Dove Lewis sent out an alert about keeping animals safe on the 4th of July. Read the news update about Busiest Weekend of the Year on their website.
I live in a war zone on the 4th of July. My animals can't get any relief at all from the incessant explosions and are pacing, drooling, having accidents, panting, and are just downright stressed. Fireworks are nice in a central location, but I don't think neighborhoods are a good place for them. And I hate to see my animals suffer. HATE it! I have Valium for everyone except Kristin. I'm going to ask permission to use it for her if I need to.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Yard pictures
I love the back yard in late June. Everything is still green and the summer flowers are at their peak. Roses look beautiful right now. They don't call Portland The Rose City for nothing!
I love the rich purple of this lavender:
The oranges of lilies,Mexican sunflowers and Blackeyed Susan Vine:
I'm amused by this campanula - it's taken over the side yard and any structure out there. It's the kudzu of our yard!
I love the crabapple-pink of this astilbe:
I love the blue of the hydrangea and can't wait until it turns a deeper blue in a few weeks:
The weather has been awful this spring and I really feared that the berries would get moldy. However, they haven't and it looks like we'll have a good crop:
I'm not the only one wanting berries - these two really want to help eat them.
Kristin is wearing her coat because she doesn't like it lately. She runs when she sees me pick it up. I think she associates it with the Halti. I may just give up on that thing!
I have to go rescue Aidan from the *!*! fireworks the neighbors are predictably setting off this time of year. He's barking frantically inside and out any time one goes off. I hate fireworks! Why can't people be quietly patriotic! Lyn is at the fireworks stand selling fireworks for our puppy club. Sigh! It's our main fund raiser. My luck! Lyn is filling in for both of us this year - I just couldn't take it.
I love the rich purple of this lavender:
The oranges of lilies,Mexican sunflowers and Blackeyed Susan Vine:
I'm amused by this campanula - it's taken over the side yard and any structure out there. It's the kudzu of our yard!
I love the crabapple-pink of this astilbe:
I love the blue of the hydrangea and can't wait until it turns a deeper blue in a few weeks:
The weather has been awful this spring and I really feared that the berries would get moldy. However, they haven't and it looks like we'll have a good crop:
I'm not the only one wanting berries - these two really want to help eat them.
Kristin is wearing her coat because she doesn't like it lately. She runs when she sees me pick it up. I think she associates it with the Halti. I may just give up on that thing!
I have to go rescue Aidan from the *!*! fireworks the neighbors are predictably setting off this time of year. He's barking frantically inside and out any time one goes off. I hate fireworks! Why can't people be quietly patriotic! Lyn is at the fireworks stand selling fireworks for our puppy club. Sigh! It's our main fund raiser. My luck! Lyn is filling in for both of us this year - I just couldn't take it.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Summer's Here!
After months of cold, rainy weather, the temperatures are approaching 80 and beyond and I believe the Pacific Northwest has remembered that it's time for the sun to come out!
It's been a busy week all week. Sunday, Father's Day, was also Tim's birthday and we pretty much emphasized the birthday. (Lyn and I don't really do father's or mother's day). Tim turned 23 and chose to go to a Thai restaurant for dinner. Keri was able to join us and we had a good meal and came home to play 2 games of Yahtzee, which left us in tears of laughter. I really think my abs haven't had such a workout in years. We had a cake, cupcakes (from New Seasons from Keri) and brownies. We each had a cupcake and left the cake, etc. for the next day when Lyn brought home fresh strawberries and whipped cream for the brownies. We gave Tim some gift certificates for shoe stores and a tank of gas for his car (because he was using mine). A sign of the time, I guess.
I joined a book game at Ravelry where you answer a questionnaire about the books you like and don't like and then you get matched to someone who will recommend books for you. We have deal breakers (for me, vampires and Christian fiction) and those books are avoided. I got matched to a great partner (eventually) and he chose and for me. I ended up getting both of these books at the bookstore and got Sullivan's Island, too. I'm ready for some summer reading.
Summer has always meant going to the beach for me. When I was a child growing up in Tallahassee, Florida, my father would take the month of August off and we'd go to St. George Island to a sand-block beach house we had there. At the time, you couldn't get to St. George without taking a ferry, so half the family would go with my mother in a car on the ferry, the other half would go with my father who would leave a car on shore and would drive a boat to the island. When we needed supplies, we would take the boat, get in the car and go to Appalachicola for groceries. Again, half of the kids would go get supplies and then we'd get to pick out comic books and have a root beer float. Those that didn't go for supplies got to go fishing in the boat.
The month was spent reading, swimming, crabbing, fishing, floundering, and just slowing down and enjoying life. It was a wonderful place - the natural life was amazing - wild pigs, sand crabs, hermit crabs, cochinas, sting rays, sharks, dolphin, sea grass. The sand was white, the water was warm, and I loved that place. When we moved away to Tennessee, a bridge was built to the island and more roads were paved. Houses started being built and a state park was established on part of the island to keep some of St. George wild. Homes are now several million dollars and the island has become a favorite destination for visitors to the "Redneck Riviera." We sold our beach house when we moved to Tennessee, but still go back for family reunions and for day trips when I'm in the Tallahassee area.
Until now... Last week my father told me the oil spill was 7 miles offshore. My brother lives in Pensacola and the beaches there are sickening = quite a contrast between the oil and the bleached-white sand beaches that Pensacola is famous for. This is a long-winded way to say that I'm in mourning and that I detest BP!!
Another blast from the past - I found my old roommates that I lived with in my mid 20s on Facebook. One of them moved back to the area just a week ago and we have plans to get together tomorrow. We're certainly older, and I am guessing we're wiser, and I'm looking forward to reconnecting.
I've been told to work with Kristin in a head collar. I bought her one yesterday and we took a walk around the Tech Center. Kristin doesn't care for the collar and will try to paw it off her nose. I was told to use a food protocol with her when getting her used to the head collar and I did this last night. She got to where she could walk about half a block before resisting the collar. She also started balking at getting out of the car and into it again. I'm not sure what that's about. This morning I took her for a neighborhood walk and she did much better. The time is nearing for her to go back. We'll be concentrating on the head collar, recall, and obedience commands for the remaining months.
I'm off to work with the cats at the shelter. The kittens are thriving. I think I've named them Frida, Diego, Che and Zapata. Kittens from litter #1 were all adopted very shortly after being taken back to the shelter.
It's been a busy week all week. Sunday, Father's Day, was also Tim's birthday and we pretty much emphasized the birthday. (Lyn and I don't really do father's or mother's day). Tim turned 23 and chose to go to a Thai restaurant for dinner. Keri was able to join us and we had a good meal and came home to play 2 games of Yahtzee, which left us in tears of laughter. I really think my abs haven't had such a workout in years. We had a cake, cupcakes (from New Seasons from Keri) and brownies. We each had a cupcake and left the cake, etc. for the next day when Lyn brought home fresh strawberries and whipped cream for the brownies. We gave Tim some gift certificates for shoe stores and a tank of gas for his car (because he was using mine). A sign of the time, I guess.
I joined a book game at Ravelry where you answer a questionnaire about the books you like and don't like and then you get matched to someone who will recommend books for you. We have deal breakers (for me, vampires and Christian fiction) and those books are avoided. I got matched to a great partner (eventually) and he chose and for me. I ended up getting both of these books at the bookstore and got Sullivan's Island, too. I'm ready for some summer reading.
Summer has always meant going to the beach for me. When I was a child growing up in Tallahassee, Florida, my father would take the month of August off and we'd go to St. George Island to a sand-block beach house we had there. At the time, you couldn't get to St. George without taking a ferry, so half the family would go with my mother in a car on the ferry, the other half would go with my father who would leave a car on shore and would drive a boat to the island. When we needed supplies, we would take the boat, get in the car and go to Appalachicola for groceries. Again, half of the kids would go get supplies and then we'd get to pick out comic books and have a root beer float. Those that didn't go for supplies got to go fishing in the boat.
The month was spent reading, swimming, crabbing, fishing, floundering, and just slowing down and enjoying life. It was a wonderful place - the natural life was amazing - wild pigs, sand crabs, hermit crabs, cochinas, sting rays, sharks, dolphin, sea grass. The sand was white, the water was warm, and I loved that place. When we moved away to Tennessee, a bridge was built to the island and more roads were paved. Houses started being built and a state park was established on part of the island to keep some of St. George wild. Homes are now several million dollars and the island has become a favorite destination for visitors to the "Redneck Riviera." We sold our beach house when we moved to Tennessee, but still go back for family reunions and for day trips when I'm in the Tallahassee area.
Until now... Last week my father told me the oil spill was 7 miles offshore. My brother lives in Pensacola and the beaches there are sickening = quite a contrast between the oil and the bleached-white sand beaches that Pensacola is famous for. This is a long-winded way to say that I'm in mourning and that I detest BP!!
Another blast from the past - I found my old roommates that I lived with in my mid 20s on Facebook. One of them moved back to the area just a week ago and we have plans to get together tomorrow. We're certainly older, and I am guessing we're wiser, and I'm looking forward to reconnecting.
I've been told to work with Kristin in a head collar. I bought her one yesterday and we took a walk around the Tech Center. Kristin doesn't care for the collar and will try to paw it off her nose. I was told to use a food protocol with her when getting her used to the head collar and I did this last night. She got to where she could walk about half a block before resisting the collar. She also started balking at getting out of the car and into it again. I'm not sure what that's about. This morning I took her for a neighborhood walk and she did much better. The time is nearing for her to go back. We'll be concentrating on the head collar, recall, and obedience commands for the remaining months.
I'm off to work with the cats at the shelter. The kittens are thriving. I think I've named them Frida, Diego, Che and Zapata. Kittens from litter #1 were all adopted very shortly after being taken back to the shelter.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Things I'm Happy With
I haven't been online enough lately. Like most people I seem to have plenty going on right now.
For instance we haven't had a working kitchen sink for a few days now and it's a surprising inconvenience. Kim decided to paint the kitchen, then that led to being unhappy with the counter top which led to replacing the counter top which led to not liking the old faucet, drawer pulls, back splash, etc. That's what happens when he's left alone with a week off to himself.
Oh well, it's going to look great eventually.
Now on to Things I am happy with;
1. The nasturtiums in the hanging baskets on the garage. They're actually blooming. I usually don't get many blooms from my nasturtiums. These are Empress of India.
2. My foxgloves. I just love them.
See that short wire fence? That's all it takes to keep the chickens from eating them into the ground. Yes, I know foxgloves are poisonous but the chickens LOVE eating their leaves.
(I told you I love foxgloves.)
3. Poppies and iris. Although they're both finished they were great when they were in bloom.
Two different poppies with Constance Spry rose in the background.
4. Goldfinches.
5. Watching the chickens.
6. First Strawberries of the season from our plants.
What are some of your favorite summer things?
For instance we haven't had a working kitchen sink for a few days now and it's a surprising inconvenience. Kim decided to paint the kitchen, then that led to being unhappy with the counter top which led to replacing the counter top which led to not liking the old faucet, drawer pulls, back splash, etc. That's what happens when he's left alone with a week off to himself.
Oh well, it's going to look great eventually.
Now on to Things I am happy with;
1. The nasturtiums in the hanging baskets on the garage. They're actually blooming. I usually don't get many blooms from my nasturtiums. These are Empress of India.
2. My foxgloves. I just love them.
See that short wire fence? That's all it takes to keep the chickens from eating them into the ground. Yes, I know foxgloves are poisonous but the chickens LOVE eating their leaves.
(I told you I love foxgloves.)
3. Poppies and iris. Although they're both finished they were great when they were in bloom.
Two different poppies with Constance Spry rose in the background.
4. Goldfinches.
5. Watching the chickens.
6. First Strawberries of the season from our plants.
What are some of your favorite summer things?
Monday, June 14, 2010
Garden Tour 2010
As usual the Garden Tour by the Lunaria League had some fantastic gardens.
I just love nosing around in other people's back yards and the Garden Tour presents the perfect opportunity to do just that without being arrested!
Vanessa and Chris accompanied us this year and since they're having a house built they were particularly interested in the landscaping elements and use of trees and shrubs.
Here they are on the right perusing that nice spruce.
I thought this planter would look fantastic in our garden.
Isn't this nice?
This is one huge Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans). I wish you could see just how large that trunk is.
I loved the way this gardener tucked hens and chicks into crevices in the rocks around their stream.
When Vanessa saw this tranquil pond she asked why our rocks aren't covered with moss. Anyone know the trick to this? We've had no success with the yogurt painting method.
Great tour. Really enjoyed it.
And it seems as if summer has arrived in Boise!
I just love nosing around in other people's back yards and the Garden Tour presents the perfect opportunity to do just that without being arrested!
Vanessa and Chris accompanied us this year and since they're having a house built they were particularly interested in the landscaping elements and use of trees and shrubs.
Here they are on the right perusing that nice spruce.
I thought this planter would look fantastic in our garden.
Isn't this nice?
This is one huge Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans). I wish you could see just how large that trunk is.
I loved the way this gardener tucked hens and chicks into crevices in the rocks around their stream.
When Vanessa saw this tranquil pond she asked why our rocks aren't covered with moss. Anyone know the trick to this? We've had no success with the yogurt painting method.
Great tour. Really enjoyed it.
And it seems as if summer has arrived in Boise!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Litter #2
Yep, I'm doing it again! I was having kitten withdrawals and got a phone call Friday afternoon asking me if I wanted some more. I think I was there in 7 minutes to pick them up. I got another litter of 4, 3 males, 1 female. There are 2 tabby kittens, a male and a female, and 2 black male kittens who I can't tell apart. It's like having black labs in class! I think I'll be keeping their neck IDs on for awhile. I haven't named the kittens yet, maybe when I can tell all of them apart I'll do that. Here are a few pictures:
Male tabby - has more gray on his face:
Female tabby in basket:
One of the black kittens:
Another one:
Lyn and I took Kristin to the Land Bridge that passes over SR14. This is a walk that takes us through Ft. Vancouver and then to bridge which is a tribute to the natural area and also to some of the history. Our puppy group had taken an outing here a few weeks ago and I had really wanted to attend, but we couldn't because we were sick. Kristin went with another handler and did very well. We decided to take her with us yesterday. We went in the evening was and the weather was just perfect!
An in-line skater stopped and offered to take a group picture:
Kristin by herself, looking away from the camera:
Lots of anxiety-producing changes at work. Technology is going to rapidly take over my job and it all starts going forward next month. Will I even be employed in a few months? I'm reading a book on the middle age brain to arm myself with facts that people who aren't 20 have something to bring to the work force. The job outlook looks dismal for me right now, but I'm calling forth my revolutionary side to fight age discrimination. A friend put this on Facebook yesterday. I loved it and thought I'd share it with anyone who needs a lift right now:
Male tabby - has more gray on his face:
Female tabby in basket:
One of the black kittens:
Another one:
Lyn and I took Kristin to the Land Bridge that passes over SR14. This is a walk that takes us through Ft. Vancouver and then to bridge which is a tribute to the natural area and also to some of the history. Our puppy group had taken an outing here a few weeks ago and I had really wanted to attend, but we couldn't because we were sick. Kristin went with another handler and did very well. We decided to take her with us yesterday. We went in the evening was and the weather was just perfect!
An in-line skater stopped and offered to take a group picture:
Kristin by herself, looking away from the camera:
Lots of anxiety-producing changes at work. Technology is going to rapidly take over my job and it all starts going forward next month. Will I even be employed in a few months? I'm reading a book on the middle age brain to arm myself with facts that people who aren't 20 have something to bring to the work force. The job outlook looks dismal for me right now, but I'm calling forth my revolutionary side to fight age discrimination. A friend put this on Facebook yesterday. I loved it and thought I'd share it with anyone who needs a lift right now:
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Milestones
I never thought I'd see the day, but I think Ardella and Kristin can tolerate each other now. We got a new bed for Kristin that is big enough for 2 dogs. Lately, the bed has been in my office and Ardella will sometimes come in and sleep on the bed with Kristin.
Ardella still likes her space though, and it takes awhile to warm up to Kristin.
However, she's getting there. Kristin really likes Ardella and when Ardella goes to sleep, Kristin likes to sleep on a paw or belly. I love it when this happens:
I'm not going to jinx Kristin by reporting on her progress. No news is good news. I will post pictures though.
The kittens didn't leave on Friday, but they are leaving tomorrow. I was supposed to keep them through Monday, but some spots opened up for male cats to be neutered so they're leaving tomorrow. Two of them have potential adopters - my neighbor's son and his girlfriend are each adopting one kitten - that would be Flicker for the GF and Flame for my neighbor's son. I'm going to miss the kittens like crazy, but I've been assured there will be other litters coming in since it is kitten season. I don't think any litter can be as cute as this one though. I have a movie, but it takes awhile to download those and it needs editing, so I'll post it tomorrow.
Ardella still likes her space though, and it takes awhile to warm up to Kristin.
However, she's getting there. Kristin really likes Ardella and when Ardella goes to sleep, Kristin likes to sleep on a paw or belly. I love it when this happens:
I'm not going to jinx Kristin by reporting on her progress. No news is good news. I will post pictures though.
The kittens didn't leave on Friday, but they are leaving tomorrow. I was supposed to keep them through Monday, but some spots opened up for male cats to be neutered so they're leaving tomorrow. Two of them have potential adopters - my neighbor's son and his girlfriend are each adopting one kitten - that would be Flicker for the GF and Flame for my neighbor's son. I'm going to miss the kittens like crazy, but I've been assured there will be other litters coming in since it is kitten season. I don't think any litter can be as cute as this one though. I have a movie, but it takes awhile to download those and it needs editing, so I'll post it tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Up and running again
Here are a few pictures of the kittens at age 7 weeks, I think. They leave me on Friday and I'm hoping to get some final pictures for memories. I will miss their cute little faces!
Getting Back to Normal
As the weather has been getting back to "normal" for spring/beginning of summer there has been more of this happening:
This lovely Blue Moon clematis has been blooming on the gazebo.
The pond iris are blooming.
This yellow tree peony came up with one blossom.
Red Charm peony is blooming its head off.
Still some columbines blooming. Most of these we started from seed a few years ago.
The flag iris are still blooming; most out front and some in the back garden.
Kim catches me contemplating the garden. You can see Chelsea under my seat and my glass of wine on the side arm. I was updating my garden journal.
(The wine helps.)
And Kim gives Tootsie a little lovin'.
This lovely Blue Moon clematis has been blooming on the gazebo.
The pond iris are blooming.
This yellow tree peony came up with one blossom.
Red Charm peony is blooming its head off.
Still some columbines blooming. Most of these we started from seed a few years ago.
The flag iris are still blooming; most out front and some in the back garden.
Kim catches me contemplating the garden. You can see Chelsea under my seat and my glass of wine on the side arm. I was updating my garden journal.
(The wine helps.)
And Kim gives Tootsie a little lovin'.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
