Riley - 6 months

Riley recently turned 6 months old. He is really a great part of our family. We've been attending "good manners" classes for 3 weeks and Riley is doing great. His classmates are two toy poodles. Just between us, I'm pretty sure Riley is gifted. He's just so good at sitting and lying down on cue! On Saturday, we had some unexpectedly nice weather and we spent most of the afternoon outside. Riley loved running around, chewing on frisbees and chasing tennis balls. This evening, he's been especially sleepy. I can't wait for spring!

Shingles Schmingles

We're always thankful for the roof over our heads, but this past week, the roof just got better! In just a little over one day, our house went from aged reddish roof to new "natural timber" roof. Love it! Another reason to never move. Hear that David? Never move?

You Might Not Believe Me Without Pictures

I saw this thought-provoking statement on a law firm's sign. I thought it was kind of funny. It's slightly less inspirational if you think of it as "Don't look where you fell, but where you slipped so you'll know who to sue."
One day last week, I'd gone home to check on the dog at lunch. On my way back to work I saw the horse and rider near Fremont and Battlefield. If you're familiar with my town, you'll know that that is no place for a horse. Very strange! The rider looked kind of like the Yellawood guy. Hmmm......

A Home for Holly

Today Holly has a new home. I will miss this sweet kitty who adopted our yard as her new home back in October. One cold night, Outside Kitty as she was then known, stood looking in the back door at the warm, cozy animals inside. I couldn't stand it. She became Inside Kitty and then Holly. I really didn't intend to keep her, even after she was spayed and caught up on her shots at the vet. But, I didn't try very hard to find her a new home. On a good day, our other two cats tolerated her. On a bad day, I woke up to the sounds of cats fighting - and not in a playful way. Despite Holly's sweetness, it just wasn't working to have a third kitty. So sadly I e-mailed friends and family, seeking a new home for Holly. Our good friend Patty responded. Her mom's cat had recently died, and her mom was looking for a new kitty. It was a good solution to several problems. Patty and her mom picked Holly up today. I tried hard not to, but I will have to admit to shedding a tear or two. I'm just crazy about that cat. Unfortunately, Henrietta and Gracie did not agree. Now Holly has a good home with no other cats and one dog. Her new person will be home more than we are and will love her just as much as I do. And, Patty will even keep me updated on Holly, now Blondie, and all her activities. I'll miss you sweet Holly!

Summer Camp

For sometime I have had this idea for a camping trailer. I love camping and we usually combine a camping trip with some other activity, i.e. kayaking, bicycling, hiking, off roading, geocaching, etc…

What I hate is the preparation of such a trip. Usually starting three or four days prior to a weekend trip, I start collecting and packing the equipment we will need. The camp stove, tent, kitchen utensils, camp chairs, potable water, kindling wood, sleeping bags, the list goes on and on. Like I said; I love to camp but I also don’t want to go without any of life’s “Necessities.”

Some time ago, I came up with the idea that I wanted to build a camping trailer. Have all the things that you need already packed away and just waiting to head out. Add soda, beer, water, food for the weekend and hit the road… just that simple.

This is the beginning of what I hope will be our key to more camping trips, better equipped camping trips, and less preparation time before camping trips.

This is how the little trailer sat the day I brought it home.

This is how she sits after some axle work to get better ground clearance. As with everything, building this trailer will be limited by time, money and my creativity.


Now where did I put that winning lottery ticket?

To see some other ideas for getting out and camping without really “Roughing it” check out the Forum at the Expedition Portal website: http://www.expeditionportal.com/

dd

10,000 Miles and Counting

Back in July of last year I purchased a new Toyota Tacoma pick-up. There was a short post regarding the new vehicle at that time. Six plus months and about 10,000 miles and I couldn’t be happier. Toyota has received a ton of negative press recently but neither our Rav4 nor the Tacoma have been the subject of any recall. If I were a conspiracy theorist… I would swear that our Federal Government now owning the majority of General Motors has something to do with the upcoming senate hearings about the safety of one of their biggest competitors – Toyota. Na… couldn’t be.

The Tacoma sits a bit taller now thanks to a suspension upgrade. A few other changes are in the works as money and time allow.

dd