Misty and her favorite toy

When Misty came to us I asked the breeder for something to include something Misty could have that smelled like her litter mates. Here you see her with her "cow" which has become her favorite. The breeder apologized that it was dirty...but that was just right for Misty.

Good thing this dog is not getting spoiled!

They say dogs are good therapy...well the past two weeks Gary has walked "the loop" in our little gated community more times than he had the whole time since we moved here. Good therapy and exercise for them both!

Misty = the disappearing dog!

Yesterday morning I was on a late track heading out the door to my water aerobics class when I realized I did not know where the dog is. Now for those of you who have had puppies...you know it is like a toddler...if they disappear and you cannot even hear them...you better go see what they have gotten into.

Well I called out her name and both Gary and I started looking under the couch, behind the chair, under the tables, in the corners, all the little places she has hung out in before...no dog to be found! The more we looked, the more concerned we got...no dog...had either of us been out in the garage or outside??? No...then she has to be somewhere in the house.

Behind the toilet, in the cupboards, again under the couch...on and on...still no dog. Finally in the bedroom...I smelled something...the telltale sign of "pooh" but still no dog. Finally I spotted the fact that on each side of our platform bed there is a small slit between the attached chest of drawers on either side and the platform with drawers in it. No way could she have gotten into there...but yes, I could now tell that was where the smell was "emanating" from.

Gary got a flashlight and I shined it in one side...yep, finally a little furry face greeted me but no way was she coming out. As I pondered what seemed like an insurmountable challenge, mechanical Gary just started pulling out the drawers. There she sat in the middle of her new found "den" with a couple little treasures around her. Finally I was able to reach far enough in to "snag" her and pull her out. Retrieving her "treasures" was more of a "treat" but trust me...it got done!

Well, I missed my water aerobics yesterday but instead had an eductational exercise in never underestimating the powers of a puppy!

P. S. Yes, the access points are now blocked...but I am sure she will still invent something new we have not thought of.

Misty relaxing at her new home

Meet our new baby: Misty Mae Stocker

It was time for a little furry one at our house...Misty is a 5 month old Lhasa Apso. We purchased her from a breeder in Grants Pass. She drove up and met me in Salem on Friday to deliver the package.
We are very pleased to acquire her at an age where she is beyond the puppy separation anxiety and ready to be a loving companion to us.

Our past Yorkshire Terriers were so very small and delicate. Misty is small...only 5 lbs now but will be 10 to 12 lbs full grown and is built much "sturdier" than the Yorkies were. The Lhasa Apsos were raised to be guard dogs in Tibet. Their feet are enormous (i.e. snow shoe size) as they had to be able to walk on the snow. They will bark but only to warn of danger and only then until they know you are aware of the issue. We have heard Misty bark just once so far...

The first hour I had her I had her happy in a kennel box...usually they have to be trained to go in them. Also she had never been on a leash and you can see Gary here walking her on a leash...or is she walking him...not quite sure.

Will post another couple pictures of her more up close and very relaxed in her kennel box.
Next step will be a sidecar ride but we have not done it yet. She may appreciate her heavy coat of fur (or is it hair) to keep her warm on those rides but I am sure she will take to it fine. She is very calm and accepting of everything...she is definitely a "keeper".

Laying around at the beach

Cindy and family stayed in Astoria for the night so we went there to visit with them the next day. Just a block or two from their motel was a working fishing dock upon which a large number of huge sea lions have set up "housekeeping". Where do they lay...anywhere they want to! It was quite noisy and entertaining to watch...a perfect adventure for the grandkids.

Another highlight was a trolley ride up and down the waterfront. They explained to us the sights we could see and the historical buildings along the way. It was great fun until we got sidetracked at the end of the line looking at a sail boat and missed our return trolley.

Grandpa + Campfire + Marshmallows = FUN

Everyone had fun poking at the fire and seeing how burnt they could get their marshmallows. I really think Matthew had more marshmallow on his hands and face than went into his stomach!

Company While Camping at Fort Stevens State Park

The past few weeks we spent some time at Oregon State Parks using Gary's disabled veteran's pass. We spent one week at Nehalem Bay State Park and then went north to spend another week at Fort Stevens...just south of Astoria.

This picture is of some of the visitors we had while we were there.

They were not timid at all and were right there as soon as we started roasting hot dogs. Anything that hit the ground they were right there to scoop it up no matter how close they got to you.

It eventually got a bit scary when they started hissing and fighting with each other as there was not enough food to go around. Mike and Cindy (and the three kids) were also visiting with us and it was entertaining to watch my brave daughter Cindy, move higher and higher up on the picnic table out of her fear of the racoons!

A "Bandage Blog"???

Why in the world would Linda take on another blog when her postings here have been a bit sparce lately?
Well most people know not to be surprised by me...check out the new "bandage blog" at http://leprosybandages.blogspot.com
Our little growing circle of volunteers working on leprosy bandages for Vietnam had grown so much that we really needed a "forum" of sorts to promote the momentum and celebrate the success stories.
I am hoping once you check out that site that you will become a frequent visitor there and perhaps even find some #10 crochet thread in your hands while you accept the challenge to knit or crochet leprosy bandages for the cause.
Beyond that my activities as "Personal Effects Coordinator" of TOP keeps me pretty busy researching, finding families, writing letters to notify them of our find and fielding phone calls with the veterans and their families.
I continue to feel so blessed to be able to participate in these worthwhile activities.
Life is good...God is good to us!
Linda