The days are flying by... and this weekend finds us at the NEADS fall graduation. Linda's dog Marv is one of the graduates, so we have a star in our midst. Marv has been matched as a service dog, and it was a long time coming, but another success story for our chapter.
It has become a tradition of sorts to "tail gate" at the graduation. And it would seem we are making a "name for ourselves" in doing this!!! We have a few select people that we invite to join us, and you should see the smile we get from other folks at the graduation when they see us setting up.
Linda K. is the one that pulls this together and each time she has out done herself. Since it's "her" dog that is graduating we had an amazing celebration feast. Lobster rolls, mini quiches... desserts... it was fabolus!!!
She even made shortbread cookies that looked like Marv... it was almost a shame to eat them... but they were GOOD!!!!!
Linda S., Linda K. and Kathleen.. Rick, Bernice and I were also there. And we invited Dave and Gerry to join us. The day was fairly warm and it was a great way to begin the graduation.
After our wonderful tail gate party, we headed inside. Linda K. went to the "meet and greet" to see her boy once again, and meet in person, his new life partner. I opted out, since the gathering is so busy and I just wanted to allow Linda as much time with "her" Marv and family as possible. Then it was onto graduation and here is the Fall 2014 class.
It's always a wonderful program, with guest speakers and videos of the dogs. Plus this year, they had an excellent video of the puppies in training. I especially enjoyed the "hearing dog"part, as that is what "my" Debbie dog is being trained as.
And here he is... our boy!!!!
Danny was rather bored with the whole thing. I kept telling him to pay attention.. that one day, it will be his turn to wear a "red" vest and all this will be for him... but for now, he'd rather take a snooze. This is Dan in his truest form, he really doesn't get too excited about anything as far as "work" goes.. he's going to be a nice steady, easy going partner for someone...
As always, there is a good crowd of people that attend. And then, I was told, somewhere in this crowd.. Debbie was there with her weekend family. I was so excited, that I could hardly breath and I tried to find her among this huge crowd....
Her weekend folks knew I was there, and they were looking for me as well.. and then.. I saw... this beautiful face.. and there she was. I hate to admit that I have favorites, but Debbie has, was and always will be mine favorite puppy of all. I could hardly say her name... but her eyes said it all....
I remember you!!!!! Because she is not a "working" dog just yet, I let it go and we had a huge hug right there, in the middle of everyone. She couldn't get close enough, and I couldn't hug her harder. We were beyond thrilled to be together once again.
She was silly and fun, and very much "un-like a service dog".. and I should have been better behaved myself... but I didn't care!!!!
I selfishly have hoped that she would "fail out", because there would have never been any question that I would have adopted her. But she has not failed out (I really didn't think she would).. and not only has she been trained as a hearing dog, but there is talk that a match is not far from coming and she will certainly be wearing that "red" vest next spring.
I am happy for her, I am happy that she will serve her real purpose in life... but I was happy to get this one last "real" hug in. The next time we meet, she will not be mine, she will be a working dog and I will have to be much better behaved. However, this one last moment, caught here int his photo will always be just mine... just mine and Debbie's... and this is what puppy raising is all about!!!!
It was truly a wonderful day.... one I will always remember and I head home with my darling Danny, and know that our time together will be short as well......
Today was a day of getting ready. Before long the winter winds will arrive and it's time to get things snug, put away, and batten down for the time ahead. Mona is such a funny cat, and has really adapted to being a farm cat. She loves to be warm and snuggly inside, but if we are out working around, she would be just as happy with us.
She has it all figured out.. including how to get a drink of water from a horse pail when you are thirsty......
Abbie has come to spend the weekend with us, she loves to help out Baby and Papa... first order of business... get Mocha brushed out....
Ed started off with cleaning out around the barn. Silly horses, why they have to poop under the shed roof when there is 12 acres of pasture is beyond me. But they do and every few months we need to pull this all away from the barn.
Ed has this down to a science and he can move that little tractor about so easily. We also have it designed so the fencing can be moved out of the way, making the whole job so much easier.
It sure looks nice when it's all done. If only the horses would keep it looking like this!!!!
Next order of business.... winter fencing. It always "sad" to penned the horses up "tight" in the winter, but if we didn't, the fields would never have the chance to grow come spring time. Abbie is a great help with fencing, and she really 'gets' it...
She loves helping Papa and carries the post that need to be put up. She makes all kinds of suggestions to Ed and I about how it needs to be done. She says she's a farm girl.....
She's helped with this project since she was big enough to walk!!! But this year, she really was great, and able to run the fencing threw the holders. She was so pleased with herself, and was a huge help to Ed and I. So, just a few more days of big pasture, and then it will be time to bring everyone "in".......
Last year, we attended our first "sled" hockey game upon the invitation of Craig. It was amazing and I loved watching it. Actually hockey has become my sport of choice. So, when Craig asked if we would like to come to another game, we were there. Northeast Passage is a group that promotes many different sports for the handicapped... but they were the ones supporting today's event.
I think what I really like about hockey in general is how quick it is. I have to admit some sports seem to take so long... football being one. I really don't understand football to be honest, but I never can figure out why the "last few seconds" can take so long. It doesn't seem like that with hockey. And you really have to watch that puck as it sails across the ice!!!!
Some day I would love to try a "sled" and just see what it is really like. Because I know it takes a huge amount of skill to "run" the sled, watch that puck, move it and shoot... it must be amazing.....
Always on the watch for different experiences I brought Danny along. Last year, I had Debbie dog, and boy did she love the hockey.. she sat bolt up the whole time and watched that puck and the players. Danny seems to be quite interested as well.....besides the "game", it building is good too... steep steps, tight seats to work around, the noise, the people... it just is a great place to get some "work" in.
We had good seats, sadly there weren't too many people there. I don't think sled hockey has really caught on as a true sport, but I certainly try to tell everyone about it.
It would seem that Danny isn't as interested in the game as Debbie was. He watched for abit and then found a way to get comfortable between the seats. Oh well... not everyone is a hockey fan I guess......
But, we had a nice treat. This is Liz, she's Ed's cousin and attends the college where the game was being held. We told her that we were going to be there, so she popped over to say hello and check out the game. She said that she didn't know what sled hockey was either. Danny took right to her and was just as happy snuggling in her lap. It also turns out that today is Liz's birthday.. her 21st.... so she had some celebrating to do after leaving us.
And Danny wanted to be sure she had some good birthday hugs!!!!
We did it...... November 1st and we are just lighting the big furnace that will keep us warm all winter. We have had some pretty cool days and evening, but the little stove inside has taken care of that. This is the "latest" that we have fired off the big furnace, and I feel like we're ahead in the wood department already. Course, a long cold winter will take care of that!!!!
Ed says he always enjoys lighting the furnace and it's "fun" the first few months. By February though, it becomes "work" and then we are ready for spring to arrive once again. I love how full the wood shed is right now... I still need a couple more loads from Rick, but things are looking good. (including that little pile of "junk" wood next to the furnace)....
A few days ago, we celebrated Abbie's birthday. Her real day was a couple weeks ago, but timing wise, to get the family all together... took some time. She didn't mind... she had cake and presents on her "real" day.. and got to do it all again with everyone. I can't believe that she is truly five years old....
She was all decked out in her "Mad Hatter's tea party dress" and ready to celebrate......
Sadie and Jesse's little house look so cute with all the decorations, and it was certainly filled with people.
I think I need to brush up on "what the fad" is now. (especially with Christmas coming).. from what I understand all the Disney characters now have their own children... example Madeline Hatter is the Mad Hatter's daughter.. Apple White is Snow White's daughter and it goes on from there. This doll is one of the "daughters" and a little girl seems thrilled to have gotten her......
The cousins don't get together that often, but we do it as much as we can!!!!
For me, November always feels like the "grey" month. The days are short and shorter each day.... The leaves have pretty much gone by and it's very quiet. The holidays are on the way, so they bring they own excitement and color... but it times to settle in... maybe catch your breath... and enjoy....
I've let the horses have the pasture much later this year. I like seeing them in the "front yard" and I can't watch them like this when we have them in winter quarters. There isn't much of the grass yet, frost has pretty much taken it all out, but it's fun to watch them poke about.
Reagan is changing all the time, and he's all boy. I had a visit just a few days back, a beautiful day to be outside, and look who's getting braver and more daring. Kass has her hands full (a good full).... for sure....
Tractors!!!! Tea parties on one side, tractors on the other side... I am very very blessed.....
Happy November!!!!
Trying to keep up with all the fun things to do in the fall is a hard thing to accomplish!!! But today, we headed out to an annual "harvest fest weekend" to take in the sights, foods, and goodies. Sadie and Abbie, Catie and Bruce... Kassy and Reagan.... (and Danny and me!!!). It was an easy walk up to the event, so, we dressed for the weather and headed out...
I always have to take photos of these two when I can get them together!!!!!
It was just the perfect fall day. Bright sun and blue skies, and the best part... going on a week day, where the crowds were not quite so large. Saturday, this place will be so crowded, it would be hard to see or enjoy any of it (in my opinion)......
So many talented crafts people... I loved these little doggie bird houses (too bad they were so expensive .. or I might have bought one)... But she had almost every breed and they were neat to look at.....
Along with the crafts, were foods of all kinds. Some to eat there and some to buy and take home. I just love the country feel of it all.. and so glad to be a small town gal!!!!
More pumpkins Danny boy!!!!!
Some to buy and take home.....
and nothing doing, Reagan just had to pick a few more for home. He loves pumpkins!!!! (Kass almost "dreads" driving by pumpkins, because Reagan thinks they should all come home with him!!!)
We even came across a "scare crow dog".. which Danny found to be rather interesting. He's not afraid of "fall/Halloween" things!!!!
Speaking of which... it is that time of year once again.... and two little ones I know were looking forward to going out "trick or treating".....
Reagan, dressed as a "lumberjack".. and made a call at Meme and Beepa's house!!!!
Then Daddy dressed up too, and they went around the neighborhood. He doesn't look too happy in this photo, but I think he just wanted to get going. Certainly didn't take him long to figure out this, knock on the door and get treats thing!!!!!
Ab dressed up as the "mad hatter's daughter".. (one of the new Disney things)... she sure looked cute in her little outfit as well..... I didn't get to see the kids trick or treating as I had to teach dog classes.. but I'm happy that Kass took these photos!!!!!
And catching up on things around the farm. Poor Livy, has just discovered Titus... and it has taken her days to come to terms with this turtle thing that swims around the tank. She's so funny, and is fine if he is "resting" but when he begin to swim, she is not so happy about that. She barks at him and runs away from the tank... this photo she's finally getting brave, and though it's kind of funny, I'll be glad when she can make her peace with this!!!!
Old Silver, enjoying the last of the pasture grass... we'll be cutting this section off soon, so it can rest up for spring. But I'll miss seeing the horses right outside the house windows.... (can't see them when they are kept close to the barn)....
And since it's the end of the month, we had another check in trip down to NEADS with Danny. I love the fall, but when it rains, it's such a damp cold rain.... and it's just the kind that gets into your bones. Pretty enough... but yucky too....
The new client house is really coming along. We see big changes each time we go.....
But the rain doesn't stop the work, so after we chatted with Dave for a bit.. we headed into the city. It's a good idea because sometimes the weather can make the environment seem different. Dave thought it would be fun to work with Dan himself, and it gave me a chance to step back and watch them work.
We walked the city, and then popped into the hospital to warm up, have some lunch, and play on the elevators.... all went well.. Danny is doing so very well with his training....
Quick stop at the train station... Danny is beginning to think all of this is old hat!!!! And Dave is beginning to talk about when his time will come to be turned back in. (already)...
Seems time is going by as fast as the month have gone by. I try and keep up the blog, and realize just how quickly the weeks and months fly by... and now we look at November, and the holidays.... oh my!!!!
