SUNDAY SUNSHINE

A partial view from my side window


If the view was wonderful yesterday morning, it would be called spectacular today! The sun is brilliant in a clear, blue winter sky; its rays sparkling so bright on the expanse of white snow that one doesn’t dare go out there without wearing dark glasses. How can anybody be expected to work inside? But, because I was hit with some short term gastro bug yesterday, and spent most of the day moaning instead of being productive, this is exactly what I must discipline myself to do – Grrrr!

Early this morning Grump barked to warn me there was someone close by. I glanced out the window to see my neighbour coming down the hill. He’s the one who owns the 4 unsociable big dogs, and who, in spite of numerous complaints and, predictably, a warning from the authorities, continues to let them run loose. Often one will see him leading them home, having finally managed to capture them once again, with two on a leash and the other two following. This time he was alone, the empty leashes dangling from his hand. The municipality has recently hired a dog catcher. If the inevitable has finally happened (not a moment too soon!), it is going to cost him a small fortune to bring his dogs back home. Sometimes one has to reach deep into pockets to learn a lesson. Maybe now he’ll keep them under control! They have a pack mentality, have already killed a small dog in our entourage, and are forever coming on my property. Smooch will soon be going outside and I will have to tie him until he learns the ropes. I love animals – I don’t want to have to shoot those dogs. Truth be told, I’d have less problem shooting the idiot owner.

And that’s the extent of my b*tching for this glorious, sunshiny day!!

Each of my offspring called this morning to see if I was feeling better, to ask if I needed anything. Yes to the first, and no to the second, I answered. I do need wood brought up, and some serious shovelling done, but Jo, my youngest, is coming by tomorrow to take care of that. There’s a slight disappointment on not seeing the rug rats, but I do have lots of work and really don’t need the distraction, so all’s well. They’ll enjoy their day out and about, or just relaxing, and I may take a quick scoot over there tonight to grab some cuddles from those young lads.

After the HABS’ game. It is playing at 5 PM, my time. Yeh, I know. They’re hardly worth watching right now; I’m a glutton for punishment.

I’ve put my organic chicken in the oven to roast, so should have time to debone it and make my grandson Nalou his favourite - M’mere’s bionic chicken vegetable soup. I’ll claim extra cuddles for that!

My dogs are lying in the kitchen; Smooch with his nose in the air, catching the tantalizing smell from the oven. Grump’s expression is that of total boredom. He would love a romp outside and keeps egging me to the door, then won’t go out when he sees I’m staying in. I get ‘the look’; he’s doing his best to make me feel guilty. If only he knew – I rid myself of a couple of men because they kept trying to do that!!

And that thought makes me SMILE!! Sending it out to y’all – hoping it warms your day!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW...

The doggies love it!

It is just turning light, and the view outside is a perfect Winter Wonderland. Not much was moving during the storm last night, and huge flakes are still drifting down, softly adding to the deep pile already on the ground. The truck showed up at 2 AM to clean my long driveway, so there are huge banks there. Other than that, it’s virgin white as far as the eye can see. It makes one feel sorry for those who never have the chance to enjoy the beauty of snow.

I woke at 4:30 AM. Knowing that I still have much work to be done, I decided to get at it. Smooch lifted his head and wagged his tail when I came into the kitchen. He has quickly learned NOT to bug mistress in the morning until she gives him the signal...and especially not until she’s had her coffee!! He did come and half sit on my slippered foot as I was pouring the first cup, but when there was no reaction on my part, he yawned widely and made his way back to curl on his cushion. Grump, well trained, only lifted his ears, letting me know he was aware I was up. Other than that little sign, he didn’t even move.

My intentions were good. The files for this morning’s work had been prepared last night (before that terrible hockey game where Sam and I watched FSI’s Capitals cream my HABS) and I lifted the first folder and set it beside my computer. But...I had read in Kabu’s post yesterday afternoon that she and Wiley were going into town. They get similar weather to mine, and the roads here were really bad last night. I decided to look into Blogit, hoping that she had come back in to let us know they had made it home safe and sound. She had, so that was fine. What wasn’t fine is that I gave into the temptation to read other blogs...then a couple more...made a comment here and there...then more after that. Now it’s past 7 AM, and I still haven’t touched that file. And there’s all that snow out there just begging for a toboggan.....Arrrgh!!!

Nope. I will not succumb. This work has to get done – there is an unforgiving government requiring all sorts of paper before the end of this month...which is Wednesday. A breathtaking slid down that hill being chased by a couple of gleeful doggies will have to wait. Sigh.

Then again...maybe I have time for a quick romp...

Will I give into temptation for the second time already? I leave you with that question, folks, and of course, a huge SMILE to start your day!!!

Luv from the very snowy Bush in Quebec.

KUJO FROM HELL....

Smooch, now seven weeks old

‘It’s an anxiety attack,’ stated the vet. I stared back at her.

‘What?!’

Her comment was made as we stood and watched my usually well-behaved seven week old puppy become a ‘Kujo’ from hell. We weren’t the only ones witnessing this scene; every single person in that waiting room, and their animals, were aghast at what we were seeing. Smooch was literally screaming out his discontent; you couldn’t hear yourself think! Highly agitated, not stopping for a second, he was clawing and snapping at anyone or anything near him. Because he’s still such a baby, I heard the ‘awww’s and ‘Poor wee tyke’s offered by the spectators. I couldn’t help but wonder what they’d be saying if he was a full grown, 100 lb pit.

I grabbed his blanket and threw it over him before picking him up. When a minute of soothing murmurs didn’t stop his struggling, my tone of voice changed.

‘Enough!’ I told him sternly, holding him tighter. ‘Enough!!’ I repeated louder. He calmed down a little; at least he stopped trying to throw himself out of my arms. The whines and yelping continued, although not quite so frantic.

We got through the examination and his first vaccination needle, helped by offering milk bones, which he loves. The vet mentioned his being more prone to illness because of being taken from his mother’s milk too early, but declared him healthy. Armed with de-worming tablets, a necessity for every puppy, I carried him out to the truck. He wouldn’t stay on the seat or floor, but crawled up onto my knee, then cuddled there, shaking and occasionally whining as we drove home, but otherwise not moving an inch. The minute we set foot inside the house he visibly relaxed. My playful, sweet-natured puppy was himself again.

I checked it out on the internet, of course. It’s called social anxiety and, fortunately, is easy enough to handle. It involves taking the puppy out of his home more and more often, slowly acclimatizing him to other places, people and things. Babying him during such an event is not good; stern words and manner are what does it. Good – that was my reaction anyway, so no guilt about scolding him while at the vet’s.

The next time I take him anywhere, I’ll include Grump in the outing. Smooch already watches and imitates Grump; eating when Grump eats, lying down when Grump does, sitting quietly beside him when waiting for treats. He couldn’t have a better mentor. Grump is gentle and calm, reacting well in any place or situation.

Later, I sat by the fire with Grump curled up beside me on the couch, and the puppy snoozing on a blanket beside my feet. As I studied him, I remembered how Bud had never got over his distaste of visiting the vet. The puppy already had one up on Bud; at least Smooch didn’t leave revenge pooh in the car as Bud often did!

As if he knew what I was thinking, Smooch lifted his head, looked up at me sleepily, stretched and yawned widely, then crawled closer and put his little nose down on my slipper. How could anyone stay upset at something as cute as that?

I know it will take time and patience but, as any animal lover will tell you, the effort pays off. In the end, a good dog is a joy to the master and a reward in itself, if only for the number of times a day it will make you SMILE.

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.