April 7, 2014

Kongs. Not the King kind, the dog kind. Our dogs love, love, love them! Like most dogs, our furry children hate being left at home alone. Our neighbors used to complain about them barking all day while we were gone so we solved that problem by letting them stay in the house instead of just the laundry room. Now they bark from the stairs inside the house because they are too lazy to go all the way outside. But they were still bored when we were gone -demonstrated by stolen and sometimes chewed up shoes, items such as reading glasses,mittens, and unmentionables drug into the dog yard, and the obvious- trying to make a run for it when we're trying to leave. Then we discovered the magic of Kongs. This product is made by a Colorado company and is a rubber red chew toy that you fill with goodies. They have to really work at getting all the treats out, especially if you put a little peanut butter inside. Now our dogs can't wait for us to leave in the morning because they get The Kong! When we come home they both run and get their toys so we can see how well they did getting all their treats out! I'm going to buy a large one for me and stuff a bottle of wine and chocolates inside. Don can give it to me the next time he leaves on a business trip!

April 6, 2014

Well it was going to happen sooner or later - it always does to new travel trailer owners. Even though our trailer hasn't arrived, we found ourselves at the Mecca of Glamping......Camping World! This is the Bloomindales for campers- they have everything that you will possibly need for your RVing adventures! Of course the two essential items I put in the cart were a wine opener and that nifty United States map decal that you fill in as you visit the 50 states. I'm counting on Puerto Rico holding off until the camper is out of warranty. I even scored a special soap holder for my Italian bar soap that is essential to my survival! We booked our first weekend camping trip with my sister at the end of May and are working on trip with friends in June! I can't wait!

April 5, 2014

Today as my mom, sister, and I were walking the dogs, we observed two children practicing riding their new bikes with the help of their parents. This prompted reminiscing about our own experiences with mastering this skill. My sister tells a funny story of dad helping her get started on her bike which was too big for her. She took off but swears she had to keep riding until he came home because she didn't know how to stop! I remember my dad encouraging me to keep going and he would run behind holding onto the back of my bike to keep me balanced. After awhile I discovered that I had been riding on my own since he had let go a long time before but didn't tell me! Debby and I were shocked when mom told us that my dad didn't know how to ride a bike! He taught 7 kids how but never learned himself...wow!

April 4, 2014

The Country Steak Out was the place to be tonight! This restaurant is in Fort Morgan and was the location for the Fort Morgan Museum's annual fundraiser. This was probably our third time attending because both Don's father and my sister are on the Museum Board. It is a fun time to eat a buffet of not-so-good-for-you appetizers and a chance to see some friends and former teachers who are still in Fort Morgan. Tonight I had a great visit with my former high school history teacher who has me all excited about a trip to England that she will be guiding for interested adults. I just may be under her tutelage again! Of course there were some silent auction items to bid on and then a live auction with an auctioneer who is also part comedian and a local businessman. We ended up with a framed pastel rendition of Glenn Miller in his Fort Morgan High School football uniform. For those of you who are not up on your Glenn Miller history, Fort Morgan was his boyhood home and he was an Allstate football player. However, I would be happier if there was a trombone somewhere in the drawing! The artist that created this artwork also created the life sized artwork of notable people from Fort Morgan history found throughout the museum. Below is a copy of his depiction of a German farming family, representing a large group of settlers of the town. The next time you find yourself heading east on I76, take the Fort Morgan exit and come visit!

April 3, 2014

I wasn't too thrilled to see the snow this morning because I am ready for Spring. My yard is like my closet...too much brown! However, when it snows in April, it is a pretty easy scenario. The snow was piled high on the trees and lawns this morning, the streets were just wet, and by the afternoon, most was melted away and the morning winter coat discarded. Because of this white blanket of moisture, I'm hoping to see a lot more green on my drive to work in the morning....and I won't wear brown!

Dear weather impaired, there's an app for that!

April 2, 2014

Every once in awhile I think how nice it would be to work from home. A slipper commute, sweatpant wardrobe, and one with the dogs. But after the last few days, I realize how much I enjoy the people I work with. Since I work at two schools, I have two work families that are at times dysfunctional but mostly fun and supportive. This week when I was a little down, my coworkers were there to lift me up and make me smile. There is always fun to be had and of course when you are around elementary students- lots of humorous moments! I firmly believe that you will never meet more caring and friendly people than those in the education profession. Ok so now I'm thinking that instead of working at home maybe see if I could just stroll in about 10ish.....!

April 1, 2014

Happy April Fools Day! This has always been one of my favorite holidays. Unfortunately, my family is braced for it so they wait by the phone and don't believe anything I say on this day. Now that I'm getting older, this might not be in my favor. I hope I don't fall and break my hip on April 1, get kidnapped, or need CPR...they will never buy it and I'll be a goner! No big foolery happened today. Some of my past all time favorites is when I set Don's alarm for 12:30am after he fell asleep. When the alarm went off he got up and drug himself to the shower. I took pity on him and stopped him before he got in and told him it was only 12:30am. He was relieved it wasn't morning because he felt like he didn't get any sleep! Hee hee!