Sam and Me

It is hard to find a dog as cute and fun as my Sam

He is a very affectionate fellow.

Likes to lick my ears.

All in all, he is a good dog!

Moonbeams

Those who know me well know that I love the moon. Waxing, full, waning - in all of her guises, I love the moon.

Years ago my friend, Ray, belonged to the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee. It was August and my birthday. Ray took me down to the club and walked me out to the the very last dock and sat me down. With our legs swinging over Lake Michigan I asked him what we were doing out there. He said he was going to give me my birthday present, but I had to wait. And, wait we did. It got darker and darker and I was really wondering what was going on. All at once, there she was. A huge, huge moon began to rise over the lake. She took over the whole sky. I had never seen anything like it before. Slowly she rose, her beams shimmering on the water. I was in complete awe. It was a moment of grace. It was the best birthday present I had ever received. Later Ray gave me a moon and star charm on a gold chain. I bet I have worn that necklace more than any other piece of jewelry. I still wear it for months on end. However, it was the gift of watching that golden yellow moon rise over the lake that I treasure the most.

Last week was the harvest moon. Every evening I was out there watching it rise. One morning, up early, I watched her as she started to set. The moon was so beautiful.

During this full moon time I got up to use the bathroom on night around 2am. Sam got up, too, which is rare. So, out the door we both went. And, again, the moon had me in awe.  It was so high up. The light of the moon lit up my yard. I could see very blade of grass. And, the beams seemed to be touching that grass, right in my back yard. I couldn't believe it! I walked out on that dewy grass and stood under a beam. Wow! I was standing in a moon beam. I was mesmerized. I even looked around, thinking there might be fairies dancing! I was once again in a "moon" state of grace.

I believe in signs. I believe in omens. I believe they are all around us if we just are open to them. What did this experience mean? Hmm - I think it meant, to me, that all would be well. I am sheltered in the light. Light of the moon? Light of angels? Light of heaven? I don't know. I do know that I was held, kissed, blessed and loved by that light.

And, for that I am forever grateful.

Rainy Day Plus Thoughts on This & That

Finally, we had a wonderful day of a gentle rain here in northern Georgia yesterday. It had been close to three weeks since our last rain. Temperatures have been in the low 90s and sometimes very humid, especially in the late afternoon. Looks like it will rain most of today, too. I have about a dozen plants to put into the ground. Tomorrow will be planting day.

I have been walking Sam first thing in the morning, before the sun got too high in the sky. We have increased our walks - one end of the subdivision in the morning (very hilly) and the other end in the early afternoon. I'm still out of breath going up that first hill each day, but it is slowly getting easier to climb. Since our morning walks are in more populated area, I have been meeting more people and their dogs. I think most homes here have at least one dog! It is nice to walk and wave and say, "Good Morning!" to my neighbors. This rarely, if ever, happened in Milwaukee. People driving by always wave, too. Ha! Seems the only waves I got from drivers in Milwaukee were the one finger kind!

I have been doing more and more quilting. I finished the Underground Railroad quilt and am plugging away at Jeannie's quilt - only 6 more blocks to go! I started hand sewing binding on quilts evenings, too. But - only small wall hangings as it is just to hot to sit and hand sew anything bigger. The cord that runs from my camera to my computer so I can download pictures was accidentally slammed in the drawer and sliced, so no pictures to post for now. Tomorrow I will go get a replacement.

Electrical work was completed in my new house. Beautiful detailing in my home, but the lighting was awful. Recessed lights are now in my kitchen and hallway along with one over the bath tub in the guest bathroom. The pantry now has a light fixture in it - no more groping in the dark for a can of beans. I need to purchase a fixture for over the kitchen table, but I can save up for it. After years of sitting in my basement in Milwaukee, the antique chandelier is hung in the dining room now, giving me much joy every evening when I turn it on and dim it. The prisms reflect off the ceiling and it is so pretty. I will post a blog entryabout the chandelier as soon as I can post pictures. Once some drywall patch work is completed in the kitchen, it will be painted a cheery yellow and my roman blinds will be hung. I am looking for a new shower curtain for the guest bathroom and then that room will painted. I'm so tired of the "builder's beige" on all my walls! Things are coming together. I love my house.

Next month I will actively start looking for a part-time job. Mainly to help with finances, but also to give me some structure. I am a people person and am finding a need to be around people more than I am now.

Overall, I am doing OK. I am so very thankful for my dog, Sam - he really keeps me going! I miss Phil. I miss my dog, Lucy Lou. I miss my dog - sweet, little Gracie (still cry over her once a day or so). I am not sleeping well at all, but I function. I get up, walk, shower, eat, work on projects, am meeting friends - I think I look and act pretty normal. But, I know I am very depressed. I've had too many losses in a short time. Too many adjustments - selling my house in Milwaukee, purchasing this house, moving, living in a temporary apartment while I still worked full time, driving back forth 5 times (871 miles each way), retirement and saying good bye to friends and a place I have lived all my life - whoosh! It's a lot!

But, there is so much joy in life too. I love watching the birds at my three feeding stations. The humming birds are getting scarce - living for warmer climates, but other birds are arriving. The plants I have managed to plant are thriving. I am making friends and becoming more active in my area. I am in a book discussion group. I am helping to plan a Halloween party for both the kids and adults on my street. I will start hiking now that the weather is cooling down. Sam - silly, goofy, Sam has me laughing all of the time. He is such a good dog.

Life moves on and I plan to move on with it. It all takes time and I realize that. Time. Things are good and will get better. This, too, shall pass.

Southern Living 101

I've been living in Canton, GA now for six weeks. Interesting six weeks and it hasn't all been great (see previous posts). But, overall I am loving my location and the people and I know I made the right decision. However, things really are different here than in Milwaukee.

I purchased a cute little white iron bench for my back yard. It is perfect for sitting on when I throw the ball 5 millions times for Sam. It needed a little touch up, so I was in the garage with a can of spray paint when I noticed a large, black spider on the wall of the garage. It was black. With an orange dot on its back. It was protecting a large white sack (egg sack). I ran in the house and googled Black Widow Spider. Yup. That is what I had in the garage. Armed with my can of cream colored spray paint I killed the spider by permanently painting it and its sack to the wall of my garage! What's a girl to do? The next day I did go out and poked open the sack. I also gave it another dose of paint. Black Widow spiders do not exist in Wisconsin. At least not the type with eight legs.

Black Widow spider (picture taken from the web)

After taking a little break to calm my nerves I let Sam out in the back yard. Going to let him in, I noticed he was playing with what looked like a large piece of cellophane. Taking another look, I saw that he was eating it! I ran outside and did another "girly" scream. There was a HUGE EMPTY SNAKE SKIN on the grass. I got Sam inside - minus the piece in his mouth, grabbed a shovel and threw the skin over the fence. Thankfully, it was a recently shed skin and not the snake itself. Seeing a 4-5 foot snake, skin and all, slithering over my grass right after the adventure with the spider might, just might have sent me back to Wisconsin.

Shed snake skin (picture taken from the web)

I am still amazed at the politeness of the people in Georgia. So far, everyone has been exceptionally friendly and helpful. "Yes, ma'am" and "God bless you" seem to be mantras - and I mean that nicely. Although when talking to one gentleman about adopting shelter dogs he "God blessed me" at least 15 times! That did seem like over kill to me. On the other hand, I could use all of the blessings I can get! Seriously, I have not had one experience of rudeness and people seem happy to take that extra moment to give directions, smile, wish me a good day, direct me to the right area and so forth. People seem nicer down here, although I think this may be my own take on things are there are nice people every where.

Meet Uga, the Georgia State football "dawg"

Football season is in full swing. While I am not a football person, the "dawgs" are popular to the point of mania. Really! They are CRAZY about football - high school, college and professional, although high school and college levels seems to have the edge. It is goofy! I have asked a Wisconsin friend to find both Wisconsin State and Green Bay Packer bandanna's for Sam to wear on our walks on Saturday and Sundays. No offense to my fellow Georgians, but you can take a girl out of Wisconsin, but you can't take Wisconsin out of the girl!

And yes - I am a Georgian. I have my new driver's license to prove it. Next pay check will add my license plates! However, I promise not to turn into one of those drivers on 85 who are using their cell phone and lap top while driving 90 mph!

I am now learning about planting flowers and shrubs. Sue gave me the BEST gardening book for this region, "Easy Gardens for the South" by Harvey Cotten, Pamela Crawford and Barbara Pleasant. Since fall seems to be the time to plant most perennial flowers and shrubs, I am constantly pouring through this wonderful book. I can't wait to plant my pansies in October and my bulbs in November and December! So, very different from what I am use to!

So, to sum it up - so far, so good. I'll keep you updated of my adventures in retirement and southern living - both the good and the bad. I'm hoping the bad it over and only good will happen for a long time!

What Gracie Taught Me

On Saturday, August 21, 2010 I had to put down my beloved doggie girl, Gracie.

On August 1, I euthanized Lucy Lou, my wonderful dog. Lucy Lou was an older girl (see previous post) and in ill health. I had been expecting this day and while it came a few months sooner than I had hoped, it came never the less.

Two weeks later I adopted Sam, my goof ball, 1-year old pup from the local shelter. Gracie hadn't been eating and had been very lethargic since Lucy Lou died. I thought another dog might cheer both of us up. I also knew Gracie was over 10 years old and while she looked and acted like a pup, I figured she still had 4-6 years left. If I got another younger dog now, when Gracie died at a ripe old age, I would still have the other dog. Sam's charm took a few days, but in less than a week, Gracie was returning to her own self and eating again.

They had just started to play together. Sniffing each other and doing some little chasing of each other. While at my sister's house, having a wonderful early birthday celebration, I had both dogs out. While I am still now quite sure what happened, they either collided while running together or Sam jumped on Gracie in play, but whatever happened, Gracie's back was broken.

I knew immediately that she was seriously hurt. Hysterical and crying, I scooped my Gracie-girl up in my arms and ran into the house. Sue called the emergency vet clinic and Marlon and I drove. I knew it was bad. I had heard of this happening with two dogs playing. My worst nightmare came true. They could operate and she might be OK after a long recuperation. The cost would be well over $4,000 and there were no guarantees. So, wrapped in a little blanket, in the same room I had put Lucy Lou down less then 3 weeks earlier, Gracie crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I held her and the vet sat on the floor so she could die sitting in my lap. She pressed her head on my chest, looked up at me and licked my arm right before the injection. My sweet little Gracie was gone.

I won't go into how devastated I am. The sense of "why me?" with losing Phil in May and then two my dogs in less then 3 weeks. That is all my own personal pain. What I do want to write about is all that Gracie taught me.

Gracie was spoiled rotten, pampered, adored and loved.

Gracie was a smart, loving dog. She was half poodle (her smarts) and half Lhasa Apso (her protectiveness). While she could appear very aggressive when first meeting people, within 5 minutes she would be on their lap wanting their undivided attention and devotion. She could do darling tricks and I was still teaching her new tricks. She followed me around into every room and slept in my bed, curled up next to me.

But, what Gracie gave me - what she taught me - goes far beyond tricks.

Never having children, Gracie taught me how to really care for another little life, other than my own. For the first time in my life I had a little soul that depended completely on me. It changed my life for ever and for the good. Gracie taught me to put someone else before my self - a concept I knew and had done before, but now I lived every day. She depended on me. She taught me to be less self absorbed, less selfish.

Gracie's needs came before my own. This was a new concept for me. I couldn't be selfish with her. She needed to be fed, let out, groomed, played with, taught and loved. My life changed. I had to go directly home after work. I walked her, I played with her. I bought her food and treats. She sat next to me on my chair when I watched TV. Gracie taught me responsibility.

When I first got Gracie, I went bonkers. I had little outfits for her, I had winter coats made for her, she had Halloween costumes. She was the "child" I never had. Poor dog. She tolerated all of it. In fact, she knew how adorable she was and the dog clothes and coats made her feel even more like the princess she was becoming. Gracie taught me how to care for another being. She taught me tolerance.

Besides teaching her many tricks, Gracie knew probably between 40-50 words. Play, go get it, sit, stay, dance, bye bye, walk, car, night night, squirrel (her nemesis) to name a few. Plus she knew names of people such as Auntie Susie, David, Daddy, Auntie Mary Sue and momma. Although, I have to admit, Gracie learned fast and was so smart, this all took time. Gracie taught me patience.

Then there is the unconditional love. Gracie and I adored each other. As I walked in my house every night there she was - her little tail wagging so hard she could hardly stand. I talked to her like she was a person and on some level, she understood. She stayed closed to me though much laughter, many tears, my joys and my sorrows - she was always there, never judgemental, always understanding - always seeming to say, "I know, Momma, I know. And, I love you no matter what." Gracie taught me to be kinder, to listen better, to give my love more freely. She taught me not to judge others too harshly.

Pre-Lucy Lou, Gracie went every where with me. She loved riding in the car and visiting people. I joked, "Gracie is here to spread her love and to be adored!" And, she was. Gracie spread her love throughout my family. We are all grieving her untimely death. My friends, too, are shocked and saddened, both for little Gracie and for me, too, knowing how much I loved her. We all did.

I do need to mention what Lucy Lou taught me. Lucy Lou was completely deaf the last 2 years of her life. Yet, it didn't slow her down. She loved her walks, she played and she loved her belly rubs. She still gave great hugs. She adapted. She learned hand gestures and relied on facial expressions. She lived her life. She loved to sniff everything she possibly could and really enjoyed sitting in the yard enjoying the outdoors. Lucy Lou taught me perseverance and how to over come obstacles.

I loved Lucy Lou and now Sam, too (he makes it very difficult not to love him!). They are great dogs and enrich(ed) my life immensely. But, no matter how many dogs come in and out of my life, they will never be my little Gracie.

There is a little stepping stone with engraving outside my front door that I will always strive to live up to. It reads, "May I always be the person my dog thinks I am." When I purchased it I thought of Gracie and how much she gives me and asks for so little in return.

Thank you, Gracie, for all that you gave me and all that you taught me, for all the love and for all of your crazy antics (and for putting up with mine). I know you are with Uncle Billy, Grandma and Grandpa and Phil and they are all giving you belly rubs and telling you just how adorable you are. I know Lucy Lou was waiting to welcome you and while she is sniffing, you are chasing squirrels around doggie heaven to your little heart's content.

I also know when it my time to pass the first spirit I long to see will be you. You, waiting at the door, your little tail wagging and wagging. We will take long walks together, snuggle like crazy and I will give you belly rubs as long as you like, forever and ever.

I love you and I miss you, my sweet little dog.

Butterflies

Last Friday I had the privilege of meeting my blogging friend, Misti. Click here to visit her awesome blog. She took me to a beautiful garden and home decor store called Scottsdale. We enjoyed coffee while drooling over all of the beautiful items for sale as well as the plants outside. The best part was knowing that I now have another new friend "live and in person!"

I had noticed a plant in my neighbor, Shane's, yard that really attracted butterflies. It peeks just over the fence and I would see 6 or 7 butterflies at a time. I saw this plant while with Misti and she told me it was called lantana. Over the weekend I saw Shane and told him how much I was enjoying his lantana and the butterflies and he surprised me by giving me a HUGE pot with two HUGE lantana plants that he did have the time or room to plant in his yard.



While it still isn't in the ground, I have been watering the plant and as soon as the ground is soft enough to dig (please, let us get some rain) it will go under my bedroom window. I will be able to enjoy it from my bedroom and while sitting in my porch. As soon as it was placed, the butterflies started coming to visit.I love this picture that highlights not only a beautiful butterfly and the lantana, but also the dragonfly stained glass pieces I have in my bedroom window.

Today I snapped some shots of the butterflies. However, they were scared off by a furious creature that snuck into my yard. As Misti would say, "RAWWWRRRRR!"

Julie Ann -vs- Crab Grass

It's war.

Me against the crab grass that took over my yard.

I've won in the back yard, but there is a huge battle going on in the front yard. I think I am starting to win the battle, but, boy, it ain't easy.

I'm use to my lush, beautiful grass in Wisconsin. Grass down here is different, but it can look beautiful. My neighbors have great lawns and they, too, have to work at it.

So, I sit on the ground or sidewalk and pull, pull, pull. After the crab grass is pulled, the lawn looks scares. Big, brown, dirt spots. Well - the grass better hurry up and start to fill in. Otherwise - it's next!

SAM, I AM!

Meet Sam, the newest member of my household!

OK, OK - I know I said I would wait a couple of months before I adopted another dog. I know I said I would never have a "boy" dog. I know I said I would never have another dog that sheds (although he won't shed nearly as much as Lucy Lou).

BUT - JUST LOOK AT THIS FACE!

Who can resist this face? I am such a sucker for a handsome face

(George Clooney, move over)

I had been to the Cherokee County Shelter once before and went today on a lark. Took one look at old Mr. Mellow (his stupid shelter name) and fell in love. Brought Gracie back to meet him, got my nephew Paul's blessing, and we are all home.

Sam's "tough guy" look. It doesn't work. He is a mush.

Sam is a terrier mix (where did those ears come from?), about 17 lbs. (needs a few more pounds) and a real love. Sam appears to be completely housebroken and knows how to "sit." He is goofy, lovable and quite a happy fellow. He is approximately 1 1/2 years old.

Gracie doesn't seem so depressed and is starting to eat her kibble again (just in case Sam eats it first). I think we will all be OK.

Doggie Spa Morning

Gracie is feeling a little depressed lately. Well, to be truthful, we both are. It's been a lot lately for us - the death of someone special in my life, the move, driving to and from Wisconsin several times, finally driving down for good, adjusting to retirement, Sally and Amy's visit (a very good thing) and then Lucy Lou's death. Whew! I am surprised we are both able to get out of bed in the morning.

Gracie was looking a little raggy and matted so I called around and got her into the groomers for a complete make over. I wanted her fur cut very short because of the high temps down here lately.

She came back looking (and smelling) lovely. The bows only lasted a short time, but long enough for me to get these pictures.

Even after a spa morning, Gracie still looks sad. She misses her doggie sister, Lucy Lou.

We are both adjusting. We miss those who have passed. Gracie still isn't eating like she should, but we are both doing better. I'm looking into adopting another rescue dog to keep us both company. Life goes on.

But, truthfully, what girl doesn't feel better after a day at the spa? Hmmm, where are the yellow pages? I think I find a day spa and book time for myself - but at a spa for humans!

Gal Pal Visit

On July 25, one day after I finally arrived in Canton and in my new home for good, Sally and Amy arrived for a visit!

Sally & Amy on my porch

We all had a good visit, but we all agree it was very strange.


First, Sally and Amy stopped at a restaurant on the drive down for breakfast and both got food poisoning. So, they were both under the weather for a couple of days. Sally got a UTI on top of the poisoning and we spent a couple of hours at the hospital ER so she could be meds.

It was so hot that the girls, recovering, really didn't handle the heat well. Truthfully, none of us did. Amy spent one night with her sister in Anderson, NC and on Friday left for Nashville to visit another friend. Sally and I just hung out. This included Sally treating me to a pedicure! Something we both love.

Sally getting a pedicure

Unfortunately, Lucy Lou (my doggie girl) started failing on Thursday. On Sunday after dropping Sally off at a midway point between here and Nashville to meet up with Amy, I had to put Lucy Lou down. (A story to painful to write about now.)

But, we had fun including wonderful Armenian dinner at Sue and Marlon's house, Sally cooking a great Puerto Rican meal here, a trip to Helen, GA and many laughs and great conversation. We ate well! It didn't matter what was going on around us, as along as we were together. That is what friendship is all about.

Amy and Sally assured me they would come again, but never in July or August! I'm hoping for Thanksgiving!

Lucy Lou

The Rainbow Bridge

By the edge of the woods, at the foot of a hill
is a lush green meadow where time stands still
Where friends of man and woman do run
when their time on earth is over and done.

For here between this world and the next
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land they wait and play
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness
For here they are whole, their life full of gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care
Until one day they stop, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forwards, eyes dart front and back
Then all of a sudden, one darts from the pack.

For just at the instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past
The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt when they were apart
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever
Then side by side they cross over . . . together.

1998 Steve and Diane Bodofsky

Lucy Lou

Unknown - August 1, 2010

Saying Goodbye - A Surprise

Ellen wasn't at my goodbye party on Friday and I wondered why. Several people couldn't attend because they were cleaning up after the major flooding Milwaukee had the days previous. Later I received a phone message from her that she was working a special duty at E33. Well, E33 was closed to my temporary digs. Guess what? After dinner the whole crew showed up! They stayed only long enough for Ellen to say goodbye and we shared lots of hugs.

Ellen was an adjunct lieutenant for a recruit class years ago at the Academy and I just loved working with her. She is now a captain. I hear battalion chief is in her near future! (And she would have earned it, too!)

Thanks Ellen and the crew at E33! It was a great way to end a great day!

Saying Goodbye Part III - Farewll MFD

I have worked in some great departments in my 32+ years with the City of Milwaukee. I have worked in some awful departments, too. I have met some "interesting" people and I have made lifelong friends. Working for the government has its perks. In over 32 years I have never asked for a raise, had excellent health insurance, never paid more than a few dollars for a prescription, had dental insurance, and great vacation benefits. When my parents were ill and needed my care I used FMLA time, no questions asked. If you work hard enough, promotions were available. I was able to move to different departments, learn a lot within each department and never lose a benefit. I must say that when I worked for the Milwaukee Public Schools I worked for some wacko principals, but overall the experience has been wonderful.

By far, the very best department I have ever worked for is the Milwaukee Fire Department, Bureau of Instruction and Training. Working last 7 years at the Academy has been an honor and a privilege. I worked with hard working, dedicated men and women who really care about the department. The amazing thing is that they put up with me!

My chief asked me what I wanted to do to celebrate my retirement. I said I wanted our annual potluck picnic back in the utility building. Nice and simple and no fuss (at least for me). And, that is what I got. Just what I wanted. I also received a plaque, flowers, lots of chocolate and hugs.

Here are pics of some of the awesome people I had the honor of working with.

With Captain Caroline

*****

Heide and Dave

*****

Chiefs Michael T and Michael

*****

Chris, Dave, John & Mark

*****

Gerard, Dan, Mark and Darrin

*****

My friend Martha and I had a hard time getting together,

so she joined us at the Academy. Martha and I met at DCD

*****

Last but not least, Judy and me.

I loved working with Judy the last 7 years. Thanks for not only being

a great co-worker, but a wonderful friend, too. You're the best!