Full of licker...

Since Carlee has lived with us she cannot seem to hold her licker, yes, you read it right. Trying to capture the flavor of everything her tongue touches, but mainly crumbs of possible fallen treats. I haven't found through holes yet, but am sure its bound to happen. Buster has picked up on this habit the last several months. He's not been one to ever lick his bowl clean much less lick the carpet, so I've sat him down and said, "listen here Buster". I know he's listening when he turns his head from one side to the other, maybe he's just humoring me.

Our crusted snowdrift has a nice sliding surface. Buster has eeked himself, testing each footstep to the top, Carlee runs to the top and slides down, run slide, run slide, run slide that fetch has become old hat which is good because I soon tire of throw and fetch.

Casey the neighbor dog paid us a visit this morning, we are part of his daily routine I can tell by the large yellow snow spots and healthy deposits. Today I took his picture, called his parents and said call him home. Today will be the 3rd time in 2 weeks we've had to reinforce our fence, frankly, I'm tired and have asked for suggestions stating he is a good dog and his parents haven't trained him not to leave their acreage. Someone will be knocking on their door today offering suggestions and it won't be us. Please spare a prayer for Casey and that there aren't repercussions on us.

Take care of your animals and look out for others.
Be safe friends.

Happy Birthday Buster!

Today our boy Buster turns 10. We sang Happy Birthday to him at breakfast, giving him a little meat treat on his food and of course when one has something so does the other so Carlee got some too. After his lunch I let them out and let him talk a little longer than usual, but there were an unusual amount of trucks at the neighbor's place and that was cause for excitement. Green bell pepper rounded out supper and he's been twirling around my legs like a cat waiting for a hug. It's not the first hug of the day.

Each day I thank the good Lord above for his being here, persistence on our part paid off. His favorite place continues to be the rug in front of the oven. With exceptions of Summer, he wasn't warm years before, he is now. As I tell you about him, he lays by my feet patiently waiting. He's a good boy, I've said that before haven't I. I guess I cannot say it enough.


Thank you friends for your birthday wishes, he was pretty tickled. He will get an extra treat at bedtime from Frank and Maya.

Take care friends.

Suspended light...

Last night as I waited around the corner of the deck out of the wind for business to be done, I am always warmed by small globes of light suspended in mid-air. We put up a simple string of white lights for Christmas and continue to let them shine. The dogs are mesmerized by them and as a night light illuminates, these do too when they run to the end of the cabin to see if cars have turned up our road.

Headlights from cars had an effect last night as if strung along like a bumper car. The metal pole that is attached to each bumper car and the top is run along a magnet of sorts. So glad the cars didn't veer into each other and the "pole" disappeared the closer the cars drove.

Sunday morning is brushing day and soft healthy treats given by Aunt Vicky from Christmas. The treats get stuck in their teeth and I can hear them working them out reminding them there is fresh water in their bowls. So handsome and beautiful they are and I know we'll need to make a grooming appointment. I keep them trimmed, but some parts are out of my league.

We saw earlier a suspended light in the sky, looks like the sun is trying to peak through, we await it's warmth. We wish you warmth on this chilly day. We are working on year end taxes, best get to it.

Have you hugged your dog (critters) today?

Traveling...

When the weather turned to chilly to walk outside, we turned to our stationary equipment. The scenery isn't nearly as pretty but we travel in the range of 2-3 miles each evening and listen to whatever channel has popular music of sorts. If we added our mileage, we'd probably be 1/2 way to Rapid. Friends would love to see us.

When we descend the stairs the dogs are perplexed, they have no idea where we go. They run to the hallway as if by magic we would be waiting for them. Consoling them they are fine, Buster often stands at the top of the stairs and looks down, we invite but he won't budge. Carlee will gingerly walk close to the stairs but will only sniff the air. How surprised they are when they hear footsteps on the stairs a half hour later! She's back, they're here! They jump with excitement, even dance a bit and run back and forth through the hallway. They are goofy, they are our's and they are cheap entertainment! As a treat we bundle up and go outside for a few minutes, they know it and are good reminders in case we dawdle.

But tonite we have taken the night off and their heads droop, routine has changed. Going through closets sorting clothes and shoes, boxes are filling so we can take to the hospice store in the morning, someone should use and the profits go back into the hospice program. A very good program in my book.

The north wind is rattling our screens tonite and has picked up any loose snow it can find creating a small drift on the brick sidewalk, thankful we don't need to be out in it to long. Keep warm with your animals and if you are out, layer up.

Take care friends.

Draft...

Wind has a natural power, once it finds a teeny tiny crack it will always find it. Today, fortunately, the lack of wind saves all of us. A snowglobe effect scatters flakes, soon we'll be out shoveling small drifts and measure what has landed on the deck.

The door sweep on one of the storm doors has seen it's last days, as the ice froze and melted, it cracked the hard plastic molding in several places creating a draft which was felt each time we opened the inside door. Yesterday in the chilly east wind, with the help of two kurious kids wondering what the screws, screwdriver, sweep and the gloves were just laying in their way. The screws stuck to cold noses and Mom was getting a little impatient. Eventually the sweep was replaced, the door shuts nicely and we have noted the warmer difference in the hallway.

Speaking of warmth, I smell the last pan of treats that are ready to come out of the oven. Stay warm, safe and have a wonderful week.

Safe travel friends.

Clean bill of health...

Buster had his annual checkup with the vet on Friday and he came away with a clean bill of health, it's always good to hear. Buster has a birthday coming up on
January 21, 2011. This most likely isn't the day he was born, but it is the day he jumped into my arms when I said, "Let's go home Buster". I purchased him a fleece blanket and the white knight was warm, he slept soundly all the way back. He didn't look like this when I picked him up and he doesn't look like this now, note the green grass and warm sunshine.


He's aways waiting for the next ride, is a good boy and wants to be friends with everyone and animal. He's full of might, has a stubborn streak and is curious about everything. He also keeps laps warm and is often close by. He was fearful of the male gender, service technicians are still bothersome to him. Will that always remain?

The little white guy is curled up on a red fleece blanket, ears erect always listening and when I turn down the computer for the day, he'll be close behind waiting for a lap to form.

Stay warm friends.

Oogy...

Oogy is a pup that was used as bait for fighting dogs. Sounds horrible doesn't it. Authored by his adopted father Larry Levin and available at your local library, a good read. We have storytime, I read aloud to the dogs and as storytime goes, they fall asleep. I didn't read the parts that saddened me, but to the end, which is a good end, we enjoyed the book. Check it out!

We shoveled yesterday in areas where drifts were created where possible dogs could jump into our yard or our dogs could jump out. Would they know to jump back in or just explore the world outside the yard without a leash. We heard dogs barking in the storm, we couldn't see nor sure which direction the barking came from and if we were not sure how could the dogs that were barking know in which direction they were going and where are they now?! We shoveled enough in the driveway to drive out, but our outting just now showed me that my neighbor came in with his payloader and pushed back snow. Our heads just perked up now as we heard rattling and rolling down the roof...ice, it's everywhere. We await the sun, but til then we have dog treats to get into the oven.

Running low, call (605)224-8592. We're sure you'll scamper back for more!
Stay warm friends.

Happy New Year too...

We contact a handful of people that travel at all costs no matter the weather, we hope they contact us back with a simple ring or a quick email when they have a free second. We don't ask for the world, just humor us and respond. We continue to wait for two friends and we hold them in prayer for their safety home and warmth.

Our outtings have been brief as the wind swirls the snow around the cabin and two white dogs. As we bundle up and go out we say, "this is going to be quick, if you have business to do, now is the time to do it." The dogs get it, a spot is cleared by the wind, they get it done and are quick back to the door hopping on 3 feet. Once inside, each is toweled down and feet cleared of snow.


What a warm way to start the new year, the sun shines. When the wind switches direction it should blow out the driveway and redirect our large drifts in the run. The snow is packed and King of the Hill will be played. Until then, we're staying put, you should to. Love your home, warm with comfort and hugs of your dogs.

Happy New Year friends, take care.