One Child

My brother and his wife have four terrific children. Their youngest child, Joseph, is a rising second-grader in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

There's something special about Joseph and you would know it if you met him. He's easy-going, contemplative, and sort of a quiet boy. I can watch him think. A twinkle in his eyes and a broad grin gives way to a sophisticated sense of humor that I love. He’s the one that talks the least but says the most! This special boy was a very good friend to my Mother.

He learned about the homeless and had an idea. Joseph asked for help at his school because his desire was to make sure that every child in the county had a toothbrush and toothpaste. He received school-wide help that resulted in taking donations of over 1,000 toothbrushes and toothpaste!

Joseph delivered his donations to a shelter in Fort Meade, Maryland and met with the Director to discuss plans for a project during the next school year. I giggle when I think of his endearing little self exhibiting child-like professionalism and sincerity. During the final school assembly this month, he addressed the students, faculty, and staff. At the end of his report he said, “So, if you want to help me with my next project for the homeless, see me in second grade!”

I am soooo proud of him.

Joseph: One child with a big heart.

He's making a difference.

God Bless you, Joseph.

Hot Wednesday

Summer evening. Of the four seasons, summer has always been my first choice. My “Color Me Beautiful” seasonal shade is “Summer”. Does anyone remember “Color Me Beautiful”? Probably not, because I’m an older chick. During a demonstration party at my home with men and women as guests, our skin tones were matched with a season of shades that compliment your natural beauty. I still find myself choosing the cool summer shades that were prescribed for me many, many years ago. Enough of that!

My glorious summer has been challenging me lately... The days are longer and that suits me just fine but the heat (can I curse this unbearable heat?), humidity, and electrical storms are giving me grief. How did we ever survive without AIR CONDITIONING decades ago? My hours outdoors are limited and the evenings, lately, have halted my instinctive desire to be outdoors to observe and smile. The threatening skies and low lights keep me indoors.

Along the way today, I was able to see a few things that interested me. I’ll do this quickly because I hear thunder rumbling in the distance and I might need to shut down soon. I had less than two hours outdoors but I was determined to make the most of it and took a few photos.

Dove is wondering how they do it. Dove wants some suet, too, but Dove doesn’t have acrobatic skills to get there…

The drought (yes, we are still dry) is causing brown edges and crispy leaves but roses are strong.

I appreciated this fly-by when I was in a hurry.

A willow tree succumbed to the heat two days ago and the leaves suddenly turned brown. Sigh…

I slowly moved in closer. This photo made me feel better.

I did it again. At 7am, I pulled over quickly to see the most beautiful STOP sign of my life. It's my favorite photo of the day.

I guess it wasn’t a bad day, after all.

Fish stories, a birthday, and a lifer

My neighbors are moving away in August. I’ll miss them so much because they are like old friends, even though we’ve only been neighbors for less than two years. They have a water feature in their yard – a pretty stream that trickles down their back hill and empties into a small pool where they keep three Koi. My neighbors aren’t nature observers or lovers, but they named their fish. A month or two ago I promised to take their Koi before they move since they feel apprehensive about the new owners’ commitment to them.

While they oooo’d and aaaa’d over our new pond reconstruction last night, everyone thought it would be a great idea to bring their three Koi to our sparkling pond. I hated to bring it up, but I did. According to my pond expert, I was overstocked with fish even before he lined the pond with large rock and gravel. Now I have less water and too many fish! I told them so, gently. Then I told everyone again, a little more emphatically. No one understood the meaning of “too many fish – too much waste – too little oxygen". What I heard in three-part harmony was, “Oh, what’s three more?”

I upheld my promise and netted the three Koi from their little murky pool because I really like my neighbors. I wonder why I just can’t be assertive and say “Sorry, but NO”.

A decision had to be made this morning…

I needed to remove some goldfish. I thought of the following options. Do I know anyone who has a pond nearby? No. Should I take them to Petsmart or Petco? NO! Should I find a kid with a fish aquarium? NO! I had a place in mind.

They were hiding from me. I found my "pond" Keds and tied them.

I stood in the middle of the pond with my net and moved in slow motion to avoid crashing into the lilies and causing too many waves. It is very difficult to net small fish, especially when they have so many hiding places in their new environment. After ten minutes, I only caught one goldfish and I had about ten more to net. Hmmm… I thought of quitting but I couldn’t capture only one lone goldfish. I needed two and the second capture was easy from the skimmer. This is when my heart started breaking.

They are ordinary goldfish that have tripled in size since I brought them home. I just have too many. There are eight more out there that I should give up. Sigh… I am not attached to them in the same way I am attached to the Koi who allow me to drop food pellets down their throats, but I cared for all of these goldfish and their offspring.

A three-minute ride took me to the place and I parked the car. I skipped over Canadian goose poop and found a spot to release two of the ten. There were some life birds and nature buzzing all around but I couldn’t see them through my tears. Horrible thoughts of predators and water chemistry made me regret what I had done and I don’t know if I can do this again. It's torturous when you have a knack for being too caring and way too dramatic.

The Beta who watched me in the kitchen for two years died last Saturday. He looked like a male and I called him “Guy”. My new Beta looks feminine. I call her “Girly”. Creative, huh?


Less than ten minutes after I said my good-byes to two lovely goldfish this morning, I came home to see this:

For fear of further incriminating myself in the ID department, I ask for help. My Stokes guide provided no help. Internet, no help. Sibley’s gave me a clue but the bird doesn’t belong here.

It has a yellow-orange back with flecks of black on the wings.

Its color of yellow-orange ranges in different light settings. The tail is very short, yellow-orange. This bird is not a fast flyer. Its wings flap like crazy but it only seems to hover into a tree. The song is a repetitious, shrill and loud, “tseee tseee”.

It’s been hanging around my house all day and just a few minutes ago I saw it on the ground at the feeders, near the pond. If I learn this is a common bird with an easy ID, I will never guess again. Maybe the heat is getting to me?

100… in… the… shade. Add the humidity to 100 degrees and we’re in a sweat drenching pit.

It’s a day for swimming and bobbing for golf balls. Bella takes a running leap to be the first one to the ball.

Today is Chloe’s Birthday. 1996…over a decade of fun.

Chloe: “Gimme eleven kisses!” I say, “Ok, then we'll go wash your face and I will tell you I love you eleven times!"

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Note: This post was ready for Sunday. A wild thunderstorm screwed up my computer in the evening so I spent Monday night on the phone with the cable company for thirty minutes and then another three and a half hours on the phone with Dell. I was in hell. Dell Hell? No dinner. Another thunderstorm cut off my conversation with Dell before we finished and I gave up. This morning, I discovered that I’m back in business and that’s a good thing.

This is my two hundredth post since October and I'm still hanging in.

I was going to post...

I'm posting this from work. One of the worst storms I can recall hit us last night. There was no warning - no thunder, no rain, no dark skies. One intensely loud crack of lightning that shook the pictures on the walls started the storm yesterday around 7pm and continued after midnight. We didn't lose power, but we lost our computer network. So I can't post until I have it fixed - hopefully this evening.

I've been longing for rain but I think 6-8 inches in a few short hours is a bit too much. Add hail the size of golf balls to the scenario. I typically love a good thunderstorm but this one was downright scary.

Rebuilding a Backyard Pond!

The pond we had installed nearly two years ago is beautiful enough and our installer kept his price low enough. What he didn’t tell us was that we needed a biological filter, which I thought was odd… “Just treat it with beneficial bacteria once a month. That’s all you need to do.”, he said. We thought, OK, we’ll try it. It didn’t work. My plants weren’t thriving and the water clarity was poor during warm months, even after adding clay. The Koi have grown and are thriving very well, thank goodness. The pump we had, until yesterday, choked up every three days and I had to slam and manhandle it to keep the water flowing. Three of the same models burned up in the past year. I guess when you opt for the low bid, sometimes it will backfire on you.

A new crew of three arrived on Thursday morning with three pick-up trucks and a trailer. They were carrying 3.5 tons of rock, new plants, and all sorts of new equipment to provide a glorious ecosystem. They’re getting ready to drain the murky pond.

Nearly 1,200 gallons drained from the sidewalk to our fast descending driveway.

I watched my my Koi and Goldfish get netted. Poor things…

Here is where they chilled out, except for one excitable Koi who jumped out and sunbathed in the grass. I yelled, “Casualty!”, but he/she survived and is doing well.

The Boston Terrible Sisters wanted in on the action. I walked them outside on leads and kept them away from the muck. They eat anything that stinks.

While the pond drained (only took 15 minutes!), work began on the new pump. This baby won’t clog and it’ll throw a rock instead of choking on a tiny piece of mulch.

While work began on the pump, our bare-bottomed pond was power washed. I was glad to hear it was an easy job in comparison to others they’ve seen!

The Canna lilies were dug up (wince) and a place was made for the new bio filter behind the waterfall.

ALL OF THIS HAPPENED IN ABOUT AN HOUR!

I need to comment here. If Michael and I were doing this job, we’d still be backing the trucks into the yard, taking the fence down with them, and we might be in the hospital with fractured backs. We might have had a fist fight! LOL! Boulder lifting at our age is out of the question!

Still blooming, my orphaned lilies…

These guys were meticulously lining my pond with rock to capture good bacteria. Not one inch of pond liner is exposed now. We have fewer gallons of water, so I’m at my limit in the fish department. The pond depth is still a good 30 inches.

Pondscapes of Charlotte is an outstanding, award-winning group. They worked diligently and followed their plans. No time was wasted with guesswork or chat and I was in awe with the ease in which they completed a large amount of work in one day. Check out their gallery!

This is where it all happens. A new bio filter (in front of the Canna and behind the waterfall) will capture good bacteria and create an ecological balance, along with the rocks that line the pond in the previous photo.

Lilies are planted at the bottom and celery plants, grasses, parrot feather, hibiscus, and a water orchid are rooting now and will eat up the nitrogen. I’ll love watching them grow. The transplanted Canna Lilies will need good watering every evening for a while, as they look a bit wilted. Our UV light burned out a few weeks ago and although we probably won’t need it, I’ll replace it anyway in case an algae bloom occurs.

A new waterfall. Now we have a shallow place beneath the fall for the birds to drink and bathe easily. They perch on the driftwood and I’ll have great photos of them. Today I saw a red-winged blackbird lapping up the luxury but my camera was… where? Not with me! The birds are obviously feeling the heat, too.

The toads and frogs were screaming nearby last night. I'm sure they will find the way to their new home.

Everybody’s happy!

When I paint my toenails, I'll post a photo of my hot feet submerged and the Koi nibbling on them.

The longest day of the year

It's officially summer! And, yes, it has been a long day. I didn't go to work. I watched, and in a very small way, took part in the reconstruction of my pond. The contractor was excellent!

The sun was blazing hot and I am sunburned, smell of sweat and pond sludge and algae, so I think I'll shower now...

I can't wait to show what took place today. I'll tell tomorrow and catch up with everyone's blog, too.

Okay, here are two photos from the day:

It's a good thing that we have a wide gate to the yard. The pond was drained and the hose sprung a leak. A mess.

The only visitor I've seen at the hummingbird feeders since Tuesday was this guy. I have been pouting about it. Around 5:00 p.m., I saw a lady hummer visit. She made my day!

I smell badly. Off to the shower...

Wordless Wednesday

Hot Fun In The Summertime

Hazy, hot day in Ocean City, Maryland

At 4:00 p.m. yesterday I saw 95 degrees on my car thermometer. Hearing Sly & The Family Stone on the radio took me back to summers when I was in love with the heat, beach, and sun. (Many won't remember Sly...I'm dating myself.)

“End of the Spring, and here she comes back,
Hi Hi Hi Hi there,
Them summer days, those summer days…

Hot fun in the summertime... (4 TIMES)”

How foolish I was back in my teen and young adult years! My foolishness continued into the 90’s, too. I probably started using a #4 sunscreen after I turned thirty but before then, I thought, “Come on, sun, bake me!” I made my own recipe of Johnson’s Baby Oil and iodine for cooking. My itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini (yes, I wore one) didn’t cover much and I burned badly. Honestly, I had a few whopping burns during my life. The top of my nose was raw often. Solid masses of water blisters on my chest and shoulders turned into dried up skin that I’d peel off in long strips for the fun of it. I’ve been burned so badly that I’ve shivered under the bed covers and winced in pain to simply move an arm. A few times in my life I had that perfect tan! But was it worth it? A deep tan looked odd on a blue-eyed, fair skinned person like me.

I’d sit in a beach chair for hours until I became deliriously hot, got up and waded in the water for a while, then turned that chair to follow the rising and setting sun. Oh, those were the days. There’s nothing better than placing my chair at the edge of the surf, sinking in the low waves, while the sea mist cooled me. The fragrance of Coppertone is in the air. The sand serves as a free pedicure when I bury my feet in it.

The beach wasn’t enough for me. For ten years, our swim clubs saw me every day of the summer from 12pm until 4pm, mainly due to the fact that Gina was a mermaid. It was too much.

I used to look at women many years older than myself and think, “Ewww…another dried up sun goddess – how pathetic.” Well, look at me now! I have sun damage but not that severe.

If I should find myself on the beach or at the pool today, I'd look different. I am wiser now. First of all, I’d be fashionably outfitted in shorts and t-shirt over a swimsuit and complete sunblock lotion. I’d wear a wide brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses with lenses the size of grapefruits. I’d pitch a shade tent and sit under it and have a colorful beach towel cover my exposed legs. Hey, I wouldn’t be embarrassed at all since I’d be so camouflaged that no one would know it’s me! I’d drink my Diet Lipton Green Tea and snap pictures of women who shouldn’t even think about wearing a two-piece swimsuit and plump old men flaunting their thongs. I remember seeing older folks on the beach, all wrapped up like mummies in the shade and I’d wonder, why bother?

It’s too hot to be outside lately. We are crunching in the grass again in this drought. This basket was lush and green two days ago after a rain storm. The air quality was labeled “code red” yesterday. I stay inside.

“Chloe! STOP THAT DIGGING!” The heat makes me gripe.

Bella never gets enough action. I allow her five minutes in this heat then back inside we go!

The name of this dragonfly is “Dragonfly”. I don't know...

What is this? The librarian (media specialist) gave this plant to me. It had one four-inch tubular purple flower but fell off before I planted it. Now something is about to burst. What she called it sounded something like this: “delphffffinphmff”.

Very large bug with tweezers on its face. How’s that for an ID?

Just before sunset lately, I spend my time outdoors tending to the birds and fish and trying to keep everything alive with the garden hose. During this time, I usually work on a post for my journal. I miss posting more often but the heat is making me long for bedtime at a decent hour.

We share some “cool fun” in the summertime. We meet in the sunroom after dark for ice cream.

“County Fair in the country sun
and everything, it’s true, ooh yeah!

“Hot fun in the summertime...”

There are so many songs that remind me of glorious summer. How about you?

Carolina Gray Skies

Drab post alert: You might want to click on your back button if you are visiting.

Yesterday afternoon I had a meeting at the uptown campus. I wasn’t prepared for downpours, lightning and thunder on the interstate. Without an umbrella during my walk from the car, I arrived at the meeting with raindrops dripping from my bangs onto my eyeglasses. My professional look flew right out the window! I was a hideous mess but it was alright since everyone else looked like me. We laughed hard, as we aren’t accustomed to rain in North Carolina. The “Blue Skies” are gone. My daughter works in the Wachovia headquarters building at the left of the photo.

It’s still dark and dreary today – jacket weather. We are taking a sigh of relief and a break from the intense sun until tomorrow or Sunday.

Charlotte was approaching “severe” drought conditions until three inches of pain pounded the area within two hours yesterday. The Japanese Willow is looking perky now.

Now we are only four inches of rainfall below normal for the year and in the “moderate drought” category. (The dark speck in the background is a male Cardinal making a lot of noise.)

The pond overflowed and the ground fault tripped, turning the pump off for a few hours. The Koi never escape, even during hurricanes.

Tiny toads were flooded from their seats and misplaced.

The lilies on the pads were pounded.

The pollen was washed away and the air is brisk and clean. The leaves on the trees are shining again. We are so refreshed today but also tired since it's Friday!

I could use a little sunshine now. And, when it arrives, I’ll complain about its burning effects. Will we ever be completely happy with weather? I should just accept whatever we get, lather with sunscreen and put an umbrella in the car!

Gina and Billy are making their final move into their house tonight and tomorrow. I have Mr. Biggins tonight so I need to put some sheets on the bed in the back bedroom. He’ll be sleeping with “Grandma” in that bed. It’s too bad for me that he doesn’t understand the meaning of “Move over, Mr. Biggins.” Poor me - lucky him. We’re having a “pend da night party”!

My yawning is out of control tonight. I’ll be dreaming of all the things I need to do this weekend:

What Helps Me to See The Light

When I'm running around like my hair’s on fire and worrying that I might be late for something, I may begin to think dark thoughts. If I slow down a little, breathe, open my mind, reserve some time to do what I’m doing now, and read good things, I usually see the light. My family and friends, a life bird, nature, kisses from my dogs, and my blogging community calms me and I adore them for it.

A friend and former cubicle neighbor in Delaware sent an e-mail forward to me yesterday. I might have read it before but today I appreciated it once again.

I always enjoyed watching “60 Minutes”. If I couldn’t catch the whole show, I made a point to stop and listen to my favorite curmudgeon, Andy Rooney.

He said,

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned.... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

I've learned.... That when your newborn grandchild holds your little finger in its little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

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This reminds me of the type of photo that Susan Gets Native would post. I'm sane and Susan is, too. I like bubbles and I love my camera, that’s all.



You need to allow your Palmolive dish liquid get all gunked up to see a bubble. Try it.

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Bella

Arrrrgh. I feel so bloated. It m-m-must be the heat.

More captions are welcome!

Brief and Mellow Wednesday

Another Wednesday. Ho, Hum. Hump Day. The good thing about this incredibly ordinary day is that I’m alive to enjoy the minutes that go by. I wanted to make the most of it because I wonder how many Wednesdays I have left. Sounds kind of morbid, I know. Sometimes I wonder too much.

I kidnapped Mr. Biggins from his apartment because he needed to exercise with Bella and Chloe for a while. He wondered why I turned the car around and stopped.

“What is that, Grandma?” (in his Scooby Doo voice)

The raptors have been working overtime, constantly surveying their next meal. I should have gotten out of my car to photo a Black Vulture’s wing span but I thought I’d let the “Bad Boy” enjoy his meal.

Let the party begin! (I forgot I had an action mode.)

We took the party outside.

Bella usually wins but Mr. Biggins is a very good sport.

Chloe participates like this. She gets rolled over but she’s a tough older lady.

Within two minutes, they miss me. When they have each other, it’s all good, but they always need to know where I am.

Here I am! They follow me to the bathroom every time. Can I have one minute of solitude? No. Under the bathroom door, I hear two enormous nostrils and four tiny ones being “nosey”…

While they played outdoors and sniffed and dug a few little holes, I noticed a few things.

In my neighbor’s maple, Mr. Bluebird was ready to deliver carry-out to his family. I’d love to know where his brood lives…

It’s Japanese Beetle season. I flicked them off and two of them landed on my bangs. Without hesitation, I swatted the heck out of them and called them nasty names. Ok, I cursed!

Please curb that appetite and go away! One second after I took this photo, a large brown dog plowed into me. Mr. Biggins needs his brakes adjusted. Ok, I cursed!

Ahhh. Smiling at me.

It’s been a long day. Am I right, Chloe?

I need to pull energy from my reserve to think about realizing there is something good to see every day, no matter how tired I am or how little time there is. I need to want it and to look for it. If I can do this every day, I’m blessed. I try. (Did that make a bit of sense? I’m ready for a nap.) And I just pulled my cell phone out of my pocket to verify that today is WEDNESDAY. Geez.

Beauty Saves the Day

Thanks for the beauty, Lily and bug. You nurture tired souls.

I wonder if I am the only one who cringes when the alarm clock wakes me. It’s set for 5:20 a.m. during weekdays and lately I’ve been opening my eyes and sneaking a peek at the clock close to wake-up time. This morning I opened my eyes at 5:19 a.m. Uuuuggggghhhh. Four seconds later I hear BEEP BEEP BEEP – a heartless blast, dammit. Barely awake, I was still capable of this: “&*(&#****^*$%%!!!” I always hope it's 2:00 a.m. when I open my eyes...

I live with a perky morning person. I hate perkiness before sunrise. I’m not decent in the mornings and maintain my ugly mood until I put the key in the ignition and get on my way to work. At sunrise today, I looked through the bathroom window to see a squirrel sitting on a feeder with a fresh orange slice in its mitts and gnawing away like we do with a slice of watermelon. Oh boy, did that send me into an early morning fit. Those slices are for Orioles that I’ll never see! Dammit! With my hair spiked, pillow wrinkles deep on my face; I marched out there and scared the wits out of that thief. He flew off the dish and the early morning sun caught the safflower in flight. It wasn’t my croaky voice – the squirrel saw something strange…me. Yea, yea, I know they need to eat, too. Chipmunks are plentiful, too, and I ushered one out of my garage this morning.

(Click to enlarge photo to see three Mockers on the ground.) Late last week, after a day I’d rather forget at the office and feeling nasty, I came home to see a horrible fight between two Mockingbirds and there was a third on-looker. This was just what I needed. More stress. I stood on my porch and witnessed a knock-down, drag-out fight that continued way too long, from the trees, sidewalk, and street. They rolled, stabbed, and tried to kill each other. They fought so adamantly and quickly that I couldn’t zoom in with the camera. My own feathers got ruffled and I held myself back from running out there to break it up. Instead, I yelled, “Knock it off!”

They took it around to the back of the house.

Then they took it to the front again where I was able to capture one of them catching its breath in 96 degree heat.

The next day, a pair started nest building in one of the Crepe Myrtles where they fought. I’m keeping an eye on it. I am not sure of the dynamics of the fight other than two females were competing for a male or a nesting site?

These Mockingbirds are causing me grief as described in Saturday’s post but I am learning so much.

I haven’t seen many newcomers to the feeders lately as I guess they have all passed through. I do have many local yokels and here are a few of many:

Oh, how nice. Yeah.

Lovely. The barn swallows are renting somewhere else.

BUT, tonight I found more beauty,

The babes were investigating their territory and I couldn’t resist getting very close while admiring their little bobbing heads,

I scooted on my fanny closer and closer, only four feet away…then Mother came and announced, “Let’s go!” Both babes flew in her direction and I felt fine! There was a Cooper’s hawk in the neighborhood this evening and I was glad to know the babes fly very well!

When I was agonizing over the Mockingbird fight, I didn’t realize I had a delivery on the porch until I turned around,

Julie’s Phoebe print arrived. Yes...more beauty that I needed at the end of the day. I won’t show it until I frame and mount it in a special place in my home.

See the extra gift she enclosed? (We adore our dogs and would like to cover the earth with well-bred Bostons - one for everyone.)

Chloe: What is it? Is it for me?

Bella: C-c-can I have some?

I say, "Now, girls, what do you say to Mrs. Zickefoose?"

“Thank you, Mrs. Lickefoose! Mom, can we have more?”

Thank you, Julie. Your beautiful gift made my day.

June 10th, A National Holiday?

She always thought her Birthday should be a National Holiday. Being born on a late Spring day has its drawbacks when you are a child in school. She witnessed nine months of birthday celebrations in the classroom and she longed for the same recognition but unfortunately, she was born too late. Oh, we had parties for her but I think she always thought her birthday would be more complete with a classroom full of “Happy Birthday” wishes.

When she turned Sweet 16 she passed her driving test. After her victory, I went off to work and she went home since school had ended a week prior. She called me on the phone from home later that day, in tears and sobbing, as all of her friends were either on vacation or not at home to share her birthday and driving victory. No one answered her calls. That's tough for a sixteen year-old. I felt very sad for her but I kept a positive and encouraging attitude, like Moms do. Early evening, I watched her dry her eyes then drive away for swim practice without me in the car. That’s when I cried. I wanted to run down the driveway and shout to her, “Bean! Be careful and call me when you get there! Happy Birthday...”, one last time. Her friend Kourtney made her feel better later that night.

During all of those years and through college, teammates on her swim teams celebrated with her. She would give everyone at least one week notice that her birthday was approaching (right, Allison?). We all laughed about it!

Gina, around four years old with Chicklet teeth.

Today she’s 25! I know this is a worn out question, but, “Where does the time go?”

Gina always loved special, self indulgent gifts but this year is different. She and Billy are moving into their new house and they will complete their move next weekend. When asked what she would like for her birthday, she replied, “A Lowe’s Home Store gift card!” Not the usual “Coach” handbag (please?), new shoes, or expensive perfume. So, a gift card is what she received, plus Mom on her hands and knees painting woodwork and Dad taking Billy to Lowe’s for window blinds while she unpacked boxes. It was a good Birthday.

Ok, she's not a child anymore, but I would still prefer to buy her a new pair of earrings, coloring books, cool shoes, and roller skates.

Happy Birthday, Bean

You are loved.

I can see again

The "car" post yesterday was a lot of fun but those photos were just horrible! I was determined to carry my camera with me today. A fast and furious storm blew through early last evening and dumped a little under one inch of rain on us in thirty minutes. Doesn’t matter. It’s still dry and very hot, as in "August". We’re twelve degrees above the normal.

I sat on the front sidewalk and visited the bees. The sun was scorching the back of my neck and the sweat was dripping down the sides of my face but I was having a great time for as long as I could stand it! I always sweat very well and might have lost a pound today.

A butterfly stopped by. I haven’t noticed butterflies for a week.

They are much easier to photograph than bees or birds, at any angle!

I wondered if they visited the Spiderwort I planted last week. These are very young plants and I hope they do well on the northwest side of the house. Blue flowers are the best. I’m always drawn to them at the nurseries.

There’s a patch of raspberries that surrounds the bird feeder station. It’s a large patch – about ten by ten feet, at least. I don’t know why I didn’t notice it last year! Perhaps because I wasn’t looking? The thorns tore me up as I leaned into them for a photo.

We heard a tree frog pump up the volume and Michael asked, “What’s that loud noise on the front porch?” Susan said, “If I could get close enough, I swear I would kiss one.” Well, Susan, I was close enough, but bending over to kiss it didn’t occur to me…

About the birds -

Things haven’t changed. The safflower is getting devoured by all, including those it was supposed to deter. Even the hummingbirds sample the grapes and cantaloupe I offer. All of them are hot and hungry. I see them drink and bathe in the pond but I never have the camera ready, plus it requires a lot of sneakiness on my part to get a view.

She’s back. Not the Barn Swallow (damn!). This House Finch is far more wary of me than the swallows were but I think she’s relaxing a bit. I hope she has success in the hand-made nest.

I am so glad I made Chloe & Bella stay inside before I headed out back to do a few things. The heat is too much for them in the middle of the day. But here’s the real reason I’m glad they were watching me through the door. A baby Mockingbird left the nest too early. It was quite a storm last night with lots of wind. “What are you doing, little thing?”

“You are obviously not ready to fly yet but your little legs are speedy. I need to be watching out for you as you are too close to the pond!”

Heartbreaking... “I hear your mother. You are causing her to worry. Please do what she says and toddle over there under that evergreen.”

Oh, I felt her pain and heard her threats loud and clear. Did she mistrust me? Yes, but I think she knows me, too. I didn’t want to cause her further anxiety, so I slowly moved away, went inside and closed the door.

Later: I checked inside the pond skimmer and all is well. I still worry.

All the cars I've loved before...

I sorely miss my nature musings. My days need to slow down and perhaps I'll find some joy this weekend. My camera has been sitting in a corner and feeling lonely lately.

Today is the hottest day of the year as the temperature reached 96 in the shade by noon! That’s why I adore air conditioning and why I’m trying to get this post done early so I can enjoy outdoors late afternoon and early evening.

We’ve been browsing new car dealerships. When we’re visiting these places, I remember all the cars I’ve loved and hated. It seems by the time the windshield wipers need replacing, we trade the car for something new. It’s ridiculous, I know. Luckily, my husband has driven a company vehicle for the past twenty years or we wouldn’t have been so quick to trade. So, I thought I’d take a spin down memory lane tonight. I’ve spent a good portion of my life behind the wheel and each car I’ve driven brings back memories of chapters in my life. Yes, I do like a great car.

(I pulled all of these photos from the internet.)

1956 Buick Roadmaster – Color: Maroon

I didn’t drive the Roadmaster, of course, but it was the first car I remember. We all called it the “Moony Bomber” since it had a habit of breaking down quite frequently. I can still see my Dad laying under that car with tools in his hands and cursing to high heaven. He taught my Mom how to drive in this car and my brother and I were usually frightened when sitting in the back seat. When she was feeling confident enough with her driving skills, she attempted to roll the window up, taking us on a zig-zag ride. There were no seat belts in that car! Eyes wide, we held on tightly.

1964 Chevy Impala – Color: White/teal top

I learned to drive on this Chevy. It was so large that I flunked my driving test twice – once in parallel parking and once in the turnabout. Hey, I’m a hell-of-a-good driver, though! My brother installed an 8-track player in it. I drove around town listening to Motown, Elton John, or Steppenwolf on high volume. During my high school years, I loved the freedom and coolness I felt in my “borrowed” car.

1973 Toyota Corolla – Color: Baby Sh - -

My Dad bought this car for me in my Senior year of high school, just before I graduated. The color surprised me but I didn’t care because it had that brand new car smell. I made the payments of $78.00 a month. Considering I made a whopping, full-time salary of $59.02/week, I felt rich. My car was much nicer looking than this picture shows, but the color...?

1975 Ford Maverick – Color: Gold

I got married in 1975. During the winter months I’d get home from work and thaw my toes in the bathtub. The car never had heat so I didn’t like it. The brakes were noisy, too. I was told by a new car salesman once that people who drive Mavericks are boring :o/ I didn’t appreciate that comment at all.

1980 Toyota Celica – Color: Chocolate Brown (mine was a cream puff compared to this one)

It had a pop-up sunroof! It was also a manual five-speed and I had to learn this new driving technique quickly. Learning from my husband was a disaster since excitable Italian men tend to yell – “YOU’RE LOSING TOO MANY RPMs!!!!”, “GIVE IT SOME GAS AND DON’T LET THAT CLUTCH POP!”, “YOU’RE GONNA STALL!” I quit that lesson and learned by myself. I drove to work two days later, after applying extra amounts of underarm deodorant/antiperspirant and did just fine, thank you. It was always jerky out of first gear – it was the car, not me. It had a cassette tape player.

1982 Pontiac Phoenix Hatchback – Color: Champagne

With Gina on the way, it was time to have four doors and some cargo space. This car was the lemon from hell. It spent a total of three weeks in the shop for dysfunctional windshield wipers. The straw that broke the camel’s back was the time the wheels locked while it was parked on my driveway and the tow truck dragged it away, burning rubber. I remember standing at the top of my driveway saying, “See ya later, piece of crap.”

1985 Honda Accord – Color: White

I quit working after Gina was born. When I returned to work we had enough money to ditch the Phoenix and bought a very reliable Honda. I still remember that the color of her booster car seat matched the upholstery. It was also a nice 5-speed with an electric sunroof!

1989 Honda Prelude – Color: Cool RED

Image has had meaning at some points in my life. This little red car was the apple of my eye. Being the Hottie that I was, the car finished the picture. Belonging in a carpool, I drove Gina and her team mates to swim practice every day for two years but soon the kids grew, as did their bags and parkas. Sadly, I found myself in a dealership to trade. The financial officer and Michael waited for me to emerge from the restroom. I cried. I just couldn’t get a grip. Little Gina visited me in the restroom and said, “Mommy, why are you crying?” I replied, “The Prelude is pretty, isn't it?” I know Michael and the financial officer exchanged glances and thought, “she’s crying over scrap metal and a bucket of nuts and bolts.”

1991 Chevy Blazer – Color: Forest Green

And this is what replaced my little red sportscar. Ho Hum. But the kids were comfortable.

1993 Honda Del Sol – Color: White

So long, Blazer! This little 5-speed was a fun ride. Top down and zipping all over the town, it was fun but severely impractical! Gina loved riding with me but I couldn’t carpool anymore and the “to and from swim practice” every day got old. Eighteen months later…

1994 Toyota Camry – Color: Black

Luxury. Real leather seats, CD player, the works. It was large enough to offer a few swimmers some comfort. Since then, leather seats have been my requirement. The white pines I parked under at work ruined the paint, so we traded it in. The windshield wipers were still OK, though.

1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme – Color: Burgundy

This was another piece of junk. The security system in it locked me out of my car on several occasions and the dealership just scratched their heads in wonder. This car got the boot ASAP.

1999 Mazda 626 – Color: Silver/Green

This was a great car. It took me from Maryland to Wilmington, NC many times to see Gina while she was in college and I rode in comfort. Sadly, I had a crash in it, only one minute from my house. I’ll never forget seeing my front bumper fly off the car and land 25 yards away. I was picking up the pieces of this Mazda in the middle of the road during rush hour and I know the people watching were either feeling sympathetic or laughing their asses off at me.

2002 VW Passat – Color: Silver

The Mazda had a weird thing going on (probably due to my accident). It would alarm at random times. Time to trade! This VW is a well-built and heavy car. In my 8-hour ride to visit Gina in college, I had comfort. Michael complained about the size of it because when he sat in either the driver seat or passenger seat, he felt trapped (like he was stuffed in it?). I don’t know why he insisted on trading it in because he never drove the car. I’d buy another one.

2004 GMC Envoy – White

I drive this now. Hands down, this vehicle is the sweetest of all. It offers a luxurious ride and I’ve been blessed to own it. It took Bella to Carolina Beach on a trip to see Gina. It took me from Delaware to move into our new home in NC while I was on crutches. I can’t say enough good things about this vehicle. But, I don’t need the room anymore or the gas bills. While continuing my search for something new, I will insist on luxurious comfort for my long rides north. We’ll keeping looking.

I wonder if anyone else has had a love or hate relationship with a car. Are there any stories out there?

Wednesday Captions

Dark storm clouds blanketed us in shade and a tiny bit of cold rain fell. We were very quiet outside.

Bella: I don’t know what I’m thinkin’ but I’m thinkin’.

Chloe: Hmmm… Sniff, nibble, sniff, nibble. Bunnies were here.

Bella: Da bunnies were here, too, C-C-Chloe!

Chloe: What?! Stop calling me while I’m treating myself to bunny poop or I will come kiss you. Bwaa ha ha ha.

Oooo.... Me thinks I’m g-g-gonna get yelled at.

Don’t purchase dog toys.





“Mean Kitty” plush toy: $9.99.

Brown paper shopping bag: $0, Priceless

Mother walks in: “Ewww. Who manufactured the gas cloud?”
Guilty Bella opens eyes: “She did.”

Female Ruby-Throated Hummingback

Eeeeks. A ghost. Scary, ey?

Until things clear up....

There are no birds, bunnies, bugs, flowers, lizards, or fish in this post. Ok, just a little bird. I need to hurry.

Arriving for re-fueling…

Ahhhh…. Slurp. I haven’t had time to stand in the bathtub for the male. I’ll get on it later.

I usually take about 40 photos a day, on the average. Today, I took only 5 and thankfully, they're OK.

Life is caving in all around me. When you are away from home for nine hours a day, it can be rough sometimes. Actually, it sucks most of the time. At 6:30 this morning my hair dryer burned up half-way through my blow-dry. My nose piece fell off my eyeglasses and that tiny little screw spiraled towards the drain in my bathroom sink but my sticky finger caught it. Office crap is dreadful. I’d rather be potting flowers in a nursery on my hands and knees. I have four loads of laundry in progress. My Hydrangeas look pitiful because the one-half inch of rain we saw over the weekend didn’t do squat! My Beta fish of two years is going to die and I can’t seem to bring myself to get it to the vet. Both Chloe and Bella need their distemper shots and I keep forgetting to make the appointment. I stood outside and hand-watered for an hour this evening so I didn’t have time to plant my new Zinnias that need to be in the ground! The hummers needed fresh nectar. The pond fish had their mouths open wide. The dogs want to play with me. There's a spilled cup of safflower seed in the sunroom. Is this a mixed-up mess? Yep.

Gina and Billy settled on their new house today so this evening I helped Gina pack my SUV with boxes to deliver to her house since Billy had to leave for Virginia. Mr. Biggins raced to my car because he thought he was going to Grandma’s house. Isn't he good lookin'? They have two weeks to get out of their apartment. That’s a good thing!

To make matters worse, my TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint) has been inflamed since yesterday. Stress takes a toll on our bodies in different ways. I get lock-jaw. LOL! Some people suffer stress with headaches, backaches, or neck aches. I suffer stress in my face. I have a clicking jaw (I can hear it but no one else can) and it gets aggravated when tension causes me to grind my teeth and clench my jaw. So, now I can’t chew solids. I’m talking like my jaw is wired shut. How nice. It’s only painful when I want to open my mouth and chow down on a hard pretzel which is a no go. I’ll manage it and should be fine in a day or two. My saving grace is that Michael is away tonight and I didn’t need to WATCH him eat dinner.

So I’m thinking, something’s got to give. It will be my time on the computer, most likely. Isn’t it a crime that we (mostly women) give up the pleasures in life that relax us in order to keep our lives in order for us and everyone else? This is kind of stupid, but I really need to get a handle on things around here. It might take one day or five. I can’t predict.

While I’m writing this, two sweet girls are begging me for attention. Bella reached for the rawhide first (surprise).

Until I can see the light clearly and wrap my mouth around a roast beef and cheese sandwich on a Kaiser roll, I’ll try my best to continue this. Blogging. My form of total relaxation.

Fine Sunday

This photo of a Carolina Chickadee isn’t the only reason it’s a fine Sunday. We had some rain last night. Tropical Storm Barry sprinkled us for a while – just enough to clean the outdoors and give a feeling of freshness. He didn’t help our water deficit much but it was good. The sun is just now breaking through the clouds.

Gina and Billy will be homeowners tomorrow! We’ve already treated them to a lawn mower, weed whacker, garden hose, and various other necessities. Today we all piled into my car and headed for Lowe’s Home Store and bought them a garage door opener. It’s so exciting but overwhelming for them, too. We've all been there. After we treated them to lunch at the clubhouse, we wished them a good night’s sleep and a smooth settlement tomorrow.

I thought I’d make a list of the birds I’ve been seeing here lately. Everyone told me Spring would be interesting and they’re right. I don’t see exotic birds like most of my blog friends do, but I enjoy what I have.

Two nights ago, just before dark, I was throwing golf balls and hula hoops for the dogs and noticed this dove-sized bird. It’s a poor photo so I’m not going to try to ID the bird. I’ll take suggestions and if you think it's a mocker, I don't want to hear it! LOL! It...Just...Doesn't...Look...Like...A...Mocker...to...me. (Well, not quite.)

I’m seeing loads of Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Chipping and Song Sparrows, Cardinals, Mourning Doves, Goldfinches, House Finches, Mockingbirds, Red-Bellied Woodpeckers, Horny Pidgeons, Brown Headed Nuthatches (missing the suet), Brown Thrashers (not lately since the suet is gone), Common Grackles, Starlings (the latter two have decreased in numbers), Bluebirds, Red-Winged Blackbirds, Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds in larger numbers, and the Cooper’s are always supervising.

Our pond is going to have some major reconstruction in about two weeks so I haven’t added any flowers or foliage. I’ll wait until the work is done.

I learned that if I stand in my bathtub long enough, I can get a shot of a hummingbird through the window! The male hummers visit this one. Oooo, I can’t wait! I'll be spending a lot of time in the tub from now on, but I won't be soapy.

Squirrels, Doves, and Pidgeons. They have hefty appetites. I am not going to fuss anymore and will just keep buying the safflower seed. I ran out of it this weekend and gave them what they wanted – a nice songbird mix.

It’s song isn’t very soothing but they remind me of Delaware when they would arrive in huge flocks. I like them.

By all means, PROTECT THE GRAPES!

By all means, HELP YOURSELF TO THE GRAPES!

Lady Cardinal is having a bad hair day, just like me. My hair sucks today.

NEST NEWS: The nest I made with my own little hands is occupied and not by a Barn Swallow, but by a Housefinch again. It was intended for my sweet swallows. Sigh... At least I know what I made is worthy of a brood.

Good job, guy! We need to keep populating the feeders with MORE housefinches. Yes, I'm being sarcastic.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I just learned that Dale passed away early this morning. My heart is broken for Laurie at Don’t Make Me Get My Flying Monkeys. I went out back and took this picture for her. Stop by and visit her. I think she'd like that.

Bring it on, Barry!

The first tropical storm of the season is heading this way from the Gulf but I’m afraid it’s heading east of us to the coast.

This photo was taken through my bathroom window. Week after week of hot, dry air has made the birds pant. I enjoy seeing them cool off in the pond. The drought is taking a toll on all life, including mine. Instead of posting on this journal in the evenings, I’m hand watering the fragile shrubs and plants that the irrigation system doesn’t reach. I don’t mind caring for them, but I miss posting more often and having my camera around my neck.

My reptile friends don’t mind the drought. “Hey, neighbor! Nice hot night, ey?”

I postponed shopping for flowers for a few weeks due to the drought. Michael and I threw caution to the wind today and visited a nursery and I bought several Spiderwort and Foxglove for the hummingbirds and butterflies.

My knowledge of plants is minimal, but Michael's knowledge earns him a “zero”! He does like certain types of plants - especially grasses. He has a grass fetish for the feeling and healing types. I laugh to myself when I see him pat and rub ornamental grasses. He asked the nursery attendant about a plant he likes and he used his Jimmy Dean sausage fingers to illustrate how they open in the morning and close at night. I exchanged glances with the attendant and said, “Oh, I know just what he’s talking about. It’s the Starbursts I saw over there…” I saved her! He would have never been able to describe a succulent with his fingers.

I should identify this butterfly but I don’t have the energy to look it up on the internet right now. It’s pretty and that’s all I care to know. My guide will be here soon!

Laura recently asked, “So what's blooming where you are?”

Well, Laura, not as much as I wish, but some of my Gardenias are bursting with a nice fragrance. I have ten of them and a few are near death, but I’m working to save them.

The first bloom on my dwarf Magnolia! This tree should be closer to a window of my house because the fragrance puts me in a stupor. All of my shrubs and plants are very young since we’ve only been here for less than two years. I’m in love with watching them grow.

It seems like yesterday when the late April frost took the life from the growing Canna around the pond. Well, look at these beautiful flowers now! The hummingbirds love them. I do, too.

Watching hummingbirds is my favorite use of spare time. I’ve taken so many photos of them and most of them are good. But, I am waiting for that MALE RUBY THROATED IN THE SUN. I’ve taken a few decent photos of the males, but I’m holding out for the ACE shot!

Hummingbird Silhouette. When I thought there was only a pair of hummingbirds around, my observations now prove that there are several pairs. The females are showing competitive behavior at the feeders and the activity is non-stop. There’s a feeder on the back deck that has action but I haven’t been able to convince them to trust me enough to get a good photo while standing so close. I’m having a blast with hummers! Sometimes, I’ll put the camera away and just sit and watch… They’re so interesting and beautiful.

Later in the afternoon, Michael went off for a round of golf and I headed out for more “color”. There’s a small, road-side nursery nearby that has an abundance of glorious flowers! I bought a few Zinnias. My Mom always gloated over her success with them.

The clouds were darkening and the breeze was cool. The hot sunlight took a back seat for a change. I rolled down the windows in my car and listened to a radio station I recently discovered and the weekend theme of music made my day. I bounce to Eighties and some Seventies music and cranked up the volume. I lusted over George Michael’s “Father Figure” and Robert Palmer’s “Simply Irresistible”. Prince. “Freak Out”. The Breakfast Club. Disco. Oh boy, did I enjoy that radio station, even after I pulled into the garage and started vacuuming the house. Maybe I’m alone with my music choices for a woman my age, but Neil Diamond and Barry Manilow sink my boat. Blech. Give me something to dance about.

It’s raining very lightly. I smell the rain. Sock it to us, storm Barry. Gently, please.

Dog Breeds: Trust your Instincts!

I am too darn lazy tonight to create a post with loads of photos, so I’m posting something I wrote a few weeks ago. Instant Post!

There’s a chance I’ll probably take a lot of heat from Pit Bull breeders but I need to talk about something that’s been on my mind for many years. I truly believe that there are no bad dogs and they all go to heaven because I’m a dog lover.

I listened to a news commentary on the radio today from a breed specialist who commented: “The only dog attacks reported by the media are by Pit Bulls. What we don’t hear are attacks of other breeds such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers. These dogs [Pit Bulls] get a bad wrap.” Well, I think the latter two breeds are excellent guard dogs and they don’t intend to maul or kill.

I don’t think a week or two goes by that I don’t hear of a Pit Bull on the news that has mauled a human or another animal and sometimes they attack their owners. They include any breed labeled American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers, or any dog determined to be a Pit Bull type.

In many States such as New Jersey, ownership has its consequences and restrictions. I believe it’s necessary in all States.

Recorded in Best Friends Network, this breed was, at one time, referred to as “nursemaid”, because of its devotion to young children and family.

Quoted in the above article: “Today, however, the breed often attracts the worst kind of dog owners--those who are only interested in them for fighting or protection. It's a shame what has happened to this loyal and affectionate breed-but as the pit bull population has increased so rapidly, shelters are now struggling to deal with an overflow of image-plagued, hard-to-place dogs. And despite its illegality, people are still training and breeding pit bulls to participate in dog fights in cities and towns across the country.”

Why does this hideous, illegal sport continue all over the country? I’m outraged. Greedy breeders and irresponsible dog owners are responsible for the maligned reputation and behavior of this breed.

Because of this, I will admit that I will never enter a home of a friend with a Pit Bull present. Sorry - my fear of its unpredictable aggression will sound an alarm and I'm scared. I have a story to tell about my dilemma with this breed.

During the summer of 2005, I was living in Delaware and was preparing to move to North Carolina. Six weeks prior to our move, our wonderful military U.S. Air Force neighbors moved away and rented their home to a family who brought their two pit bulls home two days after they moved in. It was a Monday evening, after dark, and I was surprised. I met them outside and, masking my fear, inquired about their dogs’ social skills. From the owner, I learned her dogs hadn’t been socialized much. Well, that was just GREAT NEWS and I could feel the hair raise on the back of my neck! There was a split-rail fence lined with heavy-gauge wire separating these two massive bulls from my little Boston Terriers. There was a female (alpha) and a male romping around quite energetically!

My decision was to keep my dogs on lead and supervised while in the yard. I observed the Pits' behavior next door often, as they were usually unsupervised and I felt determined to get to know them with treats and neck rubs. There was no play-bowing between the four dogs. Chloe and Bella sensed something different from other dogs they loved to play with. Bella, my younger Boston who is easily frightened, raised her hair and shouted to them, sensing something not quite apparent to humans, I think. I surely didn’t need Bella to piss off a Pit Bull, so I became more guarded. Chloe was passive but would join in with Bella's blasts when she thought it was necessary.

There was no more of this for the next six weeks. They were on a lead most of the time and I was always present. Something told me I needed to be with them and to never let my guard down.

Two weeks after getting acquainted with our new canine neighbors, I took Bella outside on lead to relieve herself at 10pm. I was looking at the yard next door to see if the Pit Bulls were outside and I missed a step off the deck, tumbled and broke my ankle in two places, but I held on to Bella’s lead! I had ankle surgery the following day, but that’s another story. My husband was working in North Carolina and I was alone.

During the next month while I was on crutches, I was fortunate to have neighbors come in to let the dogs out several times a day. I always insisted that Chloe and Bella be taken out on lead and asked that everyone be aware of the dogs next door, please… Including my husband and daughter, most people thought I was overreacting and my fear was unjustified. There was eye-rolling. I love my dogs deeply and didn’t care if family and friends were annoyed with me. There was a lot at stake here! My gut told me so.

Two weeks after our leaving and settling in our new home in North Carolina, I received a phone call from a neighbor who had helped me out in Delaware. She had news. Those two Pit Bulls, within a minute or two, chewed through the wire on the split rail fence and attacked a Sheltie on the front street who was being walked by a ten-year old girl. Cries of help from the little girl brought two men onto the street with two-by-four lumber to beat the dogs off the poor, severely injured Sheltie. The little girl was unharmed, physically… The animal control agency imposed strict rules on the owners of those dogs. Too late, in my opinion.

For six weeks, I was blessed. They could have chewed through my side of the fence whenever they had the urge. If I heard mayhem, with my ankle in an air cast, I would have crawled down the steps of my deck, hopped on one foot, and used my crutches as a defense weapon to save my beloved dogs. I can’t even bear the thought of what might have been.

Does anyone have a beloved Pit Bull who doesn't have these characteristics? Has anyone had a similar experience? If so, I'd like to know about it.