A lot of this n' that

Ups and downs in Emberville.  Weather has been mostly hot and humid.  This photo was taken in the angled morning light, and it downright looks as humid as it feels.

Ember was off to day care Thursday morning, and I was off to my own workout with the trainer.  He's on vacation next week, when we'll have the holiday.  Grandchildren, funny how they land high on anyone's priority list!

It's deck weather, i.e. Summer!  Ember curls up on a deck chair during "last call" before tucking in to bed Thursday evening.

Friday was cool in the morning so we got a leash walk in before it got Summer-hot.  We've had a couple of accidents where Ember has chosen to drop a plop in the basement, rather than go outside.  Yikes!  I had been thinking she might be ill, or going at daycare, but no!  So, cleaned up after discovery, and reiterated training message of not here, outside.  I don't care if it's hot or raining... outside!

Friday afternoon I took leave of my senses and volunteered to host Carl on Saturday.  Why?  Because his people are planning a lake with inflatables outing at a state park, and dogs are not allowed on that part of the beach/lakefront.  Carl would not be happy leashed on shore, and it seemed like too many moving parts to the plan, which includes the foster kiddo and a friend, and the other grandparents, so... puppy pool in my backyard is a better choice for Carl than being in his kennel at home the whole time.  

Photoshoot Saturday, amid a whole lot of wiggles and waggles

You may remember that Ember chewed up two puppy pools last Summer.  This is a new puppy pool, big enough to fit two dogs.  I waited until about 1 p.m. to bring it out and fill it up.  We had a lot of dog greeting energy to wear off first.

Two pups sharing a bone.  Sometimes it amazes me how well they get along!  I can't take a picture at the same time as I'm giving hand signals to the pups, but I did manage a couple of "two puppies sit" and one "two puppies down" positions, for which they got synchronized treats.

Synchronized chilling, canine style.  I tried splitting the x-pen into two compartments.  This experiment lasted about five minutes before they figured out the divider wasn't attached and could just be pushed aside.  Once they were in one big pen together, they played nicely, and in this particular rest period, curled up and napped nicely.

 

Out on the deck, Carl takes his Doberman guard dog heritage very seriously (he's a dobie / GSP mix).  When you look at the two dogs, side by side, you can definitely see the breed differences.  Carl is tall and lanky; Ember is all lab, shorter and stockier.  The tails are different, the snouts are different, the eyes are different.  But still people will ask if they are related.  Only by human, friends, only by human. 

I told Carl it was his job to terrorize the squirrels.  But the squirrels made themselves scarce.  They know a serious chaser when they see one.  Ember doesn't bark at them.  Carl not only barks.  He chases them up whatever they can climb.

By the way, it was 90F out there.  So the chilling inside was partly cool down.  They kept me busily refilling water bowls and opening and closing the door all day long.  But they graced my life for the day.

Meantime, the kids were out on the floating playground.

This was at a nearby state recreation area.  It's set up like the Japanese TV show "Wipe Out" which I find unwatchable!  Definitely not my jam, but the foster grand kiddo and his friend that they took with had a great time.  When my son came to pick up Carl, he remarked that he will be feeling it on Sunday!

Turns out with the number of kids that they let on at once, there's no way an adult is going to make it through the course.  Son gave up and spent his time on course as an impromptu lifeguard, fishing kids out of the water and getting them back on course.  Muscle man used every last one.

I would say the whole family had an active day, be it me with the canines, or them out in the water!  And I know I made the right choice for me.

Life is good.  Keep on Sparking!

The Old Ball Game

 

Friday night, on a HOT June evening, we had a family outing to the minor league baseball game.  Foster kiddo's stamina gets tested in this kind of thing which is mostly sit and watch, and he made it an inning and a half before wanting to go off to the in-park playground.  I managed to get photos of the adults in the group while hiding the kiddo.

There was a nice breeze, and my co-mom-in-law got us tickets in the shade, but kiddo was happiest out being active and playing on the berm! 

It was a long game, and I didn't get home to let Ember out for last call until after 10 p.m., but it remained over 80F even overnight.  Summer is indeed here!

Saturday morning on our brief walkies, we found windfall. We brought a fresh branch home for sculpting!  The heat wave continued, topping 100F again Saturday.

On Sunday we did not crack the 100-degree mark, but it was still plenty warm in the mid-to-upper 90's.  Ember and I rounded the block in the morning breeze at 7:18 a.m.  Several pauses to watch the wind blow trees, or flags, or watch other people or dogs.  Fortunately, we did not bring home any fallen branches, though there were certainly plenty out there!

Later morning and all afternoon, we watched a parade of potential new neighbors trooping through the open house across the street.  

I did a "pick up sticks" outing in the front yard while she was out on the deck and tossed them over the fence, so she has "toys" in that corner by the gate.

Ember took a nap that allowed me to dash out on a brief shopping outing for coffee and gum, and her chew sticks.  I got her a replacement for the comfort carrot!  The original lasted all the way from Easter to this week.

The next X-Pen I ordered was delivered, too, so I took a panel out of the package and finished the containment of the couch, and we were able to resume couch training after having taken half a week off due to a gap in the fence.  I like having the lap puppy, but I'm not willing to let her tear my couch apart.

Keeping my head down as the news continues to roll by.  Not a lot that I personally can do about it but keep on living my life!

And LIFE is by definition good.  Spark on!

Birds in Emberville

 

The baby shrikes are here.  I have at various times seen three baby bird heads poking out of the siding and had a great view of both parent birds feeding them.  I'm just praying they don't break through the drywall into my bedroom, if you know what I mean.  Once I stopped worrying about it so much, I've rather enjoyed watching mother nature invading!

Ember has been fascinated, especially since some of what mama and papa bird bring to the babies gets dropped from the "high chair" and she picks it up off the patio below.  Berries!  Ember loves berries!

We are now at the start of a heat wave here, so Friday morning I took Ember out for her leash walk early.  It's predicted to break into triple digits (F, that is) Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, all three.

Friday evening, we have a family outing booked at the minor league baseball game, with predicted temperatures of 95F!  Taking empty plastic bottle to refill with water as many times as needed.

Across town the roof replacement project on the kids' house has taken all week.  We had a couple of rain days.  It was supposed to happen a week ago, but one of the work crew had a death in the family, so that delayed things, and then the rains came.

Ember's "hunting dog coach" is currently in Spain for the world multisport event.  He posted some lovely photos of where he got lost (off course) looking for "the big hill" he knew was on the route of one of his bike legs.  Looks like he's having a marvelous time, and his buddies are trying to talk him into going for election to the board of USAT.  I'm no longer a member, so can't nominate him, but I think he'd be a great candidate, honestly.

Life is good.  Still avoiding the news.  Spark on!

Still breathing in Emberville

 

This is the "inner" toy from "Fatwing the dragon" (from Bark Box).  Of all the fabric covered hard toys, this is the first one we actually got the cover removed from.  These toys are incredibly sturdy and therefore worth the price IF your dog likes them.  Ember seems to prefer the ones covered in softer fabric, not the slick nylon covered ones (I still have one from her very first Bark Box that is a velociraptor egg, with the nylon cover still intact.  She doesn't like the texture, so doesn't play with it.)

When I finished the job of removing Fatwing's cover, Ember happily carried the inner toy outside, back into her x-pen, etc., making it squeak as she went.  Awesome.

Monday was a busy day for Ember.  We seemed to be past our Sunday "snit", which kept Mommy hopping.  Meals, walks, treats, according to the normal expected schedule, but visits from the bug guy (still working on the carpenter bees) and from "Aunt Alicia".  She got an extra "big" chew stick and kennel cookie during my sister visit.

Then we napped together until supper time and during the CBS evening news, Ember trotted into her crate, expecting her cookie and to be tucked in until "last call".

This was the final casualty of the Sunday snit!  A 44 year old tea-towel that I kind of kept around to wipe my glasses with.  Gone, now.

Tuesday was the usual.  Human tasks while the pup had fun with her canine chums.  We encountered her cousin Benji as we went into daycare.  Benji was on his way to grooming.  

Tuesday afternoon was beastly hot, though, getting up to 93F of the predicted 95.  Summer is rearing its head.

Turns out, it wasn't just a snit!  Ember is entering a new destructive phase. Or her training was regressing.  

Thursday morning found her tearing into the cushions on the couch she hasn't yet completely destroyed.  There had been previews of this.  I blame the flying insects that come into my house this time of year. If she's chasing them and gets into her prey drive... anything can become the target if they land on it.  Couch, wall, carpet, anything!  I had to shuffle her into the x-pen and reconfigure the pen on the fly to protect the couch after I put it back together.  

I have two pens now, one with her puppy toys and such, the other with the couch for Mommy.  Ember is allowed to come in and cuddle with Mommy only when supervised, at least for a while, until I regain confidence in her self-control.

 

I started playing a modified version of ItsYerChoice with Ember and the couch containing x-pen.  As long as she leaves the slipcovers and cushions alone, she may nap on the comfy couch beside me, or with her head on my lap.  If she starts to reorganize the covers, she gets escorted out of the pen and distracted with some other activity.  I have left a soft leash on her inside the house to remind her that she's training. 

Saturday morning's walk was a resounding success.  I was not the only one taking my pup out early, given the predicted heat for the day. 

One lady out walking her 11-month-old standard poodle on the other side of the street paused to compliment how well-behaved Ember was.  She said she'd been watching me walk her since she was small.  

A second lady asked to greet her, and Ember kept all four paws on the ground like a good girl.  

Another block further, as we were trying to figure out what path to take to avoid two other dog walkers converging on the same corner.  A woman coming up behind us asked to meet Ember.  This lady had just had to have her own lab put down in the past few months.  

Ember enjoyed all the attention.  

Another block along, two women and a pup were in need of assistance is the form of a poop bag.  They had got away from home without theirs.  Fortunately, I had a full supply and was able to share.  One of the two ladies came over to collect it and gave Ember pets.  

At the very end of our walk Chad from down the block (has two dogs of his own) made a point of stopping in his solo walk to give her some love, too. All in all, it was a very social Saturday morning walk.

Saturday afternoon we did a little more couch training.  I think we may be getting the idea.  But I dare not brag on her, or I'll see regression!

Saturday presented us with another hot afternoon, and it's predicted to continue warmer than average for the next week.  We go from chillier than average to hotter than average, and back again.  Weather is a safe topic.  Politics and news, not so much.  Shaking my head and avoiding those things as much as possible.  

Prayers for those more directly affected, and ducking from the cross-fire of differing camps spinning away!  One does still have to get along with the locals, and the family, even while hearing the dissonance.

Life is good.  Keep Sparking!

Crouching kitty, snoring puppy

Here's that snoring puppy, from Friday morning.  Prior to Friday the week was pretty much a "lather, rinse, repeat" week in Emberville, with day care for her on Tuesday and Thursday, trainer workouts for me on those days in addition to the usual "clean the house while the pup's away" routine.

I am trying to gradually shrink the x-pen and give a little more freedom to the puppy outside that space.

There is now human foot room in front of the couch.  I'm keeping the wooden furniture protected still and fencing off the floor lamp with its cord.

And here's the "crouching kitty" on a puppy day care day.  He's considering spilling my coffee... but did not manage to do so.

On the human front this week, the court date for "permanency plan" for the foster grandchild (and his siblings) was held.  The short version is that he will live with my son and daughter in law "for the foreseeable", while the state goes about terminating birth dad's parental rights, for failing to fulfil court requirements.

That leaves a long legal road, at least several months, and lots of details to figure out in that time frame!  A lot depends on whether birth dad will relinquish parental rights or fight their termination.

Saturday afternoon / evening took me with my older sister to a family wedding.  We did a sister catch-up on the drive (55 miles) up and back.

It was a lovely ceremony, outdoors and with perfect weather.  The groom was one of my cousin's sons.  The bride and he were high school sweethearts and have been together all the way through college to this new chapter.  Her grandfather is a minister and performed the ceremony.  

The reception was a very happy gathering. We were musing on the last time my two cousins my sister and I were in the same room at the same time, and determined it was at these cousins' mother's funeral.  Yep, we are at the weddings and funeral stage for family gatherings.

We were seated with the groom's immediate family.  I felt honored.  This is the family I lived with when I was four years old and my own family was scattered about among the relatives while mom was hospitalized for a few months.  Father of the groom on the right, cousin closest to me in age between my sister and me.  I hold many happy memories of "life on the farm" from my time with them.

Ember survived her extra crate time well and did not object at all to getting fed late and then on time the next morning.  We enjoyed some deck time together Sunday morning.  She posed in the deck chair while I sipped my coffee.

We went on our morning pack migration (walk), and the reactions began.  Very distracted by cottonwood fluff floating down from the trees.  

Once we got home, the reactionary behavior set in.  Ember decided to remove the couch cushions and slip covers on the couch that she hasn't yet destroyed. 

If her goal was to get Mommy's attention it certainly succeeded.  Mommy hustled her out of that room, put up the baby gate, and asked her to respect it.  Then Mommy got her something to destroy (puppy bombs) in the x-pen.  I eventually tucked her into her crate for a little while, so mommy could put the couch back together. 

Based on prior episodes of me going away for longer than usual periods of time, having a reaction was predictable, and I had already told the kids I probably would not make the t-ball game Sunday afternoon.

I took Ember on a car ride after the clean-up, and she was nicely settled down after we got home.  After lunchtime for me, she even voluntarily trotted into her crate for a cookie and puppy nap #2.  Which leaves me to take a mommy nap now, as well!

Life is good.  Keep on Sparking!

We are family

 

Sunday evening a week ago.  At last call, I slid open the door to the deck, and The Prisoner and Ember came nose to nose.  Prisoner repaired to the deck railing.  When Ember came outside, they touched noses.  I put my right hand on The Prisoner and my left on Ember's head, told them I love them both, and let them sniff one another's scent mixed with my own.  We are family.

Monday was an overcast, cool morning, followed by a drippy afternoon into the evening.  Ember and I got a nice neighborhood walk that morning.  It being a holiday / long weekend, there were lots of people and pets out and about getting things done.  Ember spooked a bit at some workmen a few doors up the street.  They came at her with a paintbrush (one of them) in hand, and given how she responds to brooms, that was likely a trigger.  She jumped away.  Got her calmed down, and the other started coming toward her all friendly, but she wasn't sure, so we just moved on.  There were other dogs on leashes attached to their own people, and we just chose different paths.

When we got home, we loaded up into Dexter (the car) and drove over to the Children's Zoo so that I would know which parking lot to drop foster-grand-kiddo off in.  And also so I would be aware of the current state of road construction.  Yes, it's THAT season!

I'm not a Zoo member, and they have built on to it considerably since I was most familiar with the layout.  Ember had a good ride, no queasy tummy, and we were riding with the seat protecting cover flopped up to allow for kiddo's seating beside her.

Ember napped in the crate long enough for me to call a cousin who is once again battling cancer.  We did a family catch-up, not just about the diagnosis and treatment, about the dogs, her daughters and grandson, etc.  Thankfully she has both daughters local to her, and when you need family for this sort of thing, you really need them.

One day at a time, people... finding moments of joy and moments of peace, and if the cure starts to be worse than the disease, maybe take a pause.  My prayers are with all who are battling it out with many diseases!

The next court date for foster grand kiddo is looming, June 5th.  His siblings are on an extended stay with birth dad's sister, next state over.  So many unknowns at this point, and so little control, but each day he gets to spend with son and DIL is a skill-building day for the rest of his life.

Tuesday was a day care day for Ember, but I asked them to have the vet take a look at her, because of her ears, head shaking, and the belly spots.  Allergies?  But definitely by the end of the day we had a diagnosis of double ear infection.  They sent us home with meds for the next two weeks, and instructions to re-check at that point and make sure it's working. 

Wednesday was a busy day, with a long car ride to take foster grand kiddo to zoo camp, a morning walk, a ride to the store where unfortunately I had to get help to get Ember back into the car after a practice walk to the door, through and back to the car.  Sigh.  Still needs work on that!  Then we did the puppy parade after supper.  End of day?  She didn't come out for a last call, too tired!

Speaking of the ride to zoo camp, I took foster GC's photo while we were waiting to check in.  He asked me why I took his picture.  "To send to your mom, to show her that you are safe.  She always wants to know you are safe."  He accepted this answer.

Thursday was a day care day, and workout day for me.  I also indulged in the purchase of a new pair of running/walking shoes.  Saucony this time.  I explained the need for sturdy uppers that the dog can't easily shred (not that she still does but the memory lingers!)  

My grandma heart melted when I heard from my son's father-in-law that foster grand kiddo expressed that he was hoping I would be driving him Thursday morning!  Since I've been less present in his life than DIL's parents I am gratified that he's starting to like having my presence and interest!  Grandpa Bob assured him that I would be his driver on Friday.  He was chatty on Wednesday morning and I enjoyed his company.  I find children to be fascinating people!

Friday we got FGC to Zoo Camp just fine.  Starting Monday June 2nd, he'll be in a different recreational program for the Summer, so I won't needed for taxi services.

Saturday was an "Ember and Mommy" day, we skipped out on the fun outing during which Carl proved he has grown into a good boat dog, laying down on the front of the kayak that FGC paddled while my daughter in law paddled nearby and snapped this photo.

Sunday was the first T-ball game for FGC.  I managed to tuck Ember into her "safe space" (crate) because she was napping at the right time anyway, and I went on my own to be part of FGC's cheering section.  Got to meet his friend's mom, cheering her own little guy onward.  It wasn't too terrible getting in and out, the worst part of it was the slow traffic through the park to the ball fields.

I came home to medicate and feed Ember, then she wanted Mom's company on the deck for a little outdoor time before the pre-last-call tuck in.

Ember is still working on this particular stick sculpture.  It was too warm to do much in the way of retrieve games, but we got a nice long walk in Sunday morning before it got hot.

And that's enough to wrap the week in Emberville!  Summertime brings LOTS of activity!  

Life is good.  Spark on!

Getting on the groom

 

We got our groom on... well, at least Mom & the pup.  Kitty isn't quite into grooming season yet (Summer, when he sheds!)

Wednesday we just had a quiet "mommy and me" day.  Thursday while Ember was off at day care, I arranged to get Dexter's oil changed.  

Friday my son's first wife came over and met Ember.  Ember behaved so well, I was proud of her.  We even showed off the parlor trick of "ItsYerChoice" game with cheese.  Caught up on ex-DIL's family news, her career happenings, etc., and was able to give her life encouragement.  She looks wonderful, by the way, and I'm so glad that both of them landed on their feet post-divorce.

I have not mentioned her visit to either my son or my current DIL.  They have their hands full enough with foster kiddo and all the drama surrounding that entire situation.

Saturday afternoon early, we took both Ember and Carl (plus foster-grand kid) to the big dog run.  We took the dogs up to the agility section first.  Foster grand-kiddo crawled through the tunnel playing tag with another human kid.  This got quite a few of the dogs present VERY interested.  Ember got partway into it but backed out when she encounter humans.

This photo, from the rear, with no ability to recognize anybody, is apparently OK to put up here.  It's son, foster grand-kiddo, and me, headed for the exit, dogs bounding in the distance.

We did another little "practice ride" with the new seat protector flopped up to separate kiddo from doggo.

The outing wore me out.  Wore Ember out, too, but she wanted more mommy company once we were again "home alone".  I indulged her and went back downstairs to her bark.  I felt the need to unwind a bit, too.  Not that we did anything exciting with that extra time.  Just napped on the couch together until she was ready to transfer herself to the crate.  Bonding time.

Groomed on Tuesday, muddy on Saturday.  Life of a pampered dog, a happy dog, a tired dog.

Sunday morning I'm visiting the world of insomnia, having awakened between 2 and 3.  Gave up and got up about 3, and luxuriated with a warm shower.

Life is good.

Spark on!

Training never ends

Let me be clear:  I am teetotal.  So why is there a Busch beer can I'm snapping a photo of?  I can hear you guessing "Ember" and "litter".  You are right.  On Sunday morning's walk, this hu-mom made a misjudgment about which distraction to avoid, and I got dragged to the curb so she could collect this mostly empty beer can!

Visions floated in my head of "how much dregs in the bottom will make my dog tipsy?"  As is, she carried it all the way back to our own yard. I wasn't going to fight her for it three blocks from home, where she picked it up.  When she's carrying a prize, it sort of inoculates her against other distractions, too, so there is a benefit to choosing one's battles.

I got it away from her, snapped its photo (you can see that her teeth are still effective can punch tools), and put it in the recycle bin.  Sigh.  I wish people didn't litter.  I wish I had seen it ahead of time and got her across the street before she spotted it.  I wish her training were stronger on this issue.  As they say, "Train the dog in front of you", as opposed to the dog you wish/dream you had.

Ember let me have some human time while she napped in her crate for an hour or so on Sunday.  Then she napped on the couch, after a round of retrieves off the back deck.

Work continues on Ember's latest branch project.  

On Monday she went to an extra day in daycare, so the carpenter bee treatment could begin.

Monday late afternoon and into the evening, we got rain!  Ember went out in it for her "last call" and I took the video of the streaming runoff.  Ember stuck close to the house, to be under the eaves.  Fortunately, the catch basin runoff solution does allow for the drainage to happen overnight, and at least the puddles did not remain into Tuesday.

Tuesday is trainer day for me, daycare for Ember, and we each did our own regular Tuesday thing.  It also happened to be the day I had scheduled for Ember's groom.  I went and got my own haircut, to match.

I picked up my soft-furred, nice-smelling, bandana'd pup at the usual time, and we came home to the lawn mowers (Tuesday is their regular day, too).

Ember stories without photos:  First, Monday morning, she counter surfed a pint tub of blueberries!  You may remember that I spilled such a tub last week, fumbling as I got it out of the fridge.  This time, it was closed.  Ember did not break it open, just carried it in her "soft retriever mouth" around the house until I convinced her it was "not for puppy, Mommy's" and traded her for a treat.  The blueberries were unharmed, and could easily be rinsed and used, and I was just impressed by how gently she carried that tub!

The second is from Tuesday morning drop off at day care.  I mentioned as we walked in that she would get to see Tony today.  Tony is her groomer.  The daycare worker took the leash, but Ember laid down politely looking toward the grooming wing of the building.  Again, reflecting on it, I was impressed.  I at first thought another dog must be coming in that door, but not so!  I revised my theory to her anticipating seeing Tony!

Dogs are smart critters.  

Sad news, my older sister's kitty Ginger had to go across the rainbow bridge on Tuesday.  This photo from six years ago, when Ginger could not resist shredding my running hat's pompom.  I was visiting and had just put my coat and hat on the couch.  Sis and I laughed, and we took a "shame on you" photo of kitty and damage.

Our pets are so much a part of our lives, especially as we become empty nesters.  They are a reason to get up and someone to talk with as our days progress.

Life is good.  Cherish it and keep Sparking!

The plus side of blustery days

 

My bad toss landed this toy on the roof.  Like the week after the gusty wind gave back the heavier rope toy.  I can't take me anywhere!

Anyway, Thursday the 15th was a blustery day, and when I got Ember home from daycare, here it was, on the patio!

Ember was very happy to see it again and it became our evening fetch toy.  And chew toy, too.

Meanwhile, in human "things" category, I figured out a "nice" place to hang the "reusable paper towel" that came as a Mother's Day gift.  I hung it high on the refrigerator door.  Pretty, right?  It's supposed to replace 17 rolls of paper towels.  You can see this one coming, right?

It became an immediate attraction to the puppy.  She jumped up and pulled it down.  Took her an eyeblink to steal that poor little paper thing, and less than a couple of minutes to shred it.

On the plus side, the resultant mess was easier to clean up than if she had actually got hold of 17 rolls of paper towels!

The daycare worker and I did manage to get Ember to sit on the scale at the end of Thursday.  83.6 pounds.  Still not sure what optimal weight for her will end up being, but she has a waist.  Her ribs still have some padding; she does not look emaciated by any stretch.  

Friday was blustery as well.  On our Saturday morning walk, Ember selected another wind fallen branch to bring home and turn into her next chew toy.

We took a second walk to make up for cutting the first one short.

And I played a bit more with the video of retrieves Saturday morning, too.  By doing this I learned I never shut up, I narrate to my dog constantly!

Redirecting to find the ball for retrieve.

A distinct pause to look at the woodpecker hole.

Life's good.  Keep Sparking!