Feel Like Complaining

I sat for Smokey recently, an 8 y/o Keeshond. I've never met the breed before so that was cool plus they live very close to me; another bonus. He's got lots of energy for an 8 year old and loves to go on walks. She said I didn't have to walk him but he really needs it. He's not the best walker though; weaving and bursts of pulling so I really had to stay on my toes so he didn't pull me over. Also, he barks at other dogs and I just couldn't find a route without them. I would never have a dog with long fur like that because it collects everything . Her yard is very weedy so he brings it all in the house. There was so much stuff stuck in his fur just after one day and when I tried to brush him, he ran away. She's one dedicated mom for sure to be able to deal with that. Her house is old and small and that's fine; I'm not a snob. But the lack of cleanliness really turns my gears. She's a 30 something woman which I assume could at least clean a bit bef...

Sometimes we really shouldn't look back because it causes so much sadness but when a birthday comes around, it can't be stopped. My mom's birthday was July 6; and the day we had her service last year. I still have her FB messages from the first of November of '21, two months after she fell. I deleted everything prior to that, not sure why. There were so many funny things we sent each other but also frustrations about doctors, meds, and the owner/staff at the nursing home after she left her house. I always kept my responses very happy and pleased to get her anything she needed; but damn, it was hard. Our last message was after dinner on Valentine's Day, the same day she had signed her own hospice papers. She told me she had only eaten 5 small meatballs for dinner to make the aide happy. I sent her a heart emoji. That was her surge day, she was dying and I didn't even know it. Debbie (my SIL) put her to bed and stayed with her that night as well as the next.  I ju...

 Since I stayed with Luka, we've sat all regulars whether at home or away.  Dixie stayed with us for 5 nights. She's one that we could go either way, depending on our availability. I finally suggested to her owner that she talk to her vet about Proin, which may help her incontinence. We cover chairs with towels but her bed always gets the worst of it. She does have diapers for nighttime but always wiggles out of them; I don't blame her.  After she left, Charlie and Angel came the next day to spend the 4th with us. Angel is now 15 and still nervous and shaky when she's here. They are always attached to the hip which is so cute. Since Charlie is younger, he's more willing to play with Abe. Angel is not shy about treats though, always the first in line. While Angel and Charlie were at home, I was at Steve's with Oli and Max. This is a very short trip for them, only 5 nights. They have long trips scheduled for Oct, Nov, and Dec. I will be at their house for almost t...

Nothing too exciting happened last week so I thought I'd do something different: Sitting outside early in the morning with my first cup of coffee. Mostly all is quiet so I can hear the birds chirp. Friday night popcorn for dinner. A habit of mine for over 30 years. It used to be Thursday but we switched to Friday many years ago. We use a whirly pop popper, coconut oil, and Flavacol so it tastes exactly like at the movies. Finishing a task I really dislike because the satisfaction is all the more sweeter. Sleeping in a cold bedroom. Pet sitting in a place where I enjoy the home and the animal. It's kind of rare that both happen at once. Creeks, rivers, lakes and oceans, but especially oceans. Walking anywhere in nature, but not hot nature. I prefer it cooler and even foggy. Spicy food. Going home to my own recliner and bed after a sitting job. Tiny Abe. Comfortable bra. Growing our own garden, especially tomatoes. The Coffee House station on Sirius radio. My family. Dodo video...