A Boy and His Dog

Gene and Friday discussing the rules of "Bring It."

The ball is in the upper left hand corner...

now it is in the upper middle...

he got it!

Good Job Friday! Now "Bring It" back to Gene.

Our New Home

This is the picture of our possible new house when we PCS. I am trying to have an open mind and be positive. I don't want to be a house snob. The family makes a home not the house, right !?! But honestly, I am a stay-at-home Mom and this house makes me sad. My place of employment will be behind those walls with those tiny windows that on a perfect day will let in some sunshine. Are the railings industrial metal? Is that white gravel leading up to my inviting front door?

I know what your thinking... don't complain. We will only be there for a few years. But let me tell you a little secret... we are close to retiring from the military and I am getting grumpy in my old age. Part of the problem is my obsession with searching for our retirement house on Realtor.com. It is house porn for me. I scour the internet for houses in our price range located in any area that we have considered as a retirement possibility. None of them look like this... unless there are several acres involved.

My last complaint about our housing, which I know I will happily adapt to, is that it is 12oo square feet and housing can't tell us if there is a basement for storage. So, what do we do with our extra furniture that won't fit in that house? I can't move it and have it sit on the front lawn (my college days are over). It costs more for storage for two years than to buy a new couch. But what if there is a usable basement area for video games and toys and we sold all our extra furniture? Maybe having a couch on the front lawn isn't so bad after all if it saves us some money.... not.

Even though it seems that I am becoming an old grouchy military wife who is getting tired of the unknown, I will end on a positive note. If this is a picture of my future home/workplace I'll get outside more and walk the dog. Maybe I can drop a few lbs.

Mixed Media Picture - To Ensure Our Protection

... to ensure our protection

If you look close... there are two generations for service members subtly added to the background. An image of Gene's Dad, while in Vietnam, is kneeling by the flagpole and an image of Gene and the HHB 1-5 FA soldiers is in the grass.

This piece might actually get a home other than on top of my piano. If chosen, if will part of the GuardiCare http://www.guardiacare.org/ Art Auction and Gala. I am keeping my fingers crossed for both possibilities. It would be so rewarding to have someone like something I have painted enough to want to buy it. On the other hand, I really like this piece and I would like to keep it. It is a win-win situation.

Sharing The Good News and Good Times - Easter

Thank you God for sacrificing your Son for my family.

Exercising Friday

The life of a dog...

well we have found out that his life wasn't so great before he came to our home and became a part of our family. The poor guy lived in filth, was sick, and had to protect himself on a daily basis from other aggressive dogs. I would really like to give his previous owner, who is a repeat offender, a piece of my mind. Not that he would care.

It is amazing that Friday is so sweet and loving to every person he meets - considering his background. He loves people but other dogs... not so much. That is something we are working on through training sessions and socialization. I don't think we can fully undo the harm that's been done but we can help.

Border Collies are smart dogs with a lot of energy. Gene taught him to run on the treadmill in a day. Friday also runs along side Gene while he bikes. That is a sight. Gene riding while holding the leash. I know he must be praying that Friday doesn't try to go in the opposite direction. But then again, that is why it is Gene and not me... I can barely bike in a straight line. The walks have been especially good for me. No more procrastinating going to the gym. It is now right outside my door and I have a gym partner who needs to workout daily.

I must admit, I didn't realize that having a dog would be so much work. I have days that I wish we had another cat (I really like cats). Or, on the days when there were a lot of other dogs out during his walk and he freaks out I might fantasize for a second that we didn't have him. There are days when he ate one too many treats and I had to use the Spotbot a gazillion times. He has a very sensitive stomach (I won't go into detail). Plus, his breed needs a lot of exercise but guess what? So do we. The reality is that Friday brings so much joy to our house... for Gene, the girls, and even me. I suppose he is worth it. Now, don't let me get started about when I want to return the girls... what? Oh ya' I can't return them. I suppose I'll keep them too.

Art Walk and Book Fair

Self - portrait

Being a bad Mom, I blurted out (before thinking) "You don't have pink glasses." Well, as it turns out her glasses are red and the spunky art teacher who was just around the corner reminded me that it is artistic license. OOOPS, my bad.

It's the details that get me... green fingernails and her first book.

This is a beautiful pic of the neighborhood sledding fun!

Look closely - there are little "G"s floating in the sky

Our home.

I love a good book fair... if you add an art walk then I am in heaven.

Thank You Gold Car

Cinnamon rolls from The Machine Shed.

Finally - I decided on a name and a business card/tag.

Reusable sandwich bags in prints picked especially for kids.

...more cool reusable sandwich bags. We use ours all the time for snacks and lunches. These even have complimentary polka dot bags.

Farm fresh eggs from Ms. Effie's.

What a fun morning...

On Friday we got up early and decided to have a great family morning. We celebrated the start off the day the same way our family celebrates anything else... food! Hello giant cinnamon roll and blueberry pancakes from The Machine Shed. The coffee and sugar high had me ready to drive out to Ms. Effie's Country Flowers and Gifts. http://misseffiesdiary.blogspot.com/

Farm fresh eggs are so beautiful. All the subtle shades of brown, green, and blue call to me. I brought Cathy some more reusable sandwich bags to sell in her Summer Kitchen and brought home three gorgeous dozen of eggs and two handmade salty nut rolls. Farm fresh eggs taste better. Plus, it is great to know that these chickens have names and get to spend their day enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. That is the way it was meant to be.

One the way back to town we spotted a gold car and decided to follow it and take the roads less traveled. It can be a bit iffy to follow an unknown vehicle to an unknown destination but we were up for the adventure. What are the chances of ending out in another state anyway? We drove down country roads and took a turn here and there... guess what? We ended out in Davenport! It was so much fun to see parts of the countryside and yell out "COWS.... SHEEP.... HORSES... MORE COWS!"

After the caffeine and sugar wore off, I was ready for a nap.