Dar's Two Sense

It's the woodpecker's fault...

I should be working on my half-finished ebook. Or on my Coach ezine. Updating my website, even. But not! That silly woodpecker derailed me... 'Woodster' is what I've named him. photo similar to Woodster

You see, Woodster showed up in my backyard about 2 weeks ago. He visited a stump back near the fence, drumming away happily. I stood in awe, because I've never seen such a large woodpecker. I've never watched one drum for as long as he did, either. He moved into the neighbor's yard after a few minutes.

The cartoons have done these beautiful woodpeckers an injustice. He was majestic, and I was fascinated. His beautiful red head worked feverishly chipping away at the stump, over and over. I stood there wishing I had a video camera with me. Although in truth, it wouldn't have been able to capture the speed and consistency the Woodster portrayed.

Seeing Woodster that day left me in a research mode. I believe he's a "Pileated" woodpecker, according to his coloring and behavior.

Last week found me hanging some suet in hopes of attracting him again, or others like him. We'll see if it works... I also found info on designing a yard to ensure the woodpeckers will always have a habitat -- and food year round.

I found myself thinking of my grandfather who passed away several years ago. He would have loved Woodster. He probably could have told me anything I needed to know about the woodpecker. Grandpa loved wildlife and all living creatures, and continued his love of nature after retiring as a Missouri Conservationist.

Woodster by himself is not what fascinates me, though. I've had Grandpa on my mind for several months now. I'm not sure why. He's just there. Several months ago, I began a morel mushroom habitat. It was Grandpa who taught me to distinguish the good mushrooms from the poison ones. The morels were our favorites. He also showed us where the choice spots were for finding them... I'll see if those spores take. If they do, I'll get a picture and post it for you.

I'll share more thoughts of Grandpa another time. It's late and I'd best hit the hay.

I, too, miss those days...

Peggy Kaplan of What If... has a great post up: Strangers in a Strange Land. Really great thoughts there (go check it out). Here's a small piece of her post:

I think part of our detachment from others comes from an unhealthy relationship with materialism. Every waking hour must be spent in the pursuit of more money, more assets, more "stuff."

Who has time to get to know the neighbors? To sit for a few hours over a cup of tea, or take long walks and discuss age old issues?

Hmmm... My thoughts exactly. I call it the Rat Race -- that elusive race many of us seem to be participating in -- whether passively or consciously. How, exactly, do we *win* the rat race, by the way?

Some years ago, I found myself competing furiously in just such a race. I recall putting myself on *pause* one day (after many years), and began to take time out to really think about where I was headed, rushing about so furiously. And the 'why' of it... It wasn't getting me where I wanted to go. I didn't long for a larger home to clean, or a fourth car to insure and protect (add a bigger garage to store it, too)...

No, I wanted none of those things. I simply wanted a more simple life. One where I would have time and energy to meet with a friend at a coffee shop if I felt like it that day... I didn't want to *squeeze* it in amongst all the other *musts.*

That year, I came to the conclusion that my *musts* were mostly a result of needing to make money to pay for those *musts.* But I was so busy working that I could no longer enjoy even a peaceful existence.

Those of you who know me will also recognize this: that was also the year I made up my mind that I wouldn't be trapped into overworking to pay for things (which I didn't have time to enjoy anyway.) Yes, that's the year I decided to go debt-free. Along with that decision came my commitment to never, ever owe anyone money -- which in turn could trap me into working jobs I don't like, or more hours than is healthy for a soul.

I now encourage others to do the same. I do have one regret: that I didn't do it sooner. :-)

Ketchup night

Okay, I decided to make tonight my catch-up night on the blog here (hence, the Ketchup).

Now, I'm not too sure of blog etiquette, but Gini has posted several comments and I need to respond to some of them. (Does anyone know the proper etiquette? i.e. Do I respond in the 'comments' section, under someone's comments?) Hey, I don't claim to be a blog pro. Far from it. Well, until someone lets me know otherwise, I'll just reply back here.

Yes, Gini. You'll see small glimpses of the real me here at the blog, lol. And yes, I confess. I'm a rock'n'roller. I still prefer rock 'n roll to other types of music. Bob Seger is still my guy. I've probably just given away my age. But there you have it.

I also like some of the older country and gospel music (I grew up with family members playing music, osmosis kicked in, and these songs still run around in my head.)

I get dustbunnies and occasionally have to hunt them down. It's hilarious, and probably a good thing I don't do it very often. I get that Elmer Fudd look, you know? If I injure myself, my newsletter will be late. Then there'd be some real trouble.

Re doggie kisses -- No, no!! Never on the lips!!! But those sweet kisses are always welcome. I mostly get kisses behind the knee, if you can believe it. Frisk and Ben -- when they're walking behind me or almost caught up with me -- they sneak in those little kisses. As in, "We're right behind ya, mom. All the way. And just so you don't forget we're here, we're gonna remind you." Well, that's my interpretation, anyway.

Steve over at blytheblog took time out to say hi last week in his blog, so a hearty Hello back to you, Steve! Steve always makes me think -- and I enjoy knowing when he's posted something new for me to ponder. I am a thinker -- and a ponderer -- at heart. His blog allows you to sign up to be notified when he has new entries. If mine has that capability, I haven't figured it out yet. I've a long way to go with these blogs, I fear.

Nite all, I've got to refill my Ketchup. :-)

dar

How Do Dogs Know??

It was quiet in the park. Several frivolous clouds meandered in the blue overhead, totally unconcerned of their destiny. Below, two faithful Labradores walked with their master, one each side of him. Ben, the youngest of the Labs, pointed his nose to the blue sky, sniffed the air.

Tiny paws slowed, then halted. Two chocolate ears dropped, similar to those of a rabbit scavaging for winter food. The shaking, shivering and panting began...

Ben's tail stood at attention -- then promptly dropped and tucked between his muscled legs.

The message in his eyes was clear:

There's a S-T-O-R-M on the way!

Master Nick, having learned to listen well to young Ben, promptly loaded both Labs in the car and booked on home.

Three hours later, the storm rolled through. Thunder, lightning and torrential downpours were heaped upon us.

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I grew up around animals on a small farm. Although we didn't have horses, we all knew that horses had that *sense* about them. Horses know when a storm is headed in.

What I didn't know was that dogs could have that same sense.

There's definitely some truth in the adage -- we're never too old to learn something new. :-)

Have a great one!

dar

Peter Frampton in St. Louis!

Yes!! I finally got to see Peter Frampton live! He was here in St. Louis this evening at Riverport Theatre (now UMB). Styx was also here (I had seen Styx last when I was 16.) So it's been awhile... :-)

Dh and I just got back. Wow! What a concert... I had never gotten to see Frampton so I was truly excited about this. He and his band were definitely worth the wait, though. Do you happen to remember that thick head of blonde hair he had back in the 70's? He doesn't have that anymore (it looked as though he'd shaved his head, lol.)

We've watched specials on tv about him. He's a very humble person, believe it or not. He's had some tough times over the years (can you relate to that?) He does have a wonderful sense of humor, too.

I'm really glad we took time out to go see him. It does my soul good to listen to some rock 'n roll, out in the open air, surrounded by thousands of other fans. We had a gorgeous evening (I'd been worried it might rain because the wind had picked up.) But it settled down; there was a great breeze to cool us from time to time.

A few years back, we saw Charlie Daniels and Leonard Skynard -- and we had a downpour right in the middle of the concert. Thousands of people were pushing their way under the big tent to get out of the rain. At one point, we were all elbow to elbow (a little too close for me!). But it was a good natured crowd and the music continued.

Yes, I still love my rock 'n roll. Guess there are some things that don't change as we get older. :-)

Happy Mother's Day to you!

See you soon,

dar

I'm back, Baby! Dustbunnies and all...

Oops... I did it again! I was working harder to spend more time blogging -- but obviously I've blown it, big time.

I arrived in the blog last night, determined to get back on track -- only to discover that everything had disappeared. Yes, all the posts -- mine and those who've left comments. (cursing, moaning and groaning...)

Help desk answered today (thank u, Brenna!) and I'm happy to say it was nothing serious. So I'm back, Baby!
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So, where have I been, you ask. Hmmm... knee-deep in dust, mostly. I'm doing Spring cleaning (my least favorite thing to do). The good news is that my cousin is helping me (she's a natural AND enjoys cleaning!) We're not just cleaning dust, though -- we're actually going through cabinets, nooks and crannies. We're eliminating junk and reorganizing while cleaning. To me, this is a major chore.

We decided to start 2 weeks ago because I'd like it to be under control (and beautiful) the week before Mother's Day. Early May is a big deal as we celebrate my dad's birthday, Mother's Day, and little Nick's birthday -- all on the same day. Family and friends will be here -- and I don't want to be cleaning the day before the big party. That'll leave a few days for me to stress over the food preparations, lol. :-)
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I finished up one of my teleclasses, just one left to go. It finishes up in mid-May. Both are excellent classes, the coach is wonderful, but it takes away from the time I have available for other things (like blogging).

My newsletter is calling; I've still got to finish it up to send out tomorrow evening.

Have a great one, and I'll see you soon, barring any further disappearances of my blog, lol.

dar

Simple $10 Debt Elimination Solution

It has been raining off and on for several days now. You know, I really do enjoy the rain, though. As long as it doesn't flood, that is... We've had that around these parts, and it's not a pretty thing.

I love the fact that here in Missouri we do have the different seasons. Spring and Fall are my favorites. Have you ever lived in a place that had no change in the seasons? Ugh! I've done that, and I really didn't enjoy it at all. Boooorring! No need to change wardrobes, every day is just like any other day. Guess I just like change.

While I enjoy the storms, I feel somewhat guilty right now because Little Beaner (Ben, 3-y-o Chocolate Lab) is terrified of storms. He hates the thunder, the lightning. I find him under my feet, curled up in a fetal position. A shivering, shaking, panting bundle of nerves. It's sometimes hours later before he calms down again. Once he realizes it's storming outside, his ears droop, tail goes between his legs, and he's like a different little guy. That's my Little Beaner. He's back to normal tonight after several stressful days.

I just finished this week's newsletter. You'll find it here:

The Simple $10 Debt Elimination Solution

See you later. Have a fantastic week!

dar

Are You Mortgaging Your Dream?

Now that's an interesting question. Today's newsletter has another great article for you if you tend to stretch your spending to the max.

If your money is already all 'taken' up with paying the bills, how will you nurture and grow your dream?

It'll get you thinking. Read on...

Are You Mortgaging Your Dream?

Enjoy! See you soon.

dar

That's Close Enough For Me...

Yesterday, I backed slowly out of the garage as usual. It's always a tight squeeze with both our cars in there, so I back straight out - no turning to the left or right. My focus is always on the left rear mirror. I was out and headed down the drive -- when I heard a scraping sound to my right side. Metal on metal. What the heck?

I stopped, looked around. And there I was, parallel with hubby's car. Kissing it, actually. :-) Just a smidge closer to it than was healthy.

I hadn't realized dh had left his car parked in the middle of the driveway. Naughty me for not paying attention.

No harm done; it could have been much worse. I could have backed into it head-on and caused some real damage. As it was, I got off with some light scrapes. Both cars are white so there's minimal paint damage.

Whew! That's close enough for me...

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Last time I wrote, my Frisco had a shaved spot where her neck was healing from a dog bite. Quick update: she's healing wonderfully. Her hair is growing back, covering the bare spot. She hasn't had any other problems with it. Frisk finally quit scratching the area -- which helped it heal more quickly. It's a relief that she's on the mend and doing well. We fret when either of the dogs aren't well.

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I've enrolled in a teleclass which has been taking a lot of my time recently. I'm working on writing another book; this one is somewhat smaller than my other one. It's just too exciting!

I'll try to be more faithful in writing in my blog. Time has been short as I attend my class and do the homework. :-) Of course, I also have my weekly newsletter to work on which goes out evenings on Sunday.

Take care, until I see you again.

How to Get your Dog to Stop Scratching...

A Paw-sock for my Frisco...

My 11-y-o Lab was chatting with another dog down the street. He obviously didn't like what she was saying, because he bit her. She has a small puncture wound just below her floppy ear. Well, it was a simple wound until she started scratching it. We shaved the area and were putting ointment on it and cleaning it daily. But she just kept scratching at it until she got it infected. It cost $60 for the vet visit, some antiseptic ointment and antibiotics...

So, being creative parents and all, we made a small paw-sock for her. We cut up a sock, using the bottom seamed area of it. We covered the lower part of her paw, wrapping it lightly with medical tape, so she can't scratch the area. I have to say it's pretty brilliant - and it's working! The area that had looked so bad just a few days ago is now healing quickly. Of course, it doesn't look the best, with a huge patch of hair shaved off. I warned her she probably wouldn't get any dates this week.

She and I, now, are off to have a little chat of our own. She's got to learn a bit of balance while applying her Right to Free Speech.

Wish me luck!