ShOeS..

Shoes!  Can I tell you again how I really love shoes!  I've been bit again by the shoe bug!  I am partial to Brazilian Shoes!  But I pretty much love all pretty shoes!  I think my room would be shelved in shoes if I had my way! 

My friends at the Buckle have some the shoes that have inspired this post.  I am in the mood for pretty shoes.  I put a pair of my naughty naughty heels on the other day and walked about in them for a minute.  I really miss my shoes.  I don't dare wear them much.  I am wobbly at best these days.  I still dream of wearing my shoes again.

Soon!  That is my hope.  Jason has finally worked enough that I can start back to the Dr. again as well as get started back to therapy.  Down side to that between him working all that he does the only other thing that he will be able to do is drive me to the appointments.  They have already started, but will be back to full swing next week.  I wish it hadn't taken us this long to gather enough funds.  But I can't stand owing all of these places so much money.  We still will have to deal with some bills but with him continuing to work all that he does and has scheduled I think we will make it through.  Maybe not gracefully but hey, who is graceful these days??

I am grateful for getting back to the Dr. and therapy.  I've been sliding backwards which has been discouraging.  I am trying some new things so who knows.  I am praying for a miracle, in more ways than you can imagine!

I went for a walk yesterday with Jason we went a few blocks.  It was great!  Unfortunately my legs started to give out before we got back home.  He carried me the rest of the way.  Just moving around the house today too they started to get weak.  So I really am going to have my work cut out for me!  If my neck isn't bugging me something else starts as I over do in other areas.  grrrr.

My neck has done pretty well today actually.  I am happy about that.  I did read a post today about a gal who I've been reading about who has begun to get denials from her insurance for her recovery.  This makes me sick.  She is still in recovery and if her therapy does not continue she may never get any semblance of her life back.  It is so scary!  She is a young mother who has had a stroke she used to work as a model.  Read about Katherine here.



I also wanted to take a moment to write a HUGE HUGE THANK YOU to my friend!  I've got a new to me computer!  Jason has his back at work with him regularly and I can now access the internet!  There is more work to be done in this area, but thanks to my gracious and giving friend I am able to be all hooked up.  I forget when my computer died but it has been quite some time.  It was such a great surprise for me.  I am just so grateful!  I've also been quite grateful for Jason letting me keep his computer with me since mine had crashed. 

Life is good!  I am blessed! 

Here is to getting your toes some sunshine!

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

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

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

SuRpRiSeS!!!, FiShiNG & HuNTiNG

When life shoots you lemons make some Pink Lemonade!  I sure try to do that.  Work within what I can do and do my best at it.  I am different, that is a given!  I have always known that.  I am a girl who grew up working on a farm like a boy.  My dad was an ag teacher and then farmer/rancher my mother was a Home Economist and then substitute teacher, librarian and then everything else until she found her calling as a career counselor for a local university.

So I grew up with both worlds being shoved at me.  I did the farm chores, the irrigating, the digging of musk thistle roots and dead heading into a bag, laying out of aluminum irrigation pipe and picking it up, as well as everything in between.  My mom enrolled me in 4-H.. I was a handful.  I did all of the "girl stuff" wrong... being a very frustrating child for my perfectionist mother.  She soon kicked me out of the house and gave me to my father to keep using for chores and things outside.  I even ended up enrolling in Ag in High School.  What a shock that was for everyone!

Well, all that time with boys, meant I was also learning to use some boy's toys.  Heavy metal bands, cars, as well as shooting.  My dad has always loved to fish so I did that too.  I much preferred water skiing!  But just loved being out on the lake even if swimming wasn't in the plan for the day.

If we did a good job chopping thistles my dad would take us to the lake.  If it had rained we'd go to the lake... as I became an adult the opportunities didn't present themselves and the boat my dad had had to small of a motor to pull adults out of the water very well.  Every opportunity I go to go out to the lake I would take of course!  I still loved it.

The hunting opportunities went by the wayside as well.  I'd say I am more of a shooter of non alive objects.  But since Luka my service dog is allergic to everything, I now feed him deer.  A friend has gotten me one every year.  That has been great!  Luka eats so much that that isn't going to last us all year for sure.  So I was thrilled when after going to the latest "Outdoor Type Show" in the area, that my husband came home with a brochure for a group of hunters and fishermen that take out people with disabilities.  They even have adaptive devices for us to use!  I thought I couldn't even fish because holding on to the pole would prove to be painful!  Let alone reeling it in.  Shooting a gun, well lets just say I can't even lift my guns up.  ( Yes, I am a gun owner.)

I never bought my guns I earned them.  I sold magazines in High School and if you were the top seller of magazines that week you got to pick out prizes.  They were boys prizes since we were raising money for FFA.  Guns and knives and stuff.  So that's what I earned!  I also got a bunch of other junky stuff as well.  But I worked hard to be the best, even if the prize was a gun.  ( I thought I'd give them to my dad.)

Nope, he was happy I had earned them and he got me shells for them, and then some of the guys in FFA took me out shooting, and my outdoor adventures took another turn.  I ended up shooting a few animals, not for sport, but living on the farm rabid animals or dangerous animals sometimes appear.  I could shoot and so I did what needed to be done.

I love target shooting, and shooting traps.  I really also like eating deer since it is hormone free and very lean and it costs less.  It is also great for Luka.  Jason used to hunt as well.  He's been talking about getting out again.  I have shared that he should go, that I just didn't know how to make it work.  Taking me along is no vacation.  I am allot of work for him.  I need a mattress, I need help with this and that, I need a level place to sit, I can't be out there picking up branches for a fire or chopping anything.  I could cook, if things were at standing height and I had a flat surface.  I really need a camper..   He's wanted to go camping for a long time now, we used to do that!  We have friends with matching tents and chairs, we used to go on outdoor adventures!  Go canoeing, or hiking checking out all that was around to see.  I guess I just need to give it a try and see what I can do.. 

Read about how I am finding the impossible might once again be possible..

Check out this organization!     SANDS  I want you to check it out so I won't even share what the acronym means...

I guess there are people who may help us with all sorts of things.  I am a handful without my physical issues.. =D.

Oddly enough one of the people in the group is a boy ( a man now) who I grew up sitting in front of at church when I was little!  I think that is pretty cool! 

Yes I really am also a girly girl too!  Fashion, Makeup, Pink.. I guess my personality is sort of a dichotomy. 

If you know one side of me you may not know about the other... I am different I always have been.  I may look just like you, but I am unique.  You may look just like me but you are unique.  I value you and what you are able to do.  Please value me and what I am able to do.  Look at our similarities not our differences. 

When I open a door, treat me with respect, I promise to do the same.  That is all I ask! 

By the way Channel 10/11 Lincoln NE will be featuring LB 858 on March 2 and 3 with a series of different interviews.  I hope you will watch, record, or check out their website on the subject!  So THAT IS TODAY AND TOMORROW!  ...  (this is one of my surprises) 

Hope you will watch! 
You might just find out who I am!

Blessings,
Pink Doberman

NeW dOoRs!

I got a gardening book in the mail today.  I have read page one and two.  That's about as fast as I go these days.  I hope to check out three and four in a bit.  I used to wonder how all of those TV infomercials and things that come in the mail worked.  I mean who actually bought that stuff. 

I now know, it is people like me, who find it difficult to get out and see what the rest of the world can see easily and regularly as they choose.  Ha!  An answer to another life long question.  =)!

I love catalogs, I rarely order, but I do grab my permanent marker and circle everything I love!  Makes me feel like I have gone shopping.  I do miss grabbing the fabric of a shirt through my fingers to see how it feels, or picking the hanger up an holding it in front of me to actually get a different perspective.  What I miss most is trying the varying styles, colors and outfits on before leaving the store.  Spending hours just looking or trying things on.  I loved that! 

Now, my favorite place to shop is at thrift stores.  I just grab everything in my size toss it into a cart and check out.  I then try it all on at my leisure at home and can return what doesn't work.  Hey, it works!  I still get to test it all out!  Now that I know what I like and what looks better than others, it has become even easier. 

My creativity is hard at work as well to discover what goes good together.  Styles from the past still work today!  You just have to know how to put things together.  I found out that after spending years in bed and not going out at all except to Dr's offices.  That my style was dated.  My makeup style was dated, and so was my style for choosing clothing.  I am not sure that it is still much better.  I feel that I missed out on a whole bunch of different styles.  And besides having to get a whole new wardrobe from thrift stores, because I had gone down in size 12 whole sizes proved to be an expensive venture, even at thrift store prices!  Good news, I am figuring it all out! 

I still have to rid my closet of things that make me look as if I were 12 years old.  Ha!  But, I really love wearing clothes that I would have never dreamed of wearing before.  So if you see me in something age inappropriate, just smile and know I will be tired of it soon!  But give a girl a chance to express herself before she sends those things back to the thrift store. 

I've got several friends who are also loosing!  Some are doing it the way I did!  Others are doing it differently!  I think it is great to find what works for you!  One friends Blood Pressure has gotten into normal ranges with the loss of 7 pounds!  Another has lost 10-15 and hopes to find hers lowered as well soon.  One more is fitting into clothes from her past!  She has been just loving it!  Yet another keeps shrinking little by little and is using it as an opportunity to spice up her wardrobe with new things!  Fun Fun Fun! 

I am so excited for everyone!  I am also excited for me!  As you know if you've been following my journey that I didn't start with my program to loose weight I started it for the vitamins to get my bones stronger, and follow the Dr's recommendations.  Side benefit of the program I chose was loosing weight!  Yippee!!  Size 16 to a size 2!  Yeeeks!! 

As an additional perk along with some basic Physical Therapy, some help from Luka my Service Dog who tells me prior to my getting one type of my migraines caused from weather and movement, and being on a regular vitamin and cleansing regimen the severity of my migraines has decreased substantially!  I still get them about half as frequently or so.. weather has allot to do with that I think, and I am learning what I can and can't do more with therapy so I don't cause more.  At any rate the severity has decreased abundantly!  Woot Woot Woot!  I had inklings of this last year!  I dared not say anything for fear that it was just seasonal. 

I've been holding out on sharing because I wanted it to be a reality not just a happy thought!  I have made almost no migraine trips to the er!  Woot!!  I have had a few.  But amazingly and wonderfully my body is making progress!  < Mental Happy Dance Inserted Here =) >  Rarely do I actually get up and wiggle! 

I told myself, "Self, give it the winter, decide in the spring about how excited you should actually be."  Well, it isn't quite spring.  But in light of all that is happening and the 40 Degree weather... I am imagining it to be just around the corner. 

Thus the gardening book as well! 

Now if only the regular daily problems that I face and have would be improved.  I did have a great day yesterday.  Interesting and everything. 

I had my regular massage therapy appointment.  Now really understand that going to the therapist that I see is not one of those pleasurable experiences.  He isn't one of the phooo foo massage therapists, that heats up rocks and oils and has relaxing scents floating in the air.  It isn't lush or fancy it is work.  Work on his part the guy who does the Neuromuscular Massage as well as work on mine.   This is a painful type of massage it is good pain, but you aren't necessarily filled with energy or renewed afterward.  What I notice is a great sense of deep pain relief.  I am able to get in and out of the jeep easier, I can hold myself up straighter and I can sit for longer. 

I have to hold back the tears many day.  Hold back the cries for the therapy to stop.  I just focus on breathing to get through it each week.  It hurts, but the short amount of time he works on me will give me relief for much longer.  The pain is good pain, the relief comes at a price.  It is one of the least invasive and healthiest ways I can get some relief. 

Pills don't take away the pain they just hide it.  Getting this done each week, brings back the blood flow to my arms, makes it possible to move and hold my head up stops or reduces the sciatic pain.  For me it is a necessary evil.  =) I say this with a bit of humor, as my therapist is so not evil. 

This type of massage isn't the one that you want to get if you want to feel like you've just gone to heaven and you feel all floaty and dreamy.  Before my auto accident I used to go for those!  Ahhh!  I remember the days!   < Dreaming>  Dream over..

Find out more about this type of therapy.  Click Here

My particular massage therapist is the best I have ever been to.  I will tell you more soon I promise. 

Well, I did read a couple more pages in my gardening book.  Which I think will help me choose what to plant.  I had hoped to get to the library, but the library here in town is tiny and has absolutely no good place for me to be.  Which is frustrating because I grew up going to the library!  My mom worked at one and so did my mother in law.  My sister having told me about her library (the one I grew up using) shared that she could access her's online.  I don't think mine has that option.  I have looked online.  Grrr. 

So I am now reduced to doing what so many others must do.  Take advantage of those crazy things that come in the mail.  Use the internet to buy things and order from catalogs instead of stores.  Not horrible for sure.  Much preferred to my anxiety of going new places.  With out a doubt it is a much better option as well, as Jason hates to shop. 

I love to lollygag and look at everything that is new.  Go down isles, look touch and peruse.  He is a man on a mission.  Really these days that is the way it works for me to.  I most of the time don't have the energy to cruise the entire store. 

With my Physical Therapy, I have really focused on walking enough with the crummy weather this winter, consistent snow and ice this has presented a problem for me.  We did get a tread mill for $50 from Craigslist.  I have a feeling the $50 would have been better spent on snow melt.  The darn thing hardly works.  Jason would rather I not hop on.  If he does well the darn thing just won't move.  And the noise!  Yia Yie Eie..  it really is sadly comical =).

So, that hasn't been the best investment.  This spring and summer when people once again don't want theirs maybe we can find something better.  I am finally feeling able to be walking again anyway.  The weather thankfully may even be cooperating!  I am sure thankful for that!

Luka is resting here with me today.  We are both tired from yesterday.  My old guy really needs som good weather too!is still doing well at not aggravating his allergy sores.  Thank goodness, soon hopefully with vigilance he will be thoroughly healed! 

Yesterday, after the therapy appointment, we were interviewed!  Yep!  Interviewed!  About LB858!  I will be sharing more about this soon too!  Allot more.  That is all that I will be saying for now.

There is more but it will have to wait.  It is taking me forever to write today.

Blessings and new doors to new places!
Pink Doberman

pAiN pAsT pAiN pReSeNt... PrAyErS

Before I get started into my post, I want you to be sure to check out the right side of my blog.  I have moved some things around, and added quite allot as well.  I haven't done the advertising thing.  I probably should that might help us out but I really have a hard time with all of the commercialism.  So at this point at least I am opting to keep all of that extra type of stuff off of here.  It is harder to say no to this as I just watched a friend post about her new appliance that her advertising money paid for.  So enjoy reading.  Hugs!



It has been a pretty rough week for this girl and her dog.  Things are moving forward for that I am grateful.  With each step forward seems to cause me a great deal of pain, emotional and physical.  One day at a time I guess is all that you can do.

Last night the stress of it all really came to a boiling point.  I am really going to have to watch what I do.  I have started a couple of processes that are not yet finished.  Things I need to do, for myself, but mostly for others whom I care a great deal about. 

I hope my body can physically make it through and that my psyche can hold it together also.  One day at a time.  I keep repeating that God doesn't give you more than you can handle.  Sometimes I wish God would give it to someone else to handle.  The emotional and physical pain last night was almost unbearable.  If Jason hadn't been here, I really don't know what I would have done. 

I was back in the recliner, and he slept on the couch beside me.  Horrible night for sure.  He even ran out in the middle of the night to get medication for me.  Bless his heart!

I am doing everything I can.  I really have to keep my mind focused on the future and the present.  The night terrors are back.  I have been struggling with this again since a very painful episode earlier.  I just hope I can keep it from becoming a regular occurrence again. 

Sleep is something I am dreading for sure. 

Luka has been struggling a bit as well.  His allergies really flared up in December.  He is healing now, while it is hard for him to leave his boo boo's alone, he is really trying hard!  I am so proud of him.  He is able to go out with me some now again without problems.  While he is not yet perfect, he is so so much better. 

We've been keeping each other company this week while we are both trying to avoid aggravating our problems. 

Things are moving along on LB858  I am quite passionate about it.  However a couple of Senators on the list of the previous post are not on board with the proposed legislation.  Grrr...  Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinions.  I just really wish they could come hang out with me for a while.  They might get a different perspective of how important this legislation is to people like me. 

I have to say, being outspoken on this issue freaks me out, I am sure that is adding to the stress.  But if I don't who will?  This is what has been asked of me, I will do my best with sharing my perspective.  Besides Federal Law is totally on our side.   Learn more here!   It would just be so much better for everyone if the State of Nebraska would catch up! 

Well there is definitely more to come on this issue!  I am not going to share just yet but Thank God for people who really care!  Who are taking the time to do something about it and say something about it!  I have really been quite impressed by the integrity of Senator Kate Sullivan as well.  Her assistant Mikki M. is amazing as well!  I love their passion, and determination without persistent people like this there would be no hope for people like me. 

I've got lots more I could say, I just can't bring myself to go there right now.  I will be praying for a good night of happy sleep tomorrow is a big day!  

I want to give a shout out to my friends the B's the F's for a much needed break from reality.  Scott and Stephanie for persistence and hope!  I am terrified about tomorrow, as well as excited.  I really need to have a good night of sleep to make it through.  Pray that it is possible for me.  Luka's going to need his rest too. 

Big blessings to my friends R&K who are going through quite allot right now.  And a whole bunch of others who I am not mentioning but I have in my thoughts and prayers. 

I really did enjoy watching the woman's figure skating tonight!  What strong and beautiful women this world has in it!  They were each  to behold tonight!

Please keep us all in your prayers as well,

Pink Doberman

OuTiNg PaRt tWo

Luka and I showing off one of the new dobie puppies at the Doberman Showing.  See his new boots!!  Muttluks!!  They worked perfect!

I don’t think I will be wearing this outfit again.  Not having a long mirror to see how I look I really made some interesting choices with this outfit!  I did stay warm!!  That is really all that mattered! 

Two pairs of tights, long socks Fuggs skirt 2 shirts and a red blazer = nice and toasty girl!  Just a little funny looking. 

It ended up being a good day yesterday.  I sure felt my outing this morning.  I was pretty achy, but other than that I felt good. 

Unfortunately by afternoon my neck started acting up so my day has been uneventful. 

I was going to write more.  I did have more to say, but I can’t remember at all.  Lately I have been drawing some blanks.  I miss my Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy!  I am going backward instead of forward again. 

Bad thing is that it is a new year.  You have to pay a whole new batch of deductibles in the new year.  We don’t have the money.  Ozzie’s bills and my dental bills as well as my fading lifeline to the world, my computer (the screen is going bad). 

I will get a massage on Monday!  I am grateful for that.  It doesn’t go through insurance.  Oh boy oh boy! 

One thing at a time.  Since most day’s since I have stopped going to therapy I have gotten worse and worse and worse.  Well I will be finding a way to make it all up so I can get back on track getting more strength back. 

Sorry Jason, I guess that means you get to start being a regular chauffer again soon.  Welcome to boredom and getting nothing else done…..

 

The latest mortifying thing for Jason was having a friend A.K.  come in and use the bathroom while picking something up.  Our house is horrible.  The worst it has ever been, probably not, but the worst it has ever been when someone else saw it.   While I wasn’t mortified, I wasn’t thrilled, of course I am  happy to have people in no matter what our house looks like. 

We are not where we live, how clean our house is, how wealthy or poor, or what we drive or don’t.  We are people who are just doing the best we can do in this thing called life! 

And of course A.K. didn’t care, she wouldn’t ever care about that.  We have really good friends! 

I keep thinking I will get to clean it.  I get something done, but then get to tired, and the next thing you know it looks as if I haven’t done a thing. 

Jason does some things too but he has also got a lot on his plate.  So I guess if you plan on stopping by, bring your cleaning clothes!  Ha Ha!  Just kidding!  

 

Here are some more pictures that Jason has taken! 

What a beautiful boy!  So distinguished!  I really like these pictures!  He’ll take pictures of your family and pets too!

You can’t beat his prices!!

Well good night for now!  Tomorrow is always a better day!

Keeping Haiti in my mind!  BTW Just found where we will be donating!  Lutheran World Relief.  Thrivent will give matching donations!  I think for every one dollar we give they donate two!  You can even text your donations in! 

Blessings,

Pink Doberman

HaRd DaY & HiS cLaSs…

Depressing… so skip the top part if you don’t want to read.. It gets better below….

Today, I must have struggled.  Some days are harder than others.  I guess things cycle.  I get tired and my plans seem to go down the drain.  I wish that wasn’t the case. 

Procrastination can really kick in on those days too.  By the time I am actually having some energy or the pain has dissipated… I am so mentally miserable having thought of all I haven’t accomplished that I must force myself to follow through and do what is needed.  I hate this part. 

I know that everything in life does not revolve around fun.  I am not delusional.  I just wish that some things weren’t so hard.  Staying happy being one of them.  Staying focused on what needs done in the order that it needs done.  Many times I am thinking clearly enough to do the worst first.  Other times, like today the fog set in and life seems to go in a hodge podge of orders. 

Clearly not the type of day anyone wants to have.  I wish these days would go away.  When will it stop?  I wonder. 

I some days it seems impossible to push through, but I do.  I do not know how I do.  I always have really worked hard to do things my best. 

Days like this.  It seems a miracle that what ever I did got done.  It might be only the basics. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~ So in writing this last night I must have been getting the beginning of my weather induced pain issues..

I ended up sleeping most of the day.  The medication is finally helping.  It is now getting dark grrr.  I’ve had lots to do that I didn’t get done.  I still can’t really function which is why I chose to write again. 

I did manage to get the packages I needed to send out.  All but two of them anyway.  Jason will take the rest of them tomorrow. 

I am glad Jason just kept busy doing his thing today, he got some new long johns!  He received a recommendation to go to here to get them!  He loves that place anyway.  I was awake when he got home with them.  He had a smile on his face.  We had looked for them at the store where I got my socks.  The store was very picked over, and they were completely out of Insulating Pants.  Bummer!. ..  He’s been getting pretty cold at work these days.

He has one pair of them from before, I think he’s had these the entire time we’ve been married.  I’d had mine that long too.  They last forever!  Yea! 

The one’s that he ended up getting he put on right away!  I never knew but the one’s he’s had our entire marriage, ended at his calves.  These slid on effortlessly, and were soft and feel like a second skin like my Cuddle Duds. 

He was excited!!!  The best part from his perspective besides the feel of them was the fact they were actually long enough to cover his legs!  Woot!  Thank goodness for friends!  We’ve been hooked up again! 

That is one of the reason’s I have decided to start sharing about my favorite things!  We are benefiting from others sharing things that really work for them. 

Now the down side of the purchase they were more than double the price at the other store.  Upside. They should last a long time and he will be really happy with them.  He may need to get another pair eventually, but we’ve got some other things he needs as well on our list so laundry will have to be done regularly.  Nothing wrong with that! 

Tonight he is attending a class to learn to better utilize his camera!  It is an investment for him.  He is learning the basics.  He’s read the book or parts of it at least.  I enrolled him in a class to learn the first steps to using his camera.  I have a feeling the class may bore him a bit. 

Life experience being what it is, sometimes if you don’t start at the very beginning thinking you could skip that part, then when you move forward to greater experiences, they sometimes do not translate as well.  You feel behind, or you do not get to take advantage of the knowledge being offered as you have missed something very basic along the way.

Besides hands on learning does provide another method for delivering information.  Books may not answer all of your questions or provide you with actual real world learning experiences.  I think it will be helpful for him to ask questions and get answers from experts in the photo industry who are willing to share their skills and knowledge. 

It is good that Jason does have other friends with the same camera or similar ones!  I think this line of camera’s is the most popular with those we know.  We only know one other person who has a different brand.  She of course loves that brand.  Differences are good.  So are similarities.  Both can be learned from and both are respected. 

So maybe he will also be able to help out friends if they have a question after this simple class.  At the very least he will know what someone is talking about when they talk about something that can be done. 

I hope he comes home from this class happy that I registered him for it and happy that he went.  He really didn’t want to go.  I don’t know that it was so much that he wasn’t interested.  I think it was more of the fact he hasn’t really been home in days.  Then that we are expecting more snow, and I haven’t been well and it is colder than our freezers are set for outside.  Well, hopefully it will all be worth it. 

It would be great to have him get back home all charged up about what he learned!  He will have more things to try out, more things he will be wanting to do, and more things that he will be better at. 

He listens well and he will also benefit from the questions that others are asking.  Since the class is being taught at a camera shop well, I am sure he will come away with a list of things that would help him get the pictures he is aching to take.  The question will be whether or not we can afford it.  Ahhh the joys! 

It is good to have dreams!

Right now it makes me happy thinking of him being happy! 

It is now several hours past when I woke up.  It is supper time and I am able to sit up on my own, phew!  I made some food for Luka and will finish writing this before I move on to write some explanations for some art that I have done for a project. 

I had planned to have them mailed out today, but they will have to go out tomorrow.  After I get results back I will share my ideas.  At least the one’s that didn’t get chosen.  That may be all that I did… but I did have fun doing it, so either way it will have been worth it.  I am happy with what I have done.  I hadn’t drawn for about 20 years.  So it was good for me to sit down and do. 

It was fun and I enjoyed coming up with a variety of ideas.  Personally I am impressed with the diversity of styles that I have come up with.  I can’t wait to share them.  I will probably turn some of them or variations of them into digital art if they don’t get used. 

So Jason just called!  He is excited, he shared wow, have I got allot to learn!  He did know some of what was taught but is excited for sure!  He is glad that he went!..  He will be home soon!  That is awesome!  I am so excited for him.  Now I will have to get him enrolled for the intermediate class!  Or the lighting class… Or ..?? there are so many to choose from!  He’s going to be having some fun! 

This series of the same thing is fun!  He’s sure been surprising me when he loads the pictures for me to see. 

He usually goes out while I am still asleep or when I am not feeling well and am out of it.  Sometimes we go together but most of the time it gives him something fun to do on his own.  That is so nice, knowing that he is doing something that he is enjoying, and he is learning and developing his skills!!

 

He has been having some fun experimenting.  Note there is no snow in these pictures… So they were taken a while ago, but he is learning!  I love seeing what he comes up with!  Even if his ideas didn’t work! 

I have even been inspired to try some simple things.  The big blotches of snow were a neat surprise!  He worked so hard that day scooping snow.  I love this picture, it won’t win any awards for sure, but I do love it!  It made me giggle with glee when I saw the little snow dots appear!  How fun, natures confetti! 

sHoEs – bOoTs – sOcKs…

So after my busy day yesterday, my body was grateful to wake up today and not be headed out.  I was sore.  Not unbelievably so but enough to make it a more relaxed day around here. 

Things have kept me busy, which is nice.  I have more and more to do.  I like that.  I really need to finish up some projects so I feel like I have completed some things though.  I have tons of unfinished things that I am working on.  So I won’t be adding much of anything unless it happens to fall with Jason’s photography or finishing other things I have already started.

I hope to have a few things finished up tomorrow.  Getting some orders sent out to some great gals, and finishing up a design set for a contest I will be submitting tomorrow. 

Yesterday was nice, I was able to finally get some socks to wear, I had been needing some more especially since it is so cold.  I am up wearing shoes and socks so much more now, so that is good.  Before the accident the few socks I did have sufficed.  I wore nylons everyday for work.  Skirts high heels, and nylons, I had piles of them.   Now it is sneakers, boots, and comfy shoes for me.  I’ve really been needing some more socks.  I got three pairs last year.  That had helped, and when I run out I do raid Jason’s stash…  But his all are so big!

I now have more of my own!  Yea!  I also got a nice soft pair of Cuddle Duds!  I used to have a pair but they are huge and don’t stay up and so I’ve had to rehome those.

So I am set!  Thanks go Christmas and Birthday gifts I also got some great shoes too!  I so needed them!  I  was hoping to have pictures to share.  I do of two pairs of the shoes but the third they haven’t been captured yet.

Great friends hooked me up!  I had tried them on while visiting.  I didn’t want to take them off.  My hips hurt less with them on my feet than when they are off.  Thank God!  I guess surgeon’s wear these, nurses and doctors do too!  Virtually anyone who stands around enjoys having them hold their arches up! 

What are these shoes you ask???   DANSKO shoes!  I am in LOVE!  How do you find them??  You can find them Here!  Or you can find more about them at their company site too!  Here!  OooLaLa!  And no I wish I’d gotten something free to plug them, ok well I did get them as a gift, but not from the company!   So hugs to the B’s for my D’s!!  The ones she chose for me go with everything!  Rumor has it she may even get a matching pair!!  How fun is that!  Of course if she doesn’t we could always switch around since we do wear the same size!! 

My favorites happen to be the Professional style, they seem to have a wider base and great support.  I prefer them over the other style I tried on that she had!

Check them out here!!

And here!!

And here!

Can you tell I am in love with them?  I hope so!  They do feel really really great, and for comfy shoes, well they are as cute as can be!  YipEE!!

Photo’s taken by Jason of course!!  Yea!

Moving on to another favorite pair.  This is the pair of boots that Jason was hoping for me to get.  He has wanted me to get some good snow boots.  We’ll he did get me a pair of boots, sort of… I picked them out, thinking they would be both comfortable and great in the snow. 

I’d been hoping to find some brown boots, but well, I couldn’t find any that were in my price range that I thought would also be comfortable. 

I ended up getting a black pair… Problem… they weren’t exactly warm, they were non insulated.. I got them off the internet… I figured more socks… well, that meant I needed to get more socks…  Hey, it is all happens in time, RIGHT?

Well as life unfolded… 

when my family came to give me a surprise birthday party, the gift they brought me was a lovely pair of boots!  Lined with fur type stuff.  They are what my niece calls Fuggs!  Fake Uggs!  I love them! 

As luck turned out she got a pair too!  Fun!  Here are our legs in our Fuggs!! 

My family did such a great job, when I pulled them out of the box… Jason exclaimed, “ THATS THE KIND OF BOOTS THAT WILL KEEP YOU WARM.”  That is so wonderful!!  They read his mind!  How cool is that! 

So now I have a black pair of boots a warm pair of boots and a wonderful pair of shoes to wear anywhere!  With some socks to go inside as well!  Life is good, my feet are starting to feel happy again!

Now to make Luka’s feet happy!  I am ordering a pair of Fleece Lined Boots for his feet as well.  As it stands, he is still healing.  At least he is healing!  So in preparation for having him out in this snow.  He will be needing some good boots.  I can’t have his feet getting all wrecked again.  Ouch, that is no good for sure!  I will be ordering from Here!  As a bonus they give discounts to people who have dogs like mine!  I am so grateful for their caring.  Otherwise I would have a much harder time affording these for him. 

I will show them to you when I get them.  I plan to order him blue ones or black ones.. I want to order him pink ones to match the leash I use with him, but I guess that would be over the top!  Since he is a boy after all…  Maybe red.. Hmm. I am going to have to think about this… 

Too many details!

Blessings and Warmth,

Pink Doberman

TwEnTy TeN!!!

Keeping busy.  The start of Twenty Ten brings hope for me.  I have been working on being more steady.  More regular at what I can do. 

Examining what I am capable of and when.  In my life I have done many things.  More I suppose than almost everyone my age.  The diversity of my background, skills, talents and experience is quite broad.  Having been in 4-H as a child, having grown up on a farm, enrolling in agriculture classes, music classes, and art classes… I definitely have broader interests than most.

At the same time running three businesses of my own, one of them being an international business brought a whole new gamete of possibilities for my future.  I enjoy all that I know, and all that I have done. 

Many things I will never do again, and would aspire to never do them again, such as working cattle, or taking care of livestock in the winter.  Other things I enjoyed for sure.

These days have been spent thinking of where I can go from here.  I am not reliable health wise.  But working around that, there are plenty of things I can do.  But what…

Even when medicated I am able to write, and edit photos or create digital art on the computer.  I haven’t ever been taught any of these things, I have just been making it up as I go.  I guess the more you do of these things, trial and error wise, the more you learn and can eventually do.

Now in my other areas, I can not do math dependably medicated.  I can not drive medicated, or in pain for that matter.  So anything that involves those two things needs to be forgotten about for now. 

So, with Jason taking more and more pictures.  Most of them still of me, although we are getting more and more willing photo victims lined up! 

Jason has already photographed a family of 4 children, and another family of all grown boys.  I think the 4 little children may have been easier than capturing the grumpy grown boys…  MEN.. geesh! 

He also is making a list of others who have mentioned that they want him to do their pictures too!  FANTASTIC!

I can help with the pictures, that is fun for me.  I  used to help with wedding photo’s all of the time with my business.  After the accident I wasn’t reliable enough to do it any longer.  Brides are kind of picky about people not following through..

So this is giving me another avenue of doing what I used to do, but in a different way.  More fulfilling actually, since I get to do it with Jason, and it is developing his skills as a photographer as well as doing something special for others.

Right now he isn’t doing this for a business.  We have quite the interesting set up, it is working but the real stuff would work simpler and better.  He is taking pictures of everyone for FREE!  Yea!  For practice, and hopefully some of these folks will even let their pictures be shown in his portfolio.  It is always good to ask permission, some people are funny about their picture being shown off… and we want them to be happy of course.

Eventually Jason would like to turn this hobby into a business.  How this will work, we aren’t exactly sure, but since I can do most of the things related to this even while medicated it should work well.  And all of our photo victims know what is going on with me health wise and are very understanding which is also wonderful.

So if you’d like to get your picture taken, let us know!  He will take pictures, then I will do some photo art to the pictures, and we will give you a CD that you can take and get pictures printed from to share with your family and friends. 

Yea!  Good experience for us, and hopefully fun for you!

 

So that has been one of the projects we’ve been working on lately.  It is something that I found a long time ago that I was good at.  It is something for Jason and I to actually work together.  I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut and letting him do his thing..  He has a hard time letting me do my thing sometimes too… but he is so much more patient than I am.   Thank goodness!

I will start posting more pictures soon I promise.  I am just not quite ready to yet. 

He has been practicing taking pictures of me.  Most of the time when I am feeling well and ready to “perform” for the camera, sit still and look cute…  I do manage to get quite a few sour expressions as well…   I am getting better at posing too, which I hope will help me set other people up for their poses. 

I will probably share a few of me at lesser moments too, it is only fair to share the whole realistic experience.  I need my Mary Kay, let’s just be clear about that!  With out it and with out my feeling my best I don’t look very fun to take pictures of.  Thank goodness for all of my makeup experience!  It is really coming in handy.

Oh, that is something fun too!  We can do your makeup before you get shot too!  I have yet to do that, or tell anyone about that option.  I have just been wanting to make it through the shoots with Jason.  As he improves setting people up for their pictures, I will do more of the pre stuff.  I get pretty tired doing these things so I definitely have to pace myself so I do not end up in bed for weeks…

Well, that’s what I am excited about these days, well, that and a whole lot more.  I can’t stand being bored.  If I must be “locked” inside our house for the winter, I will at least be doing what I can to stay occupied. 

This is my best winter so far since the accident!  YEA!  I am learning how to live with my new problems.  Hopefully I will keep improving!  Gotta keep working at it that is for sure!

Happy Twenty Ten!  I have some hope again! 

Blessings,

Tonja

SuRpRiSe!*!*!

So each day goes on regardless if you are ready to go or not.  If you are not then you just miss the day, never to get it back.

I wish you could start out your days with your exact amount in hand.  Choosing to spend them as you wished. 

Days that are sufferable you could just take a pass on them knowing that you were going to choose to spend your day token on a day that would produce better results. 

In effect that is what I do I guess.  Except for the token part and the it not counting when you can’t participate.

I’ve been picking and choosing what to do and what not to do.  It is my usual routine since the accident.  I used to do everything, cram it all in!  It was lovely! 

These days, I do my best to figure out what is the most important, what has to be finished, or what needs to be started, so that I can get it finished. 

I start on things much earlier than I normally would have.  What used to take me an hour may now take me 3-5.  Some things, like getting ready, can take as little as 40-50 minutes… or as long as a couple of hours if it is a bath/shower day. 

I’ve been lucky to have been able to go to PT regularly for the past six plus months.  I am needing to take a break again to recover from some extra medical bills.  So we won’t be spending the gas on driving the additional 70 miles each day. 

Once things are caught up, I plan to get right back at it.  It works out I suppose, with the weather and roads being crappy anyway, it isn’t the best time for me to be out and about. 

Luka’s feet have been a disaster!  One is still completely ripped open, and the other still has a larger than I’d like sore.  So until those things are healed up as well, he won’t be available for accompanying me either.   

I don’t even walk out to get the mail.  I just patiently wait for Jason to get it when ever he would be coming home.  But the fun thing is, when a box comes too, they bring it all up to my door!  So I get to open it sooner!  THANK GOODNESS for Christmas presents and Delivery Boxes!!   Woot!

On another note: I did set myself up to have some projects to finish during this time.  Winter being here I go out less anyway since the accident.  The weather changes seem to be more significant and mess me up more too.  I am medicated yet again.  Gotta love that!  I can’t wait for this to end! 

I did finish part of a project that I’ve been working on.  I finished part of it enough to get it in the mail to the intended recipient.  I got it wrapped up super cute too!  I finished it late on Friday night.  It had to be in the post by 10:30 the following morning. 

I coordinated with Jason that on his way home he’d need to stop and get the list of groceries I’d texted him.  Then he couldn’t dilly dally because I needed him home to finish things up for me.  I knew it would be out of my hands and I was so so right!

I had gotten all of the mail that I had yet to get to the post ready.  Bills, and a few packages!  I wish I’d taken pictures of another project that I did for my niece but.  Hey.  I am not perfect! 

Anyway the gift of the moment, was done, I had found an appropriate sized box for it.  It could be the one it came in… (misleading or leading hint)  

Misleading hint…. It doesn’t contain what they box says that it does… 

It was addressed and ready to go except for some stuffing and the tape. 

ONE THING… Jason had taken the camera with him to work.. I couldn’t get a shot of it.  He’d have to arrive home in time to do it in the morning. 

He came in to wake me up for clarification on my instructions…  I muttered and mumbled what I needed done.  He laid with me for a bit helped me to take some medication and with that I was back out again.

He took pictures!  He took fabulously glorious pictures of my special gift!  Look what he did!  These are so much better than I could have ever done!  Thanks Honey!

 

Jason even fluffed my ribbon as instructed before taking the shots!  Wow, he did the most excellent job!  To my credit, I did make what is inside… and I did creatively wrap the gift.  But WoW oh WoW did he get some good pictures of it!

I cannot share with you who gets this at least not yet!  They have yet to receive it and it would totally blow the surprise if I leaked it here! 

But if by chance you should get a box from me in the mail, well, I suggest that you open it! 

You will definitely need to open it before the Christmas Holiday springs into action!  Surprise!! 

Excited and Blessed,

Pink Doberman!

PrAyErS…

I have started to write multiple times.  I have been told multiple times that I haven’t written for a while.  I have been weighing several options. 

I’ve mentioned before that I enjoy change.  I am really thinking of how to evolve this site.  We’ve also been struggling here through an illness.  A couple of the foster dogs arrived at our home healthy, then a day or so later they were no longer healthy.  The Flintstones the pair named Fred and Wilma ended up having Kennel Cough.  They are doing fine now healed up and have found their forever home…  BUT…  =(!

Our Ozzer got it.  Our old man has been very sick, still is.  He’s still pulling for a recovery, he hasn’t given up.  But oh my has this been a stressor for us. 

My body is no longer capable of doing what he needs done.  I’ve gotten more sore than I’ve been in a while.  I’ve been getting better, and I am now going backwards.  I’ve been in bed again all week.  This is not the way I’ve planned for my week to go. 

Jason has started taking a primary role now in taking care of Ozzie.  Previous to this he was doing the secondary stuff.  But since my body feels like it’s been beat to hell, he is taking care of the medication delivery,the bathroom breaks, the food and water consumption. 

Which is good as Ozzie needs more help than I can physically handle giving at this point.  We are sure hoping our old dog can pull through this one.  Thank goodness he is so stubborn.  His kennel cough turned into pneumonia, his kidney’s started having issues… so we are holding out hope that the meds can help him!

Ozzie lives for the time that Jason cuddles up with him.  He is the one who really makes Ozzie’s world go around.  I am just a consolation prize anyway. 

To top it off, we were paying so much attention to the Flintstones and Ozzie, that I ignored Luka’s paws.  OMG!  He really reacted to the latest food adventure and was going after his paws.  We’ll he sure did a number on one of them. 

He can’t go out with me until he is healed up.  He is limping everywhere and we are keeping it dressed with Grape goo that the vet gave us.  Poor Luka!  At least his isn’t life threatening. 

Jason’s been getting a little stressed out, we both really have, no sleep due to Ozzie’s constant coughing, Luka’s licking and unhappiness with the cone that we’ve stuck on his head.  He keeps waking us both up with his discomfort.  We now understand what new parents are going through.  Which has reminded us of why we don’t have a tiny baby in our house!

We could sure use some prayers.  Ozzie has been wearing his little fleece coat and a prayer shawl I received earlier this year.  He sure could use some prayers!  Thanks to those of you who have already been praying for him.

The snow has been another “bonus” this week.  We stayed home due to it, he had been supposed to work out of town, we were scheduled to leave and everything, but with the forecast for immense amounts of snow, meaning bad roads, well, he canceled the job.  Didn’t want to take me out on the roads.  I am frustrated by this as much as I am grateful. 

I was really looking forward to a change of scenery.  With the snow, I won’t be going out much.  I guess, the snow isn’t actually the preventer.  The ice that the snow becomes is the true criminal in my mind. 

Thank goodness for our neighbor’s snow blower this year!  D & R you both rock!  You saved Jason’s back!

I have intended to be adding more pictures.  In fact, I have been thinking of lots of things.  I really like some of the things that Jason has been doing with the camera.  I have yet to put my identity on here.  Probably for the most part anyone who is reading this knows me, but then again the hesitation is that there are those that don’t.  So I am still thinking about it I guess. 

Another blog I follow had a gal with an issue similar but not the same.  Her reasons were different, but being they were different, they still required thought on her part. 

 

I have also been trying to think of ways to add extra income to our lives.  The classes that Jason teaches are by no means regular.  The income from them is something that we need to have on a more regular basis.  So taking pictures might just be the answer.  He enjoys it and he appears by the evidence so far to be great at it!  Not that we expect to make piles of money.  Heck at this point we’d settle for volunteers willing to be practiced on.  If people felt he’d done a great job they could “donate” to our camera fund. 

We are wanting to do something different with the photography.  I think the pictures we are already taking are going to show that.  He loves taking still pictures.  One thing he also may decide to do besides portraits is taking pictures of items people would like to sell on Craigslist or on Ebay.  At this point that is just a thought.  He is working on that.  I don’t know that we will be headed out to do wedding photo’s or anything.  But pictures that capture a persons essence are really what he is has started to do.  We’ll see.  Maybe they were just a fluke.  But he really has come up with some really great shots!

Here is the Click Clack Couch/Bed we will be selling! 

Want it?

 

Size 12 I think..

I can’t wait to see what he does!  Maybe if you are reading this you will let him “practice” on you. 

Other than that, I have gotten my office all spruced up.  I did take pictures, thankfully.  As it is now quite messed up with a Christmas project I am working on.  I sure hope I can get it done.  I had a good start on it and it seems to have skidded to a screeching halt since the effects of taking care of Ozzie and the storm fronts that have washed over the area have taken effect. 

Here is a project in progress, it is the first quilt I ever started.  I still have yet to finish it, but I am now closer than ever!

He has the camera on a stand so I can hold it with out dropping it!  Woot!

Jason’s next Tee Shirt Quilt.

Stay tuned for more progress on this one at a later date.  This is not the project for Christmas, but I did need the left over tee shirt fabric for the Christmas project.  I am recycling and I am thrifty! 

I’ve been taking pictures of this as well so I hope to be posting those.  But I can’t until I get my project finished and the gift has been received.  So for sure you will see my craft pictures. 

A quick picture of my organized and clean craft room, it has taken me months to get it in order.  I just work at it a little at a time in between resting.  I do feel proud that I got it finished!

Thank you Jason for making me such a lovely place to do things in!  It is my goal to get a better chair to work in, but a little at a time I do just fine.

I didn’t take any pictures of the catastrophe it started out to be, suffice it to say it was horrible!

Jason’s already been itching to read this menagerie.  I feel bad for not posting earlier.  I was either too tired from having a really productive day, or too miserable to write lately.  Today things fell into place once again! 

I feel good that I wrote!  Maybe the anxiety I’ve been feeling will dissipate.  The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson just popped on!  So I will bid the night ado.

I just want to say, that on Christmas Day I am looking forward to attending the opening of the movie Nine!  Not so sure Jason feels the same way, but at least he will have a movie filled with gorgeous legs to watch for a couple of hours.  I am sure he will be able to handle that!

Well I am off to wash my face then off to never never land with dreams of sugar plums and a healthy crew of boys when I wake up in the morning!

Peace and Blessings!