tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51500387896277706552024-03-12T19:43:56.358-05:00Mel's Way or No WayMel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-50383652540917303892013-02-08T23:59:00.000-06:002013-02-08T23:59:16.350-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-12054873434520007802012-09-11T00:00:00.000-05:002012-09-11T00:03:13.736-05:00Thirteen Years<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yes it's that time of year again...our anniversary.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 1999</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who are these people?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 2012</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh yeah, they're the same goofy ones who still have a blast together. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxD9i9t9Ocae9XhXU3cvtS04GZg6GTUy83VLoYYlkbCOV_YoeQsrhtJ-xuixa-TCb9RP0jkGuAsnl8yn-QbfxSaB05j5pr5PfCAHeoV5QemfN_H9Ffo8pW2Ywn6zOMymm4oNS-1zGFI0l/s1600/092-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxD9i9t9Ocae9XhXU3cvtS04GZg6GTUy83VLoYYlkbCOV_YoeQsrhtJ-xuixa-TCb9RP0jkGuAsnl8yn-QbfxSaB05j5pr5PfCAHeoV5QemfN_H9Ffo8pW2Ywn6zOMymm4oNS-1zGFI0l/s1600/092-1.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">BTW, after seeing that these photos are posted online to all the wedding guests, I'm really glad we went in that photo booth before having those last few drinks. Hmm...that could have been embarrassing...</span></div>
Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-32649420429720122942012-08-29T23:10:00.000-05:002012-08-29T23:58:02.929-05:00The Project That Consumed My Summer, AKA RV Remodel<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Since the first day A and I pulled the RV in the driveway, we've discussed ways to improve it and make it ours. Not that we didn't love the little beast but still it was utilitarian. It lacked personality and was just plain blah inside; dark oak paneling, retro 80's sea foam green upholstery, old yellowed light fixtures. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I had immediately pulled out the dark grey/black carpet, put down cheap vinyl and we covered the upholstery and made new curtains. It helped but it was still dark and dated.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So I ran across a colorful RV remodel online and was inspired but decided to do it even better than they had. So we chose six bright colors and spent 3 months working on-and-off on weekends as much as we could tolerate in the heat and humidity to sand, primer, and paint the entire interior.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So here are before and after photos (just be warned there are a lot-click for a larger view).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-8qYwkGRRmSwbycNQiNVsdbd1eLSssqMJw7uj7Rq7Rg8mRJYOY65r2cRnVHX_fd6NvTRoH2PmRHb3gw4_rmrncQmU1pGhrtvFSNgp2dQ29Nr1tzCKx_0p9vxAnAbFAf-HsFjBIXbUuA-/s1600/DSC_2644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-8qYwkGRRmSwbycNQiNVsdbd1eLSssqMJw7uj7Rq7Rg8mRJYOY65r2cRnVHX_fd6NvTRoH2PmRHb3gw4_rmrncQmU1pGhrtvFSNgp2dQ29Nr1tzCKx_0p9vxAnAbFAf-HsFjBIXbUuA-/s1600/DSC_2644.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kitchen and bathroom door</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0t6GneKTDaVK5ZqbF98XOt_6b9tudxlac1uHxGpCqxnrKYzEZC7zD0bCNPX_PaAFYfM_-GsluS5-5qOgYISUNWRNFRUjUnTK3BOa06hDkEsgJtOcykoMgAMAE_MpfefAwBRNTghM9kXD/s1600/DSC_4962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0t6GneKTDaVK5ZqbF98XOt_6b9tudxlac1uHxGpCqxnrKYzEZC7zD0bCNPX_PaAFYfM_-GsluS5-5qOgYISUNWRNFRUjUnTK3BOa06hDkEsgJtOcykoMgAMAE_MpfefAwBRNTghM9kXD/s1600/DSC_4962.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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View to the rear.</div>
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Dining/bed area- most of the time we keep it as a bed because the dogs ride here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-KQ4AuFOaMXchBnOIz4Hvsd8A0wdy4YPDjH7OBPzvtLL9MAB3bkohGoduQjiv80v_G_uKbN0y5icxYlZDf_eROg0Mh5VT8pFprpl_ZoZMVYIzZbWBPfxYdrdl2NCQFI1aMzjgsg7CpdY/s1600/DSC_4957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-KQ4AuFOaMXchBnOIz4Hvsd8A0wdy4YPDjH7OBPzvtLL9MAB3bkohGoduQjiv80v_G_uKbN0y5icxYlZDf_eROg0Mh5VT8pFprpl_ZoZMVYIzZbWBPfxYdrdl2NCQFI1aMzjgsg7CpdY/s1600/DSC_4957.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After all the work, I liked what we had done but the cheap tan/white vinyl tiles I had installed a couple years ago just didn't work anymore. So A and I decided a black & white checkerboard floor would be the perfect contrast and finishing touch. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGU-zeDLsLMIlxG-o9xypwfawz26mJOSDBRuEw92S4bAJtiI46Nz2JuOeBgOBelbzTmIeNyc07WD6L4ghdNlef6pobvBhL_ULLJdW0sbE4URlyef4It_QY1iDrJCnOz4i8fmg_L3304bP/s1600/DSC_5586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGU-zeDLsLMIlxG-o9xypwfawz26mJOSDBRuEw92S4bAJtiI46Nz2JuOeBgOBelbzTmIeNyc07WD6L4ghdNlef6pobvBhL_ULLJdW0sbE4URlyef4It_QY1iDrJCnOz4i8fmg_L3304bP/s1600/DSC_5586.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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A friend described the completed project as very "Alice in Wonderland"-like.</div>
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I couldn't find a clock that would work in here for under $40. Instead I made a one of a kind clock with spray paint, rhinestones and a hot glue gun. It's funky and gaudy and something I would never have in my house but perfect in this space.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The ceiling and air conditioner were yellowed, so I chose to paint the A/C cover silver and the ceiling a pale blue like they do on the porches on Florida. The tiny closet of a bathroom I painted white so at least it doesn't feel so much like a coffin. Finally new light fixtures and additional storage and I can say our little home on the road is complete. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just 2 weeks until its trial weekend run and then off for a major 10 day roadtrip. Yippee!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I did have a couple people comment that now we will never be able to re-sell this RV. Well no shit, A and I are well aware of that and it isn't like someone buys a RV as an investment! We know that one day we will upgrade to something newer and bigger and we will never again have the chance to do something like this. So we'll drive this old-girl until she dies, find a nice piece of land to park her on and always have the great memories of our "first".</span></div>
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Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-11303401703410703032012-08-27T02:15:00.000-05:002012-08-27T02:15:00.599-05:00Contrary to What You've Heard, I'm Not Dead<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvB32ym4Zow_A_cng5vEK0qYy6uacElghVAVHUGiX1n-Toqe_4V5Y7EPKttYHZ7rQmj5xdIq8FGoZeBOjFioLkoq-O3qzELGm948dmTmd-TtOPMNFYX5QRIUfUmimDjCl0LoX4ThS6YhG/s1600/DSC_4408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvB32ym4Zow_A_cng5vEK0qYy6uacElghVAVHUGiX1n-Toqe_4V5Y7EPKttYHZ7rQmj5xdIq8FGoZeBOjFioLkoq-O3qzELGm948dmTmd-TtOPMNFYX5QRIUfUmimDjCl0LoX4ThS6YhG/s1600/DSC_4408.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day-Lilies</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can hardly believe it's been months since I've posted. I logged on and had to spend a few minutes just re-aquainting myself with Blogger. The spring and summer have flown by in a blur and thinking back I wish I would have been writing all the experiences and feelings down. Sadly I would come home from work so mentally and emotionally exhausted that I couldn't even find the words. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Spring started out crazy. I work in a small town dental clinic with 2 doctors. Early in March, the senior doctor came to work one Monday complaining of a headache. We all just figured he had a migraine; we would just push through the day and tomorrow would be better. I worked with him all morning and could tell something wasn't right. By lunch time his speech was starting to slur and the corner of his mouth started to droop. We called his wife who took him to the ER and after a CAT scan and MRI, they confirmed it was a brain tumor. Brain tumor: that sounds scary enough until further testing confirmed it was a glioblastoma multiforme; a highly aggressive malignant tumor with an average survival rate of 12-14 months.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To say that the wind was knocked out of us is an understatment. Here we were all trying to deal with the emotions while remaining professional and continuing to support our one remaining over-whelmed doctor. Some staff were in total denial, some bitchy, while others just showed more clearly how selfish they really were. We lost staff; some I was sad to see leave while others it was a blessing. Five months later and the office situation has improved even if unfortunately our doctor has not. He's had a rough summer and the emotional aspect continues to affect us all from time to time.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw45M1V41E1Uc0WmIqxX_bF1WXKUBXLC0YHa2Gsukjt8trAHUQiLtXsp1e2c3z47MBMic3zT4PSm31pK849TJxKDTF26u9iJy78sK0U2WIYcnd6ZF6EwD0GqeXJEY0MPoZhDAugzKF5br6/s1600/DSC_3258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw45M1V41E1Uc0WmIqxX_bF1WXKUBXLC0YHa2Gsukjt8trAHUQiLtXsp1e2c3z47MBMic3zT4PSm31pK849TJxKDTF26u9iJy78sK0U2WIYcnd6ZF6EwD0GqeXJEY0MPoZhDAugzKF5br6/s1600/DSC_3258.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over Lake Shetek</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As far as life at home, A and I are still doing well. In just a couple weeks we will be celebrating our 13th anniversary. It doesn't seem possible it's been that long or that I could love her more every day but somehow it's reality. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghb8TXhxwDuPGbv5Crn0Y8oFtUn9NMEvpX9Ma4tIziCxeEIsZCrnzpAiMulq3kmXfxluAwa2VTDXsVBkQpr-7uHjTl7fJkETHMI9CkY4sDVPp0D11FODhR4slkn5HgeHMrylZ3anbWBsAN/s1600/252668_4340485556874_378706297_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghb8TXhxwDuPGbv5Crn0Y8oFtUn9NMEvpX9Ma4tIziCxeEIsZCrnzpAiMulq3kmXfxluAwa2VTDXsVBkQpr-7uHjTl7fJkETHMI9CkY4sDVPp0D11FODhR4slkn5HgeHMrylZ3anbWBsAN/s1600/252668_4340485556874_378706297_n.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our summer has been busy with good things too. We've been camping, fishing, gardening and spending time with friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We've also celebrated many happy birthdays (including A's 50th) all while doing a full remodel on our little RV. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In general we are finding ways to enjoy the simple pleasures that life offers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The last six months I find myself being thankful for the good and letting the negative slide. Despite the moments of sadness and stress, life is good. </span>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-17599968570902431192012-02-16T01:07:00.001-06:002012-02-16T01:07:11.331-06:00The Ramblings of a Foggy Brain<span style="font-size: large;">The time just keeps creeping by me. Another Valentine's day come and gone. Really though, I have to say that I'm so spoiled that A does everything in her power to make me feel special everyday. My feelings for and dependence on her are so overpowering sometimes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Several weeks ago she asked what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go to celebrate. My choice was to have dinner at home and I made her promise no flowers or candy. We already exchanged gifts a couple weeks ago. I had the day off from work but unfortunately A got stuck at work late so when she came home she asked; "How much is your heart set on lobster tonight? I'm too tired to cook." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No problem here...I settled for a V-day dinner of pizza and then some messing around. The lobster tails are still in the fridge. No worries though, this weekend is supposed to be nice enough that she can grill them. Mmmmmm.....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've been in such a weird, foggy state of mind the last month. Sitting around kind of duh-looking (is they even a description?). I've hardly picked up my camera and can't seem to focus on getting anything done. I finally broke down and bought a Kindle. I didn't think I would enjoy reading on it as much as I have. That's one of the things that lead to my foggy state of mind. If I'm into a story, everything else disappears. I was thinking that I really should just copy my emails to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://sarcastbastard.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Sarcastic Bastard</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> here and be done with it. Those emails tell the tale of my life these days. I guess that my need to write gets satisfied there. Ah, how I love that woman!...or my "soul sister" as I affectionately refer to her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last week started out with an evil boss and a lost puppy I found in the middle of a deserted country road (he wasn't hurt and later reunited with his owners). Then Wednesday I got a call from my mom to tell me an ex had died. He and I dated on-and-off for a year or so. Our personalities never did fit, we couldn't get along and basically had a "fight-or-fuck" relationship. Very unhealthy and dysfunctional and I broke it off when I came to the realization that I was only repeating the patterns of my parents and found myself morphing into a person I didn't like. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway he was only 39 (just turned at the end of December) and the obituary said he died in his home. Yeah the small-town rumor mill was running full force that he had committed suicide. We had vaguely kept in contact through the years but it had been over a year since I talked to him last even though he lived only 6 miles from me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mom and I went to the wake Friday night and even though it's sad when someone so young passes, I was relieved to talk to his family and find out it was "natural causes". He had been diagnosed with an enlarged heart recently, had a heart attack in his home and was dead by the time the ambulance arrived. At the wake I saw a lot of people I haven't seen in years and we visited and shared memories with family and friends. The worst part was dealing with my mom who is so high drama about everything. I listened to her and tried to be patient but when we were standing in line at the funeral home and she turns and says to me in that accusing tone; "Mel, don't you feel anything?! Do you even care that he died." Ugh! That was when I had it with her! Just because I don't bawl and blubber for the whole world to see. *<em>rolls eyes*</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The whole experience did color my mood the rest of the weekend. I was discussing with A the realization at how much I compartmentalize my memories. It seems that when I'm finished with a chapter in my life, I shut those memories away and just don't think about them anymore. Most of my memories these days start when A entered my life because that's the chapter I'm in right now. Having to open the chapter from that part of my life just threw me for a loop. I don't know if I'm even describing this in any way that makes sense but I suppose it's a very unhealthy way of dealing with things. I bet it will back up on me someday and I'll end up on the shrink's couch. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A and I spent the whole day together Saturday in Minneapolis at the RV show. We're not in the market for buying but love to go see what's new on the market. When the time comes to upgrade I highly doubt we will be buying anything new anyway but will have a really good idea of what options/layout we want. Last year we spent the day looking in EVERY motorhome, 5th wheel, trailer and pop-up there. This year we focused. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's A looking pretty bad-ass behind the wheel of a big Class A motorcoach. (Actually I think this pic caught her off guard).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It satisfied the need we are both having to bring our little RV home. We have definite plans to finish painting the interior and some other minor upgrades. We already are planning trips; heading to visit my brother early June and back out to the Black Hills in South Dakota and Wyoming at the end of September. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I guess once I got writing, I seemed to have overcome my block...who knew! We added 2 members to our ballooning family since the start of 2012. I adopted Cassie in early January and A adopted LuLu in early February. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cassie</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">LuLu</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Popper and Jill we will make official later this year I'm sure. That will put us at 8...the pack of eight that is such a great balance. I know, I know there are some rolling their eyes...</span>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-9824790566737180192012-01-31T00:25:00.000-06:002012-01-31T19:35:06.044-06:003.5 days in Vegas Equals 1 Week of Recovery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Seriously, this getting older crap just isn't fair! Between Vegas hangover and fighting a cold, Monday was the first day I finally started to feel like myself again. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Thursday morning we left I got up at 3am and A dropped me off on her way to work to catch my ride to the airport. Friday morning when I finally crawled in bed, I called her and she was up getting ready for work again. I had yet to go to sleep!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We danced and danced every night. There are no photos but the dried blisters on my feet tell a different tale. Fun, fun times! Those heels where so worth the pain. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The one thing about Vegas is there is never a reason to be bored. You don't even have to spend a lot. There's so much to see or just find a cool bar and hang out enjoying the DJ or band. The hotel gave us free tickets to the comedy show one night. I didn't gamble even 1 penny.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hanging out with Little Elvis on The Strip.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dueling pianos at NY-NY. They were great and I was crushing on the guy on the left all afternoon. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> New York, New York skyline.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I got to meet MJ after the Legends Show at the Harrah. Good god I look like I've been awake 24 hours in this picture. Would you believe we went dancing after this?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Five years ago I rode the bull at Gilley's.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">He was still there waiting but I left the riding up to others this time. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Instead I hung out on their saddle bar stools and enjoyed their awesome spicy Bloody Marys.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The gals of Crazy Girls outside the Rivera.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Friday evening we went downtown to Fremont Street for some old Vegas fun. It's like a big street party down there every night.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehVJmj8xTQ25UKwHs6DvW183rEDOO4dtYv-YsE44sL7BhGTeviv__CqDNA38J4DIDxHMnjo9sgMcRx-djrQX488FjGNJjQbnTXpuqSBki_ySJdtLQ9-Wis5Rg8kRBfG8fbo6X6xSVISo8/s1600/DSC_0190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehVJmj8xTQ25UKwHs6DvW183rEDOO4dtYv-YsE44sL7BhGTeviv__CqDNA38J4DIDxHMnjo9sgMcRx-djrQX488FjGNJjQbnTXpuqSBki_ySJdtLQ9-Wis5Rg8kRBfG8fbo6X6xSVISo8/s320/DSC_0190.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Buffet at the Golden Nugget.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We watched the show on the screen overhead. I met this great (and oddly soft-spoken) Gene Simmons look alike. Gene and I share the same quirky phobias. I think it's possible I'm a long lost daughter.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We rode the zip-line down the length of Fremont.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And no I did not eat here before or after climbing a 65 foot tower to zip-line. I only stopped to snap a quick photo. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There was a little girly office drama, but mostly I just tried to stay out of it and not let it color my experience. The only thing that would have made the trip better was if A had been there with me. When we landed in Minneapolis Sunday, all I could think was how happy I was to be home with her. I've said it before and I'll say it again: the best part of vacation for me is coming home.</span></div>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-1493449461040390892012-01-17T23:55:00.000-06:002012-01-17T23:55:06.522-06:0032 Hours<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you ever feel like your life is full-steam ahead and you're just stumbling along trying to keep up? That is the position I 'm finding myself in these days. I truly thought that by January my schedule would slow but things that were once months away are now the day after tomorrow; 32 hours until takeoff.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That's right Las Vegas baby!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Tuesday before Thanksgiving one of my doctors sent out an IM on our inter-office message system; "At 1pm we need all employees to meet in the breakroom. We have important news and it affects everyone in the office." Holy shit! We were freaking out ALL morning! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">At 1pm we all gather with butterflies in our stomachs and dreading whatever news they have. Instead they drop the bomb on us--Las Vegas for our Christmas party! Yep, 10 gals, 2 docs and their wives for 4 days of whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. The only bummer is that A won't be there to share it with me.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Of course this news required weeks of heavy duty shopping and outfit planning. Yes, I have done several suitcase packing trials because I'm admittedly high-maintanence and didn't know if I could fit it all into a carry-on. I have a few events planned but otherwise I'm flying free for 4 days and see where I end up. There will definitely be many pictures. A has already given me strict orders to "cut loose". God I hope I don't end up on that reality show "Las Vegas Jailhouse" but if I do I will be sure to get an autograph</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> from the petite, blonde corrections officer, Nicole Sittre'. A has a crush on her...even if she won't admit it. :)</span></div>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-63779109648514573222012-01-01T16:22:00.001-06:002012-01-02T02:04:14.191-06:00I spent the whole day in my PJs.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What a great start to 2012. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our original plan for January 1st was some much needed grocery shopping and running a few errands. We got up late and had brunch. A went out to pick up her newspaper from the front porch and settled in her favorite chair to read. I was mindlessly staring at the TV when she asked "Do you REALLY want to go shopping today?" I took one glance out the window at the snow flurries and listened to the howling north wind and decided I was more than happy to stay home. After all we had already traversed the icy unplowed roads last night. I almost hate to write how mild our Minnesota winter has been so far; hardly any snow and temperatures in the 40s. But New Year's eve some winter arrived to remind us and I know how dearly we are going to pay for this pleasant weather. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A decided that today was perfect to make soup and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://www.blessourhearts.net/"><span style="color: #351c75;">Ms. Moon's</span></a> </span>Angel biscuits too. For the recipe, check it out <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://www.blessourhearts.net/2008/07/because-i-have-no-xanax.html"><span style="color: #351c75;">HERE</span></a><span style="color: black;">. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As A says so poetically, "These are the best damn biscuits I've ever had!" After all her labor in the kitchen, I was more than happy to sit around in my PJs eating soup and biscuits all day. It's a carb-lovers dream.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We joined Faye and JK to ring in the new year. JK was on duty performing as Elvis. The crowd was older and not too rowdy. The good thing about hanging in a small suburban bar is the cheap drinks; 2 for 1 drinks until 10pm. I got a pretty good buzz for under $10. At one point (and to be a smart ass I'm sure) A brought over a Long Island Iced tea. One sip and my stomach remembered my trip on the Long Island expressway last January. *gag* NEVER again!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Even though it wasn't the most exciting night ever, I'm grateful that I got to spend the evening in the company of great friends and my love. At midnight I happily raised my glass of champagne and gave A a huge kiss. Welcome 2012.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On our way out, A snapped a quick picture of me with my new camera bag/purse. This one is for you <a href="http://www.oursimplelives.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Mark</span></a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I love the fact it looks like any one of my many other purses. In fact when we arrived Faye immediately started to admire it. She appreciates a new purse as much as I do. And in case you're wondering why I'm carrying around a blue octopus, let me introduce you to Tako.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">He's been traveling around the country visiting Japanese Chin households and just arrived Saturday from Canada for a short visit. In a week or so I'll add photos to his memory book and then mail him off.</span>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-83167796331415427892011-12-26T21:56:00.001-06:002011-12-27T00:22:53.957-06:00December Review: It's all over except the indigestion.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I think I started my after holiday post something like this last year. If you feel like you're suffering from deja vu, you likely are because I am too. I stepped on the scale this morning and braced myself for the number. I was shocked to see I've managed to hover in the same 2-3 pound range this entire season of over-eating. Still I just feel like crap; too much sugar and junk food takes its toll.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A and I just returned home and settled in from our last family holiday celebration. It feels like it was just Thanksgiving and the past month has been nothing but a blur of activity. I'm not complaining though. It's been a good month. A and I have felt more in the spirit than many years past. Even through all the running here and there, we always manage to have a good time. I never have as much fun as when A is at my side...or goofing off in front of the camera.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We decorated both inside and outside the house. Gone are the horrid inflatable snowman and penguins of years past and A has been replacing them with the retro plastic decorations. She finally added a snowman, but I think she's most proud of Santa in his sleigh.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Earlier this month our foster pup, Shecky, was adopted to a home in Illinois. He lived with us for 4 months.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAqqM-ZiAIM/TvlLjhu4hOI/AAAAAAAABCQ/b7SEGxk0o0E/s1600/DSC_0578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAqqM-ZiAIM/TvlLjhu4hOI/AAAAAAAABCQ/b7SEGxk0o0E/s320/DSC_0578.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As far as puppies go, he was pretty sedate and a great cuddlier but we were happy to see him move onto a forever home. That of course didn't stop me from crying most of the 5 hour drive to Madison, Wisconsin and back; questioning if I'm really cut out to be a foster and asking myself how many more times can I upset myself like this. By the time I got home, Shecky had arrived at his new home and I had an email waiting from his new mama. It was love at first sight and I know he's now spoiled beyond belief. That makes the tears worth it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I spent 2 weekends as a volunteer for our rescue taking pet photos with Santa at PetSmart. A came along one day as Santa's dedicated Elf.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mt91f71cPnk/TvlTV7wjG_I/AAAAAAAABCc/9OpR9puJshw/s1600/Nonnie+Elf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mt91f71cPnk/TvlTV7wjG_I/AAAAAAAABCc/9OpR9puJshw/s320/Nonnie+Elf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's a great fund-raiser; they supply all the equipment and then give us 50% for every photo. I was really excited about it and had so much fun! There's no doubt that there is work involved and I have a lot of respect for the professionals who do it everyday...pets or kids. Overall most pet-parents were great </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(with the exception of one lady who thought it was her own personal photo shoot)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and we successfully got a good picture of every pet we tried. We even had some chins show up that were adopted through our rescue.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VaMK4VZ42J4/TvlU4aJL0qI/AAAAAAAABCo/NzcEcYGG_qE/s1600/Menz+chin+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VaMK4VZ42J4/TvlU4aJL0qI/AAAAAAAABCo/NzcEcYGG_qE/s320/Menz+chin+3.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A and I spent Christmas Eve with our dear friends, JK and Faye, eating a drinking entirely too much. Christmas morning we slept late and when the dogs finally convinced us to get up, we turned on the TV to the Yule Log and drank mimosas with breakfast.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0aOkst_DS4/TvlY4Aaj7sI/AAAAAAAABDA/9PFaDqbM42I/s1600/Yule+Log+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0aOkst_DS4/TvlY4Aaj7sI/AAAAAAAABDA/9PFaDqbM42I/s320/Yule+Log+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Later we hosted dinner for my mom and then today it was a celebration with A's family. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Since we were going to be so busy all weekend, it was easy to rationalize opening our gifts on the 23rd. This year A and I planned a low-key holiday but that usually doesn't apply when we're buying gifts for each other. I had my little list of things I would like to receive but A completely surprised my with 2 big gifts.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPeigwt1HhI/TvlaZDPN99I/AAAAAAAABDM/MQi1N9sT9c0/s1600/b-hobo-bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPeigwt1HhI/TvlaZDPN99I/AAAAAAAABDM/MQi1N9sT9c0/s320/b-hobo-bags.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have a love--weakness---addiction to purses. You can imagine how much I fell in love with these Kelly Moore bags at first sight. The amazing thing is that these are not purses but a line of camera bags designed by a photographer to NOT look like camera bags. There's a collection of different colors and styles but I just haven't been able to let myself spend the cash. I haven't mentioned or looked at these in months but A remembered and to my surprise picked out the exact bag in the exact color I wanted! It's that beautiful blue bag in the picture above. Then she surprised me again with a new camera lens. I feel truly grateful for having such a sweet and thoughtful person to share my life with...even if I did have to scold her a bit. I think she spoils me too much.</span></div>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-23616914038744358272011-11-27T23:33:00.001-06:002011-11-28T02:37:13.399-06:00Sickly trees, snow and decorating disasters...the season is upon us.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Free to good home: one sadly neglected ficus tree. I really think it could have a chance of survival living with someone who watered it regularly, rotated it to receive some better sunlight (and help it grow evenly), and I can't even remember the last time it was fertilized. Poor thing is probably root-bound in that pot. Included is the very stylish piece of cardboard to keep the dogs out of the dirt.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLODD-NYSr9IPVzN7FmdweV4m_NIHIYwWomYHke7ZA3QR3bV3LzBpOgEr1M71GCKdXaGaLZFPlQWy75BnABz42pQwX54DIzbXAIZAI1uRvmhBvjqdrEPYaW4BxF9dGyyazaLedn3QVdip/s1600/DSC_0487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLODD-NYSr9IPVzN7FmdweV4m_NIHIYwWomYHke7ZA3QR3bV3LzBpOgEr1M71GCKdXaGaLZFPlQWy75BnABz42pQwX54DIzbXAIZAI1uRvmhBvjqdrEPYaW4BxF9dGyyazaLedn3QVdip/s320/DSC_0487.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">At this point, and in honor of the season, I think it may bear some resemblance to the famous Charlie Brown Christmas tree.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvx7RG_GFQkSYQYGUqxI6YdZDEKprjAzR_PRc5cy3A7fwthosT33nuI-8qmKWn3NlGMCOXHCeYPKkaTR9eCLIyhyoqM5D0l_2jKeAxQNlcDTWFoOrKsRPQV6Z5WLVYjPLXThqtpJZpG6x/s1600/educational-games-for-kids4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvx7RG_GFQkSYQYGUqxI6YdZDEKprjAzR_PRc5cy3A7fwthosT33nuI-8qmKWn3NlGMCOXHCeYPKkaTR9eCLIyhyoqM5D0l_2jKeAxQNlcDTWFoOrKsRPQV6Z5WLVYjPLXThqtpJZpG6x/s320/educational-games-for-kids4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wow, I can't believe how long it's been since I've been around. I'm a terrible blogger and a terrible commenter to boot. I know a lot of people take a hiatus this time of year. I often have the urge to write but by the time I can sit down either I've forgotten what I want to say or I'm just too damn tired. Sometimes I feel I've lost my voice here...like my writing sounds stiff and impersonal-not my real voice. Does that make sense? Well it is the early morning hours so just humor me if it doesn't. Okay I guess I will chat about what's going on around here.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A little over a week ago we had our first snow and I'm happy to report it was gone in a few days. It stuck around long enough to get my newest fosters out to experience it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYKyYfcIlGIoeks2cAldzLT-NPfA_9xyA5Dfp5ePLPAq4xdrYxc2U9DyzvJq7wFTRpSga7b4VdFyBX77txDbBSqOkZOItAfaJrLTiISqEDywfaftPo7KRyYVkx6hkZ8V_DIDw6hwOFbjV/s1600/DSC_0383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYKyYfcIlGIoeks2cAldzLT-NPfA_9xyA5Dfp5ePLPAq4xdrYxc2U9DyzvJq7wFTRpSga7b4VdFyBX77txDbBSqOkZOItAfaJrLTiISqEDywfaftPo7KRyYVkx6hkZ8V_DIDw6hwOFbjV/s320/DSC_0383.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I know Shecky looks pathetic but it was the first snow of his life and within a few minutes he was running and rolling in the yard like a madman.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8371On1-H_xBmT7zZQKBElz9BBqWS4kc60QIcEHtrHLYLKyO9Tm1TlBxzpgPPAA05czzLWAG9XiPmlbs-_fa6ISoCv0RbpxP_8MQzDD67i72S1dvux3d09c-g9zSiFs4j2f9BdQoWG6r/s1600/DSC_0405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8371On1-H_xBmT7zZQKBElz9BBqWS4kc60QIcEHtrHLYLKyO9Tm1TlBxzpgPPAA05czzLWAG9XiPmlbs-_fa6ISoCv0RbpxP_8MQzDD67i72S1dvux3d09c-g9zSiFs4j2f9BdQoWG6r/s320/DSC_0405.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And Suzannah bucking and kicking in the snow...well what can I say about this wacky girl. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thanksgiving was a quiet and stress-free affair. As A and I prepared dinner for my mom and her boyfriend, I realized that this is the first time in I don't know how many years that I actually feel in the mood for the holiday season. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsZvpKzs3rqz53SbaDJ-kFNi-QUFUzYjWIzAt5oqNszRm5vlUC1BW0mveITuJnQp9tFGW16gxNAPvTBeyAoktHpvU49hg3Qn_iQ7intBJ3F26i4zXR_SuMxg1x43c30hbltLv5NdBbXRU/s1600/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsZvpKzs3rqz53SbaDJ-kFNi-QUFUzYjWIzAt5oqNszRm5vlUC1BW0mveITuJnQp9tFGW16gxNAPvTBeyAoktHpvU49hg3Qn_iQ7intBJ3F26i4zXR_SuMxg1x43c30hbltLv5NdBbXRU/s320/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But I guess if the Grinch's heart can grow 10xs, mine can expand just a little bit. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I even went out shopping on Black Friday for the first time ever. Yes, I was a Black Friday virgin. I admit it was a short shopping excursion; drive to the store, straight to the items on my list, cashier and back to the car. It wasn't too crazy at the speciality store I went to and well worth the trip to save $80 on the one item that A really wanted. I wisely avoided the craziness of Target, Walmart or Best Buy.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This past Saturday is traditionally when A starts decorating for Christmas. Here she is using tree parts as antlers and chasing the dogs. What can I say but I pretty much let her do anything to keep herself entertained.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8SvFqkfFd9cER5qSvtbYQb2G_RJv7wac2LCzaX73IMvsr1dHs_GRsRlAqsSbGbSh2f34hXAd8EbJwTPaKXavrTRENwU3IiPYcLxojgi7ppMQ7LBD0sx8AKvMyUgoUHnNlEnOo4tti9Ma/s1600/DSC_0474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8SvFqkfFd9cER5qSvtbYQb2G_RJv7wac2LCzaX73IMvsr1dHs_GRsRlAqsSbGbSh2f34hXAd8EbJwTPaKXavrTRENwU3IiPYcLxojgi7ppMQ7LBD0sx8AKvMyUgoUHnNlEnOo4tti9Ma/s320/DSC_0474.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A couple years ago I had to suffer through those horrendous inflatable decorations in my yard but last year, A started buying the retro blow-mold decorations. She found several in antique stores and at the flea market but this year they are back in fashion and can be purchased everywhere. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So meet Vernon the snowman.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpw6Vcv8Ed3MDzhc7RqGH_aKLXc6j9k57-YjMv1ue5-U0YefQOltMN2YWt9PikIXLg-Dgpod_NsD9y6kxWtqCbw5m2rrulIrPW1ch1ghOiHNnegHcPyO0tToPPEoKwD04yjvtGpcY6GDQ/s1600/Vernon%2527s+ride+home..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpw6Vcv8Ed3MDzhc7RqGH_aKLXc6j9k57-YjMv1ue5-U0YefQOltMN2YWt9PikIXLg-Dgpod_NsD9y6kxWtqCbw5m2rrulIrPW1ch1ghOiHNnegHcPyO0tToPPEoKwD04yjvtGpcY6GDQ/s320/Vernon%2527s+ride+home..jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Seat-belted in for safety on the way home from the store. I think he looks just a little psycho.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A proudly getting ready to put Vern out in the yard with Santa. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have to admit that we both spent our Sunday feeling blue. After putting the tree together, A started looking for the lights to put on it. They were not in any of the boxes she had here. We have a small house and rent a storage unit about a mile away. We don't store anything of much value there; it's just a place to put the summer stuff in the winter and vice versa. A went there to double check and nothing. That's when we realized we were missing an entire container of decorations not just lights. We remembered that last winter A had found the lock cut off our unit 3 times. Each time she had looked around inside and didn't notice anything missing. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who in the hell steals only a container with "X-Mas Decorations" written on it?! The heartbreaking part is that box contained sentimental, handmade and one of a kind ornaments; it was full of memories. Through our years together, A and I have given each other and collected ornaments when traveling or objects that symbolized special moments. There were ones I had an artist paint of the dogs and childhood ones that are simply irreplaceable. Every year we crack a bottle of wine, decorate the tree and reminisce. Not everything is gone since we had multiple containers but some of the most special items were in that box. For me this is devastating and even A shed a few angry tears. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I realize it's really not the end of the world-a lot worse things could happen, but it's hard for someone as sentimental as I am and I just had to spend a little time feeling sad. We did pick up a few new things when we were out shopping today and later this week when we finally decorate, we will crack a bottle of wine and toast to making some new memories. (Who am I trying to kid? I'm still damn pissed!)</span></div>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-85450298288428592522011-11-10T23:28:00.001-06:002011-11-11T00:02:52.358-06:00Triggered<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am a stress-induced emotional eater. I almost feel like I should be standing in front of a crowd. "Hello, my name is Mel. I have a stress eating problem". </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Food is comfort and I of course love, love, LOVE carbs-bread is my absolute weakness. I have been doing well the last few months but Monday morning I was triggered. I woke up to sick dogs, a mess in the house, a mess on my bed from a dirty dog butt, no working dryer and 5 dogs that needed baths because they were such a mess. Aghhh!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When things had finally settled down, I innocently opened the freezer to get some ice and spotted it; that box of candy my mom had given us last spring. Trying to be good, I had shoved it in the freezer without opening it and all these months it has sat hidden from view behind bags of veggies. Monday I ripped into it and down the rabbit hole I fell. The carbs/sugars are like crack and I'm the biggest addict. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lets see, 2 days home from work, multiple pots of coffee and gone one box of candy, a loaf of bread, frozen cookie dough, potato chips, animal crackers plus an unplanned trip to the grocery store to satisfy my craving for Pop-Tarts and chocolate-cherry ice cream. Now this is in addition to the wonderful cooking and "real" food that A cooks up around here. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And sadly the holiday season is not truly here yet. I better go make another cup of tea and try to convince myself that I really don't want just one more bowl of ice cream. What am I saying? Fuck the bowl, just eat it straight from the tub.</span>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-53155589986253231072011-11-08T23:53:00.002-06:002011-11-08T23:59:01.883-06:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's my Monday tomorrow, blah! The</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> more time I have away from the work, the less I want to go back. Please tell me that I get to retire when A does. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I wasn't even surprised today when people at the office started texting me about office drama---seriously people, I haven't been there for 4-1/2 days!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Several months ago A and I were invited to spend this past weekend with friends at Grand Casino. They come from the north and us from the south; it is a nice meet-in-the-middle location. We made reservations then I realized I had to spend that Saturday at the University of MN for a continuing education class. I felt guilty but couldn't cancel since work was paying and I'm in need of credits-oh the joy of procrastination! A wanted to cancel her weekend but I encouraged her to go, hang out and have fun. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Saturday morning as I got ready to go into Minneapolis, I decided on a whim that after my class I would drive up and surprise A, have dinner and just spend a few hours. I mean it was only another hour north. I arrived in record time (thanks to my lead-foot) and texted her that I was in the parking lot-meet me in the hotel lobby. She was so surprised and excited. I just LOVE making her happy and it's really so simple to do. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm really not into gambling but A was playing poker and I watched over her shoulder and consulted. Otherwise I visited and people watched. My original plan was to spend a few hours then make the 2 hour drive home. A and the other ladies insisted I stay the night (and I admit I packed an overnight bag just in case). I have to say it was nice to spend the night in that big bed without any dogs. After a huge breakfast Sunday morning with my new favorite food-wild rice bread-we came home.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm glad I had the last two days at home even if they did fly and I didn't accomplish much. Just getting the dogs out to run in the yard was a treat and I dread the weeks--months we will spend closed up in this house. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The early darkness is already starting to feel oppressive but t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">he weather is still holding unseasonably warm. The weather man keeps saying rain/snow then changing his mind. I'm happy when he's wrong even though I know we can't keep winter away forever. </span></div>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-7986604696723793172011-10-31T10:49:00.000-05:002011-10-31T10:49:30.624-05:00Getting Life in Order<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well the Sears appliance repairman just left with a nice fat check from me. Parts are ordered and hopefully will arrive and be installed by the end of the week. Just as I thought, the dryer motor is dying. Yes, I did get laundry done this weekend. Luckily the laundromat is only 6 blocks away and A was right about one thing-she did have enough quarters. :))</span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">All I can say is that things are just "off" in this household. My bad mood/irritation/pissed-off state persisted through Saturday. The thing is, it wasn't really the dryer that set things off. We've both just been "not-right" with each other the last few weeks; you know snappy and moody and intolerant. The thing is when you ask what's wrong, it's not one thing you can really put your finger on. I know for me, A may say something in a completely innocent way and I take it personally. By Sunday we had both calmed down and become reasonable enough to have a real conversation with each other. Bonus, nothing negative between us all day Sunday. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Between all the crap I can say we did have a pretty nice and productive weekend. After sleeping on Betty's bed during my petsitting gig, I had completely fallen in love with the mattress, so last weekend I took A shopping. We were able to agree on one and it was delivered Friday evening. Can I say absolute heaven! OMG, I could barely make it out of bed I was so comfy all weekend. I may have to consider moving the computer, TV and appliances in the bedroom so I don't have to get out of bed again. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We arranged furniture, got our guest room in order, finished up the last of the fall yard work and finally (and with great sadness) put the RV in storage. The cold north wind was blowing and we had snow flurries while driving home. I shouldn't really complain about that though...just be thankful I'm not living on the east coast.</span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Monday...and Happy Halloween!</span></div>
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</div>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-71534305714574510682011-10-28T00:10:00.001-05:002011-10-28T00:13:53.874-05:00This time A pissed me off...and I'm still irritated.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tonight I walked out of the kitchen into the living room to hear a screeching-grinding-whistling sound coming from the laundry room. A is just sitting there on the couch. "Do you hear that?" She just kind of nods and still just sits there. Now that irritated me and I muttered something like, "Do you think maybe you could check something like that out?" </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I went into the laundry area and find it's the dryer. It's still running but making a god-awful noise and smelling hot. I turn it off, do a quick check to make sure nothing is stuck inside, turn it back on-it's still making the noise. "Oh great! It's the dryer!" I yell to her. Still nothing from her as I bang around and struggle to pull the machine out so I can check the connection of the exhaust, etc. "Can you help me?" Nothing.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I come back into the living room telling her that the dryer isn't working and expressed how upset I am that I won't be able to get a repairman here at the earliest until Monday and things are so busy at work I'm not in the position to take a 1/2 day off to wait for the repairman, blah, blah, blah...still nothing from her. Now I'm getting irritated by her apathy and tell her well if you want clean clothes, I guess we will have to find time to go to the laundromat this weekend and she says, "I have quarters". </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I admit I flew into a nail-spitting rage. That was the last fucking smart-ass comment I wanted to hear. So I let it fly. I kind of feel bad...no I take that back, I don't feel bad at all. Really I love her, but she pisses me off like no one else can! I'm sure I'll be better in the morning-just needed to vent.</span></div>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-80787871195392158202011-10-24T00:22:00.001-05:002011-10-24T00:37:23.350-05:00Halloween Fun, More Puppies and A Baptism<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I don't know if I've mentioned before that Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. It's no-stress, no family hassles and it is only as much fuss as you want. I just love this time of year and spend as much time as possible watching scary movies and cuddling close to my love. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkw05OOecg8D6myslKN_EdmD1TXbpMixwY-2APQfBHsTu05OOilNfPiAoxtb3EiKfMrwcSQTGBm8PXQEb0hoJnqII6kZiqdClNiN3fk-QukGCrvlrM272uic6Hdlq24Dw9AwA3r7yZf2l/s1600/610px-Jack-o%2527-Lantern_2003-10-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkw05OOecg8D6myslKN_EdmD1TXbpMixwY-2APQfBHsTu05OOilNfPiAoxtb3EiKfMrwcSQTGBm8PXQEb0hoJnqII6kZiqdClNiN3fk-QukGCrvlrM272uic6Hdlq24Dw9AwA3r7yZf2l/s320/610px-Jack-o%2527-Lantern_2003-10-31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Saturday night my friend Kristine and I dragged our spouses off for a fun and fright-filled night at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.screamtown.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Scream Town</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. As I sit here tonight typing, my throat is still raw and scratchy from screaming. There were 5 different attractions but by far the scariest was the Circus Asylum. Clowns + pitch blackness + strobe lights = scared shitless!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFkulnta9XZf3VkLh1aK5GxikKbaIBqvPAAGC8oJ-uLoRHKiy5TX7-FyUaqO63H3Y3rWgcrE06S0tgqZDWP-VedhDmxdGTh45AOpMg0lj3YK2z0CNWXoGjU3HWaQsHqndIvezhd0UU5l5/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFkulnta9XZf3VkLh1aK5GxikKbaIBqvPAAGC8oJ-uLoRHKiy5TX7-FyUaqO63H3Y3rWgcrE06S0tgqZDWP-VedhDmxdGTh45AOpMg0lj3YK2z0CNWXoGjU3HWaQsHqndIvezhd0UU5l5/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Several times A said I actually picked her up. We learned Kristine is a sprinter when scared and at one point she practically ripped off my parka. Her husband (a big 6' 5" guy) was plowed over and pushed out the fire exit by 3 freaked out gals...well make that 2 freaked out gals and one gal being dragged/carried along. That time several of the actors actually lost character and burst out laughing themselves. I woke this morning feeling stiff and sore and I swear I dis-located a hip. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It was a late night and then an early morning when I hobbled my crippled ass out of bed to put on heels and head to church. That's right, I suffered through mass to attend the baptism of the son/grandson of our close friends (and adopted family). Ahh, the things you do for the ones you love! We had a great meal and lots of visiting, laughter and hugs afterward. It was a happy occasion just to have everyone together. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Even though I was tired it was a great way to end the weekend as I returned home again from a short petsitting/housesitting gig. This time it was a happier occasion since Betty just had a chance for a last minute getaway. She seems to be doing much better and I'm hopeful for her. Anyway the bonus for me was getting to spend 5 days with these adorable little critters.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QITa3AVqNDwE99oAZlQLcV6uzqIQg8TbwvdZLkSc3b3oem4HQbIe30cr2GfgmJYpx4XzZ0zTEHm2LZ05TOxp0gVQhjglEUAYuzSsi5ZDCrpbeelajycZz1-_BXV0TpuLGI_4kT2MgQZj/s1600/DSC_0295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QITa3AVqNDwE99oAZlQLcV6uzqIQg8TbwvdZLkSc3b3oem4HQbIe30cr2GfgmJYpx4XzZ0zTEHm2LZ05TOxp0gVQhjglEUAYuzSsi5ZDCrpbeelajycZz1-_BXV0TpuLGI_4kT2MgQZj/s320/DSC_0295.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="299" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3.5 week old Chin puppies. OMG, I was in so much love!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I tried to resist holding them as much as possible since it made their little mama nervous.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LLbNYD-DbqoGvwKdIH4SCUbP0eYbN97heKIKlzlM-LI8iQb3MsDpPhRhD-bSQsGIDyw6hW-t-Ko1yD_EdM8yGtH2VIT8zfckj2FAjBn7-mBHcrHy8PCixd6BpJiOaZDI16jTUX5vDszO/s1600/DSC_0297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LLbNYD-DbqoGvwKdIH4SCUbP0eYbN97heKIKlzlM-LI8iQb3MsDpPhRhD-bSQsGIDyw6hW-t-Ko1yD_EdM8yGtH2VIT8zfckj2FAjBn7-mBHcrHy8PCixd6BpJiOaZDI16jTUX5vDszO/s320/DSC_0297.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But seriously, who can resist this face and they fit just perfectly in one of my hands. This little guy will never be a show dog since his markings aren't "breed standard" but his little mustache is so unique. I don't know if Betty has named them yet, but I called him Groucho Marx all week.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Monday!</span>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-299670815922873582011-10-17T11:26:00.002-05:002011-10-17T11:26:20.068-05:00Final Camping Trip 2011: Whitewater State Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One last chilly weekend camping trip for us and our crew. We left Friday afternoon and made a short drive to the bluffs of southeast MN. </div>
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Our final camping of the summer was supposed to be the peak of the fall color.</div>
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This was all that was left of fall color...just a scatter here and there. Most of the trees were already bare.</div>
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I was surprised at just how many campers there were out this past weekend. I suppose they were out looking for color too since the people who are supposed to know these things had forecasted it. Looks like they are about a reliable as the weatherman.</div>
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The weather cooperated as best as we can expect this time of year. The sun was warm and it was in the 60s during the day but that damn north wind was plaguing us. It never lets us forget that winter is around the corner. </div>
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Perfect weather though to build a big fire and sit around chatting...or not.</div>
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We had the crew outside with us as much as possible until their little feet started to chill from the cold damp ground.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN9OlAMELPhSpsVgk3mPcGPsP1g-aIKkm6SUnO9OtHi1F8Ndpdb998XU3jDKtrFa3NL1ZXl9j6CWQAQ_JdpN78PqrUov8prV-s_ij6jITsVmZ3AynSkVR2U5CWv0ntUaRhBpzH2uXfPe1/s1600/DSC_0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN9OlAMELPhSpsVgk3mPcGPsP1g-aIKkm6SUnO9OtHi1F8Ndpdb998XU3jDKtrFa3NL1ZXl9j6CWQAQ_JdpN78PqrUov8prV-s_ij6jITsVmZ3AynSkVR2U5CWv0ntUaRhBpzH2uXfPe1/s320/DSC_0107.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The chilly nights in the 40s made me thankful for that little gas furnace in the RV. Add my down comforter and 7 furry little bodies snuggled in around me, and I was toasty warm. Too bad I woke so stiff and sore from not moving most of the night. </div>
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This state park has miles of hiking trails through the river valley and up into the surrounding bluffs. Saturday we decided to take the trail up into the bluffs to Chimney Rock. The trail starts out pretty level along the river and leads to a beach/picnic area. </div>
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There were several of these little waterfalls.</div>
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A being the mountain goat she always is just couldn't resist leaving the trail and climbing the sandstone cliffs. From the look of it, a lot of others like to climb up there too and carve their name or initials in the soft walls.</div>
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I should keep reminding her that she's not 20 anymore and breakable, but I doubt it would have much effect. </div>
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Most of the trail to Chimney Rock was just a narrow dirt path long the edge of steep drops. Some of the steeper places had wooden stairs like these.</div>
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But I preferred the beautiful stone stairs that wound upward overlooking the Whitewater river. </div>
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With all that cardio we did stop for a break on these perfectly placed benches.</div>
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We finally made it to the top and A stood out there to survey the world.</div>
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It's crazy to me that I can jump out of an airplane, but standing on the edge of that cliff makes me feel woozy. I had to lay down to look over the edge. A just couldn't resist climbing down a little further to freak me out and take this picture.</div>
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We were starving when we finally made our way back to camp but A had put meatball stew on in the crock pot that morning so we didn't have to wait long to eat.</div>
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Then it was nap-time but it's hard to get much rest when the crew all wants to nap with you.</div>
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I cut my not-really-a-nap short because A wanted to check out the Wildlife Center.</div>
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Nice wolfie...</div>
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...and a giant beaver...</div>
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...and A stalking a turkey. She does whatever she can to keep me entertained. </div>
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As usual we had curious visitors to our campsite. Most people are friendly enough, but the asshole camping across from us pissed me off immediately. We had no longer unloaded the dogs (and they had not made a single noise) and he came over to ask us if we were going to be able to keep them quiet all weekend. Grrrrrr! Seriously, IF they are making noise you can complain, but don't come up to me and start complaining before anything has happened! </div>
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We laughed at the idiot every morning as he did his wannabe Chuck Norris workout with bungee strap on the tree and picnic table. Click to see a close up. What a jackass!</div>
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<br /></div>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-83187064698505030552011-09-21T23:53:00.000-05:002011-09-22T00:18:10.723-05:00An Update and "The Dog Hoarder's Convention"Around here life is settling back into normal routine. After spending 3.5 weeks at home, A returned to work Monday. It was nice to have her home, especially since we had extra furry house-guests for a couple weeks. I guess I've just been feeling quiet and last week I was swamped getting the silent auction together for our rescue's annual get-together (also called the Dog Hoarder's Convention by A's sister). This is the third year I've been in charge but got a late start so I was just happy to pull things together in time.<br />
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Saturday morning we woke to a cool, windy day. A had spent Friday getting the RV ready and packed for our trip. The plan was to drive it to the rescue event and then camp along the Redwood river that night. We were running late...as usual...and after getting all the dogs loaded in to RV it wouldn't start. Seriously?! After working on it for over an hour, we just had to load the essential stuff and the dogs into two cars to go. We were both in pissed off moods but after we got there, it was hard to stay mad with all this cuteness running around...120 cute little dogs in attendance to be exact!<br />
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Tawny</div>
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The old man Gizzy looks down on the commoners from his stroller.</div>
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How can you tell which one is yours?</div>
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Love the teeth!</div>
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Suki</div>
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Buddy had the best seat in the house.</div>
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This is what happens when you try to give one dog a treat.</div>
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We ate too much food, visited and spent all my money at the silent auction. Since I run it and bid for others who can't attend, I don't bid for myself. The last two years A has bid for me and I've come home with a load of stuff and an empty purse.<br />
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This is the first year we decided to pose for a group photo. Obviously, this isn't every volunteer in our group but there are people here from Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Iowa and even one person who planned their trip north from New Mexico to coincide with this event. </div>
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This year my offer to the silent auction was a custom pet portrait by fellow blogger <a href="http://shane-rocket.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Rocket</span></a>. I had her do one of our dog Gizzy to use as an example and the winner could then submit a photo of their own pet for a portrait. It was a big hit at the auction and I'm ecstatic it raised quite a bit of cash. I just LOVE this picture and she completely captured the Old Man. </div>
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I have it framed and proudly displayed in my living room. THANK YOU ROCKET!</div>
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A and I had a lot of things planned for this fall but haven't accomplished much. Mostly I've just wanted to stay close to home and be with her. We were disappointed to not be able to camp this past weekend, but now the RV is up and running again (a bad battery is an easy fix) and we still have a weekend trip planned mid-October near the Mississippi river/Wisconsin before putting it away for the winter. We've had time to re-connect with each other and re-prioritize our lives. A seems to be in a better state if mind about her job and has decided to go back to school (online) to expand her degree. I'm so happy she has finally made that decision and I'm hoping it all works out. This coming weekend, I'm excited that my brother is bringing my nephews for a visit. I haven't seen them in over a year already!</div>
Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-64251873953121468382011-09-11T13:45:00.000-05:002011-09-11T13:45:59.953-05:00My RemembranceLast night A built a fire in the backyard and as we sat there looking into the flames we did what so often happens when sitting around a fire...we reminisced.<br />
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We talked about 10 years ago when I was on my way to my 8am class that I had no idea as I parked my car and rushed across campus that a plane was hitting the first tower in New York. In 2001, no one had internet on their cell phones. We all sat through our 8am classes without a clue.<br />
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At 9am I walked into one of the common areas on campus and people were crowded around every TV. That is when I realized something had happened. I called A who had worked the night shift and was just getting ready to go to bed and told her to turn on the TV. All classes were cancelled and I drove as fast a possible the 1 hour to A's place listening to the radio as the towers fell.<br />
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September 11th is also our anniversary. That year on our second one, I remember we had plans but for the life of me, I don't have a clue what they were now. We, like everyone else, sat parked in front of the TV watching and wondering...what next?<br />
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In the last 10 years I have not agreed with all the politics and policies that were the outcome of this event. Today I've been saddened to read all the online comments by people who choose to bash the memorial events because of their anger with the government or their hatred of others' religious beliefs.<br />
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Today I choose to remember that everyone who died that day loved and was loved by someone else. They were all someone's husband, wife, sister, brother, mother, father, son, daughter or friend. They got up that morning and went through their normal routine just like any other day and in the matter of a few hours they were lost.<br />
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Now I'm going to turn off the TV/internet, hug the person I love, be grateful that I still have the ability to do that, and enjoy this beautiful fall day.Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-28798301324764650542011-09-07T20:14:00.000-05:002011-09-07T20:14:25.665-05:00"Honey, I'm Home!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And I informed A I'm not leaving again. I don't like the single life.</div>
Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-86967915225498485372011-09-05T17:41:00.001-05:002011-09-05T17:41:17.852-05:00Sunday<div style="text-align: center;">
We joined friends at their home for a Labor Day BBQ and bonfire. There was so much food. You know so much good food that you're full but you just keep going back for little of this and that. JK went crazy on the grill making burgers, brats, steak, chops and ribs...holy shit that's a lot of meat! I woke up Monday morning still feeling full.</div>
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A lovely fall sunset. </div>
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Someone had the bright idea to throw that bale of hay on the fire.</div>
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Which turned it into an even bigger/hotter fire. Our friend Faye ended up with embers in her hair and A swatting her across the head to put her out.</div>
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A loving the heat...it was 54 degrees. No alcohol for her last night, 7Up only.</div>
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And JK serenaded us around the fire...or tried to. He hasn't picked up a guitar in years. Who am I to criticize, I can't play a single chord.</div>
Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-75840459430448922392011-09-04T14:53:00.003-05:002011-09-04T23:47:24.742-05:00Frog Massacres, Car Rides, Lattes and Other RandomnessWoke up this morning and it was 56 degrees. Seriously, it was 92 and so humid I could hardly breathe just a few days ago. Oh, the joys of Minnesota...you can't hold onto the summer. Yesterday morning A and I sat in the back yard trying to catch a cooling breeze then somewhere mid-afternoon I saw my neighbor's windmill change direction-here comes the north wind. By evening the AC was off, windows open and sweatshirts out.<br />
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Late last night I finally forced myself to leave home and return to the Twin Cities. As I drove along the back roads it was a frog massacre. There were frogs everywhere hopping across the road; leaving the swamps, lakes and ponds to return to the mud of the fields. There is just no way to dodge all the hopping bodies and each "thud" I heard under my car just made me sick to my stomach. The frogs and busy squirrels know that it won't be long until until the big chill arrives. I'm just hoping for a long, long fall.<br />
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This is the first day in over a week that I haven't went home for the day. I've been spending my nights at my house sitting/pet sitting gig. I get up in the morning, clean, do laundry, run the dogs in the yard, hop in the shower and make the 1:15 hour drive home to do the same thing again at that house. A is recovering well. She has finished her antibiotics and is passing the point of concern over complications. This morning though, I woke up and followed my normal routine....cleaning, laundry, dog running, showering and then found myself wandering. A and I had plans to join friends for a BBQ/bonfire today before her surgery. Since A is feeling up to entering public life again and they are about 1/2 the way home, we are meeting there. <br />
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It's good that I'm staying here with these dogs today. My pet sitting crew has greatly decreased after 5 moved to other foster homes and our sweet little Petie passed. I won't lie and say I miss them all (well I truly miss Petie) but the numbers here are much more manageable and I'm enjoying them much more. Like sweet and spunky Suki who definitely got her point across to me yesterday as I got ready to leave. They've been spending too much time alone.<br />
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Betty takes her crew in the car a lot and even has these cute little baskets/booster seats they ride in. Since she left I had not had them out but today I was craving a coffee so I rattled my keys and called "Wanna go for a ride?" and Suki, Juno and Gus went ballistic! I opened the door to the garage and they were leaping with all they had to get into my car. <br />
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We headed to Starbucks but the line was a mile long...don't know what that was about so instead we settled for a vanilla latte at McD's. I've had better (and worse) but I did save myself a $1...well more like $2 especially when you consider a latte is 1/2 foam anyway. The thing I dislike about McD's is they make you declare if you want whole or fat-free milk. At Starbucks, unless you say fat-free they just make it with the good stuff and you can delude yourself into believing whatever you want...if you don't say it it didn't happen. <br />
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Sweet little Susannah sleeping in the sun. Soon she will be coming home to stay with me. Honestly I feel a lot like this....just so very, very tired. I've been sleeping; more like I can't keep my eyes open another second and passing out sleeping, but spending 8+ hours in bed at night plus taking naps with A during the day. I just can't get enough sleep. I know that I'm just stressed and this is how my body deals...I need to sleep and repair. Betty should be returning home mid-week and my work asked me if I wanted to extend my time off another day so I don't go back until Wednesday. Hallelujah!<br />
If you managed to make it through this long and mostly pointless post, I applaud you for your dedication. Now get the hell out of here and go out and enjoy your Labor Day!Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-57157961713540193502011-08-31T02:15:00.002-05:002011-08-31T02:18:51.161-05:00Life, Near-Death and Death...All In One Week.My pet sitting/house sitting/commute had all been going okay until last Tuesday. The previous weekend had been great. Saturday A came to visit me, we hung out by the pool and then went into the city to meet fellow blogger, <a href="http://itsmycatharsis.blogspot.com/">Crystal</a> for drinks. (Once again Crystal, it was great to finally meet you and Rachel.) Sunday I spent the day at home with A and my own crew before returning to the city to start another week. I had a busy one planned; rescue home visits, a Wednesday night concert date with A to see Stevie Nicks, a lunch date on Friday. Just busy, busy, busy...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoW3AnUZamyHdH8QOm-HhBfs7BT62cysPF_Zk7rqUlywBAeh6nQNbOI4g1Jb62fz9gbHwc8L9L9WWZdPNNbRPvBBHijdIDH0coSLHJMu6QI1Zn7c1aSkccWFaEiYBWlhS-qJ5DSC6Aebau/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoW3AnUZamyHdH8QOm-HhBfs7BT62cysPF_Zk7rqUlywBAeh6nQNbOI4g1Jb62fz9gbHwc8L9L9WWZdPNNbRPvBBHijdIDH0coSLHJMu6QI1Zn7c1aSkccWFaEiYBWlhS-qJ5DSC6Aebau/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>Tuesday night around 7pm I was driving back to the house from a home visit for a potential dog adopter and A called. Her voice was strained and when I asked her what was wrong she said she was having abdominal pain. So much pain she was actually out of breath. I asked if she thought it was her appendix and she said she was sure it was just menstrual cramps. At 9pm I talked to her again and she had went to bed and said she felt much better. At 10:30 pm I was just getting ready to lay down myself and my phone rang. I answered "What happened?!" She said she was on her way (driving herself) to the emergency room. She insisted I stay put until they found out something. After blood work and a CAT scan, they transferred her to another hospital for an emergency appendectomy. <br />
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I had no choice but to call Betty's daughter to come deal with the dogs here. My crew at home had already been alone for hours and they were going to need taken care of through this situation.<br />
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By the time I made it to see A, she was out of recovery and looked like hell! I had been up all night and as we already know, when I reach that point I just can't deal with anything anymore. The surgeon came into talk to us. She was very concerned about A's condition. Her appendix had burst and by the time they opened her, the infection had spread through her abdominal cavity. She estimated her appendix had been leaking for 1-2 days and pools of infection were everywhere as well as fecal matter. Her blood pressure was dangerously low. They couldn't get it to come up and were considering moving her to ICU. Her blood work was a wreck. They were running fluids and loads of antibiotics and well as a morphine pump to keep her comfortable.<br />
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Thursday I needed to go to work (one girl on maternity leave, another on vacation out of state) and when I went to visit A that evening she seemed better. They had stabilized her BP and her color was much better but she was having trouble breathing. The next morning they diagnosed her with pneumonia. Even with these set-backs, Friday afternoon she was up walking the halls with me when I came to visit.<br />
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See that smile...it's induced by the morphine pump on the right. :)<br />
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They discharged A from the hospital Sunday afternoon. The physician's assistant came to go over discharge instructions and told us A had been the talk of the office all week. He had been there for her surgery and said when her lab work came in, the question everyone asked was "How is this person even alive?" They even had the crash team on standby in the operating room because they were sure A was going to code during surgery.<br />
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Surgery is always scary but it was shocking to realize just how close to death she was. As A would say, "I was circling the drain." Damnit, sometimes the joking is too much! But I realize that's the way she coping right now and she's trying to help me not worry. It's going to be awhile before she's 100% but so far she's listening to me and resting. Her body has been through so much in the last week. I took the entire week off and I'm splitting my time between my home and the pet sitting/house sitting gig.<br />
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We did have "the talk" about this situation when we got home. I wasn't rude or angry; just told her that she's a great nurse and does a fabulous job assessing the needs of her patients. It's time that she starts using those fine assessment skills on herself too. This is the second time I've had to pull out the "If this was your patient having these symptoms, you would send then to the ER, right?" I'm hoping she has learned because this mistake could have ended her life.<br />
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During the midst of all this drama, Betty's daughter arrived at the house Wednesday evening to find the tiny 5 month old pup Petie "The Flea" crashed in the floor. He was rushed to the vet and perked up a bit but by Friday he crashed again. Thankfully this time he was in the care of my own Tim and Orv's foster parents. Barb, Dave and their vet did everything they could for him but unfortunately his frail little 1.5 pound body just couldn't beat the odds anymore. He surprised us all by hanging on until Sunday afternoon and then passed peacefully in his sleep. When I left the house Wednesday morning he was jumping up my leg begging for attention, giving me kisses and wrestling with his siblings. Another sitaution where it all happens so fast. I know he had been sickly since birth but he was just such a sweet cuddly little doll. It just makes my heart sad. This is the last picture I took of him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzItYh4nYO3M92crs-Ozkq3E-nIeYlQ36e3FC5mnb_3yZWgtsMHYonLfQiYdQaOXM8R9QPIwDHpLKfo9LtlJs02jk_QEZNk1_Erd0vmMCDGIMxVcDA8zRa6LYz0KB7LnKWph6sjQmRLGLG/s1600/DSC_0059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzItYh4nYO3M92crs-Ozkq3E-nIeYlQ36e3FC5mnb_3yZWgtsMHYonLfQiYdQaOXM8R9QPIwDHpLKfo9LtlJs02jk_QEZNk1_Erd0vmMCDGIMxVcDA8zRa6LYz0KB7LnKWph6sjQmRLGLG/s320/DSC_0059.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bless his sweet little heart.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-89655798779292269742011-08-18T22:13:00.000-05:002011-08-18T22:13:59.976-05:00What's Your Name?I have quite a few animals I'm babysitting around here. Betty was kind enough to "color-code" them before she left. Seriously, she put different color collars on everyone and left a list. After a week, I've finally got it figured out who is who and learning a little about their personalities.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuJX6EKfo3TcuOzz3Ad16xWjSn_AjMybdY2FeqN5cavPQNEBr62wrn1S3L4oDMA9aT29JC2wV3aTr9tQRqK0Q3Cloo9IVwwp5CknV-gNX3R4bj5D8w1zi5QNBsjC7F0_F-n3l65NmQ-Mu/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuJX6EKfo3TcuOzz3Ad16xWjSn_AjMybdY2FeqN5cavPQNEBr62wrn1S3L4oDMA9aT29JC2wV3aTr9tQRqK0Q3Cloo9IVwwp5CknV-gNX3R4bj5D8w1zi5QNBsjC7F0_F-n3l65NmQ-Mu/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Flirty Susannah who wants so much to be loved but is shy. She runs up, licks my leg then runs away. But she's quite the cutie the way she dances and flirts with that tail. Reminds me of a Geisha dancing with a fan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE8st25B97kFoI02mZg0LYcTBlxsOaPS3uSkLYEsEBPU4kZR1NppJI3ft22yeLOrUj1Rlp103GrhRBhmgqA8w3PZIiiCnFi901g2VsThwZItuHate6VICTGpjHNykqRvb5f97mlig3IR4/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE8st25B97kFoI02mZg0LYcTBlxsOaPS3uSkLYEsEBPU4kZR1NppJI3ft22yeLOrUj1Rlp103GrhRBhmgqA8w3PZIiiCnFi901g2VsThwZItuHate6VICTGpjHNykqRvb5f97mlig3IR4/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Brandi and Omar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkDKEcBa2w8oc-_6-OYxjlZpVOBLDr8msY-PbOcsfxUnGfsWK0AF8LjD5GHWRYmTy7L1-_oRUxhT-8wMd-2sA8VwiriJoqGml4xuLW1WMHzqGJmJyLkjNsCwsEV7aU4_TDllZbeb9njUd/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkDKEcBa2w8oc-_6-OYxjlZpVOBLDr8msY-PbOcsfxUnGfsWK0AF8LjD5GHWRYmTy7L1-_oRUxhT-8wMd-2sA8VwiriJoqGml4xuLW1WMHzqGJmJyLkjNsCwsEV7aU4_TDllZbeb9njUd/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Suki and Gus</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnXpmW6y61I0MbtekeQ3FBwJzm9ro9hyphenhyphengB-wRQ0_UJbXfzfjIceGt8T7lWnxFB41PY3HUa_uGpc1d4r591OL69AgguBuFkeGqcQMtSF3cQx6erKVSL_f7IoA6eIPkw_DUJugN186SDk-1/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnXpmW6y61I0MbtekeQ3FBwJzm9ro9hyphenhyphengB-wRQ0_UJbXfzfjIceGt8T7lWnxFB41PY3HUa_uGpc1d4r591OL69AgguBuFkeGqcQMtSF3cQx6erKVSL_f7IoA6eIPkw_DUJugN186SDk-1/s320/010.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Naughty and rambunctious Mikey.</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOdYf7shyJSv4Y-qckVM_cm79myD-6XU2z8nSY2LYc5v9o2TRBMzXRpxJMaXcytvKsl3f6j_B4eOM7i16NTZ0kokVnMHBCs6_YkBWzWfZqLqmnqPAVlpQv3lYZ-DRRqas1iErMCtj-uij/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOdYf7shyJSv4Y-qckVM_cm79myD-6XU2z8nSY2LYc5v9o2TRBMzXRpxJMaXcytvKsl3f6j_B4eOM7i16NTZ0kokVnMHBCs6_YkBWzWfZqLqmnqPAVlpQv3lYZ-DRRqas1iErMCtj-uij/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Chesney</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJ2bLcQGMsySpjQsGRJ8IKHHe29OlJJ4lTYmwLLdKhl4OOjcBzuLotuYPz4pb8RThzyoevBWyviUtKyzn5eU7dKQb64141si5UCRmI-aFzYMCX1IFhV6Aek2PMeHQN13EksCCx3LDZ0ix/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJ2bLcQGMsySpjQsGRJ8IKHHe29OlJJ4lTYmwLLdKhl4OOjcBzuLotuYPz4pb8RThzyoevBWyviUtKyzn5eU7dKQb64141si5UCRmI-aFzYMCX1IFhV6Aek2PMeHQN13EksCCx3LDZ0ix/s320/012.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Sampson living the hard life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKNvQzXtSo9Q8-ISt5kuO-gUHdT6z4nwMh_QtBzIyejD_A5GO7b1EGWdKptZa655gXhjT1occOkVD7ZofhpXSTev37tRm0HlmshM8LcPwY5jZBZGUPCZCqX7svNfx4uvv2gNYKGdl1Xhyphenhyphen/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKNvQzXtSo9Q8-ISt5kuO-gUHdT6z4nwMh_QtBzIyejD_A5GO7b1EGWdKptZa655gXhjT1occOkVD7ZofhpXSTev37tRm0HlmshM8LcPwY5jZBZGUPCZCqX7svNfx4uvv2gNYKGdl1Xhyphenhyphen/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Petie, aka The Flea or Flea-Bag. He's 4.5 months old and is the size of a 10 week old kitten. There's a few others that I don't have pictures of yet. Like poor Mannie who I called Sherman for days and didn't understand why he wouldn't respond. And sweet little Juno who never leaves my side and chin-spins for my entertainment. Plus Angel, Rosie, My Boy and Chumley.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There's also a beautiful blue-eyed Ragdoll cat here too. For the life of me I can't remember his name! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hEik4wTzfNgO5qTECKrFzs9Mld8MCNvhGXZnwqxMyRav1tRNUTYKvmCN8n3YrBBlF1coC9Y_lwZ9VDpfHLzbw9lso5V6zcBarjtEAyKMo6lBuKGtheDknP8OYpsSQJemKpvxZAznRwo9/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hEik4wTzfNgO5qTECKrFzs9Mld8MCNvhGXZnwqxMyRav1tRNUTYKvmCN8n3YrBBlF1coC9Y_lwZ9VDpfHLzbw9lso5V6zcBarjtEAyKMo6lBuKGtheDknP8OYpsSQJemKpvxZAznRwo9/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Ragdoll Kitty" will just have to do.</div>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-45511017199895736642011-08-14T22:43:00.000-05:002011-08-14T22:43:20.366-05:00Living the Single Life......and hating every minute of it. No worries, A and I are still happily together but just living apart for a while.<br />
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It's been a crazy busy week! It started over a week ago when A and I were out having dinner and I received a phone call from one of the women we work with in rescue. Betty has been the cornerstone of our rescue/adoption effort in the Twin Cities and now she was the one asking for help. She told me she was entering rehab in 5 days. She shows dogs and has 4 chin of her own plus a litter of 4 puppies in addition to the dogs she's fostering. Another foster volunteer and I were scrambling to try to figure out what we were going to do with all these dogs and how we were going to get them moved in just a few days. Aghhhh!!<br />
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I was not relishing the idea of trying to move 4-5 more dogs in my house and everyone else seemed just as overwhelmed. There was even some conversation about us only concerning ourselves with our foster dogs and Betty was just going to have to worry about her own. Needless to say, that pissed me off and so I talked to A and made an offer. I had no longer hit the "send" button on that email and I felt the ball of anxiety forming in my stomach...30+ days living in the Twin Cities; away from A and my own crew, living on my own for the first time in 10 years. <br />
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At first Betty thought I was crazy. But I convinced her I could handle the increased commute and she finally agreed. She checked herself in Wednesday and handed over her home and pets to me. Her daughter is taking care of the personal things. The first few days were hectic, the dogs/house felt overwhelming but I'm slowly adjusting. Yeah right, who am I kidding. I miss A and my crew terribly. <br />
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Yesterday I went home for the day. We had friends coming for lunch, I did laundry and cuddled with the dogs and cats. After our company left, A and I layed down to nap. It was the most relaxing and comforting sleep I've had in days. When I had to leave, I cried. You would swear I'm leaving for another country for months instead of just 75 miles for a week. It didn't help that later A sent a picture to me of Cassie waiting by the door for me to return. Now that breaks my heart.<br />
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Otherwise I've just been keeping myself busy getting this house in order. I actually had to go grocery shopping and cook for myself. Let me tell you, it's over-rated! Next weekend A will come up and we will hang out in the pool (yes, bonus we have a (real) pool here) and I will have to go home for a few hours at some point to see my own babies. <br />
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I'm slowly getting around to every one's blogs and catching up on my email. Happy Monday!Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150038789627770655.post-8929052469172941132011-08-09T22:31:00.000-05:002011-08-09T22:31:17.940-05:00Is there anyone out there willing to help out a grad student?<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Hello readers, my blog friend Crystal asked me to post this because she needs help getting participants for her dissertation examining grief following the loss of a companion animal. If you or anyone you know fits the following criteria (either A or B) and would be willing to take a short online survey, please email her for further details. Thank you!</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Group A) </b></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You may qualify if you meet the following criteria;</span></div><ul><li style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You have experienced the death of a companion dog within the past 5 years.</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You have attended therapy during and/or following that loss. (The therapy does not need to have been specific to that loss)</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You are over the age of 18.</span></li>
</ul><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Please email Crystal at <a href="mailto:cagrief@gmail.com"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #203af9; text-decoration: underline;">cagrief@gmail.com</span></a> (for more information or to see a flyer click <a href="http://itsmycatharsis.blogspot.com/2011/06/companion-animal-grief-looking-for-help.html"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #203af9; text-decoration: underline;">here</span></a>)</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Group B)</b></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You may qualify if you meet the following criteria;</span></div><ul><li style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You are a therapist licensed either at the masters or doctoral level.</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You have been practicing for at least a year.</span></li>
</ul><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Please email Crystal at <a href="mailto:cagrieftherapy@gmail.com"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #203af9; text-decoration: underline;">cagrieftherapy@gmail.com</span></a></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Thank you,</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Crystal</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><img alt="pastedGraphic.pdf" src="webkit-fake-url://6949C653-45A2-43A4-B7E4-214BB65D4C3F/pastedGraphic.pdf" /></div>Mel's Way or No Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05846210428557304528noreply@blogger.com2