We've had a couple of mornings in the upper-40s (F) this past week, and at 6:15 this morning, it was 50 degrees. I knew I'd be moving about, so I wore shorts and a T-shirt, which got a lot of stares from the locals... They were wearing sweat suits with hoodies, and huddling into them. Yesterday, it was 78 degrees, but cloudy, and people were wearing sweat suits... I guess outside temperature is a based a little on your mind set. I was never cold this morning, but, then again, I was moving purposefully and doing work with the fish, hens and cats. Oh, well - I've always known I'm different.
Nedi is currently sitting in my window and chittering at the raven family visiting Chez Thuy's dumpster. Lovey is curled up on my bed. And Bertrando, the squirrel, is up on top of his power pole, soaking up rays. I've already taken care of the critters at Dellwood, read my mail, and made my usual posts to Facebook. I need to take out our trash and recyclables as I leave to walk Rosie and Charlie; then I'll head over to the ABCs and go with them to Denver International Airport, before grabbing my overnight gear and heading back to their house. Two kitties and two dogs - all with very different personalities, and both dogs are rescues... I need to remember that Lola won't like any eye contact during the first 24 hours I'm there. Both cats will want to be in my lap, and, if I sit on the sofa, the dogs will want to have their heads in my lap.... Critter love is great.
I had a fantastic time on my vacation - I got to spend time with friends and family that I hadn't seen in years. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable time, and I spent time on the beach, out boating, and walking the trails of Assateague (both in Virginia and Maryland). Karen and I became better acquainted, as adults, and I got to see her brother, Woody, whom I hadn't seen in more than 30 years. I had wonderful times with Maureen and her daughters, and was thrilled to get to spend time with all of them. They are a fantastic family. Of course, Maureen and I talked about Pony Pennings in the 1940s and 1950s, and how things have changed... some for the good, others, not so much.
Back here in Colorado, I'm busy as a bee. I have work to do with all my different critters each day, and I've finally got 10 of my 11 vacation photo albums posted on-line. All I have to do is caption the last one, and share it... Then I'll have more free time to read and walk and do genealogy research. I'm looking forward to that. - And sending a few "best of the best" photo collections to good friends who have expressed an interest.
Lovey just had her 11th birthday, and she's gotten a little more "clingy" to me. She runs through the house and howls, and plays with shoe strings, and gets high on catnip. But my favorite thing to observe is when she chases her tail on the toilet tank reservoir - she really wants to capture that black and grey striped "sea snake," and she sometimes falls off the toilet and into the trash can when things get intense... I'm so thankful that she's still a playful kitten inside!
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Finally Back At The Keyboard...
I must say that I feel totally refreshed after my 13 day vacation on Chincoteague and Assateague and the Eastern Shore. I thought I'd start blogging immediately after my return, but I haven't really felt the need to do so. I blog - or write - because I enjoy doing so. I write for my own enjoyment, to share interesting experiences, to introduce new items of interest and new discoveries, to share information, and, sometimes, just to get thoughts and feelings off my chest and out of my mind.
I had a stupendous time in Virginia and Maryland, and had a wonderful evening with my cousin, Maureen Beebe. Spent great hours talking with cousin Karen Gaskins Quillen, and out on the water with Captain Barry Frishman, Captain Dan Davis, and Captain Dave Davis... Went out for a long afternoon of flounder fishing with friends and caught a nice haul - had them broiled with lemon juice the first night, then deep-fried in a thin coating of hush-puppy batter... Yum! - Maureen, her daughters, and I closed down a bar one night, and then stayed in the parking lot talking for another hour, along with other friends.
I worked up until 8 hours before I left for vacation, and began working again the day after I arrived home. I down-loaded my camera photos and found that I had taken over 1500 shots in the 13 days I was gone... I've divided them up into 11 photo albums, and have cropped and captioned the shots in 9 of them. They are open to the public on Facebook...
It's grey and dreary out today - it was 69 degrees at 6:15, when I left to tend the chickens, and it's 62 now. Humidity is increasing, and it's been spitting rain off and on for over an hour. Blech..
Felling good about blogging again! See you tomorrow!
I had a stupendous time in Virginia and Maryland, and had a wonderful evening with my cousin, Maureen Beebe. Spent great hours talking with cousin Karen Gaskins Quillen, and out on the water with Captain Barry Frishman, Captain Dan Davis, and Captain Dave Davis... Went out for a long afternoon of flounder fishing with friends and caught a nice haul - had them broiled with lemon juice the first night, then deep-fried in a thin coating of hush-puppy batter... Yum! - Maureen, her daughters, and I closed down a bar one night, and then stayed in the parking lot talking for another hour, along with other friends.
I worked up until 8 hours before I left for vacation, and began working again the day after I arrived home. I down-loaded my camera photos and found that I had taken over 1500 shots in the 13 days I was gone... I've divided them up into 11 photo albums, and have cropped and captioned the shots in 9 of them. They are open to the public on Facebook...
It's grey and dreary out today - it was 69 degrees at 6:15, when I left to tend the chickens, and it's 62 now. Humidity is increasing, and it's been spitting rain off and on for over an hour. Blech..
Felling good about blogging again! See you tomorrow!
Sunday, July 17, 2016
A Mixed Bag
This will be my last post before returning from vacation, the second day of August, so I decided to present one of my usual mixed bag set of photos and thoughts....
After a "drought" in foal deliveries since June 22, Witch Kraft dropped her filly Friday on Assateague. She's a beautiful chestnut pinto and her sire is Wild Thing.
And, for the first time since 1972, a Misty descendant was born on Beebe Ranch on Chincoteague. Billy Beebe was proud to announce the birth of a filly to Nightmist's Little Angel. The black pinto has been named Angel's Stormy Drizzle.
Friday was the annual Tube to Work Day in Boulder Creek, in Boulder. More than 500 people turned out to ride the rapids in inner tubes on the way to work this year....
A promising young Thoroughbred stallion was killed by a lightning strike in his paddock on Thursday. The storm "came out of nowhere" and none of the 8 weather broadcasts forecast any rain or thunder and lightning storms.
Our local fire, the Cold Springs wildfire, is now 100% contained. There are still smouldering areas, but no new fire outbreaks are expected. The two campers who did not extinguish their small campfire caused over $3 million in damages, including the loss of 8 homes, 7 out buildings, several pets, and an untold number of wildlife. The fire-fighting costs exceed $5 million.
There have been many headlines stating that Tim Tebow will be speaking at the Republican National Convention, and that he will be campaigning for Donald Trump. Tim Tebow was very shocked to learn this via the media. Tim Tebow will not be appearing at the RNC in Cleveland. Tim Tebow does not endorse Donald Trump's racism and bigotry.
Beatrice, my room mate - apartment sharer - friend, will take care of my kits while I'm in Virginia. I'll return to Boulder late on August 1 - but I have 13 glorious days on Chincoteague and Assateague. I'm taking three boat cruises; I'll be climbing up the lighthouse; I'll see and record the Pony Auction; I'll see friends and family; I'll visit the beach, and walk the trails. And I will relax. See you next month!
After a "drought" in foal deliveries since June 22, Witch Kraft dropped her filly Friday on Assateague. She's a beautiful chestnut pinto and her sire is Wild Thing.
And, for the first time since 1972, a Misty descendant was born on Beebe Ranch on Chincoteague. Billy Beebe was proud to announce the birth of a filly to Nightmist's Little Angel. The black pinto has been named Angel's Stormy Drizzle.
Friday was the annual Tube to Work Day in Boulder Creek, in Boulder. More than 500 people turned out to ride the rapids in inner tubes on the way to work this year....
A promising young Thoroughbred stallion was killed by a lightning strike in his paddock on Thursday. The storm "came out of nowhere" and none of the 8 weather broadcasts forecast any rain or thunder and lightning storms.
Our local fire, the Cold Springs wildfire, is now 100% contained. There are still smouldering areas, but no new fire outbreaks are expected. The two campers who did not extinguish their small campfire caused over $3 million in damages, including the loss of 8 homes, 7 out buildings, several pets, and an untold number of wildlife. The fire-fighting costs exceed $5 million.
There have been many headlines stating that Tim Tebow will be speaking at the Republican National Convention, and that he will be campaigning for Donald Trump. Tim Tebow was very shocked to learn this via the media. Tim Tebow will not be appearing at the RNC in Cleveland. Tim Tebow does not endorse Donald Trump's racism and bigotry.
Beatrice, my room mate - apartment sharer - friend, will take care of my kits while I'm in Virginia. I'll return to Boulder late on August 1 - but I have 13 glorious days on Chincoteague and Assateague. I'm taking three boat cruises; I'll be climbing up the lighthouse; I'll see and record the Pony Auction; I'll see friends and family; I'll visit the beach, and walk the trails. And I will relax. See you next month!
Witch Kraft and her filly sired by Wild Thing - thanks to DSC Photography
Angel's Stormy Drizzle, a 6th generation Misty descendant
Billy Beebe with Clarence "Grandpa" Beebe's branding iron
Squirrel
Black Star and filly by Wild Thing - thanks to DSC Photography
This notice from Beached Paws Photography in Maryland
Tube to Work Day in Boulder, Colorado had more than 500 participants this year
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Books, Boulder and Vacation
It's slightly hazy outside this morning - Boulder got a drop or two of rain, but nothing like areas to our south. Centennial had 2.17 inches of rain fall in one hour, and there was flooding with floating cars in both Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. I'm glad we didn't have it here, but I feel sorry for those afflicted by the rain.
Amazing as it may seem, I have never read Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. I began it last night, and will finish it this afternoon. It is such a delightful tale! I knew the premise of the story, and I've been on "Mister Toad's Wild Ride" on almost every visit to DisneyWorld - but I have never actually read the book. I can easily see why it became a classic children's book; you feel that you know each and every one of the characters. Now I'll have to run down copies of his books published before 1900, and read about the orphaned children and the adults they knew (whom they called Olympians). I think what surprised me even more than finding a copy of The Wind in the Willows in this particular private library, was finding a copy of Marguerite Henry's Justin Morgan Had a Horse immediately next to it...
Rosie and I have been spending laid back and relaxed days at her house; I travel home twice a day to spend time with my kits, Lovey and Nedi. The next time I take a vacation, I'll have to stay at home for a week after my return, so the kits won't be so traumatized about my leaving again. But both kits are getting used to having a roommate; and Beatrice is getting used to having the kits around. Lovey talks to her frequently, and Bea has discovered that Nedi will readily converse and beg for love, if she's using my computer. Lola, Cooper, Pounce and Tipsi's family returned yesterday afternoon - all is well on Tamarack Court. I was disappointed that none of the tomatoes were quite ripe enough to harvest, but the several carrots I pulled and washed were totally delicious.
I am still remembering how much fun I had on Chincoteague and Assateague. Since it was planned as a vacation, there were a few things that I had planned to do during my 13 days there - see the ponies in the Holding Pens, see the Dawn Beach Walk, see the Pony Parade on Main Street, and see the Pony Auction. My other big desire was to buy and consume a funnel cake at the Carnival grounds. I did all of those things. I also got to speak with Dr Charlie Cameron, the veterinarian for the Chincoteague ponies, and also the vet for my cats when I lived on the island.
I surprised myself by being very content to sit on the back porch of the rental house, sprawled in a rocking chair, and just reading and watching the world go by. The back porch was a covered deck, with steps down to our dock and private pier; it overlooked the Assateague Channel, and we could easily see the Lighthouse. A hundred yards or so to the north was a kayak and canoe lessons and rental spot - and watching people try to paddle for the first time was funny. I watched one couple, fighting an incoming tide, go under our dock six times in 15 minutes. At low tide, the smell of the marsh mud was a balm for my soul. The sounds of the sea birds - even the piercing cries of the gulls - brought contentment to my heart. The constant lapping of the water against the rocks and the pilings were a constant lullaby. (And I was extremely lucky in that the mosquitoes were not attracted to me, and didn't like the way that I smelled or tasted. In my 13 days on the island, I was bitten once, by a yellow fly, on the back of my knee at dusk.) An excellent vacation, overall.
Amazing as it may seem, I have never read Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. I began it last night, and will finish it this afternoon. It is such a delightful tale! I knew the premise of the story, and I've been on "Mister Toad's Wild Ride" on almost every visit to DisneyWorld - but I have never actually read the book. I can easily see why it became a classic children's book; you feel that you know each and every one of the characters. Now I'll have to run down copies of his books published before 1900, and read about the orphaned children and the adults they knew (whom they called Olympians). I think what surprised me even more than finding a copy of The Wind in the Willows in this particular private library, was finding a copy of Marguerite Henry's Justin Morgan Had a Horse immediately next to it...
Rosie and I have been spending laid back and relaxed days at her house; I travel home twice a day to spend time with my kits, Lovey and Nedi. The next time I take a vacation, I'll have to stay at home for a week after my return, so the kits won't be so traumatized about my leaving again. But both kits are getting used to having a roommate; and Beatrice is getting used to having the kits around. Lovey talks to her frequently, and Bea has discovered that Nedi will readily converse and beg for love, if she's using my computer. Lola, Cooper, Pounce and Tipsi's family returned yesterday afternoon - all is well on Tamarack Court. I was disappointed that none of the tomatoes were quite ripe enough to harvest, but the several carrots I pulled and washed were totally delicious.
I am still remembering how much fun I had on Chincoteague and Assateague. Since it was planned as a vacation, there were a few things that I had planned to do during my 13 days there - see the ponies in the Holding Pens, see the Dawn Beach Walk, see the Pony Parade on Main Street, and see the Pony Auction. My other big desire was to buy and consume a funnel cake at the Carnival grounds. I did all of those things. I also got to speak with Dr Charlie Cameron, the veterinarian for the Chincoteague ponies, and also the vet for my cats when I lived on the island.
I surprised myself by being very content to sit on the back porch of the rental house, sprawled in a rocking chair, and just reading and watching the world go by. The back porch was a covered deck, with steps down to our dock and private pier; it overlooked the Assateague Channel, and we could easily see the Lighthouse. A hundred yards or so to the north was a kayak and canoe lessons and rental spot - and watching people try to paddle for the first time was funny. I watched one couple, fighting an incoming tide, go under our dock six times in 15 minutes. At low tide, the smell of the marsh mud was a balm for my soul. The sounds of the sea birds - even the piercing cries of the gulls - brought contentment to my heart. The constant lapping of the water against the rocks and the pilings were a constant lullaby. (And I was extremely lucky in that the mosquitoes were not attracted to me, and didn't like the way that I smelled or tasted. In my 13 days on the island, I was bitten once, by a yellow fly, on the back of my knee at dusk.) An excellent vacation, overall.
Monday, August 10, 2015
Boulder and Chincoteague
'Tis a beautiful, sunny day in Colorado. I slept well with Rosie last night, and she has been eating like a little piglet for me. I mention that, because she frequently acts disdainful of the food her owners give her, but not food from me. I can't figure that out.
After I went back to Tamarack Court last night, Beatrice informed me that Nedi decided that she was safe to get some loving from... He stropped her ankles and purred quite a bit for her while she was using my computer. I guess that someone sitting at the keyboard is considered "safe."
Have had a wonderful time talking with Lynn about Chincoteague and the ponies. She wants to see Pony Penning next year. I have already reserved the place I stayed at this summer for next year - I am hoping and praying that my friends Carolyn and Greg can make it to the island, as well as Rabbitt, a man Carolyn and I went to school with... Then Lynn hopes to come, also. Luckily the house sleeps 10, and if everyone can attend, there will be one couple and three singles...
I was able to go out with Captain Barry for a Sea Exploration cruise, as well as an after-hours trip up the neck with him, his wife Aleda, Jimmy, and Jimmy's parents. (Jimmy works with Aleda at Right Up Your Alley, a food truck behind the Village Mall on Main Street.) Captain Barry's trips leave from a mooring spot between The Jackspot and the Fairfield Inn & Suites - and they are delightful. If the band is playing at the Jackspot, they break for a few seconds to wish Captain Barry a "Bon Voyage," and Barry blows his conch shell horn at them...
The new visitor centers on Assateague are fantastic - I was very impressed by them. I also fell in love with my cousin, Karen Quillen, all over again. I looked up to Karen as a child, and desperately wanted to please her. I found that I still do. Karen was, and still is, "Miss Karen" to most of the children riding the school bus on Chincoteague Island. She is full of common sense, and speaks her mind. She gave me gifts to share with the rest of the family when I left - and I have yet to spread them around. I also got to talk with my cousin Maureen Beebe, and with her two daughters. It was sheer heaven.
Back here in Boulder, I was a little nasty yesterday. Each and every apartment in the new complex we moved into has one, and only one, assigned parking space. Beatrice and I have number 50. In my first three weeks here, I left four notes on four different windshields noting that 50 was my space, I pulled in yesterday evening, and found an SUV from Oregon parked in my spot. I sat and tooted my horn until several neighbors looked out over their balconies. The visitor was staying (and doing a party hardy) at the apartment above mine. He took his time in moving the car... but I was feeling a bit cranky and wanted MY spot. Think I was out of line? The designated spot for that apartment was empty - so I didn't, and don't, feel badly about it.
After I went back to Tamarack Court last night, Beatrice informed me that Nedi decided that she was safe to get some loving from... He stropped her ankles and purred quite a bit for her while she was using my computer. I guess that someone sitting at the keyboard is considered "safe."
Have had a wonderful time talking with Lynn about Chincoteague and the ponies. She wants to see Pony Penning next year. I have already reserved the place I stayed at this summer for next year - I am hoping and praying that my friends Carolyn and Greg can make it to the island, as well as Rabbitt, a man Carolyn and I went to school with... Then Lynn hopes to come, also. Luckily the house sleeps 10, and if everyone can attend, there will be one couple and three singles...
I was able to go out with Captain Barry for a Sea Exploration cruise, as well as an after-hours trip up the neck with him, his wife Aleda, Jimmy, and Jimmy's parents. (Jimmy works with Aleda at Right Up Your Alley, a food truck behind the Village Mall on Main Street.) Captain Barry's trips leave from a mooring spot between The Jackspot and the Fairfield Inn & Suites - and they are delightful. If the band is playing at the Jackspot, they break for a few seconds to wish Captain Barry a "Bon Voyage," and Barry blows his conch shell horn at them...
The new visitor centers on Assateague are fantastic - I was very impressed by them. I also fell in love with my cousin, Karen Quillen, all over again. I looked up to Karen as a child, and desperately wanted to please her. I found that I still do. Karen was, and still is, "Miss Karen" to most of the children riding the school bus on Chincoteague Island. She is full of common sense, and speaks her mind. She gave me gifts to share with the rest of the family when I left - and I have yet to spread them around. I also got to talk with my cousin Maureen Beebe, and with her two daughters. It was sheer heaven.
Back here in Boulder, I was a little nasty yesterday. Each and every apartment in the new complex we moved into has one, and only one, assigned parking space. Beatrice and I have number 50. In my first three weeks here, I left four notes on four different windshields noting that 50 was my space, I pulled in yesterday evening, and found an SUV from Oregon parked in my spot. I sat and tooted my horn until several neighbors looked out over their balconies. The visitor was staying (and doing a party hardy) at the apartment above mine. He took his time in moving the car... but I was feeling a bit cranky and wanted MY spot. Think I was out of line? The designated spot for that apartment was empty - so I didn't, and don't, feel badly about it.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Vikings - and Life
I was a television slut Thursday afternoon and evening - I watched nine full hours of Vikings on the History Channel. They had a marathon showing of all the episodes of this season (eight), plus the airing of the new, ninth episode. The last episode for this season will air on Thorsday, April 23. And, yes, I meant to misspell Thorsday. I can revel in my Viking forebears for another week, knowing that the huge group of wonderful actors that brings Vikings to life, will be getting together again (for the most part) in June in lovely Ireland to film the fourth season. Time has been twisted - after all, it is a fictional show, and the old Norse sagas can't be documented - but, unless there's a big trick and twist coming in this last episode, it will diverge greatly from the Saga of Ragnar Lodbrok. But that's OK - this is a wonderful series to watch for the language, the costume, and the fighting techniques.
We had about four inches of wet snow fall Thursday; yesterday, rain was falling in Boulder onto melting snow - but on the drive to Denver International Airport, fields, pastures, mesas, and mountains were completely snow-covered; there were huge banks of cotton-wool fog; and several highways were closed due to accidents. The rain and sleet continued to fall until mid-afternoon; then the sun appeared for a few hours, but it began raining again last night. It was raining this morning when I went home and visited my kits, and was changing to a rain and sleet mix when I headed over to Dellwood to care for the hens, fish and cats. Xuxa was not happy that I wouldn't let her outside this morning - but I'd rather her and Carter be inside and safe (and upset with me) than have them outside in miserable weather.
I'm currently back at Tessa's, having taken care of my kits, the critters at Dellwood, doing my shopping, and feeding the critters here (plus walking Tessa). Tessa and I visited Rosie last night for an hour, and will do so for 90 minutes tonight. I now have reservations for my vehicle lease for my vacation in July and August, and I have also purchased bumper-to-bumper accident insurance. The rest of the family purchased their plane tickets last weekend - flying en masse from Denver to Washington National Airport and back. I'm following the same itinerary, but I'll leave a few days before and follow them home a few days later. My friend Beatrice will be looking after my cats while I'm gone - and as they both like her, it's wonderful. She's still not used to Lovey trying to climb her like a tree - but I think I'm the only one used to that habit.
I'm catching up on missed episodes of NCIS and Person of Interest this weekend, and I did duck into the library and find two new books to read - one's a new mystery by Margaret Coel, and the other is a new Clive Cussler book. I also picked up a copy of Thundercloud by Preston and Child, realizing that I haven't read it in over 13 years….
Hope you have a wonderful weekend! We'll be getting much needed moisture.
We had about four inches of wet snow fall Thursday; yesterday, rain was falling in Boulder onto melting snow - but on the drive to Denver International Airport, fields, pastures, mesas, and mountains were completely snow-covered; there were huge banks of cotton-wool fog; and several highways were closed due to accidents. The rain and sleet continued to fall until mid-afternoon; then the sun appeared for a few hours, but it began raining again last night. It was raining this morning when I went home and visited my kits, and was changing to a rain and sleet mix when I headed over to Dellwood to care for the hens, fish and cats. Xuxa was not happy that I wouldn't let her outside this morning - but I'd rather her and Carter be inside and safe (and upset with me) than have them outside in miserable weather.
I'm currently back at Tessa's, having taken care of my kits, the critters at Dellwood, doing my shopping, and feeding the critters here (plus walking Tessa). Tessa and I visited Rosie last night for an hour, and will do so for 90 minutes tonight. I now have reservations for my vehicle lease for my vacation in July and August, and I have also purchased bumper-to-bumper accident insurance. The rest of the family purchased their plane tickets last weekend - flying en masse from Denver to Washington National Airport and back. I'm following the same itinerary, but I'll leave a few days before and follow them home a few days later. My friend Beatrice will be looking after my cats while I'm gone - and as they both like her, it's wonderful. She's still not used to Lovey trying to climb her like a tree - but I think I'm the only one used to that habit.
I'm catching up on missed episodes of NCIS and Person of Interest this weekend, and I did duck into the library and find two new books to read - one's a new mystery by Margaret Coel, and the other is a new Clive Cussler book. I also picked up a copy of Thundercloud by Preston and Child, realizing that I haven't read it in over 13 years….
Hope you have a wonderful weekend! We'll be getting much needed moisture.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Chilly, Vacation, and Books
As the humidity rose yesterday, the day seemed to get cooler; I ended up putting on a pair of jeans and socks, instead of being in shorts and bare feet. The high at Denver yesterday was 65 degrees; for Boulder it was 62 - and we had drizzle all day long. Yuck. It's supposed to be sunny this morning, so I'll have Rosie over to visit with Tessa. Then I get to watch two of my college teams play football this afternoon, with the Broncos kick-off tomorrow night. After spending last night at Tessa's, it's nice to be home for a couple of hours with my kits. I've fed and watered them, loved them, and cleaned their litter boxes. I'll be back again early tomorrow morning for another short visit and should be home to begin my vacation just before kick-off for the Broncos tomorrow night. (Yea!!!!)
I think, that as of, January 1, I'll be increasing my charge to stay over-night by $5. That will be the first increase in my charges in 9 years - since I started this business. I'll probably keep the walk and visit charges at the same amount until the following year, 2016, and then slightly increase those charges. Most of my clients give me generous tips, knowing the charges by other groups and kennels is almost twice what I charge; but, I do have a few folks that pay me the bare minimum that I charge, and then ask me to do more work around the house and yard. That's the reason for the increase.
Several friends have asked me to go out and do things with them during this up-coming week of vacation. I have thanked them all, and turned them down. I try to explain to each person that I just want to be at home, with my cats, and not be obliged to be anywhere at any specific time. That, for me, is vacation, since my business means that I run my life to other peoples (and their pets') schedules. Most folks don't seem to understand - so I'm glad that I am not a family member. For me, a vacation is a time period where I do what I want to do, when I want to do it - not something with a planned and timed schedule....
I've read the latest James Rollins' Sigma Force book, and the latest in C J Cherryh's Foreigner series. I guess I need to find another new author to enjoy... Right now, I'm re-reading my favorite Zane Grey novels - and I just purchased a 100-year-old copy of The Light of Western Stars (a first edition) for $3 at a used book store. I find myself cringing, these days, at the casual usage of derogatory terms for people of other colors and religions, but I always tell myself that, unfortunately, that was how most people thought and spoke at the time.... I have the same problem when I read my favorite series by Elswyth Thane - they were written at a time when racial prejudice was common, and the writing certainly shows that. At the same time, I've seen a few newer editions of Ms. Thane's books, and I'm amazed at how differently the areas that have been "sanitized for political correctness" read. A lot of the connotations have been lost, or completely ignored. Hmmmmmm... Going to have to think about this....
I think, that as of, January 1, I'll be increasing my charge to stay over-night by $5. That will be the first increase in my charges in 9 years - since I started this business. I'll probably keep the walk and visit charges at the same amount until the following year, 2016, and then slightly increase those charges. Most of my clients give me generous tips, knowing the charges by other groups and kennels is almost twice what I charge; but, I do have a few folks that pay me the bare minimum that I charge, and then ask me to do more work around the house and yard. That's the reason for the increase.
Several friends have asked me to go out and do things with them during this up-coming week of vacation. I have thanked them all, and turned them down. I try to explain to each person that I just want to be at home, with my cats, and not be obliged to be anywhere at any specific time. That, for me, is vacation, since my business means that I run my life to other peoples (and their pets') schedules. Most folks don't seem to understand - so I'm glad that I am not a family member. For me, a vacation is a time period where I do what I want to do, when I want to do it - not something with a planned and timed schedule....
I've read the latest James Rollins' Sigma Force book, and the latest in C J Cherryh's Foreigner series. I guess I need to find another new author to enjoy... Right now, I'm re-reading my favorite Zane Grey novels - and I just purchased a 100-year-old copy of The Light of Western Stars (a first edition) for $3 at a used book store. I find myself cringing, these days, at the casual usage of derogatory terms for people of other colors and religions, but I always tell myself that, unfortunately, that was how most people thought and spoke at the time.... I have the same problem when I read my favorite series by Elswyth Thane - they were written at a time when racial prejudice was common, and the writing certainly shows that. At the same time, I've seen a few newer editions of Ms. Thane's books, and I'm amazed at how differently the areas that have been "sanitized for political correctness" read. A lot of the connotations have been lost, or completely ignored. Hmmmmmm... Going to have to think about this....
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Having a Blast in OKC!
I didn't expect to be blogging while in Oklahoma City, but here I am. I have absolutely no idea of what is happening in the outside world, as I have only seen a late-night local news show since I arrived. But I am having a ball... Flew in with no problems on Monday, with Kathy and Jim taking me to the airport. Checked my bag, got my boarding pass, and wandered down to the farthest end of Terminal C for my flight. Ended up sitting in row 6, and had an extremely enjoyable flight. The flight time was 1 hour and 9 minutes, and instead of calling my hotel for the shuttle, I took a cab. Mistake. It's pretty much a straight shot from the airport to my hotel, but that wasn't the way the young man drove me - and he seemed to be totally dependent upon his GPS, which kept going out... Once we got on Meridian Avenue, where the hotel is, he kept saying, "It's not far, now..." with each block. I was watching the building numbers on the street, and finally told him, "It's 8 blocks down on the left..."
OKC is extremely spread out - the next time I visit I'll know to either (a) drive, (b) rent a car for myself, or (c) choose a hotel that's close to the places I want to visit... Other than that one observation, I'm having a fantastic time. Monday afternoon I wandered around the Stockyards area, poking my nose into the Stockyards, themselves, and visiting a large array of Western stores and saddle and tack shops. I had supper at the Stockyards Cattlemen's Restaurant. I think that it was the best steak I've ever eaten - and I couldn't finish it.
Yesterday I spent the day with my cousin Sarah and her family at the 45th Infantry Division Museum. They had driven down from Wichita, and since they were visiting a history museum with their family, both girls were marked as being in class and getting credit for extracurricular activities. The displays at the museum were fascinating - original drawings by Bill Mauldin; a collection of over 200 historic weapons (from Brown Bess blunderbusses to items used in the Gulf Wars); photos of the troops in action in World War I, WWII, the Korean War, and Viet Nam. The Division liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp, with photos and mementos of that occasion; they were also the first American troops at Adolf Hitler's vacation house, apartment in Berlin, and in the bunker where he committed suicide. They also have a 15 acre campus outside with various Jeeps, tanks, trucks, artillery pieces, helicopters, planes, and a scud missile launcher. We had a wonderful time, and I was able to meet Ashley, Kristie and James. I think everyone had a great time.
Today I was at the Oklahoma City National Memorial, and at the OkC Museum of Art - they have fantastic glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly - and also have a display of Italian masters covering 500 years that's on loan from the Glasgow Museum. It is gorgeous! After this quick library break, I'm walking down to Bricktown to wander around and look and shop.... And Mary should arrive tonight from Florida, so we'll be spending the next few days at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum... Oh, boy!!!
I'll be back on Saturday!
OKC is extremely spread out - the next time I visit I'll know to either (a) drive, (b) rent a car for myself, or (c) choose a hotel that's close to the places I want to visit... Other than that one observation, I'm having a fantastic time. Monday afternoon I wandered around the Stockyards area, poking my nose into the Stockyards, themselves, and visiting a large array of Western stores and saddle and tack shops. I had supper at the Stockyards Cattlemen's Restaurant. I think that it was the best steak I've ever eaten - and I couldn't finish it.
Yesterday I spent the day with my cousin Sarah and her family at the 45th Infantry Division Museum. They had driven down from Wichita, and since they were visiting a history museum with their family, both girls were marked as being in class and getting credit for extracurricular activities. The displays at the museum were fascinating - original drawings by Bill Mauldin; a collection of over 200 historic weapons (from Brown Bess blunderbusses to items used in the Gulf Wars); photos of the troops in action in World War I, WWII, the Korean War, and Viet Nam. The Division liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp, with photos and mementos of that occasion; they were also the first American troops at Adolf Hitler's vacation house, apartment in Berlin, and in the bunker where he committed suicide. They also have a 15 acre campus outside with various Jeeps, tanks, trucks, artillery pieces, helicopters, planes, and a scud missile launcher. We had a wonderful time, and I was able to meet Ashley, Kristie and James. I think everyone had a great time.
Today I was at the Oklahoma City National Memorial, and at the OkC Museum of Art - they have fantastic glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly - and also have a display of Italian masters covering 500 years that's on loan from the Glasgow Museum. It is gorgeous! After this quick library break, I'm walking down to Bricktown to wander around and look and shop.... And Mary should arrive tonight from Florida, so we'll be spending the next few days at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum... Oh, boy!!!
I'll be back on Saturday!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Vacation is Almost Over
My vacation is drawing to a close, and while I have enjoyed two weeks off, I find I'm looking forward to walking dogs and house-sitting again. There were a lot of things that I wish I could have done, but I didn't have the money - and it's no use crying about that - I am very content in what I did manage to do. I was able to sleep in several mornings, I spent a lot of time cuddling with my kits, I cleaned house when I felt like it, I was able to go exploring in the Rav4 several days, and I visited a state I hadn't previously seen. I also went out to supper with several friends, and I had tea yesterday with my friend Bea, and her friend Carol. It has been a relaxing and soothing time.
I have the LSU - Texas A & M game on right now. I had looked up a few moments ago, and laughed to see Lee Corso wearing Albert the Alligator's head and holding a young albino alligator that was wearing a tiny UF Gator shirt... Apparently, he's picking Florida over the South Carolina Gamecocks today. I'm planning on seeing both of the games I just mentioned today. Tomorrow, I'll watch the Redskins at the Giants followed by the Jets at the Patriots. I'll be rooting, of course, for RGIII and Tebow.
The Breeders Cup Racing Championships are 13 and 14 days away. They are back at Santa Anita, and the girls will race on Friday, November 2, while the boys (and any possible mixed sex races) will occur on Saturday, the 3rd. With so many great names sidelined by injury and/or retirement, I have no clear idea of the majority of the horses who will be running. I'm sure there will be several excellent races, and I hope there will be no injuries.
My kits are currently outside - it's grey and overcast in the east, but there is a lot of blue sky behind the mountains to the west. We're supposed to have highs in the upper-60s and lower-70s until Wednesday, when the weather folks are saying we'll have a high in the mid-50s. I start caring for Aiko and Yoshi Monday afternoon, after walking the Rs in the morning. I'll miss having so much time with my kits, but then I have several weeks at home with them again, once the Shih Tzu's folks are back from their trip. Nedi was investigating a pile of empty shipping boxes (that I need to break down and place in the recycle bin) last night, and caused a huge amount of noise by toppling them all over the place, and, being empty, they bounced. Big noise; Nedi hid inside the medicine chest for a couple of hours. Lovey is brushing all over my face with her chin, body, and tail; she is completely back to normal, for which I am thankful.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
A Cool Day...
Our high today was 51 degrees - and I thought my ears would freeze and fall off while I was walking the Rs this morning. The wind was still when I left the house this morning, so while I had a coat and gloves, I didn't have a scarf, hat, or ear warmers. I'll know better for tomorrow morning, when it's to be even cooler; and the weather gurus are saying there will be snow on the ground Saturday morning. I'll definitely be well-wrapped for Saturday and Sunday, when I'll be walking and feeding Peach, and staying with Finn and Skippy. The weather guys just said that it will be in the mid-20s Friday and Saturday night - better get out my wool socks!
Lovey's face is still puffy, but the swelling has gone down considerably. Nedi is spending the evening outside, although he keeps running back in to get love and attention. I'll get him inside and close the door for the night between 8 and 8:30 tonight, before the temperature drops too much. Tugger and Sasquatch were very loving today; they really miss Kristin and Steve, who luckily, returned early this evening. I took Rosie out for a good 5-mile walk on Wednesday, as Remy was seeing the chiropractor during our usual walk time. Rosie and I walked over to Wonderland Lake, and around it; it was nice to really stretch our legs again.
I must say that I am looking forward to Monday, when I don't have to get up for anyone or anything, except Nedi and Lovey. I plan on spending those next two weeks doing what I want, when I want, and paying no never-mind to the outside world. The only exception is Tuesday, Oct. 16, when I take Lovey back for a vet check for her gums and sinuses. I count that as a very necessary event, and something I'm very willing to do. I hope to read and research as I desire, and start back getting my brother-in-law's family tree fully on-line.
I've got to go find my scarf and snow hat!
Friday, July 15, 2011
My October Trip Is a GO
I just purchased my airline tickets and made reservations for a rental car for my Florida visit in October. I'll fly out of Denver on Tuesday, 25 October, and return from Jacksonville on Tuesday, 1 November. And I got a 25% discount since I'm using Enterprise Car Rentals - I am really looking forward to seeing all my friends in the Sunshine State! Ya-hoo!
We had several more rain showers yesterday afternoon and evening - Boulder Creek did not flood at my apartment, but the seasonal creek on the east side of Jim and Kathy's property once again spilled from its banks, and covered about 15 feet of Topaz Drive with about 18 inches of swiftly running water. Fourmile Canyon residents again had to run for higher ground due to the rainfall and debris from last fall's wildfires. A couple of families had banded together and placed a 10-person camping tent on the top of a crag behind their houses - they were lucky. Someone called and told them that another 4-foot-wall of water was heading their way. They got to the tent in time to watch their sandbags hold up pretty well. I called and asked Kathy if the creek had "roared" as it came through the night before last, when it flooded three blocks of Topaz. She had to admit that she and Jim didn't know, because they had been called up Boulder Canyon to open the Silver Lake Irrigation Ditch's side spills to lessen the amount of water flow into Boulder itself. She said that Boulder Creek was literally black from the cinders, ashes, and burned items that were washed downstream from Fourmile. I know that the gooey muck was covered with fine black silt again today....
Rascal, Shady, Cloudy and Rosie and Remy have all been cared for and walked, or groomed, this morning. Alexy is due home around noon today, so I brought all my gear back home. It turns out that today and tomorrow will be extremely hectic for the Rs' family, so I'll be stopping by to spend time with the red kids, and walk them, after each of my next three visits with Rascal. Lovey is trying to "tempt" me away from the keyboard - she is walking back and forth on the desk, rubbing herself all over my chin, nose and glasses, and talking. Nedi is draped across the back of the love seat. Mocha is stretched out on the tiles in the kitchen. The weather folks say highs in the upper-90s and near 100 degrees through next Tuesday, with a good chance of thunderstorms every afternoon and evening. I just hope there's no power outage during my surgery on the 19th!
Enjoy your weekend! (No one else can...)
We had several more rain showers yesterday afternoon and evening - Boulder Creek did not flood at my apartment, but the seasonal creek on the east side of Jim and Kathy's property once again spilled from its banks, and covered about 15 feet of Topaz Drive with about 18 inches of swiftly running water. Fourmile Canyon residents again had to run for higher ground due to the rainfall and debris from last fall's wildfires. A couple of families had banded together and placed a 10-person camping tent on the top of a crag behind their houses - they were lucky. Someone called and told them that another 4-foot-wall of water was heading their way. They got to the tent in time to watch their sandbags hold up pretty well. I called and asked Kathy if the creek had "roared" as it came through the night before last, when it flooded three blocks of Topaz. She had to admit that she and Jim didn't know, because they had been called up Boulder Canyon to open the Silver Lake Irrigation Ditch's side spills to lessen the amount of water flow into Boulder itself. She said that Boulder Creek was literally black from the cinders, ashes, and burned items that were washed downstream from Fourmile. I know that the gooey muck was covered with fine black silt again today....
Rascal, Shady, Cloudy and Rosie and Remy have all been cared for and walked, or groomed, this morning. Alexy is due home around noon today, so I brought all my gear back home. It turns out that today and tomorrow will be extremely hectic for the Rs' family, so I'll be stopping by to spend time with the red kids, and walk them, after each of my next three visits with Rascal. Lovey is trying to "tempt" me away from the keyboard - she is walking back and forth on the desk, rubbing herself all over my chin, nose and glasses, and talking. Nedi is draped across the back of the love seat. Mocha is stretched out on the tiles in the kitchen. The weather folks say highs in the upper-90s and near 100 degrees through next Tuesday, with a good chance of thunderstorms every afternoon and evening. I just hope there's no power outage during my surgery on the 19th!
Enjoy your weekend! (No one else can...)
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