So much to be thankful for...

I just learned that high school classmates of mine lost a daughter to cancer today.  I can not even begin to imagine the pain of their loss, I love my kids so much...  I've recovered from the loss of a spouse, but to lose a child, my heart is breaking, and I never even met this young woman.  There is comfort in knowing that she will no longer have to suffer fighting this disease, but oh, the pain of her parents having to stand helplessly by as she suffered...

Please make the time to be thankful for all of your blessings, and if you can, put in a little prayer for this family, and so many others who are devastated by the loss of a child of any age and by any means.

Thank-you.

Generation "me"?

Kind of feeling like a dinosaur, (again), because we refuse to live the way "everybody else does."  It seems that so many kids are given every material thing that they wish for, but we refrain from lavishing our youngest for several reasons.  We couldn't afford to raise her siblings in that manner, so it would not be fair.  We see other folks who have an attitude of entitlement, with very little sense of gratitude.  We want her to work for and appreciate the things she can acquire.  She is learning to save her money towards a specific goal, making decisions as to determining what she values most. 

Sometimes it's very hard to "stick to my guns".  I'll see people who seem pretty bratty to me, bragging about stuff they have.  I think to myself, man if anybody deserves to be spoiled she does, she works so hard and is such a good kid!  But then I remind myself of the reasons why I, well WE, refrain, we don't want her to be bragging and ungrateful.  We want her to comprehend the value of each dollar, and know that once it's spent you can't get it back if you change your mind, (unless you've got the receipt ha,ha!)

Guess I just needed to vent for a little bit... thanks!

Yummy stuff...

I recently celebrated my 49th birthday!  Ouch, but made less painful by this wonderful cupcake from a local bakery called "Scratch"!  This is chocolate hazelnut and is only available in December, think this was my 4th one, this month, NOT that particular day!  ;D

My daughter has been busy baking for her guitar instructor and the guys that work at the guitar store, her French class, and other friends at school...  The triangular ones are guitar picks.

Lots of Eiffel Towers:

Closer views:

I wonder why my "muffin-top" is expanding???

Lettin' the coyote out of the bag...

Well, I've been blogging for about 6 months now, so I guess I should finally share with my facebook friends.

I usually write in the early morning, when the house is still quiet, and my brain is still in limbo.  I pretty much share whatever pops into my head, so don't expect to be impressed and you shouldn't be too disappointed! 

You've been properly warned, so enjoy the little tidbits in the coyote zone, if you dare!  Ha ha ha.

Have a great day!

Thank God for Krazy glue!

Joseph and the cow are "rusted and weathered, barely holdin' together", but they are still able to be a part of our Nativity!

Eldridge, however will be spending his holidays in the corner behind the hubby's lazyboy, he's on the naughty list this year!

Why there are no moose at the manger in the Nativity...

Today we enjoyed a nice mini-reunion at a favorite little restaurant with several family members from towns just far enough away, that we don't get to visit very often, especially this time of year when weather can get pretty dicey in no time at all.  We had a great visit and a yummy belated lunch.  The rain stopped on our return trip, until we got back to our city, which I should have recognized as an omen...but I didn't.

When we got into the living room we noticed a huge bare spot above the fireplace mantel.  Oh no!  Of all the things to be damaged, not my Nativity!!!  My beloved late Aunt, painted every piece for me herself years ago, I believe it was the first Nativity she ever made.  She would carefully clean the green ware and paint every piece with love, as she did everything she ever created, with lots of love...  I had asked that my Mary look as I imagined Mary really looked, with olive skin and black hair, (not European looking with blond hair and blue-eyes), she did an amazing job and I've adored this set since she gave it to me sometime in the early 80's.

I couldn't bear to get close enough to see how bad the damage was.  To my amazement my daughter started picking up some pieces that were still intact, but I could see some shattered pieces on the brick part of the floor.  My husband picked up the moose painting that has been over the fireplace for years, and found that the picture wire had snapped right in the middle, and old Eldridge, (the moose), had taken a nose dive taking much of my Nativity set with him.  I finally put on my big girl panties and took a few steps closer.  Mary has a small chip, but is otherwise in great shape, Jesus is fine, but his little manger has a chunk out of it, the only major losses are the cow and poor Joseph.  His metal staff is currently resting near a small candle where he used to reside.  I am trying to be grateful that the damage wasn't any worse, but this is one of my dearest treasures and I am having a difficult time accepting the damage and the loss. 

I took ceramics classes with my Aunt for a while, but I lack her patience and talent.  If I ever do decide to attempt to replace Joseph and my reddish-brown bovine, I know that I will never love them as much as the ones she created for me, so long ago.  It's really not the broken ceramics I am mourning, but HER.  The world was a much more beautiful place when she was here, as I am certain that Heaven is now that she is there.

Be happy...

Shared one of those bajillion cute little sayings floating around facebook today:  Life is too short to spend with people who suck the happiness out of you!

It's really got me thinking about how many people I know who are stuck in situations where they are so miserable, but they stay and suffer every day!

I've got my own health issues, but I've gotten help and am thankful for it.  I know several women who have fibromyalgia and other such "silent" diseases.  They are in pain every single day, but they refuse to let that ruin their lives.  They choose to focus on the things they are grateful for EVERY DAY, rather than falling into that pity-pit where so many others are consumed.  Life is what we choose to make it folks, so let's do our best to try to be happy and to share that happiness with those around us.

Guess I'll close with a simple yet very profound little prayer, that if understood and applied could improve the lives of SO many people I know and love:  God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Guardian Angels on overtime!!!

This past week was one of those weeks where my family and I have been bombarded with idiot encounters, but hey we survived and I'm hopeful that this week will be much better!

My son was jumped and beaten by 4 guys he doesn't even know, (just a few days before his birthday).  He got his nose broken, a mild concussion, and they stole a couple of items that were valuable to him, but which they probably couldn't care less about.  I'm trying to keep a positive attitude and remain thankful that he wasn't hurt worse, but part of me would sure like to find out who they are and knock the crap out of them one by one!

On the road the drivers have been complete morons, we've had our own close calls and witnessed others nearby.  We saw a guy turn a left u-turn on a red light!  When I turned left onto the two-laned, two-way road that leads to the high school, one of the other drivers had decided not to wait in line and was coming straight at me...he actually went up over the curb by the sidewalk after I slammed on the brakes, hit the horn and gave him a thorough cussing out!  Another fella, (yes all of these recent idiot drivers have been guys), decided to turn left from the middle lane and nearly hit the passenger side of my car where my daughter was riding!  There have been at least two more similar idiot encounters on the roads this week, but you get the picture... I dread the snow adding to the mix eventually!

Please, please don't use your cell phone, or drink while driving, too many idiots on the road and you need to have your wits about you in order to dodge them and stay safe!  Be careful out there! 

My favorite holiday...

Most of the stores have been packed with Christmas items since before Halloween, which really annoys me.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, I love that we have a day dedicated towards gratefulness.  It's too bad that it gets overshadowed by the gimme gimme monster that our society has created around Christmas...

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday, dedicated to spending time with family and/or friends, too much food, and reflecting on the many blessings that we too often take for granted in our busy lives.  I love the simplicity of it, giving thanks, yet the enormous importance of it, being grateful for all that we have.  I am not talking materialistically, but simple everyday abilities such as being able to see the new fallen snow this morning, (though honestly I'd prefer sunny and warm), being fit enough to go walking and appreciating that my mom is still around and able to share this time with me...

I could go on and on, but I need to get dressed and get my daughter off to school, so I will close with a photo of the first and probably only Thanksgiving dinner that I prepared entirely on my own, the first year of my first marriage when we were 1,000 miles away from our families:

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving with much to be thankful for!!!

New toy!!!

I got one of those new gizmos that transfers slides and negatives to the computer!  The quality isn't the greatest, but we finally get to see photos that've been in the back of the closet for years.  I'm lovin' it!

Here's one of my favorites I like to call my version of a room with a view:

This was on a backpacking trip in Wyoming in 1995, ya can't really see the tops of the mountains due to the snow and the quality of this gizmo, but I love it anyway!  My first and best pair of Teva's too!  :)

The Tetons, ahem the Grande Tetons!  It was so much more beautiful in real life...gotta get back there with my digital camera...someday!

Anywho, will share more as I find "treasures" in the shoeboxes and other hiding places all over my house, and my mother's too!

My Curmudgeon

My mother got my husband a sassy t-shirt for his retirement, and I really think he likes it...

This time of year he usually wears a flannel shirt over a t-shirt.  Whenever we are out in public and anyone comments about hey having a good day off, or anything similar, he announces not a day off, I'm retired!  Then if wearing the shirt, he proceeds to unbutton the flannel, (like superman in a phone booth), then peel it back to reveal:

Gotta love him!!!

P.S.  Rest in peace Andy Rooney, you've been my Curmudgeon's idol for years and we'll all miss hearing your opinions on everything...

Coyote morning...

This morning as I'm driving up to the High School to drop off my daughter, we noticed a little dachshund running along the sidewalk with a broken leash dragging behind him.  Of course we both released worried "aww" sounds in unison, and I tried to decide what I should do to try to help.  After sending my daughter on her way I parked in a nearby church lot.  I soon spotted the little dog chugging in my general direction.  Several students attempted to catch him, but we were all amazed at the speed of the little guy!  I asked if anybody knew who his owners were, but nobody recognized him, so I kept puffing along after the dashing doggie.  I nearly screamed when he zipped across a 4 lane road, but thankfully we both avoided being struck by any vehicles, whew!  Eventually he stopped on the steps of a house and he was very defensive when I got close.  I guessed that this might be his home, but I wanted to be sure, so I kept trying to coax him close enough to grab the remnants of the leash...he was having none of it.  We worked our way back to the fenced in yard and a barking pit bull appeared, a young woman came out soon after and was happy to see her little guy home.  He had escaped earlier this morning, I told her he'd been way over by the high school when I first saw him, she thanked me and as I left to regain my bearings and find my car I realized I was wearing my goofy Wile E. Coyote hat throughout this entire fiasco!  I'm surprised that nobody called the police about the crazy coyote-lady chasing the poor little wiener dog ha ha ha!

My favorite, not so "top-secret" recipe for deviled eggs...

First thing is to boil your eggs correctly!  We'll say 6, but you  can adjust depending on your crowd.  Place the eggs in a pan submerged with cold water.  Place on high heat just until the water begins to boil, reduce heat to low and cover, (when safe to do so without boiling over).  Cook for 10 minutes then immediately pour out hot water and start cold water rinse and add ice cubes, this stops the cooking and ensures nice bright yellow yolks!

Peel your eggs and slice them length wise, placing the yolks in a bowl, and reserving the whites to be filled later.

I prefer to smash the yolks with a fork.

Then I add a little salt and paprika, I don't measure just a dash or two of salt and a good sprinkling of paprika, stir it up well before adding wet ingredients.

Next a couple teaspoonfuls of dill relish, more or less as you prefer.

About a teaspoon of yellow mustard.

I use miracle whip, (or whatever similar salad dressing is on sale).  I start with a couple of heaping tablespoons, and gradually increase if necessary, I would rather have the consistency a little on the dry side than too runny.  When you are happy with the mix you can use a small spatula to fill the whites, or if you have a frosting bag with a large (1 M) star tip you can pipe the yolk mixture into the whites, (guess that cake decorating class taught me one thing after all...smile.)  Then I sprinkle a little more paprika on top.  Yum!!!

P.S. If you have any of the yolk mix leftover it's great on crackers!

1st week of my hubby's retirement...

Well, we both survived that first week, which is promising.  ;)  We watched too much food tv and consequently went out to eat much more than usual, told him we'd be shopping for pants with elastic waists soon if we don't change our ways!

Now that he is officially retired I've told him that he's no longer just a curmudgeon in training, but now he's a full-fledged, bona fide Curmudgeon!  Think that he plans to enjoy all of the "perks" that accompany such a title...YIKES!

Crazy Dog's been a bit more uptight with "Daddy" home so much, but I think she'll adjust...hopefully.

Our daughter is almost too busy to notice, except that he's already home when she gets back from whatever activity she's into on any given day...today she's going to some robotics competition?  I can't keep up with her schedule some days...just tell me when and where you need to be so I can taxi you.

Two of my stepson's stopped by to acknowledge their dad's birthday, which was very much appreciated!  Young folks are SO busy these days, it's great to see them and have a little visiting time to catch up, the time really does fly as we age...

My mother-in-law finally got released from the hospital, so we are hopeful that she will be back to her sassy self soon!  ;)

Anywho, I've got lots more I'd like to say, and a couple photos and stories I want to share, eventually...but for now I've got to close.

Hope that you all have a fantastic autumn day!  :)
(winter will be here too soon for me)

Hodgepodge...

Okay, I did finally finish the goofy cake, didn't turn out exactly as planned, but that didn't really surprise me...

No, didn't eat it...too much crisco!  :p

Autumn colors are beginning to pop up here and there...

It's another beautiful autumn day, but I'm kind of in a yo-yo mode of emotions...  Yesterday had a great girl-day with my mom, Italian food for lunch, and some shopping.  Then last night we got word that my mother-in-law's surgery didn't go as planned, so we wait to hear if she's going to be alright...

Cat's been watching all the commotion in the "cedar", (juniper) tree as the little blue berries are drawing a lot of starlings...

I'm hopeful that they'll leave enough for the Cedar Waxwings to stop by again this year, they are so pretty, and fun to watch as they often feed one another!

Have seen a lot of critters on our walks lately, but somehow they know which days we've brought our cameras along and avoid us like the plague!

My husband retires very soon, and we're both a little apprehensive as to how we will handle so much together-time, as we are a blended family we've never really had much time to ourselves, who will get sent to the "nuthouse" first?

Enough rambling, hope that you all have a great day!

Cake-decorating finale...sort of!

As expected my darling daughter shone like the sun with her creative and artistic little self, I on the other hand...well, not so much!

Here is her work of art:

Photo is too dark, but cake is lovely!  15 years old and only 4 classes.

Myself on the other hand, spent most of the evening trying to make my frosting turn black, took a lot of stirring!

My attempt:

40 something, and looks like a 5 year old did it!

I want to add little spiders down the sides by extending strings of the web, and add a zigzag border of orange and black together around the bottom, but being the chronic procrastinator I am, and the fact that I like my cakes "naked"...don't hold your breath waiting to see a finished photo, as it may never happen...

The next level class is scheduled to begin in November, not sure if we'll take it or not?  Depends on scheduling and whether or not my pride has healed enough to suffer through another round of humiliation!  *wink*

9/11

Can't believe that it's been 10 years since that tragic yet beautiful day.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky here.

I was vacuuming and my husband popped in with an odd expression on his face and told me to turn on the TV...I spent an awful lot of time in front of it for the next few weeks.  I still can not fathom the level of hatred to commit such a heinous act on innocent civilians.  I cried along with the rest of the country and much of the world at each story, each photo of a loved one gone too soon.

I remember the eerie feeling I got looking up into the sky and not being able to see a single jet track for the next few days.

We finally bought our own flag, and noticed so many more popping up around town than I had ever seen before.  Sad that it takes such a tragic experience to make us truly appreciate just how lucky we are to live here in the United States of America.  We have so many blessings that are far too easy for us to take for granted, simply being able to give our children a clean glass of water is a luxury that so much of the world can not even imagine.

Perhaps the best way to honor those who died on 9/11 is to be grateful, every day, for every blessing in our lives...  

September already!

Been busy since school has started, like most everyone I know!  Regular school activities aren't enough for my girl, so in addition to her guitar lessons, now we've signed up for a cake decorating class together!  I personally don't have the patience for that, really missing a certain Aunt and wishing that she had been granted more years with us...sigh.  She would have loved to teach my girl all about making beautiful cakes, and any other beautiful hobbies she might take a shine to...gardening, sewing, quilting, cross stitching, cooking of all kinds, party planning, etc., etc.  I miss her SO much, in so many ways...  Thankful for all of the memories, and fortunate to have so many little reminders of her throughout my home, and in daily experiences.  What I wouldn't give to hear her voice once more, a hug, see her smile, sing Fogelberg's Sweet Magnolia...gotta stop 'cause I'm blubbing too much to see what I'm typing.  Yes, for you and my girl I will try to do well in this class, I can almost hear you giggling in anticipation of watching me struggle through it! 
Love you forever,
One of your many "Ladybugs"

Reminiscing...

My "baby" turns 15 in a few days, where has the time gone?  I can still remember those adorable little baby cheeks, and all of the girly clothes I used to dress her in from time to time.  These days her color of choice is black, and she's traded in her toys for an electric guitar.

One of my favorite stories, oh she must have been 3 or 4 years old.  We were having "tea", (hers was mostly milk and sugar), she kept sticking her fingers into her cup and then sucking off the sugary mixture.  I scolded her and said, "...ladies do not stick their fingers in their tea."  She looked up at me and without missing a beat replied, "I'm not a lady, I'm a PERSON!", then plunged those chubby little fingers right back into her cup.  I stifled my giggles and responded, "Good answer." 

She's been a headstrong little free thinker from the get go, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Just wish she wasn't growing up so very quickly... sigh.

Updated visuals for Crazy Dog swimmin' & Greek salad...

The Big girl takin' a dip in the little "pool", our daughter's old sandbox...

And finally a photo of what the Greek salad looks like before we devour it...

State Fair...NOT!

Well we made reservations for Crazy Dog to be boarded so we could attend the State Fair...then it was announced that Sarah Palin and her circus would be there!  :(

We opted for a random road trip instead.  On the way out of town we were passed by a couple of young guys waving their inflatable sex doll in the car window, laughed so hard!  ;)

Swung through one of our favorite campgrounds looking for "Bohemie-plums", don't know what their true name is, but we must've been too late this year.

Went to a little Irish restaurant we love, famed for their huge burger, but our favorite menu item is the home fries with onions and cheese...to die for!

Continued on up to our acreage where we frightened 9 turkey hens, I was so excited that I forgot to take a picture!  Our daughter braved the mosquitoes and the prickly bushes to gather a mess of black raspberries.  While we old folks, (me & my Curmudgeon), marvelled at all of the dragonflies, (have never seen so many in my life!), butterflies and grasshoppers that were flitting everywhere!  Next we survived our girl's first driving lesson, she did awesome...much less of a daredevil than I was at her age, thank goodness!

Went to the trout hatchery to feed the fish.  Had hoped to find some mulberries too, but no luck.

By the time we got home we were pretty tired, and even missing that big crazy dog...  We'll go pick her up in another hour or so, then all will be right with our little world here...but Queen Cat will NOT be pleased!  ;)

Along the trail...

Ahhhhh...

Finally a break in our "tropical heat wave"!!!  This is what comfortable looks like...

Don't know what the actual temp was, as this isn't a very accurate thermometer, but the humidity has dropped and it feels heavenly!

Actually spent enough time outside to look up and appreciate the beauty of the morning sky...

Put on my warm fleece robe that my Mom made, (for a little bit anyway).

Enjoyed my decaf...

Waited to see if a breeze might set my chimes to ringing...

Then surveyed the damage to my flower bed...

Could have been worse, and maybe some of these that look "cooked" will perk back up if the temps stay down for a few days?
Enjoy your day, wherever you are!  :)

30th High School Reunion!!!

Wow!  Where did the time go?  Most days I don't feel this old, thank goodness!  For anybody contemplating going to their reunions, I recommend it.  I almost bailed, but am so glad that I didn't!  It was nice to catch up with old classmates, even those who I really didn't know very well back in the day.  I find that I'm actually looking forward to the next one in 5 years, which I'm sure will fly by even faster than the past 30!

I spy with my little eye, something...



Leggy



Gorgeous



Tiny



Cute



Embraceable



Green & burgundy-ish?



HickorY



Walking with my Mom...

A couple of years ago Mom and I decided to start walking together, as neither of us are getting any younger!  Nothing grand, just two and a half to three miles, usually five days a week.  Those times have become precious to me.  Many of my friends and family members have lost parents over the last few years, so I realize how fortunate I am to still have both of my folks in my life.  We've tried to get my Dad to join us, but after umpteen years as a mailman, he's not anxious to come along, go figure!



No my butt's not that big, I've got a jacket around my waist!  ;)

That's probably just as well, because as we walk we talk, and quite a bit of that talking involves "venting" about whoever or whatever is ticking us off on any particular given day...your ears should be burning a lot some mornings Dad!

We often dream of zipping off to the mountains, especially since Going to the Sun Road opened last week in Glacier National Park, (took 'em that long to clear the snow), and it's been like a sauna around here for the past couple of weeks.

Our walks are beneficial for both of us in so many ways, physically, emotionally, etc.  We reminisce about time spent with loved ones who've passed on, and how much they would enjoy seeing the flowers, the critters, or whatever other attractions there are on any given day. 

It's a great way to start your day, walking and sharing with someone who's very special in your life.  I highly recommend it to anyone who is capable of doing so!

Missing the mountains...

Really homesick for the mountains and my sage goats, (pronghorn antelope) lately, been looking at too many gorgeous photos!  This crazy dog doesn't handle being kenneled very well, and she's too whacko to leave with anyone.

My hubby retires this autumn, but our youngest will be a sophomore in high school this year and is VERY involved in school and other activities, think she's only been home for one full week this summer so far!

Maybe next summer we'll just pick a couple of weeks and head west anyway?  Our Vet is a great guy and would manage to somehow handle "crazy".  Our daughter hasn't been to the real mountains yet, and it's high time she was!

Better start planning soon since the world is scheduled to end, (again), in December of 2012!!!  ;)

Greek salad

On these dog-days of summer, when it's too hot to cook, my daughter's cucumbers are about ready to harvest, my husband's tomatoes are still growing... 

It's time for Greek salad!!!  :)

cucumbers, tomatoes, purple onions, sliced black olives, feta cheese(s), and Greek vinaigrette

Cut the veggies however you like 'em, and feel free to mix it up with different varieties and colors of veggies, and one or more of the many flavors of feta available.  We used to mix our own vinaigrette, but some of the new bottled varieties are really good, (and so easy).  Be generous with the vinaigrette so you'll have "juice" to dip your favorite breads in.  Refrigerate overnight to let the flavors mingle, (or at least a couple of hours if you can't wait longer).  Then ENJOY!!!  Poly Kali, (think that's Greek for very good). 

(I'd post a photo of the finished product, but we ate it up before I thought to click one!) 

Proud Parent

Last night while watching my youngest and her friends accept several awards for all of their hard work at a summer academic "camp" at the local university, I realized that while I am proud of my children's  achievements, I am most proud of the wonderful people they are becoming.  My kids are honest, generous, loving and kind, not just to those they know, but even to folks whom they've never met. 

While my adult son was recently out of work we sent him to the grocery with some bottles and cans so he'd have a little spending cash, when he came out he met a homeless man and gave the money to him instead!

My daughter gave the speeches to introduce the Salutatorian, Valedictorian, and Most Outstanding Student at last nights ceremony.  Last year she received the Salutatorian award herself, and knowing her competitive nature, I thought that it would be difficult for her to announce the winners this year, but she was so gracious and obviously happy for her fellow classmates. 

My eyes are misty, and my heart is full of gratitude for the wonderful kids that God has given to me!

New addiction?

I think that I'm becoming addicted to blogging, not necessarily my writing, but "meeting" all of these wonderful and very talented people from all over.  Seeing so many beautiful photographs, heart-wrenching stories, so many kindnesses, strength in times of great difficulty, etc.  It is restoring my faith in humanity!  Thanks to all who share on these blog spots.  *Virtual-Hugs!*

A fungus among-us!

I love this photo, took it a couple of years ago in northeast Iowa, (U.S.A.).  It's an unusual mushroom called Rhodotus palmatus.  I was cozied up to the fire as the sun was starting to go down and my husband shouted from the woods for me to come quick and bring my camera!  This is the natural light of the setting sun, thank goodness for his good eyes, and giving me enough time to haul my kiester down there!

My theory about poor Caylee

I suspect that perhaps Casey did not intend to kill Caylee, but to keep her quiet while she enjoyed her party life.  I think that she gave her too much chloroform, (any is too much in my opinion), and when Caylee died, Casey refused to accept the responsibility and consequences for the tragedy that her actions caused.

I can not fathom the mindset of any mother who is capable of partying while her child is missing, or recently deceased.  

I guess that my biggest problem with this is that I expected justice to be served.  But as Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. once quipped;  "This is a court of law, young man, not a court of justice."

I'm a firm believer in Marin Luther King Jr.'s quote that, "Injustice anywhere is threat to justice everywhere."

I have faith that Casey will get what she deserves someday, via karma, as will we all, one way or another.

Our crazy critters

We rescued both of our furry girls from the local humane society.  Our cat about 8 years ago, and our dog about a year and a half ago.

Queen Cat came into our home as a very cocky kitten, tail and head held high and ready to conquer!  She climbed everything, including the fireplace.  She can be very sweet and lovable, but only when she deems it necessary, she will demand her affection from you when SHE is ready for it and ONLY then.  She loves the checkbook, and the flyswatter, and will come-a-runnin' to be swatted with either and then rub 'em up with her "love-scented cheeks."  She will smugly ignore a call of "here kitty, kitty, kitty," but when my husband whistles once she's on the way.  She spends most of her days luxuriating in the softest, warmest, nooks she can find.  But like all good things her reign as sole furry beasty of the house came to an end when we brought home that crazy Dog!

We suspect that Crazy Dog was abused before coming to live with us as she tends to "go Psycho" often.  Hearing a car door close, (no matter how far away),  or a doorbell ring, (even on television), sends her into a barking frenzy!  She seems a mean dog to any passersby as she charges the fence barking furiously, (and even trying to climb over on occasion), but I think that she's really afraid of anyone she doesn't know, (human or animal), and that she tries to scare them away with her booming voice.  To us she is a lovable moose.  She won't even steal food from Queen Cat if she gets a table scrap first, she waits her turn, albeit impatiently.  This summer my daughter has filled her old ladybug sandbox with water on the very hot days.  It is hilarious watching this huge dog splash into this tiny "pool" and try to swim circles!  Most of the water splashes over the side when she first plops in, but it does not deter her in the least, she even bobs her head under to cool off just a bit more.

Our lives are certainly more hectic since we adopted our girls, but they've been richer for all of the insanity too!