living with loss

On February 20th, at the age of 14, Cesar Millan's beloved pitbull Daddy passed away.  Having never personally met Daddy, but watching him on the dog whisperer,  I have come to know and appreciate his sense of balance.  The impact this dog has had on so many people and their dogs is remarkable.  It made me change my mind about certain breeds of dogs that we believe in being "dangerous", when they are simply misunderstood.
Being the owner of an older dog, Tubby, now 12, and having him in our family since he was 5 weeks old, I tear up thinking that their is not all that many years left for him to enjoy.  He is the best dog I've ever owned.  Calm and submissive, almost human-like at times, you wonder how much they understand.  He's learned to pick up on some of our queues almost perfectly.  He's been the companion of our daughters for their entire lives. 
Tubby would not even think twice about putting himself in harms way to save one of us.  He is and forever will be the most loyal dog ever.  Even though he seems to favor Paul over me, I learned to live and accept it.  He's always had the best life could offer, exercise, discipline, affection.
Knowing that his last days are becoming closer and closer, we cherish every moment we have with him.  He is and has been THE dog in our lives.  No other one could replace him.

+4c, cloudy, with a bit snow here and there.


Fresh from the farm.....

back in business

Went last night to get my new treadmill.  I'm so happy I get to walk again.  It's amazing compared to my old thing I was using.  Now we're back on track for our weight loss.  I'm going to have to get the dogs used to this new machine now, but we'll take our time, and do it right!
Had lots and lots of visitors last night.  It seems that someone would walk out, and someone else would walk in.  I love visitors, I love welcoming people into my home.
Karate lessons for Audrey tonight.  She's excited about that.


-11c, beautiful skies.

Fresh from the farm.....

slowly but surely

We are still working on our weight loss/better living.  It's a little harder without my treadmill, but one is on it's way, if we can only get organized to go and get it, should be tonight.  I'm in need of walking, I've always loved walking, it's probably the exercise that I can do everyday without getting bored.  I would really like to walk outside, but the weather is not permitting it, either by being too cold, or being to warm and then the skidoo's are out, so it's too dangerous to be on the trail.  But we'll manage.  Gotta keep moving.
It's a beautiful day out there today, will definitely go out and enjoy it with the kids.

-6c, bright sunny skies.

Fresh from the farm.....

Chore time!

Having animals is a lot of fun, but it's also a lot of work.  Every morning and afternoon, on a regular schedule(don't be late or they let you know!), big and small creatures await their food and water.  Summer time is sooo much easier, but I enjoy doing my chores, saying hello to everyone, giving them a pet, kiss or hug.  Checking them over to make sure there are no injuries.  And a daily brush and groom.  Not to mention all that poop to pick up, bedding to set down.
Lucky for me, I have my helper.  After putting Audrey on the bus in the morning, we come back to quacking ducks, snorting pig, and hungry cats, and crowing roosters. Kockadoodledoo!

changes for the best

The temperature outside is a  little too cold this morning to be out there walking.  I can tough it out, but it's DD that gets cold sitting in the sleigh, enjoying the scenery.  Will be getting another treadmill very soon, can't wait.  I'm in the walking mood.
The positive outcomes to our new lifestyle is great.  I'm feeling much more energetic, sleeping better nights, and so is Rosalie.  We were having night time problems with her.  She would wake up in the middle of the night, and wander around the house.  Many a times I came to get her downstairs, looking in the fridge, turning on lights.  It was beginning to freak me out.  I would end up closing her door and locking it, and sitting outside it and wait for her to fall back asleep, which could take a while on some nights. 
So let's just say I was tired.
Since we've taken out concentrated juices, ketchup and most if not all sugar from out diet, I can say that it's been over a week since Rosalie hasn't gotten up for her midnight stroll.  And we are also working hard on getting her dry at night.  No more drinking after 6pm.  We are getting one pee a night, I just have to figure out around what time this happens, and take her to the bathroom.  We are making great progress, let's keep it up!

-12c Sunny with cloudy periods and a bit of snow here and there.

Fresh from the farm.....

let's go!

I bought an old treadmill a few months back in the hopes of using it for myself and my dogs.  Two weeks ago, as you all know, I decided to get fit, and walk my dogs at the same time.  This morning we did our 1k outdoors, felt good not to freeze my face off, but I can't finish off on the treadmill as it died on me last week.  I took it apart, looked into it, but it needs a new motor, so off to the scrap it will go.  The biggest problem is I can't afford to buy a another one, or i should say that DH doesn't want me spending.
For once in my life I made up a plan, and i was sticking to it, and now this.  I will figure out a way to work threw it, hopefully get another good deal on a treadmill.  In the meantime, I haven't given up, weight is going down, dogs are behaving, so let's keep it up girl!


151.3lbs.
-13c sunny with a few clouds.

Fresh from the farm....

family time

Yesterday was grocery time.  It's always a chore going to the store with both girls, so when Audrey mentioned she wanted to stay home with Dad, and Dad agreed, I was more than happy to oblige.  The definition of peaceful for me is to have only one of the girls at the store.  Doesn't take much to make my day.
DH got busy on an old skidoo we have, trying to get it going.  Well he did!  He managed to give the girls a few rides around the yard, then told me to go try it out to the end of the property.  Of course, I take off , free as the wind, but not for long!!!  Puh puh puh!(stall).  Just my luck!  Had to walk all the way back home, get a gas can, kids and DH, and walked back to the skidoo, got it going again, and all got one and drove it back home.
It was a lovely day of playing outside, enjoying the not so cold fresh air, and just relaxing with family.

 

-22c(-32c) bright sunny skies\

Fresh from the farm.....