Meet O'Rylee!

My husband has been staring at me lately in utter disbelief. "Who is this woman?" I can hear going through his head.

I had pretty much given up on the idea that I was a dog person. Jack (our border collie) and I have a less-than-ideal relationship, and I thought I just didn't like dogs. But my daughter brought home her little Australian Shepherd, about 1/2 the size of Jack, and I have fallen in love.

All of a sudden I love having a dog in my lap. I play with him, and let Kevin discipline him... it is a total switch of roles for Kevin and I. I am getting a kick out of it, and Kevin is befuddled that the rules have changed. So is Jack. Rylee is really good for him, in spite of the fact that Jack is a little grumpy and growls to Rylee on occasion to back off. But Jack is up moving around more than he has in a long time, and gets the run of the house again.

The cats are getting used to this energetic little tornado, but still have maintained their distance and hiss as he gets too close. Juggernaut hid under our bed for the first few days Rylee was here. But now he freely roams the house and has figured out that he is the boss and simply swats Rylee when he gets too close.

I know all of you that know me as the "resident bitch" when it comes to Jack are probably just shaking your heads in confusion. It is a real surprise to me, too. I have waited to make this announcement just in case the newness wears off...

So we enter a new year with one more family member... sigh.

As opposed to green...

Idaho is all white. It is as if a large, thick blanket has covered us up. I am watching these big, fat snowflakes falling outside my window re-covering the weeping willow that had been washed clean by the rain yesterday.

Yes, we had rain all day yesterday. Maegan and I went out to scrape the driveway clean of the heavy, wet snow and ice so that when it froze again last night, we wouldn't have an instant ice rink.

With all the talk about going south for the winter, the snow this year reminds me how much I love it. Except when it gets wet and messy then freezes solid. But when it stays cold, it is truly a white winter wonderland.

I have no doubt I will be sick of it soon enough and start my whining about heading south to Florida again. But today, I am just enjoying its silent and unpretentious beauty.

Fifty years young...

My good friend was born fifty years ago today. She doesn't look much over thirty to me... but then neither do I. 

We met up today while shopping and had a cup of coffee together. It was all I could do not to stand up in Starbucks and make the general announcement that we were celebrating her today. 1. I didn't want to embarrass her, and 2. I wasn't sure that the folks in the Target Starbucks would be as excited as I was... so I managed to refrain (which I know is going to surprise a few people reading this).

Tonight, we are going out to dinner at her favorite restaurant (which just happens to be one of my favorites, too)... Chef in the Forest, out on Hauser Lake. One of these days I will post why it is my fav, but today this is all about Lynne.

Last week we had a surprise birthday party for her. I think she really enjoyed herself and all the attention from her millions of girlfriends. To know Lynne is to love her... Anyway, I sent out a questionaire to everyone, and here are some highlights:

"The funniest thing I ever saw Lynne do was watching her eat crab with the crab butter dripping down her chin."

"The dumbest thing I ever saw Lynne do was when she does the Lizard!"

"My favorite thing about Lynne is that she is always smiling and laughing."

"My most memorable time with Lynne was when we were sipping champagne in the castle in Ireland on Halloween."

If you are reading this and have a glass of something handy, raise your glass to fun-loving, charming, loyal, generous, happy-go-lucky, good-friend Lynne. I love you.

Snow removal Idaho-style

We have gotten many suggestions to go out and buy a snowblower... I just wanted you all to see what snow removal looks like here in serious snow country!

Kevin just uses any excuse to go out and plow. Once he got his bobcat uncovered (he had left it on the job site), he has been plowing any little mound of snow he can find. I think he is in snow heaven!

We set a lot of records here yesterday. Our snow dump totaled 30 inches... up to 54 inches out-of-town. I think our friends Kent and Becki are relieved to not be living in Spirit Lake right now.

But today the sun is out, and it is gorgeous outside. Maegan's second attempt to get home should prove successful. I am on my way to the airport now.

I hope you all are warm and snuggled in...

A winter wonderland?

It started snowing yesterday morning and has not stopped since. We had a light dusting of snow left over from last week... now we have about 30 inches. It is crazy!

I have been out shoveling 4 times today, and the snow is still coming down.

Maegan is supposed to fly in tonight, but flights are getting cancelled all over the place... she just wants to come home, and I just want her here safe. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

The close of day

The sky is brilliant tonight signaling the gorgeous end to a really beautiful day. Today was crisp and mostly clear. We went out to the now indoor farmer's market in town this morning, and drove around running some errands. People were everywhere with big grins on their faces... there is just something about that ole' sunshine that lightens folks up.

We made a quick trip to Costco to load up in anticipation of the arrival of all the kids... I am so looking forward to tonight... my favorite of nights when I know all the kids are home in their beds. I can only describe my contentment as that. With them off on their own adventures, I seem to appreciate the times they are home so much more.

Thanksgiving is the holiday my family seems to love the best. There is no pressure to purchase gifts... or entertain at all. It is just a time to be together with family and friends, share, and be thankful for all we have. I am thankful for this day and this beautiful end to it.

A busy day...

I love cats. I love the way they are consumed with a toy, and the way they completely relax when they are tired. 

Christian, or "Baby" as we often call him, is almost 13 years old. He was born on our living room floor on May 16. I remember that day because Kevin and I had been at his softball game and the neighbor was babysitting while our cat went into labor. We got home and Christian squirted out on the floor. I have always thought it was good for kids to see animals being born. Cats or dogs seems the likeliest opportunities.

This cat has complete trust in us. I remember we had a special relationship with the kittens born in our house when I was a kid, too. I am not sure exactly what the difference is, but it always amazes me when he snuggles up with my arm over him and just zonks out. He will stay tucked under my arm for hours.

My favorite thing about Christian is when he goes ape for catnip. We have liquid catnip that we spray in his cathouse. He will go into the little house and roll around in it, then hang his head out the hole with his bloodshot eyes. It is hilarious.

When we got Maegan's kitten, Juggernaut, a couple of years ago, Christian got a little bent out of shape. He still doesn't like Jugs, but is not so mad at us anymore for bringing him home. For the first year Jugs came to live with us Christian would come in our bedroom, jump on us and growl.

Jugs, on the other hand, loves Christian and seems to get a perverse pleasure from torturing him. He will sneak up and pounce on him, sending Christian into his angry hissing fits. We applaud when Christian does the rare stand-up-for-himself-and-fight-back.