Thursday, May 10, 2012

Behind...

I am so far behind on 'normal life' this week.  I'm so sorry I've not been able to read your blogs. But the food drive is consuming much, if any, of my spare time as we head into the last 2 days.
~Our little hungry hatchlings~
But I've been behind in getting to work on time
Although it helps when there is something like this to look at...
Instead of reading license plates...
I've been behind in getting home...
And behind in spending time with the dogs.  This week I heard from Sam's former family.  They have been thinking about him, and have asked to see him again.  You'll recall that Sam came to us from a family at the church I attend.  They had him for about 5 years, and when 'the Mom' was diagnosed with cancer, because of her health and a move, they were unable to keep him, and they gave Sam to us.  Its been about 4 years since they saw him, and 'the Mom' in particular would like to see him one more time.  I've no doubt that they dearly loved Sam, and I know had it not been for 'the Mom's' health, they would have kept him.  Of course I have agreed to the meeting which will probably be next week.  I noticed this week that the swelling has returned to Sam's cheek.  We've started him on antibiotics again, and I continue to hope and pray that along with the medication and the Chinese herbs they will work to reduce swelling and the size of the tumor.

 In the rush of the week, I am so glad that I was able to carve out some time to meet a fellow blogger, 'Louise,' writer of the blog, Wildlife, Wildflowers and a Window, who was in my neck of the woods from New York to see her Aunt.  We had such a delightful visit, and she brought me some of her Tartarian Asters.  They were originally transplanted from her Aunts garden, to hers in New York, and now they have once again found a home here in Virginia.  I hope I can remember what they are, because for some reason, 'Aunt Dottie's Asters' are what I have been calling them.

Whatever you call your week, I hope all is well and I look forward to a slower pace and  catching up with your news!  Thanks for stopping by and catching up with us at Golden Pines! (Mom or Dad Phoebe with a meal for their hungry hatchlings)


Sunday, May 6, 2012

A Place for Annie

Its been two weeks since Annie came to live with us.  Unfortunately, as you know, we got off to a bumpy start with her because of Lucas.  Thankfully his school-boy crush has all but vanished for the fair and lovely Annie.
I've heard from Annie's previous owner several times asking how she was doing.  I didn't mention to 'Steve' the problems that I was having with Lucas.  But instead, I told him I thought she was happy living with us.  I told Steve about how well she fits in and gets along with our dogs.  I keep having to remind myself that Annie has only been with us for two weeks.   
I also mentioned to Steve how much I liked Annie's spark, and that when she wants something, she always lets us know...
And that along with finding a place on our bed at night, 
 I told Steve that Annie has found a place in our hearts too.  

Saturday, May 5, 2012

The Pace of the Day

Today marked the start of the pursuit of fresh and delicious produce from our local farmer's markets.  This morning I loved seeing the fresh vine ripened strawberries and rhubarb all together with baked goods and plants from local gardeners. 
It was a much welcome break from the pace of the last few days as the food-drive is consuming a lot of my time and energy as it ramps up and heads into its last week.    
Once home I continued taking a break from everything by letting the dogs out to wander and explore.  The new owners of the property in back of us have been keeping the property mowed, so we took advantage of the freshly cut grass for a walk.  
My goal for the rest of the day is to continue to keep the pace slow. And with that, I just may go and take a nap. (Below is Sam, who is doing well after his bout of a terrible upset stomach)
  I hope you're enjoying your day!
~Toby~

Thursday, May 3, 2012

A Peaceful Week-END?

The very early morning routine was the same.  Carl got up about 4 o'clock to get ready for work.  He let Todd out of his crate and got him outside.  The backdoor was left open to allow the other dogs to go in and out as they please.  I, of course, stayed in bed.  This morning's peace and quiet was abruptly interrupted by the unmistakable high pitched wild and frenzied bark of Todd--The other dogs quickly join in and pandemonium and bedlam filled the darkness.  I don't think my feet touched the floor when I leapt out of bed and ran outside, (not stopping to put shoes on).  The dogs were all barking and jumping at the fence.  In the darkness I didn't see anything but I somehow managed to herd them all out of that part of the yard and close the gate.  I got all the dogs back inside and once I caught Todd, I gave him a really good once over.  Other than being on the edge of hysteria, he was fine.  Of course there is no question it was all caused by 'something' that didn't belong in the yard. With peace restored, Carl left for work.  

However somehow in the chaos and trying to get Todd settled down, I hadn't noticed that Sam was missing. Whenever I call him he always comes.  I searched the entire house, the garage, and he was nowhere.  I turned on the barn lights and walked out to the closed gate and called him, no movement, nothing.  But when I shined the flashlight into the darkness, I saw him laying in a dark corner of the yard.  My heart literally sank and my knees turned to jello.  I went to him to try and get him to stand up and he wouldn't.  Of course I thought that he'd been injured by whatever was in the yard.  But I manged to give him a really good once over and saw nothing that indicated he may have been hurt.  What I did HEAR was his stomach really gurgling--Obviously he's eaten something that hasn't agreed with him.  He's since gotten up a drank some water.  He declined his breakfast but I'm hoping that it's just a bad restaurant review and nothing serious. He wants to be outside laying in the grass, so if it makes him feel better, I'm just going to let him.

The week has been an extremely busy and hectic one with work and the county-wide food drive that I'm helping to organize. I'm really hoping that it ends peacefully with all in good health and spirits.
~CarrieAnne~