Robin Family Update

I thought about the nest all night long. I checked it while out with the dogs, but saw no sign of Mama Robin. There were Robins around, but none seemed to go to the nest. When we were leaving for work, I didn't bother looking... because it made me feel totally helpless and very sad.

Russell had gone outside ahead of me, and as I started to get into the car, he said "you'll be happy to know that the Mama Robin is sitting on the nest. I jumped out of the car, and walked quickly to where I could see for myself. Sure enough, there she was. My prayers were answered.... and the babies still have a chance, thanks be to GOD.

Happy Birthday to our Newf Kira!!!

Happy Birthday to our Newf Kira. She turns 6 years old today. She is still full of the vim and vigour she's known for. I love you girlie girl. I hope you enjoyed your cheese and peanut butter crackers, and all the other treats you had today.

You can get to know Kira better by visiting her webpage! All you need to do is click here!

I'm worried....

I am quite worried about our Robin family. As I posted the other day, Ben (one of our Newfs) saw a Robin sitting on a nest. I got some wonderful pictures of it, and the nest was positioned in a place that was easy for us to keep watch over it.

However today, when we were outside doing some yardwork (and yes, I was participating!) I looked up and saw that the nest had disappeared. At first I thought it might have been knocked down by the Hawk I saw this morning. Russell pointed out that there is no way a hawk would get that close to the house. And I think he was right. We had heavy rain showers earlier in the day, and quite a bit of wind. We think that it was the wind that blew the nest down.

Russell went behind the bushes, and sure enough, there was the nest. Upon further investigation, Russell found 1 baby, and I found another. They were both alive. Remembering an article we read a year or so ago, debunking the myth that we shouldn't touch the babies, we carefully placed both babies back into the nest, and the put the nest back in it's original spot.

Initially, there was no sign of the Mama Robin, but as we were putting the nest back, a couple of Robins flew to a nearby branch and were visably agitated. We got out of the way as fast as we could, and watched from a distance. We never saw one of the adult robins go to the nest. Russell thinks that they will return to the nest when things quiet down outside. He finished mowing the lawn, I worked around the yard, trying to stay as far away as possible.
I hope and pray that the Mama Robin returns to the nest... and tends to her babies.....

The verdict

The verdict on this past weekend is in: it was a good weekend! I went to an art auciton with my cousin Barbara on Friday evening and we had a blast. Saturday was spent doing errands, visiting with Russell's Mom and then going to our friends' house for dinner. We spent the evening on their deck, chatting and enjoy the lovely spring evening.

After Church on Sunday, we spent a quiet and very relaxing afternoon at home. Sunday evening saw us celbrating my Mother's birthday at Mother's house. All in all a delightful weekend!

I managed to snap a few pictures on Sunday. While outside with Russell, Ben spotted the robin sitting on it's nest. Our dogwood is magnificent, and this morning I saw an Indigo Bunting in our backyard!

I love Friday's. They have the same feeling as Christmas Eve. You've got something ahead, that you're looking forward to you. A blank canvas, so to speak, which by Sunday evening, will hopefully be filled with good memories of fun and accomplishment.

As for me, I hope to get some sleep, do some cleaning... go shopping and spend time with Russell, our newfs and friends and family.

Have a great weekend people. Have fun and be safe!

Easter Blessings....

We had a lovely day today. We met Russell's Mother at church and attended Mass together. Then we went back to her house and began preparations for an Easter feast. We provided most of the food so that she could relax and enjoy the day.

We had baked ham, green bean casserole, scalloped potatoes, corn pudding, pickled beets and eggs, and a couple of different desserts. It was a filling a delicious meal. There ended up being 6 at the table- Russell & myself, Effie, Pete, Pete's son Bill and Russell's brother Bobby. Kim, Peter and the twins stopped by for a visit on their way home from gathering with Kim's family.

All in all, a wonderful day.

Happy Birthday to me....

I'm 48 years young today!

Bah!!!

What a yucky day. Russell left to go camping last night with his troop. They were going up to St Mary's to go fishing. Since he's not yet replaced his camping gear*, they elected to stay in our family's trailers. I was relieved because the weather was really rough.

After Russell left, we had a quiet, uneventful evening. I went to bed early because I had to go into work very early this morning. We were administering a practice run of the LSAT. Of course, my day got off to a rocky start... and I was running late. Dr. K was nice about it... I wasn't that late, but he had the room all set up by the time I finally got there.

I left campus around 1:30... and headed to my Mom's for a visit. I was feeling tired and cranky, and that didn't bode well for a good visit.... my Mom was also tired and cranky, but then what else is new. I'm trying very hard to be patient, and not get bent out about her. But for goodness sake, she is her own worst enemy... and her attitude really leaves alot to be desired.

I decided rather than going our for dinner, that I would cook myself a nice dinner. Which I did, after a trip to the store. I chatted on the phone with my friend Susan until it was time to eat. My dinner was pretty good... (pork picatta & angel hair pasta).

Russell got home shortly after that, and was full of news about the lake; and not "GOOD" news. The owner of the landing where are trailers are located is in the midst of "improvements". He's installing a seawall around the point which is good because it had been eroding away. What makes me angry is that he's taken down some good shade trees, and replaced grass with gravel. YUCK. I'm distress about this... and am really thinking it's time to sell. Of course, that decision needs to be made with a clear head, when I'm not tired and cranky!!!! BAH!

Happy Spring

Spring is here, thank goodness. I can't believe how long it's been since my last post. There's no reason for my not posting... really. Time just got away, and in all honesty, I didn't think about it. Shame on me!!!!! 40 lashes with a wet noodle!!!

Ok... so... what have I been up to since February 14th? Not much really... just trying to stay warm and dry. I have to admit to feeling a bit surly from time to time. I'm chalking that up to wintertime blues. Now that there is a hint of green in the trees... crocuses and daffodills are blooming, as are our forsythia bushes, I'm feeling a bit more relaxed.

Of course, this could also be because I just got back form vacation. I was near Cumberland, Maryland attending the 2006 NCA National Specialty. It was held at Rocky Gap Lodge, and the area was BEAUTIFUL! Absolutely gorgeous. The National Specialty was alot of fun. I saw tons of old friends and met several new friends. Unfortunately, Russell didn't go, and I missed him and our newfs fiercely. It was wonderful to come home to them.

While I was gone, Russell planted flowers for me in the window box underneath our kitchen window. We're hoping to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The dogs are well... they all have spring fever as well. Kira & Yelda particularly enjoy watching the birds, and occasionally trying to chase them. Of course, with me at the other end of the lead, this isn't easily accomplished, yet it make things a wee treacherous.

Ben's not so much into the birds, he just is on patrol all the time. The only time I saw him affected by the birds was when he was trying to potty, and two bright red male cardinals zoomed around over his head in some sort of top gun routine. Obviously, it's mating season, and they were in a battle for territory. Ben's reaction was hysterical. He lost all concentration on his "task" and I ended up taking him back inside, with our mission "un-accomplished"!

Cora's well. She seems to be feeling spronky these days, and is outright playful. One day a couple of weeks ago, she playbowed to Yelda. Well, Yelda is always ready to "rock 'n roll" at a moments notice, but seemed to be surprised that it was Cora who wanted to play. Yelda playbowed back, and Cora returned the gesture. And the game was on. Until Cora suddenly realized that Yelda played much too rough. Cora ran to her her crate and let her self in (reminding me of Otis on the "Andy Griffith Show"). Kira was barking frantically, worried about her beloved Cora... and poor Yelda... disappointed that she couldn't have a raucous play session with Cora.

Just yesterday, Russell's Mom & Uncle Pete returned home from wintering in Florida. They had a good trip, and it's great to see them. My Mother is doing so-so. We've had a significant staffing change, and I think things will start to improve. If only Mother could have a more positive outlook. I believe that she's her own worst enemy. All others are doing well. Plans for Easter are underway.....

Valentine's Day Greetings

I love valentines day. I don't expect or really want (note: emphasis on "really" ) want an expensive gift. I love flowers, and love getting them... and have told that to my dear sweet Russell. Nothing big, nothing fancy... just some pretty posies to brighten up my space!
So he's in a pickle, every single year. He despises the commercialism and marketing that's taken over Christmas, and feels that the floral and greeting card industry has created Sweetest Day just to separate poor men from the precious monies... (for those of you who know Russell, can't you just "hear" him say that???)

His thoughts about Valentines Day are similar. Yet he is a romantic... and set the bar high years ago, by baking me a heart shaped cake, bring me flowers all the time, getting me cute little baubles... including a stained glass heart....

Every morning, on the way to work, we listen to Bob & Tom. They have been promoting Valentines Day for almost a month... at least a couple of weeks... with ad's that say "C'mon guys... don't screw up again this year.... we've got the perfect solution... Vermont Teddy Bear... or... pajama-grams...."..... Russell's reaction, of course, has been predictable....

And then, while watching tv... all the commercials from Kay jewelers, Osterman Jeweler's... Jarrod.... YUCK. He can recite each one practically verbatim.... and the cynicism continues....
So finally, the discussion rolls around to "what DO YOU WANT???"

Of course, feeling trapped and cornered, I say meekly, if you really want to get me something, a new bead for my bracelet would be wonderful. It's easy, not expensive.... etc. Knowing he's been given a reprieve, he asks, which one. Well.. I've been wanting the Katrina one..... I explain. OK... well.. go ahead and get it. Not exactly romantic, but the thought is there...

So, I'm driving around on Saturday, with my sister, shopping for our Mother's gift. My cell phone rings... it's my friend Susan. She's calling from the Hoosier Dog show in Indy. She wants to know if I want a pair of "those miraculous shoes" that we all tried on last fall.

OMG... I do... they are HEAVEN. So, I tell her sure. I quickly decide that "they" will be my valentine gift as they are rather expensive. I go home and inform Russell. He is ok with the switch cause he still has his reprieve. He does think that Susan and I are nuts for wanting these shoes, but.... OH WELL!

Valentine's Day is not just about the women. With Dr. Phil's catch phrase "It's not about YOU" ringing in my ears, I've been trying to figure out what to get for my special sassy cynical valentine. Knowing that he loves tools (I'm not allowed to by tools, because I once bought white finishing nails *2.5 inches long* to hang pictures with. I thought the white nails would look better) I decide on a gift card from Sears. And, I decide to spring for a sushi dinner. I don't care for Sushi, but Russell loves it.

My plan was to go out and get the gift card last night, while "himself" was at his Scout meeting. This meant I wouldn't cook dinner, so I told him to get something on his way home.

Well, he couldn't stand the suspense of what my secret mission was, and dragged it out of me. He then told me that he'd rather have a card from Loews..... cause he wants to build a workbench. Fine. Loews it is. And, he'd rather hold off on the sushi dinner until lent. That makes sense I guess.

So, we'll go to our favorite steak house later this week. No way will we go tonight... it'll be too crazy! That's our valentines day, in a very large and wordy nutshell! Just felt the need to share!

Monday the 13th...

Well, here I am... after being "away" for a few days. I've not really been away... just busy, and distracted... and not having much to say! And for me, not having much to say is unusual. I'm finding myself not hanging out online as much. And I've finally figured out why.

My computer at home is right next to a window, and it's freezing! Our thermstat is set extra low to save money, because gas prices are so out of hand. The dogs and Russell don't seem to mind. I'm the only one.... so I walk around the house in multiple layers feeling like Nanook of the North. I long for Spring!

I've been watching the Olympics. I found the opening ceremonies to be a bit of a disappointment, with the exception of Pavarotti's performance. THAT was outstanding.... and very moving.

I'm sorry about Michelle Kwan. However, in all honesty, she shouldn't have gone in the first place. They bent the rules to let her go. She's never won Olympic Gold, and that is a shame. Yet I felt her attitude 4 years ago was poor. She showed poor sportsmanship and I lost alot of respect for her then. When she was injured and couldn't compete last month.... she should have accepted it with grace.

As for Bode Finn, well... he didn't deserve to win. The fact that he was seen out partying the night before, well.... shame on him. He comes across as being cocky and disrespectful. Not an attitude that serves the USA well. Just one more "ugly american".

I normally don't watch anything else "but" the olympics. However last night, I couldn't stay away from "Grey's Anatomy". And I'm glad that I didn't miss it- it was an incredible episode. Definitely "Emmy" worthy.

Ramblings & Update

Just finished updating my webpage. It's lovely... all full of hearts and flowers in honor of valentine's day! Check it out! Doing so reminded me that I've not been here in awhile. No major reason, other than things have been hectic, which is normal. Russell had his follow-up test, and this time, happily, everything was ok! Of course, I was really uptight prior to the test and my relief is immense.

I finished the last book of the Mitford series, and am quite sad. It was a good book, but I'll miss the characters I've come to know and love.

I've got a horrible cold, and spent last night at my Mother's taking care of her. She is recovering from a particulary vicious case of the stomache flu, and all her regular caregivers are also under the weather. I got very little sleep and am exhausted. Not sure how I'll get through the day here at work. I need a nap and it's early yet. Geez.

Tomorrow is Saturday and I'm working. Once again, we're administering the LSAT. Fun Fun Fun...

I will try and come back when I'm feeling more upbeat! Proofing this makes me realize how grumpy I am! LOL!

The death of a whale...

…is so desperately sad. Of course, I’m referring to the bottle-nosed whale that found it’s way up the Thames river in London yesterday. All reports showed that the whale was in distress and probably quite ill. Upon hearing the story for the first time, I found my self feeling great concern for the poor creature.

Further reports told of rescue workers’ attempts at rescuing the poor creature. Reports also told of concern for the whale from all corners of the globe. I went to sleep hoping that somehow, some way, the creature would find its way back to the open sea’s of the North Atlantic.

Sadly, this was not to be. The whale died on a barge as it was being ferried towards the Thames estuary. As this story has touched the hearts of people from all over the world, I’m certain that sadness is felt by all who were concerned by this whale’s plight.

Yet, while thinking about my own sadness, I felt a sense of awe… and hope. For if people from all around the world, can embrace the plight of a whale, then perhaps things are not so hopeless around this great planet. So feelings of sadness, awe and now hope have filled my heart today. All because of a whale, who got lost on the Thames, but found its way into the hearts of people all over the world.

Why can’t we all just get along?

I feel like Pollyanna when I ask this question, but I need to vent. You would think that a group of people, brought together because of a common interest could get along. But nooooooooo… no way and no how! And I’m in the middle.

I am a moderator for a discussion group. Over the years, people have formed alliances and adversaries. I feel like I’m in a really bad “Survivor” episode. And, being someone who detests conflict, and making people mad at me, I was reluctant to do anything about it.

However, today, someone posted something that really set me off, and I fired back. Afterwards, I experienced anxiety and doubt. And, to be honest there was a moment when I was pretty pumped up.

I went to lunch, and when I came back, I expected all sorts of private messages and emails. What did I find? NOTHING… Zilch, nada. NOTHING! I have been asking myself, is that good or bad? At this point, I’m choosing to believe that it is good!

Starlight Starbright

WOW! I have always been fascinated with all things celestial, and space exploration. I've had the great privilege of witnessing 2-3 launches of the space shuttle. Tonight, I can add yet another experience to my "space watch resume". The International Space Station was due to fly over head.

A friend emailed Russell the details, and we both made mental notes to remember to "go out and look". Mother Nature was most gracious, and allowed clear skies. Our neighborhood is heavily wooded, so we drove off to find a better vantage point. There is a church built on a hillside not too far from our home. So we parked, and found ourselves in the perfect position to watch.

And we did. And we saw. The ISS flew right over. We used the binoculars I inherited from my Father, and we were able to watch it as it moved across the sky. What an incredible feeling it was. The only word that comes to mind seems a bit cliché, but... it was truly AWESOME!

Squirrely!

Mother Nature is very confused. We've been having spring-like weather for the last week. Today, as I was walking accross campus, I couldn't help but notice the squirrels. They were going nuts (pun intended). They were chattering, chasing one another, and cavorting all over the place. It was such fun to watch, and it definitely seemed like they had a major case of "spring fever". This is why I think that Mother Nature is confused, since it's early January, and way too soon for "spring fever"!

Geeeeeeeeeeeeeesh!!!

I'm back at work, and wanted to post and update, and I couldn't even remember my username or password! I wish I could say that I had a good reason... but I guess it's just that I'm feeling a little blue... post holiday blues I guess!

We had a quiet New Year's. We celebrated with friends at their home. We sent out for Chinese food, and played games. It was very low-key and fun. Good times, spent with good friends. What a better way to ring in the New Year!

New Year's Day is a blur. We both slept in until noon, and woke up crabby and out of sorts. We went out for breakfast, and I chose "Cracker Barrel". Well, silly me. Not only was it a holiday, but most churches had recently let out, and we had a long wait. Russell wasn't happy. Nor was I for that matter!

We took pork and sauerkraut over to my Mother's house. Pork and Sauerkraut is a New Year's tradition in this part of the world. My friend Pauline's family hails from North Carolina, and she shared that she grew up eating black-eyed peas on New Year's day. It's all about legend and tradition, and ensuring that you have good luck for the entire New Year. Funny. I wonder about other regions and what their traditions are.

And then there was yesterday. My last hurrah before heading back to work this morning. A nice day.... spent doing chores and errands. We went to our friends to watch Ohio State play against Notre Dame. Ohio State won, thank goodness! It was a good game. GO BUCKS!

Hungover!

Christmas was delightful... full of family dynamics... intriguing, sometimes exasperating, but very very special. I've discovered that I need more sleep and less caffeine. My body yearns for better nutrition. All the food we've eaten over the last several days has been very very rich and incredibly yummy. Yet, I want and need a salad. And I don't even like salads. Is that funny, or what?

I've also discovered that I need to accept some things. That my Mother is the way she is, she's not going to change. She actually did very well this weekend. She's crotchety at times, and can really zing you with a nasty comment. She doesn't mean them. I know that.. but it still can hurt. I'm very good at defending myself. However, I think I need a thicker skin. It is what it is. I've wanted her to accept me for "who" I am... and I now realize that I've been rather hypocritcal.... I need to accept her for "who" she is!


WOW!!! Who'd have thunk?

LOL!

Merry Christmas to one and all

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Pawty for the dogs

Ok... I admit it... I've gone over the edge, or around the bend..... I've definitely gone to the dogs, that's for sure! Last night, we participated in a Christmas "paw-tee" for the dogs. I actually orgazinized the event.

Members of an online discussion forum about Newfoundland Dogs exchanged names with each other and sent gifts. Then, last night, we had a online party in a chat room. I had my dogs open their gifts before the party started, but took pictures to share with the group.

Here are my pictures.