moi. There were some new faces that hadn't attended before, some I'd never seen before or just hadn't seen in several years (since the last funeral), and then there were the few that just attend once every decade or so. Regardless, it was great to see everyone. I just wish we hadn't had to leave early because of the husband having another commitment.
It's always fun to see how many generations attend from a single "branch" on the tree. I guess 4 generations is the most I counted... meaning many of the littlest family members running around were my 4th-cousins... or is that 3rd cousin once removed? I've never quite understood that "once removed" stuff.
I gave the new camera a workout and downloaded the pix to Dropshots. Obviously I still have some work to do in working with the different settings, but I'll get there, eventually (I hope!).
I gotta say though, Dropshots has revamped their site, and I'm not liking it at ALL! I'll have to find a different outlet for downloading my photos.
Last evening there were some hot-air balloons drifting past our neighborhood. The dogs were FREAKING OUT!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)