My week

Tuesday I started my lawnmower after being charged for a few day. "voila" !  This has been a problem in past at the beginning of Spring so I get a little pessimistic.  I mowed my yard for the first time of the season on March 29th.  It needed it so the dogs wouldn't drag their belly and I could continue doing some agility practice in the back yard.

It was also National Puppy Day:

 

Wednesday I met with my tax accountant.  I didn't have to pay into the IRS as much as I had in previous years.

Thursday I had a zoom meeting with my financial advisor.  

At the height of my mask sewing, I bought this PowerXL iron.   I would not recommend it.

Amber's title is on this page.

https://domorewithyourdog.com/DogTricks/dog-tricks-program/title-holders-list-2/alphabet-challenge-atoz-title-holders/

Well I got my taxes don on Wednesday with my accountant.  I had a dental appointment on Thursday.

Saturday I took Amber to Delevan, IL, the heart of the wind turbines, for Tunnelers and Jumpers.  I returned on Sunday for hoopers.  This is the course map and we get a chance to walk the course before entering the official trial.   The numbered cones show  the order to be taken at each entrance.  There is a timer at the start and finish.

 

Here is my score for the first trial

Here is my score for the second trial.  Of course I place first because Amer is the only entry at 8" jump class.

Here is the course for the jumpers. 

She dropped a bar on one of the jumps and went off course.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This it the order for "novice hoopers".  Sean said it looked like square dancing and he's pretty much correct because there's a walk through without the dog as I swing my arms with my invisible dog as practicing to dance.  The plan pattern is a lot like a bow tie.

I finished hoopers at the end of the day (4PM) and passed. Amber made eye contact at the back of the arena like I was going to loose her but she focused back to me and off to the end to finish the timer. Horses and trailers  pulled in for a subsequent event.  Since this was the end of the day, scores were not posted but will be online and in my email.  After she did well, I returned to my little pink camp to catch my breath and give Amber a reward of beef baby food jar.

I still don't know if I got any titles. 

Here's the area and my crate area is on the right in the pink.

I got home in time to go to Saturday evening Palm Sunday Mass.  At the end of Mass, Fr John was given a special blessing for his 70th birthday by a member of the parish.   I thought his younger photos reminded me of "The Monkeys"

 

Happy Easter!

My Week

 I went to the dentist regarding my bleeding gums last week and the fact that the doctor mentioned a replacement crown in my future.  I had some "patchwork" done to the crown at the gum line.  I do have to go back for the upper in the same location

Some of my Wednesday meetings are picking up so that knocks out about 3/4 of my Wednesdays. I played nose work with Amber. I've had it with her false hits and know why she does it so I'm upping the requirements to get that reward. She did bad at barn hunt practice Tues eve. Then when Deb took a rat out of the tube and into a wire cage, Wow, what a difference. Amber was assertive/aggressive all of a sudden.  I put her in an open kennel while I adjust boxes. Sometimes she wouldn't so I waited her out. I have a new philosophy if she does it wrong. Nothing for nothing.

Amber's title is on this page.

https://domorewithyourdog.com/DogTricks/dog-tricks-program/title-holders-list-2/alphabet-challenge-atoz-title-holders/

 Amber's St Patrick's Day photo is in this video.

Tuesday evening, Patty and Dan came and stayed in their camper in my driveway on the way to Alabama.  I left my extension cord out for their camper but forgot to plug it in.  Duh!  It was a wonderful visit.  I had evening plans for some dog training classes so Sean came over and entertained my guests for awhile.  I was so glad he got to see his aunt and uncle on short notice.  Patty came with me to my exercise class and was warmly welcomed.  After we exercised, the 3 of us got the dogs walked a couple blocks before they left.  Patty held Amber's leash and I observed Amber looking at me with Sophie in hand.  Her eyes said that Patty is not her boss, you are.  After they left, I actually had a bit of missing them after they left.  Probably because of being away and mostly shut-in during the Pandemic but trying my best to be active. To have a sister and her husband break it up was a welcome relief.  I worried about the weather as they passed on further south in possibly treacherous weather.

I frosted/colored my hair green for St Patrick's Day.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All that pleasant weather told me not to hang up my winter coat.  We had a lot of rain on Wednesday and Thursday.  I thought I'd put my blooming geranium out for some of that rain and that helped.  But I was reminded to bring it back in because of the drop in temperature and possibility of some snow.

Amber and Sophie were groomed on Thursday. 

While the girls were being groomed, I rented a dog from a fellow club member that has 5 dogs.  I was handler for "Jonas", a terrier, pit, etc mix.  We were pretty good together except that his owner has a different sign for "sit".  Her signal is more of a hand straight out like "hail Hitler".  Between Jonas going right into a finish at my side instead of front recall, the dogs in our group seemed to have a number of moments that caused us to laugh.  He was pretty good. Occasionally I would say "good girl" to a boy dog.  Ha..I guess that didn't matter because Shari, his owner with 5 dogs, mixes up their names on a recall. 
Shari, Jonas' owner, handled her other dog, Hannah. Hannah doesn't like Amber and is very reactive but good at agility. Well, Shari called for Hannah during recall and said "Reagan come" (her other and more experienced dog)

This is Jonas.  Jonas happens to be very obedient with a very close heel position at the side.  His kissing is very aggressive. 
I really loved the eye contact from Jonas. Amber is just developing this. Amber is transitioning from sniffing the floor to "watch me". I wish I knew this sooner. 

I'm currently working on Amber's  Do More With Your Dog Champion title video.  Thursday evening I went to a virtual women's retreat through church.  My nephew called in the middle of it so I missed part of it.  

Saturday I went to yoga class since our state meeting of the Catholic War Veterans was canceled.  The only problem was that I requested we not do "chair pose".  What ever we did on Friday made my thighs sore.  I requested an hour of Savasana but in jest.   She tailored the class for me and my sore thighs.  Then I took the girls shopping.  Lowes was way crowded so I took them to Joanne's and Petsmart.

 

I fixed chili for lunch on Sunday.  I got in the mood when I saw a chili cookoff flyer.  I found a small bit of chili fixins in the cupboard but it goes back to when Frank made chili.   It got tossed and I picked up new. After Sean left, I went to a meeting at the dog club about upcoming agility classes and sign up as assistants.  I thought we would have set up some equipment for open practice so I brought Amber but everybody left afterward.

Sad that my nephew went to see a judge in California over my sister's estate and things didn't work out for him.  He worked so hard as an executor of his mother's estate.  The stress affected his health and well being in a negative way.

I started watching the mini-series, Outlander. 

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. but if it dies, it produces much fruit. . (John 12:20-33) We are grains of wheat.  We want to skip the "death thing" topic and go directly to resurrection.  Death comes first.  It can be spiritual, emotional, hopes, dreams, careers, hearts or beliefs.  There can be no resurrection without first death!  We must submit to any of these forms of death.

My Week

The facebook page for the Million Mask Challenge that I joined last March will be archived at the end of March after reaching our goal.  My memories on Facebook reminded me of our AKC rally trials in Champaign while I was texted by my sons about the governor's shut down.  I re-watched the videos and realized how much better we have become today.  I was in a beginner class and often the only one in the class to trial but at least I didn't have to be intimidated by others that had one or more trial under their belt.

I was able to turn off the heat for 5 days.  We had some beautiful weather and nice and sunny.  Sure it was cold at night but then I have a down feather quilt.   I did turn the heat back on over the weekend however.  Now the rain and we do need it.  Last Sunday, Sean gave me a puzzle ring.  Unlike the ring I used to have that fits on my finger, but more golf ball size.  I used to be proficient with a ring that would fit on my finger.   I don't know what ever happened to that ring.  I had to re-learn how I solved this puzzle. Instructions are on Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huoFQSu7Cvo 

Tuesday I went to a funeral in Peoria for (distant cousin) past department commander of Illinois Amvets.  In the evening I went to a new obedience practice at 7pm -8pm and then quickly out to Rochester for rat practice.

This is our connection to Paul Kerby.  Paul's mother is Mary "Virginia" Connolly in this "United States Census, 1920".  Same grandfather as my husband but Mary's mother is from a second marriage with Roxie.

I did get pictures of Paul's brothers.  Here is Mary Kerby (widow)  and Paul's brother Dwayne Kerby (?). He had just put something in his mouth.

Here is Charles Kerby from Ohio.

Tuesday evening I went to the Capitol Canine Training Club for obedience practice at 7-8PM and then quickly out to Rochester for a brief practice at barn hunt.  It's a tight squeeze  between practices but I need both.

Amber's photo is on the last page of the TDI newsletter.  We have another waiver to sign because the TDI insurance doesn't cover the handler or our dog, only results of our visit by a dog.

https://tdi-dog.org/images/Spring_Summer_2021.pdf

 During my last dental visit, my doctor wanted to redo my crown.  The receptionist called later with the costs based on my insurance.  At the time I declined because I wasn't having any problems.  Then Thursday evening my waterpick resulted in blood so I will get another appointment

Wednesday evening I went to our Amvets meeting for the first time since last September.  There wasn't a quorum.  Thursday evening I went to our Catholic War Veterans meeting at 7pm.

My brother called while I was in yoga class. He left a message about me still being in bed at 9:30. In a way I was because I was doing Yoga savasana posture.

 Saturday morning I joined as Zoom meeting of the Women's Overseas Service League out of San Antonio.   It's a little hard to hear the group from their iPad because it's not right in front of the person speaking in a restaurant setting.  

Sunday I was a Eucharistic Minister at Mass.  I figure I should sign up to volunteer now because I will miss Mass in coming weeks with dog trials coming up.  I fixed potatoes, carrots, cabbage and corned beef.  Sean brought a lemon cake.  When he texted me a photo of the cake, it looked smaller like a mini-bunt cake.  I made sure he took the remainder home.   I got a text that the VFW state commander, Laurie Emmer, would be visiting the Chatham VFW post.

Attendees got a nice VFW glass and a fancy-dancy pen that has a flash light and screw driver with her name on it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The purpose of life is to listen...to yourself, to your neighbor, to your world, and to your God...and when the time comes, to respond in a helpful way...from within and without.” —Fred Rogers

My week

 I was dusting things off and rediscovered my Air Force Mr Potato head.  Mr Potato Head has been in the news regarding the Biden administration's gender neutrality executive order.

Here is Green Amber. I made the scarf last year. This year I tried the green sunglasses. She held them for about 30 seconds because it pleased me...ONLY. 

I had also made a scarf for Sophie who's scarf gets in the way of her walking so she can't wear hers. 
I put together an "Alphabet Challenge" by Do More With Your Dog. (our name will be added to the list of title holders and some of the other videos by others) It took me all week.  I'm kinda glad I didn't watch the other's videos before doing mine.  A little more creative that way.  Besides, one of the videos that I watched after the submission seemed to use letters that were different synonyms of just barking such as counting, bark, etc.  I'm learning to use a new camera that I got for Christmas.  Q for Quick was an accidental setting on time lapse so I kept it her time lapse weave clip and saved the W in weave for the W in Wave. Also, a bad setting on LEAVE IT clip changed my black pants to mauve color.  A few clips were recycled from last year.

Here's the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RTWHtgLJS8

A few of these tricks with the black boarder on the side like on yoga mat were incorporated from last year so I didn't have to do them over. Some of the older clips she has improved since. Some of these we are really green at doing recently like the hike, chess and Zorro. I needed to re-do the PVC frame on that pony. You see, I cut it narrower so the pony wouldn't wobble. Then I added air and it didn't quite fit either and the pipe popped open because it was fatter. She used the wall to help balance.  Amber hated doing Zorro but she did it because she loves me.  Her balance is pretty good overall because she rides in the car freestyle and sticks her head out the window. She has to learn sporadic movements and braking. 
Then I come home from ring ready obedience after 8 and dark with back pack and keys and Amber on a drag leash and she sees a rabbit.  I got worried there but all is well.

So Friday evening I took her to the Capitol Canine Training Club for open obedience practice group. When I got home, she saw a rabbit in the front yard and took off between the 8 feet from the car to the door and I got worried. She was sitting in the dark and I had to go to her.

Wednesday I had a new faucet installed in my quarter-bath that didn't have a direct shut off valve.  I had to have a plumber help.  In the evening was my last night as an assistant to the obedience class.  There were 5 graduates out of about 8 that started out. This group should have graduated December 20th. I picked up being an assistant after a long break because the governor closed everything down again in December and then there were 2 snow days.   On graduation night, the students were introduced to light rally, agility and I brought Amber to demonstrate some tricks.  I let the dogs try the bell, the light, and piano.  Most of all, these younger dogs reminded me how far I've come with Amber's wild ways.  She still hasn't earned all my trust but we do have an understanding of each other which is beyond words.

Thursday was open practice, I skipped the group going to lunch afterwards to help a neighbor.  In the afternoon, I went with my neighbor, Donna, to show her where to go at the fairgrounds for her COVID shot next week.  This was sort of a dry run. She really doesn't know her way around too much because when she went places, she was usually a passenger.  On Saturday, she called before attempting the dry run on her own.  I had confidence in the easy route to the fairgrounds.  She later called from the side of the road that she made a successful dry run.

I got the oil changed and tires rotated this week.  I almost missed that tire rotation appointment that I scheduled to have done while in exercise class on Friday.  After exercise we go to breakfast and then I looked at my phone and got the reminder on my calendar app.  One of the ladies was able to follow me and give me a ride between Checkpoint service and the cafe so I could still enjoy breakfast with the group.

Saturday morning I went to my yoga class.  Afterward I attended a Zoom meeting for the Capt William Penny chapter of DAR.  The registrar announced that I was officially a verified as a descendant of a Revolutionary War Patriot as of Friday.  I should be voted upon at the next meeting.

The meeting had a guest speaker on the local women's suffrage movement.  I liked that.  Afterward was the business meeting.  After 2 hours, I left the zoom meeting.  

I swear the dogs want me to take them to the dog park.  I'm tugged toward the car.  So I obliged.  We went in the small dog fence.  Few others there also.  One tried to mount Sophie. Amber seemed to hide behind me when more active dogs came around.  Other times, Amber would go in front of the dog and entice them to chase them.   Then if the chase got too close, she'd turn and snarl.  Is that still play?

Sunday was the first time during the pandemic that the kneelers in church were not tied in the upright position. Father said we had a choice of kneeling or sitting.  I fixed chicken noodle baked casserole and creamy jello.  We watched "The Dig" on Netflix.

Monday I got some printing done at the library, dropped some goods off at the Goodwill, had a webex meeting with the ALPLM, and in the evening I went to the VFW meeting.

 

My Week

Last fall I brought my two geranium plants inside for the winter.  One of them seems to have died but the other flowered this week.  I guess that's good and bad.

Wednesday was a lovely day and after exercise I took Amber to Mechanicsburg for practice.  Lisa made a video of a virtual run on the tunnels.   For an extra $10, the video will go to a NADAC judge for title.  Now I wait.

I got home dog practice in time for a 2PM Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum volunteer continuing education webinar on “’'The Choked Voice of a Race, at Last Unloosed’: African Americans and Civil War Music”.  It's an unlisted video.   The last question about the photo of the regimental bands came from me via the chat on WEBEX.

I was rather sore after agility practice.  My left hip was sore and caused me to walk slow. Hope it gets better and not related to  my spinal fusion.  The weather was nice and I finally got my car washed.   In the evening I assisted with the beginner dog obedience class.  

Thursday I took Amber to practice.  We had a good turn out.  I even saw a white doberman.  Now that Amber and I are improving, Chris has been tagging me (along with another lady) as demonstration teams for the newer members at practice. 

Friday was the last day of the remodeling in my back room.  It had a textured wall that seemed to gather dirt on every little bump.  Mark spent a lot of time and I felt he was undercharging me so I bumped up the amount on the check that I wrote to him.  Now to clean up all the residual dust.  I just couldn't get it off the floors with regular cleaner.  Then I remembered that I have a gallon of ammonia.  It's hard to find ammonia these days.  It helped cut the dust a lot.  Here is the before and after of the sliding patio door.

Saturday I took the dogs to Stuart Park to play in the dog run.  The girls enjoyed it and there were 2 other dogs in the small dog area.  There were a lot in the big dog fence.

Sean was going to change the faucet in the 1/4 bath on Sunday but he couldn't find the shut off valve.  I have a plumber coming next Wednesday. I fixed tortellini. 

I'm going to plant "sugar baby" watermelon this year.  I put some seeds in starter containers but there are more seed that can be planted directly in ground in May. I remember last year when my neighbor planted a tiger melon and it grew on my side so I had to tease him that it was mine because I had to mow around the vine.  

I scanned a few old photos.  I think I'm in either 2d or 3rd grade here.  I rarely had curled hair.  Mom must have done this special for photo day.

Here I am at Lowry AFB in Semi-formal at a dining-in.

I had to reset my Apple Watch.  That took a long time.