My Christmas Week

 Rose Blanche Sophie and Amber wish you a Merry Christmas

This was a display for photos at Pet Plus.  Notice the guinea pig on my lap! Her name is Blanche.  She needed social friend so I got her a young guinea pig named Holly.

This was a charity photo for a shelter

 

These were taken at the Capitol Canine Dog Club for our Christmas Party.

Sophie has been limping and I picked up some pain medication for her.  The limp was gone almost Instamatic.

Wednesday I stood in a Patriot Guard flag line for Nolen E Dailey and Thursday I stood in a PGR flag line for Cliff Stamm.  Cliff and his wife, Mary, used to dance with our Metamora Civil War Dancers.

Wednesday evening, our VFW post held a children's Christmas party and I came dressed for the occasion.  Our post commander requested we wear our caps more often so I did.  One of our delighted helpers, Veronica, had a nice conversation focused on my service and the VFW.  I explained I didn't have it as rough as some of my comrades but I feel my membership supports them in an understanding way.  She told me she didn't believe in Santa growing up as a 7th Day Adventist.  I explained that we are not really lying to children as much as preparing them to believe in what that cannot see for a higher God.  It takes a lot of faith in a world of disbelievers.  She nodded.

On Christmas eve, Alan arrived first and then Sean. They enjoyed watching my two guinea pigs, Blanche and now Holly, have their divider opened for their bonding.  A few dogs liked watching them also.  We went to 5PM Mass at St Joseph's Church on the other side of town near Sean's house lest they attend my church in a mask. 

A cherish a Christmas Mass together

At the beginning of Mass, a child placed the baby in the manger

Pannorama of St Joseph Church

This year's Christmas gifts include:
gift card to Aldi (fun trip to the Isle of Shame), Amazon Echo (but couldn't get it to work), a composting bin for the garden, Instapot, 2 scratch off tickets, mini camera, LED garage light (might need to have the outlet changed), a book about cooking with an instapot followed by the actual instapot gift, a Dremmil kit so I can make holes and be creative., hot chocolate ornament, weave poles, mini camera,  purple hoodie, scented hand cream, dog tricks, square mini cast iron gridle, giunea pig habitat and timothy hay, soup mug and wool army blanket.  As we opened our presents, my sons noticed only a few jars of edibles.  Then they went to their stockings by the fireplace and were happy with their checks.

Hot chocolate bomb next to an avocado for size. It's hollow.

I fixed fried cauliflower.  Boys didn't like it.  They seem to prefer mixed vegetables like their dad made by opening up 5 cans. Alan brought prime rib.  Also salad and macaroni salad.  I got a coconut cream pie at Humphry's Market and made jello with whipped cream,    After dinner we went for a nice walk with all 4 dogs.  I always look forward to our walks especially on a nice day.

We watched movies like "Mary Magdalene", "The Interview" and "The Liberator" of the 157th Regiment.  Then after they left, I cleaned house.  I had to make sure dishes were done, table cloth in the laundry and mop the floors as it was a warm damp muddy day.  I recall when we used to go to a movie at the theater.  

Alan wants to surprise me with a Belgian Malinois to train since I've been training Amber these past few years.  I keep telling him NO that I'd rather have a papillon. He sent me numerous videos of the Malinois but it's his wish not mine.  The Malinois are too strong and difficult to train and a liability risk.  I know he's thinking as a protector for his mom.   A papillon is most versatile in many venues include therapy dog. Besides, my neighborhood has a 3 dog limit and I need that space open in case of an emergency.

Sunday I went to Mass and had a brief conversation with a few members in the doorway.  I showed one my 2020 quarter with a bat on it with words about the National Park Service. We both thought it odd.  She liked the Nativity shirt that I wore.  The she asked our user if he had seen her husband come in yet.  He said yes that her husband had already been seated.  She seemed excited that she missed him enter after parking the car.  I replied, "just like today's Gospel" (about loosing Jesus at the temple).  Sean and I watched the "Photographer of Mauthausen"

I'm a bit irked at Cosmo biting on Amber and getting a little rough with that puppy play.   I had looked all over for the muzzle I had in my box of dog things and couldn't find it.  My poor pup was cowering on me. 

 

 

My Week

Winding down to prepare fore Christmas is not winding down fast enough.  Day by day seems to sneak up with something last minutes now that the dog activity is almost over.  Monday night I went to our VFW meeting.  Tuesday morning a funny thing in exercise class-we partner up with bands.  When my partner finished and it was my turn,  I said "good girl ".  Then later was our Women's Overseas Service League luncheon where we usually exchange gifts.  I gave everybody a sausage since it was simple and better than candy.  It was a hit in the past. 

We had a group photo

I thought that this was unique

Reindeer S'mores

I was the first to leave because I take Amber on her therapy dog visit at 1:30.  We did tricks but I could tell she wasn't really into it as much.  She did cuddle up to a couple of ladies.  Then it really fell apart when a guest came in with her shitzu mix and no more after that.  Sure they got acquainted and settled down but the show was over.

Wednesday I went to practice with Amber in Mechanicsburg.  The weather was real nice but extremely windy.  Today Lisa helped me with a little confidence about staying at a start line till I say "OK" and gaining a little distance so I don't have to run as much and hurt myself and fall.  Before leaving I made Stuffed pepper soup in the crock pot and proud of how it turned out since I've not been a good cook latly.  I didn't have ground beef but I did have Italian meat balls in the freezer that I ground up.

Thursday evening was our CWV Christmas Party.   I wore my little Christmas outfit that I do Amber's Christmas Story.  

Friday morning our exercise group went to breakfast afterward a usual.   I met a another from the DAR who asked me if I'd go to Wreaths Across America at Camp Butler tomorrow.  It's new project for DAR this year and the second time I'd been asked this exact same question since becoming a member last April.  I almost feel insulted being asked this because I've been there since we started doing it.  I should be thankful they are on board with the program and helped this year's record number of wreaths sponsored.  I truly am. 

I had my mammogram and everything is fine. Be advised that getting the COVID-19 vaccine can cause temporary lymph node enlargement and result in a “false positive” mammogram.

Saturday morning I went to Camp Butler for Wreaths Across America.  

Peggy and I have been to this ceremony annually and her first year without her husband who is buried at Camp Butler.

Proper pose after stomping on my own plot.

Seeing that the cemetery had a lot of help, I came home to prepare for Amber's Christmas Story at the Villas of Southpark.  If the video doesn't show below, try this link.

 

After the the little skit at the assisted living facility, I went to the Capitol Canine club for our Christmas Party still dressed in my pseudo Santa outfit.  One of the members is a photographer so pictures forthcoming.

 

Sunday morning I was a lector at Mass....something I hadn't volunteered for in a long time.  

Here's Amber's accomplishments for just 2021 alone.

 

 

Sunday morning, Sophie started to limp on her front paw.  Now I'm worried because I can't feel anything on that leg.  I will have to call my veterinarian on Monday.  He mostly does wellness visits but I may have to bump up the care to Brewer Animal hospital that performed her eye surgery.

Sunday evening after Sean left, I picked up a baby female guinea pig to phase over as a companion for Blanche.

My Week

 Monday morning was very windy and cold.  I walked Sophie and had to save her stool sample for the veterinarian.    Her appointment was right after our exercise class so I brought her with me.    

Tuesday I went to the 80th Anniversary Remembrance of Pearl Harbor held at the Elks Club on Lake Springfield.

Phil Brown from the Interveterans Council insisted on this phto

The living historians from the Illinois Military Museum

Gwen reads the governor's proclamation

Afterward, Sophie went on a visit to the assisted living home.

Wednesday I went to practice in Mechanicsburg.  It was a cold start to the day but by mid-day it was 43 and wind free and sunny.

In the evening I went to Mass for the feast of the Immaculate Conception. A man needed an ambulance.   https://youtu.be/BOX8maf5_Bw

Thursday I had new light fixtures installed and some of the outlets changed from cream color to white to match their covers.  

These three light fixtures.

 Were replaced by matching flush LED ceiling lights like this with crystal sides to spread the light.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday Amber and I trialed at the fairgrounds at a The North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC)  event sponsored by In The Zone Agility.  On Friday it was colder inside the barn running my dog than taking her out potty.  Friday evening I went to the obedience practice at the club at 7.  Only 3 of us showed.  Then the weather was real bad about 8PM.  Some sections of town had power outages but not me.  Later we learned that there were deadly tornadoes to the south.  The colder weather followed for the agility trial.  Friday we Q'd 4/8 runs, Saturday we Q'd 5/8, and Sunday 3/8. 

Runs entered:
12/10/2021   Gamblers 1                 08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 27.92/   Q/Place: N/
12/10/2021   Gamblers 2                 08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: /   Q/Place: E/
12/10/2021   Jumpers 1                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: /89.00   Q/Place: E/
12/10/2021   Jumpers 2                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 19.81/89.00   Q/Place: Q-10/1
12/10/2021   Regular 1                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 37.04/126.00   Q/Place: Q-10/1
12/10/2021   Regular 2                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 35.33/126.00   Q/Place: Q-10/1
12/10/2021   Touch N' Go 1              08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 36.19/118.00   Q/Place: N/1
12/10/2021   Touch N' Go 2              08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 30.49/118.00   Q/Place: Q-10/1

12/11/2021   Jumpers 1                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 22.70/91.00   Q/Place: Q-10/1
12/11/2021   Jumpers 2                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 27.64/91.00   Q/Place: Q-10/1
12/11/2021   Regular 1                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 38.69/122.00   Q/Place: N/1
12/11/2021   Regular 2                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 57.10/122.00   Q/Place: N/1
12/11/2021   Tunnelers 1                08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 47.02/153.00   Q/Place: N/1
12/11/2021   Tunnelers 2                08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 35.82/153.00   Q/Place: Q-10/1
12/11/2021   Weavers 1                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 46.02/116.00   Q/Place: Q-10/1
12/11/2021   Weavers 2                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 45.54/116.00   Q/Place: Q-10/1

12/12/2021   Chances 1                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 40.00/   Q/Place: Q-10/
12/12/2021   Chances 2                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 40.00/   Q/Place: N/
12/12/2021   Hoopers 1                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 21.85/83.00   Q/Place: Q-10/1
12/12/2021   Hoopers 2                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 30.41/83.00   Q/Place: Q-10/1
12/12/2021   Regular 1                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: /105.00   Q/Place: N/
12/12/2021   Regular 2                  08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: /105.00   Q/Place: E/
12/12/2021   Tunnelers 1                08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: /165.00   Q/Place: E/
12/12/2021   Tunnelers 2                08   Nov      Std      S   Time/Dist: 45.52/165.00   Q/Place: N/2

I wasn't real happy Sunday.  In fact I was pissed when she got to the top of the A frame and stalled.  We had a stare down.  I had her do the weaves and took her out of the ring.  Not all were her fault however.  Sometimes I got lost on the course as to where to go next.  Even though I do a walk through of the course, I still get lost as where to go next.  Amber earned  "Outstanding - Novice Jumper Certificate" and "Outstanding - Novice Tunnelers".  

Tired Amber

 

I had left my advent calendar lit while I was gone.  The pink candle was down to nothing but the two purple candles from the past weeks were still lit when I got home.  Sean was home doing laundry by the time I returned and hadn't noticed.

RANT:

Removed from Youtube already so it must be hot! Same video on and alternative site.

https://rumble.com/vq96jy-sos-response-t-oaustralia-from-christine-anderson-mep-of-european-union.-de.html

My Week

Busy day on Tuesday.   On Tuesday, November 30th, the Springfield (IL) Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC)  hosted its 13th program honoring the birth of our Lord and Savior, JESUS CHRIST.   Illinois was the FIRST state in America to put up a Nativity display in its State Capitol.  Since 2008, 32 other states have followed Illinois' lead. The primary goal of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee is to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The SNSC's secondary goal is to make the public and the media (statewide & nationwide) know that we, as Christians, have a constitutional right to express our faith in the public square, as long as it is privately-funded and temporary in nature.

Our featured speaker, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield. Other speakers include Tom Brejcha, Founder & Chief Legal Counsel, Thomas More Society, Chicago and an SNSC member; and Gary Pierce, Key of David Ministries, Springfield, State Senator Darren Bailey, and State Rep Brad Halbrook.

CHRISTMAS carols performed by Majestic Praise and Worship, Springfield.

Chaplain Steve Holden and veteran Rosemary Connolly, Wreaths Across America, will place a wreath in front of the five flags representing all branches of the U.S. military.

The créche and manger will stand in the Illinois Rotunda, in accordance with the U.S. Constitution, which allows us to express our CHRISTIAN faith in the public square, as long as these displays are privately-sponsored and temporary in nature.

The Nativity Scene will be available for public viewing, during normal business hours from November 30th through January 6th, 2022.

 Wednesday and Thursday were clean up days before the busy weekend.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the fairgrounds doing CPE agility. I put up my Christmas lights on Thursday since the weather was nice.  I realize that some of the bulbs were dead and still dead even after a replacement.  Oh well, it'll do.  Not many get to appreciate lights on this short street.  Next year I'll need new LED lights.   I printed out the course maps for Friday at the library and then realized that Thursday-Friday-Saturday is Chatham’s Light Up the Park drive through Christmas lights.  It’s a $5 donation.  

Amber got mail from AKC. Seeing is believing when I get a certificate in the mail. Amber's Beginner Fast Cat (BCAT) title is for real. Expecting another to upgrade that "BN" title soon.

 Friday I got 2 blue ribbons.  One run was a NO TIME. At the buzzer, I had to stay behind the line and guide her thru tunnel, teeter, jump and table at a distance. She kept coming to me by the line. We will need some distance command practice.  On afterthought, I wish I could also see a recording of my body language that could have gone wrong.  Well, I wasn't the only one with the problem either and for that I can't hang my head low.

My other was a "No Time" because she side jumped off the teeter and I put her back on and finished the  course.  That was considered training in the ring.  I think there may  have been something that Amber sensed about that teeter because she likes teeter.  I notice the same problem with many others.  It may have been off balance or something that the dogs detected.  The judge was from NY and was really nice and smiled a lot. She played music from her phone during course set up. Dance-like music that really reduced stress and boogie.  These photos were taken on Friday because I remember those hiking style shoes ripping a hole in my sock and breaking skin.  Notice that Amber smiles.  You can see the bars for her are set at 8". She rarely drops a bar but has occasionally. Amber is 12" at the withers which determines her jump height. Amber is getting buff muscles I noticed.  I'm getting compliments from the other exhibitors now and I find it flattering since most have more experience.   I got to give a lot of credit to Lisa in Mechanicsburg for our practices. 

 

Photo credit   Ramona Boston

Photo credit   Ramona Boston http://www.rlboston.com

 

 This was taken Sunday after our last run.  Believe it or not the final ribbon was not yet prepared before taking this picture but had to get the picture in before the level 1 dogs ran and the course torn down.

Thanks Shelly for taking the picture with my cell phone.

  Friday 12/3/2021:
               Snooker L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Score: 41 (Q)  Time: 27.33 seconds  1st Place

               Wildcard L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Distance: 100 yards  SCT: 47 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 26.48 seconds  1st Place

               Jackpot L4 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               No Time  {see map above}

    Saturday 12/4/2021:
               FullHouse L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Score: 28 (Q)  Time: 30.81 seconds  1st Place

               Standard L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Distance: 151 yards  SCT: 71 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 43.35 seconds  2nd Place

               Colors L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Distance: 90 yards  SCT: 43 seconds
               Score: 5 (Q)  Time: 22.14 seconds  2nd Place

               Jumpers L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Distance: 152 yards  SCT: 59 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 40.45 seconds  1st Place

               Snooker L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Score: 44 (Q)  Time: 41.12 seconds  1st Place

    Sunday 12/5/2021:
               Jackpot L4 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Score: 55 (Q)  Time: 36.66 seconds  1st Place

               FullHouse L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Score: 32 (Q)  Time: 36.36 seconds  1st Place

               Wildcard L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Distance: 94 yards  SCT: 45 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 34.80 seconds  1st Place

               Jumpers L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Distance: 129 yards  SCT: 47 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 39.26 seconds  2nd Place

               Standard L4 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Distance: 190 yards  SCT: 80 seconds
               No Time {jumped off the teeter and considered the run as training in the ring}

Now here's some really festive agility team with a Portuguese Water Dog on Saturday.  (She knew I took this picture as she entered the ring while I volunteered as a leash runner)

I stayed to help a little with some of the packing up.  I made it home in time to see Sean and turn around and make it to Mass at the cathedral at 5PM.