the "quing ket".... (to quote Abbie)

For the past year, I have been eyeing these swing set that are so popular right now. I just thought it would be great fun to have one, for Abbie, and any other grandbabies that come along. They have some really neat designs and really neat "things" to do.. at a REALLY NEAT price!!! oi....but, I thought if I put a few pennies away each month, I could eventually come up with on. Last week, we were out and about and came across a place were they had these sets, so we stopped in. Turns out, if I was willing to buy a "last year's display model" (which has been "out" in the weather) I could get one for a much reduced price.... needless to say, I jumped at the deal.

They also said, if we were willing to pick it up and then put it together ourselves.... we could have a little more discount...

OK... we're game. We have trailers, Ed is very "handy" and how hard could that be. As we pulled the pieces off the trailer with Ed telling me "it's really not that heavy"... I'm beginning to think, I should have paid to have it delivered and set up!!!!!










Thank goodness we have a tractor!!! and I guess, it really wasn't that hard to do --- with the tractor of course. It took us a couple of hours...











and some interesting ways of reaching things to tighten and put together.... (tower is certainly strong enough for kids!!!!!)













but, we managed it.












And now have this grand place for kids to play.












Abbie wasn't home when we set it up, but the next morning (while dressed for church) she just had to run out and check it over!!! Her "Quing ket"... as she calls it....







checking out the slide













testing the steps to the tower (and top of the slide)













giving the swing a test drive...

I think she approves of my choice!!!!




so, if you're in the neighborhood come on by and try out the "quing ket".....

Adam...

"Take care of me when I get old; you too will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say "I cannot bear to watch" or "let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me, if you are there, even my death. And remember, I will always love you"....

And so it was, when my Mom and Dad had to say goodbye today to their beloved Adam. They were there. At 16 you could say he had a long and happy life, he lived with them the whole time - something that some dogs could not say. He traveled with them, celebrated joys and got threw sorrows...they were great "parents" and he was a great dog. But, we all know that dogs just don't live long enough.. so, we love them as much as possibly can in the times we have together... and we cry with broken hearts when they say goodbye.........

the week that summer came...

I s that Abbie... dressed for summer?? What month is this??? We have just come threw a week of real summer weather!! Temps in the high 70's and low 80's, breaking records every day. And while that is good on the wood pile side of things, it is just not right for New England in March!!! Last year (and I checked on the blog) we had three feet of snow and temps in the single numbers.






It was fun to get outside without all those extra layers, but we're not used to it, and I have to admit... I was complaining!!!! Abbie however, had a ball and on this morning, she was so excited to get out there and help with morning chores. She even ran to the coop to let the guinea hens out. Bet there will be good tick eating this summer (uugghhh)






Mona laid in the shade and told those guineas, they could simply walk around her!!!!!













The boys enjoyed breakfast outside... if this weather keeps up, they'll need to shed those winter coats off and fast!!!!











Spring has certainly come early, but what a difference a month makes. We began March with a good old snow storm and sleigh rides, and looks like it will be going out with flowers and leaves. Even the birds are back a tad early and looking for good "real estate" for their families....








Looks like this little gal had made up her mind!!! The weekend is suppose to be cooler and more seasonable.. and really, for now.. it's OK by me.

just check-in' in....

Today it was "load 'em up and move 'em out" heading down to NEADS for our monthly check in with Dave. We "threw" three Labs and one Labradoodle in the back of Rick's jeep and headed south with humans - Rick, Bernice, Kathleen and myself. Sadly, Randi was not feeling well, so she brought Stoney to us, and went back home to bed. Norton doesn't seem too impressed with the idea of riding with labs....







They were having a grand time together....














And Norton felt that he should be up front with us.... too bad for him!!!!









We chatted with Dave for a bit on campus, and then headed right into the city. It was a HOT day... way more like summer than March. Since I was working with Stoney, Bernice took Norton -- and I got to take lots of pictures...











First stop... the train station. We can always find many things to work with at the train station!!!!












Norton and Otis practice "under and stay" with the train station benches....












While puppies Monty and Vickie practice how to go up the stairs one step at a time. Dave demos how to teach them to take one step and wait... since puppies in particular like to "rush" steps, this is an important lesson.









We were in good timing for the train itself. The dogs sat nice and quiet while it pulled into the station ( you don't know how "loud" a train is until you are standing right beside it)









And then we practiced walking calmly beside it, and entering and exiting the cars. We have to remember that some day these dogs could be placed with handlers who do not move as quickly as we do, so much of this is about taking your time and remaining calm and patient.








The station was very hot, and the train cars had AC... so when we practiced getting on and "hiding" under the train seats.....













Norton was very happy with that idea!!!!!














Training "pow wow" with Dave.......











And "good job" pats from Rick.....













and then over to the hospital for rides on the glass elevators!!! Vickie seems to enjoy the view... Norton decides it's a good time to rest. This is "good" to all the humans.. dogs that just go with the flow and take advantage of when they can chill...It was another excellent day of training in the city.....







AND... we brought back a new member to the group... this is Thai.... she is a six month old Labradoodle and will be Bernice's project for a while. Goodness, first we have the golden group and now it would seem -- the doodle group....







And again.. a trip home brings very tired puppies... there certainly wasn't any goofing off in the back this time. Norton seems pleased.....

puppy visit with the kids

Today, Norton, Camille and I were invited to visit a pre-school and show off some obedience demos to the children. We joined a few other friends, and had a nice time. The kids seemed to enjoy watching the dogs that were there, but sadly (due to insurance reasons) dogs and children were not allow to interact. And for Camille and Norton.... that was hard not to do!!!

The demo was held in a very nice gym... lots of space to show off rally, basic obedience and some agility. Linda was there with corgi Ozzy...he's always a big hit running around in his "wheels"...










The children loved to see all the different dogs and they things that they can do.....












Norton was quite smitten by this cute little French Bulldog who belongs to my friend Judy. I'm guessing that Angel didn't mind being smooched by a Labradoodle.....








Judy has a whole crew of Frenchies... I have to admit, they are really cool little dogs.
It was a nice time, good training for all the dogs... I just feel sad that the kids couldn't say hello to them... but, it's the way it is sometimes...

spring graduation....

Today, we loaded up and moved 'em out...heading to the Spring graduation for NEADS!!! I couldn't get over the weather... absolutely no more snow, and almost 70 degrees!!! Last year when we attended spring graduation, we had close to three feet of snow and it was eight degrees (check out the blog!!!) Norton was all excited and ready for the road trip which included humans - Ed and I, Rick and Kelli, Linda, Bernice and Kathleen... and k9's Norton, Camille, Otis and Monty.




We decided to "eat first" and stopped at our favorite Cracker Barrel. They were surprised to see us on a Sunday - we usually stop there on our "Thursday check in" day. They were busy and so we had to do a bit of waiting... Otis tried to show Monty how it was done.








And how to do "under" as well... but Monty, well being just four months old... he has some practicing to do on this one!!! (that's OK Monty - you'll get it!!!)










He was happy to have "Mom Kathleen" take him back and laid quietly - almost like a big dog until we were called in. I have to say, three service puppies under the table we as good as gold and no one even knew they were there.








We arrived at graduation and felt like celebrities entering the room. The Maine group!!!! All our puppies got oodles of attention, and then it was time to go and watch the real stars... the graduates. Gerry opened the ceremonies....










Camille paid careful attention............













But when she head they were "just talking about service dogs", she decided napping with Norton was a better idea. As "usual" there were so many good stories from the graduates, and I will never get tired listening to all the stories that people love to share about their dogs.








this is Lynn... her puppy Gem was one of the graduates... she now has Checkers as her new puppy... (I think he likes his Mom, look at that attention!!!!)









I got to meet someone very special... this is Susan and she is Norton's sponsor!!!! Norton has met her many times before, so he was very happy and goofy when he saw her. (Susan is a new blog reader... so a special hello going out to you!!!!) She was very pleased with "her" puppy and happy to have the chance to meet up with him once again. These puppies are so lucky.. they have so many people who support them along their journey to service dog work.





We visited with many friends, met some new ones and just had a day of celebration and joy. Norton was exhausted by the end of the day!!! And was more than glad to accept Bernice's invitation to spread out on the back seat and take a well earned rest.

Being a "service dog"..... is hard work!!!!