My sister-in-law was born this day, over 70 years ago. She was taken from us too soon. My husband used to remind us that she was called Carol because it was close to Christmas.
Thursday already?
Laundry is in the machine... long sleeved shirts in the dryer, more colorful items in the washer... dashing down during puppy naps.
It's supposed to be sister visit day (Wednesday, still). The past two got cancelled due to conflicting activity and health recovery. This one did, too.
It's the coldest day of the week here. Ember did not get as much exercise as I would like her to have and that's on me. She looked longingly at the top of the 'fridge where her harness and leash are stored. But the last two outings did not end well. We had that "don't wanna, don't hafta" kind of behavior on her part and I'm not up to either letting her have her way on how long the outing might be (in which case I freeze), or to the damaging the relationship by forcing the issue, which leads to other kinds of bad behavior. Sigh.
Wednesday during last call, I was singing some of the slower Christmas carols out in the yard as Ember was looking at the Christmas lights across the street. I guess my voice must bother her or call to her in some way, because she started doing the jumping up thing. Tentatively at first. We got back into the house, but she wanted one of my gloves and I let her have it so I could get back inside. Then I ignored her having it. Took some of the game out of it. We did a mini training on the subject of giving things back, using the IYC gestures with some yummy treats. Worked. This time. But I'm not going to sing to her in the backyard again, just in case that's an element.
On Thursday I am supposed to get a handyman carpenter in the afternoon. I have so many concerns about this particular phase of the project: the weather, for one. In the dark of the morning while I'm typing, it's 18℉ outside. It will hit a high under 30. Then there is the fact that this particular handyman and the coordinator have had app communication problems, leading to scheduling issues last week. When he gave me the estimate, he mentioned the availability of the laminated plywood siding material. Lots of little moving parts.
I'm planning to go to my trainer workout in the morning and hope for the best, both for Ember's day and for for my own... and while I'm at it, for Eric the handyman, too.
Life is good. Spark on!
PHOENIX1949
ReplyDeleteHaving worn glasses since junior high, I also have gone through many styles of frames. Curious about your comment on results of the recent cataract removal -- do your glasses have a slab-off? Mom had similar results for her second one and a slab-off prescription was given. Have my two-week followup this morning. Worst part of surgery was the 6 painful attempts to get in an IV. Jan 8 on calendar for other eye.
Our turn to host my family gathering which looks like it will be about 22 folks. Youngest sister hauled out and put up most of our decorations accumulated. We will have this on Dec 30 so the 4 siblings can do their branches 'stuff' and have a few days to rest before our gathering. The great-nieces and nephews will be out of school that week.
Ember, Ember, Ember please pay attention to your Hu-mom's directions.
Susan
"decorations accumulated" over the years which include many from our travels. PHOENIX1949
DeleteI'm not familiar with the term "slab-off"... I looked it up. No, not in my case. I have the progressive lenses. I'm still trying to figure out if they darken in the sun, they don't seem to go "as dark" as the old ones, but do darken somewhat. I certainly paid enough for them to do the transition thing!
DeleteSounds like good plans for a home filled with love for the holidays, Susan! I hope you enjoy it!
Tigger attacks and bites if we have a cell phone on speaker. Something about the tone of it irritates her something awful. Could be just a note you hit or the fact you don't talk that way all the time - LOL Nice glasses my friend! Enjoy the day.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we have to think about it from the animal's point of view, and their senses are different from our own! You may be right. If she thought I was whining, she might have been trying to "rescue" me, too.
DeleteOH Barb, I love your new glasses! They suit you!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you as you remember your dear SIL.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh do I identify w/hair loss. Tis the time of year, for me, that it ramps up w/the thyroid stuff. It’ll come back a little again in the spring. In the meantime . . . HATS.
Sorry that your get-together w/your sister was again cancelled. *SIGH*
Definitely cold here. -2F and -20F wind chill. Not fit for mankind nor beast.
Ember is really in the rebellious teen stage, isn’t she. *SIGH* You’re doing the best you can.
I hope things work out w/the handyman.
God luck w/the personal trainer. Was going to go to the gym today, too but . . . just way too cold right now to venture out. Maybe tomorrow when it’s a tad warmer!
Hugs
Barb
1cd
Brrr! Reading your temperature and windchill tells me to hush up about mine!
DeleteRitual to the rescue for Thursday morning. I am now in the space where Ember's down for puppy nap #1 and I'm getting ready for the trainer workout.
Love your new frames….they look very nice!! Let’s hope Ember doesn’t notice and fetch them for herself if you lay them somewhere for a moment!
ReplyDeleteI hope that your repairman shows up and does quality work….
Eissa7. (Karen)
Thanks, Karen! They look nice from the direction most important... from the inside looking out!
DeleteThe carpenter / handyman showed up not just on time but early this time. He called ahead, shortly after I got home from the trainer workout. Ember was a good girl about the extra crate time, too, even letting me put her harness on right inside her crate, so I could take her out for "business" once Eric finished his outdoor work and came in to work under the sink.
Fingers crossed for it to be a solid fix, as those pipes are truly in the outside wall, and there was zero space between the pipe and the joist, as Eric showed me. He seems to know his stuff, used spray on insulation to cover as much as possible and showed me photos of all his work from the worm's eye view, looking up into the siding!
Clearly too cold to paint today, but I have the paint for later, when we get a mild spell.
Just for a bonus, my fancy new jacket arrived today and it screams durability and quality! Thank you, Santa Paws.
The new frames are really nice. Stylish!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the handy-man. 🔨🔦🔎
Thanks! Fingers crossed, handyman has come and fixed and gone. He says call him if any cracks develop in the drywall mud in the next two days, he's done. He did not paint, but then again, I did not expect him to in this cold weather!
DeleteIt sounds like you've had a challenging week. Those winter days can be so tough, especially when you're dealing with pet training and home projects. I totally get the frustration with Ember. Sometimes, they just test our patience, don't they? But it's great that you're trying to work through it with positive reinforcement.
ReplyDeleteI hope the handyman appointment goes smoothly, despite the weather. Fingers crossed for a productive day!
Sending you warm thoughts and good vibes. (((BIGHUGS)))
Sometimes it comes down to my accepting a "part-way" compromise on behavior. We are making progress on the "thank you" give back/release word, and it takes LOTS of repetition before some things sink in. Plus, less exercise leads to a frustrated dog, leads to "inventive" behavior. Friday morning, she avoided the new caulking but was intrigued by the flapping of the dryer vent cover and deconstructed it! Yikes.
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