Biscuit Hunt

In 1997 we had three dogs, Pylon, Bentley and Lucy. That year we had our first Easter Biscuit Hunt. We hid biscuits around our living room, then let the dogs in. We were amazed how quickly they figured out what to do. They checked every corner, under every chair and anywhere else a biscuit could be hiding. We just stood there laughing. It was fun for everyone. Every year since then we've held our annual hunt with an ever changing pack. It's always fun.

This year I was tempted to skip it because we have only the two hound girls, but I decided to give them a chance. Syd and Mack waited impatiently in the garage while Rob and I hid biscuits around the yard. Some were in plain view and some had to be searched for.

 

Then Rob released the hounds.

The minute they exited the garage their noses lifted into the air and they started hunting. They found the easy ones quickly. Then the real fun began.

A quick break to roll from sheer happiness.

Back to the hunt.

They didn't find them all because they were distracted by a lizard sunning himself.  Syd scored the first lizard of the year. She usually gets three or four per year. Mackey has only ever caught one. Syd plays with them like a cat, batting them around. At least she doesn't swallow them alive as Morgan used to do.

The hunt was fun for the girls but it was bittersweet for me. I kept thinking of past years with my big, lively pack chasing around the yard scarfing up biscuits as they went. I miss my furbabies.

Happy Easter everyone.

Relief!!

 I'm vaccinated!! It feels great, such a weight off the shoulders. I was told that the side effects could be worse from the second shot, so I was prepared. The only side effect I had was last evening I started feeling cold. I put on two shirts and wrapped up in a blanket but I still felt cold. Just to be safe I took my temperature. It was 95.2. That isn't really as bad as it sounds because my normal temp is 96.5, but still I was feeling cold inside and out. I went to bed with extra blankets, slept great and feel good today. I'm not sure why my temperature drops occasionally, last month it was 94.7 and once it dropped to 92.8. Rob says it's because I'm part reptile.

We're still doing puzzles, much to Mackey's dismay. She really wants to help. This one was really hard because of the colors.

It's called Mother Earth and there are lots of animals hidden in it.

I'm dragging my knitting needles out tonight.  I haven't decided what I'll make next, but I'll let you know.

It's That Time!

 Today is a lovely sunny Monday in Spring. Sydney and Mackey have gained a few 'pandemic pounds', but who hasn't?

 

Mackey thinks a little time on the trampoline will make those extra pounds disappear. I don't think so.

 The warm sunshine over the weekend brought out some Spring greenery. The crabapple is leafing out.

 The bleeding heart is starting up.

 The first violets of the year have appeared.

But the very best thing about this time of year is the start of lizard season. The girls are spending lots of time staring at the rocks where those pesky lizards have been hiding away all winter.

 

 They have to come out sooner or later and we'll be ready.

Sniffing The Breeze

 Today is a beautiful sunny day here in Portieville. Signs of Spring have begun to show up around the yard. We have leaves on the wild rose.

There are tiny buds opening on the plum tree.

 

The red maple is turning red with little helicopter seeds.

 

The neighbor actually has flowers.

 

We have dandelions which pass for flowers in our yard.

We have a new puzzle finish. Rob did most of the work on this one.

Syd spent most of the day yesterday outside chasing squirrels, rolling in the grass and barking for the sheer pleasure of barking.

Mackey has to be supervised outside because Mackey has a seizure disorder. Friday was Canine Epilepsy Day. The folks over at the Five Sibe Blog are a great source of information for dogs that experience seizures.

Dr B feels pretty sure that Mac and Syd's mom had distemper while she was pregnant with them. Most likely all the pups suffered some brain damage as a result. Syd has sudden bouts of rage where she attacks any other animal nearby. Mackey has seizures that last from 12 to 15 minutes each. Fortunately they don't happen frequently, her last was in December. I've studied her closely and she seems to know when one is coming on. She acts unusually quiet and seems fearful. A couple times I've been able to ward one off by giving her valium as soon as I notice her odd behavior. Seizures are scary for her and for us.

So, come on Spring! We're ready for you!

It's Spring, I Guess

 Hi, Here we are again, back at Blogger. Don't ask me what's going on because I don't have a clue. On Saturday I sat at the computer for hours trying to post on the other site and it wouldn't let me on. It still won't. So today I sat down at Blogger and on the first try it worked. There's no guarantee that it will tomorrow or even this afternoon, so here we are. 

On Saturday I was going to wish you all a happy Equinox. The calendar says it's finally Spring, but it's chilly and rainy and the Spring blooms are late this year.

 Rob gets his second vaccination tomorrow and I'll get mine next Wednesday. Till then we pretty much hang out around the house. I've got Rob hooked on jigsaw puzzles. Here's the most recent finish.

There were two pieces missing in this one and it was driving us crazy.

I'm still playing with sharp objects aka knitting needles. In honor of Spring I created this little fellow.

 

 

Then, just because I wanted to, I made an Old English Sheepdog. He's big and cuddly and I'm in love with him.

Mackey is having a great time napping and chasing squirrels. What more could a dog ask for?

So that's what we're up to. Let's hope that Blogger continues to allow us to post. I've missed you guys.

 

And So It Goes

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