Jennifer Apodaca's Blog, page 47

How Phoebe Got Her Happily Ever After

From one of my grand dogs, Phoebe.

When your mom and dad go on vacation and leave you behind:

Okay, truthfully, I’m having an amazing time. My mom’s friend is staying with me, and we played so much! Then my mom’s friend had to go to an event and my grandma came over to feed me so I had to play with her too cuz grandma’s get their feelings hurt if we don’t play with them, right?

Then I ate dinner and got soooo tired.

If you’re all wondering, my name if Phoebe and I’m a goofball Golden Retriever and fierce lizard/gopher hunter. I used to live with other people, but then they got tired of me when I started to cost them money for medical care and wanted to put me to sleep. I didn’t understand what I did wrong or why they didn’t want me anymore.

Don’t be sad though! No really, this story has the best ending ever. It turns out my “real” mom worked at the place my other people took me to put me to sleep. My “real” mom couldn’t let them do that because I’m too special. I know because she told me so. My “real” mom paid for the surgery I needed, and now I’m living with my “real” mom and dad, and they base their entire life around me. They never get mad at me or try to get rid of me if I get sick either.

So what do you guys think of my Happily Ever After Story? My grandma tells me you all like Happily Ever After stories and so I just had to tell mine!

P.S. From Jen: So I’m butting into Phoebe’s story to add in something here. Yes my daughter-in-law took on Phoebe and paid for her care. But I, and she, have both seen cases where owners truly can’t afford to care for a beloved animal any longer due to a change in their situation. I don’t actually know if that was the case here, but I saw heartbreaking cases when I worked at the animal shelter decades ago and my daughter-in-law saw sad situations where she worked too. We don’t always know people’s circumstances, so I’m not judging, I just let Phoebe tell her story here   Happy Wednesday!

The post How Phoebe Got Her Happily Ever After first appeared on Jennifer Lyon.

Weekend Roundup

Not much to roundup. I tweaked my knee just a little bit on Friday night and babied it a bit on Saturday. My Achilles on that same leg has been a little touchy for a week or so too. All of Saturday, I did the whole rest, some walking, and ice. It did the trick and by Sunday my knee had improved enough that I could do some yoga, run errands and wash floors. I’m still being, I guess the best word is, mindful of my knee and ankle. Man 30 years ago, I’d have ignored such a minor thing. Sadly, I’m at the age when just too easy to twist a knee or tear of an Achilles tendon. Plus I don’t need an injury before we move!

Otherwise I spent a lot of time talking to the kids, oh, and I took one of my daughters-in-law her birthday gift. She really seemed to like it, and I love that. I also got to play with my grand dog

Oh and before I forget, thanks to everyone for reminding me about getting books from the library! I got online, found the digital program and got my ecard. I reserved the ebook I want and will begin exploring the catalogues for ebooks and audiobooks! I used to go to the library every single week when the kids were small. Time to get reacquainted with the new and improved library system!

So how was your weekend?

The post Weekend Roundup first appeared on Jennifer Lyon.

Friday Five

TGIF! Let’s jump right into sharing 5 random things about our week. Here’s mine:

Monday I baked salted dark chocolate and lemon cookies. That’s all fine, but I screwed up my first batch of lemon cookies by second guessing myself. It was so stupid. I doubled the recipe and once the batter was mixed, I suddenly convinced I hadn’t doubled the amount of lemon juice. So I impulsively add more lemon juice. Then I realized I was wrong…and I’d just added what is essentially an acid to a batter after the dry ingredients had been incorporated. So I baked a test cookie and it seemed okay. But could I leave it alone? Nope, I fought with myself over this for a half hour, but the mental pain of knowing I’d screwed up insisted that I go to the store, buy more butter and lemons, then redo the entire double batch. That is crazy, I know it’s crazy and I did it anyway. I don’t have an excuse.I already mentioned that we got together with family to see Wizard’s out of state family. But it was a big deal for us Years ago, Wizard’s uncle was in the air force and stationed in Hawaii. Wizard went there as a young man on a vacation and stayed with his uncle. They have great memories of that time and I love hearing about it. His uncle brought him a bottle of Scotch because his uncle introduced him to the drink. It was really sweet. It was also great for his mom to see her brother.I got my hair done, so all the gray is hidden and I’m growing it out just a little bit. With this humidity, thoughI should just wear a baseball hat and give all the effort. That said, I’m very happy with the color.I got my Humira medication! It’s taken a few calls, lots of hold time and patience, but I’ve had a lot of help too. The copay is so high (well over 1K a month) I wouldn’t be able to afford it. But assistance from the pharmaceutical company is making it possible. I know we all complain about health care and costs (for valid reasons!), but I also think it’s important to call out the good too. I’m very grateful.I started reading a sample of a book on my kindle this morning and really liked it. The only problem? The book is $14.99. I hate paying that for a Kindle book. So now I’m asking my past self why the heck I downloaded the sample to a book I didn’t want to pay the price for? In case you’re wondering, my past self isn’t answering. She’s probably busy creating another problem and issue for my future self to figure out.

That’s my five, now I’d love to hear yours! I hope you have a great weekend!

The post Friday Five first appeared on Jennifer Lyon.

Wednesday Musing

Yesterday we saw Wizard’s out-of-state uncle, aunt, cousin and his wife. It was great to see them and we enjoyed ourselves. While talking, we learned that cousin’s wife is flying back earlier than the rest. So I asked her why.

She was kind of sheepish, but answered that their dog if 14 now, and she doesn’t like being away from him too long even though they have a trusted friend dog sitting. I totally related to that, and I thought it was a pretty healthy attitude. Especially since I know they do a lot of activities and travel whenever they wish. She just wants to spend as much time with their dog while they have him so she was going home a bit early, leaving her husband to have an extra day with his folks. It sounded perfectly reasonable to me, and showed that she appreciates the time she has left with her aging dog and knows that it’s not forever.

Then I contrasted that with taking Maggie into the vet the day before. While I was paying, a woman came out of one of the offices crying after having to put her animal to sleep. All of us grew quiet, respectful of her space and sad as she left. Then I turned to the office staff and said,  “I’m so sorry, I know it’s hard on all of you too.” All true, but then another lady with a small dog who was at the vet’s just to get his toenails clipped, said, “I’d commit suicide.”

We were all shocked. That’s not a healthy attitude. It’s devastating to lose an animal and I’ll be inconsolable for a period of time when I lose my girl. But…I don’t dwell on that, and I certainly don’t live in fear like the lady in the vet’s office. Instead I just try to be like our cousin’s wife and remember (most of the time, LOL!) to appreciate her for whatever time we have.

It was just weird to have to polar opposite experiences with animal lovers back to back. And in a way, it reminded me not to dwell on the sad or bad things that can happen in the future. With some aging and unwell family members, that’s a good lesson. The only time we’re guaranteed is now, and it’s up to us to make the most of that time.

So that’s my musing for today Happy Wednesday!

The post Wednesday Musing first appeared on Jennifer Lyon.

Weekend Roundup

A better weekend! A quick recap:

Saturday I did some stuff, then in the afternoon I went to see Youngest. We just talked for an hour or two, then his mother-in-law came by, and we started talking. I saw youngest tune out our chatter while doing something on his phone. He could have gone outside and worked on the project he was doing when I got there as he knows we would mind. But he stayed. Then I was telling the other mom that Wizard and I considered moving to another town. And suddenly youngest was back in the conversation with, “That’s a terrible idea!” I looked up at him. “Because we’d live farther away from you?” He answered yes and made my day   It’s nice to hear. We sometimes go a couple weeks without talking just because life gets busy, but we always know the other is close by.

Saturday evening Wizard went racing. I really enjoyed being home alone with music blaring and cooking an easy, new to me recipe for Broccoli Spaghetti. I know it sounds weird but it’s basically pasta and broccoli in a parmesan sauce and I added fresh lemon. I ate two helpings, which is amazing since lately I’ve been forced to eat smaller meals due to a cranky stomach. I loved it. And I was glad I did something just for me.

Sunday we went to see Turbo and had a great time! We went to his swimming lessons which was a lot more fun that it sounds. Afterward I hugged Turbo and told him he did so good. He nodded and informed me that he knew he did “Sooo good” with total confidence. I really want some of that four-year-old confidence! But I was really proud of how well he listened and followed instructions. I also made a cookie dough that needs to sit in the fridge over night. I’ll make the second one today and probably bake both batches today for a small gathering tomorrow when we see Wizard’s uncle.

It was just a better weekend because Wizard and I found ways to be productive and busy around our half packed house

How was your weekend?

The post Weekend Roundup first appeared on Jennifer Lyon.

Friday Five

TGIF! Its time to share five random things about our week. Here’s mine:

Wizard’s losing a battle with a gopher. It’s not pretty, LOL.Maggie wants to help find the gopher, but it’s always after 9pm, when I don’t care. I just want her to hurry up and do thing then come in the house Yesterday I headed out to shop for a birthday gift for someone who is usually easy to buy for. I came up empty, but I still have time. I’m more annoyed that my cake pans and tools are packed, so I probably won’t make a cake. But then, I do know where they are packed, so we’ll see. Her birthday isn’t until the end of the month.Wizard’s uncle is coming from out of state next week, and we’re seeing him at a small gathering on Tuesday. I’m taking cookies which means I get to bake!This weekend Wizard is trying a night race, and it’s Saturday night which is good for me. That’s the only night I look forward to TV when my vet shows are usually on. And we may go see Turbo too, but we’re leaving that up in the air right now.

I seriously struggled for five this week! Oh well, I can live vicariously thought all your exciting adventures! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

The post Friday Five first appeared on Jennifer Lyon.

Oops! Wednesday

My post didn’t post, but honestly, that’s no loss to the world But the reason it didn’t post is pretty funny, I somehow changed the month from August to October. Guess even my subconscious is tired of waiting to get into the new house, LOL! Because I’d swear I didn’t change that month, but clearly someone did and the whole drunk gremlins did it doesn’t really sound plausible.

In any case, I hope you all have a Happy Wednesday and I’ll “see”  you on Friday!

The post Oops! Wednesday first appeared on Jennifer Lyon.

Weekend Roundup

The heat sucks. Just thought I’d mention it

Saturday we went out to see Wizard’s mom and took Maggie again. That made her happy. Getting older is not easy, and if Maggie can make her smile, then she’s earned her keep!

Sunday Biker Witch and I went to lunch and hung out at the mall to stay cool. I even found a few things to buy because I wasn’t looking, which is always how it goes. It was great to see her and just hang out. I wish my stomach had been a tad more cooperative, but overall, it was a good day.

Wizard let me know just this last Saturday night that his reunion is casual. I made him show me this since it’s at a country club. I honestly couldn’t tell if they meant casual because it’s buffet style dinner or casual dress. Also, why did he want until after I bought and showed him the dress to tell me???? But I’m seriously thinking I’ll take the dress back and just wear something casual. I really like the dress but it’s not something I’ll wear a lot so I’m leaning more toward going with a more casual look. I’ll be more comfortable too which is always a plus.

So that was my weekend, how was yours?

The post Weekend Roundup first appeared on Jennifer Lyon.

Friday Five

TGIF!! Let’s all share five random things about our week. Here’s mine.

Wizard and I are rarely bored. But this week, we’ve been bored. Now that the panic of where to live is solved since we are able to rent back here for the month of September, we’re living in limbo. We have half the house packed, it’s hot as Hades outside, so what do we do? It’s annoying stuff, my basil plants looks good and I wanted to try making a pesto sauce but my food processor is packed. I can unpack it since the boxes are clearly marked but I don’t want to undo the work I’ve done.On Tuesday afternoon we were so bored, I talked Wizard into furniture shopping. We aren’t buying, just looking at things we might want in the new house eventually. Because we weren’t buying, we found stuff, couches, a dining table, and a desk Isn’t that always the way. The surprise find though was a hallway table with a wine rack in it. We definitely want that table, but not until we are in the new house. Right now, it’s just more clutter to move. And we’re not exactly believing the promises of move-in dates at this point.Wednesday I went to my regular doctor, whom I like a lot. So he was comparing my latest bloodwork numbers with the previous year and said, “You’re cholesterol has gone down, you’re doing great.” And me, being glib (translation: a smart ass) said something to the effect of, “That’s because the I can’t eat many foods anymore.” You know what I should have said, “Thanks that’s good news. But no, I had to be a little snarly and you know what that got me? A trip to the gastroenterologists with a strong suggestion that I have a double scope procedure. LOL! Okay, truthfully, the reasons I went in to the docs was to request the referral to a gastroenterologist, but my doctor was way, WAY ahead of me. Once I said that and he fired off a rapid fire verbal quiz, then bent over his computer ordering the referral before I could ask for it.  I didn’t even get a vote in the decision Just to be clear, though, we are not looking for anything scary here, just to see if there’s inflammation and determine the right coarse of treatment, if any, in addition to dietary.  Otherwise, I’m healthy.My dress came and I really like it! Here’s a pic of it on the hanger. It doesn’t show it off at it’s best, but you can get the idea.  It fits, so I think I’ll keep it. Maggie is bored too. She tries to go outside and chase lizards, but I limit her time outside, then make her come in and cool down. So we pretty much play in and out all day, but when the temps are over a 100, heat stroke is a very real possibility in people and dogs. She is very good about drinking lots of water so that helps.

That’s my five, now I’d love to hear yours! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

The post Friday Five first appeared on Jennifer Lyon.

Weird Word Wednesday

So does a word ever bug you? It may be a perfectly fine word, but when you read or hear it, it twangs like a bad note in your brain? Maybe you think no one says that! For me, one of those words is “guffaw.” I mean who actually says that aside from writers because we’re weird?? I know the word, but I never say it. And my family teases me relentlessly about my vocabulary. I use a lot of words they swear “normal” people don’t use. I think that may be true of most people who read a lot. We just like words, and they have a way of popping into our conversations without us fully realizing it.

But to my ears, “guffaw” is awkward and weird. Sadly, I have written it, I think. But whenever I read or hear it in an audiobook, my brain notes it as awkward.

So my weird word this Wednesday is “guffaw.” What’s yours???

The post Weird Word Wednesday first appeared on Jennifer Lyon.