Accidental Photo

This photo occurred while I was trying to adjust a setting on the camera and didn't realize I was accidentally taking a picture. Nice kind of accident.

A New 'Do for Poo

Poor Formby was long overdo for a haircut and the new snow was causing her to tangle. I don't think she has ever been this furry faced in her 14 years. She can now see better, and definitely smells better!

Before

After

Winter Fun

The snow today delayed plans for Mom and Dad's visit until tomorrow, but Lyle and I made the best of the unexpected snow and had fun. The dogs (we're babysitting Bev) kept asking to go out just to play. They had a blast romping, chasing each other and chewing sticks. Then we all made it to the park for a photo session. Does anyone want to guess how much snow clumps onto a golden retriever and then melts all over the dining room floor?

Christmas Beauty

The miserable rain turned to snow when the temps went from 43 to 24 in a matter of a few hours, bringing with it a flurry of activity to the bird feeders. This flicker and cardinal were among the many birds happy for a free meal.

Merry Christmas

The usual holiday progression at our house.

Lyle behaving nicely while waiting for presents.

Reaction when he thinks his stocking contains less than anyone else's.

A bit too much holiday cheer.

Holiday Wishes

Formby hopes everyone gets what they want for Christmas this year!

Fireside Takeover

Looks like there's competition for the hearth pillow.

We Have Fire

And a very happy little dog.

Gave up on trying wood in the old fireplace and finally had gas logs installed today.

I still have to add more "ashes" to the floor around the unit, but thought I'd make sure everything else looks good for a day or two first.

Mmmmm....

Butter, powdered sugar, AND syrup.

My mama taught me how to have a good start to a day!

Truvy

Caught It!

"The orange headed caterpillar is doomed!"

Getting Sleepy

And She's Out

Formby is Losing It

Formby is back in Springfield and I'm questioning her mental stability. Despite the choice of a comfy bed on the couch, a heated pad in the cat condo, or a bed in my office, I kept finding her asleep on pieces of dirty laundry in the middle of the bathroom floor (no commentary on my laundry needed). Since her hearing is gone, and fearing I'd accidentally kill her by tripping over her in the middle of the night, I finally gave her a bed in the bathroom. Not terribly convenient in that small space, but if it keeps her happy (and alive,) so be it.

Birthday "Elk?"

Lyle sent me this from his phone.

Not everyone celebrates with a raw elk marrow bone,

but as they are her favorite food in the world, who are we to argue.

Happy Birthday Formby!

Someone turns 14 today!

Easton's Graduation

Wow, what a fantastic and rewarding weekend! Easton III graduated as a successor service dog for Lisa, who lives in St Louis. Canine Companions for Independence put a on touching graduation ceremony and celebration and gave us puppy raisers special time alone with the pups we raised but hadn't seen in six months. What a joyful reunion. Silly Easton couldn't quite figure out how to get himself into my lap and look up at me at the same time. After some quality time together, we were treated to a brunch with the human graduates where we could learn about each other and exchange stories. Being the star he is, Easton skipped ahead of the scheduled lessons and was pulling Lisa's jacket sleeves off for her well before team training had ended.
 After the graduation itself, we all chatted some more and I could see how attentive Easton was to Lisa and what a bond they are already developing. Lisa tells me he already has bed privileges and snuggled in with her, nose to nose, resting his paw over her shoulder. Nothing could make me happier.

Our reunion

at break before ceremony

Sneaking a bit more quality time during the ceremony before presenting Easton to Lisa.

Easton, Lisa, me and Lilly

Special goodies provided by CCI volunteers

The Next Generation.

Hopefully Easton was whispering some words of advice to Lilly.

She has some big paw prints to fill.

Playtime

Bev and Sierra are staying with me tonight, preparing for our trip to Ohio.

Bev, a party pooper, is asleep in her crate, but Lilly and Sierra have the whole house rattling.

Note Ouiser sitting in the basket grooming herself. A very confident (or stupid) cat with a rough and tumble golden and rottweiler just feet away. Or maybe she just knows they are both big lovable lugs.

New Recipe

Rat Stuffed Strawberry

1 large strawberry, hollowed out

4-5 young ratlings

1 generous scoop of insanity

Mix together and enjoy

The little darlings will be 4 weeks old on monday and ready to move to new homes. Only four of the eight remain unspoken for, so hurry and make your request while supplies last!

Photo Pup

Lilly at 6 and a half months.

Photos by Toni Aden Photography.

Pre-wash Cycle?

Hmmm...Someone's idea of making up for this morning's plant incident by helping with the dishes?

Taking advice from friends

"Oh, two cats really aren't much more work than one."

Enough said.....

I need to learn Braille?

After a long day touring Indiana, I returned to Springfield to help teach two dog agility classes plus assist Judy with an obedience class that lasted late into the evening. We were starving, so I asked Judy to join me for a late supper. It was 10:30 so we went to Perkins knowing they would be open and they didn't mind a service dog pup in tow. However, we weren't quite prepared for the response. I instructed Lilly under the table, and settled myself in the booth while the server gave us our menus. Quickly she returned with another menu, which I just figured was a dessert menu and then I looked at the cover realized it was a Braille menu for blind people. Being late, and me being a bit giddy, it struck me as really funny, and lost it laughing. I think I offended the poor girl, but thankfully since Judy works with deaf people she jumped in to save me. We explained to the server and her manager our situation and that despite my inappropriate reaction, she had in fact done exactly the right thing - if in doubt, make sure the guest has anything necessary to accommodate them.

And the service dog in training decided it was way past her bedtime. When we left just before midnight, I told Lilly to "stand" - no response. I called her name, no response. She had gone into full out sleep mode and I actually had to kneel on the floor, reach under the table and tap her gently to wake her. She woke with that "where am I" expression on her face. I guess puppies are like little kids, when it's bedtime, they can fall asleep anywhere.

Covered Bridge

I visited Mom and Dad this week while picking up inventory from a nearby vendor. Dad and I went for a drive and wound up having lunch in Eugene, IN at the Covered Bridge Cafe, its namesake right out the windows. The cafe is of those quaint local places with a hearty meal, friendly staff and lots of "regulars." Heck, the guy who sat down next to us was served his drink and meal without the waitress ever asking him what he wanted.

Built in 1873

Closed to auto traffic in 1974.

On our visit it was occupied by a pair of Carolina wrens on bug patrol.

A bit of moss on an old wooden wagon near the entrance to the restaurant. Maybe just me, but I think the colors and textures are interesting.

From the parking lot we were admiring these big draft horses next door when the owner came out and poured feed on the wagon-turned-feedtrough. It was then we realized there was no fence. I guess you can do that in extremely small towns?

15 DAYS

Eyes opened today and the coat color patterns are even more defined. Looks like we have every shade from very light to very dark. While they haven't left their nest on their own accord yet, when taken out, they are very mobile and capable of climbing quite well. Poor Mom must be drained. She eats non-stop. It must be hard to produce enough milk for babies whose combined weight is likely more than her own.