Commiserate with Jon and Kate plus 8

(Going way out here...this is NOT typical commentary for me)



I’m not much into reality shows but I admit to watching Jon & Kate Plus 8 on occasion over the past year or so. I, like so many other fans, got caught up in the fascination of raising so many children while apparently maintaining order and sanity for the most part within the family structure. Perhaps my special education background and experiences in working with families and young children drew me further into the show as I watched the dynamics of the parents dealing with day to day issues-jobs, schedules, multiple children with multiple wants and needs, etc. I also was captivated by the beautiful children, watching their growth and interactions as they explore and develop into little individuals. But one thing I never personally saw was a relationship between the parents, with the exception of those times when they were “planning for the kids” or “doing for the kids”. I do not recall (and admit it may have been present in episodes that I haven’t seen), actually seeing Jon & Kate spend any quality time alone or in discussion (and granted that may be none of my business as well and maybe it was planned that way). But I would have enjoyed and felt it to be more “reality” if Jon & Kate had perhaps sat down and talked to each other, really talked. Not intimate details of course, and not the producer stimulated discussions on the chair, but just talked to each other. Perhaps that is something that lacks in a lot of “real” relationships as well-the “just talking” part.

The entire situation is sad. I want to attempt to avoid judgment in any way because…there are only two people who know the true reality and that of course is Jon and Kate. The media, relatives, friends, and others like me can speculate all we want about the situation, but they are the only two who know the truth and bear the responsibility. It has been their choices, their lives, and their children. They’ve just allowed us viewers to be visual participants of certain parts of their lives.

Naturally the concern is for the children first and foremost. They are adorable and so filled with energy-hopefully the divorce, separations, and family changes will have minimal effects. I hope counseling is a part of the healing process for ALL concerned and that includes both parents and any others they choose to bring around their children. I am unaware if Jon & Kate sought counseling before coming to their decisions, which I hope they would have, but again it can be a private matter. It might have been beneficial to their audience to learn that they did try counseling first though, since it is a show based in reality and produced by TLC, which is/should be promoting learning and growth for its viewers. The Learning Channel is a channel to turn to, to learn, right? Why not help people learn to try to deal and cope instead of just giving up. (I’m not saying that Jon & Kate just gave up.)

I also hope that if either parent chooses to enter into another relationship at this time he/she does so with extreme caution. There can be many false “loves” waiting in the wings-face it there’s a lot of publicity and money involved in this family and there are many star struck individuals who might seek involvement just to be a part of it. I hope neither parent falls prey to insincerity on the part of a future partner. Proceed with caution. Perhaps, in my humble opinion, waiting for all to adjust to life changes before getting involved may be a better choice. But as I said…it is their choice and one they and their children will have to live with in the future.

I feel sad for the children who may experience the loss and separation that divorce often brings, but hope that Jon & Kate will continue to keep those beautiful children as the main focus of their lives. I empathize with Jon to a point, as some times he did seem to be beaten down (but he too could have spoken up as he readily admitted). Marriage is a commitment and one that takes two-if you’re unhappy it’s up to you to let your partner know, not seek solace elsewhere. And yes I feel for Kate- for the maternal part and as a woman who must be agonizing over the situations-worrying about the children, concern for her “singleness” and aloneness in raising her family, and yes perhaps the feeling of failure. She too readily acknowledged she was tough on Jon and I have to admit to cringing some times during the show, but again perhaps THAT would have been a great learning experience. How about when Kate was demanding or commanding Jon during an episode, he ever so calmly turned to her and said, “Kate, I don’t appreciate how you are talking to me, especially in front of the children. I need a minute.” (He leaves and then comes back in and asks), “now what is it I can do.” Now there’s a learning experience! But truthfully, can any of us do this in the heat of the moment-I’d like to think so, with focus and determination.

The reality is apparently as stated by Jon & Kate, their marriage is over. I would hope one day they might reconcile because I do believe they started a beautiful ideal with their large family. But if they cannot get back together at some point, I hope they continue to focus on their children, and one day find peace and happiness in their own hearts for themselves. They were blessed with an abundance of little ones and I hope their lives continue to be a blessing to those children-it is all that matters.

Tryin' to go green...

I've decided to make more of an effort to "go green" as they say. We have done the basic recycling for many years and I've always felt good about that, but I am learning about so many other ways to conserve and protect our earth, and use natural resources.



The first thing I did to avoid as much chemicals in food as possible is join a local organic farm a.k.a a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). We met the owners of this particular farm two years ago at a local farmer's market. At that time I was trying to convince my husband we needed to eat more organic foods. So once we learned this gentleman's farming methods and beliefs (and met many members of his wonderful family), we decided to join for this current growing season. The season has just started and we picked up our first "fruits" last week. Mmmmm....fresh lettuce and radishes were our choices.

Also, I decided that I myself wanted to try my own raised bed garden. So I planted different lettuces, onions, radishes, rhubarb, strawberries, beans, peas, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, eggplant, zucchini, squash, and would you believe I still have room? My mother was right...nothing tastes better than something you've grown yourself. I'm amazed I've been so successful with it thus far. And boy do I LOVE walking up to the back yard and harvesting for dinner-can't get any fresher!

I also began bin composting earlier this year. I attended a local seminar and learned a lot about it-more than I ever thought was involved. I also purchased a kitchen compost container to collect the compost goodies and transport to the larger bin. I do have a problem keeping it as moist as it should be so I need to be more vigilant with adding water.

In addition to the "food" scraps compost, I also started a yard waste compost pile. I did purchase a cage like bin for this but it is not as sturdy and durable was advertised, so I ended up using other fasteners to keep it together. I will look to getting something different going for next year, but for right now I at least have it functioning.

Oh my gosh I almost forgot our newest composter-The Pet Poo Composter! What a hoot! I'm not kidding-this is actually a system that converts your pet's poo into viable compost-no sh*t! (pun intended) I just set it up so I'll have to see how it goes (no pun intended). But with multiple pets it seemed like a great way to use something that is such a "hot commodity" around here. It was pretty gross putting the worms in the composter though-ick! I'm not that earthy. I'll let you know!

I purchased rain barrels to collect nature's water for gardens, etc. I haven't set them up yet though as we are having some work completed at our house and they would be in the way, so I have to wait a bit for set-up.

Now here's a biggy, for me any way...light bulbs! I am gradually working to change all bulbs to the energy efficient ones. In time..

Our washer and dryer are newer and both carry the energy symbol as does our dish washer, so as appliances break down, hopefully we will be able to continue purchasing "green/energy efficient products."

There are other smaller ways we are trying to conserve but those are the big ones here and I am very proud we are on our way to "Green land." It's very interesting discovering more ways to conserve and save and I'm always looking for new ideas. I hope you all may consider "green efforts" as well-we need to take care of God's earth and it can start with each one of us! Enjoy the beauty of today!

Okay...where's summer?

This isn't funny any more nor is it the way it is supposed to be-70 degree weather? In June? Seriously! Not to mention that it seems like it has been raining for 30 days straight (OK so perhaps a slight exaggeration). Summer is my most favorite time of year (I know many who share that feeling), and it just seems to be taking forever for it to arrive. I mean the pool is ready albeit a tad cool, the garden is growing along with the weeds, the grass continues to need mowing, all the "joys" of summer abound yet...it is a little nippy. Bummer!

I yearn for the ninety degree days, okay well maybe 85. I don't even have a tan line because the sun hasn't been out long enough to create any. Everything is nice and green and full, but it's mostly been enjoyed from the view from the door. Barbecue season has turned to soggy season where the grill remains under cover and the flavors of summer are on hold until the weather breaks. So I am officially putting in my order...WELCOME SUMMER...where are you...your presence is strongly requested-RIGHT HERE!

A Scottie to Love

So often in my writing and conversations I often talk about the "girls"-the Westies. While I always include Trevar in some way, some times it seems he gets a back seat. Well this post is for you Trev....

It is because he IS such a laid back Scottish gentleman that perhaps his personality and antics aren't as pronounced and animated, but he has plenty of talent and humor, AND manners. I refer to his "gentlemanly" manners as the way he always allows the girls to go first-whether we're getting out the car, jumping off the bed, or getting in the car-it seems he always will back off from the more "pushier" females (imagine!) and wait until last. It's kinda' funny to watch.

When going for a walk, the mere mention of the word "walk" brings him running, yet when it is time for a leash he often backs away as the westies twirl and bark. He needs to be coaxed to come forward for his leash. He absolutely loves walks and walks so well on a leash-I don't even know he's there most times. And oh if we get to walk by a wall, he wants up in the worst way! Trevar loves to walk high up on walls, and does it great ease and grace. It's so natural for him.

He likes attention but is never pushy about it like the westies. He has a quiet dignity about himself (like most scotties) and if you watch him you can see he's just waiting to burst with affection and hoping for greetings-so it's always important to remind those who think he "doesn't care" that he really does care. Like a lot of scotties, he doesn't care to be held, but will jump up on a lap, or snuggle closely beside you or at your feet, but it is usually on his terms.

Trevar loves to watch for the groundhog family in the back yard and actually shivers with excitement. He knows basic obedience and many many tricks and directions. The greatest of all are the those he invented himself. One is he'll jump almost on your shoulders if you're seated in front of him, and the other is he'll jump on your back if you happen to bend over in front of him. And the best-the all powerful head butt! If he's really happy and excited he'll press his head against you and dig-it's a real hoot! And any time a box comes into the house...well as you can see by the picture...

He is just an all around good boy. He likes everyone and everything and nothing really frazzles him. He LOVES food and can barely wait for meals or treats to handed out. He still learns new tricks and demonstrates his scottie pride at his accomplishments. He is a wonderful companion and a real scottie love.

And no...you can't have him.

I'm soooo ticked...

And I'm not talking angry here! It never ceases to amaze me that I attract all types of God's creatures-snakes, spiders, and ticks! This morning I took a brief walk up our back yard to feed the run away dog I've been trying to capture, came down to the house, and began my morning yoga routine and lo and behold I felt something on the back of my neck. Well I reached for it and got it, the little bugger! He got a quick trip down the old septic system. A little while later, my husband bent over to look at the floor next to me and picked up another one. Since there wasn't a dog nearby who had just been out in the grass, I had to take the blame.

I've never seen so many ticks and it's early! And don't get me started on tick "stuff" for dogs-they still land on them, the dogs still bring them in, AND the ticks still bite the dogs! So why is it I'm putting these chemicals on my dogs? Maybe I need some for myself, but then again like the dogs, I'd probably STILL carry them around too!

I can't stand the little buggers, but unfortunately I live in the woods. I guess it will be a summer of body and clothing checks and dogs with very short hair cuts!

Life at the base of a mountain

Remember my previous post about the beauty of the mountain and the peacefulness of where I live? Well that hasn't changed except for some "nature" is wreaking havoc on my garden! This is the first year I planted a rather large raised bed garden in our back yard. I'm trying "go green" and organic as much as possible in our lives. Initially all was well and I figured the garden was safe because it was raised-NOT! I was so proud of my brussel sprout plants as the leaves were growing and the plants were huge, and then one day...all those beautiful large leaves were chewed off. The same happened to my broccoli plants and NOW it is occurring with my lettuce. Little buggers! I believe that I am not only feeding a run away dog (see other blog at www.savingteddy.blogspot.com , I am also serving meals to the rabbit and groundhog families. I might add that they are not invited. Not to say that I don't think they are cute, however not in my garden, and NOT dining on my future dinners. I've tried every environmentally friendly product I could find-hot pepper wax and some other "natural" spray to keep them away. Neither worked and the destruction, their dining, continue. So I went out and bought some fencing to place around the brussel sprouts and the broccoli, so far so good. Now I have to figure out what to do with the lettuce, since there are three separate patches. I also planted lettuce in containers and they don't seem to bother that-hmmmmm. Any way, I was once so proud of my garden, and hopefully will be again soon, as long as the uninvited guests take the hint!

Out of the corner of my eye...

The dogs and I were taking our usual midday walk in a local cemetery . Part of the cemetery is covered in brush but there is a macadam road which we can walk upon. As we paced down the field area and were heading back up the hill, something made me hesitate. I usually try to walk in the center of the road, but the three dogs and one dog stroller span most of the road so we're pretty close to the edges.

As I adjusted the dog leashes in my left hand, I somehow felt the need to look right...and then I saw it. There was a snake sitting in the strike pose on the edge of the road in line with the weeds! I froze momentarily and stood there is disbelief. I had seen snakes there before but they usually crossed my path quickly or retreated back into the bush, but this one was ready!

I couldn't exactly see what kind it was but his head seemed shiny and that's about as close or as much as I wanted to see. Fortunately the dogs didn't see it either although they know (for the most part) to "leave it" when it comes to snakes. I backed up slowly and his head went down. I don't know where he went nor to I care to know. I only hope to never meet him or his friends again.

My husband says that I see so many of these creatures because they know I love all of God's creatures and they just want to come to say "hi." My husband thinks he's funny...NOT!

Sure is pretty!

I am so fortunate to live in a beautiful place, filled with nature. I live at the base of Sharp Mountain. While in my back yard it may seem like I'm miles from traffic and the hustle and bustle of a town, realistically it's only one mile away via roadway. I have lived here most of my life and except for winter (it may be beautiful but I don't like the cold), I really can't imagine living any where else-it just wouldn't feel like home.

At any given moment I can look out the back door or window and see all types of creatures wandering about seeking food or playfullying taunting others from trees. Groundhogs (which I need to have serious talk with as they are inundating my garden), chipmunks which "chirp" for their breakfast on the side porch, the Eastern Blue Birds which I enticed to our yard last year have returned, squirrels in abundance, deer, foxes, and of course Teddy the runaway dog I've been trying to catch.

The mountain is now becoming full as the trees begin to bud and bloom. Sporadic colors of flowers decorate the mountainous space and the world literally seems to be changing right before my eyes. I am so lucky to live in a place where natural beauty is right outside my back door.

The Knee

Well after six months of waking up at night with a locked and painful knee, I has the "scope" last week. Apparently there was a small tear in the meniscus that didn't appear on the MRI (didn't feel small to me). So that was repaired and some scraping was performed and now I'm working to get back to my workout routines. I am so excited because now I am hopeful that I might be able to jog once again. Previously I couldn't take the pain of the pounding on the ground when running, but hopefully this will heal and I'll be able to do that plus other activities in comfort.

I must say after five previous scopes I was shocked to wake from anesthesia and not have any pain-I'm not kidding! Of course over the next few days more swelling and some discomfort set in, but nothing like the original injury back in October 08-yikes! Swimming season is coming up so I'm sure that will help the rehab process as well. I return for a Dr's. visit next week and we'll get his assessment. Overall I am very pleased with the procedure and outcome thus far, and with the Dr. (even though he was pretty much a "straight man" during office visits). I guess that shouldn't matter as long as his skills and gifts are in his knowledge and surgical hands-which they are. I can't wait till this is healed! I feel like an entire new world will be available! Woohoo!

The Loss of a Dear Friend

Last week was an emotional week, not only with knee surgery, and attempts at rescuing a runaway dog, but a dear friend was lost. She fought the valiant battle, savored every moment of her life with her husband, children, and grandchildren, continued her hobbies and always tried to live life as each day would allow. She was one of the strongest and most courageous people I knew, and I was proud to have her AND her husband and family as friends. Her name, Arlene Rizzardi.

Arlene and I met several years ago at work. Our program was going through some changes and she was brought in as Administrative Assistant-she was a God send! Our supervisor has suffered a serious illness and I was asked to try to “run” things for a while. I also had a full case load of students so it was very difficult as far as time. Arlene was there, and helped in more ways than she ever knew.

Outside of work (and at work) we developed a friendship, and oh did we have good times!!!! The Rizzardi house was always a welcome retreat for all ages. Almost any time you could find friends of their four children and their own friends mingling and enjoying each other’s company. It was a “home” for many and often their children’s friends would stop by without their children even being there-that’s just how it was! Everyone always felt at home at the Rizz’s! And it was Arlene and George that made it that way!

We often went out dancing and partying on Fridays and some times Thursdays-we ALWAYS had a great time! Laugh, dance, and enjoying the crowd was the motto for the evening. Arlene even taught me some great dances-the five point (I think she taught me and her daughter Lisa the same night), the Calypso, and the stroll-she was just that way always charged and ready to have fun.

Arlene and George were a very special part of our wedding as well. Arlene was our greeter and George kept the drivers and every one else in line. It was just the way it should have been in my mind-Arlene was always the first person seen when anyone entered our offices at work, so she should have been the first person seen at our wedding. It was just the way I wanted it. She was so brave even then as our wedding occurred not long after she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Carcinoid. Didn’t stop her though-she and George were both there and made our day all the more special!

You know how friends are-we could talk about anything! And George is the same way-although some times George and I would go off a little too far and Arlene would remind us, nicely of course, that we were straying a bit too far. It never mattered where we were; we talked, laughed, and some times shared a tear or two. Their front porch was a great stopping place, as was their kitchen. When possible we'd join together for breakfast on a Sunday as the years went on. Even if we didn’t talk for a while, we could always just pick up as if we saw each other yesterday-Arlene was just that kind of a person.

When she was preparing to enter the hospital for her heart valve procedure, she sent out an email to us all, letting us know what was coming up and for one of the first times ever, expressing some concern and worriment. I wrote back to her and told her as I (and others) have said many times, “You are one of the most courageous and strongest people I know, and you can do it.” Those were the last words I shared with my friend. When I spoke with her husband George after her procedures, Arlene was having difficult times, but the family was still hopeful. Unfortunately as time went on Arlene’s body was unable to continue the battle she fought so valiantly for ten and one half years, she passed away. As the family made their announcement on their Caring Bridge web site, I wept. It was the saddest news, and even though I knew she was struggling, I still didn’t expect it. Why? Because Arlene was a fighter, she survived and LIVED through more that I or anyone else I know has-she seemed to almost take things in stride and didn’t obsess over it. She accepted it all, did what she could, and moved on as she was able-what a strong person!

George called me, bless him, on Thursday night after the family returned home. I was so grateful for his call-after all he had been through; he took some time to call me, I was touched. We talked for a bit, and it felt so good just to talk. He is so lucky (as was Arlene) to have four terrific children, and sons and daughter in-laws, and grand babies-they will always have each other, and they ALL will always have Arlene.

So I say to my friend Arlene…you remain one of the strongest and most courageous people I have ever known. Thank you for your friendship, thank you for sharing your terrific family, and opening your home to so many. Thank you for everything you did when we worked together, and most of all thank you for all the wonderful memories-you will never be forgotten! Rest in peace, my friend!

What a weekend!

Well The Miracle Worker Show closed on Sunday with a bang! What a cast, great bunch! In my humble opinion Rori did very well today, and for the all the shows considering it was something very new for her. She was exhausted though by the time we got home, and didn't even really want to eat her dinner. She had a bit of air about her with the other dogs, but I reminded her that she is "one of the pack" at home, not a soloist. She recieved many compliments to which I am very grateful. She is truly very animated, bright, and showy when given the opportunity.

I too was tired, but unfortunately did not get much sleep because Little Miss Maddie apparently had an upset belly for most of the night. She was very restless and needed consoling, so I spent my night trying to comfort her. By morning she was fine again. Her belly seems very sensitive and we might have to keep a closer watch on that.

It's funny how good it feels after a performance...it generates a feeling of accomplishment, and just feels darn good. Great weekend! How was yours?

Theater & Rori

Well first off, I have to thank the Strawberry Playhouse, and director Lucille Fala-Brennan for giving Rori the supporting role of Belle, in The Miracle Worker. It has been an interesting and educational journey and has taught me a lot about animals and the theater. It is NOT as easy as it seems!

When I work my dogs, I typically can be near by in well lit areas offering hand signals or support of some sort. However in theater, it is an entirely different story. First, it is LIVE, and second the audience area is dark, so I had to rely on rehearsals to provide Rori with the experiences and actions needed, and I had to heavily rely on the actors. Not all actors own pets nor have experience with them so I needed to be sure they felt as comfortable as possible with the dog and attempting to keep her in the scene. This was not always an easy task as Rori, initially wasn't sure what was expected. So with a few more prompts and hints for the actors all seemed to eventually fall into place. And at the conclusion of Rori's scene one time, she didn't want to leave the stage, but the gentleman playing Captain Keller kept his character and escorted her off as part of the show. As the shows progressed all actors including Rori seem to adjust to each other and find their way to providing poignant scenes. When some of the actors changed roles, it once again became an adjustment for EVERYONE. I understand that playing a role and trying to keep an animal in the scene can be challenging, but there are tricks to used, and prayers to said (haha). All in all it has been a great experience and if asked, I would do it again with any of my dogs. The only things I might do differently is ask the director for permission to address the cast and discuss working with whatever pet is going to participate. As each person has their own personality, so does each animal-everyone needs to have a basic understanding of one another for it to be a successful and believable journey. I would discuss the basics of handling and working with a dog. I also would ideally request a few more short rehearsals just so the dog can experience the people, stage, and scene, and so the actors can begin to develop a working relationship with the dog.

It has been a wonderful experience-we have two more shows. Tonight, and tomorrow is the close. Wish us "break a leg!"

Been too long....

It's about time to get back to writing...this blog that is. So much has happened over the past few months I couldn't even begin to write it all, so we'll start from today with some quick history.

Yes, Maddie the newest pup, is completely housebroken and has been for quite some time. She continues to be a little shy around new things but now explores with encouragement. She's learning new tricks all the time. She has just started her first formal obedience class.

Trevar, our handsome Scottie, unfortunately had a MAJOR dental dilemma to where he had to have several back teeth extracted. This was the first time he ever had any problem, but he took it all better than I would have. It was a very strange anomaly and one we hope we never see repeated. He's looking forward to the pool opening.

Darby, our eldest Westie, celebrated her 16 th birthday on March 2! Hard to believe. Since she came to live with me when she was almost two, I continually remind her she at least owes me two years. Her eye sight is failing along with her hearing (except when she hears dinner), and motorically she is a little awkward (except when she hears dinner), but she is still very much enjoying herself. And we enjoy her silliness too!

And then there is Rori...the animated one. Rori had the distinct honor to debut in community theater. Rori has been playing the part of Belle in The Miracle Worker production at The Strawberry Playhouse in Tuscarora, PA. It has been a fun and interesting experience and she has met a lot of new people. She has enjoyed the attention and I think she even liked being on stage, once she became familiar with the routine. (Below Rori pictured w/one of the young actresses portraying Helen Keller-face blurred pending permission of parents) Rori will be performing again this weekend with a different young actress.

"For the Love of Hanna" my latest work-in-progress is progressing, albeit slowly. I hope to have it completed including edits, by summer. I have to.

So that pretty much is catch-up...at least with the dogs.

Oh we're trying to rescue a dog that has been running the mountain for almost a year, check out his blog/story http://savingteddy.blogspot.com