Gracie's Sweet Sixteen

 I can only imagine the cuteness that took place 16 years ago today, as a litter of adorable cockapoos were born into this world.

Months later, when I was met with the decision of which one would go home with me, I could see for myself the cuteness they had all grown into.  Eeenie, Meenie, Minnie, Moe.... which one shall I pick to go (home with me).  I picked up the cutest, curliest, most adorable one, and I asked, "male or female?"  After kissing him on his head, I returned him to his siblings. I wanted a girl.

"Who's this little cutie?" I asked, as I picked up the shy one.  *Her puppy breath was amazing*  

"That's a girl," the owner of the litter said.  

We bonded immediately, and Gracie came home with me.

Gary and I have been married 18 years.  Gracie has been with us for 16 of those years.  We barely know life without her.  I imagine when her time on earth is thru, I will still see her, sneaking around the corner to check on dinner.  I will feel her walking behind me to receive her daily fortune cookie when I go to my office in the morning.  Her bark will be heard from inside when she is out and ready to come in.  Her presence will be felt each evening as we settle in to watch some TV and she lays resting beside us on the sofa.  I'll hear the patter of her paws making her way up the ramp at night to join us in bed.  When we come home from being out somewhere, I will look around the house for her to greet us.  I will smell her sweet smell after a day at the spa.  But all this, will be a memory.

Maybe Jesus will come and take us all home before her departure from this planet.  We don't know what tomorrow may bring, but what I do know is that I am thankful for God's goodness, and these past years with my girl, Gracie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACIE!

 James 1:17 NIV  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  

Bye-Bye AAH

 It seems like only a short while ago I was blogging about opening my own business!!   Or should I say, our business.  My husband went in on this endeavor with me, and retired 3 years later.

Ahh the memories back then!  The big gold ear, the preparing of the office,  the wonderful, high expectations!  It was an exciting time.

That was in July of 2011.  Oh, how time swiftly passes!!

Several years ago the big gold ear showed signs of rotting, and so we purchased a replacement for it.  Only this time we asked for a double-sided ear.  Our carver put a nose on it (**gasp**) but hey, whatever, right?  Haha!

This working from home thing has been wonderful!  But Covid has not been kind to any of us, right?  I miss the talking to people without wearing a mask.  I miss the many hugs from my customers.  I miss normalcy.  But don't we all? 

I decided in late March, after having wasted thousands of dollars on advertising just days before the pandemic shutdown, (spring and early summer are some of our prime months to prosper), and having to shut down for so long -  it's time.  Goodbye - All About Hearing!

I'm still doing curb service for those in need of service, but it is doubtful that I will open my doors for real business, and on Dec. 15 I will retire the open/close sign,  and likely take a hatchet to the gold ear (anybody need some weird lawn art? haha!)  Then I will take on the title of RETIRED myself!  No hatchet job tho.  Eeeeek!

So that's my Covid related story.  I'm looking at this in a positive light tho.  This will give me more time to do the things I love.  Reading, writing, spending time with my family etc.  A new chapter in my life, is all it is.  So once again, I'm excited with this new future - and I thank God for clearly speaking retirement into my heart, mind and soul.  It is all good!