Monday Monday, So Good to Me

[BirdbyBird]

Just sing along....
The weather here in SW Ohio is very nice, I might actually get a few things accomplished outside. I need to drag all the dog show stuff out of the RoadTrek and resort and organize it into the Town and Country mini van. The next dog show is local and the next RoadTrek adventure is for camping. The weekend went well even without a refrigerator. I used the small containers of milk that don't require refrigeration for my morning cereal and ate peanut butter or heated up some soup.

Jane surprised us all Saturday by going Best of Breed over three other Specials and about 9 class dogs to win a 5 point major. Guess that means she doesn't have to have a long flowing show coat to get recognized in the ring. And here I thought that Lark and Audrey got all the free weekends. The schedule is under discussion as I type. The coat on Jane's belly has begun to grow out but is still short and wispy. On the positive side, her coat is much easier to care for than the long thick show coats like Josef had. On Sunday, the other Bitch special went BOB and Jane picked up Select (which just means she was the 2nd best girl (bitch) in the ring. So, it was a nice show to share some big wins and several people got to go home happy Sunday evening.

The RoadTrek goes into the shop to get her wiring adapted to the Blue Ox tow bar. It was wired to tow but not with a seven pin. Throwing all the show equipment in to the rig Sunday afternoon I did think it would be useful to be able to tow the car. It was a 5.5 hour drive home and if I had gotten too tired and would have needed to stop for the night I would have had difficulty finding the bed under all the equipment. I still appreciate the ease and convenience of driving the smaller rig and the increased gas mileage.

On a more philosophical topic, I had bought a new Pop-Up that I can actually put up by myself only to have a stiff breeze come up suddenly on Friday evening and blow it over before I could get it staked down. It was usable for the weekend and some friends were able to take off the offending leg so that the rest of the frame could be saved. We are hoping to be able to order a replacement leg and reattach it. Moral of the story is I may be able to put it up and take it down by myself but I might need extra hands to stake it down. As campers we all know how fickle the wind is.

Hope your Monday is good to you...or you are good to it. Play safe, find the joys hiding in all the unexpected places.

[Shirlv]

Morning All, another beautiful day. Tina, so good to hear of your travels and future plans. Plan to spend some time on the balcony today. Things I took as life’s simple pleasure, sitting outside , is now a treasured moment. I think of our western members dealing with horrible weather conditions and hoping they get relief soon. Guess living in the moment is very true nowadays. Youngest daughter lost her 15 yr old Westie a year ago. Her heart was broken and there would never be another pet like Coop. He was a stocky little guy, very heavy, and the last few months had to be carried up and down steps. Yesterday dd brought home a Yorkie. I ask if she was happy and she said she “was in love”. The thought of a little Yorkie following her around makes me happy. Be safe

[IrishIroamed]

Mornin' Tina, Shirl & all that follow~~~

Thanks for the ear worm Tina, but I'm not a big fan of The Momma and Poppas.

How sweet that your DD got a little purse puppy Shirl. Lots of folks say no more dogs, but our lives are so empty without them.

Lyn, so sad to read that you missed your party. Hope you shingles are a mild case.

Dad is still fighting today. Vitals are good. Not the best time to be a stubborn Irishman unfortunately.

Beautiful day here in the Chitown burbs. Enjoy your day ladies.

[Acadianmom]

Tina, something you could add to your unrefrigerated food are the little packs of Tuna and Chicken Salad. There are several flavors. I have tried the Tuna and it's ok. Not as good as home made but will keep you from starving. I think it's Hormel that has the little dinners that don't have to be refrigerated. I tried one but don't remember which one. It's kind of like eating stuff out of a can.

I should get my Honda fixed to tow but just thinking about towing makes me nervous. I have a hard enough time finding places to get gas.

Shirl, glad your daughter is happy with her Yorkie. The neighbors at the campground had a Youkie that they didn't keep leashed. It kept coming to see Sugar. It wasn't even as big as my cats.

Cheryl, I feel for your dad. Harold had to have the food with the thickener in it. I always tried to go at a meal so I could help him and they would sit him at a table with people that had real food. I feel like the Maxine cartoon. If I can't order a margarita just let me go.

I'm glad I mowed when I got home yesterday because it has already rained a little this morning. Most of the rain is off shore and I don't know which way it's headed.

Martha

[OregonLuvr]

Good morning..WE HAVE RAIN today YAY and tomorrow. Predicting half an inch but hey I will take it. Then back up into the 70's and 80's. Made a quiche this morning and will take some over to my 92 year old neighbor this afternoon. I finally got to the store yesterday so stocked up on some things I was low on. Still need a few things but that store didnt carry them so will probably stop at Safeway. Get my flu shot, get my groceries, and a Starbucks on the way out...One stop shopping.

So sorry on Lyn's timing of getting the shingles. I haven't had that shot yet but guess it is in my near future. Just need to check with my Rheumy. I need a TDAP also. Was going to do some yardwork and paint the trim on my shed but the rain kind of detoured that so will just work inside for a while. I have plenty to do inside if I desire LOL

[Cudedog]

Jane surprised us all Saturday by going Best of Breed over three other Specials and about 9 class dogs to win a 5 point major. Guess that means she doesn't have to have a long flowing show coat to get recognized in the ring. . .

On a more philosophical topic, I had bought a new Pop-Up that I can actually put up by myself only to have a stiff breeze come up suddenly on Friday evening and blow it over before I could get it staked down. It was usable for the weekend and some friends were able to take off the offending leg so that the rest of the frame could be saved. We are hoping to be able to order a replacement leg and reattach it. Moral of the story is I may be able to put it up and take it down by myself but I might need extra hands to stake it down. As campers we all know how fickle the wind is.

Congratulations on your awesome win, Tina!! I remember my dog show days with fondness, with many memorable wins. One of the best of these was when my bitch (and THANK YOU for using the correct word for a female dog, I used to get SO tired of trying to "talk around" this very correct, and acceptable (at least in the dog fancy! word).

One win that stands out (among many - not bragging, just admitting my luck!) was when, out of a large specials class, my then 10-year-old daughter went Best of Breed with our bitch, and I went Best of Opposite Sex with our dog (a son of our bitch!). It was a truly fun and wonderful day.

Both dogs are gone so very many years now to the Rainbow Bridge, but their bright memories live on.

Say. . . I have been looking (for years!) for a pop-up tent that I could easily put up myself (I am looking forward, post-pandemic, to again doing Craft Faires to sell the hand-made jewelry that I make, and need something like this).

If you would, please post information on what you have, where you bought it, how you FOUND it, and how actually "easy" (or not) it is to erect.

Thanks, Tina!

Anne

[Cudedog]

Guess living in the moment is very true nowadays. Youngest daughter lost her 15 yr old Westie a year ago. Her heart was broken and there would never be another pet like Coop. He was a stocky little guy, very heavy, and the last few months had to be carried up and down steps. Yesterday dd brought home a Yorkie. I ask if she was happy and she said she “was in love”. The thought of a little Yorkie following her around makes me happy. Be safe

Good morning, Shirl.

So happy to hear of your daughter's new best friend. Although for many (I am one of these) the heartbreak never truly goes away for those "special ones" (I still weep for my beautiful APBT, who passed more than thirty years ago) it is also true that even a broken heart will let in new loves, if we allow it.

Congratulations on the new Yorkie. May your daughter have many happy, lasting years with her new pup.

Anne

[chalet05]

Hello,

Karen, we had some rain, too! Tina, good to hear your plans after the issues you have had. I had just told my daughter about Lyn and the party right before reading her post - bummer! There's a Yorkie here in the complex of late (couldn't think what it was) - so cute!

Kids invited me over for football and dinner yesterday - which Alan cooked. With Monica's 11 hour stressful days, their weekends are much needed for chores and regroup. Her team has a soccer game this afternoon, but I'm waiting to see what the weather does. I'm jumping from one project or chore to the next.

Have a good day!

[Shirlv]

Sheila, For dinner I lathered Boursin Garlic, Herb cheese onto a slice of crusty bread and topped with sautéed mushrooms. Made half a recipe of onion soup in the crockpot. My dinner was scrumptious. I confess I had two slices of bread, it is a small loaf.

[JudyJB]

I bought a pop-up screen tent so I could sit out and not get bit by mosquitos. I took it with me when I met my son and the kids in a campground in Michigan. I told my son to get it out, but before I could warn him, he popped it open and hit two kids in the face with it! Luckily, neither had more than a red mark. I had to put it away by myself before they left, and it was not too bad. Just folded it into a circle and then flipped half the circle around backwards, so it became a smaller circle, but they will get away from you if you are not careful. It will come in handy in Florida. If I get more than three or four mosquito bites, my immune system goes into overdrive, and they form 1"bright red circles and become infected, so I am careful not to go outside after dusk. One year I had three urgent care trips to get prednisone and antibiotics.

Finished my second day driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. Lesson learned is NOT to drive it on a Sunday because everyone was out driving and I could not find any place to park at scenic pull-outs. Today, there was much less traffic, and it was a lot easier! Much nicer drive when you do not have to worry about traffic.

How are you doing with shingles, Lyn??

[Bethers]

Tina, a friend brought some chicken salad from Dollar Tree in a small box with a small tin of chicken salad and a package of crackers. I always keep some in my cabinets now as something quick and easy and can't be beat at $1! It's made by Brunswick. They also carry tuna and a hot chicken salad. I prefer the regular chicken salad.

Judy, next time I'm east I'm hoping to come down the Blue Ridge Parkway during fall colors. I love that drive.

And I'm in a quandary again. The owners here have offered me the management of the motel for next year. What's with all the offers for next year? Without discussing it I said I can't, I made a commitment. I got a call today before they headed back to California saying they understand but for me to think about it and if there's any chance, to give them a call and we should talk. Ahhh. I'm lost. I hate to say money talks, but I have to consider it (saying while I have no clue about the money). So I'll write them an email with things to consider and see what the response is. I'd only consider this because the job in West Yellowstone shouldn't have any trouble finding someone else if I were to cxl this early. But I'd still feel guilty. I'm supposed to work Amazon for 5 weeks when I leave here, but if I good enough deal could be made for next summer, I would cancel that, happily. Thoughts anyone?

Shirl, onion soup sounds so good!

[BirdbyBird]

Sorry not to be able to add 2 cents to your decision Beth. So many factors that really only you can decide what you want between location, money, type of work involved, length of commitment. And each variable has its own sliding scale of importance and unknown. No crystal ball here to offer you.

And yes I have taken some of those small packages of chicken and crackers and found them sort of tasteless in a saw dust sort of way. I do consider a small can of plain tuna fish or chicken appropriate though...that takes me back to Sundays in the dorm when no evening meal was offered. That was in the dark ages, back before every student had a refrigerator in their room. I never starved then either.

Anne,

If you pull up information on an EZ UP Patriot you can get an idea of the mechanization that make taller folks like ourselves able to put the Pop Up up by ourselves. I had seen one a dog show friend had and finally allowed myself one after fighting my old cheep slant leg, "pinch your fingers" model. At the time the Patriot- One up, were out of stock and didn't know when to expect any in so I went searching. I found several brands, several of which were highly rated in the top 5, etc, that had similar one lift from the center feature. Other features that effected my final choice was the length of the storage bag and would it fit across the back of the RoadTrek or the Honda Fit and the total weight. Some were 55 pounds and more than I wanted to be lifting and tugging around. The one I got was under 40 pounds. Also you will notice that the technology of the slides on the four legs has been improved and work much better than the small metal button fitting through the hole in the leg. When putting the one I have up or down I don't have to try and force the buttons in place at the top of the four legs. Once the center post is lifted and clicks into place the four corners are up. Period.

The brand I bought was from Eagle Peak, 10x10, has a vent at the top, straight legs (not slant) and goes up easily.

When I read through the reviews, even the more expensive commercial canopies seem to have had lemons and distractors. Since I have had multiple canopies over the years, all inexpensive, I know that some seem to last others just don't but none of them have gone up easily under the old system. (I lost one seven years ago to a heavy rain that pooled in the top of the canopy and broke the frame from the weight of the water while we were away from the set up in a building showing.) Many of the brands had videos of the pop-ups being put up and taken down. Also as you clip through the pictures demonstrating special features you can pick up on whether it has the old system or the one push on a center feature. Also notice if it has the easy release clip on the legs to raise and lower the top. No need to pinch your fingers again.

Be careful. Don't get lost in all the neat colors some of the companies offer. I had a really nice purple one all picked out until I noticed that even for only and 8x8 ft one I was looking at over 50 pounds. I decided that blue would work just fine....the dogs didn't care.

Tina

[OregonLuvr]

Beth, money does talk, especially as we age closer to retirement. I liked my saving beefed up before I retired. Sure glad I did too because we just never know. I always said I was a "HO" for the money as I sought out jobs that paid the best.

Shirl I like the sound of your dinner very much. I had leftover meatloaf, potato, veggie. I did make a quiche today but will have that for breakfast with some fruit. I took some over to my 92 year old neighbor and she was tickled. Said she had not had any for years.

I dont know what happened today but I sure didn't get much done. Baked this morning of course, then cleaned the kitchen then just fiddled with a couple of things. Has rained all day off and on so that made me happy. Glad Anita is getting some also. We all out here, sure do need it.

[snowball]

I wish that we had had some rain but hopefully snows will be heavy this winter and hopefully I won't be here to witness it...
Hopefully Lyn you shingles are just a light case... Velda that is awful 3 cases of it!!! wow
I bought a 10x10 I think was the size of a shade one of those you just lounge under took it to Q several years never got it up because of the winds that can pop up frequently you need to really stake them down... if my son in law takes me down I just might take it with me so he can set it up...
That is quite a decision you have to make and says a lot of what people think of you and your work ethics ... you rock!!! I guess I would have to go with the best offer and you are right with this much notice they should be able to get another employee really easy... that said that area is beautiful but then so is Southern Utah... it would be cooler though... mountains and trees as apposed to desert and sand I am sure that you will make the best decision for you!!!
Lots of options for non refrigerator food including Ramon noodles MRES I think in the abbreviation some can be tasty but as you said sawdust might taste better on some of them...
Shirl I will have to remember that sandwich as it does sound good... because of mom's low iron and refusing to take Iron I try to have protein of some sort at the meal (she doesn't do beans) so lots of meat I'm tired of meat and tired figuring out meals guide me to a sandwich right now it would taste so good.. and I think perhaps weds night that will happen.... a good old tuna which she doesn't do either there is some chicken in the fridge that she can make a sandwich with...
night all have a good day
sheila

[BarbaraRose]

Beth, you are so popular now! Lots of pros and cons to consider with those jobs. Hope you figure out your best option.

No rain here, just smoky haze moving in from the fires. And humidity.

Anne, here is the screen room I have...Ozark Trail 10'x10' Instant screen room. It is super easy to put up and take down. Takes me less than a minute AND it fits back in the carry bag! Very sturdy too! $79 at Walmart online.