Like a Dog with a Ball

My son and his family are away for a two week vacation and we are looking after Beasley, their  two year old black lab/border collie mix.  Beasley is obsessed with fetching balls. She has a problem with letting them go, though. She'll return and look up at me with the ball in her mouth. "Drop it", I say. She just looks at me, so I have to wrangle it out of her mouth. Thankfully, she's a chill dog and doesn't seem to mind it being taken from her that way.  It's like her brain just cannot process what it means to 'drop it'.  

 I thought I had resolved this issue by having two balls handy. I'd whip one off with the ball thrower (let's you throw at least 5x as far as you can without it!) and then when she returned, I'd show her the second ball. She'd then drop the first one.  However, this only worked for a short time. She is one tenacious dog! And I don't really think it's working for her, because I give up after a while and just let her wander around with the ball in her mouth, when what she really desires is a good run and fetch. 

Tenacity and obsession can be a lethal combination! It makes me consider my attitudes I cling to and how they are  not serving me so well. It could be a control issue, it could be the need to be right, it could be holding to 'that's the way it's always been done', or perhaps 'I know better than you'. Time to release the grip! 

So, how am I going to convince Beasley to just 'let go'? 

 

K is for Kindness

 Only when we have become nonviolent towards all life will we have learned to live well with others.Cesar Chavez

Both children and animals are totally dependent on the care of others. Their dependency reminds us that we were all once that vulnerable. What a responsibility we have towards those who cannot speak for themselves!

We are teaching our grandson, by example, to be very gentle, and most of the time he is. If we see him doing otherwise, we remind him that Enzo needs to be treated very carefully and that we are kind to our animals as well as our people. 

~Influence~ (Five Minute Friday)

Influence

My parents’ love and care for animals when I was growing up, has influenced me to value them and see them as an important part of creation. My dad was a gentle man who was always kind to animals. He never kicked a dog or was rough with any animals (or people). My mom has the softest spot for animals. I’m sure she gives them human qualities without even thinking about it!

This past week my husband and I were away for a week, visiting my elderly mother and other family and friends in Alberta, about an 8 hour drive from where we live. I had asked a good friend in my semi-rural neighbourhood if she would watch our little chihuahua Enzo. She happily agreed. She is a kind and caring person, so I had no qualms. In fact, this isn't the first time she’s helped me out in this way. As everyone in my family knows, Enzo is a big part of our family. He was a rescue dog at one point. It’s a long story, but let’s just say, we love him to bits and he’s a little coddled, haha!

Midweek, my girlfriend called me on my cell.  I knew something was up. “Enzo is lost!”, she said, obviously quite upset. Enzo is not an outdoor dog by any stretch. He wouldn’t survive long in our Canadian winter. “He bolted when my son let him outside, after I left to go to yoga”. She had scoured the neighbourhood.

Now, Enzo has never bolted before. He was obviously distressed at my friend leaving without him, I surmised.  I gave her the name of our vet clinic (which was on the dog tag), and asked her to call them.

My mom was with me when I heard the news. “Oh no!” she gasped. I felt sick.  My first response was to quietly pray and then text other family members as well, via WhatsApp (they all know Enzo). Her first response was to pray audibly, right then.

Happy Ending! Within minutes, my friend texted me back and said that she had called my vet. A kind soul in our neighbourhood had found Enzo and taken him to the clinic, where he was waiting to be picked up.

My mom and I hugged (and I may have shed a few tears).

My mom’s influence in my formative years has given me a firm foundation that God is interested in all that goes on in our lives, including the ‘little things’ like little lost pets, lost keys, or an available parking spot.

a loved dog

a tiny dog! 

This post is part of the Five Minute Friday community.   (I'm a day late, I know!) You are welcome to join in, too!

Getting Through February

February is not my favorite month of the year, although I do like it better than January.With February the promise of Spring is that much closer. I know, we have almost another official month of winter, but around here the snow is gone and it's not really that cold out any more. Still hovering around freezing in the morning sometimes, but still, it could be worse!

So, what's gotten me through February, a month that finds me mostly indoors sipping coffee (one cup a day usually-- I really do sip!) whittling away at portfolios, and dreaming of warmer days?

A trip to the coast! We celebrated my mother in law's 86th birthday together with a slew of family. A great weekend.

This little guy. He is my companion. He is a blessing in my life. He makes me laugh. He gets me off my chair,  taking little breaks throughout the day. He sleeps quietly as I work. And he's always over-the-moon happy to see me when I return home from outings. Talk about an esteem booster! No, I'm not talking about my hubby although he does fit the bill in some ways!haha!

Books!  I've got a few on the go. Just finished Someday Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham. I saw it recommended on Goodreads and decided to finally read it. A twenty something tries to make it as an actress in New York. A cute, funny quick read with some great characters.
I'm also reading In the Land of the Blue Burquas by Kate McCord. It was written before Farewell, Four Waters, which I just finished a few weeks ago. But I don't think it really matters that I'm reading in reverse order. It's giving me more insight into the culture in Afghanistan, and the life of a foreign aid worker. Fascinating.
I am half way through The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown. Three adult sisters converge on their home town to visit their mother who is battling cancer. All about family relationships, importance of home, growing up, and figuring out life. The title refers to Shakespeare and the father quotes Shakespeare all the time (his daughters are named after characters) and all members of the family are book nerds. I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, but it's grown on me. It's my bedtime read.

Spotify. I listen to music all. day. long. sometimes. Music to reflect my mood or to get me out of my mood! Or to motivate me to work.
Classical, contemplative, meditative, acoustic, counry, jazz, pop. Adele, Andy Grammar, Andra Day, All Sons and Daughters, Rend Collective, The Brilliance. etc etc.  If you're looking for some new music, check out Spotify. It's free and it recommends music based on what you like, so there is always something new to explore. 

Podcasts. I've added a few more to my list. Don't listen to every
episode but sure do enjoy them. I find the ones that are about 30 minutes in length are just about right. Any longer, and I skip them because I don't always have one hour to listen.  A few others I enjoy: The Essential Oil Revolution, Spark My Muse, Katy Says with Katy Bowman

Knitting. Been enjoying knitting a comfort shawl and socks this winter. And some bibs and dish cloths. Just small items but it's great to have something on the needles when I feel the urge to create something tangible. And they make great little gifts to give away.

Netflix. My hubby and I try to find something we both like to watch together one or two nights a week. We are not always successful. We did watch Making a Murderer together and I have to say we were sucked right into the drama of that documentary. Truth and justice and the miscarriage of it. Who knows what the the truth is when people lie through their teeth? Yes, it was a pretty biased documentary, but we had some good discussion while watching that. Still confused about what really happened. It was hard to watch at times, just seeing the depravity and awful lives some people live. Sad. I couldn't watch too many shows like this, that's for sure. We binge watched it for about 2 weeks.  I think I prefer fiction! He likes shows with zombies or war  and I would rather watch an episode of Downton Abbey or Mr Selfridge, but the verdict is still out on the latter. Haven't continued for a few weeks. Sometimes we watch  an episode of  the murder mystery Death in Paradise. It's good!  I'm waiting for Nashville Season 4 to come to Netflix. And looking foward to watching the next season of The Voice (on the CTVgo App) . Got any recommendations for must-see TV shows on Netflix?

Planet Woman - got a membership for one month because my kids encouraged me to sign up for a 5km trail run at the end of March, and how am I going to be able to do that if I don't grow my muscles and my cardio?! Don't always want to go but always glad when I do. Except when I'm sore afterwards. And recovery takes longer than it used to! Soon I must transition my workouts to the outdoors..actually running 5 km!! Doesn't sound like much except if you haven't done it in a while! I'm a little bit concerned... but --as my daughter in law mentioned "There's no shame in walking". I'll try to embrace that thought.

and finally...

Z is for Zumba. Imagine doing Zumba with a band of church ladies aged 19-50-something? To hip hop music? Imagine the fun and comeraderie. Yes, it brings some much needed levity to my Wednesdays. We don't do the moves very well at all, but it's good for a laugh, it's a workout, and it's a way to connect with those I mostly just see at church happenings.

What got you through February?

It's a Knitterly Kind of Day

 I think Enzo feels the same way. It's the kind of day to stay snug, dry, warm and hunkered down. (In full view of one's person, if at all possible.)

Although I did get out for a quick lunch with a friend (to maintain one's sanity), I have mostly been indoors (working), looking out. It's wet, cool, and grey. Didn't even take The Prince for a walk today.

 I'm looking forward to finishing up these socks, hopefully tonight. I've suffered greatly from SSS with this project.. Second Sock Syndrome is a real thing, you know! And as I picked up this project last week again after a very.long.time (a year?), I remembered why I had dropped it from my to do list. I had made a mistake in the pattern at some point, leaving it one stitch short,  and promptly ignored the socks out of frustration. As well, I realized there was a very good chance I would run out of yarn before the final toe was completed. And I still think that might happen. BUT, this brain has a plan. You'll have to wait and see what that plan is. You see, I don't have any more yarn to add to these socks and I have lost the label and forgotten the name of the yarn. Oh dear, you organized knitters out there must be tsking and shaking your heads collectively right about now. Confession: I am not as organized as I used to be. But, all is not lost. I am determined to complete these socks.
And since today is a knitterly kind of day... I hope to work on that tonight.

It's Thursday

"When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, "what's the first thing you say to yourself?"
"What's for breakfast?" said Pooh. "What do you say, Piglet?"
"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" said Piglet. 
Pooh nodded thoughtfully. "It's the same thing," he said." 

A.A. Milne

Yes, sometimes the most exciting thing about the week is the food! It's been one of those quiet, nose-to-the-grindstone weeks. Sometimes the days are predictable and  blur into each other, and sometimes there are little surprises along the way. I have seen more deer in our neighbourhood than ever before. They are not intimidated by people at all.

Out the back window. Helping itself to leaves and green tomatoes in my garden.

 The reason it's been so quiet is this:

and this:

going...

...going...

Gone!

Two of my young adult children have made big moves this month. One has left to explore the far reaches of the earth (that's the way I see it, anyway) in S.E. Asia and the other has packed up and moved to another province - new adventures for both! (all good things). 

But, yes, the house has been quite quiet lately. 

Good thing I have my little companion Enzo to keep me company throughout the day!

Target Practice

Yesterday my husband and I played disc golf for the first time. I'm not sure why we haven't tried out that sport sooner, because it sure was a lot of fun!

Enzo guarding the discs. Note how obscured the targets are..they are in there somewhere!

Preparing to throw. Note the heavenly rays of blessing streaming down ;)  

Enjoying the surprises along the way -
a carving of a bear, a beehive, and an eagle, from a tree stump

The big picture

Stopping to enjoy the view

 At first it took us some time to determine where each target was located. A lot of trees and brush obscured our vision at times. If we didn't keep a good eye on where our discs landed, we could have easily lost them. It took us a lot more throws than the 'par' suggested. And it probably took us more time than we figured it would.  But, ultimately, we did find each disc and we hit every one of our targets, with persistence, dialogue, and the help of  a few friendly young disc golfers who were happy to share technique and point us in the right direction.  

Our adventures in life are a little like disc golfing, don't you think? It's not a solo adventure and sometimes it seems we might be way off course. But with our goals on the prize, and with a healthy community around us who can walk with us and point us in the right direction, we are able to succeed. It just might sometimes take longer than we had initially anticipated! And it can be frustrating, especially when we compare ourselves to others or we only see the mistakes we seem to be making. 

Let us trust the One who has set the course and walks with us each step of the way. He is faithful to finish the work He has begun in us. 

God is with us all the way, and cheering us on.  

Mending Walls, Building Fences

Have you ever read Mending Wall by Robert Frost? It's a great poem to read at this time of year -- when we have just done that - built a fence and a tall one (6 ft) at that! And I wonder if this fence will make us better neighbours? Will we still chat with the little girls next door and get to know the family a little better? 

In the poem, the author wonders if it's true that 'good fences make good neighbours' and why people put up fences when there's really nothing to keep in or out. His neighbour obviously wants to keep the fence up between their properties. Here's an excerpt from the poem..

He only says, ‘Good fences make good neighbors.'
Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder
If I could put a notion in his head:
'Why do they make good neighbors? Isn’t it 
Where there are cows? But here there are no cows.
Before I built a wall I’d ask to know
What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offense.

Something there is that doesn’t love a wall,
That wants it down.'  I could say ‘Elves’ to him,
But it’s not elves exactly, and I’d rather
He said it for himself.  I see him there
Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top
In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.
He moves in darkness as it seems to me,
Not of woods only and the shade of trees.
He will not go behind his father’s saying,
And he likes having thought of it so well
He says again, ‘Good fences make good neighbors.'

Well, one good reason for putting up a good solid fence between our yards is keeping a good separation between the neighbour's bull mastiff (who is not friendly towards us at all, although we've made effort) and this:

Little Enzo will be staying with us for a week, and maybe longer. He is the cutest little thing and I might have the option to adopt him from my sister. Small chance, because I'm pretty sure he is growing on her more each day!. When I visited my sis a few weeks ago, Enzo and I became fast friends. We shall see what transpires. 

Do you have a (substantial) fence between you and your neighbours? Has that been a good thing? 

What's Not to Love?

I am currently away for a few days, spending time with my sister who lives several hours away. Since I don't travel much over mountain passes in the winter, we don't get to spend a lot of time together during the snowy season. Come spring, we are just itching to see each other again.

Despite the busyness of life and unforeseen and often unwelcome circumstances that sometimes threaten to steal our joy, we have managed to laugh and have a lot of fun together over the years. She has the best sense of humour and if I am ever really stressed, I just have to connect with her and she puts things into perspective, usually leaving me chuckling. And I know she appreciates my practical support  and just 'being there' when she needs it. We've shared a lot of sister love these past four days.

What I've loved about our time together: 

What is it about spring cleaning  for someone else that makes it almost fun? My sis is a super busy girl, so I knew she would really appreciate it if I tackled the room that has been driving her crazy. I shared with her the simple question to ask when determining whether to keep or discard/give away an item-- Does it spark joy? Thankfully, she had already gone through her books earlier and kept the joy-sparking ones! That would have taken us all day just to do that! Several hours later, the room had been cleaned and reorganized. We loved that!

Taking a trail walk through Campbell Valley Park with M & D and the dogs. Being outdoors with some of my favorite people, enjoying a fresh spring morning..bliss. 

Watching The Voice together. She introduced me to that show last year and now it's something I anticipate regularly. Last week, we watched in our respective homes and texted back and forth during the show, giving our opinions and critiques. But sitting side by side is even better! Except when one of us falls asleep (which seems to be a regular occurrence). Late night watching does that!

Enjoying a cup of coffee together whether in her (newly renovated) kitchen or in a cute little coffee shop in the heart of a nearby community, bustling with people listening, laughing, and sharing, bent over their drinks of choice. Oh, and the coconut/almond latte was worth every penny!

Meeting Enzo, her recently adopted chi. I've been considering getting a little dog for a while and when I met this little guy, well, it was sort of love at first sight. He is sweet, cuddly, and smart despite looking a bit like a rat (the feet are rather undogly). Some people don't consider chihuahuas real dogs, but I know better. I understand why they might not be appreciated by those who prefer big, thick coated dogs, but this little guy has a charm all his own. We have the option to adopt him next month, when he comes over for a week while my sister is on a road trip. But that will take some serious considering and possibly convincing. A dog does tie owners down, unless there are family or friends around willing to do some doggy care when necessary. So.. we shall see.. 

Will post a few pics when I get home! 

Hope you have enjoyed some simple and lovely things the past few days, too! 

Summer

Well, it's been a while, so I thought it might be a good time for an update of sorts. If for no other reason than for me to look back and reminisce..

Haven't made it for a while, but I'm got my kombucha doing a second ferment and I can't wait till its done and ice cold! It's tastier than most cold alcoholic beverages, in my humble opinion, and it's healthy! I've flavored mine with lemon, ginger, and strawberries this time around. And a new batch is in the works.

It's been a busy few weeks,with finishing up school work, and taking a road trip with a friend, driving about 11 hours north of  here (where I've never been), to visit our girls who are cooks for a tree-planting camp. That was a wonderful few days. In every way. New sights, spending time with a friend, relaxing at a cabin in the woods, and of course, time with our girls. Short, but sweet. Wow, were we proud of how hard our girls are working at keeping those 60 tree-planters well fed. They are amazing!

A couple of weeks back Dave and I packed up the old canoe and spent the afternoon on the lake near Chase. You know those times you plan something and it turns out as you had hoped? The weather cooperates, no flat tires, no canoes flying off of the back of the truck as you are zipping down the highway, and you enjoy sights you haven't seen before? I love it when that happens. We saw the absolute cutest thing -- a mother duck (the kind with the tufted mohawk-- I think it's called the Redbreasted Merganser) with about 10 little ducklings in tow -- and the favored one sitting atop mom's back. Probably named Joseph! ;) We tried to get a good shot, but Mama was quite protective, so we enjoyed them from a distance.

Mama and her ducklings in the distance, paddling like crazy!

Just this week, a colleague and I met up to celebrate our finishing up another school year as online support teachers. We spent the day chatting, hiking, and picnicking at Pillar Lake, about an hour's drive from here. A short (but steep)  20 minute hike brought us to the famed 90 foot tall 'sandstone conglomerate pillar' in Pillar Provincial Park. It is topped by an 8 tonne boulder. Wonder how this spectacular creation came to be? It looks so out of place amongst all the trees!

Not all has been wonderful, however. If you've followed my blog for any length of time, you've probably read about and seen pics of my cat Buddy. Well, I had to make the difficult decision to put Bud to sleep. It's been a long time coming, really. Buddy, always a bit nervous (his mother was a wild cat), was becoming a very anxious cat, jumping at the slightest sounds and becoming quite nasty to visitors, what with hissing and other aggressive acts (trust me). Things had gotten worse in the last few weeks, and  it got to the point where we really couldn't trust him anymore. After a long chat with the vet, she agreed that as he's gotten older, his  skittishness and nasty habits have escalated and an angry, fearful, unpredictable cat can spell trouble. So, we had the vet put him to sleep in the most humane manner. I have to be honest.. I felt very relieved when it was all over. It was a stressful time! But I do miss Bud, especially when I see pics of him. He loved me a lot (when he wasn't acting weird) and was my constant companion in a quiet empty-nest house. I could go on about all that I miss, but I won't. Anyway, I had a hard time getting to the point where I even wanted to share that (love hurts sometimes). But I know we did the right thing. Even though it was hard. I am going pet-less for the next while, and I'm really okay with that for now.

I will remember you

. Summer is a time when, even though hard times may come, and not all goes as planned, the weather lifts my spirits. The rain clouds break, a sliver of blue shines through and grows, and before I know it, it's warm and beautiful again and I can enjoy the view of the mountains from my deck. And I wonder where the clouds went. 

Hope you are all enjoying these summer months, too. It's the small things. Really.