Enough about twitter, flickr, and widgets. Let's talk flesh and blood. We just adopted a puppy recently on a Sunday morning when defenses were down with the parental units. We could not take day of, " PLEASE, can we get a dog?????? " So, Lucy has arrived about a month ago. My recent observations of ownership of a labradoodle:
1. Energy abounds. Often times when the energy has a chance of building up without release, she runs amok. Lamps fly, pillows are tossed, rugs end up bunched at the end of the hallway. I feel for my cat...
2. The Mouth. it should be her nickname. She gnaws, licks and bites anything that is in her range. She carries laundry, specifically underwear and socks, and drops them when she grows bored-usually at the front door where visitors come in. Other items might include shower puffs, large tree branches, dead birds, shoes (a given), and sunglasses.
3. Eating Habits-wow this is a scary thing. She has the dog food thing down pretty good. Then evening arrives and its time to forage. First, we make a trip to the cat littler box and have a snack. This produces thirst, so we are headed to the toilet for a refreshing drink in the porcelain god. Now its time to walk, so great opportunity to hunt crickets, eat them alive; then if we are really fortunate, there might be some rabbit terds in the grass for a night cap. Moral: never let the dog mouth near you...
4. Training. Needs to be slow and steady. She hasn't been thrown out of Puppy Kindergarten yet, so thats a plus. Things we need to work on-Come! (this is a complete joke), no jumping, stay, and leave the treat until I say you can have it. She can sit. And lay down. Not even on demand. All you need is a food product-peaches, carrots, tomato....
So, life has been altered as we once knew it. I have no more crickets in my yard. I never have to clean the cat litter box. The baby gate is back up. Sigh.....
Saturday, November 24, 2018
puppy updates 10/20/08
Another past posting....
I suppose its a good thing to update the growth of our furry member of the family. Not good things and not so good things.
SHe has graduated from puppy training. However, it was suggested she repeat. Where did we go wrong?
We are getting a little more frisky. Tree branches are getting biggeras she drags them into the house. I came home one day after crating her-she greeted me at the door. She turned her crate over. The big escape.
Couple of shoes have bitten the dust.
THe up side-we put an electric fence up and its working very well. No more bolting to the neighbors. It must be that pain factor.
I suppose its a good thing to update the growth of our furry member of the family. Not good things and not so good things.
SHe has graduated from puppy training. However, it was suggested she repeat. Where did we go wrong?
We are getting a little more frisky. Tree branches are getting biggeras she drags them into the house. I came home one day after crating her-she greeted me at the door. She turned her crate over. The big escape.
Couple of shoes have bitten the dust.
THe up side-we put an electric fence up and its working very well. No more bolting to the neighbors. It must be that pain factor.
kudos to my nephew 6.28.11
Originally published 6/28/11 on another blog site I had..I am putting everything in one location..
Okay, so i did go off a bit about those dang kids not sending me a thank you for grad money. Since then, my nephew has given me a very nice written thank you note and a pic of him from his prom. And I understand a friend's son is working on his-might take him a while, but that okay. I take back my whinin...partially...still haven't heard from 2 others.
To change topics, perpetual issues at the library. I really do think the powers above me would love to shut the doors of this building because of the rental issues we see everyday. Ideally, we need to be in our own building and get out of here.
Friday afternoon was full of new and favorite patrons. Our regulars appeared. The complainer who never has her holds waiting for her because we lose them (amazing, I say to her, that you are the ONLY person this happens to). Sit down man, who wears the same outfit every day-bathing trunks, button up shirt tucked in the suit, tennis shoes. The woman who claims to belong to the Mensa group (which I highly doubt), and a new person. She needed to tell me that the summer reading list publication had a GLARING editing mistake and what am I going to do about it? After all, she was editor of not one, but TWO new york newspapers and this was simply unacceptable. Perhaps she could just make paper airplanes out of those publications. And the roof continues to leak. Despite no rain in 2 weeks.
Perhaps its time for a vacation.
Okay, so i did go off a bit about those dang kids not sending me a thank you for grad money. Since then, my nephew has given me a very nice written thank you note and a pic of him from his prom. And I understand a friend's son is working on his-might take him a while, but that okay. I take back my whinin...partially...still haven't heard from 2 others.
To change topics, perpetual issues at the library. I really do think the powers above me would love to shut the doors of this building because of the rental issues we see everyday. Ideally, we need to be in our own building and get out of here.
Friday afternoon was full of new and favorite patrons. Our regulars appeared. The complainer who never has her holds waiting for her because we lose them (amazing, I say to her, that you are the ONLY person this happens to). Sit down man, who wears the same outfit every day-bathing trunks, button up shirt tucked in the suit, tennis shoes. The woman who claims to belong to the Mensa group (which I highly doubt), and a new person. She needed to tell me that the summer reading list publication had a GLARING editing mistake and what am I going to do about it? After all, she was editor of not one, but TWO new york newspapers and this was simply unacceptable. Perhaps she could just make paper airplanes out of those publications. And the roof continues to leak. Despite no rain in 2 weeks.
Perhaps its time for a vacation.
coming back....
Yep, been a long time. I lost my mojo when mom headed to the next world. I need to wake up some creative juices and share my words of fun. Maybe not wisdom..just observations. And after all, I work in a public library which is always good for some interesting stories.
It's Thanks giving weekend and always brings back my memories of early family days. My mother WAS Thanksgiving. She ate and breathed the whole holiday. It was always a big production involving multitudes of food prep, family, ex-husbands, and friends. Turkey was always on the menu, but it really was all about the side dishes that have been on the table for 3 generations. Over the course of growing up, some were updated and some were just crossed off the list. Celery Salad was just that. It landed on the table every year. No one ate it. My mother swears it is a German dish my great grandmother made. Perhaps it was the same celery salad every year-just resurrected. Mashed rutabagas was an update to Winter Puree. It really didn't increase in popularity however.
My mother made is happen. One year the oven was broken and she simply asked to use the neighbors oven. That was the same year dinner guests sat under the table to drink stingers after the meal.
We open our doors to anyone. Nick was especially kind hearted and brought the entire Hispanic kitchen staff of the Brass Elephant to dinner. He also brought a nursing home resident one year, followed by a homeless woman a couple of years later. It was always a surprize-
And who could forget our game playing after each meal, where mom gave a great rendition of a beluga whale. She was ALL in.
It's Thanks giving weekend and always brings back my memories of early family days. My mother WAS Thanksgiving. She ate and breathed the whole holiday. It was always a big production involving multitudes of food prep, family, ex-husbands, and friends. Turkey was always on the menu, but it really was all about the side dishes that have been on the table for 3 generations. Over the course of growing up, some were updated and some were just crossed off the list. Celery Salad was just that. It landed on the table every year. No one ate it. My mother swears it is a German dish my great grandmother made. Perhaps it was the same celery salad every year-just resurrected. Mashed rutabagas was an update to Winter Puree. It really didn't increase in popularity however.
My mother made is happen. One year the oven was broken and she simply asked to use the neighbors oven. That was the same year dinner guests sat under the table to drink stingers after the meal.
We open our doors to anyone. Nick was especially kind hearted and brought the entire Hispanic kitchen staff of the Brass Elephant to dinner. He also brought a nursing home resident one year, followed by a homeless woman a couple of years later. It was always a surprize-
And who could forget our game playing after each meal, where mom gave a great rendition of a beluga whale. She was ALL in.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Happy Holidays!
Happy end of 2016!! I am actually relieved to see this year come to an end, mostly due to a miserable election process with an ending I had not seen coming. I am hoping for a better 2017, but time will tell on that with our new administration. As I have said many times-my desire to be well informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.
Onto to happier moments-Alan and I took a cruise out of Baltimore to the Caribbean in February-perfect timing. Warmth, sunshine, umbrella drinks, great company, cheesy entertainment. A much need break.
Maddie finished her first year at NC State with great success. She joined the Rugby team and we were all introduced to a whole new language-scrums, line outs, rucks, trys, knock ons....yeah, definitely a learning curve to understand this game. They pass backwards, they wear silly scrum caps, push people into the air and huddle in large groups with heads between thighs. Those are tough girls. Until the game is over. Then the opposing team is invited to a rugby 'social', where they sing dirty rugby songs and drink. The appeal is the non competitive spirit off the field and the social connections among team members. Kinda like a Rugby sorority, where everyone is welcome. As a mother, it is hard to watch-you hope your off spring will avoid injury and simply run away.
Andrew continues to live in Baltimore and juggle 3 jobs, two of which are at 2 different county libraries. His goal is to find full time work at just one library. Going back to school is also in his mind. He has also taken a liking to cooking and his new endeavor is Korean. He did find out that one can be a bit heavy handed with the Korean peppers and hot sauce-all at one time. Not recommended.
Lucy the dog is working towards being a therapy dog, where she can visit nursing homes, hospitals, and libraries. This is more challenging than one might think-she is still very much a dog with springs on her paws. No command is completed without huge enthusiasm. She jumps into a lay position, if that is even possible. She sits, but she twitches until she is released. Patience is a challenge.
Alan hasn't given up the job yet, although he could walk away tomorrow. And I could as well. Just got to get through college tuition...
Rest of the family is doing well-Abby is at Towson working towards her 4 year degree. Conor has finished his degree and deserves a huge pat on the back! Katie is living in Annapolis and doing very well in her job. Nick is working towards becoming a limo driver, with an official hat. Tim might be getting involved with the medical marijuana business with Sophia in the next year.
Wishing everyone good health and prosperity in the coming year!!
The Adams
Onto to happier moments-Alan and I took a cruise out of Baltimore to the Caribbean in February-perfect timing. Warmth, sunshine, umbrella drinks, great company, cheesy entertainment. A much need break.
Maddie finished her first year at NC State with great success. She joined the Rugby team and we were all introduced to a whole new language-scrums, line outs, rucks, trys, knock ons....yeah, definitely a learning curve to understand this game. They pass backwards, they wear silly scrum caps, push people into the air and huddle in large groups with heads between thighs. Those are tough girls. Until the game is over. Then the opposing team is invited to a rugby 'social', where they sing dirty rugby songs and drink. The appeal is the non competitive spirit off the field and the social connections among team members. Kinda like a Rugby sorority, where everyone is welcome. As a mother, it is hard to watch-you hope your off spring will avoid injury and simply run away.
Andrew continues to live in Baltimore and juggle 3 jobs, two of which are at 2 different county libraries. His goal is to find full time work at just one library. Going back to school is also in his mind. He has also taken a liking to cooking and his new endeavor is Korean. He did find out that one can be a bit heavy handed with the Korean peppers and hot sauce-all at one time. Not recommended.
Lucy the dog is working towards being a therapy dog, where she can visit nursing homes, hospitals, and libraries. This is more challenging than one might think-she is still very much a dog with springs on her paws. No command is completed without huge enthusiasm. She jumps into a lay position, if that is even possible. She sits, but she twitches until she is released. Patience is a challenge.
Alan hasn't given up the job yet, although he could walk away tomorrow. And I could as well. Just got to get through college tuition...
Rest of the family is doing well-Abby is at Towson working towards her 4 year degree. Conor has finished his degree and deserves a huge pat on the back! Katie is living in Annapolis and doing very well in her job. Nick is working towards becoming a limo driver, with an official hat. Tim might be getting involved with the medical marijuana business with Sophia in the next year.
Wishing everyone good health and prosperity in the coming year!!
The Adams
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
summer reads
Boy, I have really lost my mojo since my mother died. I have no desire to write for the longest time-maybe the tides are turning. So, I thought I could start with a simple blog item about good summer reads. I was just asked for some suggestions, so this might be a good place to share. So, here ya go...happy reading!!
Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J.Ryan Stradel A story of Eve, who is born into a foodie family of the Northern Midwest, and we follow her life as she makes food her passion. Chapters are written like vignettes, all tied to Eve in some fashion as the sotry moves forward. And there are great recipes in there as well...
All Things Cease to Appear by Elizabeth Brundage. Book opens with a father and his 3 year old daughter standing on the doorstep of a neighbor to announce his wife was murdered while he was at work and the 3 year old was present when the murder occurred. Great Psychological thriller.
Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson. Liked Gone Girl? You will like Kind Worth Killing. Fast paced with ruthless characters.
Book of you by Claire Kendal. A great stalker story. And a perfect summer read.
Light between Oceans by ML Stedman. A young couple live on an island to care for the lighthouse hundreds of miles from the mainland, where a boat, a dead man, and a very alive baby, wash ashore on their island. There are great moral questions with this story.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara This is a heavy but well written story of four men who meet in college and remain friends thorughout their lives. The story focuses on one character, Jude, who probably has had more heartbreak and tragedy than anyone could imagine. A beautifully written story, but a long one..700+ pages.
Enjoy!!
Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J.Ryan Stradel A story of Eve, who is born into a foodie family of the Northern Midwest, and we follow her life as she makes food her passion. Chapters are written like vignettes, all tied to Eve in some fashion as the sotry moves forward. And there are great recipes in there as well...
All Things Cease to Appear by Elizabeth Brundage. Book opens with a father and his 3 year old daughter standing on the doorstep of a neighbor to announce his wife was murdered while he was at work and the 3 year old was present when the murder occurred. Great Psychological thriller.
Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson. Liked Gone Girl? You will like Kind Worth Killing. Fast paced with ruthless characters.
Book of you by Claire Kendal. A great stalker story. And a perfect summer read.
Light between Oceans by ML Stedman. A young couple live on an island to care for the lighthouse hundreds of miles from the mainland, where a boat, a dead man, and a very alive baby, wash ashore on their island. There are great moral questions with this story.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara This is a heavy but well written story of four men who meet in college and remain friends thorughout their lives. The story focuses on one character, Jude, who probably has had more heartbreak and tragedy than anyone could imagine. A beautifully written story, but a long one..700+ pages.
Enjoy!!
Monday, March 14, 2016
the political climate
There is a new series running on HBO called the Circus, which is a documentary showcasing the current presidential race to the White House. And it truly reflects the insanity..it is like watching a 3 ring circus before our very eyes.
I am starting to believe the GOP is going to implode on itself with the direction it is going. It has no one to blame but themselves, when the Tea Party reared its ugly head a few years back and splintered the Party. So now the price is being paid. They have Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and Donald Trump as their front runner candidates. Who exactly is the better choice among these folks? Ted Cruz, who is a stanch Evangelical, who touts far right positions in abortion, gun ownership, and gay marriage. Marco Rubio, a youngster, who lambasted Trump with a reference to how small his hands are and 'we all know what means'. This topic of interest came up at the Republican debates, where Trump declared that there was nothing wrong with his anatomy-he was good down there. Yes, a presidential debate where we are discussing your penis size. That is found in ring number 1. In Ring number 3, we have Ted Cruz, who says he will support Trump if he gets the election-UNLESS HE SHOOTS SOMEONE. Obviously, Cruz has a very strong morality line he will not cross.
And then in the center ring, is Donald Trump. The reality star/businessman, who is a racist, a bigot, and a bully. All illegal Mexicans will be deported. Muslims will be required to register in this country. He is arrogant and has the mentality of a 13 year old. He makes false statements, lies, and says what his people want to hear. This week, there has been some very ugly protesting going on a Trump's rally's, in which Trump feels they need to be thrown out or better yet, beat up.
Is this really where the GOP party wants to go? Because if, god forbid, he is elected, it will be the end of the Republican party as we know it.
Someone better take the reins, before this horse race is completely out of control for years to come.
I am starting to believe the GOP is going to implode on itself with the direction it is going. It has no one to blame but themselves, when the Tea Party reared its ugly head a few years back and splintered the Party. So now the price is being paid. They have Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and Donald Trump as their front runner candidates. Who exactly is the better choice among these folks? Ted Cruz, who is a stanch Evangelical, who touts far right positions in abortion, gun ownership, and gay marriage. Marco Rubio, a youngster, who lambasted Trump with a reference to how small his hands are and 'we all know what means'. This topic of interest came up at the Republican debates, where Trump declared that there was nothing wrong with his anatomy-he was good down there. Yes, a presidential debate where we are discussing your penis size. That is found in ring number 1. In Ring number 3, we have Ted Cruz, who says he will support Trump if he gets the election-UNLESS HE SHOOTS SOMEONE. Obviously, Cruz has a very strong morality line he will not cross.
And then in the center ring, is Donald Trump. The reality star/businessman, who is a racist, a bigot, and a bully. All illegal Mexicans will be deported. Muslims will be required to register in this country. He is arrogant and has the mentality of a 13 year old. He makes false statements, lies, and says what his people want to hear. This week, there has been some very ugly protesting going on a Trump's rally's, in which Trump feels they need to be thrown out or better yet, beat up.
Is this really where the GOP party wants to go? Because if, god forbid, he is elected, it will be the end of the Republican party as we know it.
Someone better take the reins, before this horse race is completely out of control for years to come.
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