My (Our) Girl(s)...

Handsome took the ladies out for their morning run on Sunday, and after they were sufficiently exercised, he came in to get me.

He said that with our yard full of Queen Anne's lace and clover, I should get a few pictures of the girls posing amid the flowers.

As his mom (my dear mother-in-law) called these tongues hanging out, that's a lot of "boiled ham". Frankly, I don't blame them. It was dang hot on Sunday.

I think I got a pretty good shot of them - Bella on the left, and Carly on the right.

Yesterday started out pretty muggy, but we were expecting rain and cooler weather. What we didn't expect were severe weather warnings, torrential rains and high winds. We came through it with only one big branch out of the huge, old maple in our front yard. 

After the storm passed, the temperature had dropped 10-15°, the sun came out, and we had a beautiful breeze to cool everything down. We turned off our floor a/c unit and opened all the windows.

Further north wasn't so fortunate. Menasha, Wisconsin suffered the worst of it. There a citywide proclamation to stay off the streets (and more) from 10 pm - 5 am, except for emergency crews. The city has been devastated, with complete neighborhoods wiped out by what the weather service thinks was an F2 tornado (winds up to 135 mph). The videos and images I've seen are alarming and heartbreaking.

Folks caught on the highway during the storm had losses, too. Semis were pushed across lanes, causing awful accidents, and sections of highway have been closed down. 

My sister, Jan and niece, Stephanie live in towns on either side of Menasha and my nephew, Ethan and his family are a bit further south. I got in touch the both ladies, and E's mom (Stephanie) updated me on him and his family, too. Other than mild tree damage, they're all okay.

Please pray for the people who have suffered losses great and small. It's going to take Menasha and the surrounding areas more than a minute to recover. 

WMBBD is 11...

Liljegren's Suncoast Bella

We're going to spend today, and this weekend celebrating Bella's eleventh birthday. She's the best girl, and she deserves all the affection we can give her. There shall be treats, too.

Look at her face. You can see where loving in her has rubbed off black, and now her face sparkles. Old dogs are the best. 

Happy birthday, beautiful Bella. We love you very much. 

February Classmate Dinner...

Front l-r: Deb B. Lisa, Brad, Bruce and Janet. Back: John, Cal, Dan and Deb N, Donna and Handsome, and Max

We had another classmate dinner yesterday, and this time we had three couples attending. Dan and Deb, and Janet and Max both started dating when we were all in high school (I think Janet and Max started in junior high), and got married after graduation. Of course, Handsome and I were the third couple. Two of our group are widowed, and the rest are married, too, but their spouses didn't attend.

It was pretty much guys on one end of the long table set up and gals on the other, but we chatted back and forth. As always, it was nice to see everyone and find out who's getting ready for a trip, or what else is going on. Deb and Dan will be gone for a month on vacation out West, so we'll miss them next month. 

The temperature got into the mid-50s Wednesday with plenty of sun, so we all looked forward to getting out to visit. The weather won't hold like this though. After all, it is February in Wisconsin, home of the Frozen Tundra. We know that it's going to get cold - and snow at least once more. Shelly always says that the robins have to be snowed on at least five times before Spring actually arrives for real. We make the most of the good days when we can.

I'm taking the WMBBD to the vet for a diagnostic appointment today, and then I'm going in to work for a couple hours to cover for my boss who's getting ready to leave on vacation tomorrow. I've been working on a 30-minute daily purge program (getting rid of stuff), so I'll do that again for a bit when I get home from work. Then, I'm going to stitch for a while. I'll be back tomorrow to share the latest. See you then!

It's Bella's Now...

"Bella's Retriever Quilt"

Yesterday after family left to go home, Handsome took his new quilt upstairs and placed it on the bed. He grabbed the old retriever quilt and placed it on the sectional in our living room. Bella noticed right away, and slowly got up onto the quilt and fell asleep. It's her quilt now and forever.

I will add that when Handsome went upstairs with the new quilt, Carly followed him. He called me into the room and wanted me to "see something". Carly - who has never really paid attention to the bed coverings - had slowly put herself squarely in the middle of the new quilt. She's claimed this one.

Handsome and I both smiled. The next quilt...the next generation. As it should be, I guess. (Sorry. I didn't get a photograph, but I'm sure I'll have plenty of chances going forward.)

I'll be back tomorrow. 

A Day Off...

Old Friends and Dogs

Sorry I didn't tell you ahead of time, but I needed to take a day off. It was a crazy week, and then I had PT first thing yesterday morning. I just needed to catch my breath a bit.

All week, I felt like I'd gone backward with my therapy, so I spent a little time on self-care. I was icing, trying to get back some of the mobility, and feeling like it wasn't working. 

I did a little baking, as I planned to deliver homemade cinnamon rolls to the entire therapy department on Friday. They were all tickled, especially since my morning appointment coincided with breaks and imminent lunch hours. Before I left, even Jenna managed to get a bite of hers before heading to her next patient. I got lots of thumbs-up! It was very gratifying. I also regained some motion during my session, so I left a happy girl.

Our friend - the now-retired dog trainer, Mike - along with his friend, Ed and Handsome all took Bella to a hunt club we used to frequent before moving to Florida. As this cooler weather always lights up the older dogs (who remember autumn days afield) we decided to give Bella a day flushing pheasants. 

She worked just the way she learned as a young dog. She worked back and forth across a field, ranging a nice distance between the gunners. She flushed a rooster pheasant but never got to retrieve it. Let's just say, the first bird flushed frequently gets away. Then the hen that had also been planted must have moved off the field they were working, because if she'd stayed put, Bella certainly would have found her.

I stayed home with Carly (PT appointment, remember?), but that little girl was not happy to have been left behind. She knew what was going on and wanted to go, too. This hunt was just for Bella, though. Handsome and I discussed it when we all got back home, and we'll definitely take both girls out once fall is officially in full swing. Even yesterday, being down at Bella's level in tall grass was a hot endeavor, and she worked until she finally just sat down and said enough. After all these years, we recognize when the dog is tired, hot, or just ready to pack it in. We always honor that because, first and foremost, our days afield center around being able to watch stellar dogs at work. Friday was no exception.

After they got back, Handsome called me. I was already on my way home, but we had a lunch date with Mike, his wife, and Ed. Handsome and I changed clothes and met the rest of the group back at Mike and Joann's condo. We spent a few hours just enjoying a meal together and doing some reminiscing about the old days. It was just what I needed. 

I have a little canning to do this weekend, and I'm planning to do a little more needlework. I have no intention of overdoing it at all. I'm going to take it easy. I'll share photos next week. Have a great Saturday!

Happy Birthday, WMBBD!...

Here's our beautiful girl, Bella on her tenth Birthday. There's nothing more sweet and dear than an older dog...especially this one.

She recently rebroke her foot from an old injury before Carly was born, so she's fully retired now. She was simply running to make a retrieve and came up carrying her foot. Of course, we immediately packed her into the truck to the vet's office where the diagnosis was made. 

We aren't no longer allowed to throw retrieves for her anymore because the "push off" force she uses to get to the mark could further injure her. She loves nothing more in this world than to retrieve to Handsome or me. It's always been so much fun to watch her work, but now Bella will only be able to run on her own which doesn't have that same force as with the effort to retrieve.

Her foot is healing and doesn't need a cast, splint or bandages, so we're very careful not to over stimulate her which might cause her to relapse. I guess it's a hazard of her getting older, so we have to curb her activity, as she won't. She'd happily fetch until she dropped.

While Carly's features are finer than Bella's, you can tell who her mama is. I took this of the two of them and love how they're both so focused. Like mother, like daughter.

Today I'll be making some special pup treats for them, along with extra snuggles and pets for Bella and Carly. I think it will be a perfect day for a little Birthday party!

The Girls Are Dropping In Today...

Carly and Bella (WMBBD)

It was such a beautiful morning yesterday that Handsome and I drank our morning coffee on the porch. Of course, the girls (all four of them) joined us. 

Carly and Bella just wanted to stop by today to say "Hello". Mama has more grey now, but we've noticed that Carly Dog is developing a little grey on her chinny chin chin, too. Time stops for no man (nor beast). It's just a little reminder of how short their time is with us, and to appreciate every moment we can share with them.

How Ya Doin'?

Carly's head tilt continues to be a source of laughter and joy for us. Bella's a sweet, old soul we're so  grateful to have around to pet and cuddle.

I'll be at work today, but Handsome will spend the day with these girls. Claudette and her daughter mew to be let out every morning, so by the time I go to work, they're usually snuggled in our porch chairs and enjoying the sunshine. If the weather is less than favorable, they'll ask to be let back in soon enough.

Handsome and I are watching the weather reports for Florida the past few days. Our friends have either evacuated or are hunkered down as they await the next hit. We're praying that everyone will make it safely through the storm. 

As so many are trying to rebuild following Hurricane Helene, the last thing they need is Milton knocking at their door. Perhaps a miracle might save them from the worst of it this time. We'll continue to pray.

Hickory Hill Farm Girls...

Carly (left) and WMBBD Bella (right)

While I continue to pull together my ideas for the Summer Serenade - Bluebirds piece, there were more than a few moments that were just spent enjoying the outdoors with Handsome and the ladies. I'm just sharing photographs of our girls with you today, so I can work on a few things to show you tomorrow.

WMBBD Liljegren's Suncoast Bella

Liljegren's Suncoast Carly

Hickory Hill Farm's Claudette

Hickory Hill Farm's Crystal

Greetings From The "Big Girls"...

The Labradors just wanted to drop in and say "hello" today.

These are their most current photographs of our two pretty girls. I got them to stop running around the yard this past weekend just long enough to snap a few of each of them. These were my favorites. First up is the WMBBD, our beautiful Bella.

Then there's Miss Pretty Pants. Carly loves to run, and she speeds all around our property whenever she gets the chance, so her tongue is always out. lol She barely stops long enough to pose for me, but we managed to get this cute photo, too.

One day soon, I'll get photos of the "little girls" to share with you, too. Claudette and Crystal are well and truly indoor cats now, with short-lived forays into the yard. They much prefer the safety and comfort of the farmhouse...just like the rest of us.

Well, as I said, this is just a quick visit today. I've got lots to do inside, after a full day at work yesterday. I think I'll start with more decluttering, packing things into boxes to ship, donate, or dump. Then, I'm hoping to work on my goldwork mockingbird class project for a while this afternoon. We'll see how that plan works out.

See you tomorrow!

A Day Of Remembrance...

Today would have been Fezzik's fourteenth birthday. I think it's only right to take a little time to remember the little boy who made me fall in love with Corgis. He was my first, and at ten and a half months old, I lost him far too soon.

If you were around at that time, you know just how devastated I was. I could barely breathe for weeks. It was only when I realized I needed a second Corgi to help me recover from his loss, that I began to heal. I'll forever miss him and the bright light he was in our lives, and I look forward to seeing him again when my time finally arrives.

Then, there's this boy. My Taggart. The boy who healed me from the loss of Fezzik. I was blessed to have him for nearly thirteen years. Today marks three months that we've been without him. 

I know he'll be waiting for me at The Bridge, too, but like all those dogs we've loved before, I'll miss him until the day I can again bury my nose in his fur. 

Thanks again to Twyla of Two Crazy Crafters blog who made the most beautiful prayer shawl for me when Fezzik died. The prayer she prayed into every stitch was that I would get a second Corgi to heal me. When it arrived, I wrapped myself in it as I grieved his passing. It was then that I realized I needed to find another. 

Many times over the years, I've wrapped myself in that shawl, grateful for the gift from my blogging friend, and again, I wrapped it around my shoulders when I cried over losing Tag. Her wonderful gift helps me remember good times, and makes each passing day a little easier. It's a kindness I'll never forget.

So, another milestone has passed. When I see litters of Corgi puppies shared online by my Corgi Nation friends, I admit I long for another one. However, Bella would have a difficult time with another puppy, and truthfully, I'm no spring chicken. I think at some point after she's gone, I'll just go to a local shelter to rescue the oldest dog there and give them a loving home for their golden years. Hopefully, that time is a long way down the road, as we've still got good years left with her (She's only nine).

For now, we'll be grateful for the time we had with all the dogs we've loved before, and give extra snuggles to Bella and Carly. Occasional treats will be in their futures, too! 

Dog Work 0r Working Dog?...

Earlier in the week, I watched as Handsome got the girls outside to stretch out a bit. The weather was just right for a little training and fetching. Carly went first. Get the bumper out into the field, and then send her.

Well, that was easy. Of course, she went straight to it and ran back as fast as she could to deliver it back to Handsome. Carly would do this until she dropped. She's a real fetching fool.

Mama Bella quietly watched over the exercises, wondering when it would be her turn. She stood up a few times during the throws, but sat and patiently critiqued her kid. Not bad, Carly. Not bad.

Bella said it was time to show her daughter just how it's done. Of course, Bella never misses. Straight out and straight back - even on blind retrieves (the ones she doesn't see being placed). She's a joy to behold...a real thing of beauty to see her work.

Watching her return with her retrieve - even if it's a plastic bumper - is enough to make your eyes water. Her daughter is definitely stylish, but this is the dog from whom Carly inherited her drive, brains, and talent.

Pay attention, Carly. You may yet learn a thing or two from your mama. Bella still has a lot to teach you, so stay alert.

Another morning training session in the books, and just enough to take the "p & v" out of this youngster - at least for half the day. When she's really cranked up, they'll get a second session in the afternoon, but I'm not kidding. They'd both do this until they drop. We'll be right back at it again tomorrow.

Home Again...

D. Morgan "Home Again" Cross Stitch (Leisure Arts)

He's safely back home and all is right in my world again. I tried (unsuccessfully) to capture a good photo of this piece, which hangs in our back hall.  It's a perfect piece to place where we see it during each of our comings and goings.

The verse reads: "I hear your footsteps down the hall. You are home again...and safe. All the burdens of the day are softened, and all the night noises are music to my ears."

I guess I wrote about this back in 2015. I didn't get a very good photo of it then, either. You can see that post HERE.

I took this photograph of the girls to send to Handsome while he was in Florida. I also shared it to my facebook page. My stepsister saw it and commented that she saw the "heart" on the gravel between the girls and said, "I see a heart from Tag between Bella and Carly". Once she said that, I noticed it, too. She said she also saw his shape lying in the snow behind them.

Needless to say, it made me smile (with a tear in my eye). I like the thought that he left a little love note for us when we were taking this picture. The heart is where he usually would have sat during our photo sessions of the trio.

I'll be at work today until four, so Handsome will spend the day here with the ladies. My plan is to finish my first ladybug when I get home. Sherry was right in her comment about my post yesterday. Of course, they have little antennae, so I'll figure out a way to add them to mine at the end. We'll see what I can come up with, and I'll be sure to share when the first one is done!

See you tomorrow!

Happy Birthday, WMBBD...

She's the mama of talented field dogs, including her daughter, Carly, and the best companion we could have ever hoped to have. She's silly, smart, and still - even at this age - a rocket in the field in her own right. 

Today is her special day, and Handsome and I will do our best to honor the World's Most Beautiful Black Dog.

Handsome took this picture of her yesterday. Her face is a little grayer, and her eyes a little bluer, but her spark is still burning brightly and there really is nothing sweeter than an this older dog. She owns our hearts, and we thank Heaven every day that she's our Bella dog.

Happy Ninth Birthday, Mama.

We love you.

From Mom, Dad, Tag, Carly (and the Barn Girls)

Tuesdays With Tag - Time To Celebrate...

Hi, Everybody!

Mom and I hit the road for a few special errands yesterday. Our WMBBD is havin' a Birthday this week, so we went checkin' out ideas for presents. 

I wanted to drive, but Mom said there's the not-so-small matter of my short legs. In the end, I moved over and let her take the wheel. I must say it was a good day to travel. The sunshine shone through the windows on our Explorer, and it was great for catchin' a few winks while Mom ran into the grocery store!

I'm only sharin' a couple photos today. Boo's actual Birthdate is on Thursday, so Mom is gonna share new photographs of her on her big day. Our WMBBD is nine this year. Wasn't she a cute puppy? I remember pickin' her out of the litter just like it was yesterday. (You're cryin'. I'm not cryin'!)

Here she is with her kid (in front). Mama's a little greyer and her eyes have a blue cast now, but she's still our best girl and we love her loads. 

I hope you'll be back to visit on Thursday and leave a Birthday message for Bella that Mom and I can read to her in between Birthday treats.

We're lookin' forward to a week of mild and sunny weather. Could it be more perfect to celebrate our Birthday girl? We don't think so. I'm gonna leave you to enjoy our pictures this week. 

PS. I know you might have been expectin' my monthly dog jokes this week. I'm gonna share some giggles with you next week instead.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... "Always make time for dog snuggles."

Tuesdays With Tag - I've Been Very Busy...

Hi, Everybody!

 Not busy that you could see from the road, but a different kind of busy. Important busy.

I've been up to the top of my ears tryin' to be silly to cheer Mom up. It's been a very rough (almost) week for her. She's been runnin' around in her Explorer, and also on the phone a lot more than usual. She's been available to help our nieces with funeral preparations, and spendin' a lot of time keepin' close to her sisters. The brothers are mostly helpin' each other, too. The girls are stickin' together.

Don't get me wrong. She's been keepin' busy, but we're also gettin' to run around outside and havin' cuddle sessions inside. We're also gettin' lots of extra treats from Mom and Dad!

On a happier note, Mom and Dad and the doglets got to pose for our Christmas card on Sunday. The weather was unseasonably warm, so Mom siezed the opportunity to gather our clan for a photograph. Claudette stayed close to watch the shenanigans, but didn't deign to grace us with her presence for the pictures. Crystal didn't want to have anythin' to do with the black dogs, so she stayed well out of sight.

We got a really super image to have made into this year's cards, but when I asked Mom, she told me I couldn't share it with you (yet). You're gonna have to settle for three good lookin' hounds (and Dad). Bella's gettin' a little grey in the face, but you can blame Carly for that. I've got nothin' to do with it! 

There's always somethin' goin' on in the yard, so Mom had to be quick to get us all lookin' in the same direction! In the end, she prevailed and we got one frame that's card worthy. She said, "I got it!", so we all bolted into the yard and started playin' around. Another one in the can until next year. Whew! I'm outta here for this week.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Be A Good Dog." 

Tuesdays With Tag - Happy Halloween...

 

 

Hi, Everybody!

 

Greetings from the Hickory Hill Ghosts this Halloween.

 

I know. You're scared, right? Not so much? I get it. This was the best picture Mom could get of the three of us for this year. She was exhausted when the photo shoot was done, and Dad even tried to help. 

First, I'm thinkin' it shows each of us perfectly. I mean, Boo has her tongue stickin' out. She's the one on the left. I'm sittin' like the bestest boy I am, but I accidentally stepped on my sheet and the part where my eye holes were separate from my mouth hole tore, so I think I look more like a nun than a ghost! Then there's The Kid. She stepped on her costume and tore it all to heck. Once that happened, she got all antsy and didn't want to sit still. That's where Dad came in. He made sure she didn't completely wreck the picture.

When Mom looked at the pictures after we were all back inside, she saw that the orange pumpkin basket was tipped over. Perfect. She tossed her hands in the air and declared this our official 2023 Halloween picture. It depicts all our personalities, and shows that our photo session was a little chaotic. She said she could live with that. 

 

As for the three of us? We were glad to be out of our costumes so we could resume runnin' around in the yard. We wanted to get a couple laps in while it was still nice outside. The weather got rainy and colder after that, so we were stuck inside to plan more Halloween tricks to pull on Mom and Dad.

 

We're gonna stay tucked inside and stay out of trouble. (I think we might have been on Mom's list for a while, so we're gonna make it up to her by behavin' today.) Mom said she's gonna dress up like a homemaker in comfy sweats, and Dad said he's gonna wear his farmer jeans and a flannel shirt. Sounds like a usual night around here to us! 

If you're goin' Trick or Treatin' tonight, be safe out there. If you're stayin' home and handin' out treats, we hope your house doesn't get TP'd. Just be sure to have fun with the neighborhood ghosts and goblins. 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Be A Good Dog."