A Year Of Blessings!

This is the last day of the year and as I reflect back on 2011, I am grateful for a year that has changed Laney and I forever. It was a year that started with a journey that took us across five states, 1095 miles from home. Laney got to leave her scent at quite a few rest areas and ride in the car sleeping on my lap. She experienced a new destination which was to us warm for January through March and then the extreme heat of summer. And, although I had to leave her with relatives a couple of times she still loved me when I returned. She is forever grateful that my husband is healthy. So we would like to end the year with blessings to our family and friends who cheered us on with prayers and well wishes. We also bless the wonderful people of MD Anderson Cancer Center. You have left us with positive loving memories. We bless you daily and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year. A special blessing goes to our doctor at MD Anderson who said," People should learn to think outside the box." We were listening and believe me we thought outside the box. Also a blessing and much gratitude to a wonderful social worker who gave me encouragement and pointed me in a new direction to change my life. Looking forward now to the New Year, as Laney and I discover new and exciting adventures. Smiles and hugs to everyone and Laney says bow wow!

Socks

Laney has a sock fetish which started when she was a puppy. She can find socks no matter where they are. It doesn't matter to her if they are clean or dirty. She can find them under the bed , on the bed, in the bed, or anywhere they are. She even likes to chew on them while they are on your feet. This left me wondering the other day if she had found my sock drawer. It seems that for awhile now my sock drawer is full of singles. The mates have taken a hike. I was thinking that the mates had taken up with Laney or mysteriously disappeared in the washing machine. Out of desperation and frustration, I dumped the drawer of socks on the bed to sort. In a matter of five minutes, I had matched up singles and they became pairs. Feeling a little guilty for thinking that Laney had taken the mates, I tossed her some worn out socks to play with. She was extremely happy and took off with her tail wagging. And, as for me, I am quite surprised to tell everyone that my drawer full of singles is now 27 pairs.

Christmas Miracles!

This has truly been a day of joy and miracles that Laney and I will cherish forever. We received some wonderful gifts that included precious pictures,thoughtful words and actions that will forever be in our hearts. First my son presented me with a collage of pictures of he and his girlfriend and right in the middle is a picture of my Laney. Then, my daughter gave me a beautiful framed picture of she and my new son-law. But, my husband tried to top it all by recopying some of my blog postings and framing them. And, then I proudly showed my dad the pictures and one of the blog postings called the Symphony. As he began to read it he realized that it was he who had introduced me to the symphonies and his face was overcome with emotion. That moment in time meant so much to me and although he did not say much his facial expression was worth a lifetime of love. I realized that these moments in time were all started by my dad. But, who is to say which gift is the best. I say it's a combination of all of them that has made this a day to cherish forever. So, Laney and I are grateful for these special moments that remind us that family is our miracle in life. Amen and glory to God.

The Day Before!!

I can still remember reading the classic story,The Night Before Christmas, to my children every year when they were little. It seems as if it were just yesterday. Now they are grownups and I am writing about the day before Christmas eve. When I think about it, this day is as exciting as Christmas eve. It is the last day of anticipation and the excitement of what Santa will bring. It is a busy day for the last minute shoppers who will start celebrating tomorrow. The grocery stores are over packed with people who have suddenly realized that the big day is almost here. Laney and I however are prepared. The shopping is done and the presents are wrapped and Laney sits and stares at the tree and twinkling lights as if something magical will happen. I have forgotten that magical feeling that we have when we are young. But, hopefully tomorrow as I reflect on my blessing and what I am grateful for, those wonderful feelings will return. We must also remember that the real celebration is the birth of Jesus. So to him I give thanks and send prayers to all those I love. And, tomorrow evening Laney will sit upon my lap as I read to her, The Night Before Christmas. It will be a new tradition as I give thanks to God for my four legged friend.

Sunny Days!!!

There are thirteen more days until Christmas and Laney and I have many things to do to get ready. But, before we start working we need to play. The sun now has been out for three days and even though it has been bitter cold we have enjoyed walking outside. I layered myself in clothing, winter coat, gloves, boots and ear muffs and seemed to be unrecognizable in my winter attire. Laney on the other hand got away with a winter sweater. Her hair has thickened and has provided her with a nice winter coat. So, together off we go to walk, run, and soak up sunshine. This exercise seems to have helped Laney turn around her nocturnal ways and she has actually slept the last two nights. Thank goodness for sunshine and my four legged friend to walk with. Who knows how long it will last. So, Laney and I will enjoy the sun while its here and give thanks to God for beautiful winter days.

The Talking Dog

I sometimes wonder what goes on in Laney's mind or how she feels. The last couple of nights she has been waking my husband and I up. She stands at the side of the bed whimpering and growling until we acknowledge her and roll out of bed to follow her downstairs. She has been wanting outside and I am assuming that she has an upset stomach or has she turned nocturnal on us. She has been sleeping a lot during the day and I dismissed this as winter blahs due to our gloomy days. She also seems to be drinking a lot at night, that is of course water. Its seems as if she tries at times to speak to us, moving her mouth open and closed. I know she understands us most of the time from her reactions when we speak. Now if I could only understand dog language we could comfort her and help her to understand that we need our sleep. Maybe she just has the Christmas jitters. The anticipation we all get wondering what Santa is going to bring us. Hopefully what ever is wrong with her will not last 16 more days until Christmas. If it does my husband and I may just sleep through Christmas or until the sun shines again.

Where Is The Sun?

On December the first I talked about the sun and the possibility that it would stick around. That did not happen and the last four days have been gloom and rain. The flood warnings continue and I am praying that the sun will try and make an appearance this afternoon. Laney and I have been trying to pass the days with Christmas activities as the cold north winds once again sneak up on us. The cold air has changed the rain to a light dusting of snow. Laney, as I have said, does not like rain and has been very stubborn about going outside. So, for exercise this morning she decided to speed through the house, running in circles, She gracefully rounds the corners as if she were on a race track and slides on the wood floors as if she were sliding into home plate. At this point, I am amazed that the Christmas tree is still standing and that the ceramic Santa has not lost it's head. I am hoping that I don't loose my mind and start running through the house. As I write this post, Laney has worn herself out and is resting quietly beside me. Together we wait for sunshine and know in our heart that we are one more day closer to spring.

Row Verses Sleigh

Tis the season to dream about snow and think about sleigh rides. So much for that thought, the rain set in yesterday morning and has not let up. Laney has been resting on the couch comfortably since the rain began to fall. I think she has gone into hibernation and I hope she decides to wake up in time for Christmas. We may be celebrating the holidays in a boat as the flood warnings are being posted. But none the less we will make the most of this magical time of year. There are 20 more days until Christmas and Laney and I have some fun things planned. Hopefully Laney will soon wake up and discover that she has bows to pull off packages and Christmas cookies to eat. And together she and I can row down the road singing Christmas Carols and celebrate no matter what the weather. Happy Sailing!!!

Gratitude for Laney

I woke up this morning to another day of sunshine and felt grateful to be sharing it with Laney. Last evening as my husband and I chased Laney around the dinning room table, I began laughing hysterically. She loves to run from us and seems to delight in the fact that we can't catch her. We must look quite silly to her as she dashes past us and runs in circles and we run in circles trying to catch her. So thankful that I have her in my life for a good daily laugh and exercise. Yes Laney has brought a lot of love and companionship to my life and keeps me laughing daily. Without Laney life would not be the same. She has given me a reason to write this blog and we hope that other people are enjoying it. So.if you don't have a four legged friend you might consider adding it to your Santa list. You may be pleasantly surprised at the laughter it brings to your life.

The Sun

The sun came out yesterday afternoon and has decided to grace us once again today. It is a warm welcome after many days of gloom. Laney has decided to curl up against me, because even though the sun is out, it was very cold this morning. I am wondering how many sunny days we will actually have this December as winter is fast approaching and from past memories we don't have many days of sunshine. Also we are starting the count down to Christmas. I remember growing up and marking the days off the calendar until Christmas. It always seemed like an eternity. Now as an adult it seems as life is moving way to fast. So, as I mark off the days till Christmas, Laney and I will take the time to enjoy the sunshine. Maybe we will get lucky and have many more sunny days and we will enjoy the holiday season before it becomes just a memory.