Ear today... Gone Tomorrow?

Boy it's been hot.  But Gracie still insists on her nightly walk.  It's like being in an oven.  Whew!   I usually never have my camera with me anymore but I always have my phone so I count on it to give me a so-so picture if I see something I want to capture.

Like this sunset last night.  It was a lot prettier than the picture.  But hey, what do you expect with a camera phone?

 Gracie's still trying to get used to our running in and out of the house all day and disturbing her peace and quiet.  Today I walked in at lunchtime and she didn't even get up and grab a toy to greet me... she just laid there curled up at her window and looked at me like I was being a real pain.

Yesterday my ex boss called.   He was upset with me because I had left my customers know where I'd moved to, and they are coming to me instead of Miracle Ear.  The conversation did not go well, and in the end we parted on a not-so-good note.  Some day I'll do a post on that particular subject, but tonight I'm too tired.     

Rumor has it that our carved ear is getting complaints that it is 'advertising' our business, and may be going to the board -    One of the board members just purchased a set of hearing aids from us and doesn't seem to have a problem with it ... he lives right across the road... but Geesh.  People need to get a grip!  So, if we have to get rid of the ear, Do you have any other ideas of what we can put up to make an impact so people will know where to 'turn here' without actually advertising?  Gary was thinking maybe a big bear that points toward our house.  What do you think?

Business has been good...  and one of my biggest fears was that we would not get noticed where we are.  But we have had a lot of business from walk-ins.  Go figure.  

A customer and her hubby brought us lunch the other day after we heeded her advice and ordered a ramp with hand rails to be put out front.  The lunch was totally unexpected but appreciated just the same.  We meet some of the kindest people in our business !

Thank you all for your sweet comments on my last post...  It really made me feel good.

I hope everyone is having a great week!!

Summer Stuff and Killing Gracie

Sometimes it's hard to juggle life, and make sure to include those who mean so much.  

My husband is my best friend I can't imagine my life without him in it.  I probably don't tell him enough, and sometimes I take him for granted.  Gary, if you're reading this, "I love you."

Then there's Gracie, who demands attention 24/7 in her own little way.  What was my life like without her in it?  I seem to have forgotten.

The grandkids are a blessing so huge and I can't help but smile just thinking about them.  God has been so good.

My kids, my friends, my siblings.  The list goes on and on.  How did I survive before they were in my life?

But life is funny, you know.  When one door closes another opens, and when it's one person's time to leave another quickly fills the void.  

I've had people pass in and out of my life, but their memory stays. Mom.  Dad.  Uncles. Aunts.  Friends. Relatives.  All made an impact.  All have a place in my heart.   

Then there's you guys...  my Blogger friends...   

with so much wisdom, humor, and love to share...

It seems the older I get, the more I realize what's really important in life.

It has nothing to do with fine cars, designer clothes, or exotic vacations.  It's more like a close game of Scrabble with my hubby, a five minute conversation with my 3-year old grandson Jake, blowing bubbles with my Rissa...  

Or taking time to read and comment on blogs.  

Me - Bored?  Never!

Dear Diary,
Ok.  I think I have all the evidence I need.  Mom's going to spend some time in the big house after I turn her in for trying to kill me.  Yes, diary... you heard it right.  Oh sure, she tried to make it look sweet and innocent.  'smile big, Gracie...  we have to take a new picture today'.  Yea right.  Her hand went straight for my throat and that's when I knew for sure.  It was the Pooping on the floor or the  turning her in for the m&m's  I don't know what  could have led her to this extreme behavior. I never do anything wrong.  Gracie.

Rambling

The week's winding down, and I still have to pinch myself before I head out the door in the morning to go to work.  I'm heading next door and I'm my own boss.  Someone once said that owning your own business was a lot more work.  No truer words were ever spoken!  I'm exhausted at the end of a day.  But I've never been happier with a job!!  

Do you remember the post I did on my middle son, Justin?  Well, Justin is working in the movie theatre now, selling popcorn and movie tickets.  He's proud to be working... but even more proud that he was able to get his family in to see Cars 2 Free!  He treated Rissa and Jake with free popcorn, huge soda's and candy of their choice.  Little noses were pressed against the candy counter and Justin kept saying, 'pick out whatever you want.. anything at all.  I'm buying'.  There were a few mishaps...  like when Jackie (son #1) handed Lindsey (daughter) the huge coke and the lid wasn't on tight - coke spilled out all over Lindsey and Rissa who was standing right beneath the coke.  Ick.  The kids were a little restless in the movie..  It was hard for them to follow... not as good as the first Cars.  But we didn't tell Justin - I don't think I've seen him that happy in a long time.  Then Rissa and Jake were running and playing after the movie outside of the theatre and Rissa fell and skinned her knee.  She screamed a blood curdling scream and  Justin came running out to make sure she was ok.  She was.  She just needed a band aid.  

Jess (DIL) and Justin (#2 son)

Rissa and Jake

Jake was so worried about her.  He kept asking her if she was ok - she screamed 'no!  get away!!!'  and he said, 'Rissi, let me blow it for you...'  So cute!!

Dear Diary,

I sniffed out Mom's Peanut M&M stash... they were hidden in a basket right by her chair.  I barked.  I nudged.  I barked some more.  Dad said, 'What is she barking at?'  Mom said, 'I don't know.'  (but she did)  Then Mom took me aside, put my face in her hands and got real close.  'Thanks for getting me in trouble,' she said.  (She's supposed to be on a diet)  And so I'M to blame that she is sneaking M&M's???   No surprise there.  Gracie.