12 of 12 is today

and the morning is not off to a good start.

Took Luke to the training barn so he could hitch a ride with Heather to the show. On the way there, FLAT tire. Remembered the camera: Was able to take three photos before the battery said, no more. Hopefully, the rest of the day is not as eventful.

Will try to post photos tonight, but for sure, by golly, by tomorrow.

Enjoy your day. I am. Can't do nothing else but..........

Ode to Simple Green

This stuff is a miracle cleaner. I don't know why anyone would use anything else. Really should have taken before and after photos.

It is August. That means Luke and his pasture mates are covered in dirt and a sticky substance that is derived from a pesky weed. Common name: Tar Weed.

In years past, I have scrubbed and scrubbed until both my hands and his legs were raw. Then last year, I thought. "I'll try some Simple Green." And I did. Cleaned him up in a flash. Dilute in his bath water and use a regular soft brush on his legs and mussel and he is as clean as any show pony should be.

LOVE simple things like SIMPLE GREEN.

PUNK

Sometime this month, Angus celebrates his 19th birthday. I hope I age as gracefully as he has been. But, he is still a punk.

He had a growth on his toe, which we have chosen not to remove. Our vet is certain that he could not survive the anesthesia process. So, we have been soaking it; keeping his jogging boot on; and treating him with antibiotics.

So, why is my 19 year old dog a PUNK!?

Every August for the past five or six years, he decides he is not going to eat. Maybe his tastes change; maybe he just isn't hungry. Previously, I thought it was because it was hot in August or it was because I am usually gone for a week each August. But this August has been unusually cool.

In the past, tri-tip and mashed potatoes have worked. Or ground turkey and rice. Not this year. Got to find something else. At least he ate his bacon and eggs for breakfast.

Adventures in Costco Shopping

OK. I admit it. I am a bit late coming to the COSTCO party. My mother first joined the warehouse store when it was a Price Club. I dreaded going with her. The place was always huge and even if you went in for a few party supplies, you came out spending $200 without batting an eyelash. With stuff you would probably never use, but the price per ounce was too hard to pass up. Even is you threw half of it away. The lines in and out of the place reminded me of Saturday morning shopping at the McClellan AFB commissary. I have a few family members that plan their vacations around whether or not they will be able to get provisions at a Costco.

Maybe it is because there are just two of us at home and quantity shopping really has little appeal except when we are going camping or to a family function. I don't know. Maybe it is because until recently, the closest one to me was nearly 15 miles from the house in a direction I don't travel. So going there to save a few was never really justified. I just don't get the attraction.

That was until about a year ago. Our vet recommended we start giving Kitty and Angus the Kirkland brand of glucosamine for their joints. So, I have been making quarterly trips to Costco. It is beginning to grow on me. Then, our vet recommended we switch to the Kirkland dog and cat food for the three other dogs and the cats. So, this past weekend, we were nearly out of critter food, so I decide to venture out that way. Since they close at 6 on Saturdays, I get the bright idea to go Sunday morning at 10. Right after they open. What was I thinking? On a Sunday and on the second of the month!!!!!

EVERYONE within a ten mile radius had to be there. There were only about three carts remaining near the front of the store; I parked two shopping areas away. I walked in and the lines looked like they were going to take hours. This truly is a tag-team event. Should have made my spouse come too. I just want dog and cat food. Well, while I am in here, let's look at...

Yep, 90 minutes and $250 later. I was out of there. With stuff we'll use, to be assured; but don't really need. YES, I remembered the critters food, but I forgot the glucosamine. Good thing they have another couple of weeks remaining.

August 12 of 12 One Week Away

Good Afternoon.

12 of 12 for August is one week away. A boring Tuesday. But a glimpse at my new venture, I promise. I will try to curtail the commuting photos now that officially "handsfree" driving is not allowed.

New to 12 of 12? It is the coolest idea created by Chad Darnell. (His blog is pretty cool too!) You take 12 photos of your day, no matter how mundane, on the 12th of each month.

Come on TRY IT!!!!!!!