Saturday Centus: Turnaround

To celebrate the 100th Saturday Centus, Jenny Matlock has brought back her very first prompt for our writing challenge. One hundred times Jenny has posted a Centus challenge. Wow! That's a lot! The words we are required to include are in italics in my story below.

The day matched my mood. Gray. Bitter. I had just lost my job. Ugly accusations echoed in my ears. Negligence. Stupidity. Careless. How could I face my friends? Who would trust me? My untied shoelace changed my life. As I leaned down to re-tie it, I kicked away a few leaves. When I turned my head slightly to look where the leaves had been, I was astonished to see a rubber-banded wad of hundred dollar bills nestled in a little indention in the muddy ground. I grabbed the cash and raced back to the office. Nearly falling, I stumbled up the stairs and flung the door open. I gasped, “Look! I found it! The missing deposit.”

Mr. Wainwright glanced up from the keyboard. With a look of relief he sighed, “Seems like I can stop drafting this want ad, but only if you promise to repair that hole in your pocket!”

For more responses to Jenny's prompt, visit the links on her site by clicking here.

Flowers for Friday

Hobby Horse Blog Hop 6: Tricky

Oops... my previous blog hops disappeared for a bit, but they are back up now. I am enjoying the opportunity to have other blogs link to mine. I enjoy reading your answers to my questions and I love the questions bloggers pose in their posts. To me it seems almost like we are having a conversation. If you have the time, visit the blogs that link to mine and respond to their questions.

Somehow I have come down with a nasty cold. :(((((   I am being a wimpy puss about it. May I whine for a bit? No... that's not fair. I won't. Much. I just wish I had more energy!

I hope you all are happy and healthy and enjoying spring. I'll get there in a day or two.

In case you are new... or as a reminder:

Each week I'll post two or three prompts. 

Write about one or respond to all.

Don't forget!!

Complete your blog post (or comment) by asking a question of us.

I am really enjoying answering your questions,
and look forward to seeing other responses, too.

Link your post to the Hobby Horse Blog Hop

by using the Linky Tool below.

Or...

Leave a comment with the answer(s) to the

questions(s).

Visit other participating blogs on the list

and respond to their questions in your comments on their pages.

Hobby Horse Blog Hop Prompts - Week 6:

1. My horse does this silly thing....
2. What trick(s) have you taught your horse, dog, cat, husband, or kids?
3. What was the last movie you watched?

Here are my answers:

1. Well, my horses never do silly things! (Do you actually believe that?!) But, I work with a horse at the therapeutic riding center who sticks his tongue out of the side of his mouth. He looks so very silly. Whether standing in his stall, or being led around the arena, his tongue sticks out, one side or the other!
2. I haven't taught my horses any tricks. They, however, are trying to get me to respond to their cues! I have taught Tucker a few tricks. He can shake hands, do a 'high five', balance a treat on his nose and jump through a hoop.
3. My hubby and I don't go to too many movies. He doesn't particularly care for them. But, I did get to see War Horse with a group of horse friends. I thought the movie was excellent.

Previous Hops:
Week 5
Week 4
Week 3
Week 2
Week 1

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch: Water

Well heck, if you came to my porch to chat, you could sit on the swing and the wind would push you around! It's been that windy! I actually hook our swing to the railing of the porch when we aren't using it because the wind makes it crash into the railings!

So this week Patrice has another five questions for us to consider.

1. What was your favorite book as a child?
2. Dark chocolate, Milk Chocolate, or White Chocolate?
3. What's your biggest "pet peeve" when it comes to your kitchen?
4. Do you use any type of water filter in your home? (Whole house, faucet mount, or pitcher)
5. What's the herb you use the most in cooking?

1. What was your favorite book as a child? 

I remember loving the poems in a very worn copy of "When We Were Very Young" by A. A. Milne.

It was one of only a few books that I owned. I'm not sure if it was because times were different, or if my parents just felt that buying books was a waste of money, but we never had many books to call our own. This, an anthology of poetry compiled by Louis Untermeyer and "The Little House on the Prairie" were a few titles I remember owning. 

2. Oh, pass the white chocolate, please. Oh, it's all gone? OK, then, I'll take a piece of the milk chocolate. Oh? That too? Well, OK. In a pinch I'll eat (and enjoy) dark chocolate. Thank you!

3. The biggest pet peeve when it comes to my kitchen? Well, gee, I don't have one. I love my kitchen. I love the size and layout. I love my cabinets and appliances. I guess the fact that I have to actually do some work in the kitchen might be a peeve... but only when I'm feeling tired and grumpy. 

4. Do you use a water filter in your home? 

I can't wait to read other responses to this. We are currently researching water softeners and treatment systems. Our water is TERRIBLE! I can't stand the taste of it and it is very hard. It has tested anywhere from 13 - 20 grains per gallon on the hardness scale. 7 or 8 is considered to be hard water! It's amazing we aren't bludgeoned to death when we take a shower with water that is that hard! We have talked to 4 different water companies and hopefully within a week or so will have lovely tasting, soft water! We do have a filter in our fridge and we use a PUR water filter for drinking water, as well as a filter in our coffee pot. We won't need those once we get our system installed! If anyone has recommendations, suggestions or cautions, I'd love to hear from you.

5. What's the herb you use most in cooking?

My best friend introduced me to Penzeys spices. They make a number of blends and I fell in love with Fox Point. Fox Point is a blend of salt, shallots, chives, garlic, onion and green peppercorns. I use it on everything!

To join the chat or to see other responses visit Everyday Rurality by clicking here.

Colorado Wildfire

Colorado is a tinder box. We have had little moisture and recently we've had very low humidity and wind. In a moment's notice a fire can get started and burn out of control. Last week there was a fire just over the hill from us. Luckily the wind was blowing away from our house and there is a firehouse located less than half a mile from the fire. It was contained quickly. Linda, who writes Life on a Colorado Farm has experienced two fires within the last two weeks.

The Lower North Fork fire is getting national attention. We're out of harm's way.... and to the best of my knowledge, none of my Colorado blogger friends live in the fire area. But, we can see the smoke. The fire is about 25 miles due west of where we live. They are evacuating areas to the north of the fire and at this time it is 0% contained. Scary. I can't imagine how devastating it must be to have to leave your home in a hurry because of the threat of fire.

I've had several people calling me and sending emails inquiring about our safety, and I thank you. I'm sure those who are in the evacuation areas and those working to contain the fire, could use some prayers and good wishes.

The map is from the Wildfire Today site.
If you want other updates you can connect to the 9 News site.


UPDATE (7/11/2012) The Waldo Canyon Fire is 100% contained. It destroyed 347 homes and killed two people.

For The Birds

We ran out of bird food a few weeks ago, just as the birds were coming back from their 'winter break'. They were hungry from their travels and at that time there was still some snow on the ground. So hubby and I went shopping for seed. We have a wonderful nursery that also carries bulk food with different mixes of seed to appeal to different birdy tastes.  We bought some there and then we stopped in a wild bird center and bought more. The owner of the center explained that although his food does cost more, the birds eat it all and it lasts longer. They don't scatter seed they don't care for, which is included in the less expensive mixes. He seems to be right. We have found the seed lasts more than twice as long.

Along with the seed, we decided to get a suet feeder.

It has been great fun to watch the birds with the suet. 

The silliest birds are the magpies. 

source

I wish I could have gotten a picture, but lacking that, you'll just have to use your imagination! For those of you who haven't seen magpies, they are about 15" long, and the feeder is about 6" square. These large birds awkwardly fly up to the feeder and grab it with their feet, then try to eat, while hanging upside down, madly flapping their wings. They usually fail, flap to the ground, hop around for a bit and try again.

Yesterday we had strong winds. That didn't stop this little flicker from trying to get a bite to eat. The feeder is in the center of the video. You can see that it was a wild ride for the little flicker!

A Rodent Problem?

Imagine finding this fuzzy rodent in your bed! That happened to me a year or so ago. He (?) was part of an ongoing practical joke between my neighbor and me.

The joke began about two years ago when I noticed that my neighbor was setting a 'black box' trap to try to catch a ground squirrel. He (the neighbor, not the ground squirrel) is quite the joker (well, now that I think about it, ground squirrels are jokers, too. They taunt us and rarely get caught in traps!) I crafted this little 'rodent' and stuck it in his trap. (I guess you might say I'm a bit of a joker, too!) Several days later his wife called to let me know that her husband had found my little rodent and it made him laugh. 

Being a fun loving sort of guy, he 'planted' it in our bed months later, while we were out of town and he was taking care of the critters and such. Ah.... sweet revenge. 

Just before we moved I put the little guy in our neighbor's barn. Weeks later I received a call from him. He mentioned that he seemed to be experiencing an infestation of rodents in his barn! We both chuckled. 

On Saturday, after my lovely brunch and drive with Boomer, I attended a jewelry party at our former neighbor's house. Imagine my surprise when I noticed my fuzzy little guy sitting among other stuff that collects on that unused end of the kitchen counter! We all had a laugh as his story was shared with others at the party. 

Now that we've moved it will be harder for this guy to travel back and forth, but I'm fairly certain at some point, after a visit from our friends, this guy will show up somewhere in my house! 

We miss our fun-loving neighbors!

Blogger Brunch Bunch

Don't you love having one of 'those' days....

the good kind?

The type of day that truly brings a smile to your face?

The type of day that makes you sing a happy song?

And one that lightens your step?

That's what yesterday was for me. 

All week I had been looking forward to Saturday.

I was invited to a Blogger Brunch at

Moondance Ranch,

and Once Upon an Equine was going to come, too.

Imagine my surprise and delight when

Terry suggested that we go for a drive after brunch!

A horse-carriage sort of drive!

Husband David brought Boomer from the barn

and harnessed him. 

Terry led Boomer to the surrey.

What?

Oh, you want me to stop taking pictures and help?

After getting Boomer hitched we were 

headed down the road. 

Oh, I wish I had taken video so you could

hear the wonderful cadence of Boomer's 

clip-clop-trot!

David handed the reins to me

and Terry insisted that I drive us home.

Boomer is looking back to see 

just who is handling the reins!!

It was a wonderful day. 

Fine friends. 

Fine food (you'll have to take my word on that!)

 and fine fun!

Thank you, Terry and David.

Thank you, Boomer!

Living the Dream

Jenny has given us a challenge this week. We must use exactly 100 words and include the phrase, "I'm living the dream, man".

This Centus certainly is not easy to write

‘Cause this is what I do, every day and night.

My blog title spells it out, don’t you see?

Jenny must have borrowed it when visiting me!

I worked hard most my life

Teaching kids A, B, C’s,

I was a mom and a wife

My life was busy as can be.

Now I’m retired and living life large

Enjoying life with horses and a pup

And taking care of the yard.

I get as much out of life as I possibly can 

Because you better believe I’m living the dream, man!

To read other responses to Jenny's challenge, 

click on the Saturday Centus link below!

Hobby Horse Blog Hop 5: Shopping Spree

This week brought some highs and lows as far as the Haffies are concerned. Pippin participated in a driving clinic over the weekend, but we discovered some issues that are impacting his performance. Pippin has always been a tail clencher. He clamps his tail when he is unsure of things, or if I startle him or for any number of Haflinger Tail Clamping stimuli I'm not aware of or I don't understand. Recently Pippin has begun to scoot forward in reaction to things when I am driving him. The clinician at the driving clinic thinks that when Pippin clamps his tail that is now causing some sort of muscle spasm or perhaps there is a pinched nerve involved. The pain of that is what is causing Pippin to jump forward, not necessarily fear or misbehavior. The clinician suggested that I wrap Pippins crupper (the piece that goes under the tail to hold the harness from shifting left or right at
the back of the horse) to keep Pippin from clamping his tail.

We did this for the 2nd driving lesson and Pippin carried his tail very nicely and seemed comfortable.... except, when we worked him his left hind would not extend as far as his right. Without the crupper in place this shortened movement is barely noticeable. I've made an appointment with an equine chiropractor and will share what I know later!

I began to focus on driving Doc and we have had some great workouts! Well, perhaps he doesn't think getting sweaty and wet is so neat! Ever since Doc bolted with me I have decided that he may not be safe to drive. However, I've often thought that driving him in a team with Pippin might still be feasible. I'd like to have the horses pull the drag harrow and manure spreader in the pasture. Nothing fancy and nothing fast! I talked to the clinician about this. I asked him if I was inviting double trouble by driving my 'bolter' with Pippin. He said I might only be asking for half the trouble.... which was what I was thinking. He explained that he has had some horses that function well in a team situation because they have the other horse there with them. They are not as likely to look for trouble and if they do react, the other horse's lack of reaction defuses the situation. So, I'll give Pippin some lighter work until we have his situation figured out and focus more on Doc over the next few weeks. As always, your comments or insight are always welcome!

In case you are new... or as a reminder:

Each week I'll post two or three prompts. 

Write about one or respond to all.

Don't forget!!

Complete your blog post (or comment) by asking a question of us.

I am really enjoying answering your questions,
and look forward to seeing other reposes, too.

Link your post to the Hobby Horse Blog Hop

by using the Linky Tool below.

Or...

Leave a comment with the answer(s) to the

questions(s).

Visit other participating blogs on the list

and respond to their questions in your comments on their pages.

Hobby Horse Blog Hop Prompts - 5:

1. What are your thoughts about providing hay for your horse when you trailer him/her?
2. You have just won a 2 minute shopping spree at a tack store. What store are you in and what will you grab?
3. What plans do you have for the weekend?

Here are my answers:

1. Oh my... I don't know the answer to this one. That's why I asked this question of you! I'd love to hear what other's think! Generally I don't provide hay in the trailer but I give the horses a horse cookie when they get in the trailer. However, since my guys are such food hogs, I think that maybe if they did get a hay net in the trailer, they'd be more interested in getting in and going somewhere. My concern about providing hay is that bits of hay and chaff that would swirl around in the breeze could irritate their eyes. 

2. This was my dream as a child! I had items circled on every page of Miller's catalog. Miller's is now part of Dover Saddlery, so I guess that's where I'll go for my shopping spree, even though they don't have harnesses or western equipment. I'd begin my spree by swiping a few bridles off the display wall as I run into the store. Then I'd grab one or two Mylar snaffle bits and a half dozen others since I can't seem to find the right one for Pippin, and I hate to spend $100 (+ or -) on something that doesnt work!) Then, on to the saddle area. I'd pull a dressage saddle off the rack; not sure what make, but I'd want it to have a deep seat and nice, supple leather. Next I'd head to the clothing area. I refuse to pay the price for riding pants, but they do make the ride much more comfy than jeans ... so I'll get a few pair of boot cut pants before grabbing a few pair of Ariat paddock boots. Oops.... I think my time is up!

3. I will be getting together with at least two other bloggers. I'm invited to breakfast at Moondance Ranch. (She still has a wonderful video clip of Pippin at the driving clinic on her blog... before he had the padded crupper installed!) Once Upon an Equine will also be coming. We'll have the opportunity to meet Ben, Boomer, Paj and Reggie. I can't wait!

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch: Wooly

Today I could actually sit on our front porch, it's that nice out! Would you like to join me? We can sit on the swing, or in the Adirondack chairs. Well, I guess it would be hard to get all of you here, right now to chat, so we'll join Patrice's virtual chat! 

This week Patrice asks:

1. What's your favorite clock- digital or an old fashioned face with hands?
2. What's your favorite type of bird?
3. How do you feel about being in front of people? This could include meetings, speeches, performing, or just saying something at a party. 
4. What's the last item of clothing that you purchased?
5. Please give me a caption or a Wendell quote for this picture.

1. What's your favorite clock- digital or an old fashioned face with hands?

I like clocks with character. I adore old grandfather clocks. My mother-in-law has one that has been in the family for eons. One ancestor didn't like the booming tones so had a tiny little bell put into the clock instead. It seems so funny to hear the tinkling bell to 'toll' each hour! My favorite clock, however, is a ship's clock. I was raised with one in the house and learned to judge time by the bells. I liked the fact that I could lie in bed, hear the bells and determine the time. In case you aren't familiar with the bell system of a ship's clock it marks the 4-hour watches for the sailors. The new watch would begin at midnight. At 12:30 AM there would be one bell. at 1:00 AM, two bells. at 1:30 there would be two bells, a hesitation, and then a third bell. 2:00 AM would be two sets of two bells. This proceeds until 4:00 AM when the bell would strike four sets of two bell sequences. That would mark the change of shift - I bet the sailors couldn't wait until 8 bells! The sequence begins again. So, in the dark of night, if the clock struck 5 bells. I could determine that it was either 10:30, 2:30 or 6:30. Not that specific, but one could usually tell.

image source

2. What's your favorite type of bird?

I enjoy watching large birds; hawks, eagles, ravens and harriers. I like living in an area where we can watch them fly. I'd love to see some owls... but with few trees we get few owls!

3. How do you feel about being in front of people? 

I was a teacher. I was in front of people all of the time. But... they were little people! Years ago when I would have to speak in front of the parents I was always uncomfortable! Later my job required that I make presentations. I became much more comfortable speaking to an audience..... as long as that audience was under 100 or so. If the group was larger I became nervous. I participated in Toastmasters at the end of my career, just for the heck of it. I enjoyed the challenge of extemporaneous speaking and I liked preparing speeches for different purposes. I earned my CTM (Competent ToastMaster) but have never gone any further with the program. 

4. What's the last item of clothing the you purchased?

I have been buying wool skirts, pants and sometimes jackets to cut apart to make hooked rugs. I visit GoodWill and the Salvation Army and look for their half off clothes! Last week I bought two pair of pants and a skirt. Hey... if any of you have some wool clothes you'd like to get rid of ... let me know! I'd be more than happy to take them off your hands!

Some of my wool bargains!

5. Caption for Wendell:

Rip. Crunch. Munch.
I'm keeping my eye on you all.... 

if you touch my grass, that would be a mistake. 
Big mistake! Big! HUGE!
Rip. Crunch. Munch.

Click here if you'd like to see how others responded to Patrice's questions. 

Enjoy your day!

Dream Home Winner

The announcers were talking excitedly about
the Dream Home giveaway.
I wasn't watching.
I stood around the corner staring out at my driveway.
I was waiting for the HGTV Dream Home crew
to pull in to surprise me.
They didn't.

But, I did win a giveaway in honor of spring!
Amanda from Farmgirl Writes 
let me know that my name was selected
by the random generator... and...

I won!!

Amanda is a home schooled High School senior.

She loves photography

and lives on a farm.

Amanda handcrafted these darling earrings

at a beading party with other home schooled girls. 

I suspect she handcrafted the cute packaging

and note card, too!
She seems to be detail-oriented
and artsy, like that!
If you click on the Farmgirl Writes link
you can see the earrings displayed
beautifully on her site.

They are, indeed, a treasure!

and, as far as the Dream House goes...
I didn't really want to move, anyway.
I love my home!

Take a Seat

D'ya mind if I have a seat...

  

And watch TV with y'all?

Not at all, Tucker. Make yourself right at home!

I suppose you would also like a drink?
Something to snack on?

Pippin Has Class

Pippin went to school this weekend. His teacher was Jeff Morse. 

Terry, from Moondance Ranch visited during his lesson. 

She took some great video

and put up a very nice post on her blog.

It was interesting to see the experience

from a different point of view.

Visit Terry's blog to see Pippin in action!

Hobby Horse Blog Hop: Week 4

It's time to hop again! Join the Blog Hop by clicking on the linky tool below, then visit other blogs and meet new friends!

I'm glad you came by to share stories and information with us, or to read responses from others on the blog hop.

This has been a busy week for me. I'm not sure if it is because of the time change or because we have had wonderful weather. But I've been hopping all week! How about you? 

In case you are new... or as a reminder:

Each week I'll post two or three prompts. 

Write about one or respond to all.

Don't forget!!

Complete your blog post (or comment) by asking a question of us.

Link your post to the Hobby Horse Blog Hop

by using the Linky Tool below.

Or...

Leave a comment with the answer(s) to the

questions(s).

Visit other participating blogs on the list

and respond to their questions in your comments on their pages.

Hobby Horse Blog Hop Prompts - Week 4:

1. Have you ever been a victim of the weather when you were riding, or participating in some other sport?
2.  If you could take a lesson with anyone in the world, who would that be?
3. Which season is your favorite?

OK.... and now for my responses:

1. A victim of the weather:  Many years ago I used to ride in a park that was about 5 miles from the barn. I would hack over, enjoy the trails in the park and return. One time my friend and I were caught by a torrential rain storm. We took shelter in a picnic area and waited. We waited some more... and some more. The rain just wasn't stopping. Finally we decided to head home. We trotted as quickly as we could, but we were all drenched; horses, riders and our tack. The funniest thing about our trip home, however, was that my horse kept looking intently ahead, through the rain. This caused him to put his ears forward... and they scooped up the rain. He hated that feeling and would violently shake his head...only to put his ears forward again!
And, here's another weather related story: As a child my family would go skiing every winter weekend. We rented rooms in a house in a small town near the ski area. One Sunday the snow began to fall. When we finally packed up our skis and started home, the highway patrol informed us that the roads were closed. We had to head back to the house and were marooned there for two days. But...we had fun with other ski families who hadn't made it out. We kids had fun jumping out of the 2nd story windows into the snow drifts! Well, most of us had fun. One of the boys hit a chunk of ice and broke his ankle. They had to take him to the hospital on a skimobile as the roads were still snowed in!

2. A lesson with???  I really don't know who would top my list. I think what I'd really like is to have a trainer on 'staff' who could give me pointers whenever I wanted them! I am taking a driving lesson withJeff Morse tomorrow and again on Saturday. You will hear all about it! I'm sure I will be blogging about my experiences.

3. My favorite season? After living in coastal South Carolina for 34 years where one season subtly changes into the next, I find that I am enjoying the changes of the seasons. I am currently enjoying our first spring-like days. I look forward to that first summer day when we enjoy coffee on the porch in the morning, and a glass of wine at night. I adore fall. Those first crisp days and the beauty of the changing leaves. And then....that first storm of winter is always exciting. I love the anticipation of its arrival and the stillness as the snow falls. 

I won't leave a question for you, since I just asked you three of them! But, if you leave a question for us at the bottom of your post or the bottom of your comment, then others can respond to your question and we'll get (at least it's my intention) a blog version of a conversation with each other.

Mrs. Wishy Washy

When my boys were in Kindergarten one of their favorites books was Mrs. Wishy-Washy.  Mrs. Wishy-Washy takes her dirty cow, dirty pig and dirty duck and washes them in the tub, 'wishy-washy, wishy-washy' until they are all clean. Well, I didn't have a tub, but I did have some warm water, and it was a warm day, so I washed the horses' manes and tails; wishy-washy, wishy-washy!

In my last Hobby Horse Blog Hop I wished that I had a wash stall. (Star light, start bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might have a wishy-washy stall...) Failing that, I do have plumbing for a washing machine in my basement.... The pipes for the washing machine have a hot water connection where a hose can be attached..... I have a window in a window-well near the washing machine...  I can tie the horses fairly close to that window... (Can you figure where this is going?!)

On Wednesday I connected a hose to the hot water outlet and ran it out the basement window. I connected a hose to the cold water hose bib. I pulled the hoses around the corner and brought out a bucket to mix the water. A wash stall it isn't... but it works! I brought Pippin up and attacked him with dish soap first, and then Mane and Tail Whitener. Doc was next. It's not an easy job with all of that hair, but both horses now have their flaxen manes and tails back again! (and my hands are a peculiar purple shade from the whitener that should wear off in a day or so!)  Woohoo - my Haffies are good looking guys again, if I do say so myself!!

Pippin...Before

Pippin - After

Ach, the pictures just don't tell the 'tail'! Their manes and tails had turned a dirty gold color. After their spa treatment, their locks were back to their bright, white flaxen shade. The white is so bright it almost hurts one's eyes!

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch: Flunking

The weather couldn't be nicer - at my house and at Patrice's. 

I'm going to take a break from all of my fun... and work.... 

to chat on the farmhouse porch with other friends!

Here are this week's questions:

1. What's your favorite type of chair?
2. What was the last play you saw?
3. If you could spend an all expenses paid week in a cabin in the mountains, a cottage at the beach, or a townhouse in a city with lots of great attractions, which would you choose?
4. What's your favorite condiment? 
5. What's your favorite breed of dog?

I am gonna flunk this Chat on the Farmhouse Porch! I don't know the answers to some of the questions. Oh geesh...it's been a long time since I flunked a test!

1. What's your favorite type of chair?

Oh, man.... I don't know. To watch TV I like an upholstered chair that isn't too deep. It's nice to have a chair large enough to curl up in, or to have one with an ottoman. I'm not particularly fond of recliners, however. In my kitchen I'm really enjoying my painted chairs. I have an antique child's rocking chair that I really like. I remember my mom remaking the rush seat. It's a chair that my brother, sister and I all used as kids, and may have been used by either of my parents. I'm not that certain of its history. I have two Adirondack chairs on my front porch. They're comfy after working in the yard. But, I just don't step out there to sit that often. However, the nice thing about that type of chair is that it rocks me back and 'cuddles' me... and it's not as easy to hop out of as a regular chair. So, sometimes I do stay sitting longer than I intended to... which is a nice thing!

2. What was the last play you saw?

At first I didn't think I knew the answer to this question. Then I realized the last plays I saw were when I helped out in a community theater a few years ago. The last production was a "twofer" with "Under Jekyll's Hyde and "Man of the House". I was in charge of the props, making sure that everything was where it needed to be each evening. The plays were cute and even after watching them almost a dozen times, I would still find myself laughing at some of the silly lines.

3. If you could spend an all expenses paid week in a cabin in the mountains, a cottage at the beach, or a townhouse in a city with lots of great attractions, which would you choose?

By nature I am the cabin in the mountains type of person. But, since I rarely get to 'do' cities, I think I might opt for that experience as it is so very different from my day-to-day life.

4. What's your favorite condiment?

Oh, here's another easy one. Maybe I won't flunk this chat after all! I love ketchup. I don't use it on everything... but I must have it on all but the goopiest hamburger or cheeseburger. And I like it with fries. I've never been a ketchup with egg type of person, but I have been introduced to, and enjoy, salsa with my eggs.... so ketchup isn't that far a stretch!

5. What's your favorite breed of dog?

Oh, dear. Maybe I will flunk! I don't know! I love so many different kinds of dogs that I'm not sure how to answer this. I can't even narrow it down to a group of dogs! I had Golden Retrievers for many years and still love them. They are the most wonderful dogs. I love Bernese Mountain dogs and Newfies. I think Corgi's are cute. Australian Shepherds are nuts! Well, then there are mutts. I've known and loved a few mutts; the last being a cross between Great Dane and hound....maybe?

I guess I would have to say that mutts win the prize. They win my heart!

Take me to a shelter and I'm in trouble as I want to take each and

every one him with me!

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