Dreary Mondays

Another overcast, slightly grey Monday. I can tolerate just about anything if it comes with sunshine. This is true of a lot of people, I'm sure. Let the temperatures fall to 10 above, but if the sun is shining brightly, we can handle it. This winter has been cold, grey, and full of ice and snow. We're not done.

Sorry for the out of focus shot of Gracie, but I just had to put one on the blog with that tongue hanging out. This is so typical of how my girl looks in the warmer months.

We're hunkered down with plenty of food in the house, two small bundles of firewood in case the heat goes out in this storm, and lots of books and scrapbooking to keep us busy. How about a warm thought to leave you with:

"A single rose can be my garden.....a single friend, my world." Leo Buscaglia
Enjoy your day.
Linda

Sheep herding 101

Aren't I cute?

Probably chasing birds flying overhead

We went to the farm yesterday to herd in our small pen. It has been, probably, 2 months since we were at the farm due to the weather, the holidays, and the weather. Did I say weather twice? Imagine that. I am so ready to put this house on the market and move to a warmer state. Any warmer state.

So little Miss Gracie was full of herself when she entered the pen. Leah had only 4 sheep in there, and they were calm. Gracie did well, we worked her for about 20 minutes, then she went back to the car to think about what she had done. I didn't fall.

Second time out, she was wound up, ready to dive into those sheep. I lost control of her immediately, and my voice came up an octave. That raises the dog's excitement as well. Leah came back into the pen, got both of us calmed down, and we had a great session. I walked backwards with the sheep, no one pushed me down, and I finally, finally after all these months felt like this was something I could do. It was a great feeling.

The above pictures are from June 2009, right after we moved into this house, and before Sarge came to live with us. Gracie was 6 months old. Trust me on this, there is a huge difference in this dog today.

Ya gotta love it. The Dog Whisperer at work.....
Linda

Misc Friday

From September 2010, in the backyard

Tonight I am going to see RAIN, the group that relates the story of the Beatles through music. They are appearing in Indianapolis at Butler University. I have heard from friends that this is a great show that will bring back a lot of good memories. I'm looking forward to it.

I came across another quote that I really like:
"Friendship is not diminished by distance or time, by imprisonment or war, by suffering or silence. It is in these things that it roots most deeply." Pam Brown

When we are young, our good friends have to be gathered around us, close, so we can't disconnect. But as you grow older, you realize that distance can enable a friendship to become stronger, more flexible, and far more binding than you ever thought possible. I have friends that I keep in contact with consistently that I have known for over 50 years. Friends, or at least good friends, can last longer than a lot of marriages. Sad, but true.

But there should always be room in your heart for a new friend. That is a wonderful experience as well.

Have a great day. Smile. Let someone into your heart.
Linda

In Memory

The Bodacious Beau dog

Handsome Dude

I didn't do this right away because it takes a pet owner time to heal enough to even look at a picture of a beloved pet who has passed. This is Beau, the Bodacious standard poodle that belonged to my friend, Sandy in Green Bay, WI. Beau had titles, certificates, achievements that were numerous. Sandy loves to train and compete. This was a dog who loved to run, always bouncy, always happy.

Beau was 12 years old, which is a good age for a large dog. He developed an aggressive form of cancer and passed away in January. He had been sick for a short period, and did not suffer. I have known Sandy since we were 12 years old. We are of like minds on this: dogs should not and will not suffer. Not if they are in our care.

Years ago I had 2 Sheltie Sheepdog collies, litter mates, named Candy and Tobie. Tobie had to be put down at 8 years due to anorexia. The dog stopped eating, had lost over 12 pounds, and no matter what the vet and I tried, it didn't work. Candy lived to be 12, and within 2 weeks lost her sight, hearing, and control of her bladder. I stayed in the room for the final injection, something I had not done with her brother, and that image, that memory haunts me to this day. We put Candy down in 1994, and my husband stated that there would not be any more dogs. So I was without a pet until I got Gracie in January 2009.

The point of this little story is that the hardest part of pet ownership is losing the pet. That act so scarred my heart that I truly hesitated to get another dog. Now, of course, I'm glad I did. I can't imagine what life would be like without Gracie and Sarge. But when the day comes, and it will, that they become fatally ill and a decision has to be made, I will mourn deeply. But I will also rejoice in having known the utter joy of companionship, of unconditional love.

Enjoy yourselves.
Linda

Ramblings

I'm having issues with my laptop. Not sure what is going on other than the fact it has Windows Vista on it. Which is the reason I bought a Mac last year as the new desktop. Enough said.

That means that there is a problem uploading some of the old photographs from the laptop to the blog. Hence, no photo today. I'm sorry. I like photographs. I had a bunch that I had tweaked in Photoshop Elements, ready to display, when I discovered I couldn't connect to the net from the laptop. Dang.

So today is just some of my rambling thoughts, and boy, are they all over the place. First, I'd like to share this quote:

Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts. Charles Dickens

I found this quote early this morning on the net, and it touched me deeply. It has come into my life at a time when I need to hear that your heart should never harden, and that a touch should never, ever hurt. This is a great personal mantra that I want to keep and repeat, as needed! Life doesn't always roll along as we would like, there are always bumps in the road.

When the going gets tough, the tough go for a long walk.....preferably with dogs. Have a great day.
Linda

Mondays

Once again, it is snowing. Sigh. Snow on a Monday morning. Double sigh. The average snow fall for the city of Indianapolis for an entire winter season is 27 inches. We have exceeded that, and today is January 24th.

So back to the archives of photographs, because I don't know about you all, but I'm tired of pictures of the snow! The first 3 shots above are more of Gracie as a pup, approximately 7 weeks old. The last is another reminder that Spring will come again. My stepdaughter, Tammie, has these Siberian Iris growing in her front yard. 2 years ago I just happened to be visiting when they bloomed, and took several pics. I was so taken with the deep color of these beauties, I bought some right after I moved into this house, and planted them on the south side.

Have a great day. Stay warm and safe.
Linda

Let it Snow, but please stop eventually

Well. It hit a whopping 21 degrees above zero this afternoon. So I dressed in woman's long underwear, jeans, a long sleeved t-shirt, a hooded sweatshirt, gloves, double socks, heavy boots, and a Columbia jacket to go to the dog park. I swear, it took me longer to dress than it did to drive over there. The things a dog mom does!

We stayed for 45 minutes and my two never stopped moving. Coal was there, as was Rusty, and everyone had a great time. But that short time was about our limit. After we returned home, Gracie and Sarge wanted out in the backyard, and played some more.

The weather forecast is for more snow. Gee. I can hardly wait.

My heart and soul yearn for warm weather, for long walks with my dogs, for blue skies and sunshine. It will come. It has to, or we may all get a little screwy from the white stuff and gloom. Thanks for stopping by.
Linda

Puppy pictures

It is minus 1 in Avon, Indiana this morning. Obviously too cold to go out and take pictures, even in the backyard. I think the Canon would probably freeze. I know I would. So it's time for old photos. This is a good thing. It's always good to reflect on the past, recalling how cute this puppy was.

This is Gracie. She is probably around 7 weeks in these photos. I forgot to check the date on the metadata. She was adorable. Sharp little puppy teeth that left scars all over my hands and arms. That wasn't her fault. My skin is thin and tears extremely easy. If her mouth was open, I got nicked.

Would I get another puppy and do it again? Probably not, knowing how many adult dogs that are loving, stable animals that need a forever home. Gracie was a beautiful pup, full of mischief. I learned a lot raising this dog. Valuable lessons on life, relationships, and the eternal love of a devoted animal. There is no doubt, she is indeed my dog. I don't regret the months of training, chewed rugs, blankets, socks, face clothes, and more. Or of nursing her back to health after having her spayed and her deformed dew claws removed. My heart broke when I saw how weak she was.

Life is good. My dogs and I are happy and content. Warm weather will return. Hopefully....
Linda

Manicure

Someone needs their nails trimmed

OH, mom. They're fine!

It has been a lazy week. We did get to the dog park the other day, and a long walk at the townhall park. But it seems there is a narrow window of good enough weather in which to do that. In other words, we ain't going if Mom is going to freeze her rear off.

I need to get the guys in for a nail trimming. Sarge is back to chewing his. My little strange Sheltie. What can I say?

Good day to curl up and watch an old movie. The snow is falling. Have a good day.
Linda

Thoughts of Spring

Brown County State Park - Indiana

Pat at the bottom stair

The reflections in the still water caught my eye

On the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Modern Art

There is still over 7 inches of snow on the ground. It is 17 degrees as I type this, but I can't help but think of what is coming. What will be here in just a few short months.

Maybe it's a sign of age that the winter season seems so long. And I have to remind myself this year that one of the main reasons I live in the Midwest is because I do like the change of seasons, always have. But the last two winters have been cold, filled with above average snow, below average temperatures, and I want warmth.

So I look at photographs from last June, when the green was so fresh and crisp. It will come again.
Linda

Just too cute!

Isabella Clair, 4 1/2 months

Bella

We think she is teething. Doesn't it seem that babies are doing that earlier and earlier? Must have something to do with the nutrition value of the formula.

I went through old family albums last night, and found some pics of her mom at the age of 3 weeks. That was when I started to take care of her a few days a week. Bella looks exactly like Terra. So now I am going to gather all of the baby photos I have of Terra, and give them to her. It is time to pass the generations on. A good feeling.

Have a warm and cozy Sunday.
Linda

Granddaughters

Terra, my granddaughter, holding Bella, her daughter

Terra and Jeremy came down to Indianapolis to see the Bulls play the Pacers. Bulls won. (YEAH!) So great-grandma got to babysit this little sweetie last night. Look at those cheeks. Look at those eyes. She is a very happy baby. We had a great time. Just one thought to leave you with: toxic diaper!!!

Thanks for stopping by.
Linda

Brrrrrrr!

For a dog with short legs, Sarge does very well in the snow

Mom. Time to go in, okay??

What I would really like to do is crawl back into bed and pull the covers up over my head. Have Gracie next to me, pressed up against my back. Sarge always sleeps on the floor. But we can't do that today.

So just a short post today to stay in touch. The dogs are going to Paws-ability for the day. I have an appointment I have to keep. And remember: only 10 weeks to spring. 10 weeks. We can do that. Yeah, no problem.....

Have a good one.
Linda

Snow Day at Home

Notice the blue ball in Gracie's mouth

It's for both of us, Gracie!

Opps! I dropped it...

Ya know, you could help me look here, Sarge.

My friend Pat gives the dogs a Christmas present. This year it was a blue LIFE IS GOOD ball, with a hole through the center and a thick, black string through the hole. The idea is it would be easier for the human to throw the ball. Gracie's idea was to immediately lie down in the yard and chew the black cord off of the ball, so mom had to chase her before she started to eat portions of said cord.

In our home, Gracie is the alpha dog. Sarge is laid back, just wants to know I will pet him, feed him, and where I am at at all times. This includes the bathroom. Yes, it does. Normally Sarge doesn't chew bones, play with balls, etc. Except for this blue ball from Pat. He will chase Gracie forever trying to get the ball away from her. So when I let them outside in the backyard yesterday, in the middle of this snow storm, Gracie started playing the keep-away game with Sarge.

Until she lost the ball in the snow. I was laughing so hard at her looking for it I had to come in with a coughing fit. Still battling this cold/virus/whatever.

Life is good......
Linda

Gee. More Snow

Look at that hind leg!

We are basically in for the day. It has started to snow, and isn't suppose to stop until late tonight. The predication is 3 to 5 inches.

Snow makes the dogs very frisky, especially Sarge. He just loves to run in the white stuff. Gracie's coat is not as thick as Sarge's, so although she does enjoy being outside, she will want to come inside a bit faster than the Sheltie. So she can sit in the sun on her hassock or chair. Hers. Sigh.

Be careful out there.
Linda

Monday Monday

Unfinished apple album

Gracie sunbathing

Her fur is so warm!

The winter sun is shining into the living room, onto the leather chair and hassock. This is Gracie's favorite spot to sit in the cooler or cold months. Sarge will lay on the floor at her feet, enjoying the sun as well. The Princess must be up on the chair. After all, she is a Princess. That is changing. The more Cesar Millan I read, the more it will change.

I have yet to finish the apple album above. Woke up this morning with a cold, muscle aches, the normal routine when you catch a virus. So not feeling super perky to work on art. Enjoy your day.

Linda

Stuff

It turned bitter cold yesterday, too cold for the dogs to be out longer than 15 minutes. Consequently, they are way over due for a long walk, a run at the dog park, and any type of exercise in general. I am so sick of winter already, and we have another 2 months minimum. If I had room in this house, I would buy a treadmill and teach the dogs how to walk on it. Can you tell I've been reading Cesar Millan's book, Cesar's Way? He advocates an hour of exercise a day for your dog. I agree. Makes for happier dogs and owners.

Been cruising the scrapbook/card making/altered art blogs this morning. So inspiring. I'm in the mood to create, but now my mind is a whirlwind of ideas. Need to settle down and pick one idea to work on, and see it through to completion. THAT is one of my problems: I start a project and then abandon it, forgetting about the finished product. Bad, bad habit.

One of my uncompleted projects is a Graphic 45 spring paper canvas collage. Love this paper, the soft colors, and what I have chosen to pair with it, just can't seem to start to glue everything down. Needs to be done, because it will remind me that yes, spring will come this year.

Spring is Nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" - Robin Williams

Have a great day, and smile. At everyone. They will indeed think you're up to something.
Linda

So Bored....

Poor spoiled dogs. Too cold to stay outside for longer than 30 minutes, playing in the new snow. Nothing to do inside the house except to bug their mom. Poor babies!

The life of a dog.

Have a great weekend. Enjoy whatever it is you do.
Linda

Winter Images

The sunrise from my kitchen window

Frozen crabapples on the tree out front

I'm so bored!

Guarding the back door

Bits and pieces of wonderful sunrises and sunsets are visible from my windows. The full view is blocked by other houses in the subdivision. The play of mother nature's colors is incredible. It really brightens up my day to see the displays.

We again went sheepherding inside the horse arena, on a small horse ranch in Zionsville, IN. Gracie was into major avoidance mode, not wanting to listen to Leah. She was more interested in running all over the arena picking up horse poop. Yes, you did indeed read that right. She picks up horse poop. The dogs will do this to avoid listening to us. Wait. Let me rephrase that: MY dog will do that because she is a stubborn Aussie who doesn't want to listen. After discussing this with the trainers, I have decided we are better outdoors in the original, smaller pen at The Promised Land farm. So, baring frigid temperatures and snow, we are going to try again this weekend.

Sarge waits in the car. He can't be bothered with getting his paws dirty. He is Sheltie. Sigh.
Linda
 PS: I have just figured out how to adjust the width of the blog so the photographs could be extra large. I like it. Please let me know what you think! All comments are always welcome. Thank you.

The Word "Baby"

Crowe Family Christmas

In the above photograph, the woman to the left is my daughter-in-law, Mary. The young woman that you partially see smiling down is Jill, my granddaughter. Michael, my grandson, is holding Bella, my great granddaughter. Allie, the blond on the right, is my youngest granddaughter, Mary's daughter. Got all that? Whew!

And the dog is Gracie.

I call my dogs my babies. I am not the only dog mom that does that. Perhaps it's worse when you live alone with two dogs, I don't know. I had dogs when Ken, my husband, was living, and I called those dogs my babies. Ken always said he wanted to be reincarnated as one of my dogs....

So when the word "baby" is used, and that baby is at a family gathering, my dogs think we are talking to/about them. "Look at that baby!" someone will exclaim, and here comes Gracie. Not so much Sarge. He is usually hiding in the dining room. Too much noise, confusion, and chaos.

I don't see Bella often enough to do a basic training with Gracie and Sarge, so they know the difference. But thankfully everyone in the family will pet Gracie and tell her she is pretty, too. But she already knows that.

Thanks for stopping by.
Linda

I Can't See This...

Paul. In suspenders.

No, Mom!

I receive a daily email from Sheltie Nation. It is just a photo or video of a Sheltie. I don't know how you get your Sheltie to be featured in an email. I've tried and never heard back from the woman who runs this service. But I had to include this today. I would love for this to work at my house, not so much for Sarge as Gracie. If ever there was a dog with excess energy, it is my Australian Shepherd. Check this out.

On an entirely different note, I came across this photograph of Sir Paul performing in concert. In red suspenders. Now let's think about this: the man is 68 years old, has been performing since he was 15, and still has the ability to get an audience on it's feet, clapping, singing, having fun. In red suspenders. Ya gotta love it.

Have a great day.
Linda

Favorites

This is the time when people reflect on the past year. I started this blog in August, and have enjoyed it immensely. A side benefit that I didn't realize at the beginning is that it forces me to carry the camera more often, always looking for an opportunity to take "a good shot".

So, thinking along those lines, I wanted to repost the above photos. They are among my favorites for the year. And but of course, they are of my dogs.

Sarge in the snow is pure joy. Evidently, because of his thick coat, he loves the colder weather. But he particularly loves playing in the snow with Gracie. It is so strange, when the temperatures are mild and we go to the dog park, Sarge is the one who wants to leave after 30 minutes. He will stay by my side after the initial play, and as soon as I start towards the gate, there he is. But this past month, with 17 inches of snow in December, I had to bribe the boy to leave the park. He would keep enticing Gracie to one more romp, one more run.

This photo of Gracie is one of my all time favorites. I took this in the backyard, after we returned from one of the first sheepherding lessons. My girl was exhausted, resting in the shade. There is just something about this that tugs at my heart every time I see it.

It was a good year. We hope yours was as well.
Linda