What have we been up to?

I'm still trying to figure that out. I looked at my last post and realized it was 2 weeks ago. Where have I been? Well, the weather FINALLY turned and it has been nice. It's been in the high 60's and low 70's. The boys and I have been out for walks every night, cleaning up the yard, all those spring requirements.

Charlie and Cleo have been shedding up a storm, so I've been trying to keep up with them as well. Not that Cleo will let me comb her willingly. Cleo (Poops for short) is Charlie's cat. In a previous life Charlie and I would travel the country together in a pickup truck and trailer, working the motorcycle shows. When I decided to stay home and get a real job, Charlie would get lonely when I went to work. He would just HOWL when I left every day. So, remembering that dogs are pack animals, we got him his very own cat. No more howling, just like that. Amazing. Now, Poops was a friendly cat, once upon a time. She was little then. We got her from the pound and at about 10 weeks old. She is very playful, but doesn't like to be held (or combed). She will let me pick her up for about 2 seconds, mostly until she realizes what I am up to. She'll let me pet her when she is waiting for a meal. She will play with me, for as long as I want to play and she will sleep with me and the little boys every night. She adores Charlie though. She will rub up against him, lay down between his front paws, purr for him. She greets him at the back door when he comes in. Cleo is just Charlie's cat and that's all there is to it.

Spring Hearts

I've been playing with my sewing machine again. I suppose that's to be expected. I heard about this technique to make applique pieces so I thought I would try it out on these little hearts. I have a little coat in mind. Poor BooBoo may have to made a girl's coat. I think he's man enough to handle it though.

We're headed out to clean up the yard today. There are still quite a few winter leftovers to get picked up, branches and stuff. I need to start figuring out my vegetable garden. You know, how big to make it. How many tomato plants I need (and that is need you know). What else besides the tomatoes, if anything, and how to keep the boys out of the garden. I think they appreciate how it smell of the vegetables growing. I'm most concerned about Charlie though. I'll have to keep an eye on him. I think he can still see a little bit, but I hate adding new things or moving things around in his environment. He's sure to run into them.

The boys are resting now after a wild romp outside. Well, Charlie is anyway.

We're making a baby quilt

It's just a little one for baby Maggie. If it gets too big, she will get lost in it. I bought some very soft fleece backing for it. Pink, of course, with roses on it. The boys have been trying it out the past couple days just to make sure she will like it. I suppose I should go back and get some blue for Goliath so he doesn't get jealous. Although, probably not with roses.


It's almost peak walking season and the boys are getting restless. We've been playing the In and Out Game quite a bit in the last day or so. Well, except for when it's raining (here's the rain face). They race out and around the garage to see if Nova Next Door is out. If he is, they start the race up and down the fence and barking. If Nova is not out, they start barking for him to come out. Yup, it's time to start walking them more.


Last year, Petey needed the exercise. He was up to 18 pounds. Now, he's a good size shih tzu to begin with so don't be alarmed. He's down to his fighting weight this year. He's back to 15 pounds again. It must be all that up and down the stairs with me. Boo is not so ready to follow me around, not until he's sure I'm staying somewhere. Petey follows me everywhere. Even the scary basement.


I think Boo prefers to race around the first floor. He'll come in and start running. Poor Petey doesn't have a chance of keeping up with him. I think if Boo had a little more room, he could run up the sides of the couch. Probably a good thing he doesn't have the room to build up that kind of speed.

Raincoats

I'm sure I have mentioned how much the little boys like the rain. Charlie is not a big fan either, but he tolerates it. I think it takes longer to get through his double layer coat. Petey and Boo, make no bones about it. They do not like going out in the rain. They will get all excited about going out, running to the back door...until I open it and they can see what is going on out there. At this pint they will turn tail and clear out. I have to hunt them down again and force them to go out. THEN, they will stay on the back steps and look forlornly at the door. Can you imagine the cruelty? They might find their way under the steps, if they really have to go. Usually not though. They will typically stare at the door, waiting for it to magically open.

So, (heavy sigh) I have made the little boys raincoats. They are sooo cute, well I think so anyway. I'm not so sure they think so. We'll have to work on this a little. I don't think they will understand right away. Yes dear, the coat will help keep you from getting wet. Yes dear, you can see with the hood up. we had a practice walk over to see Diane Next Door. That went well.

Then in our own back yard! Penny came out. (She's the little copper colored, long-hair wiener dog behind us). The race along the fence was on! Up and down, up and down. What great fun! Petey, however, lost his coat in the scramble. It was like Peter Rabbit trying to get away from Mr McGregor. I'll guess I'll need to make a few minor adjustments.

April 1st already!!

Well, It's April Fools. I promise no tricks today. I'm not very good a them anyway. I talked to my dear friend Jan yesterday. She has a new puppy!! I can hardly wait to see the pictures. The baby's name is Maggie. She is 8 weeks, a 1 1/2 pound yorkie. What an itty, bitty little thing. I think I need to send a baby gift. Jan was telling me Maggie is so tiny, nothing fits her. She had to cut the toe out of a sock, and little holes for arms to make a sweater. Poor little thing. I'll have to fix that. I guess Goliath, BooBoo's pal and Maggie's big brother, is still getting adjusted to having a little sister. He's used to getting all the attention. They are getting to be pals though.

As for my boys, they are sooo happy it's spring...well, except for the rain. They have been turning around at the back door refusing to go out in it. What silly boys. I don't think raincoats would even help. They would be cute though. I'll have to look for some yellow slicker fabric.

The rain is bringing the flowers though. Look! we have sprouts! I promised my mom I would dig up some of the daffodil bulbs after they have run their course. They are congregating in small areas and I need to spread them out. I think if I spread them from here to Cleveland that might work for a while.

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