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Monday, March 12, 2018

Bracing, battening and other "b" words that cannot be repeated.

After spending some hours yesterday, roof rake in hand (how did I ever live without it?), clearing off the run-in shed, hoop house, fuel tank cover, front and back house roof, and carport, I was not pleased to hear from a neighbor (who seem way too gleeful about it) that yet another storm is headed toward us this evening.  I am being punished for my wicked youth and I'm taking everyone down with me.


I slip-slided my way to the city Saturday morning so that the Drama Queen (aka Peanut Butter) could get his talons clipped.  Then I turned my back on my to-do list and got a pedicure of my own.  While it's not feasible for me to get my toenails all gussied up with some radical color, given the 20 degree weather with deep snow, plus I do not have the patience to sit  and wait - I do get a thin layer of glitter applied.  Just because it makes me happy when I look down at my feet.



On Sunday, I schlepped the baby hippo up to a DIY dog wash about 40 minutes away.  Luckily, I met up with one of the dog rescue staff and we gave Lulu a good washing with her specially medicated shampoo.  I then hefted her back into the car and brought her home.  Poor dolly was so happy that she wasn't being left, shunted, discarded, moved on, that she glued herself like a burr to my legs, which made getting anything done almost impossible.  Once she was sure that I wasn't going to abandon her, she lumbered to her bed, flopped down and snored loudly for hours.  Honestly, if it wasn't for the fact that I don't think she would be great with cats, I would consider making her my own.  But my allegiance is to Slimmie, and that is that.  In the meantime, all contact is carefully monitored.  I am glad that Slimmie (so inaptly named) cannot climb the barricade, nor does he want to.  This morning, I left Lu in her revamped space and not in her crate (I've run out of crate pads - she chews things up if she's anxious) and closed Slimmie in his room.  Once Lu's follow-up vet appointment is over (next Sunday), she will officially be on the adoptable list.  Someone is going to get a gem of a dog.  This morning, as I lovingly massaged her wrinkly face, she looked up and very gently gave me a kiss.  Gah.  She is so soft and fluffy...




And, surprise!, more knitting has been done.  At least I am branching out.
I LOVE this pom pom!
Speaking of knitting, as I returned from my pedicure, I found a box on my front deck.  This threw me, as I had not ordered anything - I am not allowed to - sez me.  The return address looked vaguely familiar, so I trotted in and opened it.
I can't even...
O.   M.   G.


I am not ashamed to say that I burst into tears.  I am not naming the sender, but I am so grateful and overwhelmed, that I am virtually speechless.  And that is saying something.  I'm going to knit a sweater!  And I'm going to follow a gauge!  That just shows you how special it is.  I never gauge - once a wild child, always a wild child.  However, this is very special yarn (as in some that I have always longed for but never could justify the expense) and I want it to be as perfect as possible.  I can't wait!
****
A little aside.  Why is it that no one - not even the publisher/editor of a local small newspaper - ever bothers to proofread what they write?  I know I grew up when schools were much less driven by technology and more by the book, so to speak, but really?  The irony was not lost on me.  I have half a mind to get out the red pen and go through the entire paper.
I rest my case.
I leave you with the sight I see every morning, lately, as I venture out to the carport.  I cannot even imagine more.  But there will be.



26 comments:

Theresa said...

What you really need is a sled and a few reindeer. Now how much fun would THAT be? :-)
What a beautiful hat! LOVE the pompom. Do you remember the long stocking caps we had as kids, so long that you could use them as a hat and the extended stocking part as a scarf while you wore the hat. Usually in hideous shades of 60's psychedelic stripes? Anyway, the dang family dog was always attacking the pompom of mine when it was swinging around 10 year old butt level.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

It has been a long winter for sure. That box of goodies was a nice gesture from someone obviously very nice. Have a great week!

Susan said...

I do! I had one in three shades of green stripes (of course). Luckily, our family dog was a doxie, who could not reach my butt. My mother used to knit us nose warmers - a tiny knitted hat with two braided strands that tied around the back of your head and a long, dangling braid, topped with a little tassel. We were such nerds - but happy nerds!

Susan said...

So good to hear from you, as you are MIA! I do hope that this is the last storm of the season. we have had enough. I am starting to get claustrophobic. Post soon!

Michelle said...

I cannot even imagine you DRIVING in that for anything less than a life-threatening crisis!!! Woman, thou art crazy (and your dogs are the luckiest in the world)! So glad you got a pick-me-up. Hmm; I did, too. I wonder if we have the same benefactor....

Susan said...

Michelle, I am betting we did. Isn't she something else? I learned to drive on the southern shores of Lake Erie. That will do you for just about anything!

tpals said...

It's funny how seeing someone else receive a gift like that can make me happy. :) I love the hat.

I'm planning on waiting for the sun to move the snow, not really an option for you. :(

Toni said...

I can't imagine what your winter has been like with snow like that coming and coming and coming again. I would probably be sitting in the corner of the pantry self-medicating with a case of Vodka and writing threatening lettings to Mother Earth!

What a thoughtful gift. Nice to have good friends!

Susan said...

I don't usually wear hats, especially hats with pom poms, but I think I will make an exception! I know the sun will come eventually....right?

Susan said...

I'll be sitting right next to you! I am very, very lucky. I have the best friends.

jaz@octoberfarm said...

that hat is wonderful! i sure wish i could knit like that! and what a perfect gift for you! sorry you are getting more snow. i would gladly take it instead. i just can't get any these days.

Ed said...

I'm guessing the editor never made the honor "role".

Nancy In Boise said...

Wow that's a lot of snow! Sadly it 65 here, with 7 tomorrow, then rain. I guess I'll survive. Oh and I miss having dogs, sigh. Only a kitty now, but it's not the same. No doggy droll on my cheek. I find so many typos at work! and slang :( Never heard "your guy es address/office/clinic" til I worked for my current hospital corp. Lord spare me....

ElaineChicago said...

Please, KEEP LULU! Seems as though she really needs you and is so happy to be with you!! She's just looking for love and acceptance.

Peter said...

I see that Lu (aka Zsa Zsa)has popped up on the Peppertree site. I had wondered if that was the rescue group you were working with. I've had two Peppertree dogs, still have one, and keep thinking I should foster.
Peter

Susan said...

How I wish I could send you this snow. I am so over it.

Susan said...

There are also multiple instances of your for you’re and where for were. I briefly thought about volunteering but couldn’t figure out how to fit it in.

Susan said...

I’d be lost without my dogs. I’m always amazed at how poorly any of the ‘professionals’ I’ve worked for over the years have been able to spell, punctuate or write.

Susan said...

I would like to but it is not a good fit. We’ll find her the perfect home. I’m responsible for the safety of my kids and they have to come first. Lulu is in a great rescue now, so I know she’ll be okay.

Susan said...

There is such a great need, Peter. It would be wonderful if you could.

ElaineChicago said...

Please, Peter, take Lulu!! She seems so needy and evidently has endured much disappointment and anguish in her life. Just looking for someone to love her forever!

Theresa Y said...

Uh-Oh. Better watch out Lulu doesn't steal your heart. She's stealing mine just by reading about her.

thecrazysheeplady said...

What a sweet dog :-). Sorry about your snow... :-/

It's a long drag to the landing said...

You don't know me but I live in the same town an Mama Pea. I have read your blog for a long time and love it. First off that foster dog is adorable! Secondly I just saw a book on Amazon called Toe up 2 at a time socks. I should have figured out that someone had figured out how to knit 2 socks at one time on the same pair of needles. I thought it might intrigue you.

Rain said...

Aw...Lulu is adorable! :) The snow...we're in the same boat. Luckily we have 5 dogs to make trails in the backyard for us lol...but yeah...that driveway needs to be shoveled...I'm almost hoping I can wait out going grocery shopping until it all melts! The yarn box, it must be special if you are using a gauge! Something I've never done yet! :)

Sandy Livesay said...

Susan,
How awesome, a dog wash big enough for a large dog. We need access to more of them.

A package full of yarn waiting at your door, now that's a very nice surprise!!!
Hugs,
Sandy