Winter Wonderland

Last night.

This morning.

The Animas River this morning.

My view.

Snow is accumulating and it is wet and the roads are slushy. There were also about 10 geese flying over the river but I didn’t get a close up in time. They flew right over Manley and I, maybe about 30 feet above us. You could hear the beating of their wings as they ascended. It was a thrill on this Sunday morning.

Hope everyone is ready for Christmas. I’ve gotten my part done. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to everyone.

I keep forgetting to mention that I had a birthday a couple of weeks ago. I received some gifts from my family while in Wisconsin. From mom and Ray I got a Packers tshirt with Aaron Rodgers on it, from Joyce and Jill (Tim, actually) I got part of my flight paid to Wisconsin, some candles from Jill and last but certainly not least, Jacque made Kisa a small quilt for on top of her bed pillow, made Manley a lap quilt (for when he is on my lap in the recliner or on the bed) with his name stitched into it, all made out of the same material that my gorgeous quilt is made out of--the greens/golds/blacks. I also received a couple of birthday cards and LOTS of birthday wishes from my coworkers along with a birthday bagel from my boss. If I forgot anything, please let me know!!! And thank you all for making my day special!!!

I Made My Mom Cry

 

This is my mom’s reaction as all 4, yes I said 4, of her daughters came out of Jill’s bedroom singing “Happy Birthday” to her--with me being last in line (with a big red bow on), and popping out from behind Jill and saying SURPIRSE!!!

Joyce, Jacque, Mom, Julie, Jill

Conlan, Trent, Mom and Jasmine

Michelle, Matt, Mom, Jen

She had NO idea that I was flying up to Wausau, Wi to see her on November 27th as her birthday present from Joyce, Jill and myself.  I even called her Thanksgiving morning on my way to the airport.  When she asked what I was doing that day, I said probably just reading and maybe watching some football.  I left out the part about traveling to Wisconsin!!  She even said she wished I was there.  I said “I know”.     As our family celebrated on Saturday, we 4 girls had to wait for 1+ days and think of the best way to give her her 80th birthday present---me!!  Do you know how hard it is for our family to keep a secret??  Well, we pulled it off. 

I guess I was a big hit!!  :)  At Jill’s house were Joyce, who was moving from Alaska to Maryland, and her daughter Jen and her son Trent, Jacque from Madison, and her son Matt and his 2 children, Jill and Tim, and Jill’s daughter Michelle and her friend, Jared, and of course, my mom and Ray. 

We had a great day with lots of food and talk and laughing and fun.  One of my bestest Thanksgivings!!!  Thanks to my sister Joyce and to Tim (Jill’s significant other) I was able to afford the airfare and spend time with my family. 

Manley stayed at my friend Deb’s house and got spoiled rotten while Kisa stayed home alone with my landlady checking in on her. 

Since then I have learned that I will have more responsibilities at my job.  Working World is moving out of New Country and into another office down the road (even closer to my place) and selling used cars.  Our clientele have less than perfect credit and Charlett and I will be moving before Christmas if all the details get ironed out.  Nickie is staying as the Toyota Sales Manager and we do not yet know who our manager will be.  But, I will have an opportunity to make more money.  So, more training and more opportunity to show my sales potential. 

Manley is getting over a bladder infection .  He is feeling pretty good today.  The antibiotics are helping. 

Friday night the ‘administration staff’ had a party at the owner’s residence.   Margaritas, beer, mexican food and even presents!!  Lots of fun was had by all.  Then next Saturday is New Country’s Christmas Party.  It will be pot luck, with a dj and over 110 people in the showroom. 

Hope y’all had a good weekend.  Go Packers!!  Another win!!! 

Wet Cats

 

But they smell good now!!!!  On the left is Miss Molly and on the right is Sully.  These are the 2 barn cats that were still out at the cattery.  I have them for a few (?) days until they catch the varmint that is ripping open and eating the cat food.  Raccoon?  Squirrel?

Seeing they have lived outside for at least 5 years and haven’t been bathed for that long, I gave them both a bath this afternoon so my place didn’t smell like a barn, or worse.  They were both fairly good and even tolerated their nails being trimmed. 

Catherine and I went to Farmington today.  She even bought coffee and bagels for the trip down.  I have been vegging the rest of the day and just watching tv tonight. 

Tomorrow I need to get online and finish my continuing ed for my pharm tech certification.  Then Nascar, laundry, football and some cleaning. 

This next week I will be working Monday through Saturday as we are closed on Thanksgiving Day and I don’t want to lose too many hours. 

I woke up to about an inch of snow Thursday morning but with the sun coming out it all melted.  There is at least a foot of snow up in the mountains that I’ll have to get some pictures of.   The nights have been cold and daytime highs of 45.  Layers are the answer for this area!!  

Y’all have a good rest of the weekend!! 

Bambi, Are You Lost??

 

First deer I have seen since I moved in here 6 months ago.

I can’t believe this weather.  It gets down into the 20’s at night and then is 50 or 60’s during the day.  It can stay like this all winter!!  Manley and I are enjoying the outdoors on our walks along the river or downtown. 

This weekend I have been putting up with a migraine.  But, I ran a couple errands with Manley and did the normal cleaning (and still in the process).  This afternoon I will be watching Nascar while straightening up my desk area.  Then I get to watch the Packers on Sunday Night Football!!!!!! 

My favorite cd right now is the new Sugarland and the first song on it is All We Are and I crank it up!!!!!   

Loved being able to sleep an extra hour today.  And I love that my computer, tv, & blackberry set themselves!! 

That’s all I have for now, other than the next couple of pictures that I took last week.  Enjoy!!

Are You Comfy Kisa???

 

The reason I ask that is because she is on Manley’s bed and has Manley’s purple bunny behind her.  She does have her own bed but has been hogging Manley’s lately for some reason. 

Manley is doing fine.  We went to the vet for a recheck yesterday and he will be on antibiotics for another 10 days when his stitches come out. 

Back to work for me through Saturday, then just Sunday off as I transition into my Mon-Sat. schedule. 

Hope y’all have a good week and keep warm.  There is frost on my windshield and I saw my breath last night when I took Manley out at 10 pm.  Some ski slopes are open already in Colorado because there is a lot of snow up in them thar mountains already!!  :)

Sunshine While Raining

 

Having a quiet day at home.  I slept in and then did some cleaning, laundry and changed the bed.  Now I am watching Nascar, may take Manley for a walk (depending on weather) and then watch Sunday Night Football with the Packers and Vikings. 

Question:  In the paper the other day they were talking about “Favre’s Vikings”.   Did he buy them???  cuz otherwise it would also be “Rodgers’ Packers”  RIGHT?????? Just wanted to point that out to somebody.

I just received Sugarland’s new CD ‘The Incredible Machine’.   I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!   Good thing I had the volume cranked up cuz I got shivers from Jennifer’s very first note!  I am mailing Jenni her own cd tomorrow that I got her for her birthday—yes, 3 weeks ago.   I hope she likes it as much as I do!!  I normally don’t buy gifts for my nieces or nephews, but I got a great price and knew she would love me forever then!!   Just kidding!   I knew she would love getting the cd as she has seen them in person a lot. 

So, tomorrow I have a busy day off.  Manley has a recheck at the vet’s at 8 am, then off to the post office, gas, library, grocery store, pet food store, and then out to the cattery.  Manley still has a small hematoma at the very bottom of his ear (just a tad smaller than a dime—3cm???) that has not gone away with his vetalog shot last Monday.  (I know there’s a better word in place of ‘gone away’ but can not think of it.  Dissolved?  Oh well,  :) Jacque will correct me when she reads this and replies.)   He is still on his antibiotics for another 2 days but I quit the pain pills when I was able to palpate his ear without him being too sensitive.  He has been so good in not scratching or rubbing on his ear.  I think he probably tried scratching once and realized that that hurt!!  Maybe he can get most of the pink vet wrap cut off tomorrow and just leave some around the stitches til they’re taken out in another week or so. 

Well, back to the races!!  Hope y’all have a great day. 

Dog Park

 

 

Before y’all comment, yes, Manley is on his flexi-lead.  He does not do recalls very well, and I do not want him in the river for various reasons.  The last picture is blurry, but that’s Manley ready to go home cuz he is pooped. 

Silverton Trip

 

I am just going to post several pictures of the trip to Silverton Oct. 9th with Catherine.  I love the fall colors and then the snow up in the mountains at 10,000 feet and above. 

The last picture is the town of Silverton.  It is sitting in a valley with spectacular mountains and a river. 

I finished up my Christmas and birthday shopping and got myself a nice jacket and a couple of tshirts.  We had lunch at the Handlebars restaurant where I met a young gentleman and his girlfriend who were from LaCrosse, Wi!!   and drooled over the peach cobbler for dessert.  The weather was perfect.  Sunny and cool.  We had fun!!! 

Monday Manley had surgery.  He had a hematoma on his left ear that needed to be lanced and drained.  He is fine now and wearing his pink vet wrap (supporting breast cancer month) proudly. He is on antibiotics and pain pills.  I can handle his ear now without him flinching or feeling any pain. His new vet, Dr. Randy Hays, is very nice and I was complimented on how right-on Manley’s weight is.   We have a check up this coming Monday morning.

This is my 3-day weekend, and tomorrow we are going for a hike.  Then football, watch a movie and read the new book ‘In Harms’ Way’ by Ridley Pearson. 

Today we just basically hung out after I went to the Farmer’s Market, library, and grocery store.  I met a very nice couple in City Market.  She is a Christian young people’s author.  I have to find out what the titles of her books were.  They are from Austin, TX and now live between Durango and Bayfield.  We were talking about making soups this weekend and she offered to send me some recipes.  So, of course I accepted!! 

I made green chile pork soup and a new one—squash apple soup.  Will be making a beef based soup tomorrow.  Now that I have a regular freezer I can make things ahead. 

Here’s the fall colors outside my door along the river.  I actually saw some boxelder bugs on the side of the building today in the sun!  I will have to look for the trees, as I did not know we had any in the neighborhood, let alone the state!  :)  The weather has been in the 60’s and 70’s and then 40’s at night.  Lots of sunshine, but with rain in the 7 day forecast. 

And, I am now the proud owner of a smartphone.  I upgraded my phone and got the new Blackberry Curve 9630.  I have unlimited texting, access to my email and hundreds of other applications and many things I have not even found yet.  I am now in the year 2010!! 

Kisa is doing fine.  I think she likes being the only cat.  She is too funny when it is feeding time.  Wherever Manley goes, Kisa is right alongside of him.   She’s been doing this since she was a baby and it is funny to watch!  Especially when Manley runs back and forth from the food to the chair I am in. 

Well, off to finish watching the Nascar race.  

My Gift

 

This is a picture that hung on Pat and Kevin’s living room wall that I always admired.  It’s an oil painting on canvas.  Jim and Joann gave it to me a couple of weeks ago.  They knew I liked it and it meant a lot that they gave it to me.  I am still very excited to have this and I must have thanked Jim and Joann a dozen time. I do not know the origin, but it is signed by ‘cooper’ and the framer’s name is on the back.  Will have to do some research! 

I did give Manley a bath and grooming last Saturday.  Doesn’t he just look handsome?  He hated every minute until the treats.  Figures!!

Catherine and I went to Jean-Pierre restaurant today.  This was our chocolate eclair that we split for dessert.  We had salads for our main entree! 

The owner put the leftovers in a bag and then made this swan for me.  I have never had a swan before!  Then Catherine and I went walking downtown for a bit.  I even bought my sisters a Christmas/Birthday present!!  and talked to Jacque for a minute—it was a horse question!! Catherine and I had a great day and are going up to Silverton in a couple of weeks. 

Then I came home, watched some football and then found this lazy thing:

He never woke up until after the camera made noise.  His head is on Kisa’s quilt.  Usually MY naps are taken in my recliner!!!!  Glad he is so comfy. 

All of the cats left this week for Iowa or California.  Now it is just the 3 of us.  Kisa is happy and talking again. 

Last night Manley and I went out to the cattery (that is no more) to check on Sully and Molly.   Well, they have an auto-feeder so I just have to fill that up once a week. And they have 2 ponds to drink out of. So, Molly was right there by the house, but no Sully.  So, I was calling out his name, waited, called out his name again…. and then about 3 minutes later---- here he comes RACING from around the back of the barn!!   He had quite a lot to tell me and it took a good 30 minutes.  He is quite the cat.  You pet him, sit in the swing, and talk to him, and he talks back!  He had to tell me all about this last week and how lonely it is without all of the other cats, any one working or staying out there and how he likes company. 

I also have tomorrow off and will be boxing up summer clothes and putting out winter clothes, even though we are suppose to have temps in the 80’s this next week.  And, straighten up the storage area and see when the landlord can close it in with heavy duty plastic so I don’t get any snow in there.  Plus cleaning, laundry……..

Thrilled that the Packers are on Monday Night Football so I get to watch them!!  Go Pack!

Work is going great and hope my bonus is enough to finish Christmas/Birthday shopping!  If y’all have any ideas of what to get you, please let me know.  (Jacque, all done with yours!!) 

Manley says hi and bye to y’all and he hopes he gets a walk tomorrow along the river. 

Fall, Cats, Football….

 

So, long time since I blogged.  A lot going on, a lot ending and seasons changing!  The leaves are turning and fall weather is here. 

My job is going great. Made a nice bonus this last month since I started making some collection calls.  Never a dull minute!!

Found homes for all of the cats.  What a relief!! Some are in California, some are in Iowa, and some are in Texas.  I have 5 extra cats (all in crates) here at the apartment waiting for the transport guy to get here and take them to their new homes.  Only a couple more days and then it will be just Kisa, Manley and me.  What to do??

I will still go out to the house and make sure Sully and Molly have enough food, water and are okay at least once a week. 

It sure will be different not going out to the cattery/house daily as I have been doing that for over 6 months.  There were a lot of good memories made out there. And the house looks totally different.  There were so many changes made inside and outside.  Sanded floors, new fixtures, new furniture, no more cat enclosures, trees planted, lawn nice and green, driveway repaved, ……………..

Jim and Joann have returned to Las Vegas after getting the house ready to sell.  It didn’t go up for auction after all, so they will put it up for sale when spring rolls around. They will be visiting every so often.  We have all become fairly good friends and have fun together.  

Football season started.  And I got to see the Packers win yesterday!!  It is not often that they televise the Packers in this area so it was a treat!

Manley is in desperate need of a grooming and bath.  Saturday and Sunday might look like good days!!  But, what Sat and Sun!!! 

Still sort of doing my diet.  Lost 11 pounds and gained 1 back.  Have to start walking my dog along the river and enjoy the scenery, the sound of rushing water, leaves turning colors, while my favorite season is here. 

Farmers Market only lasts another 3 Saturdays.  Then no more lemon cucumbers, pattypan squash or roasted green chiles. 

A funny cat story:  I had put Deuce in a small travel crate and set that in the back of my car.  Well, as I am rounding a curve, I see the crate moving slowly from one side to the other.  OOPPS!  Forgot there were wheels on it!!  So, I’m sure Deuce was glad to get out of that one!!  I could just hear him thinking/saying  whhhhheeeeeee as he was traveling from one side of the car to the other! 

Ok, til next time!! 

I Promise to Update Soon!!!

More to come---pictures, cats, jobs, weather.....................

Thunderstorms and Cats

 

We have had some extraordinary  cloud formations with the monsoon season here.  It has been sunny in the morning and raining late afternoon.  The river is back up to normal and the rafters are happy.

Cat happenings: 3 cats are going to San Antonio, TX in a couple of days, 2 cats are being picked up next weekend to go live in Castle Rock, CO, one cat is traveling to Iowa to join the other 3 already there, one cat is being picked up Monday, and another 1 or 2 cats are being picked out tomorrow and new their home will be just down the road from the cattery.  I’ll have 4 cats left. One intact male and 3 intact females.  But, there is some interest in those 4 being spayed and neutered and living the good life in Missouri.  Or maybe 1 or 2 going to the place in Iowa.  I’m hoping they will all have good homes within 2 weeks. 

The auction went well today.  It was the machinery and trailers and such.  I directed traffic for a while until I knew I had had too much sun (and yes, I did have spf 30 on and had even reapplied).

September 9th is the estate sale out at the cattery.  Course, now there are no more enclosures in the garages and it looks very different from when I moved in there over 3 years ago.  Trees, flowers, more grass, fresh paint, new gates and everything neat and clean.  A lot more pleasing to the eye.  Joann and Jim have done wonders with the house these last 6 months. 

Tomorrow is another day.  Clean, laundry, grocery shop, feed cats, make pico de gallo for people at work (Manley’s  9th birthday  is on Monday) and maybe watch some football, if there’s any on. 

Hope all of y’all have a great weekend. 

Good Day Wednesday

 

Timing is everything!!

Had a good day today.  Had my 90 day review with Nickie and Tom.  We discussed many things: where I wanted to be in a year, how we can improve customer relations,  what I like most about my job…………….   Well, needless to say, they want me to stick around and be part of the New Country family.  Nickie has gotten a lot of positive feedback from the customers and fellow employees.  I have settled in nicely and am part of the team.  I am thrilled, to say the least!! 

Plus, I got an email today from a lady who is interested in buying some breeders!   So, if every one buys/takes who they say, we will be down to just a couple of cats.  Then, I’ll be out of a job, but will have more time to do things with my own pets. 

I get to see my niece again this Sunday, plus her daughter and Reuben.  We will meet for lunch and then she has to come and inspect my apartment.  Guess that means I have to clean.  And comb my dog. 

Okay, time to watch a little tv and go to bed. 

I finished reading Jeffery Deaver’s ‘The Burning Wire’.  LOVED IT!!!! 

“Hi My Name is McKennas Gold

 

And I need a home.   I am 2 years old and get along well with others.”

Isn’t he just cute?? That fat face and nice chin.  He is very laid back and loves to be loved. 

Awesome Thunderstorm Cloud

 

This storm cloud was spectacular on the way home from the cattery Thursday.  And yes, it did rain and thunder and lightning.

Sold another 3 or 4 cats Friday and they will be going to Arizona and Texas. 

The cats in Iowa and California are happy and living the good life. 

I wish I had a picture of this story, but those with good imaginations can picture it!  :

Manley brings in these little thin, thin branches that have fallen off of a tree.  This one happened to be about 15 inches long and in the shape of a Y.  Well, Kisa thought it was her toy too so she was playing with the end Manley wasn’t chewing on.  (If you know Manley at all, when we use to be outside in the fenced-in yard in Madison, he would protect his stick from all of the other dogs and usually growl, snap or bare his big teeth.)  So, I thought he might at least growl at Kisa, but he just watched her and quickly chewed up as much as he could!  I was just waiting for something to happen, wishing that I hadn’t left my camera across the room, and then the stick was gone and Kisa went bounding off with “that was fun, now what?” look.

I’m glad they get along so well.  She sure knows Manley and how far she can push him!!!  It’s hilarious to watch them interact sometimes! 

Well, down to Farmington with Catherine today, try to watch the Nascar race (depending on when it’s on) and then feed cats and not much else.  Tomorrow we are moving cats around and taking out some of the enclosures in order to get ready for the equipment auction in a couple of weeks. 

I may have to make a trip to Albuquerque so the cats can fly to Texas, in the San Antonio area.  Any one want to come with??  It’s a 3 hour drive one way. 

It’s going to get hot down here again this week. I hear it’s hot in Wisconsin. Keep those fans and air conditioners running!!

All of y’all have a good day. 

Missing Dusty Dawg

 

Saturday Dusty Dawg and 2 youngsters started their journey to Iowa.  They arrived there late yesterday and are in the good hands of Angie and Sheri.  Dusty was always my favorite girl, from the day she was born.  Angie will make sure she keeps me posted on how she is doing and when she has kittens…….

Crossfire also traveled this weekend.  He was 1/2 brother to my Kisa and a favorite for most everyone that met him.  He is now in California with a lovely lady named Shirley who wants a cat to sit on her lap all day long.  That’d be Crossfire!

Kris Kruse-Elliot also received her cat Cheyenne aka Mink Coat.  Kris use to be at the vet school in Madison, so I know that Cheyenne will have a good home and play with Mas, their other cat. 

12 cats left.  We hope to find all of them homes within the next 3 weeks.  Then I will be out of that job and back to pinching pennies again!! 

Having a 3-day weekend and keeping out of trouble.  Watched the Nascar race and cleaned the cattery, went to Farmer’s Market, library, grocery store, and gas station.  I have a check up this a.m. and then can enjoy the rest of the day reading.

Hope your weekend was good!!  Enjoy!! 

New Glasses

 

Here are my new glasses.  Ya know, it is hard to take pictures of yourself. 

I love them. 

So, have only sold 5 cats total.  The girls in Iowa decided to only get 3 and then I had sold one to a couple in Denver and then sold one to Kris from the vet school, who is now out in California.  This next week I will be making a few phone calls and trying to sell the rest of the cats. 

Just been busy with work, driving back and forth to the cattery, keeping cool and doing my daily chores.  It has finally rained the last 2 days and cooled down 20 degrees. 

I have this weekend off so I will be at the Farmer’s Market, library, grocery store and then home.  Then I venture back out at 2:00 to get my hair done.  Then I go out to the cattery. 

Sunday I will get my apartment ready for Jody and Reuben to visit!  We are going out to lunch.  Not sure where, but it’ll be fun. 

Diet:  I have lost 8 pounds in 2 weeks and love that my clothes fit better.  I am very determined to get some weight off. 

Y’all take care!!  

UPDATE

 

Here is a really pretty copper/red colored hummingbird.  There are 2 or 3 of them that visit my feeder.  They are hard to take pictures of because they are so fast and always on the move.

Well, I have been busy selling cats, taking care of them, working and taking care of my place. Not too much excitement.

Yesterday Manley got groomed and Kisa got combed.  Amongst me cleaning, doing laundry, running to the library, (well, driving actually!) and making phone calls about cats. 

I started a diet last week Thursday and have lost 5 pounds already.   I lowered my caloric intake and upped my water intake.  I will do that for a month, then gradually increase calories and see if I can maintain. 

Walter and Jim from Seattle are arriving Sunday to pick out a cat.  Then the next week, 5 cats are going to Iowa.  Then the week after that I hope to get Cheyenne to Kris in San Fran!!  I am hoping Jim and Joann will take her back to Las Vegas and fly her out of there.  And they will also be taking Leigh back to Mary.  So, then there will be half as many cats! 

I get to see my niece Jody and her boyfriend Reuben July 25th!!  I am very excited to see the both of them. 

Who has time for a job???? 

Well, have to finish getting ready for that job.

Hope you all enjoyed the update!! 

Fun Sunday

 

Here’s my little hummingbird at the feeder.  It is on the left side and blends into the background, so click on the picture to enlarge it. 

Had a wonderful day with Catherine.  We went to Farmington (an hour south in NM) and had lunch at the newly opened Olive Garden.  OM!!!  I had the pork mon……… with stuffed tortelini.  It was awesome!!!  Then we went to Petco to pick up dog food for me, toys for Catherine’s dogs, then to the Mercado for chorizo, rice and some marinated pork, then to Sam’s Club where I bought some chicken, grapes, wine and a stainless steel work table.  It’s on wheels so I can move it over to the sink or stove or frige and get my food preparation done. 

Catherine was my first guest in my new apartment and loves it.  It’s bigger and more room for Manley to lounge around!!  She thinks it suits me better than my last place. 

I start working for 2 weeks Monday through Friday. I only had one day off this weekend, will have both Sat and Sun next weekend and then Sat, Sun and Mon to transition into  the 2 Tues – Sat. weeks.  So, I have a 3 day 4th of July weekend!!

OH!!   I sold one of the cattery cats today.  Sugar Ray will be neutered and going to a new home west of Denver.  The buyers already have 2 pixiebobs from about 2 years ago and want to help out and give another one a good home. 

So, this should be a busier week for me with taking Sugar Ray up to be neutered. 

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!