Time To Remember

This week started with Memorial Day weekend.
Dan, Vale, Ava and Layla were here Friday - Monday, so it was a time with family, while enjoying food, fun and activities.  But there were melancholy moments of remembering also. 

Memorial Day is thought of as a time of picnics, BBQ, parades, sunshine, and outdoor fun.  This weekend there were very few moments of sunshine, but fun was had and memories were made.
In reality, Memorial Day is a solemn time.  The Department of Veterans Affairs Open Data states that over 650,000 U.S. service members were killed in combat across all major American conflicts from the American Revolution through the post-9/11 era. 
We had two friends pass away this weekend so that added to the heavy hearted feelings.

Saturday 5/23 - I had gone to bed rather late Friday, having waited for the kids and grand-daughters to arrive.  In the morning, I was soon greeted by beautiful little smiles and tons of energy.  












Rain was forecasted to continue the next three days, which it did, so it was pretty much an inside visit the whole time they were here.

I saw posted on Facebook that church friend Nita Hawes, who is one of the ladies who clogged with Shirley, passed away this morning.  She (and her continuous smile) will be missed by so many.  


I had morning chores, so waited for a break in the clouds and then Joe, Ava and I went to the Ranch.  They brought a bale of hay to the upper paddock and then basically putts around on the four wheeler while I picked up little piles of wet manure. 

Neighbor Jem stopped in to ask to borrow the gator and found a turtle on our drive.  I think it's the same little one that Patty had seen and moved a few days ago.  She had sent this photo to warn us all to watch out for it.  

 

Ava got to hold it and then she and Joe released in down by the pond. 



Once home, to run off energy, spend (kill) time, and have fun; Ava played with Cookie in the garage when it was too wet/rainy to go outside.  




I took this (video) of some of their play time.

Layla was on the go during most of her waking hours.  


She could get up the stairs in record time and liked to look over the balcony and get into the doll house stuff Ava had out to play with.  







Babe was unusually brave, curious and affectionate towards both the girls.  





Out on a walk with Pawpa and Cookie, they spotted this large turtle on the backside of the dam of #17 pond.

We'd spent much of the day confined in the house, playing.  Shirley had given us a bag of games that she used with her grand-kids, so that gave us fun things to do.  I taught Ava tic-tac-toe on the floor mat using colored paper plates.   

The two day craft show had been moved inside to the Village Mall, and was just today, so we went to check it out.  





It was much reduced in terms of vendors.  We saw some neat stuff, bought some consumables, and Ava bought two rings (wearing one in photo) to go with the bracelet she was given, for being so cute.  






Thinking I had to work Sunday night we decided to go out to dinner tonight.  We went to Gondola Pizza & Steak House.  We had a 20 minute wait to get seated, but the girls did great.








Some people had pizza, some had steak, and we all enjoyed the good food.  The service was also great.  






Joe had to get to the ranch to meet an over nighter, so he dropped Patty and I off at her house.  We ran to Food city for cookies and cream, ice cream and headed home to our Flossmoor house to celebrated Layla’s birthday (one week early).  With one candle burring, we sang Happy Birthday.  


Layla really enjoyed her cake, while Ava was not so big on it.  It was very sweet, and we had ice cream with it.



It was much later than usual when I went to bed, but then I couldn’t get to sleep, probably too much sugar.  So I got up and took a sleep aid at close to 11:00.

Sunday 5/24 - We got news that Mike had passed away in his sleep today, in the early morning hours.  It is heart breaking to think of Jan going through this loss.  I was thankful it was quick and fairly painless once he started 'going down hill' last Tuesday.  He (such a sweet natured and loving man) will be remembered fondly and missed dearly by so many.

Shirley was out of town and I had company so opted out of church.  

It was another rainy day and early on I got a text saying the pool would be closed again. 


I didn't have to work so had the whole day to enjoy company.  
Morning snuggles.



Big time wrestling.



We did more of the same we had done yesterday.  Playing inside the house and garage and going for short walks when possible.  

I had put my phone in selfie mode to get a photo with Layla, but she grabbed it.  



This second photo was taken from a selfie video Layla took.  She is very intrigued with phones and grabs them when left at 'her level' unattended. 




After Layla's late morning nap and lunch, we went to The Center to swim.  Joe and Patty had met their cousin Tim and his wife Patty out at the Ranch and later came to the conference center, but they did not join us in the pool.
 

It was a little too cold for me so I did not get in right away, but took some photos.  










Both girls (and Dan and Vale) were unaffected by the lukewarm water and enjoyed their time swimming.
 

Layla did very well in the water.
I was in the pool for awhile, but ended up in the hot tub most of the time.

We had started the Indy 500 but left to swim during the second half of it.  So once I had the Stouffer’s lasagna in the oven, we watched the recorded ending of the race.





At some point we saw a deer down back.  It is the pregnant doe who has been coming regularly.  So I went down to feed her.  I have seen (up close and through binoculars) the baby moving inside her.  Right at the start of this (video) you can see it a little bit.  I took this second (video) of her other side, but still no luck.  At the end Shadow has a cameo.  LOL.





While down back, I also noticed this large snapper that was headed somewhere, maybe to lay eggs?

I heated up some frozen corn and garlic bread and made a salad that accompanied the lasagna.  I’d also been fixing fresh strawberries and grapes that the girls enjoyed all weekend.

Monday 5/24 - Memorial Day - A time to remember.

I had been dog tired the night before and went to bed at 8:00, even before Ava.  I was sound asleep but got woken by Cookie, barking her fool head off.  Evidently a cat was too close to her crate.  Then I could not get back to sleep so I took a pain sleep aid after 11:00, and the rest of the night was history.  However, I slept late and was groggy when I did wake up.

It was supposed to be another rainy day, but the good news was that the pool was closed again so I didn't have to rush off to work at 9am. 

I had an extra cup of tea and another pastry (which we had an abundance of).  Also more time got to be spent with the kiddos.  

Layla had quickly crawled up the stairs in hot pursuit of Babe and then the doll house.



What are you up to young lady?

 






Oh no, I'm busted.

She is such a cutie, very rarely cried or got upset, but man was she always on the go. 


Here she is in her Memorial Day outfit.  

She was kind of hard on our tic-tac-toe paper plate markers, but they can be replaced.  



There is just so much to love about her.  






Dan and Vale had planned to head home after a mid-morning snack, just before Layla's nap, so she would sleep in the car.

Joe and Ava took the dogs for a long walk, while Layla and I played and Dan and Vale packed everything up.  


Another try at a selfie before my phone was snatched away again.

Once everyone was gone, I started cleaning and straightening up the house, putting things back where they belonged because we had kind of child proofed for Layla.  She gets around like a high speed, remote control, bulldozer; taking-out things in her wake.  Both girls were full of energy, a handful, tiring to keep up with, but a ton of fun and a true blessing.

We'd had another overnight horse hotel guest.  This time it was a Gypsy Vanner mare, Star and her one month old colt, Atlas.  

The mare has a condition called CPL (chronic progressive lymphedema) and had to stay in a stall.  



Bonnie and Joanne were at the ranch and helped Sascha, the man transporting these two rescues to their new home.  

They let Star have some grass before loading her on the trailer.  Joanne took all these photos and then made this wonderful (video) of them.  


Bonnie loaded the colt after his mom had been loaded.



Sascha got the two horses secured and was soon headed up the drive and down the road.  Safe travels.  






Here is a photo Sascha sent of Star with her mane unbraided and her tail not tied up.  


At lunch time, they decided to open the pool, but Jackie took the last 90 minutes of my morning shift so I didn't have to go in.

I should have gone for a ride, but knew the trails and horses would be really muddy, so I continued neatening up the house and took a nap.  





Mirror Lake Blast had been cancelled due to the threat of an early evening thunder storm.  So I took Cookie for a long walk, after first walking both dogs.









We went up Library Trail to go check out the work at the new Druid Hills club house.






Progress continues on this massive building.  







I wonder what they are going to put here on this concrete structure with a pipe in the middle.  It is between the clubhouse and driving range.  




The rain didn't come until I'd gotten home with Cookie and it was only a light shower that didn't last longer than the time it took me to shower.  

Debra had posted this photo on Facebook before the rain.  The three amigo Pasos hanging out and hoping she would open the gate to the pasture.  Jean knows the look well, back when it was Robbie and not Rico.

Tuesday 5/26 -  I had to hold off going to the gym until Scotty came by to look at our ceiling fan in our bedroom, that needs replacing. He gave us some helpful hints on what to replace it with and will install the new one once we buy it.

The other end of the three Pasos.  Patty took this photo after she let them out this morning.  Amiga is in the middle of the two boys as usual.  


Patty also sent this photo of yet another needed repair.  I had put a big rock in the first hole over a month ago.  

I had a very good, complete and total body workout at the gym.  I showed my weightlifting friend my hand and told her how it’s progressed from what I thought was a sunburn to blisters. 




It has looked like this for a couple of weeks.  She’s was a nurse during her working years and asked some questions and said she believes it’s a burn caused from the bleach solution I was power washing with at the pool, in addition to sun exposure (I didn't have on sun screen) while also on an antibiotic.  She said the combination of those three things just made the burn penetrate deeper.  



I had a big, 1:30 late lunch, eating leftovers from the weekend.  I proceeded reading my e-book out on the porch swing and took a nap.  

I didn’t wake until 4:15 and had to hustled to get to the ranch to do chores.  Here are two photos of my larger, seeded, new grass areas.  




The rain did all the sowed grass seed much good.  









I got a few photos of Cash in the pond trying to cool off after he had finished his dinner. 
It was a very quiet evening at home with Poker Joe gone.  I did a lot of reading in an effort to finish my e-book on time.

Wednesday 5/27 - Well, I don't have much to report for the day.  I did a lot of work on this blog in addition to a good amount of reading.  The dogs kept me company, or rather, distracted me much of the time. 

Cookie is learning to not be so mean to Maggie (chew and pull on her ears and feet).  

Maggie seems to enjoy Cookie's company when Cookie is not pestering her.  And Maggie enjoys a good bout of tug-a-war, fighting over a toy, with Cookie.

I was hoping to get in a ride, but early afternoon showers, that lingered into evening, made me give up on the idea. 

I did go out to the ranch to help Jan with chores since Bonnie had done mine for me this morning.

Thursday 5/28 - Instead of cookies for breakfast with my 2nd cup of tea, I’ve been working on finishing off all of the breakfast pastries left over from the weekend.  This morning, I ate the last piece of cheesecake with some fresh strawberries.  

The morning continued as most, with dog antics and me telling Cookie 'no' when she picks on Maggie too much.  

Sometimes Maggie tries to 'discipline' Cookie herself, but it is done in such a gentle manner that Cookie pays Maggie very little respect.  








Maggie decided to give up her bed and the corn toy she and Cookie had been in a tussle for.  




Winner takes all.  

It just goes to show that size and strength (which Maggie has over Cookie) are not as effective as attitude and persistence.

I met Patty at the ranch at nine to go for an early morning ride before it got too hot.  We took Rico and Zorro for three miles. They both did very well considering it had been eight days since their last ride.  









Heading to the barn, Cash and Cowboy greeted us at the far corner of the back pasture.

I had put Amiga down in her stall when we brought the boys into the barn.  She was quite content with the shade, breeze, and a flake of hay.  Once back with the boys and after we put them back out in the field, I got Amiga ready for a ride.  


Patty took some photos of us.  

The day was heating up... steamy like a sauna because of the humidity.  



Amiga and I went for a short two mile ride.  She gives me the most relaxed, peaceful experience when it’s just her and I out on the trail.  So many good times to remember.  




It was a gorgeous day.  We'd had a big shower early morning, but no more rain the rest of the day.  By the time I finished with Amiga, I was very hot and tired, needed water and food, so went up to the ranch house.







I started a puzzle while re-hydrating and having peanut butter on crackers.  I made great progress because it is an easy puzzle and also because I sat working it longer than intended.

Joe arrived just after 1:30 and we did some chores together, including replenishing hay, feed, and shavings.

Joe had brought Cookie to the ranch so she supervised from a safe location.  You can barely see her in this photo of the Pasos eating hay.  She is just beyond and to the left of the yard gate.

Once Joe and I finished, it was a little too early to do chores so I took Cookie and went out on the back woods trail to clear sticks and undergrowth that was crowding and cluttering the trail.  








Wanda followed us out and was being very affectionate until Cookie got a little too rambunctious (video).


Wanda continued to follow us, although at a safe distance.  She ended up going all the way down to Jem's red gate and back (one mile total).

Cookie was ahead of me as we were going down the trail and I heard her yelp and then she came running to me.  She would not go back towards the direction she’d come from, and was shaking.  



I told Cookie sit/stay and went to investigate and soon noticed a big black snake that was acting rather aggressive.  I thought it had bit Cookie on her right back leg because she was sort of limping on it.  I tried moving the snake out of the way with a stick and it kept striking out and wasn't budging.  So I let it be and carried Cookie past this scary thing.  The lower photo I got off this (video).   

You can see Cookie in the upper right (not seated but remained in a stay so to speak).  The snake can be seen bottom left.   
Cookie and I (with Wanda in the distance following) continued down the trail.  The dog was very hesitant but after a bit started relaxing again. 

Once finished with the trail, I did feeding chores.  Wanda had made it back to the barn with us, and laid here in the shade after eating her kibble.  The bench in the barn she likes to lay on gets too much sun this time of day.  







Back at home after everyone had eaten, I checked Cookie out and noticed on her neck this spot.  Joe took this very out of focus photo.  Circled in red is a line of little red dots or a scratch looking spot.  I wondered if the snake had gotten her there.  I did not find anything on her legs. 
When I looked up black snake bite, I saw that the marking was very similar, a row of a bunch of tiny dots.  
  


I washed it with soap and water, dried, and treated it with Neosporin.  Thankfully the snake was not venomous.

Before bed, I went upstairs to read and keep our two cat visitors company.  I finished my e-book, bid them good night, and went back down to bed.
 

Friday 5/29 - My Fairy Lilies in full bloom.
Finally we had some warm weather without rain, so I had my work shift at the pool.  It was nice to have some sunshine and a fair number of customers. 

My hand is now in another phase of healing.  The skin over the top of the blisters, which are all dried out, is now peeling, and it itches.

I took Cookie for an hour walk before we all had dinner.  I got in another quick walk with both dogs after dinner but before the rain.