Happy Half Year Birthday!!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Yesterday was Findlay's birthday. He is now 6 MONTHS old. Amazing huh?? It sure does not seem that long most days, others it seems WAY WAY longer that he has been here. We only have had him since August though. He is doing well, growing like a weed and learning many things. I think we will consider the 'surgery' after the first of the year. I feel badly, but not enough to wait much longer!!!

He has grown so much that we bought him a new crate yesterday. OH yeah... I thought he would be able to move to 'outside the crate' by now when we were gone for work. Nope, that is a bad idea at this point. He likes to pee in the house that way which basically erases any progress we made. He is already house trained, but not when we are gone for a while. He does not pee in his crate though - so it all works out well. His new crate makes him look tiny for now. I am confident that he will fill that one out soon enough.

I thought that I would share some new pictures of the little man. Some are from our holiday card photo-shoot with Carol and Dean. Yes, I am now in the pictures...CB too!!! It was the only way to manage the three dogs this year. It made us miss our quiet Carli dog a great deal!! He sure does look like a sweetie pie though. Happy Birthday Findlay!!! Many many many more months with us at Doggie DayCARE!!

Getting ready and being thankful

Sunday, November 30, 2008

The weather is turning downright COLD and the sleet pellets are covering the ground. Findlay is enjoying this new treat...something to eat and smell!! Thanksgiving day was quiet with a small celebration here at the house. Just two people and three dogs!! It was relaxing and fun for all of us. Loads of food and left-overs for all members of the party!!

This weekend was outside decorating time. We put up garland on the new side porch and the fence-line. We decided to try something new and added 1000 lights to the outside trees. You can see from the pictures that it looks...interesting. Not exactly what I had invisioned, but a good first year. We will need a taller ladder to get the real affect for next year!!

Now we are working inside, eating turkey sandwiches and cranberry sauce. Eating left-over pie and drinking cidar. Can you tell that it is COLD outside!!??

Assignment Completed

Sunday, November 16, 2008

As many of you know, I have been planning our professional organization's fall meeting for the past 11 months. Yes - 11 months!! It has been a labor of love filled with joyful and somewhat less joyful moments. I just wanted to report that the event went very well. We had a record attendance just under 800 people. This is pretty good considering it is 80% of our total membership.

Our speakers are now gone, including those that stayed after the meeting to visit. I am about to head to grade some papers in bed...translated...fall asleep early. But wanted to say thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. They were essential in making me survive the meeting and the prep. I am also including a little photo of my newest toy... I am now officially the PRESIDENT of the organization...so I get to have a gavel!! How funny is that!!?? I might take it home at Christmas to keep the day 'orderly'.....

Spooky Night

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Halloween has come and gone with the ghosts and goblins, witches and vampires, princesses, tramps, Indiana Jones and Spidermen all passing by to say hello. We had about 60 or so trick-or-treaters stop by last night. It was a chilly but nice night out for them. Strangely there were about 100 less than last year - much to Carrie's dismay. This was her first year home and she only had about 1/3 of the typical numbers. The folks were also older - not many little ones this year. But it was a fun time. We sat on the porch and drank hot cider while the people gathered. Our outdoor path was a HUGE HIT with most of the neighbors who dropped by with their children. All of them had been watching our 'construction' over the summer!!! Nice to have good neighbors around for sure.

Findlay, Koda and Cheyenne did pretty well inside chewing on a special treat - pig hooves. YUCKY!!! But these guys love them. Today is a bit of raking and loads of school work. Oh yeah - fun fun fun fun fun. I hope that all of you had a very scary Halloween!!

Walk for Gabe Day!!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Today was the FAAN walk for my little Great Nephew Gabe Bouwens. He has severe allergies and continues to struggle learning what to eat and how to manage the itching. It was a very chilly morning but bright and sunny. Carrie and I drove about 1 hour southwest to Chatfield Hollow State Park for the two mile walk. As you can see, we made it and found the starting line. There were about 250 people who were gathered for the walk.

Carrie was taking a million pictures of people as they gathered at the start. She was laughing at all the strollers and little ones who were trying to walk through the piles of leaves. More leaves were getting kicked around than little walkers moving forward for sure. We stopped at about 1 mile into the walk for a couple minutes to take a picture of Carrie at this working water-wheel. She was freezing most of the way because she is getting past her cold, so she was dressed like it is mid-winter!!! The event was great and I was so proud in my Gabe's Gang shirt. I had a grandma ask me where Gabe was - so I produced my secret picture. You can see me with it below. Yes, Gabe you were getting a free ride for the two mile hike in my pocket...and as always IN MY HEART!! Sending love and prayers to you little guy - we had a great time in HONOR OF YOU!!! God bless.

Mommy's Water Boy

Monday, September 29, 2008

I have been soooo busy since I returned home from Disney, I have not been able to get a new post written. But, this weekend we spent time with the dogs and they were so stinking cute. Findlay is getting his last swims in the pool before I get the thing winterized and closed. I am not sure how he will manage until springtime. HE LOVES THE WATER!!!

We kept throwing his floating fetch toy into the water close to the steps and he would walk in and retrieve. Then Carrie threw it further in and he wanted to get it very badly, so she lowered him in again. He swam to the toy, got it...then got scared and went to the side instead of the steps. I grabbed the toy and gave him a little pull toward the steps and he swam like a trooper to the steps, then walked out. He then rammed around the yard with the toy, all proud and crazy. By next fall, he will be a perfect swimmer who will come in the pool with mommy. I can't wait!! He might even float on the raft with me...but who knows.

I hope that he will figure out how to stop playing the water bowl for now though...as I can hear him being scolded upstairs right now. OOPS!!! We have created a sea monster!!!

Tomorrow DISNEY!!!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

One more day to wait. Yes, I am now becoming a 6 year old unable to sleep or think of anything but MICKEY, MINNIE, Goofy...and my fav TIGGER!! We are excited to be going to Disney for a few days. Both CB and I need a break even though it is right as school started for both of us. We will have a great time with her family doing all sorts of things like the Halloween parade and party, the Hoop Dee Doo Review, fireworks and dinner with the characters and some other things that I can't remember.

The only hard part is the DOGS. Findlay will be 14 weeks on Friday and I worry about him. He is a good little guy with many puppy issues still. At times he likes to pretend that he is 'the boss', but we are correcting that behaviour and it has made him even more loving. You can see that he is mommy's little boy. Not a puppy build anymore - he is now 29 lbs and his paws are HUGE. He LOVES the pool and to play in the water. We are teaching him to retrieve a float while he swims back to the steps. It is great fun for him and US!!!

I will bring back loads of pictures from the trip when I return on Sunday. Have a great weekend to all and enjoy these days of early fall. Hugs!!

Humidity, Heat and Hanna

Saturday, September 6, 2008

It has been a rugged three days of weather. The temps have been in the upper 80's to low 90's with 80% plus humidity. I have been a bit sweaty, uncomfortable and cranky with this late summer yuck happening. We have also learned that the little man DOES NOT like the heat and humidity. He finds a cool place where-ever he can...you can see that from the picture below. Yup, he is IN the water bowl on the cool basement floor. If he is not sleeping in the water bowl, he is wet trying to swim - that is three days in a row he 'fell' into the pool. He then races around like a bunny and goes nuts!!! It is a sight to see and we are trying to get some video from these experiences. He has now gone into the deep end two times. Leaving Carrie or I to drag him out. The third time he went swimming WITH me, but that was a shallow end entry!! All of this heat, humidity and extra swimming tired him out this afternoon!!! ;-)

We are now in the early stages of Hanna. Much like Dan and Jayme, we will be getting the rain downpours and some wind. There are flood watches out and right now the rain is battering the house. Our two walkways are rivers, so this is going to be an interesting night I can tell. The churches are already cancelling for tomorrow AM, as the watches and warning are on up through noon. As this is the first tropical storm/hurricane of any note in my ten years here, it is interesting for sure. Nope, I did not rush out for water - strange to do in a rainstorm!!! I figure that we will be pretty much ok...minus a flooded this or that. The store is not far away and I assume that we could walk there if necessary!!!

So, I guess that we will just hunker down...try and stay cool (WHEW) and enjoy some TV tonight. Findlay is already hanging out with his brother...trying to play. Koda just wants to sit and chill though. Mommy Agrees for tonight. Two water rescues is way too stressful!!! I need a break!!! :-)

Smart Son...

Monday, September 1, 2008

Findlay is 11 weeks and 2 days old now. He is growing and learning so many things. The housebreaking is going very well, with only an accident or two every few days. The vet reported that he is 20 pounds now...fantastic!!!

He is at the point where he can jump up on the couch, chairs and other things. This means that we are in the process of moving items from a "crawling" position to a "walking" position. You can see how we have cleared off the kitchen trolley...he found all the things there TODAY. Yes, he sure is cute!!! RIGHT!!!

We decided to make an LL Bean run today for a holiday excursion. I bought him a new toy - something leather...kind of like my SLIPPERS (wonder why). He loved it at first, until we went outside with it and found a FREE leaf from the neighbor's tree. $7 dog toy, free oak leaf....priceless!!! He continues to grow both in size and in our hearts. What a wonderful addition to my home! Clearly, he is a good little guy. I guess I should not mention that we renamed him...Findlay MONSTER Sol Maris. Yes, he is a GOOD little guy!!! Are you convinced yet???

Day ONE

Monday, August 25, 2008

School began today. It was SO difficult to get back there after having my sabbatical then the summer. It seemed like a foreign land!! Students were nice and things were fine. Tomorrow is a huge teaching day, so I will determine how I feel after those events. Mostly, I missed my little new boy. Good thing Carrie was nice and worked from home...she seems to like that and will do it again tomorrow. FANTASTIC!!! Instant baby sitter!!!

Ten Weeks OLD

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Findlay continues to grow and become an independent puppy. He loves to play and sometimes he plays a bit too rough. Carrie and I have learned the term "NO BITE" very well. She does the mouth thingy to teach him not to nip better than me. Carrie calls him a gremlin when he gets going too fast...he makes the noise. I can't tell ya if that is true, cuz I don't know about those things!!! TOO OLD....Tomorrow is the start of school and I will miss this little guy way too much. We are arranging to go late and come home early to take care of him. It should be an interesting arrangement for a month or so, until he gets a bit bigger. I thought you might all like some new pictures. He sure has been growing!!!

Growing more confident

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

We are in the 3rd week of enjoying Findlay Sol Maris VanHeest. He is such a great little puppy! His potty training is going very well, with only a few accidents. Now that I am saying that, he is probably pooping upstairs!!!

He is growing in personality, affection, attachment, humour and joyfulness each day. We watch as he explores his world inside and out. His big brother Koda is his absolute favorite animal in the world. Koda is a great big brother (are you listening JACOB??)...he tolerates Findlay's playground tactics for about 15 minute intervals. Then he just gets up and walks away. Today Cheyenne let Findlay lick her ears and eyes - for those of you who do not like the sound of that - it is a good thing!!! So, progress is being made every day.

I am bummed that next week school begins and I must return to a dose of reality. Clearly, I will need to come home a bit earlier to keep this pooch in check. I will miss him soooo much. On the leg front, the doctor said that I am "right on track but need to work on my tightness and flexion" today. He also said..."NO RUNNING UNTIL AFTER YOUR NEXT VISIT...IN OCTOBER!!!" :-(

OH WELL... God is blessing me daily with healing and love. Thanks again for all the prayers and keep them coming. I am NOT a patient person...especially to wait another month.

My Big Brother and I ...

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Findlay is getting along very well with only a few accidents these past few days. He knows to go to the basement steps or the porch door to let mommy know that it is POTTY TIME. That is good. He sleeps 1/2 way through the night, then needs a break. Right back to sleep again.

One of the best things is how he plays with his new brother Koda. It is so stinking cute to see them be good to each other. Koda can manage for about 15 minutes a time...that is really good considering Findlay uses him as a jungle jim. I am still waiting for Cheyenne to act like she likes him...and me!!

Findlay is finally home.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

What a busy, wonderful, exciting time. We picked Findlay up from the breeder on Friday afternoon. He was waiting quietly in his box and just looked at me when we got there. He has been a very good boy so far. There have been a few accidents -- none at night. He is going potty outside, all varieties. That is spectacular, as this means he is getting potty trained already DAY TWO. He rams with his big brother and the 'people' at the house, then sits and falls asleep for hours. It is very clear that he loved people and knew how to interact, plus that he is ok alone. He is content to play alone or just find a place to chill out. How is that for an 8 week old puppy in a new place??? His big sister Cheyenne is not terribly thrilled with him...but she really does not like anything new!! That will come.

I am so glad that I decided to get him. He will make a wonderful addition to my family and my life. God has blessed me with him. Thanks to all for the prayers and thoughts over the past months as I have learned many life lessons about loss and love. I hope that you like the "day one and two" picture. He is kinda cute, huh??!!! :-) Oh...Dan and Tom, he is already a TIGERS FAN!!!

Waiting on Saturday

Monday, August 4, 2008

I have returned from my trip to Michigan. It was wonderful to spend time with my family, especially my DAD! Both little boys (Gabe and Jacob) are growing and turning into little MEN. It was so much fun to enjoy them and their parents. Dad's birthday was great - spending the afternoon at the fair watching the horse races with Marianne, Sharron and Dad. We laughed and laughed, especially at the older folks enjoying their FREE pie and ice cream. Then we got together with more of Marianne's family and Nancy's family to celebrate Dad's 86 years. It was a very special day.

Since August has arrived, I am waiting on two important things -- school and FINDLAY! Yes, he will arrive on Saturday after we pick him up from his breeder family. I am looking forward to meeting him and getting to know him. I am sure that you will hear more about the 'potty training' and 'obedience training' in the coming weeks. For right now, he is the cutest little baby boy yellow lab. That might change...but I sure hope not.

Half Way Home

Monday, July 14, 2008

Today the breeder sent FOUR week old pictures of Findlay. He is now 1/2 way to being home with me. I am getting a bit more excited each week. I just hope that he likes me and all the other members of the family.

I can't wait to see everyone next week in Michigan. I hope to be with only one crutch or maybe just a cane. We will see what the PT says tomorrow and Thurs.

Dancin'...well, not yet BUT!!!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Yesterday was the big five week doctor's appointment. I was eager, excited and a touch nervous. It went well even though I did not actually see the surgeon, only his PA. She is a nice person and knows her stuff. I bent my leg to 90 degrees, got new steri-strips, a new 'low profile' brace, and got the the all important go ahead to dump the crutches!!! You can only imagine how psyched I was...right up until my appointment with the PT today. OH YEAH!! Loads of new and more intense work for that leg and the rest of my body. It was Great...as I am now learning to walk. Clearly, I feel much closer to my sweetie pies - Jacob and Gabe - we have TONS in common now!! I can now walk with ONE CRUTCH... WHOOHOO!!!

So, I have the Phase TWO rehab program for the next six weeks. This allows me to walk, walk, walk some more, probably bike, do more weights and strengthening on that leg, do balance once I get more stable on that leg...did I say WALK more!! The doc does not allow running until after the third month post op - so that is not until early September. Clearly, a spooky run road race might be pushing things a bit! We shall see how that goes.

For those of you who would like to keep up on my little guy Findlay, here are some week 3 pictures. He is going to have to be ok with mommy just walking him for the first month or so. I guess he won't care as long as we snuggle and hang out in between. Keep the prayers coming as it is clear that Phase Two Rehab will be significantly more grueling.

Making a Decision...

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Life has moved along slowly this past month. It is now One month and Three days since my knee surgery. Things seem strangely normal as I spend many hours sitting to read, work on my laptop or do other 'sitting type' activities. Yeah, I am now calling sitting an ACTIVITY. All of the sitting has allowed me to spend many hours thinking and meditating on life, the recent past events and the future. I have been able to try and put things into perspective knowing that all things are for a purpose - not always knowing that purpose immediately.

One of the most difficult things to think about has been the loss of my beloved Carli. Her absence has been so very evident as our home is QUIET and much less ENERGETIC. Carli always filled our lives with such love, energy and happiness...never leaving a moment to be wasted. I have prayed about the future and how dogs fit into that future -- especially my continued rehab. On Wed. I should get the GREEN LIGHT to move into the next phase of rehab. A small brace (low profile), weight bearing on the newly repaired leg, and getting rid of the crutches (if only to get a cane for a bit first). This means the ability to WALK...then hopefully RUN!! Clearly, a dog friend would make those rehab walks and runs much happier and easier. At least the dog would keep me focused on doing the walks daily.

So, I decided to bring a new bundle of love into our home. I talked to my vet and got some good names of breeders. Having gone through the process of 'being selected to adopt' - I am now the upcoming mom of a new baby boy...FINDLAY. He is three weeks old and is a precious little guy. You can see his eyes were not totally open on last week's picture (the week three picture will come soon). I am working to let myself totally love him...I am confident that will come as I get to see and hold him in a few weeks. He will come home mid-August, after he turns 8 weeks old. I am not sure that we are ready for poddy training, chewing, and all the needs a new baby boy will bring. But, we are getting more excited and his 'big brother' Koda and sister Cheyenne will hopefully return to their happier selves. They have mourned our loss so fully as well. I will keep you posted on the new baby...

Garden Progress

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

The weather has been very wet and windy, so the garden has been pretty battered. The last few days we have seen some new flowers. The day lillies have begun to open and they are even better than last summer. The blooms are such a deep, intense burgundy color -- they are spectacular. I am enjoying them and hope that you will as well.

DRIVING...

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Yes, I did it! I cannot tell you how much fun it was to drive. It seems a bit silly, but having the ability to go somewhere if I would like is WONDERFUL!I am very very careful and try to only drive to important things like my PT appointment. But, it makes me feel like an adult again. I guess it is another lesson - be grateful for the things, the abilities and the opportunities that you have.

Another Lesson: Relationships

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Things continue to improve. On Friday I developed a new and thrilling issue - a drug rash. Yes, I am allergic to vicodin. I have this kind of nasty looking stuff on my neck, face, shoulders, back and chest. My last day on vicodin was Friday, so we are not sure what is keeping the rash from stopping. I just need to figure this out. It is not the most appealing thing to handle.

Relationships: my newest lesson. I have had to ask for help...often it seems lately. The most recent was to ask for a ride with a new colleague and friend. My friend grew up in OHIO, so she gets the concept of neighborly love...thank goodness. She is my ride to PT this week. I had to learn that you can ask for help from people. It is not something that I am ANY good at or have any desire to continue. I just need the help right now. So, I am learning that relationships are 'soft places to land' and that people understand. Another lesson learned on my summer vacation journey!! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD!!!

0-70

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Today I feel well enough to try and make another post. I figured that many of you would think that I just purchased a new car...one that goes fast quickly - 0 to 70 mph!! Well, I did not...

On Tuesday, I had my first Physical Therapy (PT) appointment. We did all sorts of fun things like measure how swollen my leg was, talk about the bruises, try and straighten it, try and bend it, try and make the muscles on the thigh contract. Yes, oh my - it was just a thrilling time. You see, my doctor's prescription is that I am able to contract my thigh - without assistance 3 sets of 10 times, plus be able to bend my knee from 0-90 degrees...zero being straight. I was tested and we worked on the bend and straightening...by the end of the session...0-70!!! That was supposedly really really good. I figure that I can now slack off for the remaining 3.5 weeks. I only need to get to 90 by the end of the 4 weeks of PT - seems pretty simple now!!!

I was going to show you a really nice picture of my leg - following stitch removal with the gross swelling and bruising. But, I decided that people might enjoy my newest IRIS blooms instead. I sure hope that you do. Thanks to all for cards, flowers, calls and emails. My life revolves around sitting on my BUTT reading cards, looking at flowers, reading and writing emails and taking calls - so thanks so so much. It is not the summer that I had planned... Guess that there are more lessons for me to learn along this journey.

Humility...Patience...Compassion

Sunday, June 8, 2008

The past weeks have been filled with so many life changing events. It seems that even at my 'old' age, there are so many lessons to learn or re-learn. Since the surgery, I have been learning the three lessons of -- humility, patience, and compassion.

Target is a great place -- when you have TWO FUNCTIONING LEGS. Otherwise, you get to pull a Grandpa VH and drive the electric buggy. Oh yeah... I am no Jeff Gordon, but I did alright. It seems that when a person is in that buggy, people are highly intrigued by the "SICK PERSON IN THE BUGGY"!! Children stare, point and laugh. Parents tell their children in a loud whisper, "don't stare"!!! TOO LATE MOM!!! Adults try to pull out in front of you and rush past as though they have some sort of death wish because the darn cart has NO BRACES. Oh yeah...getting pointed and stared at has made me learn humility.

How does one carry things while on crutches? Clearly that question is something I have been working to solve. My scientist brain has figured out the simple things...use your pocket for some stuff. But big or heavy things...not as easy. I walked around with the telephone and a cold bottled water in my wasteband...right up to the point where the water slipped down into my pants, freezing my leg and making me need to 'rush to the bathroom'...see trying to pee is another event in the GIMP OLYMPICS!!! My brain certainly knows what I want to do...my body is still working on getting it done. Patience is the time between the brain and the body...

Compassion seems to be a limited commodity. Remember the stares and the bolting out in front of the buggy driving invalid? Yes, people are typically pretty jerky. Honestly, they don't really care if you look like you are struggling or stuck or just plain tired. Nope...people just don't have the level of compassion for others that we used to have in the past. I can say that my rushed life with its frequent lack of compassion for strangers needs to change. People are not invisible, especially those in need. A small gesture of caring certainly goes a long way. I learned that from an elderly gentleman who helped me with the buggy in Target...when the battery died and Carrie was getting one thing while I got another. OH YEAH... stranded. Did I mention that she was carrying the crutches too??? Nice... well the older gentleman at least stopped and asked if I needed help. Got a Target employee or no sorry TWO different employees because the first one 'did not work with the buggies'!!! Yes, I will not look at people the same anymore. The invisible are becoming visible and my Mid-western compassion will return!!!

First Day Home

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

The surgery went well, with the new ACL in place. The doc was also able to keep the majority of the meniscus - that is a very good thing.

Things are slow and I am kinda tired because I could not find a very comfortable way to sleep. With my leg propped up on pillows, you feel like a bad cartoon in a V shape!! :-)

I do have a very cool (no pun intended) thing though - it is a cryo cuff cooler. You can see it in the picure below - the blue thingy under the black brace. The cuff goes around the knee and attaches to a cooler (literally it is like a Coleman water cooler). The cooler is filled with ice water and you attach a hose and fill the cuff every two hours. It just stays in place under the brace. A very cool idea - although Carrie is going to get sick of it I am sure. She was a bit sick of it during the night...

Thanks to everyone for cards, calls and mostly prayers. Keep them coming as the next fews days will be somewhat intense. LOVE YOU ALL!

Tomorrow is "S" day

Monday, June 2, 2008

Well, the day is finally here. I am now in the "you can't eat anything or drink anything stage". It should be a real treat, as my surgery is not until 11:30am. I hope that I don't get to the stage where I truly understand cotton mouth. I bought gum - sorry Tom and Dan!!! :-)

I will keep everyone posted on the blog as to the outcome. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers already - they are helping.

I thought that people might enjoy the new addition to my garden - the painted IRIS. They are about the size of a baseball or some a softball. Amazing how delicate and beautiful they are already. I hope that you enjoy the pictures.