Can't I have considerate neighbors?

This is my beautiful dog Momo. She is a Shiba Inu and is 12 years old. (looking pretty great for 84, don't you think?) She is a quite dog and pretty much only barks when someone knocks at the door. Sometimes she does an "alert bark" which is one small "bark" (if you can call it that) which means-"I want to go outside, I want to go for a walk, or I want to eat)

My favorite is when I walk by her bowl and she look at me, makes eye contact, then looks at her bowl, then back to me. I say "it's not time to eat yet"!

Our past dogs, Siberian Huskies, were even less barkers than Momo. This means they virtually NEVER barked. You can see Aurora howling (sort of....she was old) here. The huskies wouldn't even bark if someone came to the door. They weren't really friendly but would go with anyone, if you know what I mean. They could give or take you. Pretty much all you (the human) are good for in their eyes, is feeding them! But we struggled through with 3 different huskies over almost 20 years.

I'm struck when I look at that picture how much Momo looks like these dogs. Maybe that is why people think she is a puppy. In reality, Momo is about 1/3 the size of these dogs. These dogs weighed about 60 pounds.

Then there are my neighbor dogs....

The one Momo is looking at here. Mind you, Momo doesn't bark...but this little dog (smaller than Momo-who is 22 pounds and about 16" high) barks A LOT! Not constant, but a lot. Her run just happens to be on the side of the house that CJ's room is located. I get so upset when CJ is napping and that dog starts barking. It usually only barks if something is happening -like the UPS man, bottled water guy, mail man, you name it.....The only problem is that it gets into a barking fit and just won't stop. Since the family is mostly not at home during the day, they seem to not know or care. They will yell at it if they are home and it is barking at me doing yard work.

Then there is this dog...

Doesn't he look nice mean? He lives behind us in a huge 2 story home. He is left to himself a lot, from what I can tell. This weekend especially he was really annoying and scary. He goes up the stairs to the 2nd floor balcony and glares into our yard. EVERY time we go outside he barks like crazy.

Looking just like that!

And when Momo goes outside he starts tearing up his blanket that is up there


He just tears into it. Then just stares back at me. I think he would tear me apart if he could. Pretty scary.

Which leads me to my question. Why can't I have considerate neighbors? I mean, why have a dog if you don't want to have it part of your life? Why not deal with it? Why let it bark and annoy your neighbors all day long? I am always amazed that people have pets and then just leave them in their back yards. Hey, it's hot and miserable right now.

But, I guess, every dog can't be as pampered as mine!

I'm not 25 anymore!

My friend Marti has inspired me to show this cute picture of Momo. She has had a couple of fun posts about her cats and although I generally don't get cats, I have to admit those are some pretty smile provoking pictures. However, I believe the cruel dog stereotyping of her poem was uncalled for. (None of this has anything to do with my post tonight)


See this picture of Momo? That is pretty much how I feel after a few days with Cecilia. I love her and want to see her as much as possible, but I realized yesterday that I am not 25 anymore. My mind feels like 17 but my body feels like.....105! Which is the temperature right now! (That has nothing to do with the blog tonight either, except to emphasise how old I feel!) Momo is a great sport. I mean....she is almost 11 (that makes her 77 in people years). She endures all the tugs and squeals of a 1 1/2 year old. She never snaps at her. Momo is the ONLY one Cecilia will kiss. (I have yet to get a picture of that) She will not kiss me or pretty much anyone else who asks. (not even her mom) She will however kiss Momo, unasked.

For some reason CJ loves the charms on Momo's collar. Doesn't she look like she is saying....HELP ME! Truthfully, I think Momo loves her. She seems to know that she is a baby. Gene and Kelly had CJ for the first night and by all accounts it was a great success! Check their blogs for additional pictures. Well, I am about ready for sleep. CJ is home in her own bed and I find myself musing about how fast time flies and how hard it is to remember my own kids at that age. It seems so ironic that now that I can play all day with a child, my body doesn't let me.

The best thing ever!

So everyone knows by now that I collect silhouettes from the Silhouette Studio on Main Street, USA at Disneyland. This past Sunday I was given another one (my 42nd)! This one was very unique and quite a surprise!

I opened the box expecting to have one of Josh and Leia. They had given me one before but I thought they did one of one of them with a hat on due to this picture they sent me.

But they were so tricksy! They were just sending a picture of a random kid who was not happy about having to do a silhouette. Anyway, as it turns out Sylvia remembers me, my collection and our little church. Not long ago she cut this for me

It's of my dog Momo. I sent a picture of Momo (left profile) via iphone to another wonderful family from the church who were doing silhouettes for me, half as a joke and half wondering if it could be done. Apparently the Silhouette Studio will do silhouettes from pictures. They said they needed it to be a right profile and that the photo I sent was not clear enough. I said, "ok....next time and thanks for trying". Well, they flipped the photo and had her cut it as a surprise. What wonderful friends I have! Anyway, back to the surprise silhouette from Sunday. Josh and Leia asked her if she would do a self portrait. She asked them to come back after about 30 minuets as she needed to think about it. She graciously said yes! So she did her first ever self portrait and what was she cutting out? (you might be wondering) MOMO! So cute! Then she signed and dated it! Wow, what an amazing keepsake!

So thanks a million Josh and Leia! You are amazing!

And a big thank you to Christine & Alex for the surprise of Momo!

And if you would like seeing Sylvia talking about the Studio, click here!

Here is a cute you tube of the shop (not Sylvia)

I just love the Silhouette Studio! My kitchen takes your breath away when you walk into it! I guess if I fill up the kitchen, I'll have to go to the rest of the house! I hope they never close the shop. I have one 30 years old! I love Disneyland!

I put Sylvia up on my wall in between Momo and Josh & Leia.

I forgot to mention why I think this is the best thing ever. I am not easily surprised! I think I was named Pandora appropriately! I can't stand a wrapped package or unopened box. I have been known to open a Christmas gift then re-wrap it! (and "act" surprised of coarse when I do officially open it!) I didn't see this coming. I figured they were doing one with an Indiana Jones hat on (which would be great!). Never in a million years would I have guessed they had this in mind! So, for that surprise which I rarely (ok almost never) get, it's the best thing ever! Thanks guys!

Good-Bye Dearest!

I knew this day was coming but still I was not prepared for her leaving.  I must say....I have been so sad about this.  On New Years Eve our dear dog Momo died.  She was the best dog I have ever had...and I've had many.  She was so wonderful to the kids, and never caused any trouble. 

The night she died, was like any other.  When we came home she was so cute and the bottom left picture in the collage was the last picture I took of her.  It was just hours before we found her in the back yard.  The comfort I get is that I took that picture when we came in the door.  It was like she was asking me to!  Then a little later that night, as I was laying on the couch, she stood and stared at me.  She stood there for the longest time.  It was so long in fact that I said to Gene..."look at Momo....it's like she was trying to tell me something".  I finally said to her "I don't understand!"  But now I do.  It was like she was saying good-bye, like she was saying "I love you, you gave me a wonderful home". 

I don't know what happens to our beloved pets when they die, but after looking to what others say, I have to agree with Billy Graham...

"When asked if animals go to heaven, Graham replied, `I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness' in heaven. If it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there."

So, I like to believe my beloved Momo is in heaven, waiting for me!  She was truly the best dog ever! 
Good-Bye Dear Momo...until we meet again! 

Had a bit of excitement tonight!

My son and his lovely wife have this sweet little cat named Tuna. She has been over at our house the last couple of days. She went through a surgery last week and has developed an infection from it, so they didn't want to leave her home alone. They stopped by tonight to visit and watch an episode of "The Deadliest Catch". We figured that Momo and her would get along since she was here yesterday most of the day and there wasn't much protest from either animals. We were wrong. Tuna didn't like Momo and let us all know it. So, we ended up putting Momo outside while they were here. Anyway, we notice Momo was barking. Well, she never barks. As we listened we noticed all the neighborhood dogs were barking. Gene goes outside and what does he see?

A Great Horned Owl! Not just one, but two. We think they flew out of the neighbor's palm tree. I ran to get the camera and I couldn't believe it would focus since it was way up on the telephone pole and it is very dark out. But there it is! I'm so proud!

Thanks to a sweet iphone app(iBird Plus), I was able to identify the bird as the Great Horned Owl! (because of their call)

Click above and hear what we heard! "The pair calling" (first one) is what we heard.

BFF or Sleeping Beauties, Can't decide

My sweetie is going on a big trip to Montana in a couple of days. I really miss her when she is gone. (along with her family) :-)

To help us cope we got to have her the last couple of days. She loves our dog Momo. She is pretty tough on her though. But Momo takes it like a trooper. If she gets tired of the tugging and squealing, then she turns around and barks at her in a very authoritative way!

As I type CJ is sleeping. We shut the door, but apparently it wasn't enough because Momo forced open the door and is now sleeping on the bed with CJ. I look at it and smile. Look at my sleeping beauties. Best friends forever! I wish Momo was not 12 years old. I know it can't be forever, but right now it seems like that!

Momo

My sweetie Momo is still here and doing pretty good. She's an old girl now. She is 13 this year! She can't jump up on lots of things anymore, but she can get on our bed (because of stairs). She is the best dog we have ever had. She is related to the famous Shiba Puppy cam dogs. I don't know if we will ever have another dog as wonderful as her. Makes me sad to think her days ahead may be less than behind. I don't know why I am feeling so melancholy this morning but as I look at her I realize she has been the best Friend, companion and dog I will ever have/had. We all love you Momo! Stay healthy!

Jane Troup

I thought I would tell you about one of my obsessions. I love my pets. One day I was reading my Mary Engelbreit magazine and saw an ad for Jane Troup's pet paintings. So my obsession began. I found her web site and my husband, Gene, had Aurora painted for me for Christmas that year. The Fed Ex truck came up to our house on Christmas Eve. I was so excited and wondered what it could be. Then we opened the package and there was my Aurora. We had sent in a photo my son had taken for the county fair one year (by the way he received a blue ribbon at the Kings County Fair and was eligible to send it to the State Fair, where he also received a First Place Ribbon!) Somehow it made Aurora's death easier to handle. I would see her each day on my mantel and smile. The painting perfectly captured her stuck-up personality! Then about 2 years ago Sassy died. She is the one with the red heart on her chest. I was really attached to her because she seemed to like me the best. She was a fragile dog. I don't know why but she was afraid of lots of things especially noises. When she died we asked Jane to paint her and again it made it easier loosing her.

This year, for my 50th birthday, Gene had Momo painted. Jane wanted to do a full body pose and we asked if Mt. Fuji could be in the background. You see she was born in Japan. The breeder brought her over from Japan and she became an American Champion. We received the painting about a month or so ago. It so perfectly captures her! Little Momo is always "stacking" herself. I guess you can't take the show out of a show dog. She is by far the most wonderful dog we have had. The Sibs (dog people slang for Siberian Huskies) were not very personable. They really didn't like being brushed or even touched. Momo is quite different. She likes being brushed touched and even likes to play! She is a Shiba Inu and I don't think I will ever own another breed. She is wonderful! I think it was much better to get the painting now instead of waiting until she is gone. If you love your pets, think of having them painted. It brings a smile to your face everyday!

Pick of the Week

I usually don't go for tv infomercials, but I have to admit I went for this one! Our dog Momo hates to have her nails trimmed. When we do them she yips and pulls her paw away and then her quick inevitably gets hurt.

It is ingenious really. Just like a manicurist's drill. It works wonders. Not only is Momo's nails smooth, she lets us cut/trim them! This is a great product!

Like Mother, Like Daughter

I found the above picture of Mary the other day as I was searching for Father's day photos. (Upper right corner) I was amazed at how they were making the same face. It has been 26 years later and the same face! You can't deny they are related. Whenever we watch CJ we smile at her in this exaggerated way, and she responds. Looking at the picture of Mary, I am thinking this is how we must relate to each other. It is a little window into our lives. I think it is a good way to relate.

Cecilia doesn't really talk yet....at least I can't understand what she is saying, but last weekend I figured out that she is saying things. We frequently call "Momo" when we are not sure where she is and to make sure she is not getting into any trouble. When we called her the other day, Cecilia joined with a "Momo" too! So I guess she IS talking!

Back to my title...like mother, like daughter.....Mary's first word was Bow Wow (I think) and now I am starting to see a pattern. I guess we love to exaggeratedly smile and we love dogs! Some things never change.....

BTW...check out my daughter's site for more cute pictures of CJ and Gene and Kelly site's for some funny reading about their trip to Montana. I'm a little concerned about Kelly...I think she is becoming a tree hugger!



Sadly, they had their car keyed today. How sad is that? I guess people are just mean....or maybe they don't like Californian's hugging trees?

If you thought I am crazy, you were right!

I really miss the shiba cam! I found this little clip on u-tube (where else?) that made me cry! I know I am so weird! Who knew something so sweet could affect me so much. With all the horrible news in the world and all the cruelty Thank heavens for surprises like the shiba cam! I received an email from the National Shiba Inu Club that told me about this

A calendar for 2009 with the puppies from the famous litter! Of coarse I bought it! Proceeds go to Shiba Rescue. I thought that was especially cute. Of coarse, you remember my own little Momo is related to these pups in a round about way. and Momo was in the official 2006 Shiba Inu Calander.

We affectonately refer to her as Miss November! And pictures of our little family are posted on the National Shiba site, but I digress.

Thank you so much Shiba Puppy Cam Owners! We loved watching them! I for one and sad they are gone but trust their new owners are giving them as much love as we give ours!

Bye puppies! Hope to hear some day how you all are doing!

Dog days of summer

It's hard to get the full effect. But this defines the word "comfort" to me" Momo knows the most comfortable spot in all of the house. Our mattress is a pretty new Serta King Florenza Pillowtop Mattress Set with an added memory foam topper and a super padded mattress pad. Then there are the Northern Nights Wrinkle Defense 600 TC 100% Cotton sheets, oh man....so soft! Then a down comforter, under my magnificent Disneyland Hotel bedspread! So, I know it is hard to see, but she is cradled very nicely in the middle of the bed. This must be what it means, "the dog days of summer". Momo has had her bath, is wonderfully clean and enjoying the softness of my bed. It is 109 outside, but inside it is 70. What more could any dog ask?

Pick of the week is back, with a big thumbs up!

We went on a trip to Disneyland for my darling CJ's 2nd birthday. My usual doggie baby sitter is my son and his wife, "the softer side of Pensiero". This time they came along with us so I had no one to watch my beloved Momo. I have to admit I was very worried about her. She is not a spring chicken anymore. At 11 (that's 77 in people years, folks) she might not do well at a kennel. We started searching for the right spot. We found a Petsmart Hotel in Clovis. Now, we have a Petsmart here in Hanford, but no Hotel part. We went to Clovis and checked it out. We were so amazed at what we saw. The lobby looks just like a 5 star hotel lobby. There were many people working there in plain site. At least 6 that we saw. There was an employee sitting in the lobby holding a puppy who was sleeping in her lap. We took a short tour, talking to the employees and were very impressed. At the moment they were playing "Homeward Bound, The Incredible Journey". There were lots of dogs in the "doggie Day Camp" with 2 employees watching. There was no odor or "messes". It was a beautiful, joyful place. We decided to book Momo a suite, with a t.v.

Before you think we are crazy, let me tell you something. Over the years (33 to be exact) we have left our dogs with friends, left them at home with someone checking on them, and left them at kennels. We have had our dog break out of friends home and end up in the pound. We have had friends "forget" to come and feed them. (good thing we had a "lick-it" for their water) We have had them come home sick from kennels. So it isn't like we are completely weird.

When Gene went to drop her off (I couldn't bring myself to take her) the employees came right out and greeted her with her name, as if they already knew her.

I was amazed at how well she did. They gave us this Pawgress Report, which was very nice. She came home smelling wonderful and didn't sleep for days, like I have had dogs do before when I have left them at other places. She didn't have any signs of visable problems. No coughing. (you have to get them the kennel cough shot, but I have had dogs get sick even if they get the shot) She was happy and her old self when she came home. She loved the dogie ice cream they give for a treat. So, if you are looking for a great place to board your pet, look into the Petsmart Hotel! I'm so glad we did!

Momo looks so comfortable!

I can't decide if Momo misses CJ or if she just likes the bed. Anyway, this is what I saw this morning! It makes me smile!

It's not as bad as it looks!

Well here is our poor little Momo. Doesn't she look so abused? The truth is she is a spoiled little Shiba Inu. In this picture she is in my husband's office. She has free reign and a really comfy bed. The picture was taken from my office. It is the front office. The reason for the baby gate is to keep her from escaping. She gets to greet all kinds of people from the FedEx guy to others visiting Church members. Our dear friend, Christine gave her the big bed I spoke of and brings her treats when she comes in. Now Momo thinks she should get a treat whenever she comes! We love to bring her to work and she is usually good. Sometimes, however she is annoying. But aren't we all over the age of 40? In truth, she is almost 10 and I think that makes her near 70 in people years. Hope she goes on for 10 more!

Remember, photos don't always tell the correct story! And....things always look worse in black and white!

Hello! I need some names!

It's been a while since I have written.  I have a few updates.

First of all, I applied and received Social Security Disability.  I was no longer able to be consistent at my work so I applied and went through the process of application.  It was a long and sometimes humiliating process, but in the end I received approval in the first try.  I am thankful for the added income, even if it is very small.  If you find yourself in the process of applying for Disability and have any questions, please feel free to email me. 

Since the death of my sweet dog Momo, I decided to buy a couple of zebra finches.  I guess the house felt a little empty and I have always loved birds.  So, I decided the finches are the least amount of work and trouble.  Although Momo is gone, it is nice to be able to think of going somewhere without worry of where she could be comfortable, etc.

So one day after CJ came over from school, I said "let's go and buy some finches"!  She was very excited and I really enjoyed the idea!  So, we came home with two awesome finches.  A male and a female, who I have yet to name.  It was suggested I have a contest here....and if anyone wants to post possible names, then I would be happy to entertain them.  And I think I will send a prize to the one I choose.  Just not sure what to choose....so what do you have to loose?  Suggest a name, and maybe win something! 

Here are my finches...


I was surprised he started taking a bath while I was standing there!  So, luckily I had my phone to catch the moment! 

After I had the birds for a couple of weeks, I noticed they seemed to want to build a nest.  So we put a nest in the cage and some material for building.  I never expected in my wildest dreams that they would actually mate and lay eggs!  But, they did!  After we came back from Disneyland there was 4 eggs, or so I think.  But in just a very few days I heard peeping! 

As you can see....there are baby birds!  Wow...suddenly I have quite a few more than 2!  It is a fascinating thing to watch...a little overwhelming!

I thought there were 4 but now I'm wondering if there are 5? (you can't really see in the nest...it is so small.  so I have to put the iphone up to it and flash away...hopefully they won't be blind!)

Wow...I'm now a flock owner!  Help...I need name ideas!

There was one more video I wanted to share with you....for weeks this was happening at my home...

Pick of the Week, Cesar's Way! or I have a job, two or maybe three!

Momo is our little Shiba Inu. She will be 11 years old this September. That is like 77 in human years! She is a very spry 77 year old. We walk her every night but frankly, even after nearly 3 years of Cesar's method, she still walks robustly on lead. We decided to get her a pack so she could have a job! We put a one pound weight in each pouch and she is ready to go. She loved it immediately. You can see the pride in her walk as she wears it. It is as if she says-"look at me, I'm working!" The Shiba Inu is not a working dog, but she acts like she is. She has way more energy than the Siberian Huskies we owned. (and sorry all you Sibe owners, but she is way nicer) She even carries her own "poo" baggies just in need of emergency!

I whole heartedly recommend "The Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic Channel. Check it out!

When she is not carrying her weight, she is working her second job-guarding Pooh for Cecilia.

Her third job? Giving us love!

Let's play! Come on!

Have you ever seen a better dog? Momo is so great with CJ.

2009?

I'm just getting use to the year 2008 and now it will be 2009 in a couple of days? I can report a couple of things! I got most of my Christmas decorations down and am enjoying the semi-clean home. I've made a decision about next year. I want the gold tree that was shown on Live With Regis and Kelly! It's called Toasted Champagne Gold Tinsel Tree and yes I found it on the Internet! I was seriously tempted to get the red one.....

Pretty presumptuous since I don't know if I get another year! Anyway, I'm going gold. I don't know if I will even use ornaments or maybe all one color. How about red? I wonder if I will do it or not? I can never break away from the past. Part of me thinks "hey, why not"and the other part of me thinks "but what about all the memory's from the past"? I just don't know. I wish I could do something different just for me! Well, that is a year away!

I got some fun presents this year! I also gave some great ones as well! First, my loving husband, got me a Disney art watch. For those of you who don't know, Disney has watches like they have pins. They have original art watches, where you have the artist do something only for you. That is why Elliot is on my site. Gene had that one done for me a year or so ago. (right hand side need bottom of blog page-the dragon that says "I love you too") The one he got me this time was an open edition with this art.

I mean, who can resist Jack and Sally? I just love the vibrant colors!

Mary and John gave me a thing I am very excited about.... an AeroGarden! I love fresh spices and have tried to grow them. But it is just so hot here (from about April to October), then it is so cold (from about November to April). Inside my home might be ok except I have no sunlight coming in. It is one of those dark 70 style homes! So I have been wanting to try the AeroGarden. Thanks guys!

I can't wait to see if I can do it! The seeds seem very reasonable and so are the grow bulbs. Believe me, I'll keep you posted!

Geno and Kelly got me a nice little bling for my iPhone.

It's important to have a little Bling!!!!

And I think the favorite thing they did was this-

It was wrapped as beautiful as ever. Then inside was this little Olszewski pill box. This was really nice since the one I had broke a while ago. But when you look closer you see this-

Inside was satin rope with a note that read "open me". It was so Alice in Wonderland, don't you think?

So, I opened it! What was inside?

A sweet little Mickey charm! I loved the whole thing. Kelly has certainly gotten into the spirit of gift giving! Thanks Kelly!

Then there is this

The monkey peeler that CJ picked out all by herself! Who said that 2 year old's (going on 3) don't have a sense of humor? We always ask CJ if she is a monkey and she says "no, I'm CJ!".
How funny she choose that!


Even Momo was into the Christmas spirit!

Happy 2009 everyone! (or almost 2009!) God Bless you EVERYONE!