Country Life & Simple Pleasures

Hello everyone! Well, here I am on my birthday with these two, Samson above, and Faith below. And I'm having a wonderful day, seriously. I have felt better the last few days than I did for most of last year. I was worried I would think back on these days last year, but I haven't. I'm learning that you do have somewhat of a choice in where your thoughts take you.

I will have to write a post soon about Samson and Faith. It's interesting to observe how she, 20 pounds lighter than he, is trying so hard to become top dog.  But, for now, let me tell you what's been going on here in the canyon this past week or so.

My Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) cap.

I talked about belonging to the CERT team for our canyon in earlier posts. Yesterday, I participated in an evacuation drill where we used a back road as an emergency exit out of the canyon. There's only one road in and if it becomes blocked by fire or an earthquake, we can use this other road, which in part goes over private land. I have also gone to a couple of meetings. I signed up to be on the Board of a new Volunteer organization for our canyon. Last Thursday, I went to that meeting where we finalized some details needed to obtain an official non-profit status. It's been nice to get out, good to meet some new people and, hopefully, be of some help eventually. 

Friday, Rachael and Luz came up to visit. Rachael gave me her book, I'm An Ambassador, My Lessons in Spiritual Growth for my birthday. It promises to be a very special book. They gave me flowers and Rachael gave me this:

From Victoria's Secret: A most fabulous body lotion, called Mango Temptation. Only problem is that Faith goes crazy for it and follows me around trying to find a spot to lick. Of course we also went thrift store shopping and when we came home, Rachael brushed Samson for me. I work on him most every day, see below, but it's not enough. 

A small portion of undercoat from Samson's left shoulder. 

Samson's fur will not grow back if I cut it. His undercoat will, but not the rest. The main issue right now is that he's not shedding and I have to get rid of his undercoat. I wanted Rachael's opinion and she recommended a currie brush. I will buy one tomorrow. Anything to make this easier for me and better for Samson. A neighbor has given me an air conditioner, a freestanding one. It doesn't fit my present windows, but when I get my new ones, it will. And that will help us all so much.  

After Rachael and Luz left, I had time to go to the crochet group for the first time in ages. There I finished the above, which could be a wash cloth, I think. I have some ideas for Christmas presents and I'm so glad Christmas is still so far away. I need to practice, for sure.

Back in April, when these cow pictures were taken, the neighbor's cows started coming over with their new born calves. 

A friend of mine came over with his tractor and removed all these weeds, the cows got locked up better, so this was kind of cute. Except for what they left behind....

Now my neighbors are getting divorced and when he is here, he doesn't seem to care about where his animals wander. So when these two renegades appeared again, I told my neighbor off. I don't know if it will do any good, we'll see. 

I feel so very cared for by family and friends. I have received gifts and very special, and precious phone calls also. It's been a bit overwhelming even. 

And, for myself, I ordered the above book by one of my favorite American authors, Kent Haruf. I have posted about how much I love his books about life in the small plains town of Holt, Colorado before. When I learned he passed away last November, I was devastated. This is his last book; I know I will treasure it. 

Finally, please check out my friend Hayley-Eszti's blog post of June 18, where she talks about being nominated for a British National Diversity Award - Disability. Hayley has M. E. and the way she has approached her illness is amazing. If you could find it in your heart to go to her blog and vote for her, it would be so great. Some of you know her and admire her as much as I do. Those of you who haven't met her yet, will not regret visiting her blog. Just click here:

http://www.hayleyeszti.com/ and please vote for her.  Thank you!