Friday, June 28, 2013

say hello to Debbie!!!


Normally, I love our day at NEADS... but today not so much, saying goodbye to Rylie is so hard. I love raising the puppies for sure, but I "hate" the goodbyes.....
Rylie knew something was up, she wasn't too excited about getting out of the jeep. Course the fact that we did a photo shoot early in the morning and had a little run around the farm more than likely clued her into it....
She laid quietly under the table during our discussion... perfect "service dog style".... she's been such a fun girl to work with....and we'll at least have the day together ...
Dave's challenge for the day.... manage your puppy and take care of a cup of water...he wanted to see how much water we had in our cups at the end of the day... (no problem --LOL)
It was warm in the city, but not beastly hot as it has been all week. We were glad of that.... the city is "hot" enough without any help from the summer weather....
First stop was the train station. Walking up and down the large stair case, watching the trains go in and out.. and practicing "unders" under the benches....
We walked over to the park after that. They were having a farmer's market and all sorts of things going on...including a nice little band playing music...
We  took the time to enjoy.... being together as friends and puppy raisers.. enjoying our canines together....
Dave brought Norton along... he still loves me... and I love seeing him month to month.. as with any of the puppies that I raise, each one will have a special spot in my heart....
I snuck in as many hugs as possible.. after today, Rylie won't be mine to do that with.... her hugs will belong to someone else....
Our day in the city went zipping by (as I knew it would)... I headed back to the car with my two "puppies"....
Back at NEADS... it's time to take the vest off and begin the transition of grown puppy to baby puppy... at least the vest won't stay "empty" for long.....
Rylie and I went out to the garden for a few moments of being together and to say goodbye. I thought by now letting the puppies go would become easier, I have to report... it doesn't.. and maybe it's becoming even harder.....
She can still fit in my lap.......
After our time, I wanted her to have a little goodbye time with her pals..Otis and Rayvan were more than happy to lighten the mood with a bit of Labrador play time....
And then here comes Dave.... walking down from the puppy house.... look what he's carrying.....
Rylie and Otis got the first hello's in.....
And here we go again.... goodbye to one, hello to another......
In all my thoughts about saying goodbye to Rylie... I need to say that Kathleen is saying goodbye too... Mercury is heading in along with Ry... Kathleen didn't have him as long as I had Rylie, so she was handling her goodbye slightly better than I was.....
And here's a nice group photo... Bernice with Zuzu.. Rick with Debbie... Linda with Otis... Me and Rylie... Linda and Rayvan and Kathleen with Mercury..... the puppy chapter of summer 2013......
Mercury was the first to head to the kennel.. Kathleen gave him some last minute tips.....
Rylie looks worried....
And then it's time, Dave is ready to take her and it time to turn over the leash.... they head to the kennel.....
And the last that I see is her tail and it slips threw the door.. heading into her future. Whether she makes it as a service dog, or becomes someone's pet... she will be an awesome little dog. My almost year with her has been amazing, and another little piece of my heart is tucked away with the name of Rylie forever printed on it......
But I bearly have time to catch my breath... because a little yellow girl is ready to jump in and begin her training with me.....
Her name is Debbie... she was born on April 14th... she is from Guiding eyes and is as cute as a button....
She looks about, checks us all out....














And then says to me.... "I'm ready to get going... what are you going to teach me!!!!"

It all begins again.......................
 
 

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Rylie's birthday..


Today is Rylie's first birthday....this is what she looked like when she came to us late last summer...... where has the time gone.....
She certainly didn't fit in her working back pack!!!! I love her little face... always looking up at me like this.....
She and Abbie hit it off right away. They were (are) the bestest of pals..... games were played on the front lawn,.
Today, the back pack fits.....
And games still like to be played in the front yard... they're both a bit bigger this summer.....
But today is bittersweet... this is the "goodbye" photo.... on her first birthday, Rylie is heading back to NEADs for her advance training....
She still looks up at me with those beautiful eyes....
A few moments before we get on the road... with her favorite kitty... Mona...













A quiet country morning before we head off for our last day together in the city...... Happy Birthday little girl... I have a feeling the year ahead is going to be filled with many good things.... it just won't be with us

:(

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

berry season


Today..... baby Reagan..... we're off on a big adventure and a traditional trip for this family....
It's June and around here... it's strawberry season!!!!!
With the thunderstorms that seem to roll threw on almost a daily basis.. I had worried if the berries would even last, because last year... we didn't even have the chance to go. The berries came in and were "gone" within just a few weeks.... but this year, things are looking better....
Kass didn't want to miss out, so, she packed up little Reagan and off to the patch we all went. Next year, we'll be having to watch our little boy from running threw the paths ways or stepping on the plants....
Meme and Naomi went with us too.... there's just "something right" about picking your berries on early summer days...
With all that up and coming, I wasn't sure if or when I might get back again.. so I wanted to pick a good amount while I had the chance. It didn't take too long to fill up these two big trays.....










Fresh berries for dessert tonite and the rest of these beauties will be put into the freezer for treats next winter...... Happy berry season.... blueberries will be next....

Monday, June 24, 2013

summer Sunday afternoon



Yesterday we did "birthday celebrations".... Both Naomi and Becky have their birthdays in June, so we decided to have a get together in celebration of both. But, before the day begins, it's chore time... and Abbie loves to do "the birds"....
cracked corn is spread for the guinea hens...
which they much appreciate......
And then the family arrives. We talked all winter about doing a pizza party (Ed - Becky's hubby) really wanted to try my double oven... but the winter came and went without the pizza party, so today was the day to do that..... He makes the best pizza, and with all those fresh toppings, they pretty much on the healthy side to boot.....
The Master at work........
Pizza number one - and let me assure  you.. this did not last very long!!!!!! and if you think it looks good, I'll tell you-- it tasted even better....
Hungry people couldn't wait to cut into them...
And enjoy................
Kelsey and Reagan... we're not going to be able to call him "baby Reagan" much longer, he's turning into a real little boy right before our eyes!!!!!
I see him a few times a week, and each time he changes so much. Won't be long before he'll be sitting at the table all by himself.....
My Dad.... he never can sit still for very long, so after a nice lunch of home made pizza, he went out, pulled out our lawn tractor and got the grass mowed for us..... (thanks Daddy!!!!)
The day had started out kind of grey, and just as we were eating the sun poked out and it got hot -- quick. So, we decided to finish the birthday party at the lake. We packed up the kids, dogs and cake.. and moved ....
Ice cream cake!!!!!
Family.... home made pizza, swim in the lake, cake..... if this is a taste of summer, I'm all for that!!!!!!
Reagan was getting a bit sleepy from all this fun, so he and his Mama.. and little Amy, took a break inside. It was a grand afternoon.... but off in the distance began the rumbles of thunder... and the party began to break up....
Dark afternoon sky... make me really appreciate having that hay inside.....I feel badly for those still waiting on their hay and anything that is left in the field...











and I'm not sure why this photo looks so "blue", because I assure you this sky was as black as black could be..... and we had a very "lively" storm blow threw.. all I can say, is I'm glad I wasn't home alone!!!!