Shelter Dogs – This Old House 2

A beautiful day

When I was younger I didn’t live so much in the moment – always worrying about choices, relationships – the good ones and the bad ones, finances or lack of them, my young family’s safety, health, the list goes on and on. While I’m still and always will be a chronic worrier, ( Heck, I just stopped having “I didn’t do my homework” dreams about five years ago) I have learned with age to live far more of my life in the moment. And… I don’t give as much of a f*ck about trying to please everyone all the time, or even if someone likes me. I have finally come to that place where I know in my heart of hearts I am a decent soul and I like me… maybe even love me. Sounds silly, but that knowledge comes hard to some of us, and maybe you know the woe. This was a day when I sat completely comfortable with myself and content with my life’s direction.

Yesterday it seems everyone in New England was out and about, enjoying the beautiful 🌺SPRING🌸 day – temps reached 61 degrees! On the road, some of my fellow Jeepers had their tops off and down at Stella, island folks were beginning the Spring ritual of opening up and airing out their cottages. My daughter and I spent some time at the show barn with Leah – and I got to take her for a spin around the block a few times myself.

As I watched my daughter go ’round the ring practicing for the first show of the season, the warm sun beaming down on our faces, I was reminded again of all she has overcome, how lucky we are to have these experiences after all.

After time well spent at the barn, I headed down to the cottage where the Mr. was working with two of his crew to replace the split railing we initially installed at the waterfront. When sitting on the blue stone patio, what greeted seated folks at eye level were clunky cedar beams. It was a nice rustic look but took away from the water views. So we’ve installed wire which will keep people from falling over but doesn’t block the view. It’s almost invisible. as you can see in this photo.

We were so pleased with the effect, we decided to take the waterfront railing section of the deck out and replace it with the same wire. We have a lot of summer meals up on that little deck and the view now when seated will be a much fuller waterfront scene. That deck comes in handy as a “playpen” for Frasier and Sally as well – they are safe up there with a gate at the stairs, and someday the same will be true when and if we’re blessed with grandchildren.

We brought some dirt from the farm down to the shore – we’ll spread it in the waterfront part of the little yard to fortify the grass and level the footing some. If you can believe it, M wants to plant a little vegetable garden down there as well as the one I keep here on the farm. The bunnies are prolific on the island-really-a-peninsula, he’ll have to put a little fencing up if we are to eat any of that produce.

Frasier, Sally and I took a walk after inspecting the new fencing… we are on a cove in the Long Island Sound – which you can see in the distance here. The crocus have arrived! And they tell me the peepers too, and while I can’t hear the actual thing, I hear peepers 24/7 with the tinnitus and hearing loss, go figure – 😂

I can usually find at least one piece of seaglass on each walk. This one was a very pale blue, my favorite color.

The water hasn’t been turned on yet so the cottage can’t be given a thorough Spring cleaning, bed linens aren’t re-washed or beds made until April 15th or so, when the water is turned back on. We don’t spend too much time here until then, no toilets! The new gas stove does a fantastic job of heating up the space when the nip in the air needs tucking. Sally approves.

When the chill came in off the water with the setting sun I came home to feed the horses and chickens and clean the new chicks water for the tenth time. Have I mentioned how piggy chicks are? All doing well, by the way. The good weather had us all in high spirits, and it was evident in the people we encountered throughout the day, too. I always hope that kindred spirit spreads far and wide. Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a blanket of good will to cover this entire planet – think of all the problems we could solve, what a wonderful world this could be if only. It was a restorative kind of day that I sorely needed. Today I’m wishing the same for you –

Till soon –

Karen 🌷

This and That, because clever post titles are hard to come by

For those who left comments on the Dear 2020 post, thank you for joining the conversation on a difficult topic. For me it’s therapeutic to talk it out amongst like minded people, and even to hear a different view when it’s not laced with hate. I’m not religious, but I’m praying for the mental health and humanity of our society as a whole as history unfolds. What a world it could be if not for our own vices, greed and destruction. If only we could just respect each other’s differences and work together for the common good of all. So simple, so attainable, and yet so far from our reality.

Onward! The frigid conditions here on the farm have lifted – in the upper 20’s as I type, and it feels downright balmy. I tried something that worked during our deep freeze – If you water critters outside during winter months – keeping that hydrant from freezing is sticky business. Stuffing a water bucket with hay, and then flipping that over the hydrant when not in use.. works!

The paddocks where a skating rink after the deep freeze. Thankful my husband owns a sanding truck (for work purposes) and I was able to let the horses out into the paddocks after they made a sweep through with the sand/salt. After losing my beloved Opie, I don’t need another equine loss due to a broken leg. Speaking of which – the mini’s and our boarder’s horse, the very old (32 years!) Max are getting along really well – right now I’ve brought them up to the big barn from their smaller shed. Their paddock is still a skating rink, so they’re sharing Max’s for the moment and with Opie’s passing we have a vacant stall. They really like the new arrangement – it’s like they’ve moved up to the big boys dorm.

In my never ending quest to lose this miserable menopausal weight and make healthier eating choices, I came across this chickpea salad recipe – so easy to throw together, very refreshing, too. Recipe and this photo credit to the Striped Spatula… link below photo.

Recipe HERE

Along with this dieting gig which I have yet to really really stick with for the long haul, I do keep up with at least a minimal exercise routine. Daily I tend to the horse and chicken chores, which is usually about an hour of work, but I also get in some aerobic exercise with the dogs – we walk at least four days a week, most often on the farm, where there are fields, hills and woods and long dirt roadways that make it easy, and hard to find excuses since it’s right outside the door. Occasionally I get on the treadmill, but it bores the hell out of me. Being outside and moving along is more motivation for a person like me, anyway.

Bailey, Frasier and Sally love these walks – I leave our cardiac patient, my Dane, Ben – inside on these cold days. There’s another shot of the big window from afar.

Sometimes we get in the car and visit the cottage (Stella) – where I walk the island – also a two miler IF I use all the roadways there. There is also a state park just five minutes from here with a beautiful roadway that circles a pond and stream and even a waterwheel and covered bridge. It’s so beautiful, I scold myself for not using it more often – free if you walk in!

I throw light weight training in for good measure, just three sets of twelve reps, four different muscle groups, doesn’t take long but reaps benefits of keeping me feeling strong, even when I hurt. I’m no expert, but one of my friends who is an expert agrees – I highly recommend a combo of simple stretching, walking and light weight training for anyone, and especially those who are middle to older aged. You don’t need to beat yourself into the ground or use a fancy gym – just a few light handweights you can buy at your local Target or Walmart and a good pair of walking sneakers, etc. will do the trick. Get bored easily like me? Switch it up now and then with a bike ride or kayak or yoga.

Sometimes the very simplest advice turns out to be the best, right?

Use it or lose it…

Arriving home from the woods walk yesterday, I surveyed the current garden plot situation…

What a difference six months makes, huh? Some shots from last summer below… (My weeding skills could be honed some, tis true.)

Tonight I’ll pull out the seed catalogs and

place an online order.

I’m not paid to say anything on this blog…
If I endorse it, I’ve had success with it.

My favorite seed source is Baker Creek Heirloom seeds..

Link HERE.

I find their seeds to be healthy, meaning they actually perform

if you follow the directions properly, and the plants hearty.

That gorgeous zinnia row to the left is courtesy dear friend Hilary
of Crazy As a Loom. She sent seeds from her garden
last year and they flourished.

I have placed the reply option with comments again – last time I did that, many reeaders had trouble leaving a comment at all. So often I want to thank you or answer questions to comments left, remaining silent seems rude, but had no option when I removed that feature. My comments no longer are delivered to my e-mail, where I used to be able to answer. If you visit frequently, leave a comment to let me know you were able to. Let’s see if I got it right this time.

As always – thank you for stopping by.

Invasion of the Giant Pink Flamingo

We’ve been spending a significant amount of time down at the shore – cottage life has been a welcome reprieve from our hectic work life and farm chores. Heading down there at the end of the day to cool off in the water or on the deck for a meal with the gathering family, or to hop in the kayaks on a quiet morning… truly feels like we are AWAY from it all, on a little vacation. Making the decision to buy a small place not far from our home as opposed to several hours or more “away” turned out to be an excellent decision for our clan. We’re getting far more use out of it so close by than we would have if there were a long drive or flight involved. And – the bonus is friends and family are nearby and can join us easily as well.

The dogs are with us more often than not –

and while Frazier swims and has accompanied me on the kayak…

Sally is still unsure. However, she now ventures to water’s edge –

Yesterday she stretched her little stubby legs in the surf

(all of two inched deep) to reach for

a piece of snow cone my son offered up.

Progress.

The blue steps maybe stand out a bit, but their gritty texture works perfectly

to eliminate slippery stairs.

*Boat Bottom Paint Plus Sand mixed in*

And.. I’ve described this before but it always amazes me –

most of the pictures in this post are taken at low tide.

At high tide, just a few hours later, the water is up over the blue steps

– a difference of about six feet.

This succulent-like type plant grows prolifically on our seawall – anyone know what it is? It now has white flowers and is just beautiful.

The boys have been clamming – A little info – Did you know you should never clam right after a rain storm? The storm kicks up all the muck and pollution and the clams are busy filtering it out right after the storm. So they’re “full of it”… and you don’t want to eat a mucky clam.

Our new float (bottom right in picture) is holding up well so far, even with a make-shift patch to the hole we put in it trying to heave it over the cedar fence sea wall.

Do you see that little pink thing off in the distance?

It’s actually HUGE! Remember the Stay Puff Marshmallow man in Ghostbusters?

That’s what it reminds me of.

Our neighbor a few cottages down the way installed it for his kids.

Here it is in an ad – to give you an idea of the size. Apparently they are all the rage this year in lakes, ponds, rivers and coves like ours. Sams Club, among other places, sells them for around $150. Probably real fun for a party, but I doubt they last long. I’ll let you know how long Pinky lasts in our cove.

And if a giant flamingo doesn’t float your boat, perhaps a rainbow pegasus Unicorn will!

Have a safe and happy fourth of July celebration – We’ve got a heat and humidity wave going here in New England – Perfect time to have a float in the ocean.

Vitamin Sea

If your head isn’t spinning yet from all the vitriol and ridiculousness and continuing bullshittery that is our current situation in these Un-United States (how did we get to this – I’ll say it one more time, We Are Better Than This… oh please let us find our way to a better place, and soon, all of us)….. then you come from some sturdy stock. My fibromyalgia has been in flare in recent weeks and I’m pretty sure it’s because I’m getting far too worked up over things I cannot change. Truly I need to just set it down and walk away from it – we’ve all heard the serenity prayer, right?…

This version even better –

Fat chance unknotting knickers, but.. baby steps. So this weekend we made a concerted effort to stay the hell away from the headlines and just enjoy what’s around us – here on the farm, down at the cottage and a little lunch date excursion to the seaside town of Stonington, CT – Staying off topic is no easy feat, as the Mr. and I are polar opposites on the political spectrum. Not in all things, but Tr*mp and his rhetoric make the differences seem as wide as the Grand Canyon’s divides.

Anyway!… The Dog Watch Cafe – I’ve written about it before – if you’re in CT or driving through – it’s a lovely waterfront cafe run and staffed by friendly people with a delicious menu. Best fish & chips we’ve ever had, but there’s so much more to their fare. Have you ever heard of short rib and onion stuffed ravioli? Me either – and it was delish! And just look at all those flowers….

New to me – these paint splattered petunias. Not sure what their real name is but they’re beautiful –

The town itself is lovely – all sea captains homes, lovely cottages, row houses, and some old huge homes and buildings made into condo complexes that are just gorgeous…

The peach roses and purple clematis at this cottage were stunning – the picture doesn’t do them justice.

Note the Little Free Library on the bottom right of this photo… there were several around town, a concept I absolutely love. Reinforces what is good in people. Encourages reading, knowledge, kindness.

This brick building with slate roof is much larger than it looks in this picture, stretching down to the water behind it, converted into beautiful condos (OMG the prices though) . Click HERE for a listing available right now…

Below is the Cavalry Church, built in the 1800’s. I’m not religious – but in doing a little research on the impressive stone building, I came across their message – This is the type of message I think all religions and worshippers should embody. Unfortunately it’s not always the case.

Welcome to Calvary Church, Stonington–we hope you will come visit us in our “Church by the Sea.” We are a caring community of faith seeking to share the love of God in our life together with one another, and in our support and care for those in need in the world around us. All are welcome here. Calvary is made up of members young and old, with many new to this community of faith–“whoever you are, from wherever you have come, you are welcome here.”

We found a little seaside park that is also a preserve with walking paths and benches. They’ve installed some beautiful native flowers, bird and butterfly habitats – this split rail fence adorned with some beautiful vine art by a neighbor of the preserve – the vine pattern goes for at least 10 lengths of fence.

Mom had a visit from three of her long time friends – I call them The Golden Girls. Their long standing friendship of many years and their kindnesses to each other and our family is inspirational. Here they are, visiting Stella by the Sea – and I’m so grateful they got to “sea” her. Her doors are always open should they decide to stay for a spell.

It’s a glorious morning here on the farm – this photo taken an hour ago as the sun rose. The three amigos, all getting on in years, living a good retirement life. I wish the same for all of us.

Miss Sally, one of my two southern rescue Georgia peaches, is learning to like our rides in the Jeep when we go to the cottage. As long as I let her stand on the arm rest where she can lean in and drool all over my shoulder, she’s learned that every little thing is gonna be OK. Sometimes if we’re paying attention, we can learn a thing or two from our animals, don’t ya know. This isn’t lost on me…

Have a good day, all – and thank you for stopping by.

Sea Dogs

Last year when Sally first arrived on transport from Georgia, she was a tiny little thing and nervous to boot – understandable given her journey from dumped shelter puppy to rescue to transport to my open arms.

Her rescue angel – Dana

This was the morning she was put on transport in Georgia

to come live with us, her forever family in CT

On the other end, 24 hours later – in New Haven, CT

where there were many tears of joy…

These ladies are amazing – they work for Grateful Doggies Transport

and drive through the night, stopping to check on and water

and walk their charges – as they drop them off

at various stops along the East Coast Corridor

to the waiting arms of their forever homes.

We started bringing Sally down to the shore right away because we wanted her to feel comfortable there too. The first few visits were a big deal for her and she was frightened of the water. She’s still nervous on the car ride down, but she has adjusted really well, at a year old now, to our “other” home. I take both Frasier and Sally with me more often than not, while Ben and Bailey stay home. Ben, our Dane, is just too darn big at 186 pounds, and little Bailey is older and nervous in new environments so we let them guard the house while we are at the cottage. M and I don’t yet stay overnight at Stella because I’ve got horses, dogs and chickens to tuck in at night and feed in the morning. Mom stays for weeks at a time and some day we will live there during the summer – when the farm has less demands of our time.

Sally inspects the oyster beds at low tide.

These are submerged at high tide, and we have to be careful where we step

(water shoes a must) when we swim or go clamming.

Sally still thinks swimming is a terrible idea and prefers to hunt among the rocks along shore, but Frasier is a real Salty Dog – he loves the water, lays right down in it to cool off, and occasionally comes for a kayak ride with me.

Speaking of boats – Ruby and I took our first glide through cove waters on Saturday, an absolutely glorious day here in Connecticut… and it felt so good to have the sun on my face, the cool water at my fingertips. We hugged the shore because the winds were beginning to pick up and there was some chop, a prequel to yesterday’s rains.

A little about “Ruby” – I’ve tried some kayaks over the years, some fancy models, some cheapos too – and by far, the best as far as tracking and stability and just plain ease of use and fun is my Necky Manitou Sport – I think I’ve had her for about 8-10 years now. She’s a little heavy compared to some other models you can buy – but when you get a lighter version, you have less stability. For me it’s not worth the sacrifice to have a lighter “haul” to get her into the water. If you are in the market for a recreational kayak of your own and you’re not going to do any crazy whitewater or BIG ocean wave stuff – I highly recommend this kayak. I’ve done rivers, lakes, cove and shore paddling and I just love it for it’s sturdy ride.

** I’m not getting paid to say this – I just like it that much and feel confident to recommend it if you’re looking for a kayak of your own. Here’s a LINK if you want to learn more.

An update on the baby robins on the cottage porch – I stepped out onto said porch to sweep the floor and the babies got startled and flew away (sorta). I sure hope they were ready – they looked iffy. Ugh!.. I wish I had thought of that before opening the door!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch… the Chipping Sparrow babies in the shrub next to the sliders are getting bigger too… to get an idea of how tiny these guys are – that piece of pale blue ribbon is thin curling ribbon their parents found somewhere – and the shrub is a boxwood, those green leaves are very small too.

It’s a beautiful thing, isn’t it?

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all – the skies are supposed to clear, we’re heading back down to Stella – perhaps for another spin around the cove and definitely to mow the lawn, which has been overfertilized by the Mr. and has been growing like Bob Ross’s hair in that old chia pet commercial. You know the one I’m talking about, don’t ya.

To our Veterans everywhere – deceased, retired and still serving…

This one requires a cup of coffee ..

No really – lots to cover, go get one. And a donut – trust me on this. side note: I just found out the Redneck Donut Truck (actual name) up the road a piece is packing up after today to move back to their homeland four towns over – this is terrible news, and it’s very good news, depending on whether you talk to my mind or my “matter” . Their canoli donut was thebestpieceofdonut I have ever had, ever.

Anyway…

First let me say, if you were in on the religion conversation post, thank you so much for your thought provoking and respectful answers – I so enjoyed reading your take on the subject. And that’s all I’m gonna say about that.

I’m not a dyed in the wool Royal Watcher although I’ve read the headlines over the years, seen the stories, watched news coverage of the weddings, the funerals, the scandals even. I watched along with everyone else in horror as Diana’s world unraveled and ended really badly and far too soon. Who doesn’t admire how those two boys have persevered in the glare of the royal spotlight over the years, carrying out their born duties with some grace and class, and fun! Harry underlined here. Harry is my favorite and he and his bride were humanitarians before they met each other – imagine the dynamic team they will be. Watching the royal wedding today, you’d have to be dead not to notice the radiance and genuine smiles shared between he and Meghan M. I loved her choice of simple yet elegant gown and veil, and the personal and refreshing twists they bestowed on the wedding ceremony itself. Truly they are a breath of fresh air, bringing the Royal Family into a more modern light. Surprisingly I had tears in my eyes as I watched this morning, and I’m no sap.

So… this guy showed up on our side porch the other day… a gift from a dear friend just because, a fellow blogger who shares my birthday! It was evident right away that Henry was not made for farm life, so I brought him down to Stella by the Sea to see if that environment suited him better.

Aaaah, MUCH better.

While we’re here, let me show you the new furniture reveal. The couch and chair are of rugged material a summer cottage demands, in soothing shore colors that say Relax! Summer! The Mr. and I moved furniture around yesterday because last year it felt like we just jammed stuff in there in our big rush to enjoy our first “cottage life” season. So the little space felt.. rushed.

The table and chairs are now centered in the room, not pressed against the windows…

The rug that was in that floor space all by itself is now in the kitchen work area…

My $100. “Edith” chair now in the “living room” area instead of squished in a corner of the bedroom where it got no use. (the table and chairs used to be in that back corner to the left of the Mr. ) We do have to relocate the little chandelier now that there’s no table under it.

The new recliner and couch with a sturdy whitewashed bench type table for putting feet up or resting drinks, etc. on.

Let’s head outside… An Awesome quality about cottage life – small spaces are easy to clean – and mow! Garden management is minimal. My new perennials are happy and growing… they like all this rain we’ve been getting.

The robins on the back porch – initial there were four eggs in the nest.

Then it looked like this just four days ago… and I thought there were only two…

Now they look like this… and there are very definitely three. Absolutely amazing, the speed of the development of birds from egg to fledgling.

I’ve also put a few galvanized pots of flowers on the stone steps down to the water.

Believe it or not, this type of super petunia is happy in that environment –

wind of the water, rain and all.

And meanwhile, back at the ranch… we’ve got another cold, rainy day in store. This is my current view out the kitchen sliders. There is a little tiny nest in the shrub at bottom right…

Inside that shrub is a perfect little nest with four tiny tiny eggs.

This is momma or dad. A song sparrow perhaps?

Waiting anxiously for me to leave the area.

My rescue friends are holding an adoption event this weekend for shelter dogs in neighboring Durham, CT at the fairgrounds – 30 of the 60 dogs in attendance got homes in the first three hours, just amazing. This is no easy feat – The dogs from down south are most often pulled from kill shelters or taken from abusive situation or strays that have been caught. Then they are spayed, neutered and fully vetted and housed with fosters or with the rescues directly and evaluated for temperment and training. Applications are taken and references are called and interviews conducted before any of the dogs are allowed to go home with their new families – It’s quite an operation, takes many many volunteers. We’ve been doing this for about 9 years now, and it’s heartbreaking and extremely rewarding at the same time.

Yesterday I stopped in to drop off food for volunteers and help unload the dogs that had just arrived. This little guy, whom my friend Lillian calls a squirrel, would have come home with me if I didn’t have four already. He and his litter mates were so darn cute, hard to believe they were dumped. Those ears!!…

If you’re local and want more information, visit

www.homewardboundct.org

Whew! are you still with me? We covered a lot of ground today –

Time to spend a little quality time with the Mr.

Got to stay in good standing in case I want to

bring another “squirrel” home some day.

Till soon, friends –

Cottage Days

Yesterday was glorious – the sun shown bright and it’s warmth on our skin was a much needed reprieve from what has been a very long, cold winter into spring.

M and I went down to Stella and cleaned out the rest of the little perennial beds and raked the lawn yesterday. What’s truly awesome about a little place like this is, it takes very little time to winterize, and open her up for the season. Little accents like fresh annuals in the pots, now refurbished with new soil, and a few more perennials to fill out the beds will come around Mother’s Day – the usual ‘safe date’ for spring planting in New England. Come Mother’s Day, the garden centers around here are bustling with people itching to get out in the garden and add some color to the ‘scape.

The forsythia is finally blooming, daylilies making their way up….

And the hosta is returning, having multiplied some.

We have a Catbird nest and so far, one egg on Stella’s porch…

I am so happy to see how very clear the water has been this year in our cove, therefore the Sound and out to the Atlantic. The Save The Sound efforts of the last 20 or so years have been successful. Any improvements in our environment are something huge to celebrate.

After this winter’s ice storms, we need to repair our cement “deck” down at the waterfront. The ice broke it up pretty good – those repairs will happen soon and a hand rail will be installed so swimming and kayak launching will be a little easier. The water was so clean and the temps warm enough to tempt me to test the waters, so to speak.

These were Happy Feet –

for about 30 seconds.

We came home to find our son out in the garden, planting the artichokes he had begun from seed. Kale already growing in two rows. I joined him, soaked some Dragon tongue beans in water while I sowed two rows – and planted those seeds as well. Are we a bit hasty? I hope not. As you can see, the leaves aren’t even out on the trees yet – just the red haze of buds that are a promise.

This morning, rain again.

Frasier, Sally and Bailey have the right idea, I think.

I’m going to try like hell to resist

the urge to bake something.

Because the eating of it would come next.

Will power of a flea, truth.

I’m also trying to ignore the urge to rant about
that egomaniac who can’t shut his own mouth
long enough to pay decent tribute to Olympic athletes
without insulting them.
*hard to watch ….
actually, my description for this entire 45 Presidency
can be described with those three little words.

Have a good day, All – thanks for stopping by.

What a difference a day makes

We had a lovely weekend – light jacket or no jacket weather. The Mr. and I did some Spring clean up at the cottage, raking the little lawn, clearing out the remains of last year’s perennial foliage…

and I am happy to report all the stuff we planted last year is making a comeback. Our dear friend, BJ, gave me some perennials from her garden just down the lane and I see the daylilies have already doubled as they come through the soil now.

We’ve noticed just how clear the water is in the cove – a sign that the Sound reaching out into the Atlantic is in relative good health –

My guys planted seeds for the garden, which reside in my living room until

the temps warm a bit…

… and we had a lovely small Easter Gathering ’round my kitchen table, where I used up much of my extra Weight Watchers points for the week eating ham, scalloped potatoes, string beans, and that orange cake I did make.. and I’m here to tell you – the frosting was delicious!!… and the cake very dense. Tasty but a tad dry. I’m wondering if because I used regular milk instead of butter milk (the store was out) that was the reason. The recipe I shared makes for one layer – if you want a two layer cake, double the recipe. We were a small group watching our weight, so I didn’t double it.

As for Weight Watchers – just five days in and I LOVE it. The points system is so easy to use, and I’m finding the 0 points foods you can reach for when you get hungry and need a little snack make it very do-able. I’m a grazer, so I need to be able to do that. I have not stepped on a scale yet, I know there isn’t enough difference to satisfy what I want to see on the scale, but I already feel less bloated. It helps that I really like fruits and vegetables. The phone App is awesome. I’m doing the very basic plan, I have a page online and an app on my phone – that’s what I use for the most part. I’m not interested in going to meetings (and there are meetings down near our cottage) … I’m doing this primarily by myself.. with a little help from my friend, Hilary (Crazy as a Loom). She’s given me some great tips.

Also this weekend, while my girl is visiting Florida with her BF and his family, I’ve been taking care of her beloved Rex… who is missing his beloved Mom, terribly. Oh, the WOE in his little fluffy face every time he hears the key in the door, only to find me on the other side of it. He’ll be happy to see his mom once again today when she arrives home.

So we’ve enjoyed the arrival of crocus in the last few days… and it was beginning to feel like the Spring that it actually is. Isn’t she a beauty? When the crocus arrive on the lawn, I say hello to Elizabeth, the woman who lived here for over 40 years until she died at the age of 90-something. She planted these crocus, as well as the ancient lilacs by the shed, the old pear tree in the horse paddock and all the pines and cedars on either side of This Old House.

This morning, however… we awoke to this…

As soon as I publish this post, I’ll pull out my snow pants and jacket, hat, scarf, glove, and boots and I’ll trudge up to the barn and over to the coop for morning feed rounds – I knew I should wait to wash them all and store them away. But I didn’t… Murphy’s Law and all that.

Till soon, friends..

Here we go again –

And that’s the most accurate forecast I’ve heard all morning.

So… I’ve mucked the barn and coop, all critters snug for the day and into the evening…. This was the face that mirrored mine as he stepped out into the crapitude… Yep I know it, Opie…

Once chores were done I took a shower and brushed my teeth and my temporary crown fell out pronto. So I hauled ass to the Dentist before the storm hit, got that squared away, hit the grocery store with two hundred thousand seventy eight people, got the ingredients for a decent paleo dinner I want to try because I’m on that never ending quest to lose weight and I want to fool myself once again for the two hundred thousand seventy eighth time that I CAN DO THIS!!!! Jesus, it’s just 25 lbs but you’d think it was 300. I cannot believe how hard this shit is once you hit your fifties. Holy cow.

Anyway… my dogs aren’t loving the weather either… they’re huddled together wherever I am… If I’m cleaning the bathroom or folding laundry or away on errands… they’re here… Side note: Who needs a throw at the bottom of your bed when you’ve got three dogs that fit perfectly, provide warmth and match the decor, I ask you? Extra side note: I’m as horrified as you are at the totally uncentered position of the print on the wall. It’s a heavy print.. really big nail that makes a really big hole… hating the other hole making, so I haven’t… yet.

Or under the plant table in the kitchen if I’m working at the island or sink or stove. Sally’s toy basket is on the right.. I pick up all the toys on the floor and she proceeds to take them back out one by one, feigning interest for a few seconds with each.

I’m tempted to talk about all the political crapitude we are seeing on the news, on our FB feeds, on the web… but I am so damned disgusted and weary of it all it seems better to just… drop the mic.

Speaking of TV – Have you watched Grace and Frankie at all on Netflix? I am loving it.. binge watched it for a few evenings, now all caught up. Also just caught up with how the last season of the Bachelor finished off… I hate reality TV, dumbs down america if you ask me. Only watched one season of the Bachelor many years ago when it first came out and was horrified at how those women and men put themselves in such an awkward and humiliating situation. I know.. they knew what they were signing up for… and Money. … but this last one in particular.. brutal if you ask me. What a player the bachelor is.. and after “falling in love” with two accomplished beautiful women and leading them both on with the I Love You So Much crap, he dumps one (as they all do).. then proposes to the other, then in the follow up he dumps the fiance ON TV and goes back to the original dumpee. All this after he was a dumpee on the Bachelorette. What is enjoyable about this show, is this really entertainment?

I’ll leave you with some funnies as I go attempt that paleo recipe while glaring at the falling snow, which is coming down heavy now –

Till soon, friends –

Winterscape

We woke up to about 4 inches of beautiful fluffy white snow and clear skies. By Tuesday, the temps will hit 60 degrees. T’is true what they say about New England weather… don’t like it? wait a few minutes…. it’ll change…

My little southern peach, Sally,

with her little twisted legs absolutely loves the snow…