The Perfect Cup of Tea (aka Life)

Sitting here on a quiet holiday Monday, surrounded by my furry crew, keeping it pretty simple as we wait for Dad to come home from work.

I have a book that I write in, not quite a journal, yet not quite anything else that could be labeled. Skimming through it just now I came across a thought that I wanted to share.

It has come to me with perfect timing.

My Nana had some wise advice when I was younger that she shared with me and now I want to share with you.

Never squeeze your tea bag or it will make your cuppa bitter.

Always 'hot your pot' with warm water before making your actual tea AND there is nothing wrong with dunking a bicky, especially the good ones (digestives).

Sitting here with my tea missing this wonderful lady, it occurred to me that these tips for the perfect cup of tea have much to do with life itself.

Never squeeze your tea bag or it will make your cuppa bitter.

In other words don't force the tea to steep.  It will happen of its own accord.  Yes, some teas take longer to reach perfection than others but eventually they all get there.

Anything in life takes time and patience. Never rush it along or it could leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

In life, by speeding ahead, you could be missing the best of the flavours in whatever it is you are attempting to do.  Leave the frustration behind, sit back and everything will turn out perfectly the way it is suppose to in the end.

AND if I may add, not everyone has the same taste in the kind of tea they enjoy.  So what is most enjoyable for one person may not be for another.

Always 'hot your pot'

According to Nana by doing this you have a better pot of tea.

The right environment for the perfect cup.  Preparation is key to anything we do.  Even if it is just getting into the right mind set. Positive (warm) thoughts lead to a happier outcome.

And dunk that cookie, or bicky as my Nana called it.

If you want to add that sweet treat then do it.

Don't deny yourself. I'm not talking about food treats either, if there is something that will add to your day to make it perfect, then do it.

A simple nap to taking classes learning a new language.

If there is a 'treat' you want, go for it and enjoy it guilt free.

Oh, and sing always.

One fond memory of my Nana was how she always sang.

And why not?

Letter of Thanks

A new year is upon us.

I've been ever so neglectful of my blog and I'm not sure why.

Laziness?
No, I love to write and do so in a written journal often.
Boredom?
Not that either, I love reading other blogs so that cannot be it.
Busy?
Yep, on the nose.
In fact I write this in the few moments of quiet restful me time before leaving for work.

Work.... ugh.... I love, LOVE my job but after 2 weeks off for the holidays it is really hard this year to get back to a routine and part of that is getting my butt in gear to head back to work.

I've had the most wonderful 2 weeks off which also led me to wanting to send this letter of thanks out to those who made my break what it was.


Jesse
For you unconditional love, for giving up a week from your busy life of theatrical pursuits and work hours to be with us.  I miss you very much and hated, HATED saying goodbye when you left for your home back east.  We will see you again sooner than later I hope!!

Mom and Dad
Just for being who you are I am thankful every day.
Mom,  you make me smile over the holidays.. especially with our 'box' game.  Your enthusiasm for wanting to have us all together is important.
Dad, for being a good sport and hanging with Teddy in front of the telly while we toughed out the cold around the fire.

Andrea
For opening your door to our crazy family this holiday once again.
For being the best sister and friend I could ever ask for and having that one person I can phone or text in a time of need.

Mike
For showing an interest in my crazy winter sport and wanting to share this interest by hanging out in the cold while you capture our crazy moments.  This I am ever so thankful for.

Rick and Dena
For allowing me to step into a role within your team of furry athletes.  Amazing dogs belonging to an amazing family.  I have so much fun with them and their quirky personalities.
Yes I even enjoy being dragged along behind the team eating dirt, grasses and snow... well... okay maybe 'enjoy' is a little bit of an exaggeration.    However it all builds experience and I learn so much every time I am out with Rick and the team.
My next goal is being able to drag that sled to the tree or post to tie off on my own.

Cherrie
For finally getting together for 'us' time!
I miss our time that we used to spend together and am hopeful for many this upcoming year.  I'm also thankful for the results from your medical ordeal.









Brianne
I know we we were not together for this break, but knowing you are happy with your adventures (and healthy!!) makes me feel so much better and makes missing you that much easier.

Ray
I left you until last.
My biggest thanks is to you.
You are an incredible partner in my life and over this holiday break you came through in waves.
Pretty much taking over the outside dog chores for the break.
Following me through the mall while I hunted for just the right shoes.
Supporting me in my sadness over our boy heading back East.
Helping to get dogs organized and taking us to the field so I could run the dogs even when you were feeling crappy with your back and shoulder.
Staying home alone with the dogs while I leave you all to hang out on the back of a sled for hours and even having supper waiting for me!
I could not ask for a better husband, partner, and friend.
Thank you.

Thanks to everyone who makes a difference in my life.   There are so many of you out there that just one letter could never cover it all.  This includes ALL my friends over social media, the daily chats and comments all make me thankful for you in my life as well.

It was this holiday season that was full of relaxation, joy and excitement that made me sit back and realize that none of this would have happened without all you special people in my life.

Thank you.

Hillcrest Challenge

It's been one week.

A week to recover from such a strenuous weekend.

Seven women placed into a small hall in the middle of nowhere from Friday night until Sunday afternoon

Women with one thing on their minds. 

Willing to sacrifice their families, commitments and soft beds for two nights.  Putting themselves at risk for paper cuts, ink stains and sleep deprivation to name just a few.

The stress we endured as we placed photos from the past against different colour combinations knowing that once they were put into place with adhesive that there would be no turning back.

Even more stress of needing to use items brought so that it wouldn't feel like a waste of space (and so little of that is had when packing).  Items such as inks and ribbon were needing to be used.

Ideas shared and hoping that you were not offending anyone by stealing theirs.  

Hoping that no one else would walk through the doors as the clothing choices for the full day were not conducive to entertaining anyone who was not on the same mind path.

The smoke that filled the room as our minds ran on over time coming up with new ideas.

The depression, well okay, maybe not depression.  

The sadness that kicks in when it's time to pack up and head home knowing that we only put ourselves through this torture once a year.

It is amazing how much stuff is needed for two nights away from home.  Packing queens are what we have become.

Two late nights sitting around talking about.... about? 

 I don't even remember most of what was spoken of.... perhaps I am following the code of "What happens at Hillcrest stays at Hillcrest"???

I can tell you however with 100% certainty that Scallops are a shell fish.

Don't ask.

I normally do not sleep in. 

Ever.

Someone however had slipped our drinks with some form of drug that enabled us ALL to sleep in.  Naps were even had on the Saturday.

The snoring that echoed the small room was testimony to this.

Which is a nightmare for scrapbookers who are on limited hours,minutes and seconds to get their work done.

You just have no idea what we endured.

I only wish that I could go away on scrapbook weekends with the ladies more than once a year.

I always have so much fun even though we have to put up with all the horrendous experiences that I have described here.

A toast... to Linda, Carol, Cindy, Marlene, Sandy and Cory..... to next year.

Doggone Adventures

I was thinking the other day that we are getting so pro at this dog sledding 'thing' as everything generally runs so smoothly.
Feeling like I could hook up with my eyes closed and following the same routine makes each outing run near perfect.

Until today.

Suppose I was feeling a little cocky and deserved tonights adventure.

The trail right now is fast and icy.
Not bad for training runs getting ready for a sprint race in two weeks time.
However my kids also like the distance and are not satisfied with doing the race trail once so we always run it twice at the very least.
Tonight was no exception and with a little bit of a tangle coming into the truck the first time I was able to get them back out for our second run without too much trouble.

I was on my own and didn't bother putting a sled bag on opting only for a small handle bar bag that carried items such as extra rope and a head lamp.
It was a cold run and the dogs and I were covered in frost as the sun made its way below the horizon leaving us in a dusky light as we made our way over the second last bridge.
At this point Rocky decided he had to poop... so I slowed down for him as he kept squatting and nothing was happening.... the third attempt he ended up slipping his collar in order to stop dead to try and aim for a successful BM for the fourth time.

Groaning I thought to myself... forget it, we only have one more bridge to go and then we are on the home stretch... he can run without a collar.
Which he did happily, tail up bounding along at his own speed, even slowing down to run beside the sled which gave me a chuckle as his face had the look of confused shock prompting him to shoot forward and tighten his tug line.
Running to the truck I praised my kids as I always do, telling them how wonderful they are and that it was snack time.

Tonight was going to be different.

Instead of heading to the truck we ran right past it in order to do the trail for a third time!!!
Now normally I would be whooping and "Good Dawging" it but with Rocky out of his collar I needed to stop everyone and at the very least re-attach Rocky.
I was at level with the back of the truck and for whatever reasoning I had for this I put the snow hook around the hitch instead of the snub line.
Leaving the sled I then walked forward to put Rocky back in his collar.  It was at this point that Elly decided it was time to go and pulled us all forward setting all the other dogs into a frenzied mass of fur which then ripped the snow hook off the truck and propelled the sled forward.
I was at Rocky's side and was thrown into the sled with my one leg going under the front this made Rocky panic and he then ripped himself out of his harness.  So now I had a loose dog with no collar or harness on, tail wagging and tongue hanging out with a smug look on his face.

Elly and Rigby were both screaming to get going again and were pulling me forward with my one leg now caught around the tug line which at one time held Rocky.
Trying to Hang on to the sled, which had no sled bag for a grip, and one hand on the gang line while yelling (or would that be screaming) for Elly to stop must have made for an interesting sight for anyone driving by.
 "WHOA!!!!"
Looking up at the front of the line I saw that Elly had also slipped her collar and it was now hanging down around Hubba's neck putting him into a state of panic as he tried to get away from the object swinging around his face as he also desperately tried to wiggle out of his harness.

I had to think, and think fast as the dogs kept surging me forward in an almost face down position at the back of the team.  Pictures of me being pulled along at top speed with Rocky bounding around the team loose flashed through my mind at this point.
Somehow I managed to pull myself up and quickly let go of everything in order to lunge forward to grab the handle and hit the brake.
Everything was so icy yet I had no choice but to kick the snow hook into the ground as hard as I could so that I would be able to get to the leaders and turn them around to get back to the truck... I would deal with the loose Rocky later.

I let go of the sled and reached down and grabbed the snow hook line that is attached to the front of the sled, the dogs sensing this movement shot forward again ripping the snow hook out of the ground and out of my hands giving me massive rope burn and taking off on me... again I was able to catch the sled and once more stopped the now crazed dogs.
My last resort now was to let the dogs run forward until I reached the starting gate which gave me something to tie my snub line to.  I also dug the snow hook into the ground here for added security.
At this point I unhooked each dog individually and brought them back to the truck.
All the while Rocky was prancing around following me back and forth to the truck.

I loved that they wanted to go again and if it wasn't for my wandering Rocky we would have.
I also love the fact that Rocky actually stuck around and came to me when it was his turn to be hooked to the truck.
I do NOT love that I now sit in pain as both my hands scream at me, or that there are muscles in my back that didn't know they existed until now.

Lesson learned.
Never lose sight of the fact that anything can happen at anytime.

I be ever so humbled.

Not sure if you can see the rope burns.. three lines worth,x two on the fingers and one on the top portion of the palm.... on both hands!

 On that note.
It was an excellent run and the dogs did a great job.

Tough Decisions

It’s been a tough week for me.

I’m dealing with some medical issues that we don’t need to go into detail over, but let’s just say that getting old isn’t all fun and games, or all that it is cracked up to be.   Only a number they say?  Try telling that to this body of mine.

Hormones… pshaw… they won’t listen to reason.   I am a 30 year old trapped in this aging and falling apart body.

Well, alright… it’s not really falling apart… just a hitch on this ride called life, nothing I can’t handle…. And will be sorted out once I get the blood work done and they, the medical peoples, figure out how they are going to sort out me.

Worried?  Not at all.

This week, with the rising and falling of hormones (I am just guessing on this now) has to do with the dilemma that befell me… befell?  Is that indeed a word?  Must be as my spell check has not underlined it in red… okay I was befelled this week… alright, I get it, befelled is NOT a word... give me a break okay?  I’ve had a tough week.

The dilemma which has caused this grief was all started with facebook.  Yes, I’m sure there are many of you pumping your fists in the air with the satisfaction of knowing that these social networking sights are the work of the devil, pure evil… wait… none of you self righteous puritans would be reading this as you wouldn’t have even discovered this blog as you don’t actually believe in being on here in the first place… in any case those that feel faceook/twitter and all of those other connecting with loved ones and our millions of friends is a bad place to be it had its negative affect, or is it effect?  Jeeze I can never remember, there is some rule to that isn’t there? Oh, but I digress now, yes back to what ailed me this week.

Yellow, vegetable dyed, Italian leather flats.

Yes you read that correctly, yellow flats that the local business here in town, Ulla la, advertised on their facebook page.   50% off.   Still more money than I have paid for flats before.  But oh so cute.

I fell in love, love at first sight, head over heels (did you see that? Did you get that pun?)  In any case this doesn’t happen with me when it comes to shoes, or articles of clothing (purses maybe, but that is a different story)

I could see myself wearing these shoes on an almost daily basis.  They would be perfect for both my jobs.  And they looked oh, so comfortable.  I felt as if I should own these shoes.  There was even a space of honour under my bedroom dresser for them.

But alas, the practical side of me knew that this was a bad idea.  I have been saving all my money, tips from my part time job, spare change, pennies found on the street etc.  It has built up to a rather impressive number…

This impressive but still rather small sum (for what is needed) that was set aside for my new ski boots, bindings for my skis, new skies eventually, harnesses for the dogs, Mukluks to keep my feet warm while out with the dogs on the sled and special clothing I will need while running the dogs on skis.

Items all needed for this crazy adventure that has been planned for this coming March, only 7 months from now.

Seven months!

Still so much to do, to have purchased for, to train for!!

Oh no, the nervous butterflies are spinning rapidly in my stomach now, but boy they would all look cute if they were sporting yellow Italian leather pumps.

 

 

You know sometimes a woman just has to say hell with it all and go with what is in the best interest of her wardrobe.

 

Sigh, I'm still dreaming of yellow pumps.



Ten Things that Make Me Smile

'What ten things make you smile?'  A question posted on a facebook page I follow Simple Life Celebrations.

A simple question, yet as I ponder my list of 10 I am struck by the fact that I have wayyyy more than 10 things that make me smile.

1.  This is first and foremost on my top 10, and that would be my family.  My kids, hubby, and extended family as well.  They are all in my life no matter how far they live and I'm proud of each one of them, AND they all make me smile.

 

 2. My dogs.  From cuddles and kisses to throwing the ball for Rigby.  Just hanging with my fur dudes in the yard every day makes me smile.

 

3. And speaking of dogs, playing in the snow and dog sledding with them makes me smile.  Just thinking about being on the back of a sled brings out the grin in me.

 



 4. A good cup of coffee and good company.  They don't have to be together and some may argue this is two smiles in one.... and you're right they don't HAVE to be together, but they are best as a pair

 

5.  Friends.  I have so many who mean so much to me that they all bring a smile to my face.  

  Friends who live far

 Friends who live close

         

 

6. Cotton Candy, well if you know me you will understand this best.  I think it should be a food group actually

 

 

7. New shoes.  I don't understand how you can't smile with new shoes on your feet!

 

 

8.  Fresh clean sheets on my bed.  I love crawling into bed and pulling the covers over my head when I've put new sheets on the bed.

 

9.  Daisies. They always make me smile.

 

 

10.  Just thinking about my kids.  I know I've mentioned family already... and I have a million simple things that make me smile, such as doing nothing, or a warm summer night, or a cool brisk winter afternoon, or... well you get the idea.   However my kids mean the world to me and just thinking about them makes me smile.

 



What is your list of smiles?



 



The Pot Hole, now THAT is a Common Weed!!

I love Daisies.

They make me smile giving me a warm happy feeling inside.
Simple yet elegant.
I have, or rather, had a small bunch growing by my front door so that when I came home it would instantly cheer me up.

After a knock on our door one morning which found a 'Weed Inspector' from the county on our front step changed all that in a matter of moments.

Leucanthemum vulgare is what she said we had.  A common weed.
I knew that it was a weed, vulgar it is not.  Dandelions, they to me should be labeled as such, not the pretty little Daisy.
The Daisy that made up the bulk of my wedding boquet those many years ago.

We were told that it had to be removed... our little bunch of daisies that have been growing at the side of our house for the last 15 to 20 years. 
Yes we live in a rural town not far from pasture fields, but far enough that my little bunch of Daisies would not creep there and take over... in fact they hadn't even crept their way into our front garden or the driveway.

So now my little bunch of daisies sit dying in a vase on my dining room table.  The weed inspector saving the day as she keeps our yards safe from these pests.

However it seems a sad strange world when there is someone who drives around making sure that our gardens are free from flowering weeds when the pot holes grow in large numbers along many of the county roads.

Luckiest Girl in the World

I feel so lucky.

I am so blessed.

I wake up every morning, albeit much too early, and think to myself,  'today is going to be a wonderful day.'
And why wouldn't it be?

A supportive loving family (even though some of you are so far away).
Incredible friends from all walks of my life (again some of you are too far away!)
A fantastic job with the best co-workers ever.

There is a roof over my head that doesn't leak,,,well,,, most of the time.
Food in my cupboard... although at times I think there is more dog food than human.

I have the best dogs ever and we go out together 3 times a week and weekends now that the snow is here building trust and sharing a love so deep that unless you own a dog(s) you wouldn't understand.

The puppies sharing their love.

 

I have put in place a training schedule for the winter... one I think will be easy and fun to keep in place.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights after work we will head out onto our local trails.  We now have access to two of them and this excites me.  

One is our race trail that we do consistently the same way each time so there are no surprises for my pups come race day.   The only difference is the weight we keep on the sled to help build muscle in their wrists and shoulders.

The other is on a friends property... it is a section of farm land that has a series of trails set up to help us build our listening skills and leader skills as I can change directions each time we head out.. a new trail every time.

Weekends are for races or to head into the mountains for longer more exciting and prettier trails.

It is easy to drop a training day.. a Friday if we have race for example.... but it's easy to keep to our runs now that I have a dog truck that all supplies are kept in.  Just load dogs, water and away we go!
On Monday my daughter and I came home from work.. pulled on snow pants, filled water buckets, and loaded dogs into the truck.. we made our way to the race sight..ran the 4 mile trail.. water and snacked the fur kids then headed back home..... the entire process took about 1 1/2 hours from start to finish.
I would like to add another 4 miles starting tonight.. so... another 20 minutes or so... nothing in the scope of an entire day. 

I love running dogs... the feel of the runners under my feet... the power of the dogs ahead of me... the silent communication between us all.... the excitement they share before a run and the joy they have across their faces when we are done.
Sharing this sport with my family and friends is top on my list it is not something to be kept secret. 
And with us needing weight on the sled it's a great excuse to share the joy.

I must say my luck this year is also extended to Miss Mother Nature... or Old Man Winter... thanks for the snows and cooler temps this year that have decided to stick around thus far... we couldn't be happier!

Meet the Musher

I have been working hard at writing letters in order to gain sponsors, creating a new Facebook page to show case our training and team, and putting up tid bits here in order to introduce my little team.

It is my turn now to share who I am, but I will admit it seems pointless in the back of my head.  Maybe I feel this way because talking about myself is something I cannot do easily, or perhaps it has something to do with how few people I seem to be reaching in the virtual world.

I can see the numbers here and on Facebook and it is a little discouraging when I feel as though I'm putting myself out there for all to scrutinize.

That is the first thing that you will learn about me, I take everything to heart.  Anything and everything that happens in my life is dissected and analyzed.  I sometimes spend too much energy worrying about what others think.  Although I must admit this last couple of years I have done an amazing job of learning how to let negative situations roll off my back.

*Stepping into the spot light, adjusting the hem of my shirt*

*clears throat*

This is harder than I thought... introducing myself... selling myself.... hoping to find people out there who believe in me, want to invest their time and money in me.

If you have read this blog for any length of time you will have learned some of who I am. 
Married for 28+ years.
Two wonderful 'adult' kids.
Work with children in a middle school.  I love my job.
Live in a small rural town in the middle of the prairies in chinook country, only 2 hours from the majestic Rocky Mountains.

The year I run the Percy I will be turning 50 years old.  I do not look, nor do I act my age.  There is no secret to staying  young.
I do not eat extremely healthy, no diet of avocado or sprouts to share.  In fact my diet is lacking this last couple of months.  I really need to eat more veggies for example.
I don't have a routine of facial care to share, no soap or any type of cleanser is used on my face... not because I don't believe in it, it is more that I'm lazy and it takes up time I don't want to waste in the morning. And the only makeup I use is a tiny bit of eye liner under my bottom lashes.

I would say I am a tom boy at heart.
I am more comfortable in a pair of jeans and hoodie than a skirt.
I have long hair that I do hardly anything with... I don't even know how to braid my own hair.
AND I'd rather be playing out in the mountains than going shopping for new shoes.

There are faults.  If someone said they didn't have any they are lying.
My biggest one is how lazy I am.
If allowed I could sit on the couch reading or playing on the computer all day long.
It is easy for me to find excuses to not do something, and I hate that about myself.

Which is why I need to share my adventure with you all...
I love running the dogs... what an incredible experience it is.  Nothing beats the feeling of being on the back of the runners in the middle of the mountains with silence all around you.  The trust between you and your best friends is a strong bond that is not felt in any other situation.
I cannot wait to get on my skis with THREE of my best friends.  I have never done more than two and the feeling I get in my stomach at the thought of three is exhilarating.
We have not had enough snow for me to try this out yet, and I cannot wait.
So I'm not lazy when it comes to my dogs.

My laziness is something that I need to put out on the table for all to see.   I need to have that push to keep myself going. 
I had been running to get into shape.
Made it to a 5K race and was so very proud of myself.

Then the times of the running club changed, my daughter moved back home, and my work hours increased at the end of the day by a bit.
Excuses I made, and no one to be accountable to but myself.
It was much to easy to let it slide.

I want to attend the Percy in the worst way.   I am excited about this adventure.  One that I will be sharing with a new friend, Raija, and can hardly wait for our next get together.
My hubby will be coming with as my 'handler', a support person who has been nothing but positive in this quest so far.
However I am nervous, a deep in the pit of my tummy feeling.. a make my hands sweaty feeling.
I need to be in better shape physically and financially.

This is where you dear readers will be helping me out.  Why I have created a new Facebook page and am blogging here much more often.
I have you to be accountable to.  
I cannot lie... no really.... I am unable to lie, it shows in both my writing and face. 
I also have you to share my story with as I hunt for sponsors to help me get to the Yukon and run this race.

A race that myself and Raija, and maybe a couple others from BC, will be the first women to have entered... there has never been a female skijourer up until 2014.

So please check out my Outback Huskies page if you have not done so already.. subscribe here to my blog.. even subscribe to my Youtube channel (there will be lots more video posted there soon)... and share it with your friends, co-workers, the paper boy, your rich uncle and anyone else you think may be interested or knows someone who would be.

I know this was a lot of reading... but thanks to everyone who comes here and wastes their time with me, it is so appreciated.

And share with everyone!!

Meet the dogs - Elly and Rigby

I still wonder at times what got into me when we said yes to two more siblings.  Yes I needed one more to make a team of 4, but siblings?  Again?  

Training siblings is lots of work, but how could I say no?  We met them when they were 2 weeks old and they were so darn adorable.

 

Naming them was a matter of searching the Internet for names in songs as we decided to go with the theme my son started.  Not sure if anyone has picked up on it yet. 

Beatles songs... Penny (Penny Lane), Rocky (Rocky Raccoon), and Molly was from the song Obla De... Hubba was already named, so we relate him to the Yoko Ono period.

My daughter came up with the idea of Eleanor Rigby... and we loved it.  Here they are at just over 18 months old now.

 

 

ELLY

 

Girls first!   I have to admit it, Elly is probably my favorite as I have become 'her' human.  She loves to cuddle with me on the couch, or the floor, or anywhere I may be sitting.  She is such a sweet dog, but so darn naughty too.

She has chewed holes in the living room and backroom carpets and eats ear plugs any chance she gets.  She also eats poop and I can't pick it up fast enough when I let them out of their runs, I know, disgusting!

We had her spayed as I was not going to have 2 girls in heat at the same time ever again but I believe it has added to Elly's struggle to keep weight off.  She grows fat over night I'm sure of it!   Feeding her is a science to keep the weight from building on her and it doesn't help that she LOVES to eat.

 

When these two were just pups we took them to our friends farm to have them run in a team.  Rick watched the dogs for me and commented that she was pulling out to the side which showed possible signs of a leader.

He was right.

Elly runs so well in lead, she is an amazing little dog with so much energy to burn she and runs like the wind. She also loves to run and screams a high pitch wail when putting her on line.

 

Elly still needs to work with other stronger leaders as she learns her commands but I can see her becoming an excellent skijour dog and I cannot wait to get on skis with her.

 

RIGBY

 

Then there is Rigby.  He is our comedienne of the pack.  Extremely vocal.  Terribly hyper.  Overly naughty.  Crazy focused, or obsessed depending on what he is doing.  Exhausting at times.

If Rigby was a human child he would most likely be on Ritalin as he would have been diagnosed with ADHD... mixed with OCD as well.. when you start throwing his ball he cannot stop chasing and bringing it back, to the point of putting it on your lap if you ignore him.

 

He loves to be loved and to be the center of attention.  Pushing others out of the way so that he can be pet first and solely.  If there is a command chain to the pack order he would be second.  Penny still puts him in his place and he respects her for sure.   If his ball lands right beside her he will wait for her to move before grabbing it.

However he bullies all the other dogs, steals toys and bones from them all, in fact if they are digging a hole he will push them out of the way to take over.

 

Rigby has cost us a fortune in vet bills from his strange disorder called Pica.  He eats non-food items with his favorite being socks.  And not actually just eating them, but swallowing them whole.  He has had colitis and almost died from this.  We have to watch him like crazy and keep an eye on what is laying around the yard or house.

 

But he has been worth every penny as far as I'm concerned.  He is crazy focused and pulls like a semi truck.  He has boundless energy and when running the dogs he hates to stop for any reason.   Fast and strong with a love for running makes him the perfect sled dog.

I just wish he didn't make so much noise.. when we put him in the truck to head to the trails he cries the entire way there, and continues to do so until we actually take off from the truck.

 

Will these two be coming to the Yukon with me...you bet!

 



Time to Meet the Dogs - Rocky and Penny

PENNY

 

Five years ago we said yes to our sons purchase of three siblings from Richard Smiths kennel.... Five years ago our lives changed.  Five years ago our lives went to the dogs.

 

Penny was one of two females in the litter of pure bred Siberian Huskies, a bi-eyed Agouti with a strong personality.

In fact Penny is our alpha dog of the pack and because of this she can be a bit stand offish when it comes to humans.  She will sit back and wait for the others to come get their hugs and loves and then when she is ready will come for her share.  It is as though she would rather not be in the middle of a crowd, much too sophisticated to be in a muddle, actually I would say a bit of a diva.  Did I say a bit??

 

Penny hated her sister Molly, to the point of drawing blood and we were worried that she was a mean dog until we started introducing her to other non-pack dogs to discover she loves making friends and playing with new dog buddies... she just hated her sister for some unknown reason, and her sister hated her (Molly is the reason for the missing ear tip).   We were told once that female Huskies never forget and never forgive, and this was very true for these two sisters.

Sadly we had to re-home Molly, who ended up back with Richard and is in a happy place now.

 

Penny spent the first couple years of her life living in the same run with Oaky, an older experienced dog from the Wannamakers kennel.  Oaky taught all of her queenly, divaish ways to Penny, in fact  it turns out that Oaky was a great aunt to the three siblings so it was inevitable that we should have a princess too.

 

Penny loves to run, with me on a belt, with a scooter and in front of the sled... loves to run when it suits her... if there is a smell or something that pegs her interest then she will do a quick stop to investigate.  Her leader abilities were learned from Oaky and she knows all her command very well as for being a great leader... well again I say... if there is a smell or something that pegs her interest,,, you know the rest. 

 

Will she come to the Yukon with me... No... I have a feeling she is going to rebel with the distances that I plan to put on the dogs this winter.  She could surprise me, but I know my Penny Shpenny and it would be too much work for my princess.

 

 

 

 

 

ROCKY

 

Rocky my boy, brother to Penny, is a sweet heart.  A bit of a suck and scared of the kitchen floor.  He wishes badly that he could be the alpha dog and 'pretends' with Hubba and Rigby.   It is quite funny to watch as he bounces around them giving orders and trying to hump Rigby, he is usually completely ignored, making me feel kinda sorry for him.

 

There is a regal'ness' to Rocky in the way he sits with his front feet crossed watching the pack.  Or how he stands in perfect show form, his tail all curled up fluffly like over his back.  A tail he is very proud of I might add as no one is allowed to touch it... ever!

 

Rocky has surprised me this year with his running abilities.  Of course he loves to run, very much so.  His face seems to light up and he stands tall in his harness.  He has always been put in wheel and with his stocky build and strength it was a perfect spot for him.  This year however I noticed something in him when running doubles on the scooter with the puppies.  His ability to push them where they are suppose to go and his great listening skills to me when giving commands.

 

So when the snows fell and the sled came out I put him in lead... and guess what?  It is the perfect position for him.  I've been so proud of my boy.

 

Will he come to the Yukon with me?

I am hoping so.   We just have to work on our distance and getting him to eat on the trail, but I have a good feeling that Rocky will be with me in the North.

 



 

The three elders share a quiet indoor moment together.

Time to Meet the Dogs - Hubba Bubba

I don't think I have properly introduced my dogs to you and it is about time you learn who is in our pack.
Everyone has unique personalities with their own strengths that add to our little team.  Not everyone will make the team to the Yukon, but no matter they all have a special place in my heart.

Starting with the eldest dog and working down to the youngest I will attempt to bring you into my world of canine joy.

Hubba Bubba

 

This big boy is from our friends the Wannamakers kennel.  He wasn't a lover of long distance and they thought he might make a better small team or skijour dog.

Well, we've owned him almost 3 years and at 6 years old I'm still not sure what he wants to do.

 

He is a dog who thrives in a peaceful non-violent atmosphere... if anyone raises their voice he gets immediately stressed. 

Hubba lives to please and craves loving.... ALL the time.  His life would be complete if you could pet and stroke him 24/7.

 

As I mentioned already he is a big boy.   Arnold should be his name as he has a rather large chest and shoulders, unfortunately he is a 'tad' over weight too. *I hang my head in shame*

The weight however is coming off with a diet and lots of exercise, so I'm not too worried about him.

 

I cannot decide if he loves to run or not.  He seems to love running in a team and is an excellent leader when the moment presents itself... but he hates, HATES skijouring.  I have yet to have a perfect run with him on skis... now.... I should maybe correct myself here with this... he does skijour with me in a non-stressed atmosphere out in the mountains, but in a race setting.. no way.

In fact he doesn't love to lead in a race either.  He feels the excitement of the day and it stresses him out big time.

However he is an extremely fast dog, especially when he realizes he is heading back to the truck at a race... I've never flown so fast on skis!

 

So will he come to the Yukon with me?

 

Probably not.  He is going to be doing some long distance running this winter, I think he loves me enough to want to please, and in the back country of the mountains where it is a calm relaxed run I'm pretty sure I can get him to run with us.   But to race?  I would have serious doubts he would be happy in that situation... but we have 2 race seasons to sort that out... you never know.

Fall, do you See what I See?

Fall is probably at the top of my list for favorite time of the year.

Everything is fresh.
The air is cooler with the nights becoming a little bit longer hosting skies that begin the dance of the Aurora Borealis.

A smell that is different.
Cleaner?
Fresh, crisp, alive. 
Drying leaves, wet earth and warm apples fresh from the tree

There is a look that is... well, it looks... hmmm... the only way I can think of describing what I think of the way fall looks is to imagine a young boy fresh from crawling out from under a large pile of leaves.  Cheeks red from the cool air, eyes sparkling with excitement after the leap into the soft yet crunchy bed that was laid out before him.  A trusty canine friend running in circles around the boy, who is wearing a big woolie sweater with matching mittens and hat, tail wagging in anticipation for the next run.

Trees not quite bare but empty enough to let the fall sunlight come through, reflecting the light of the yellow and orange leaves that are still hanging on, reaching out for the last warm rays of sunshine.

Sounds change this time of year also.  The leaves dance wildly bumping into each other as they work hard to hang on for just one more day.  A sing song of leaf toe tapping which comes to a climax when they flutter down to the ground sending out one last hurrah with a little slap as they finally make contact.
Geese saying their farewell for another year and Chickadees coming together for a choir of melodies echoed by the crows that have shown up to sit on the tree tops are just a small sampling of the fall music that surrounds me every day.

The quiet laid back sounds of summer ever so slowly are drowned out by fall, the birds, the leaves all brought to life by the winds.  A ruckus of sound that builds up only to be silenced after the first fall of snow.

This time of year also has taste.
No, I don't bend down and lick the ground or the trees.  But I do LOVE the taste of pumpkin pie which I seem to only eat this time of the year.

The dogs also love this time of year.  They are full of energy and craziness that is only subdued by a good run behind a scooter. 

And who doesn't like a run in the cool mornings that we now wake up to?

A Life With Purpose

Life began for this little fella as it does for any, one full of hope.
Dreams for a life of joy and happiness.

Parents Richard and Betty James could never have imagined the success their child would obtain.  All from dropping tension springs.
His name?
Slinky

Do you have the tune from the 1960's commercial running through your head now?
"What walks down stairs, alone or in pairs and makes a slinkity sound?
A spring, a spring, a marvelous thing!
Everyone knows it's Slinky."

You're welcome

 Slinky found a home here in my house when my mom gave it to me as a gift. 
About a month ago.
It makes plenty sense if you know me.
Something to maybe share with the kids I work with.

What fun!  A great place for Slinky, joy, happiness, someone to play with him.
A toys perfect life.

Sadly this was not the ending to be for our dear little friend. 
Instead he met his demise amongst my two youngest pups Elly and Rigby.

Slinky in his prime

 

 Poor, poor Slinky

 



Tug o' War was the game played best with Slinky

 

 

Elly loved playing with Slinky

 

 Chewing on Slinky

 

Watching the springs bounce as she chewed

 

 Playing while resting your head on the arm of a couch creates the need for a nap

 

This Slinky no longer makes a Slinkity sound, but you can't say it's life was without purpose... I have two very happy pups.