Hurricane Harvey

Dear Hurricane Harvey,

Thanks for ruining my vacation and shutting down the airports, thus not allowing my sister to leave. Luckily our hotel and rental car was fully refunded and our plane tickets can be used for a trip in the future. While this is a major, crippling disappointment to my sis and I, truly hoping that the folks of Texas and Louisiana stay safe through this one.

Teeny, Tiny House: Shed (Part 2)

About this time last month, Hubby ordered a dumpster and started dismantling the old shed. It took several long days and brute strength but Hubs got it demoed with very few problems. Surprisingly there weren't any critters underneath waiting for him as we had posited. The wisteria didn't survive the demo (he took some cuttings and is trying to replant elsewhere on the property) but we knew that going in. While it was a beautiful old plant, it lived right next to the well and both of us have been concerned about its root system so close to our only water source.

The well currently has a tarp over it and we are considering more permanent options which are more pleasing to the eye. To say that we are relieved to have this eye sore gone is an understatement. It is so much easier to pull the car out of the garage now. In addition, we already are able to see more wildlife. We witnessed our very first raccoon and it was ginormous -- hands-down bigger than Lily.

As an aside: Back when I was building wooden model airplanes I quickly learned that the project always goes smoother and less stressful when you have the right tool for the job. Ever since I have always supports Hubs in making tool purchases because I know how it feels to want to accomplish something and not having the tool that would make it easier. You can literally spend days trying to rig something that would normally take minutes with the right equipment. Hubs bought a sawzall for this project and he couldn't have done it with it. Ladies, take advice from an old married lady, don't give your man grief for buying tools!

 Before

During

After

Silly Schnauzers

Both Schnauzers had their birthdays in the past month. We are now officially a home full of geriatric animals. The youngest is, of course, Churro but she isn't technically ours as she is on loan from mom-in-law. Lily is now 13, Piper is 16 and Trudy is 17.

Our veterinarian decided suddenly to retire so I have spent most of today interviewing new vets and trying to find a kind and compassionate place to discuss end-of-life plans for Trudy. While we have little reason to think that Trudy is going anywhere, there are small signs each day that she is slowing down. She isn't as active, she is grumpier than normal, and her dementia is getting harder to manage. The reality is setting in that we need to prepare...

The other dogs have been quite patient and kind towards Trudy, considering her ailment. We all have our moments of reacting poorly but overall the other dogs look out for Trudy and try to help her or at least stay out of the way.

Sweet Lily

Trudy in the Springtime

Fighting over who gets the blanket

Boney little Trudy. This sweet girl just keeps hanging on.

Those back legs just aren't working the way they used to.

Piper likes to take a shower with me every morning, than sun herself afterwards.

She is a horribly, nasty cat but sometimes she can be adorable.

Can you believe she weighs 5 lbs? Tiniest old cat I have ever met.