The Start of Soccer Season

Daniel played soccer for the first time last fall and loved it. Emily decided to play this spring, too.

Today they had their first games. Daniel's team won 3-0, Emily's team lost 6-0. Daniel got to play goalie for the first time, which he was happy about. Both said they did their best and had fun, so we are satisfied. (And dirty, especially the floor of the car from our muddy shoes.)

March Beach Party

Emily got inspired yesterday. A beach party with games, drinks, a place to nap in the shade.... (Never mind that it was 50 degrees and cloudy.)

It was a nice distraction for me.

Rosie's Deaf

When we got home from church today, I could see part of Rosie (our golden) outside but she didn't get up to watch us pull in. Went inside, out the back door, and she didn't even turn to look. I called her name, clapped. She didn't know I was there until I got down the steps and touched her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fine yesterday, deaf today.

We went for her annual check up on Friday and the vet found a yeast infection in her ears. I put the drops in on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Started to wonder if she'd been deaf longer than I realized, if it was the yeast infection.... Then it hit me --- what about the medication?? So I looked at the info in the package, and sure enough, it can cause deafness in geriatric dogs!!!!!!!!!!!

Went to the emergency vet and both ear drums are ruptured.

We'll go to our regular vet tomorrow, as we still need to treat the yeast infection.

And we will pray for healing for our sweet girl. She is agitated -- I can tell she can't figure out what is up since she can't hear. Good news is that she knows sign language for basic commands that we taught her as a pup. But she has to be looking at us.

At Rainbow Bridge

By the edge of a wood, at the foot of a hill, is a lush green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run, when their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next, is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play, till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness, for here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed, their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass without even a care, until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears price forward, eyes dart front and back, then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met; Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past, the time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart, has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever, and then, side-by-side, they cross over … together.

Goodbye, Koko

My beloved black lab mix, Koko, died last night.

She was my faithful companion, my trusty watchdog, my Frisbee fanatic, and showed me devotion beyond what I deserve.

This is a photo from the day I decided to adopt her. Met her while I volunteered to walk dogs at the shelter in Cody, WY. She picked me before this day, but this was the Saturday I got to take her for the whole day and play, and knew that she was meant to go home with me. What a joy!

I eat fish

This is a major proclamation.



I have never liked fish, except tuna sandwiches. All my life people have kept asking me to try a bite of this one or that one, and it has never changed my opinion of the stuff.



On our anniversary, Eddie and I went to PF Changs. Our waiter came with our order, and some sea bass. We thought it was a mistake, but the guy at the next table said it was from him. He worked there, and recommended it. In such close quarters, I could not insult the guy and not eat some. So I tried it. And it was good!



So, last week at the grocery store I decided to be adventurous. Another friend has spoken of tilapia, which I'd never tried. At the fish counter, that was the one Emily looked at and said she wanted. I got it. Eddie cooked it. And it was good!



So, I eat fish. I'm sure not all kinds, but at least to find a few kinds I like is a MAJOR change. I'm even going to cook some myself this week.

Pizza Parlor

When I was sick a few weeks ago, Daniel and Emily loved making their own sandwiches, picking out their fruits and vegetables and chips.

Usually they make their own pizza by putting on the toppings I prepare for them. Today, they did it all -- found the pans and the crusts, the cheese and the pepperoni, cut the vegetables, etc. They were thrilled!
Their cooperation skills after putting the pizza in the oven were unusually good -- who unloaded what part of the diswasher, who sat where at the table, who got what plate. Nice!