Doggie Style...

What's your dream?  I'm pretty sure the dude in Pretty Woman wasn't thinking THIS would be the answer...

As a maniacal, obsessive big dog lover, I almost passed out with wonder and excitement, when I spotted a car with eight, yes 8, large dogs.  Jockeyin' for window position, were the most amazing dream I could have ever imagine.  Our truck was barely in 'park' when I bailed and ran over to meet those adorable babies that were patiently waiting for their owner to come out of the party store.  With total abandonment and no fear of being bit, I loved on the dogs.  I got many kisses and head butts for more petting.  Soon, their owner appeared and spilled the tea on life with 8 large dogs.  It is a big job, DUHHHH, with big rewards.  Some of the dogs (2) are blind from interbreeding, one has a blue dyed mohawk and another has a blue afro!  All of them love to swim and go everyday.  They have been patiently re-socialized and are very loving.  Needless to say, I was in doggie heaven!

I miss having a dog.  (RIP Mickey!)  Our life just involves too much travel to properly dedicate the time for a dog-hence, Hazel Theoneyedwondercat.  In another life, I will have a farm with a million animals. You know, the kind of farm where you do absolutely no work at all aside from getting dog, cat, goat, cow, emu, lamb, horse, etc. pets and kisses!  My idea of heaven.

Sigh....a girl can dream right?

Bleached Wavves...

Seas the day.  Seize the day!  Grab that carpe by the diem and ride that fabulous wave all day!

Yesterday, I faced a day at the beach, all alone, and decided to make the very best of it. Why not take the opportunity to relax and do whatever I feel like?  After sleeping in, for breakfast, I enjoyed a bowl of strawberry shortcake with my coffee.  What a perfect indulgence.  Yep, I ate like no one was watching; cuz no one was!  (extra whipped cream, please!)  I took a long beach walk and took my time exploring the ever changing shoreline.  I sat in the warm sand and watched some seagulls diving thru the waves enjoying the fish carcass buffet that Randy thoughtfully left them.  In the midst of the cacophony, our stunning resident eagle swooped in to seize his portion of the goodies. 

I then moved to the hammock to read and grab a siesta.  Can we just talk about the perfect beach read?  Curl up with '28 Summers' by Elin Hilderbrand and get lost in the perfection of Nantucket, gourmet food and romantic, new love.  It's an easy read with her usual intoxicating descriptions, detailed characters and storyline.  My mouth literally watered as the main character romped thru her life.  It's escapism at it's very best and was the perfect lead in to my snooze. 

The day ended sandy and sunkissed and somehow, still sleepy. 

Do you 'seas the day?'  If not, I highly recommend it!  XO

Make it Rain...

'Do your own landscaping' they said.  "It'll be fun' they said.....

So I tackled the job and it was decidedly NOT fun.  Satisfying? Sorta.  My sister, Lisa was generous enough to supply me with 17 grasses she grew especially for the beachhouse.  Last weekend I busted my back weeding the area to get it ready for the action.  So when the 21! yards of topsoil was delivered, I had my little shovel ready to go.  Wait-21 yards?  Brother in law, Mark to the rescue!  His Kubota tractor, once again saved the day!  Now the fun began.

I dug through stones, concrete chunks, tree roots and lots of clay to get the holes ready.  I lugged 10 bags of potting soil and peat moss.  I wrangled the hose that kept kinking on me.  I slipped (numerous times!) in the clay.  I was splashed with muddy water and frightened by big worms.  But I got 'er done-and guess what?  It WAS satisfying-even more so after a shower and a big glass of the grape.

 I'm actually proud of my job and can't wait to see how the area fills in!  Thanks Lisa and Mark for your support.

See you next week when hopefully I'll be back to some measure of glamour and frivolity.
Have a wonderful week-it's officially summer! XO

Good Day Sunshine...

Hello darlings!  Some thoughts on this sunny morning...

I am feeling generally positive(ish) today.  As most of you know,  June fifth and sixth are the hardest and worst two days of the year for me.  I struggle with emotions and well, a little self pity.  Dane's angel date as well as his birthday are a double hit for me.  Although I think of him every day-these days hit me very hard.  In addition to just plain being lonely for him, I can't help but project on what could have been.  I blink back tears as I see others enjoying their children and grandchildren while mourning that loss also.  It doesn't get easier or fade away.  But, life must go on as I live the reality I never expected to. 

This year I was happy to be up north and surrounded by the love and support of my Mom and brother and sister.  They share my grief and understand my sorrow.  Family is truly all that is important in this crazy life we live.  And I love them all very much.

But it's a new day and my roses and irises are in bloom.  I am motivated to to enjoy the sunshine and look to brighter days.

P.S.  Thank you to all of you who took a minute to reach out to me on Dane's days.  It truly helps me to get through the pain.  Love to you all from him and me. xoxo

Make it Better...

What is there left to say?  It's simple really... So why can't we get it right? 

Simple respect, compassion and kindness.  Let's do this.