Tankini

Her Royal Fatness is fat. 

As a mini doxy she should weigh no more than 11 pounds.  Well.... this girl weighs about 18 pounds.  It's my fault.  We don't have a yard and I don't walk her often or much.  ESPECIALLY in the Winter.  I hate walking in the rain.  She is so very fat.  I am just getting back into walking myself after my surgery.  I wanted to go hiking this weekend, but it didn't happen.  So, a walk for the win.  I was outside!  Juniper went with me.  My stride changes with her.  She walks fast but not fast enough.  Her best time was a 21.4-minute mile.  LOL not bad for an almost no legs dog.  She loves walking so much.  She'd rather be in the woods, like me though.  But outside is still good. She can/has slipped her collar, so Monkey and I went to the pet store to get her a harness that fits her fatness. Juniper greeted everyone she could at the pet store.  I admit she is a cutie.  I wanted a pretty harness.     No dice.  So purple it is.  She also got a new collar, but we have plenty of leashes. 

Tomorrow is the first day of Spring.  It should start raining tonight.  Of course.  But the little? tankini and I went walking!  My goal is another day this week.  I can make this happen. 

Get outside if you can!  Totally worth it. 

Peace

Deep ? thoughts

I heard something the other day that caused me pause.  I felt is was rather profound.  You know, one of those things that have so much truth to it.  

There is no hate like Christian love.  

I'm not sure why we as Christians feel so entitled to judge the people around us. Sometimes we have such a holier than though attitude.  I don't think I've ever read a scripture that says we can do that.  I'm pretty sure we are called to love.  Thats it.  

We had a very large and active Youth Group in the church we were attending.  The youth group had some rough kids with the trending hair styles and colors.  They sat up front of the church.  I'm not sure what the pastor could see from the pulpit.  Whatever was going on behind the youth was enough to make the pastor stop preaching and say, you need to check yourself.  These kids are here in church, worshiping the same as you.  They are NOT the only ones in this room that color their hair.  He made a point of looking at everyone.  I was impressed that he felt called to speak out right then. 

 My sister came out as gay after being married and having 3 kids.  My family had to take a big moment and pause.  Growing up in a very conservative Christian home, it did cause us a beat.  BUT when it all came to the end of the day, we wanted Sister to be safe and happy.  We were just called to love her, and the family she built.  She was with her partner for over 20 years when she died.  I know people that haven't stayed married for that long. Even after saying, until death us do part.  Do we have opinions of what people are doing, acting, saying. YES!  But I know for me, I do not want God's job.  Trust me, I have my own past and sin's that I don't want to have everyone around me having a say in.   Trust me, I KNOW.   If you must judge me, please judge me against the person I used to be, an earlier version of myself. I'm sure we are all growing and changing. 

My children are really good people.  I'm proud of who they are.   I know they have all done things that I'm not proud of.  They have made poor decisions.  Who hasn't!  I have told them their whole lives that they can do NOTHING to make me not love them.  NOTHING. Consequences for actions? You bet, But me not love them?  NEVER!  God loves us so much more.  Isn't grace an amazing thing.  Every day is a chance to get it right, do better, be better. 

I think we need to live in a way that makes us look for the good, intentionally. It's very easy to be negative.  To stay focused on the bad, the hard, the frustrating.  I am trying very hard to be positive and looking for the good.  Not in a Pollyanna type of way or in a name it claim it way, but in a I know God is in control kind of way.  I will just continue to do what I can and leave to rest of it up to God.  

Peace

Mother nature is bipolar.

 Yesterday I learned something new.  Don't eat a granola bar in your car right after you vacuumed it.  That was not a good idea.  I even made myself sigh.  Oh well, it's just a car.  I know I will be vacuuming it again. AND that it will need it. 

I have been doing a bit of traveling lately.  The weather has been off and on.  I don't remember a time when the pass between us and my parents has been closed as often as it has been this winter.  The snowpack was almost scary low in January.  Now it's a LOT of snow again. We all need it.  I went out early this month and found I have bulbs coming up in my pots.  I love this time of you.  I forgot to get crocuses this past fall.  I really do want some.  I want some for me and for my dad, brother, sister's graves.  They will be long gone before the first mowing.  

My mom fell and hurt herself. She will be fine.  It just takes time.  My mother-in-law was really sick and was in the hospital.  She's 106.  I didn't expect her to ever go home.  But she did.  That was stressful time to say the least. 

I got see and visit with a friend I haven't seen in forever.  It was so wonderful.  She had her 2 grandsons with her.  The oldest LOVES cats.  He can't have one.  AND my friend is very allergic to cats. So, we went to the local shelter so he could see the cats.  OMW.  Not a great idea.  When our cat is gone, I do NOT want another one.  I don't dislike cats, but I'm done having one.  But OH, there were so many beautiful tuxedo cats.  I love their markings.  They have a room where you can open the doors and pet them. E and I had so much fun petting and loving on them. Then we went into the dog building.  So many dogs. Some were so sad they lost their people.  You can't pet them unless you are interested in them.  Of course there were rooms of puppies.  Those will go first.  I hope all the dogs find a home of their own.  Going there just pulls on your heartstrings. The cats too for that matter. 

Some pictures to show you mother nature at her best. 

A random carrot in a bag of them.  It cracked me up. 

Tete e tetes almost in full bloom. 

Sunset at my mom's. 

One week after the picture below was taken.  Thanks  Mother Nature. 

I love mushrooms.  I find them often.  There are so many different kinds.  These were really tiny.  I love that they are hearts. 

I hope things are good where you are.  If they aren't I know they will get better.  No matter what is happening it's just a season.  Hold those who are dear to you so very close.  

Peace