Snell-Bennett

Videos of Jake

2011-03-19T20:05:00.004-04:00

These are mainly to show the people that helped save Jake, that he is doing well. They are too big to email.

Jake joins us too

2011-03-13T14:47:00.000-04:00

It was not my intent to have two fosters at one time.

I'd been trying to get Jake out of a kennel situation in OK for a couple of months. It's a shame we couldn't get him out sooner, as he had to have it tail amputated just a couple of weeks ago.

He's a good boy, but wants to be the big dog - he and Ollie are working it out.

Poor Little Piru

2011-02-28T21:53:00.001-05:00

We got our first foster of 2011 about a week ago.

She was only supposed to be here a week, until Jake arrived for us (our intended foster).

However this little girl is in no shape to go many places.

She is very scared and almost shut down. She will eat (when no - one is around) and has not snapped at me, and perked her ears up at me yesterday (for this picture). She wants nothing that people have to offer. She doesn't want you to touch her, she won't walk and will not respond in any way. Its very sad.

She has laid (smashed up against the back) in a crate in our dining room for a week with no real response. She's young, but appears to have had no exposure to humans. This is new for me, I'm good with the crazy ones! This girl is the opposite of Mr. Smithey Piston!

Here she is hiding under the deck. She doesn't move anywhere willingly, except to get away from you. I'm not going to talk about the hours it took to get her out from under the deck. In fact we didn't - we gave up and finally Ollie got her out and I tricked her!

I named her Piru (PieRoo). I was calling her RooRoo (like in Winnie the Pooh)

Piru means devil in Finnish... it's the change I hope to see in her.

My response to Old Man Winter

2011-01-31T18:28:00.004-05:00

Lets see... how did I get here?
1. Last month, my 9 year old truck (THAT I LOVE) left me on the side of the road for 2.5 hours in 12 degree weather. Fuel pump went out on my commute to work - so no heat.

2. Then as you can see by the pict below, my Z is unwilling to move with ANY snow on the ground. Lets be honest, it doesn't like wet pavement. I got it stuck, and had to get it unstuck myself!

3. Then I ran over a deer with my Z that has 3 inches of ground clearance and it left meat and blood all over it, and who knows what kind of damage. You can see Ollie enjoying it as some came off in the snow. The night I did it, he was so afraid to get near my car. He was shaking and barking and running around it.

So, what I have isn't working. I've had enough. It's only me, and I need to get to and from work, even with this freakish weather. I've learned how to drive well in the snow, but as far out as I am - I need AWD, and while my truck is great. It's no longer dependable enough with no real help if something goes wrong.

Why a BMW you ask?

Well, I wanted a Ford Explorer, but once Roger found out he could get a BMW for the same price as a Ford, he forbid me from the Ford lot. Plus its diesel, so it gets 40% better gas mileage.

... Now it gets to get all salty and dirty and attempt to dodge deer.

Hatching baby chicks

2011-01-22T18:16:00.004-05:00

My neighbor, Katie got an incubator to try and hatch some eggs this year.

After two years of buying baby chicks, we thought we'd take a stab at this.

If you look carefully, you can see the first cracks in a couple of them.

Well just today (while Katie is away for the weekend) they started hatching.

Two out, three more trying. They can actually peep inside the egg, before they even break the membrane!

"Squat Toilets"

2011-01-21T15:46:00.000-05:00

It was in Russia that Sharon and I first experienced squat toilets, but it turns out that they are common in the Black Sea area as well as parts of Asia.

The first time was very unexpected and came with hours of conversation.

This is a picture of a VERY clean one in a nice gov't building. Most of them have no running water, no TP, no trash can. They are basically a porcelain hole in the ground. Now this may not seem so bad at first, but consider all the things that you might have to do in a bathroom and think about doing them here.

-BUT-

Most of them that we went to were beyond disgusting. Many of the times I had to roll up my pant-legs and trudge through the "soup", because it turns out that for those of us that didn't grow up like this - we don't really know how to aim!

Sharon and I spent quite a bit of time discussing the logistics of these events. It was always and adventure! In Italy you get two toilets - here we get a hole in the ground.

Going on?

2011-01-12T14:15:00.000-05:00

It's been about 6 weeks since I've posted anything.
I always try to post something once a week, but I had decided that it was time for this blog to come to an end.

I've adjusted to life in Northern VA probably the best that I am going to, making much of this life "old news".

However again, I'm getting feedback from close friends and family that it is the only real way they know what is going on in my life.... and that they want me to continue.

I'll finish out my vacation photos while I reconsider, but I think I'm sorta done with this.

Vacation in Review, Day 9 - Sochi, Russia

2010-12-19T12:14:00.001-05:00

We spent the day in Sochi Russia.

Sochi is site of the 2014 Winter Olympics.

We went to check out the Olympic Village.

All around Sochi there is LOTS of construction going on, but it sure seems like there is MUCH to do.

Will they be ready?

There isn't much of an infrastructure.

However, construction is not my first thought. Russians need to brush up on their hospitality.

If they are going to host the WORLD, they need to be more friendly to visitors!

This is also where Sharon and I got a surprise crash course in Squat toilets. That blog is up next!

Eating my way through Boston

2010-12-10T22:21:00.008-05:00

I spent the week in Boston for work, and some of the people I was working with were huge food buffs.
They easily talked me into trying lots of local food.

Flatbread Pizza: I found this to be the best Pizza, I've ever hard.

http://www.flatbreadcompany.com/2007Home.htm
__________ __________________

UpperCrust Pizza: Local favorite, but I liked Flatbread better
http://theuppercrustpizzeria.com/

Bedford Farms: ICE CREAM!
http://www.bedfordfarmsicecream.com/

Roberts Maine Grill: Yes, I went to Maine too - I love Maine
http://www.robertsmainegrill.com/

Mikes Pastry: Have a cannoli!
http://www.mikespastry.com/

Greek Corner: I love, love, love Greek Food!
http://www.greekcorner.us/index.html

Vacation in Review, Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

2010-11-28T18:07:00.001-05:00

I bought Turkish Apple Tea to bring home.

Hooka Pipe?

Along with carpets, pottery is also popular. The is quartz - was nice, but expensive.

Vacation in Review, Istanbul Mosques

2010-11-28T17:49:00.001-05:00

We saw quite a few mosques while in Istanbul. While I tried to be respectful, after the first one or so - I had a hard time listening.

They were impressive and we took off our shoes and Sharon and I covered our heads....

But after awhile we explained to the local (that we had hired) that we really wanted to see something more of Istanbul

Yes, it is true that I had Starbucks in Istanbul. It wasn't for the coffee, it was for the "city mugs" that I wanted to give as gifts. But really, who can go into Starbucks and not walk out with some?

Yes, those of us from Seattle don't really care for Starbucks, but after living in DC now - it's often the best I can get.

Wasn't a great day for taking pictures, dark and drizzly. (Which is a common theme of this trip) Guess that is the risk you take when you go off peak.

We did good for Daisy

2010-11-27T13:36:00.000-05:00

Daisy went to her new home yesterday. It was a bittersweet day.
It's hard to say good-bye to another good dog, but we found her a great home.

Daisy came to us quite scared and in need of socialization. Not used to being in the house and all the manners that go with that. She's made huge progress in the time we had her and even snuck into my heart.

We considered keeping her, but I'm just not ready. I work and commute and am emotionally unavailable to what she deserves.

Congrats to Daisy and her new dad Fred. She's a good girl and we miss her.

Vacation in Review, Let the cruise begin

2010-11-19T21:46:00.000-05:00

The itenerary of our 2 week cruise.

This was on a small ship with some overnight stays.

As many of you have heard, the places around the Black Sea were never on my list. In fact .... some of these places scare me.

When planning this trip with our friends Sharon and Jerry ... I was reminded that it's not always about me. What? Well... when did THAT start?

It's off to a great start, because we just got upgraded to a suite. We had purchased a mid-range veranda, and were HAPPY to be upgraded.

We got a walk in closet, more space, a bigger deck, and a two room bathroom. SCORE!

On our first night on the ship we were awaked to an alarm.

After a few awful sirens the captain came on to tell us that this was a fire alarm as there

WAS A FIRE IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM

He then requested emergency personal to the laundry room.

As I consider panicking, I try to think about how far out to see we are already - should I get up and get dressed? How long do I have before the boat sinks? Is it cold out? Where is my life jacket?

About a 1/2 hour later we were told the fire was out - and all was well.

Yeah right... could you wait and tell me there is a fire 30 minutes before I have to jump?

Vacation in Review, Day 6 - Seattle friends

2010-11-19T21:10:00.000-05:00

On Sunday we were still in Athens and met up with Sharon and Jerry for the rest of our trip.

The 4 of us (well the two of us) have been planning this trip for more than a year.

It was so great to see them.

One last stop in Athens for me was The Zues Temple.

While I'd seen it before, I needed to go again and have a moment by myself to reflect on the things that had changed in my life since I was last here.

It's a nice cloudy Seattle kinda day.

You can see the Acropolis in the background

Goodbye Athens... you are my favorite city.

Vacation in Review, Athens Meat Market

2010-11-13T21:56:00.004-05:00

5 years ago when Spenser and I went to Athens ... I HAD to take my son here.

Why do you ask?

Well as Americans we are so distant from our food, that we forget that an animal gave it's life for us.

I wanted him to know that his food was once a life.

The way that we treat our animals for food in the United States is awful. Feed lots are awful. We should at least be willing to give the animals that feed us a decent life while they are growing for our dinner plate.

I've made the pictures small so not to shock anyone. Click on the picture to see them bigger

This market takes place everyday in a run down barn like structure, that is more than 100 years old

Wow... the USDA would have a field day here. Yet the US food is more unsafe than many other non third world countries.

Why is this?

Vacation in Review, Day 4 - Athens

2010-11-13T20:27:00.000-05:00

I have spent a few weeks in Athens, so we just wanted to hit the sights for Roger.

The Acropolis Rock

The Acroplois from Socratis prison

This is the flag at the top of the lookout on top of the Acropolis.

On top of the Acropolis next to the Parthenon is Erechtheum. The 6 lady marbles are not original and have a history of theft by the British.

The Acropolis at night.

The Temple of Hephaestus (in the Ancient Angora) from the Acroplois

A Greek sidewalk

Me saying "Why are you taking a picture of me?"

Vacation in Review, Day 3 - Sailing in Santorini

2010-11-06T21:51:00.005-04:00

Sailing in Santorini seems like a good idea... right? We brought the first rain in 4.5 months to Santorini. It makes for less stunning pictures, but surely WE know how to take pictures without sun?!?

This is the drive down to the marina

I'd never been sailing and it's well known I'm not a fan of boats. I did this for him. He loves to sail.

Look there is a smile on his face below - ever seen that before? :-)

The red sand beach (out of season = empty)

My toes match the water.

This is wear the guy who feeds the mountain goats lives. This is near a hot (warm) springs - and a hundred mountain goats came down as they saw us come to swim.

After sailing we went down to the fish market on the water to eat for the sunset. This was the kind of place where you went and picked out your fish, they weighed it right there gave you a price - and it arrives at your table. We had really great sordfish (with tomato balls and greek salad)

Visit the Greek Islands out of season - the Island is empty and you can live like a local!

Vacation In Review, Day 2 - Oia, Santorini

2010-11-04T18:47:00.005-04:00

While in Santorini we stayed in a town called Oia, at the North of the Island.

Oia is a very popular spot for the cruise ships. This is what it looks like in October before the cruise ships arrive for the day. By 11 am, you'll want to be off the streets. We rented an ATV, and drove around the Island for the day before it's flooded with people. Here are some pictures we snapped before we got out of dodge.

If you choose to stay in a cave house on the cliff, you will have to navigate some crazy walkways. The better your view - the worse your walk. Roger and I let a young guy carry our luggage and he STILL made it up the steps before us. Our's were uneven cobblestone of varying heights!

We chose Oia for a couple of reasons - but one is that it is said to have the most beautiful sunsets in all of the WORLD?!? The world? Come'on, we weren't so impressed.

I was standing on Oia's boardwalk, this is my view to both sides, with the volcano caldera in front of me.

They like their churches in Greece. There must be one church for every 4 people.

Vacation In Review, Day 1 - Santorini, Greece

2010-10-27T21:15:00.004-04:00

I've just returned from a "Trip of a lifetime" with Roger and our friends Sharon and Jerry.

I met Sharon when she was my boss at Celltech 10 years ago. 2 years ago we all took a trip together and decided to try again!

Roger met me in Athens (he is coming from Afghanistan) After a 5 day trip for him, and more than 35 hours for me - we arrived on the famous Greek Island of Santorini.

Santorini is known for its steep cliffs of white buildings. We stayed in a town called Oia at the tip of the Island... said to have the best sunsets in the WORLD! While nice, Roger and I were not so impressed with the sunsets.

Santorini is what remains from a massive volcano explosion. In the picture above you can see how the center of the Island was blown away, and a caldera that has grown in the center of the Island. It is thought that the "Atlantis" legend is under this caldera.

Our view at night

These are the view from our villa in Santorini. We stayed in a cave house on the cliff with an amazing view of the caldera.

Stay turned ... I have three weeks of pictures to post!

Kidzilla by Nissan

2010-10-02T23:14:00.000-04:00

I love this commercial.
I think its a great concept and that this boy is adorable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in60bGJEzUk

I am SHOCKED by the response of some of the parents. I guess Nissan has received many complaints and parents are blaming Nissan for their child's behavior. Really? Come'on - why is everyone so sensitive?

Roger's View

2010-09-30T16:22:00.001-04:00

Roger is currently at Camp Marmal in

Afghanistan

Its a German base where only Euros are used.

Applesauce again

2010-09-21T21:41:00.001-04:00

Okay, maybe it's time I admit that I've gone too far.

I guess its just a distraction from my boys being gone.

Weck Canning Jars

2010-09-21T21:36:00.001-04:00

So look at these jars! They are beautiful!

They are not cheap, and all the blogs explain that they are more difficult to use and are not for beginners. Please! I can do ANYTHING.

Yeah well ... I didn't do so well.

They do not have the two top system that pings. They are jars that haven't changed since the late 1800s so they have a rubber gasket and glass top.

How do you know if its sealed? The tab on the gasket points down (see pic)

More than 1/2 my weck jars have failed and are now in the frig.

They are beautiful, but what a pain in the ass!

A moment of Zen, Ruined by a Pointer

2010-09-11T12:49:00.000-04:00

I love a nice long HOT bath.
Everyone should have a nice big soaking tub. Last night I was taking a bath, after a very long week at work.
It was quiet and I must have almost been asleep, when....Daisey jumps into the tub on top of me, scaring the CRAP out of me!

I've never had a dog that likes the water, and Daisy loves water. It never occurred to me that she would "join" me. She scared me, and I must have scared her because she jumped out and proceeded to run her soaking wet body through my house!

Basket, Smashket

2010-09-06T15:07:00.000-04:00

I volunteered to create a "basket" for a Pointer Rescue Fund Raiser.

I started out trying to put the toys in a large bucket, but I quickly realized that the basket shrink wrap was more creative than I could muster.

So, here is what I ended up with.

I prefer function over "fluff".

Now I have to send it to Nationals for a silent auction.

I would totally bid on this, wouldn't you?

Yes that is a foot long rubber chicken in a bikini...

Blame it on the HoneyCrisp

2010-09-05T16:09:00.000-04:00

The whole reason I decided to learn to can was because of the HoneyCrisp apple.

Last year I discovered these apples at a local orchard. I've spent 11 months (as have my colleagues) waiting for HoneyCrisp apples. I decided the only way for me to be able to have them all year long was to can them.

I made lots of applesauce and apple butter.

This was alot of work. The apples have to be cooked, and then put through a food grinder.

I've spent all weekend working on this. I now have a more automated food grinder on order.

Apple butter takes applesauce 10 hours in the crock-pot to reduce

The applesauce is really good - the apple butter... is okay, I'll have to see what the critics say.

Salsa, Relish and Pickles

2010-08-29T17:57:00.001-04:00

My First attempt at pickles. These are bread and butter, they were so easy. I used a Ball packet of spices and I'm going to compare that to the recipe my mom made when I was a kid. Pickles have to sit a few weeks.... to pickle.

Then I tried Salsa. Salsa is a bit tricky to do in a water bath (NOT attempting a pressure cooker my first year) !A water bath canner can be used for high acid (tomatoes and pickles) and high sugar (Jams and Fruit)

Salsa needs more acid to be able to be safely canned because of the onions and peppers, so you add ALOT of vinegar.

I ended up with PICKLED AWFUL salsa. I canned a few jars and then added more than a pound of brown sugar to the mix to try to cut the vinegar. I've ended up with a sweet/spicy mix that we are now calling "relish". I guess relish can be what ever you want it to be. I can see this working well on Chicken. I think I saved it.

Note: My neighbor explained to me that you often put vinegar on collard greens and he thinks the vinegar salsa might work really well on greens. I'll gladly give it ALL to him.

I really don't have time for this ... but apples are coming and I've got to get them done before I go on vacation!

How Crazy Daisy spends her days....

2010-08-22T22:53:00.004-04:00

A love-bite for her foster brother.

A little chewing exercise

Bringing her foster Dad his shoes

Basking in the pool

(Yes, I mowed today)

On the butterfly chase

My prince?

2010-08-22T00:11:00.000-04:00

I stepped outside last night (barefoot) and about stepped on this guy.

He scared the crap out of me! He's the size of a small dog!

I screamed like a girl

For my boy, blackbery jam

2010-08-21T10:07:00.001-04:00

When Spenser found out I made Peach jam, he asked for blackberry.

When he found out I made Strawberry, he was a little louder about where the blackberry was.

So blackberry jam I finally tried. I come from a place where blackberry's grow along side the road. And now they want me to pay 4 dollars/quart!?! This is 20 dollars worth of blackberry's! That is absurd!

AND .. these blackberry's were not sweet - they were very tart. I had to add lots of sugar, and in turn lots of pectin. Turns out, my pectin didn't dissolve well, and a couple are lumpy ... another lesson learned.

At this cost, they are going in these little 4oz jars!

Strawberry Preserves

2010-08-08T13:53:00.000-04:00

This was super easy, and I must say...

They turned out so good ... I might not share! Yum!

Roger and I visit Luray Caverns

2010-08-07T12:15:00.001-04:00

http://www.luraycaverns.com

Discovered in 1878

This is an actual reflection

It is estimated that it took 4 million years to make.

Peach and Tomato canning

2010-08-02T22:16:00.001-04:00

Well, I started out with grand plans of jars and jars of peaches.

Turns out, peaches are difficult to make look pretty. We ended up with some peaches, but lots of jam. We (Roger helped) made Vanilla Peach jam and Cinnamon Peach Jam.

White and yellow peaches

Jam making

We then moved on to tomatoes. They were MUCH easier.

End result!

All jars "pinged" and are sealed ... so I think we did it.
It was alot of work, and I made a sticky mess - but I kinda liked it.

I'm trained for this ... kind of, sort of... Okay not really

2010-07-29T21:38:00.000-04:00

I am trained in sterile technique, so I'm thinking I outta be able to figure this out.

I have to get THOSE peaches, in THOSE jars in a way that keeps botulism out of it.

Okay so, I don't know what I'm doing ... but I'm gonna try canning. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

Meet Daisy-Mae

2010-07-29T18:45:00.000-04:00

Our next foster is Daisy-Mae. She is a 5-6 month old lemon/white little girl.

She was with her breeder until she was about 4 months old, and then has been in another rescue situation for the last month.

Her breeder did NOT socialize her. She is timid, but not really scared. It's just that everything is new to her and she has to learn.

She thinks she is the "Great White Hunter". She loves things that fly, and holds a beautiful point.

She loves the water, unlike any pointer I've seen. She lays in it, at times with only her nostrils out.

Transporting a dog by ground and air

2010-07-26T18:43:00.000-04:00

Once in a while I help out with a transport.

This is where we move a dog from one place of the country to another. Sometimes it involves 3 people, sometimes 20. This time it took a bunch of people and A PLANE.

Pointer Rescue had tried to move Waldo twice before, only for such a long transport not to fill. This time a wonderful gentlemen stepped in and offered to fly him from Indiana to Maryland for us.

I was on the Maryland side to pick up Waldo.

When I asked the Pilot "Where you coming to Hagerstown anyway"? He said "No, I just wanted to save people a bunch of driving". He was turning around and going back home.

If I didn't already have a foster coming to my house, Waldo would have stayed with me. He was such a gentlemen.

Thank you to everyone that helped plan, beg, drive, put up and fly Waldo to us.

Forced Early Harvests

2010-07-18T10:19:00.000-04:00

I planted most of the potatoes and onion in these "Grow bags"

The biggest advantages to these should be being able to plant anywhere and harvesting

Since the bugs ate all the leaves off, I thought that I should harvest one of the bags of potatoes. I will leave one bag to see if they can survive.

I dumped them out on a tarp and started spreading it out.

This might be part of the reason my onions didn't make it.

It is the only garden thing he got into.

My bug forced harvest

I might add, these potatoes were fabulous!

More hungry garden pests

2010-07-17T15:25:00.003-04:00

F&!GO*%$!!

Now, what the heck are these bugs? They kinda look like big lightening bugs, the first night they ate all green on my potatoes, and now they've cleared a tomato plant.

Bugs seem to love my organic ideas.

An eaten tomato plant

Eaten Potato plants

I've found that garlic oil (from Costco) with baking soda (for my white powdery mold), and milk seem to work the best.

The problem is that I didn't pre-treat so by the time I realize they are there - they've cleared a crop in one night. I guess I need to just start spraying every few days.

.... Why would you put a nest there?

2010-07-16T21:00:00.000-04:00

Really? You put a nest with 3 baby birds in this small tree, with this at the bottom?

This is what bird dogs do!

Piston goes home

2010-07-16T20:41:00.000-04:00

Piston found his forever home and headed to Tennessee today. It was sad to see him go as we were just thinking about keeping him. Ollie loves Piston

That is Ollie growling. He sounds like he is viscous, he's just playin

Piston's new name is Smithey Piston. I'm told it's because in the south you have to have two first names.

We found him a wonderful home were he will be spoiled and go to doggie daycare. I hope to post some updates on him soon.

It was sad to hand him off today to his new Aunt and family. They were leaving DC from a vacation and are taking him to his new mom.

... Be a good boy Piston. We miss you already.

Today's Haul

2010-07-12T22:42:00.000-04:00

Turns out some day I just might be able to be self sufficient.

Squash - or - Watermelon?

2010-07-12T13:10:00.000-04:00

I need help identifying what is growing in my garden.

Is this acorn squash - or watermelon? I know the little green one is just a small gourd.

Actually... what's the difference between a squash and gourd?

You eat one and not the other?

2010 Baby Chicks

2010-07-11T17:04:00.001-04:00

We purchased another batch of baby chicks. I think there are about 40ish. The post office called me today to ask me if i wanted to pick them up early.

We learned alot about chickens with our last batch. How better to care for them, protect them, and how to get colorful eggs. We lost a couple to dogs and a lot more to foxes, but ended up with many many wonderful eggs.

We purchased quite a variety this time, but it's hard to tell based on the chicks. We purchased white and brown egg layers, green and really dark brown egg layers. Less chickens with "head gear", because they can't see well and aren't the smartest things.

These chicks will be living in the coop fenced off from the big chickens as it is warm enough for them to survive with just some extra heat.

DEATH TO THE GRASSHOPPER!!!

2010-07-04T12:08:00.001-04:00

WTF?

The grasshhoppers have eaten my squash, literally overnight.

Last night when I watered they looked perfect (and I've been harvesting lots!) and between last night and now the grasshoppers have found them!

I have a huge locust investation, this is just a small picture, they are covering my fence, all the tree trunks and anything green I have.

How do I get rid of them? I'd like to be "green" about it, but I'd be up for about anything right now!

If they go near my tomatoes, I'm pulling out the pesticide!

Dog on a bubble point

2010-06-27T21:27:00.003-04:00

As a hunter I should be too embarrassed to post this picture ... but he's still a puppy.

He's pointing ...at a bubble. If you look closely you can see it in the grass in front of him.
(click on the picture to open it - and make it bigger)

In Piston's defense, he does point all things with wings, and he usually has classic point with his front foot up too!

Healing with laughter

2010-06-23T21:54:00.003-04:00

Family,

My sister and niece came to visit me. While they were only here for a few days, they’ve helped me to turn a corner to better emotional health.

While I haven’t shared much of what has been going on in my life (it’s a filtered blog) I’ve had quite a few family issues that have been dragging me down. Emotionally it’s been a tough road for me over the last 6 months dealing with the death of my boy Ripley and issues around children, parents and siblings.

I’d been walking around in a fog when my Sister and Peach arrived, we had such a wonderful time. I hadn’t laughed much in six months, and we laughed, and at times we REALLY laughed. I hadn’t spent much time with my 23 year old niece in a few years and I found her to be SO much fun. She should have been my daughter – she is so much like me. I love her “attitude” it’s mine kicked up a notch. It’s the one I’d have if I didn’t have to work in a professional environment. I’m so proud of how she’s turned her life around, and I hope she’s found the right track.
__________

I’ve not laughed so hard in a long time, from making fun of others to my niece making me laugh so hard I thought I was going to wet myself in a store. From our deviled eggs with bugs in them to my lack of decorating skills.
__________

Thank you both for giving me a few days where I was able to laugh and remember how much fun we Snell’s are. Thank you for giving me a few days where Ripley’s absence was not the root of my day.

Come back soon.

Is it time to harvest squash?

2010-06-20T18:26:00.001-04:00

As we've seen my squash is out of control. I really love squash and wanted to make sure I got plenty. Every few days I cull this bed of all kinds of things. My poor root vegtables don't stand a chance with all this squash.

It seems like just two weeks ago I had flowers, now I have piles of squash - HOW DO I KNOW WHEN ITS READY?

I picked this one, and will be grilling it in a few hours (actually dang it's 630, guess I'll be doing it now!)

Look I have baby goards. Roger was right (again) why did I plant things I wasn't going to eat? I've been very harsh with their culling as they are big creapers, but I've saved a few.

This is kinda cool - I think I need another bed?!?

Piston Update

2010-06-20T11:54:00.002-04:00

Piston is doing well, he's calmed down quite a bit from the crazy hurricane he was the first few days.

Ollie actually really likes him. Piston is rough at times outside.... running over Ollie at full speed.

I did make the mistake yesterday of leaving my sheets on the line while he was out there. I came out to them ALL over the yard.

Meet Piston

2010-06-14T19:09:00.000-04:00

I picked up my next foster yesterday.

I took Ollie with me. For those of you don't know - Ollie hates car rides. He pees, he refuses to get in and he loses his cookies.

We had a choice between two dogs, so I thought best for Ollie to make the decision. But first how to get Ollie an hour away without having to pressure wash the inside of the truck (which is what happened last time he went to visit Bentley).

I tried a few different things - he rode in the front with me, I used the calming pheromones, kept cold air blowing on him and pulled over when he turned green.

He made it!

Ollie picked Piston.

Piston is a really big puppy. He doesn't have much in the way of manners and just wants to put his mouth on everything. He is a big goof and needs constant things to do.

Ollie has enjoyed playing with him, but there are times when a 60 pound puppy should "knock it off", and Ollie doesn't put up with anything he doesn't like.

This meet and greet was alot better for Ollie. He got to play with Piston for a couple of hours before Piston tried to touch HIS STUFF! He still didn't let him touch his stuff .. but he was a little bit nicer about it.

Squash Culling

2010-06-12T15:22:00.008-04:00

I've culled my squash for the greater good. I've taken out AT LEAST 1/2.

I've got baby squash already

Pork... the other dog.

2010-06-08T18:40:00.005-04:00

I dog-sat a colleagues dog this weekend. She was quite entertaining.
Her name is pork, if you listen closely I think we can guess why.

Oh Goodness, I think I over planted

2010-06-08T18:25:00.000-04:00

It's only been a couple of weeks, and my garden is taking over. My sister tells me that I was only supposed to put in like 5 plants.

Not 5 seeds/mound and 5 mounds/row?

Now what?

Garden update

2010-06-02T22:16:00.000-04:00

Before I mowed

First tomatoes

Roger's parting gift

2010-05-31T12:12:00.005-04:00

It takes me 8-10 hours a week to mow.

For more than 2 years I've been mowing this yard while Roger is away. I kept tellin him "I need a zero turn mower" and he kept saying "No you don't, you aren't doing it right - stop complaining".

Guess what happens when Roger had to mow a few months this spring ... he bought a zero turn mower!

It' a bit challenging for me. It's like backing up a trailer, it's different than what my mind thinks should be happening.

It only took me all of about 7 and 1/2 minutes to get it stuck and have to call for help.

Harley Bling

2010-05-30T23:00:00.000-04:00

Well.... it IS a girls bike.

Roger's question was ... why are you putting jewelry on a motocycle?

The chicks hatched!

2010-05-19T21:03:00.001-04:00

This is a story of life.

2 weeks ago we lost many chickens; they were attacked and eaten during the night (probably by a fox).

However during this time we had our first mother that decided it was time to hatch a clutch of eggs. She's been diligently sitting on these eggs for 3 weeks, and she hatched most of them yesterday.

We have no real idea what these mongrel babies will look like. We had (and lost) many different breeds and she was sitting on more than her own eggs. It’s not obvious to us novice chicken breeders what these chickens will turn into. Color of down does not seem to correlate well to color of chicken. We do know that we have one with “head gear” because he/she already has a pompom on it’s head. It’s also orange, and we lost all our orange “head gear” chickens.

So maybe, just maybe we have a small piece of our favorite chickens that we lost. It makes for a good story about life.

We also have 39 new chicks coming on July 11th … stay tuned.

Audrey's trip to Harpers Ferry

2010-05-17T19:24:00.000-04:00

Audrey came to visit for a few days. She spent 2 days in DC wondering around, then we went to Harpers Ferry.

It was Roger's first time too! I've been there so much (I take everyone here) that I didn't realize he hadn't been there.

Eggs of all sizes and colors

2010-05-13T17:32:00.001-04:00

We are getting a variety of eggs. We just happened upon these two extremes. One is a green egg that looks like it came from an ostrich (it ended up being double yoked) and there other appears to be a first egg from a Bantam chicken. Notice another smaller yellow one in her hand.

We get mostly normal size white, tinted (green) and shades of brown.

We recently lost about 1/2 our chickens to a fox. We will be getting new babies in July. These eggs are wonderful.

My sister will be here next month .... Oh I can't wait to have her slaving away on deviled eggs.

A Tree for Ripley

2010-05-02T19:51:00.006-04:00

I want to plant a tree for Ripley.

I wanted to plant a tree in our yard with some of Ripley's things and maybe Ripley's ashes. This would be a tree that would grow and be nourished by Ripley and/or his things. It would also be the tree where we place his rock.
-----------------------------------------------------

I've been searching high and low for the right tree. I thought I wanted a big, strong (and expensive) tree, but it turns out that I think I found "the right" tree right it in our back yard.

Last year I planted a bunch of saplings - I even posted them.

http://snell-bennett.blogspot.com/2009/04/its-sapling-garden.html
----------------------------------------------

This year one of these trees is standing much taller than the rest. As I was standing there watering them I realized that this should be Ripley's tree. Ripley was there while I planted it, and it survived him peeing on it. It seemed like Ripley was already a part of it.

Once I find a place for it - I'll be moving it, making a spot for it and burying Ripley's things under it.

Anyone know what kind of tree this is?

Ollie ... drunk happy.

2010-05-02T19:36:00.001-04:00

Ollie isn't often happy - but I snapped this picture of him today while I was planting. He'd eaten so much chicken poop from the garden that he was slap happy.

His shirt is for a medical issue - not becuase we like to dress our dog.

Spring planting

2010-05-02T19:11:00.012-04:00

I've been wanting to put in a garden, but with Roger gone over the last couple of years - it was just more than I thought I could handle.

I love these boots!

Since he is home this spring, I decided that maybe this year I could manage it. We have mostly clay so I wanted a raised bed. Roger (the practical one) wanted to just nail some board together, but I really liked these cool brackets and after some hounding ... he finally gave in.

For the last couple of weeks I've been working the soil. It's a mixture of clay, leaf mulch, peat and the stuff I pulled out of the chicken coop yesterday. The idea was to use top soil, but instead of 3 yards of leaf mulch and 2 yards of top soil, they delivered all leaf mulch and I decided to improvise.

As I was planting this evening (in humid 90 degree weather) I realized that I have not had a garden since I was a child. Actually probably since I was about 8 years old. Now, I've grown tomatoes, and I once did potatoes in a tire. It’s hard to get things to grow in Seattle with all the shade and such a short growing season.

I’d already planted my onions and potatoes a few weeks back, and I decided to do these in these new grow bags.

Look I already have potato greens coming up!

And for the 3rd year in a row I’m doing my upside down tomatoes in buckets

It's kinda cool to think that these seeds will become food.In the garden I planted Carrots, Beets, Watermelon, Cucumbers, Squash, and Gords

They don't just make eggs...

2010-05-01T21:21:00.000-04:00

We have been enjoying loads of fresh wonderful eggs. We are having to give them away.

They don't lay in those boxes very often. They prefer to lay in the bench or in the corners under the perch. They want us to have to hunt for the eggs.

However, eggs are not the only thing that chickens produce. It was time to clean out the chicken coop.

I'm preparing the garden and planting my tomato upside down plants - so I thought it was a good time to put the manure to use.

I can't get a tractor in there, so I had to shovel into 5 gallon buckets and then dump it over the fence. It's only 85 degrees out. It actually wasn't so bad, just hard on the lungs and eyes with all the ammonia.

Here you can see some of the chickens out the door. They weren't happy I made them all leave.

A Sad Goodbye to Snohomish

2010-04-16T19:39:00.001-04:00

We sold our house in Snohomish. We've been trying to sell it for more than 3 years. Funny thing ... when you give it away, everyone wants it.

It cost us alot of money, and it comes bittersweet. Selling this house will get my husband home from Iraq...

This house is where we became a family, and where we brought baby Ripley home.

It's where my son grew and became a man. Here are his height marks on the wall.

Selling this house is a huge weight removed from us. I feel like "we held on till the bottom". We kept saving to pay the difference, but it was sinking faster than we could save.

It finally took a good turn of Biotech to help us.

I'm saddened to lose my connection to Snohomish. To lose the house that is 2 miles from my sister, and 10 miles from my brother. Hopefully as I no longer make these payments I will come to appreciate it more.

Maybe I'll just go buy an MDX to make myself feel better. :-)

Jamestown Settlement, 1607

2010-04-13T21:38:00.003-04:00

"In the Beginning, All America Was Virginia."
- William Byrd, 1732

"In 1607, 13 years before the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts, a group of 104 English men and boys began a settlement on the banks of Virginia's James River. They were sponsored by the Virginia Company of London, whose stockholders hoped to make a profit from the resources of the New World. The community suffered terrible hardships in its early years, but managed to endure, earning the distinction of being America's first permanent English colony."

They came in on 3 very small boats (it took 4 months)

I hope she is a better navigator than her father and I.

The making of a fishing net.

Erika at the Battlefields

2010-04-10T22:46:00.002-04:00

Roger and Erika went to Gettysburg Battlefield.

and I took her to Manassas Battlefield.

It's a RedNeck party.

2010-04-09T12:59:00.001-04:00

The neighbor threw a "Redneck Birthday Party"

The hostess

The dinner

The band (and livestock)

The appetizer

The drinks

The Birthday boy in stripes (it was a suprise)

Spenser and Erika visit Washington's Home

2010-04-06T17:08:00.008-04:00

Spenser and Erika went to Mt Vernon for Easter.

http://www.mountvernon.org/

Washington's Distillery

A Sunny Sunday Ride

2010-04-04T21:18:00.000-04:00

I put in 30 miles today (in 2 trips).

We also got Erika on the back with Roger.

Angie's first ride.

2010-04-04T14:00:00.000-04:00

So I've been out on my motocycle 3 times now.

The 1st time I did about a mile on gravel, and I was scared to death.

The second time I did 3 miles on gravel and pavement.

Last week I did 16 miles on the real road. Only had two close calls, and one that really freaked me out a bit. I did get up to about 45 mph and in 3rd gear.

I'm way freaked out. I have a hard enough time keeping 4 wheels out of the ditch!

Ed Foster, our friend.

2010-03-26T17:22:00.006-04:00

Our friend Ed Foster was murdered in Yakima on Tuesday.

He was beaten during a robbery at the store were he was a clerk.

Ed was 70 years old.

We met Ed because he purchased Ripley's sister from us, and later adopted Ripley's mom Kate and gave her a wondeful home for her last couple of years. Ed had to have Kate put down this past fall.

Spenser spent a week or two in the summers with Ed and went to a camp at the Vashon Sportsmen's club on Vashon Island. Ed took the week off work to help the next generation learn about firearms, safety and conservation. We often went out to the club to shoot and hang out with him.

Ed retired a few years ago from his software job and moved to Yakima.

The man that murdered Ed is now in custody, thanks to surveillance video.

Ed, Thank you for your friendship - and the mentoring you gave my son.
We will miss you.

Bentley's Forever Home.

2010-03-22T21:16:00.004-04:00

Bentley actually went to his forever home 2 weeks ago. We went to visit him this past weekend.

He and Ollie had a good time "catching up"

This is Ollie meeting Bentley's new best bud "Trooper"

Bentley now has 4 new brothers. Sam: a 16 year old pointer, Morgan: a 12 year old pointer, Joey: a 5 year old blind Maltese, and Trooper a 2 year old blind GSP pointer

Bentley's "job" is to become Troopers eyes, and his best buddy throughout their lives. Their mother already reports that Trooper is much more confident when running next to Bentley and that Bentley already comes back to him to play.

Actually ... it sounds like they rough house all the time!

Bentley's job was to help me find a way to start healing after losing Ripley. He was a good boy and we quickly fell in love with him. He was alot like Ripley. I knew if Bentley didn't go to a new home within the next week or two, that he wasn't ever going to go anywhere.

He's in a great situation, and I couldn't be happier for them all.

Be a good boy Bentley
and thanks for helping me to smile again.

... and so we are again "stuck" with the screwed up one. Who I might add caused us to stop at a car wash on the way home to pressure wash out the INSIDE of the truck.

A Boston Bean Pot

2010-03-17T09:45:00.003-04:00

While in Boston, I started to see these Bean Pots around so I to research them.

Rumor has it that THIS is the way you have to cook baked beans ... that this pot makes the difference.

So imagine how thrilled Roger was when I told him that he had to take me back to the Inn so that I could buy a 50 dollar pot to cook beans in. :-)
I now have an official Boston Baked Bean pot ... and a recipe book with 75 bean recipes. I'm finally excited to cook!

The Oldest Operating Inn in America

2010-03-16T22:03:00.000-04:00

Longfellows Wayside in Sudbury, MA has been operating since 1716.

Much of the Inn remains original and feels like it is 300 years old.

They have a small bar, and several small rustic dining rooms as well as updated rooms.

The food wasn't great, but it was a nice atmosphere - and I bought my "Original Boston Beat Pot" there.

http://www.wayside.org/about

The Inn also operates a Grist Mill. It's not even 100 years old (it was rebuilt to resemble the original)... but it's kinda cool looking.

Fenway Park

2010-03-12T11:38:00.001-05:00

Roger and I are spending a few days in Boston. I've never been to Boston - but Fenway Park was on the top of my list of things to see.

They are replacing the field at Feway right now, so I didn't get great pictures.

(There was an ice rink in the field)

But I did get to sit in the Green Monster seats

As well as to sit in the oldest seats in all of baseball.

Outside the park.

Loudoun on Top Again

2010-03-07T21:41:00.000-05:00

Loudoun Co is again the wealthiest county in the nation.

http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/108999/americas-richest-counties

I need to move.

Dogs don't need clothes

2010-03-02T10:41:00.006-05:00

Everyone knows that I am not a fan of clothes on dogs.

We have a hunting neoprene vest that we've used (we used it this year when we had Bentley out in the snow), and some use them for protection while hunting.
--------------

But dogs have their own coat, and don't need clothing.

Well, let me eat my words .... again.
-------------

We've been dealing with a hot spot on Ollie for months now. He scratches it with his foot so a big collar won't help. We got him a shirt to cover it, and to keep medication on it.

It's kinda cute ... it's a baseball jersey.

Saved by the Bulldozer

2010-02-13T18:41:00.000-05:00

Right after our neighbor dug us out - Blizzard #2 in a week came through, and we were stuck again.

This wonderful man came and bulldozed us out.

This second storm brought us another foot of snow, and WIND.

It was difficult to be outside with the cold temps, and the wind.

Spenser and Roger are jealous

Our Hero's

Spenser is 6'1"

I sat in the car for awhile while they were dosing .... dreaming of driving home.

No dozer here - just a drift. in the backyard.

Thank you to the wonderful people that helped us dig out ... twice.

Hey look - it's snowing again.

2010-02-09T23:42:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's true.
We haven't dug out from the Blizzard and it's snowing again.
We are due 12-20 inches overnight and into tomorrow.

We expect to be without power, this is a nastier storm. I'm off to fill my bathtub ... again.

The digout

2010-02-08T00:07:00.003-05:00

Our neighbor came down the driveway with his very large truck with a lift kit.

We are hoping to get another neighbor to plow our driveway tomorrow, but today it was all by hand. If we don't get a plow, we are either going to have to dig this by hand, or hire someone.

It took most of the day to dig out the truck, the car and an area to turn around.

I'm thankful to dig these out. We were only without power for a few hours.

Oh yeah, and we've just been told that we will be in ANOTHER winter storm warning starting tomorrow. Another few inches is coming.

.... and then the sun came out.

2010-02-07T23:08:00.003-05:00

We recieved about 38 inches of snow... as soon as it stopped - the sun came out

We worked hard to keep much of the front walkway, and the deck (for the dogs) clean. At 2 inches/hour - its a chore. We even had "Thundersnow". I didn't know such a thing existed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thundersnow

This is the two cars ... again.

This is a tree in our front yard.

Now starts the digout

In the midst of a Blizzard, not done yet.

2010-02-06T14:06:00.003-05:00

This is at about noon, that is our 3 board farm fence, and the snow is up to the top board. I am standing on the deck.

This is our two cars.

The Z is under this snow. You can see a small hole where the tire is.

The snow is deeper than it looks, I'm not standing on the ground.

Bentley doesn't mind the snow so much, so he got the neoprene vest. While it's a little deep for him now, he was having fun in it last night.

It is not uncommon for me to do things a little crazy without thinking it all the way through...

I laid down in the snow, and Bentley jumped on me. I then realized I couldn't get up with him on top of me.

I then realized that I was going to have to roll over into the snow face first to try and right myself. In 3 feet of snow! Then he jumped on top of me.

I really like this picture, Roger caught a nice action shot as we were running in. That post behind me is sticking 5 foot out of the ground.

We are keeping the deck shoveled.

We were without power from 6am until about 11am, but we are back in buisness. We raced around washing dishes and filling the water bottles/buckets and tubs. We don't have water when we don't have power.

We are totally snowed in, as even the tractor with the plow can not get through snow this deep.

It's a snow of a lifetime .... again.

2010-02-05T15:13:00.000-05:00

On Decemeber 19th we were told we had a "Snow of a lifetime". We were told that its the kind of snow DC gets only once in a person's lifetime.

(This was at 2, an hour after it started)

So why now, less than 2 months later am I getting ANOTHER snow of a lifetime?!?
What ... have I lived 2 lifetimes in the last 54 days?

We are expecting FEET of snow. Stay tuned. If I keep power, I'll post pictures.

Bentley has already had enough of the snow shovel, he keeps taking off with it.

Meet Bentley

2010-02-03T15:15:00.000-05:00

We like to give our English Pointers, English names.

We looked up towns, castles (like Ripley) and finally settled on an English car.

He's so happy to have a yard to run in, probably has a couple of months of shelter confinement to make up for.

He's very sweet, and loves people and to play.

He likes to take out EVERY toy.

I need a name

2010-01-31T21:06:00.001-05:00

We've taken in our first foster in 5 years.

I wasn't willing to do any more foster's "to" Ripley.

While I'm not ready to get a new dog, we thought this seemed like the right thing to help me with Ripley's loss.

He's a Liver/White English Pointer, and 10 pounds underweight. He seems to have a really good personality.

He needs a name.... any Ideas?

Roger's new ride

2010-01-23T18:06:00.000-05:00

Now that Roger is back in town, it's time for a new vehicle.

We love the truck dearly - but at 8 years old, and 120K miles we thought it was time to park it. There are times when we still need a truck, and since we can't buy one like it - we thought we'd better start to baby it.

I wanted a crossover/SUV - Roger wanted a comfortable car.

Here is what we settled on.

Ripley's Rock

2010-01-14T22:00:00.010-05:00

A few weeks back I ordered Ripley a memorial rock.
Ripley was my "rock", and I found it fitting for me to have a "Ripley Rock" forever.

I left much of the layout up to the designers, as we can imagine all rocks are different. I gave them a blank slate. "Here is what I want it to say, here is the font I want it in ... create me something special for my hunter."

They gave me a special rock, and did a great layout job.

This rock is beautiful... but as anyone that knows Ripley knows - Real Pointers have tails. They mistakenly gave me the German Shorthaired Pointer, not the English Pointer.

I have to send it back to get him a tail - but I wanted to share it with you all.

I would highly recommend them, as this work is outstanding. The rock is about 2 inches thick with very deep engraving. (Click on the picture to see the details)

http://www.engravedstonesdirect.com/

... and somehow I feel a bit of piece.

Green Eggs for Christmas

2009-12-25T15:44:00.003-05:00

We have several chickens that lay colored eggs.
We had not yet recieved any colored eggs and had been eargerly awaiting, you don't know what color they will lay until they start (Blue,Green and Pink).

Today, for Christmas, we got GREEN EGGS! Two green eggs amongst our white and brown.

Reindeer for Ripley

2009-12-25T13:08:00.000-05:00

Ripley loved this big Reindeer. He played with it all the time.

I bought him a little Reindeer a few weeks back for Christmas, I just didn't get to give it to him.

Ripley was our entertainment at Christmas for the last few years. We are struggling through this Holiday.

Ollie's gotta go out, even in a Blizzard

2009-12-19T18:21:00.003-05:00

DC is having record setting snow. Ollie and I are riding out the snow, but I had to shovel him a spot to go potty.

The snow was about 1/2 way up my thigh, and it still had many hours of snow fall.

Ollie was happy to have a spot that he needed, but now he is ready to go back in.

He learned this from Ripley. When you really want a door/gate to open - jump as high as you can.

Our patio table. This was about 4pm.

We are due to have about 2 inches/hour until 9. Its now 6:30, and I'm going to have to go out in the dark and re-shovel Ollie's area.

I brought Ripely home... one last time.

2009-12-17T21:42:00.000-05:00

I made arrangements for Ripley to be cremated. Today I picked up his ashes.

As they handed me the box, my heart sank, as I got into the truck I hugged the box and burst into tears .... again.

The sticker on the front of the box said "Ripley Snell". I cautiously opened the box. On top was a certificate of who prepared the box, and what was in it, along with a card. There was a simple (but nice) wooden box in a velvet cover. I pulled out the box, and took it out of the velvet cover. I tried to open it – but it appears to be sealed shut. I didn’t force it. They did a wonderful, respectful job.

Reality is so painful, but I’m happy to have him home.

Remembering Ripley

2009-12-06T11:15:00.010-05:00

We lost Ripley yesterday morning unexpectedly. . He had a series of heart attacks, and while I was trying to figure out what was wrong, and his long term prognosis his last gift to me what not making me have to choose.

Ripley was my baby. When you don't have children to nurture you replace that with pets. In all the time that Roger has been gone, Ripley was my constant. In my time here in Virginia - Ripley was my rock.

Spenser and I picked Ripley up when he was 11 weeks old. His breeder thought he was not interested in birds....

We left with no real understanding of what having a pointer meant, and no desire to hunt. Our goals were short hair, medium size and no real emotional or health baggage. We struggled trying to find the perfect name for him. Roger decided that he needed an English name ... since he was an English Pointer. He pulled out a map, and found "Ripley's Castle".

This picture inspired his registered name. He was the king of our castle, and he became "Sir Wesmor's Ripley"

We were amazed at this dogs interest in things that flied. He would point at fly's and bees for long periods of time. His energy was never ending, and he inspired us to learn to hunt. Not for us, but to watch him work. He became an amazing hunter. He was never more happy than in the field.

He became our faithful traveler, and we took him everywhere.

He was our entertainment.

He hated this hat ... every year.

What you don't see in this Rubber Duckie picture are his 6 siblings below him that are unable to get on the deck, he stole the duckie from him, and is very proud.

He was our tigger that could jump 6 feet strait up.

We all confided in him....

For the last two years I spoke to him more than any other living thing. I decided it wasn't really a problem so long as he didn't start talking back.

There are so many things I already miss about him. He was SOOO proud of himself to roll in horse manure, I'll even miss him peeing on everything.

As I begin to grieve for him I have many questions.

While his last few hours were not easy for me to witness, I knew he had been happy. I didn't want to have to watch him suffer, and I was never sure how I could make that decision. He is gone from us too soon.

I'm left with wonderful memories, but with a huge feeling of emptiness. I'm left with Ollie - the second rate dog that I got for Ripley's companion. Ollie has never been alone, and he too is lost.

Everywhere we turn Ripley is engrained in our lives. He is everywhere in our home, and we are struggling to find our direction, we've lost a member of our family -

and I've lost my best friend.

DC's four seasons

2009-11-30T19:49:00.005-05:00

I've now experienced each season here twice. I thought it seemed liked a good time to reflect on how I feel about them.

Fall
Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cooling from the hot summers, the crisp air, the leaves, and lots of apples. I enjoy that I can take my dogs out for a run without them getting heat stroke. The dogs love that I can take them places in the truck with me.

Winter
Sucks. I've found nothing worth while. I live in a Valley and have a constant 30 mph wind (sometimes MUCH higher). It's cold, its dark, and the trees look dead.

Spring
In Seattle I never really noticed spring. Here I spend 2 months watching the trees bud. It's my first sign that the end of winter is in sight. I "will" the leaves to come, and enjoy a bit of thawing warmth. Of course we have the Cherry Blossoms, but I find the unraveling of green leaves just as exciting. We often have babies born around farm life as well. Spring bring lost of yard work/Farm work, and I really kinda like it.

Summer
The summer's are hot. They can be quite miserable, but I have found things to appreciate.
Food grown in the hot sun has much more flavor, then the crap we get in the Pacific Northwest. I love to pick a warm tomato off of the vine in my yard. I enjoy the warm nights, to sit out and watch the sun set.

So what... Now I'm a Harley Girl?

2009-11-18T14:12:00.003-05:00

My husband just bought me this bike. YES THIS BIKE.

This model, this color!

Did I want a bike, I'm not sure. We did go sit on them a few months back, and IF I was going to ride these were the ones that would work the best for me.

I'm a bit afraid, he promises me that he will be patient and not be mad at me if I chose not to ride. He said that it will just be another one he can ride. ;-)

It won't arrive for a couple of weeks, I just don't want to be a "Harley Girl"

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

2009-11-14T19:24:00.004-05:00

Well here at our house, it was the chickens.

(One of our roosters)
Back in March I recieved 32 baby chicks, and they finally have started to earn their keep.

(Our bird dogs favorite food)
When they didn't start laying this fall ... we assumed we weren't going to get any eggs until spring, but the chickens decided they were ready. They are really small, but should get bigger as they get more comfortable laying.

I didn't buy "egg layers", so they aren't willingly giving up their eggs. Turns out they hid most of these, and we've just now realized we have to dig for the rest.

My most recent Seattleites

2009-11-07T20:27:00.012-05:00

My Sister/Brother-in-law and friends (Clarence and Lynn) were here last week.

They did the White House tour. Did you know 2 Million Americans are on the wait list?

I really enjoy people coming to visit. Giving my family and friends the chance to see our capital is good - while it doesn't make up for being away from home - it counts for something.

It's been a long year for me. Work is good - but between working, commuting and taking care of a house and yard I was burnt out. I thought I needed a vacation (it's been more than a year) - I think all I really needed was to laugh.

There isn't alot of laughing that goes on there anymore. Spenser makes me laugh - but he is gone most of the time. Having these 4 very entertaining people here ... made me laugh. It was alot of lots of fun.

Within no time I could feel stress leaving my body.

I just needed to laugh ... thank you.

I feel better. :-)

You're welcome back any time.

My commute on the front page of MSNBC

2009-11-06T09:09:00.003-05:00

Montgomery Co, MD has had some traffic light issues causing havoc during our commutes.

90 minutes turning into 2+ hours each way ... will make a person cranky.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33695476

6th inning of the World Series

2009-10-31T23:31:00.001-04:00

AND IT'S 11:30 at night!

This whole East Coast things sucks when it comes to sports. Am I not supposed to sleep during the playoffs?

It's a good thing I get an extra hour tonight.

A pillow's last moments

2009-10-28T21:21:00.004-04:00

Ripley is a wonderful dog ... right before my guests from Seattle were to arrive he destroyed a pillow.

Why?

What makes him decide he can't let the pillow live any longer?

Notice the "Snow Angel" where his tail is wagging.

It's a work from home day.

2009-10-19T18:45:00.003-04:00

And the dogs are really happy about that.

Ripley making sure I don't get up

We've had some really nasty cold weather, they were happy to soak up some sun.

Expecting People in Purcellville

2009-10-10T10:33:00.006-04:00

As I'm being reminded, I'm not blogging.

Work is very busy right now and outside of working/commuting my days are spent on course work or spent shoveling horse manure, mowing, filling Ollie's holes, and just general outside fall care.

Apples are in season, and they are my second favorite food. My pear tree was overproducing and on the verge of breaking the limbs so I ended up feeding much of them to the horses, goats and chickens.

Roger is due home on Tuesday for a couple of weeks. It's sooner than we had planned which is great - but will make the next separation MUCH longer. Then the following Tuesday my sister/brother-in-law and some friends of theirs are due in. They will be mostly sight seeing, with big plans for DC. I will show them how to use the metro - then they are on their own.

I'm sure I'll be posting some fall pictures soon - cause it's the best time of year here.