What Weekend?

Where did the weekend go? I barely remember Saturday, other than the long awaited temperature. We've had well-below normal through most of December, so it was nice to have sunshine and 3C on Saturday.

I walked the dogs, but because the roads were wet from melting snow, my yellow labs had black lab bellies. They were a dirty mess and needed to be cleaned before coming inside. The walk was very enjoyable now that Keefer is walked with a head halter. We bought a halter many years ago for our German Shepherd. He was a strong puller on walks to the point where my arm was in constant pain. This collar was amazing! Our Shepherd became a joy to walk. He instantly stopped tugging. The head halter goes around the dog's neck and snout. It isn't a muzzle as the dog can still open their mouth. The difference between a head halter and a collar is when the dog pulls or tugs, it is their jaw that takes the pull and not their neck. It's like walking Jekyll and Hyde! Gone was the crazy dog walking me and in its place was a well-trained dog.

I had to use the halter on Jagger as a pup as well, but not as long because he didn't like the halter and quickly learned to walk at my side. Jagger is a joy to walk. He walks beside me and doesn't falter even if someone walks by.

Keefer reminded me of the days of walking our Shepherd. He's a tugger and tries his best to be the leader. Last week I dug out the halter. He didn't like it much either. He swiped at it with his paws and would occasionally body surf in the snow, hoping to get the halter off. However, like with our other two dogs, I clip the leash onto the halter and their collar for extra support and to ward off any escape the dog may make from the halter.

Success! Keefer walks so much better now. He doesn't tug or pull anymore. I now enjoy morning walks with my two yellow labs, one on each side.

So, Saturday was a blur and Sunday was busy with house cleaning and baking cookies. I baked Snickerdoodle cookies and used a few cookie cutters. This was my first attempt at using cookie cutters and while the Christmas stockings and stars turned out okay, my gingerbread men looks more like a blowfish, lol.

I also took a few minutes to create a couple new black and white card bookmark designs. Here are two of  my favourites, but you can find more on the right of my blog under "Save My Page Bookmarks".

A busy weekend, but a good one.

How did you spend your weekend?

Snuggle Cuddles

Now that we're in the holiday season, I'm singing the song, "These are a Few of My Favorite Things", so I've decided to share some of my favourite holiday things.

One of my most favourite things to do this time of year is to get comfy on the sofa with a cup of peppermint hot chocolate and my cozy blanket, and watch a Hallmark Christmas movie.

However, last night I had some company.

Keefer, who is now nine months, got it in his head that he wanted to join me on the sofa. Note...while I love my boys, they shed their yellow fur all year round, which loves to cling to our brown sofa, so the rule has always been - no dogs allowed on the sofa.

Keefer ever-so-slowly edged his foot and then another onto the sofa and my blanket as though I don't see him.

He then shuffled his butt to the back of the sofa and wrapped his paw over my legs. Not once during his daring attempt did he make eye contact as he pretended all was well and began to watch television (head on pillow).

When I asked what he was doing, he turned and gave me the "Love you Mum" look. Well, I can't resist though big brown eyes, so needless to say, I broke the rule for a short time. Sometimes you just have cherish the snuggle cuddle and vacuum the sofa in the morning.

Keefer took my silence as approval and settled back on the pillow and tucked his nose into my blanket.

We cuddled for a good a good twenty minutes before he jumped off the sofa and returned to his dog bed.

One of my favourite things is definitely some warm snuggle cuddles!

Summer Road Trip

It's snowing outside today. A wet snow that is slushy and messy. I'm not a fan of snow and winter, so I'd like to slip away for a moment to revisit summer.

Back in August, we made a spur of the moment decision to revisit Parrsboro as we hadn't been there for a few years, but the drive is three hours and too long with two dogs in the car. We thought it would be a good idea to stay overnight and decided to rent a cabin, but since it was the high season for rentals, we thought most cabins would be booked. Thankfully, we were lucky to find a spot.

The cabin was a bit rustic, but it was clean as were the linens. It had a little kitchen with a table, a bathroom, three beds, and a big deck for the three of us and the two dogs to lounge on.

Just a short walk to the left of our cabin was a river. The water was low due to not a lot of rain during the summer season, but the boys and my daughter sure loved walking in it to cool off.

We went back to the cabin to let the dogs rest and dry off before heading out again to grab some supper. We found the nice restaurant we had stopped at during our original trip and got some food to take back to the cabin. Yum!

After our meal, the dogs took another nap. Keefer under the car and Jagger under a lawn chair. The boys really enjoyed getting out and exploring nature, which tuckered them out.


We then piled back into the car...yes, that is Keefer's butt as he climbed into the back to be with Jagger, lol!

We headed to Five Islands, which is a must-see spot. There are five islands (named accordingly) located near each other and perfect for viewing from a picturesque beach. The beach front has a huge mountainous cliff, which to the far end have black rock formations that were created by a long-time-ago volcano. It's a beautiful sight.

We spent probably over two hours there. The water was a bit chilly, so my daughter and the boys just got their feet wet, except for the few times Keefer got brave and body surfed along the water's edge.

I collected a few rocks to take home, but not nearly as large as the one I collected on our last visit. Carrying a large rock while walking two dogs along a rocky beach wasn't an option. 

Two large hawks soared overhead. There were amazing. The were flying so low. Maybe they thought Keefer might make a good lunch, lol!

When we returned to the cabin, it was time to relax and watch the sunset. The highlight of the evening was watching flocks of geese fly by, heading to their sleep area. The only downside to the evening was when I took the boys out to the field to do their night-time business, I got attacked by mosquitoes. I returned to the cabin with over twenty bites! Thankfully, I remembered to bring cream.

We settled down for the night with Jagger sleeping under our bed. Keefer decided the floor was not good enough for him and spent the night sleeping with my daughter, which we only allowed to prevent him from roaming the cabin all night.

We awoke the next morning to a beautiful sunrise and the sound of the geese returning. We packed up the car to return home before the rain, which we knew was coming, arrived.

Though our trip was short, it was nice to get away, even for twenty-four hours. And though the cabin was a bit rustic, it gave us the comfort and relaxation we needed.
We'll definitely return!

Snow Day!

Today is our first snowfall of 2018 and Keefer's first step in snow.

He was really curious and kept looking out the window. He stared at the window letting out little humphing noises and small barks. He didn't seem too impressed.

I waited for enough snow to be on the ground before taking him out. He was pretty nervous, so much that I had to push his butt out the door. 

Once he was on the deck, he froze. He wanted to go back inside, but I encouraged him to come into the yard. After a few minutes of slowly walking around, he started running and playing. 

Unfortunately, the snow isn't staying on the ground long enough for a second play outside. Ice pellets are to start soon and then rain.

At least my baby boy's first steps in the snow were lots of fun!

A Long Summer Break

After a long...very long break, I have finally returned. Spring had cooler temps and Summer was more humid than normal. The days just flew by...a new puppy could be the reason. My mornings started at 5am with a few 4am mixed in. Thankfully, potty training went by fast. Keefer loves his big brother, Jagger!

Now, we have two of the Rolling Stones. Keefer is named after Keith Richards, but I wasn't naming him Keith or Richards. When my husband told me that Mick Jagger's nickname for Keith was Keef, we decided to put our own spin to the name. 

Keefer is growing fast. He's adorable and devilish. He tests our patience, but then one look into his big browns eyes and our hearts melt. Two dogs are definitely a lot to handle. There's never a dull moment, but I wouldn't change a thing...other than those original early mornings :)

Stay tuned for more puppy updates and photos!

Writing Hiatus Over

After a long (weeks and weeks of no words) writing hiatus, last week I finally wrote a chapter on a new story...and during one of the most busiest weeks for me.

My family adopted a new Yellow Labrador. Here is the little eight week old pup being introduced to our ten year old big boy.

We decided to adopt a new puppy while our big boy was still of age to tolerate a youngling bouncing around his legs. We also hope he can train the puppy in all avenues of potty training, personality, manners, and an overall great dog. He wasn't too sure about the puppy at first and mainly tolerated him, but after a few days they were playing 'tug' together, and after a week, my bog boy doesn't get up every time the puppy wants to cuddle. I see a tight bond of brotherhood developing. 

I could talk about my boys all day, but back to writing. Since my last manuscript required requested edits from my managing editor, I haven't been writing a lot. I completed the edits, but still have to give it one last read before resubmitting. Unfortunately, life got busy. I haven't returned to my manuscript or written a new word since the end of February. I will get back to my original story and get it submitted by the end of the summer, but just last week, I wrote a chapter on a story that's been an idea for over a year now, but is finally seeing the light. I hope to get more written this week, but I am not rushing it. Life is busier then ever with a new puppy, which equals many sleepless nights (me) and a barely rational thinking person(me) during the day. The writing will come more frequent as the 'training' is complete.

I'll pop back to 'blog' when time permits. In the meantime, check out Still Moments Magazine where the writing never stops. 

http://stillmomentsezine.blogspot.com/