Arnie was shown twice at a German dog show (Zuchtschau). This was the first time in September 2007. He did very well and was given an Excellent rating. The man with me was a Judge from Switzerland. He was very kind, and he enjoyed all of the dogs.
The next picture is of Arnie and me as we walked the ring. Arnie was a joy to show.
Such a sweet dog, with a great personality. People fell in love with him then and still do now.
Wow! Late on Sunday night, the winds blew in. At first, it wasn’t too bad, but by Monday morning we were having 50+ mph winds, at times sustained, and it was simply crazy around here. I swear I saw the Wicked Witch of the West fly by in our backyard!
I knew that my eye drops would be ready by 11 o’clock, at the Pharmacy, so I left about 10:15 to go to the Post Office and then to get my Prescription.
As I often do, I was on the Cell Phone (hands-free) talking to my friend Gail, when I came to an abrupt stop on my little Lane! This is what I saw!
This picture was taken by my neighbor Steve Ainsworth. And I use it with his permission.
As you can see the tree was old and rotten, part of it was in our road, and the other on the live wires. I remember what a friend, who is an electrician told me. Never go near downed wires! So needless to say, I didn’t.
Lucky for us, we had a side road we could all take to get out. All except for the people who were in the yellow house. Their lines were down until Tuesday morning.
Our power went out at noontime on Monday and stayed off until about 6:30. Thankfully, when we built this house, Jack insisted we install a hardwired generator. I balked at the time. Wasting money, I said. However, after 22 years, I eat my words every time we lose power, and we lose it a lot.
This year we have had so many wind events and it’s only March. It was simply crazy wild. The very best thing I can say is that we now have the connections set up for when we have to use the generator.
The hardwired generator provides automatic electricity to our well’s pump, so we have water, to our furnace, for heat, and to run our hot water heater.
The heavy-duty extension chords come out and while Jack is moving the generator outside and filling up the tank, I go to three places and run the extension chords. With that, we can watch Satellite or Amazon Fire TV, charge the cell phones and computers and even hook up the Internet and do work there. We also hook up the freezer and an extra fridge we have. (The kitchen fridge is on the hardwired system.)
So we made it through another windstorm and today it is so beautiful and calm. Thankfully!
Sunday never really dawned. It simply got lighter, but the rain started and continued all day.
I attempted to bring Arnie outside several times. I even got out my umbrella and walked him, but the lawn is a mass of puddles. And Arnie was having none of it.
It brought to mind a time many years ago (17 years to be exact) when Greta was a young puppy, hated the rain and despite her own doggy raincoat, refused to do her thing!
This is the cutest picture that we took of that day of Greta and it still makes me smile. Arnie wouldn’t even put on the rain jacket, so I held up the umbrella and he still looked at me like I’d lost my mind.
It must really stink to have 3-inch legs when you are walking through deep puddles, all in an attempt to relieve yourself!
Aside from the non-stop rain, it was a very quiet and peaceful weekend. I even managed to sleep in until 7:30 in the morning! Something I have not done in a very long time.
I hope you all had a great weekend and that it was a lot drier than ours has been!
I woke early on Friday, as I felt somewhat nervous about my upcoming appointment with my Glaucoma Doctor. During a recent visit to get new glasses, I found not only elevated pressures but a decrease in my vision in my left eye.
I was also a bit nervous because we were having torrential downpours and I really don’t like driving in the rain.
I came out to make my chocolate-Banana-Pancake and while trying to open the seal on a bottle of Vanilla I stabbed my thumb! I stood there in the kitchen thinking that perhaps I should just chuck the day and go back to bed!
Since that was not really an option, I sat down, ate breakfast, and then proceeded to get ready for the day. I did my hair and dressed in real clothes. No leggings and tunics for me!
Shortly after lunch, I headed out. The sky was dark and gloomy, the fog still had not lifted. It was cold, muddy, and yucky! And oh, the rain!
I stopped for gas and then since I did have a few minutes I stopped to look at a new Cell Phone with Verizon.
I went in, and during my talk with the salesmen I found out that my current cell phone is 5 years old! He was shocked by how my Galaxy S8 looks brand new. Well, I got a poured-on screen protector, I use an Otter Box phone protector, and, well, I take really good care of this phone. I try pretty hard to take care of my special and expensive things.
I mentioned all the things I like about my phone, and aside from a better camera, the new S21 does not have the things I like in a Cell Phone. Most importantly, the backup SD Card!
So right now, since my phone is still what I need for me, I’m not going to get a new one.
I arrived at my Eye Appointment and I was really upset. In fact, I did something I have never done before. I said, “Oh I think I left my glasses in the other room”. The technician came back and looked at me and laughed. “Maribeth, they’re on your face!” Yeah, I felt like a silly old lady! But really, that’s how weird my day had been going.
The doctor came in and there are a few problems and I will need some laser surgery to help get my pressures down. The first surgery is on April 9th. Our wedding anniversary.
The sun was shining when I came out and the temperature was in the 70’s! Beautiful! But, as I drove north toward home, it got darker and darker and then the rain started again.
Ugh!
I did manage to finish the day cooking dinner, feeding dogs, and doing the dishes without injuring myself! This was a real accomplishment.
So despite the fact that my day has been less than perfect, it was okay and actually could have been worse. So I will take it. I guess one must look to make lemonade when you find yourself with an abundance of lemons!
The week seemed to fly by. I think because, for most of the week, I have felt quite tired and nodded off in my chair, making me feel older than my 62 years! But here we are, at the end of another week. And here is the Week’s Friday Five!
So, he took it off and then cauterized it. A mini-ouchie here.
As you can see, this means that all dirt roads are mud. All White German Shepherds are covered with brown sticky mud, and your shoes go squish in the mud! Yuck!Have a great weekend everyone! Enjoy whatever you plan to do!!!
Tuesday found Jack and me taking a trip South to the VA. He had two appointments, and I had one.
I figured he would have more done at the Dermatologist, but as it turned out I had a small pre-cancerous place that needed to be removed. It’s gone and I am no worse for it.
Because of the Virus, we brought a picnic lunch with us. We used to eat at their cafeteria, but right now we don’t feel comfortable doing that. It worked out well. Jack had a P&P Loaf Sandwich and I brought 2 boiled eggs and some yogurt. Nice and cheap too!
We picked up the mail and the new nail grinder arrived for the dogs. They don’t seem to mind it very much and it grinds them to a nice smooth surface.
The day was bright and sunny and warm! It really felt like Spring! Oh, I am so ready for that! Of course, it also means “Mud Season”. You would simply die if you saw my beautiful White German Shepherd, covered in the mud she loves!
Tonight is easy dinner night. I had previously made a huge batch of meatloaf, divided it up into four mini-loaves, and put them in the deep freeze. It’s been great pulling them out and cooking them for Jack on nights I do not feel like cooking.
For me, I am having leftover turkey cutlets. So, not much work, but nice and easy to cook or warm-up!
I hope your Wednesday is a good one!
Okay, I have to admit that this Vaccination has not been what I expected. I’ve had flu shots for over 33 years. Just before that, I got the flu so badly that I prayed for death. (not really, but I was so sick) So, even though I have gotten the flu off and on over the years, despite having my flu shot, I have always felt like it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.
Flash forward to November of 2019. I got what I thought was the common flu, but I was so sick that I stumped all the doctors I saw. I couldn’t breathe, so I was put on an inhaler every couple of hours. The cough was terrible and they had me on special pills for that.
Worst of all, I didn’t get well. I ran a high fever for weeks, couldn’t eat, and forced myself to get liquids in, but it was like drinking liquid cardboard. About the time that the doctors wanted to admit me, I started to do a little better, but it took me a good 6 weeks of doing nothing but staying in bed.
Was it Covid? I’ve always thought it probably was, but back then they did not have a test. However, my medical team thinks it probably was, after seeing so many cases of it over the last year.
So, yes, as soon as it was offered I went in for my first shot. Moderna. The first day wasn’t too bad. Mostly fatigue. The second day I was achy, tired and the old arm was sore. The third day, I woke feeling great until about noon, when I was so tired I fell asleep in my chair.
Just working through all the after-effects of the shot, but really convinced that this is the right path for me. The sickness I had in 2019 was bad news!
I hope that those I love will be vaccinated soon.
Several new readers to my blog have asked me to share the Story about Lili saving me from the home invasion back in 2019, so here goes.
My Friday began like any other Friday. I got up, made breakfast for Jack and me, and then I started a load of laundry.
Jack got ready and headed off to a physical therapy appointment at the VA, and a few minutes later I got a phone call and sat chatting.
About a half an hour after Jack left I heard the door in the basement slam shut. That’s odd, I thought. Maybe Jack had car trouble.
I went to the window in my room and did not see a car, a UPS Truck, or anything!
It was then I heard footsteps coming up the stairs from the basement.
“Hello! Anyone home? Hello!” said a strange man’s voice.
The hair on the back of my neck stood up. Lili began to growl and bark! I raced to the cellar door and turned the lock and wedged my foot on the bottom.
“Who is there? Who are you! Tell me your name!”
There was no response.
“I’m calling the police!” I shouted again and again, as I dialed 911!
I didn’t hear the door slam shut. I didn’t hear him leave. I was frozen at the door waiting until the police arrived. It was just seconds until the police drove into my driveway.
The police searched the basement and the perimeter of the house. I’d seen a white SUV below us and so they put out an APB for any car matching that.
I filed the report, got the policeman to give me a few tips on how to protect my home (I need a few deadbolts and a long piece of wood to block the sliding glass door.), but he told me again that Lili was amazing and the two of us had done a great job under the circumstances.
Lili was amazing. She growled and barked and sounded so fierce. I guess it’s what makes German Shepherds such wonderful police dogs!
My Hero, Lili!
Yes, I did okay, but I have to tell you I didn’t start breathing again for a while. After the police left, and I locked every door I could, I sat down and slowly drank my coffee, and tried to relax.
I don’t understand why people break into other people’s homes. Why people think it is okay to steal. Today, I am just glad that Lili protected me, and that I wasn’t harmed.
On Friday night I did not sleep well. I was nervous and anxious and also a bit excited about going to get my Covid Vaccine.
I woke far earlier than I needed to, had some coffee and yogurt, and headed out the door, way before I really had to.
One of my greatest character flaws is that I am always early for everything! I mean not by a few minutes, but usually by more than half an hour.
I blame my father who was always early for everything and chastised us if we kept him waiting!
In any case. I arrived at the vaccination site 35 minutes early. I went to the initial screening area and apologized for being early. They were not overcome with clients and so they brought me right in, I did my paperwork, and the next thing I knew I was having the shot, and then waiting the requisite 15 minutes to make sure I did not have an allergic reaction. I felt fine. Really. And also happy to be done half an hour early.
I drove up to Market Basket and did my grocery shopping. About the time I got to the checkout, I felt this wave wash over me. It was like I’d just finished running a full marathon. I was exhausted.
I drove to get gas in the Highlander and then drove home. I started feeling aches in my body and my arm felt heavy. It was so strange to feel this. Jack helped me bring up the groceries and put them away, and I had a small lunch. I started having chills, aches, and a headache.
They’d told me that these side effects are perfectly normal. They say it will last 24-36 hours. Also, they gave me a form to fill out telling them what my side effects are.
Here I sit tonight after having a small dinner, and I just want to go to bed. However it is only 7:30 and I would feel silly, but I may go ahead and do just that.
It’s not how I would wish to spend a day, but if this keeps me from getting a full-blown case of Covid and dying then I am willing to take the chance. I have way too much to live for!
Well, here we are, mid-March. Most of our snow is gone, and although we have gray skies, the temperature has been slightly warmer. So, as this week ends, here is this week’s Friday Five.
Oh, wow!!! This tea was so good! This woman has known me almost all my life (we met at summer camp when we were 13 years old) and she probably knows me better than most people. This was the perfect gift! And once I finish up the tea, I can use the cute tins to store things.
4. This picture came up today in my memories. It was taken by a friend’s son who has a drone.
We had more snow back then (two years ago). But I like this picture.
5. Tomorrow I go for my first Covid Vaccine. I’m a little nervous, and a little happy, as it has finally gotten to me. I will report in on Saturday with how it all went.
