Top Five / Bottom Five : Smells

 I've been searching for new blogs since I've been back & have found some pretty nice ones... but I found The Optimistic Views of a Pessimist & that name alone... but she does a fun little post & this month was the the best & words smells. Each month is a different Top 5... but this one - what a funny topic. At first, I'm like - EW - but then instantly had ideas... so let's do this!

TOP 5

1. Leaves Burning.... my all time favorite smell. You'll smell it more during the fall & truly, this scent has to be in Heaven for me.

2. Men's Cologne.... yes, I love women's perfume but a man walking by with a good smelling cologne on. Yes sir! Thanks for making the world a better smelling place.

3. Soap ... just that fresh smell after a shower.  Getting ready for bed & your skin smells good.  Makes me sleepy thinking of it.

4. Coffee ... I love smelling fresh roasted coffee. 

5. Baking ... just all the things. Baking cookies - pies - cakes - that smell of sweets wifting through the air. I especially love when its apple or cinnamon smells during the fall - totally my favorite

BONUS: Because I can

The smell of books... anyone ever smell their books? or am I the only one? The smell of bookstores too! Happiness in a smell

BOTTOM 5

1. The Cereal aisle. .... gag. I literally cant handle the smell of the C-word - it just gags me.  Working in youth ministry made every overnight or camp thing an issue for me. I'd hide away in the mornings with that being kids/teens fav food. No thank you.

2. Dirty Water / mildew .... any type of dirty water.  That smell in basements where water sits - or river fronts - nasty lakes. So gross

3. Hospital..... In the words of Mary Cosby from RHOSLC.  That smell of just cleaning supplies on top of sickness. I feel like that smell gets in my nose & I cant get rid of it

4. Infection .... having Bruno & Zoe who fought skin infections (Bruno) or growth infections (Zoe) - oh man... that was a tough smell.  They couldnt help it - & we'd clean them & there was just no getting that smell off of them - out of the air - when the infection was rearing its ugly gross head

5. Old Broccoli .... I love broccoli - but man. Let it get tossed in a drawer or back of the fridge that you forget about or cant see... you'll notice it REALLLL quick.

Give me your favs & worse smells!

Storms, eagles & Sploot! {Weekly Check In}

 

STORMS
Man, Kentucky is just getting hit so hard with the floods not too long ago & now tornados.  I believe 19 people died in this last round this past Friday.  

In my town, we got really lucky - the storms went up north of us & then below up - we squeezed right through that, but it makes you feel horrible for what people who were in line of it all had to endure.  The news every day this week is showing devastation & you just cant wrap your mind around having to start over with EVERYTHING. No home, no clothes, no belongings.  What do you do? .... count your blessings, that's for sure.

GOOD GOOD BOWL
There is a new place that opened near us & we checked it out this weekend. Hubby is not one to try new places so I was surprised he was the one to suggest checking it out.  Its one of those places that you can get salads - or grain bowls.  Pick your own toppings or have one that they have the menu.

Did we like it? Hubby liked it more than me. I think maybe I was turned off by what I got. I got a warm bowl with quinoa & sweet potatoes .... that was OK. But had brussel spouts on it that just had a lot of chewy bits on it. & then got Broccoli & no. Just no. It was so covered in garlic. I'm not a big fan of garlic. It just ruined it for me.  I had added blue cheese on it too for some tang & that was a no too.  If I had another combo, it may have been better. At least I got veggies in for the day - find the positive!

SPLOOT
I talked last week about how funny this dog sits.... his laying is just as funny. I call it his Superman Pose.  He has short legs for an Aussie & they just have to stretch out when he lays... & I LOVE IT! 

FLOWERS
I finally went & got some flowers for our front porch.  Good timing too because a lot of them were on sale - bargain! I ended up getting 5 pots of flowers & a hanging plant that I now need a hook installed to hang it (thank you honeyyyyy for handling that) ....now I have to set my daily reminder on Alexa to WATER THE FLOWERS.  

THIRD GILMORE GIRL

I heard a lot of people talking about this book & did this one on audio & just enjoyed it thoroughly. I love biographies so much on audio - especially when they're read by the authors - someone telling their life story.  If you loved Gilmore Girls - you'll appreciate this book - but it was just interesting to know more about this actress & her growing up & her history in her career & broadway & her love of dance.  & that voice - its unmistakable. 

Click HERE for book link

GRADUATES
Its that time - prom season is ending & all the cap & gown pics are popping up. What makes my heart just smile is seeing the last group of kiddos I taught in youth ministry - they're all graduating college this year - some did last semester (You go over achievers!) but its been 5 years now since I've left youth ministry - wow - where does time go? .... & the last group of "kids" are now officially adults - venturing into the world doing real adult things.  I see some are engaged now too .... all that to say, I am old. Very old. LOL - but congrats to ALL the graduates out there.  Spread those wings & soar - make the world a better place!  Not only for you but for others!

I WAS INFLUENCED
I kept seeing an ad come across my Instagram about an app that scans your food. I thought - I'll give it a try. Its called Bitepal.  I have actually been enjoying it.  You take a pic of your food & you can add food items if it misses it - or take things off .... now, its not totally accurate so I wouldnt go with it if you're on some sort of diet where your calories are VERY specific. But I'm enjoying it because of the nudges of healthier ideas  - & seeing what your score is for healthy eating at the end of the day. That's what its about - healthy eating & fun tracking- not specific calorie tracking & hard core data. I like it gives a macro breakdown too..... I wish it had a place where you could track activity done in the day too or you can adjust portion sizes.

Its 3 day free trial & then like $32.00 for the year. I've paid more for apps sure - I'll play along. 

Here's a snip of my Chocolate chip muffin I took a pic of.... 

That muffin was worth every calorie too!!!!

It gives more info on the bottom about the nutrition score & if foods are healthy or if tips on making healthier decisions next time. ... to me, its just fun & also interesting.

I keep seeing more ads popping up & people having codes for 60% off for the year - so if you're interested, maybe check out the #bitepal hashtag & see if you can find a discount.

& lets be honest - I love little games on my phone - & this is such a game of keeping your little animal alive by feeding it - THATS what I'm here for more than anything. My Rocky the Raccoon.... lets see how long I'll keep him going.

ALONE TIME
Ozzie Grayson is all about playing. 24/7! LEGIT 24/7!!! ... I've talked about this before when Harvey passed away that Harvey was the one who played with Ozzie the most & Ozzie just doesnt really care to have a playmate.  Just throw - retrieve - repeat.  So now we have a young pup that is keeping up with Ozzie & you can tell it ticks him off sometimes. He wants that alone time.  Needless to say - I take him outside in our front yard - because he wont leave your side in the front yard.... & we have some one on one time so he still gets his happy play.  All alone - just him & the ball & the wind in his hair! LOL

JUST THROW IT ALREADY!!!!!

ALMOST TIME TO FLY
Anyone else been on Eagle watch this year?  My brother told me about the eggs & I turned it on to watch them first hatch.  & when that 3rd baby hatched, all the joy! & then the snow storm that came through & one of the babies passed away.... my heart cant take it. But I've checked in regularly on YouTube - & learned SO MUCH about Eagles in the process (Fun Fact- their head turns white in 5 year).

  Its just been so fascinating to see nature at work. The care of Jackie & Shadow to their babies.  To see these little eaglets grow up to be SO BIG .... & that they're getting ready to fly off.... it really chokes me up. I have zero - ZERO doubt I will tear up when they leave.

I hope they have the best flight on that leap out of the nest & there's lots of years ahead for them & more baby eaglets to come

BEREAL
Well - this isnt a fun BeReal at all! My mom is back in the hospital.  She's actually in a new wing this time - time to learn more nurses. Just when you think you've met them all.  

Whats been the best part of your week?

Do you have a graduate this year?

Do you like to try new places to eat?

Have you been watching the eagles grow?

7 years... I wonder

 I miss you more every day Dad

Cant believe its been 7 years.

So much changes year by year & I always think what you would think about things.  If you would laugh at situations or be taken back of the differences.  

Wonder what you would have done with Baby & so sad you didnt get time with her to train her & love her like I know you would..... how you would have loved to use that new knee to get back on top of Cochese.  No one has ridden him since you dad.  I'm sure he doesnt mind. He misses you.

I wonder what you would think of the twins graduating high school - becoming adults themselves.  How proud you would be of Julie of having her own lab in Vanderbilt. I know you would you bragging.  I wonder what you would think of all the great grandkids & how many horse things you could find for them in case they were up for a visit.

I wonder how much fun you would have had to watch our dogs learn fun things & do agility & training.  How much you would have loved we finally got a Red Aussie. How you would have worked to convince us to name him Red in honor of you.   I remember one of your last visits was when Ernie was just a puppy & you said, "That is one weird looking dog".... You never minced words.  

I wonder what you would have made. All the things you would create for fun.  Something in the barn, I'm sure. Planting flowers & having every cowboy yard decoration displayed proudly.  Always making new desserts.  I havent had a Hershey Pie since you left.  I think you brought me one just one week before you left us when I was recovering from surgery.  Man, I miss that pie.  Pies made of love just taste better, ya know. 

You just got the hang of Facebook & I know you would have laughed your head off at TikTok on the daily.   I can imagine all the 3am messages to watch videos of funny things.  I can hear your laugh right now.  Ricky & I try to imitate it all the time - & sometimes, we do pretty good. You'd get a kick out of it.

I wonder about all the holidays & especially Christmas. You sure did love it - probably more than anyone in our family.  Even up to the last one, you still would smile like a kid getting their first gift.  Big ole smile - you always just got a kick out of opening things - & watching others open gifts too.  

& speaking of holidays - what would you have done with Cochese on the 4th of July.  I wonder if you would have eventually had fireworks shooting off of his back at some point LOL

  

I wonder how you would have coped when your younger brother passed away. I will say, that is one thing I am thankful you missed & didn't have to suffer through.  I know you would have been devastated.  I wonder if you ever imagined that the two of you would leave this world within 6 weeks of each other.  Could you even imagine?  We sure couldn't.

I wonder what you would have done with a global pandemic.  I wonder what you would think of the world today.  

I wonder how many road trips you would have gone on - where you would have ventured. How many people you would have found that you crossed paths with somewhere in the past - or that knew your grandfather when he was a Pastor.   You always loved finding connections with any person you met. Stranger? What is that word? I wonder how many people would have needed that human connection you always provided. 

I wonder about the missed phone calls & messages that I got every single day from you.  What shows you would want me to turn over & watch - what advice you would give - what things we would laugh over together.  Just the check ins to see what the day held.

I wonder how many times we would have pointed out 444 to each other when it popped up - & dad, it still pops up. I always wonder if you're behind it each & every time.  Regardless, we always say "HI DAD" when we see it. 

I wonder about your last day - your last few hours.... I wonder what it would have been like to have a goodbye with you - to get to hug you & tell you I love you. To hear you say it back to me one last time too.  I wonder if it would have been just too much & God knew this was the way it needed to be.

I hope you felt us next to you holding your hand.  I wonder if you could hear us.  I hope you could sense all the family that came by & sat next to you & sent you their love. I wonder if you heard our voice when the time came close to go..... 

I wonder what you saw & what you experienced when you did leave this world behind.  I wonder the first things you experienced.  I wonder if you could see how well you were honored at your good bye service.  How well Cochese did in saying goodbye too - yes! We got him there just like you wanted.  You got your cowboy send off & I wonder if you were laughing.

I wonder if you had any idea how much you're presence being gone left a hole. If you had any idea how many people miss you - how the impact of your life still touches so many with memories.  How everything you instilled in me still matters.  Still moves me to make decisions that would make you proud. 

I just wonder about you every single day.... & my heart misses you more than words can ever say.

I love you. Forever. With each passing year.. I love you.

New Shirts, books & our funny sitting boy {Weekly Check In}

Just some highlights of my week.....

STREET SIGN
Ricky found this sign on Etsy & I had to get it for him.  They had different sizes on this but we got a basic street sign size.  He's got it up in his "man cave garage" & he has an old metal roller skate that he is going to hang under the sign too.  Perfect for him.

HERE is the link on Etsy

FINALLY FOOD TRUCK

There is a local seafood place that has a food truck that comes to our town recently every Monday. The issue was we had Rusty training every Monday & by the time we got home, they were gone. So on the first Monday with no training, we finally got to stop & see what they had. & YUM! Look at this menu. All the fried stuff! Arteries be damned! I could eat Friend Cauliflower & mushroom every single day. With a side of Hushpuppies please.

NEW SHIRT
I ordered this shirt for the warmer days ahead.  I like its flowy & comfy for the heat that will be here before we know it!  I love anything Fall colors - even in summer!

Click HERE for link

NEW POPE!
I am not Catholic - but I do appreciate a person who has respect for the teaching of Jesus & teaches & loves like Jesus ... you know - the CRAZY radical stuff of loving EVERYONE - even the poor, the immigrants, the rejected & people who feel pushed aside. Crazy thinking to some apparently.   I think its amazing its the first one from America too.  Who would have ever thought. The interviews with his family have been so sweet & you see how Pope Leo has been a little Jesus warrior from his little days.  

I love he was a friend to Pope Francis too! I always loved how hands on Francis was with people - & that he loved animals so much. You'll always win me over with that!

May Pope Leo have a long reign of being an example of how Jesus loved!

THIS DOG
It cracks me UP! The way this dog sits on these cushions.  We got these floor pillows for Harvey Dent when he was having issues getting up on things.  You'll more than likely find Ricky laying on them more than anyone - with a dog of course.  But Rusty, he sits on these like this!  Just backs right on up & takes a seat.  EVERY TIME! .... this is how he also sits on me & Ricky too LOL - just backs right on up & will sit in our lap - or even on our chest if we're laying in bed.  He's a comfy boy!

The funny this is - sometimes he scoots so far back, his back legs just hang off the edge & just swing. LOL 

STRAWBERRY LOVER
Speaking of our funny boy.... I've found out - he LOVES Strawberries. Like chop them up & handfeed them to him every day please. Ozzie & Ernie aren't fans of fruit. Harvey loved it too.... glad to see Rusty enjoys some healthy sweet treats too

TREAT YO SELF
Every time there is a book sale of buy one, get one for 50% off - I fall for it every time! I keep a list of books I've been wanting so when a new book comes out, I can always snag up an older book I've been wanting. I follow a lot of Book podcasts & YouTube channels & keep seeing Red Rising series on it - so yep, looks like I just added another - ANOTHER - series to my list.  No shame. No regrets.

THE GRACE YEAR
I came across this book on a lot of recommendations & saw it was on Kindle Unlimited so sure, why not. Didnt even know what to expect but .... MAN. This was crazy.  Crazy in a good way. The best way I can describe this is Handmaids Tale + Yellowjackets... & if you know both / either of those shows - you know that's A LOT.  & what's nuts to me is this is a YA book - WHAT? HOW? Its violent. It harsh. It involves control over women. ... I mean, teach the girls young I guess on how to stand up for themselves.  ... I actually rated this at 5 stars for the surprises & twists in this.

I actually enjoyed this book though. It has some gasp moments - a few actually. & a few times I had to stop & just stare at the ceiling to compose myself.  

A quote from the book that I'm like.... OH YEAHHHH - I actually have a tee shirt that says something similar to this - it says "I believe in FACTS, SCIENCE, EMPATHY" .... same kinda vibes

THE PARADISE PROBLEM
I must have been on a roll because I finished another book over the weekend. It was big last summer but I forgot all about it & then I just cant read these sorts of things during the cold months! LOL - I'm very picky & particular about my reading.   So glad I finally got this in though because it was just ADORABLE. I totally chuckled a few times in it too.  Some good one liners.  I can totally see this as a Netflix movie!  ....Rate: 4 stars

Click HERE for link

WATCHING
OK Bravo fans.... are you all jumping on this show? Love Hotel .... like a Bachelor type show for 4 of the Real Housewives.  Which I think is crazy because we know out of these 4 ladies - only one is probably really looking for love. (Shannon) The other 3 just seem to love being single & having a good time - I dont see them settling down anytime soon. I mean, come on - Ashley, getting married soon? She just got divorced, is young & loving her single life!  Maybe I'll be surprised & they all find love & we'll have a quad-wedding.  I wont hold my breath - & no matter what - this is just a fun show.  I can see them doing it with more of the ladies because honestly, most "housewives" arent really "wives" anymore. Crazy how that works.

BEREAL OF THE WEEK
I didnt have any great ones this week but who doesnt love a cute Ozzie face

INSTAGRAM POST OF THE WEEK

What's been the highlight of your past week?

What are you currently reading?

Do you buy yourself new clothes for the change in season?

Do you love Food trucks?

The weekend that Hubby got TKO'ed by a horse

 Usually my weekends are pretty boring but we had an on-the-go weekend & of course, Mother's Day - with a touch of crazy... so why not do a post on that.

Friday is one of my work from home days & it is the BEST so sleep in an extra hour on Friday - have on comfy pants & flip flops.  It was a beautiful day too so I even got out & walked at lunch.... & make sure to watch more of the Karen Read trial.  We have a detective on the stand for the past few days that is alllllll sorts of cocky & knows he messed up.  He actually - from the first trial - got discipline actions taken against him - & the Trooper under him that REALLLLY messed up got let go. Its all the popcorn drama.

We ran over & did the horses after work & then rode to the town over to get some pizza.  I love Friday Pizza days.  No cooking - leftovers for the weekend. Win Win.

Friday has become our routine too to watch Survivor with our pizza... classic old marriage couple Friday night.  This season has been amazing though.  

IYKYK .... & Star laughing behind David is just the BEST

Saturday, I got up & took my coffee & book outside & it was CHILLY! Like low 40's chilly -forget that - I came back in to my library & read a little bit. Then it was time to run out & get some things done.

We headed to Home Depot because I need a new handle for our screen door. It's not latching & I really need the screen door to close because Mr. Rusty likes to grab the ball when we play & take it inside & hide it.  NOOOO - these balls are like GOLD. I'm not even joking. They are a special ball that we've had since our Yellow Lab, Buffy was around - so like 18 years ago.  They dont even make them anymore & I'll try & find them on web pages & snag up all I can get when I find them.  I've got like 3 or 4 stored up - but we guard these balls with our life. I dont know what makes them so magical to dogs - but every single dog we've had - only these balls will do.  Its really wild .

I literally called a pet store in New Hampshire one time to see if they would ship me what they had. I'm tell you - if anyone finds these near you, let me know!!! Or if you find one for your dog - you'll be their favorite person in the world.

Anyways - Home Depot ... it was PACKED. Everyone was getting their flowers for their flower beds because around here - everyone knows the rules. YOU DONT PLANT TILL AFTER DERBY DAY. Its law here basically.  & it holds true. It can get cold - & even snow - up to then - so its the safest day to start planting. Needless to say - they didnt have any handles that we needed. Dang it.

Hubby needed to go to Harbor Freight, which I was like, MEH - nah! & this is why I love having 2 kindles. I keep my new version Kindle at home - & I keep my older one in my purse for on the go reading.  It was such a pretty afternoon so I told him, take your time man, I'm good!

We headed out to get some lunch afterwards & saw a friend of ours granddaughter working there.  It's wild because we hadnt seen her since she was an itty bitty little girl.  & I've seen pics of her growing up - how I recognized her - & she's graduating this year. But its wild to see how fast kids grow up!  Bonus - our lunch came with a cheesecake & yes please & thank you.

I got raspberry - Ricky got Chocolate... he wouldnt share LOL

We headed to Sam's Club & again - ALL THE CROWDS! My goodness - the day before Mother's Day - remind me to not go out that day.  It was just insanity. The beautiful weather, I'm sure helped.  I had to get my paper plates & coffee creamer.  They have the BIG containers of Chobani Coffee creamer for 6.99.  

The SMALL bottles are $6.99 in the grocery stores!!!!! So I snag up on these every time I go to Sam's! They just recently went up too - they used to be $5.99! even LESS than what the grocery is.  This is the BEST coffee creamer ever too.  Its just Milk, sugar & cream. Have you ever read some ingredients on some coffee creamers? Scary stuff.

We stopped at Starbucks on the way home .... my usually spring/summer drink on trend for me right now. Peach Green Tea Lemonade.  DELISH! ... & as Ricky says, its got green tea in it - so its HEALTHY, right? I'll go for that!

The rest of my Saturday, this was basically my view.... finished up a book & played with the dogs.  A perfect Saturday!

Sunday was Mother's Day & quite the chaotic day.  
Started off nice & relaxing... more outside time & taking it easy for most of the morning.

Then I was headed to mom's while Ricky headed to see his mom... I get to my mom's house & a little black mini horse is running wild - in the streets - in my mom's yard.  He has gotten out twice before & he keeps coming over to mom's house - especially to see Baby - he's OBSESSED with her. 

We had the number of the owner, but my mom didnt have it anymore & my brother, who talked to him before - was asleep (he works 3rd shift) & I'm like, what do I do??? Luckily, my sister in law was able to get my brother's phone & give the guy a call letting him know his horse was out & back at his girlfriend's house.

In the meanwhile - I look & see - Cochese did a KOOL AID man move & busted through the fence to Baby's area - he does NOT want her getting hear the black horse. 

Cochese is sooo protective over Baby.  He worries for her - watches over her - he does NOT want this little man coming in stealing her away from him.  I told her she's the diva having two men fight over her like this.

He busted through the gate on the other side - & he's keeping her back up against the barn so she can't get close to the other horse.  It was wild to watch this.

I ended up calling Ricky & he turned around to come help me.  He had to get rope to hold the fence back together until we get a replacement board.  We got Cochese out of Baby's area & then we was going NUTS to keep that horse away from the fence.  They both would run towards the gate & rear up at each other... talk about some Male Energy. Geez guys - calm down.

But one time Cochese came rearing to the fence to be all BAD BOY - Ricky was leaning over trying to fix the fence & Cochese took his head & BATTED Ricky in the head - I told Ricky it looked like he went SAILING through the air - he landed on the ground & rolled... & laid there about 30 seconds. 

Kinda like this - but imagine the ball being a HORSE'S HEAD

I WAS FREAKING OUT.... Ricky finally was like WHOOOO - my head. He got a little goose egg above his eye. It was terrifying to me.  Ricky said, all I could think was, This is how I die - by a horse hitting me. LOL

We finally got the little horse tied up so he wouldnt keep charging at Cochese... & waited for the guy to come get his horse.  We told him, ummm - if you're ever missing your horse, I think its safe to assume you can just start right here. 

What a crazy afternoon....

Finally got that taken care of & took mom out to pick up some dinner. Whew! Needed some drinks after all that.  

I never even got a pic of my mom on Mother's Day.... I was just glad for some calm. 

I did get pics of the flowers I got her though - they were so pretty & I want to go back & get some for my porch now.

I ended up getting home & waiting for Ricky to get home as well so I could see the beaner on his head... it didnt swell up much - he's A-OK! .... & got a call from Julie & Lindsay wishing me a Happy Mother's Day & getting to catch up with them. Good phone calls to end the day.  Love our girls!!! 

So how are your weekend?

Do you watch Survivor?

Do you have a summer Starbucks drink you like?

Was your area busy this weekend?

Did you do anything for Mother's Day?

Solo weekend, Outside time & we have a Graduate {Weekly Check in}

 

SOLO WEEKEND
This past weekend, Ricky headed to Nashville on his own. Why? He went to rock out with one of his grandsons & his daughter. How cute is it that his grandson wanted his Pappy to go to the Metallica concert with him! I love that so much! I bet you dont hear that from a lot of grandfathers!

Ricky left early on Saturday but I rode behind him so we could grab some breakfast together before he hit the road.  Panera is empty on a Saturday morning at 7:30am FYI.  Sane people are still sleeping on the weekend.

He drove his truck down because he was going to help with some final moving out of the Nash Gang's old home.... I would have just DIED driving 3 hours in this truck. Its the bumpiest riding vehicle in the world. I get sick in this thing just going to the grocery.  It doesnt phase Ricky .... so smooth sailing sir.

He got to Nashville & they got some things handled & then concert time... in an outdoor arena - in a storm! They had to take shelter for a bit & Ricky said it was so crowded, he couldnt even raise his arms to scratch his nose. Nope - no thank you - I'll go sit in the middle of the storm.  Me & crowds dont mix. I would feel like every bit of air was sucked out of the room.

Regardless - they got to ROCK ON till the wee hours - soak & wet too.... but he said the concert was great. Love to see the good ole rock bands of the past are still out there showing what they still got.

These 3... the Vincent genes are strong

What did I do while Ricky was gone.... I had plans to go to Aldi's & take my time shopping. Maybe hit the book store? ... but it was just such a YUCK day.  I literally did this all day long...

And watch the KY Derby! .... it makes me such a nervous wreck watching the horses run on such a sloppy track. I hold my breath every time.  

I had to take my mom her laundry over & I ended up sitting with her & watching the actual Derby.

They make Churchill Downs look so beautiful every year. - Congrats Sovereignty!

ALL THAT MUD!!!!!!!!!!!!

MARVEL
We took off Monday since Ricky had a day away & we had things to get done - get my car maintenance done, pay property taxes (BIG BOO!) & its rare that when I get a day off, a good movie is playing. We lucked out having Thunderbolts at the theater.  We got there for the first showing of the day - 10:20am - & let me tell you - THATS the time to go. There were only 5 other cars in the whole parking lot.

I just love Marvel movies. They're so good - funny! - & this one had a really deep & powerful message with it too.  Total thumbs up!

GRADUATION!!!!!
Our boy graduated his training class. I was a little iffy when we got here. Actually, the run through the week before, Rusty was just not as good as he was the weeks before.  Monday, he had been stuck inside all weekend with the rain we had for days - so his energy was pent up & during the warm up, he was doing awful. I just laughed. What can you do? .... but he pulled it together & did a good job.  Ricky did too - its a lot on the handler too to control the situation.  But he pulled it off!

Doesnt he look so proud of himself?

He actually won 2nd play in the trick competition too.  Now, the dog that won, they did tricks outside of the few that the trainer taught up. Ricky wasn't aware we could do our own tricks & Rusty was first in line to go.  Ricky was like, "if I had known, I would have brought the frisbee" - which would have been cool because this dog jumps 5 feet in the air to catch the frisbees! Missed Opportunity.  But its fine. He still got a bag of treats & a new toy & we know our boy is talented.

We'll miss going to the class weekly.  A new class actually started the next night for beginner Agility & we thought about doing it - but with summer coming up & class being on a Tuesday, its not convenient for us right now.... we may do it later... but I also hate getting him out of the "training" mindset.... who knows. We may be a late add in to the class.  We also know the trainer leading that class & love her & shes INCREDIBLE with her dogs & agility.  

Rusty's testing's scores. I'm so mad about the -3 on the Leave it - because Ricky didnt do a forceful command... He was just quiet in front of the crowd.  Now, when we say LEAVE IT at home with food right next to his face, he turns that nose up & away every time.  I dont think Rusty even heard him. That -3 is on Ricky - not Rusty!

The -6 on the Heeling on Leash... I count half of that to Rusty on his pent up energy. He just was on the go & unfocused.  He always walks right next to you - & this time, he kept wanting to pull ahead. He never did that before - ever.  Of course, this is the day he choses to be aggressive.  The other half.  I blame Ricky - because of course I do..... because my boys, any of my babies, can do no wrong! Nope - not to me!

& the -2 in the Recall was because of the leash handling - Ricky! LOL - Now, poor guy - this just confused him so hard on the hand work on the leash.  Right out - grab left over hand - pull left - pull right - walk backwards... in FRONT OF PEOPLE? It just twisted Ricky up every time. I actually thought this was Ricky's best go at it - he practiced on it hard!... but still got a -2. I'm proud of you honey! It was confusing. The walk backwards on that, I know if it were me, I'd fall & probably hurt my back & twist an ankle - so he did better than I would have! --------- Regardless - RUSTY PASSED! 189 out of 200. You couldnt get below 170.  .... I think! Watch it be 188 LOL!

I'm gonna frame up his graduation diploma! LOL 

GOODBYE DOGWOOD
We've always had the most beautiful little dogwood tree in our fenced in back yard. I always love seeing the blooms every spring.  The last few years, we noticed the bark looking a little sketchy... & last year, it had a HOLE at the base. A hole big enough, you could put your fist inside the base of it. How it stood through the year is amazing to me.  

It got all bloomed out this year & we were checking it out & Ricky looked at the bottom........TERMITES. All over it. All IN it. Nope - nope - BIG NOPE. He got the chain saw out & had to take it down. & then he got his blow torch out & burned the area up to get those little boogers.  Built a little fire pit over top of the stump & now my back  yard looks so bare without it.   ... sad to see the tree go.  

APRIL OUTSIDE TIME
Last year, I tried the 1000 Hours outside... & man, it sounds simple & easy enough. But when you spend the majority of your day in an office, you dont get as much outside time as you think.  I think I only got around 350 hours last year - how awful is that? So I've been trying harder this year to get as much outside time as possible.  April - I did really well!  49 hours & 26 Minutes! & I'm at 108 Hours for the year! Already doing better!

Those weekend hours are whats helping me!

BEREAL OF THE WEEK
I know not many are on this app - I still love it - just for the memory sake of it - I may try to post one of my pics for the week.  Or you can just join & be my friend LOL ... its worth it for the year in review they put together.

FUNNY AI
Last week, I posted the pic of my dogs being "humanized" on AI...  & my friend Miranda & I were texting about it & her dogs looked SO CUTE as people. Then she asked me if I turned myself into a dog.  She did & she became a Golden Retriever - like full stop - a dog. So I try my pic to see what happens...........

OH MY GOODNESS.............. I know I laughed for 15 minutes straight. 
I didnt ask for a human body - or GLASSES - but this was the funniest thing I've seen in a long time

LATEST READ
I had this saved from Kindle Unlimited for the longest because of the synapsis & then use a BOTM credit to get the hardbound book.  I love having both to read.  A book in my hand at home - a Kindle version for on the go.  I'm book-spoiled.  But this book was MUCH spicier than I expected. MUCH! But the story line was interesting - & a little dark & twisty.   Who would have thought with a skull on the front - right?  Very magical. Very New Orleans background.  I will probably read the 2nd book in the series - but I wont be in any rush. & definitely wont buy the hardbound book for that one.

Click HERE for link

What's been the highlight of your week?

Have you ever put your dog in training before?

Whats the latest movie you saw in the theater?

What's your latest read?