Sophie

Winter has been long and snowy and for Sophie it has been a dreamland! Why it is fun to play frisbee in 10 inches of snow or bury her nose in the snow, or jump snow drifts is beyond me. However, she is a black lab and that's what they do. What they don't do is run and hide when the snow melts...unless of course you are Sophie. 

Today's temps are in the mid 30's, sun is shining and the snow on the roof is melting. This, in Sophie’s world makes sounds that are too creepy to listen to. So for her, huddled on Mommy's side of the bed with her head buried in the pillow is the best place to be on such a day.

I remember my youngest daughter being frightened of thunder storms. It was a very real fear of hers that took years to overcome. At that first clap of thunder she would run to me for reassurance that we would be safe. I would sit with my arms around her and tell stories of my childhood watching thunderstorms with my father. We would sit in our garage and watch nature's magic as the storm would literally roll across the fields and soon be pounding our drive. One story led to questions of "were you afraid", "did the rain really look like it was rolling"?  The storm would be long gone before we noticed the silence. A quick hug and kiss and off she would go, until the next storm. 
 
In life the moments of reassurance can calm fears, build confidence and show someone just how important they are.

Have a great day everyone!

Life Changes

Watching our parents age is hard as we quickly become the caregiver, the voice of reason and ultimately the decision maker. When a case of suspected kidney stones turns into bladder cancer one can justify the pain and sickness as needed to detect this silent disease. At the time hearts ache watching our devoted parent, who has always been so strong, slowly decline. How can that be? He is the voice of reason, he is the strength in my life, he is the man who has loved me unconditionally, and he is my hero. He taught me that family is everything; "without your family you have nothing". Believe in God and have faith in all you do. Walk into a room with a smile and always say hello; believe it or not it will make someone's day. What's important to you may not be to someone else and that's OK; stay true to yourself and respect the opinion of others. And the list goes on of all that my father has taught me. I can only hope that I have learned these lessons well.

Today my sweet father will come home from the hospital after battling pneumonia and his first request???

"Bowl of Mom's sauce and pasta"...thank God some things in life never change!

I love you Dad...

Brrrrrr

Today would be the kind of day to lounge in bed, buried beneath the covers relishing the warmth of blankets and three precious dogs. But that isn't reality; reality is it's a work day and although the temps are frigid and the windchill reaching 20+ below zero, I need to be at work.
Morning starts as normal, taking the dogs out. The drive is frozen over and the wind makes an eerie sound as it blows through the trees. If you listen carefully you can hear the limbs creek as if in protest.  There are no smells in the air, just the biting cold as it hits your face. Sophie, the lover of all weather, doesn't even try to get me to play with her. Lucy and Gracie's feet are so tiny that this needs to be a quick trip out and back inside.

I have always thought of winter as a time of warmth; not the warmth of the weather but the warmth of home. You know that feeling after working all day, when you take that first step inside your house and the warmth hits your face? That warmth. Or that early morning first sip of coffee? Better yet, those cold snowy nights curled up with a good book! Keeping warm thoughts on these cold days makes them bearable; at times enjoyable. The thought of getting home, lighting a fire and snuggling with the "fur" babies kicks in around mid afternoon. I think it's my mind preparing me for the walk to the parking garage, get nice and cold because as soon as you walk in the door that "warmth" greets you and warms your soul.

Stay safe and warm everyone.

A New Year

And what will it bring? In the Spring of 2013 we said good-bye to our Cadee after having her for 13 wonderful years. That fall we welcomed our newest addition Gracie; a sweet, spirited Maltese who is Lucy's sister.

As with any change in life the uncertainties are always skimming the surface of logic; is this the right time, are we up to a new puppy, how will Sophie and Lucy react?  Ready for the challenge we brought home our 2lb bundle of energy  and have never looked back. This little creature has stolen all our hearts and most of all her big sister's. How amazing the similarities between human and canine siblings. One minute playing, fighting and then snuggled down together. Lucy plays the big sister role trying to be the pack leader but always watching out for Gracie. One little squeal out of Gracie and big sister is there to make sure all is OK.  Sophie stands at a distance, allowing the occasional jumping on her or stealing a toy but always the gentle lab that she is.

Wishing all a healthy and happy 2014.