CrazyLadyR's Xanga

More Lolli & Cyrus

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:08:19 GMT

OK, So I love my dogs. What can I say? Mostly this is just photos and videos this time. Lolli weighs 63#, and has for some time now. I suspect this is very near her final adult weight.

Recently an expert on the subject confirmed that she is Rottweiller/Lab mix with a little bit of something else accounting for her white spots. She's becoming a beautiful, adult dog. She loves the snow.
I have two short videos of her in the snow. First, a couple stills. It snowed on 01 March. I took these on the 2nd.

Cyrus does NOT love the snow. But, he loves the vacuum cleaner, and I have a video of that, too.

Still Growing

Sat, 24 May 2008 17:51:41 GMT

Lolli, Cyrus and I took a trip to the vet on Wednesday, 21 May, for a weigh-in. She has officially surpassed him in height, length and weight! Here is a video I took in a few minutes ago, of them playing. They have played like this since I first brought her home in October. She has grown a bit since then. I wanted to upload one from October; but two tries have failed. Perhaps another time.

Lolli

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:29:40 GMT

For anyone keeping tabs, Lolli now weighs 50#!

Family Blog links & other good sites

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 15:46:17 GMT

& other sites

Rachel - http://blog.titus2homemaker.com/archives/290#comment-1912

Rachel's website - http://rachel.titus2homemaker.com/

Michael - http://mike.titus2homemaker.com/

Ariel - (age 5) - http://ariel.titus2homemaker.com/blog/ (blog) http://ariel.titus2homemaker.com/ (website)

Sophia - http://sophia.titus2homemaker.com/ (website)

Some other good sites:

Vicki Bentley - http://www.everydayhomemaking.com/

http://girottifamily.typepad.com/

http://www.thekilpatricksnarratives.blogspot.com/

http://thegatheringplacetrentfamily.blogspot.com/

http://www.gracefuldesignscards.com/

Another Lolli update & a bit more

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 21:38:24 GMT

46# and growing. Learning to heel on command.

If you're new to my blog, and want to read previous entries, read Feb 07 BEFORE Jan 07, as the story of Cyrus predates the one about Rudy.

Lolli Pup in Training

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:23:30 GMT

I began today to train Lolli. She's a quick learner. In the beginning week of training I do not speak. I just lead her around from one spot to another, standing still for a few minutes at each of the four spots. She's on a 20' longe line, and wanders or whatever. The idea is to gain her attention and respect.

This is to be done each day for the first week, spending 20-30 minutes in training. Today, when I stopped at the spot by my next door neighbor's fence for the third and last time, her dog rushed up to the fence to play with Lolli. But Lolli looked at ME for instruction instead of just going over to greet him. When I didn't speak, she just waited. When I moved on, she followed. This at the end of the FIRST session! She is so smart!

Here are some photos from January, February and today. She weighs almost 42# at seven months...and growing!

January. See how long she is!

February 1 close up

February 8 with Cyrus

Today w/Cyrus. C how she's grown!

Today. With her ears back she looks Dobie.

How I Came to Be Called Crazy Lady

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 12:10:08 GMT

It all started with my former boss, Matt. He began calling me Crazy Lady when he read my stories about Cyrus (by Rudy) and Rudy (by Cyrus). He thought one had to be crazy to write from the perspective of a pet. (Tell that to Rita Mae Brown)

Anyway, it didn't stop there. The real reason he calls me Crazy Lady is in fact my faith.

The Bible is clear that there is only ONE WAY to obtain salvation, and that is through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). Jesus Himself expresses the same in John 14:6 when He proclaims, "I am THE Way, THE Truth and THE Life; No one comes to the Father but through Me" (emphasis added).

One reason Matt and others consider me crazy is that the natural person cannot understand the things of the Spirit. They in fact think that they are foolish, or in this case, crazy. (See I Corinthians 1:27 and 2:14)

Still, after being called Crazy Lady for many months, I realized that it would be the perfect name for my American Indian persona when I play Indian Games with Mahone's Forge Historical Productions. http://www.mahonesforge.com/index.htm So I adopted it with gladness.

Now when I go to a school as an Indian, and the children ask my name, I tell them that it is Crazy Lady. The "R" in my blog name is for my last initial, as there was already another "Crazy Lady" blog assigned before I started mine.

Here is a photo of me in my Crazy Lady costume.

Now you know.

Here's a video of one of the classes dancing with noise makers.

Our Newest Family Member

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:33:03 GMT

Meet Lolli Pup The first photo was at 7 weeks at the pound, 28 September. Cyrus went with me to choose a "baby sister" for his upcoming birthday. The next was taken on 03 October, the day we brought her home. The one of her in the yard with Cyrus was taken on 05 October.

October 16th is the one of the two in the chair together. The first on the floor together after that is from 28 October, and the last two were taken 08 November, age 13 weeks.

You an also watch a video or two of them playing together and Lolli chasing a ball at only eight weeks of age.

Florida Trip

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:47:17 GMT

On 31 August 2007 at 7:30 AM I began my Florida trip. It was actually a bit past 8 by the time I actually got on the road after renting a car. I arrived at my niece's house in Bartow about 9:30 PM. It rained from southern North Carolina pretty steadily until I reached Florida. It was off and on then, and finally stopped before full darkness arrived. The rain was very heavy at times, making driving difficult.

I stayed the first night with Stephannie and her family. But, since they were going camping on Saturday, I got a motel nearby. Then I drove to Bradenton for my fortieth high school reunion.

Stephannie Deserai

Corey Danny

Before I went to Bradenton I went to see my mother in Lakeland. I hadn't seen her in many years, and knew that I would most likely not get another chance . I spent three hours visiting with Mom before lunch. Below are photos of her and her two dogs, Pete and Sam.

As it turns out, I was correct in thinking I might not see her again, as she died on 01 November, two month to the day since my visit. I'm so Glad that the Lord worked it out for me to spend those three hours with her that first day of September! He is so GOOD!!!

The reunion began at 5:00 in Bradenton, but I went over early so I could change when I got there. It was very hot and humid, and just walking outside was enough to wilt me. So it was better to clean up and dress at the country club where we were having our reunion. I arrived early enough to help decorate. It was nice getting reacquainted with old friends and classmates. I also took a bunch of photos. When I went to the car for my clothes, I saw this ibis and snapped ten pictures while trying to encourage him to take off. He never did, just walked around.

Here's a group photo. I believe there were 37 of us out of 205. Fewer than a dozen have died. But we just didn't have time to find everyone. And some couldn't come, of course.

After the reunion I returned to my motel in Bartow, showered and went to bed. When I got up Sunday morning and had quiet time, I left for home. I arived at 10:40 PM, exhausted. Fortunately, the next day was Labor Day, and I didn't have to get up early for work. Still, it was a very long and very quick trip. I'm getting too old for such!

Maine Trip

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 22:10:58 GMT

On 15 June I drove to Maine. The trip took 15 hours. I arrived at my motel about 7:30 PM. It wasn't quite dark, so I drove into Camden after checking in. There I snapped three photos, but two were very blurred, so I deleted them. The first I took was also a bit blurry, but I didn't notice at first and I didn't delete it.

My first view of Camden in 27 years

It was a busy week for me. There was so much to do and so little time to do it all. On Saturday I started in downtown Camden. I found a two-hour spot to park, and walked all over town, snapping photos everywhere.

Mercantile

Edna St Vincent Millay Library and Battie

Since it was the weekend of the Peyton Place Reunion, I took several Peyton Place related photos, and even some of scenes from the movie. I didn't go down for the parade or to any of the festivities. I just wanted to be "HOME" and I was.Here are some of my photos, so you can see what home looks like to me.

After my town wanderings I drove back to the Helm Restaurant for lunch. The portions are huge, so I took leftovers back to the motel, and put them into my cooler with ice. I ate them on Sunday afternoon. Next time I'll order from the children's menu.

After lunch I searched for the Vesper Hills Children's Chapel in Rockport, and finally located it after taking the 'scenic' route. The trees and shrubs there have grown a lot in the 27 years of my absence from Maine.

The plaque at Children's Chapel

TheChildren's chapel

The Arch at Children's Chapel

Back to Camden along the lower road, the one with the arch, I drove...to Rankin's. It belonged to my great aunt and uncle, Austin and Edna Rankin. Edna was my grandfather's sister. Cousin Frank was there. He informed me that Dave, one of two cousins with whom I spent my 1965 summer, was indeed in town. I called him from there, as my cell phone doesn't work in Camden. (I'll have to get a new provider before I go again). I went to see Dave and catch up on 42 years. Then I went to Battie, the reason I came to Camden.

The Camden/Rockport Arch (down for repairs)

Frank

Dave

When I made my plans to go home, the only thing on my mind was hiking to the summit of Mt Battie, and trying to do likewise to Maiden's Cliff on Mt Megunticook. It was only in talking to my Uncle Bill that I realized there were many other things to be done while I was there. I didn't even scrape the tip of the iceburg. Next time I'll stay a lot longer!

Anyway, I DID hike Battie. Along the way I met a gentleman named Steve. It seems he and his wife were visiting people on Mountain Street who were living in my grandparents house! Praise God! (Steve introduced us, and they let me have a tour of the place when we came off the mountain.) But before that I finally got to sit on 'my' mountain for the first time in 27 years. I cried.

Battie trails

Steve

top of trail

Mt Battie Tower

View of Camden from Battie

Another view of Camden Harbor

Actually I cried in a lot of places while I was there: my grandmother's bowling alley-now a print shop, Mt Battie, the old hospital where I was born (yellow 'house' below), the first sight of Camden, at my grandparent's house (below hospital), at Dave's, Rankins, and the list goes on.

former bowling alley

Old hospital

Grampa's house on Mountain Street

plucked from Mountain Street yard

I took a lot of pictures from Battie that day, and more on Monday evening. On Sunday I went to Vassalboro to worship with a group of believers I found listed on Vision Forum's Family Integrated Churches site. It was ok, but it wasn't anything like what I have here. I really missed my church family while I was away. One good thing about Vassalboro, though, I had cell service. So I called my sons to let them know I had arrived safely, my motel room number, etc. I also called my good friend,Sandy, to thank her for her prayers and support, and let her know the same things.

It occurred to me that my Mapquest directions, having been a mess for the Vassalboro trip, might also not be terribly accurate for my trip on Tuesday to Bangor. So I called my friend in Bangor to double check. Her husband gave me much better directions to follow.

From church I went to Bill's house in Union, where a few family members were to meet for a cookout.

Tom, Bill & Kathy, me, Tara, Mac & Beth, Steve & Donna, Bruce and Jesse at Bill's house in Union. Sunday 17 June 2007, Fathers Day

We had a great time, and I learned a few things I never knew before about our heritage. Tom, a cousin, told me we were descended from someone on the Mayflower, and began to tell me about it. But something else came up, and the subject got changed. After returning home, I talked to Tom on the phone, and he told me William Bradford is our great (8x) grandfather. WOW! He later sent me the genealogy that shows the whole line. This is through my maternal grandfather's line. Funny thing about that is that some of William Bradfords' ancestors lived in a place called Bentley in England. That's my father's name. Who knows? Maybe somewhere back there we re-connect.

On Monday I drove into Camden looking first for the house on Thomas Street where I lived as a toddler, and where Mom tied my harness to the clothesline, so I wouldn't go across the street to Earl Patterson's house. He used to call Mom to bring me over to entertain his guests, or maybe his piano students. He would feed me donuts, which I would proceed to stuff whole into my tiny toddler mouth. Today I wonder how I ever got one to fit? Anyway, I found the house and took a picture of it and one of Earl's, too. The owner of 'my' house came out, and we talked about it for a while.

Then I went to climb Megunticook to Maiden's Cliff. I did it, too! The distance was about the same as that of the summit to Battie, but the incline much steeper. But I made it. The view was breathtaking! Thank You, Lord! I understand there's an easier path from Battie. Next time...

Approachin Megunticook

Steep trail

bridge

half-way

half-way point

near the top

At the cross

Maiden's cliff

View from the cross

another view from Megunticook

and another

After Megunticook I went back to Thomas Street, where Mary gave me the tour of my old homestead. She even let me take photos, but they would mean nothing to anyone else

Mt Battie from Thomas Street

Back downtown Camden, I stopped at the Village Restaurant for a cup of the best fish chowder in the world. Then I went Lighthouse hopping. I went to Owl's Head and Marshall Point lighthouses.

Owl's Head Light

Marshall Point Light

Marshall Point house

Marshall Point

Thinking I might be late for the Battie sunset if I went to the Breakwater Light, I headed back toward Camden. I was very tired, but determined to be on Battie for sunset, so I opted to drive up this time. First I checked with the caretaker to make sure I COULD stay up for it, and not be run off, and then I drove to the summit and parked. Several times I was there alone. But people came and went during the two hours until sunset and park closing.

On one of my times in the tower, I took a mis-step on the steps at the base and nearly fell. I twisted my left foot, re-injuring it where I had injured it twice in the last year and a half. Fortunately I had my ankle brace in the trunk of the car. Good thing I drove. HE was watching out for me. If I had hiked again, I would have been in a fine 'pickle' indeed.

The sunset was beautiful! I took a lot of photos of it, and more from Battie to the sea. It was so clear that I got one of the Breakwater Light in Rockland. You could even make out Owl's Head in the distance. And I got Curtis Island and her light, too. My camera is amazing! I consider it a gift from the Lord. The whole trip, everything, was from HIM! HIS Name be praised!

Curtis Island

Breakwater Light, Rockland

Owl's Head is in the distance

On the steps just below where I tripped

A 'friend' joined me on the steps

Camden from Battie

Camden at sunset. My last view from Battie before coming home.

On Tuesday I went to Bangor, where I finally met a lady with whom I've been corresponding for years by email. We both graduated from the same school in Florida, and both are from Maine. Turns out her husband is also a distant cousin! I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Miane doen't have that many native sons, after all.

Lois and me

Phin and Lois

Wednesday morning I left for home. It took another 15 hours. I arrived about 11:30 PM, bone tired, and glad to be home, and determined to return to Maine in two years, if the Lord allows me, and doesn't return for us before.

I could breathe in Maine, and I had more energy. No allergies bothered me at all. Even the mosquito bites didn't seem to bother me the way they do here. The air is amazingly clean and there's less humidity there. I would love to move back, but need to see if I could survive winter first. Of course that won't happen anytime soon either.