Juice, grasshopper juice...

Last year the hoppers were so thick, each step across the prairie the ground moved. Nasty, plain nasty. This year it is becoming the same, we cannot drive in off the highway with windows down or we are bombarded by jumping and flying creatures. They seem to have extra sticktuitiveness in their feet. They can ride on the windshield up to 55 miles per hour, what does that tell ya? We're bringing them into town!!!

Last year Carlee ate many, to many I believe, as this year she is simply chewing until the juice is gone and leaves them behind for us to view. Mangled and unsure what the first few were.

Catching up with mowing last night in the deep heat of 95, not a lick of wind, checking on the kids, panting, smiling and it was time for water for all of us. Most fortunate we finished last night as the humidity was high already at 6am and will continue. On that note, stay cool, keep your dogs and all animals cool with plenty of water and shade if outside.

We'll be at the farmer's market next weekend, stop by and say hi.
Take care.

Slow down you're moving to fast...

Buster has been having some issues with his eyesight and judging distance, he yelped out in pain the other night that woke us in an instant and our hearts nearly lept out of our chests. Dashing to see the problem, he had simply moved from one spot on the floor to the next and maybe stretched in between. Friday the vet visited, after our description she said that he has a disc in his back that is in need of extra care.

For several weeks we are to keep him from jumping, getting overly excited and quiet, ideally, kenneling him during the day is the key, but the stress would be overwhelming. We have placed boxes in all the chairs and lift him down the deck stairs. We've been doing so for about a week, the vet confirmed...good! Last night we slept on the living room floor, both dogs very near. Buster was so close, he was touching my nose, sharing my pillow. He cried a few times in the night, we aren't giving him anything at this time, feeling the pain will remind him to slow down and less running outside. He loves to chase big trucks we are more aware and put him inside. If we simply allowed him to do what he wanted, the disc could cut his spinal cord paralyzing him. We're not going to let that happen, we will work diligently to keep boxes in chairs and lead him on a leash outside. Summer is such a great chasing season, but we want him around for a LOT more seasons for many more years.

Extra prayer sent his way would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Buster's Mom.

Haircuts...

Only trimming in the past around their faces, it was indeed time for a haircut. Not planning in advance to make an appointment, so I said, "lets cut your hair" out we went and surprisingly enough, they stood relatively still. Talking and singing the ABC song helps. Mounds of hair dropped at their feet and though it's not professionally done, we did very well. They continue to pant excessively, which spurred the haircuts, but we can even out hair this afternoon. My brother is a Barber, but pretty sure they wouldn't sit still for a buzz sound, we just used fsissor scissors, no sound with exception of boats and their pickups racing to the river to cool down.

No crying, just happy kids, panting, racing to bark at the next passing diesel vehicle. Cold water and a treat, gosh, can these dog's lives get any better today!!!

Pamper your dogs, from just a pat on the head to a treat, love them much for they certainly do love their humans.

Enjoy your week.

Home is where the heart is...

So our idea was to get a jump start on sanding and staining our home the past few days, but the wind had other plans. Had we held up a brush full of stain, it may have well stained the neighbor's home and I'm sure they wouldn't have liked the splattered look. We did sand the window frames and corner ends where marble sized hail introduced itself to our home one stormy night.

We have kept busy, as there is always something to do on a home and yard. The dogs love being out, but didn't enjoy the gusty winds, is there a raise of hands that did?!

We will enjoy the comforts of home this weekend as we have for the past 10. I baked 13 dozen cookies, 10 years ago July 4th and came out to watch the fireworks on my floor boards; driving "home" to a rented effeciency trying to sleep only to wake early awaiting friends with faith and muscles to raise our home.


We are truly blessed.
Safety to you this weekend, keep your animals close and
help those that need our attention.