Here I am again with an update on my goal for the year. My monthly Random Acts of Kindness.
As I said in my January post, it's pretty easy to reach a goal of one random act of kindness a month. Especially if you look at all of the little things that you do. This is a summary of some of the kind things that I have done this month.
Let person get ahead of me in line
Gave a quarter to someone so they could get a grocery cart
Hold door open for someone
Donated fleece blanket to shelter
Helped someone locate the nearest Home Depot (while at the dry cleaners)*
Helped a neighbor figure out home security needs
Sent out a few cards (happy mail) for National Card and Letter Writing Month
*I must look like I'm a wealth of information or something
How did your list for Random Acts of Kindness look this month?
Looking for ideas for Random Acts of Kindness? Check out this post here.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
National Card and Letter Writing Month
I just sent out some "Happy Mail!" I'm so excited and can't wait until it gets to its destination.
April is National Card and Letter Writing month. You still have time to send a little note in the mail to cheer someone up. Everyone likes getting a handwritten letter or card in the mail! It doesn't have to be fancy. Drop someone a line and let them know that you're thinking of them.
Go ahead and make some one's day (thanks, Dirty Harry) and send someone a card or letter today!
April is National Card and Letter Writing month. You still have time to send a little note in the mail to cheer someone up. Everyone likes getting a handwritten letter or card in the mail! It doesn't have to be fancy. Drop someone a line and let them know that you're thinking of them.
Go ahead and make some one's day (thanks, Dirty Harry) and send someone a card or letter today!
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Chubby Ring Finger
I'm back on my daily walk schedule. I've been watching what I eat, and I feel like I'm losing weight. My clothes are a little looser and I feel great. All is good, except my ring finger. Yes, I think my weight loss everywhere else on my body seems to have moved over to my ring finger.
I took my wedding ring off to clean it and forgot to put it back on. My ring was off for a couple of weeks. One day, I remembered to put my ring on and found it difficult to get over my knuckle. I did what I thought would be OK (I shoved the ring onto my finger.) Big mistake! My finger swelled. I didn't think it could get any chubbier, but it did! I figured the swelling would go down and I could get on with my life. As I lay in bed that night, I could feel the circulation being cut off to my finger. In the morning I decided the ring had to come off, so I pried my ring off my finger.
I have been ring less for awhile now. Wondering if my finger will ever drop the excess weight so my ring can be worn (comfortably).
If you have any exercises or weight loss programs for fingers, let me know.
I took my wedding ring off to clean it and forgot to put it back on. My ring was off for a couple of weeks. One day, I remembered to put my ring on and found it difficult to get over my knuckle. I did what I thought would be OK (I shoved the ring onto my finger.) Big mistake! My finger swelled. I didn't think it could get any chubbier, but it did! I figured the swelling would go down and I could get on with my life. As I lay in bed that night, I could feel the circulation being cut off to my finger. In the morning I decided the ring had to come off, so I pried my ring off my finger.
I have been ring less for awhile now. Wondering if my finger will ever drop the excess weight so my ring can be worn (comfortably).
If you have any exercises or weight loss programs for fingers, let me know.
Friday, April 24, 2015
"Sick"
I find it interesting when my kids are "sick." I use that term loosely because sometimes I don't believe they really are sick. OK, OK, I'll come clean. It's not "sometimes," it's ALL of the time.
You see, when I was younger, I used to pretend that I was "sick" so I didn't have to go to school. (It's a good thing my mom doesn't read this blog, although I'm sure she knew I was faking an illness) Now that I'm a Mom, because of all of myfake "illnesses", I don't believe my kids when they tell me they are sick. I make them go to school. They have to be really, really sick in order to stay home. In other words, on their death bed.
One day, I had both boys home. Nick didn't have to work (he was done with school) and said he was sick (which I actually believed him...he had a slight cold), and Alex was home from school because he claimed he was not feeling well. I had to work. I left the house and Nick was playing XBox and Alex was getting something to drink. They both looked perfectly fine. Somehow, I felt like I was being played.
You see, when I was younger, I used to pretend that I was "sick" so I didn't have to go to school. (It's a good thing my mom doesn't read this blog, although I'm sure she knew I was faking an illness) Now that I'm a Mom, because of all of my
One day, I had both boys home. Nick didn't have to work (he was done with school) and said he was sick (which I actually believed him...he had a slight cold), and Alex was home from school because he claimed he was not feeling well. I had to work. I left the house and Nick was playing XBox and Alex was getting something to drink. They both looked perfectly fine. Somehow, I felt like I was being played.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
RT loses his phone
It all started with a beautiful day and a hike in the Smokey Mountains. We decided to do an easy hike at Metcalf Bottoms. If you ever get the chance, it's a beautiful hike. It ends up at an old one room school house. The school house served as a school during the week and as a church on Sundays and sits across the way from a cemetery.
We met some people from Georgia on our hike. They were a wealth of information. You know me, talking it up with them. I learned quite a bit about the area we were in and about some of the families that used to live there.
We made our way back to the car and started loading everything (backpack, trekking poles, water bottles, etc.) That's when it all started.
RT: Honey, have you seen my phone?
Not just any phone. His new phone. The old phone completely died a couple days ago and he had to get a new one.
Me: No, I haven't.
Then, the checking every inch of the car started.
RT checked the backpack, under the dog blanket, in the seat pockets, under the seats, inside the garbage bag that was in the car. When he didn't find it, he started all over again. Then I checked the same places. I even checked inside my purse and the box of crackers. This happened at least a dozen times. The back seats in my car were stowed (so the back was flat). I pulled those up and looked under them. I even opened the seats to make sure the phone didn't fall in.
This searching escalated to, "Someone stole my phone." Yes. Memories of "someone stole my swim goggles."
I tried calling and texting his phone. The only problem was we were in the mountains with no cell service. After checking the car a dozen more times*, including the bathrooms and picnic tables and the entire surrounding area. RT decided to go retrace his steps. Maybe the phone fell out of his pocket or his backpack? While RT is backtracking (Bella decided to go with him), I try walking around to get cell service. When this doesn't work, I decide to hop in the car and drive around until I get cell service. This is where Bella came back down the path and jumped in the car with me. Bella was checking the phone for service while I whipped around the mountains.
*I'm not exaggerating these numbers. We really did check the car a billion times.
I drove quite a distance and no cell service and realized that RT might not know that Bella is with me. We turned the car around and drove back to the trail. Once back, I decided not to tear the car apart again. I figured RT would find the phone on the trail.
RT returns from the trail empty handed. We drove back into town to where we parked the car when we stopped for lunch. I thought maybe the phone fell out of RT's jacket when he was taking it off in the parking lot.
We get into town and RT checks the lot. He talks to the parking attendant. He checks at the restaurant where we had lunch. No luck. In the meantime, I'm texting his phone asking him to call me.
RT decides that he just wants to go back to our cabin and relax. He's at a point where he just does not want to think about it anymore.
Once we are back at the cabin, we empty the car. RT puts his hand in the side pocket on the drivers side and....finds his phone.
The funny thing is, we all checked that pocket!
We now have phone tracking devices on all of our phones. I also told RT to turn up the ringer on his phone so we can hear it ring (if this happens again, which I'm sure it will).
Again, never a dull moment.
We met some people from Georgia on our hike. They were a wealth of information. You know me, talking it up with them. I learned quite a bit about the area we were in and about some of the families that used to live there.
We made our way back to the car and started loading everything (backpack, trekking poles, water bottles, etc.) That's when it all started.
RT: Honey, have you seen my phone?
Not just any phone. His new phone. The old phone completely died a couple days ago and he had to get a new one.
Me: No, I haven't.
Then, the checking every inch of the car started.
RT checked the backpack, under the dog blanket, in the seat pockets, under the seats, inside the garbage bag that was in the car. When he didn't find it, he started all over again. Then I checked the same places. I even checked inside my purse and the box of crackers. This happened at least a dozen times. The back seats in my car were stowed (so the back was flat). I pulled those up and looked under them. I even opened the seats to make sure the phone didn't fall in.
This searching escalated to, "Someone stole my phone." Yes. Memories of "someone stole my swim goggles."
I tried calling and texting his phone. The only problem was we were in the mountains with no cell service. After checking the car a dozen more times*, including the bathrooms and picnic tables and the entire surrounding area. RT decided to go retrace his steps. Maybe the phone fell out of his pocket or his backpack? While RT is backtracking (Bella decided to go with him), I try walking around to get cell service. When this doesn't work, I decide to hop in the car and drive around until I get cell service. This is where Bella came back down the path and jumped in the car with me. Bella was checking the phone for service while I whipped around the mountains.
*I'm not exaggerating these numbers. We really did check the car a billion times.
I drove quite a distance and no cell service and realized that RT might not know that Bella is with me. We turned the car around and drove back to the trail. Once back, I decided not to tear the car apart again. I figured RT would find the phone on the trail.
RT returns from the trail empty handed. We drove back into town to where we parked the car when we stopped for lunch. I thought maybe the phone fell out of RT's jacket when he was taking it off in the parking lot.
We get into town and RT checks the lot. He talks to the parking attendant. He checks at the restaurant where we had lunch. No luck. In the meantime, I'm texting his phone asking him to call me.
RT decides that he just wants to go back to our cabin and relax. He's at a point where he just does not want to think about it anymore.
Once we are back at the cabin, we empty the car. RT puts his hand in the side pocket on the drivers side and....finds his phone.
The funny thing is, we all checked that pocket!
We now have phone tracking devices on all of our phones. I also told RT to turn up the ringer on his phone so we can hear it ring (if this happens again, which I'm sure it will).
Again, never a dull moment.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Easy Spaghetti Sauce
I was looking for a quick, easy spaghetti sauce to make for dinner. It didn't help that it was already 5:00pm and I didn't have a jar of spaghetti sauce in the house. Or that I forgot to pick up a jar of sauce at the grocery store before I got home from work.
I let my fingers do the walking and searched the Internet for an easy homemade spaghetti sauce. (Isn't the Internet wonderful??) I liked the first recipe I found. Easy and I had all of the ingredients. Check out the full recipe here.
You're going to love this one!
1 15oz can diced tomatoes
1 15oz can tomato sauce
1 6oz can tomato paste
2 Tablespoons sugar (adjust to your taste)
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
A couple of side notes.
I let my fingers do the walking and searched the Internet for an easy homemade spaghetti sauce. (Isn't the Internet wonderful??) I liked the first recipe I found. Easy and I had all of the ingredients. Check out the full recipe here.
You're going to love this one!
Easy Spaghetti Sauce
1 15oz can diced tomatoes
1 15oz can tomato sauce
1 6oz can tomato paste
2 Tablespoons sugar (adjust to your taste)
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
Throw it all in a sauce pan, stir, simmer, cover and continue to simmer for 20-30 minutes. Season again to taste.
A couple of side notes.
I used 1 teaspoon of sugar (and it was fine). If you like your sauce sweet, then add more sugar.
I added 5 cloves of garlic. What can I say? I like garlic.
I chopped green pepper and onion and sautéed them before adding the rest of the ingredients.
This is a basic recipe that you can adjust to your own likes. If you want ground beef or Italian sausage, then add it to your sauce! You can even throw in some meatballs! I don't think you can go wrong with this spaghetti sauce recipe.
If you try it, let me know what you think.
I chopped green pepper and onion and sautéed them before adding the rest of the ingredients.
This is a basic recipe that you can adjust to your own likes. If you want ground beef or Italian sausage, then add it to your sauce! You can even throw in some meatballs! I don't think you can go wrong with this spaghetti sauce recipe.
If you try it, let me know what you think.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Random Acts of Kindness - Returned
This year I have been trying to focus on doing Random Acts of Kindness. Making sure to bring smiles to other people's faces. Brighten their day. Be a good listener. Help others.
All of this love and kindness that I have been trying to spread came back to me the other day. RT, Bella and I took a trip over spring break. One day we decided to go into town and do something fun. Bella picked this roller coaster that goes up and around a mountain. Just as we were walking through the parking lot, a car pulls up next to us and the people hand us free tickets. They told us that they were leaving today and would not be able to use them. We offered to pay for the tickets but they refused. It was hard to accept, but I realized that these people were just passing along a little kindness and that we should just graciously accept.
It made me think about some of the kind things that I have done and how easy it is to spread love, joy and happiness into other people's lives. It doesn't have to cost anything. Sometimes it's just a simple hello, or holding the door open for someone. Just a little effort on your part can brighten up some one's day.
The tickets were a wonderful gesture (and the ride was a blast). It made me feel good that there are others out in the world spreading love and kindness to everyone.
Monday, April 13, 2015
National Card and Letter Writing Month - April
Did you know that April is National Card and Letter Writing Month?
It's that time to take out some paper and pens and write that special someone a letter. Maybe send a card to a friend or acquaintance? It's not too late to get started. Take out that pretty paper and make someone a card. Don't have pretty paper? Make some. Use some paint, glue, stickers or stamps to decorate a plain piece of paper. Everyone likes getting mail! Sure. You can contact someone by using Social Media like Face Book or Instagram, but nothing beats receiving a handwritten letter or card in the mail. That's priceless! Handwritten cards/letters are the first things I tear into when I get the mail.
Letter writing is a great way to practice your penmanship. It's also a great way to connect with old friends and help make new friends!
So, what are you waiting for??? Get out some paper and a pen and send someone a card today!
It's that time to take out some paper and pens and write that special someone a letter. Maybe send a card to a friend or acquaintance? It's not too late to get started. Take out that pretty paper and make someone a card. Don't have pretty paper? Make some. Use some paint, glue, stickers or stamps to decorate a plain piece of paper. Everyone likes getting mail! Sure. You can contact someone by using Social Media like Face Book or Instagram, but nothing beats receiving a handwritten letter or card in the mail. That's priceless! Handwritten cards/letters are the first things I tear into when I get the mail.
Letter writing is a great way to practice your penmanship. It's also a great way to connect with old friends and help make new friends!
So, what are you waiting for??? Get out some paper and a pen and send someone a card today!
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Monday, April 6, 2015
Zippered Pouch
I think I mentioned that I got a sewing machine for Christmas a few years ago. I've always wanted to learn how to sew. I've always been fascinated watching people just whip something up on their sewing machine.
I took a beginner sewing class. Everyone in the class had been sewing for years. I was the only beginner. The others were there to learn how to use their sewing machine. I, on the other hand, had never sat behind a sewing machine in my life! It was probably pretty obvious, too. I mean, I had a hard time threading the needle. I broke a needle, which was probably good because I learned how to replace a broken needle. I had problems with the bobbin. I could go on and on. I think I got my moneys worth out of the class (and the class was free).
I took a break from the sewing. Probably because I didn't have time. I don't have the luxury of having an extra room (a sewing room) to have everything set up. I have to lug it out of the laundry room and set everything up at a table and then clean everything up so the table can be used.
One day I hauled everything out and decided I was going to figure out how to make a fold over pouch. Click here for the easy tutorial that I used.
I couldn't quite get my pouch straight. Of course, I figured out that I was cutting the material with a scissors and not using a rotary cutter. (its SO much easier with a rotary cutter!)
The machine got pushed to the side again until the other day when I found this easy zippered pouch tutorial. Of course, "easy" is a term for those who can actually find their way around a sewing machine. Those of us that have no clue what we are doing, then, this is more of a challenging zipper pouch.
My first attempt:
Not bad for a first timer. I know where I went wrong and how to fix it (I think). I decided to jump right back in and make another one. Bella wanted the first one, of course. I told her that I would make her a special one, and by "special" I mean one that has "personality." (read: not perfect) This is what I came up with:
I took a beginner sewing class. Everyone in the class had been sewing for years. I was the only beginner. The others were there to learn how to use their sewing machine. I, on the other hand, had never sat behind a sewing machine in my life! It was probably pretty obvious, too. I mean, I had a hard time threading the needle. I broke a needle, which was probably good because I learned how to replace a broken needle. I had problems with the bobbin. I could go on and on. I think I got my moneys worth out of the class (and the class was free).
I took a break from the sewing. Probably because I didn't have time. I don't have the luxury of having an extra room (a sewing room) to have everything set up. I have to lug it out of the laundry room and set everything up at a table and then clean everything up so the table can be used.
One day I hauled everything out and decided I was going to figure out how to make a fold over pouch. Click here for the easy tutorial that I used.
If you look real close, the center part is crooked
This doesn't look too bad
I couldn't quite get my pouch straight. Of course, I figured out that I was cutting the material with a scissors and not using a rotary cutter. (its SO much easier with a rotary cutter!)
The machine got pushed to the side again until the other day when I found this easy zippered pouch tutorial. Of course, "easy" is a term for those who can actually find their way around a sewing machine. Those of us that have no clue what we are doing, then, this is more of a challenging zipper pouch.
My first attempt:
Not bad for a first timer. I know where I went wrong and how to fix it (I think). I decided to jump right back in and make another one. Bella wanted the first one, of course. I told her that I would make her a special one, and by "special" I mean one that has "personality." (read: not perfect) This is what I came up with:
This is a soft fleece outside
and flannel on the inside
I'm pretty proud of what I made the second time around. I'm going to keep practicing and see if I can perfect my zippered pouch.
Wish me luck!
Friday, April 3, 2015
Dance Recital 2014
OK. I thought I posted this already! Sorry for the delay!
Yep. It's that time! Bella's Dance Recital!
Sorry this post is a little late. Bella's Dance Recital was in May. I'm trying to figure out this new computer and how to upload video from it to YouTube. It's been interesting. I ended up pulling out the old computer and uploading.
So, these are taken from the rehearsal. I'm not the best videographer (As you can tell). If you want to see a better video, come on over and watch the DVD.
The first dance is to "You Can't Stop the Beat." You can watch the video by clicking HERE.
The second song that Bella danced to was "Me and My Girls" by Fifth Harmony. Check her dancing her heart out right HERE.
Yep. It's that time! Bella's Dance Recital!
Sorry this post is a little late. Bella's Dance Recital was in May. I'm trying to figure out this new computer and how to upload video from it to YouTube. It's been interesting. I ended up pulling out the old computer and uploading.
So, these are taken from the rehearsal. I'm not the best videographer (As you can tell). If you want to see a better video, come on over and watch the DVD.
The first dance is to "You Can't Stop the Beat." You can watch the video by clicking HERE.
The second song that Bella danced to was "Me and My Girls" by Fifth Harmony. Check her dancing her heart out right HERE.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
DIY Fleece Blanket/Throw
I have seen these fleece blankets/throws everywhere. I was told that they are easy to make. I thought I would try it out.
Fleece printed 48 in x 60 in (121.9cmx152.4cm)
Fleece solid 48 in x 60 in (121.9 cm x 152.4 cm)
Finished size: 43 in x 55 in (109.2cmx139.7cm)
Other supplies needed:
Scissors or rotary cutter
Cutting mat
Straight pins (optional)
*a rotary cutter makes it real easy
Place fleece layers together, making sure that the wrong sides are together. I pinned them together to make it easier to cut.
Cut a 5" (5 inch) square out of each corner.
Now for the fringe. Line up your material with the cutting mat underneath. material should still be pinned together. Make sure it is in straight line. Cut 5" into fleece at 1.5" intervals all around the pinned material.* Once complete, knot the fringe pieces together (just like the first step to tying your shoe, only do it twice). Continue until you have made it around the entire blanket.
*you can choose to cut 1", 1 12", or 2". I liked 1.5 inches. It seems just the right amount. 1" was just too small and too close for me for a blanket.
And you're done!
Pretty simple, right?
As part of my kindness acts, this blanket will be given to a shelter.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Newton
I've been mulling this around in my head for quite some time. Yea, I know....there's a lot up there (in my head) and it gets quite crowded. So, I had to clear it out and start writing some of this down. (mainly for my sanity)
As you know, we have two dogs. Newton is our older dog. He turned 12 in June.
We adopted Newton when he was two months old. We took the boys to see some puppies. They were surrounded by puppies. It was such a cute site. Wish I took a picture. I was crouched down telling RT how I want a dog that wants to be around us. A dog that loves us and is part of the family. The whole time I was talking, I was petting this little puppy. I said, "You know, a dog like this one."
I always say that he picked me.
He didn't have a name yet. I got to snuggle him on the way home. We first made a stop to get him a water bowl, collar and leash. In the car, Nick and Alex were trying to come up with names. Finally Nick said, "What about Newton?"
Newton. What a wonderful name.
The boys were so excited about Newton. They wanted to walk him and let him out. Feed him. Take care of him. And, Newton was such a gentle, loving puppy. He just wanted love and to be a member of our family.
I always refer to Newton as my third child. I think he believed he was one of the kids. One day, RT was going to take the boys for a walk and told them to get ready and wait by the front door. Guess who was the first one sitting, waiting patiently by the door?
When Newton was a puppy, he had a cage that he slept in at night. This was used for several years because it gave him a way of getting away from the boys. We moved the cage right outside of our bedroom. In the morning, I would hear Alex get out of bed, walk down the stairs, open Newton's cage and then close it.
As Newton got older, we just took the blanket and would lay it down and tell him to, "Go Nani." In Greek, that means, "to sleep." The boys got to take turns having Newton sleep in their room, One night, the boys were fighting over who would get to have Newton sleep in their room. So, RT took the blanket and threw it down in the middle of the hall way. Newton walked over, circled and laid down.
There was the time where we came back home from a friends house, only to find out that our front door was wide open. RT decided to go in and check things out. He said he was yelling and walking around the house with a baseball bat. He finally makes it up to Nick's room and, there's Newton. Asleep. (our fierce watch dog)
Well, I can't tell you all of the good things about Newton without bringing up some of the naughty things he did. Like the time in the car on the way back from Door County, he ate half a loaf of pumpernickel bread and a bag of chocolate chip cookies. Or, how about the time he chewed a hole through the front gate of our fence so he could stick his head out and see who was at the front door? How about the time that I was making a cake for Nick and I cut it into layers and somehow one of the layers mysteriously disappeared from the kitchen counter? Or the time that the boys got a gift box and opened it in the family room, putting the chocolate balls on the coffee table. Only to realize a little later that those chocolate balls were missing. Or, the time on Christmas Day that he chewed a hole through the side gate (that goes into our yard) so he could be by the turkey that RT was smoking on the grill.
Did I mention that Newton loves turkey? Anytime RT makes a turkey, Newton is right there. I call him the helper. By helping, he gets quite a bit of turkey tastes from RT. Even as his legs were going bad, he somehow would make it up the stairs if he smelled turkey in the oven.
Then there was the "leg problem." When he was 9 he tore his ACL in his back right leg. RT brought him inside the house and put him in the laundry room (he couldn't walk). I got home and we went to the laundry room and.....he wasn't there! He walked into the rec-room and was laying behind the couch. We knew it was bad, but, not bad enough for him to stay in the laundry room. We made a cozy nest in the garage and had him on a chain. He hung out in front of our house for a few months while his leg healed. He became quite friendly with the mailman. He would bark every time the mailman drove by. You see, the mailman would toss Newton a cookie (from his truck) when Newton barked. Newton figured by barking at the mail truck he would be guaranteed a cookie. Newton was so good at this game, that he figured out he would get a cookie when the mailman was on the other side of the street, too. Of course, he was quite disappointed when we got a new mail carrier.
I have to break away for a moment to explain that Newton HATES the laundry room. That is where his food and water bowl live. He doesn't mind hanging in there to eat or drink water. It's those times when we went on a long trip, Newton had to stay in the laundry room. (we have a neighbor who watches him while we are gone). If he was getting locked in the laundry room, he knew we would be going somewhere without him.
As time went on, Newton would show us how much he missed us by hanging all over us when we returned from our trip. There were many times where he would follow me around until I sat down. Once sitting, he would sit down and make sure he was sitting on my feet. If I got up, he would jump up and follow me. This would go on for a couple of days after our return.
When we would go on vacation, the kids would miss Newton. This wouldn't happen the first or second day, but, by day three we would start to hear them complain or cry. We decided to bring Newton on vacations with us. One trip was to Kentucky. This was Newton's vacation of a lifetime. He was able to roam the yard with out being chained up. There was no fence. He got to sniff everything in sight. I think this picture sums it up.
Another vacation Newton joined was to Michigan. We rented a house. Things were going okay. At night, Newton would not leave my side. Once again, he followed me around and would sit on my feet when I sat down. He was quite jumpy. We didn't have a good experience there that night due to the next door neighbor. In the middle of the night, I checked on Newton. We had his blanket at the bottom of the stairs because they (the stairs) were too steep for him to climb. He did not rest at all. He kept sitting up and looking around. He would put his head down....hear a sound and sit up again. We didn't stay there another night. I couldn't leave him there by himself during the day. If he didn't feel comfortable, then I didn't feel comfortable.
Newton has had a variety of nicknames over the years (thanks to me).
Lately, Newton has been having troubles with his back legs. He has been losing a lot of bone mass. One back leg can not hold much weight. Some times he hops a long on three paws. The winter was hard on him. We kept the back stairs clear of ice and snow so Newton could go up and down them. We had a few close calls, but he pulled through the winter.
RT has told me that I am to tell him when "it's time." The problem is, I don't think I can do it. I know it's supposed to be the most humane thing to do, but, I can't. I just can't. Newton has been with us through the good and the bad. He has been such a loyal dog and member of our family. I guess I don't want him to leave. I know it's selfish. I know I can't keep him (alive) with me forever. I know he might be better off. I just can't let him go. I can't make that decision.
For now, I am happy to have him around. Even when he is stubborn. He's still cute. Adorable. Cuddly.
He's Newton.
As you know, we have two dogs. Newton is our older dog. He turned 12 in June.
We adopted Newton when he was two months old. We took the boys to see some puppies. They were surrounded by puppies. It was such a cute site. Wish I took a picture. I was crouched down telling RT how I want a dog that wants to be around us. A dog that loves us and is part of the family. The whole time I was talking, I was petting this little puppy. I said, "You know, a dog like this one."
I always say that he picked me.
He didn't have a name yet. I got to snuggle him on the way home. We first made a stop to get him a water bowl, collar and leash. In the car, Nick and Alex were trying to come up with names. Finally Nick said, "What about Newton?"
Newton. What a wonderful name.
The boys were so excited about Newton. They wanted to walk him and let him out. Feed him. Take care of him. And, Newton was such a gentle, loving puppy. He just wanted love and to be a member of our family.
I always refer to Newton as my third child. I think he believed he was one of the kids. One day, RT was going to take the boys for a walk and told them to get ready and wait by the front door. Guess who was the first one sitting, waiting patiently by the door?
When Newton was a puppy, he had a cage that he slept in at night. This was used for several years because it gave him a way of getting away from the boys. We moved the cage right outside of our bedroom. In the morning, I would hear Alex get out of bed, walk down the stairs, open Newton's cage and then close it.
A boy and his dog. One of my favorite pictures.
As Newton got older, we just took the blanket and would lay it down and tell him to, "Go Nani." In Greek, that means, "to sleep." The boys got to take turns having Newton sleep in their room, One night, the boys were fighting over who would get to have Newton sleep in their room. So, RT took the blanket and threw it down in the middle of the hall way. Newton walked over, circled and laid down.
There was the time where we came back home from a friends house, only to find out that our front door was wide open. RT decided to go in and check things out. He said he was yelling and walking around the house with a baseball bat. He finally makes it up to Nick's room and, there's Newton. Asleep. (our fierce watch dog)
Well, I can't tell you all of the good things about Newton without bringing up some of the naughty things he did. Like the time in the car on the way back from Door County, he ate half a loaf of pumpernickel bread and a bag of chocolate chip cookies. Or, how about the time he chewed a hole through the front gate of our fence so he could stick his head out and see who was at the front door? How about the time that I was making a cake for Nick and I cut it into layers and somehow one of the layers mysteriously disappeared from the kitchen counter? Or the time that the boys got a gift box and opened it in the family room, putting the chocolate balls on the coffee table. Only to realize a little later that those chocolate balls were missing. Or, the time on Christmas Day that he chewed a hole through the side gate (that goes into our yard) so he could be by the turkey that RT was smoking on the grill.
Did I mention that Newton loves turkey? Anytime RT makes a turkey, Newton is right there. I call him the helper. By helping, he gets quite a bit of turkey tastes from RT. Even as his legs were going bad, he somehow would make it up the stairs if he smelled turkey in the oven.
Then there was the "leg problem." When he was 9 he tore his ACL in his back right leg. RT brought him inside the house and put him in the laundry room (he couldn't walk). I got home and we went to the laundry room and.....he wasn't there! He walked into the rec-room and was laying behind the couch. We knew it was bad, but, not bad enough for him to stay in the laundry room. We made a cozy nest in the garage and had him on a chain. He hung out in front of our house for a few months while his leg healed. He became quite friendly with the mailman. He would bark every time the mailman drove by. You see, the mailman would toss Newton a cookie (from his truck) when Newton barked. Newton figured by barking at the mail truck he would be guaranteed a cookie. Newton was so good at this game, that he figured out he would get a cookie when the mailman was on the other side of the street, too. Of course, he was quite disappointed when we got a new mail carrier.
I have to break away for a moment to explain that Newton HATES the laundry room. That is where his food and water bowl live. He doesn't mind hanging in there to eat or drink water. It's those times when we went on a long trip, Newton had to stay in the laundry room. (we have a neighbor who watches him while we are gone). If he was getting locked in the laundry room, he knew we would be going somewhere without him.
As time went on, Newton would show us how much he missed us by hanging all over us when we returned from our trip. There were many times where he would follow me around until I sat down. Once sitting, he would sit down and make sure he was sitting on my feet. If I got up, he would jump up and follow me. This would go on for a couple of days after our return.
When we would go on vacation, the kids would miss Newton. This wouldn't happen the first or second day, but, by day three we would start to hear them complain or cry. We decided to bring Newton on vacations with us. One trip was to Kentucky. This was Newton's vacation of a lifetime. He was able to roam the yard with out being chained up. There was no fence. He got to sniff everything in sight. I think this picture sums it up.
Another vacation Newton joined was to Michigan. We rented a house. Things were going okay. At night, Newton would not leave my side. Once again, he followed me around and would sit on my feet when I sat down. He was quite jumpy. We didn't have a good experience there that night due to the next door neighbor. In the middle of the night, I checked on Newton. We had his blanket at the bottom of the stairs because they (the stairs) were too steep for him to climb. He did not rest at all. He kept sitting up and looking around. He would put his head down....hear a sound and sit up again. We didn't stay there another night. I couldn't leave him there by himself during the day. If he didn't feel comfortable, then I didn't feel comfortable.
Newton has had a variety of nicknames over the years (thanks to me).
Rootin' Tootin' high falutin' Newton
Newt
Toot
Fruit. Which turned into
Fruit box which turned into
Fah rut (pronounced "root")
Newtie
Tootie
Right now, Newton has refused to answer to any of his nicknames. I thought his hearing was going , but I said, "cookie" and he jumped up. So I know he can hear. Maybe he got hold of a dictionary and found out the meaning of "toot."
Speaking of figuring out words, there are a few words in the English language that Newton knows the meaning.
"Walk
Go
Go with
Mention the word walk and he goes crazy. Jumping all around. Following you until you get his leash. Never mind that you were referring to a pan (wok) that you wanted to use. You said the word and now you are taking Newton for a walk.
Go is another word we can't say around here. Just saying, "Hey, do you want to go to the store with me?" turns Newton into a crazy dog. We can't even spell these words. He knows what we are spelling.
Lately, Newton has been having troubles with his back legs. He has been losing a lot of bone mass. One back leg can not hold much weight. Some times he hops a long on three paws. The winter was hard on him. We kept the back stairs clear of ice and snow so Newton could go up and down them. We had a few close calls, but he pulled through the winter.
RT has told me that I am to tell him when "it's time." The problem is, I don't think I can do it. I know it's supposed to be the most humane thing to do, but, I can't. I just can't. Newton has been with us through the good and the bad. He has been such a loyal dog and member of our family. I guess I don't want him to leave. I know it's selfish. I know I can't keep him (alive) with me forever. I know he might be better off. I just can't let him go. I can't make that decision.
For now, I am happy to have him around. Even when he is stubborn. He's still cute. Adorable. Cuddly.
He's Newton.
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