BUSY BUSY BUSY

I haven't posted in quite awhile. I guess with taking college classes, working and dealing with daily life I have been too busy to reflect. I decided to take a little break from the whirlwind and post today.
I have really enjoyed my American Government class this session. My Professor Samuel Downs is a great guy. He has been in the Military for over 24 years and is now in the Air Force Reserves. I guess his life experiences have enabled him to be the great professor that he is.
Well Dead X's in Texas was released officially on December 5Th. I celebrated by sharing a copy of it with Santa.
I was visiting Cousin Nancy's Blog the other day and was saddened to hear Kinky's dog Gooie had crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Gooie was a great dog. I know Kinky is very sad.
I was able to get some gifts for my family this years which made me feel good. I have not been able to give gifts during the holidays so this was really a boost for my moral.
I have also been able to arrange three book signings for the coming months. I will keep on a plugging until I get at least 3 more. You can check my web page to get a look at my upcoming events.
I have grown tired of the run around that Wal-Mart has given me about getting my books listed in their stores. They tell me it is Anderson Merchandising that is responsible and the representative for Anderson tells me that it is Wal-Marts fault. Well the way I see it they are both losing out.
Candy is growing and starting to learn a little more. Bridget is just as spoiled as ever. I still miss my Mater with every fiber of my being. That little guy took a huge part of me when he crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
I don't know what else to add so I will cut this one short. Happy Holidays to all and I hope you have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year.

Dead X's in Texas set to be released

The second book in my series will be released on December 5th. If you have already ordered it from Publish America then they will be shipping the early orders out now. I have a book Signing scheduled for Saturday February 6, 2010 from 2:00pm to 4:00 pm
I can't wait to tell Kinky.
Barnes & Noble

2701 Parker Rd.
Bldg. A., Ste. 700
Round Rock TX 78681

Candy Has Arrived

So much has happened in such a short time. I choose to take time off from work to work through the loss of Mater. Who could have thought how much it would hurt to lose one green eyed little Boston Terrier. I guess it was hard because we had to watch him suffer through those last seizures. Then again maybe it was because he was my last little boy. John was beside himself hurting because of losing Mater plus having to watch me grieve so hard. I would walk out by Mater’s garden then stand by his grave and cry. I had felt so helpless. I think when Mickey crossed the Rainbow Bridge I was trying to hold it in and be brave because I knew if I let it take over I would just give up. Then when Domino was taken from me by that vicious attack I was mostly in shock. I guess I was so busy after that getting ready to move I held that back. Now that I am here at the ranch and I feel the security of someone that wants to be a contributing factor in my life I was able to actually grieve. John printed up pictures of Mickey, Domino and Mater then hung them on the wall in the Pea Pod so I could see them every day. It seemed everyone was encouraging me to find another BT to love to help me get through this. After awhile I started to look. I found several but as we talked to the people or discusses going to see them I would start crying again. Finally an ad jumped up in my face one day. A breeder near by had a Boston Terrier female she had acquired in a trade that she wanted to get rid of. I wanted a male not a female so I was about to exit out of the page when John looked up and exclaimed “Oh Cindy she’s pretty”
“John it’s a girl I want a little boy”
“But why it’s a BT isn’t that enough”
“John BT’s are fickle. The females tend to bond with men and males bond with females. I don’t want to lose another dog to you. Remember you already took Bridget away from me.”
“Bridget loves you too. Remember who she runs to when we get out of the car” he advised as he gave me that impatient look of his.
“John I don’t know” I admitted feeling myself giving in. I don’t know what it is about those green eyes and that damn mustache.
“At least give them a call. Look at her sad face she needs us.”
Giving in I called the number on the ad. The woman that answered the phone said she indeed had the dog and she was nearly 7 months old and cage trained. She said she bred Yorkies and honestly didn’t know a thing about Boston Terriers. All she knew was she had AKC papers and she wanted all the attention when she let her out of her cage.
Hearing that she was kept in a cage was the selling point for me. I had been told by a lot of people that Mater would want me to give someone else the love he got. Mater had left me for a reason because I was to touch another BT’s life to make it better. John and I met the lady at a church parking lot near her home. She pulled up with a frightened Boston Terrier in her front seat. John was the first to open the passenger door and snatch the little frightened dog out of the vehicle. I talked to the lady and she told me that she had gotten the dog in a trade and had no interest in Boston Terriers. I explained that for one she should not be bred. When she inquired why I explained.
“Well she is too tall, too long; her nose is too long, her ears too big and she is quite large for a 7 month old.”
“But she has AKC papers” she exclaimed.
“That doesn’t mean a thing. People are too anxious to breed and make money. They just throw two dogs together then register the litter. They don’t care about breed standard or the fact that there are a lot of dogs out there in the rescues that need homes.” I lectured.
“Well I don’t know about Boston Terriers. I figured since she was registered she would be a good dog” she replied in defense. I realized that it all had just went over her head so at that moment I realized I was taking a female home with me putting an end to any chance I had at having a little boy.
I leaned over then picked the gangly puppy up realizing she was quite heavy and smelled like she had indeed been in a cage. We took the folder from the lady then assured her the dog would have a good home. She said she had been calling her Gracie but she didn’t seem to like that name beside she really didn’t have her long enough for it to stick.
John had this big grin on his face as he drove off with me holding the big smelly puppy that was shaking from fright. I softly talked to her trying to give her the sense of security.
“I think she looks like a Sassy” John advised as he reached over and patted her on the head.
I didn’t say a word to him I just sat there giving the puppy reassurances as she trembled. When John pulled into the Dr. McBride’s parking lot I wondered what he was doing. The last time I had been there I had lost my Mater.
“I’ll be right back” he exclaimed as he jumped out of the car.
The little pup had quit shaking and started to look at me with her cocked eyes. I think she was looking at me or at least it seemed she was.
“Well since you didn’t like Gracie what do you think about Sassy?” I asked hoping for an answer. She just looked at me with a blank look.
“You need a name. Just in the past few minutes I can tell you are a sweet girl. “How about Candy,” I questioned as I looked at her right eye noticing it had a blue spot at the top of the pupil. Immediately she pressed he face up to mine and kissed me. I guess that’s it your name is Candy.
When John came out of the office he was beaming. He climbed in the car then handed me a slip of paper with Sassy October 1 written on it.
“What’s this” I asked
“She has an appointment to be spayed on the first” he informed as he started up the car.
“John she wants to be called Candy” I advised.
“I told them it was Sassy” he admitted with a look of defeat on his face.
“John I ask her and she didn’t react to Sassy but when I said Candy she kissed me” I admitted
“Then her name is Candy” he admitted.
Needless to say it took Candy a few days to get accustomed to not being in a cage. The lady said she was not housebroken but you could have fooled me. Since that first day Candy has made herself at home here. She loves to run and wrestle with Bridget. We are working to teach her manners and of course she has attached herself to both our hearts. She may not be the little Boston boy I so desire but she is a wonderful loving little girl that loves us both. Welcome to our lives Candy. I hope we can make you as happy as you make us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t5qc_i5Occ Candy on youtube.

One Step Closer

Publish America sent me a copy of the cover for DEAD X'S IN TEXAS. This takes me just one step closer to the release of my second book. I will be posting the news as it happens. I haven't been posting since I lost Mater. We are still working through the loss. Since then we have adopted a little female Boston Terrier that we named Candy. She is a sweet little girl that has quickly moved into our hearts. She has spent the first six months of her life living in a cage. Now she has a huge yard to run in and that is exactly what she does.
I have been off work for about a month but will return in a couple weeks. This time was used to try to heal from the heartbreak of losing my little Mater. Life has its ups and downs and we are not promised happiness all the time. Sometimes we just have to find the happiness for outselves.

Sometimes We Cry

Publish America sent my page proofs for Dead Exes in Texas then gave me two days to proof them. This was a difficult task considering I work full time. Then to add to to stress and unhappiness my precious Mater began having seizures on Sunday after John brought him to pick me up from work. The seizure took a great tole on my little BT baby and Monday morning he crossed the Rainbow Bridge to Join Mickey and Domino to wait for me. Mater was a great little guy. He was happy and loved everyone. Needless to say John, Bridget and I are heart broken. Yesterday when I came home from work John walked me over to Mater's grave then read a proclamation awarding him an Honorary Marine posthumously. We cried as he pinned the Marine emblem on Mater's Winnie the pooh teddy bear. I told John that I would make Mater a BT plaque to place on his grave then we could embed the emblem in that. Mater was too young to be leaving us. I am grateful for everyone giving us comfort with their words or at least trying. I miss my little baby and his hugs and kisses. It hurts and all I can do is cry.

MATER

OCTOBER 6, 2007

TO

AUGUST 3, 2009

Had to Laugh

This morning as John was driving me to work he spied a truck off to the side of the Wal-Mart parking lot. There a gentleman and a young girl had two BT's on their leashes. John pulled over then jumped out of the truck to go visit with the Bostons. I found this funny since he told me when we first met that he did not like little dogs.
After visiting with the man and the two fur kids we learned he was retired from Houston and lives near the Caverns. I also learned that he had recently lost two males to Rattlesnakes.
We said our goodbyes and I headed on into work. After punching the time clock I ran into John as I headed up to the bakery to start my day.
"Did you get the BT guys phone number?" he asked in excitement.
"No but he said he lived near the caverns" I responded wondering why I would get his phone number.
"I just thought maybe Mater should play with his own kind since he doesn't know any other BT's"
I couldn't help but smile at this guy and must say he tugged at my heart a little. I often see him just sitting with Mater in his lap hugging him and talking softly. He tells everyone that Bridget is his because he likes Labs but I know deep down in his heart he has a thing for Mater too.
He told me a few days ago that he just didn't like small dogs.
"Is it a macho thing?" I questioned wondering why he had brought the subject up. You know those Marines have big attitudes.
"No, It's just a preference" he replied as he held Mater in his arms while we sat side by side to watch the sunset.
Today he sent me two text. The first one said remember to drink lots of water. (something I have trouble remembering) and the second was I gave the kids bones and they are happy. I think that Mater and Bridget both have became a big part of his life and John yes you do like small dogs you just need to be a little more mach to admit it.

Remember to Remember

Life takes us down different paths some rocky some narrow. I guess I spent most of my life looking out at the world from what seemed to be a dungeon. Those of you know that in the past two years I have made a few drastic changes in my life. Well I guess you can say that I have actually have a life now. After waking up disgusted with the way my life had turned out I started working my way out of the rut I felt I was in. The first thing I did was get my truck running so I could get a job. I wasn't picky I just took the first job I could get which was working in the Kroger Deli. I stayed there while I wrote my first book Out of the Texas Mist. Once that was in the works to get published I ended up moving over two hundred miles from everyone and everything I knew.
There was two people that gave me a roof over my head until I was able to get out on my own. I will always thank Don and Sharon for that. I was able to rent a little trailer from them until I met this guy who seemed to stir up all kinds of emotions in me. I have been gone from my family for more than a year and I do miss them dearly. I know I sit here silently and ponder where I am headed next and there are times I am so tired from work all I want to do is curl up in a ball and cry.
Yesterday John brought up the fact that I am not the same person he met a little more than six months ago. He said that I had become quiet and sullen. He said that he missed the Cindy that he had met and grown so fond of.
I didn't realize that I had fallen back into those deep dark caverns that I had struggled so hard to climb out of. Heck I still have some of the scars from the fight for freedom. I have problems trusting men and I refuse to believe that I am worthy of any ones love other than Mater and Bridget. I lay in bed last night listening to the night sounds and I realized that I had failed to change the channel when negative thoughts took me over. I had allowed others negativity to rub off on me. I had allowed the circus that most people know as Wal-Mart to suck me under into the dark abyss. This morning as I rode silently to work I made an oath to myself. I promised that I would REMEMBER TO REMEMBER. I had came a long way and I was not going to let a few set backs put an end to my journey. I still do not know where exactly I belong but I do know that a great family has taken me in and made me one of theirs. Jim and Lydia are angels in their own right. I have a place to lay my head and food to nourish my body. John has became a great friend and confidant. I could not think of anyone else I would like to go fishing with. Mater and Bridget are happy here on the ranch and we all feel safe. I need to remember to be grateful with each step I take. I need to be appreciative of all that I have. I need to count my blessings and thank those that I see everyday that add to my life. I have great friends and a great family both here and back in Spring. I will not let those little bumps in the road knock me off course. Back to being positive. Thank you John for bringing the back sliding to my attention. Sometimes it takes a little tough love. Now that I know I was coasting I think it is time I take control of my life once again. I will start by calling my publisher tomorrow to see what the hold up is on Dead X's in Texas. They sent out an email stating the books are on sale for a huge discount. I can start by telling everyone I know to go to http://publishamerica.com and type in my name at the search box to order a copy while it is cheap. Heck it is over a $20 savings from the list price. I will get my butt in gear and really push both books. If I am going to ever escape Wally World I have to be persistent and positive.
Tally Ho

Lazy day on the Llano

Sunday July 5TH John and I got up before the crack of dawn then loaded up the vehicle with necessary fishing stuff along with the kids and the expensive Styrofoam cooler I bought at Wal-Mart. We headed out of the main gate at the ranch and hit the road long before the crack of dawn. John drove as the kids and I watched the beautiful scenery pass through the windows. We arrived at the low water crossing on the Llano just as the sun was peeking over the horizon. The first picture I took was of the beautiful sunrise.

Mater and Bridget was excited that we let them run free to explore and enjoy the riverbed. We figured it would be okay sine there was not another soul in sight. The first thing Bridget did was lay down in the water.

While John was busy fishing Mater and Bridget were giving him fishing tips. I thought John didn't need their tips so I took them exploring. They were like Lewis and Clark sniffing every square inch of the riverbed. Bridget had to lay in the water at every turn. Mater loved being able to roam on his own.

I was amazed at how brave Mater had become. I remember a time when I had taken him walking by a pretty lake and he had made a wide berth from the shore line. I remember having to actually carry his little brown and white butt just so we could get past the water and back to the truck. You would think he was born on the river. He walked out to the waters edge on every rock that led that way. He would look in the water at the little fish and at one time tried to catch a minnow or two. Bridget on the other hand only cared about wading through the shallow places. John called Mater across a wide spans of water that Bridget had swam across and I was so proud when Mater did the same.

Once people started to stir and come out and about the traffic picked up so did we. We had the kids jump in the SUV then we headed off to another low water crossing to try our luck at fishing and exploring. Mater and Bridget were sound asleep in the back. We stopped at the intersection of two country roads and I was thrilled to snap this picture of these beautiful butterflies.

Before the day was over I did get a great picture of Bridget and the love of her life John.

In the Wild

Yesterday John and I had a great day. We went for a little drive then headed to HEB for supplies before stopping by the Post Office to grab my mail. Of course my mail was mostly junk mail but it was mail none the same. When we made it back to the ranch a mother deer and her fawn were congregating by the fence line. I lifted up the camera to snap a few pictures. I did get a few good ones but most of them were blurry. I was having trouble balancing the camera on the window. The mother deer saw us looking then ran off into the woods. The baby waddled on her wobbly legs over to a tree then lay down. we parked the truck then I snapped a few pictures of the fawn by the tree. John was concerned for the baby. I suggested we go in and give the momma a chance to come back. I assured him that if the fawn was still there in an hour or two we would rescue her and make sure she made it. We went inside and when we returned an hour later the fawn was gone. I just thing nature is wonderful.

And I'm Done for Now

Well last night was the final night for Course One of the Wilton Cake Decorating Class. Now I must decide if I want to sign up for Course Two which will cover flowers. I really want to learn new flowers but I don't know if my schedule at Wal-MArt will interfere. Then there is the little thing with the cost of supplies. I liked my final cake but there was a few flaws but what the hey I am only human.

Good Company

This was a fun weekend. Not only was it Fathers Day weekend but I was graced with a visit from my youngest Justin and his better half Sheena. We had a great visit and they enjoyed themselves here on the ranch. John and Justin bonded over Wii golf and bowling while Sheena and I chatted as I made Zucchini Bread. John and Justin then played a game of pool while I painted a picture for John's mothers Birthday. When we were through playing around John grilled some great steaks and we ate a great late lunch early dinner. A great time was had by all. I hated to see Justin and Sheena leave but I was glad that they took Kristan's stuff to her plus some stuff we had gathered for Boog. I hope he likes his new bed set and his Tonka truck. I am off today so I hope we have a quiet Fathers Day because it is off to work tomorrow. I got up then finished John's Mom's Birthday Cake and we plan on taking her out to eat. SO much for a relaxing day. For some reason I am always on the go.

Cake and Eat it Too

Class 3 cake




practice roses

Ants on my melon cake

Today was a tough day for me. I had a bunch of orders plus more people came in expecting a cake today. I wish customers would be more considerate. We have a lot of orders and it is just so inconsiderate to walk in or call and expect us to make you a cake. I am all about customer service but come on people we are not miracle workers. There are days that we have so many orders we are literally rushing through the day to make sure all are done on time. Then there are days we start behind and never catch up. Today was one of those days. Then at the last minute someone called in and wanted a cake for 7am. Since Wal-Mart has cut our hours and I no longer go in at 7am I had to make the cake giving up my last break which I badly needed. I did manage to make one of my favorite cakes today. I love doing the Ants on My Melon Cake.

Then as I finished filling the case before leaving I realized that after a full day of icing cakes I had a cake class to go to. Well the class was great and my cake turned out pretty great.

I am enjoying taking the class and to make things better I now have a lot of neat tools to make cakes at home.

It Was On Like Capone

This morning just before our bike ride John took Mater and Bridget next door to the big house to hang out with Lucy the Basset Hound and Coco the Pomeranian so they wouldn't be alone in the Pea Pod. When we were through with our ride John ran to the big house to grab something when he heard a huge ruckus. One of the Long Black haired house cats had started another ruckus but this time the dogs had her cornered in the Master Bath. It was like the US Military after Bin Laden. The Evil Do'er was up on the far edge of the huge garden tub tensed and in fighting stance. Mater the Boston Terrier (who must have been representing the Marines) was in the Garden Tub while the rest of the armed forces were at the tubs edge barking their heads off. Of course I am getting this all second hand. John said fur must have been flying because there was black fur everywhere. I headed over to the big house so I could start his mom's laundry and took a look for myself. Indeed there was black fur everywhere. There was only one cat in the window so possibly her twin sister had tired of the whole chase and went else where. It has been an ongoing battle between the black cats and the resident dogs. The cats will stand on the edge of the counter and hiss unmentionables at the dogs who in turn jump at them and bark back their own reply. Several times the cats have been chased through the house and out the pet door. I don't know what it is about these two particular cats. Mater and Bridget get along with the other felines that call the ranch home but for some reason the two long haired Evil Do'ers cause all the dogs to have conniption fits. Maybe it is something they say. I guess this morning the Evil Do'er didn't know that the four legged Military of the Big House were in the mood to go to war. I guess Lucy and Coco were representing the Army like their mom and dad. Mater and Bridget must have been representing the Marines. I wonder where the Navy and Air Force were during this skirmish?

I Can't Believe it has been that long

Today marks the twentieth anniversary of my fathers death. I was a daddy's girl for most of my life. I would follow him around when he was at home. When we went shopping I would opt to hang around my dad not my mother. I would hang around him as he piddled around the garage and yard. I even helped work on the family vehicles. I learned a lot from my father. He used to tell me little things like "If you lose your temper you lose" or "Walk softly and carry a big stick" and tell me all sorts of tales about his life as a child and young adult. I never heard my father raise his voice or curse. He had large strong hands but a gentle touch. I remember sitting and watching his hands as he repaired the family station wagon. I remember long summer drives through Texas. My dad was a wonderful man and I am proud to say I am a lot like him. Maybe I am this way because of his guidance. It doesn't matter I am Keyloulou. The eldest daughter of James Gayhart. I love you Daddy and I miss you tremendously.

All in a Storm

Thursday was my cake class and as we were decorating our cakes a storm ensued outside. When the class was over John and I discussed the tornado warning and the heavy rain. We decided to head to downtown Burnet so we could stop and get my mail. Well we didn't make it to the Post Office. Once we saw the tattered flag at the Auto Dealership and the rubble of what was once a Wrecking yard we decided to head back to the ranch to make sure all was well on the home front. The kids were happy to see us and shaken. The Green house was in tatters and limbs were down everywhere. Then as we were about to go to bed the news announced round 2. One thing bad about summers in Texas is the unpredictable bad weather.

Fishy sort of Day

Sorry Mater but you can't go this time.

Today John took me fishing on Inks Lake. We usually go there and fish from the bank but since I am on vacation he decided to take me out in the boat. We got up at 4am then ate a light breakfast before making sure all was well in the animal kingdom at the big house. We had loaded the boat and truck up last night so we could get to the lake at sunrise.

Sunrise June 9, 2009 at Inks Lake

My job was to hold the Blue Skeeter's leash while John pulled the trailer out from under her. She slowly slid off the floated their patiently until John parked the truck the hurried back to climb in then hold her still so I could climb in too. Once we were in the boat he strapped my new yellow and black life jacket on me then put his Bass Pro Shop live vest on before he turned the key and started the motor. We idled out to the marker.

John The Captain oops I mean Sargent

So happy

John pushed the throttle and we were sailing on top of the water as he headed out to a few placed he wanted to fish. The first place we stopped I was anxious to fish so while John was figuring out which rod to use I cast out side ways then reeled in slowly. Suddenly there was a strike and my line was gone. "Oh crap" I exclaimed as I reeled in the first catch of the day. John was on his knees at the front of the boat and when he saw I had a fish he just shook his head then stuck it underwater. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to" I cried as he stuck his head under one more time and screamed. After a few throws he caught himself a pretty striped bass.

Having a great time

We went from one location to another and I was mesmerized by the beauty. My favorite place had to be the stairs that led up to nothing. I figured someone had a home there once but now it was over grown.

Stairs to Nowhere

All in all it was a great day. It was my first time to go fishing on a small boat. My first time to drive a boat and my first time to fall out of a boat. How did I fall out? We won't go there.

My turn to drive

I Dub thee Petunia

Since I am not able to take long walks yet ( as per Dr. Krause) John and I did a little recon mission in the toy department at Wal-mart. After searching through the bikes hanging high above my head I had sticker shock. Didn't they have a bike that I liked that didn't cost half my pay. I have just a couple prerequisites. First it must be multi speed, then it had to be at least 27 inches, last but not least it had to be purple. I will not buy a bike that is any other color than purple. I was about to give up when we rounded the corner to look at the last isle of bikes. There above my head out of my reach was a purple and white 18 speed bike for less than a hundred bucks. That's the one I whispered to John. Being the Marine he is he muscled the bike down from it's lofty perch. I happily walked beside him as he pushed the bike to the front registers. He had threatened to ride it through the store but decided against it because it was my work place. Once the bike was paid for he rode it out of the store and through the parking lot to the truck. I was all smiles I had a new bike. When we arrived home I rode her around the long drive and the house and workshop. I loved her. Today is my first day of vacation so I plan on going for my first long ride around the area. I am starting my goal to be in good enough shape to trek the Appalachia Trail from Georgia to Maine. I have four years to get in shape for that huge undertaking.

Pulling his leg

I must admit I love John. He is one of the most caring people I have known. He loves to go fishing which is one of my favorite past times. We had a chat the other day and I was touched at how he opened up to me so I decided to give him a little excitement. Yesterday I concocted a little scheme while he was taking a little power nap on the floor with Bridget. He had been making a card for someone and left his alphabet stamps by the computer. I reached over then grabbed a piece of paper from a legal pad and made a Ransom note. The note read

I have your fishing pole

do as I say or

you will never

see it again

I then hung it in the bathroom and waited patiently for him to find it. Just before we were to head over to the big house for dinner he found the note. HE yelled "Oh no you don't mess with a man's fishing pole" I just laughed an evil laugh then walked out the door. HE played the forlorn angler a bit but then we went on with the daily ritual of dinner, cleaning up then coming back to the pea pod for the evening. This morning he was busy getting the trash together at the big house and here so I made up a new note with my computer. it read

PROOF OF LIFE

Your fishing pole is safe for now

do as you are told and we will return her

she cried for you last night

When he came in the pea pod I asked him to please put the alcohol in the bathroom. When he opened the door he cried out "Oh no you didn't" I laughed as he ran out the door with note in hand then headed over to the big house. He came back then told me to make sure I was dressed the police were on the way. When he walked out again I printed up a fake fishing report saying that it was a record year for anglers and trophy size Bass were biting on anything you put in the water.

I think John is enjoying the little game. Now I need to think up a Ransom. Any suggestions?

to be continued......

Birthday Perfection

Just wanted to thank everyone for the perfect birthday yesterday. Now that I am the big 50 I promise to blog more often so I don't forget. Memory goes first . Right?

Mater the Lawnboy

Mater has learned a new bad habit. A few weeks ago John was mowing the grass in the fenced back yard on the riding mower. Mater, Bridget and I were back there picking up sticks and the scattered toys. John stopped the mower long enough for Mater to trot over and ask for a little attention. John picked him up then restarted the mower. Mater enjoyed helping mow the lawn so much he now thinks that when he hears the mower going he needs to be on board.
Usually Mater and Bridget stay around us and the Pea Pod when we are home. While I am icing cakes at Wal-Mart they stay with John but when the two of us are busy they stay in the fenced in back yard at the big house with the Coffman bunch. The Coffman bunch consist of a Basset Hound named Lucy, a Peke a weenie named Jada, a chihuahua named Dora, a Chihuahua named Barney, a BT wawwa named Benson and a who knows what named Molly plus a slew of cats. I must say my two fur kids get spoiled at home and in the big house. This is probably why Bridget gained so much weight.
Last week when John was working around the Pea Pod he had Mater and Bridget outside enjoying themselves. Since the whole ranch is fenced they are safe. Major Jim was on the riding mower cutting the front half of the ranch. John looked up and Mater was missing. He went on a recon mission to find the missing brown and white kid. Low and behold there he was in Major Jim's lap mowing the grass. He said he couldn't say much because he was with the Major. Later that day we found out that Mater has made a habit of insisting on riding on the mower. Maybe Mater was a Lawn boy in a previous life. He hates riding in the car but he loves the lawn mower.
Bridget was a problem at first but since she has gained so much weight she stays pretty close to the pea pod. Mater is now the one that we have to go searching for. If he is not hanging out with the Major he is by the fence visiting the neighbor's goats or harassing a cat or two. The other day John scolded Mater for trying to run off and mow the lawn. Mater came back like a good boy but was seen minutes later slinking like a cat in the high grass trying to sneak away. Maybe we should get Mater his own riding lawn mower then lease him out so we can make extra money with out breaking a sweat.
BT LAWN CARE
or
MATER MOWER

To Store or Not To Store

Since most of my stuff sits in a storage facility John and I decided it would be cheaper to buy a storage building and place it by the Pea Pod. We started by building a platform to erect the building on. John had fun clowning around and keeping me laughing as the sweat poured off the two of us.

Once we screwed down the last piece of plywood I commented that John had built us a dance floor. He led me to the centred of the platform and said wait right here. He then ran into the pea pod and played an Elvis song. He ran back out so we could dance on our newly erected dance floor under that beautiful blue Texas sky.

Of course Mater had to get involved. After a full days work we went in to shower and rest up. On Saturday we started to erect the building by carefully following directions. Sometimes they didn't make sense on the order of things but we did not question the instructions.

After spending most of the day Saturday fighting with the tin and poor John getting one cut after another we were nearly through. John sat down to give Mater and Bridget some needed attention. We had to chase Mater away a few times because he kept bringing his golf ball over then dropping it on the wood floor. He would grin at the ker plunk then watch the ball roll.

We put the doors on the next day after much needed time away to run errands. With the building complete all that is left to do is position it where we want it on the platform and screw it down. We also decided to build a lean to of sorts on one side so we can store our fishing poles out of the weather. John commented on the fact I was not in any of the pictures. I replied I was the one behind the camera.

While we were busy doing this I found out that Publish America has went up on the prices of the books they Publish. I am now wondering if I should look for another publisher or possibly Self Publish. More about this later.