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.

EARLY SATURDAY MORNING

I can’t remember my dreams, but something woke me rather abruptly at 4:46 this morning. When I glanced at the clock, I immediately thought of Suzie, who was probably already on her long drive back to Troy. I was up to see her last night to say goodbye. On Tuesday morning, I’ll be doing the same with my grandson. He’ll be leaving for Medicine Hat, Alberta; a group of them are driving a truck the 3200 km, or 1988 miles, and expect to arrive there for Saturday.

It is going to feel strange to be alone in the house again. I’m used to it, of course, having been that way for some time before Fred moved in downstairs. Not long after his arrival, Bird came to live with me too. Between the three of us, there was much coming and going of friends, family, nurses. It’s been a full year of activity. Now it will be back to just me and Grump for a while...and one can’t forget Smooch. No doubt he’ll provide distraction. Puppies, like babies, require many hours of care. They tend to bring you back to reality with a thump, avoiding the danger of slipping into your own little world for too long.

The weekend will be spent working; this is a busy time of year for anyone who does accounting. Making sure Fred’s clothes are all washed and ready to go, baking some cookies for his trip, and – oh, joy! – learning how to use all those buttons on his huge TV! While he is away, I’ll be treating myself to a night of Shrek movies in 3D on a large screen.

I also need to find my passport. The trip to Riviera Maya is on; we’re leaving on April 8th. If Fred is not here to doggie-sit, one of his friends will come to stay while I’m gone. He’s a good fellow, and the dogs are used to him. In the meantime, I need to brush up on my Spanish.

The sun is shining here this morning – my mountain is awesome with its layers of fresh, sparkling snow. Little Smooch is losing his battle with a mat under the watchful eye of a disapproving Grump, and Jesse Cooke’s sweet guitar is crooning from the sound system. There is a lot for which to be thankful...so a body can’t help but SMILE.

Sharing it with you as always!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

CHASING NUMBERS

Grump, counting silently to 10...LOL

The Dunany Demons are at their worst this morning; ice rain is falling over the whole area here. Guess who is SO happy that she doesn’t have to brave the elements, and other drivers, to commute to the city for work??

Bad weather or not, I will take a short drive up to see Suzie later. A resident of Troy, MI, my friend is heading back to the U.S. of A. tomorrow after spending six weeks among family and friends. I’ll miss her, as I always do when she leaves. We will talk on the telephone every few days for the next 6 months, but it’s not quite the same as face to face, is it?

My Grump is finally allowing the puppy to play with him occasionally...stress on the word ‘occasionally’! Grump gets along well with other dogs, but was reluctant when he realized that Smooch was not just another pain-in-the-butt visitor; this one was here to stay. Grump’s nose is decidedly out of joint. Fred and I both take pains to show him that he is still first doggie, but we also make it plain that Smooch is now a member of the pack. Acceptance without strife is mandatory because the leader of the pack (me!) wants it so!

I wasn’t worried about him not eventually taking it in his stride. I have loved many pets over the years, but Grump’s character is one of the best that I have ever had the privilege to enjoy. Unlike Bud, who I loved deeply, but who was a bull in a china shop, I can take Grump anywhere, and his behaviour is exemplary. That doggie seems to use more intelligence and reasoning than a good number of humans who have crossed my path.

This is a short post – written mostly to chase numbers from my head. I’m still lamenting the fact that I ended up doing accounting for a living. Ah well – everything happens for a reason. Or could it have just been lazy choices? We won’t go into that today....

In spite of my dislike of numbers (unless they’re in my bank account), I still have more than ample causes to SMILE - and if none were close by, I’d go looking for one! Or make one up!

However I find that SMILE, you know I’m willing to share it with y’all, so out it goes...up and away. It should be knocking on your door any moment now.....

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

AND THE WINNER IS....

My grandson is a linesman; he works on those huge towers that are strung out across our country to supply electricity. He’s leaving for Alberta, so will be away for more than a month at a time, coming home for a couple of days now and then until the job in that area is done. It’s great experience for him, but this M’mère is going to miss him like crazy, and not only because of all the muscle tasks he does around here. After more than a year of lads coming in and out of the house, it will seem very quiet.

My daughter (his mom) organised a supper for him yesterday evening, wanting us all together before Fred’s departure. We were supposed to meet at the restaurant for 6:30 or 7:00 PM. I mumbled something about the Habs playing against Detroit so, typical of my family, the time was changed to 5:30 – I would be home in time for the first period! And I was!! And what a game! I won’t elaborate, because they were playing Sam444’s favourite, and she was kind enough to be happy for my win.

I’m very vocal when the Habs score a goal. There’s a rather loud ‘Whoop-whoop!!’ which comes out part yell, part scream, and this is usually accompanied by a little jig. Grump is used to it, of course, and often joins me for the dance. I had forgotten about my poor, little, un-initiated Smooch.

The puppy was playing around at my feet when the first goal happened. I went into action...and Smooch went into panicked flight!! His ears back and his tail between his legs, he scooted into his box and hid there, waiting for whatever terrible action that was sure to follow such a horrifying screech! The expression on his face broke me up ....I giggled until my stomach hurt! After comforting him for a few minutes and coaxing him back out, I continued to watch the game. Another goal! Another celebration! After 5 minutes or so, I realized that Smooch had disappeared once again. Yep, he was back in his box; sitting there quietly, head cocked to one side, listening intently, and probably wondering if it was safe to come out yet. It was hilarious!

Taking care of a puppy, as with any baby, is a lot of extra work, not something I need right now. Yet...when I balance that against the number of SMILES he brings to my face in a day, guess which way the scales tip? I don’t even have to confirm it, do I?

Sending you some of those SMILES, folks. Hope they make your day a little brighter!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

I HAVEN'T BEEN BLOGGING BECAUSE....

Fred with Smooch So sweet!!

I was sitting at my computer when my grandson, Fred, showed up at my office door. I turned to look at him. The grin on his face lit up the room.

“Merry Christmas, M’mère!” he said. He pushed back one side of his winter coat, and the sweetest little face poked out.

Love at first sight!

Introducing you to SMOOCH, my four week old pit puppy, a gift from my grandson who knows his granny more than I thought!

Smooch was only 4 weeks old, far too young to be wrenched away from his mother and siblings, but the owner lives in an area where pits are illegal (I won’t get into THAT argument!). He needed to get rid of the puppies immediately. Fred had already reserved one, expecting to pick it up at the end of the month, but responded to the frantic call last Friday. That means we not only have to watch out more carefully for his health, but we also need to socialize this pup.

Needless to say, we have not slept much since the arrival of little Smooch. The first two days he was bottle fed every four hours with special milk from the pet store. Now he can drink from a small bowl, still the special milk, and can even take tiny amounts of dried puppy food, crushed and diluted in warm water. My good-natured Grump accepted him with a sniff....until the puppy tried to nurse there! Oops! It sorta soured the relationship for the moment.

He so reminds me of Bud; his color (which will darken with age) and his attitude. Grump’s warning growl makes him back away, but not too far. He sits there, showing respect, but doesn’t run away and hide; a sign that he is his own dog.

Why the name Smooch? He wrinkles up his face, much like my son, Jo, will do when teasing. Jo grabs me, wrinkles up his face, purses his lips and says “Gimme a smooch, mama!”

Smooch, plus a heavy work load, plus Suzie being here yet for a few more days, plus my babysitting the rugrats between 4 and 8 the last two nights...and I guess I could add that I’ve been watching my Habs win a couple of games....well...that’s why I haven’t been posting. But I do come in and click and read (beginning to sound old, isn’t it?) and sometimes comment.

But – the biggest reason is my internet problem...which is now fixed as of this morning. I am now able to see pictures without waiting 5 minutes for them to load, can watch videos, and listen to music posted on this site or in my e-mails, so... BC-A – I’m back into reading you!!

I am dipping into my snoozing time here by taking the moments to write this, but it’s okay. I’m rejoicing in the celebration of life right now: puppies, rugrats, love...and a winning HABS team. I’m remembering that life is good, and I am SMILING!!!

Sharing it with y’all!!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.