To Mushka

You became part of our family on St. Patrick’s Day. We met you at the park in Sedgwick. You came from a litter of at least four others and had the curliest tail and were the most gregarious out of all your siblings. The breeder named you Snuggles I, as stated on the receipt when we bought you. We changed your name to something less cutesy, as there were enough names like Snowball in your lineage. Did you know your name means beauty mark in Russian? We didn’t either when we named you that. We just liked the sound of it.

Before we had you, I thought it was a little funny to hear pet owners refer to themselves as Mommy and Daddy, never thinking I'd be one of "those people". But I never had a pet as special as you and it just fit. Especially since you were our "child" before our child, for 15 years our only "baby".  Our moms even called you "grand-dogger".  You taught me that I would need to be tougher and not give in and spoil our children, if and when we had any.   

We started out feeding you only dog food, but somehow when one of us started giving you people food the other gave in as well. Animal crackers, baby carrots, and Daddy's french fries--oh my! Of course you loved meat, but oh how you would go crazy when I would fix a turkey breast! Like it was catnip for dogs!

Do you remember when we used to run together? You ran 5 miles with me once! And remember running at the park with Grandma and me? How you took a dip in the lake halfway around? You loved to chase geese and squirrels and especially bunnies! Thank you for never actually catching them; although, you did catch baby mice. Whenever we were out walking or running at the parks, people would comment on how pretty you were and ask what kind of dog you were. You sure hated anything with wheels that would pass us by and especially bark at the rollerbladers.

Of course, we had to give all of your toys silly names--Pistachio Man, Chocolate Bunny, Aslan, Super-Carrot, Magilla Gorilla, Booda, Burpee Boy, tennis balls, Mushiball, chewies, rubber duckies, of course "Baby". Daddy even put up cardboard stops around the couch and loveseat so Mushiball wouldn't roll under them and you could keep playing.

What a great co-worker you were! You made my work day much shorter. You came to remind me when I hadn't gotten up in awhile and it was time to take our break together.

Forgiveness seemed to come natural to you. When we stepped on you or had to discipline, you wouldn't hold a grudge.

You were my comfort three years ago during the hardest year of my life, grieving the loss of my mother (the closest bond I had ever known) and the physical distance of the other most important person in my life, your daddy. While missing the two people whom I loved and who loved me the most, you were there. Thank you for greeting me happily so I didn't have to come home to an empty house.

You left us the day after your least favorite day of the year, the Fourth of July. You hated fireworks. Sorry you had to spend your last night so sick and having to tolerate them.

It was a wonderful 15 years having you as a companion. I knew it couldn’t last forever. Yes, you were just a dog, but made our lives so much better. You were only in our son's life for three short months, and I hope someday he has a dog as special as you. 

Jamaica part 1

I had an amazing time in Jamaica and learned a lot! The first pictures include someone helping me pack.

Beef patties--My first meal in Jamaica outside the airport, kind of like fleischkechla without the saurkraut.


I will post pictures of the scenery soon.


Here are the bottles that I made in Kansas and bisque-fired and then fired in Jamaica.

One week ago...

Am also taking a Photoshop class to help get me more familiar with my PS Elements software. I usually only use it to crop and tweak the colors.

Here is my before and after picture using a technique reminiscent of something called the Orton Effect (originally with film). It's supposed to give it a dreamy effect. Can you tell the difference?


Am also traveling vicariously through my friend, Kelly, who is in Germany right now. You can go to her blog here.

My first dog dish

Finally made my dog her own personal bowl. I've been taking pottery classes for 2-1/2 years and thought it was about time. I think she likes it.

The redbuds are coming! The redbuds are coming!

Spent some time in the yard yesterday morning on my day off and cut down the dreaded giant clump of Maidenhair grass. Yes, I have heard all of the tips about the best way to do it such as taping it together, using a chainsaw, etc. As I do not have a chainsaw or hedgetrimmer, I used my lawn clippers. Also plan to use it for mulch and/or put in my compost bin, so I cut it in smaller lengths. It's a messy job, but at least I remembered to wear long sleeves this year and my arms aren't torn up.

Speaking of my compost bin, am happy to report that my little red worms have made it through the winter and will eat my vegetable/fruit scraps and coffeegrounds and turn them into compost. My bin sits in the shade, so it doesn't work like a normal compost pile and get hot. Don't know where else to put it in my yard where it's sunny and inconspicuous, so I let my red worms live in there. Yes, they are the same type of worms used in the book Worms Eat My Garbage. Don't worry, they don't like their picture taken, so I won't post a picture. I still think our pastor ought to write a sermon about compost.

As you can see, the redbuds are about ready to bloom, and I am enjoying everyone else's Bradford Pear trees. Spring--It's the most wonderful time of the year (except for the allergy/pollen count thing)!

Fun with free photo editing

Just discovered http://www.dumpr.net/ which has lomography and gallery editing and still love http://www.bighugelabs.com/. This last one is using their "Warholizer".

20-CMB-08

A couple Saturdays ago, chalk was handed out at church. Paul told us to write 20--CMB--08 on our neighbors' front steps which stands for something in latin and basically means "Bless This House in 2008"

Guess our neighbors and their dog gave us a blessing in their own language instead of latin.

"Good Morning Mushy" Thanks Penny!

"1-800-Da-Bomb lives here"
"I 'heart' my neighbors"

Does this mean you love us or we love you? Oh well, we love you anyways!

p.s. Yeah, I know these photos aren't very good, but it's raining ice pellets and they'll be gone soon.

Dress Up Your Pet Day Part 2

Did you remember that today is Dress Up Your Pet Day?

Sheri, my niece, sent me a picture of Mya which I had to post.


Here's a picture of my dog after she had a bath. Yes, I know it's not a costume, but her appearance is altered.

Dress Up Your Pet Day

In honor of Monday being Dress Up Your Pet Day, I'm posting the only way my pet has ever let me change her physical appearance besides trimming her paws, and I can respect that. She is donning a tie-dyed bandana. This was after we went to "Woofstock", an event to raise money for the humane socieity, a few years ago.



On another note, the kilns should be firing regularly now that the winter pottery classes have officially started, so should have a few pieces to post soon. I did go in over the break while classes weren't in session when I needed a "break from the break". Am trying goblets now.

My fun friday fotos-my dog rocking out

Since my husband and I just acquired fake guitars in order to play Guitar Hero III, I thought it was appropriate to get my dog a fake guitar, also. Her guitar only cost $1 at Target in the dollar spot section.

p.s. I beat Tom Morello on the medium level last night which is quite an accomplishment considering I couldn't get past one song three weeks ago.

p.p.s. It was rather amusing playing the Slayer song while picking the Oriental girl character with her pigtails and little backpack and schoolgirl outfit.

Marley & Me

I finished reading the book Marley & Me this weekend.

A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class, but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his. --John Grogan

Another bunny update

Lately I've only been seeing one bunny hanging around in the yard, but it has a nice hiding spot near my compost bin. The second picture is of my dog trying to get at said bunny.

Dogfessions

You may have heard of the Post Secret blog where people are asked to send in postcards revealing a secret...

Well I found another blog which is right up my alley. It's Dogfessions!!! I just mailed in my postcard yesterday afternoon.


I'll have to wait and see if they post it in the next batch.

Cloudy May Day love

Thank you Melly, Chloe, and Mason for the wonderful May Day treats! What a nice surprize for a rainy, cloudy day!!! As you can see, Mushy liked them, too.

Friends love through all kinds of weather,
and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. Prov 17:17 Message

White

This is my second annual attempt at taking pictures of my dog with the daffodils, but her eyes are always squinted (facing the sun) and we don't communicate with our eyes when we're outside. She listens to me and is usually busy sniffing and doesn't look up.

Photo Friday--Self-portrait

Why is this so hard? This is me, no muss, no fuss.

Macro setting

Macro means large or long. So why do they call it the macro setting on my camera for close-up view? Anyways, I'm in love with it. I've started to become fascinated with the close-up world and all the little shapes and patterns you don't normally see. I am thankful...because this means I can enjoy my yard and garden without it being perfectly pleasing from far away.

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:7


Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10