I love the start of the New Year. New slate, fresh start, everyone likes something brand new right?

I know a lot of people don't give much credence to new years resolutions, but i think reviewing where you have been and outlining some basic goals is healthy.

One of mine this year is ridding out (PA slang for sure!), minimizing and getting organized by cleaning out one drawer, cubby, cupboard or closet a day. Starting with the Christmas decoration bins. We successfully completed that one this morning!

Then I rewarded the pups and I with some fresh air. It has been down around 0 and the single digits most days but today it got to 19*. We were so happy to take advantage of the sunshine and out we went!

Loved the fresh air!

Summer is Flying!

I cannot believe it is about the middle of July. It has been a very busy summer.

We are enjoying retirement immensely! Although on a budget, we are able to take trips; Quebec Canada, North Carolina, and soon MI, are able to have a small garden, visit family, help care for parents with doctor visits and other errands, herding chickens, and of course play with the pups.

My pain management has improved but I have to tell you the hoops people have to jump through are ridiculous! But I am glad it is working and I am able to do a bit more.

I have been knitting, but have really got to knuckle down and finish projects instead of being online (with the exception of this blog!)

I have not rid out my closets yet (Pennsylvanian dialect, but is a word!), oiled and prepped my sewing machine or began my spinning as yet. I believe the end of August and into the fall will be my target date for that.

My DH has enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing this summer. And of course hanging out with me :)

One of my favorite pictures and visits from this summer was with our little man "O". Going to see him real soon and can't wait to spend time with him and my youngest son and daughter in law!

To view other pictures of our adventures like the epic bear hunt, fishing hauls, knitting, gardening and pups, I'm on Instagram as @thegardener63.

Going on around here...

Curly Joe got his spring look working for him (my son thinks I could do this professionally, um thanks but no thanks!).

Progress is made on a hoodie forbourblittle man "O". Pattern is by Debbie Bliss called "ultimate Pullover".

Lots of dodging raindrops and puddles. No complaints here as daffadils are blooming everywhere and as soon as the rain quits I am going to gather a bouquet for my table and bring some sunshine in here!

DH took me for fish at Grantham's Landing in Sandy Lake. Great dinner! We had some interesting guests at dinner...

Loving the spring and retirement! Have a great weekend you all!

Just fun!

I love days like today! Other than one appointment, I or we, did not have to be anywhere, do anything at any specific time.

This has been one of my challenges because I have been a schedule person for the last...oh....thirty five years or something!

Since retirement, I have been trying to get us on some type of schedule. As my DH said yesterday, "babe that is the joy of retirement, no schedule!" It has been fun ever since :)

Some snaps from today...

Overcast

...but still beautiful. So time to take the pups to the lake and wear their butts out.

We saw early, and I mean really early, wild leeks,  geese and seagalls flying overhead, a lone duck gliding across the lake and heard the birds singing their evening songs.

It looks chilly but it wasn't as the temps were in the 50's. A glorious day to take advantage of this long warm break and spend some time there.

If you zoom in you might see one of the closest ducks to us.

Some cattails managing to hold on despite wind, snow, and storms.

Just beautiful.

This is an accurate shot of Sweet Pea as she was in constant motion not wanting to miss a smell or movement. She's a hot mess!

All good times must end so now time to go home and make dinner for hubby and the pups!

Love me some Joe!

How can I possibly say "no"?

Open your heart to a little love..

You may remember that after our basset boy Sampson passed away, Curly Joe came to visit for awhile. He was the guest who never left! We knew he had found his home with us, for good.

When our basset girl Honeydew passed on, she left a void in all our hearts. Not only did we miss her, we did not want to replace her. After a few weeks of moping, Joe finally bounced back. However, as both my husband and I both worked, we felt guilty leaving him home alone during the day.

In October of 2015, I was viewing rescue sites for a friend and came across this litter of springer spaniel mix puppies. Well the friend really wanted a poodle mix so that wasn't going to work.

But the puppies stayed on my mind. Over the next several days and weeks I would go back to see if any of the six had been spoken for and to follow their story (their rescue from an animal hoarder was pretty horrific).

Now you all know Bassets are my breed, and remain my favorites to this day. But due to health issues my husband and I were no longer able to lift or care for a heavier breed of dog.

Now I had never adopted from a shelter and figured I would not meet the requirements to do so, as I do not have a fenced yard although we do have almost two acres.

But, those puppies were calling my name. So I filled out the application. In two days my references were checked, my vet history was stellar and pending a home inspection , we would be the proud parents of the smallest and most laid back sweet pea of the litter!

It was love at first sight. It had to be because I tell you, she almost killed me in the first two weeks!!!!

Going from a 12 year old basset to a 10 week old springer is a real experience.  "Laid back" is very subjective terminology. She was laid back alright. Right up until 5 minutes after the shelter placement personnel left.

I am so glad we stuck with it. Sweet Pea is the dearest girl. Sensitive. Theraputic. Funny. An adventure. Curly Joe loves her dearly, they are best buddies.

Even the cat tolerates her and has never once, even when being deviled mercilessly,  ever bared her claws and put little Miss Sweet Pea in her place.

So while we still miss Honey Dew and Sampson, and cherish the memories made with them, it is never too late for more love...

Until we see you again...

My princess, my clown, my friend, who could outwit us all and keep us guessing even to the very end. You are already missed but never forgotten. Run free with Sampson, HoneyDew until we see you again. September 2003 - February 2015.

A Dew with 'Tude...

 

HoneyDew letting me know what she thinks of the word "No".

The Hounds still Abound

Sometimes it takes awhile for an old dog to learn a new trick. In this case I am not speaking of HoneyDew but of myself.

Honeydew will be 9 years old this fall. She has never been what one would call a speed demon. I think that you have heard me refer to her gait as schnufflin. Something between sniffing and shuffling, you get the picture. In any case she really is at the point where she lallygags, no hurry at all, unless a piece of food is dropped, a stranger is approaching to whom she would like to be introduced, or some type of new smell has her on the trail.

Sampson on the other hand is more of the lets go hurry up, lets see what is around the next bend,  "Are you coming mom? Huh? Huh? What's taking so long!" variety.

Now the other dilemma. My time (especially in the summer) is very limited, so I like to multi-task. And I really need to shed a few pounds...ok, a lot of pounds. I love walking the dogs and up until now never would think of not taking both the dogs at the same time as well as get my exercise in. I wouldn't want to play favorites, or leave one out plus I want to spend as much time with both of them as I can.

This year especially with the hotter then normal weather, and everything else going on (another post, another time), our outings have not been very enjoyable, and really I think quite frustrating for us all, (unless the walk has been an off lead walk then everyone is happy!).

This week I finally hit upon a solution which seemed like quite a revelation to me but you all probably have already figured out the obvious (hence the old dog comment). I really want to just relax and enjoy my time with my hounds. It finally came to me that I should appreciate the uniqueness of both dogs' character while getting my need for exercise towards a goal of weight loss met.

I decided to give each dog their own time with me, and utilize their style. So first Sampson and I go for a power walk in our neighborhood, talking and stopping for pats and rewards, with Sampson getting my undivided attention. Then I bring him back to the house and Honey Dew and I set off in the opposite direction, but at a slower pace which is my cool down. As she schnuffles along I do lunges, yoga poses, or stretches. I don't rush her, she enjoys herself sniffing every step along the way and again, talking to her the whole time, stopping for scratches behind her ears, with lots of petting and praises.

They love it! They are satisfied, happy and relaxed. And so am I. I love the power walks with my energy dog as well as my cool down with HoneyDew savoring the scents along the way.

I even had a chuckle as the first night we tried this my husband was not aware of what I had come up with and he had come home to find HoneyDew home alone, Sampson and I gone. He went to take a shower and in the mean time I had come home and switched dogs. He came downstairs and found Sampson waiting for him but not me and now HoneyDew was gone! He was confused because he thought he had mistaken which dog was there when he came home, and what in the world was going on? Too funny!

Of course we will still do the majority of activities all together, but I think we will make this a priority everyday. I will keep you posted as I hit some goal markers on my journey of health and wellness.

Kentucky

Once again I am in the great state of Kentucky this year.

What a big difference from PA. For one thing, no snow! The weather is beautiful. Today is was very breezy and warm, I was outside in a short sleeve shirt. In December! Who would have thought.

While I am using my vacation time to be here, technically I am not on vacation. My mom who a lot of you know from Sunny's Studio, Changing Lanes and Just Plain Country, had to have a total knee replacement surgery yesterday. Yes, she is doing quite well, thanks for asking!

I have been keeping company with Mizz Izzy, who although enjoying the attention from me, the extra treats, playing with her toys on the floor with me, and the walks to try to distract her, still is looking for her special someone. Even now every little noise she hears as she lays up on the back of the couch, she looks up and out the door, trying to see if that is Mom coming home. Too bad hospitals do not allow visitors from patients pets...I really think that would cheer up the one who is recovering as well as allow the dog to understand that their person is still around and where they are. Hmmm, maybe something to try to get programmed into the hospital system...

In the meantime, my hound babies have been hanging with dear hubby. We have a standing skype session at 9 PM EST, in which the pups join in. So even though they can't figure how to get me out of that funny little box (and boy have I shrunk!) at least they hear my voice and can see me, and I them.

 

My hubby has taken over all my routines with the pups while I am gone, but I think he is enjoying himself. He says that Skittles, HoneyDew and Sampson all take turns laying across his lap and in some cases over both arm rests!

I am hoping my next visit down here (if I can't persuade Mom to move north, ssshhhhh!) will be a true vacation with all of us being together doing vacationey things.

How do you handle absences from your pet and how do they handle life without you?

DOT's-Saturday Evening Walk

A slight difference of opinion.

"I think he is going to fall in!" *tries hard to stifle the laughter*

"No problem." *wipes cold sweat from brow.*

"We need something to keep up our energy. what do you mean you brought water? I was thinking more along the lines of steak."

The long way home or seems so after a 1 1/2 hour hike one way.

Sampson thinks maybe he might try a short cut...just kidding...

Faithful even when you are ill...

There is nothing quite as comforting as a bed full of fur when you are ill. The faithfulness of your canine and feline companions, nursing you through your illnesss,

sharing your pain and helping you pass the time of your confinement to bed,

or may be just hogging the heat from your electric blanket!!! Whatever their motivation, I for one, was grateful for their company while I was down with the flu!

Happy DOT's!

Christmas time in the country...

Well it's getting close anyways. We got the tree up and the wreaths hung on the doors as well as a few outdoor lights and greens.

Obviously the decorating was just too much for some of us...

Hubby is watching the football game. Boys will be home next weekend.
I've got a cold but I wanted to:

•  get groceries this weekend, check
• clean house, check
• and decorate, check.

This week my plan is to bake some Christmas cookies and to do some Christmas shopping.

So I think for the rest of the afternoon, I will sip tea, take a nap and knit!

And just like that, winter.

We really have had a very mild fall. The temps have, for the most part, stayed in the upper 50's-low 60's range. We knew it had to come at some point but I was suprised nonetheless to find snow on the ground when I woke up this morning. The snow is more pleasant then the rain we have had for the last two days. I know that HoneyDew thinks so. Poor little girl can only cross her short little basset legs before she has to give up and go out to relieve herself. Of course, I am the one standing out there with her holding the umbrella!

Speaking of HoneyDew, and well Sampson too, they have had to make some real adjustments. As you know my basset babies have been with me pretty much 24/7 since they were 10 and 8 weeks old respectively. I have very recently rejoined the workforce fulltime but unfortunately the pups cannot go with me as they were used to doing with my last two positions.

This has meant, ready or not at 5:30 AM, we are out the door for an early morning walk (unless it's raining because HoneyDew does not do rain!). It's dark when we walk but at least the roadway is not very busy at that hour. And so far, it's been ok. With the new weather conditions, snow, ice, etc. we will see how it goes and I may have to adjust the schedule again.

I think while I am gone during the day, HoneyDew mostly sleeps. Sampson on the other hand is quite different. I think Sampson believes that we got Skittles the kitten for his amusement. He watches her every move and they have become fast friends as well as partners in crime! Their favorite hit is the garbage can in the bathroom and the one beside my bed that has balled up tissues in it...or did have.

Also I believe Skittles knocks anything that will roll off the coffee table, end tables, desk etc. onto the floor for Sampson too chew up. So far it hasn't been anything important or anything that could hurt him, he just chews it up and spits it out. They haven't bothered my knitting bin yet, needless to say a treat puzzle ball will be one of my purchases very soon!

I miss them during the day too truth be known, but I do try to make it up to them with snuggles in the evening and hikes on the weekend. I know that we will all adjust, but any tips you would like to send my way would be appreciated.

I do love the views out the windows, the unique shapes of the snowflakes, ice cicles, the crunch of the snow underfoot and the fresh smell of the air. If we could have all that without the plunging temperatures that would be great!

I am thinking we may have to do evening walks, after the plows have gone through, the only problem with that is the salt that will be on the road. I may have to put out a dishpan of water to rinse their paws when they come in...

Anyways, hope you and yours are staying warm and enjoying the winter weather where ever you are.

Oh and happy DOT's!

As HoneyDew, Sampson, Skittles and I (you know I can't do anything without 3 sets of eyes supervising watching me) will be so busy getting ready for the holiday we won't have the time to blog. We will be counting our blessings and include our blogging buddies as one of them. So from all the Switzer's (including the furbabies)...



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DOT Post-Slobberfest 2010

One of the events the pups and I attended this year was Slobberfest 2010. It was held in July, but this is the first opportunity I have really had to post about it...it really has been an eventful summer!

The pups, DH, and a friend Jackie G had a wonderful time at the event. There were over 200 bassets in attendance according to the online newspaper article.

We were going to enter Sampson in the Fastest Responding to Owners Call but at the beginning of the week he was having trouble with his hip again.

To give you a smile or two here are some of the photos...

my first time to see a real live Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and I believe the first to attend this event...

all ages were having fun, and have you ever seen a basset who refused to have their bumm scratched? I didn't think so!

This one was quite a character, no she is NOT begging, she is trying to see over the crowds!

I am not kidding! This was the line to the registration table...

We met up with some old friends...

This little girl was very much a lady through the whole event. Sweet as pie, mild mannered, just look at her expression! She was also one of the original Droopy Dozen to be rescued and adopted, I love happy ever after stories, don't you???

This was one of the youngest attendees. I believe he was 10 weeks old, just full of vinegar! He kept chewing on Sampson's ears and Sampson didn't mind a bit!

This one didn't win the price for best costume but she should have won an award for patience! I watched while her owner put on the false eyelashes and yes, actual lipstick! The rest of her costume was a tutu. Bless her heart!

Who wouldn't want her as a present!

This one was Jimmy Barkett, I loved him!

I loved the coloring of this guy and his costume complete with a ball and chain...

No HoneyDew and Sampson did not dress up for the costume contest. The T-shirts were to deflect the sun and had cooling packs in the flowered/butterflied pockets. Gifts from "Grandma" so they wouldn't overheat! Sending her slobber kisses!!!

Happy Dot's!