We're Splitting Up

After nearly 20 years of a contemptuous relationship, I just can't deal with it any longer. It's not me, it's you. Your high maintenance lifestyle has just pushed me over the edge. You always need to have the latest and greatest. I get you the latest and BAM the next day you need something newer. I'm sorry, but after catching untold number of viruses from you and cleaning up all your messes, I am done.

Yes, I know that things will be different. You are familiar to me. I know everything there is about you. Unfortunately, so does the rest of the world. I may fumble in my new relationship. I may not even know how to turn on my new friend, but rest assured the journey of discovery will be worth it.

Goodbye Microsoft Windows, you can reach me over at Mac's house.

Monkey Grass

The monkey grass which we planted along the new walkway is finally flowering.

I thought the cone flowers which were planted along the new stone wall would be safe from the deer.  However, the deer come about 10 feet from the front door to snack on these flowers.

Who's afraid of deer ?

We were walking the dogs, early in the morning, when a deer jumped over the stone wall  at a neighbor’s home and raced across the road in front of us. 

We were all startled by the sudden appearance of the deer. Otis immediately sat down and Cooper ran behind Jeff.

A second deer followed and Oti’s jaw dropped. Safely hidden behind Jeff, Cooper barked. Talk about false bravado. 

New Song from Martina McBride

Tags: I'm Gonna Love You Through It, Martina McBride, Martina McBride Videos

Coming Back

The cyclamen that I purchased in January has been losing its leaves for the last few months. Almost half of the leaves are now gone.

I had read that when  all the leaves die, you can put the plant in a cool dark place for several months. The cyclamen will eventually sprout new leaves and then you move it back to a sunny location.

When I watered the plant this week, I saw several new leaves and flowers forming. I will wait and see if the cyclamen manages to return to its former glory without being given a rest.

I Don't Like Water

I thought that Retrievers were water dogs, but Cooper does not enjoy getting wet. On rainy days, Cooper does not want to go for a walk. He will race outside, do what he needs to, and turn back for home.

Of course, Otis does not mind getting wet and happily trots in front of me with Cooper getting dragged along behind.

The three of us eventually return home, soaking wet. Otis will shake off in the garage, but Cooper just stands there dripping. It is only when I bend down with a towel to dry Cooper, that he shakes, sending water all over me. I thought I saw a smile cross Coop's lips as he did this yesterday.

Could it be payback for making Coop walk in the rain ?

Loaded Lobster

Jeff spent three days in Rhode Island at a sporting clays shoot. I stayed home and took care of Cooper and Otis.

I received this t-shirt as a souvenir. How many people have a shirt with a lobster aiming a shotgun?

Faster than a speeding bullet

I worked late and passed Jeff walking the dogs as I drove down our street. I parked in the driveway and was getting my bag from the back seat when I heard a jingle of metal.

The noise got louder and I saw Otis flying down the driveway. Otis was running flat out and quickly closed the distance between us. I smiled thinking that Otis must be very excited to see me, to be running so fast.

Otis flew by me, hopped into the back seat and gave me a look as if to say, "I'm ready for a ride!". I guess a car ride rates higher than a hug from me.

Stinky

Although we washed the dogs about a month ago, I noticed they were starting to smell doggy.

We took the dogs out to the driveway and washed them under the hose. Unfortunately, it was a cloudy and humid days, so even hours later the dogs still were not completely dry.

Back to Dr Duffy

Cooper had his annual exam with Dr Duffy at the Norwalk Vet Hospital. Dr Duffy said that Cooper is doing well and has put on 2 pounds since his last visit. I was not surprised, since Cooper had stopped eating the last time we were there.

Dr Duffy cautioned me to make sure Cooper's weight does not increase. As dogs get older, their muscle mass declines. We do not want extra weight to stress Coop's joints or spine.

I mentioned that recently, Cooper has not wanted to put a lot of weight on his right front paw. Dr Duffy checked and did not find any arthritis or muscle issues in the leg. He then said, a pinched nerve in the neck could also cause this. Dr Duffy twisted Coop's neck to one side and their was no response. Moving the neck the other way caused high pitched yelps of pain. Coop was given a cortisone shot and left feeling much better.

Dr Duffy reminded me that while Cooper was a senior, he is not "old". Dr Duffy thinks that Coop (who is almost 10) could live to 14! How can you not like such an optimistic vet.

Owney

When I was at the post office, I purchased these dog stamps. At that time, I did not know the story of Owney, the US Railway Mail Service mascot.

Postal employees considered Owney to be a good luck charm, because there was never an accident on a train he was traveling on. You can read more about Owney's interesting life by clicking on this text.

Lobster Lover

Otis was raised in Maine, so I guess it is not a surprise he is a lobster lover.

Otis has been carrying the lobster around with him and gnawing on the claws.

Cooper is not as gentle with his toys. Cooper immediately ripped the stuffing and squeaker out and then tried to steal the lobster from Otis.

Shake Shack

When we lived in NC, one of our favorite snack spots was Goodberry's. Goodberry's sells frozen custard sundaes or concretes ( frozen custard with toppings (nuts, candy, fruit)  mixed in). Since moving to CT, we have not had frozen custard.

Now that the Shake Shack in Westport has opened, we can once again purchase frozen custard. We stopped at the Shake Shack on Sunday afternoon and saw a long line of people waiting. After a 20 minute wait, we finally placed our order. I could not resist the vanilla custard with blueberry pie mixed in. Jeff ordered a vanilla with toffee pieces. The concretes were delicious but I would order the smaller size next time.

The seating area inside is very loud and it is difficult to have a conversation. There is seating outside, but on a hot day there are no umbrellas to offer shade.

Finding Nemo

This trio of pet toys was too cute to pass up. Each toy has a squeaker which means it will last at  most 5 minutes before it is torn apart.

Summer Blooms

I couldn't resist these beautiful flowers. The fragrance of the roses and the lilies fills the kitchen with a wonderful scent.

Ear Infection

Otis has very thick ears and is prone to ear infections. I cleaned Oti's ears the other day and thought that one seemed extremely dirty. I checked that ear the next day and it was filthy again.

I realized that Otis had an ear infection and immediately began to apply drops to his ears. Oti's ear must be very painful. I was petting Otis on the head and when I touched his ear, he cried out.

Hopefully Otis will begin to feel better in the next few days.

Rolling Around

On hot sunny days, Cooper and Otis love to roll endlessly in the grass.

I always wonder if the dogs are trying to scratch their backs or are just having fun.

Pawling Mountain Open

Jeff and I spent the day acting as roving photographers at the Pawling Mountain Open, which is hosted at the Pawling Mountain (Shooting) Club. As we drove up to the clubhouse, I immediately knew this was a special place. Stepping inside, the elegance bespoke of the wealth of its members.


The PMC grounds are gorgeous.The sporting clays stations are tucked within acres of tree lined rolling hills and lakes.

The PMO is a charity shoot to raise money for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. We drove around the course in a golf cart, taking photos of the squads.

Participants included generals, colonels, retired military personnel from the US and UK, business men and PMC members. The Special Operations Warrior Fund has funded full tuition for 150+ college graduates and is currently paying tuition for 140+ college students. All awards are given to the children of deceased special ops soldiers.

 The Liberty Belles from the USO sang beautifully during the luncheon. I was glad that Jeff donated his time and talent to photograph to this worthy cause.

Too Hot

We are suffering thru a heatwave in CT. 98°+ temperature with extremely high humidity. Stepping outside feels like being in a sauna and reminds me of our NC days.

When I walk the dogs, they get to the end of the driveway and want to turn back for home. I think the asphalt is extremely hot on their paws.

Coop loves to spend time out on the back deck. When I went to water my plants, Coop raced outside. When I went inside to get more water, Coop followed me in and refused to go out again.

We are all hoping for some rain and cooler temps!

Finally

I waited all summer long for these Stargazer lilies to bloom. Bugs ate most of the leaves and a few buds died on the stems.

The Stargazer's are one of my favorite flowers with their striking colors. They rarely survive the deer, so I truly appreciate their beauty.