Well Hail

Koopa and I, while hanging out at the house two days ago, got caught up in a hail storm. Lovely experience. Daddy was away at work and I lost my cool. See, I have a long history of freaking out when it storms.

As a child, I would pack my dolls, books, and favorite outfit and head to the basement. I also surrounded myself with Angel figurines. I would cry and beg my parents to come to the basement with me. So, I still don't like storms, although I don't do dolls, books, and angels anymore.

So, this time I packed: Koopa, his crate, a leash, our wedding rings, my purse with health insurance card, laptop, cell phone and charger, and a blanket to cover our heads. I also had a maglight flashlight for illuminating things and bashing would be looters over the head and candles and a lighter.

Do you freak out during storms? What items do you pack for your basement/cellar/tub/ interior closet?

The Tale of Short Term Freedom

Being good, involved dog parents, we decided to allow Koopa to "free range" play in the backyard. It was his first time to play off leash at the new house and he spent several minutes just investigating his new surroundings. We then started playing chase and frisbee. But, Koop soon grew bored of such activities. He then decided to test our limits and try to enter the woods. When we said "No" and to come back, he paid us back by rolling in poison ivy.

Lovely. As I attempted to rangle our Free Range Corgi, he decided to make a break for the neighbors house, who happened to be outside (and a cat owner none the less). As I profusely apologized, sprinted, made offensive strategies, and silently (or at least in low tones) cursed my dog child, he grinned an evil grin as he evaded me. I hate him being so smart sometimes. I finally got him to chase me home where I carried his hiney in.

Then I remember the poison ivy as my arms started to itch. Ugh. So a dog bath, an arm scrubbing, and a tub cleaning later, Koopa is back to being an inside dog with leash only outdoor privileges.

Oh, and I can't complain about my neighbor's cats walking on my car or leering at my on my deck since their owner stopped and helped me corral my dog I irresponsibly let off leash.

Fair Time in W.C.

It is that lovely time again, time for the annual county fair. Don't get me wrong, I love the fair. But this year, I vowed to not become "fair-ed out", a condition I frequently acquired in the past.

We went Sunday afternoon to eat my "fair burger" of the season and buy candy apples to keep at home. I went to the Fairest of the Fair pageant to watch my cousin and provide commentary with my mom. (We are quite a duo when it comes to colorful commentary, you should book us for your next event.) After that, I didn't go back until Friday morning to take the niece in for kid's day. My MIL and I took turns being the rodeo clown in containing a 23 month old little girl in a VERY crowded space. Oh, and we were an hour and half past naptime. But we still got to eat our Philly Cheesesteaks. We can handle fussiness if needed for grilled onions and peppers. ;)

Beyond the food and rides, one of my favorite aspects of the fair is the art and agriculture. We staked out the competition for the variety of honey categories. This year there was only one applicant for each category. Next year they will have to compete with Bees & Trees Honey.

I have painted something for the fair every year since I was in fifth or sixth grade. (I didn't even miss when I was in my internship! I painted an awesome parrot vase to mix in with my Hawaii stuff. ) This year I painted a large snowman with cutouts in the ceramic. His belly contained a snowy home scene. Very cute and will look great on my fireplace this Christmas. I also painted a simple pumpkin wearing a black witches hat. I got a blue ribbon on the snowman and second place on the pumpkin. Next year I want to enter more items and my aunt is encouraging me to do a chalk piece, something I have never done.

I better get started for next year's fair!

P.S. They posted signs at every entrance stating no pets allowed. People used to be able to walk or carry their small dogs. :( So no Koopa at the fair.

So I am the worst blogger ever

Baby blue bandage on the baby boy


Koopa giving directions in the new "big" house




Koopa LOVES stairs
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Maybe not. I at least am taking the time to update. Now that we have bought our first home, (Oh yeah, we bought a house. :) ) we stay busy unpacking, doing improvement projects, and shopping for house stuff. Don't worry, Koopa is still the star.

I got a job, um, about ten minutes before our first house payment is due so Josh is TOTALLY in love with me. Between making money and wearing make-up for the first time in two months, he thinks I am the stuff.

So, until next post, know we are alive and well.

Moving and its effects on an otherwise well adjusted dog

So, Josh and I bought a house. At first, Koopa was as excited to go somewhere different as he always is. He played well in the new house. He would eat and drink while we worked on the house. If we painted in one room, he would lay down in the next room and just watch. He was excellent.

Then I went out of town for a wedding. Josh and Koopa had daddy/pup time and worked on the house while I was gone. When I got home Sunday night and on into Monday, I assumed Koopa was being clingy since I had been away.

(He was so clingy, I warned Josh that if our dog became a smurf, it wasn't my fault. He refused to lay anywhere but under my stepladder while painting the bedroom. )

I noticed more destructive play: tearing toys and non-toys apart.
He is having some tummy troubles.
He had his first "accident" in the house in MONTHS.

My sweet, confident puppy is mia. My baby needs me.

So, now in the thick of packing, I am laying on the couch with a sweet boy who just doesn't understand why his toys are slowing being transferred to the new house. And here we thought we were stressed, this poor guy wasn't given an amortization schedule or even a choice.

Memphis

I am currently on rotation for my dietetic internship in Memphis, TN. I am completing my required hours in pediatric nutrition at The Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and Le Bonheur. It has been a great experience and I am proud for the opportunity.

However, I miss my boys. I am thankful that tonight is my last night in the hotel this week. I will be heading back again in a few weeks. Also, today is Josh's birthday and it's the first one I have missed. I have celebrated every birthday since his 18th one. Now my hubby is the ripe old age of 24. Additionally, I miss my Koopa. I see dogs out and a mist up. I know, I have an unhealthy attachment to him.

But this photo was the highlight of my night. It came from Josh with this note: "I know you miss it". I love that he and I can be so goofy. And yes, I love the big, round, orange basketball booty and those cute feet.

P.S. I see someone is dragging out all their toys in the floor while momma is away.

Koopa Woodlee is a Big Brother!

Koopa became a big brother on Friday. He gained 15,000 honey bees as siblings, including an awesome Queen Bee. Keep an eye out for updates on our growing family of 15,003. :)