Tag: empty nest puppy

Never a Dull Moment: Kona’s Journal

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We recently rekindled our friendship with a couple that we spent much time with over two decades ago. Their young one has just come home from a mission trip to Africa and got engaged. Empty Nest Syndrome is real for most mothers even if the child still lives at home going to community college! Funny how after two decades visiting picks up like it never left off! You can’t make “old” friends. They come so naturally.

Keeping the home fire burning is one of the oddest things that we say of the parent that is staying home. It comes from the homestead era. Yet today, we have no reason to stoke the stove to keep the coffee kettle warm or to keep the stew pot simmering for supper. Crockpot and instant-pot are the best wonders of the new kitchen today! Yet I can honestly say that this is what I do all the time. I keep the home “fire” burning in the most relevant way possible.

Picture on the left is the Hibiscus cherry blossom chocolate for our zone, but still in the planter for another year until I decide where to put it. Center is the gladiolas that needed a tomato cage for support. I missed the pretty moment for pictures. Right is the one lily that is blooming after all this watering the same plant is in four different places in the yard.

My home “fire” is a list of “honey-do’s” that is a mile long. Right now there are about five or six major projects that need to get done fairly soon. Then there is the long term hope to get done this fall list. Along with the perhaps maybe before winter list. My honey says the list aught to be in the fire so that he can rest when he is at home. Without something to do we might get bored with each other. Haha.

Stay at home mom often means a mom that has a mini-van and runs her children all over town to their many lessons and sports events. Well on Tuesday I took full advantage of that and asked my daughter to run the dog to his grooming session while she was about with the eldest child to dance camp. Yes, I know that is probably asking too much. So I called the groomer and asked if he could be during the noon run time so that she did not have to go twice. It worked out okay. And then my daughter says, “ I met the person who does the mobile pet groom truck at church a while ago.” Ahh. Yes less trips would be good.

Constant commotion would be a difficult thing for anyone to handle if you aren’t use to it. Like my mother some twenty years past any child being at home to all of us taking turns staying with her. It was the week that two little kids and a doggie were there that she decided it was time to just sell the house and move into the assisted living facility. Sometimes peace and quiet is good. Until it becomes miserable and you just wish some excitement would happen. And then it does, and it’s the fall or something that makes your parents require more aid than you all can give.

What does a mother stand for-most if her meals because the minute she sits down something happens. Right when the pots about to boil for the noodles, the child jumps off the back of the sofa and lands on the other hiding under the cushion. Ouch! and a whole lot of commotion happens quite quickly.

Peace and quiet in a house full of preschoolers means someone is doing something they should not be doing! Yep. There is never a dull moment in home where little ones are learning their way into child hood. Sharp cries, sharp edges, sharp corners, sharp pavement, sharp knocks of all sorts need attention right away..

Just the othewhile attending to one child with a cut lip, mama looked over to see the baby in the high chair was double fisting her cereal into her mouth. She doesn’t know how to use the spoon rightly so the carrot applesauce cereal was up and down both arms, all over the face and down the front. Fourth child is pretty sure “a child could starve around here” with all these distractions from my feeding time! She was quite happy the bowl had been left on the high chair tray. What about having children is NOT messy? Even sleeping at night is rare!

I finished my “Entrelac Stitch” Shrug. It is so comfy! I had to redo the arm hole because it was a little to large. But otherwise I am pleased.

The weather has turned hot, but nothing like the high desert or Arizona. The sticky humidity is the worst. The other day I could hardly breathe outside. So I have been doing my yard work early in the day. Staying inside most of the hot part of the day. The cooling towel was pulled out of the fridge for a little bit of greenhouse work Thursday. I am trying to be very consistent with my watering. There are still a few plants that need attention so that always has me happy to plant something.

Meanwhile the AC for the house quit the other day. It has been a few years since it concerned us. So the repair man was here Friday. We had to run the air really cold just to keep the fan motor running. Afterwards I could finally turn the temperature up to a more manageable coolness. The temperature shock is too much for me. Finished the Bridge garden landscape. Only thing left is to trim off the cardboard pieces and tuck them around the plants for weed barrier. Oh, and Kona is sporting some new harness and leashes. Happy One Year Old little buddy! Kind of missed the actual birth date, but he looks good in orange and blue!

On the left, the Bridge garden in need of the trim on the cardboard yet, but looking good. And Kona sporting his new vest and leash on the right.

It’s time to move on to the next project. Not sure what exactly that is, however today we cleaned up the Butterfly garden. Now I am recovering from the weed “burn” on my arms and inside for a rest. We spend the day at our local county fair yesterday. Grand kids and all got to enjoy some bad fair food and the 4-H displays. That’s about all the news for now. We are watching the Olympics some. And I found the perfect verse in Ecclesiastes for the occasion.

Ecclesiastes 7: 8, “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” But might I add that without beginning there is no finish. And I would agree that the humble are far more enjoyable to watch than the proud.

Kona Weak 18: Kona’s Journal

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The cone of shame has arrived. The day before Ground Hog Day 2024 and we are treating our puppy to some chicken noodle soup for dogs. Well, okay, just putting his kibbles in some water so that he will rink something. They say it’s the hardest part of surgery recovery.

Tonight we started the must see movies for “would be writers.” The first on the list was “The Words.” I recommend it for even the novice reader! The idea that life can be either fiction or nonfiction and that it is what we make it our to be….

Today while Kona was away I spent the day cleaning up the house. First I finished my editing on the introduction to Cocoa’s Tale. I am so excited about finding Cocoa’s voice in my mind. Cleaning and writing and planning writing don’t seem to match what poor Kona was experiencing at the knife of the surgeon. Nevertheless the day was passed in such quick order.

The Fresh air day of windows open and smell of spring in the air is quite not right for the first day of February. But the thoughts of spring kept me reverting to the love that Cocoa had for Young Grass. Ahh, that will be a few months away for sure!

Return to roots happened once again for me when my sister began talking about the BAD apple cake that went moldy back when we were growing up. And of course, no one is allowed to forget it. We all remember. Mother is the only one that will still make an apple cake and then eat it. I won’t even put apple sauce in my muffins! Cocoa loved his apples. I remember how he wanted me to hold it so that he could eat around the core. Just keep turning it, he seemed to say, you know those seeds are not good for any living thing.

Attempt at nothing for the past week turned out to be pretty productive. My ear infection is finally responding to the medicine and I am feeling better. Thank goodness, because now Kona will need to have more of my attention. Though I think it will be more to the two hour schedule that we had earlier in his puppyhood.

As usual, I have another meanwhile to insert…. This past month I had the joy of renewing some connections with people from our first Home away from home in Minnesota. That was so special to hear from my good “old” friends. Makes me think of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s somg “You Can’t Make Old Friends.”

And then the night…. That was rough. Kona would not sleep in his crate. He just whined the whole time in there. So I took him to the sofa so that Gavin and Honey could get some sleep. And every twenty seconds it seemed he tried to get away from his ouchie. Uff dah.

This morning we have been outings but not much success. Water has been sucked down a few times and he ate a soggy soup breakfast. We watched a horse movie to help me get in the “mood” for writing about Coco, the only thing that helped was the waterworks. Tears. Yep. Movie “A Sunday Horse” is the dream of a miracle horse, rider, and the jumping show business. In the end the horse lives 25 years and has to be let go. Of course, nothing lasts forever here on this earth.

Then I got the vision of Charlie and Honey being the Ken and Dolly of our farm. Oh, my. Charlie is always “bark” asking if Honey can come out to play. Today is is wet, misty, on the verge of raining. Not the best weather for the second day of February. So here goes for six more weeks until spring. Or six more weeks of winter, you decide.

(The Truth-by Gavin…. I took Kona away from his lady on Thursday and then picked him up at the vet around 3 pm. The look on the little guys face was death daggers and kill you! The next 24 hours proved the neither of them could live without me. After a completely sleepless night, She told me to come with solutions or don’t come home at all. WOW! And I thought we all loved each other. So I came home with some drugs for dogs and a reprieve for my poor wife. Just saying those melatonin chamomile chews for the dog worked great. And she’ll never know that the oatmeal cookies I made for her are full of vallium. Okay I might be kidding about that one. Calming treats do work though. Love you dear!)

My New Laptop: Kona’s Journal

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Otherwise know as the blood pressure regulator

One Wednesday morning just three weeks ago (September 27th to be exact) I ate my breakfast and then found myself suffering from the lowest blood pressure that I have had in weeks. My body temperature felt like 95 degrees and so I sought out my “warming bag.” It is an upholstered sock filled with beans, or corn, or cherry pits, not sure now after all these years. Sitting on the sofa under a mound of blankets and hugging my mug to get warm, I looked at my social media feed. As we all do while doing “nothing.” This adorable little black puppy came on the screen once again, and I though… Ahhh, that would be a nice warming bag.

A bag of fur lined with a little body, a pumping heartbeat and oh, so snuggly. When I am cold, I shall have a new laptop!

Snuggles and puppy licks are oh so much nicer than sitting alone on the sofa looking at my selfish sixty pound doodle on the floor. Honey just never took up the cuddle bug vibes. As much as I tried to make her sit with me, it only lasted ever so shortly!

Today marks the beginning of week four with Kona in my life. And all those around me. Feeding time still involves a few minutes of classic training for puppy. Training stays into the little guy’s life is the new key challenge. Sunday after church he launched himself out of the pickup before I could get the leash hooked on. The four foot fall made him a little “yippee” and sore the rest of the day. By Monday morning he was fine. I knew nothing was broke as he still let me touch and examine him all over. So training stay into our routine is vital.

When I’m not looking is actually quite frequent and with my tunnel vision, finding the little dude is sometimes not easy. The harness and leash is the most important tool for a blind dog trainer. That way I can keep track of the fast little fur-ball

Yesterday with the grandkids my little grandson (who giggles with such glee) was running with Kona and accidentally dropped the leash. “OMA! I dropped the leash!” My response was quick with a look downwards and a foot on the tail of the kite, I said it’s okay- That’s why he has the leash. Thank you for telling me right away, Isaac..

All the “oops” involved with puppies are great learning tools. Pets have a way of bringing out the best and worst in people. And when we are tired, UFF, by the worst is not pretty. Thankfully, there is a crate for the half hour leading up to the two hour potty window closure. Either it’s time for close attention and learning language of the cues or it’s time to put puppy away and let him “yipe” for the going out need.

Books are still one of my best time busters. My mp3 Bible lost battery juice the other night and that was a rough going to sleep. I am trying to listen to a book my daughter recommended, but the going is slow. And the talking book library has been forgo-teen these three weeks.

Greenhouse is on maintenance mode. Though I have been tackling some cuttings yet. There are three or four more varieties to get done. And the canning is slow if not halted. There are still those pears…

Garden cleanups need to happen yet… All the end of the season chores. Like getting rid of the plant matter, pulling up garden stakes, and putting away all of the water hoses. I feel rather slow at any of that stuff because that means the snow will fly soon.

I am making myself feel overwhelmed as I write out the list. One thing at a time.

Drying the herbs and peppers is ongoing also. At least the herbs can go in the dehydrator. We strung the habaneros up to hang on the window curtains. The drying time takes awhile, but it’s usually done by Christmas decorating.

It took me a whole summer to figure out how to keep my chapel plant happy. I fed it some coffee grounds and then put it on a tray of pebbles with water. And now look at it. Maybe I’ll become a master gardener after all.

The big question is: Did the blood pressure regulator work? And the the answer I would give is YES! So far, I have not been cold after my own meal consumption for quite a while. I was cold on Tuesday after standing outside watching the grandkids play. But it was cold. And my ability to go outside without even a jacket at 45 degrees has amazed me. But when puppy has to potty- we run! Three minutes at sweater weather without a jacket has not bothered me near as much as it use to. And I really have not been sitting around as long as I use to. Keeping Kona schedule is movement at every two hours!

Kona’s Journal Begins: The view from up here

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Week one of puppy training

Well, that was a little unexpected. Everyone is really just trying ot figure out why someone with low vision, and night blindness would get a black dog. I don’t really know. Because my husband wants me to write a book so he can retire?

Retirement seems so very far away. Though at our age we should really be thinking about the futre instead of just tomorrow. But ost of the time we are just thinking about today. Meanwhile, life should be somewhat enjobavle for someboday. And maybe this book will work. I mean what kind of blind fool would get a black dog?

Because the timing seemed right I saw an adorable little shih tzu litter that was local and he was ready just as harvest was coming to a close. Okay, maybe there is no real good time. Just like having children after the debts are payed off. Then suddenly another large debt ecrus. And I will have time to get him potty trained before the next grand child arrives. By then we will all fall in love him..

Maybe it’s all wrong and timing has nothing to do with it at all. What makes me think that I can’t sit on the sofa alone? I have tried for six years to get Honey to sit with me. It usually only lasts about ten minutes..

Because I’m lonely is not really a very good excuse either. I mean who really wants to go outdoors six times or more a day just to experience the weather because they need another companion? Loneliness is a beast. But at least now I have something to say to some little body more than just the occasional phone calls.

Because my Golden Doodle is too hyper and too big to sit on my lap. And she chooses not too. There are days that I honestly think about not having her “in the way” when people come. She is certainly not helpful with her exuberant greeting and jumping all over the compay with a frisbee in her mouth. And most of time for me, she is simply annoying when we have company. I guess what makes me think Kona will be any different?

Because I have missed having a “scueduled” existence? Df I really need to go my whole day not even considering the hour, or lunch time, or forgeting to drink while I listen to a book and crochet for hours at a time? It’s not good for the self=care to NOT self care. So here goes to scheduled existence. Constent walks outside, and meals at at scheduled times.

Because he was cheap, well, initial price was not in the break the bank category that’s for sure. No need for down payments and waiting for the gestational time to pick out the cutest one in the litter. This one was just right. And has the personality to match.

Because a blind lady training any kind of puppy is hilarious! I mean just the other day I used my guide dog to help me outside in the dark to take the little guy potty. If that’s not funny- I don’t know what funny is. So one of the best tools for this job is the microfiber rags. I sorted throu the stash and pulled out all of the yellow ones. A knot ot two of the corners makes for a great tug toy “rag doll” for puppy. And just in case there is an oops it cleans up the floor quickly.

Because I was not even prepared for a little dog, he came at his own time. We had to go get a harness. And one day I had my daughter pick up some smaller chew bones. Other than than I am planning to go cheap on this fella. Old cloth braid for a tug toy. Rag dolls out of the microfiber towels,, and old towels cut in half for the crate cloths. Oh, and his food was about twety dollars. So far the dollar tally is about 250 dollars of entertainment.

Because getting the supplies and puppy needs makes be resourceful when I can’t even drive to the store. Oh, all right, I am already resourceful. This just gives me a reason to use my talents. Being resourceful is “fun” for me. Other people find it frustrating or too challenging.

Because I was bringing the cat into the house way more than I should have. You know, a cat only uses the litter box two times a day maybe, but a dog has to go out six or seven times. The cat was more apt to cause allergy issues for the family. And this little fluff ball can be by more side or in my lap way more that a cat.

Because I am really quite stupid of brain and loving of heart. Yes, truth be told, my love for animals came at an early age. I an get quite attached to the wrong critter completely. Like taking care of horse for twenty years that is on my worst known allergy list! Well, my brain said don’t get a puppy for so long that that’s all that I really wanted was a puppy.

This week has been full of many first experiences for Kona. Like having to wear a leash on harness ALL the time. Dragging around a stop cord is essential for catching a puppy in trouble or about to be in trouble. It’s easer to stop the offensive behavior if you can just hold a cord and ask the puppy to “settle” on their own. It teaches them so many self= control options.

All kinds of first things like his first walk in the rain with my grand daughter. She just loves the weather. And wants to experience all of it. So thank goodness he is not white! A romp through the puddles is perfect for mud boots and a black doggie!

First reading therapy session with the same child went very well. Kona fell asleep just like he should. And the sound of a child’s voice is so good for resting. And children love to read out loud to a dog. It is so good for them both.

Where there’s a …

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“Where there’s a will, there’s a way” is the old saying. And it was meant to mean doing something really difficult because one’s determination is insurmountable. This week has been a different sort of will and way in my determination observations

Where there’s a basket there’s a cat . I put the basket out on the deck the other day to return it to the vehicle for “containment” of items while we drive. It seemed the basket was always finding it’s way back to the house. And cluttering up our allready very messy entry way in the kitchen.

Where there’s a fence, there are weeds. These Bicycle tires make a great visual guide for me when I am walking from the greenhouse to the barn. So of course for the first three months of summer I had to pull bind weed out of the spokes. Finally now that fall has officially arrived the flowers are showing their little faces through the fence. I think it looks so fun!

“Moon garden delight” is what I call this next photo. The fact is I was supposed to be helping hold the tomato containers while my hubby did the picking. But when darkness set in and the solar lights came on, I could not resist trying to get a picture of the mass of blooms. I really need to get after dead heading the blooms but sometimes it’s fun to let them go a little longer.

And now for true confessions of deep desires and companionship. Yes, I spend a lot of time alone. A LOT. The last six months have found me bringing Zucchi or Pepper or Tabitha in the house during my afternoon rest / crochet time. About three weeks ago Pepper found her life’s end on the pavement by the mailbox. It was a sad day, but she was not real attached to me. Then just the other day, yesterday in fact, one of the four year old spayed females died on the road also. Lela was old enhough to know better I had hoped. She was not real friendly as cats go, but she was a good mouser. I hope the mouse she was after tasted good. It certainly does not seem worth the rest of running across the road for it

So while I spent the afternoon digging a five gallon sized hole, I made my final decision to spend no more money on cats when we live so close to a busy paved county road. And it turns out that one of our neighbors has been raising small lap dogs for a few years now. As a bit of side income and enjoyment, small dogs do make a lot of people happy.

I have been looking at small dogs for a couple of years, I so miss the companionship of a little thing on my lap or next to me. Yes, I know it’s a lot of work up front for a couple months. And yes, I know I didn’t really want a black dog. But little Shih Tzus are such an attachment to their owners, that I’m not to worried about having a ton of eye contact. And now for the name…

At first I wanted Ebony after the black keys on the piano. I like to caress them also. Then I thought of Kona, after one of my favorite dar roast coffees. Then our daughter texted “I WANT SNUGGLES!” And we thought maybe that would be a good name. Bugger but it’s important to get a name right. We’ll be saying it for the next fourteen years or so.I’m

So this little eight pound hairy thing will be mopping up a lot of pollen over the next few weeks until frost. And he’s way too small to do the stairs. He does well on the leash / follow thing so that’s good. And so far in less than 24 hours of “gotcha” I have only stepped on him once..

Kona (the coffee) has a light, delicate sweet and fruity flavor with less caffeine than roasts made from beans picked later . So we think the name fits a little black pocket puppy quite well. He’s pretty light, you can carry him with one hand. He’s very delicate because of his size. but actually quite well proportioned. . And yes, he’s very sweet and it’s going to take a lot of will power to keep up with the training and not let him be naughty. He’s also a little fruity when he gets his energy spurts. But that’s just the nature of a happy little Shih Tzu.

Next up: how to train a puppy if you are blind. I wonder how that one will read.

Kona’s Journal: Thus began the life of little black mop in my empty nest life. How will the family put up with my lonely decisions? Surely we will all fall in love with my need for a therapy walk with a little outside time thrown in for some fresh air. Puppy love is very time consuming. Puppy parenting is bound to show the flaws in anyone’s character. Here goes a new challenge!