Bufarinaroo

Snow Day!

2011-12-05T12:46:00.004-07:00

We have a wonderful snow storm moving through. It's been snowing off and on for 4 days now. Last night we got dumped on, add in the wind and it's very cold and wintery outside. Raleigh just LOVES the snow, and it's hard for me to even get him to come in.
But when he does he's snow packed and icy.... and I bundle him up and get him warm.

Child Labor

2011-10-01T07:20:00.003-06:00

Child labor doesn't have to end once your child is grown.......
Lauren came home for the weekend, and I promptly put her to work.
She's still nimble and able to balance,
which is what it takes to clean above the kitchen cabinets.

Thanks Lauren..... my dust bunny hero!

Pure Joy

2011-09-25T07:41:00.004-06:00

Raleigh finally had his day in the sun!
The campground in Bayfeild, CO has lots of open spaces...
just perfect for a run with your girlfriend.

Kodi has been the love of Raleigh's life since he first laid eyes on her. But they are always on leashes and under the watchful eyes of their people when they meet so they have never had the chance to do much more then sniff each other.... until this weekend.
In a field of sweet grass and dappled sunlight they have finally had the chance to run and play and experience the pure joy that is being a dog.

The Naked Poodle

2011-09-19T12:20:00.000-06:00

OOPS.... is really all I can say after yesterdays clipper mishap.
Raleigh got a bath in the early afternoon so we could give him a long needed shave when he dried in the late afternoon.
It started out as good as it can when shaving a poodles face and feet. I use a 15 blade to do this (keep in mind the higher the number the shorter the cut).
Then it was time to do the rest of his body, which I do about once every 5 to 6 weeks, while his face and feet get done once every 2 to 3 weeks.
I loaded the clippers with what I thought was the #5 blade, BUT it was the #10. I went from the back of his neck to the base of his tail before I noticed something didn't seem right. My assistant Savanna figured out I had the wrong blade, but by then it was too late. So away we clipped. Now poor Raleigh is naked... but he wont need a full body clip for a long time!

Girls weekend in Sedona

2011-09-08T20:41:00.000-06:00

Labor Day Weekend I went to Sedona, AZ for Stamp Camp. It's a yearly pilgrimage I make with my girlfriends, some of us are here in New Mexico, the rest come from AZ, NV and KS. We always have such a fun time crafting, laughing, and making memories together. Below are a few pictures of the fun.

Activity break with Wii, just dance.

My sweet friend Keri posing with a cute bike.

My dear friend Sue.

Crafting madness.

Happy 8th Birthday Jester

2011-08-27T20:34:00.000-06:00

Jester is celebrating his 8th Birthday today.He's been a wonderful companion for our family for the past six years. Most of which he has spent taking a nap. Below is a picture from the litter mate party we had a few years ago. Jester is the one sitting up.

Back To School

2011-08-16T19:40:00.001-06:00

I'm really getting to old for this.... or maybe it's back to school that makes me old. This year was hard because Savanna (my baby) started High School. Lauren is back at NMSU as a Junior this year. How did this happen? When did they get so old? When did I get so old?
We moved Lauren into her dorm/apartment over the weekend. When she started at NMSU I told her that IF she kept her scholarship, and IF she made good choices we'd let her live in the more expensive Chamisa apartments her Jr and Sr years. Well, she'd kept the scholarship and is being a "good girl" so here we are.... I can't believe she's starting her 3rd year. She and her best friend (since middle school) Annamae are rooming together in their little apartment on campus. They are both excited and happy to be out of the dorms.

Our first stop was at the new bookstore on campus. Really beautiful inside and out.

As you can see in the above picture the girls were less then happy to have their picture taken on the front steps.

Lauren before all their stuff was moved in.

Lauren and Annamae

The "beach themed" bathroom

Lauren's room.

Putting the kitchen together.

My little High School Freshmen

The day I've been dreading all summer arrived today. Freshmen Jump Start Day. I went to school with her for the morning to go through her scheduled and meet all her teachers. Her teachers were all great, and I think she'll have a wonderful year, but I'm not ready for this.

2011-08-09T17:34:00.002-06:00

Today is Raleigh's 1st Birthday! I love that he was born on 8/9/10.
He wore his "male stripper kit" and king crown to work today. We had a pineapple rum cake and the FedEx lady gave him a bag full of treats!
He's becoming such a big boy!

Poor Poodle

2011-07-21T16:56:00.003-06:00

Today was the day. Raleigh got his nuggets cut off.

I had him at the vet at 7:30 this morning. He totally knew something was up. I really wanted to ask them to save the nuggets in a jar for me. I want to put it on the fireplace to embarrass my children. But I didn't see the vet (who knows me and would get the funny idea of it) and I didn't want to ask the tech, because I'm sure she would have thought I was crazy.
They called me around noon to say that he was starting to wake up and was doing well. I picked him up at 2:30. He is very loopy, and sleeping on the bed with me. From time to time he groans a little in his sleep. I keep taking him out to go potty, but he has no need. I guess no food or water after 9:00 last night has him dried out.

Loopy Raleigh

Note how he's sitting.... he's tender down below.
And all I can think about is his nuggets in the trash at the vets.

4 wheel'in Poodle

2011-07-06T19:03:00.003-06:00

We are camping (RVing) with a bunch of our friends in South-fork, Colorado.
Today we went 4 wheeling. This was the first time we've taken Raleigh, he LOVED IT!

Before and After

2011-07-06T18:38:00.003-06:00

I made the comment the other day, "I think Raleigh's finally starting to fill out". THEN we cut his hair, and I can see that I was wrong.... he's still skinny and his legs are to long for the rest of him.

Before

During (2 feet shaved, face shaved and half his body)

After

Book Poodle

2011-07-01T21:22:00.002-06:00

If dogs could read I'm, sure Raleigh would be a book worm.

NON Poodle Post

2011-06-13T11:36:00.005-06:00

Savanna got her braces off last month! She would die if she knew I took some of these pictures.... and she would kill me if she knew I posted them.

So shhhhhhh.

The Million Dollar Smile..... showed off at her 14th Birthday lunch.

Summer Fun... sorta

2011-06-13T11:09:00.004-06:00

This spring has had the craziest weather. Let's face it, this whole year has had crazy weather. From the -31 temps of winter, to the none stop wind, NO RAIN and smoke filled skies from the Arizona fires.
Gardening has been more work then usual, but the weeds are still thriving (go figure). I was sitting on the porch yesterday, evaluating my yard, and decided that it looks more like April then June.

Raleigh LOVES LOVES LOVES the hose, or the water coming out of the hose. If he's outside when I'm watering he goes crazy.

Below are some fun pictures.

Long Time... No Blog

2011-05-24T19:52:00.002-06:00

I guess I'm in my "busy season" again. Excel Campouts with work, end of school events, and just life in general. I wanted to post some fun pictures of Raleigh that I've taken over the past month.

Raleigh and Gabby won 2nd place at the New Mexico Excel Club campout in Las Cruces. They were dressed as the Homecoming King & Queen in the pet parade.

Raleigh and his girlfriend Roxie at the Colorado Excel Club campout
in Canon City, CO

Oh how he loves playing in the sprinkler!

MS Walk 2011 & Team Orange Poodle

2011-04-17T06:59:00.007-06:00

Yesterday was the MS Walk in Albuquerque. I was committed to dyeing Raleigh orange for the walk if we (Team Orange Poodle) reached our goal. We came close but fell a little short... SO FAR.
So Raleigh just got orange polka dots.
We had wonderful weather. NO WIND! It was a fun fun morning. Raleigh was a touch (crazy) on the naughty for the walk. So many people... so many dogs.... so many children..... He just wanted to wrestle with everyone.

Team Orange Poodle

Raleigh, Buffie and Donna with our sign.

One flag for each person with MS in the Rio Grande Valley

Buffie's Peeps: Andra, Rebbie, Cindy & Savanna

Raleigh and little girl with balloon poodle

Donna, Buffie & Joyce

Ping Pong Playing Poodle

2011-04-06T20:09:00.002-06:00

Please don't look at my messy garage.... just watch Raleigh.

Raleigh and Delilah

2011-03-28T19:23:00.003-06:00

Delilah (our little black cat) is very leery of dogs... thanks to Gabby.
But Raleigh really wants to make friends with her.
Little by little he's making headway.

Always At Home

2011-03-24T19:37:00.003-06:00

Raleigh can make himself at home anywhere. I guess it's because he goes everywhere with me.
I took him out to a brand spanking new trailer that had just come into the lot, to get pictures... of the trailer, not Raleigh. But I couldn't help myself.

shhhh don't tell Kathy!

I love how you can see his little fanny in the mirror.

Yip, the chair smells like new leather.

The new trailer is "poodle approved"

2011-03-21T22:22:00.002-06:00

Yesterday afternoon I was talking to my sister on the phone, and the dogs were being nice and quiet.... THAT should have been my first warning. Raleigh came bouncing down the hall to taddle tail on Gabby. I walked into my craft room and this is what I saw.
I'm not 100% sure the poodle was completely innocent.

So much for my bag of stuffing

Graduation.... again

2011-03-16T20:28:00.002-06:00

Raleigh now has two diplomas under his belt, or collar.

Tonight he graduated from novices obedience. I was so proud of him showing off all his skills. THEN came the snake proofing.... Raleigh's worst nightmare. Scott jumped in for me again at this point in the class (I really dislike snakes). The class instructors remembered how traumatized he was last time, so they instructed me to not let him get so panicked this time. They said if he started to reach that point again to take him out of the building.
He HATED it, and for sure remembered it, so they took it easy on him this time.

Scott and Raleigh running from the snake (Scott screamed like a girl)

I'm trying to upload my first video. If it works, you'll see Raleigh's second turn with the snake. He was so afraid they let him pass behind the snake.

Raleigh's got a new style

2011-03-15T20:35:00.003-06:00

It was such a nice afternoon (NO WIND) so Savanna and I decided to break out the clippers and give our grooming skills a little practice. We pulled the patio table over to the outlet, plopped him up there and clipped away. He did pretty good, but I have to say Savanna and I did really good. Between the two of us we remembered all we were taught, and he turned out looking like a poodle. We ran out of daylight before we got his feet clipped, but we will do those in the next few days.

I took the pictures below before he was completely dry,
but you can see that he doesn't look like a chicken nugget this time.

Raleigh & Rebel

2011-03-07T19:06:00.003-07:00

Raleigh's friend Rebel came over tonight for a visit. They haven't seen each other since they were little baby puppies, and Raleigh played to rough. Tonight Rebel was able to stick up for himself.

Raleigh and Rebel planning their next hunting trip.

Chicken Nugget With Legs

2011-03-01T21:35:00.004-07:00

You all asked to see.... so here it is. The poodle clip of shame. Poor Raleigh.

Poodle Club Clipping Clinic

2011-02-26T22:08:00.002-07:00

Last Saturday Savanna and I want to the Enchantment Poodle Clubs, poodle clipping clinic. Raleigh has only ever been clipped that one time before Christmas, and they only did his face, feet and legs. It was high time we cut all that puppy fluff off of him. After all... he's a big boy now. It was HARD work. But 4 hours (yes, four hours) later I had a poodle who looked something like a Chicken Nugget with legs. Thank goodness poodle hair grows fast!

I was so thankful to all the club members (who knew what they were doing) who helped us along. What blade to use. Which direction to cut. So much to learn!

Poodles aren't dogs... they're a piece of art!

Poodles Poodles everywhere! ahhh heaven.

Raleigh looks nothing like this beautiful girl... but with a little practice, maybe someday.

That's all Raleigh! AKA precious poodle puppy fur.

Fun with poodles

2011-02-22T21:29:00.001-07:00

We took these pictures a couple weeks ago. Raleigh can gives us hours of entertainment in the office. (isn't that what an office dogs job description is?)

Raleigh's super dog cape

2011-02-17T19:49:00.004-07:00

Raleigh got his "in training" service dog vest this week. It's a little to big on him, but I'm sure by next week it will fit. So now we can work on training in public places. Yesterday we went to the Post Office, DMV and Moriarty Foods. Today we went to Walmart. He was a good boy (mostly).
AND he's feeling MUCH better!

Update

2011-02-16T20:39:00.003-07:00

We slept all night last night!!! Got a baggy of poo this morning and took it to the vet... Still waiting to hear on the results. But the vet said he shouldn't go to obedience school tonight.
He's laying on the bed with me right now chewing his toy and looking cute as can be.

Sick doodle

2011-02-15T19:16:00.005-07:00

Raleigh (and I) had a LONG night last night. He had a touch of diarrhea late afternoon. But he was playing and ate his dinner like there was nothing wrong. Until a few hours after dinner when it all came running... and I mean running out of him like water. I was up with him every two hours during the night, standing on the back porch, freezing, in my PJ's watching him either poop or eurp (that's my Grammy's word for throw up). I felt so bad for him, because I've been there before... well not in the yard, but driving the porcelain bus.
This morning he wasn't any better so I call his vet as soon as they opened. They told me to bring him right in, but to call from the parking lot and someone would come out and give his a parvo test. Raleigh was NOT happy about the test (being done in the back seat of my truck). In about 15 minutes they came out and said the test was negative and we were invited in. Two hours and almost $300.00 later we know that he doesn't have parvo, but he's sick (blood tests showed that). He had an x-ray, but it didn't show that he had a blockage of any kind. They tried for a stool sample, but he was empty so that didn't work.
We left with a bag full of drugs, and a request for a bag of poo when it comes out again. (at this point in time it hasn't happened). We went to work and I shoved the "stop throwing up" pill down his throat and he promptly threw it back up. I called the vet and they said to try again. This time he kept it down, and I gave him his first round of antibiotics about 30 minutes later, which has also stayed down.
Until I get get a stool sample into the vet we wont know for sure what's wrong with him, but it seems like he's a little bit better... I'll know for sure he's better if we get to sleep tonight.

Valentine’s Day Dinner

2011-02-12T19:32:00.004-07:00

For the past few years Scott and I have enjoyed cooking a fancy dinner at home for the girls instead of going out… fighting the crowds…. Over paying for a so-so meal… and not remembering what we did, and spent that money on. We did our dinner a little early this year because Lauren is home for the weekend, and we want her to be in on the fun.
Now that Lauren is turning into a wonderful cook, she and I have turned into quite a team in the kitchen. We made up some great recipes today. Below are some pictures of what we created for our special dinner.

One of the things Lauren and I created was this appetizer of toasted sourdough and an “Italian Salsa” that we made with Roma tomatoes, fresh chopped basil, fresh mozzarella and cucumber. It was tasty and very fresh and light.

Asparagus (nice and thin... the way we like it)

Shrimp marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, fresh garlic, cilantro and rosemary.

Shrimp and steak on the grill

Garlic & cheese mashed potatoes

Shrimp

Rib-eye Steak

The blueberry pie that doesn’t look so pretty… but tastes WONDERFUL

41 pounds.... and still growing!

2011-02-12T10:45:00.002-07:00

We use the Wii Fit to track Raleigh's weight. Pictured below is Savanna weighing him.

Snowday X 2

2011-02-02T18:38:00.003-07:00

We've had such crazy weather the past two days. RV Sales even closed today for what I think might be a first. I've missed two days of work (so far this week) and Savanna has had two snowdays. Scott's work was even closed today.... again another first.

I thought it's about time I post some pictures of Savanna singing in the All State Choir.
Lauren and Savanna with the choir directors they both had in Elementary school and middle school.

Savanna in front of the Music Building at New Mexico State University.

New Mexico All State Choir

2011-01-28T16:12:00.003-07:00

Savanna is singing in the New Mexico All State Choir at NMSU in Las Cruces. We are staying in our 5th wheel at our favorite RV Resort (also Lauren's employer). This is Raleigh's first trip in the 5th wheel and he's doing great. He LOVES going to the dog run!

Oh yeah.... and here's a picture of Savanna's choir practicing.

Raleigh's Glamor Shots

2011-01-21T13:52:00.003-07:00

Today was Raleigh's photo shoot. Debbie Klecan who was in our puppy class with her dog Chama thought that Raleigh had "the look", and asked if she could photograph him sometime. Turns out she lives in Edgewood and has a wonderful studio space in a separate building behind her house.
She did such an amazing job with Raleigh, I honestly didn't think he would have the attention span to be able to take more then a handful of pictures... but she got what seemed like 100's of wonderful shots of him! I was so impressed by Debbie AND Raleigh. I can't wait to see her pictures, but in the mean time I have a few fun shots of got of her taking pictures of him.
You can visit Debbie's blog and see some of her work at:
http://threeperrosdesign.com/blog/

Chupacadra sighting in Edgewood

2011-01-20T18:41:00.003-07:00

Be afraid.... very afraid!

It's a blustery day!

2011-01-17T13:54:00.004-07:00

I sent Raleigh out in the wind to do his business..... but the wind was blowing his hair and it made Savanna and I laugh, so I had to take a picture.

The Graduate

2011-01-12T20:36:00.006-07:00

Raleigh graduated from puppy obedience school tonight. He has mastered "sit" "come" and is learning "down". He can walk on a leash really well... most of the time, and we now know that he is terrified of snakes. Trish (owner of the school) walked around the room and let all the dogs smell the snake. Raleigh tried to bite the snake, so he then became the "example" to the class. Trish took him out to the middle of the classroom where another one of the teachers threw the snake at him. He was so afraid that he spent the rest of the class time in Scott's arms, under a chair, under a table or trying to get out the door. Trish had Scott take him outside for a little while to see if he would calm down. He didn't.... and refused to go to Trish and get his diploma.
Below are some fun pictures of the evening.

Just enjoying class.... Raleigh has no idea what's coming his way.

Everyone lined up getting ready for snake proofing (this is where Scott takes over for me, as I don't do snakes). Trish takes the snake around the room so each dog can smell it. At this point Raleigh thought he'd bite the snake.... things turned bad for him after he made that bad choice.

Trish takes Raleigh from Scott and she snake proofs him herself. (poor Raleigh... poor snake)

You can see the other teacher behind the blue wall. She throws the snake at Raleigh. He couldn't get away far enough or fast enough. If he had thumbs I'm pretty sure he would have opened the door, ran to the truck and drove himself home.

Trish trying to make up with Raleigh.

In Daddy's arms

Under the chair

Under the table. (notice all the dogs making fun of him)

In my arms, waiting to get his diploma.
(now all the other dogs laughing at him for being such a big baby).

Poor Raleigh's heart was still thumping on the way home. He couldn't wait to tell Gabby and Jester about the horrible time he had at school.

It's business time!

2011-01-08T19:58:00.001-07:00

Then you go sort out the recycling.... that's not part of it, but it's still very important.

Raleigh Goes To Work

2011-01-04T20:29:00.003-07:00

Today was Raleigh's first day at RV Sales. I set up his kennel in Kathy's office where he can see Jill or I at our desk. We worked on "not going out the front door skills" and he did really well.
Most of the day he was on his leash attached to my belt getting tied up around the chairs.
On the 13 minute ride home he fell into a sound sleep on the back seat of my truck. The rest of the evening he was torn between sleeping and running around like a crazy puppy.

Just so everyone knows......

2011-01-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

Raleigh did pee in the house the day I made the last post.

2010-12-27T18:13:00.010-07:00

OK, so I’ve fallen into my “bad blogging” habits again. I’ve decided that no one would really care to read about my boring life anyway. So now I’m going to focus my blog on my new poodle puppy and his journey on the road to becoming a service dog. Not that I think this will turn my blog into a show stopper, but it will help me journal and remember this fun and sometimes trying part of my life.
In the beginning…. I was thinking about getting myself a service dog. I’m not in need of one everyday at this point, but I do know that with the progressiveness nature of MS there will be a point in time when one would be useful in my everyday life. Due to my vanity I can’t see myself with a cane or a walker, but I can see myself with a fancy poodle as a mobility assistance device.
I quickly found out that service dogs are expensive! In my research I found that you can train your own service dog, and they don’t have to come from the costly programs.
Now, I am good with dogs, and enjoy Gabby’s obedience school. It’s always amazing to me at how far she has come from when we first got her. Don’t get me wrong…. She is still a Kuvasz down to the bone and there are personality traits to her breed that we will never be able to change, and she would NEVER be a good service dog. But she has come a long way in the past year that she has been in obedience training. Savanna has taken over the responsibility of Gabby’s obedience training which says that Gabby has made miles of improvement, and that Savanna has a gift with dogs.
How in the world did I end up with a poodle puppy? It wasn’t really a part of my plan to get a puppy. I had contacted the Enchantment Poodle Rescue group in Albuquerque, I told them I was looking for a Standard Poodle with a temperament that would make for a good service dog. I filled out all the forms for adoption and was ready to sit back and wait for my perfect poodle (one that was house broken). A few days later I received a call from the rescue group to tell me that there was a 10 week old male standard that needed a home right away. TEN WEEKS? Really? The lady that had just gotten him to go along with her other 2 poodles found out the hard way that her neighborhood association would not allow her to have more then two dogs.
When I had visited with the Kuvasz breeder to ask her about introducing another dog into our home, she recommended a young male dog for Gabby’s sake. So this 10 week old male might be the dog I was waiting for.
We went the next day to meet the poodle and his owner. I fell in love as soon as we pulled into the driveway and I saw him in her arms. His strawberry blond hair, long wavy ears and eyes that would melt your heart. He was my Poodle! I did pay the owner some money to help her recoup the cost she had just paid for him. As we left with my new puppy she stood in the driveway and cried. My heart broke for her, but was filled with joy at the same time.
It took a lot of time and constant supervision to help Gabby welcome a new dog into our home. But now they love each other and play together (a little rough) all day long.
Raleigh, that’s the name that stuck to him, is 6 weeks into his puppy obedience school. He walks well on his leash, sits (most of the time) and is learning “down”. For the most part he is house broken, but of course now that I’ve said that he will undoubtedly potty on the floor later today. He sleeps all night in his kennel next to my side of the bed, and is loosing a puppy tooth almost every day.

I’m not 100% sold on him as a service dog…. But only time will tell I guess he‘s still just a baby.
The first week I had him we were outside early one morning feeding the birds. I stumbled and fell (like I often do) and Raleigh ran to me, grabbed my slipper that had fallen off and ran into the yard with it and began to chew it up. Stupid Service Dog!
It’s going to be a LONG road ahead of us.

Below are some pictures of life with Raleigh

Raleigh's first snow

1st Hair Cut
Before

After

Our Christmas picture

When Did Summer End?

2010-10-02T12:53:00.002-06:00

We ALL know how much I dislike summer and LOVE winter! BUT, I must ask..... where did summer go? It really did fly by so fast. So since I seemed to have missed it I thought I should make a slide show of the highlights. Watch as they also fly by!

Other highlights were Savanna starts her last year of middle school (she didn't want a picture)
and I got old and grew some extra gray hairs.

Yip.... those are Longhorns

2010-06-28T18:46:00.002-06:00

Lauren and her bosses had a little ride through town on some longhorns. I of course missed it, but thankfully I had lots of friends who saw it and took pictures for me.
Otherwise I would NEVER had believed it!

Lauren Order

2010-06-27T19:05:00.003-06:00

Lauren got her SASS alias today. It was so fun to see her up on stage with all the "old" cowboys. She has had such a great experience over the past week at The End Of Trail. I think she'll be sad it's over, but she so tired I'm pretty sure she'll sleep all day tomorrow (thankfully they gave her the day off).

Name The SASS Intern

2010-06-26T19:34:00.003-06:00

The top five names are in for Lauren and her SASS Alias.
Yesterday and today people are voting, tomorrow we'll find out the winning name.

Here's the list:
Lauren Order
Lovely Laurena
Lil' Bit More (her grandfather's alias is More or Les)
Storm N Lauren
Magdalina Magenta

SASS

2010-06-21T19:54:00.002-06:00

Single Action Shooting Society.
A society? A cult? How do you tell the difference?

As a member of SASS you pay dues, dress only a certain way, and have a code-name. Oh and of course carry guns around (old guns).
We have deep roots in SASS, as my father and step-mother (More or Les, and Giggles) have been members for many years. And now, Lauren is doing an internship in their marketing and advertising department this summer. She was to come up with an alias, but of course she can’t come up with anything. So the head honchos of the society thought that it would be fun to have a “Name The Intern” contest. The top five names will get a gift certificate at the Mercantile. Then from those five names everyone in the Society will vote on the name they like. The top name winner will receive a gun…. And be able to say that he/she named the intern. We really hope it’s something good!

www.sassnet.com

It’s official, Savanna’s 13

2010-06-08T19:34:00.000-06:00

Savanna turned 13 on June 7th. We had a Bar Mitzvah for her on Sunday with Family and close friends. On Monday I took her and three of her friends to the movies and to Dion’s for lunch. Then we headed back to Albuquerque for dinner and the ear piercing which is a right of passage in our family when you turn 13. She of course cried (because it’s Savanna who cries for everything) but didn’t faint or throw up.
Now when I look at her all I can see are her thirteen year old pierced ears.

Our Pond

2010-05-31T18:12:00.002-06:00

A work in progress is an understatement when it comes to our back yard pond. From a hole in the ground to a “lush” hole in the ground full of water.
There have been a few mishaps… sandstone rocks falling in, to much blue dye that turned it into the “blue lagoon” and Gabby’s one time diving expedition.
Right now algae is my biggest problem…. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
(Algae are photosynthetic organisms that occur in most habitats. They vary from small, single-celled forms to complex multicellular forms, such as the giant kelps that grow to 65 meters in length.. The US Algal Collection is represented by almost 300,000 accessioned and inventoried herbarium specimens.) I don’t quite have a algae collection yet, but I’m well on my way….. Thus the blue dye.
This weekend Scott and Savanna dug a trench to bury the PVC pipe that holds the cord for the pump.
Currently in residence we have a school of mosquito eating fish (not pretty but useful), two large snails and a baby bullfrog.
My pond is lovely, but not done….. It’s our on going family project.

Lauren’s Home for the Summer

2010-05-15T10:28:00.002-06:00

I was so happy last Friday when Scott got home from Las Cruces with Lauren in toe.
BUT I had no idea that she would have SO MUCH STUFF! Now I do remember coming home from college myself with a lot more then I went with (I have no idea how that happened) but I guess I didn’t think Lauren would do the same. Some things never change I guess.
We’re happy she’s home, and so proud of her for not only surviving her freshman year, but excelling in her classes, and making good choices while learning to become an adult.

I'm happy to report.... her room is now clean!

Colorado Excel Club Campout

2010-04-30T07:58:00.002-06:00

This is what I like to call "my busy season". Last weekend was the New Mexico Excel Club Campout and this weekend is the Colorado Excel Campout.
We arrived in Colorado City yesterday afternoon, after a WINDY drive. Spent the evening catching up with good friends, some we haven't seen in a long time, and some we haven't seen since last weekend.
I woke up early (Gabby's legs were crossed) for a walk. And low and behold there was snow/frost or what I like to call bumpy frost on the picnic table. But the sun is out and it looks like it's going to be a beautiful day!

MS Walk

2010-04-18T18:38:00.001-06:00

Remember, no matter how wet, how cold, how windy, or even how hot it might be, MS hurts worse. MS always hurts worse. That’s why we’ll be there Saturday morning at Tiguex Park, rain or shine, with our walking shoes on…. or maybe our rain boots. Won’t you join us? The more than 3000 people living with MS in the Rio Grande area are counting on you.

This was part of the email I received from the MS Society and what I had posted on my facebook page the day before the walk.
We woke up to rain early in the morning, but knew.... as always, the weather over the mountain in Albuquerque can be completely different. This wasn't totally the case, but it wasn't pouring down rain, only threatening to rain. So we grabbed the umbrellas (because if you bring them it wont rain) and heading over to the park. We meet up with my Mom and David, and my life long friend Cindy. We pigged out on Krispy Kreme doughnuts and then did the walk (the short route) when we got back to the park we had Blake's Breakfast burritos and then headed home. Not a single rain drop fell on our heads.... and hopefully made a difference in the outlook for MS.

MS Walk

2010-04-14T19:33:00.005-06:00

The MS walk is this Saturday. My hope is for good weather (not to hot and NO WIND). I'm so thankful to be able to WALK in the walk.... so many people can't due to their MS.

I'm getting close to raising the $800.00 I set for my goal this year. Wish me luck!

Easter Weekend

2010-04-04T19:07:00.002-06:00

Easter is always full of family and tradition. Colored eggs, lamby cake, candy, baskets, egg hunts and spring birthday party. This year was no exception. The weather was nice, warm, and NO wind! After church we all met at Nana’s house for a lunch of ham sandwiches and salads. The lamby cake had a little problem when I was frosting it, and the head started to fall off. Nana came to the rescue with a small knife that we used to hold his head up.
Rebbie gave the girls potato guns which added an element of danger to our afternoon.

Saturday I spent the day with my dear friend Erin…... we made our Easter cards, and did some other crafting. That evening Scott, Lauren, Savanna, Justin and I colored eggs.
Somehow through all the busy family times and traditions I managed to reflect on my salvation and the promise of eternal life that Christ’s resurrection assures me.

Molly the Owl

2010-03-22T21:52:00.002-06:00

For well over a week I’ve been watching a barn owl who lives in an owl box in California. She’s on the web 24/7 and on my computer in the kitchen day and night so I can keep an eye on her. She has one owlet and 4 eggs that will be hatching every few days. I have to say, I know more about owls now then I would have ever known if it weren't for Molly. Golly Miss Molly, thanks for making me an owl expert!

I’m Addicted to Molly!

Happy Spring

2010-03-20T14:56:00.003-06:00

Lauren’s on spring break from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces (where it’s always summer). She got here yesterday afternoon just as the snow was starting to fly. This morning we work up to 10 to 12 inches of snow. If you ask me, it’s the perfect way to welcome spring.

Spring Forward Into A Snow Bank

2010-03-14T20:01:00.002-06:00

Everyone who even knows me a little bit knows how much I dislike “springing forward”. I just don’t see the point. More hart attacks happen on the day after the springing, more car accidents, and I’m sure a ton of global warming. It’s just down right dangerous. Normally in the name of safety I would just stay in bed and nap all day. But this year Scott’s birthday fell on the dangerous day. So I had to get up, bake a cake, run out to McD’s for breakfast, and make a plan for a fun day.
It was a lovely day out this morning, warmish, practically windless, I’d almost dare to say a nice spring day. I plug the pump in on the pond for the first time in months, filled up all the bird feeders, and took a birthday nap with my husband. Then we headed into Albuquerque for a movie and dinner with Savanna. When we came out of the movie it was snowing, but not sticking on the roads. We had a nice dinner and had a window seat that faced the mountains. It was so beautiful to see them coved in snow, dark clouds behind them, and the sun setting that lit them up so bright. Sighhhhh it was so pretty.
As we heading home (over those same mountains) the snow was heavy on the trees and it looked to pretty to be real. As we headed higher and higher the snow started to stick to the interstate. Edgewood was deep in snow, I would guess about 8 inches and there were (of course) no snow plows to be seen. It was a little slow going to get home, and a little shocking to see so much snow in such a short time.
Gabby was so happy to see the snow when I let her out, of course Jester is pissed! And poor Scott had to shovel the snow off the porch so it wouldn’t turn to ice. (Don’t worry, Nebraska boy loves to shovel snow).

For once the pond didn't get snowed in (because I plugged it in before the snow came)

World MS Day

2010-03-09T06:59:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Day - English from MSIF on Vimeo.

Lumpy Tapioca Pudding

2010-02-23T09:49:00.003-07:00

When my sister and I were little our Grammy would make us tapioca pudding (from scratch of course) whenever we were sick. I would swear to this day that it has healing powers. Now, as a grown woman and Mother, it’s my go to cure all when there is sickness or heart ache in our home. And as I stand at the stove stirring the milk and smell the whiffs of the sweet steam I’m reminded of my sweet Grammy and the comfort of her love.
Rebbie and I were very blessed to know all four of our grandparents and both our great-grandmothers. Because both our parents are only children we were the ONLY grandchildren, and therefore overly loved by them. I feel so lucky to have such a close relationship with each of my grandparents. Grammy and Grandpa (my father’s parents) who have both passed away now. And Nano and Papa (my mother’s parents), Papa passed away 19 years ago, and now it seems that Nano’s time on this earth is short. It will be the very sad end to a generation of our family that is so loved and so fondly remembered.

As each of my family members deals with what we know we have no power to stop, life around us continues to spin on. School still has to be attended, the need for work, sickness touches us from time to time (keeping us away from Nano for fear of getting her sick) and household need to be kept up with.

Today, if I could, I’d make a big batch of lumpy tapioca pudding and sit with my family and just enjoy the comfort of our memories.

Nano's 92nd Birthday Party

2010-02-07T18:06:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday tooooooooo Nano!

Nano's 92nd Birthday is tomorrow. We had a birthday bash for her yesterday (Saturday) with all her favorite appetizers and a pineapple upside-down cake.
Rebbie knitted her some new socks, Mother gave her some cute new PJ's and Scott, the girls and I gave her some Gospel CD's. And Lauren came home from college just for the party.

My mom says we wore poor Nano out, and she's been sleeping most of the day today.

Happy Bithday Nano!

Larks in the Snow

2010-02-07T15:42:00.005-07:00

It’s been snowing off and on all day, and when I looked out the window this afternoon I saw four fluffy Meadow Larks sitting above the feeders watching the flakes fly.

New Mexico All State Choir

2010-01-31T21:07:00.001-07:00

After two days of hard work we got to see the fruits of Savanna’s labor. The All State Choir was amazing and moving. It’s always such a surprise to see a group of children from all over the state come together and become a choir of such magnitude. I have to give a lot of credit to the Director, the choir managers and of course all the choir teachers who work with these children from day to day. It’s not an easy task to bring Middle School children together to accomplish much of anything, and yet a spectacular choir emerged in just two days!

A big bonus for us, was that the All State Choir took place at New Mexico State University. Getting to spend time with Lauren on her turf was the icing on the cake. We got to meet her new roommate, Alex, and see all the Mo Town girls.

Hanging in Las Cruces

2010-01-29T11:33:00.002-07:00

Savanna is singing in the New Mexico All State Choir on Saturday. She had to be at New Mexico State University yesterday to start rehearsals. The northern and eastern parts of the state were expecting a “big” snow storm Thursday morning, so we packed up the RV and got out of dodge on Wednesday night. Which ended up being a good choice, as the roads were bad on Thursday. We drove as far as Truth or Consequence on Wednesday night and just spent the night in the WalMart parking lot. We woke up to a cold rain, but just a few miles north of us the interstate was icy.
When we got to Las Cruces it was still cold and rainy.. Which is so unusual.

We are staying at our favorite RV Resort, Hacienda. The best thing is that Lauren just got a job here! So I sat in my warm trailer and watched her out driving around on the golf cart in the rain.

We have both of the dogs with us for this trip. Jester really doesn’t like to “camp” and this is Gabby’s first trip. She seems to be getting use to it. She LOVES the dog walk here…. She can run off leash.

I told Scott today at breakfast (they have a lovely free breakfast here at the resort) that the reason I love to RV is because it makes me feel so young. We were by at least 20 years, the youngest people in the room.

Bagachels

2010-01-24T21:03:00.002-07:00

Four generations come together to make a recipe that’s been in our family for many more generations.
It’s hard to describe these tasty treats that look like a cookie, but aren’t sweet. They’re made with mashed potatoes, something like a biscuit, yet nothing like bread. They’re best when eaten straight from the oven with butter melting on the top.
Nano says her mother, AKA Big Nana, made them for special meals and they ate them as bread.
When Rebbie and I were little we’d always make them when Big Nana would come to visit from Pennsylvania. It’s the best memory I have of my great-grandmother. We’d also make them with Nano when she’d have leftover mashed potatoes. Now Nano makes them with her great-granddaughters and I’m sure they will always remember just how special Bagachels are. They are a part of our past, and I really hope will stay with for family for generations to come.
Nano was missing two of her great-granddaughters, Kristen and Lauren. Don't worry... they've both made bagachels with their Nano.

Recipe:
Leftover mashed potatoes
Good TBS of shortening
Salt
As much flour as it takes
Bake on greased cookie sheet @400 until golden

We’ve come to the conclusion that this “recipe” is an art and NOT a science, and therefore really has to be passed down. The dough has a feel to it when it’s ready, and no amount of measurements and science can make a Bagachelen.

Snowy Day

2010-01-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

Today has been the best “snow day” of the week. We’ve had small passing storms over the last four days. Tuesday was a two hour delay for school, Wednesday a three hour delay (which was weird). Yesterday there was no snow, only wind so it was school as usual. This morning I woke to a heavy wet snow falling, and a two hour delay. By 7:00 they decided to just close school.
Gabby LOVES snow, and just runs and runs and eats it. I have to bribe her to come in. She smells like a wet dog in a bad way. Her coat is so thick, and curly that it just holds the moisture, and she needs a bath!
Jester on the other hand hates the snow and would rather pee on the porch then get his toes wet.
Savanna is in her PJ’s still, and I’m sure will stay that way all day. She’s been in her room most of the morning practicing her music for the All State Choir.
I’m looking for inspiration in my Scrapbook Room….. But haven’t found it yet.
I was thinking of tromping out in the snow to take a picture of what I think is a dead horse in my neighbors yard. That would make for an interesting scrapbook page. I just don’t want to get my slippers all snowy.
Anyone wanta see the dead horse?

My little brace face

2010-01-21T18:37:00.001-07:00

Monday Savanna got her braces on. Then Scott and I took her out to brunch as per Justin’s suggestion. He pointed out that her mouth would be too sore to eat for a few days. We all know that Savanna has a very low pain threshold… so this should be a loooong year of braces fun!

Savanna’s Room

2010-01-16T20:08:00.002-07:00

Savanna decided last summer that she wanted her room decorated in a Paris theme.
Thanks to Mrs Persival (art teacher) and her hours of painting with Savanna
over the summer break.
Tonight we put the finishing touch on the wall….
The long awaited clocks!
These clocks have been working out in mine and Savanna’s heads for a long time.
And today I bit the bullet and just did it.
Thank you Erin for the encouragement and advice on cutting vinyl on the Cricut.
And thanks to Scott for spotting me as I climbed up on the stool
and helping me get everything straight.

Gabby graduated for obedience school today

2010-01-09T14:31:00.001-07:00

She did so well in the eight week class, and often times was the “star” of her class. Funny how once we’d get home she’d push the limits of behavior…. I guess just like a child does.
Part of the “requirements” of graduation is snake proofing. They started by letting all the dogs smell the snake (a real snake), then they had to walk by the snake while the handlers reacted with fear. Most all the dogs reacted to the fear and understood that snakes are BAD. Then they had to walk while someone threw a snake (yes, a real snake) at them. Gabby was so horrified by the snake (as was I) and threw herself on the ground and flat out refused to go anywhere near the snake. As soon as we got to the other side of the room she hid under a table and kept an evil eye on that snake. She wouldn’t even come forward to get her diploma at the end of class. I’m no fan of the snake, but it will be interesting to see what Gabby does when we have a snake encounter in real life.

Frosty New Mexico

2010-01-08T07:35:00.004-07:00

We woke up yesterday to a thick frost that covered everything outside like a fluffy white blanket.

It was so pretty, and cold outside. I love winter, and frost, and snow.

I'd rather die then throw up!

2010-01-03T07:31:00.002-07:00

I NEVER throw up.... NEVER.
In fact I really don't remember the last time I did, but I'm sure it was more then 10 years ago.
If I get sick and feel like I could or should yack I can will myself not to. BUT on New Years Eve
(no I wasn't drunk)
I started to feel bad around 7:30 PM and by 9:30 I had lost the fight. I spent the rest of the night, or until 3:ish AM in my own personal hell. It was awful!
And to top it off.... I think I threw my back out throwing up! Is that even possible?

2009-12-31T08:35:00.005-07:00

http://scrappingwithbuffie.blogspot.com/
I’ve started a new blog (because one blog just isn’t enough) that will be dedicated to my paper crafting.
In my head I call it “my business blog” and I call this one my “useless blog“. Now someone needs to go sign up to follow it…
it’s very lonely in the business blog!
(it's pink so you'll love it there!)
There is a link in "my links" on the left side of this blog.

Happy New Year!

It’s a COLD and sunny day today. Last night we had a crazy snow storm that under normal circumstance I would have loved. But I was at my Mother’s house yesterday and by the time I left for the long drive over the Big River, thru Albuquerque and across the mountains the roads were BAD. I-40 east of the city was snow packed and very slippery. You couldn’t see the lines in the road so there was no way of telling if you were in a lane, or even on the road for that matter. It was snowing rather hard and the wind was blowing. I had both girls with me, Lauren was helping me by watching for the lines in the road, and Savanna worried in the back seat (because that’s what Savanna does). Once we got off the interstate things got worse. Of course there had been no snow plows in Edgewood so you really couldn’t see the road. As we inched our way down Dinkle road Lauren noticed foot prints on the side of the road that went on for a number of miles. We debated if it was human or dog, and came to the conclusion that it must be human…. Or dog. But what man or beast would be out on a night like this? As we came upon our street we saw a man walking. I tried to stop to see if he needed help, but I slid past him. As he came up on my truck I asked if he was OK, and he said, “yes, my car wouldn’t start and I needed to go to Walmart.” I told him that it was still a long way, and he said, “no I’m almost there”. Ummmm it’s like another 3 miles I informed him, and told him that if he wanted to ride in the back of my truck I’d take him the rest of the way. So he jumped in the bed of my truck and away we went. It was then that I felt the urge to lecture my girls on the dangers of picking up strangers on the side of the road. And I assured them that if it wasn’t for the pick up truck and him being able to ride in the back I NEVER would have done this, and that I was in complete control of the situation…. I could keep an eye on him, and if I felt like we were in danger I would simply slam on my breaks and he would fly out of the back of the truck bed (never mind that we would be in the ditch right next to him).
I pulled up to Walmart and he jumped out and thanked us. I might add that NO ONE was at Walmart due to the storm so he wouldn’t have to wait in line to check out. There was a big part of me that wanted to go in and follow him around the store to see just what it was that he needed so bad to walk in a blizzard miles to get. Another part of me wanted to go back and find the foot prints and follow them back to see how far he really had walked, but I was sure that the snow and wind would have covered them by now…. And really I just wanted to get home, so that’s what we did.

Christmas Caviar

2009-12-29T10:59:00.002-07:00

Scott received a gift basket from work this year. It was full of all sorts of goodies, and not so goodie goodies. To Lauren’s delight it had a jar of caviar. She’s never had caviar before, but really wanted to try it. She wanted to break it open on Christmas morning so she could share it with her cousins. MMMMM

Yipppppeeeeee….. A new Christmas laptop!

2009-12-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

Scott knew how much I was missing my dead laptop, and how I was really struggling with our slow ten year old desk top computer. So on Christmas Eve he surprised me with a new laptop. And it really was a surprise! I hadn’t asked for one, knowing that “in these hard economic times” it wasn’t a reasonable request, and that I could just make due with the super slow computer for now. So I asked for birdhouses (which Scott has made me before, and I knew he had wood to make more) and something to play my ipod in the kitchen. I got the birdhouses, the ipod player, AND then he pulls out one more box, and it was a shinny new laptop!!!!! What a wonderful surprise, and truly appreciated. Now I can (with ease) load and edit pictures, buy music on itunes, and load audio books on my ipod, lay in bed and play solitaire, keep up with my blog and Close To My Heart website. Yip…. I’m a wantabe computer nerd….. A happy, new laptop owning computer nerd!

Christmas morning was full of our traditional family activities. Rebbie and the girls showed up early. Rebbie was hopped up on cold medication and Krispy Kream doughnuts. She was worse then the kids when it came to waiting to open the gifts….. She kept coming at me like a spider monkey! Once Nana, Pops and Nano showed up the gift exchanging began. Now that the girls are older we like to take our time opening gifts. We go around the room and everyone takes turns opening a gift. This way we can see what everyone is getting and from whom. I like this so much better then the way it use to be when it was a free for all Christmas gift frenzy. I never knew what my girls got, or who it came from. Now I know, and everyone gets a chance to enjoy their giving as well as being able to be thankful for the receiving.

Then we move on to Scotts yummy dinner. His favorite thing to make on Christmas is prim rib. We also have ham, homemade mac and cheese, cheesy potatoes (Nana’s special dish) cream spinach and artichoke (Lauren’s specialty) and posole stew (thanks to Rebbie). After we all have our fill we break out the birthday cake and sing happy birthday to Jesus. This year I made Jesus a chocolate covered cherry cake.

One of the days highlights was Rebbie “trying” to teach me to knit. Ugh…. She makes it look so easy, and we all received wonderful knitted gifts from her (gloves, socks, mittens)…. Trust me, it’s not easy, and there will be no knitted gifts from me under the tree next year!

All in all Christmas was wonderful, full of family, fun, and traditions we all hold dear. The one big part missing was Rebbie’s eldest daughter Kristen. She and her new husband John stayed at home in Virginia and started their own family traditions. We missed them dearly, but understand their desire to enjoy their first Christmas in their own home. AND with the snow storms that covered most of the country there is a good chance they would have spent Christmas in an airport if they had tried to come. (I’m glad they were home safe and sound).

Pre Christmas frenzy

2009-12-22T07:26:00.006-07:00

Why oh why does it have to be this way?

Last week is still a blur for me. Savanna's science fair project was due, along with a project for her Spanish class. She had a choir concert, and school parties. Justin had a choir concert, and the annual Madrigal dinner. It was my last week of work until after the New Year, so I had to finish up my work, and help tie up loose ends here and there. Scott and I had a dinner to attend, and he left for El Paso for a company Christmas party over the weekend.
We started the week with Lauren's wisdom teeth removal and ended the week with knee surgery for Justin. And I had a sinus infection thru it all.

This week is much better, Lauren is recovered, Savanna is relaxing at home (and not yet bored), my shopping is mostly done, gifts are wrapped and Scott is home. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Now we can just pause and remember the gift of the season, and what Christmas is really all about.
My goal this week: To fill my heart with the baby Jesus, and give thanks for the gift of salvation He was born to bring to us. I hope each of you take the time to just sit in calm silence and reflect on the greatest gift of all.

Out of control blogging

2009-12-08T19:51:00.003-07:00

I felt the need to over blog today.

1. Because I had a snow day today, and some extra time on my hands.
2. I had my pictures put on a CD so I could get them on my computer.
(Laptop is still dead.)
C. I feel behind... and there is lots of "stuff" going on here.

We've had a few nice snow storms (my favorite) and I went to Advent Fest at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp last weekend with my sister and Lisa. We met up with our dear friend Roberta (from Denver). We had a nice, relaxing, fun time, and even got to battle our way home thru a snow storm in Colorado.

Lauren is taking finals this week at NMSU. So far she thinks it going well, but her two hardest ones are still to come. She'll be home this weekend for a month... in which time she'll be getting her wisdom teeth ripped out! She's so happy about that... HA

Gabby the Labradoodle impersonator.

2009-12-08T19:37:00.003-07:00

It's a really long story, so I wont go into it... but Gabby isn't a labradoodle, she's a Kuvasz aka fierce guard dog. We still love her just as much as when she was a labradoodle, but now the way we teach her to behave is total different. We are in our 5th week of obedience training, and while she's at doggy school she's top of her class. But once we get home she's CRAZY. Scott has to run with her 4 miles each day, or she's bouncing off the walls. She is unbelievably smart, and loves to watch TV... her favorite show is Dogs 101, but she'll watch just about anything.
While in AZ they must have shaved her, because now she's growing in this fluffy, curly, thick coat of fur. She has loved the snow storms we've had over the past couple of weeks, and I have to bribe her to come in from the cold. Just the opposite of Jester the Greyhound who flat out refuses to go out on the frozen tundra.
If you want to read more about this rare breed visit this web site.
http://www.kuvasz.org/

Bad Blogger

2009-10-05T16:50:00.001-06:00

It seems I have fallen back into my bad blogging habit, of not blogging. I have to wonder why no one is ridiculing me for being a bad blogger…. Then I remembered that no one reads my blog on a regular basis, so it’s doubtful that anyone has noticed.

The past six weeks have been overly stressful in the Nelson house. Savanna started middle school, and we got Lauren settled away at college. Then it all came tumbling down. Savanna started to throw up one morning, and it didn’t stop for two weeks. Then we added in some constipation and diarrhea to the yacking. After countless visits to the Dr. blood drawn twice, three stool samples (wrong test on the first one, and they lost the second one).We even started taking her to a counselor. Finally we got in to see the Pediatric GI Specialist. They could tell right away that she had blockages in her intestines, and what they said is like irritable bowel syndrome.
He put her on medications and she’s back to her normal self. We are going to continue with the counselor for a little while because we think this is linked to stress and anxiety. She goes back to the GI in December for a follow up.

Thru all of this we broke down and bribed her with a puppy. Any puppy she wanted, if she would just go to school for two weeks (in my mind, after two weeks we would have broken the spell and she would be fine) The only exception to the rule was: If they found something medically wrong with her, she could pass go and collect her puppy right away. Well both things have happened. She has a medical diagnoses, and has gone to school for two weeks with no problem. After much research on Savanna’s part (and online breed testing) she discovered that her best breeds are, labs, poodles, and or spaniels. Because of our connection with Greyhound Rescue I really wanted to rescue a dog… either from a group or a shelter. So the hunt began…. And we found Gabby, a one year old cream colored labradoodle (lab/standard poodle) who was found as a stray in Phoenix, AZ. She’s been in a foster home, and looks like just the sweetest dog in the world. The Poodle Rescue of AZ normally wont adopt out of state, but they made an exception for us due to our experience with Greyhound rescue, AND the shinny referral Judy (GCNM founder) gave us. Then all the poodles started to fall into a row. My dear friend Erin’s mother in law just happened to be in Phoenix and on her way home. She picked Gabby up for us, and they are now in Holbrook, AZ (about 4 hours away). There will be pictures to come.

But for now I will post some pictures of birds that were in my yard yesterday morning. We had Scrub Jays take over! I’ve been feeding them peanuts for weeks now, and at the most have had 3 or 4 at one time. Yesterday Scott looked out and there were dozens of them. Also a woodpecker in the pond. I got some pictures of him when he was drying off. Then a Thrasher came into the yard to eat peanuts too. It was a busy bird morning.

Back to School week

2009-08-17T10:24:00.004-06:00

There are things I LOVE about back to school. I love the smell of new school supplies, all the new socks and undies that fill the laundry basket, and the excitement of seeing old friends again.
BUT I DO NOT like back to school if it includes taking one of your children 4.5 hours away, and leaving them there. She had the shinny new school supplies, new undies (no new socks because it's far to hot in Las Cruses for socks), new bedding, new towels, and a new pet fish named Crimson (NMSU school color).

So this year, back to school was:
a new school for Savanna. Edgewood Middle School.
And a new school for Lauren. New Mexico State University.

So far Savanna is doing great (today's her 3rd day back at school) and seems to have adjusted well to all the freedoms that middle school has to offer. Her biggest worries have been, what to wear, and how does her hair look?...?....

Lauren's step was much larger. She has a roommate (she's never shared a room in her life), she has unlimited freedom, and she's far far far away from home.
Thankfully a TON of kids from Moriarty High School, AKA Mo Town are also going to NMSU, with a number of them living in the same dorm as Lauren. Her best friend Annamae is right next door, her other BFF Madeline is across the court yard, and one of her show choir peeps lives right below her.
She will start classes on Thursday, and until then she will be busy getting use to the heat, and making new friends.

As for me..... I'm just feeling old, tired and poor from all the back to school frenzy. I need a nap!

In this slide show you will see pictures of Lauren's last night home. We had a camp fire and made smores.

Bishops Castle

2009-08-02T18:10:00.001-06:00

Around 11:00 this morning we headed out with the girls to Bishops Castle. It was really crowded, but we went up to the big room where Savanna and I waited while Lauren and Scott went up to the towers. Then as we were thinking about leaving we ran into our camping buddies. So we stayed and Lauren, Savanna & Scott climbed around some more, and went up even higher then they did before (peer pressure). I stayed with my feet on the ground with Tommy and Patty and looked up to watch everyone else risking their life's.

After the Castle we went to Westcliff to get ice cream. There is an ice cream shop there that my friend Helen and I loved to go to when we were at family camp at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. But when we got there and I saw the closed sign in the window my heart sank. Thankfully Billie noticed a store up the street that had ice cream.... so all was good again.
MMMMMM ice cream!

Colorado City, CO

2009-08-02T08:36:00.001-06:00

We are spending a long weekend in CO with our friends at the KOA. Scott, the girls and I traveled up here Friday morning. We met our friends from Fort Collins, Denver, CO Springs and TX. Also new friends Larry and Billie from KS.
Larry has been cooking for us all weekend. MMMMMMMM Thanks Larry!
Larry Godby set up this unofficial campout for us. The campground grouped us all together so it's almost like a mini Excel rally.
Last night some unexpected folks from OK pulled up in their Excel... so in true Excel family style we feed them the ton of food we had left over. (it was nice of the campground to park them near us)

This morning I'm sitting here at my table, drinking tea, blogging, and watching Mac, Tommy, and Larry (from KS) sitting in the sun (hope they have sunscreen on) drinking coffee and telling stories. I think Larry and Tommy were out walking their dogs and ended up at Mac's picnic table.

Today, Scott and I are going to take the girls to Bishops Castle. Pictures to come.

Backyard Smackdown

2009-07-25T07:43:00.005-06:00

I'll never understand the little mind of the hummingbird.
How can such small, beautiful, innocent looking birds be so mean?
I've had a love of the hummingbird since I was young. Nano and Papa always had a feeder on their back porch in the summers, and I can remember my grandfather complaining about the Rufous hummer. As I recall they had a book about a Rufous (wonder where that book is now? I'll have to ask Nano)

I can also remember my great grandmother (Big Nana) coming to visit from PA and she'd sit on the back porch holding onto her wig, she was just sure they'd swoop down and carry it off with their pointy bills.

I've been feeding the hummingbirds here for years, and each year I have added a new feeder or two in my efforts to keep the peace. I currently have 8 feeders out. In theory that should be a spot for 30 birds to sit and drink to their content. But in reality, it's just given the Rufous that many spots to protect as his own.

Last year I had two Rufous hummers fighting with each other and that gave the other hummers a shot at a drink as the two little red birds chased each other around the yard. But so far this year I just have one and he's busy keeping up with all "his" feeders.

This weeks backyard birds

2009-07-18T10:03:00.006-06:00

I had a good bird week. Savanna spotted the yellow headed blackbird from the window and came to get me so I could see it. (She loves watching the birds too) It sat on our fence for a long time and let me take a few pictures of it. The Meadowlark has also started coming to the feeders in the yard. For months I've been stalking (or he's been stalking me) this bird. I could always hear him, but not see him. Now he's making at least one visit to my yard each day.
I had also never seen a hummingbird in the bird bath, but this morning I had one in there splashing around... I'm guessing she must have had sticky feet.

Missing Noah

2009-07-17T09:29:00.000-06:00

I had to have my sweet cat Noah put down yesterday. He had what seemed to be a tumor in his bladder. He was unable to go to the bathroom. The vet emptied his bladder and tried some Homeopathic treatments, but nothing was working, and he was going downhill fast. I hated him being in such pain, so needed to do what seemed like the best thing for him.

We will all miss his sweet spirit.

Tosh

2009-07-16T08:53:00.001-06:00

We had a very sweet foster dog this week..... Tosh. I just had him for the week while his foster family was on vacation. He is going to his forever home this weekend.

2009-07-13T20:19:00.001-06:00

Backyard Bird Watching

2009-07-13T19:50:00.002-06:00

I've taken up the sport of backyard bird watching.
For Christmas I asked for "bird watching stuff". I got a beautiful copper feeder, a book Birds Of New Mexico... that is the BEST bird watching book, and Binoculars.
Now most everyday I go out to my porch around 6:00 AM with my cup of tea, and sit and wait to see what will fly into the yard.

Is it winter yet?

2009-07-07T21:36:00.001-06:00

It's been a long day.
It really started yesterday. I had my MRI on my spine and neck yesterday afternoon. After the dozens of MRI's I've had over the last 3 years (all on my brain) my neurologist wanted me to have an MRI on my spine. She was thinking that with the MS symptoms I suffer from that my problems may stem more from nerve damage in the spine then in the brain. I really didn't give it much thought, and didn't think I'd talk to my neurologist about it until my next appointment with her in the fall.
Today I went in to see my MS nurse. I'm switching to a new drug, and today was my first shot. They of course have to monitor you for sometime after the injection to make sure your body doesn't freak out. I also needed to have some baseline blood tests done. Well, apparently sometime between 2:00 yesterday afternoon and 8:30 this morning, my MRI results were sent to my Dr. AND showed up in my "chart" (charts are all on the computer now) so the nurse looked at them, and wasn't to happy about it. So she scrambled off to find my Neurologist. It seems that I have two new lesions in my spine (high in my neck) that are showing signs of progression. So the conclusion is, that I'm in the very starts of a new attack of MS. I really haven't been feeling THAT bad. Just run down, fatigued, dizzy, and numb. Nothing new, just worse then normal. I was just blaming it on the heat (stupid summer) and hadn't given it much thought, other then to wonder, when will winter be here?!?!

Cast of Characters

2009-07-01T07:11:00.003-06:00

I was up until 11:30 last night trying to make a slideshow of my "cast of characters". As most of you know... THAT is WAY past my bedtime. I was getting so fustrated with photobucket. So I gave up and went to sleep..... dreaming of slideshows for my blog. This morning I had much better luck and below you can see the fruit of my late night labors.

The Cast of Characters are the people who I deal with most everyday. This way you can put a face with the names as you follow along in my most exciting bloged life.

Bringing life back to the blog

2009-06-29T22:04:00.000-06:00

Hello, my name is Buffie
And I'm a bad blogger

I think I was to boring to be a blogger before. But now we have lots of changes on our horizon, so my life might be on the edge of exciting. Or at least I might have something to say from time to time. Please feel free to use harassment when needed if I seem to drop the blog ball again.