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I have been putting off this post since Wednesday because I can't figure out how get my pictures to the desk top from the camera.
We have a new dog in our family! His name is Cooper and until our vet check today, we thought he was some hound mix mutt.
About a month ago I talked to Andy about getting a dog. An older dog, because I'm not so sure I have the energy or desire, for a puppy. I just wanted to have a dog that wanted to be lazy, and love us. For a while there I thought I was going to have to check the weekly obituaries in hopes of finding a recently orphaned one.
Well, I found Cooper, formerly called Buddy but officially named Andy. Funny, isn't it? I didn't know the shelter had named him Andy until after I had dicided to consider him. When I called Andy and told him about the perfect dog he seemed sceptical that I could find a perfect one in such a short time. Maybe he thought I was settling, or something? Then I told him I knew it was the one because of his name.
Two weeks later I took Madeline to see this dog. They took to each other really well and Madeline, although reserved, was very excited that we might bring him home.
About another week and Andy called to tell me he thought I should go and get the dog. He wanted us to have him.
We went that day and instead of turning in the paperwork and planning on another visit, the dog somehow ended up in our car and was officially ours. We call him Cooper.
He is such a good boy. I have yet to hear him bark. No messes when I leave him home alone in the house and I even leave the garbage can in the kitchen. I called my mom and told her he was so good I thought maybe he might be sick. He sleeps the whole night on a rug next to Madeline's bed, lets her walk him without a fight and is really sweet.
Okay, so I took him for his first vet check today because I noticed he wasn't feeling good on Saturday. He wouldn't eat, he could barely get up the stairs and he caughed so hard I thought he had asthma.
At the vet, I found out that he has bronchitis. I also found out that he is a pure bread American walker foxhound. Who knew? I thought he was a beagle mix. Kinda weird to see a 64lb beagle. Hey, anything can happen whith dogs these days. He sure has the face and markings of one though.
So, now I have a dog that can run for hours without tiring. (Running buddy?) The internet said they were originally bred for running with horses while hunting.
Cooper definately belonged to someone who spent time working with him. He is about 5 years old. He must have wondered off on a scent during hunting season and his owner couldn't find him. Lucky us!
I hope to have pictures up soon. If you can't wait, just google "foxhound" and they should have a good picture there. Cooper is tricolored.
Is spell check working these days? It said I spelt everything correctly the first time through. hmmh.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
This is for you, Uncle Charlie
I missed you before I got the call. When dad called me on Tuesday night and blurted the news that you were gone all I could think of was how thankful I was for the past few months between us. We had such a good time just talking about "stuff". Sometimes we would talk for so long that I wanted to keep it a secret from dad because I didn't want to hurt his feelings. I just had so much fun. Even through my tears as I write, I am able to spontaneously laugh about how hard we laughed a few weeks ago about *******. Silly, I know, but it was so incredibly funny.
Contrary to what some may have thought of you, I think you were an incredible man. I wish everyone knew the side of you that I did. You had incredible strength inside of you, both physically and mentally. Hey, not everyone gets to brag about the fact that their blood has the strength of an Olympic swimmer or the intelligence to speak 3 languages fluently. Didn't you swim next to Mark Spitz in the 70's? Actually, I know you did. What a privilege it must have been. Your knowledge of history is somehow more impressive then the BS you have in physics, but your ability to read others was a talent greater then your strength and knowledge combined.
You are my blood. You understood me. I was just telling you the other night how hard it is for me to no not self sabotage my efforts when I get so close to finishing something. I was being so hard on myself and you put me back into reality. You told me how important it is to not let my intelligence scare me. (Intelligence? what?). You actually know I know better. I am smart and I will finish school. It was encouraging to hear that I'm not alone on being scared of myself though. Oh how I wish you had understood yourself more before you got into so much trouble.
You always got me because we are so much alike. Rebels by nature and obsequious almost to a fault. You said you mother was that way too. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree after all. It is amazing how we are so much alike yet we are so incredibly different. You said it was because of how amazing my mother is and how she did so right by us. I couldn't agree more!
Remember telling me about how much fun it was when all of us would stay with you. You had to promise to have us dressed and at church on time but it wasn't too hard. You had Rachael there to help you. You were always impressed with how much of a leader she was; down to earth, smart as a whip, and such a good leader. You never doubted she would grow up to be anything other then a doctor. Ryan, such a good brother. He could take all of us girls down at once yet when we would gang up on him he wouldn't even flinch. You knew he was going to grow up to be such a good husband and father. It takes a real man to hold back his own strength. You loved his wife Lisa too. Always praising her for being such a good wife to your nephew. Lori, you always saw as responsible and practical. You said she was a good sister for me to have so close because she keeps me in check. (I definitely agree). No hard feelings at all when you say you always thought of Francie as the prettiest. You remembered her as always having the most adorable face and the happiest spirit. She was always smiling and clueless of anything less then positive. Finally, you mentioned how much you missed of Francie and Natalie because they were the youngest. You just loved how much fun Natalie was. You felt like a kid all over again every time you saw her. You two were so hilarious at the restaurant we went to in the city when we came through to visit. She still thinks of you as being such a FUN uncle.
Because I know that your time was limited with us, I wasn't as initially shocked as I thought I should be. I thought I would have had more of a warning. The first thing I said to my dad when he called was "Dad, at least he didn't die of AIDS". To most people, that may seem odd. If you were here, you would have been proud of me. We all knew you have been living with AIDS for a long time. The worst part of the whole disease is the fact that the people you meant the most to, would have to watch you die. You wouldn't give into the disease though. You had such a zest for life that even a disease as powerful as yours couldn't win. Your doctors were so impressed with you too. As tragic as your death was/is, I am grateful that you didn't have to loose the battle. Even in death, you survived.
I will miss you more then anyone can possibly understand. You have been a window into my heritage and the information that you have shared with me is a treasure.
Less then a week before you died we talked about life and death. You said God must have a good reason for you to still be here with us. It was then that I told you that God is so generous that He gives us the opportunity to decide whether we will accept His gift of eternal life. I said He must be waiting for an answer from you. I truely believe your decision was made before the 4 days later when you were killed. I trust God and know that He respects our decisions. He was waiting for you Uncle Charlie. That's why you were still alive.
*Charlie died on March 3, 2008. He was inside his home with his beloved dog Baby when his house burnt to the ground.
Contrary to what some may have thought of you, I think you were an incredible man. I wish everyone knew the side of you that I did. You had incredible strength inside of you, both physically and mentally. Hey, not everyone gets to brag about the fact that their blood has the strength of an Olympic swimmer or the intelligence to speak 3 languages fluently. Didn't you swim next to Mark Spitz in the 70's? Actually, I know you did. What a privilege it must have been. Your knowledge of history is somehow more impressive then the BS you have in physics, but your ability to read others was a talent greater then your strength and knowledge combined.
You are my blood. You understood me. I was just telling you the other night how hard it is for me to no not self sabotage my efforts when I get so close to finishing something. I was being so hard on myself and you put me back into reality. You told me how important it is to not let my intelligence scare me. (Intelligence? what?). You actually know I know better. I am smart and I will finish school. It was encouraging to hear that I'm not alone on being scared of myself though. Oh how I wish you had understood yourself more before you got into so much trouble.
You always got me because we are so much alike. Rebels by nature and obsequious almost to a fault. You said you mother was that way too. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree after all. It is amazing how we are so much alike yet we are so incredibly different. You said it was because of how amazing my mother is and how she did so right by us. I couldn't agree more!
Remember telling me about how much fun it was when all of us would stay with you. You had to promise to have us dressed and at church on time but it wasn't too hard. You had Rachael there to help you. You were always impressed with how much of a leader she was; down to earth, smart as a whip, and such a good leader. You never doubted she would grow up to be anything other then a doctor. Ryan, such a good brother. He could take all of us girls down at once yet when we would gang up on him he wouldn't even flinch. You knew he was going to grow up to be such a good husband and father. It takes a real man to hold back his own strength. You loved his wife Lisa too. Always praising her for being such a good wife to your nephew. Lori, you always saw as responsible and practical. You said she was a good sister for me to have so close because she keeps me in check. (I definitely agree). No hard feelings at all when you say you always thought of Francie as the prettiest. You remembered her as always having the most adorable face and the happiest spirit. She was always smiling and clueless of anything less then positive. Finally, you mentioned how much you missed of Francie and Natalie because they were the youngest. You just loved how much fun Natalie was. You felt like a kid all over again every time you saw her. You two were so hilarious at the restaurant we went to in the city when we came through to visit. She still thinks of you as being such a FUN uncle.
Because I know that your time was limited with us, I wasn't as initially shocked as I thought I should be. I thought I would have had more of a warning. The first thing I said to my dad when he called was "Dad, at least he didn't die of AIDS". To most people, that may seem odd. If you were here, you would have been proud of me. We all knew you have been living with AIDS for a long time. The worst part of the whole disease is the fact that the people you meant the most to, would have to watch you die. You wouldn't give into the disease though. You had such a zest for life that even a disease as powerful as yours couldn't win. Your doctors were so impressed with you too. As tragic as your death was/is, I am grateful that you didn't have to loose the battle. Even in death, you survived.
I will miss you more then anyone can possibly understand. You have been a window into my heritage and the information that you have shared with me is a treasure.
Less then a week before you died we talked about life and death. You said God must have a good reason for you to still be here with us. It was then that I told you that God is so generous that He gives us the opportunity to decide whether we will accept His gift of eternal life. I said He must be waiting for an answer from you. I truely believe your decision was made before the 4 days later when you were killed. I trust God and know that He respects our decisions. He was waiting for you Uncle Charlie. That's why you were still alive.
*Charlie died on March 3, 2008. He was inside his home with his beloved dog Baby when his house burnt to the ground.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
PEOPLE BOOTS
Our new PEOPLE BOOTS:
Madeline, at the age of 3, was putzing around minding her own schedule. Definitely, she was not listening to my pleading voice.
"Come on, hurry up! Hurry up! get your barn boots on, and lets go" I kept telling her. No matter what I said or how I said it, she continued to be in her own world.
"Madeline! Get your barn boots on and come on!...blah blah blah... Are you hearing your mother? lets go!"
"Mom!" she finally said.
"What?!"
"They are not barn boots."
"Then what are they?"
"They are people boots!"
And we still call them people boots. People boots are the best all around shoe in our house. They go on easy, come off easy, and are easy to clean. Madeline gets a new pair every year and this year they happened to have my size on sale too!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
MOMMA SLEEPS WITH A GUN UNDER THE PILLOW
I think my perception of fear may fall under the catagory of bi-polar. Sometimes I am scared, sometimes I am not and most of the time the fazes lean toward the extreme.
As most of you already know, Andy has been out of town for a couple weeks while he is learning to drive a truck. Yeah it suprises me too. Anyway, it is one of those things he thinks will be stable for him until I finish school. And, I can't fault him for thinking that way. He really does a great job at being head of household even when it means being on the road for awhile.
With Andy being gone, I have been in paranoia mode. It's not like I should be scared to be alone. Shoot, I did it for 3 years before he moved here to NY. Why all the sudden? It is bad though. I can't fall asleep at night so, I have to stay up real late trying to get as tired as I can. Just before bed, I boobie trap the stairs, and block my bedroom door, and sleep with the phone under my pillow with a flash light. I do such a good job at boobie trapping the stairs, no burglar stands a chance! ha.
Anyway, last week I absentmindedly, mentioned to a neighbor that Andy was out of town. Opps! I'm already scared enough, now the neighbors know. I tried to recover by telling them that before Andy left he was given strick instructions on not comming home without making sure I know. If he suprises me, I.m likely to shoot him.
The neighbors gave me look that said "Hey, I believe you, and I will spread the news". Now, at least if there is a rumor about me being home alone, it goes with the fact that I sleep with a gun under my pillow.
As most of you already know, Andy has been out of town for a couple weeks while he is learning to drive a truck. Yeah it suprises me too. Anyway, it is one of those things he thinks will be stable for him until I finish school. And, I can't fault him for thinking that way. He really does a great job at being head of household even when it means being on the road for awhile.
With Andy being gone, I have been in paranoia mode. It's not like I should be scared to be alone. Shoot, I did it for 3 years before he moved here to NY. Why all the sudden? It is bad though. I can't fall asleep at night so, I have to stay up real late trying to get as tired as I can. Just before bed, I boobie trap the stairs, and block my bedroom door, and sleep with the phone under my pillow with a flash light. I do such a good job at boobie trapping the stairs, no burglar stands a chance! ha.
Anyway, last week I absentmindedly, mentioned to a neighbor that Andy was out of town. Opps! I'm already scared enough, now the neighbors know. I tried to recover by telling them that before Andy left he was given strick instructions on not comming home without making sure I know. If he suprises me, I.m likely to shoot him.
The neighbors gave me look that said "Hey, I believe you, and I will spread the news". Now, at least if there is a rumor about me being home alone, it goes with the fact that I sleep with a gun under my pillow.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
MY MOTHER IS SO SMART
People often wonder how my mom was able to manage having so many kids, so close in age (9 years: oldest to youngest). In fact, some people might even think she was a bit crazy. I personally remember asking her the same question too. You know what she told me?
It was easy. You only cost $300.00 a piece.
Not exactly what I was wondering mom! I meant... Didn't we drive you crazy?
She says that from the time she was a little girl, she always wanted a bunch of kids. Not sure if she knew just how many or not, but from what I understand, the reason there are 6 is because she wanted each of us to grow up with a friend. If she stopped at me, I would have been lonely, so she had Lori. Then, came Francie. If she had stopped with her, Francie would be lonely and we wouldn't have Natalie.
You see, I'm kind of in a bind here as I only have one. Madeline, being an only child, dosen't have a built in friend, and for that, I am... CRAZY (or getting closer and closer every day). Siblings just know the boundries and usually work things out without too many battle wounds. Unfortunately, Madeline will never understand the bond of sisters or brothers (that she is close in age with).
I am so glad I am a product of such a smart woman. Maybe if Rachael hadn't taken so many of the 'smart' genes, I would have known better and had two. HA
I suppose I should be greatful for the next best option though. At least we only live 3 miles from my brother who has 4 children. Madeline loves her cousins and she is really close with them. It just dosen't help me when Madeline is at home and complains about being bored.
Disclosure notice: This post is not to be about me wanting more kids. It is me, venting about a very frustrating weekend of dealing with a bored, only-child. UGGH! Why? Oh, why?
It was easy. You only cost $300.00 a piece.
Not exactly what I was wondering mom! I meant... Didn't we drive you crazy?
She says that from the time she was a little girl, she always wanted a bunch of kids. Not sure if she knew just how many or not, but from what I understand, the reason there are 6 is because she wanted each of us to grow up with a friend. If she stopped at me, I would have been lonely, so she had Lori. Then, came Francie. If she had stopped with her, Francie would be lonely and we wouldn't have Natalie.
You see, I'm kind of in a bind here as I only have one. Madeline, being an only child, dosen't have a built in friend, and for that, I am... CRAZY (or getting closer and closer every day). Siblings just know the boundries and usually work things out without too many battle wounds. Unfortunately, Madeline will never understand the bond of sisters or brothers (that she is close in age with).
I am so glad I am a product of such a smart woman. Maybe if Rachael hadn't taken so many of the 'smart' genes, I would have known better and had two. HA
I suppose I should be greatful for the next best option though. At least we only live 3 miles from my brother who has 4 children. Madeline loves her cousins and she is really close with them. It just dosen't help me when Madeline is at home and complains about being bored.
Disclosure notice: This post is not to be about me wanting more kids. It is me, venting about a very frustrating weekend of dealing with a bored, only-child. UGGH! Why? Oh, why?
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
MENTAL HEALTH DAY
Madeline and I were very lucky that it stormed last night; it made the power go out just long enough to mess up the alarm clock. Instead of getting up at the crack of dawn, Maddy got to sleep in, on a school day, until 9:30am.
I realized at 10 till 7 that the bus had already come and gone. So, I got up, layed on the couch, and finally called her teacher and told her I would bring Maddy to school after lunch. I let her sleep until she naturally woke up. Then we putzed around, and did a whole lot of nothing.
We both needed a day like today. She was a much happier girl when I picked her up after school and we had a good evening together.
I realized at 10 till 7 that the bus had already come and gone. So, I got up, layed on the couch, and finally called her teacher and told her I would bring Maddy to school after lunch. I let her sleep until she naturally woke up. Then we putzed around, and did a whole lot of nothing.
We both needed a day like today. She was a much happier girl when I picked her up after school and we had a good evening together.
Monday, February 4, 2008
ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT RE: RUNNING?
I was going to email my sister Rachael this morning in regard to getting a CD of her play list. It is in effort to motivate me from the couch to running. Instead of emailing her, I decided to go public with the fact that I want to start running. Maybe, just maybe, I will join the 10K that a couple of sisters are gearing up for in the spring.
Rachael, will you really burn me a CD? One strange request though: will you include at least one up-beat song from Brittney Spear's first album?
Now, as soon as I get that play list CD you can all inquire about my progress. Until then... I plan to think about it so it won't be such a shock to my system.
For the record though, I did go through basic training. After I got over the hurt of running, I actually liked it. While training continued, I would run 5 miles on a day off just because. Once I got home... Well, I've been rebelling ever since.
Rachael, will you really burn me a CD? One strange request though: will you include at least one up-beat song from Brittney Spear's first album?
Now, as soon as I get that play list CD you can all inquire about my progress. Until then... I plan to think about it so it won't be such a shock to my system.
For the record though, I did go through basic training. After I got over the hurt of running, I actually liked it. While training continued, I would run 5 miles on a day off just because. Once I got home... Well, I've been rebelling ever since.
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