Farewell Fiona

Sweet Fiona passed away last Wednesday following a brief but aggressive illness... tumor, very large, was detected on her spleen (about the size of a mini-football).  She had sudden weight & appetite loss a few weeks ago... vet originally thought worms... but her decline continued.  

She was 10 years old.  Very sweet, quiet, and mild mannered girl.  Merlin misses her.  He's been checking for her on neighbors' porches, and even in linen closets.  Poor guy.

Just two weeks left for school...  end is near.  We're hanging on, cringing with each email from the higher-ups of what will be the next "cut".  Even the number of school days is on the chopping block!  

Maddie just started "furniture walking" yesterday.  And cutting molars too.  Needs more mommy holding now.  Bless her!  Babies go through so many changes so quickly.  I'd scream too!

Farewell to the Deer Magnet

The poor old black 94 civic has gone on to the recycling place.. for charity.  The "deer magnet" (hit by 2 deer in a year's time - and kept on going!) had an engine rebuild at 264K but it turned out poorly... aftermarket non-Honda parts are puny, as it turns out, and did not last even 20,000 miles.  

We were hoping to get another car to 300K (last one- the 89 Pontiac - my first "new" car!) - but we came pretty close.  Proceeds from that one went to Kidney Foundation.  The Honda's proceeds will donate to "Car Talk" on NPR.  

Work continues on the new walking trail/jumping lane.  It has really kick-started my weight loss/exercise program!  Working 'til dark every night after Maddie goes down really cuts down on the extra calories.  Check future posts for pictures of the trail in progress!

Bob-cattin' the fencline

I had a bright idea not too long ago that a walking trail around the property would help me with exercise.  Having a little one makes it so much of a production to go anywhere... and to "exercise" is a 10-mile one-way minimum trip... So I went to the neighbors and put the idea to them that I wanted to make a trail that was walkable without opening gates, etc...  

Then I decided to make it double as a jumping lane (horse jumping).  Now we're having fun!

So now the concept is reality.  Along with the 20-ft piles of brush & debris that will need to be burned... hahaha.  Check out the progress!  And my 16year-old boarder Sarah driving the Bobcat!  Girls rock!

May Madness

Check out the new Maddie-mobile!  She can finally ride in the back seat.  And I don't have to folded up like a paper clip anymore!  Or buried in toys and bags... yay!

Morale isn't the highest right now in the ol' workplace... pay cuts... compulsory furloughs... but all the jobs still must be done.  So the testing season is in full swing so my mind is swirling with all that paperwork madness.  Not very exciting.  Only the relief of completing it to look forward to!  At least I can ride to and fro the madness in a bit more comfort.