Checking In

Been busy with life with not much time for blogging.  But let's catch up a bit.

How was your Halloween?  Us old folk just kinda hung out at home and enjoyed the wee ones stopping by for some treats.  

The neighborhood was flooded with kids knocking on doors and begging candy.  So we thought we'd join in the fun.   What do you think?  Am I retirement-worthy yet?  LOL **See video below** 

                                          

Snow has come to our neck of the woods ...  early- much.  Not a fan.  But Gracie and I are here to report that we got 11 inches.  Boo!!

Dance rehearsal time ...  and Rissi was the star...

Gracie decided she wanted to be a rock star for Halloween.  She asked to sing her beloved Samson a song...

Where Are You, My Samson

Samson, I miss you.  Haven't seen your sweet face in so long,
That is why I made up this song.
California fires are raging and I think about you every day,
For you, your mom, and Faith - I continue to pray.

So Samson, be safe... I'll wait for your return,
You've been absent too long but patience I must learn.
I know you're alright...  you're my one and only
Come back to blogland soon - So I won't be so lonely..

Your Gracie

Next topic:  Our Karate kid.  She was happy to get her new belt...

And speaking of new...  the hubby got...  a new car.  Well, almost new.

Halloween lingered...  and a warewolf showed up at our house one night.

I smell Jake

My new neighbor gifted me a gift certificate to have my nails done.  We are so blessed to have such good neighbors.  So during Summer's sleepover with us, I took her along for her first manicure.  She was excited!

Sorry this was such a random post...  I wanted to get something on but didn't have much time to think about it so this is what you get!

I am very anxious to slow down after Thanksgiving and start visiting blogs again...    Missed you all.

Take The Dog

Fall is not fall without a visit to the annual Springs Folk Festival.  There is plenty to see and do. 

Some of the highlights are....  

 Running into four-legged furry friends such as this sweet guy.

Country scenery and settings...

Food!!!  Especially the fresh baked bread smothered in butter and apple butter.  Yummmmm

I have a love/hate relationship going on with this time of year.  I love the cooler days, the autumn smells and all the great festivals.

But I hate the shorter, grayer days, forever rain, and the season that follows this one.  I won't say the word.  It's a bad, bad word.

Summer will be with us throughout the year thanks this little cutie.  And speaking of Summer, we went to my grandsons soccer game last week and she found the thing that makes her happy in any season - DIRT!

While there, God decided to show off a bit with some eye-candy right above the soccer field.  Thank You God, for all good things.

 Gracie, Gracie, Gracie! What will we ever do with our girl Gracie?

We have a camera that we can check in on her if we go somewhere.  Lately, we have found her barking and howling the entire time we are gone..  even if it's just for half an hour.  We never leave her alone for long.  But it seems she has developed extreme separation anxiety no matter what.  Now, if she thinks I am over at my office she is fine.  And so, on Sunday when we went to church, we left the TV turned on and snuck out without telling her we were leaving.  She was fine.  Upon returning home, Gary dropped me off a block down the road and I sneaked up to my office door and unlocked it - pretending I'd been in my office all along.  I hope this works or we will be forever bound to our home and needy dog.  Oh, the things we do for our dog!!!

Sigh

Dear Mom, Dad or Whomever It May Concern,

Last year you started a trend.  One that has become embedded in my sweet doggie heart...  it's called camp and Buick.  There are so many wonderful things about going to camp and so many awesome smells when one sticks ones head outside of those windows in the Buick when it it moving....   but the best thing is spending time with the peeps I have grown to know and love.  Yea, that's you guys.  Oh, and another thing you started was dragging me along each and every time the wheels on that Buick go round and round.  Yep.  Dad, me and you we hang out in the car while Mom goes into those big buildings and comes out with bags of more stuff and ....  I've grown accustomed to accompanying you on each and every journey outside of these confines we call home.  So, yea.  Sure I'm anxious about you leaving the house without me.  Why wouldn't I be?  You created the monster problem now deal with it in a way that is humane and kind and good.  Take the dog with you.  Wherever you go.  Forever and always.  

Gracie 

NO ROOM

Amish country offers peace to the soul...  From it's vast fields of green trees and plenteous crop...

To the secluded chalet where we hang our hats at the end of a day of exploring and shopping...

Peace surrounds us.

 Our walks offer nature at its best.

Perfect!  Except for one thing.  We miss our DOG!!!

And speaking of DOG.  Allow me to share some throwbacks from our DOG.

Gracie.  The best Christmas present ever.  She turned 14 last month!  FOURTEEN!  No matter how you say it, that is getting old in dog years.  What will I ever do without her!!!???

So while in Amish country, we ran across this cutie...

A Gracie look-alike!!  I know, right?!

So I texted Gracie and asked, "Shall we bring her home with us?"

She texted me back.

There is no room in this house for a wild, crazy, hungry, energetic, goofy poop dropper, nor is there room in the bed.  Abort that idea.  Gracie.