Monday, September 26, 2011

First Day Without All My Children

Well, it's official, All My Children is off the air after 41 years. To tell the truth, I got to where I hardly watched it. I was so sick of Erica Cane. She just grated on my nerves. I'm sure Susan Lucci is a very nice person, but I really could not stand her character. I loved when Jackson finally told her that he didn't give a damn what she did, or something to that affect. I don't recall his exact words, but I do remember him saying, "Frankly Erica, I don't give a damn..." It was about time they gave him a backbone as far as she was concerned. Too bad it took so long.

That was one thing I didn't like about Jackson, no backbone. He even put her before his own daughter, Greenlee because Erica didn't like her. He should have left her then, but no, he let her make a fool out of him time and time again, especially when she thought Mike Roy was alive. Instead he waited until she told him that she didn't want to get married. What a doofus.

I'm glad that Greenlee and Ryan got married. She was pretty devious when it came to the girl he got pregnant, but I could see why she didn't want him to find out about her being pregnant with his kid since he might have married her instead.

Another character I couldn't stand was David Hayward. What a narcissist. But I guess a soap wouldn't be a soap without characters we all love to hate, right?

My favorite character was Tad Martin. Yes, he was a cad way back when, but he turned out to be a really nice guy. Even when he was a cad, he was still my favorite. I actually didn't like him with Dixie at the end there. I liked him much better with the girl he was married to before Dixie showed up.

They're supposed to be taking All My Children to the internet. I don't know how well that will work out. Who knows, maybe they'll end up bringing it back to TV and cancel that talk show they put in its place. The last thing we need is another talk show. I won't be watching it, the talk show that is. The Chew, who the heck came up with that name?

Sunday, September 25, 2011

I've Been Pretty Neglectful, Haven't I?

I haven't written anything for awhile. I guess it's because nothing exciting has happened. I live a pretty boring life. I think even the dogs are bored because they're sleeping. Of course we have had perfect sleeping weather.

So far, we've had perfect fall weather, nice during the day and nice and cool at night, perfect for keeping the windows opened and snuggled up under the comforter. I decided to put that on the bed a couple weeks ago because the quilt I had on it just wasn't warm enough anymore. We have a nice thick comforter that I bought last year on eBay. I love it because although it's an oversized king comforter, it fits our Cal. king perfectly. Cal. king comforters are hard to come by, just like Cal. king sheets. I should look on ebay for those sometime.

Between eBay and the ReStore, we've found some real bargains. Dave and I just bought a new refrigerator at the ReStore last week. Our other was getting old and like our stove, was getting to where it was going to need replacing soon. Our stove is original to the house.

Dave's busy converting the new stove we bought there to accept propane, so we're still using the old one for now. He had to change some parts out because unbeknown to us when we bought it, unless we switched out those parts, we wouldn't be able to use it. It was the model that they said couldn't be converted, so he ordered parts for the one that could, to switch them for the ones that couldn't. Luckily it was only a couple and they weren't too expensive. I'll be glad when it's here in the house.

Yesterday we took out the air conditioners, so now we can open both windows here in the living room and in the bedroom. David took his out today. I hate when they're in, especially here in the living room because it tends to block a lot of light and when we have a nice day where the windows can be opened, which does happen in the summer here, we can't open that window to let the fresh air in. They are in the need of cleaning, however, thanks to the dogs being able to reach them and leaving their marks on them, all except Rolli that is. I don't think Max can either, but they can stand with their front paws on the arm of their chair and look out that way, so not all is lost as far as they're concerned.

You can tell that our house centers around the dogs' comforts and not ours or even the cats'. The cats find their own comfort spots, which at night is usually on David's bed. At least the three girls sleep there both during the day and at night. Well to tell the truth, Patches doesn't during the day and at night, I think she sleeps either under or behind our bed, if Rolli isn't there already. At night Oreo may sleep on our bed for all I know. He is there sometimes in the morning when I wake up and sleeps there during the day, sometimes with Patches. He's also the only one that Max doesn't pick on. Don't ask me why, but for some reason he doesn't like the girls.

Hmmm, it looks like we might get some sprinkles, maybe not. I think I'll go out and see how Dave is coming along with the stove in his workshop, so I will see you all later.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Parade

We had a parade going down our road this morning. It wasn't your average parade, but a parade of tractors, mostly restored older ones.

This isn't the first time we had a parade of tractors coming down our road, there was one a few years ago only that one was going in the opposite direction. They were going somewhere back then, this time they were coming back. Dave and I stood out on our front porch and waved to the drivers.

One thing you won't see in the city, someone talking on their cell phone while driving a tractor. One of the drivers was doing just that. He was probably talking to his wife telling her that he would be home soon.

I didn't get any pictures this morning, but I did take some the last time. I'd have to search for them though and right now I'm really not feeling up to searching. Maybe I'll do it later.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Farmer's Market

I guess I should go and fill the bird feeders. A cardinal just showed up, saw that they were empty and looked in the window. I could have sworn he gave me a dirty look before he flew off. I wouldn't have blamed him, I haven't filled them in awhile. I was so good all winter long and even this spring, but come summer, I slacked off.

Dave and I are going to the farmers' market this afternoon. It's sad, but this will be the first time we've gone. I kept meaning to before this, but haven't made it, mainly because I just plain forgot. Watch, today they won't have it because of the holiday.

Just got back from the farmers' market. It was small, but we still bought tons of stuff. There were the biggest green peppers at one table. I bought six to make stuffed peppers this weekend. Can't get them at the store that big or for that price; they were 50¢ each. We also got quite a few more vegetables, some zucchini,  radishes, string beans, some sweet breads such as pumpkin nut, zucchini nut, banana peanut butter, and apple caramel. We also bought an Amish made pecan pie. I also bought some fresh flowers for the dining room table. Oh, and I got some miniature cookies for the pups. I admit, I did go a little overboard on the baked goods, but it was really fun. Dave says that he wants to go back every Monday until it's over for the year. I'm all for that.

It was a beautiful day for a farmers' market too. It was sunny with very few clouds in the sky with a high in the mid 60s. It really felt like a fall day. It's hard to believe that it's still summer, for a couple more weeks anyway.

Not much more was done today since I didn't wake up until 9:00 this morning. I did get the bed stripped and the quilts washed and dried and it remade. I love getting into a freshly made bed at night. Now I need to go and eat some dinner. See you all later. Hope everyone had a nice and safe Labor Day.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

A Dog has the Soul of a Philosopher

A dog has the soul of a philosopher
 Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:  

 When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. 
 Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. 
 Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

 Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily.
 Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
  Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

 On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
 On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
  When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
 Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

 Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
 Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
 If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
 When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
 Being always grateful for each new day and for the blessing of you.

 ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY

JUST A DOG
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog,"
Or "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the
Distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a
Dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I
Did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been spent with "just a dog," and in
Those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me
Comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably
Understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise" or "just a
Promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
Trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a
Better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long
Walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and the folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an
Embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond
Memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts
Away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog"
But the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a
Person."

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Scratch + Scratch + Scratch = 3 Miserable Dogs

It's allergy season again. Max is now on medication for them. He had been scratching something awful and given our experience with Jake, we knew that it was allergies. The weird thing is that they usually show up when they're a little over a year old, like with Jake, but Max is four. So now we have two allergic pups. Thankfully they are only seasonal. Jake's don't seem to be as bad this year though as they have in the past. Max on the other hand, was really scratching. Poor pup was miserable. He's a much happier puppy now, especially because he gets his pills wrapped in cheese, same with Jake. Rolli and Angel get a piece too so that they won't feel left out. Don't worry, it's actually one slice divided into four.

On top of those two having allergies, Angel has a yeast infection in her ears in which I have to put drops in for 10 days. She's not happy about it but her ears seem to be feeling better already. She hasn't scratched them since the drops were started.

Thankfully this weekend is supposed to be cooler. In fact next week is supposed to be in the low 70s to the low 80s. Fall is definitely letting us know that it's knocking on the door. Perfect weather for the Labor Day weekend.