Ramblings of a Flower Addict

Classic Fino Por Favor

2006-05-14T16:54:00.000-07:00

I went to the Paso Fino show at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds today. I have ridden a Paso Fino, but it was a long time ago and I really didn't learn much about them. My impression was of a very collected gaited horse that was on the small side. My impression was correct, but there is much more to learn. One thing I was reminded of is that no matter the discipline or style, a good horse is still a good horse and vice versa. Once I understood the different classes, it was pretty easy most of the time to pick out the order the horses would place. Of course as in all judging, some of the classes were much closer and harder to pick. It did make me wish that I had stayed in horse judging at MSU! That is a job I would enjoy!

For those that don't know, the "classic" fino is a gate in which the horse has a lot of animated motion, but has very little forward movement. One of the people that I struck up a conversation with told me that less than 5% of the Paso Fino horses can achieve the collection necessary to perform that gait.

Anyway, long story short....now I wouldn't mind to have a Paso Fino. :)

Although the bleachers did get excruciatingly hard, it was an enjoyable and educational day. The only regret is that I didn't get to ride. At every horse event I go to I end up wanting to grab at least one of the horses and take it for a spin. Maybe next year....

Just put a gate there...please!?!

2006-05-13T14:29:00.000-07:00

I love my husband. You all know that I do. However, I am finding that fence building is more of a strain on our marriage at least than all of the other (supposedly) stressful things that married couples go through. (moving, buying a new house, changing jobs, etc)

While deciding what the layout of the fence will be we must obviously decide where gates should go. Now I am all for saving money, but I also know the frustration of trying to move animals around in pens that are not set up correctly. Duane believes that we should only need 2 gates...one for each pasture. I, on the other hand, know that when you are trying to get a halter on an unbroke yearling, or a difficult calf in a trailer, you always need a gate or a fence where there isn't one. So, my logic is to install a couple more "just in case" gates. It would be darn difficult to add a gate after the fact. So when Duane asks where I want the gates and I tell him, we usually get into a "why there?" discussion. Which is never won by either of us. I usually tire of the debate long before Mr. "plan it out on the computer" can see documentable evidence proving the need for a gate in just that location....sigh....

On another subject...
I have found my dream horse. Really. Like the horse of all horses that I thought I could never, ever afford. He is a 6 year old Thoroughbred. Retired from the track and lives in Hilliard, OH at New Vocations TB Rescue ranch. Basically, they take in TB's that didn't make it on the track and try to find new lives and jobs for them. It really is a great program and one that I can't wait to be able to support. I have to be realistic about our space constraints so have decided that I really should have no more than 5 of my own. I already have one (that will be moving to our place as soon as the fence is up) and have talked to a lady in AR about a TB mare that she wants to lease out for a year, so that leaves room for 3more! Hilliard is quite a haul and there are some safety precautions that you must take with these ex-track horses so it may be a while before we get any. Meanwhile I'm scheming schemes and planning plans....

What kind of egg is that?

2006-05-08T19:26:00.001-07:00

For those of you that have been wondering if I dropped off the face of the earth, rest assured...that is not the case. We have had a few minor "techinical difficulties." The phone service was installed as planned but we only had service for one day before lightening struck the phone lines. So... new lines had to be run. Which of course meant waiting for an opening in Duane's schedule. Satellite internet has proven to be a challenge due to all of the trees surrounding the house so we currently have dial up. That really doesn't concern me, but Mr. Technology is about to have a fit.

There has been much activity on the farm of late, but my most exciting acquisition is 23 Guinnia eggs and 2 goose eggs. The goose eggs were more or less an accident as they just happened to be in the box of guinnia eggs that I was frantically bidding on at the livestock auction last Saturday.
It went something like this...
(my friend Stacye went along for the entertainment)
(me) Hey Stacye. What are you doing today?
(her) Nothing
(me)Want to go to the Livestock auction in Bolivar?
(her)Sure...What are you buying?
(me)I'm looking for guineas.
(her)What's a guinea?
(me)A bird...sort of like a chicken.
(her)Ok...????

Upon arrival...
(me)Let's go look to see if there are any guineas in there (the sale ring)...
(her) Ok
(me)What are those? Are those guineas?
(her)Don't ask me. I didn't even know a guinea was a bird.
(me)Good point. I wonder if I can find some nice old man to ask that won't think I'm stupid.
(Silence on the part of friend Stacye. We'll try not to think about what the silence implied)

(other auction goer) did you see those baby duck? Aren't they cute?!?
(me) sure are! what are those? Are they guineas?
(oag) no...those are pullets
(me) oh...sure...that's right....

(me) well, no guineas. I wonder if they will bring any more in before the sale...
(Stacye) don't know. What do I look for?
(me) well...I really don't remember. I know they are gray.
(more silence from friend Stacye)

(auctioneer) blah, blah, de blah, de blah blah
(me) how much did he say?
(Stacye) heck I don't know!
(me) dang! I shoulda bought em!
(Stacye) What were they?
(me) some kind of chicken.

(me) look! Peacocks!
(Stacye) Wow! They are really pretty!
(me) I should buy those!
(Stacye) Where will you keep them?
(me) Just turn em loose. I wonder what they eat?

(auctioneer) blah de blah, guineas, blah blah blah
(me while frantically waiving my bidders number) here!
(more auctioneer stuff, more bidding)
(auctioneer) sold to number blah blah blah
(me) yeah!
(Stacye) What did you buy?
(me) guinea eggs!
(guy behind me) that's about $200 worth of guineas
(me) really?
(guy) yeah! you have a roosting chicken?
(me, suddenly very concerned) no. guess I'm going to have to get one
(side note. All chickens have already been sold)
(guy) hey! There's something for you to hatch them eggs out in!
(me with hand already in air) here!
(Stacye) What is it?
(me) I don't know yet
(auctioneer) sold to number blah de blah blah
(guy) there! now you can hatch em!

(me) Well Stacye, are you ready to go? (this of course is after they have sold the horses, sheep, and a whole lotta goats) Let's go see what I paid for all of this.

(me on phone) Hi honey! Guess what I bought! 23 guinea eggs and 2 goose eggs. Oh, and an incubator.
nope...really not sure. We'll have to look it up. Yeah...don't really know about that yet either. We'll have to look that up. No, I don't know how long before they hatch. We'll have to look it up.

later at home...

(Duane) how do you put this thing together?
(me) how would I know?

(Duane) do we have a thermometer? It says to maintain a temperature of 100 degrees.
(me) we have a meat thermometer...

(Duane while at Orschlen Farm Supply) Do we need to get some food?
(me) I don't know what they eat
(Duane) maybe they have a book...

More on the guinea fiasco to come....

Blake and Aaron

2006-04-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite people. Blake and Aaron are Duane's 2nd cousins and our "helpers." They are really great kids and we are looking forward to them spending some of the summer with us.

"The Mower"

2006-04-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

There has been much activity since the last time I posted. As you all know, we are in the process of moving to the farm and if you have read Geek Acres, you have found that there have been some interesting times.

As Duane mentioned, his parents bought us a new mower as a house warming gift. Although I appreciate it, it makes me feel guilty. They really do give us too much. I have always believed in working for what I have and am still trying to get used to the Key's family tradition of extravagant giving.

Back to the mower though.... I have always been the lawn mower for our family. I enjoy it and Duane hates it.... so he cleans house and I do yardwork. Now we have "the mower" and I fear that my mowing days are over. I'll have to get up at daylight to beat him to the mower!

As it is, I am at home doing the packing, which I really don't mind. Have you ever noticed how many odds and ends things you end up with? I try to pack like item with like item. Some things however, just don't fit in anywhere. I will probably end up with a couple of boxes of miscellaneous stuff. It drives me crazy, but what can you do?

I am really looking forward to a big garden at the farm. I'm thinking about trying my hand at some unusual and exotic vegetables. I might even go to some of the farmer's markets.

At last I can plant asparagus!!! I'm going to have several different varieties. Really looking forward to a return to a simpler life. Which reminds me of a trip we took to Mansfield yesterday. More on that later.....

Native Trees

2006-04-19T05:50:00.000-07:00

I really am so predictable....
Thanks to the new blogs that Duane has found as a result of his new blog "Geek Acres", I found that you can purchase native trees from the Missouri Conservation department at a very reasonable price. Since the two trees that I wanted to line the drive with are native, I ordered 50 flowering dogwood and 50 redbud. 100...trees....

Now, if you have been reading my previous posts, or even talking with me occasionally, you will know that I am very concerned about the drought that is affecting SW MO. Believe it or not, Walnut Grove is in even worse shape than Springfield. The last two rains that we received here, completely missed the farm. Not good news.
In addition, we just found out that we would have to hire a backhoe operator to dig the holes for the dog fence at the farm because the ground is too hard for a tractor with no down pressure.

Back to previous announcement...
I have 100 holes to dig and prepare for the 100 trees that I will be receiving in May from the Missouri Conservation department. (see the problem?)
Of course, I can't bear to see any plants go to waste, so they all must be planted as soon as possible upon arrival.

One would have thought that I could have waited until next fall or even spring to order the trees...but hey, why put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Right?

Keep in mind that I have been very concerned about getting everything done that must be done for us to move in, but I have still added 100 holes to my list of things to do.

Sometimes even I wonder about my logic! :)

Ah well...what would I do without a project to worry about?

A Blissfully Perfect Weekend...almost

2006-04-16T16:38:00.000-07:00

This was the best weekend I have had in a long, long time. Everyone at work was in a really good mood on Friday so we started off the weekend well. Friday night I met a friend of mine for dinner at Tong's. My favorite place to eat and dinner with a friend that I had not seen in a couple of years....I didn't realize how much I had missed her until we got together again. We were joined by a good friend of hers and lots of laughs ensued.

Saturday morning, Duane woke me up with a cup of coffee! He had let me sleep in a little bit and had fed the dogs. Needless to say that was a VERY good start to my day.

We got to the farm at about 9:30 and had only been there a short time when the neighbor drove up to tell us that one of his mares had foaled. It only took a couple of minutes (and strides) to cover the short distance between our house and theirs to see that new baby. What a cutie she is!

After lots of horse talk and as much horse "fragrance" as I could inhale, we started back to our farm. Coy Dan (the neighbor) offered to give us a ride home as it was starting to sprinkle and ended up taking us to his other pasture to see the rest of his horses.

It was love at first sight and now "Socks" is the newest member of the Keys family. She is a two year old, but loves people. I am really looking forward to training young horses again. There is something very rewarding for me in teaching a young horse. Just to watch them learn is fascinating.

We came back to Springfield pleasantly tired and with plans to do it all over again today. We got back out to the farm a little later this morning (Duane woke me up with a cup of coffee again after letting me sleep even later) and had been there maybe 15-20 minutes when Coy Dan drove up again. Another foal!
This little filly is a full sister to my "Socks" and they both have their mama's 4 white feet. We didn't get much painting done this weekend and I am getting a little worried about having enough time, but I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend!

Farm tidbits

2006-04-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

One wall done.... faux finish that is.

I decided to do a little aged Tuscan faux finish at the new place. Much as I love the look, I must admit that it takes forever. I'm one of those perfectionist kind of people. I love the look of a faux that is done correctly and abhor the poorly done faux. Needless to say, I started this wall last Wednesday? and just finished the final coat today. Two more walls to go with that finish.

Our master bath in the new house has a more formal feel so I think I will go with a striped finish in there. Same color for both stripes so it will be subtle, just different finishes. For example, a satin finish for the wider stripes and a coat of clear gloss polyurathane on the narrower stripes. I'll post pics when I am done so you can all see the result.

I don't know if it is the false sense of security that I get from having a basement, but when I am out there I have the attitude of "bring it on!"
Bring me back to Springfield though and I am again anxiously watching the radar......

I am having delayed remorse for not bargaining for my flowers in the sale of this house. How many people will keep up with this many flower gardens? I should have negotiated the removal of most of the plants and replanting of the grass when we sold the house. Too late now.

I did find out yesterday from the current owner of our farm that they have picked morel mushrooms by the 5 gallon bucket on some land near our farm. Don't even ask where, I will not tell you. I will however share some of the gloriously yummy dishes I make out of my morel harvest (if I find any that is. They seem to elude me)

One last thing....
I think I have mentioned the fireplace in our new house. It is make of brick and is really dark and kind of blah. I am thinking about a different finish for the fireplace and would like opinions from my multitudes of readers. Okay, would the two of you mind chiming in with your opinions? :)
Do I keep the dark bricks in the fireplace as well as the original walnut trim and cabinets to keep the "integrity", or do I lighten it up?
(Duane, this vote is not for you. I know I'll get your opinion later so don't sign in anonymously)

Geek Acres

2006-04-04T08:12:00.000-07:00

Duane has created a new post entitled "Geek Acres" The plan is to tell of the transition of a city geek to a county geek. In true Duane fashion it is bound to be entertaining. Of course, as he does with some of my posts, I must chime in on some of his, expanding on his version of the story and giving detail that he leaves out.

Having said that, I must expand on his last post about ticks. In that post he stated that he was "infested" and that it did not make for a "happy geek." Now I have to admit that I don't like ticks either, but previously mentioned "city geek" has some conditioning to go on the whole tick issue.
While traveling back from the farm I told the "boys" (Duane's cousins Blake and Aaron) to be sure to check for ticks and that if you find one that has attached, the still hot end of a recently blown out match applied to the back end of said tick will encourage it to back out of your hide.

Apparently "city geek" was listening to this exchange because as soon as we got home I head him yelling "honey! Bring a match!" from the bathroom.

Now there are many things that you hear throughout your life that may be truth and may be wivestales. For example, I have always heard to run cold water with your garbage disposal. Don't know why hot won't work, but hey...there may be a reason...

Anyway, maybe the match thing is the same way. I applied the still hot end of the recently blown out match to said rear end of attached tick and although he did wave his little legs around frantically, I really don't know if it helped make him easier to unattach or not.
Long story short, I still had to pluck him from "city geeks" behind.

I am convinced that this is true love. When you combine two pretty unpleasant things, namely ticks and dirty, been working in the heat and sweating all day behind, it certainly would be a combination that any clear thinking "city girl" would avoid. But in true "country girl" fashion, pluck I did.

I am quite certain that there will be many more of these amusing stories to share. Stay tuned for the next episode....

The dreaded "S" word...

2006-03-30T06:38:00.000-08:00

The season is here again for daily (and sometimes hourly) monitoring of the forecast. Today the dreaded "Supercell" word appeared. Who knew I would become almost unreasonable about the weather? I say almost, because I do know people (names have not been changed to protect the innocent) Jessica...that really do go into panic mode. I think I remain quite reasonable. Of course I insist on heading for the storm shelter as soon as the warning signal sounds, but once all 6 of us are in there, I do fine. Obviously no talking is allowed while in the storm shelter. I must be able to hear the storm. ;) And of course we must ready the shelter with candles, blankets and pillows hours before the storm is expected to hit (one can't be too careful) Besides these fundamentally sound precautions, I proceed to the storm shelter in a calm orderly manner and will only pick up a dog and toss it down to the waiting Duane if there is absolutely no other option. :)

Now in Jessica's defense...she lives in the SW area of Springfield that seems to be a magnet for tornados. She shared an extremely entertaining story of the tornado last year that I must pass along. (it was entertaining because I was not there)

So Jess and Billy are driving back from Joplin and confident that they have outrun the storm. So they call in an order for a pizza from their cell phone.
No sooner do they arrive in Springfield, but the warning signal sounds. Now Jess and Billy don't have a basement, but they do have a crawl space under the house. They also have a 100+ lb rottweiller. As any of you animal lovers know, you can't seek shelter without the pets. So under the house the 3 of them go.

After a seemingly endless amount of time, the sirens went off and Jess and Billy proceeded to extract themselves and Cain from under the house.

As they stood in the street with the rest of the block looking at all of the damage, around the corner comes a little Geo Metro with a Papa John's sign on top. The terrified driver jumps out of the car and with pizza raised high above his head shouts "where is 1112?"

It turns out that this 16yr old delivery driver turned down their street to see a tornado coming right at him. He does a quick u-turn and gets out of there. But only just... he still had a pizza to deliver!

Jess offered him a $20 tip (which he refused) and then called the manager the next day to tell of this inspiring pizza delivery. Pizza delivery drivers all over the world now have this standard to live up to. :)

Looking forward to cleaning???

2006-03-28T19:05:00.000-08:00

I get to go out tomorrow to start cleaning and painting at our new house and I am all kinds of excited! Just to get to spend some time there will be wonderful even if it is spent cleaning and painting!

I know that as soon as we move out there, the majority of my time will be spent outdoors so I won't get much painting done. Might as well work on that part now since I can't move until we close. I have given some thought to the landscaping that I will do, but most of my thoughts have been about building fence and getting horses.

Duane thought my animal collection was considerable now, wait until I have 10 acres to fill!

More to come.....

The Realization of a Dream

2006-03-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

I have not posted for a while because we have been in the process of buying a farm and selling our house. I was almost afraid to say anything to anyone in case it didn't work out, but all is well and here are the specs.

We have a contract on a house with 10 acres in the Walnut Grove area and we found out tonight that our house has definately sold. We will sign a contract on it tomorrow and can then set closing dates on both.

Having my own farm has been my lifelong dream. My dad bought my first pony when I was not quite 3 and I have been hooked since. Until I met Duane, my life had been spent pretty much going wherever the horses were. Up to now, I have owned approx 42 of my own and have ridden hundreds, but for the last 3 years, the closest I have come was to pull in the garage every day to see my saddle hanging there.

The first time I saw our new farm I said "this is the one." I knew right then that was where I wanted to be and started packing as soon as I got home. I drove around the countryside and looked at many more, but ended up right back at our little 10 acre patch.

It is not a mansion, but it couldn't be more perfect if I had created it myself. Each detail is as I would have it and I can already envision the horses standing lazily under the shade tree, swishing their tails at flies and emitting that sweet earthy scent that only a horse has.

I live a blessed life and I hope to spend the next 50 years sitting on our back deck looking out at our cherished 10 acres remembering all of the years spent in our little piece of heaven.

Co-Contributors...maybe not such a good idea

2006-03-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

I have decided this morning that I am not all that keen on Duane being able to contribute to my blog. You see, when I post a story, I can make it sound like a funny but not alltogether believable jest. Then Duane has to add his version of the story (complete with pictures I might add). :)

At least I had a really good laugh first thing on a Saturday morning. Pretty good way to start the day!

Examples of previously mentioned OCD

2006-03-18T05:11:00.000-08:00

April 23, 2004 and we're well into the spring season when an unexpected frost is forecasted. After planting some 1000+ plants and bulbs what can we do but make a circus of our yard to protect the fledgling plants. That's a giant tarp covering the front bed and a blanket around the base of the big oak tree.Here we've got a piece of material covering the newly planted rose bush, climatis, some hostas, and some tulips among other things.
These little hand warmers were strategically distributed throughout the covered areas near sensitive or expensive plants along with strands of Christmas lights to keep it all warm.

Yes the neighbors think we're crazy. I'm glad to hear we won't be repeating this feat this year.

Forget the hair, give me a blanket

2006-03-17T18:02:00.000-08:00

Being the avid noaa forcast observer that I am, I looked ahead in the forecast to Monday night....and snow. What? Last weekend I, my 4 dismayed dogs and one ticked off hubby spent the biggest majority of the night in the storm shelter. Now we are going to get snow? All winter long I jumped eagerly out of bed in the hope that maybe, just maybe, it had snowed during the night. Now, when my hostas are 4 inches tall, it is going to drop down into the 20's at night.

Last season we had quite the fiasco covering all of my precious plants each night that there was a forecast for cold weather. This year? Not doing it. Sorry guys, you are on your own. Send all complaints directly to Mother Nature, because the plant guardian just resigned.

I can only assume that this is a lesson in control. Namely, you...don't....have...it.

Again, much as I forget that those "cute" damn squirrels are going to dig up my garden, I also forget that the days will be warm, the plants will grow, the nights will then get cold.....

I wonder how many gardeners seek therapy, have been diagnosed with obsessive/compulsive disorder, and if there really is a group called plantaholics anonymous. You guffaw, but I can tell you first hand the symptoms of a plant purchasing binge. The shame, the feeling of losing control, the continuous thoughts of "just one more and I will quit." The plants purchased that you don't even have a place for! Of course you can't admit that they aren't part of the existing plan. Rule #1 is to maintain a calm demeaner and straight face as you tell your spouse that you will have to refer to your "diagram" to remember exactly where this plant will go, but that you are sure it was on your list of those to purchase (and that this price is at least several dollars less than the last place you looked).

Unfortunately my kind and generous spouse has heard the lines enough to know that I am making things up and much as he does when there are "free" puppies, he takes me by the hand (almost dragging me along) and begins (somewhat desperately) a new conversation on a completely unrelated topic.
This rarely distracts me I might add, but the shame of knowing that I have been figured out is usually enough to get past that particular plant display. :)

Duane at the barber shop

2006-03-06T18:19:00.000-08:00

So...when I met Duane, one of the first things I noticed was a bottle of "Big Sexy Hair" product in his bathroom. Being the direct personality that I am, I asked him about it. Come to find out, he had gone to a salon for a hair cut and the guy/stylist had talked him into the purchase. I'm relieved... I figure that is a pretty good alibi. Then I find out that after a couple of hair cuts the guy calls Duane at home and asks him for a ride somewhere (Duane plead a pressing engagement). Hence Duane's resolve to stick to a "good old fashioned barber."
Now I can certainly understand his fear of a salon, I've had a round with a really, really fruity stylist myself (tried to give me Samba lessons while I was in the chair, dyed my hair blond (I am naturally a very dark brunette) and decided he should give me some free massage therapy...if I would take off as many items of clothing as I was comfortable with...that would be no items removed! So as I said...I certainly understand living in fear of the hair salon, however I understand that you must conquer your fear. Go out and find a salon that is not scary...

My problem with the barber is that not only can you not make an appt (every time he goes he is gone for hours! And he does not have that much hair!), but the old men sit around and BS. That BSing included a warning to Duane before we got married that he was making a mistake as well as much good natured jesting about the honey do list.

There is a point to this story....
I received a comment on my last post that said I should spread human hair around the garden areas where the squirrels cause problems. Being the instigator that I am...I thought...I should just send Duane to the barber shop with some ziploc baggies for hair and coffee grounds. Let the oldies chew on that for a while!
Can you just imagine the conversation after he left? It makes me giggle just thinking about it!

$(#%@_%(@# Squirrels!!!

2006-03-03T17:52:00.000-08:00

The weather has been beautiful and I have been busy. I am replanting the front beds to make them lower maintenance and am finally going to plant around the base of the big oak tree. Of course all of the planting requires prep work...so I went to the Springfield Recycling Center yesterday for a load of compost. Duane rode his bike to work yesterday so I had the whole day to use his truck. One pickup bed full of compost and some sore muscles later, I felt pretty good about my progress. Where once was faded mulch from last year, there was dark, rich "black gold" as they call it. I left the soaker hose on for the day and planned to go for a load of mulch on Saturday.

When I got home from work tonight, there were little holes dug in my compost. All up and down the front beds....holes.

I have tried pantyhose with perfume. I have tried cayenne pepper. I've tried the garden granuals. I used to like squirrels. Fuzzy little things with such cute antics. Now I detest the damn things.

The most frustrating part of the whole thing is that I had forgotten! Every year as I plan my garden, Spend hours and hours pouring over the catalogs and wandering through greenhouses, Spending every last penny that I can horde for my purpose.... and I forget that as soon as I plant a prize specimen, or put down a perfectly combed layer of mulch, those little @$*(%$*#$'s are going to dig it all up. HOLES ALL OVER MY GARDEN!

So the moral of this story is...if anyone has any tips for ridding the garden of squirrels, I would be most appreciative. :)

Happy Anniversary!

2006-03-02T06:33:00.000-08:00

Had a very good day yesterday. It was our 3rd wedding anniversary and we couldn't have asked for better weather. I am always off work on Wednesdays, but Duane took the day off too so that we could spend it together. I had begun to wonder if he had forgotten since he hadn't said a word about it. Then Tuesday night he told me he had taken the next day off so we could go to Dogwood Canyon.
Being the nature buff that I am, I had wanted to go for a long time but we just hadn't gotten around to it. Well we went. And it was beautiful!

We took the scenic route (60 Hwy) and mosied our way down there. We stopped for lunch at the Gateway Cafe (on 60 South of Highlandville). It is another of the good ol' Home Cookin' restaurants that are obsolite now in Springfield. We had another finger lickin' lunch and I commented to Duane that it was pretty funny that celebrating our anniversary included going to lunch in the "sticks".

Dogwood Canyon had limited activites this time of year, but the walking tour that we chose was very nice. As expected we took lots of pictures. Duane with his powershot already has the pics uploaded but since I have old fashioned film, I still have the roll to develop.

After Memorial day, they offer kayaking and horseback riding. Back when I rode everyday I wasn't impressed with trail riding, but now that I am horseless, I'll take what I can get. We just have to make sure that we can get a "fully automatic" for Duane.

After our walk (which was pretty warm due to dress suited more for weather in the 60's than the 80's) we headed back towards Springfield with a stop at Candyland Ranch. Mick and Judy Workman have been like parents to me since I moved to the Ozarks and it was wonderful to see them again. As often happens, time gets away and I hadn't seen them in a couple of years. They gave us the tour and we got to see their crop of up and coming champions. For those who don't know, they raise miniature horses. These however, are not what you would think. You are probably picturing a fuzzy little round thing, but image a beautifully conformed Arabian...only much, much smaller. Several of their horses are in the mini hall of fame and they have more awards/trophy's than you can count. They pretty much set the standard for minis, and owners and trainers from all over come to try to purchase one of the few that they sell each year. Of course the cream of the crop is raised and then shown by them.

We helped feed and them came home to feed our crew. Then we finished off the evening with Sushi at Sakura. Food was excellent as always (after the extremely annoying party behind us left). Oh and then we had Culver's ice cream. (So much for the eternal diet)

All in all and wonderful day spend with my wonderful honey celebrating an event that I would do over and over again. How's that for a Wednesday?

Can you please just mind your own business?

2006-02-26T11:29:00.000-08:00

The pet saga continues, and I am beyond tired of it. In addition to the crazy stick lady I have posted about, we also have a nightmare neighbor. I guess that really isn't a good name for her since nightmare implies sleep, and we frequently don't get much of that due to her.
She used to be a good neighbor. She said she was an animal lover and even brought a kitten to me that she had found to be nursed back to health. I helped her with the kitten and we would chat over the fence. She even made us cookies once and I made a pot of beef and noodles for her sick kid. That was then.

In the last six months, she has gotten a new boyfriend and everything else has gone to pot. The two may or may not be related...who knows. All I know is that she has sent her two kids to live with their dad and she comes and goes at all hours. That in itself is none of my business and I really could care less. What I do care about, is that she often leaves her dog outside all night now. This was previously an indoor only dog and is now an indoor when convenient dog. This means that the dog does not have a sufficient winter coat and that he is mighty unhappy about being left outside. Hence the sleepless nights. The dog... barks... ALL... NIGHT.

We have tried talking to her (first Mr. courteous talked to her and when that didn't work I went over there and basically told her she was going to have to do something about her dog because it was keeping us up all night) Needless to say, this did not work.

Now you may be wondering about our dogs. We have 4 after all and we can't possibly keep them from barking all of the time. You are correct. However, after 9pm our dogs are asleep on various beds (theirs, not ours) in our bedroom. I am a very light sleeper and wake up each time one of them gets up. As they are very contented ie lazy, this is a rare occurance. They are pretty content to spend the night on their temperputic beds. (Who wouldn't be?)

Back up to the beginning of last summer when the problem began. I'm sure you can tell by my blog that I put a lot of time and money into my gardens. Well, the kitty that I helped rescue is now an adult tom and has been joined by another cat. Again, both were initially indoor only, but as convenience allows...well, you can see where this is going.

We will just say that apparently compost and mulch are incredibly appealing as a litter box. Not only that, but these demon cats would get in our back yard (they would have to be demons to get in a yard with 300+ lbs of dogs) and would crawl under our shed. The dogs would smell the cats under the shed and mass chaos would ensue. This would result in the surrounding flower beds being destroyed.
Now I try to be a considerate pet owner. I am on constant poo duty, scold them when they bark at people, keep them inside at night and above all, keep them contained to our yard unless on a leash. No exceptions. I just ask that other people do the same.
This neighbor from hell apparently thinks that courtesy is for other people.

To top it all off, her kids (now 16ish and 12ish) come to visit and bring their attitude with them. The 16 yr old boy has a set of toy guns that shoot little orange pellets...you guessed it. I have found them all over my yard. What really makes me fume is that today all of the dogs were outside with me and when the neighbors kid came outside, Dobie was terrified! He was crying, trying to hide behind anything he could find and got so scared that he had an accident. He has never done this before and I am beyond angry.

The last time the dog kept us awake all night, I told Duane that I was going to put a note on her door that said "The next time your dog wakes us up at night, I am going to call your landlord and wake him up." Seems fair to me when nothing else will get her attention. But how do I handle the situation with Dobie? I can't very well shoot things at her or her kids when they are in the yard.....unfortunately. ;)

Spring fever

2006-02-25T18:00:00.000-08:00

These are a few of Jennifer's favorite flowers from last season... She must be getting spring-fever as she's wearing the covers off her flower catalogs.

Here's her Chromatella Water Lilly in our water garden. It's a hardy variety that requires full sun. Very easy to grow.

Jennifer can't remember the name of this orange lilly. It came from a friend's garden and was a surprise addition to ours.

Nothing special about this tulip, we just liked the shot.

This is a Monsella Tulip. This flower has huge blooms almost like Peony. It blooms very early and they last for weeks.

Hilltop Garden and Ash Grove

2006-02-25T17:30:00.000-08:00

Jennifer and I visited Hilltop Garden in Ash Grove, MO today for their open house. The owners were giving tours of greenhouses that normally aren't open to the public. Pictured at left is Oscar showing us the "Hot House." The tour was very interesting, we got to see the behind the scenes of the ornamental horticulture industry, and Oscar was willing to answer any questions we could come up with.

Some of the interesting tidbits that we heard or learned included about how much money it costs to keep the tropical greenhouse warm (about a gallon of propane a year per square foot) and how they have such an impressive showing of hostas later in the year (they have 8000 hostas "sleeping" under plastic in a field).

I got the shot above of Jennifer striking up a conversation with another Hilltop customer. The conversation turned to Elephant Ears and Jennifer commented to the lady on the left that we always just leave the elephant ears in the ground and cover them for the winter and they're fine. We overheard her commenting to her husband that she really didn't appreciate Jennifer's input... some people.

After the excitement of the tour we drove on in to Ash Grove. We stopped at a service station and used the facilities. Jennifer was tickled with the small town atmosphere (funny since we're both from small towns). The mechanic in the service station gave us directions to a local cafe for lunch as he rocked back in forth in a rocking chair.

We took him up on his recommendation and ate at the Trails End Cafe. Some things are just better in small towns, and a home-cooked meal is one of them. Jennifer dined on "probably the best" pork tenderloin sandwich she's ever had. I indulged in the open-face roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy and it was delicious.

We drove around the area a bit more and decided that we liked little Ash Grove. It wasn't a great day for picture taking but the old downtown area had some interesting buildings. We'll go back another time and explore some more.

Duh!

2006-02-23T19:29:00.000-08:00

Duane just pointed out that comment moderation was on and I was not checking it. All this time I thought no one was reading my blog!

We have removed the moderation so I will now respond! :)

Tagged Daddblastit!

2006-02-22T07:53:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged. I don't know why he does this. I tell him nobody reads my blog. Anyone that knows me is amazed that I know what a blog is. Regardless...here we go...

Four jobs I've had
This could be lengthy. Good thing there is a limit.

1.Wheat truck driver/farm hand(first job when I was 14. I had to sit on a pillow and put one behind my back so I could reach the clutch. Things are done a little differently in Kansas)

2. Barn Manager/horse trainer(countless barns from Vermont to Texas)

3. Owner, Home decor and gift shop

4. Vet tech

Four Movies I could watch over and over
This is very difficult as I watch very little TV. I didn't even own one when I met Duane and was fine with that.

1. Last of the Dogmen (old movie about a lost tribe of indians)

Ummm...got nothin else...sorry

Four places I've lived

1. Stafford, KS

2. Manchester Center, VT

3. Gainsville, TX

4. Springfield, MO

Four TV Shows that I Love
I know I'm a strange one, but I really hate TV. If Duane weren't such a fan, we wouldn't have one.

Four places I've vacationed

1. Cape Cod (went to the New England Aquarium in Boston and then went out on the cape on a whale watch. Absolutly the best vacation of my life)

2. Disney World

3. Monterrey Mexico

4. Eureka Springs (still a favorite)

Four of my favorite dishes
This is tough. I love food and will have a hard time picking just 4 favorites

1. Siam beef, Salmon in duck sauce from Tong's

2. Grilled tuna salad from Sparky's in Eureka Springs

3. Duane's stuffed eggplant rolls (these are incredible)

4. Sushi, sushi, sushi!

Four sites I visit daily
This one will make you laugh!

1. National Weather Service

2. Minutia

Check my email and my computer time is done! :)

Four places I'd rather be right now

1. in my garden on our farm (which we don't own yet, have never seen, but I have visualized)

2. In the Portland Oregan area (they have mild weather so incredible gardens. I'm dying to go)

3. Arizona, New Mexico area (I have never been and would like to see it)

4. See #1

Four books I love
Now we are in familiar territory!

1. The Mists of Avalon

2. I & Dog the monks of new skeet

3. The Complete Garden Flower Book

4. 12 Months of Monastary soups (this was the first gift Duane gave me. I think it was a hint)

Wuthering Heights, Gone with the Wind, Belladonna, my favorite asian cookbook, All Creatures Great and Small, Encyclopedia of World Religions, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Other Bolelyn Girl, The Mistral's Daughter, Horse Heaven, Dead Sleep, Eleventh Hour, The living art of Bonsai, etc

Four Video Games I could play over and over
I have never played a video game and just don't see the appeal. Not that I don't think other people should do it, I would just rather do something productive

I am electing to add a category. I think you can learn much from a person's musical tasts, so how about Four Favorite Albums/Artists?

1. Maroon 5

2. Diana Krall

3. Coldplay

4. various classical albums

Four people I am tagging
I shall have to pass on this one as I don't know 4 more people with blogs! Sad isn't it. :)

Take That!

2006-01-25T10:40:00.000-08:00

The longer I think about this crazy stick lady the madder I get! I would think there have to be other people out there that are having similar problems. With the number of pet friendly homes increasing rapidly, we are bound to have differences of opinion with our non-pet loving neighbors.
I think I'll take our local police officer up on his suggestion to get her picture so that she can be identified. I don't know what she plans to accomplish by harrassing me daily, but I plan to pursue this matter until she leaves me alone.
Her reaction on the next post! :)

A Different Kind of Harrassment

2006-01-24T16:08:00.000-08:00

We are being harrassed. If any of you have read the "Crazy Stick Lady" post on Minutia, you will know how our problem started. Unfortunately there has been no end. To make a long story short, we contacted the police. They said to call the next time we saw her so that she could be identified. Needless to say, we are way down on the priority list and rightfully so, but although her walks/terrorizing stopped for a while, she refuses to leave well enough alone. Each evening at about 5:30, here she comes with her big stick. Staring at the dogs (and myself) in her most intimidating manner. Enough already! We own the house! They are very sweet, well cared for dogs that are contained in a chain link fence. The gate even has a padlock for crying out loud! Not once in the nearly 2 years that we have lived here have they been out. We can provide lists of places that all of the dogs have been in contact with people and pets and everyone loved them. Why must we continue to be harrassed in our own yard by someone that is just too beligerent to walk a different route? I don't go to her home and harrass her. She doesn't dread my appearance on a daily basis. Why must I forgo a peaceful evening in our back yard because she has a problem with dogs?

Home Suite Home -The best get-away destination!

2006-01-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

I went to Eureka Springs this past weekend for 3 days at my favorite place, Home Suite Home. The owners have now become very dear friends of mine and for that I am immensly thankful.

I don't know how to adequately describe Home Suite Home. It is an old refurbished school house that has been transformed into the most peaceful and tranquil oasis that I have ever seen. I simply step through the doors and am immediately lulled into a deep feeling of calm. The decor of white and beige in addition to the perfect balance of thoughful (but not busy) decor, truely makes Home Suite Home one of a kind. Ron has gone to great lengths to see to every detail. The bedding is Ralph Lauren, the chairs and couches are perfect for lounging and even the towels smell wonderful!

I am very fortunate to be a guest at Home Suite Home on occasion and must highly recommend it to anyone seeking a luxurious getaway! A few of the outstanding things you will find are a fully stocked kitchen (in both suites, bring your food if you like and never leave the oasis) fresh flowers (in elegant shades of white), fresh pastries (from a local gourmet pastry shop), a large jacuzzi tub (in the Sunlite suite) and they can even arrange for an in-suite massage if you wish! These are just a few of the ameneties too numerous to mention.

I have stayed at many cabins and B&B's in many states, and I can say with all honesty that I have neve been anywhere that could come close to Home Suite Home. This truely is the most elegant and tasteful place I have been. Everywhere you look is perfection!

Unbelievable...

2006-01-07T06:37:00.000-08:00

Rarely have I read anything as disturbing as the article in the News Leader by Glenn Miller of Aurora. http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/OPINIONS03/601040303/1006
I read this 3-4 days ago and am still haunted by it. "Systematic genocide against the white race?"

I would be very interested to see this person's family tree. Chances are very great that his "race" is a mixture of many different bloodlines (for lack of a better term). Honestly, how many of us in this great country of ours can really say that we have a pure bloodline? What would that be anyway? English? French? Which nationalities would be acceptable to mix in?

In animals it is pretty simple. You can trace your Quarter Horses, etc (the registered ones anyway) back through the generations. Your foal can only be registered if you are able to produce documentation of this bloodline. In other words, the registry exits so that the bloodline remains pure. In theory you get superior horses and for the most part that is true. But I have ridden some fantastic horses that were grade (of unknown heritage).

This has absolutely no benefit to humans. Are we to breed runners or jumpers or thinkers now?

And this is my logical side talking. As for my emotional side....well... let's just say that for the first time, I actually felt threatened. And consequently, guilty. I am disturbed to this extent by someone that makes me feel threatened for the first time. What about all of the people out there that feel threatened most of the time? As usual, I feel the need to do something. Help in some way. But again, I am not quite sure what I can do to help. And so I withdraw even further, turning my back to the people of the world and embracing nature.

How many of us can really examine ourselves and find no judgement. No stereotyping. Only acceptance.
I am as guilty as the next person as much as it embarrasses me to say. And I work each day to be more accepting and less judgemental. But never like this. Judging someone who is hypocritical....I've done it. Judging someone who will steal and cheat...I've done that too. But never this. Never have I thought, even in my angriest moment, that anyone with a different skin color or nationality, or religious or political belief should be eliminated. Never have I felt such deep hatred as this man obviously feels. And I thank the diety that I have been spared that hatred.

We get one shot folks. One chance of undetermined length. What will we do with it?

Completely inadaquate but from the heart

2005-09-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that I am not alone in that the hurricane damage and resulting devastation leave me completely at a loss as to how to express my sorrow. As in the Sept 11 attacks, I find a stillness settling over me as I try to come to terms with this tragedy. Shortly after, a restlessness occurs as I find that I am still sitting in Springfield, MO and have done nothing (except for a few monetary donations) to help this situation. Does everyone feel as helpless as I do?

I have no medical training so would be of no help if I were actually there, but the need to do something to help still overwhelms. A friend mentioned the other day that she and her husband are going to use their vacation this year to work for habitat for humanity. A wonderful idea and something that I will definately look into, but I feel the need to do more. I'm just not sure what.

I'm not of the personality that asks why. I feel that everything happens for a reason, some are not for us to understand. I am of the personality that asks, "what can I do?" Not what did others do wrong or what can others do, but what can I do!?! I am amazed at the finger pointing and the blame placing. Does it really matter? I think not. What really matters now is that we all pull together to help those in need to the best of our ability.
Could we all try a little bit of acceptance and compassion for a change? We might be amazed at the result.

Sweet Summertime

2005-07-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize how long it has been since I posted a blog! Times flies when you are having fun. The good news is that most of the important stuff has been posted on Duane's blog. He of course if much better at keeping up with these things than I.

He failed to mention a couple of things of interest though. Like the Japanese Stroll Garden, Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shop and Al Roubaie's.

We will start with the food. Jimmy John's has received much press with the locals, so we decided to give it a try. It was alright. Sub Rolls are white bread (which I don't much care for) and the other ingredients were ordinary as far as I am concerned. Duane seemed to have the same reaction. However, there is, I hear, a little place on Cherokee, open only at lunch called The Sub Shop. I understand it has been there forever and is extremely good. I've not tried it yet, but will have to get over there. It is always overflowing with customers at lunch.

Al Roubaie's has, without a doubt the best cream of almond soup I have ever had. The grilled lamb was terrible (Duane's entree) but my seafood stuffed filet of sole was pretty good.
Atmosphere was nice, although the wait staff could have been a little more refined.

We had a COO candidate in this week and it was my job to take him from one interview to the next, make sure he had what he needed and generally tell him about Springfield. I of course, gave him a list of recommended restaurants to try and he and his wife went to Flame.
They really enjoyed seeing downtown and thought Flame was terrific.
Just think of me as your friendly local social director.

The Japanese Stroll Garden, if you have never been there is worth your $3. Beautiful landscaping a huge koi pond (where you can feed the fish-take quarters!), and 7 acres of rolling hills, paths, and just general serenity. Of course I came home with many ideas, and we are now planning a second water garden in the back yard. Much bigger than the first though!
For some reason, Duane wants to wait until fall to start digging the hole.
I'll have to take before and after pictures. I take them of each project, just have not gotten then posted. I'll work on that.

Speaking of pictures. We have both entered some of our favorites in the fair. You can enter only one picture per catagory, which was somewhat limiting, but understandable. The competetion is on! The loser in this household will have to do the cleaning for a year (if Duane loses. we'll change the rules if I lose)

Ahhh... Springtime

2005-03-25T17:33:00.000-08:00

Spring is almost here...flowers just getting ready to bloom, those nice warm days in the sun....
I am especially looking forward to this spring. Since we bought our house last July, and of course did some landscaping after the purchase, there should be lots to see in our yard this spring. I just hope that the climbing roses that I planted on the back fence do their job and completely block the view of the strange lady with the stick that walks through the church parking lot behind our house each evening. She glares at the dogs as she walks by and sometimes even makes threatening gestures with her stick at them. And she wonders why they bark at her?

Speaking of dogs...we have discovered a squeaky toy that takes Haley days to chew up. It is a double edged sword and even my normally endless patience (with the dogs) is stretched thin.

One of my bosses retired this week. He is a good man and one that I truely admire. I was very sad to see him go and regret that I only got to work with him for a short time. I had two of the best bosses that anyone could have, but at least one is still there. The replacement has been named and I think that he is a good person as well. I can only hope that our working relationship is half as good.

In other news, our friends Sandy and Adrian are moving to Florida. I know it is hard to have to move around so much, but hopefully it will all settle down soon.

We are going Morel mushroom hunting in the morning. It should be an experience. Although I know what they look like through research on the web, I have never picked them. Takes a bit of faith to take a bite of something like that!

Monday will start week 5 of the Weight Loss Challenge and I have yet to lose a pound. I assumed that going to spin class 3 days a week would do something but apparently I will have to get a little bit more serious. I checked on a program through the fitness center called Bootcamp. Although I am very interested, I am hesitant to committ to a program that would require me to be at the fitness center at 4 am two days a week for 16 weeks. At least I have until April 11 to decide how committed I am and to see if I can even meet the minimum requirements.
Getting old stinks. Oh for the days that I could eat whatever I wanted, never exercise and still wear a size 5. It doesn't seem that long ago. Sometimes I am still surprised when they won't fit.
Go ahead, make fun of my reminiscing, but I know that most of you out there have experienced the same thing. You know who you are! You just wake up one day and your body has betrayed you. I'll get it back dammit. I have my favorite bikini hanging where I see it every day, just as a reminder.

Guess I should print out some color pics of Morels to take with me tomorrow. That's one mistake I would not want to make!

Lessons To Be Learned?

2005-01-22T14:09:00.000-08:00

Isn't it amazing how human emotions work? You can make a comment, that has very little thought behind it, and somone takes offense. I am as guilty as the next person. I may say something in passing, and the next thing I know, I have completely offended someone. And on the flip side, I may take offense to a comment that someone has made, when they meant nothing by it. Sometimes upon reflection, I feel that I should either not say anything at all, or should censor each and every word that comes out of my mouth. Of course, sheepherding is much more appealing. You can say anything you want to animals (as long as it is in a non-threatening tone of voice) and they are delighted to hear it. Quite possibly the reason that I prefer animal companionship more than human. I have told both of my beloved dogs on numerous occasions that they stink. They wag their tails and try to sit in my lap. I have told them that they drive me crazy, to leave me alone, that "mom" is tired and just wants to sit and read a book. Don't get me wrong. They don't pay the slightest bit of attention to the offending phrases, preferring to translate it into dogspeak, where it means, good girl/boy, mom loves you, and scoot over a little bit closer so that there is no room at all on my lap for anything other than a sleeping head (certainly not a book). Even though their translation is faulty, they are so very easy to get along with. They don't hold a grudge and by the time they wake up from their nap, they have completely forgotten that I said that there is not room on the couch for all of us.
What lessons we could learn from these happy creatures. A little sunshine through the window...happy. A squirrel to chase...happy. A kind word from a person...happy. I for one have decided to model my behavior after theirs. I will believe the best of everyone and will treat everyone kindly until abused. Makes perfect sense to me.

One of those Google Washing thingy majiggers

2005-01-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

I'm completely hacked off at Rival. You know, the company that has made crockpots since the beginning of time? I have been cooking with a Rival crockpot since I started cooking. Last Christmas, I got a new 5 quart, with carry case and separate 2-sided crock. (for cooking 2 things at once). I was excited! Bigger crockpot = more food. Wrong! The silly thing is not usable. The lid does not seal correctly, so all of the moisture excapes from under the lid, leaving dried out (at the very least) or burnt food. Doesn't even matter if you add liquid (which you shouldn't have to do) or cook on low. Still dried out/burnt. The first time this happened, I chalked it up to user error. Second time, I was confused. Third time, I checked the internet. Guess what. Many people have had the exact same problem with this crockpot. Rival's response is to return it to the store it was purchased at. No apology for the inconvenience and no acknowledgment that there is a problem. At $45-$60 per crockpot, they are making a killing on crockpots that cannot be used. Maybe that count on the consumer having to buy a replacement crockpot? And you know what happens with a Christmas present that has no accompanying receipt..
One of my pet peeves is a company that will not stand behind its product. Hiway robbery as it is sometimes called. So friends, if you have experienced this problem with rival, or if you just get mad at being ripped off, join me in this campain! To food! And Justice! ;)

It's been a while

2005-01-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a while since I posted anything. Not only have I been busy, but I waited so long to post that I had forgotten not only my password, but my sign on as well. Since we have had such unseasonably warm weather, Duane and I went to Ha Ha Tonka State Park yesterday. That is the 3rd time that I have gone and no matter the season, the beauty never fails to amaze me. We took a trail this time that I had not previously been on. It went up over the island and put us right down on the waterfall. I was thrilled as I have looked at the waterfall from a distance but didn't think that you could get to it. We hiked approximately 6-8 miles, over some pretty rugged terrain, and even after a hot bath last night, my legs are still pretty sore. Kind of puts things into perspective in a lot of ways for me. The beautiful surroundings make me wonder why I spend so much of my life indoors. The fatigue makes me wonder how/why I have become so sedentary. New Year's resolution #1... I will get out/get fit. More fresh air and less of a sedentary life style. If only I didn't love to cook! Ah well...nothing like the New Year and another birthday to make you lament your current lifestyle/body fat percentage! Speaking of warm weather. This warm front is hard on my flowers. All of my bulbs are coming up already. Hopefully everything will survive this strange winter. I keep thinking of all of the time and money I have invested in these gardens. It would be terrible to lose them. I had to find something to do with my time this winter since it is dark when I get home and I can't work in the garden. So my new past time has been working out. At least it was until I got the bright idea to make Christmas candy for everyone at work. 3 weeks, I made candy. So between the time away from working out and the candy that was consumed, I went right back to square one on the fitness routine and now have to start completely over. I was doing so well...In the month of November I logged 675 hours of aerobic activity. In December I had less than 300. I am trying to make it a rountine before summer hits. If I can at least go to a couple of classes per week and maybe go for a run in the mornings before work, I should keep pretty fit. But I have to get fit before I can stay fit. Our friends Sandy and Adriene moved to Ohio this fall. People come and go, but this time, it just feels wrong. I'm sure they will be back someday, but we really miss having them around. I am anti-96.5 now by the way. What a crappy thing to do to their morning DJ. Buget cuts my a__! I for one will never turn on that station again. Speaking of crappy. We went to dinner a while back with some of Duane's friends that we hadn't seen in a while. Had a great time until one of his friends told me that he thought my dogs were a waste of time. Don't get me wrong, everyone has a right to their own opinion. It's just the complete lack of respect that dissappointed me. I mean really, there are many things that he does that I think are a total waste of time, but I respected him too much to say anything. Besides, I don't intentionally try to hurt feelings. To each his own, and if he feels better for saying that, then power to him. But with that complete lack of sensitivity, I can see why he hasn't had a girlfriend in what, 8(?)years.
Funniest thing was that I felt sorry for him and always encouraged Duane to invite him over for dinner etc. Poor character judgement on my part!
Anyway, enough of that. Things are good here in floweraddict world. At last count I had planted between 1000-1500 perrenials and bulbs, and have recently installed a water garden. We still have some landscaping to do around the pond, but have planted a Japanese maple near it that will be gorgeous next spring. I really wanted a concrete venus de milo statue for my front night garden and got it for Christmas! It is very elegant and will look beautiful with all of the white flowers. Of all of the landscaping that we have done, I am looking forward to the night garden the most. I'll have to post some pictures when it blooms.

Lots of Pictures

2004-09-29T18:24:00.000-07:00

As you can see, I have finally been able to get some pictures added. For those that do not know, Dobie is a 2 year old Doberman/Rottweiler cross (as near as we can tell) that has the temperament of an angel and the appearance of a guard dog. He weighs in at about 93 lbs now and thinks he is pretty tough...as long as he is standing behind Mom.
Haley is a 5 year old Weimaraner. She was our second and has given us lots of laughs and has kept Dobie entertained. She is the quard dog around our house, although a tresspasser would probably be struck down by the volume of her bark long before any biting was done. She has a loud mouth and she's not afraid to use it. More pictures (of other subjects) coming soon.

2004-09-29T18:22:00.001-07:00

Haley is the other reason for his smile.

2004-09-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

Tummy rubbing makes him smile!

2004-09-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

He was sleeping while I was doing some landscaping

2004-09-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Dobie's first snow! Taken winter of 2003

2004-09-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

This is a little better at 1 year, but still not up to his ideal weight. He is considerably happier though.

2004-09-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

This is why I get on my soap box about adopting. This was taken the day we brought Dobie home from the humane society.

2004-09-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

Tulips and Daffodils from last spring.

2004-09-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

"Double Delight" Hybrid Tea Rose. It's hard to tell in the picture, but this rose has red/dark pink tips to the petals and the bottom of the petal is white/cream. Very fragrant!

2004-09-28T18:49:00.000-07:00

Purple African Daisy. Great groundcover perennial. Spreads easily and flowers abundantly.

2004-09-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

Sugar Daddy Petunias with Dusty Miller. This is part of a 3 pot arrangement.

2004-09-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

Blue Morning Glory - back yard. One of my favorite annuals.

2004-09-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

Lavendar Hybrid Tea Rose.

It's Always Fun to Out Fish the Husband

2004-09-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

Went fishing yesterday with some friends. Beautiful place, used to be an old mill, but only the ruins are left now. 6 of us went fishing, 2 fish were caught, (by me. And really they would be closer to fish sticks than actual fish) but it was a wonderful time none the less. Fishing is one of my favorite past times. Fresh air (note a recurring theme in my blog) nature at it's finest, poor little wormies getting holes poked in them. Yes, its true...I am becoming more of a girly girl. I still bait my own hooks and remove my own fish, but I find that I now have to apologize to the worms as I am putting them on the hook. I noticed this girly girl trend the other day at Lowe's. I just had my nails done so I had to buy some gardening gloves, (before you pass out from the shock of it, the glove purchase was actually strongly encouraged by my husband once he found out how much the nails cost and the nails were prompted by a special occasion) anyway...I bought some gardening gloves and realized that I preferred the ones with the pretty little flowers on them as opposed to my normal choice of plain and natural. Not sure what is happening to me, but I found myself in a skirt, hose and heels today. Aliens must have abducted me in my sleep. Didn't get as much yard work done as I had planned this weekend. I know that Duane thinks he is in a contstant state of hole digging, but we really have a lot of work left to do on the yard. I am planting several perennial gardens as well as the rose bushes, so a good portion of the time, Duane is running from one spot in the yard to the next, with the garden hose and the post hole diggers. The garden hose because the ground is so hard the post hole diggers are a lost cause. We have found that if you water the spot and let it soak it is much easier to dig. Obviously a lot of compost has to be dug in too, so each plant is a battle. But I will triumph! Eventually. It's possible that part of my drive to get the yard done is panic about the approach of winter. I love cold weather, but hate to be indoors. Duane hates cold weather and would rather be indoors. I'm afraid that once it gets cold, I won't get him back out until spring. And so I hop out of bed early so I don't lose any daylight and flit from one project to the next, trying to get everything done so that even if I don't get to do any landscaping over the next several months, there will still be perennials and bulbs blooming next spring. phew... maybe I'll just sleep most of the winter.

Haley Update

2004-09-27T13:29:00.000-07:00

Remember when I told you that Haley has a nesting habit? Well I've gotten sort of accustomed to it and try to ignore it so I can go back to sleep. Well, last night the "nesting" went on for a long time..so I finally got up to help her fix her bed and realized she was stuck under our bed. When I leaned under and looked at her, she just wagged her tail. I pulled her out and she curled up and went back to sleep. I feel kind of bad about trying to sleep through her ordeal. I have no idea how long she was under the bed. oops!

Life's Little Oddities

2004-09-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

We had dinner with some friends last night and part of the conversation was about women's jeans. Now maybe it is because I don't buy jeans that are $124 per pair (as advertised in the most recent 417 Magazine) but it seems that I can never find the same jeans twice. For example, I bought some Eddie Bauer jeans...loved them. Went back about a year later... bought two more pair, same exact label...different fit. Same thing with some jeans I bought at Kohl's...I don't get it. Anyway, that conversation made me think of other little things that I have noticed are a little odd...
Shoes... shoes are a constant nightmare for me. Very few stores sell a size 5 and when you do find them the selection is limited. But besides the size issue, I can't figure out why men can try shoes on at the store, like them, get them home, wear them and they are still comfortable! Women try shoes on at the store, buy them because they look great and are (preferably) comfortable, wear them 2-3 times and find out that your feet hurt terribly when you wear them. Is there a secret marketing technique that makes shoes comfortable only before purchase? That way you already own them, so you have to go buy more shoes to replace the ones you can't wear? I think there is a conspiracy.
Most of the oddities that are the most obvious to me have to do with my dogs. Haley (my weimaraner) loves Q-tips. We have to keep the bathroom door closed because she will sneak in there to eat the Q-tips out of the trash. Gross, I know, but true none the less. Now that I think about it, this may be directly related to the next oddity. Her excessive flatulence. The dog lays down...flatulence. Turns to scratch an itch...flatulence. In her sleep... you get the picture. Dobie does not have this embarrassing problem. He is much to suave for that. Okay...but at least you can't hear his! Haley is so loud, she occasionally wakes me up at night. Between that problem and her nesting habit, I get very little sleep these days. She apparently feels the need to "remake" her bed every night, because she gets up, shakes her collar (rabies and id tags make great noise) then proceeds to circle round and round, scratching at her bed, grabbing it with her teeth and pulling for a good 30-45 seconds (it seems like hours) When she is finally satisfied, she lays back down (flatulence remember) goes to sleep and starts snoring. (another very loud bodily function). Don't ask me why I love this animal... sometimes at night I wonder myself...but I do and therefore I will sleep no more than 6 hours per night for the rest of this dogs life. And I will cry like a baby when she goes. Odd...
For those of you who are not aware, there is a nifty little invention called the doggy dooley. Basically it is a septic system for dog waste. You dig a hole, put this plastic pyramid thing with a lid in there add said waste, 2 tablespoons of enzyme and water well. Then you add enzyme each week and water as needed. For us that is every day or two. Problem is... roughly 170 lbs of dog produces more waste than the ol' dooley can handle. We had to buy another one. We now have 2 little green lids to watch for when we mow. I'm sure that my readers wonder about my sanity. All of this for 2 mere dogs? Please do not tell anyone, but I am a softy when it comes to animals. And when you think about it, where else can you find a being that will love you absolutely and unconditionally NO MATTER WHAT....
And in return for that unconditionally loving spirit, millions of them each year, find themselves in humane societies across the nation with days or hours left to live. Please, Please, Please...if you are going to get a pet....PLEASE adopt! A $300 dog will not love you any more than a $50 rescue, and you will be saving a life.
And by the way...if you see an animal being neglected or abused, don't turn your head. Make it your business, they have no voice to ask for help.

The good, the bad and the ugly. (my version)

2004-09-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

The good... I ordered a suprise for Duane a while back and it arrived today! Can't say what it is yet as he might read my post before he gets home from work. (I mean, of course he won't read it from work! He only works from there. But he may go someplace else where he can read my blog.... yeah, anyway...) But anyway, I am very excited! Possibly more so than he will be. I'm really getting the Christmas fever. I usually have my Christmas shopping done by the middle of October, but this year I haven't even gotten started. We were at Sam's last night and as always, got some good ideas. Since Duane's B-Day is in December, I get to guy presents for him for both occasions. But since I can't wait a full year to get him more stuff, I end up getting some "just because" presents. I'm also feeling my bi-annual rush to get the landscaping done before winter. Since I absolutely hate hot weather, I do most of my landscaping in the spring and fall. Since we moved this summer, I had a clean pallet to work with and have lots of ideas. If we ever get to our permanent residence I will do some heavy duty landscaping, including several water features, but since we know we will only be here for 2-3 years, I just can't see spending that much money. Especially since we know we could not recoup.
The bad... a lady that I work with has an 11 yr old golden retreiver named Heidi that is sick. She is having trouble getting around and her abdomen is distended. At his time they don't know if she is having complications from a slipped disk or if she has a tumor in her intestines. It makes me very sad as I know that she loves her dog and I keep thinking about how I would feel if it were one of mine.
The ugly....speaking of "one of mine". I was mowing the yard today and found some balls of roofing tar. It appears to me that the guys that are doing the roof on the church behind us have been throwing balls of tar at my dogs. Those of you that know me can imagine my temper when I found those, and after a quick call to Duane to let him know what was going on, I went over to find the supervisor. I get over there and of course, they are all on the roof, so I go up the ladder and yell at one of the guys that I need to talk to the boss. He sends the guy down and I am standing there with these balls of tar in my hand. He knew when I asked him if they were using anything like that, that I was angry. He denied that they were throwing them at the dogs and said instead that they were probably throwing them at each other. I know he's full of beans, because I found 3 more, clear out in the middle of the back yard. There is no way they could have gone that far unless that is where they were aimed. Anyway, the guy got a good view of a Kansas style temper and knows that I will be watching!

Plantaholics?

2004-09-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

As I came 'round the corner this morning, I had this odd sense of euphoria to see that our yard was the "emerald" in a sea of deserts(?) What I mean to say is our yard is green...really pretty green. And the surrounding yards...all others on the block actually, are brown. I'm not sure why this was such a big deal to me except that it is quite possible that either complete and total boredom or possibly senility have set in. I have developed a need to have a beautiful lawn. Add it to the landscaping obsession and the flower addiction and you have the need for a support group. What would you call this support group? Plantaholics? Landscapers Anonymous? I'm assuming that the group would only meet during the summer months...
Is this what not watching television does to you? How proudly I have announced (truthfully) that I don't care if there is even a tv in the house! I have returned to nature! Embraced the great outdoors! Think of the fresh air that I am getting, exercise too! Little did I know that my husband would have to repossess the checkbook and credit cards. I can no longer be trusted with money as long as Lowe's garden center is open. And when you have planted all that this city has to offer... you go online. To find unique and exotic. Plants that will wow your friends. Friends that have stopped coming by because they keep catching you in the yard with the scissors, hand trimming the errant blades of grass. If we can just get them to come back. We can convince them that I am clean. I'll even hide the landscaping books. Yep, I gotta find a support group!

Wish I was in Colorado

2004-09-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

Just read my honey's blog and saw the pictures he posted. Very pretty! I would love to be there. Instead I am here with my whiney dogs, cleaning and recleaning the house! Did get all of my roses planted yesterday. So far they are doing well. All have buds and one has 3 large blooms. By tomorrow the other 2 will have blooms as well. They are repeat bloomers and very fragrant so it will be fun having them in the yard. I'm really getting into this composting thing. I've asked one of my neighbors to save her egg shells and potato peels for me. If anyone else wants to do the same it would be greatly appreciated! Also have decided that I might like to go wild mushroom hunting. I've been reading about it and it sounds like something I would enjoy. I love to hike and I absolutely love mushrooms. Maybe Duane and I will ask Tim and Stacye and Meghann and Jason if they want to go. Sandy and Adrianne might want to join us as well. Could even make it a camping trip. Would definately want to get an illustrated book. You have to be very, very careful. I read that a mushroom called "Angel of death" is so deadly that one cap is enough to kill a man. There are also many look alike mushrooms so you want to know what you are doing. Although Morels only grow in the spring, there are several that grow in summer and fall, including chanterelles and oyster mushrooms. Found some informative web sites on the sport, but did get caught up in one before I realized that all of the mushrooms listed said "hallucinogenic". Certainly don't want any of that! Got an email from a friend of mine today. Said the Mexican government has shut down the border to cattle imports so her contract on 100 head of native cattle has fallen through. If anyone knows where we can find 100 wild ass cattle, please let me know! ;) She also said that she is babysitting a 5 month old camel! I have my fingers crossed that she invites me out to see it, but of course, I can't invite myself.....

Darn this weather!

2004-09-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

I am ready for fall. We were teased with cool temperatures and now this. I don't like it, I won't pretend to like it. Give me a chill in the air! A turtle neck sweater! A jacket for crying out loud! I am notoriously grumpy when I am hot. There are, after all, only so many things you can take off. I have adapted somewhat to the humidity although there are still days in the summer that I swear I am gonna die. But I will always be a cold weather girl. The best things that I can think of require winter or at the very least, fall. A campfire, hot cocoa, that beloved turtleneck sweater, homemade soup.... the list could go on. Strangely enough...my winter reverence is at odds with my flower addiction. hmmm....
One of my very favorite past-times is a walk at the Nature Center. It's quiet, peacefull, you see lots of wildlife, and you get the benefit of exercise. The deer are gearing up for winter right now. You see them throughout the Nature Center, lots of does and fawns, not to mention the wild turkey and all kinds of small critters. A friend and I were walking the other day and saw a badger. Not for long of course. I've herd the stories about those guys and didn't stick around to see if they were true. This morning while walking, I came around a bend in the trail and there was a doe walking right down the trail towards me. I slowed and moved over and she turned off and moved a few feet away to the water's edge to nibble the grasses growing in the shallows. She didn't care at all that I was there. There is something about a morning like that, that will put you in a good mood for the rest of the day. And to think of all of those inner city kids that have never even seen a deer. I can come home from my walk and immediately start on whatever needs to be done with no mental transition. I don't think Duane knew what a nature lover he was marrying. Technology...bah! Wait a minute...then I couldn't blog.

So this is life without kids?

2004-09-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

My husband just left for a week-long business trip to Colorado Springs. I miss him already. Sounds corny...it is corny. I'll apologize in advance for all of the mushy things I am bound to say about him/us. We really have a fantastic marriage, so it is hard not to occasionally get in a mushy or two. So...he's gone, it's 8:58 on a Sunday morning and I have already swept up the equivalent of a 20lb dog from my main bathroom and the laundry room. I'm pretty sure there is another 20-30 pounder in the other 6 rooms. This is but one of the consequences of having roughly 170lbs in dog weight with free run of the house and the yard. Don't get me wrong...I love my dogs. Quite possibly more than any sane person would. But as I sit here attempting to blog, listening to Haley (5 yr old Weimaraner) chew on a rubber squeaky toy and Dobie (2 yr old Rott/Dobie mix) pace around the house and whine because nobody is paying any attention to him... I wonder how people can say that we "don't have kids". They have many of the same characteristics...they pull all of their toys out of the toy box and will not put them back, they get up early and will poke me with their noses until I get up too. They will bring me their wet and slobbery toys so that I can either play with them or hold them while they chew (so maybe they are a little bit spoiled). Haley has co-dependency issues and will run panicked through the house if she loses sight of me. Dobie is as ornery as any little boy could be and thinks it is a great game to goose anyone that comes over. He also thinks it is a great game to run up behind "Mom" while I am walking through the house to give me a goose. We and I stress the we, no matter how much my beloved denies having any part in it, have created these monsters. We have taken average dogs and made spoiled rotten brats out of them. In my defense, they do mind. Very well as a matter of fact. Much better than many of the kids that you see in WalMart. With the added benefit of an in home alarm system, and very convincing personal protection units. If we could just potty train them.....but that's a story for another day.