Let the Prom Drama CONTINUE . . . . . . . .

[mamacatnv]

Well, actually, he is.

I have to follow that by saying that, in my opinion, the senator is a really nice guy. He's from Tupelo (not too far from us) and has always had an excellent reputation in the community (both prior to and after his election to Congress). He was in the House for serveral years and was appointed to the Senate to finish out the term for the previous senator who retired. This is his first senatorial election. I don't like the guy (one of our former governors) who is running against him.

However, having said all of that, I don't mind at all that we're in the middle of an election. If he can help, I will make sure every single person I come across knows that he did!

I agree with you, whatever it takes when it comes to your kids!

I think I must be in the same shape that you are. I told DH about putting that weekend thing on there when it was Tuesday. I guess I'm more distracted than I thought.

Sure made for a LONG week

Added to everything else, DFi's grandfather had to be hospitalized Tuesday night. They thought he had a stroke, fell out of his truck, and cut his head pretty bad. He was in the ICU Stroke Unit but was moved to a room yesterday. DD said last night, that now they aren't even sure it was a stroke. He was very involved in DFi's growing up (he's the ranching side of the family). DFi is one of 3 grandsons (no granddaughters) but is the only one "into" the horses and roping stuff, and DFi is very close to him. Hopefully, they can resolve whatever the issue was.

How is Grandpa doing?

On a happier note, I just found out that the first graders are going on a field trip today to the pumpkin patch, and since I have first graders on Thursdays, today should be very quiet! (This job is working out so much better than I thought! )

I'm so glad you like the job and that things are settling down for you. Ah yes, the inevitable trip to the pumpkin patch. I am glad we are finally outgrowing that stage. We buy ours at the grocery store now and today DS did have a field trip but it was to one of the local wetlands and coincided with her science class.

Heard from the Senator's office again today. They have been in contact with the federal affairs office of the hospital (I didn't even know hospitals had federal affairs offices ), and they are checking into the situation. Maybe things will work out, I sure hope so...

Wow, what is a Federal Affairs office at a hospital anyway? Could it be because of who it is? Is Vanderbuilt a private institution or do they receive federal funding?
Whatever the case, I'm glad that you are at least getting responses.

Our weekend was fairly uneventful. Grocery shopping, an evening with the girls drinking wine and eating cheese, breakfast with DS and a movie night with DD.

Univ. had their homecoming, we did not go to the game, but DS did. We won, finally! We did go down to the Univ. on Saturday morning and we had breakfast with DS, then he went off to the game with Girly and we ran some errands.

DS is really liking his job and seems to be doing well in school. I am starting to think about Thanksgiving and Christmas plans. Nothing concrete, just muddling over ideas in my brain. I would like to go to San Francisco for a few days over the winter break. Go see my brother and SIL, then head to the city to see the $500 million renovations that were done to the California Academy of Sciences. They just recently reopened after being closed for 3+ years.



Sandy, haven't heard from you in awhile, everything ok?



Thats about it here - hope all is well in all of your necks of the woods. Have a great week, catch up when you can.

 

[horseshowmom]

How is Grandpa doing?

Funny you should ask...

Saturday he fell on MIl and cracker her ribs. She was put under strict orders NOT to wait on him and to rest. He, of course, likes to order her around in particular. SIL called about a hour ago and asked DH to come down there. FIL has been even worse than usual (quite an accomplishment) - probably because MIL is physically not able to wait on him as ordered due to her own pain. It sounded like he was going to be taken somewhere tonight. Of course, we'll have to wait to see how it turns out. DH left saying that he didn't know when he'd be back.

Wow, what is a Federal Affairs office at a hospital anyway? Could it be because of who it is? Is Vanderbuilt a private institution or do they receive federal funding?
Whatever the case, I'm glad that you are at least getting responses.

I'm with you, who knew medical schools/universities has federal affairs offices? I'm pretty sure it's a public university/teaching hospital though. We haven't heard anything else yet.

Univ. had their homecoming, we did not go to the game, but DS did. We won, finally!

Go team!

DS is really liking his job and seems to be doing well in school.

Is math still coming along okay?

I am starting to think about Thanksgiving and Christmas plans. Nothing concrete, just muddling over ideas in my brain. I would like to go to San Francisco for a few days over the winter break. Go see my brother and SIL, then head to the city to see the $500 million renovations that were done to the California Academy of Sciences. They just recently reopened after being closed for 3+ years.

Thanksgiving here will be quiet. We'll go out to eat and then to a movie. Christmas should be nice. I just found out that Sea World does a Polar Express attraction (switches over the Arctic Expedition), and it sounds great! Wonder if DD and DFi would mind my using those tickets I promised them? I'm also planning on taking DD to ICE! at the Gaylord Palms. It's pretty neat.

The CAoS sounds exactly like something we would enjoy! Tell me all about it if you go (not that I'll be going to SF anytime soon! ).

Sandy, haven't heard from you in awhile, everything ok?

That dratted Supreme Court, I guess!

 

[mamacatnv]

Funny you should ask...

Saturday he fell on MIl and cracker her ribs. She was put under strict orders NOT to wait on him and to rest. He, of course, likes to order her around in particular. SIL called about a hour ago and asked DH to come down there. FIL has been even worse than usual (quite an accomplishment) - probably because MIL is physically not able to wait on him as ordered due to her own pain. It sounded like he was going to be taken somewhere tonight. Of course, we'll have to wait to see how it turns out. DH left saying that he didn't know when he'd be back.

Yikes, I hope all goes well.

How is soon to be son in laws Grandpa?

Is math still coming along okay?

He says yes, he had a test on Friday and as of last night no score yet. He hates music appreciation and whines and moans about it often. DS is a pull it off in the end kind of student so I am sure he will pull it off

Thanksgiving here will be quiet. We'll go out to eat and then to a movie. Christmas should be nice. I just found out that Sea World does a Polar Express attraction (switches over the Arctic Expedition), and it sounds great! Wonder if DD and DFi would mind my using those tickets I promised them? I'm also planning on taking DD to ICE! at the Gaylord Palms. It's pretty neat.

The CAoS sounds exactly like something we would enjoy! Tell me all about it if you go (not that I'll be going to SF anytime soon! ).

The SeaWorld show sounds great! I love Sea World, haven't been to the one in Orlando but have been to San Diego and San Antonio - love San Diego over SA hands down. Maybe because we were so bloody hot and miserable in SA

When in FL. in the winter we have alwasy been in the Sarasota area during the holidays and have never really wandered around Orlando or the "other" attractions in Orlando

We have seen some pretty incredible Christmas lights in the Sarasota area. One was in Myaka and the house was covered in lights (including the surrounding yard) it was not "Christmasy" persay, there were no Santa's or eleves or reindeer......Just lights and the lights were set to classic Christmas Hymns. It was amazing, still gives me goosebumps

Have you ever been to the Apollo Power Station to see the Manatee's? We have done that twice and it is so amazing - it is on Tampa Bay (if i remember correctly)

My SIL sent me an email talking about coming over Thanksgiving and my first thought was NO - we go to the hotel, eat at the buffet and play in the pool with our friends. So I told her we would be home Friday afternoon and then for the rest of the weekend. I haven't heard back from her. I love my SIL but my Bro is high maintenance

That dratted Supreme Court, I guess!

Shame on them making her work so much...............

Have a good one

 

[horseshowmom]

Yikes, I hope all goes well.

He just called this second for me to look up directions to a specific place in Memphis, so it looks like FIL is going somewhere tonight for sure. That particular area of Memphis isn't anywhere I like to be in the daylight, so I really hate for DH to be going tonight. Maybe the suddent cold weather will help keep the thugs from getting out too much.

How is soon to be son in laws Grandpa?

Happily, he is MUCH better, but I'm not sure they really know what is going on with him. It wasn't a stroke though for sure. I know they're checking other things but don't know anything yet for sure.

He says yes, he had a test on Friday and as of last night no score yet. He hates music appreciation and whines and moans about it often. DS is a pull it off in the end kind of student so I am sure he will pull it off

He'll make it!

Have you ever been to the Apollo Power Station to see the Manatee's? We have done that twice and it is so amazing - it is on Tampa Bay (if i remember correctly)

I've always wanted to go, but it just never worked into our schedule just right (never made it to BG either, and I know DD would have loved it since she's a coaster nut). My parents did take her when she was about 10 or so and visiting them.

My SIL sent me an email talking about coming over Thanksgiving and my first thought was NO - we go to the hotel, eat at the buffet and play in the pool with our friends. So I told her we would be home Friday afternoon and then for the rest of the weekend. I haven't heard back from her. I love my SIL but my Bro is high maintenance

I'll back you up! You know, I've come to the point in my life where I'm not going to purposely hurt anybody's feelings, but I'm also going to do what I want to do (spent too many years trying to make everybody else happy, I guess! ).

 

[mamacatnv]

He just called this second for me to look up directions to a specific place in Memphis, so it looks like FIL is going somewhere tonight for sure. That particular area of Memphis isn't anywhere I like to be in the daylight, so I really hate for DH to be going tonight. Maybe the suddent cold weather will help keep the thugs from getting out too much.

Your poor DH what a roller coaster this is for him and his family. I hope and pray this all works out and that FIL actually ends up in a care facility. I bet MIL will not be far behind since chances are she will be lost without him instructing her day to day living. (Or she might have a big party and "travel" )

Happily, he is MUCH better, but I'm not sure they really know what is going on with him. It wasn't a stroke though for sure. I know they're checking other things but don't know anything yet for sure.

Oh good, glad to hear he is doing better

He'll make it!

I know and he wouldn't have any fun if he didn't cause me a few gray hairs along the way! Brat that he is....

I've always wanted to go, but it just never worked into our schedule just right (never made it to BG either, and I know DD would have loved it since she's a coaster nut). My parents did take her when she was about 10 or so and visiting them.

I have been to BG once but DS and DH go every time we are in the area. I still have their last ride on Sheikra recorded on the voice mail of my cell phone. They called as they were getting near the top and we let it go to voice mail.........there is screaming from DH and yells and "oh yeahs" from DS with more screaming from DH and finally a "oh, i'm getting to old for this from DH" and a "Dad, lets do it again from DS" When I need a good laugh, I listen to my voice mail!
Now that DD is big enough I am sure on our next visit we will all be going back.

It is amazing what they have done with the area around that power station. The boardwalks, the education etc......We love it and it is free to the public, that part always really amazed me. Of course they have a gift shop to make up for the free admission. I have a manatee cell phone charm, Christmas ornaments, t-shirts, DD has 2 manatee necklaces and last time we went we brought home several for her friends. We have manatee books, calendars and who knows what else........ oh yeah, manatee magnets. They may not charge to get in but the plight of the manatee is well advertised and as a visitor we readily opened our walkets. Way off the beaten path but IMO well worth the drive.

I'll back you up! You know, I've come to the point in my life where I'm not going to purposely hurt anybody's feelings, but I'm also going to do what I want to do (spent too many years trying to make everybody else happy, I guess! ).

It is liberating to say, Ummmm No, we won't be home for Thanksgiving, but you are more than welcome to come the next day. Not only liberating, but I don't feel selfish. I just don't feel like I have to be the one to accomodate them and I have ALWAYS accomodated my brother. We have our plans, they can sort themselves out. I didn't even invite them to join us at the hotel, that has become such a special time for us, our friends and our kids and I don't want anyone to interfer.

Well, lookie there, it's 5 O'Clock......time to go home
I'll catch up with you later.

Sandy......still thinking about you

 

[Sandy V.]

Good morning!!!

Sorry I have been MIA, but things have been a bit nuts around here. The courts have kept us VERY busy and will continue to!!

I don't have time to go back at this moment and comment on all that's been written, but I will soon (you guys have been busy in my absence! )

Melissa, stand your ground on doing Thanksgiving your family's way. No one can take advantage of you or make you feel guilty unless you let them. Good for you for making your brother and his wife figure out their own plans! They'll get by, I'm sure.

Sheila, sorry to hear about your FIL, MIL, and your DD's fiance's grandfather. I hope everyone is okay. Sounds like maybe the wheels are being set in motion for your FIL, although I'm sure your DH will still get resistance from your MIL as she delays in making a decision.

I have another reason for being absent. We just added two new members of the family on Sunday. We now own two pug puppies! They are both males, not out of the same litter, but from the same breeder. We have named them Butch and Sundance.

Butch is 8 weeks old and Sundance is 10 weeks old. They are very cute and affectionate. Potty training is actually going pretty well - I am crate training and they are NOT pleased to be locked in while I am working. But hey; that's the way it goes. In fact, I just came back from a potty break. Everyone -pee'ed, so all is well. They have razor sharp teeth and love to bite DH's toes. I will try and post pictures, but I'm not too savvy about that - however I promise to do my best.

Tundra is actually being a great "big sister". She growled once in the first five minutes, but has been very good ever since. Of course, we've been giving her lots of praise and affection. She is alternately fascinated and scared by them. They think she's great and want to "play", although the size difference makes that a little difficult at the moment. Tundra simply is too gentle to really hurt them, so that's a good thing.

I hope everyone is doing well. I promise to be better this week. Last week was Benefits Enrollment, so that was one more thing to do. Thankfully it's done now and it makes the week less complicated.

Will write more later. Have a great day, all!!

 

[mamacatnv]

I have another reason for being absent. We just added two new members of the family on Sunday. We now own two pug puppies! They are both males, not out of the same litter, but from the same breeder. We have named them Butch and Sundance.

Butch is 8 weeks old and Sundance is 10 weeks old. They are very cute and affectionate. Potty training is actually going pretty well - I am crate training and they are NOT pleased to be locked in while I am working. But hey; that's the way it goes. In fact, I just came back from a potty break. Everyone -pee'ed, so all is well. They have razor sharp teeth and love to bite DH's toes. I will try and post pictures, but I'm not too savvy about that - however I promise to do my best.

Tundra is actually being a great "big sister". She growled once in the first five minutes, but has been very good ever since. Of course, we've been giving her lots of praise and affection. She is alternately fascinated and scared by them. They think she's great and want to "play", although the size difference makes that a little difficult at the moment. Tundra simply is too gentle to really hurt them, so that's a good thing.

Okay, sorry, I just have to laugh. I have several friends whose kids went off to college this year. With the exception of me because I still have the brat at home (and I really am not fond of dogs). They all got a new arm pit dog. Every single one of them
Lets see there if I can remember them all:
Pizmo - Chi-weenie Chihuahua/Wiener dog my DS's, BFF's, Mom
Molly & Callie - German ShortHairs - Wino Friend
Gus - Chihuahua - Wino Friend
Ginger - Puggle - Wino Friend
Cooper & Emmit - My Aunt's Pomeranian/Chihuahuas (she got them last year when my cousin finished grad school and moved out)
All of our evenings out now revolve around potty training, dog sitters and stopping to admire dog clothes! OMG, it's like being in a toddler mommy group all over again

Sandy - hang in there and enjoy your new babies. It was good to hear from you.

 

[Sandy V.]

Okay, sorry, I just have to laugh. I have several friends whose kids went off to college this year. With the exception of me because I still have the brat at home (and I really am not fond of dogs). They all got a new arm pit dog. Every single one of them
Lets see there if I can remember them all:
Pizmo - Chi-weenie Chihuahua/Wiener dog my DS's, BFF's, Mom
Molly & Callie - German ShortHairs - Wino Friend
Gus - Chihuahua - Wino Friend
Ginger - Puggle - Wino Friend
Cooper & Emmit - My Aunt's Pomeranian/Chihuahuas (she got them last year when my cousin finished grad school and moved out)
All of our evenings out now revolve around potty training, dog sitters and stopping to admire dog clothes! OMG, it's like being in a toddler mommy group all over again

Sandy - hang in there and enjoy your new babies. It was good to hear from you.

Yeah, our kids are convinced that they have been replaced by dogs and fish. I haven't even been able to get out the door to PetSmart yet, so I haven't had a chance to go "doggie shopping". I just hit the Safeway for chew toys, dog food, dog dishes, and remove-the-smell-of-puppy-pee-and-poop spray.

I figure I've got 2-3 months of real work before we hit upon a good routine around here. What the heck . . .

 

[horseshowmom]

That's wonderful - new babies! I love their names. Melissa, that's very funny about the empty nesters!

Well, they put FIL in a geriatric psych ward at the hospital last night. From what I hear, he was very ugly to his sons (not quite as bad to SIL), but he made sure to behave very nicely whenever medical personnel were in the room. At one point, he was being very nasty to DH and BIL, and SIL told him that he shouldn't be acting that way. He told her that he could act any way he wanted because he was bi-polar.

I talked to SIL this morning, and she feels really bad about everything. DH says that it was long overdue, and he's better satisfied now that it's settled. He's not heartless, he just knows how bad it's been.

Now, on to the good news! I heard from the Senator's office this morning, and they were able to get DD's appointment moved up from Sept. to March. That's 6 months better than before, so we're very satisfied. It's even after we get back from Israel, so there's no conflict there. We are very excited! When I called DD, she was excited too but not just because of the appointment - she said that would be a great time to hit the huge outlet mall in Nashville before the wedding for new clothes.

 

[Sandy V.]

That's wonderful - new babies! I love their names. Melissa, that's very funny about the empty nesters!

Well, they put FIL in a geriatric psych ward at the hospital last night. From what I hear, he was very ugly to his sons (not quite as bad to SIL), but he made sure to behave very nicely whenever medical personnel were in the room. At one point, he was being very nasty to DH and BIL, and SIL told him that he shouldn't be acting that way. He told her that he could act any way he wanted because he was bi-polar.

I talked to SIL this morning, and she feels really bad about everything. DH says that it was long overdue, and he's better satisfied now that it's settled. He's not heartless, he just knows how bad it's been.

Now, on to the good news! I heard from the Senator's office this morning, and they were able to get DD's appointment moved up from Sept. to March. That's 6 months better than before, so we're very satisfied. It's even after we get back from Israel, so there's no conflict there. We are very excited! When I called DD, she was excited too but not just because of the appointment - she said that would be a great time to hit the huge outlet mall in Nashville before the wedding for new clothes.

DH gets all of the credit for the names. Originally, we were going to get siblings (brother and sister and name them Bonnie and Clyde) from the same litter, then we were going to get just one, then we weren't sure WHAT we were going to do. So we just drove out to the kennel on Sunday morning to see them, knowing we would probably come home with one.

Well, when we got there we said we were interested in a male. They brought out both boys. They were just SO cute. After being there for about an hour, we went to McDonald's for coffee to talk it over. They offered us a really good price for the pair, so we had decided to take both of them. But what to name a pair of males? Over coffee, DH said, "How about Butch and Sundance?" They were simply perfect names so we didn't have to think any more.

I'm sorry that your FIL is hospitalized, but glad that he can't do himself or anyone else any harm right now (except for that good ole' verbal abuse!) His act of being nice to only the medical personnel may last for awhile, but he can't keep that up forever. Something will happen to make him mad and he'll lash out. Tigers don't change their stripes!! At last he can get some help and your DH's family can get some relief.

I am very happy that the appointment got moved up to March!!!! How wonderful. Your DD is very resourceful in planning ahead for a shopping trip in Nashville. Kills two birds with one stone, huh?

I'd forgotten about your Israel trip - are you getting excited? How long will you be gone? I'm jealous, but very happy for you.

 

[horseshowmom]

I am very happy that the appointment got moved up to March!!!! How wonderful. Your DD is very resourceful in planning ahead for a shopping trip in Nashville. Kills two birds with one stone, huh?

I'd forgotten about your Israel trip - are you getting excited? How long will you be gone? I'm jealous, but very happy for you.

Leave it to DD. She has genuinely been concerned about the situation with her appointment, but that certainly isn't going to override a good shopping trip, now is it?

We'll be gone 10 or 11 days (can't remember which exactly). I am looking forward to it (DH especially is). Other than Mexico, I've never been out of the country. I've always wanted to spend Christmas in England, so I'm going to do that one of these days. We spent so much time, energy, and money horseshowing for so many years that we just didn't get to travel as much as we'd have liked (other than business).

 

[mamacatnv]

it's Friday do the dance!

Hi ladies

I know everyone is super busy - we had DD's Harvest Festival last night which both DH and I were involved with. This week is HomeComing at the Highschool so DS, Girly and I are headed to the game tonight. Thank goodness it is in the 70's today I so did not want to freeze.
Or so I thought.......
I just looked at tonight's forecast....29 overnight ......gonna go home ater work to get the "gear" here I thought I was going to be okay in what I was wearing (jeans, short sleeve tunic and light jacket) then I looked at my feet.....flip flops, ummmm no, I'll freeze! Home it is, then football game. Meeting DS and Girly at Qdoba for dinner pre-game.

Sandy, loved the pix of your puppies and Tundra is a beautiful dog. I am not a "dog person" per say but I do love the big hairy gentle dogs much better than small yappie ones The owners of the B&B DH and I like in Nevada City have a large "alaskan" dog of some sort (I can't remember, kind of Malamute and kind of Keeshound but not) anyway, he is huge and would get into your lap if you let him. DS's girly saw the puppy pictures and also thought they were adorable. I know they along with the Supreme Court are keeping you busy.

Sheila, is FIL still in the psych hospital? How is everything going?
Your DD is funny, heck if she has to get poked and prodded she might as well get some shopping out of the deal, I agree with her 100%!
How are all the fur babies doing? Haven't heard of any Tigger antics in awhile and did Kodak settle down or still raising heck on the family spread?

Deck'Ster has discovered napkins. Stalks them, steals them and then shreds them in one corner of the breakfast nook in our kitchen It is so funny. I also caught her purring the other day. She will now sleep at the end of our bed when we are there and will sit on my feet if Simon the Fat Cat has taken up my lap (and he does take up my whole lap!). She still won't let us touch her but she is less and less skittish.



I've got to get back to work. You all have a great weekend.

Talk at ya soon

 

[Sandy V.]

Happy Friday to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just got back from going home over my lunch hour to check on Butch and Sundance. Since Friday is my office day, the boys were locked up in the laundry room. Came home to find . . . no messes! Took them out to do their duties and then everyone raced around and played for awhile while I ate lunch. Then back into the laundry room with a dog biscuit each to work on for awhile - great distraction tool.

Tundra is getting more and more involved, although it has been YEARS since she has truly "played" with another dog, so it's going to take her awhile to get the hang of it.

Yeah, Melissa, looks like you'd better get some warmer clothes. Can't have your toes freeze off at the game tonight. Good luck to your team!!!

Glad that you liked the pictures. They are really cute little buggars and very affectionate. Still having some accidents in the house, but we very wisely moved our Indian rug made of New Zealand wool outta there so that Butch and Sundance couldn't go pee and poop on it!! It's bad enough to clean up hardwood and tile, but I draw the line at an expensive rug.

Deck'ster sounds like such a sweetie. Love the napkin stealing. Give him a bit more time, and he WILL let you pet him, I bet. If he sleeps at the end of your bed, you've obviously earned his trust.

Not much going on around here this weekend. Probably building a pen for the pugs in the garage so we can go out to dinner or a movie with no worries. Heated and all; my husband is SUCH a repressed engineer - he loves to design and build things. I think both kids are coming home the next weekend, so that will be nice.

Like Melissa said, everyone have a good weekend!!!!!

 

[horseshowmom]

This week is HomeComing at the Highschool so DS, Girly and I are headed to the game tonight. Thank goodness it is in the 70's today I so did not want to freeze.

How did Homecoming go?

Sandy, loved the pix of your puppies and Tundra is a beautiful dog.

Okay, I'm thoroughly confused. What pictures???

Sheila, is FIL still in the psych hospital? How is everything going?

Still on the psych floor. DH's brother has made some statements that if "they" don't do something to get him better soon, then "he" is going to go get him. DH said that he'd better plan on taking him home with him then, because their mother isn't able to care for him.

He was a little concerned that his sister was backing down too based on some things she'd said towards the end of the week, but she spent a good deal of time there yesterday, and last night she was in full agreement with DH (who says that he does not need to come home when he leaves the hospital, he needs to go to a long-term care facility and visit at home as much - or as little - as it works out).

Your DD is funny, heck if she has to get poked and prodded she might as well get some shopping out of the deal, I agree with her 100%!

That girl, that girl...

How are all the fur babies doing? Haven't heard of any Tigger antics in awhile and did Kodak settle down or still raising heck on the family spread?

Everybody's pretty calm for the most part. I did come home a little earlier from church than DH did yesterday and found half a loaf of bread in the middle of the kitchen floor with attack marks all over it. I had made the mistake of leaving Tigger in when I left for church (DH has to leave earlier than I do), and, apparently, he had a wonderful time fighting with the bread. DH just loves that sort of thing (NOT), so I threw it in the garbage and put out another loaf to take it's place.

Kodak is a constant source of amusement and annoyance! I stayed home Friday to go to Tupelo with DD. Every year we go to something called Celebration Village. It's sort of an upscale Christmas market that is a fundraiser for the local hospice house. Since I stayed home, I got to sleep late. When I got up, Kodak had completely shredded the newspaper all over the driveway. Lot of fun to clean up! He does this from time to time, and I always cross my fingers that DH forgets to ask for the newspaper that day!

Most of the cats have convinced him to leave them along, but Jackson keeps running up a tree, and I have to keep getting her down. Finally, the other night, I held her in front of his face and let her hiss at him and take a swipe or two (like the other cats have done), and he hasn't chased her back up a tree since.

On the other hand, I've gotten him trained that he can't come jump all over you, so when you come home and get out of the car, he runs up, sits down, and his whole body wiggles waiting for you to pet him. He also learned that when I'm on the back porch, I pat the rail for him to stand up (so I don't have to bend over to pet him). So now, when you start out the back door, he rushed up on the deck and flings himself at the railing while looking over his shoulder and wagging himself all over waiting to be petted. As Steve Irwin used to say, "You gotta love him!"

Deck'Ster has discovered napkins. Stalks them, steals them and then shreds them in one corner of the breakfast nook in our kitchen It is so funny. I also caught her purring the other day. She will now sleep at the end of our bed when we are there and will sit on my feet if Simon the Fat Cat has taken up my lap (and he does take up my whole lap!). She still won't let us touch her but she is less and less skittish.

She has really come a long way! Good for you!

Just got back from going home over my lunch hour to check on Butch and Sundance. Since Friday is my office day, the boys were locked up in the laundry room. Came home to find . . . no messes! Took them out to do their duties and then everyone raced around and played for awhile while I ate lunch. Then back into the laundry room with a dog biscuit each to work on for awhile - great distraction tool.

I must have missed these puppy pictures. I'll go back and check again.

Tundra is getting more and more involved, although it has been YEARS since she has truly "played" with another dog, so it's going to take her awhile to get the hang of it.

Our poor old Rixie enjoys Kodak to a point, then she goes in her doghouse and ignores him (she has a nice 5 inch thick memory foam mattress to help sooth her old bones too, so she likes it in the doghouse pretty well).

 

[horseshowmom]

Okay, I'm back. Where are the puppy pictures??? I can't find any.


Nice quiet weekend at our house. DD went back to school after work Saturday due to some major tests this week. DFi got back late Saturday night from Indianapolis (carried FFA members for the National Convention). I know he was tired (been gone since early Tuesday morning). I got a little early Christmas shopping done for my brother's daughters.

Hope everybody had a great weekend!

 

[Sandy V.]

Sheila, I sent the puppy photos to your e-mail address. Could you please resend your e-mail address to me in a pm so that I can resend them? Sorry that you didn't get them; it was probably something I did wrong!!

Thanks! And Happy Monday (grumble, grumble . . .)

 

[horseshowmom]

Wonderful pictures! Tundra and the boys are all adorable!

 

[Sandy V.]

Still on the psych floor. DH's brother has made some statements that if "they" don't do something to get him better soon, then "he" is going to go get him. DH said that he'd better plan on taking him home with him then, because their mother isn't able to care for him.

He was a little concerned that his sister was backing down too based on some things she'd said towards the end of the week, but she spent a good deal of time there yesterday, and last night she was in full agreement with DH (who says that he does not need to come home when he leaves the hospital, he needs to go to a long-term care facility and visit at home as much - or as little - as it works out).

Glad to hear that your SIL is coming around to your DH's way of thinking. Maybe for the first time in a long time she's finally getting a bit of relief from all of the needy people making demands on her.

You're right - if your DH's brother wants your FIL at "home", then he should be prepared to take him to HIS home!! Bet faced with that, he won't be so anxious to take on that burden.

Everybody's pretty calm for the most part. I did come home a little earlier from church than DH did yesterday and found half a loaf of bread in the middle of the kitchen floor with attack marks all over it. I had made the mistake of leaving Tigger in when I left for church (DH has to leave earlier than I do), and, apparently, he had a wonderful time fighting with the bread. DH just loves that sort of thing (NOT), so I threw it in the garbage and put out another loaf to take it's place.

Kodak is a constant source of amusement and annoyance! I stayed home Friday to go to Tupelo with DD. Every year we go to something called Celebration Village. It's sort of an upscale Christmas market that is a fundraiser for the local hospice house. Since I stayed home, I got to sleep late. When I got up, Kodak had completely shredded the newspaper all over the driveway. Lot of fun to clean up! He does this from time to time, and I always cross my fingers that DH forgets to ask for the newspaper that day!

Most of the cats have convinced him to leave them along, but Jackson keeps running up a tree, and I have to keep getting her down. Finally, the other night, I held her in front of his face and let her hiss at him and take a swipe or two (like the other cats have done), and he hasn't chased her back up a tree since.

On the other hand, I've gotten him trained that he can't come jump all over you, so when you come home and get out of the car, he runs up, sits down, and his whole body wiggles waiting for you to pet him. He also learned that when I'm on the back porch, I pat the rail for him to stand up (so I don't have to bend over to pet him). So now, when you start out the back door, he rushed up on the deck and flings himself at the railing while looking over his shoulder and wagging himself all over waiting to be petted. As Steve Irwin used to say, "You gotta love him!"

Your pets make me smile. I love the part about Tigger "fighting" witht he bread and you throwing it away before your DH noticed. That's exactly what I would have done!!

Our poor old Rixie enjoys Kodak to a point, then she goes in her doghouse and ignores him (she has a nice 5 inch thick memory foam mattress to help sooth her old bones too, so she likes it in the doghouse pretty well).

Tundra does the same. Last night was funny because I gave Butch and Sundance a rawhide strip each while in the house. Now, they always seem to decide that the other one has the best tasting strip, so they start fighting over a single strip. Tundra wanted in, so I brought her in. She found the abandoned rawhide strip and claimed it as her own. So naturally, the puppies thought it would be fun to play with Tundra and try and take the strip away from her. Well, Tundra, gentle dog that she is, does have a "limit" to what she will put up with, and she reached it. As Butch crouched near her face, ready to pounce in Tundra's face, Tundra lifts up her right paw, slams it down and gives out one pretty big bark as if to say, "Back Off!". The puppies were suitably impressed (or scared) and gave her a VERY wide berth and did not attempt that again. Good girl!!

This weekend was a cleaning one. Cleaned my laundry room and my kitchen. Both desperately needed it, so it's good to be able to see the countertops again. About 3 years ago we took out a small 1/2 bath in our laundray room area to make the space bigger and give us some much needed counter and hanging space. Unfortunately, since it's the first room in the house you enter when you park the car in the garage, it gathers more than its fair share of "stuff" from family members (never me ) who want a place to stash their things when they walk in the door. Took me hours on Saturday to do it, but I finally conquered the mess!!

Both kids are coming home this next weekend, although at different times. We're looking forward to seeing them. Haven't had the four of us together in a while.

Well, gotta get back to work, so have a great day, all!!

 

[horseshowmom]

You're right - if your DH's brother wants your FIL at "home", then he should be prepared to take him to HIS home!! Bet faced with that, he won't be so anxious to take on that burden.

I can guarantee that you're dead right about that!

Added to everything else, FIL's brother went to see him either Sat. or Sun. and found the staff making FIL get up and walk (with his COPD, they have to make sure pneumonia doesn't set in from him not moving around enough). He "straightened them out" and made them put FIL back in bed. As DH said, uncle takes after FIL in the "knows it all" category (did I tell you that when the female psychiatrist asked him to tell her about what he did in the service - he was a medic - he told her that he could explain it to her but there was no way she'd be able to understand it all... ). When SIL got there yesterday and found out about uncle's "help", she told the hospital staff to ignore anything that uncle has to say in the future.

Your pets make me smile. I love the part about Tigger "fighting" witht he bread and you throwing it away before your DH noticed. That's exactly what I would have done!!

I made sure Tigger went outside this morning. He can climb trees and fight with the other cats to his heart's content!

As Butch crouched near her face, ready to pounce in Tundra's face, Tundra lifts up her right paw, slams it down and gives out one pretty big bark as if to say, "Back Off!". The puppies were suitably impressed (or scared) and gave her a VERY wide berth and did not attempt that again. Good girl!!

Good for Tundra! My mother was concerned that Kodak might "take over" and keep Rixie from her food. Not a chance of that happening - like Tundra, she told Kodak very loudly that he would be waiting until she was completely finished before he ate anything. Now, she'll share with him, but I guess she had to train him first!

Unfortunately, since it's the first room in the house you enter when you park the car in the garage, it gathers more than its fair share of "stuff" from family members (never me ) who want a place to stash their things when they walk in the door. Took me hours on Saturday to do it, but I finally conquered the mess!!

Both kids are coming home this next weekend, although at different times. We're looking forward to seeing them. Haven't had the four of us together in a while.

Are you sure the kids are going to realize they're in the right house?

Take care!

 

[Sandy V.]

I can guarantee that you're dead right about that!

Added to everything else, FIL's brother went to see him either Sat. or Sun. and found the staff making FIL get up and walk (with his COPD, they have to make sure pneumonia doesn't set in from him not moving around enough). He "straightened them out" and made them put FIL back in bed. As DH said, uncle takes after FIL in the "knows it all" category (did I tell you that when the female psychiatrist asked him to tell her about what he did in the service - he was a medic - he told her that he could explain it to her but there was no way she'd be able to understand it all... ). When SIL got there yesterday and found out about uncle's "help", she told the hospital staff to ignore anything that uncle has to say in the future.

Proof positive that the most dangerous folks are the ones who think that they're geniuses (like your BIL). What a tool. Glad your SIL straightened the hospital staff out.

I made sure Tigger went outside this morning. He can climb trees and fight with the other cats to his heart's content!

And still be back in the house in time for dinner!

Good for Tundra! My mother was concerned that Kodak might "take over" and keep Rixie from her food. Not a chance of that happening - like Tundra, she told Kodak very loudly that he would be waiting until she was completely finished before he ate anything. Now, she'll share with him, but I guess she had to train him first!

I read that when you bring new puppies home, you always make sure that the oldest dog already there gets food and treats first. That way, the "alpha" status is preserved. Tundra likes that rule. We had to originally MAKE her come in to play with the puppies, but now she seems to do it of her own volition, which is great.

Are you sure the kids are going to realize they're in the right house?

They'd better!!! Unfortunately with differing schedules we won't have all 4 of us together until Saturday night, but it will be well worth it.

Take care!

You too.