With Music

" Last Day of March "

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Just Another Spring Day by Kimberly Stewart at www.scrapbook-elements.com

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Qarmic Sans

Journal

" New Wild Baby "

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Spring in The Air by Kimberly Stewart at www.scrapbook-elements.com

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Segoe Print

Tempus Sans ITC

Susie's Hand

" Bradford Beauty "

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Antique by Carena's Designs at www.digitalscrapbookpages.com

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Designer Notes

Freebooter Script

RADAGUND

" Belong "

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Shades of Me - Daily Basics by Miki Ferkel at www.scrapbook-elements.com

Alphabet -

Alissa's Black Acrylic Alphabets by Alissa Jones at www.scrapbook-elements.com

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Honey Script

jr!hand

UT VOLS " Outlive " Game Airing Saturday!!!

It’s impossible to watch television around this house - unless you pile the residing canine yard varmints in bed with you.

 

( look at that wing of an ear! )

But last night was a really - really - REALLY important game.  And I was not missing a moment of the fun.  I hushed the puppies up long enough to watch my beloved UT Lady VOLS clench the SEC Championship by winning their game with a score of  81 - 65 against the Kentucky Wildcats!  I’m so proud of those girls!

The UT VOLS Mens Basketball team plays No. 2 Kentucky Mens team tomorrow ( Saturday ) - beginning at 12noon eastern time - and the game will be televised.  This is a very special game - as well.  This is The “ Outlive “ game - honoring the success of former UT VOLS basketball player Chris Lofton - in his personal battle with Testicular Cancer - a couple years ago - while keeping it a secret - and continuing to play a season!

And everybody can be a part - whether they go to the game - or - watch on television!  I’m hoping and praying we’ll have fans from all across the country popping their cell phones to donate!  And I hope the sale of the “ Outlive “ T-shirts ( The design I voted on won!!! ) will soar!!  They only cost $20.00 - cheaper than the ones ya’ buy at concerts!

I’m cherishing every moment I can - still - manage to load my “ Carlie Beast “ up onto my bed so I can gain some peace and quiet.  Won’t be long before I may have to go back into weight training.  LOL  ( just kidding! )

Carlie was born November 24, 2009.  She’s now 3-months-old.

The paw of a 3-month-old Basset Hound.  Mind-blowing!

Even the Gods have difficulty fathoming such wonders!

Wrapped Around That Finger

 

Dwayne couldn’t resist shooting some blackmail photos of Carlie on Wednesday evening.  You know - for later - when the boys show up.  Of course - he hasn’t snapped to the fact that the boys will be no problem - come March.  ;)

The puppy sleeps in the strangest positions!  And she's already out-growing her own bed.  So - she invades Zucker's bed.  And he just let's her.  Cuz' he's a man - who's already been trained by a woman.

Wednesday was a big day for all four of us.  It was the first family trip to the Veterinarian.  It was snowing - of course.  It turned out to be a day we would discover that the “ second time’s a rude awakening “ scenario does not only occur with human babies!

 

 

I’m spending so much time looking back - comparing notes.  Zucker was such a wonderful puppy!

By the time we made it back home - my hands would have made anyone think I’d volunteered to bring some feral cat in for rabies shots and a spay.  Basset puppies are blessed with one heck of a snout full of a shark’s bite.  And - they use it.  Carlie did not mind the Nemex so much.  That seemed to taste pretty good - actually!  The Bordetella drops up her nose brought on a bunch of sneezing - which impressed her none in the least.  Flushing the ears with the Trizedta tickled her to the point of setting off some - really fancy - ear flapping!

But - the ultimate pisser was - the 8 in 1 vaccine.  She was done - ready to go home!  Do not speak to her or else done!  We had to take a break before giving her one last - “ Oh, My God! “  That was the Neo/Dex eye drops.  That’s where my hands took the hickie for her professed infliction of cruelty.

Dogs can fool you in more ways than you think.  You discover that by the time you stop by the Reception Desk of a Vet’s office - while on your way out.  If only - we could just keep on walking - right out the door!  I expected the tab to be somewhere around $175.00.  Yeah - right.  Both dogs managed to come out with $346.00 worth of revenge!

Walk in thinking I have perfectly healthy doggies.  Walk out discovering I have become a Vet’s Assistant - with my own pharmacy!

What have I learned?  Never buy another puppy from any breeder unless - they insist on birthing and raising litters inside their own homes - not outside near some barn.  Carlie has started out her relationship with her Vet on a rough turf.  But the eyes and ears of a Basset Hound are only two of many issues.  To be honest - I got lucky.

By the time the doggies had supper - Carlie was continuing an attitude towards me of -  “ Don’t even look at me, Wench! “

 

It was time to show her who really is the Boss!  I yanked her up for one of my funtime follies of - “ I can fly! “  Every Basset Hound has to go through this.  Their ears were made just for all this fun!  Okay... human fun!

Needless to say - she was not the slightest bit impressed.

In fact - the 14.6 lb. three-month-old yard varmint ( I did get one weapon out of the visit! ) went running to her Daddy!

 

*Sniff… Sniff…*    “ Daddy - Mommy’s bee-un mean at’ me! “  See the tear running down her eye?  Yeah - right.  What a Drama Queen!

 

“ See… at least my Daddy loves me! “

 

“ Is he really buying all this? “

 

“ I win! HAHAHAHAHAHA ! “

Little and Loud - But Learned

I knew we had to do something about Zucker’s loneliness and depression - really soon.

I never dreamed we’d do such a good job.  He looks like he's about to rip her head completely off.  Truth is - we've taught Zucker the word - " Gentle " - and he gets it.  He growls like he's gonna flat-dab eat her up - while he's pushing his nose up against her!  It's just too cute!

These two have been a riot!  She may be little - but she’s loud!  As the days go by - the bark is found.  And then - the howl is found. 

But in between - comes the part about teaching one particular man - one fact.  No man is tall enough to scare her!  And this little girl has learned how to get the best of Zucker!

She has learned how to grab a mouthful of his beard - and hang on for dear life!  And she goes for his feet - just as much.

But the funniest part is what I haven’t been able to grab the camera fast enough to catch.

She goes for his butt!  My gut starts killin' me from laughing so much - watching Zucker run - squat - drag - run - squat - drag - run - squat - drag.  All the way to the bedroom and up on the bed - by the time he figures out she’s not gonna let up!

 

( yes... that is his entire mouth - wide open - going for an ear! )

Zucker - in turn - has found Carlie’s weakness.  Her ears!  Dwayne and I feel so sorry for her.  Zucker's got such a big mouth!  And you never wanna be around when he yawns!  ( " Dude... get you some Binaca! " )

This stuff just starts looking absolutely ugly!

 

 

Carlie simply retorts by backing off for a moment - and waiting - until Zucker’s not looking.  She gets her moment and comes charging back with a sucker punch - going for his back feet - his beard - his butt - whichever is closer!

We have one sneaky little puppy here!  And she don’t take nuthin’ offa’ nobody!!

But just when you think there’s gonna be a winner in this dog fight…

Kinda makes ya’ wonder why the dogs in Congress can’t behave as well!

Martina McBride had the same attitude as Carlie - back when she was only 7 years old !

Freckle Belly

 Well…. I guess there’s one more heart that Daddy melts when he comes home from work in the evenings!

We had a rough day here at the house, yesterday.  No sleep the night before - makes everybody cranky.  Zucker decided to be a spineless furby.  He got to go hide on our bed and catch up on his sleep.  For whatever reason - Carlie decided to break the sound barrier  - after the second night in her crate - then after one night in the jet tub in our master bathroom - until - she won.

And boy - did she win.  She whooped my butt - badly.  And anyone that knows me well enough - and knows what I become when I’ve had no sleep - trust me.  They know it was bad.  Dwayne even woke up and jumped into making his own lunch - and gettin’ the hell out the door as fast as he could.

It was bad.  Ohhhh, I was soooo - bad.

Carlie’s been waking up around 11pm - needing to be taken outside.  Stepping outside around 11pm - half asleep - into pitch-black darkness.  It’s already been a race - just trying to get the coat - hat - find my garden clogs and get those on - find the leash - turn the light on - slide the blinds back - open the door - get the deck gate open - get down the steps and set her down on the grass.  All that - before this puppy pees everywhere!

Well - we have a possible snowstorm coming - and they’re telling us this one could be really nasty.  So - we made a change in the game plan last night - and it worked!  ( ‘Cuz I am NOT steppin’ foot out in that crap - just to let her spill a few tablespoons! )

I put three potty pads down in our main bathroom with her bed and a couple of her toys.  Turned on the night light - set her on one of the potty pads - VOILA!

Gave her some ’ quiet ’ praise - walked out and closed the door behind me.

Best sleep I’ve had in almost a week!

I swear - it’s just like having a baby around this house right now!  Potty pads all over the place.  Toys strewn everywhere.  And don’t let her whine, anymore!  Zucker comes digging his claws into me - wanting me to come check on her!  I have not created a ‘ Big Brother ‘ for Carlie.  I have created a monster.  That’s what I earn for getting down on the floor this morning and teaching Zucker how to play with her.  Now - that was interesting.  There is such a difference in dogs that start out from a litter and go directly to their new family - versus puppies yanked off their mother’s teat and carried to pet shops.

Zucker has been alone for too long.  He had no clue about how to play with another dog.  But he’s such a sweetheart!  He listens so intently - and minds so well - if you only remember to let him know he‘s doing something right.  And it only takes two words - “ Good Boy!. ”

Dwayne brought home a real life-saver after work!  He made a trip over to Target during lunch - yesterday - and picked up a gate to use on the doorway of the main bathroom.  Thank God.  Girlie is getting totally rambunctious - already!  And she’s even beginning to get a little brave.  Nobody chews on my furniture in my house.  I even whip Dwayne for that!

Being able to set her up in the bathroom - and know that she and all our belongings are safe - long enough to get something done around here - really helps!  It keeps her away from the water bowl for a while, too!  Let me tell you - that little tank can fill up with some water!  She puts Zucker to shame - absolutely!

 Just look at this little freckle belly!  Too funny!  Oh, she’s a mess!  So is this rug.  Can't wait until I find another one!  And she is just so funny!  She started finding her ‘ Bark ‘ today!  That even startled Zucker so much that he barked back - which caused a few minutes of back ‘n forth barking.  And that just made me laugh even more!  Like I said - it’s just like having a baby around here!  Awww.... and Daddy missed one of those ‘ firsts. ‘

 Gosh… just wait until that 50 lb. package comes in!  I hope we can tame her by then.

The Honeymoon

It’s been three days since we brought our new puppy home to live with us.  This photo would give anyone the impression that it seems Carlie is becoming quite comfortable and relaxed in her new home.

Those of us on this side of the camera say - “ You have no idea just exactly how much this little fart is becoming comfortable! ”  Can’t say the same for the two-legged farts - considering we’re losing some sleep.

 But - we will survive.  This, too - shall pass!!

Trust me… I was kind.  I changed the pad before shooting that one!

Naw… really… things could be much worse.  Considering all the cold weather we’re having - she seems to be adjusting quite well.

She’s taking to her harness without much fuss.  The benefit of all the acreage is a great help with leash training.  But still - I am happy about the way she is handling the restriction and control that comes from that particular leash.  Maybe it’s the fact that the 50 lb. package hasn’t arrived - yet.  I only hope we get beyond this before that shows up!

There’s something really special that I like about this photo.  The hinges and the handles on the doors of the shed.  The fact that she can walk underneath the shed without bending her head down - even though she won’t ever be figuring that one out.  I wanna get another shot like this - same time next year.  Well - okay - maybe a couple warmer months later.  That 50 lb. package will be showing up before then.  And I can only imagine the difference in size that will be there to compare!

And then there’s - Zucker.  Ohhhh, boy.  We have kept focus on sensitivity to the ' only child ' and making sure he isn’t feeling like he’s been kicked to the curb.  I figured it would take some time to get him acclimated to sharing his family with another canine.  But he seems to be coming along with the process better than any hopes I've held in my pocket of reality.  As long as we remain fair and equal - Zucker seems to be accepting this new member into the fold.

So far - he’s carrying a milder temperament than what he unleashed on my in-laws’ new puppy that they brought when they came to visit last year.  That was an experience for me.  I discovered my sweet and wonderful Miniature Schnauzer had a disposition no different than some 5’ 4” drunk after his third beer.  Zucker seemed to be misguided by some thought that he could conquer a very young - but all 40 pounds of Golden Retriever.

For now - I think he’s just happy with entertaining ' the newbie ' with his racing around in circles and charging before dodging - speed of lightning - show of pure charm that my Zucker Baby is!

But the little one will need to do some growing before we can trust leaving both in the same room together for a bit - without one of us present.  Zucker doesn’t seem to understand his strength.  But he is willing to put it in check at the slightest motion to put him on notice.

He’s just a dog.  A male dog - despite the fact that half his dignity was robbed when his manhood was snipped away by the Vet.  But he was first in the family - as far as he cares to see things.

Of course - he wants that understood - and never forgotten.

But - just wait until that 50 lb. package shows up!

I pity any stray dog attempting to step foot in the yard that belongs to these two!

It's a Dog's World - And It Has Needs

Poor Baby... He Looks so sad.

Because he is.  It's not so much fun being - an only child.  Nobody to play with.

Mom won't play with him every minute of the day.  So - he pouts.  And he retaliates - by refusing to eat his food.

But - Mom has been going to bat for Zucker - for several months now.

"Daddy... Zucker needs a puppy!"

But Daddy would say - "No."

So - Zucker has continued to pout - and retaliate - and go full throttle with pulling the guilt trips on Daddy.

And Mom's stayed in Daddy's ear with - "Tell him, Zucker!  Tell Daddy you need a puppy!"

And guess what happened.

Daddy - finally - gave in!

God willing - look at who just might be moving in by this Saturday - if somebody else doesn't snag her up, first...

Maybe we could call her...   " Zola " ??

Bed Hogs and... Lightin' Up!

It’s 19* this morning.  And we’re due for snow later today.

It became so cold in this house yesterday - enough that the EdenPur heater and the two space heaters could not keep up.  Actually - you’re supposed to keep your main heat set to pick up the slack if inside temps reach sixty-five degrees.  But I’m too stubborn to run that gas central heat unit - period.

Notice the wall on the right...

It's no longer there!

This gas fireplace was here when we purchased the home.  We’ve concluded that it was a new addition put into place for the purpose of getting the house sold.  That stinky smell of “newness” burning off was more than obvious during the couple of times we attempted to light it up.  Even worse - it made breathing impossible.  I had to get a pot of water boiling on the stove to help put moisture back into the house.

You never realize how much moisture logs can hog up!  Keeping the pot of water going on the stove has become part of the routine now.

At any rate - I just don’t like the thing.  It’s expensive - “says the frugal gardener!”

Okay… so, the fireplace is not expensive.  The price they slap down for the natural gas is what’s ridiculous and outrageous!

Same goes for the odor.  It’s just not the same.  Nothing beats the smell of a nice dried split of burning oak during cold winter temperatures!

But the wood-burning stove on our Honey-Do List never made it to the top last year.

Cabin fever even gets to Zucker when the cold temperatures show up around here.  He becomes restless.

He’s such a Bed Hog!

We’ve conceded to loving him just as he is.  Even his new Christmas present won’t keep him from trying to shove us out of our Queen-size bed every night!

 Ohhhhhh.... the things I do when my Hubby sleeps!

Judd wanted to buy the fireplace - for his back porch.  He never got around to coming to pick it up.  Not sure if it’s because he just couldn’t fit time in there between working and fishing.  Or - if he had enough sense (obviously more than us) to know that we’d probably need it before we managed to get that wood-burning stove installed!

Either way - believe it or not - I’m glad things worked out the way they did.  Because - let me tell you something.  Baby - it has been cold outside - enough to make me cave in!

The irony in this - Loudon Utilities sent a guy out last week to check our gas lines - and find out why there had been “0” (zero) usage for the past year.  LOL

Our normal average temperatures for this time in the year run in the 40’s.  Did I mention - it is only 19* outside right this moment?

Sunshine - Glitter - and Sixty-What Degrees In Here???

Woke up this morning to a hallway thermostat that read 61*.  The sun was shining!  But it was snowing.

Huh?

I just checked the Doppler.  Uh-huh.  Makes sense to me.  It’s 19* outside right now.  Hello!

And I’m lucky this morning.  I don’t have chickens to go out and feed.  I have a dog that insisted on his routine being respected.  But - no chickens - yet.  And I’m learning more about what I want for my girls when they do get here!

Speaking of - Dog.  Zucker seemed to have issues this morning.  You’d think he was at Turkey Creek Shopping Center.  He just - could not seem to find the right store - to do his business.  Thank God for thermal undies and double-layered wool beanies.  And hot coffee!

 "Don't touch me."

Demanding Dog is he.  And can you believe this?  I am expected to ask for permission to sit in my own recliner!

Of course - Zucker will inform you that I am totally incorrect.  It’s - *cough* - His possession.

*sigh....*

Just gotta love him!

LOL  "Old Man" needs a Face Job - badly!

Can you see his eyes?

Those two blue-steel spots of evil behind those two-inch eyebrows...

 Okay… Thank God for Zucker, too!  Alright - I admit it.  He made for a fun partner to enjoy the Lady Vols Basketball game against Oklahoma last night!  Pat Summitt would bust a rib!  If only she and the girls knew how much Zucker was mimicking her while she was yelling at the girls!

Ohhh, gosh.

Ohhhh, Ree - We beat the pants off your girls last night.

I am so sorry.

NOT!!!

;)~

Dad-gum it.  I wish I had my new camera - already.  This is a fun morning.  It’s crazy to see the sun shining while it’s snowing!

It’s like - Glitter falling out of the sky!