The younger years

On a very late walk with Rusty last night I honed in on the sounds of the crickets, the creatures, the nightlife around us and was transported back to when I was 9-years-old.

I was lucky enough to grow up in a tight-knit neighborhood where there were kids my age, but more importantly, there were kids close to my age that accepted the older and younger into their group.

At that time I thought I lived in the coolest neighborhood ever. During the summers several of us would get together for games of an awesome version of hide and seek - a game that when I've described it to people they always say, "that does sound awesome!"

Always played after dark, we had kids from around age 7 to 16. The person who was "it" counted to whatever designated number and then went searching for those hiding. BUT, we created a "safe" place, a place that was the goal of each player. The "it" person went in search of the hiding, and could chase anyone they found. If the chasee made it back to "base" in time then they were safe. Of course anyone hiding could "steal a base" per se and make their way safe to home without ever having been found. I'm horrible at explaining things so that probably makes no sense but trust me - awesome fun.

Pre-xbox, nintendo, Wii, etc., my childhood summers were filled with bike-riding, roller skates and days at the pool.

I'm sure my 9-year-old self would've loved the technology, but I don't think I'd trade my low-tech younger years for anything.

Welcome back Sookie Stackhouse!

I don't have HBO, but Kerry & Robert save True Blood for me on their DVR. There was a free HBO preview prior to tonight's season 4 premiere (episodes 1 & 2 from season 3) and I was so excited that one of my favorite scenes is from episode 2.

I apologize for the horrific video, but the audio is all you need. Hearing Sookie imitate Bill saying her name is one of my favorite things...

Quote of the day

"Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling."

-Margaret Lee Runbeck

Transplant update

Here's my hydrangea again - now with blooms!

Greatest friend

The Shawshank Redemption was on tonight before the season finale of "The Killing." Every time I see Shawshank I get teary and realize how lucky I am to have the greatest friend in the world. I love you Kerry!

My current crush

My staple network (TNT) recently began airing episodes of CBS's The Mentalist and I immediately found myself completely smitten with Simon Baker. His character, Patrick Jane, is quite honestly one of the most adorable characters I've seen on television in the last several years.
He's smart, charming, witty and very endearing. Every time he flashes a grin I just want to hug him!

All of that doesn't really matter though. The Mentalist is a GREAT show. I highly recommend it, and a show starring such a cutie could not possibly be hard to watch.

Rusty or not?

Deciding between keeping a foster dog you love and letting that dog go (to a successful adoption) has become the subject of excruciating debate for me. I introduced Rusty on this blog a while ago and quit posting anything about him here because I created a separate blog for him, but anyone reading that blog would know I just love him. So does Zoe.

Since Zoe has never really loved anyone but me, seeing her play with Rusty is just amazing. I wonder if she'd ever accept another playmate as she has Rusty.

Zoe liked Bailey, but Bailey tolerated anything. It was not a mutual camaraderie. Zoe and Rusty are actual playmates. Of course Zoe wears the pants - which makes said friendship even more adorable to watch - but they both very obviously enjoy each other's company.

If I keep Rusty I can't foster any more dogs as I can only comfortably and appropriately care for two - and there are SO many homeless pets out there desperately in need of a temporary place to land.

But Zoe and I genuinely love Rusty and he honestly seems to return the sentiment.

What to do?!

Who killed Rosie Larsen?

AMC has put out some great television lately. After The Walking Dead, I couldn't resist setting my DVR to record The Killing. I've been riveted every episode and can't wait for next weekend's finale.



I really think I've got some stuff figured out, but we'll see. The obviously guilty is not so in my mind. I think his sinister behavior has something to do with his wife's death rather than his supposed inner serial killer.

Either way, I'm stoked for Sunday's finale!

Quote of the day

"...celebrate what you've accomplished, but raise the bar a little higher each time you succeed."

-Mia Hamm

Quote (excerpt) of the day

The Rescuer's Creed

I promise I will take your unwanted animals.
I will heal their wounds, their diseases, their broken bones.
I will give them the medical attention they need and deserve.
I will nurture their starvation and give them a warm place to sleep.
I will spay and neuter them, vaccinate them against the diseases that can harm them.
I will treat them and honor them.
I will buy them toys, blankets, balls, and teach them to play.
I will speak softly to them.
I will try to teach them not to fear, not to cry, and not to hate.
I will whisper sweet, kind, gentle words into their ears, while gently trying to stroke their fear, their pain, and their scars away.
I will face their emotional scars and give them time to overcome them.
I will socialize them, potty train them, teach them to be obedient, show them dignity, and hold their paws, and stroke their ears if they have endured too much and walk them over the Rainbow Bridge, BUT most of all I will teach them LOVE.

-Author Unknown

Starry Night

I realize my recent blog posts have been completely dedicated to puzzles. After this one there will be a necessary break. I finished this one earlier today. Van Gogh's Starry Night is my favorite art piece ever.

My dad bought me a bird house painted in Starry Night style and I've attached photos below - after the picture of the finished puzzle.







I'm an admitted Van Gogh addict :)