OtHeR eLheRs DaNLoS PeRspEcTiVes...

So since I am still here... waiting for the date of my RFL  I am just taking the opportunity to get to know more about what I am going through.  I really do not have anyone in my family that has ever gotten this bad.  I am sure others in my family have this.  Positive actually.  Their bodies have not been subjected to the same trauma that mine has been subjected to.

I am happy about that but also concerned that they would not suffer like this.  I do not know what my future holds but I am determined to tread as lightly as possible where my body is concerned.  Not that I wouldn't love to go out and bat a volleyball around or even go for a run with Luka.

But I am learning that those things are not going to make me feel any better.  What will, learning more about what I can do what I am still able to do and getting myself in alignment for that.

Whatever it ends up being.

Here is an article about a family who has EDS.  They live near each other and have learned to work together to accomplish the tasks in their lives.  The help of neighbors and friends also plays and important role.

This article written by Nicole Mattke shares a little about the signs of EDS.

15 year old Sarah Sickles shares about her life with EDS.

I had no clue what Ehlers Danlos Syndrome was.  I have learned allot on my journey so far, not just about this but about many things.  I realized that people with disabilities had limited lives.  I truly believed that their needs were being met by the organizations out there.  Wow was I wrong.

So I am going to work to continue to educate others about people with differing abilities and what they go through.  Through my eyes and what I personally experience as well as through the eyes and thoughts of others and their experiences.  I hope you will continue to follow me on my journey.

It has been an eye opening one for me that is for sure.  I think many people who have this happen to them give up.  I know the thought has crossed my mind a time or two.  But there is a reason that I am going through this and I am determined that it will not be in vain.

Besides the friends I have left around me are great, even though none of them live that close to me.  I am grateful so grateful that I made the kind of real friends that don't disappear when the going gets tough.


If you are out living your life and things are all going great for you.  Please consider that making real friendships can be one of the utmost important things in your life.  Be the kind of friend that you'd want a friend to be to you.  Treating everyone as you would want to be treated is something that has served me well.  I hope it is also something you can take to heart or already do.

It was one of the things that I was brought up doing and then my career with Mary Kay reinforced it.  I have very few regrets.  The regrets I do have are mistakes that will never be repeated again, so they are now learning experiences.  They are worth their weight in gold to me.

Some of the lessons I have learned have been hard.  Actually most of them are.  Being such a stubborn person, I seem to have to hit my head pretty hard to actually get something knocked into me.  ( Pardon my similarity to my physical condition.. )

We all go through things one way or another.  I just hope to have more grace than I have had in the past when I go through things.  It seems though that all of the tough things that you go through just prepare you for the even harder things yet to come.  At any rate I'd rather be prepared.

In the meantime.. I am trying to talk Jason into making our living room that we never use into a place to shoot more pictures.  We do things on the shoe string plan so if he goes for it we will be very inventive with our setup!  Hey, what ever works!  We did watch a great class on how to set up a photography set in a studio environment, and learn about lighting.  The budgetary things that they used in their class are now being added to  my wish list!   Right now I am just excited I get to continue learning!  Thanks CreativeLive.com !!  Check it out!  I think you'll be impressed!

I hope you have also enjoyed some more of my feathered friends that come over to eat!

Blessings,
Pink Doberman

HaPpEniNgS...

Today is better!  Finally!  I began to feel better last night thankfully!  Whew!  I can at least move around a bit more now so the house is not nearly as trashed.  I feel very sorry for Jason.  Days I do not feel well, I am not that slick at picking up things I touch.  I do things out of necessity or extreme curiosity and that is about it.  Leaving a trail of mayhem behind me.

Days of not feeling the best can really leave our house in a messy state.  So this morning as usual, the first sign of my feeling a bit better, I try to get around and replace my damage.  So that is what I did when I woke up this morning.  Shuffled my bits around and had it done by the time Jason arrived home from work. 

I did get some pictures done.  They are of my garden.  They are several weeks old now, and my strawberries are now HUGE!  I have been eating strawberries from my garden THREE bowls full so far!   MmmMMmmM!

I love strawberries!  Even better when they are FREE!  So I will be taking some more pictures here soon of my beautiful strawberry plants to show!  Other friends are having good strawberry years as well.

These are the onions that grew from last year as well!  They are now turning to seed!  They have really pretty seeds that pop out from the top of the green stalks.  I have to get a picture of this as well.  I think they are interesting!


Right now out side my window the new little birds are still trying to negotiate landing on the little perches of my finch feeder.  They are having quite the time of it.  One daring chick even is able to manage to eat where the perch has been broken off.  Pretty impressive I would say!  These finches are so so cute!




Look at these nice onions!  I am sure going to do this again next year!  Plant them in the fall to enjoy them in the spring!  So great!  The winter made them fabulously delicious!

Rhubarb!  MMM!  Goes perfect with Strawberries!  I really need to get more plants of this started!  I love Rhubarb! 

The strawberries just went through the fence this winter.  They started taking over the rest of the garden!  =)..  We will have to do some transplanting later.  I have space for them they just went in the opposite direction from where I wanted them to expand. 


Aren't they pretty? 


I am just loving my strawberry bed! 
Life is good!  I can move easier today, I have beautiful new finches to watch, I have strawberries growing in my garden, onions to eat, and rhubarb to munch on! 

We are even hoping to have company today!  That will be fabulous!  I can't wait.  I love visitors!  My last visitor brought me the honey comb I had ordered!  I love our local bee keeper and his wife! 

Amazing things are happening,
Pink Doberman

pLuMmY

Blessings are around every corner.  Jason took me out for one of our weekend drives.  We hadn't been on one since last year.  It was nice.  What was even nicer was the beautiful things that we saw while out driving around. 

We stopped parked the Jeep and Jason got out.  We saw something that I thought it would be fun to have a closer view of.  But I was tired already. 

Jason took the camera out of the bag and took a hike. 

I love what he showed me.

 

The plum trees were beautiful!  These are the kind of flowers that I love for Jason to bring home.  They last forever and never will wilt.  I love them.   Wish he could have captured their fragrance!  That is about all that is missing wouldn't you agree?

I loved the night out.  It turned into quite the adventure. 

Blessings and Plum Dreams,
Pink Doberman

YiPeEEEEEE!

I have just realized that this is the first winter since the car accident that I have made it through the winter feeling no worse for wear physically!  Woo HOO!  I stayed inside almost all winter and I am out attacking life with as much as I have got.  ( It isn't much I admit, but I am doing what I can.)  It feels good.  I worked in the garage again today.  Jason read my frustration about my garden happenings or not happenings... 

Leftover seeds!  I have seeds from last year.  I don't know how many of them will actually sprout and be productive, but it gives me hope.

He got the garden all cleaned out, moved some strawberry plants into pots and even pulled out some over grown grass.

He also discovered that I have quite the crop of onions going already in the garden! 














Which is super cool, as the onions I planted last year I thought would die over the winter.  NOPE!  They are alive!  Woo Hoo!  And they are thriving!  Which is most wonderful I must say!

The birds have been very active around here!  I am really enjoying the different varieties that come by my window.











I got some pots ready for planting today, Jason cleaned out all of the large square outdoor pots!  Yea!  Those are hard for me as they sit so low.  He also tossed some flower seeds in them as well, which is super!  We should have some pretty flowers this year!  If the seeds work that is.  =).

Frustrations never cease around here it seems though, one of his radio antenna's bit the dust, two batteries for his power drill no longer work... and while getting his broken antenna off his bumper, he damaged his bumper and now needs another part for his wrangler.. and the battery in his truck won't stay charged..  Oh my!

In addition to the clasps he needs for his soft top that he just remembered after a winter of not thinking about his broken soft top..  Oh joy..  Life does indeed continue to toss us some curve balls, but nothing that can't be fixed over time. 

He has just figured out a solution to his truck battery! 
My husband is so smart!  He has it hooked up to start with solar power!  How cool is that!  What a Mr. Smarty Pants!!  I love it! 




I need to figure out a bread type recipe.. so I can eat my new organic peanut butter!  Which tastes marvelous I might add, I have been having it with my soy/coconut ice cream.  MMMMMmmmmMMMM.... Hot Fudge is also a welcome addition to my concoction as of late!  Can you say heaven?


I might have to break down and have this tasty treat AGAIN tonight!  We brought desert to a friends house and we made an ice cream bar!  It was awesome!  We've really been indulging lately!  I think it has been something that Jason and I needed... fun food that gives us the feeling of not being in our "normal" life!

We've got a plan. It might take us a while to get things accomplished, but we will get there.   

I did go out and weed the strawberry bed a bit more.. good thing Jason was here.  Bending down like that, well let's just say it would have been interesting if he hadn't been home.  He picked me up out of the strawberry bed and carried me back into the house to rest.  I was better later.  But I know better than to go pulling weeds with out him being home.  Hopefully by the end of summer I will be able to do that again. 

Here is a picture of the seed boxes.  I managed to get some of the seeds put in them as well.  I did that several days ago, and they are still sitting in the garage.  I need to get some water on them and get them in the sun.  Someday, one day soon.  I know that will happen. 

I did get some laundry done, and the dishwasher unloaded.  The hand wash dishes are still waiting for me.  Guess they are going to have to wait a little longer.



Faith is here. 



Blessings,
Pink Doberman

PeRsPeCtiVe

So my last post being from a while a go, spoke to Luka's allergies to food.  I am hopeful that things are starting to work themselves out.  I have gotten the upset tummy under control it seems.  Thank goodness!  That was miserable. 

Things are going rather well, besides the fact minute by minute I never know how long I am going to have to feel well or how long I am going to have to feel crummy.  But I can handle this.  The warmer weather leaves me feeling less stiff and sore.  It also helps when I have reached my limits as I am stuck in bed not moving for hours and I can look outside and see everything starting to green up and listen and watch the birds outside my windows. 

Jason and I got some more bird seed the other day.  He's been learning about that as well.  We bought "big" bird food and "little" bird food.  Hopefully this will keep the big birds away from the little birds.  We will soon see.  The big bird feeder needs a bit of sprucing up.  I am hoping Jason will be able to paint it and make it a bit shinier. 

Of course the list for sprucing things up has grown.  But who's to say that it doesn't add a little charm to some things if they look a little worn. Problem is that most of our things are looking that way.  =) I guess we are just charming!  That's my thought and I am sticking to it. 

I really don't want to be 'That' house.. the one that everyone cringes as they drive by.  I think we might be getting closer to that... but I hope we can make some improvements this year to make where we live a little more appealing to the eye.  We are doing what we can at any rate.  I guess that is all that we can ask of ourselves.

In the meantime we are trying to live.  I've got lots to say for sure.  I have been rather occupied as of late.  Which I am thoroughly enjoying.  I must say that I didn't want to be writing right now.  I was hoping to go yet another day with out posting.  I over did it again. 

Well, I stopped my actions before I couldn't get myself to bed on my own. So that is a good thing.  But, I woke this morning to a migraine, after having taken lots of pain medication for my neck last night.  Jason got me a migraine pill before going off to work.  That helped.  I woke again feeling rather well.  Thrilled!  I set about doing some things so I could have a clearer mind.  Messy house makes messy mind. 

At least it does for me.  While picking up things about the house, I completely remembered a favor I had promised a friend.  I felt so bad.  I called her and left a message apologizing and hoping to redeem myself.  Thank goodness I remembered!  I could at least apologize. 

I am listening to the television as I type.  Knit & Crochet Today just came on PBS!  This is the first time I have been sitting to watch TV when this show is on since I have learned the basics of knitting.  I am so excited. The show today is featuring knitting and crochet mixed!  How cool is that!  I of course have to master the basic stitch in crochet...   Ok so I am already confused by the pattern...  I will someday be able to understand this. 

The knitting has been great for me though.  It is really helping.  I get allot of anxiety sometimes.  Having the needles in my hand gives me something tangible to do and to focus on.  All I know how to do is pearl.  I just learned that word today, just now!  Hey, that is a start!  I am learning something! 

The knitting has also been great for me when I am not able to sleep, or when I don't have the computer and I have to sit still to let my body rest.  My mind always seems to be running.  Unless I am on pain medication.  Then it is running but woozie.  So the simple pearl stitch seems to work for me as well.  While I dream of making socks, sweaters, and dresses out of yarn, I think it is going to be the basic blankets and scarves for a while from this girl. 

You've gotta start somewhere.  I am hoping to find some really great cotton yarn, that is soft and will hold itself well.  But make a good stable blanket.  If I get good enough at this I may even be able to make some things as gifts. 

I am not going to share the project I am making.  I think it is ugly.  It is however a great learning project.  I am using acrylic yarn, and it is camouflage colored!  Lots of men are even doing this!  How cool is that! 

The birds outside are having a great day.  We have a beautiful Cardinal Couple that lives near here, a Dove Couple, many Finch Couples and lots of Black colored birds.  Oh, and a Blue Jay!    I think they are all just beautiful!  I never really cared much about birds before.  I knew that people watched them for sure.  I just was always to busy and to focused on my Mary Kay to appreciate watching the birds.  I don't think that was bad at all, but just different.  Really I would love to go back to that life.  But I am also happy watching birds.  I am having to learn to be happy where I am at.  Appreciate what I have and be grateful for it.  Believe me I am, even though it would seem as if I have to talk myself into it each day. 

That is apart of moving forward I think. 

Today, I am grateful for the fact I was able to clean the mirror in my bathroom and wipe off the counter as well.  I got the dirty towels and washcloths put in the laundry and dumped the rest of the laundry downstairs too.  I also sorted the laundry.  That is what did me in.  That is why I am now writing another post sitting in bed.  Crawling around on the floor to sort everything into laundry piles is exhausting for my body. 

I really did debate whether to do this or not.  But Jason is so busy these days and it is his least favorite thing to do.  Well, I don't know about least favorite.  I truly think that all cleaning activities are his least favorite.  He does do them but I don't think he does them with a sense of joy.

I thought to myself, if I do the laundry or do some laundry,  that will be one thing that he won't have to do.  I got all of the clothes in our bedroom put away.  Our bedroom couch is all cleared off.  It looks just great!  So when he gets home he will notice I am sure.  He likes a clean house, and appreciates it when he does not have to be the one doing it.  I used to hire someone to do the housework.  I really liked that.  I could then focus more on Jason and my Mary Kay clients and team members.  I never have been great at doing EVERYTHING.  But I have been great at doing things I could focus on.

If I can focus on one thing, I truly believe I can be great at it.  These days it is even harder to do that.  It seems as what I now focus on is doing all that I can without doing to much.  How frustrating. 

But I do feel lucky that I can at least do things some days.  Like the laundry.  I am also going to be taking some online classes!  I am super excited about this as well!  YEA!  I have been looking for some learning opportunities online!  I have finally found some! 

So I will be sharing those with you soon as well. 

I have one thing that is pretty constant in my life no matter how I feel.  I have passion.  I have it for things, about things, through things, around things, with things.  I think that is what keeps me going.  I am grateful for my passion. 

It sometimes will cloud my judgment, other times it clarifies it.  It can be a hindrance as well as a help.

I had thought about making something in my craft room downstairs today.  I was feeling so well.  But my passion for doing something to show my appreciation for all of Jason's hard work won out.  I am also hoping to finish the dishes.  I need to unload the dishwasher, and hand wash a pile of dishes that have been waiting for someone to clean them for a week. 

I also need to finish totaling up the information for taxes.  But I can't think about that until this other stuff is done.  I think I made the right decision to not finish a craft project.  But it is something I hope to be able to do sometime as well. 

My garden... well, I will have some photos to show you soon as well.  I can't wait.  Jason has just been wonderful!  I am very fortunate.  I know that! 

I hope you are fortunate too.
Blessings,
Pink Doberman

GaRdEn ?? uNkNoWn..

I have got the gardening blues.  You see I swore by now that I would have ordered my seeds and plants.  Or have started things inside the house from seed to grow.  But none of the above has happened. 

This year has been pretty close to the belt so far.  I do have a few old seeds.  Which I will be planting.  You never know, Right?? 

I had planned what I was going to do all winter.  I have frustration.  I need to grow things so we can afford to feed Luka... his diet is cost prohibitive.  At the same time we need to feed ourselves.. who would have thought this is where we'd be right now. 

I know that things will always find a way to happen.  God is good and provides what I have always needed.  I should just stop worrying.  But the doubt and fear sometimes creep in. 

Gardening while not easy for me to do, it gives me a reason to get out of the house and at least get the water turned on and off for the plants.  Other days, when I can do more, that is even better!  I really love digging in the dirt.  Planting season is only 15 days away..

My garden..  See pictures from the past!

Here are some more memories...




Here is a blog that I have found that features Gluten Free Recipes.  While I have yet to try these I am enjoying reading about them.  So for those of you that have some allergies or in-tolerances, or just wanting some variety, check this cute blog out!

Some more neat Etsy things..

Frames

This would be pretty in my friends home for fall..

Dog Vests.. this Etsy shop makes things for dogs!  How cool!


There is this little mini!  I'd wear leggings with it personally!

So we have a couple of doves in our yard.  Which is pretty cool.  They love each other and are usually near to each other.  It is fun to watch.


Well, here I am realizing that a garden of some sort will come to pass.  Just going to fly by the seat of my pants on this one. 

I know that blessings come in all shapes and sizes.


Speaking of blessings, I hope that you had a wonderful Easter filled with family and great food. 

Pink Doberman

OnE mOrE DaY.

Things are better and better.  I guess a big storm system blew through.. Although we did not get much of it here I must have been feeling it.  I am doing so much better just exhausted now!  Thank God!  Easter weekend should be just beautiful!  I hope it is for everyone. 

Things are pretty calm around here these days.  I am happy with that I guess. 

We have friends with a new baby!  That is divine!  Another who is doing well after having brain surgery.  Several friends being thought of this week who have kids with Autism.  A cousin who has kids with Traumatic Brain Injury who has just closed on a house they will be fixing up.  Another friend who had a fire in her home is her new roof on her house this week, another who is going through a traumatic divorce.  Four weddings coming up.. life is amazing. 

Birds are beautiful..

Friends with birthdays, others who are finding jobs, one who has survived cancer, another who has had a foster daughter change her name to include hers.  Some other friends are dealing with the loss of their mother or father.   I am also sure there are more whom I am sure are going through something whether it be exciting, traumatic, or normal that I have not heard from.  Life moves on it takes turns, and will always come to an end. 

I personally like living in the dashes.  The things in between birth and death.  I really like all that people can cram in that little tiny dash.  A person from the town in which I live is headed back to the space shuttle!  How cool is that!  Clay Anderson will be making his second trip in to space.  Talk about a person who never gives up.  While I have met him, (most people in town have if they wanted to)  I knew his mom.  She was an amazing person herself.  PBS did a special on him as well!  Here is his Wiki Profile..  You can even follow him on Twitter! 

It is official, Luka has some sort of upset tummy, he has now thrown up three times.  He is going to have to stay at home for a few days, not that we've gone anywhere recently any how.  But I was hoping to.  We will just have to see how that is all going to work out. 




Some more Etsy things..

This is beautiful!  Very stylish!

How adorable for someones little girl! 

Reminders of my childhood.   It is truly amazing what you can find on Etsy!   

Excited about some things coming up.  It is nice to have things to look forward to.  Even if they are simple!

Hope you are looking forward to something!  I am... I am looking forward to some Peeps and Malted Milk Eggs!

Blessings,
Pink Doberman

ShOpPiNg

Sometimes I really wonder. 

Not sleeping well last night it was no wonder that Luka's nose found me..  his persistence paid off and I woke up enough to take my medication.  Thankfully so!  Not sure what happened but I am still feeling horribly achey and sore today.  I am wondering if I need to take even more medication.  I am doing well but can only imagine what today would have been like with out him. 

Jason woke up too, because every time I try to be quiet, I think I am noisier that ever!  So frustrating.  At any rate it was nice because Luka just was not calming down.  So he got put in bed by me.  Thank goodness for our king sized bed.  Jason needs it anyway because of his size but with three of us in here I am so grateful for it.  Especially since I am the one in the middle. 

Luka dutifully curled up next to me and slept there with me all morning.  Which I was glad for.  Often if he alerts on me he sticks to me like glue.  Which is so nice. 

On another topic, the food I made him yesterday of reheated potatoes did not seem to agree with him.  He got sick late this morning.  Not at all what I wanted to deal with but hey, at least I could. 

So I will try cooking the food yet again, I am guessing the raw eggs did not meld with the potatoes therefore some how upsetting his stomach.. That was the only difference this time..

I have also stopped the dry food.  Since doing these adjustments I did not want to confuse my results so I will start the kibble again next week to check out what happens.

I wish things were a little simpler.  The load of laundry I was planning to fold yesterday is still sitting here.  I ended up cooking something to eat rather than folding the load of laundry.  I've been staring at it.  I hope to get that done today.  Although I am sure that some of it will be so wrinkled that it will need to go back into the dryer.  ( that is my pet peeve.. wearing wrinkled clothes ) 

My whole body feels like it weighs a ton today, my legs hurt in strange places my arms hurt in strange places.. gosh I really don't know what is going on.  I am guessing I have just over done things.  So here I sit.  I have been looking out the window at the birds.  Jason got a couple more pictures which is so nice! 

I have also been looking at some things online as well.  Mostly facebook as I am not doing well in the thinking department today.  It is on again off again for me.  Besides my head is still hurting.  The additional medication is sounding better and better..  Probably should go find some more before I forget again..

I am doing pretend shopping on Etsy today!  Looking at all of the beautiful things and imagining that I have just ordered them.  Some for myself and some for gifts for others.  I do this in catalogs and magazines as well, only I grab a permanent marker and do it with them.  Today I am only doing the internet thing. 

It makes me feel better.  I can't say why, but since I have always loved shopping I guess it stands to reason.  Besides, doing it this way is much easier, I can have an unlimited budget and can gift everyone I know!   Have you been to Etsy?  Surely you have!  It is where you can find anything made by hand, and some old things as well.  


You can find things from the Wild and Fun to the Simple and Chique! 

Here are some of the fun things I have found!  I think these would be great to wear to an exercise or dance class.  I love the white ones!  Brazilian Style of course!!  Cha Cha Cha!

This would be pretty in my hair I think! 


This is just so lovely!

This reminds me of four special little girls!   

My niece would love this!

I love vintage jewelry! 

Well you get the idea!  I could go on and on and on all day!  I mostly just sit and look at the recently posted items.  I have never purchased anything off of Etsy.  I would love to!  But just can't justify it.  Jason says I can justify anything I want.  But little does he know how long my list can go! 

Mind boggling.. and NO I do not sit here and think of every thing I can't have and be miserable!  Quite opposite, I am just happy that there are people out there living their dreams, following their passion and I love seeing what great things they come up with.  You never know.. some day I may become an Etsy purchaser!  For now I will be a dreamer!

Here's to happy dreams!
Blessings,
Pink Doberman

NoT tOo BaD!

Happy April 1st!  No Jokes here... I am not good at those, they always seem to back fire or really irritate someone..  So just the normal happy it is SpRiNG thing!!

So excited about Spring!  Have I mentioned that yet?  Really excited!  I mean REALLY!  I am watching 4 rabbits running through the alley of the block next to ours.  They are out having fun, playing hopscotch, the birds are eating out of our bird feeder that just yesterday I placed outside my window!  We ave red birds, blue birds, black birds, brown birds.. so many birds.  I have the windows open and am listening to them all chatter!  It is so wonderful!  Not to mention the beautiful sunshine that we have been having and the warm lovely weather!  Oh MY!  This girl is so much happier! 

I slept all morning, another migraine.. with a whole pile of medication to get rid of it.. by two I was able to be up and around a bit, so I continued to work on getting the house in shape a bit! After yet another night of not sleeping I've had a really good day!  I've even gone out and gotten the mail!  Woo Hoo! 

The eggs I thought were going to be delivered to day never came.. UGGG... because I also have managed to get the potatoes baked, and the squash baked as well..   So this will mean no eggs for Luka this batch..  as the eggs need to go in with the hot potatoes.  What do they say about the best laid plans??  Just gotta smile..

I didn't get any gardening stuff done today, my neck is still pretty sore from being up so much yesterday.  So after being up for a while I am back to resting..  I suppose that will do.. The interesting things outside are keeping me company and driving Luka nuts..

Luka is laying here frustrated because all of the other dogs in the neighborhood start barking at things every once in a while..  He'd love to get outside and join them.  Sadly for him that is not what I am up for today.  I had planned to sit outside.. I kind of did, by opening up the windows I could get the best of it with out getting more tired!  I had a good day!  I am glad! 

I just love this picture!  Jason does such a nice job!  He took Luka out to play and got some great pictures of him too! 

While I am thrilled the snow is gone!  I do love some of the pictures that Jason took this past winter.  I truly think it was the thing that made the winter survivable for me! 

Well, for now Tchau! 
Pink Doberman

FoOd!?!?

So things have been going better.  I have had a really great day yesterday, a good day before that also!  I will take it.  I definitely made the most of it.  So resting today will be very important.  My neck is already driving me nuts.  It was yesterday too.. but my energy was better so I could still do more.

Thrilled with the improvement in the weather.  I am sure that is helping.  I really could share lots more about how I have been feeling but it is so similar to how I always am that I am finding it to boring to share more of. 

However, I am frustrated.  I managed to slice my finger open yesterday while I was feeling well.. but I have no clue when I did it... I have a feeling there is blood everywhere.. I finally noticed the blood, by then it was dried all over my finger.  Thank goodness I clot!   That could have been bad.  Kind of freaks me out that I don't notice some of these things.  ( I AM A DRAMA QUEEN)  =)

Of course, now, I feel my finger.. It hurts as I type.. but obviously not bad enough to not type.  While it is puffy and sore, it is not cut where my finger bends, it is actually on the pad of the finger.. so no matter what I do with my right hand I am going to feel it.. 


The nice weather has really been a thrill.  My new knitting hobby, goes great with the sunshine also.  My Doctor had shared that he wanted me to get some sunshine.. so I sit out side and knit!  It is perfect!  I plan on doing this everyday I can.  Even if I don't feel the best I am figuring out how to do that.  Sunscreen on of course!  The knitting is something simple I can do outside.  I have not done allot of knitting but the more I do the better I am getting.  I am sure I am still making mistakes, but I am not really doing it for perfection...

Luka has been doing great too!  That is so nice.  His feet are healing!  YEA!  He is doing so good about leaving them alone.  I think they are finally almost all closed up.  In celebration we are also trying a new dog food.. FINGERS CROSSED!  As Luka is eating us out of house and home.  We've been making his food for months now.  It seems to be the only way to keep his allergies at bay.  When he has an allergic reaction it creates "HOT" spots on his feet, which he will lick raw, and then start chewing on because of the itch and sores..  it can get out of control quickly! 

So, these are the things he has allergies too.. with a reminder that you should never feed someone's dog with out asking permission first..

Grains ( all that we have tried including corn, wheat, oats, rice ) 
Poultry ( our Vet shared that we should avoid all birds as well )
Milk
Preservatives (don't know which ones specifically )


Here is what he can eat:
Potatoes White and Sweet
Squash
Zucchini
Beef
Deer
Flax Seed
Salmon (fish)
Pumpkin
Apples
Bananas
Pears
We are also giving him the same Isagenix Products that we eat as well.  They are loaded with protein and vitamins.  He even likes eating the little Snack Bites! 
Oil- Still working out which one is best, but he seems to do alright with Canola and Olive Oil..
An additional Supplement called Immunoplex that seems to be helping also! 
Eggs, but must be mixed with the Hot White Potatoes.. otherwise he can't eat those either.. grrr.

Tried beans, but boy is he stinky with those!  So we are avoiding those for now! 



He gets snacks of Beef Livers, Dried Sweet Potato, Isagenix Snacks, Deer Jerky, Dried Beef, Apples, Dried Seaweed (wierd I know!)

So that is what we are doing these days.  We've tried lots of different dog foods, many with disastrous results for his feet!  I hesitate to even try one more, but each time we try something new, I guess we are also learning what else to avoid...

I am just so thankful that our Vet figured out this solution for us!   We are trying a preservative free food now, that also avoids all of the things we know are bad for him..  Fingers Crossed...  It has been so hard to keep food made for him.  We are doing it, but WOW, having a dog food option as well would be helpful..

I swore I would never cook my dogs food..  Once again I have learned never say never!  I am just going to go with the flow!

One other great thing, since I have been feeling better, I have been able to get some cleaning and organizing done!  Oh that is a good thing for sure.  Our house while being far from "trashed" was making me nuts!  I have been saving egg cartons.  We now are back to getting our eggs from a local farmer, in fact they are supposed to be delivered today in fact! 

I chose to be preemptive this time, and have already placed my bag of egg cartons outside!  So when my delivery guy shows up I can make sure to send those with him.  YES, my local farmer DELIVERS!  Woo Hoo!!

We've got all of our recycling things out and ready to go as well, bad thing is that where we live they stopped the free collection of plastics and card boards.  Grrrr...  So we will have to look for another place to recycle those or just dump them in the trash I guess.  I am not paying extra and changing garbage companies to get that service curbside.  We don't make that much trash! 

I now just have to get my taxes in order.  I usually end up filing late anyway.  I don't mind doing that, my CPA is awesome, and has plenty of other people's taxes to get done early.  He has my preliminary stuff and so we are all set that way..  We still do the same thing essentially, but just get things done a bit later..

But I will plan to have my things to him before the deadline in case he gets done with everyone else early. 

I really work to be on time. 

I am also excited about planting things, although right now with my aching neck and messed up finger it doesn't sound fun at all.  Yesterday I did manage to get some organizing done in the garage as well.  Yes, I entered Jason's domain.  I think he wanted to boot me out of there... I was reorganizing his entire area.  I couldn't help it, I had plans..  ( we had discussed them last year.. I remembered them but had not been well enough to be able to do anything about making it happen until yesterday )

Jason to say the least was a little shocked!  But he did recall the conversation and let me do my thing, he moved what ever I asked him to and was so helpful despite being fried from working all afternoon.  When he got home I was in full swing of clean and organize!  I think he was stunned!  To be honest, I was too, I never thought a day would get here that my body would let me move and do things.  This winter was brutal! 

My migraines were under control for the most part thankfully, I got allot of them but no ER visits for them!  That is HUGE!  Yea!  LUKA!! 

Today, no matter how I feel I have to get the potatoes baked, and the squash baked too.. Otherwise, Luka is going to be starving!  That would be so bad!  Even if that is all I do! 

I'd also like to park myself outside for a while as well..  That would be good too.. So we'll see!  I am hopeful, the day is young! 

Hoping your day is productive too!  Blessings,
Pink Doberman




 

EgGs... & SeRviCe DoG NeWs...

This post shares something important at the end!

Things while difficult in some areas are better in others.  Luka and I attended an event last night.  Jason dropped us off and our very prego friend L dropped us off at home.  She was there also making beautiful things with me.

We made Eggs!  Yep!  Eggs.  We did not cook them they in fact are still RAW!  Loving that part!  We dyed them.  Pysknky Style!   We had our event at this great place!  Check it out!   It was fun.  I was completely worn out afterward, and today I am definitely medicated!  But I got to do something creative with friends, which was totally worth it.










They are a wax relief... you paint the wax on with this little device called a Kistky they have three sizes of them and make fancy electric ones.....

See how busy everyone is.. Thanks to Gina for taking some great pictures for me!

So this is the design I did.. what is black on my egg is soon to be white and what is white is soon to be black.. The little tan square is bees wax.. You dip your Kistky in the bees wax after holding in in the flame.  Scoop up the wax and it melts on in a line to your egg..  You can also see my practice lines on the plate.

Yep, I copied it.. Well, not quite.  I did my own version...  But it is similar..

You melt the wax off after you have dipped the egg in the dye.  I didn't get a shot of us doing that, but there were so many tempting colors to choose from.  I couldn't think.. So I just chose black.

My friend L's egg... isn't it cute?  Luka kept wanting an egg too, but he finally was resigned to just watch and wait for us to finish!  He was quite the good sport and received rave reviews on upon our exit! Gosh, as I type this I am watching PBS again of course..  I am now watching a show that is featuring EGGS.. How cool is that? 
Here is a link to a PDF version of Burt Wolfe's Show..  It features these eggs! 

My friend W's Egg..  I think this one is inspired!

G's egg!  She is so gifted!

My egg finished.  

This is the other egg I made.... I didn't want to stare at another picture and "copy"  but I couldn't think of what to make either.. so it is a scribble egg!  Not a scrambled on.. Ha Ha!!  Ok, I know my humor is terrible..

 The eggs are all still RAW.. we are supposed to just turn them occasionally and they will dry out!  How crazy is that!  I am so excited!  ( Oh, and you pray they don't crack, because then your whole house will stink REAL BAD!)

But they are fun!

If you'd like to make this style of eggs go to..   The Ukrainian Gift Shop  

These eggs are amazing!



 So this is what I really want you to take a minute and check out..  



One of my friends called me today!  He shared with me a video that he saw featured on CNN.  Since he knows I am interested in things to do with people that have Service Dogs, he shared this with me.

This is another Service Dog video  this was just featured on CNN.. about fighting for rights..  Thanks to Kevin Stone and his Service Dog Mambo as well as Luis Carlos Mantovan and his Service Dog Tuesday  for fighting for the rights of Veterans to have them covered by insurance!  

I can surely say I am better off for having Luka in my life.  I take less medications, I am more active than I previously was with out him.  I am also happier and I also look forward to more things in general.  Even if I am still not out and about like I was before my accident, after having him I am having a significantly better quality of life.  I of course think they should be covered by all insurance companies.. but I am not asking for a miracle.. These veterans DESERVE to have the best quality of life they can have.  They have fought for our freedom!  Treat them well! 

By the way, this friend is preparing to go to Afghanistan to support the effort there.  He gets orders to leave soon. 

Blessings and Thanks For All That You Do!

Pink Doberman

AtTiTuDe & mY hUbBY!

What do you do when everything falls apart?



You just start picking up the pieces one at a time.





Our lives often feel like a puzzle.  Often times fitting together perfectly.  Most of the time a little effort is required, if not allot of effort.

Today seemed to be no exception.  I don't feel like disclosing what happened.  I will say it involved money of course..

But Jason is once again my hero.  This time he used major amounts of self control, I am sure!  I am sure thoughts of running the other direction entered his mind every time I started to speak.  He also gave me hope when I was losing it.

I appreciated that.  I am usually the hopeful one.. but I am frustrated these days and on and off of pain meds I am sure does not help my mental state.

At any rate.. Jason persisted through many obstacles that were in his way.  He came out on the other side my shining hero!  I really know that his frustration and stress level have not been decreasing.  He however has really been shining in the attitude department!  I am not sure what he is doing.  He really never has been bad or horrible... he used to just be less than excited about some things..  and his tone would reflect it.

His tone has changed.  His attitude is changing.  I am loving that!

He deserves so much credit for sticking with me!  He has just been the best husband anyway.  He does everything that has to be done.  This time what he did helped me be a stronger person.  His attitude and willingness to do all that he could with the best attitude really meant the world to me.  It makes me love him even more.  He is quite wonderful.  I feel blessed in the midst of difficult times.

He has also been out taking some other great pictures!!  I am really impressed with what he does!  I love looking at all of the cool things he is out seeing and capturing digitally! We have yet to print any of his shots.

Maybe in the future.  But since that costs extra we will just have to have a plan! 








I love this one.  It is so simple it is peaceful to me!

Some leaves hang on despite all of the challenges that winter provides and this winter was a doozie!  These leaves to me remind me of the potential in all of us to hang on spring or a new season will be here soon!



I wish I could do something that would improve things as we know it.  I am working on that...

For now I am just going to hang on and listen to him playing his guitar in the basement!


Love you honey, and I appreciate you and all that you do!

Pink Doberman

A LiTtLe dReAm!!

What do you do when you'd like to be out having fun in the nicer weather?

Dream about it!

So even though this is pretty much what everything looks like I sure would like to be gallivanting around to see it all for myself!  Well, I do get to go to see Dr. M. tomorrow!  YIpie Ky Yo...  I don't mean that!  But that is the most exciting thing I have planned!  I have managed to not take any medication today!  I am sure my liver is appreciating that! 

Hope I've been good enough today that my night will go as smoothly!

Of course I do have a list of other things I need/want to do tomorrow.  Time will tell.  It will be up to Jason if they all happen I suppose.  Or he may just have to go run around and do the things for me...  with a Honey PLLLLllllleeeeeeZZZZZZE!

He is so amazing about that sort of stuff.  I try not to ask him to by "girl stuff".  You know what I mean...

I am sure he would, but I am not sure I would get what I ordered!  I would guarantee he would get me something, but exactly what I wanted??  I even have to stand in that isle for an hour to find the right package. 

He did grab the absolutely perfect shampoo the other day though!  I was pretty impressed!  I even got a confirmation phone call!  Now that is a Real Man for you!

My definition has never included muscles and a nasty attitude.  Although he does have muscles.. but he checks the attitude! 

We just got back from another of his teaching trips.  He ended up having to pack my bags and all when we came home.  I try to pack my bags.  I should be able to put shirts in a bag..  I am so grateful that he did that.  He also carries everything loads everything, and even made a trailer to hall things.  Of course he likes it when we leave that at home!  Which we often do!  Our little wagon is quite handy.

So life is good.  I have a good man here to make sure I make it everywhere with all of my pieces!  A dog that goes along for the ride and is around when my good man isn't. 

Blessed and Dreaming!  Hope you are too!
Pink Doberman

a LiTtLe rElaXaTiOn

Certainly winter is beautiful.  I will give it that!


Playing in the snow also has its benefits.  Snow Angels, tunnels, sled ramps, and Snow Men~

I don't do those things any more.  I did do a Snow Angel most recently I must say I am not coordinated enough to really do them right any more.. I mostly muck them up before I can get out of them.  But the joy is in the doing of it. 

On our drives to where Jason teaches.. he will stop and take some pictures.  Even while he is at home he will take off in the mornings or whenever really to see if he can't find some shots. 

These two were taken of the Loup River.  It is a beautiful area!

Driving down the road I get the feeling .....

I loved to drive.  It was my time to be on my own and to gather my thoughts.  I am learning to do this in different ways these days. 

What are the ways that you destress and self gather?

Service dogs need down time too.  Time to run and time to play.  Time to be a dog.  Just like people need time away from their jobs, their kids, etc..

Luka is no different.  Mostly at home he is a dog.  I have pretty well arranged my life to do things on my own here at home.  Of course there is the occasional need for him to be present near me.  Like when I get stuck in the middle of the living room floor.. I could drag myself to the couch.. but that is not the best for me either. 

So I can just give him a holler and he'll come over to help.  It is pretty slick!  He sticks close by me for the most part anyway.  Especially if I am not feeling well.  He is constantly sticking his nose up at me.  I've started blowing his direction as well.  He's checking for something that tells him that I am going to get a migraine. 

When he lets me know I am going to get sick he has a pattern that he performs to tell me that I need to take my medication.  He gets rewarded with a treat!  At least sometimes.  It is good for him to do it just for praise.  The treats occasionally really help keep him motivated as well!

So this is one of the things that Luka does to have fun!  He loves to chase balls!

Aren't his shoes the best!!  I think so!  Here's the link.. I don't get anything but the satisfaction that more dogs have happy feet for sharing this with you.. Just like most things on my site! 

Blessings,
Pink Doberman

By the way, I've been doing better.  I have my pain medication and I am up and around more!  Which is good because the house really needed some help! 

HoMe hEaRt iS

Home is where the heart is. 

Jason is home again.  Which is so nice.  He is sleeping now and since I've been a night owl, I am typing.  I think when I go to sleep he will soon wake up.  Which works out fine anyway.  He's got plans to go out and snap some more pictures! 

I am happy for that.  I know he didn't take many shots on his teaching trip.  So this will give me more to look at tomorrow.  I have really been craving something new to look at.  We have bunches of pictures, lots of decent ones and many good ones.  We also have lots of bad ones.. so I think I am going to work on deleting those!  Get them out of our files. 

I also need to get some pictures printed.  I have to get those chosen as well.  I am really hoping that tomorrow will be a nice day and I can get outside for a bit and sit in my chair.  My medication should be available as well.  So that might solve a few of my issues.  Fingers crossed! 

While my life has come to a slow down, others I know have had their lives put on the fast track.  They are busy multi-tasking and doing this interesting thing and that.  I am glad that they are.  My head lately has been slow.  Slow at even imagining.  I don't know if the depression is getting worse or what. 

Yeah, I realize I am depressed.  I have been down this road.  You could say I am an expert.  I will beat it.  I sure could use some warm weather and sunshine to make it easier.  Come on Spring!  Lets turn this country GREEN! 

I need to get our taxes sorted for our CPA also.  Yikes.  That is going to take a clear head.  I have hopes of doing that.  I have gathered everything, I did that in Feb... I am going to start running out of time. 

I also would like to do some baking.  A friend posted a gluten free recipe on her blog. 

Another friend would be fun to have over to eat the gluten free recipe with!  She could probably use it too.  She's going through a rough transition.  Brain Surgery.  Can you even imagine what that must be like.  Anyhoo.. she had a seizure this week her first week out from surgery.  We are worried for her as you can imagine. 

At the same time we are also quite frustrated.  I am not in any condition to go off galavanting to see her.  Hopefully I will get something worked out with that.  It would be perfect to go hang out with her.  I am not sure if she is buzzing around her house or sitting quietly.. but either would be fun.  Her hubby could probably use someone to talk with also. 

Since Jason is practically an expert in dealing with lifestyle change..  Both guys are so similar it is frightening!  It would be something that they may both enjoy as well.  Who knows, we will just have to see what happens.

I did look outside today.  Last week or sometime anyway, I had taken a picture of a robin.  A big big fat robin.  Full of eggs.  Today I glanced out the window to see skinny robin's out and about.  So I wonder if the eggs are all laid?  

I am quite proud of this picture!  Jason was even surprised!  I must say that I am even more proud because I changed the camera's settings to get the lighting right.  Jason had shown me how one day.. Well, I hadn't paid that good of attention to how he got to the screen..  So I just started pushing buttons.. 

I am sure he would have been mortified and terrified that I was going to wreck something.. But hey, the camera is virtually a computer right??  The main thing is not to drop it!  And I had that puppy hooked on so it was not going anywhere! 

I shot my first bird!  (BIG GRIN)

I really can't wait to see more birds.  My grandmother used to paint them all of the time.  Maybe that is what I will try to do as well.  She liked using acrillic paint.  But I think I am more of a watercolor girl.  I have been wanting to try out the oil thing... so who knows. 

I also want to make a braided rug.  I am guessing I will need help with this stitching the whole thing up because it will get quite heavy.  But we really need a rug for our living room and I think I could make a pretty great one!  I have it all in my mind.

I thankfully have not had a migraine the past day or so!  I am super thrilled about that!  The last one I had was a doozy with all of the other issues I was having.  Luka caught it, so while it did get worse than they have been we did get it caught soon enough for the meds here at home to take care of it.  Thankfully!  I really hate going to the ER. 

I might give the urgent care thing a try sometime.  But I need to find out more about that.  I have a feeling they'd just throw their hands up in the air with me.  Placate me and I still would have no relief. 

Hopefully that issue is mute anyway.  I plan on only going to the hospital as a visitor, not as a patient. 

Since I have not been moving around much, my neck is doing better!  No moving no causing unhappy nerves!  But my rear end and the back of my head are going to need a vacation.  They are so unhappy!  Way to much sitting in similar positions! 

I am looking forward to dying some Easter Eggs.  I can't wait to share pictures!  They are going to be glorious!  I even have friends coming to dye them with me!  I don't know what I will do with them, but I just thought they would be fun to make.  It is a workshop with a teacher and everything!  I am so excited! 

The last one of these I could not attend.  So I am better prepared this time.  Jason is going to be home and can run Luka and I out to the class!  Even if I feel crummy I will go and watch!  That way I can do it later on my own! 

I think the way we will be doing the eggs will be similar to using water color as well.  Not the same but similar.  It looks interesting to me anyway.  I can't wait to share pictures! 

Life is a gift, be sure to open yours!
Blessings,

Pink Doberman