Well, I guess Karla and I are down to the wire here. This is the last day before flying off into the “wild blue yonder”. Please don’t be wild, yonder. Yesterday I kept myself busy by trimming the grass around the trees on my hands and knees until the battery died on my clippers (about two hours, which is good for two year old clipper batteries) and which gave me hives from something. I was happy to see that my huge decapitated dead tree had toad hiding in the holes between the roots and behind the grass. I don’t want to scare them so I always say “I don’t see you Toady but it’s going to rain so go inside. Usually when I peek into the holes there are 2 – 4 eyes peeking back at me. What I love are those teeny tiny toad that you see jumping around.
I clip the grass with hand clippers because I believe that weed whackers hurt the trees and cut the bark off. And yes, I hug them. (The trees, not the toads) I was in agony because FIVE (that’s 5) times the people in hard hats and baskets in the air came and amputated limbs (and a body!) in one year. These are very old and huge trees. The house was built in 1886. Wish I knew when the trees were planted.
Anyway, I picked out my outfits which I’m going to change today and then we went to get the Subaru which had gleaming new brakes. On to Walmart where I don’t usually shop but I really needed a one stop for everything this time. For six items, at the end I wished I had used one of those carts. I DO have to get my footsies fixed. (after I get back). Home again by 6 pm with the dogs thinking they had been deserted and were going to starve to death (I do hope Paul feeds them while we are gone). Then two short movies while I sorted through historical things that were in the vault at the Old Town Hall. Ewwww. Compost in the making.
Now today….what today? Some of my friends on Facebook are on their way to the show in Colorado and sending cheerful messages about their journeys. Do they have “cheerful” pills or something? Not sedatives to relax you but…I KNOW! When my older sister and I were little there was a patch of rhubarb by the swing set. We would pick some, take a bite and laugh ourselves off the swings! She lives at the homestead. I’ll have to call and see if she has some.
Karla is as calm as ever (pretty weird for a puppy less than one year old) and is sitting like a lion next to me. Perhaps it’s her tail but I’ve never seen an Aussie sit like that. Do you think perhaps she is part collie?
Can’t put it off any longer. I must get a-goin’ and start worrying and changing my outfits and getting out my list! Adios Amigos! When something goes over your heads you can look up and say “It’s a bird!”, “It’s a plane”, “NO! – It’s Superdog!!!”
Category Archives: Karla
News from Huron, the Famous Resort City on Lake Ontario in NY (Meaning NOT New York City!
So, today is the day that I report to the courthouse to be “a potential juror”. I’ve only been worrying about this for two years when I got out of it because I was sick. Then, two months ago I got the dreaded letter that I had to fill out and return and then one month ago I got the summons and then today I have to be there by 9:15.
The good news is that at the moment it is not snowing. I think it is about 20 miles through the countryside and this has been a horrible winter for snow and of course I’m worrying about blowing snow because it is windy. I’ll have to bring my worry stone.
Paul woke me up on time. OMG! it was dark. I am so spoiled from not having to travel to a job. I get up, pick up the house, get dressed and start on the computer anywhere from 11:00 to 2:00 and only work to 5:00 or 6:00 then eat and iron, sew, whatever while watching a movie and then to bed. The dogs keep me on schedule. Like right now, as soon as I put on my sneakers, all four are lined up at the door because this week my Mother discombobulated me by have a stint put in and I’ve been out every day. Usually I dust the floor with my socks.
What to wear? Nothing formal, no rags, so I picked a sweater, skinny jeans and (believe it or not) matching sneakers. LOL! The sweater is yellow and blue, the skinny pants are blue and the sneakers are yellow and blue.https://aussiemagicvintiques.wordpress.com/wp-admin/media-upload.php?post_id=506&type=image&TB_iframe=1
What to take with me? A book, naturally I’m reading a big hard cover (Phelps and Gorham Purchase by Thomas), teeny weeny stickers for the book because I’m taking a teeny weeny purse, my license, my medical records, and, because I don’t worry, my DNR instructions, two Kleenex, my lorazipam for when I won’t take the oath because I’m a member of the Religious Society of Friends. I may chicken out on that one and a LARGE bottle of Jim Beam for the courtroom because I’m sure the Judge will need it. Oh drats, I thought I would get by the security check without having to put my stuff in a tray but I forgot about the keys. Should I leave my coat in the car so I don’t have to hassle with it? They confiscate your phones so I’ll leave that there. (Not that I ever use it which makes my daughter want to steal my lorazipam.
What a week. Mother is fine and I THINK I almost have a job as the Town of Huron Historian! It pays $.67 per day but I’m excited anyway AND I got my first Social Security check so I’m RICH! My husband is very excited that this will help him pay the bills (he thinks). I sort of celebrated by buyins some more dog-show clothes and shoes and entering Karla into some shows. And, knowing me, I called my handler (OMG he has grey hair now) to stand by for Syracuse and Springfield. The first two are matches and handling seminars so I can pretend I’ve never seen a dog leash before. This puppy is so shy! I took her over to see Mom and there were three other dogs there and my sister and brother-in-law and, as usual, we all have such similar views (not) that when someone started I about the Tea Party and Obama, Karla jumped on my lap and it was three to one and we argued to my coat and gloves and slipped out the door. I have to do some more research so I can back my opinions up. I didn’t even know who the Koch brothers were and I pronounced the entirely wrong way. Well, I should have known…Henceforth keep thy mouth shut on religion and politics! I’m going to be just wonderful working for the town! LOL! That is, if I live through this day or get picked for a trial that is 12 months long. Where is that worry stone???
As usual, my house is a complete disaster because the floor washer is broken and I ordered the parts 1/20 and they shipped them 2/16. I think I need to hire Billy across the street to use his plow in here. Karla’s favorite toys are the dust balls and she looks kind of like a wire fox terrier of a strange color when she comes up to me. I also need to go through Petfinders and pull the Aussies to list on Australian Terriers International. I should get RC involved in that. Some of those people really need his advice and vice versa but I’m not sure how much he uses Facebook. Another favorite place in Dunham Lake Aussies where Karla came from. I can honestly say that with the exception of four people they are my best friends. However, it isn’t time to worry about Colorado yet and stuffing Karla in the air pod. She isn’t going cargo even if I have to cut her legs and tail off.
Well, noodles, that’s the news and all the news from the Miller Zoo in Huron. Visits are allowed – $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. Beds and food extra. But, you ain’t gonna find Huron, NY, anyway. It’s in a black hole although it does have a web site AND MAYBE MY NAME WILL BE ON IT!!!!! They really like me a lot because of my mouth. That was my 10th application. LOL!!!
Nothing
So many things to think about as to reasons so many people in the North East U.S. are somewhat racial and why my tolerance level is getting lower and lower…like, the longer I am away from Southern California, the less I can tolerate real Mexican food. It’s just too darn hot! The older and less agile I get the less I like rap. Another reason is that I’m the person that if a sales person approaches me without me asking for something, I leave. And because of the bass in this music and because the people who play it assume that everyone likes it they force me to listen to it when they drive by. Even in the winter, with the storm windows on and the wind blowing. I’m becoming less patient as I age and I can’t listen to the complaints people are making about the economy, the weather, the roads and on and on and on are Obama’s fault. What? Is he God now or something? I find myself wanting to slug people saying “Oh! Another dog to show. It must be so nice to have so much money” as they drive by in their new cars with their trailers loaded with toys of all kinds or people saying “well the reason you can’t sell your house is because you over paid for it in the first place”. Why do I have to explain that we are not handy people and this house was in excellent condition and would only have optional projects to spend money on, that the acreage was what we needed for the horses and the barn was in perfect condition.
Good things that other people in my life and I feel? Yes there are some! I LOVE Mexican refried beans, burritos, rice, and guacamole that isn’t hot. I love gospel, blues, alternative and classical music that I choose and play for myself and no one else. There were only two choices for the presidential race and of course, neither of the choices were telling the truth or the wouldn’t have made it that far. At least one had a brain. I ADORE my new puppy whether I show her or not. I know exactly how big she will be when she grows up, the breeder sends me emails when it is time for her shots and you get what you pay for. (FYI I have three rescues also, one of which cost much more in the long run than this one). Our house is perfect for us with the updates we have made. We have lived her for seven years and have not had to fix anything other than the water heater which just went and we don’t have the horses any more so we could divide the lot if we wish.
So, are things bad? No, just exciting as in:
Karla’s first trip to the Vet:
Popped her into the Air Pod dog crate which I used on the plane and converts to a car traveler. No fuss, no muss. She was great all the way to the Vet’s which was about 25 minutes. I love that Air Pod, it flattens down to nothing has pockets and fleece that comes out to wash and has straps for seat belts. I recommend it highly for travel. I wouldn’t use it as a crate in the house though because it’s too small.
When we got there she was great. We went inside and there were cats and people (no dogs) and I’m not worried about her top line any more. She was gorgeous. The ear is a problem and I will tape it but Now that I’ve seen her natural alert pose, I think she is beautiful. Her rear may correct itself but I don’t think that it is so bad that I can’t correct it by grooming. She looked striking but it was kind of funny when you looked at that stance and then the ear flopping. LOL
Same Vet Practice as I took Spider and Cady but a different Vet. Her smug attitude really put me on the defense, also the technician. The Tech came in first and said OK, check up, last of the puppy shots and rabies, right. I said no rabies and no lepto. She said “well, she has to have rabies” and I said “not today with the rest of these shots thank you” and she said the Vet will be with you in a moment with her brows raised. Vet comes in (very matronly younger woman) and said – “So, it’s a 5 way and rabies right”. “We don’t give lepto unless a client asks. I told her “good for the lepto but NO rabies at this time” She started defending her position and I said “NO rabies at this time. This doesn’t mean I won’t get a rabies because I will, but not at this time.” She had a really nasty smile. Then I said that I wanted the shots that didn’t have the mercury in them. Another nice smile and “that would be this one”.
You would have thought Karla had just had her leg cut off. What a wuss! Was she like that with you? Or didn’t the Vet know how to give a shot slow and easy? Yipes, and we had the microchip to go yet. Karla was even worse for that and whined all the way home. I surprised she didn’t try to faint on the table.
Then I asked the Vet if she could tape up the ear for me. And she said (which I already knew) we don’t dock tails or ears in NY state. I told her that was good and neither did I but could she TAPE the ears. She gave me another pained look and said they didn’t have the equipment because they don’t dock. I said “right-o”. Then I asked for a prescription for the heartworm and she said that they sold it cheaper than online and they had online services. So, I said “fine, no prescription”. The other Vet there had given me a prescription for Spider’s thyroid no problem. Then they noticed all the bleeding from Karla from her microchip and were wiping it up like I didn’t see. I’ll be surprised if the thing didn’t come out with the blood. That has NEVER happened to me before.
Then back to the counter but Karla was still wagging her tail (and she has a very nice one by the way. I didn’t notice the way it was set but she has a nice moderate neck. Much longer and nicer than Beamer”s but certainly not as long as ? (Woody).
Up to the counter, mortgaged my car while Karla planted one on their rug naturally. I almost stepped on it and I think she did that on purpose. Luckily, they are solid now.
Going to the car my hands are full of receipt, sample packages, tag, purse and Karla and the plastic snap on Karla’s collar undid. I dropped everything on the pavement and dove for her. Got her, no problem except my heart then went back, got my stuff on the ground, drove home with no problem, went inside, locked door and here I sit hoping not to have to go anywhere for the next month.
Do We Have To Be Crazy?
I actually think that I have made a new human friend. You may not believe how important this is to me because I very rarely go out of the house. The last time I went out of the house was yesterday when I called my Mother and asked her if she would like some scalloped potatoes and the said “yes”. So, I decided to do all my errands at once. I needed a piece of plastic to go over my quilt and rack because my Husband doesn’t realize that it isn’t a table; so hardware was #l. Of course Jim Beam at the liquor store was #2, prescription pick up at Rite Aid was #3, Mom was #4 and then the blissful drive back home.
Well, I’m not in the habit of stopping at the hardware and I multitask way, way too much and I had Karla to show her off to my mother so I completely forgot the plastic. (Next time). Then to the liquor store for the JB and I could take Karla out for that one because they have a miniature Terrier and actually know what an Australian Terrier is. We chatted for a while and I forced Karla back into the airpod carrier, strapped her to the seatbelt, got in, inserted keys, started car and couldn’t get it out of park. For 15 minutes I tried. My arm actually got sore. So, back it was into the liquor store to ask if I could use their phone. “sure”, so I called Paul, he answered and said he would be right there with the Jeep. Five minutes later they got a call for me and it ws Paul asking where the key dish was. Well I had just cleaned and rearranged for company so how was I supposed to know? It was close so he said he would walk. However he did find the keys.
This was good because there was a very old tramp that fell in love with Karla and was cornering me into two buildings.
“Ha Ha, I’m sleeping on the coooouuuuch!
Paul did find the keys on the other table. duh! and started my car with the first try which really really made me angry. This happens all the time in front of the liquor store! Do you know how embarrassing this is?
Well, on to the Rite Aid which went without a hitch although I did remember that I had forgotten to bring the scalloped potatoes. Home again and on to Moms. Food delivered and home to collapse. And you wonder why I don’t leave the house!
Of course, even when I stay in the yard things strange happen. One time I was chasing papers in the spring and putting them in a plastic bag and there was a plastic bottle in the ditch and one of our wastecans that had blown down the hill. I gently stepped into the ditch and went to my waist. I had purchased hip waders for this special purpose but I guess I should have purchased a boat. The hip waders filled with cold, cold water and I couldn’t get my feet out of them because of the suction.. Also I was sinking further and further. Well, I thought about it after a while and realized that no one knew I was there and no rescue was going to happen, I leaned over the trash barrel like it was a horse and slipped out of my boots. Safe! I could have died out there and Paul would never have knonw.
Anyway, back to current fall weather which is actually beautiful this year (late or not) I have decided that this year I don’t need to rake or carry wicker furniture or do anything at all except follow Karla around the house to take things out of her mouth. Paul and I looked at each other and he asked me if maybe we were getting too old to have an aussie puppy. Unfortunately, I told him that she was absolutely perfect and would get her Championship in one show and I was going to breed her when she is three and I was sure she would have at least 20 puppies.
Today, now that I have semi-recuperated from picking her up in WI, I actually go back to two of my computer classes. One is about preserving materials and the other is called “canine thereogenealogy”, which may give you a clue as to how I am doing. Can they not speak in laywoman’s terms or at least have two different classes? One for Vets and mds and one for dummies? I also got a corner of my computer desk cleared.
Actually all I want to do is work on my vintage handkerchief quilt. I saw a BEAUTIFUL one today but it was machine stitch. This means that my hand-stitched one will take much longer. Also, did I tell you I have a new cell phone? Now if I can only figure out how to get my 69 messages from it..
Another thing that is a problem this week is that I have familiar/essential tremor (although I don’t look like Katheryn Hepburn, and I went to a neurologist because I thought it was Parkinsons. He said that it was tremor and put me on phenobarbital and that I may have some side effects in the beginning. I looked it up between naps and realized that one was sleepiness and another was seeing crosseyed so pray for this spellchecker to work.
Since my hubby is figuring out his new Nikkow 7100 I don’t have any pictures but you wait. You will be so sick of Karla that you will love her as much as me!
Noodles!
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