Labor Day Project

Well, here is our labor day project, a new fence. It turned out really well. It came with some bumps and bruises but the dogs really like it and we can get into and out of the yard with lawn mowers and snow blowers much easier!!

Daddy is home

Well Todd Got Home Yesterday!!!!

I picked him up at the Detroit Bus Terminal around 5:25pm. We did not get home until around 10:00pm as we ate did a little grocery shopping and had some turbulent weather. The dogs were beside themselves with joy. In fact they have been walking around with doggy smiles today. In the video you hear Dolly and Boo barking with joy that dad is home. Festus he is smiling and loving on dad to the extreme. Georgie just comes in to give and receive loving without as much fanfare as the rest of the pack.

Todd could not be happier to be home we had not seen each other for 9 weeks 1 day and 51/2 hours but who is counting? (It really makes you feel for those families with loved ones overseas.) He was excited just to reach Michigan and he called to let me know when they had crossed the border. He is napping right now, a long night and most of the day on the bus will wear you out. I could use some sleep myself but the dogs don't let both of us out of their site too long. Boo cried for me at the gate. I came out and started working on this, Boo is napping. Is that not just the way it goes?

In other news....

Rob, Narci, Jack, & Luke arrived today. I am really looking forward to seeing them. The boys have gotten so big and so far the forcast for the beach looks good for Wednesday. Say a prayer it stays that way. Family, sun, warm temps, plenty of water and beach, a picnic lunch and playing with the kids, who could ask for anything more??

Happy 30th Birthday Narci!!

Well, I wanted to say Happy 30th Birthday to my sister-in-law Narci.

We love you even if you are sooooo young.

Your 30's will be fabulous!!

Narci is intelligent, attractive, and fun loving a perfect match for my brother Rob.
How she puts up with my brother Rob - A Mystery
She is a great Mother for my two nephews and will be to my soon to arrive niece
(I am still trying to win the lottery to allow me to suppliment their income once Presley arrives)
Narci likes to shop :-), she enjoys decorating, she likes to create, and she is into photography.



She has that Southern Belle charm and sass.
Have a Great 30th Birthday!!

Love Ya!
Penny, Todd, & Critters

Wednesday was a Sad Day

Yesterday my brother's dog of 16+ years Nikki passed away. It is a loss all of us who know her are feeling.

She was one of those unforgettable dogs, with so much personality. She would bound around like a deer. She thought she was the most bad @$$ dog on the planet and she did take down a pit bull (among other breeds) without breaking a sweat. Nikki used her paws like hands and was quite clever. Beware wrestling with this dog, if you got down on the floor in a ball she would claw your back to get to you (just ask Uncle Rob), a tug toy well you best be at the top of your game. She woke Mark up one night and it was to tell him a mouse had invaded. Mark told Nikki to kill and she did the job, no training required. If you had a cold and were sucking on a Hall's cough drop, that dog would drive you crazy, she wanted the Hall's for herself and would usually con you into giving her one. If you were not going to share she would watch for an opportunity to try to lick it out of your mouth and she would dance around you "bow row row" translation give me that Halls now!! She loved Mark to distraction and would just be the most joyous dog whenever he came home from work. She would prance around and yip and just generally carry on. There were days when if she could have crawled into his skin I think she would have.

When Mark and Amy wed Nikki had some adjustments to make... of course she wanted Amy to adjust. I mean her spot was next to Mark whether it be on the couch, in bed, or well anytime she was around. She grew to love Amy. Amy would sleep later than Mark so she could get back in bed after Mark went to work and get her beauty sleep with Amy for company. Amy also had two cats Tigger and Cassie who were also good companions. Did I mention Nikki liked to have company whether it was two legged or four legged at all times if possible. Amy also got laid off in the winter so she was home to be with Nikki. Amy is quite the gal, I mean this is not your average dog to acclimate to and Amy had never had a dog, yet it was a tearful Amy who broke the news yesterday. I mean we knew Amy was a keeper once she was able to love Nikki and Nikki loved her.

Nikki was Aunt Penny's gal as well. She and Mark stayed with me and Pitter shortley after he came home from the service. Nikkie and my baby Pitter were an interesting pair. Pitter would act like she did not like Nikki when I was home. If I left for work she was okay snuggling up to Nikki (of course I don't think Nikki gave her much choice). If I mentioned Pitter to Nikki she would look for her. Oh what a priceless dog

Grandma Peg was a good Grandma and Nikki loved her. The only problem with Grandma Peg is that she would let Mark and Amy leave for too many days sometimes and she would make her and Mugsy (1991-2008) behave. I mean she was stuck at Grandma Peg's with just Mugsy while Amy and Mark went on a honeymoon. Nikki was so upset at missing her people she could not even "talk" when Mark first came to pick her up. She and Mugsy liked to eat each others food and get on each others nerves, as any cousins would. They took after their "dads" in that respect.

She loved Grandma Dreffs (1924-2008) and Grandma loved Nikki. It was fantastic as Nikki was the only dog Grandma could not fatten up. She was protective of Grandma and you knew she was safe when Nikki was with her. She would make Grandma laugh and sometimes like when she refused to come into the house for Grandma make her cry. Grandma loved caring for people and animals and Nikki acted like both at times, kept her on her toes.

Nikki was truly a one of a kind dog and she will be missed greatly. And of course since "all dogs go to heaven" we know she is sitting with Grandma right now wondering when we are going to come and play. Well you know maybe they are running right now in a field as they can both walk and run again. With a tear and a smile in memory of Miss Nikki Dreffs 1993-2009, this is Aunt Penny looking forward to brighter days.

A Day in the Life

Everyday is an adventure when you live with 5 animals. I was just looking at EMail when Georgie came to the door of the room crying. I was puzzled the screen door is in place so the dog door is available to go outside, the front porch is open for watching the world go by (in comfortable chairs), and I am right here available to give out attention. I did what most people do ignored her for a minute. Well, back she came, she cries at the door again. I get up check the water dish, still has fresh water available, think maybe her ear is bothering her (as if she would actually tell me ha), and I decide while I am thinking about it to clean her ear. I gather the tools necessary to clean her ear and when I round the island in the kitchen I see the problem. Dolly is lying on the back porch in front of the dog door. When Georgie goes to exit (she must run for our life when someone is going to clean her ears) Dolly turns her head, barks, and snarls. Well I had a word with the young lady and out the door Georgie went. I followed and she did allow me to clean her ears(that is an amazing feat she must have been grateful for the assistance). It is too bad I could not have understood her the first time. I am certain Georgie would agree. Sometimes these animals are just like kids.

Arts & Crafts

Well, good soggy Monday everyone. Between yesterday's humidity and the rain that came this morning and Saturday things are quite soggy in Tawas.

Mom came up on Friday we went to the side walk sales in Tawas. We got a few bargains but it was not as many deals as some years I have seen. Saturday was the Victorian Arts and Crafts Fair in West Branch. It rained lightly while we were there. We did not end up buying a thing. There were a couple of items of interest that I considered but maybe the weather kept me from being enthused enough to purchase. The dogs were thrilled with the company!!! They do love their grandma and of course don't all visitors come to see them.

Todd was heading to West Virginia when I spoke to him last evening. In the morning, they had thought they would be getting a load that would have brought them to southern Michigan. That did not pan out. He was to start driving last night and in the mountains at night yet again. Poor guy is getting a lot of experience with mountains at night. Say a prayer that they get a good run today so he can finish up his training this week. Oh please Lord let it be!! I have not seen him in just over 8 weeks.

Next week my brother's family come for a visit from Texas. Very exciting!!

Good Wednesday Everyone

Here is our Festus boy the one who is having all the health issues, as you can see he has managed to pull the sheet off part of the back of the chair and wedge in behind it. Having four dogs we cover the furniture with sheets, easier to clean than constantly cleaning furniture. He is a sweet boy and I am hoping the thyroid medicine will have him feeling somewhat better. He does seem a little perkier. The ear infection is clearing up nicely. He still has that pesky cough though.

My niece Hayden. Is she not a gorgeous little girl. She is about 15months old. She is walking quite well now and says some words. She looks so sweet but she is a stink pot. She is a really picky eater and has definite ideas about what she wants and does not want to do. Good thing she is so cute! You should have seen her face when Grandma Peg offered her a mushroom, she touched it and oh my what a face she made. Needless to say that food item was dropped quickly. This photo is from my visit this weekend.

Todd is on the road. I am not sure what state he is in today as we did not talk yesterday and this morning was just a "hi I'm okay say a prayer for me" call. The good news is his trainer has put in a date for his home time, August 17th. We are hoping that is a sign that Todd will be home soon. We just have to pray they get the miles and he gets into Arkansas to get his test taken by weeks end, would hate for him to sit there over a weekend. It will be dependent on things going well and him getting his hours so say a prayer for that. We are both ready for him to have some home time.

This is my Pitter. She is our 18 year old cat that is 88 in human years. She is not as fluffy as she used to be and a little skinnier but still a pretty baby. I don't know how much longer she will grace us with her presence but I know I have been fortunate to have her so many years.

Take Care and God Bless you this beautiful Wednesday!!