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!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
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!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, May 11, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, May 4, 2009
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!
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!
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