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. 

All the wings have been wired now. Next, I'll tape the ends down so they stay out of my way and don't catch threads as I work. Once I add a few directional lines to keep me on target, it will be time to bring out my threads.

I had a restful weekend, and hope you did, too. I'm relaxed,  refreshed, and ready for the week ahead. I'm hoping to get a lot accomplished. 

I have a PT appointment, and Handsome and I have to pick up some "supplies" for Carly. She surprised us with a heat cycle on Friday. This will be her last one. She's five, and after discussion with Mike (our trainer friend) who has retired, our source for breeding/puppy sales is no longer available. So, once she's finished this heat, we'll have her spayed. No more doggie diapers in her future. 

It's kind of bittersweet for me. I would have loved to have a litter of her puppies. We've bred, raised and trained hunting retrievers for about forty five years. Although I'm sure we'll always have dogs, Carly signals the end of our breeding programs. We're definitely ending on a high note with this girl.

Time to get moving. I'll see you again tomorrow. I hope you make it a great week!

Happy Birthday, Carly!...

Liljegren's Suncoast Carly

Happy Sixth Birthday, Carly! Six sure looks great on you. You're a source of laughter and pride in our household, and we're so glad we get to share our corner of the world with you.  

Carly Puppy

From the moment we chose you, we knew you were something special, and every day you prove us right. 

We love you bunches, and will make today extra special for you, Carlita Puppita Mamacita (Mom's nickname for you)! 

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, Carly!...

Our sweet Carly turned FIVE yesterday!! Both Handsome and I were home all day, so we could spend the day pampering our girl. She got a great workout in the yard in the morning, and finished the day with extra treats. In between were snuggles and a few other 'triever-approved snacks.

She had so much fun, in fact, that she's already looking forward to Number 6. Us, not so much. Time passes much too quickly as it is, and we're content to slow time down for our pups. The more time we have with them, the better.

I'll share more photographs tomorrow from the weekend, but today it's all about our pretty Carlita Puppita Mamacita. That's my nickname for her. She likes it, too!

I'm working today to fill in for a co-worker who's already given her notice and now can't make it to work today. Nice, huh? I don't mind at all, though. Then, I'll have my regular hours tomorrow and Friday evening. I'm planning to get some "bluebird time" in mid-week, but for now I'd better get moving. Don't want to be late for my "Donna to the rescue" hours!

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.

Happy Birthday, Carly!...

Carly turns FOUR today!!!

Happy Birthday to the prettiest (she's the daughter of WMBBD, after all), silliest, and most talented little Labrador around. 

It's hard to believe she's already four. Time sure flies. As serious and driven in the field as she is, get her in the house and you just can't imagine how goofy she can be. We laugh at her nearly every day. 

Yesterday, her fixation was a rolled up sock she stole from Handsome. He took it away and set it aside more than once, only to find her sitting - alert and singularly focused on her prize. She always ended up with it in her mouth, carting it around like it was a field retrieve.

In the field, it's hard to stump her. You only can accomplish that one time for a new drill, and then she masters it as though she's done it one hundred times...with much flair, I might add.

She yodels for her meals, and talks when she has something on her mind...which is almost all the time! 

I'm sure we'll come up with something fun for her to celebrate her special day. I'm off to Portage for the morning, but the day won't pass without us giving her a special treat and letting her know how much she means to us. You know we do that every day for all our critters, but there's always something different on their birthday. As Handsome is home, it won't involve a "frilly, girly collar" like I got for Bella, but she'll be treated, nonetheless.

Happy Birthday, Carlita Puppita Mamacita!

Love, Mom and Dad (and your real Momma, Bella, too)

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!

Tuesdays With Tag - Not Again...

Our view on Friday mornin' 03/12/24

Hi, Everybody! 

This is what we woke up to on Saturday mornin' last weekend. I was not impressed. It's hard enough bein' a little guy around here without havin' to deal with feet of the white wet stuff in our yard. It gives "dashin' through the snow" a whole new meanin', if you get my drift. (Pun intended)

I heard the plow truck long before anyone could see him. That's not fog in this picture. It's all the snow, comin' down so heavy in the wind that we had almost no visibility. Talk about ridiculous! This kept on and off for most of the weekend!

Of course, two fat cats managed to wiggle their way into the house. I don't mind because any time I was outside, I can tell you it was so cold my paws almost stuck to the pavement! The couple times we saw Claudette out of the barn, she kept holdin' her paws up. Crystal wouldn't leave the barn until Mom went out there to tell them they could come in the house. Then, she sprinted her big booty up to the house and fairly bounced in the front door!

I'm so tickled (not really) with our current weather situation that I decided to write a poem about it. Enjoy!

Deep Snow

by Brynwood's Taggart

 

I went to bed when it got dark. The grass was cold but green. 

When daybreak came I went outside to quite a difference scene.

 

 Instead of sun and room to run, the snow was fallin' down,

When I saw how deep it already was, all I could do was frown.

I had to go out in the yard to tend to my affairs, but 

there was so much snow on them, I got stuck on the stairs.

Mom came down and picked me up, she carried me to the door

and once I shook off all that snow, white sparkled on the floor.

It looks like Winter's in full force, but I just want to say

from this ol' Corgi with four short legs, it can buzz off any day.

The End.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... "Always make time for dog snuggles."(Especially when it's cold!)

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."