• The Rainbow Bridge…

    October 1, 2019 / 2 Comments

    If you haven’t noticed, there’s a “page” on the righthand sidebar for almost each of my grand-animals.  I still have a few others to write. 

    Sadly, I had to update Kiana’s page today.

    Update: October 1, 2019
    Today is a sad day. Eleven year old Kiana crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She had developed tumors which were making life progressively hard for her. The last few days, it became clear that the difficult decision had to be made. Kiana wasn’t just a pet. She was part of the family and the grandkids’ growing up years. She traveled back and forth to Kentucky when the family went to visit her dad’s parents. She loved their farm.

    When Kiana was old enough (about age two), she began running with my daughter. I always felt better when Kiana was there with her. A Hungarian Vizla, Kiana was fast! As I’ve mentioned before, she understood words, especially the words “bird” or “rabbit”! Her ears would immediately perk up and she would go to the glass doors.  Over the last eleven years, there were several times that I stayed with her – later, Doug and I stayed with her – while the family traveled.  Always close by my side, I loved my time with her. I loved Kiana and I think she loved me too. She knew I was her grandmom as well.  The tears come easy today. For all of us. Rest in peace, Kiana.  I love you.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Thanksgiving…

    November 30, 2014 / 1 Comment

    My younger son and his precious family arrived on Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving in the midst of falling snow and a cold, cold wind.  I had not seen them for six long months and I was literally “bananas” waiting to grab my beautiful little granddaughters in my arms.  I was afraid my 15 month old granddaughter would not remember me (though we’ve talked on FaceTime).  I held her in my arms and she sweetly studied my face.  I smiled at her and said “it’s Grandmommy!” and she gave me an enormous smile which reached those beautiful blue eyes!  Needless to say, my heart melted.  I knelt down to embrace three year old granddaughter and planted kisses on her cheeks and sweet little head.  I kept saying “I’ve missed you so, so much!” and she said “I missed you too, Grandmommy!”  Again, my heart melted!

     

    Thanksgiving at my daughter’s home was a wonderful time with two of my children, two of my other children (my son-in-love and daughter-in-love), six out of nine of my grandchildren, Doug and his sweet 95-year-old Mom and two granddogs, Kiana & Bernie!  There was a lot of laughter and a lot of really good food!  My daughter had purchased a 26 pound fresh turkey from a local farmer.  She brined it overnight before cooking it and the result was a moist, delicious turkey.  She prepared all the wonderful side dishes and three different pies which were excellent.  My daughter-in-love put together the large vegetable tray and made one of my favorites – a spinach-artichoke-garlic dip served with pita chips.  Delicious!  With Doug’s help, I made a cheese ball and baked dozens of different cookies the day before Thanksgiving because I knew once my little granddaughters arrived, I would just be playing!  Which I did!

    A happy, blessed grandmother…

     

    My daughter falling in love with her baby brother’s baby…

     

    Doug and Mary, his sweet 95-year-old Mom, enjoying Thanksgiving with my family…

     

    No better place to be than in the floor playing with my grandchildren!

     

    In the midst of all the excitement and joy of being together, I had to pause and reflect for just a moment.  

    I have so much to be thankful for and I truly am…

  • A weekend pup-sitting…

    March 12, 2013 / 8 Comments

    I spent this past Friday until Monday pup-sitting Kiana while my daughter and her family drove four hours north to Minneapolis for the regional swim competition.  Her three oldest competed and did very well.

    Back home with Kiana and me, it started pouring “ice” in the form of chunky sleet on Friday evening and progressed to snow on top of that on Saturday.  I stretched out in the comfy leather chair with the ottoman and knitted in front of their large HD television (completing another baby blanket for my baby granddaughter).  I was totally spoiled to watching my FBI shows in high definition by the time I left!  Cold Case Files will never be the same again on my little ancient television!  I also watched HGTV in HD.  It’s amazing the difference in the background things you notice.  I read some and spent time with a Hungarian Vizla.  Sometimes, just to get her up and moving (she’s on medication for her thyroid so she’s slow these days), I would say “Kiana!  See if there’s a BIRD outside!”  Her ears would perk up and she’d head to the window, her small tail straight out and a little pep to her step.  Being with Kiana all weekend made me realize how very much I have missed having a dog!  She was very good company.

    In the photo above, she was sitting in front of the refrigerator and looking up at the cabinet where her treats are kept!  As if to say, well, what are you waiting for?!

    When I arrived back to my apartment/condo on Monday afternoon, I noticed it was rather chilly.  I had left the thermostat set on 66 degrees, but it was definitely cooler than that.  I tried turning the thermostat up but nothing happened…except for the very loud unfamiliar noise coming from the furnace closet in the hallway just outside my apartment.  Long story short:  they are putting in a new furnace tomorrow.  It is now 30 degrees outside and snowing (again).  Not to worry, the elderly occupant in the condo below must keep his thermostat on 92 degrees for it hasn’t been too bad!  Plus the fact the Lenox company left me 3 small space heaters when they came to measure today just in case I needed them.  It was 60 degrees in the apartment this morning but I have on my Oregon sweatshirt and I’m surviving!  (Not to mention the fact that I could just return to my daughter’s house, but I have a lot of things that I need to accomplish here.)

    I returned my videos and books that were due to the nearby library this morning and checked out another stack of knitting books.  Then, it was back home to clean the apartment.  Thought that would generate some warmth!  Good thing since, once again, the wind is gusting and the snow is falling… 😉

  • Hide and seek…

    March 1, 2013 / 4 Comments

    When it’s cold and windy outside with a blanket of deep white covering the ground, one must be creative…especially when playing with grandchildren inside.  One must also have a very good sense of humor!  😉

    It is a challenge trying to win at “hide and seek” when Kiana (the Hungarian Vizla) is a dead-give-away!

    Me (whispering):   “Go away, Kiana!!!  I’m trying to hide!”

    Kiana:  Slurp.  Slurp.  Kiss.  Kiss.  “Aw, Grandmom, let me in here with you!”

      My eight year old granddaughter:  “Found you, Grandmom!  *laughter*  You’re too big to fit in the cathedral room (the tent under the table…evidently, the sun shines through the different colors of blankets and looks like stained glass)!  Your bottom sticks out!” 

    At this point, my daughter and I cracked up in laughter!

    Actually, I think it was Kiana’s bottom that was sticking out from the tent!  😉

     

  • Snow days…

    January 30, 2013 / 11 Comments

    Little did I know on Monday when I made the dreaded trip to the grocery store and trekked up the two flights of stairs with bags and bags of groceries…that I would be glad on Wednesday when another snow storm hit!  Here’s the door to my humble abode.  Before I get to this point, however, there is a secure entry that I must unlock (and I’m really thankful for that).  Over the course of the past few months, I have figured out it’s faster to just go down to my garage, get the groceries, bring them up the two flights of stairs and leave them at the door.  Repeat the process as many times as required…then take them all in at once!  NOW, if I could just get motivated to cook for myself…

    Snow photo above:  the view from my porch.  This photo was actually taken during the last snow storm but you get the idea!  I’m beginning to think:  you’ve seen one snowstorm – you’ve seen them all!  😉

    When I was at my daughter’s house the other day, I noticed that Kiana didn’t seem to be feeling all that well.  My daughter said that Kiana had not eaten well for the past few days.  Kiana was clearly much more lethargic than her usual exuberant self.  My daughter took her to the vet the next day for an expensive office visit and tests.  Come to find out, Kiana has an extremely low thyroid and is now on medication!  The low thyroid explains why Kiana can’t seem to lose weight (I know the feeling) regardless of all that running (well, okay, so I don’t run).   Maybe now, I can give her treats again.

    In the photo below, she is sitting in front of the cabinet (above the refrigerator) where the treats are kept.  She is one smart dog and she knows Grandmom will give in.  Kiana will look at me and then look UP at the treat cabinet and look back at me…as if to say “you know where they are – now get me one…purty please!”

  • A long day comes to an end…

    August 30, 2012 / No Comments

    It had been a long day but I was finally at home in the Midwest.  My car and all my belongings would be following in a week or so.  It would take a while to find a place to live and sort it all out but that could wait.  For now, I was exhausted.  My grandchildren were thrilled to see me and I was beyond excited to see them…but I could hardly keep my eyes open.

    It is especially confusing to a three year old when his grandmother goes to sleep before he does but that is exactly what I did.  My daughter explained to them that, first of all, I did not have any clothes with me (lost luggage – airlines again) and, secondly, I was very tired from traveling and would be sleeping in the following morning (Sunday) which is unusual for me.

    The next morning, I awoke about 10:30 a.m.  The house was indeed quiet.  Everyone was at church.  Later that afternoon my suitcases would be delivered and I would have fresh clothes.  In the meantime, I just relaxed with a cup of hot tea in the quiet with Kiana by my side…