Progressive Haircut

Now that I have had an adequate dose of morning coffee, here are a few random things.  

My latest little project involved a haircut.

 Not mine, but Edgar's.

Lots of long thick hair! I had put it off as long as I could stand it!

Lots of hair shedding to sweep up after.

I clipped about 4 piles that had this amount or more. I started on Thursday evening with the back legs and hind end, and worked my way forward. I will add that he does not like it at all, and I am having to constantly remind him that he gets a spanking if he doesn't cooperate. He knows what spanking means and he complies (most of the time).

Here is a glimpse of him sporting his new look, but he is camera shy. I kid you not, when I bring the camera out, he turns away every time. You also get to see my bargain wool rug that I purchased from a friend last weekend.  Lots of pretty colors, aqua, bright green, bright blue and red. It is huge and all for 50.00!

I snapped this this morning when he ran out to chase those squirrels. If he ever catches one he will not know what to do with it.

Have a great weekend!l

Edgar has arrived!

We picked up Edger Tuesday, and he is making himself right at home. Stella is still trying to figure out why he is here, she has been the top dog since Nick died this summer, so she has been a little bit ornery on occasion, but they seem to be adjusting well. Edgar is a mixed breed with some spaniel and retriever. He seems to be very loving and gentle. He has been a little homesick but hopefully he will come to know this as home.

How could  you resist this face?

In other news the kitchen is coming along, still slowly. I painted the first coat of paint on the outside of the cabinets and it will take a little longer to dry. It has been a topsy turvy mess here, and I am ready for things to be in order once again. I have been reading this and I am ready for some simplicity around here.

 Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider is worth reading. Her approach to simple living is realistic for everyone. After cleaning out my kitchen for the work that needed to be done, it became very obvious to me that it was time for a little simplicity. We had the huge yard sale about two months ago, but it is time to go a little deeper. She addresses the energy and time that it take to care for all of the accumulated stuff, and determining whether or not it is worth it. I encourage you to get a copy, especially if you are sensing the need for more simple living.

This will probably be my last post until after Christmas, so here's wishing everyone a blessed Christmas!

Oops! Tendinitis and Edgar

Here are some totally random updates for the day. First is the BIG Oops! Yesterday, while waiting on the inside of the cabinets to dry before the second coat, I decided to trim out the breakfast area. My sweet guy hates to trim, but doesn't mind the painting. I am the opposite, so this works great for us. I am not sure what I was thinking when I let the lady at the Benjamin Moore store talk me into this one. My very first reaction was, OH NO!

It is VERY dark! Actually it is even darker than what it looks like here, and especially at night. I am trying to soften things up a bit, and Wilmington Tan is not going to do it. I am looking for a soft neutral to go with the white cabinets and black granite looking counter tops. Any suggestions for the perfect color? I have a Sherwin Williams color deck, but may make a trip back to the Ben Moore store to see if they can do something with the gallon that I already have, but would love any of your suggestions.

While in the  process of painting, (a lot of painting) I have developed what my Mom thinks is most likely tendinitis in my left hand. So not only has this been a lengthy process, but a little bit painful too.

I told you this would be some random rambling. So by now you are wondering who is Edgar? Edgar would be the dog that my son would like to bring home for Christmas. Edgar's family doesn't like him very much. He is one of about two or three other pets, so they have decided that Edgar must go. My son has taken a liking to Edgar, and thinks we could give him the perfect home. I have no idea what kind of dog Edgar is, other than my son says he looks like a larger version of Stella. Stella has been pretty lonesome since Nick died this summer, and Chloe went home at Thanksgiving, so perhaps there will be an update on Edgar soon.

Remember girls, I need some suggestions on that perfect paint color. I pray everyone is having a blessed Christmas season.

One of those days.......continued.

This past week has been a busy one. Good busy, but very busy, tiring, and draining. We left last Sunday to visit my daughter. They purchased an older home that they have been renovating for quite a while. We went down to lend a hand. They are down to what is one huge task(not counting the yard) painting the exterior(not including the windows that will need to be reglazed). Those of you who own an older home know what a job this will be, especially on your own. I will say the boys worked on the really hard stuff! They scraped, scraped, scraped and scraped some more! It was HOT! Really hot!

My girl is still working, so I painted the last of the trim and baseboards in the office, cleaned windows (did I mention they have a lot of Big windows?) When we left the office was on the way to being straightened out, so the guest bed can move in there, so we can get ready for this little one. I even got to see the little one Wednesday during her Dr visit. He was moving those arms and legs, sticking his tongue out, and we may have a name. I will let you know if the make it definite. It was a great visit.

When we left, out big dog Nick was not doing well. He would have been 12 in December. He has been the absolute best family pet! He acted ferocious when necessary(strangers near by)but,  has always been just one big loving puppy. Our neighbor who is very fond of him took care of him while we were away. He said when we left he seemed so depressed, and wasn't sure he would last till we returned, but he did. We returned Thursday afternoon, and when I got back from errands Friday afternoon, he had laid  down in a shady spot and passed away. He and Stella have been my company when I am here by myself, and I am going to miss him dearly. Yes, there were tears from both of us, so needless to say yesterday afternoon was a sad one. Looking forward to a good Sunday rest, church and some quiet time. Hope you all have a blessed 4th.
Jackie

It's been one of those days.

More to come.