Happy Monday Morning!

[Dawn309]

Good morning everyone. Have link sausage, farm fresh eggs, toast with butter and lots of French vanilla coffee, come 'an get it. Woke up about 4 this morning feeling so much better physically and emotionally. Got to sedate Cody and Scout so they can go to their new home. This is a picture of the "big boys" or as Chuck called them, his little puppies. These are Anatolian Livestock Guardian Dogs and they have been so lonely since I sold all the goats. The lady taking them has cattle and horses with plenty of acres for them to roam. They do not want to be loaded into any vehicle and at their size, the only way will be to sedate them. We tried last Wednesday, but they were not sedated enough. Going to try loading them using the cattle shoot today. Wish me luck!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= ... 946ff4adee

I am going to miss them, but no way can I take them in MH. They weigh about 150-200 lbs each. Besides, I already have 3 babies going with me.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day today. Anyone traveling, stay safe.

[Nasoosie]

GOOD MONDAY DAWN AND ALL!

Wow, Dawn, those are some BIG pups, for sure! It sounds as if you have found a perfect home for them, where they can live out their lives doing what comes naturally for them. Good luck with your loading!

The day dawns sunny here, 57 degrees warm, white-throated sparrows serenading, robins foraging for earthworms, wood thrushes bugling their songs, and even a whipoorwill left over from last evening's singing to greet me and Molly and Dinah. Coffee is hot and tastes great, and I am planning my day as I sit here.

First I will use my old washing machine to wash all my sleeping bags and comforters, bed spreads, etc. today, as it will be taken away on Wednesday when Lowes delivers the new one. I would rather use the old one for all those heavy items, for as long as it will continue churning. It still does a great job of washing, but has to be monitored so that I can turn the water faucets on and off because the maching no longer does that.

In between water patrol in the cellar, I will continue with my sorting of old records. I have one more bin of 33s and then will tackle the more valuable 78s which my father collected in his radio/TV career----some are worth a bundle as they are signed by the famous musicians. Then it will be off to the last tiers of bookshelves in the living room, accompanied by vacuuming each and every book before placing them into the bins. I hope Joe is feeling strong, as it will be up to him to carry all those bins to the cellar until we have the yard sale!

The kids will be back Friday for some event going on this weekend that they wish to attend. I hope I am the designated grandma to watch Orion and play with him while they are out! I also hope they managed to find a hot water heater for their house and got it installed without too many problems.

Alice, did your area get flooded in those rainstorms yesterday? Pensacola looks like it's under water this morning. I don't know how close you are to there, but I sure hope you are high and dry. Your bike ride yesterday must have been interesting!

Hope everyone has a fun day and gets at least one chore done before relaxing and letting your hair down!

[Ladyhawk]

Good morning! This are slowing down a bit, so I have more time to post, although my internet connection likes to play games with me from time to time. I've had my oatmeal and coffee, now I get to go fix pancakes and sausages for the campground. I'm always hoping one of the other rangers has lit the stove for me because I refuse to light it. It blew flames at me three times, so I said "I'm all done with this." I'll do just about anything but light that stove.

Dawn, we have goats at the campground and they have a Guardian dog and a Herding dog. I hadn't heard of a Guardian dog until I came here. Your dogs look awesome, I haven't seen any like that before. Sorry you have to say goodbye.

Hope everyone has a great start to the week.

[Barbzeee]

Good Morning to All....it's been awhile since I've popped in the "Breakfast Club"..hahaha...but I've finally gotten rid of some of my major problems with logging in...somedays it's just in the air..

Dawn, your critters are really beauties and I know you'll miss them but knowing how difficult it is to travel with those "Big Babies" and how it's a tough call, you did the right thing...Hey, you can always visit and watch them enjoy their lives.. and again you are an Angel of Mercy and I know Echo has had such a tough time of it...she's really struggled ..it's just a great feeling knowing that there are "Good People " still in the wild and crazy world.

Soos, one of these days you and I need to get caught up... I mean when we are in Florida we're only an hour away from each other...Lady!!!! LOL so let's this coming winter plan a meeting..and that goes for a lot of you Sistahs that come to Florida ...Now I"ll explain why I can't always travel...My big kids can't get into many of the places...sucks big time but Rotties as most of you know are on the "Dangerous Dog List"...call that descrimantion.. but I understand as some people don't take care while others have to suffer...ok off my soap box anyway..(stepping down)

Last but not least...our family is still going through that murder trial..(unreal) it has been in and out of court so many times and still we haven't had the trial yet...and it's gotten even more involved..it's been a roller coaster ride for our family.. can't really tell much because of the situation still on going..So that has me some what not able to really get much of our lives together...

Health wise I am still ticking..like the Pink bunny..can't have my knees operated on because my heart is not stable enough..oh well...but I can cook up a storm for those that do come to visit and if you are all within an hour of me and I'm able I'd love to come visit too..

That's about it..other than I do my blog daily to keep my mind going that I'm not alone and when I can get things right with FB (which has been a pain in my arse) I'll pop back on that too.

Miss you all and I keep you all in my prayers and heart...feels good to be back home in this room..

Now I'll be heading back home in 2 weeks so I'm starting to get things ready for the trip back ..Hubby is flying in on the 25th and then on that Thursday we will start out...

Safe travels to all and God's Blessing be with you all !

Zeee and Critters 3

[Irmi]

Good morning Dawn, Soos, Amy, Barbzeee & everyone that checks in!

Dawn, your dogs are beautiful and I hope they quickly adjust to their new home.

Soos, you always seem to be going non-stop. I get tired just reading your posts.

Amy, I can appreciate your reluctance to light the stove. Find someone else to do that.

Barbzeee, I hope we can meet up sometime while I'm wintering in Florida.

The weather is absolutely gorgeous on the eastern shore of MD. The skies have been clear for about a week and our temperatures have been in the high 80's to low 90's. I'm spending a good amount of time in our vegetable garden keeping things watered and trying to keep the weeds at bay. I'm also trying to get a long walk in every morning before it starts warming up. We bought our first half bushel of steamed crabs yesterday and they were delicious. I'm going to finish picking them today which I'll make into crabcakes for tomorrows dinner.

Sixty years ago today, my parents came into Ellis Island in NY from Germany. They have invited all their children that live locally for dinner this evening to celebrate the occasion. Mom is making crab imperial, twice baked potatoes and a salad, which I'm looking forward to, plus it'll be good seeing them again.

It's always good hearing from the ladies on their Alaska trip. Stay safe everyone, whatever you are doing.

[avalen]

good morning ladies
good to see Barbz this morning.
those are some big puppies Dawn, I had heard of that breed before, just didn't realize
they were so big, always imagined them to be the size of german shephards. Looks
like they would do their job well protecting the livestock from coyotes or wolves.
Soos, glad you have help with all the maintenance you have to do at your compound,
sometimes just reading what you do makes me tired.
Not sure what I'm going to do today, one phone call that needs to be made as its very
stressful not knowing the status of my insurance claim. Everything is paid for June
except the storage but thats not due until the end of the month. Will do the banking
and see whats there for the July stuff. Don't want to have to tap into my savings but
I will if I need to.
My room is looking pretty good but will continue going through papers and reorganizing.
Did put together a bag for the goodwill yesterday and will continue adding to it. Dust
looks pretty bad so guess I'll do that too.
So many fires all over and then other places are flooded out, just boggles my mind.
Time for another cup of coffee and off to read more posts, blogs and email.
Ya'll have a great day and be safe.

[bluepinecones]

Good morning all
Been a while since I checked in too tho I usually get by to read posts most days.
Love those pups, Dawn.
Gosh it seems like everyone is getting a lot accomplished lately except me. Hoping some of your energy and ambition will be catching as I start a new week.
Has been raining here since Saturday night and forecast says we have 2 more days of wet weather. At least temps are cooler for few days.
This is Armed Forces week with many events planned here but weather may force cancellation of most as they are outside. i was looking forward to a free concert in the park tonight followed by fireworks. Love the military bands.
I don't have a sunrise to share but here is a sunset along the back waters of the TN River.

[Dawn309]

Update on the boys. The lady called this morning and they are having problems with their truck so they cannot get the boys today. She said she would call when they get it fixed. Kind of glad it's going to be at least a couple more days before they go to their new home.

Soos, you work rings around the rest of us.

Irmi, your Mother's dinner sounds wonderful.

Well, I better get out there and feed the big boys and the chickens before it gets much hotter. Then got to work on getting Mom an address with Escapees and get to sorting and packing again. Have a great day, all.

[Carolinagal]

Good morning ! Beautifull dogs Dawn !!! Soos, you are just about the busiest woman I know. Barbz and Amy, so good to see you all posting. Irmi, I'd love some of those crab cakes, Congratulations to your parents, I've not known anyone who came through Ellis Island, think its great to hear of ones who have.
Ava, sounds like you are mending well, I'm so glad, hope all the ins. crap works out, one reason I was out of hospital before drs. wanted, but I'm doing ok and had had enough of the place LOL.

Busy place around here this morning, not sure what all is going on, but always busy and I just enjoy being here. Maggie and I, got out a couple of times yesterday and did some SHORT walks, she was disappointed, but elevation has to be considered in my getting back together here. Also we have to stay on level ground, for now. We'll do same and wee more today.

Amy, I missed what you were doing this summer, are you working at a campground? Nosey here

Hope everyone has a great day, this post sure started out cheerful enough, and the sun is shining and looks beautiful outside. Enjoy your day all, don't forget to put some time in for fun and relaxing today, hope you get to keep that grandbaby too, Soos, while parents play. Such fun.

Safe travels and good weather wished for those on the road,

CArol

[Carolinagal]

you snuck in on me Sarah, what a gorgeous picture. Glad to see you post too, where you been?

Sounds like dogs not leaving today is ok with you Dawn, thats good, they sure are beauties.

Take care all,
CArol

[Acadianmom]

Beautiful dogs Dawn. I have thought about having a guardian dog but we are only about 1/4 mile from a major highway and I would be afraid to let one lose all the time. Our Border Collie is in a kennel when he isn't working or watched. After Hurricane Rita we couldn't keep barn cats, something was taking them. I guess the hurricane killed what ever coyotes and bob cats eat and they were taking our cats. We had to shut up the cats at night for several years to keep any. Try to cat proof a stall, that was fun. lol Since you have several more days with your dogs you might try feeding them in the trailer if that's how you are going to move them. Get them use to going in.

I've already had my round with the cattle chute this morning. We wormed the calves. They are past calves, they are pretty good size heifers. That old piece of s#%* cattle chute is going to get one of us hurt or kill a cow. One got her leg caught and I thought sure she was going to break her leg but finally got it out. You have heard the expression "Strain at a gnat and swallow a camel", that's my DH. He can buy a saddle that he doesn't need but it's too expensive to replace the chute. It's false economy if someone get hurt, especially me.

Amy, I feel the same way about gas stoves. Growing up with gas ovens and space heaters I now have an all electric house. I hardly use the gas stove in my motorhome. My sister caught her nightgown on fire from a space heater. She got a bad burn on her leg but thank god our dad was home and jerked it off over her head. If he hadn't been home I hate to think what would have happened.

Hope Alice checks in and didn't have any flooding. Some places in Florida got 15 inches of rain. We lucked out and most of it went East of us and we only got a couple of inches.

Saturday night I took some allergy medicine to dry up my nose and slept like a log. I didn't wake up until 9:30 yesterday. Last night I think I was up every hour. I hate when I can't sleep.

Martha

[Dawn309]

Martha, I certainly agree about squeeze shoots. You can sure get hurt in a hurry. My job has always been getting the vacination medicine into the livestock. Chuck was the one doing the holding and making sure I could get to where I needed to for the vaccination. When we still had cattle, they could sure move in a hurry and you had better be able to react fast too. Hated dehorning. After the cattle, Chuck had goats and he had to get them into the shoot and then hold them up by their horns for me to vaccinate. They are really fast and you had better be strong to hold them up. I am so surprised no one ever got hurt. The funniest thing was once a cow got loose, and Chuck roped her. She was so spooked she just kept running. He was not on his horse, so he just held on. Then one of our friends helping with the vaccinating and dehorning jumped onto Chuck's back for more weight. Then another friend jumped on him. There are now 3 guys being pulled around the pasture. Darrell and Mike were laughing their heads off. I was laughing so hard I was crying. Chuck was cussing all of us because he was the one being drug through the cow pies. I wish I had had a video camera then. That was 20 something years ago and we still laugh till we cry remembering that. They did wear that cow down finally and her vaccinated and dehorned.

[Acadianmom]

Green acres is the place to be. Farm livin' is the life for me. It makes my son so mad when I sing that to him when he is complaining about farm work. lol We have had quite a few episodes that I would like a video of. It was a good life but it's getting harder every year.

Martha

[AliceM]

Hi everyone.. no major rain in Panama City Beach. By highway..its about 125 miles from Pensacola that did indeed get some flooding. What we are dealing with here is tourists ignoring our two red flag system which means NO swimming NO wading NO getting in the water. We have planes flying over the beach with signs trailing behind them to remind/warn folks to stay the heck out of the water. Police cars also using the two red flag system so reminders are EVERYWHERE.

Already - two swimmers rescued.. I'm sure there will be more.

Rode my bicycle to walmart this morning to load up on groceries. Its so fun to see all the tourists.. eager to enjoy what sometimes residents take for granted. Major work has been done in panama city beach to make our beach area pedestrian and bicycle friendly.

I do so love it here.

Alice

[Bethers]

Green acres is the place to be. Farm livin' is the life for me. It makes my son so mad when I sing that to him when he is complaining about farm work. lol We have had quite a few episodes that I would like a video of. It was a good life but it's getting harder every year.

Martha

OMG, Martha, I'll have that song in my head all day now - maybe all week! Not sure whether to hug you or slap ya lol

Beautiful dogs, Dawn. You get a couple more days with them. Hope they load up easy for you when they make it there.

One of the girls had asked me to work for her today. I'm in the shower this morning and someone was knocking at my door. Ignored it. Kept on. I finally rushed out, dried quickly, threw on some clothes. She was at the door saying could I work for her tomorrow instead of today. Okies. So my list for tomorrow now needs to get done today. Here is it almost 2 - I have to get laundry done, and grocery shopping. So, in a minute, off I will go. Then I'll be working the next 5 days.

By the way, did 2 more blog posts yesterday - don't think I remembered to post about them - so check them out.

Irmi, that meal sounds great. And what a wonderful thing to be able to celebrate.