Sunday 2/12

[BirdbyBird]

It is Sunday and time for Rowan's puppy party. Jane's breeder, Cindy is driving down from Columbus and Bill and Lyn are coming up from Louisville, KY. I am picking up Subway sandwiches to order. Puppy evaluation parties are generally held within 1-2 days of a litter of puppies turning 8 weeks old. It is thought by breeders as one of the best points in a puppies growth to compare proportions and angles to what they might grow to be as adults. Some things like how their "bites" come in (when their adult teeth come in - for English Cockers the standard says scissor bite) at about 5-6 months and for the males that both testicles drop take more patience and time. In a litter each puppy is evaluated separately and given a score from 1-5 on different attributes that are specific to the breed standard and related to temperament, body proportions and angles. Then you evaluate all the strengths and maybe weaknesses and try to identify the best puppy....those that are best to keep or try to find show homes for and those that may be beautiful but will head to pet homes to become someone's heart dog. As you can imagine, becoming someone's heart dog is not a bad thing. Rowan seem pretty sure of herself that she will get the score for "Pick of the Litter" but it is always nice to get outside opinions and observations regarding what a puppy's strength and weaknesses might be. They all have them. And it is also amazing to watch how, regardless of what you saw in them as an 8 week old puppy, they continue to grow and change through sometimes awkward proportions of adolescence to become a mature dog. Sometimes those changes are smooth and all good. Occasionally the changes are not what you and hoped for. That is why breeders may initially keep a couple prospects out of a nice litter and then place a puppy later that just didn't turn out as nice as they had hoped...or simply not as nice as its sibling. At least Rowan won't have to worry about a sister elbowing her out.

Hope the day offers up good opportunities for all of you, whether that is Sue doing all her Sue activities or being able to curl up with a good book or gaze pensively out a window and ponder beautiful birds or life in general. Pondering is a wonderful talent and hobby.

[OregonLuvr]

Good morning. Cloudy this morning but temp is 44 so not too bad. Maybe some sun this afternoon. Not sure what my day will bring yet, but time for a shower and be ready for anything LOL Henry has the day off LOL Bedspread in the washer (mainly to get the dog hair off LOL)

I think I will work on my income tax today. I hate doing it but it is time. Trying not to procrastinate because if I owe, I owe. Which is always the case. Keeping my heat a little cooler and just dressing warmer. When sitting I use my electric throw. My bill was the highest ever $119 and I dont run a lot of heat either. We are getting a cold front with lows down to 20.........sheesh I like fall and winter just not those really cold temps. Hopefully they will be gone soon.

[Shirlv]

Afternoon All, it’s a rainy gloomy day but I’m not complaining. Grass seed planted at the construction site. If all else fails I will watch grass grow. Lol. I have a 6ft runner as you enter the apartment. It needs to be washed and I no longer have access to a regular washer only the snap, crackle and pop washer. Woke up and thought I will cut the rug in half, then I can wash it.. decided to check on line first and everything said it could go in the washer. The rug is swishing in a puddle of water, guess it’s better than no water at all. Not sure where I will hang it when finished. Heaven forbid I hang it on the balcony railing. My mother use to hang bed clothes out the window or lay wet laundry on bushes. Poor people didn’t have bushes. Lol No longer watch football, now I just cringe when they hit each other. I have peppered steak in the crockpot, might go crazy and have egg noodles instead of rice. Be safe

Beth and Martha safe travels.

[PeggyinCT]

Hello Everybody from sunny Kino Bay. Tina, I’ve never been invited to a puppy party, but it sounds like a fun thing to do.

Martha and Beth, have a wonderful time at the Mardi Gras. A few years back I celebrated Mardi Gras in Eunice, LA and it was so much fun. Riding horseback (I didn’t, but many people did) out to the country side to catch the chicken and other ingredients for the community gumbo. Dancing in the street and lots of partying going on.

Judy, if you are still thinking of taking the Aranui 5 trip, I can highly recommend it. The crew is wonderful, very helpful and so much fun to sail with. Great French cuisine and lots of music and dancing. Beautiful scenery everywhere you look.
Enjoy today
Peggy

[Acadianmom]

I am only about 80 miles from the campground. Beth has a much longer trip. I guess I need to work on loading. I have my list of things to bring made but you know how much good that does me.

It's 61 and sunny. That temperature feels a lot better today with sunshine and no wind. I went out without a jacket to feed.

I was looking at my rose bushes and thought I need to prune them in February. Duh, it is February. They are just now making buds to bloom and I hate to cut them off. The rose bush that is by the satellite dish must be a climbing rose. I have a lot of trouble keeping it under control. I keep seeing the trees that have blooms that look like tulips. I would sure like to plant one but I don't know where I could put it that it would survive.

I have a rug in the utility room that is too big to wash. I'm thinking about taking it to a car wash. I could hang it on a fence and use the hose but I don't know if that would get it clean.

I didn't cook today, just ate leftovers. Need to get all of that out of the refrigerator.

Peggy, I have never been to the Mardi Gras in Eunice but they show some of it on TV every year. There is a famous bar, Fred's Lounge, in Mamou which i just North of Eunice. I went one time on Fat Tuesday and it was wall to wall people trying to drink and dance. I think the place is about the size of my living room and is only open on Saturday morning except for Mardi Gras.

Martha

[Bethers]

Ty and I are on the beach in Magnolia Beach. If the weather stays nice I plan on tomorrow here also. Looks like it'll be ok. Temps have dropped but nothing that will scare me away and right now they aren't showing rain here today or tomorrow. Then I'll only have two other short driving days. Martha, do you like wine? If so what kind? I'm thinking of picking up a bottle or two as my contribution to one of the pot lucks (I'm staying at a winery Tuesday night). It would be nice to pick one people would like lol

Tina, I hope the scoring has gone in Rowan's favor.

[Acadianmom]

Beth, I saw your picture on Facebook. You are sure close to the water. The wine I like is too cheap or sweet for most people. I like Moscato. Most restaurants don't even serve Moscato. I cooked some chicken wings and froze them. I can just heat them and put them in a crock pot for the pot luck. I don't know what to bring for the brunch potluck. I wonder if we are suppose to bring something for the tail gate party.

Martha

[snowball]

it has been a normal Sunday day ... napped way to long though was going to get up and start supper shortly before 5 it was after 5 like 15 after... so supper was a bit late... made hamburger stroganoff tasted really good and got a small papaya yesterday it tasted really good it's hard to know what mom will eat... she has always liked papaya didn't even try it today... now me.... it's never been my favorite much prefer mango but oh this was good perhaps because it was ripe enough... have you ever heard of raspberry orange I think was on the sign I hadn't so got it but was charged for a blood orange I hope it's not blood orange not a favorite ...
it's almost time to go to my room I try to go about 11 with the hopes of going to sleep a bit earlier doesn't happen ...
I'm with you Karen wish it was warmer... hopefully we will get more snow as we are still in a drought situation. as is so much of the western united states...
enjoy your time at the rally Beth and Martha
you all have a great day
sheila