lost

Lost 2.6 pounds this past week, making my total 30.4! Yay me!

pigs

Here are two pics of Mr T and one of Zach, taken this past week while we had some nice weather. They are in the barn now, as they didn't like it in the Lodge. In the barn, they are much warmer and have more room to move around indoors, which is really good with winter coming. They get let out twice a day into the big yard to roam around, or lay in the sun. Sometimes I find an empty pen and let Zach stay outside all day, which he seems to love. I keep him in a pen as he tends to fight with others and get into trouble if he's out all day like that. I get to spend more time with them and I think all three of us are happy with that. I know I am.

plum

Jack as Professor Plum, before he located his candlestick. The kid looks good in purple.

w

Exhausting day filled with work, walking, and Walmart.

Work was alright, but I really need to manage a shorter day on Friday somehow. It would be good for me to have more time for myself.

Deb and I hit the park with the dogs and did what is becoming our norm, the 3.6 mile walk. We exercised 6 days out of seven since our last Weight Watcher meeting, so hopefully that will reflect in the numbers tomorrow.

When I came home from our walk, I changed and the kids and I went to a new Walmart that opened up. Had dinner at the Subway there, where I had a grilled chicken salad. Did some shopping, came home, and the kids and I played Mario Kart on the wii.

Fun night, but I am tired. Going to bed as I need to get up early tomorrow. Will post more over the weekend.

so

So I haven't been blogging lately, which doesn't really need stating as you can already tell that. And I don't really have a great reason for it except to say that I've been busy. But it's been a good kind of busy, so let me tell you about it.

I realize that each of the three sentences in the above paragraph started with words that technically aren't best suited for sentence starting. I know it. I wanted you to know it. I did it anyway. Yeah, feeling a little rebellious... I may even end a sentence with a preposition. (pause) No, can't quite bring myself to do that horrible deed.

Since my memory is not what it used to be, which wasn't much to begin with, I will be bringing up topics haphazardly and randomly. How about that for the element of surprise?

Here is my buddy Deb, representing her veterinary office at a Pet Fair that Jack and I stopped at yesterday. Isn't she beautiful? There was a Halloween-inspired parade of costumed dogs, and a lot of rescues and other groups had tables set up.

I like how they didn't go with the obvious and make this dog a 'hot dog'. He looks adorable as a fire-fighter. Besides, he's a natural, what with the attraction dogs have to fire hydrants.

Yesterday morning, Deb and I went to Weight Watchers. I lost another 2.8, making my total 27.8, which I am very pleased with and excited about. Deb did really well, too. We attribute this to exercising 5 of out 7 days the week prior. We walk about 3+/- miles every time we go out, and I am starting to exercise at home in addition to that. We are also looking into taking a 'body sculpting' class that is offered by the township. I would be so nervous doing something like that by myself... so glad Deb is my buddy!

Friday night, Patty's boyfriend Carl and his band "Papa Mojo" played at the Buck Hotel, which is about 15 mins from here. So a bunch of us from the farm, Susan and Harry and Maureen and Brenda, along with Deb and myself, and quite a few other friends of theirs, went out to see them play. We had such a blast. Deb and I kept each other in check so we didn't over drink, especially since we had to go to WW the following morning. We only had two white wines each, and we danced sooooo much, it was like another aerobic workout. Strange thing though: I was definitely feeling tipsy with only two white wines in me. Weird. But oh, what fun we had.


Pat and Rachel got their pics back from the wedding photographer, and here is our table at the reception. We were the fun table.

I need to get moving as I am needing to go to Produce Junction to get some produce (of all things!). Will also be making a stop at the market for some other necessities. Still need to post about Halloween and a few other things... but it's always good to leave you wanting more.

neutering

Jonathan the vet came to the farm yesterday and I got to take some pics when we neutered a young boar. His name is Tot, and his sister's name is Tater, and they are about 8 weeks old. They are rescues from Florida. Tot is doing extremely well post-surgery, and you would have never known seeing him today that he was operated on just the day before. Both Tater and Tot are a little shy and will need some socializing, but they are sweet little pigs who will make wonderful family members to some lucky human.

dogs

Growing Old With Dogs

When I am old I will wear soft gray sweatshirts
and a bandana over my silver hair, and I will spend
my social security checks on wine and my dogs. I
will sit in my house on my well-worn chair and listen
to my dogs' breathing.

I will sneak out in the middle of a warm summer night
and take my dogs for a run, if my old bones will allow.
When people come to call, I will smile and nod as I
show them my dogs and talk of them and about them...
the ones so beloved of the past and the ones so
beloved of today.

I will still work hard cleaning after them, mopping
and feeding them and whispering their names in a
soft loving way. I will wear the gleaming sweat on my
throat, like a jewel and I will be an embarrassment to
all, especially my family, who have not yet found the
peace in being free to have dogs as your best friends.

These friends who always wait, at any hour, for your
footfall, and eagerly jump to their feet out of a sound
sleep to greet you as if you are a God, with warm eyes
full of adoring love and hope that you will always stay.
I'll hug their big strong necks...I'll kiss their dear sweet
heads...and whisper in their very special company.

Although I look in the mirror and see I am getting old,
this is the kind of person I am and have always been.
Loving dogs is easy...they are part of me, and accept
me for who I am.

My dogs appreciate and love my presence in their lives.
When I am old this will be important to me.

You will understand when you are old...
if you have dogs to love, too.

~Author Unknown

things

Things are getting better, but I don't really wish to talk about all that right now. Would much rather talk about other things. Things like:

Today at Weight Watchers I lost another pound, making my total 25. I'm thoroughly pleased about that. Still a ways to go but I feel good about it. Deb and I walked around Newtown after the meeting before the farmer's market opened, and before the rain started up, which was good. We went 2.5 miles, which is pretty much the same distance we go when we walk with the dogs at the dog park.

Most of the days lately have been warmer, and I'm a big fan of that.

Jason got a new job here, which will greatly help out with our finances. The other restaurant just wasn't busy enough and had on way too many bartenders at a time. The Temperance House is a community favorite and has been around forever with a lot of regulars. He gave his 2 week notice yesterday, and is already at the new place tonight training and learning the ropes there. I'm very proud of him.

Check out Jack's new school picture:

How handsome is that?

Right now, I'm about to play some Mario Kart on the wii with Jack, so more will follow later...

sucky

Just when you think things can't really get much worse, something happens and you realize that there is a whole new level to everything being lousy. Like when you're already struggling beyond belief with finances and a budget, and then one of your cars dies and will cost $1300.00 to repair. $1300.00 that we don't have at all. So now Jason's car is sitting at the mechanic while we juggle having one car, which, because of where we live, is an extremely difficult thing to do. There is no public transportation here, and walking three miles to get to the market, for example, is a real drag in freezing, rainy weather. Sorry this post is a downer, but my entire life is right now so there you go.

dad

I'm not feeling incredibly chatty, so I'm going to be posting pictures... which essentially are worth a thousand words, so I guess I'm pretty chatty after all.

This is a picture of my Dad, second from the left, from the early 1950s, when they were on their way to Cuba. In a few more weeks, Dad will be 79 years old, which I is hard for me to wrap my head around. I'm going to be posting some great pics of him as I find them, and as the scanner decides to cooperate, as a little homage to the best father ever. Seriously. Ozzie Nelson, Fred MacMurray... you've got nothing on my Dad.

salad

From Friday morning, about 6am... my breakfast buddies.

fall

autumn

Signs that the seasons are changing...



The front yard with it's pumpkins. Also, you can see the trees in the woods (on the left side of the pic) are starting to change colors. It was raining when I took this pic, which, sadly, is another sign that Fall is here.


Trees are getting colorful...


In the office at the farm, Richard had a fire going when I got into work today. I was very happy to see that, as was Baxter, who we see here laying by the fire, happy and content with his blanky.

rocks

Here we have Bing on the rocks, during his outside adventure this afternoon.

weekend

Yesterday, the kids and I spent a few hours at IKEA, which is very easy to do. We got there around 3:30pm-ish, and since none of us had eaten lunch we decided to do a linner (think brunch but lunch/dinner). It was good. Brittany had chicken fingers, Jack had the meatballs, and I opted for the salmon. As Brittany said, "This is the best meal I've ever had in a furniture store." It was really good and the lingonberry juice is amazing... can you make the yummy sound?

We didn't buy a whole lot of stuff, but we did get a bunch of new bed pillows (feather/down super fluffy) for all of us. We had fun walking through the store and checking out the display areas. Especially when the three of us hid in a closet and waited for an unsuspecting customer to open it up, and boy, was that a riot. We scared some teenage girl and that was hilarious. Then, while we were in the office workspace area, we sat in big chairs and practiced our "villain-y revel". You know, the moment when the henchmen bring James Bond into some inner lair and have him stand before a desk, and then the chair spins around and you hear "Well, Mr Bond, we meet again!" That was hilarious, too. We have such fun shopping.

Today I've been doing laundry and puttering. I replanted my peace lily into a larger pot, and put a new ivy into the smaller one that the lily was in. Both look good. My dining room is begining to look like a greenhouse. Will have to take a picture soon. Bing is outside in the cage enjoying the sunny day. It's pretty warm out there, but I'm not letting him stay out too much longer. The bunnies were out and about earlier. They seemed to enjoy tearing apart some new boxes I got for them.

I need to go work some more on the laundry situation. Almost have two rubbermaid containers packed up with summer gear. Now just have to reorganize to make room for all the sweaters and sweatshirts... they take up much more room than the summer stuff.

sick

I just realized how behind in my blogging I have gotten. My goal this year was to surpass the 406 blog posts I made last year, and here it is October and this is post 245. Needless to say, I've got a lot of catching up to do. I think you may get pretty sick and tired of reading all the *sure-to-be-brilliant* posts I will be coming up with. Oh, and by the way, *this* means sarcasm.

love

I absolutely love this picture of Toby. Look at that happy face. Oh it makes me miss him so much, but I am so happy I got to be his friend in the first place. I miss and love him just so much.

found

I just found this long lost honeymoon picture of what I thought was just a very cool sunset. I didn't notice Jason and I down in the bottom corner (it doesn't stand out as much on the actual photograph as it does here on the computer). We're on scooters and Jason has our snorkeling gear in the back basket of his. This was the day I almost drowned in Hanauma Bay... but apart from that, it was the perfect honeymoon day really.

eleven

It is just under eleven weeks until Christmas. That's not really too far away, is it? Tsh at Simple Mom blog (linked under the word simple in my links on the side) has a very good continuing series about getting ready for Christmas. Basically, if we start in now on one of the many jobs we have to do to make Christmas happen, when the actual holiday season gets here, we'll have the time to enjoy it (instead of running around like mad trying to get it all done). I love love love Christmas, but I don't like the stress and I despise the commercialism of it. So this year's holiday will be more relaxed, more meaningful, and more festive fun. I'm cutting way back on my present giving, which, granted, wasn't hugely plentiful to begin with. But to stay on track with our new budget and to keep the stress down, presents will only be bought for the kids and each other. And Dee. Plus, we'll get my parents a gift certificate to a restaurant, or tickets to a show or something. Co-workers, friends, and neighbors will get yummies: fudge, cookies, stuff like that. And that is it for shopping. Nice. Oh, and I've already bought my Christmas cards. They are small and sweet, and cost $1 for 8. I bought 2 packs. Obviously, I'll be sending them to limited people. And that's it. And that's fine.

autumnal

I'm trying to get into fall... but it's a challenge. It's hard to get into a season that symbolizes so much death and darkness. Does that sound down and depressing? That's kind of the way I see this time of year.

My garden is pretty much done. The mint is still growing rampant, but I think everything else has given up. A few tomatoes are still on the vine, but whether they'll make it to *red* before it starts freezing at night is anybody's guess. The worst part about the garden dying is not being able to go out and pick a salad for Bing, Hazel, and Pancake every morning.


This past week marked twenty years since Pumpkin, my childhood dog, was put to sleep. She was 16 & 1/2, and had a major seizure. I got her when I was 8 years old and she died when I was 24, a year after Brittany was born. She was my best friend when I was a kid. Pumpkin, Lori, and Dee = best friends.

In movies and on television, they always portray Autumn as such a wonderful time of year. For me, not so much. On film, it's pretty leaves and big sweaters and apple cider and pumpkins. In life, it's cold, damp, not summery, and it's when the Raynaud's syndrome starts acting up again, so it's painful.

But I will try to focus on the positive sides of the season, and not be a Negative Nellie. Positive things like:

1. Since flip flops are out of the question, I will enjoy wearing shoes and socks. When I put a ton of moisturizing lotion on my feet and then put on big, thick socks, it's like a mini-spa treatment for my feet. They are soft and smooth and feel nice and look pretty. Look pretty, that is, for the two minutes while I'm slathering them with lotion before I put the socks back on. Or while I'm in the shower, I can look down at my feet and think, "My, aren't they pretty."

2. Silk long underwear feels nice.

3. I've got some amazing hats and now will be able to wear them. Tomorrow I'll be getting out the hardcore cold weather gear out of the cedar chest and out of the attic.

4. Madison has a very stylish dog coat and will look so fetching (ha! dog pun!) when we're walking at the big park. We will be two well-dressed girls out for a stroll.

5. It's nice having the house plants back in the house (they're put out in the backgarden during the summer). One of my favorite things to do around the house is tend to the plants. I enjoy the puttering around aspect of it.

6. Baked apples are delicious and make the house smell quite good. It's yummy to fill the cored-center section with raisins and brown sugar. Apples are such a perfect fruit.

7. With the days being shorter and our evenings completely dark, the cozy, low-lit ambiance that lamps provide make for the perfect environment for curling up on the couch with a good book and a cup of tea or a bowl of soup.

8. Speaking of tea and soup, there are just some things which are perfect cold weather foods. In the summer, I don't do a lot of cooking/baking cause it just gets the house too hot. Usually Jason will grill dinner, which is fine by me. But in the colder weather, I like to cook more, so it will soon be time for chicken enchiladas, baked ziti, lasagna, and cookies and other things not only warm us up on the inside, but warm up the house and make it smell good, too. I am going to have to do some experimenting with some of my recipes to make them more Weight Watcher friendly, but that's do-able. I've also got the Hungry Girl cookbook, which has a ton of great recipes in it, so I think I'll be doing a lot of cooking this Fall and Winter.

I'm sure there are more, and I will maybe make a list of them in the near future. I just want to try to be more positive and enjoy all the blessings I have in my life. Even if those blessings involve raking leaves.

escape

The Great Escape is on the telly and it's awesome. Such a great movie about such a horrific subject. The fact that it's based on a true story makes it that much more heart-breaking, yet it has so many humorous moments and dialogue.

Plus, Steve McQueen and James Garner... it doesn't get much more beautiful than that.

alrighty

My post from the other day that was cloaked in mystery wrapped in an enigma can be further explained now. To sum up:

Jason's friend Todd works with a woman who's mother just recently passed away. Apparently, it was rather sudden because the mother had just got a beagle puppy, and now this puppy needed a new home.

I was torn, because, honestly, there are not many things cuter than a beagle puppy. But at the same time, I knew it was too soon. As it turns out, they found a good home for the pooch, and that is for the best.

I told Jason to tell Todd that, yes, we would take it, because I've never had a puppy before and I knew we would give it a wonderful home and it could be a friend for Madison. Then when Jason told me that a home had already been found, I was disappointed, but not for long. Because when I really thought of the reality of it, a puppy is a lot of work and I've got my hands full as is. So I am glad things worked out as they did. The important thing is the dog is with a loving family.

We'll get another dog some day, but it won't be for a while. I think Madison is still missing Toby, as we all are, but I also think she is loving the 'only dog' attention she is getting. And she has fun being with Deb's dog Roller when we go for walks. Soon, she'll be having tons of fun at the dog park when that opens up in a few weeks. I'm really looking forward to that, too.

nice

I'm a big fan of lamps. I like them so much better than overhead lighting. The way small lights make a house seem cozy and warm... that's nice, especially in the winter and cooler months.

I'll be doing a lot of work at home this weekend, including cleaning up the garden and putting it to bed. Jason won't be around much as he has two singing gigs (one tonight, one tomorrow afternoon), so it's just me and the kids. Right now we're all in the front room where I am on the computer and Britt and Jack are on the couch, reading and playing video games. We tend to flock together, even though we do separate things. That's nice, too.

The rain from this morning has stopped and we're going out to run a few errands in a bit. Then it'll be time to come home and get stuff done. Instead of writing what I plan to do, let's just wait and I'll write about what I did. A lot less disappointing that way.

now

Don't you ever wonder why certain things happen when they do? Not so much why something has happened, or even the 'how could this have happened?'-type of situation, but just the "why did _____(insert a bad event here)_____ have to happen now?" With the operative word being 'now'.

Then later, something else happens and you realize that "wow, if that first thing didn't happen, then this second thing would have never been a possibility..." And then maybe you understand a bit why the first thing happened when it did.

I don't want to say anymore on the subject (I've barely said anything as is), but something may be happening with us. And the timing of it has me thinking...

zach

This morning while I was doing laundry in the Lodge, my pig Zach was with me, helping, sort of. Helping as in if I wondered what a blanket would look like being modeled by a pig, he would show me. That's helpful.

He and Mr T are in the Lodge now. Mr T is old and his arthritis is bad, especially now that it is getting cold out. In the Lodge, they will be warmer, and I'll be able to keep a better eye on them. They may be going into the barn later, and that would be good as well, but I hope they can stay where they are for the winter at least.


Now Zachy won't have to worry about Bam Bam trying to steal his food while he's eating. You gotta watch out for goats. They've got devil eyes, remember.

monday

So another week begins that I am not ready for. Just no motivation or energy or desire, really, to do anything but go back to bed and sleep for a few more hours, but that is not to be. Didn't get enough sleep last night so I am really feeling lousy today. It's amazing how much that makes a huge difference in my day. I've been making an effort to get enough sleep each night and trying to make that a priority. Tonight I absolutely must go to bed early... like maybe 8pm.

Yesterday we went to Patrick and Rach's house and hung out with them. We went pumpkin-picking at Freddy's Family Fun Center and that was fun. Went back to their place and bbq'ed, and that was delicious and fun, too. I was kind of a wet blanket as I was just having a sad day, missing Toby and just stressed about things, but I still had a good time. I'm glad we get to hang out with them.

Need to get moving now so I can get my day started. Only, of course, so I can get that much closer to ending it.

cut

I love this picture of us cutting the cake. So classy with my tongue sticking out. That just shows how much I'm concentrating...

The reason I'm posting this pic? Well, first of all, women don't need a reason to post pics of their wedding, but here's mine: one of my goals is to lose enough weight to fit back into that dress. So Jason and I can go to Atlantic city and renew our vows.

That is such a good goal.

24

This morning at Weight Watchers, I weighed in 4.4 pounds lighter, making my total weight loss 24 pounds. Deb, likewise, lost 3.2 pounds today. We've both done very well and I am proud of us. Now, it's on to the next 24....

good

I've had a good morning today. Surprisingly since I awoke with a headache, but I could tell it was brought on by caffeine-withdrawal (and yes, that is the correct spelling for withdrawal. I'm bothered by the second 'a' in there... looks weird to me). So some Excedrin and a cup of hot tea, and I am almost there (there being in a headache-free zone).

Jack and I had breakfast of tea & toast & fruit (pineapple for him, strawberries for me), while the rabbits and guinea pig hopped/ran all over the floor. There is something so nice about starting the day this way. It's still dark outside so I've got a low-light lamp lit, which makes the back of the house seem very cozy. Sipping tea and chatting with Jack, while Madison stays right by our side, and the little critters get their morning exercise before I clean out the bunnies' litter pan and fix them a salad. Of course, we miss not having Toby with us, and I can tell that Madison and Hazel miss him, too. He always had a way with the ladies... he certainly charmed me.

Now I'm gonna take Madison around the block before I head off to work. The buns and gp are back in their homes, happily chowing down on their salads, and Jack has left for school. It's time to get the rest of my day going, even though it won't be as relaxing and peaceful as this...

difficult

The past few days have been especially difficult for me. I miss Toby so much, it physically hurts. Sunday was a day spent mostly in bed. I woke up at 9am, puttered around the house tending to the rabbits and letting the guinea pig out while I cleaned their cages and made them salads. Ate some breakfast, checked my email, made cornbread muffins, then went back to bed from about noon until 5pm. I showered, had dinner, let the rabbits and Bing out again. Made my lunch for today and took Madison for a walk, and then went to bed. I cried a lot. It doesn't help. The crying gives me a headache. I'm still so sad.

I didn't go into work on Wednesday or Thursday. I stayed home. Spent a lot of time with Madison. We must have gone on two dozen walks. I can tell she is sad, too. And confused, like she's not sure what's going on, why Toby isn't here. I'm sure seeing me in the middle of 20 crying bouts confuses her even more.

Went into work on Friday which was dreadful. Crying at work is always a nightmare. Susan didn't want me to get upset so she said she wasn't going to say anything, but she did write an extremely kind and much appreciated message on the farm's facebook page about Toby which was so nice. Richard just kinda tip-toed around me but didn't say anything nice or comforting, which doesn't surprise me. Rich was very sweet though and very compassionate. He's the only person who took the time to talk to me about it and he talked about when his cat died and how hard that was. Of course I was blubbering the whole time I talked to him, but he was cool with that and very sympathetic. I left work around 3pm and met Deb at the big park to walk Roller and Madison. That was good.

Saturday we went to WW and I lost 1.8lbs which was really good considering the lousy week I had. Total weight loss is now 19.8#. Was hoping to hit the 20# mark this past week but oh well. We then walked around Newtown, spent a good half an hour trying to catch a wounded squirrel (turns out he wasn't as wounded as we thought and kept evading us, which is a good thing). Went to the farmer's market and then came home. I don't really remember much else about Saturday except that Brittany and I went to the thrift store where I got cute dish with a bunny on it, and a cute wool Anne Klein cardigan for $4.00. Sweet. We also went to Walmart so she could get new shoes and I picked up a Beatles cd. The rest of Saturday was spent crying, walking the dog, and weeding the front garden area.

As the days go on, the crying lessens. The sadness is still here, it's just not as raw. I'm sure people that read this who aren't animal people are rolling their eyes thinking I'm going overboard about losing my dog. The only thing I can say about that is that I can't help the way I feel, and I'm not going to explain myself any more than that or try to justify it. As a matter of fact, if you're not an animal person and you don't understand that kind of love then there's really nothing to say to you. I just feel sorry for you. Toby was one of the best 'people' I've ever known, and my life was improved a million times over having him for my dog. I will miss him every day of my life and I am looking forward to seeing him again when I get to heaven. He was my best friend.

snow

This was taken in January 2009, when Toby turned 17. Just look at that face... impossible not to fall in love with him.

mosaic

memory

Jason, Deb, and I took Toby to the hospital this morning where he was put to sleep. He was having seizures all last night and this morning, and it was time. I am completely devastated and feel like I lost my best friend, which I have. This video was taken in January of '08, when he was a youngster of 16. I miss him so much already.

toby

Toby is not doing well. He's been off his food for a few days now, so I've been cooking chicken for him, which he's had an appetite for until today. When I got home from the farm this afternoon, I noticed he had thrown up 3 times and peed a few times, too. He's been drinking a lot lately, and Deb said that can be a sign of kidney problems. She stopped by the house when she got off work (she is a vet tech) and gave us a few options and things to do. I am so thankful for her and her kindness. Right now he is on tramadol for pain (he was shivering all afternoon which can indicate pain) and pepcid ac for his upset stomach... to see if that helps. She also said that there are blood tests and things like that which could be done, but for a dog who is almost 18, well... you know. I'm hoping the tramadol kicks in soon cause I hate the thought of him being in pain. My head hurts cause I've been crying off and on since I got home. This is so hard.

This was taken about an hour ago. Only a completely deaf dog could handle laying under the piano when Jason is playing. I love Toby so much. I hope he knows that.

goat

This is Bam Bam, the newest resident at the farm. He's got devil eyes.

review

Book review for Stephen King's Duma Key:

eh.

little

Sometimes we forget to be thankful for the little things. I don't want to do that.

dear Jason -
Thank you for making sure I am covered up when you come to bed at night.
Thank you for telling me you love me every day.
Thank you for giving me that look that lasts a moment or two longer than it should... the one that makes my stomach flip-flop. Yeah, thanks a lot for that... it's wonderful.

dear McDonald's drive thru window girl -
Thank you for smiling at me in the morning.
Thank you for not rolling your eyes when I order my unsweetened iced tea and then ask for 5 splenda. And thanks for knowing how to count.

dear Mom -
Thank you for being the best mother-in-law ever. I am so lucky and blessed to have you in my life. I wish we lived close to each other... I'm tired of missing you. I love you so much.

dear Sunshine -
Thank you for being here. Stick around... we love you and miss you so much when you're gone.

dear Toby -
Thank you for living this long. You bring joy to my everyday. But don't hang around for my benefit... I don't want you to be here if you're hurting. You've been the best dog ever. If you want to go, go. I'll catch up with you in Heaven.

adorable

Michelle Williams' haircut is just about one of the cutest things ever. Very Mia Farrow-ish, and only certain people can pull this off, but I just absolutely love it.

update

I went to Weight Watchers with Deb yesterday morning and am delighted to report that I lost 2.4# this past week, making my total loss 18 pounds! Am shooting to hit the 20# mark next week. Have borrowed a good exercise dvd from Deb that I'm gonna do a few times, and we've also walked the dogs at the big park, and will be doing that some more, too, so yay us! It is sooooo awesome doing this with a friend who is going through the same thing and is supportive and gets it, you know? Well, maybe you don't so just trust me on that.

critters

Cindy mentioned how she likes my posts about critters, and frankly, so do I. I can't imagine not having animals in my life. So here are some pics of just some of the different animals I was blessed to have enjoyed this past week. And, by the way, my camera battery is dead so these are all courtesy of my cell phone, thus explaining the high-quality...
Last night, whilst watching Man vs Food with Jason and Jack (we love that show!!!), we had our own episode of Rabbit & Guinea Pig vs Salad... and am happy to report that Pancake and Bing united against salad and kicked it's butt. Oh, and Hazel helped, too, but was feeling camera shy. Silly rabbit!


Yesterday, Jack and I went up to Quakertown for an event at Last Chance Ranch. A lot of animal groups were there, including Pig Placement Network that I work with, and we had a really good time. Susan and Eileen were there representing PPN, so we hung out with them a bit and wandered around checking out all the animals. Jack was really taken with the horses, and I was happy to see that. Maybe there will be horses in his future... who know?

Karabelle had her babies (five total with three survivors). Here is one of them at about two days old, doing what they do a lot of... eating! They are absolutely precious and I'll be getting some better pics of them soon. They grow up so fast...



When I was over cleaning the cottage this week, I was doing a little excavating in the back woods for some rocks for my front yard (more about that later). I found this little guy, and a few more like him, under some of the rocks. I believe he is a newt, although he could be a salamander. Don't really know, don't really care... I enjoyed him for a moment and then set him free... which reminds me of my social life when I was in my early twenties, but I digress... Newts are cool.

guess

Sometimes I just don't have time to write one of those big, purposeful posts that talk about something relevant or important. Sometimes I only have time for one of those random posts that just mentions a little of this, a little of that, and nothing about it is profound or a revelation. Just guess what kind of post this will be....

Sinus pressure, headache and the accompanying mucus is probably a post that you really don't want me to get into much detail about - so I won't. But, boy, could I.... I am feeling quite poorly, and lets just leave it at that.

Except to say that not only is being sick not good, but the meds I take make me feel out of it. Even if it says non-drowsy, I still feel that way. Almost fell asleep at my desk today.

We have a goat at the farm now. He is an older guy, 13 years old which is old for a goat, apparently, and his name is Bam Bam. He is a rescue. And I've kinda fallen a little bit in love with him. Some of the best parts of my day is when I am sitting on the bench feeding Bam Bam some orchard grass. He follows me around and is very sweet.

Last week, I did something that I don't think I've ever done before. I hugged two nuns. They were visiting their pig at the farm. Raymond was there because Sister Mary Francis isn't well enough to care for him, and she wanted what was best for her pig. This was her first time to the farm. I've been in contact with her numerous times on the phone and by email for the past year, so it felt like I knew her. It was really cool meeting her in person and getting the chance to talk to her. Even though I am not Catholic, I have such respect for nuns and priests who give their whole lives to serving God. They rock.

I saw a flock of wild turkeys this afternoon on my way home. I can never resist rolling down the window and gobbling at them. I think they enjoy that. I know the farmer on the tractor I passed by did.

Tomorrow is Friday, and for that I am glad. I want to make it a short work day for me because I am just dragging.

sweet

Brittany had given me a refresher course on how to print the screen and edit it down to a saved picture, so I practiced on some of the Sweet guys. Am now off to the backgarden where I am going to listen to some Sweet while reading some Duma Key, drinking some iced tea, and letting the rabbits, dogs, and guinea pig run around. The laundry and clothes and cleaning can wait... I want to enjoy this sunny day.

sunny

Jason has left to visit his dad and stepmother who are staying with Jason's stepsister Sally, who lives in the outskirts of Pittsburgh, while she recovers from foot surgery. So he is driving about 5-6 hours to see them, and then turning around to drive 5-6 hours home tomorrow. We miss him.

So, onto happier things...

The rain has stopped, and it's a gorgeous sunny day. Jack and I are going over to Warminster Community Park to walk Madison around. Just read some very interesting information about the dog park they are in the process of building there... can't wait for that to happen! Deb and I will definitely take advantage of that with Madison and Roller.

Yesterday, I went to Weight Watchers sans Deb, as she and Christopher are on vacation right now. I lost 3.2# making my total 15.6 pounds lost.... woo hoo! It is coming off slowly but surely. Just wish it would happen faster.

When I got home yesterday, I hung out with Brittany and she broke out the poker chips and we played some Texas Hold 'Em poker. That was fun, and I won. Wish I could have that kind of luck in Atlantic City, but oh well. Just kinda hung out for the rest of the day reading Duma Key and napping. Finally got Jason to go through his tee shirts and figure out which ones we could pack away during winter, which ones to keep out, and which ones we could donate. The man has over 40 tee shirts. Ridiculous.

Jack went out to a birthday party for his friend Matt B. last night, so Britt and I went out and ran some errands and had a good time. When we got home, we watched some tv while the bunnies and guinea pig frolicked. That was hilarious... watching them interact is too funny.

Right now, I'm gonna go upstairs and do some laundry and maybe work some in Jack's room. I want to rearrange the furniture and get it more organized, and I need to sort through his clothing situation and see what needs to stay and what needs to go.

Always seems like there is something to do....

more

Here we are right before our 10 year class reunion. This was taken at my house in Fullerton. That was a fun night.... although mine ended way better than Dee's did. Ha! Dee, remember that?

Dee and I went to Europe together in 1984, the year after we graduated. Here we are in Paris outside of a restaurant we ate at. We had a great vacation together. I need to find more of these pics and post them... they are pretty funny.

Here we are in her backyard with her little dog Tipsy. Probably '91 or '92, judging by how old Brittany is here.

Here we are in Needles, CA... the middle of nowhere. This was in Denny's... the only decent rest stop in the desert. Dee helped us move from Anaheim to Flagstaff. She was a life saver on this trip.

Here we are hanging out in my Anaheim apartment shortly before Jason and I were married (the date on the pic says 23 May 1994, so five days before the big day!) We are both sans make up, so she probably just came over for a bbq and to give Brittany a bath and to hang. I miss those days.

dee

Dee and I at our Confirmation when we were in 8th grade, so that makes me 14 here and Dee is still 13, almost 14. This was a little over 30 years ago... how is that possible?!



Here we are during our sophomore or junior year at Lutheran High School. I've always liked this pic of us... don't ask me why.



Dee is also Brittany's godmother, and here we are at Hillcrest Park in Fullerton, CA. This was probably about 1991-92 or so.


Dee was my Maid of Honor so she had to dress me and do other fun jobs like loofah my stretch marks and things like that. As you can see, Dee is one of the most important people in my whole entire life.


I think this is one of the last pics of us taken together... this is when we flew out to CA for a vacation in 2003-04. I hate that we live 3000 miles away from each other. I miss her everyday.

Happy Birthday, Dee... I love you so much and always will. My life would not be the same if it wasn't for you, and I am so blessed to have you be such a big part of it.

miscellaneous

I am tired beyond belief and am on my way to bed, but wanted to post something as I realize I've not done that lately.... so here goes nothing:

A deer ran out in front of me today while driving from the farm to the bank. I didn't hit it, but it's the closest I've come, and it was scary. Why do they wait for the last minute before a car is there to dart across the road? I later saw two dead deer on the sides of two roads and it just made me so sad.

I am so sick and tired of dealing with Jack and his homework situation everyday. And I'm not too fond of getting up at 5:30am during the week either. This is so frustrating and exhausting and lousy. Jason is at work so he doesn't have to go through all of this, which is good, but I really wish that kid would get his act together.

I'm worried about my pig, Mr T. He is really slowing down... very arthritic and just doesn't want to go out to graze or walk around like he used to. Yesterday and today I spent some time just sitting with him in the dirt in his pen, rubbing his belly and talking to him. It was good for both of us. I am going to try to get him into the Lodge for winter.

We are seriously going on a very strict budget as our money situation is not a very good one. I am going to be doing a lot of planning/budgeting/figuring this weekend to see where we can save money and stop frittering it away. Because it stinks. And it's depressing.

The past few mornings when I am downstairs with Jack packing lunches or getting breakfast, when the bunnies are out hopping about in the back part of the house with us, I've put Bing the guinea pig down on the floor and it's a riot. He struts around like he owns the place and tries to pick fights with Pancake, who just boxes at him and then scampers off. Bing never tries to fight with Hazel (must be the male/female thing).... I think he is courting her. It is so funny how much his fighting stance and behavior is just like the pigs at the farm. I'm gonna try to film it one of these days...

Tomorrow is my best friend's birthday. I will be doing a special birthday post for her very soon.

That's all this tired mind's got. I will leave you with this:

Oscar with his hairy old man nose, laying in the sun. He's one of my favorite pigs, and I am the only person at the farm that he likes. Everyone calls him Oscar the Grouch, but I call him 'Oscar Mayer - the Big Wiener' and I think he likes that better. I just love this guy.

quote

"Holy cow! It's 2:19!!!" said Jennifer, realizing they are supposed to be at the bbq in 40 minutes.

why

Why aren't there as many fireflies as there were a few years ago? I remember when we first moved to Pennsylvania in 1996, there were so many! Brittany was 8 and Jack was just an infant, but Brittany and her friends would catch them and then release them, and we did the same thing with Jack and his friends when he got older. Now, there are barely any out there anymore. How sad. That was always a fun memory from when I would visit my grandparents' house when I was a kid, cause they didn't have them in California. They are like nature's twinkle lights.

combustion

My cell phone is about to burst into flames.... I just spoke with my mother for an hour and ten minutes. She may be slowing down but she's still got phone-stamina beyond belief.

running

I've done some running around today and I'd like to tell you about it. That doesn't necessarily mean you're gonna want to read about, but that's a risk I'm willing to take.

Left around 11:30am with Jack to hit the library... but alas (yes, this calls for an alas), they were closed for Labor Day Weekend. Now I'm all about libraries... I absolutely love them and they've enabled me to get rid of the vast majority of my books, which I love. And I know that the dear women who work there deserve a break now and again, but... come on! They are only open for 5 hours on Friday, already get Sundays off, and are naturally off for Labor Day Monday. Was it really necessary to take off Saturday, too?

Well, I'll tell you what... since I am trying to be a more positive person, I am going to put a positive spin on this:
1. This way I didn't have to pay my overdue fines today. It was only for four books kept a week past their due date, so not an exorbitant amount, but I prefer paying it the next time I go.
2. I did turn in my books, except for Duma Key by S.King which I was going to renew. I'm only 1/3rd of the way through it. Now if I can finish that within the next few days, then I won't have to renew it.
3. That's really all I've got, but I like this list thing to be at least three in length.

So then Jack and I stopped by Goodwill. I was looking for a couple things in particular.... a lamp for Jack's desk, and chair for in front of said desk, and a new purse for me (as my $7.00 deal that I got from Target has ripped apart at the straps... hmph, some deal). Found a great sturdy chair for $5.00, and an awesome leather purse for $20. And yeah, that is a lot for a thrift store purse, but this purse is from an exclusive little shop in New Hope (see here for my bag, it's the second from the top) and retails for $230. Yeah, can you say sweet score?!!? It's the big brown messenger bag, and the leather is so soft and supple and has that new purse smell. It's in perfect condition, too. This is the kind of purse that will last forever. I had second thoughts about buying leather, but I just couldn't pass this one up.

We didn't find a lamp for Jack's room, but I figured I can use the one that's on top of our fridge until I find something for him. That should work out okay. I've got another lamp that is kinda in the window between the tv room and kitchen that shines in the kitchen enough to give a little light. Sometimes, especially in the mornings, I really like having a soft, low light in the kitchen.

We then hit Wendy's for a cheap lunch (baked potato & diet coke for me, bbq boneless wings & a frosty for Jack) and then went to another thrift store still in search of that elusive lamp. Didn't find it, but did get Jack a few books and a tennis racket, and a book for Brittany that she is going to love with all her nerdiness. Not only is it written by Wm Shatner, but it features the adventures of Jake Cardigan, futuristic private eye. Win win, I said, without a trace of sarcasm.

Now we're home and the bunnies are hopping about the backgarden. I'm going to go out and join them shortly, most likely with a big glass of iced tea and my Duma Key library book. It's very relaxing and enjoyable out there. Then I think we'll hit the pool for a bit, as we only have today, tomorrow, and Monday left for that. Sigh.

love

These guys are my boyfriends and they all love me... well, maybe not Brian Epstein, but John, Paul, & George for sure.

lazed

Spent the entire day lazing on the couch, mostly napping, with brief periods of Project Runway marathon thrown in. My headache is almost completely gone... which is good. Not 100% yet, but getting there. Am going to go upstairs and work on the laundry situation while I watch Larry King Live with Linda Kasabian and Vincent Bugliosi... one of the defendants and the main prosecutor in the Manson (and Atkins, Krenwinkle, and Van Houten) trial, which has always been a fascinating subject for me. And yes, I know the murders that took place are morbid and horrible and heinous and disgusting, but I absolutely am so impressed with how Bugliosi not only prosecuted the case, but was hugely instrumental in gathering evidence, interviewing hundreds of people, and putting this case together. It's not an easy thing to get a jury to believe that a person could have so much power over others that he could get them to kill for him, but that's what happened and that's what Bugliosi did. Not to mention tying the Tate case with the LaBianca case, which the police didn't even do at first. That's just some of the reasons why the book "Helter Skelter" is one of my favorites. I think Vincent Bugliosi is very impressive.

more

Here's a few more pics from our trip to Philly earlier in the week to hold you over...

Here's Jack enjoying the ice cream cone he had while we were in the city. I enjoyed it vicariously through him... which isn't really enjoyable at all. Although I'm glad he liked it.


Ironically, Jack had a lot to say about this. We both have a thing for Benjamin Franklin (seriously, he was an amazing man!), and always visit his museum when we're in the city. It's very interesting... plus it's air-conditioned and it's free, which is exactly how it should be. Everyone should have the opportunity to learn about him and all the good he has done.


Chocolate ears. I don't know why. I don't understand. But hey, it's chocolate!


Philadelphia City Hall is one of the most fascinating buildings architecturally. It is huge, and the detail on this thing is amazing. At one time, the statue of William Penn was the tallest thing in the city, and no new buildings could be taller than that, but then things changed... my guess is that it had to do with money. As in some fat-cat paying off someone so they could have a taller building, and it just escalated from there. Philadelphia isn't exactly known for it's wholesome and honest politicians, you know.


There is a lot of funky art in this city, and I love that. If you look closely, maybe with a magnifying glass, to the left of the fountain way in the background you can see the Philadelphia Art Museum. And if you look really closely, maybe with a microscope, you can see a tiny Rocky Balboa running up those stairs... maybe.

headache

I awoke around 2am with a headache. Went back to sleep thinking it would be gone when I got up at 5:30am with Jack... it wasn't. It was worse. Got him off to school and drank copious amounts of hot tea... in this case, copious amounts = two large mugs. Napped on couch until just shortly when I was awoken by two howling beagles freaking out over a rabbit in the backgarden.

Side note: Never mind the fact that there are two rabbits in the kitchen all the time, which when they are out hopping about, scare Madison and disinterest Toby. But if it's a wild bun in the yard... well, the beagles go instantly into hound-dog mode and feel the need to bay and howl as though our lives depend on it. Right now, my life depends on peace and quiet, at least until I can shake this headache.

So I think I am going to go back to bed upstairs, where hopefully Jason isn't snoring. I hope I didn't just jinx myself. I will be back to post more later, as I've got pics to share and things to say, but priority one is dark quiet where it doesn't feel like I've got knives in my eyes.

summer

Summer... come back... I miss you. I wasn't done with you yet. My flip flops still have life in them. These clear, sunny days are perfect for the pool... not for school. Summer, come back... I can't last nine long months without you. Hurry, summer, hurry...

philly

Philly pigeon dipping his pretzel in gutter water.



Love the little flower pots and boxes people have decorating their front door areas.



I enjoyed exploring the small little alleys in the historic district with their cute homes.



Jack in front of Bassett's Ice Cream stand in Reading Terminal Market, where he got an ice cream... the same place where his great grandfather took Jack's Poppop as a boy for a cold one.


Independence Hall in the background...