New Years Week

We're getting bombarded with "weather watch" news reports about a cold snap that's due to start tomorrow --- but compared to what you guys are used to, Doug, you would be very amused by the level of warnings we hear for temps that are going to be in the 20's!!

Actually, I'm looking forward to it because along with the cold temps, we're supposed to have full sun for 2 or 3 days.  I am more than happy to bundle up in extra layers if it means one of those layers is a pair of sunglasses.

Ruby would LOVE the kind of exercise Sky gets, and it definitely makes her a more agreeable dog when she burns that kind of energy.  Unfortunately, we don't have any safe places to let her run off leash, so shorter zoomie sessions are it for her.  But we've seen the same kind of joy on her face that you described on Sky's face.  It's amazing how they really seem to look like they're saying, "Wheeeeeee!"

Hope everyone enjoyed the holiday and long weekend, if you had one (I worked Friday ).  Feeling sluggish today, probably due to all the over-eating.  My coworker and I are walking to the store for lunch shortly.  I will be going to the salad bar, for sure!

Doug, it sure sounds like you're enjoying Sky as he is enjoying life.

Tracy, I started reading a book called "Caffeinated" and it is all about many people's favorite addiction. I thought of you when I read that one of the original means of caffeine delivery was chocolate. I haven't gotten very far into the book yet, but I will keep you updated. As a fellow chocoholic, I thought you'd find it interesting.

Heading home after a slow day at work. It will be over-the-top busy next week, so I'm catching up on the little crap I procrastinate on.

TTFN

Doug, your wonderful stories almost make me want to get a puppy.  Almost!

After the warmer weather and lovely sunshine, we're getting some darned cold weather.  Blech!  I vote for warmer and sunshine please........

Did the homemade pasta again and got a wild hair and made ravioli with marinara sauce.  And of course, had to make a loaf of Italian bread to go with it.  Some days I gotta wonder what gets into me.

We've got mild temps but drizzly foggy muck.  New Years we're supposed to get some colder weather but rain too.

Charles is doing well. He'll start radiation treatment in three weeks or so. We spend a lot of time in various doctor offices.  

There was a tragic fire in an 11 story apartment building here that caters to senior citizens. It's not an assisted living place so no employees or aides around to help the people get out. Five people died,  

We had a quiet Christmas. I overcooked the pork loin and the casserole I made was yucky. The recipe came from my SIL. I really should have thought about the fact that she's not a good cook before I agreed to make it. Charles claimed to like it but I only managed a few bites.  

I got a new cookware set and a new food processor.  They didn't cost us anything as I had a lot of reward points on our credit card.  I have never had a food processor and it looks like I need to read the instructions. It's also huge. I could process a buffalo in this thing if I had a buffalo to process. :)

The dogs are all fine. Tomorrow is two years since I had to put Twister to sleep.  :(

-10F.  May just have to wear gloves to work, if I go to work. I have two calls I should complete before I pull the plug permanently, but I know my hands will ache for a couple of days after working outside in this.

Signed Sky up for a Basic Obedience class.  It's indoors, one hour a week, and will force me to keep working with him.  Maybe get some focus out of him, now that he has reached the ripe old age of 8 months.  It seems longer, but he was born in May.  He looks full grown, but is still acting like a pup.  

He is a fine mouser, though:

There is always a toy nearby, or parts of a toy:

Doug, Sky is just getting more handsome everytime I see him.  I love the way you described his run :)

Tina as another chocoholic I think I could give up coffee way before chocolate.

Jackie ((hugs)) I know you will be thinking of your sweet Twister today.  I am happy to hear that Charles is doing well with his treatments.  

Glenda can I have the doggie bag....your Italian cuisine sounds amazing as usual.

We managed to get through Christmas and will quietly slip thru the new year.  If I miss you guys tomorrow, Happy New Year!  Here's to a healthier 2015 for us all.

Glenda, make that two doggie bags, please.  Homemade pasta and Italian bread?  My favorite meal!

Tina, that sounds like an interesting book.  I might have to put that on my list for my next trip to the used bookstore.  When people look at me funny when I have hot cocoa in the summer, I tell them I'm getting caffeine just like they do drinking hot coffee on a warm day.

Jackie, enjoy all the new kitchenware.  We've got a big food processor, but I leave it to DH to use it.  I can barely move it on the counter.

I can't believe it's been 2 years since Twister passed.  Even though time goes by, our hearts are just as heavy on anniversary dates and other times when we're especially remembering our beloved pups.  I'd like to think of Twister as being extra busy right now, serving as Charles' "guardian health angel."

Sky is such a pretty dog.  I love the fringe of fur that shows on his front legs.  I bet he collects some burrs and things in there when he romps through the fields!

Next time Tracy.....they ate every last bit of it!  I have gotten totally hooked on homemade pasta.  Very quick and easy recipe and sooooo much better than the stufff at the grocery in boxes!

We have sunshine again today....after below zero windchills last night.  Still darned cold, but sunshine makes it easier to deal with.

Did a few quick errands this morning, but will leave the rest for Friday, tomorrow if the stores are open.  Got the pet supplies and that was the only really critical thing, other than gas, so.....DH is getting his Holter monitor at 1 and DS has PT at 3:30, so not a lot of messing around time today.

Doug, Sky is absolutely stunning!  Puppy lust is really rearing it's ugly head!

Forgot to say HI to Jackie and Ginger.  Sorry Ginger, the guys ate every last morsel.  Hopefully we will all have a better 2015.

Glad to hear that Charles is dealing well.  I suspect this is much harder on you, Jackie, since you can't "fix" it.

Keeping everyone close and hoping for a quiet New Year.

Junior is getting expensive.  At Xmas, we stayed at my favorite sons house and Sky stayed in a heated garage.  The resident dogs don't like visitors.  Sky doesn't like garages.  My sons Audi apparently has paw size scratches down the side.  I may just try to hide them with a dog skin cover.  Or I could mention a Taurus wagon, not supposed to be out of town limits, that had a pheasant come through the front grill at a high rate of speed that was a source of humor by my son, the sixteen year old driver at the time who was allowed to live  and eventually own an Audi, while Dad paid to fix a Taurus.

Completed my last service call today.  Cold, windy, awkward location.  4 layers of clothing, a heat gun going constantly, Sorrel packs with wool socks.  I amy not miss this as much as a thought I would. Toes may thaw by tonight.

I turned down the opportunity to drain, clean, and refill a spa today.  Hot tub is outside and you just don't voluntarily drain and refill them at 5 degrees F.  Things freeze and break.

Going to see "Unbroken" tonight.  Read the book-in one sitting.  Worth the read.

Doug, I'm sorry to laugh at your expense (literally, your expense! ), but that auto story was funny.  I'm not a parent, but if I were you, even if I pay for the Audi's new paint job, I'd make sure a reminder about the pheasant-damaged Taurus was mentioned a time or two!    Tell Sky that next time he will have lost his freedom privileges and he'll be in a crate in the heated garage!

My BIL just loaned us the Unbroken book.  We've not read it yet, but I know so many people who loved it.  I'd rather read it before seeing the movie, as movies are almost always a disappointment compared to the books.

I hate this time of year job-wise.  Way too many last minute things seem to get thrown at me just before December 31st with the owners' tax planning and such.  I've got several things to do today, so I won't be going home anytime soon.  And I'll be here Friday since next week will be insanely busy.  

I'd like to stay home and relax on the couch tonight, as I have a nasty headache, but we're going to our friends' house for dinner.  Hopefully I'll get a second wind before then.  

Everyone be safe in their celebrations and best wishes for a peaceful and healthy New Year!

@tacran

Doug, I'm sorry to laugh at your expense (literally, your expense! ), but that auto story was funny. I'm not a parent, but if I were you, even if I pay for the Audi's new paint job, I'd make sure a reminder about the pheasant-damaged Taurus was mentioned a time or two! Tell Sky that next time he will have lost his freedom privileges and he'll be in a crate in the heated garage!

My BIL just loaned us the Unbroken book. We've not read it yet, but I know so many people who loved it. I'd rather read it before seeing the movie, as movies are almost always a disappointment compared to the books.

I hate this time of year job-wise. Way too many last minute things seem to get thrown at me just before December 31st with the owners' tax planning and such. I've got several things to do today, so I won't be going home anytime soon. And I'll be here Friday since next week will be insanely busy.

I'd like to stay home and relax on the couch tonight, as I have a nasty headache, but we're going to our friends' house for dinner. Hopefully I'll get a second wind before then.

Everyone be safe in their celebrations and best wishes for a peaceful and healthy New Year!

This movie was not a let down.  Extremely well acted, direction was superb, filming was great.  I was surprised at how the violence to POWs was handled without gore being shown-tastful, muted, and so matter of fact, but still terrible to witness.  We only see a few movies every year.  This was a good choice for us.

Happy New Year everyone!

As per usual, I was sound asleep before 10....never even finished the first glass of wine.

At least the New Year is starting out with bright and beautiful sunshine.....hasn't made it to 20 degrees yet, but......at least the sun is shining.

Hope everyone had a good night and no one has too serious a hang over!