Oh, Mickey...

Oh Mickey you're so fine....

MICNICHOLS F. CONANT

 02-14-2004 TO 02-27-2018

REST IN PEACE LITTLE BUDDY.

Approximately 4 years ago my son called me with the exciting news that He got a puppy! Dog lover in me got squelched while Mom in me said, "What? Your apartment does not take pets!" Minor detail. He went on to say that he had "rescued"--read stolen-this puppy from a short life of abuse and neglect from Detroit's inner city. Seems that the said pup had been spotted at a local party store feasting on pizza crusts and chicken bones, hardly the approved diet by Purina and others! There was also an occasion where it was witnessed that an accident was almost caused by said pup happily and cluelessly wandering down the middle of Conant. Upon his "rescue" he was appropriated with the rather royal moniker of McNicols F. Conant, honoring the area of his birth. We'll call him Mickey. The F. can be left up to your imagination. Freebird, on good days. Now if the stats can be believed, there are 1 pit bull dog to every 2 residents in the city of Detroit. That seems crazy but even if the number was 1 to 5, it would still seem like an unbelievable ratio. Pit bull and their mixes have been a big problem, and can be seen roaming in packs in areas of the city. Most are bred for fighting and for use as guard dogs, others just abandoned. So back to Mickey. He is a smallish brown pit bull mix with sweet brown eyes and a 1 ear up and 1 ear down thing going. Probably hit in the ear at some time, but He seems to hear just fine. Especially when the refrigerator door is opened, or the treat box is shook. It gives him a perpetually quizzical look that is totally endearing. Coupled with his five o clock shadow, Mickey is the epitome of Ghetto Terrier, which we lovingly have coined his "breed". The apartment manager was a softy and generously bent the rules for his newest little inhabitant. Who could resist such a tale of woe? Three years later The Mickster is TEMPORARILY residing with me in the big house and taking his strolls down the Metro walking trail. A real George Jefferson is he. And I couldn't love it more. Mickey guards me like a hawk, but would only lick to death any real danger. The bond with Black Betty was immediate and He loves riding with the wind in his fur. Mickey has proved himself very tolerant of children and other animals. Since Lola kitty is the queen (no offense Aretha) around here, it was imperative that He learn his place. That place being curled up with her in front of the fireplace or any sunny spot on the carpet!! Bliss to be sure. Everything that I have ever heard about mutts (ouch!) temperament, loyalty and such have been proved over and over with our Mickey. Guess all I can say is please don't hesitate to adopt a pet from Humane Society or where ever. You won't regret having such a loyal and loving pet. P.S. Prescription strength Singular alleviates those pesky allergy symptoms!!! xoxox

Dedication...

This gray and rainy evening suits my mood tonight.  As I try to make sense of life and mourn the senseless  killing of 17 students and faculty brought down by a fellow student that was undoubtedly mentally ill.  Tragic, incomprehensible and heartbreaking.  Innocent lives forever altered.  From the very air that they now breathe, to the colors they now see-life will never be the same. 

To the families that now must try to go on through an ache that will never go away, I share your pain.  To the parents that have lost a piece of themselves, I pray for the day the sun shines on your soul once again.  XO 

My Obsession...

Just a little Monday 'Moanin' for y'all this week.  Forgive me, I am sun deprived and have cabin fever.

Did you hear that McDonald's is trying out table service?  Yes, while eating the least nutritional food known to man, you can now have it delivered to your table.  It seems that shuffling up to the front of the line, getting your tray and gathering your own straws and napkins have just become too much.  At the risk of burning a calorie, you can now have your '$1.00  heart attack in a bag' delivered to your booth, making the event even more convenient, with less of a strain.  In my humble opinion, you should have to at least walk laps around the golden arches and maybe pop off a few jumping jacks in an attempt to counteract the sodium and fat.  What's next-a quick angioplasty at the door and you are good to go. Thanks McDonald for looking out for us all.

And did you see that too much video gaming has now officially become an addiction?  Yep, Gaming Disorder is the official name of this disease.  Who didn't see that coming?  No other amusement can come close to the stimulation provided by these high tech games with their graphics and sound.  Can you imagine how horribly boring it would be to say, read a book, draw something or actually engage in conversation?  Way lame.  But an actual disorder?  Put the control down and get some fresh air already.  Maybe walk to the mailbox or look at the newspaper.  As a person who has studied addiction, I can't wait to see the way the brain now has to be retrained.  Do you gradually cut back on your gaming time or go cold turkey and just PUT DOWN THE CONTROL!  Do you get a sponsor and attend meetings?  Is the traditional 12 step the favored method to get you back into a society that doesn't involve staring at a screen? 

AND I nearly forgot the Tide Pod Debacle.  Please.  The pods are for laundry.  How about a dare I recently read about-throw it the washer and do your damn laundry!  Sheesh...

Good gravy, we just keep digressing.  Are we all destined to have a small head and a big body?  Just say 'NO' and be done with it.  One day at a time.  Next thing you know, McDonald's will probably offer 'sofa service' to the gamers and the circle will be complete.

Now that I sound like a crabby old lady, I wish to say Happy 21st. Birthday to my nephew Steven Race.  Auntie loves you very much.  And a quick get well Mom, who has been struggling with some kind of Hoogala Schmoogala that has her down-flu shot be damned.  The rest of you darlings have a great week.   XO

What's Going On?

So on Sunday four 'total blondes' braved the snowy weather to get together for Super Bowl  silliness.  Happy to see each for any occasion-we caught up on each others lives.  We ate, we drank, and we got down with Justin Timberlake.  We paid little attention to the game and a little more attention to our betting squares.  I won 80 bucks!  (But had to be notified of my windfall while chatting it up with the chickies!)

On cold medicine, I tapped out and called it an early night.  With a foggy head and a full tummy, I snuggled in.  I smiled as I thought about our get together and with a contented sigh, crashed out to sleep.  I just love Super Bowl Sunday!

Upon waking up this ayem, I turned on the news and went out to get the paper-had to see who won the game.  Oh wait... I won the game.  A good time with friends is always a win.

Even if you don't collect 80 bucks!

Thanks to Kristin and Bob for again hosting the annual party.  It was a blast! xoxo

Dog and Butterfly...

Yes, it's got that Wild Kingdom feel around the ranch these days. 

Since niece Nicole and her little dog, Mia have temporarily moved in, the action has definitely been kicked up a notch.  Never did I expect that I would be living with 2 dogs AND a cat!  I am constantly letting someone in or out and tripping over Kong Wubba toys.  The preferred snacks are ham and string cheese and I find myself dicing up the meat and shredding up that cheese, while trying to keep them all in the correct bowls.  All three of these critters are professional beggars and know a soft touch when they see one.  Given the opportunity all three furbags will pile on the bed and I find myself escaping to the couch-where they all traipse down and pile back on.

Nicole is a very self sufficient niece/friend, but I still find myself worrying if she has eaten breakfast and has everything she needs.  Hey, old habits die hard.  And it's fun having the house so full of life.  And hair!  I actually have broke down and purchased a Dyson (the pink and sparkly one!) to combat the tumbleweeds.  It's nearly a full time job here at the "Gucci Poochie plus One!"

And just to add to the zoo, I find not one, but two leopard print onsies at the thrift store.  How wild is that?  XO

What Does the Fox Say?...

Okay, has anyone noticed the resurgence of foxes lately?  Ever since last fall when we spotted a live baby fox on M25, it seems like my awareness of all things fox has been awakened. 

Back in the 70's my Dad would crack up when my Mom and I would declare that Tom Selleck was such a fox.  When primed for a night at the disco, I strived to be as 'foxy' as possible.  Foxy Brown?  Yes!  Rick Fox?  Most definitely, yes.  Fox News?  Everyday!  Fox on the Run?  For sure!

And of late, I have my fox glass, a nail file with a fox as well as foxy dishtowels.  I've spared you all my fox onesie. 

What's next?  An aardvark? 

Oh, for fox sake!

Stay warm and will my foxy friends!  xoxo

Let it out...

They are lined up like little soldiers, ready to do their duty.  Fedoras, baseball caps, beanies, tams, berets, wide brim floppy, boaters, cloches, a Shady Brady, cowboys and panamas.  They are on shelves, line the back of the futon, and fill up my hat tree.  I even have a mad bomber as well as a helmet with a scull on it.  Rhinestone embellished, leopard print and one even has a feather!
It all started with a raspberry beret from Salvation Army back in the day-I kid you not.  (RIP Prince)

On occasion, I try to purge my collection, but I can't seem to part with any of them.  I need all my Detroit team hats to at least look the part.   Some of them match my jackets.  I spend too much time in the sun to give up all of my brimmed hats, and I need all the colors and styles.  I may attend a country concert so the cowboy ones stay-all four of them.  Beanies are for my bad hair days or to cover my roots when my color is overdue.  In case of an Alaska adventure, I have my fur hat with the ear flaps.  And if I hitch a ride on a motorcycle anytime soon, I have the perfect scull brain bucket to protect my melon. 

I think you are either a hat wearer or you are not.  I love them and find them stylish as well as functional.  Thanks to that silly 'National Hat Day' today for giving me an easy post prompt.  Do you like/wear hats?  Do you possess them in excess of say...65 or so?  Give me your thoughts on this very deep subject!

Remembering the great Martin Luther King today.  In reading his famous quotes, I am again struck by his passion, brilliance and attempt to educate on equality and peace.  RIP Dr. King, you are yet to be matched.   

Have a wonderful week, friends and if the weather stays this cold, for heaven's sake, put on a hat!!