Chat…Just Because

I mentioned I had a few more things to bring you up to speed on. Remember me going on about my dream puppy a few weeks ago? Within a day of that post, I, with the help of a friend at work, had located a breeder in my area with one puppy to sell. I was so eager to meet this little guy, but Don was heading out of town on that particular weekend and we couldn’t get it arranged right away. But the following weekend, the puppy was still available and … I’m happy and giddy to introduce the newest member of our family, Tucker!

He’s a coton de tulear, all white with champagne colored ears and spot on his side. When we got him, he was just four months old and 7 pounds. So much fun! He’s so smart and playful. His temperament is amazing. He’s about 9.5 pounds now, so he’ll be just a few more pounds full grown. He looks bigger than he really is because of all that amazingly fluffy hair!

He’s a bit shy when meeting new dogs and people, but warms up so quickly. I could gush on about him like I do my children, but I think you can get a good idea of his charm through some of these pictures.

So on top of my fun doggy news, my jewelry studio IS coming along, although with all of the family activity, it is going to take a while longer for me to get everything organized. It currently looks like a small tornado blew through it, leaving beads, boxes and Ziploc bags everywhere!

And on a personal note, I mentioned a while ago that I needed to take some time to do some good things for myself. One of those things was to lose a few pounds and get into better shape. I’m still in the process, but thrilled to report I’ve lost more than 23 pounds in 11 weeks using the Jenny Craig program to get me going. I’m about 14 pounds away from my goal and feelin’ groovy! Not one to fish for a pat on the head, just happy to share my news, so, yay me!

As you can see, I’ve been busy with my kids, my new puppy and taking time for me. Hope you understand the lack of posts for now.

Be back soon!

It’s that crazy-busy time of year for us: School is winding down, which means end-of year banquets, shows, ceremonies, etc., plus Madeline is graduating (I’ll post some prom pictures of her soon too); summer plans are in the works; outdoor projects need to be addressed. April went by in a blink, and I think May will buzz along quickly too.

Hoping to get back to posting more regularly very soon! Until then, it may be sporadic. I’ll definitely do what I can though!

Is this a busy time for you too?

Ok, so I’m dating myself with the Donny Osmond hit, but whatev. The point is, I’m lover of sweet, intelligent loveable doggies, but alas, I am allergic to them. I don’t think I was always allergic, but then again, we didn’t have a dog for any length of time when growing up, so I guess I could have been allergic and just didn’t realize it.  

When I first was married, my husband and I had a beautiful Collie, but the hair everywhere was un-be-lievable. We couldn’t keep up with it! So we decided to find a loving family for her and move on without a canine buddy. But we realized a short time later that we missed having one around, and so we purchased an AKC registered Cocker Spaniel. We named this adorable pup, Lacy. Here is a photo of her right after we got her. Sweeet puppy!

She was such a joy to have around. She was literally our baby until of course Madeline showed up two years later. Sounds like classic ‘Lady and the Tramp’ plot, but really, she was a wonderful part of our family for many years. Loved her!

When we decided we needed a bigger home, we moved to a house without a fenced in yard, and we agreed to let Lacy live with my mother-in-law (who coincidentally bought our old house) because we couldn’t afford a fence and I couldn’t bear the thought of her running away. Once in our new house for a few days without Lacy, I realized there was a dramatic decrease, no … end … to my incessant sneezing, sniffling and congestion issues that had plagued me for the past few years. My sweet Lacy was the source of what I kept telling myself was pesky allergies. Allergies indeed, but to dander! Not pollen or other outdoor plant culprits. Dang!

Since then, nearly 11 years, I’ve not had a dog for fear that I would sneeeze my way through the rest of my life. The would girls ask repeatedly, “Can’t you just get a shot, mom?” But honestly, as much as I loved dogs, I wasn’t willing to subject myself to pills or injections just so I could live with one.

Over the years I have entertained the possbility of getting a smaller breed that has less dander, the bichon, poodle or maltese type, but then other things took priority, and I stopped looking.

Well with Madeline leaving for college in a few short months, I must be in some sort of nesting mode (which I totally realize) because I’m all over it again! Elyse is out of her mind with happiness at the thought that I’m even considering another dog, Parker is all for it, and Don is a dog lover also. So what’s the hold up? Fear. Fear of the allergies mostly.

But I’ve been doing my homework on breeds that are less likely to cause sneezing attacks and swollen, itchy eyes and think I’ve decided that I could live with one of these: A Coton de Tulear. This cutie is a tri-colored, but they also come in pure white or white and black.

Photo from the United States of America Coton de Tulear Club

I’d never heard of this type of dog before, but for the hours of online reading I’ve done, I now think that this little beauty of a breed would be an amazing match for our family. Oh I’d love to rescue a dog, don’t get me wrong, but I just can’t take the chance of me being allergic to a mix.

I could go on and on about the traits of the Coton, but suffice to say that I think I’ve made up my mind, and I’ll keep doing a bit more research. On the other hand, if any of you know of reputable Coton breeders in the Midwest or have firsthand experience with one, I’d love their information. If we do decide to pursue this, I would definitely want to meet the little sweetie before we bring it home. You can do a Google image search on the breed and see some of THE cutest pictures.

Wow, this week has gone by so quickly, I can hardly believe it! I had all good intentions for posting a relevant, interesting entry, but so could not carve out enough time to make it happen. I do have one more post in my Lessons in Metal series that will be ready next week though.

For now, I’ll be happy to tell you to have a wonderful weekend and to thank you for taking time to visit Chat Just Because!

Pondering the upcoming holiday season and thinking about all of the goodies I’d love to get for everyone!

Saw my daughters’ high school production of The Outsiders on Thursday and plan to go again Saturday night. Madeline has the part of Cherry and Elyse is in the ensemble. It was very well done, and Madeline did a wonderful job! Then in December, they’re both in DramaRama’s production of RENT – The School Edition. Madeline has the part of Joann in that one and Elyse has several roles. Could there be more drama and singing in my house?!

Thinking about doing another Master Cleanse … It’s quite the commitment, but one I am willing to make.

Thoughts of enjoying a lazy afternoon with Don in front of the fire and drinking a nice glass of wine are dancing in my head.

Wondering how to make an exercise program a regular part of my daily schedule … hmmm. It’s been done before; I just have to remember how.

Hoping my daughters will make some chocolate chip cookies soon (k, that won’t work with the Master Cleanse, but a girl can dream, right?)

That said, trying to talk Don into making a healthier version of his yummy stuffing for Thanksgiving. He’s actually agreed to make less of his sinful stuffing and make a separate, more nutritious (if that’s even possible) stuffing recipe. (Baby steps, people.)

Planning to have another Just Because Jewelry giveaway on Monday, so I need to draft the post and create the item! Stay tuned.