Tag: Dogs

Dog Trims, A Day Off, and Slow Snow Thaws

On By BackporchwriterIn Uncategorized2 Comments

As I was cleaning up the house yesterday, I kept noticing the sun and the snow and how pretty it is. But oh what problems it can cause. Temps got up close to 40 – it may have even reached it – and there was some melting. A salt truck came by mid day. But I cannot see any result from it. Our roads are horrible. I hear the main roads are fine so it’s just doing navigation on pure ice where it’s melted some and frozen back.

I took this pic because the ice on the road behind us, kept shimmering in my eyes. The sun was hitting the ice and it reflected up. You can see how icy the roads are by the center of this photo below.

You can see my foot prints from a couple of days ago where I went out to take some photos. And George called my attention to some icicles at his bathroom window.

I can’t tell you how wonderful yesterday was, being off, and knowing you were on your own time. I had much to do and to catch up on. I always do laundry and cleaned the kitchen deeply. While we were home I noticed in the foyer that I still had the manger scene in there! I laughed! We’ve been so busy doing xy and z and the manger is scene is natural colors and so is the foyer, that I totally missed it as a Christmas decoration. I was thinking in my heart we should leave the scene around all year as it was a precious scene and one in which our Lord was on his way to saving our souls and giving us hope for eternity. Something we absolutely should consider every hour. But I know it in my heart, so I wrapped all the breakable pieces, found a storage bag and put the hay in it, and a copier box was found and it all fit in it and I labeled it. I need to go through my Christmas boxes this next year and get rid of things not used but each year it seems we end up buying another storage box. lol.

So I tidied up things and packed up my work office and watched a YouTube about trimming dogs. George bought a trimmer to trim Roger with. I’ve been afraid to do it, but had considered it before and decided against it. But he needs it sooooo bad. And it takes a month usually to get an appointment as not enough groomers work the weekends and demand is high for those that work during the week. So he came home with this and I thought he said he bought it for me to do. I must have grimaced because I’m so afraid I’ll hurt him. Anyway, much to my surprise, as we sat down to do it, George grabbed the trimmer and began shearing! I used the scissors to do his ears and some of his paws. We are not finished yet. I want to work on his feet with the scissors. And we need to get his little toenails trimmed but we are afraid to do that.

So, you are supposed to do this on a table, but, we decided a different technique for this old dog and for his comfort. We allowed him to lay there and would trim what we could and turned him over and such. He looks so much better. He’s only a little “choppy” looking, lol. But at this point it’s about keeping him clean and having a functional cut, not so much for impressing others, ha! The part we needed to do, we didn’t get to do so much so there will be a “round three”. Yes we did this in two rounds yesterday. But I think he can only tolerate so much at a time. I do realize we have to “show him who is in control” but he’s just old so we gave him a break!

Looking at this, I’d say we’d found some success at it!

This is not Roger above, of course, but my Instagram pic with the graphic yesterday. Roger does not have enough teeth for this. But he snapped his gums at us a few times. He does not like his feet being done and of course he has concerns about his underbelly near his “parts”. That is where we need to get the most as he wears diapers. So that will be the 3rd attempt and we will have to do it without him laying in a pillow. I think one will have to hold him while the other trims.

Looking over at my guys last night, I felt a sense of contentment. We did it. Well George did it. Most of it. Even Roger felt better. He ran around the house like doggies do after a bath. I have to watch him though. He loses his balance and falls over and I’m afraid he’ll run into something and break it – a lamp, a guitar, or who knows what. He also has been known to get tangled up in cords – computer cords, vacuum cords, lol. He’s like a toddler for sure. Here he is worn out from the day. You can see how sleepy he is. He used up a lot of energy and it really probably wore him out to be messed with but he felt better I’m sure and looks better.

This Part Might Bore You….

The big news for me, is that it had been bothering me that I’ve not had time to set up my rugged Lacie files to move my iMovies and their working files over to it. But guess what? At around 4 ish, I grabbed a cup of coffee and watched videos. I somehow knew (since I have a Mac) that there was going to be “a catch”. So I have found that doing anything with a Mac it’s best to watch a YouTube video before you attack the project. And I’m so glad I did. The other Lacie drive I used as a back up drive and it backs up daily maybe several times a day, I cannot remember. But this one is just to be used as a storage drive. And so you set them up differently. The big thing was that the disc had to be formatted through disc utility and that made it Mac usable.

While I was YouTubing, some other videos caught my attention about how to set up your files on the Mac (or any computer). So I decided to title each one by year and then by month and date and the title of the video. So there is a file for each video. Something like this:

“2020.5.2 Headed to Texas“

This put all of my videos in chronological order. When I moved the files, It actually copied them, but that was pointless as the point was to get them off of my Mac. And also get any out of iCloud if they were still there. So I nervously sent them to trash after I had confirmed my videos were there on the new Lacie Drive! Yay! Both Lacies were called “Lacie” when they loaded so I had to rename one the Lacie Backup and the other Lacie1. As I hope there will be Lacie2 and Lacie3 as needed. If I ever get monetized on YouTube I’ll have to take additional steps. Because the external storage drive – if it ever dies – they are gone. I’m not too concerned though at this point, b/c all of that data is 1) already on YouTube so it’s not totally gone 2) Most of the photos are still in my photos which is on the back up drive. I’d say when I’m moving them over to the working file, it’s really only copying them over. So there is likely another copy in my photos on my hard drive. So far I’m not worried about that yet. I don’t keep many video footage and it’s mostly photos. I think the main thing is getting the big movie space suckers off the Mac.

I’m not through though. I have a lot of “working files” for each video. I will also be sending those files into each of the named video folders. That way I can go back and get “just a video clip” if I want to refer to something. It will all be organized and I’ll be able to find it. But I won’t be keeping many videos on my Mac itself from my “photo bank”.

So once I move ALL those working files over from each of those completed videos (I already have it pretty much organized and anything that is not organized already, I’m not spending a lot of time to go back and do. But will in the future make sure it IS!)

Then I’m still NOT through. I want to set up “working files” for all of the future videos. So I can break them up and organize it into folders. Now these I’ve decided will be OK to remain on the Mac until I finish it. That way they are being backed up until I get them into a movie. I’m so excited to have started the project. And working to set up the “future movie” files, I’ll be able to see all the photos and video clips that I have and can start to form ideas. This is going to help me so much! And once this is through I can focus on my new Intro and then I can get back into my routine.

I was really starting to get antsy b/c I miss doing the videos. I have continued videoing things we do, almost every weekend, I’m videoing something. So I have several to make! Now that some organization is coming together I can begin to get in a rhythm and can do more planning and creating for each thing in advance.

I do have to stop and take care of important things though, like trying to find a place for Mom, doing some mending, and a few household projects. When spring gets here I’ll be making some appointments and we’ll be doing our research and getting the flooring. Oh that will be a good video! lol

Photo by Louis on Pexels.com

Anyway, I keep typing as I’m waiting for things to thaw. I was wanting to leave at 7-ish for work, but decided 8ish, and now I may need to wait til 9. The sun is up but it’s 25. The temps are coming up pretty quick I guess as the sun shines bright. I’m trying to wait til it is above freezing, so perhaps I can find some traction and melting on these side roads. They are as slick as glass, I’m sure.

Wish me luck and say prayers. George has to get me out of the driveway, and then I have to navigate to the main roads. I’m scared to death as I thought it would be thawed by now. But we are going up to 50’s so if I have to wait til lunch time I can I guess. That would help. But I want to get as many hours in as I can today as there is a lot to do. I never thought I’d be so happy to go into work! ha. I just don’t like having important things pending and I don’t like being behind. But I’m not willing to risk my life though. I guess the good news is that we usually don’t have 18 wheelers driving in our neighborhood, so the worst that could happen is I’d slide off into a mail box or ditch. But, I don’t want to damage my car either. This is the most stubborn snow I think I’ve ever seen!

Are you thawing out where you are? Are you ready for Spring?

Another Busy, Sleepy, Whiney Pre-Christmas Bah Humbug Post

On By BackporchwriterIn Uncategorized2 Comments

My GrandDog Findlay! Love her. Is this not pitiful, having to wait til Santa comes?

George fixed a good dish this week. Forgive if I have already posted it. I think I only posted it in Facebook though. It’s a KY HOT BROWN.

Why? Because we need gravy and bacon and bread. What else can keep you moving when your dog doesn’t let you sleep at night and you try to pretend you are a human being the next day?

Busy Week with Not Proper Sleep

This week has been so busy – working all day, running errands after work, and then wrapping or getting things addressed and off into the mail. Extended family gift cards have gone out now – well one will go out today, and Secret Santa took two stores last night but got that wrapped and put together last night for work today – not much notice given on that one but I wanted to participate as we need the cheer. We had another Christmas mission we accomplished last night as well but I have to put that together this weekend.

Drove to Columbia yesterday and got Mom to the eye doc. We had a good visit. You never know with traffic – especially Christmas traffic and sometimes construction- how much time it takes to get there. Yesterday it took barely over an hour. After work it usually takes upwards to two as there is usually a wreck somewhere or construction. But I got there with just enough time for us to go through a drive thru and get a burger on the way to the appointment. That was nice as I’d forgotten to bring anything to eat for lunch. So when appointment was over I took her home and headed back to Mount Juliet.

Got home around 4 ish and came home to Roger and his messes. He can no longer hold it – not that he was ever perfect. Cleaned carpet in living room with the carpet machine and took him out. He was so happy to see me. I mean OVER THE MOON happy. He was howling something awful when I got home. He is so lonely when we are away. And at night even when we are with him but trying to sleep. He was so happy to go outside. And he ran around like a little puppy and we walked around the house and as we were walking to the front again he stopped. He just couldn’t go anymore as his legs were giving out. So I had to carry him. But he had a brief happy playful moment. When George came home he was excited to see him too. George picked him up to love on him and put him in my face and he gave me the biggest kiss on the nose. Rogers kisses are sparse. He must have thought in his doggie dementia that we were gone forever, and he was alone now that Maisy is gone. His howls are so desperate and pitiful.

The nights are not going well. In a way it is worse than a newborn. We are not getting but an hour or two of sleep at any time. George has been the one to get up with him as when I start to get up he says “I’ll get him”. However, I had to get up once last night. But just b/c I don’t get up does not mean I’m sleeping. Matter of fact, I’m probably sleeping less than George b/c he goes back to sleep and snores while I lie there trying to go back to sleep blocking the snores. So it’s a double trouble night for me. It’s getting so bad I am starting to dream of getting a hotel room for a night just to have solid sleep. Not to mention the thought of buying my own house! ha. Can we have separate houses? Then I can have what I want in the kitchen, can have my color flooring, and a clean horizontal spaces and maybe an RV too? Just kidding – not really. Some things you just have to get used to – to stay married. But I don’t think I can get used to no sleep at night. Something needs to change and change fast. Having Maisy’s blanket in bed with us did not work.

I don’t know what the answer is. But when Roger is gone-I think I’ve about decided I don’t want another one for a long time. Between Maisy and Roger we’ve not sleep good for a long while. Add snoring on top of that.

I feel sorry for anyone that has to deal with me today. It’s probably just best I put music in my ear and don’t talk to anyone today. I’m a bear when I don’t get sleep and we are several nights in on this one. I woke up angry this morning. Just mad. Stinking mad. And it’s not fun to start your day that way. I had to clean the carpets again this morning from the overnight where we just exhaustingly put him back in the kitchen/living area with doors closed off as he would not stay in the bed, and he howled until I finally just got up and made coffee, and he had gone on the rugs again. We are trying to limit the carpet area that he is ruining. I can’t live like this. Folks, when I don’t get sleep and have to clean carpets before the sun comes up and before I’ve had coffee – just know I’m probably not going to be the best of humor. And THAT is putting it mildly.

I’m just so over this already. I’m tired. I want to escape! I have a lot to do. But first I have to go to work and like I said – pretend I’m a human. I don’t want to work today. I just want to sleep. And I’m running late. I guess it was cleaning carpets and taking a longer shower because it felt so good to have steaming hot water over my shoulders and back. I’m now I’ve spent probably way too much time venting. But it is what it is. I’ve catered to the world and sometimes the world just has to be patient. I’m not requiring it cater to me. I’m just asking for patience. Being catered to would be nice though, lol.

How can one fend off a virus with little sleep, forgetting vitamins, and thus a reduced immune system? I also think I forgot to take my blood pressure meds yesterday and I don’t think I’ve remembered to take my vitamins in several days. Just off the routine, no time to prep or remember anything, just trying to meet demands of the season, work, deal with no sleep, and prep for company and get work done and and and and and and.

TGIF. Thank goodness it’s Friday. I’m going to do what I can to make it better.

Making Today Better

  1. Drinking my coffee x 3 cups.
  2. Listen to Max Lucado on the way to work.
  3. Pray
  4. Yes probably in that order. I should pray first but I’m too mad right now! NEED COFFEE.
  5. Listen to good music in my ear.
  6. Avoid people wherever possible, lol.
  7. Put on a fake smile.
  8. Go out and get lunch today. (I’ve made up yesterday’s hours in pockets all week so why not). Not to mention all the other times I worked extra, came in early, stayed late, skipped lunch, worked a weekend to get payroll done – plus the extra hours in a holiday week and before and after vacation that you try to get all your work done). I shall deserve to have a proper lunch today if it will make me less of a bear.
  9. I will drink my greens today and have oatmeal for breakfast. Take my vitamins my blood pressure meds.
  10. I will look forward to leaving today at a proper time having considered #8, the fact that it’s a holiday and I’m in dire straits.

The Weekend and Next Week

We have company coming tomorrow. I’m glad we decided to go out to eat. We are opening presents at our house first. Then going out for Thai. Their presents are wrapped and we’ll have time to pull the house together. And then Sunday I’ll have time to pull the rest of Christmas together – test George’s stocking, wrap the extra gifts bought this week, and do some special things I’m doing for our guests. We’ll go to the store (may just send George as I have to do our laundry too). So I think I have just about enough time to pull it all together. We have to work very long days next week. After long days of work trying to cram 5 days of work in 3, we’ll be grocery shopping for the fresh ingredients, I’ll be making sausage balls, getting the house clean as there are no off days before guests arrive. But we can do this right? We can if we can get some sleep. I’m hoping that more people in the house makes Roger less lonely and that he won’t keep everyone awake on Christmas Eve.

I’m trying to be excited about Christmas. I promise I will be. I just need to drink another cup of coffee and to plan to see that there is time to accomplish it all. And hope no one gets COVID before Christmas can get here. Right now I just need some sleep! But it is not to be. Duty calls. Got to go. But I’m not rushing today. Nope. Not gonna do it. The world is gonna have to wait til I get another cup of coffee. My Blog’s Name? There is a reason for it.

Much Accomplished, Another Baby Shower, and Planning for 2021

On By BackporchwriterIn Uncategorized7 Comments

What a wonderful weekend it has been. Much has been accomplished. Having the extra day has been a God send. Most all of the gifts are wrapped except for gift cards and liquor/wine gifts. I do have stocking stuffers to get. And pretty much every day has been mapped out for the week as to what errands will be done when.

We have also planned out our Christmas Eve and Christmas Brunch menus. We are so ecstatic over the upcoming time with family.

I also need to mention that we DID NOT go the Ornament Party on Saturday (yesterday). As much as we really wanted to see our friends, we just didn’t feel it was good to be at a party with the virus raging as we go into the nearby Christmas holidays and in seeing our soon to be born grandson not long afterward. It’s risk enough being at work with family members of coworkers having the virus at times.

I snapped a few pics around the house for ya. So you don’t have to just focus on my words without some cheer around.

Roger again last night couldn’t sleep in the bed so George put him in the den/kitchen with doors to the rest of the house closed, like we normally do when we are gone. At some time in the early morning we heard him howling. He was put back in bed with us. But during the day he sleeps all day long. I’m not sure that he didn’t have a partial stroke the other day or a slight seizure of some sort. He was really acting strange and going sideways and holding a paw up in the air. I think I mentioned it yesterday. I just want him to go natural if he can. He’s just old and you can’t fix old too well. It’s a matter of time. I think he is losing some of his sight as well as he can’t seem to see where the water line is on the bowl. We have to keep it full. Or he will keep licking and standing there all day licking air til he quenches his thirst and finally gets it right. How sad is that?

George asked me if I was looking for a puppy? NOOOO. Not right now. Maybe after Texas, after spring, in warmer weather, after new pet friendly flooring. I can’t handle it right now. I need to get over this some more (losing Maisy) and let it digest and finish my grieving. Not that you don’t love another dog in different ways, as they all have such different personalities, but I just need to process losing her some more and certainly don’t need the headaches of another dog in Texas as that was an issue anyway. God and George must have known this was coming. I’m not sure Roger will make it long enough to go to Texas. I’m not sure even that he should go but can’t imagine anyone taking care of him either as he will be a hard one to keep – hard to pick up, won’t sleep at night, and so forth. He’s not going to like the trip very well either.

However, my heart is overjoyed that my friend Lisa, who lost her standard poodle, GiGi a year ago, has another one! His name is Reece (chocolate and peanut butter colors). I know she wouldn’t mind me sharing the love bug on my blog.

Did you know that hearing this news has helped even to heal my own heart some? It made me smile. I’m so excited for them. I can’t wait to meet him. They too had to wait to process some and also to do a few things before having another commitment. I want that for us too. Although I doubt we’ll wait a year. Our pets have always seemed to find us for some reason. So we’ll see what happens.

She’s about to pop!

Katy’s church shower was yesterday. And it was so nice just like the other one. I’m sharing the details. We also got a facetime from Katy yesterday to see all the things and to see the nursery coming together. Look at the shower details here. It was so nice. I’m real good at stealing photos at this point. What ya gonna do when you can’t be there in person and you are 14 hours apart?

Like how cute is all this? I know that the younger generation is really getting into these board displays. It’s awesome. I’ve seen recipe books on putting them together.

And of course all of this is perfect for Texas.

It is really getting exciting to realize that our little grandson will be here soon. The days are getting closer.

I spent some time this afternoon trying to segment all of my to do’s that were floating around in my head. My office is still a bit cluttered as the wrapping station is still in here. I have to keep it up until probably mid week or so, to make sure we don’t have something else spring up. But we can keep it at the bottom of the basement stairs and grab it if we need.

Having a few minutes in my office space at least on one side of the room, I was able to gather my thoughts, segment out what to do this week, next week, after Christmas, and after New Years. I’ve had some time to list everything out and prioritize. You know me and my planning. I have to have to have a plan! With or without COVID world, I WILL HAVE a plan. I’m coming out of the grief a bit more and concentrating on living and what all we get to look forward to for the coming year – EVEN IF much of it is spent at home.

So with all these things swirling in my head and looking at my current little small planner and how even with nothing going on, I’ve filled it to the brim – I decided to up my planner size. It’s a little bit bigger with enough room to write appointments or errands or reminders on one side and to do lists on the other for each day.

So I ordered this one. It has a flexible cover. I’ll never use a hardback one again. It’s 8 X 10 but much better for my needs.

And with all the “planning” and “learning” I’m going to be doing this year with camera and vlogging, I decided to go with a plain 3 subject notebook for note taking, planning, and keeping up with my thoughts and ideas. It’s also flexible, but I ordered a normal size notebook b/c I plan to learn a lot and plan a lot and those “big” ideas need to be parked where I can see them. This makes me happy.

I do have some thoughts rolling around in my head and it’ll be fun to see where God leads everything.