Some Retro Christmas

Just foolin' around w/ some vintage tree toppers and lighted stuff from the 40's and 50's.

Really, just goofin' and playin'.

Still need to hide the wires and such...or not.

And, the obligatory photo of our foster pup Otis and Zoe.  Thank God that Zoe is the best dog on earth...at least the best dog on earth under our roof!
Happy Advent people!

Sometimes It's Good to Escape

Although my life is full of fuzzy puppies and darling little kittens,

I still find a need to go to a happier place.

As an owner of a 4 yr. old Lab, our life is pretty good.  Dogs make everything better.  The little puppy is a 4 week old, our newest foster.  He was found at a county landfill last week.  His three littermates were there too, although dead.  We'll foster him several more weeks to help him grow up and learn some more good dog manners from our Lab.  I was able to gladly take him from the rescue group as we'd just gotten home from another cruise.

We went on the Carnival Dream to the Western Caribbean.  

It was a "Halloween" cruise so, got ready w/ a proper pedicure!

We took my husband's 85 yr. old mother with us!  She did great.  This picture is when we're leaving the group on Halloween night.  I was taking her back to her cabin so she could turn in and I was heading to bed myself.  I was SO tired every night that I went to bed when she did!

We rented a cab at Cozumel and went to Paradise Beach.  I wish we could cruise twice a year.  Once a year doesn't seem enough to me.

This bird bit and I was freaked out!  One of the employees put him on my arm.  He was beautiful, entertaining to watch.

When we came back to the port at Cozumel we sat at the most crowded raucous bar.  It was full of cruise ship passengers who were drinking and dancing.  We stopped in for a beer sat at an outdoor table.  The view of our ship was so pretty.  Hopefully, I can post sooner next time but, day to day life seems a struggle.  As usual, I am looking for balance and serenity in my good ol' Nebraska life.  I hope that you have some measure of those two things!

Our last two fosters were Shih Tzus.  Hamish was 4 monthsold and found his permanent  home right away. Angus was 3 months and found a home after 2 weeks.  He was hilarious.  I never though much of the breed but, am now a fan!  They are not like any breed I've met.  I felt like I had circus dogs...big circus dogs in little bodies. 

The really interesting story behind them is that they were bought undercover from a hush hush Puppy Mill auction.  The rescue caught wind of a Puppy Mill in Saunders County, Nebraska that was liquidating.  So, they attended the auction undercover as breeders.  I happened to call Cari (the gal who runs the Rescue that I foster for) while she was at the auction.  She spoke in hushed tones and said, "Cindy, you just wouldn't believe it...it's so sad.  But, every Rescue group that I know of is here".  They bought the little males that no one wanted...paid $50 or $60 for each of them  Many small breeds were represented.  I think it's great that they did this.  The adoption fee just has the $ paid at the auction tacked on.  The breeding females (proven producers) sold for $700-$800.  So sad.

She said there was security there and signs everywhere:  "No Pictures".  Some PETA guy was taking pictures w/ his cell phone.  He wasn't so sneaky as they saw him and took his phone.  He started to argue and they tazed him 3 times!  The Saunders County Sheriff came (was called by the creepy auction people) and got his phone back and said they had no right to taze him.  SO very weird.  

So, when I got Hamish and Angus, they'd never been handled by humans before.  What a fairytale it was around here for those several weeks.  They went from frightened little creatures who cowered all of the time to boisterous boys!  Thank God for all of his Creation.  But, Boooooo to the Puppy Mills.  People!  Please rescue your pets or buy from a private home breeder....ask to see their facility before you get a special breed if that's what you want.  Please spay and neuter.  Sermon over.