Getting Past the Problems

I've had really frustrating and exasperating problems with blogger this week which has kept me from posting on my blog.  More than once I had a post ready to publish, only to be given a "BX error message" that wouldn't let me save, post, or preview any posts. I spent precious evening hours in what seemed like a black hole otherwise known as the 'help forum' where I painstakingly combed through posts from other bloggers, hoping to find the answer to the problem.  What I did find were some who were also having the same issues I was.  In the end it somehow got the attention of Blogger, and it now seems to have been resolved because I'm now able to post. Have any of you had any problems posting or saving your blog posts?  

Knock on wood, because I'm hoping those problems are behind me as I am looking forward to the weekend.  Last evening Taylor returned to the vet for a check of her ears to see if the infections have cleared. They haven't, so another infusion of antibiotics was done. We have found her to be a quiet, sweet and endearing girl that is anxious to please and be friends. She has a great appetite and is also feeling like being up and around more than she was previously.  She fits in nicely with our dogs, and even Todd has tried to get her to play with him a few times.  All good signs.

The signs are not so good for Cissy.  Unlike the Goldens she is not a gal that 'lives to eat' but rather 'eats to live.' and her appetite has been waning for more than a week.  Cissy will have a couple of days that she acts like she's not feeling well and and won't eat.  Then she seems to feel better and her appetite returns, not fully, but it does return.  We are back on the track of her not eating.  My vet and I discussed it and she recommends that she be seen for a good once over if things don't change.  I know that Doctor J is right. Last night on the way home, I couldn't help but become discouraged by it all.  

But this morning I'm reminded that I should stay positive.  I was sure the problems with my blog could be resolved, and it appears that they have been. Cissy has been through so much and has come so far, I have to think that she can get past this too. 

On the Front Porch

Yesterday was my co-workers out-door wedding.  I think that the bane of outdoor weddings is, well, they're outdoors.  Yesterday was one of our hottest days -- But despite the wilted flowers, guests and wedding party, along with a few melted desserts, it was a lovely celebration.

Once home, changed and cooled off, I decided that it was time for me to see if there were baby rabbits in our yard.  I've been seeing this rabbit in about the same spot for more than a week.

Leaving the dogs on the porch, the nest was easy enough to find because it wasn't covered.  Not wanting to get too close, I very, very quickly snapped a photo and left.  Suffice it to say, I will worry about these little ones until I know they are safely gone from the nest.

And the dogs may be spending a little more time on the front porch.

Enjoy your Sunday!!

Todd the Westie

I want to preface this post by saying that I'm not by nature someone who complains about customer service.  I usually don't send food back, and I don't enjoy embarrassing or battling someone over a service, unless I feel really strongly that it's warranted, and then I try very hard to 'stay calm.'  That said, in the two years that I've had Todd, he's only gone to one groomer and I've always been pleased. Which was why when "Irina" (who also grooms Charlie and the other dogs) had to cancel Todd's appointment because she had to go out of town, I was fine with that.

But then I decided Todd couldn't wait a couple of more weeks. So, even though we are in a serious seven year committed relationship with our groomer Irina, I made an appointment for Todd some where else. Yes, I was feeling a little bit guilty.  But I couldn't resist the temptation, especially when they told me it would only take them an hour, as opposed to leaving Todd there the entire day and it would be less expensive. They are also right next to my vets office, and where I buy dog food, and I can I just mention that the shop is also owned by the same person who ran the daycare Todd attended?  How could what seemed so right be wrong?

Well, I think it kind of did end up being wrong.  I am mostly happy with how Todd looks, but I really think he has a wee bit of a West Highland Terrier appearance now--I know, I know, I'm being too particular and I shouldn't be, but I'm obsessive compulsive about these things.  Todd's neck and parts of his face should have been shaved, and his beard, eyebrows and mustache should have been shaped into that square characteristic look of a Scottie, and it's not....I guess I just really like him to look like a Scottie, at least part of the time.  But obviously the groomer is like others that gets the two breeds mixed up.

Todd should have looked more like this:

See what I mean??  I noticed it right away, but not wanting to cause a stir I didn't complain when I picked Todd up.  But later I did write a 3-star review online which quickly got the attention of the owner, who has offered to 'touch up' the mistakes I feel were made. I responded back that I appreciated it, but that it wasn't necessary because Todd doesn't seem to notice that he doesn't look much like a Scottish Terrier.  Plus none of the dogs are making fun of him, and he was happy afterwards.

 I guess that's what really matters.

Blog-Writers-Block and a Milestone

~Charlie~

Do you ever get writers block when trying to come up with something to blog about? Well, if so, I can assure you, that you're not alone. I’ve been a blogging mess lately. And if the truth be told, for the last several weeks, I have been completely stymied when it comes to my blog.

Writer’s block?  

Yep. I’ve got it.

I know, it's crazy because I have plenty of things I can write a post about; the dogs, my flowers, even the weather...  

But when I sit down to write a post, the blank screen mocks me, practically daring me to come up with something.  

And I can't......So I don't.....

So while I'm waiting for clouds to clear, here's just a snippet of what we've been up to while I've not been fully with you. 

I made a delicious Raspberry-buttermilk cake for a co-workers birthday. 

 (Recipe Here)

And we just passed a humbling milestone. Last week marked 14 years ago that we adopted our very first dog from the Golden Retriever Rescue.  That dog as you may know is Wendy.  At about 16 years old, I worry about her, especially when she has days that aren't the best.  But for now those days are outnumbered by the good ones and for that I am extremely grateful for what I consider 'extra time' with her. 

My work week has ended and last evening we went to a friends house to watch our town's fireworks.  It was a block party and I'd forgotten how enjoyable it can be to get together with neighbors.  

Our July 4th holiday will be spent here at home. With a few things planned for the rest of the weekend and a co-workers wedding on Saturday, I'm hoping that those proverbial clouds will clear and my blog-writers block will pass. On a walk with the dogs this morning, and now that I'm almost done with this post, I think they just may be.  

~Cissy~

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable 4th!  

~Cissy Rolling in the Deep...grass~