STILL HOT

It is still really, really hot here in Portland, the global warming is messing us up out here in the Pacific Northwest...it is NOT supposed to be this hot here, they say the temps will lower this coming week. Suffice to say I slept on the couch last night in the glow of the air conditioning. The US olympic track and Field trials are being held in Eugene, Oregon. ( About 90 minutes south of PDX), it is blistering hot there also. I cannot imagine running around an asphalt track in weather like this...well, actually I can't imagine running around an asphalt track anytime......
I have the evening news on and they say that we might actually get thunder and lighting here. For those of you that don't know, we NEVER get thunder and lighting storms in this part of the country....it is that global warming issue bearing down on us again. Where is Al Gore when we need him? FIX THIS PROBLEM......
I read Jen's new post on the blog, enjoyed the news and the pictures.....the class that Jason is taking sounds interesting. It sure beats driving to WMU by taking the grad class on line. Loved the pictures that Jen included on the post....
Sounds like you folks may get together for the 4th of July, at least with a breakfast. Sounds like fun

HOT

It is really, really HOT in Portland, 102 today and more of the same tomorrow. I have the air conditioner going full steam in the lower level of the house, but upstairs it is like an oven. Every now and again it gets this hot in Portland and when ever it does, I am NOT a happy camper. I just can't take the heat....I am kind of like my sister Jean in that regard....we can't help it...our bodies HEAT UP.
Onto a much more pleasant subject. I was watching the pbp of the Tiger game and was glad to see that they pulled it out. I thought it would be a fairly non-emotional game until the 9th inning when all of a sudden they were down by one run, but the mighty Tigers came back and pulled out a win.
I have had SO MUCH fun looking at the wedding pictures from the Kelly Sweet website. So many great pictures. Rachel looked so beautiful and I also liked it a lot that some of the wedding pictures wer posted in the Kelly Sweet "gallery." Super pictures of Macey, several of Dave and Rachel together and Waco's white socks. A few cure one's of Whitney before she fell victim to "over-indulgence", however I got a big kick out of her all night long. Lots of nice ones of Jean/Scott/Katie. Also some really nice ones of Rachel/Jim/Brenda/Dad and of course that one really good one of me dancing with Waco!!!! Good grief....did I look that BAD?
Wondering how Jenny did with the garage sale this weekend, how the boys did camping, Brenda and Keith's trip to the east side....I hope that MayMay is still hanging in thier with her blue cast.

CATCH UP

I feel like I lost 3 total days without having internet access.....I could not do anything with business, pleasure or otherwise without it. I did some cooking today for the first time in a long while it seems like. I put some ribs and brats on the grill, made baked beans and potato salad, 3 of my favorites....so now I have food for about 5 days...I don't care about eating the same thing over and over as long as I like it.
Robert has been out on the boat for the last 2 days. I spoke with him tonight. He and Kevin had a great time and a great catch. He is bringing some of the fish to his Mother's tomorrow.
I had to "scold" Sheba tonight for her constant growling at Cumber... Power deserved it, but not Cumber. She has to break that habit and quick. She has always been so good around other greys, Power must have put her over the edge.
I have been trying to watch this NBA draft with one eye tonight, but missed the majority of it, so I will have to read about it in the paper tomorrow. Was glad to hear and see the news of the Tigers the last 2 days.
With Val in Ireland, Doug did some fishing of his own this week with his Dad and brothers on the snake river near the Idaho border. He and I are going to lunch tomorrow so I can get the scoop on how he did.
I am glad that Macey got the package that I sent her in the mail yesterday. Hopefully there will some things in there to keep her busy for the next week or two. She seems to be taking this whole issue with a broken leg so well.
I hear Rachel's boys are going camping this weekend, Brenda and Keith are headed to the east side of the state....what are the others of you doing?

NEAR CRAZY

Well......I know that Jean told most of you all that I have not had inter-net access since early yesterday morning. Talk about going crazy. I thought I would lose it. I was on the phone with Comcast, net-gear for no fewer than 10 hours, still to no avail. I had the neighbor Mike over last night and he could not fix it. I tried everything. Mike came back tonight with a new router and the thing worked!!!!!!
The only thing we can figure is that when there was a comcast outage yesterday, that somehow that blew out my router, even though it said that router was working. It obviously was not. I sat here for 2 long days trying to get in touch with the world...makes one really appreciate how dependent we are on these things....good grief....
I had someone scheduled to come to the house tomorrow morning to try and get me back on line, so I cancelled that appointment, thank Goodness. It was fun to read my email and look at the new blogs.
I was sorry to hear about the possible problem with Jason's continuing Education credits and how that might be a problem and that he might have to take 9 credit hours....what a DRAG, I sure hope this is something that can be taken care of soon as far as determining what can be done. J/J already have enough on thier minds.
I see that Jean has not updated her blog since I was off-line....I guess I did not miss too much after all. I was glad to see that Brenda updated hers. Thanks Bren.
When Mike was over her last night trying to work on the computer, he closed the front door, but it did not "click"....I was in the other room, all of a sudden he yells..."Carol, the front door is open, the dogs ran out"...I nearly lost my mind on top of what already was an extremely frustrating day. Power ran down the street and stoped about 5 houses down and sat on the front yard. He was easily taken into custody...Sheba, on the other hand was off and gone....no where in sight. Mike quick hopped on a bike and rode in the direction he saw here run to. She was headed to the highway but got caught in the swamp, and decided to turn back....when I was out front waiting for her return, all of a sudden I see her strolling down our street headed home. She ran in the house, a muddy mess...so much for the hound wash and bath she had gotten 2 days ago. I gave her a hug, got all muddy, then yelled at her for running, although, that is what greyhounds do, and I should have made sure the door was completely shut. It was time for another bath and a kiss for the little gal. She looked guilty and sad that I yelled at her and has sat by my feet for the most part since then.
The last 48 hours have been a bit trying to say the least.

NEW TOYS

Cumber, the new foster is settling right in here. He is a much better fit for my life style and Sheba.
He has been in a home before, and even though this is a brand new adjustment for him, he is doing great. No chewing. My friend Deanna brought over a bag of toys today for Sheba and Cumber since Power wrecked all the toys around her. Sheba got a new green fuzzy toy with a "sweaker" inside, along with about 5 other toys, so both of them have been carrying them around the house and playing with them.
I had fun reading the new blogs from yesterday and today and looking at teh pictures. Scott really did a great job on the painting of Wrigley Field...I had no idea the kids were in the picture. I cab see why it was a big hit at the art fair this weekend.
Also excited about the family reunion in October. Jean was right on top of things by sending out the email with the details.
I was sorry that J/J did not have someone tour the house last night, but at least they have a clean house and a spark of interest.
I did not get much done today...I have to get on the ball and start moving with the insurance business. I have been running a fever and have been so tired. I don't know what the deal is....I am sick of going to the doctor, I have 3-4 more appointments in the next month, but I am also SICK to death of not feeling good.
No sports on TV tonight and no good shows so I might as well go to bed and read.

HOUND WASH

Well I went to the GPA hound wash today. I got Cumber and sent Power off with a different foster family. Cumber is definately different and I think will work out just fine. He is way overweight...100 pounds, he needs to lose at least 20 pounds....but he is definately sweet and trying to adjust to the house. His previous owner is moving to Peru, hence the return of him to GPA.
Sheba had a bath and nail clipping and a HUGE yard to run around in, off leash with 30-40 other greyhounds. She ran fast and was definately in her element. She has been laying on her bed since we got home. She got a good workout. I think the event was a success. My friend Deanna is coming over tomorrow to bring some treats for Sheba and some new toys since Power shredded all of her toys...including the one of President Bush that I bought for her in Lincoln Park when in Chicago. She also shredded her favorite red elephant....darn it all, it is really my fault. I should have gotten smart after the first one.
I had a nice long conversation with Jean this evening. She is sending out an email tomorrow to all the family about renting the cottage in October for Dad's 90th birthday. The more we talked about it, the more excited we got. We kind of decided on the Farm House from the site she sent folks. This one is brand new, 4 bedrooms, 2-story, open, vaulted ceilings, very modern, great kitchen, deck, fir-pit, pontoon boats, 2 kayaks, water trampoline, 2 acres of land. WOW, what a deal.
I was so glad to get Brenda's email and pictures from the camping adventure over the weekend and it seemed that Macey, in her new blue cast figured out to have fun without weight bearing and/or walking. I was glad she got to play. BTW...Jen, the box I put in the mail for Macey should get to you about Wednesday of this week.
Wondering if your realtor was able to give you any information about the people who looked at your house this evening at 5pm.
Jean says she plans to update her blog tomorrow. They had a very busy weekend.....

OH......I AM EXCITED

I just checked the Kelly Sweet website and see that Rachel and David's wedding pictures are added to the "client proofs' list....I am so excited to get a password to view all the pictures.
Now that I have decided to trade Power in for a new foster greyhound he has been acting near perfectly....so now I experience guilt... I really HATE guilt...it is a worthless emotion, one I often try and steer clear of, but the decision has been made and I am following through. Cumber needs a home too, so someone will grace 1120 Mariner's Loop and Queen Sheba.
I have been writing my book.....working up to getting the insurance business gung-ho forward and have a new idea for a book that I am mulling around in my mind.
I am going to the GPA hound wash tomorrow so Sheba can get a bath and nail clipping.
It was very warm here today so I soaked all the front flowers and bushes with a couple hour's worth of water, then moved to the back yard where the fruit trees are and did the same thing.
I know that everyone in the family had a big weekend this weekend and have not been able to "update" thier blogs...the wedding, the camping trip, the blue cast, so I look forward to the updates.
Rachel's friend Lana, also has a blog called compassnorth. I sent her to my blog and have been able to read hers. She comes to Oregon in August since she was born and raised here. She and family are going to rent the condo for 2 days. I am excited to have her use the place. She writes a great blog and has a great blogsite....leaps and bounds more fancy that what I can go, she has her favorite links, blog lists......it is fun to read
Time to get to bed so I can get to the hound wash in a timely manner. It is about 25 miles from the house. Should be a great time.

IF SHEBA IS A QUEEN, MISTY IS A PRINCESS

ROBERT AND HIS GIRL

THE MIGHTY PACIFIC

WARM WEATHER IN PORTLAND

It is early morning herein Portland and already near 70 degrees, they are predicting 90 for today. YIKES, I have to get the air conditioner put in the living room. Believe it or not, central air is a novelity in the PAC Northwest. The weather usually cooperates with low humidity and average temps in the high 70's-low 80's during the summer. It looks like it will top out at higher than that today.
I had a nice conversation with Robert last night, did some more pruning to the front yard....the fruit trees Robert planted in the back yard are bearing alot of fruit...kind of exciting to see something so small grow into something that is thriving.
Understand that Bill is at Silver Lake this weekend and that he invited Jim and Rachel. I guess the guys plan to golf. Jean and her family are all going to the wedding of Katie Hall, and Dave/Rachel pick up thier wedding pictures from Kelly Sweet today at noon. I can't wait to see them.
Power, the foster is improving in his behavior, but still needs to be muzzled almost constantly and it is amazing what he can get "into" even with a muzzle on. Sheba however is maintaining a "real attitude" with him and is mad at me for having him here, so I am switching him for Cumber tomorrow.
Trying to figure out if I head for the "farmer's market" and or an art show today, or if I should just stay home and clean the house....now what do you think is a better option?
Curious to hear now the camping trip is going for the kids this weekend...(Brenda/Keith/Jason/Jenny and the girls. Can't wait to get that picture on the blog of Macey's new blue cast

LET'S CELEBRATE DAD'S B-DAY IN STYLE

That sister of mine, Jean....she is always on it....she called me a bit ago with websites for cottages that are avaliable in upper Michigan. Now we think it would be a grand idea to spend Dad's 90th birthday with a long weekend in a cottage up north. She has found cottages that sleep 14 people...2 right next to each other, right on the lake, some are brand new, boats, trampolines, pontoon boats, you name it. we were thinking a Wednesday through Sunday...people can arrive when they are able. It certainly does not fall under the category of "camping"....these cottages are high class and have all the features of a luxury hotel....exce[t they are right on the lake, fire-pits, boat ramp, 140 feet of shoreline....sounds like great fun to me.

DON'T BEAT A DEAD HORSE

I know that my personality is that I cannot stop beating a dead horse...at least I admit it. I must say that I admit defeat when it comes to Power. He is just toooo much for me. I can't blame the poor soul, what does he know about living in a house after living his life in a crate...but he just likes to chew too much. He will chew anything, so I have had to keep the poor guy muzzled. I have decided that he will have to leave. I plan on exchanging him for Cumber. Cumber has been in a house before but he needs to go on a diet. He weighs 98 pounds, so fat is an understatement.
I plan to make the switch on Sunday when I go to the "hound wash" that GPA is sponsoring. I will get Sheba a bath, ear cleaning, nail trim and bandana for 25.00 bucks and Lord knows, Sheba needs a bath and GPA needs the money.
Can't wait to hear about the new blue cast and the camping weekend.
Brenda.....do you plan to bring your laptop to the campsite so we can get "on the spot" blogging?

A DOUBLE DOSE

Well....it told me the pictures did not post the first time and sure enough they did....so now you have a double does of those 4 pictures. Well they are cute anyway and deserve a double viewing!!!

HOW AM I DOING?

Waiting for some good reviews from my blogging....I am pretty proud of myself. Talking to my Robert on the phone. He had a pretty frustrating day, I have had some frustration since I have been back, but getting the emails from home help so much. I miss being in Holland. I wish Robert was coming to Oregon for the Forth of July. I wish Power would act right....I may have to switch him with a different foster this Sunday...he is too much work.
I love my Z-Coils...thank You Rachel....I don't care that they are ugly as heck...haha...
I am glad that Brenda and Jean are so up to date with thier blogs. I hope that JJ and MK can go camping.
I love Robert....he cheers me up

• I am trying to keep exploring with this blogging
• I am trying to post pictures and have done that with success
• I have to figure out how to out my blogging buddies on my blog
• I am glad that Rachel N. is reading our blogs
• Rachel....trust me, if I can do it with no instruction, so can you!!!!
• I am glad that Macey girl is feeling better, I can't wait to see her new blue permanent cast
• I can't wait to see the wedding pictures from Kelly Sweet....I hope I get an access code
  

OPPS

Opps......I sent the wrong picture on my most recent post. What you see is our gal Sheba....I wanted that one sent. Then you see our house in DC....that is also ok....but then I sent Robert's Mom peeling king crab, I didn't mean to send that one, but what the heck, makes you hungry just looking at it...remember all the crab we caught in Oregon with Captain Bob????

IT MUST BE WEDNESDAY

Since it is Wednesday, I know that Brenda will be visiting Jenny and the girls. She will see Macey for the first time with the big boot on her leg. Hopefully our little gal slept ok last night and Jen will appreciate the help and food that Brenda brings after she goes to her Doctor appt this morning at 11:00. I have been trying to cut back all of the roses and growth in the front of the house and I am making some headway.
Power, the foster is SLOWLY improving his behavior. I don't think he likes to have his muzzle on, and he seems to be obeying commands a bit better. I guess since this is the first time he has ever been in a home and is coming straight from the racing track, what can I expect???? He is used to be on the go since he ran 134 races and was a winner in many races. Sheba gets annoyed with him when he invades her space and growls at him to "move on".

OUR SWEET MACEY

I have to post something in my blog about my sweet Macey girl. I cannot imagine what Jen and Jason are going through as parents. As terrible as this is, it makes one think about parents who have children with terminal illness and severe accidental injuries....How does a parent live though these events and remain sane?
When I read Jenny's blog it brought tears to my eyes, thinking about how terrible a parent feels when thier little one is crying, has tears running down thier face and saying///"it hurts Mom...take off the boot..."of course it makes Jen cry herself. I worry Jen will not get enough sleep and worry Jason will be worried all day long while he is at work. I worry about keeping her leg elevated with ice. I wish it was 2 months from now and this was close to being over. I worry about all of the other things that J/J have to accomplish this summer.
I am thankful for Brenda and friends who will help them, also Jason's Mom who is helping. I feel so powerless to be so far away.....

I think the more I experiment with this blogging, the better I will get!!!!

Trying to get up to Speed

Well....I am glad that my nieces have me posted on both of thier blog lists as it makes it so much easier to go between blogs with those lists there. I will have to figure out how to do that. I have had a lot of phone conversations today due to this ongoing investigation with GPA. Also had to run some errands in that "Power", my new foster likes to chew.....he chewed up my phone headset, my brand new feather duster and my slippers......I will start muzzling him if he does not improve. He has never been in a house before so all of this is new for him. He ran all his races in Touscon, AZ, he is 5 years old and appears very intelligent. He is learning his commands, and not had an accident with pee/poop inside the house yet, but I have to get a handle on this shreeding, chewing issue.
Sheba just kind of puts up with it all. Power lays on her bed often, and she just seems to move. I think that she knows by now that she is the main girl in the house and these other dogs come and go....
Too bad about the Celtics last night but the Tigers sure are on a roll. I plan to watch them on the computer tonight, I see they are still on the west coast. In a few games, with a few more wins, they could move into 2nd place. The Celtics have another chance tomorrow, I really want to see Doc Rivers and the guys in green win as I HATE Kobe and the Lakers. They are wayyyyy to into themselves...
I am going to try and figure out sending photos next....I see Jean is way ahead of me in the learning curve area.
Now we have to get Aunt Rachel on a blog....by the way, no email from her lately.....I hope she is ok.
I keep checking the Kellysweet.com website to see if the client proofs listed for Rachel and Dave are on the website yet....not yet, I realize we will need a password to look at the pictures, I am just anxious to see if they are ready.
Jen, I went to your house posting today, I see there is a female realtor listed on your property now. Jean said that you plan to post some additional pictures. I will be looking for them.
I hope that some of you guys were able to go to the First Church softball game tonight and that they won.
Robert has been out night fishing for the last few days so I have missed talking to him. I hope to tonight

I have to figure out how to get my blog address to people.....HELP

TRYING MY BEST

I am not very good at this sort of thing and also in the process of handling a Greyhound issue with the treasurer who took all of out money with the Portland police....I can see that my sister Jean is way ahead of me in this blogging scene.....she has hers all set up and looking pretty. I will work more on this later. Got to runa an errand

GIVING IT A TRY

Well this is my first attempt. Thanks to inspiration from my 2 nieces in Holland, Michigan, Brenda and Jenny I am going to try and make this work. I will be journaling everyday events in my life. Nothing exciting, but a good way to keep all of my family who reside in Michgan and Robert a way to stay up to date. My sister Jean, started a new blog today named; "Hambergulars"......I hear her 2 kids are already laughing at her. I hope they start a blog after reading how much fun these can be. I love reading Brenda and Jenny's blogs on a daily basis....it makes me feel more connected.
I will do my best to get up to speed on this whole blogging endeavor....wish me luck