The Makeover

As we all know, it's almost the end of the year -- How can that be? Its been a long year but it’s gone by in a flash. A lot of things that I wanted to get done, I haven't and I have to accept that. There's always next year to do better, right?  

~A wreath making class a few weeks ago~

However, one thing that was on that "to do list," was getting Noodle groomed. It was put off for several reasons mostly because I wanted him to be at his best physically. With acupuncture and cold laser and a massage every couple of weeks, and a small area around the amputation finally healed, he was finally at his best. 

I didn't want just any groomer. I needed one that could accommodate Noodle's "handicap" of not being able to stand the whole time. So, I asked on a Facebook page and there was one that came recommended for a number of reasons. "Sandi" had a tri-pod and totally understood the limitations they have and as the shop owner she had no problem with spending the extra time Noodle would need. 

~Noodle before~

Finally the day of the appointment came -- I'll add that Sandi put us on her cancellation list and got us in pretty quickly. And fast forward to the big reveal and all I could say is "WoW!!" and then I said WoW again. What a difference.

~Noodle after - WoW!!~

Everyone at the shop treated Noodle like a rock-star and they could not have been more accommodating, any more friendly (to the both of us) and could not have made Noodle any more handsome - and made a bit cold too which is why he's wearing a coat and a tee-shirt. 

We are the groomer's newest fans and given their Facebook post that's below, I think they're Noodle's too! 

Recharging - Again

I am going to start this post by saying that I am feeling much better. Time has not exactly been a healer for me. Which is why I decided what I really wanted and needed to do was just to get away for a couple of days.  

~Our girl Ree during a conversational snow fall~ 

My longtime friend in Lancaster Pennsylvania who is a "shut in," was feeling very lonely and she needed some cheering up too, so I decided to go and see her. The "boutique-y shopping village" where I love to stay, and have stayed previously, was totally booked. So, after an extensive search of Airbnb's and hotels around Lancaster, I ended up in the town of Ephrata, (where??) -- about 10 miles from my friend and totally unfamiliar to me. A quick research on the area said that one of its claim to fame is that it's home to America's first communal religious society, the Ephrata Cloister.  

But it was really good to see my friend! I took her out for breakfast and our entire visit was great therapy for both of us. And this may sound trivial, but what also helped was the two nights spent at the Hampton Inn in Ephrata. The panoramic view from my room, especially at night, made me feel like I was overlooking a big city, rather than one that has a population of about 13,000. I loved it.  Watching the night lights from where I slept, was both relaxing and recharging. I'll also add that I when I checked in I was told I was "Guest of the Day," which gave me a parking space very near the front door of the hotel, and little bag of snacks ---a fun little charge for my inner batteries. 

The view of the town of Ephrata from my room during the day wasn't bad either! 

My visit to Pennsylvania also had an added bonus, when I finally got to meet a long time blogging friend who lives in York, which is on my way home. We've wanted to meet for a long time, but the timing has never worked out. This time it did. Longtime dog-bloggers may know Phyllis at "NAK's Khorner - Khome on By"   I truly felt like I was meeting a friend I already knew, instead of one I was meeting for the first time. I could not have enjoyed our visit any more than I did and I so wish our visit could have lasted longer. I look forward to the next time we can get together. It was the perfect ending to the weekend.  

~A fun, thoughtful and perfect gift from Phyllis and Willow~

On the home-front, new boy Jack-Jack is totally settled in. He's been given the nickname of "Pony" because well, he's the size of one and having 2 dogs with the name of Jack is a bit confusing for the two. He is eating his meals, but treats are not his forte, making me question even more his genetic heritage -- I don't recall ever having a Golden Retriever that didn't love an extra treat or two or three. But Jack-Jack, or Pony is really a nice boy. There's a fun and playful side to him, and when you pet him, he leans into you and always lets out a big sigh. He also has these soulful eyes that are really a window to his gentle soul.

So onward I go through the holidays with the hope my batteries stay charged for awhile, along with my gratitude and thanks for your support and cheering us on! 

~Two little holiday gifts from two kind friends~