KITCHEN 'AFTER' ....ALMOST!

There is still a lot to be done in the Kitchen, but I wanted to share with you at least this one room as many have been asking about our progress. Can you guess by the BEFORE and AFTER PHOTOS shown here and below, how many 'changes' have been made in the Kitchen alone?

I will take a few photos in the daytime tomorrow to add to this...as there is a huge difference between a Kitchen that is naturally lightened and one in the evening.

To sweeten the deal, whoever 'guesses' most accurately...will win a prize.

I'm curious to see your powers of observation. lol

I'd write more, but I am 'done' for another day and need to 'crash'. See you soon!

KITCHEN - BEFORE

KITCHEN "BEFORE"

A Picture is worth a thousand words...and as the AFTER PHOTOS SHOW...there has been an 'extreme' make-over in the Kitchen.

...but there were things that I loved about this kitchen to begin with, especially the hand hewn lower cabinets.

Can you see how many changes have been made to the kitchen?

NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS...

Jordan, Wendy, Emily, Allen and JOEY...



Would I have believed that I would buy a DOG!

I had so looked forward to all the kids growing up so I could finally live peacefully without cleaning up after the animals 'they wanted so much, and promised to care for' then didn't.

NO! I told myself over and over again, I would not be responsible for another pet...ever! Dogs, cats, ponies, birds and guneia pigs would never darken my door again...I promised myself!

Yet, this eight week old chocolate Lab and I made some crazy connection, and the next minute I was in WalMart going crazy in the 'pet section' buying him everything his little heart could desire. I didn't ask Allen about buying a dog, but it is easy to see that I didn't need to by the photo and the look of love in Allen's eyes. He looks a lot like Allen...and the only other one I know who 'looks a lot like Allen', is our youngest son, "Joey", so we named him JOEY. He's also laid back, mellow, funny and sweet...and a tease, so yep...his name HAD to be JOEY!

'JOEY'S' real Dad is a 95 pound Golden Lab and his Mama is a Black Lab with a chocolate neck coloring, but as I observed the parents I noted that they were pretty laid back and mellow, and so was JOEY. He wasn't the runt of the litter, but in a litter of 12, his sisters were all bigger than him and he showed signs of them biting him as they all went after the food. If he doesn't get to 95 pounds, I think we can live with it...happily. In the meantime, no more fighting for his share of food either.

I thought about what a pain it is to go through the 'puppy stage' with any dog, but then again, a grown dog comes with experiences that might not be good either. Were they abused? Do they have a mean streak? Would they try to bite my "little" grandkids? Do they hate cats so much they won't listen to anything in pursuit of killing them? Why were they abandoned to a Shelter? Those potential "unknown" problems seemed much more ominous to me, than putting up with a 'puppy' that would be well loved, softly disciplined and trained, and thus, become more and more willing to try to 'please' his Master(s) as much as possible. Thus is the 'nature' of Labs.

The first night we put JOEY in a little crate (that he will outgrow in a few weeks) outside with a rug and a blanket and he barked, cried and whimpered half the night. It was too much for Allen, so now Joey sleeps in Allen's room at night on his 'little rug', and if Allen lets him out a few times a night, there are no accidents as a bonus. In the morning, JOEY goes outside for the day and coming the house during the daytime is a 'no no'...but come night time around 10 pm now, he just trots into Allen's room and goes straight to his 'bed' as soon as Allen opens the door for him to come in.

I don't know why I felt that JOEY would become an important part of our family, but I wanted a dog that would be good with children (small grandchildren), would be loyal, would protect our family and the animals, and would be able to work around the ranch. JOEY is already showing off his retrieving instincts, but even better, he is showing signs of 'herding' instincts as well. I read about every single breed of dog out there in the mid size to large range... before narrowing it down to a Lab, Collie or Golden Retriever as it is my nature to 'research' things to death before making major decisions like an animal to consider for the next 15 years or more. Until I saw JOEY, I still hadn't made up my mind,

We want to get some sheep for the ranch fairly soon as I've been around sheep before and Aunt Faye has a lot of knowledge about them. When David and Wendy were small, we lived with Aunt Faye and Uncle Merv at the Cider Mill in Three Rivers, and they had lots of sheep. My cousin Vickie can shear them and collect their wool as she spins yarn from their wool, and I think JOEY will make a good guard dog for them. Sheep are very helpless animals as sometimes the 'dogs' in Three Rivers, would pack up and go after the sheep while they were in the field. The dogs would chew up the sheep and they would never make a sound as they were being attacked, and never even tried to fight back.

I wouldn't want that to happen to our herd when they come in and there are Coyotes around and bobcats and maybe even cougars a little further into the woods, but why take chances on something getting the sheep if you don't have to? We probably won't get the sheep until next spring when they start to lamb, but when we get the Goat pen built and a couple of cows, we'll start training JOEY to herd them in at night, and to protect them, with the help of professional trainers.

I'm also looking for a very 'Morris like' kitten now to pair up with JOEY so he can have someone to play with, and we can have a 'mouser' ...and I think we'll name the kitten 'Schlupy'. Our son David is a Leo, loves to be scratched and rubbed, and is pretty 'kingly' so we couldn't have a mini lion and not name it after him. The cat(s) will always be outside and Joey may be with him in a dog house as well...as we don't want dog or cat smell in the house...and we definitely don't want anything to 'trip' Aunt Faye!

When we find our 'minature pig', what name would be better than "Wee Wee" (which is a nickname for Wendy as David couldn't pronounce Wendy when she was born...so it came out 'Wee Wee' and it stuck. Haven't thought much about what farm animal will be dubbed "Linz", but when it comes, I'll know it fits...so she won't escape her namesake either.

So, the "ranch family" is going to grow...and local children already love to come here...big and small. I'm checking into minature horses too...as they can pull little carts in parades, or small grandkids around the property. The whole purpose of most of the animals is to teach the kids 'animal husbandry' and also to keep the brush and grass and berry bushes from taking over...the more the animals eat, the better for the land and prevention of brush fires etc. So, everyone works on a ranch or farm...even the pets.

Us two Humans are both totally exhausted by the end of the day as we are still in the process of remodeling our home, trying to unpack and get organized as fast as we can, and from morning to night we are continually working at a steady pace...but it feels good. It feels right. It feels like a labor of love. So much has gone wrong, or had to be fixed or modified "before" we could actually do what we had planned...so many things ended up costing so much more than we dreamed it would, but we want things "done right" the first time, so there is no 'cheap way' to do important right that we know of especially in the Electrical or Plumbing line...or the Computer Line either!

When we take a smoke break about every two hours, we go outside and watch nature. The goats are always wondering if we might have a special treat for them so they jump up from their continual 'eating' job to check us out, and then there is JOEY who chases the tennis ball and can now get his mouth all the way around it...and then comes over and plops down on Allen's foot to snooze as he poops himself out being such a stud. He checks out the Goats regularly too...but they look at him with great distain and intolerence, but I think their resolve to hate him is cracking lately as well.

Then, we look for our "Doe and her two fawns" (our Doe has had two fawns annually for the past ten years the former owners tell us) and note that the fawns are beginning to lose their spots...and tend more to run (than to hop) when we meet them on the road (as they dine on the abundant black berries and red berries until we disturb them by walking or driving by. Yet, even these 'wild ones' are getting 'used to us' and don't display the fear they used to.

Today some Finches were marching up and down the trunk of one of our large Douglas Fir Trees which seemed pretty strange, but interesting, to us...(not from branch to branch) as I've never seen them march straight up the trunk of a tree like that...beginning on the ground...and then watch several more marching right behind the leader up the trunk and then down?

I think Aunt Faye will get a kick out of watching the animals as they are so amusing and entertaining...(except perhaps when Dr. Phil is on), and as we fold ourselves into sleep earlier and earlier every night (except this one), and rise earlier and earlier in the morning...it is with a good sense of accomplishment and assurance that when we found a "home" we could both 'pour' our hearts, love and spirits into we made a good decision.

One day we can leave what we're building here now as a Legacy for our children and grandchildren in hopes that they will keep it and be able to share it with their own generations to come...it is a good thing to do as parents I believe, the right thing for us to do for ourselves and Aunt Faye, and God willing a meaningful and lasting thing to pass on.

We took a short 'one hour' break the other day, and Allen took me to where the Old Growth Forests begin on our property about an eighth of a mile up a fairly wide trail which we rode with our ATV's. It looked like Sherwood Forest and I was stunned by it's ancient beauty and amazed at the apparent vastness of this property. Neither one of us know where the "back" boundary fenceline is yet because that is the 'fun part' to come after the 'work part' is done.

I can't wait to explore this place, and to get to know it personally...from one end to the other. It's a great adventure...and a once in a lifetime dream come true. I'll be sharing more of it as we get at least one room completed at a time now with the before and after and an explanation of what had to be done to get it to the 'after' part. Things are coming together, and an amazing amount of work has been completed, in a relatively short period of time, with a very small...but determined and happy 'crew'.

But sharing all 'that' is for another day. For Today...we've fallen in love with JOEY and we hope you will too when you meet him out here at 'the ranch'.

Hugs to all....Linda

MEET THE "FNG"......JOEY!

Nanny Jo: What in the world is THAT FUNNY LOOKING CREATURE?

Billy Tom: Don't ask me Kiddo...he looks pretty strange to me too...but he's the FNG around the barnyard it appears.

Nanny Jo: Well, at least he is smaller than us, so if he causes us any ruckus we can head butt him on down the road and away from here!


Billy Tom: Well, what I wanna know is how come he doesn't have a damned leash on him like we do, and how come everyone that shows up around here these days starts hugging and cuddling with him FIRST now? What are we..."chopped liver"?

Nanny Jo: Can't say Billy Tom, but we'll just have to keep a close eye on the disgusting little creature everyone seems to think is so special...but if anyone starts giving him OUR 'num nums', then I think we are going to have to take serious action! I don't especially care for those humans 'pawing' at us anyway...but when it comes to handing someone else MY food, well I can be a supreme Miss B if I must!

Billy Tom: All I know is that he is a very stupid goat! He sniffs the grass and doesn't eat it. His ears are drooping down and not pointing up like they're supposed to. He looks like the 'runt' of the barnyard, and he can't even get up and down small cliffs without rolling! Not even a hint of horns, and look at how goofy he walks? Worse looking goat I ever saw, that' for sure!

Nanny Jo: On that astute observation Billy Tom, I couldn't agree more. Now, I'm ready for my 'num nums' and going to sleep...so baaaaaaaah, baaaaaah, wake up humans! Can't you see it is getting dark? Time for our 'treats' and for putting us to bed...HELLO...ANYONE OUT THERE?
BAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH, bleat bleat, BAAAAAHHHHH!

Billy Tom: Wonder how long it will take us to get the Humans trained, Nanny? Baaaaaah, baaaaah can't you hear Nanny calling you Bald old man and fat old woman? We want our 'Num nums' and to go to bed. Sheesh!

This is going to be a 'tough family' to get into gear, and with that 'weirdo' around, I think it is getting tougher everyday!

Nanny Jo: Yaaaaaah...Baaaaaah....Yaaaaaaah!

MOVING IS JUST...SO MUCH FUN!

I LOVE TO MOVE, Oh Mercy Me...
I also like to swing from trees.

My bones are aching, my back is sore...
and tomorrow I'm signed up for MORE!

My feet are throbbing to the bone...
and all because of THAT NEW HOME!

I'd love to curl up in a ball...
and go to sleep, forget it all...

...but OH MY LORD, it cannot be...
cause now there is...but half of me.

My toothbrush here, my coffee pot there...
and where'd I pack my underwear?

I like my soft drinks in a cup...
but they are packed; hello hiccups.

Where's my hair brush? Where's a comb?
I'm sleeping here...but there's my home!

The "Mover's" will be here too soon...
to clean out yet another room.

They'll lug those big things oldies 'can't'
but a million little things deserve a rant.

Here's the television...the power's on,
but everywhere to 'sit' is gone.

I found a precious 'bowl' tonight...
what a truly awesome sight.

There's bread and milk to make a snack,
but where are all the small spoons at?

A table's here...but not a chair,
and at this point, I just don't care.

I'll sit upon the stairs to eat...
and kick these boots from burning feet.

I'll wiggle my toes as they are numb,
and lick the bowl of every crumb.

Tomorrow I'll clean this awful sight,
but for now...I'll say good night.

I awake with a startle at this whole caper,
Please tell me I left some toliet paper?

Unpacking pantry items tonight...
I laughed at an amazing sight!

One hundred cans of tomatoe sauce...
and more of soup...that once was lost.

Five bottles of 'Ranch Dressing too",
and enough tuna to call a 'school'.

Bleach to last a hundred years,
and paper towels...what was my fear?

A spill might come and I'd be out?
Not to mention all that 'Shout'!

I've more canned goods than any store,
and don't know why I still bought more?

...but now it's organized and in it's place,
Beans, and Greens and Tomato Paste.

I can see it all with just one look...
I feel like I should... actually 'cook'.

...but with all of that...and all of this,
it comes down to just ONE WISH...

with my rabbits foot, and four leaf clover,
I'm PRAYING this WILL SOON BE OVER!

There is just something I love about OLD BARNS...maybe because sometimes I feel like one. This one was located on a property that is for sale here, and the Owners asked me to 'advertise it' in California, and since advertising it in California will get my son-in-law Jim a lot of phone calls from Visalians inquiring about it, and maybe help him List another property, I jumped on the opportunity.

The Property itself is 19 acres about 11 miles from Toledo, and a 'River' runs through it. There are two parcels, one on each side of the River, and until recently, the owners had cows that used the old barn. The home is about 2700 sq. ft. and a typical Country Home.

Jordan had called me earlier in the afternoon asking if I could take her to Elk City at 2:00 pm as she was to Camp there in the Park with her church youth group over the Labor Day weekend. Of course I said yes, and later learned that Emily Boo was home for the day as Wendy thought she might be sick that day...so taking Jordan to 'camp out' meant that I would have Emily Boo until Wendy got home from work.

Emmie is really good with Grammie, so I thought I would just take her with me for the photo shoot...and we went on another adventure. Robin, the Seller can't wait for grandkids and just oohhhed and ahhhhed over Emmie...as we trecked the acreage from the house to the barn, then along the river for a spell until we got to the end of the property. I was doing pretty good, but Emmie started pooping out after a while, so Robin yelled for her daughter to bring the pick up to drive us to the other side of the river where their horses are.

Emmie immediately went 'ga ga' the minute she saw the horses! One of them is very tame and gentle, so we are thinking about buying her so Emmie can learn to ride. Ashleigh, my grand daughter gifted to me by Wendy's husband Will, also rides and loves horses too, so I know she would love it if we had some horses on our ranch property. I'll have to check into the cost of feeding them in the winter, but in the summer...they will eat more than cows and in Oregon, that is a very good thing. You don't have to worry about things 'growing'...you spend most of your time 'beating the brush back'.

Problem is, if we get one horse, then I would want to get two of them. I don't know, but it seems like it would just be too lonely for the horse to be alone...and I guess I am thinking like Noah's Ark or something...but with two I think they would be happier. So, we'll have to look around to see if there is another gentle horse somewhere before we commit to this one...and then, I have no idea of what 'horses' cost or what they are worth...so need some expert help on that too, as if they are too expensive, then that will wait as well.

Emmie is pretty shy when she first meets people, but was more than willing to go with Amber, (who is Jordan's age and knows Jordan...with both of them being Toledo 'Freshmen' this year), to see the horses and to pet them as they wandered over to the fence and the horses went right to Amber who was holding Emmie Boo.

After a few hours of getting information from Robin, meeting and talking with her husband, taking photos, meeting horses, discovering and old barn, and walking their river bank and pastures etc. Emmie and I headed for home...well, home to the Ranch anyway.

I just pulled onto the road toward Toledo, "when back seat driver Emmie" informed me that she didn't want to 'Go that way home...she wanted to go another way'...as for some reason she believes she has some 'say so' about the route to be taken when people are driving somewhere....but I reminded her that she was with Grammie... and that when she is with Grammie...we drive the way Grammie wants....end of story.

I didn't hear a 'peep' of protest, nor a sigh or whimper...and thought that no reaction at all from Emmie was probably too good to be true...even if she was with Grammie. I stopped the car and looked back...she was passed out cold in less than 30 seconds from strapping her in the seatbelt!

I laughed as I realized that I had just worn her out with all that walking around, and just sort of giggled in private amusement most of the way to the ranch at the irony of it. A 'Grammie' wearing out a 2 and a half year old...no one would ever believe it!

When we got to the Ranch, I opened her window so I could hear her in case she woke up...and got out of the car to check the progress on the ranch house. Will was cutting marble and granite not fifteen feet from that window... and it was screeching loud, but Emmie didn't move. He went over to the car, made a little pillow for her with his jacket so her head would be more comfortable than drooped over, but she didn't stir.

Usually, the 'little ones' wear Grammie out...but this one was a good 'score' for Grammie. Wendy was able to go shopping for groceries without Emily for once, which is sort of like 'heaven' for her...(which I realized after the other day shopping with Emily Boo myself...) and a few hours later when I dropped Emmie off at home...she had just awaken from her snooze and was whining some as Wendy carried her in the house. Wendy asked me to stay awhile and chat with her...and I almost declined as I was not really up for the 'whining', but it stopped quickly.

Strawberries and Whipped Cream cheered her up quickly; Wendy and I had a nice chat...and then it was back to the ranch with a carful of new stuff for Allen's 'Castle' Room...including new paint which I promised to use the next day to paint his room...and then Faye's after that.

As for Emmie Boo...I'll have to remember to tell her that when she "rides with Grammie on any adventure...it's always going to be in the 'fast lane'. lol

EMMIE BOO...HORSES... AND THE GOATS TOO...

There can't be much in life 'sweeter' than watching a little one interact with pets and/or farm animals...especially when they get old enough to stop 'bonking' them on the head, pulling ears or poking them in the eye out of curiousity. They talk to them nicely, and try to pet them in the right places. It's a home show worth watching whenever possible, I believe. Perhaps it is the Grandparent's 'enjoyment' of such sites that make the 'petting zoos' so popular. lol

I do believe I have a true 'Cowgirl' in the family now...as Emmie is obsessed with and absolutely loves horses! She spent a few hours the other day with Grammie, and all she wanted from the store was to find a horse. Finally, we found a horse (in fact three of them) in the Dollar Store...which is right next door to the 'high dollar' Craft store which is loaded with delicate and expensive items for home decor....and where I stopped first to peruse these creatively designed, unique and often handmade items... for the Log Home 'Country Style' with class idea I am in the midst of now.

Shopping with Emily in this environment is not a good idea. I dusted off my old saying that has been used with my own kids and grandkids that came before her ( and worked with them too)...

"Look with your eyes and not your hands."...but with Emmie Boo...'LOOKING WITHOUT TOUCHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.

It went sort of like this:

GRAMMIE: Emmie, look with your eyes and not your hands please.

EMMIE: I like this Grammie. Ohhh...pretty! EMMIE WANTS HORSEY...

GRAMMIE: Emmie, you are touching it with your hands. If you want a surprise from Grammie today, you will stop touching things in this store, OK? We'll look for a horsey in a little while."

EMMIE: I am not touching GRAMMIE, EMMIE wants a treat. Ohhhh...look at flowers! Pretty flowers...

GRAMMIE: I hear you saying that you are not touching Emmie, but look where your hands are, they are holding something that you are not supposed to touch. Holding is touching Emmie.

EMMIE; I am being good, I won't touch, Emmie wants a prize Grammie. Emmie puts back, Emmie doesn't want to touch it. Emmie doesn't like touching.

GRAMMIE: I want to give you a prize Emmie, but you are making it hard because you are already touching things again and I can't give you a prize or a treat when you are 'touching' again. Please put the blown glass doggy back honey...very carefully...Grammie will help.

EMMIE: ( as she grabs something else...) I like this, it is pretty. This is a fish GRAMMIE! Emmie not touching GRAMMIE. *I want a treat. I'm being good. Emmie doesn't want to touch!

GRAMMIE; Emmie, please give the fish to Grammie so I can put it back...(she hands me the hand blown multi colored heavy solid glass fish with the extremely delicate glass feathered fins to me as if it were a rag doll... completely clueless of how close I am to paying $88.00 for a broken glass fish!)

(two seconds later, immediately after I replace the glass fish to it's precarious perch in the middle of several other breakable items thinking...why do they put this delicate stuff at a kids eye level anyway...dumb dumbs...(or maybe very smart)...who knows?)

GRAMMIE: EMILY, that is very breakable, please put it back carefully. Here, let Grammie help you. Picking up things is 'touching' and you are not going to get a prize or treat if you keep touching things and picking them up. OK?

(We then go downstairs where there are lots of antique and junk booths around and I am looking for some new...old...country cannisters for flour, sugar etc. It doesn't take long for Emmie to spot a 'horsey' and she wants it....bad. I look at the old 50's style plastic horse with the tangeled mane and half the paint gone...and would designate that 'antique' to the 'junk category', but if it makes Emmie focused on that instead of all the other things...I'll look at the price tag. WHAT THE ??...the price tag reads $38.00!

NO WAY IN HELL I am going to pay that much money for a beat up old piece of junk...even for Emmie boo who is now obsessed with getting THAT PRIZE. So, I promise her that Grammie will find a NEWER PRETTY HORSE INSTEAD...and point out all the 'character defects' of the junky horse to disuade her from the 'THIS IS THE ONE" desire! We move on and go back upstairs to 'break me please land'...and Emmie proceeds to pick up something else...and I simply say

EMMIE!?

EMMIE (Now putting back a beautiful hand made candle holder) EMMIE DOESN'T WANT TO TOUCH...Emmie wants treat, OK Grammie? Emmie is being good. EMMIE wants to buy candle for Mommie. EMMIE IS NOT TOUCHING. EMMIE WANTS HORSEY...

GRAMMIE: Emmie, I think you are TRYING... NOT to touch, but it is JUST TOO HARD for you. So, we need to leave this store now and try to find a different store where you can touch things, and maybe we can find a treat and a prize there...OK?

Emmie thought this was a good idea too. EMMIE WANTS HORSEY, she says as she gazes up at me with her best 'begging look'....(Hmmm, I note...she's got a lot of her mother in her...).

THANKFULLY, the Dollar Store was next door, and I had no concern for the continual touching and picking up everything in THAT store. SURELY TO GOD this store has a HORSEY SOMEWHERE IN IT FOR EMILY.

After much searching of every bin, nook and cranny in the toy section, and with a growing fear that there won't be a damned 'horsey' to be found today....I finally start stalking each and ever section of the whole store in a desperate bid to keep my promise without serious problems as the time for Newport to roll up it's streets is near...and options to find a horsey are diminishing with ever second that is passing.

FINALLY...SUCCESS! I found some plastic/rubbery type of horses in the section for 'knick knacks' for adults that I think are supposed to sit on a shelf and look interesting...and I generously let EMMIE pick out not one, but three horses in giddy gratitude for even finding the damned things......a Black one...( which she called Bucky after the Police Chief's horses she got to know when she went to his Challenge Camp with Wendy, and a Brownish Horse which is also a horse she knows and named, but I can't remember the name now)

...and then a white horse she called 'Horsey'. Anyway, for Three Bucks...it didn't matter to me much when she crashed two of them together and broke one of the bases off it and a foot...almost as soon as we got into the car to drive to meet Wendy, Jordan, and the Foreign Exchange Student from Japan Wendy was hosting for the Weekend at Flashbacks for burgers.

When Emmie saw her Mama, she proudly showed her the horses with a broad smile, beaming face and gleaming eyes. I wondered if there was an adult in the world that could be so happy they could have Emmies look of complete ecstasy without being on drugs!?

Emmie showed her Mama each horse as she named each one of them for her...and then noted Bucky and "what's it's name" had 'CRASHED' and showed her where the horses foot was missing.

Wendy studied it for a few minutes and said she could use super glue to put the base of the horse and it's foot back on and promised to fix it for her. I looked at it, didn't think the 'fix' would last more than five minutes, and heard myself volunteer an alternative. Of all the things I am doing, and need to do right now...volunteering to use my time on this is just insane, but there it was...another promise blurted out foolishly.


GRAMMIE: Wendy, rather than try to superglue it back together, which probably won't work too well on those cheap semi plastic thin legs and feet of the horse, I'll just stop at the Dollar store and buy a new one when I go into town tomorrow or the next day, and maybe I'll buy a couple of 'back ups' while I'm at it... in case the horses somehow 'crash again'.

After all, they only cost a dollar each.

WENDY; Good idea. Thanks Mom.

Anyway, that was my adventure with EMILY BOO for the day, she loves her dollar horses...her cowgirl hat and her stick riding horse too...which she rides around often making all the right noises. She obviously is drawn to the goats on the ranch...and she was able to give them a 'treat' as well. It will be fun to see her reaction to other farm animals as we add them to the stable of Eddie Arnold and Eva Gabors 'Green Acres' experience as City Slickers gone Country...

(Hell, I've been President of the 'no messy pets for me' club for a decade and now I'm thinking 'minature pig'? O VEY! )

...and I have to remember to get into that Dollar store when I go to buy paint tomorrow and stock up on the 'BACK UP' horses as promised...and for a dollar each... I might just clean out the whole shelf just to make sure I can see that joy in Emmies eyes when she plays with her worthy steeds!

IT'S A FUN ADVENTURE BEING A GRAMMIE.

LOT'S MORE FUN THAN BEING A PARENT...as thought as I commended Wendy for the steep price she has to pay everytime she wants to go to a store with Emily aboard. Wendy grinned knowingly, and nodded her head with complete clarity about what I had just experienced 'shopping' with Emily Boo....the two and a half year old "Cow Girl" who doesn't like to touch.