Sunday is not some day.

Do you think that as an adult you have lost your "child- like sense of wonder"?
I ask myself that question when life seems routine. It helps me get back on track concerning joy in my life.

I had the pleasure of the company of my favorite three year old this week. She came to visit while her Mom and Dad were at work. The visit was relaxed, activity filled, and fun for both of us. I wish that I planned my days like this everyday-whether or not I have special company.

Mr. Rogers always said that play is the work of a child. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood most of us decide that play and work must be separate. This is too bad. I would like to change that in my life. 

Play dough is one of those products that can transport a person back to childhood when they sniff, feel and build with it. This happened to me this week at my house. Why did we stop buying toys? Why don't I have bubbles, silly putty, and the 64 pack of Crayola crayons out everyday for me?  

Our bulldog Violet is missing her playtime also. She tires easily and her movements are slow and plodding. I will be happy for her when she gets some relief soon and feels more like herself.

Muddy puppies and mish mash

This is Gus and Zeke, two of the English Bulldog brothers who live at our house. The third brother is named Charlie. They are older now (the picture is 4 years old) but they still love to play and are best of friends.
Whenever I look at this picture it makes me smile. We have a copy of it on the refrigerator, because it starts everyone's day in a positive manner.

I enjoy the company of my pets more than most time spent with humans. Dogs are present, usually positive, and do not worry about politics. Their eyes tell you everything about yourself as an owner. Their tail tells you how the day is playing out.I am a sucker for a nudge and a lick on my hand.

My dogs do not mind if I sing to them. I can practice my Spanish on Gus and he listens for my pronunciation. The cat runs when I sing to her. Critic. The dogs have an honesty and eagerness to start a new adventure the minute you walk in the door. They are never too tired.

There is a bulldog in our local Humane Society that needs rescue. She is about the same age as my boys and we intend to go and visit her in the morning. I have contacted the main rescue organization in our state and hope to find a home for her soon. My heart breaks for the owner who had to give her up. I understand how hard it is on a dog who changes homes.

My Charlie is not in the picture above because he was living with his first owner at the time. He was a kind gentleman who loved him completely. His owner passed away when the boys were one year old. The gentleman's family returned the sweet boy to the breeder. She was at a loss as to what to do.

We invited her over for the first birthday celebration and asked her to bring Charlie too. We had not seen him since the boys were pups and wanted to see how he had grown. He burst into the house, a bundle of excitement, nerves, energy and stress. He was very unsure of what was going on in his world.

The visit was pleasant and I told Charlie how much we wished he could join our family. We told the breeder too. It took some convincing for her to believe that we were not just being polite. We wanted Charlie to live with his brothers and be a part of our family.

The joy in his face lights up the room every day of his life. We are so blessed to have this big guy. His heart is so big and he loves so deeply. As we get ready for Violet's big day, it is Charlie who is bonded closest to her. He guides her, protects her and watches over her every move. I hope that her human care is as good as her canine.

The vulnerability of the little girl at the Humane Society stabs at my heart tonight. I pray that all the pets will be rescued, but there is something in her eyes. I had seen it three years ago when our third boy came to us. I hope that we can find her the right home.

"If I could be half the person my dogs think I am.."

"Buttons" at the Spokane Humane Society  ID #21227962

It is a pleasure and a privilege.

Tuesdays used to be one of those days each week that were just "satisfactory." Usually, the work week is in full swing, projects are progressing nicely and time is being managed in a productive manner. The routines of the second day of the traditional work week went by in rote fashion. How disrespectful of me.

I often let the rays of sunshine help elevate my mood. On the days when the gray clouds and dreary rain cover the sky, my mood may be gray and dreary too.  What a headstrong and silly way to approach each day.

About fifteen years ago, my husband and I were fortunate enough to go see the Broadway musical "Rent" that was touring through our city. I could not wait to see the performance because I knew it was loosely based on Puccini's La Boheme and I am an opera nut. This musical experience moved me.

"Rent" was supposed to open off- Broadway exactly one hundred years after Puccini's opera. It opened one hundred years plus one day after the opera. The creative, young composer Jonathan Larson died suddenly from an undiagnosed aortic aneurysm the early morning of the scheduled opening night. He never got to see the success of his creation.

Why am I writing about a musical that is almost twenty years old? The truths told in this story are unforgettable. Because of the song called "Seasons of Love."

This song asks "How do you measure a year?--- In daylights,  in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee... In inches, in miles, in laughter in strife. In 525,600 minutes- how do you measure a year in the life?" 

We are measuring time by days in our household these days. Our sixty three day countdown is nearing its end. I must say that today after a conversation with our Doctor that I was anxious about how much we still have to do. This evening, I am encouraged. I will stop measuring by Tuesdays or Fridays, or sunshine or rain clouds.

525,600 minutes... 

the prettiest of views

Dogs act in ways that resemble human empathy, such as resting with a person who is sick with the flu, or licking an injured area where a bruise is set to appear. Dogs and humans share the same anatomical parts, so why can't we share the same feelings and emotions?

Each of our dogs have taken turns to help a family member recover from an illness or a surgery. The companionship and their patience is wonderful during the recovery process. Children with fur are the best at watching their owner and offering a snuggle or a lick when needed.

Humans will debate the canine instinct with their range and capability of emotion. Any dog owner can give examples of fear, frustration, anxiety, and even depression experienced by their dog. 

sen·tient

  [sen-shuhnt]  Show IPA

adjective

1.

having the power of perception by the senses; conscious.

2.

characterized by sensation and consciousness.

noun

3.

a person or thing that is sentient.

4.

Archaic. the conscious mind.

Origin: 
1595–1605;  < Latin sentient-  (stem of sentiēns,  present participle ofsentīre  to feel), equivalent to senti-  verb stem + -ent- -ent

"sentient." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 21 Oct. 2013. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sentient>.

Sentience is a term defined as "having perceptions and sensations." If a dog is "sentient" she is aware of her surroundings and aware of what happens to her. She is also capable of feelings and emotions, of pain and pleasure, and can maintain complex social relationships. A range of emotions experienced can be illustrated by when a dog's emotions range from happiness that you have returned home-- to sulking because you left them for a while. It seems the dog remembers that you left and has hurt feelings. 

FYI: The English Bulldog is one of the rare canines that can die from a broken heart. Unfortunately, there are documented cases of loss after a traumatic event. These sweet bullies love deeply.

Dogs may not have our sense of time, place or self. This loss of sense of time or "living present" is natural for them.  Honesty, perceptions, and sensations can be skewed by humans. Dogs are more evolved than humans in this manner. 

To sum this all up I must push myself to "live in the present" like my dogs. At the top of my To Do list will be the words, "Smile- Appreciate- and Look up." 

   

her final two weeks

It has been twenty three years since I have experienced what our Violet is going through. She is uncomfortable, tired and crabby. Her hormones are surging and she wishes that she felt normal. She waddles when she walks -at a much slower pace.

I commiserate with her and explain to her that she is over two thirds of the way there! She is not impressed. She picked a fight with Zeke last night. The poor guy did not see that coming. My surprised husband broke it up and scolded the little girl. I wish there was a way to explain that it is not much longer.

Nature is miraculous and we bloom, and change, and grow. Each experience gives us a chance to learn and become more than we were the day before. You are loved with all our hearts and we will take good care of you.

  

roses and thorns, economics and emotions

I feel quite stifled writing this blog today. It is not that I dislike sharing, it is that my mind is clouded with emotion, confusion, and angst. Loss is never easy- especially when you open your eyes and realize that what you feel is gone left a long time ago.

I have never been "good" at arguing. While I feel that I am not a pushover I will not be the instigator, especially with the topics of religion, money, or politics. My father always said that no one wins and no one changes their minds in these topics- so stay informed but do not go looking to change others. 

It just goes to show you that an economic definition of a "pass through effect" can be interpreted as a personal attack if someone chooses it to be. ( I know that this is not about Bulldogs-- sorry.) 

Have you ever played the game "Roses and Thorns"? It is where you tell of a good thing that happened in the last day - the Rose, and a bad thing that happened- the Thorn. Sometimes it is a way to get past events that bother you or perhaps relive the ones that went well. 

Lady Gaga and a Muppet Thanksgiving Special

My Rose for the day is finding out that Lady Gaga will star with the Muppets for a Thanksgiving Special. I look forward to winding down the holiday with my guys watching my favorite felt creatures. What a great pairing. She is so talented (gush) and original.

My Thorn has to be the Facebook hurricane that touched down yesterday afternoon concerning my post.

Other friends posted what I did and it stimulated great commentary concerning our fiscal responsibility and legacy for the next generation. Critical thinking was used as we considered what is and what shall be. Both sides of the issue were clear and very interesting. 

Not on my page. 

That makes me sad. That is when I realized that what is gone- has been gone for a very long time.

An FYI: In economics what does a "pass through effect" mean?

Pass-through effect is simply the effect of changing economic circumstances on the cost of production "passed through to the final retail price of the product. 

Blogs can be good, because you can write and then send it out to the universe and then tell yourself to get over it. I will get over it. I will write about my furry friends tomorrow. If you made it this far, thank you for reading.  

Lady Gaga to Celebrate With 

if you find your voice- celebrate it!

Have you ever had what I call "the bubblegum dream"? 

The "bubblegum dream" is where you are trying to talk clearly to someone else in the room, but you cannot remove the huge wad of gum in your mouth.

You attempt over and over to remove the pink, sticky glob but there is too much. You end up frustrated and not saying what was on your mind.

I used to have this dream often as a child. I tend to have it before family gatherings also.  Go figure.

Today I had the experience of where I was able to remove the bubblegum and express my point of view. My family did not like it. It was of differing opinion than what they believe and they felt threatened. How disappointing. An argument erupted and people not involved felt it necessary to defend. I can appreciate everyone's opinions and need to express- but today was messy and stressful.  I think it was best explained by my kid today when he said that sometimes he felt like a bulldog where " his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he just defended with instinct". Another way to put it is- "When the Bull sees red, there is no stopping him."

I realize that there is lots of ambiguity and generalities in this description of today's events. I apologize for that but I am still figuring it out. Today was exhausting and filled with loss, but I would have posted this commentary (again)- even if I could go back in time.

FYI: Hypothyroidism which is common in dogs, can lead to aggression and biting. Chronic back or spinal pain can lead to aggressive behavior also. If after a veterinary check up your dog is fine, serious social training and conditioning may be called for. Do not hesitate to retrain your dog. A happier life can be achieved for all.

Just found out that a family friend has passed away. Too young, unexpected, and sudden. Live while you're alive folks. Throw that bubblegum to the curb. Use your voice and celebrate it.

gratitude in ten minutes or less

It was Monday and it was that time in my day where I had to remind myself that it is a blessing (not a curse) to start the work week. Monday is one of the seven that we are blessed to have. Even if I am a bit grumpy with let down after a wonderful trip with girlfriends.

The best way for me to gain perspective and stop the pity party is to practice gratitude.I will focus on just one thing that I appreciate in my life and force myself to turn off the critic in my head. Here goes....

I am thankful for the sunshine today -to be able to work in the back yard. Scooping is so much easier when it is frosty and clear outside. I am back from a nature-filled five days in Oregon- this past weekend and I appreciate the sunshine filled time outdoors. My backyard does not have the sound of the  ocean waves crashing, but the fall colors are stunning. The weather at the coast was wonderful and warm, also.

We are in the final countdown of Violet's pregnancy, so each day of good health, nutrition, and rest for our girl is very important. In a little over two weeks the house will be filled with new life that is healthy, happy and fresh. This is easy to be grateful for. Her blooming midsection is a wonderful sign that life goes on.

FYI: Radio graphs of a dogs mid section do not always answer the questions of litter size. The science of pregnancy information is not the same as for humans. Ultrasound is not an option for us at our veterinary clinic. It is a mystery as to how many puppies are growing. We will try again next week.
 
One of the earliest pictures of myself that I have is me sitting in a litter of puppies that our long haired Collie named Sugar had delivered. My love of dogs-even at such a young age- was as clear as could be.  I am grateful to share my days with such wonderful furry friends.

It is time to put the swing away Charlie.

Nowhere in the canine care and nutrition book, titled "The Bulldog" by Diane Morgan and Wayne Hunthausen, D.V.M. does it tell you about their love of porch swings. Nothing makes the day happier than a swing -with or without human friends.  If I had to say which of our bulldogs loves the swing the most, I would choose Charlie. This guy literally smiles as he goes back and forth. Our guy will be sad when Dad takes down and stores the swing in the shed this coming weekend. With the large amount of rain and the cold wind forecast , it is time to put away the outdoor furniture. I am sorry Charlie. I guess we will be doing more car rides to soften the blow.

FYI: With the earlier sunsets please watch for pedestrians. The dark evenings of the fall season make it hard to see the walkers, human and canine. Most of us do not own reflective wear, but it would be useful both for the dogs and their owners.

The main enjoyment for Charlie concerning the swing is the companionship. Dogs just love it when we switch off the multi-tasking and scratch right behind the ears. Don't worry, big guy- it is almost time for crackling fires in the fireplace.

Nestle Coffee Mate Italian Sweet Creme

I am adjusting to the fact that "Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Season" is over. October is here and the changing leaves are beautiful.  I have put the garden to rest and roasted the sunflower seeds. Soon we will be picking out pumpkins and preparing for Halloween.

The mornings are so chilly and today the sky is gray and cloudy. (Sigh.) It is also a Monday. (Double Sigh.) Caffeine to the rescue!

T

Waking up to the smell of coffee brewing makes me smile. I am lucky because this happens most every day in my house. My husband rises before I do and he loves the Keurig too. I used to drink black coffee and often order americanos when I am at a coffee shop. Lactose is not something I tolerate well, so I am not a Latte girl. About two years ago, we discovered the "Sweet Italian Creme" flavor of Coffee Mate and have been hooked. This guilty (corn syrup) pleasure is habit forming.

Better health is something I am committed too. I am a member of a wellness study for the next year and actively trying to prevent common age related illnesses. Many parts of my health and wellness plan are positive already. I eat a balanced, nutrition dense diet-- I just have to work on portion control. My activity level is good, but there is always room for improvement. It is just the little things like this coffee flavoring that drive me nuts. My head knows that giving it up would not really be much of a deprivation, but the kid in me cries "Foul!" 

I know that this really isn't a problem, but it's Monday and I am moving slow.

FYI: Bulldogs are notorious for wanting to try foods that are bad for them. Most would happily try anything offered from a human hand. Please remember that raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, and garlic are bad news for them. Raw hide treats should be avoided also.

Compromise and moderation are in the plans for this week. I want to "live while I'm alive" like Bon Jovi rocked about last night, but quality is important.  My medical check up and blood work reports are encouraging. My health is good and I plan to keep it that way. I actually plan to improve it more.  

Less processed foods and creamers- for more time in the sun or playing with my dogs? That a good trade.

  

to be an optimist and a realist

I am one of those people who tends to see the positive side before I see the negative one. I lean in to gratitude instead of envy and curiosity instead of fear. Today was a day that reality slapped me upside of my head and told me how old my dog is.

The Great Dane in this picture is 10 &1/2 years old. In human years he is equivalent to 90 considering he is a large breed dog. Q is also a cancer survivor. The Bark for Life was held today to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. If we can find a cure for cancer for humans, then they can find a cure for pets too. This festive day was bittersweet.

Most Great Dane's average lifespan is 7 to 9 years. To be Q's age and have such high quality of life is quite extraordinary. He has slowed down some, but he loves his daily walks, has a good appetite, and allows me to use my bed at night time. His golden years are pretty quiet and today we found out that he prefers a lot of silence. Big crowds overwhelm the old sweetheart.  The age of our big dog became very apparent when watching his reaction to the other dogs walking by. Too much stimuli around him made him want to lie down and shut down. Our time at the event was short and sweet.

FYI: All senior dogs, including bulldogs need special care and consideration when they are in their older years. Many can have special health needs and are more prone to diseases such as arthritis and cancer. Vision problems can complicate life for dogs too. A great way to help in their health is to brush their teeth. Prevent dental issues and improve the life of your friend.

The realist in this dog owner (me) knows that our time with Q is limited. We already manage his joint and muscle issues with good veterinary care and medication. Severe pain would be a deal breaker. We love him too much for that. I hope for many sunny, quiet afternoons this fall. Each day with him is a gift.

Do you have a "Go- Fer" day?

Sometimes Thursday's feel like this!

(Caddyshack starring Bill Murray)

When the kids were little, I read about a household organizing system for side tracked home executives. I was selling real estate at the time and desperately needed some way to tame our household chaos. The two ladies who wrote the book talked about a practical way to divide your responsibilities through the work week so that all the chores did not wait till the weekend or an emergency. The day that stuck with me (that I still use today) is "Go- Fer" day or every Thursday to the rest of the world. This is the day that all or as many as possible errands are batched together. Not only does it save on gas but I can count on one afternoon where I know that I will be driving all over town. This is very important because my husband and I share a car -so timing is everything.

Today's chores included the monthly reports that I create for a local non profit where I volunteer. The paperwork breaks down the statistics of use, numbers of clients served, poundage donated and distributed, etc. for the last month of operation. Some of this paper is for the food bank operation, but some of it is for the state and the federal food programs that we utilize.This took longer than usual today, but I am glad to say that it is finished for this month. I usually love to crunch numbers but the brain was in a fog for a while.

Next on the list involves our north side big box warehouse store. Purchases of dog, cat and human food in large quantities. A Costco trip-- Oh joy. 

The above picture of Bill Murray in "Caddyshack" made me laugh. I was looking for a gopher picture for this blog and when I googled it, this photo was one of the options. I had to choose it. All through the movie, Bill -the groundskeeper,tries to rid the golf course from this pest. He is not successful. The end of the movie show the little gopher popping out of his hole unsure of why the course was rocked with explosions meant to harm him. He coughs a little bit, then dances to Kenny Loggins song "I'm Alright."

I promise to get to my point.

I want to appreciate my Thursday for what it is-- another lovely day on this planet Earth. This is a blessing not just a day to complete tasks and complain about my schedule. I don't want to get lost in numbers and paperwork and miss out on the sunshine and the leaves changing color.

FYI: Researchers from the University of Missouri- Columbia found that petting dogs prompts the release of "good" hormones in human beings, including serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin. These make us more alert, less sensitive to pain, and smarter.

The work required of me will get finished. The pups will not starve and neither will the family. I just have to remember that this "Go-Fer" day is supposed to be tool to make my life easier. It is not a requirement, it is just a suggested way to make a life easier. So, don't nobody worry 'bout me.   

  

  

Anticipation.

In about a week I will be taking my annual trip to the Oregon coast with my amazing girlfriends. I am so happy to be able to get away and have a few days with women that I love and enjoy. We travel without husbands and children. There is no set agenda or activity list. The only plan is for all of us to relax and laugh. The beach and the fireplace in the rustic cabin provide the rest. Our Mom's group has been together over 25 years. It had started as a way for stay at home moms to network and support each other.  The children are grown and a few of the group have grandchildren. We continue to be lifelong friends and I hope this will continue forever.

In about a week, I will be seated at this bench or walking the beach enjoying girl power. I won't have to be a wife, mother, dog mother, domestic engineer, chef, nonprofit volunteer, gardener, housekeeper, or maintenance person. I can just be a girlfriend. The time away will rejuvenate and hopefully inspire.

FYI: The Oregon coast  is a wonderful place to take your dog for a vacation. Most places allow pets, and dogs love the laid back lifestyle of beach combers. If it is your first time walking on the beach with your  bulldog, watch closely to how they react to the waves. The power can knock them down and scare them. A bulldog is generally a poor swimmer so be careful with any water.

My family will do just fine in my absence. Sometimes they cannot wait for me to go!I will miss the pets though, especially Violet who is in the middle of her pregnancy. She changes a little bit everyday. Humans can learn a lot from dogs about friendship. Here's to packs of friends, walks on the beach, and great kibble to eat!

My countdown to girlfriend time has begun.

 

gray skies are gonna clear up...

The drudgery of domestic chores is a necessary evil. Necessary- because of the impact it will have if life is not kept in order. Evil- because all of my hard work cleaning up the messes gets undone faster than I can say "dog hair."  The kitchen clutter (green tomatoes from yesterday) and clean laundry waiting to be folded are two of the things that are bothering me today.

When I was a child, I marveled at how much work my mother did for us. I am number 7 of 8 children in our family. My TO DO list pales in comparison to what she had to do. I knew in elementary school that I had no desire to be good at home keeping. I wondered why people cared so much about life indoors. She smiled (politely) at me when I told her that I would hire someone to help me when I was an adult. I didn't want to learn- I wanted to climb my favorite tree or ride my bicycle.

Still no "happy face" concerning my list of chores today. Usually my morning coffee will jolt me into action. There is generally enough caffeine in two cups to clear my head and get me started with my work. I hope that it kicks in soon.

FYI: Dogs appreciate a clean indoor space. Allergens can be trapped in carpet and bedding. Regular vacuuming and washing of bedding material is important. Regular bathing of dogs is a must as well. Dust and dirt can collect in their coats, ears, and paws and should be washed away with a quality shampoo.

My control freak tendencies will probably never allow me to hire a housekeeper. I would probably clean before he or she came to work. I think my only practical solution is to give away a lot of my possessions. If I don't own it anymore, I don't have to clean it, store it, mend it or even look at it.

This makes me smile.