• 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.

     

     

     

     

     

  • 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!  😉