It’s Friday. My brain is a bit overtaxed, as is my body.
Last night, after having climbed the stairs to go to bed, I had to come back downstairs four times because I’d forgotten something or other.
This morning, when I got up, for the first time ever, Scout had pooped and peed in the house. I’m dumbfounded by this one. She didn’t bark to get me up, which is what she usually does on that very rare occasion when she can’t hold it.
I wasn’t happy.
I’ve tried to figure it out but unless Scout suddenly learns to talk, I’m not going to.
I am trying to get motivated to do something creative, but nothing is springing to mind. My brain doesn’t seem to be firing on all cylinders. I think it’s telling me to rest and recover.
Maybe I’ll haul out my quilt and force myself to do some hand quilting today.
My thirty day trial of Lightroom is ending in two days. I have to decide whether to purchase it. I really, really like it and have been using it almost exclusively to edit my photos for this blog. I would really miss it if it was suddenly no longer available, so I’m thinking I might just bite the bullet and do it.
I’ve been watching House of Cards on Netflix, watching two episodes a day – trying my best to stretch out the experience. I only have three more episodes left in this season. Sob. It’s excellent. For those of you who saw the original British version of House of Cards as I did, in my humble opinion, this is just as good. Kevin Spacey is brilliant, as is Robin Wright.
Don is also watching it while he’s in Boston. I think I might be one or two episodes ahead of him. After this, I’m going to watch the episodes in the first season of Sherlock that I missed. I’m also reading a book that I will review next Friday. I was supposed to review it today but I’ve been so tired at the end of the day that I couldn’t stay awake long enough to read it. Thankfully, TLC Book Tours nicely gave me an extension.
What are you reading at the moment? Anything you can recommend?
Remember, our February edition of the Christmas Critter Felt Along is scheduled for this Sunday, February 23rd. Everyone will be able to link up and share their newest creations and Dawn and I will each share a new pattern for March. We’d love for you to join in!
Happy Friday.
Oh, poor Scoutie. One never knows how these things happen. Could you possibly been so tired you just didn’t hear her?
I have not seen House of Cards. My dd talks about it all the time.
I hope you get some deserved rest soon Claudia. pam
I usually don’t sleep that deeply but I suppose it is possible. It’s certainly not like her – maybe she was too tired or groggy to bark?
You get so much enjoyment from Lightroom, Claudia, I think you should definitely invest in it. The pleasure and utility it brings to your blog will certainly pay for itself in the end. (Although as someone who is eternally on a tight budget, I understand why sometimes an intitial investment, despite being worth the cost over time, is a big decision!) Poor Scout! I wonder if all the snow and ice has made her reluctant to go outside? As for how you’re feeling… my mom always says “Listen to your body”… I’m sure the energy to create and read will come back when you feel more rested. Right now I’m reading “The Private World of Tasha Tudor”. Her life is so inspiring! And the photographs in the book just make me green with envy for her life of domesticity and creativity. Hoping you have a RESTFUL weekend. x
I don’t know. I let her out last night as usual. Not sure why this happened. There have been chunks of snow falling and noises on the roof – wonder if something scared her?
Claudia, rest does seem in order, but what do I know?
I pray that your day will be brightened in some special way.
Thank you, friend!
Sounds like you need a break. Maybe just watch the rest of your shows and relax.
I will. Great talking to you this morning, Dawn.
The depth of the snow has really affected my dogs patterns in going. My oldest dog is definitely holding it in (even when she is outside) I’ve stomped and shoveled multiple areas so walking is easy and the snow does not touch her stomach.
I feel your pain on the shoveling and ice chopping — it has made me weary and forgetful.
I have to say your new linens are a bright and cheerful sight. The combination of the yellow gold with your turquoise blue green toned quilts and pillows — just gorgeous!
Feel better.
Thanks so much, Jewelee. Scoutie seems to have been going consistently outside because I’ve shoveled paths for her.
I have been so tired and achy I couldn’t focus on anything Claudia but I have never been as over worked as you have lately because of that everfalling snow. My heart just goes out to you and to Scout too. Our forecast is calling for storms today and right now the last of our oak leaves are falling at a rapid rate thanks to the wind. I hope you get some rest and get inspired to do something to make you happier.
I’m definitely resting today, Janie.
Hi Claudia…I have found that dogs don’t like their routine to change. Especially as they age. (we don’t either) Could it be that Scout misses Don and this is her way to tell you? Or, maybe she doesn’t like going out in the snow now…Just give her some extra love and maybe she’ll not do it again.
Take it easy today and put your” feets” up.
Balisha
Poor baby. I can tell she feels badly about it.
I would think that Scout is feeling the stress of the over abundance of snow, too. Poor girls. I pray this turns around for you soon.
I am going to a Downton Dinner on Sunday. Should be fun. I want to check out the series with Kevin Spacey as he is one of my favorite actors. Must brilliant in everything he does. Thanks for the recommendation on that and the other series.
Enjoy your day quilting.
xo
Sheila
Thanks, Sheila!
Just brilliant. Sorry, I have trouble seeing on this IPAD.
Everyone I speak to seems to be a little off their game recently, me included. I think it’s because of our bizarre weather patterns this winter. It might be affecting both you and Scout this last week, especially with Don away from home. A little extra self-pampering would be helpful, I’m sure.
I’ve seen both versions of House of Cards and I love them both. I just finished the second season of the Netflix version yesterday. Kevin Spacey remains one of my favorite actors. He can do so much with just a glance, a look, a slight rolling of his eyes – he just slays me! And the writing for this is amazing! Love it.
Hope you and Scout have a peaceful, restful weekend.
~ Cassandra
He is such a good actor – love the asides to the audience.
Sounds like you need a vacation…getaway…even if just for a day. We had extremely high winds last night…but not high enough evidently to blow the snow away! I was secretly hoping! Can’t imagine what’s up with Scoutie….maybe the cold and snow has gotten to her too…or she misses Don? I’ll have to check out House of Cards….just what I need…another series to get hooked on! Enjoy your day…my suggestion….veg out….don’t do anything mentally or physically taxing! ;)
I won’t, Donna.
I’m starting to think I ought to get Netflix ;-)
I sure hope you and Scout have a better day…..I also think maybe she’s just a bit sick of the snow and might have a case of the blues. If it happens again though, it might be a good idea to check with your vet to make sure there’s not something wrong.
I’m going to the library today to pick up a book I ordered ~ The Joy of Less a minimalist living guide, by Francine Jay. I’m no minimalist by any means, but I want that peace that comes from order and free space…. we’ll see.
Yes, I’ll keep my eye on her and if it happens again, we’ll go see the Vet.
You bet your body is telling you to rest and recover..Listen to it..Sit down, read or quilt..take a nap..I promise you that anything else that needs to done will still be there after you rest..but then you will be more able to handle it..Poor little Scoutie..I bet she was upset with herself too..hopefully it was just a fluke and won’t happen again!..Take care dear friend..
I’m hoping it was just a one-time thing.
Claudia, Please take some time out and rest your weary bones!! It will all be there when you are more able to take care of it. I think Scout is just confused about all the snow and Don being gone, also. Take care of yourself, dear friend!! Linda, Georgia
She doesn’t seem herself today.
It has just all been too much. Too much for poor Scout, also. We all reach our breaking point, and I think everyone can hear it in your words. Time to use the greatest weapon we have in recovering…. rest. There truly is nothing better than old fashioned ~ lay-on-the-couch, stay in your jammies, watch TV and read ~ indulgence for an entire day. No guilt about it. The outcome is the way you feel the next day. We feel we must always be doing something. Can’t spend a day doing “nothing” is what we were taught as we grew up, and we live our lives that way. There is always something that needs to get done. You likely need some deep breaths and a whole day of rest for you and Scout. No fretting allowed!!
I’m fretting about Scout – a wee bit worried about her.
You sound winter weary. With very good reason. Perhaps Scout has picked up on your mood as well. I don’t have pets, but I’ve heard they can be very sensitive to stress. I hope your day is going well. Giving yourself permission to do very little sounds like a good prescription for now. Hugs.
It’s very slippery out there and Scout has trouble navigating – and I think her joints are hurting. None of that helps.
Dame Scout didn’t want to go out in that damn snow and frigid cold!! Who can blame her. She also knew you were exhausted
and thought you needed the rest and sleep. She just didn’t want to disturb you. Such a good girl she is. I think you’ve held up remarkably well through all of this. Surely it will stop soon. Wish I could send you some of our warm sunshine.
Please get some rest!
janeintx
It’s melting now, but that makes it icy and then Sunday night – there may be snow. Again.
I agree with Jane’s comment above. I really think Scout knew you were exhausted, and instead of you going up and down those stairs again, and then out into the cold, she didn’t want to bother you. Dogs can sense many things, and life has not been easy for the two of you this week. You both need to love on each other…My favorite saying..”This too will pass” Here in Wisconsin, we have ice under the snow, and blowing and drifting..of more snow. This too better pass pretty soon… We too, are so SICK of it…Hang in Claudia, you and Scott are going to be just fine……I know it.
We have ice now because there is some melting going on and it runs downhill to where the car is parked. I just went out and put down some salt. I’m sort of trapped.
Claudia. Please take care of yourself. You seem to be pushing too hard. I know there is a lot to be done but you are just one person after all. Please enjoy some down time today with Scout. A day of rest sounds like just what you need :)
hugs!
SueZK
We relaxed today. Except for having to salt a little and put some snow over the icy paths in the dog corral.
Thinking Scout, not unlike you, is just feeling the weight of changes in routine what w/ dealing w/ the snow and Don being gone. You do your best to put a good face on it all, but we can only do so much and things do catch up w/ us. And Scout no doubt picks some of this up from you. The good news is that it is all temporary-even if it seems like forever until the snow is gone and Don is back.
And so to cheer you up some, try to imagine you were along w/ me and hubs yesterday when we stopped in the Rural King and could hear the peeps and chirps of baby chicks and ducks. We made a beeline to the back where a half dozen or so galvanized water troughs were set up w/ heat lamps and we could watch the scurrying and fluttering of so many different breeds. What big smiles we had and this so lifted our spirits. This also served as a reminder that Spring is not too far away.
Well that and having to sit in the designated tornado closet for a spell last night! First it was the weather radio that went straight to “warning”, no advisory, no watch. Then immediately followed by the sirens. Thankfully no tornados but no doubt some of what they call wind shears and straight-line winds. Lost my wine bottle tree and of course only the prized red bottle and one of my blue bottles broke. None of the drab, olive-green ones. Hope I find the tree can be re-welded. And hope this little excitement is not a foretaste of what spring may be like in S/W Ohio!
And so all seasons have good and bad. Hope today you feel the good in relaxing and curling up w/ Scout w/ perhaps some good music to listen to as well.
Found a three-album of Puccini’s “Tosco” at the thrift store yesterday from 1951 and it is playing now. There is always joy to be had!
Little chicks are so adorable. But that tornado warning is too much! And your poor bottle tree. I’m so sorry.
Tosca is one of my favorites – such beautiful music!
Completely agree with Chris K. Give yourself a major break. You need a recuperative change of pace. Shut your mind off for the entire weekend and just plain chill-out [sorry, no pun intended]. No chores. No cooking. Eat whatever you can fix in 5 min or less or better yet, splurge and order in. Send yourself some daffodils or tulips – something that will remind you that Spring is coming – and it’ll be so pretty. Have a long relaxing shower right before bedtime. Sleep as much as you absolutely can. Read, watch TV, quilt or sew. Or whatever else that’s relaxing – and makes you happy. Take care. :>)
I’m heating up store bought mashed potatoes tonight, perhaps a veggie burger and some asparagus. All very quick and easy. Thanks for the good thoughts.
Poor Scout, I wonder why that happened? Charlie has done things like this in the past and I never figured out why. Hope you got some rest today. I’ve been watching House of Cards also, trying to stretch it out. Sooooo Goood!!!! We’ve been blessed with some pretty days so I’ve gotten out of the house a bit. Sara’s birthday is Monday so she and I had lunch today and tomorrow I’ll eat an early dinner with them and then babysit so she and Blake can have a date. Nothing much else going on! Hope you feel better tomorrow.
hugs,
Linda
I wondered if perhaps something scared her – with the snow melting a bit the last few days, you can hear things hitting the lower roof. Or maybe she was confused and had to go and was too groggy to bark. I’ll never know. Have fun babysitting!
Perhaps Scout is just as tired and stressed of this winter as you and 90% of the population. It definitely is taking it’s toll on man and beasts as well as all flora and fauna and structures of all kinds. Wishing for the best and hoping for an early Spring.
I told my friend Barbara about your blog and the idea of getting something sunny yellow for my kitchen and she showed up this afternoon for tea with a yellow rattan mat, a wicker basket filled with the most realistic lemons and a very fluffy chick that I have named Pete. Let’s see if it helps on a daily basis, it sure made my day today.
How nice of your friend to treat you to some cheery yellow! We can all use some cheering up!
Here in OZ we’re experiencing the opposite problem, searing heat, no rain and bush fires. Last week, for the first time since we moved to this little hamlet nearly 20 years ago, we were forced to evacuate because of an advancing fire front. And after seven hours in the car with two dogs and two cats, were finally allowed to return home. The fire bypassed us but people in neighbouring towns were not so lucky and lost their homes. I think the weather is changing, winters becoming harsher and summers more extreme. We always thought how lucky we were to have this little acre but now the joy is often replaced by a long list of jobs that need to get done before the start of the fire season each year. Never mind the non-stop watering required to stop the garden from giving up the ghost altogether. My husband and I do these together. I’d have no hope on my own. I also agree with everyone else that Miss Scout, who is so close to you, is reacting to your situation at the moment, shocking weather conditions, missing Don and just plain being overwhelmed. My two dogs do the same thing to me at different times and it’s always a gentle reminder to replenish and re-balance myself. They are often a wonderful reflection of how I am actually feeling inside.
Oh, Ruta that must have been frightening. Thank goodness you are all okay and that your house survived. These weather changes are a fact now and I think we’re going to see more extreme weather in the future. Thank you for the reminder that I have to relax, be less stressed out, not only for my sake but for Scout’s.
Nature rarely allows animals to “go” in the house if they don’t normally, unless they are sick. I’d say you were so tired you slept right through her trying to get your attention and she had no choice. I recall I was that exhausted once when my dog had evidentially been trying to get me to wake. Finally he got by the bed and cried loud enough that the cat jumped on me. When I took him out he moaned while peeing because he’d waited so long. I felt awful for him and it worried me that I’d slept so deeply. But sometimes, bodies just get worn out and we go into a deep sleep. I’m guessing you’re at that stage. Get as much rest as you can. It seems you need it.
Like the others have said I think the stress of everything got to Scout. She is such a good girl that I am sure she felt bad, but didn’t feel she had a choice. She misses her dad, and knows her mom does too. She also senses if not knows her mom is very tired.
We got 18 inches of snow yesterday. I do have a plow guy to do the driveway….it is 450 feet long. My son will be home tomorrow to rake the roof. I tried to unbury my car this morning, and did about 1/8 and gave up. I just won[‘t drive it til May or June when the snow melts.
Maybe Scout is picking up on your tiredness and missing Don? Or, maybe you were sleeping deeply and didn’t hear her? Or…it could just be a part of getting older and maybe it will happen once in awhile. I just picked up a non-fiction book, Mind Over Medicine. Next fiction book on my list: Me Before You. I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews on this one.
Maybe Scout senses your fatigue/stress; even with no words, the canines can be so sensitive to your movements/body language. Scout is a little out of sync, too. Neither of you can help any of this right now; it’s just a bad, bad time. And when my life is something like that? If I can, I do shut down. I had enough years of working an outside job where I couldn’t do that…I can remember once being so sick and so fatigued that I didn’t think I could move, went home from the office on my noon hour and covered up in bed, then hauling myself out after 30 minutes to go back. It was so wrong, but I had an unrelenting, demanding boss. In those days, I wouldn’t stand up to it like I would now. I’d said back then, “There will be a day when I am this low, this sick, this tired, when I can do the RIGHT thing and simply pull the covers over me, even if it is broad daylight out there, and just let my body try to recoup and not push it when it is just worn out.” Bottom line, if you and Scout want to snooze and recover, you’ve got my vote of approval.
Hi Claudia, I’m so sad to hear you sounding so down! The relentless pounding of this winter is getting to me, too. Did you see the news today regarding the studies showing that dogs respond emotionally to auditory stimuli in a way similar to humans, suggesting that they read our emotions from our voices and feel pain and happiness with us? I’m thinking Scout is just as sad as you are! Of course, both our furry girls are getting along now. Nellie has given up trying to climb the snow banks and uses the plowed driveway as her relief area. Even the paths we have shoveled for her are avoided because they are so slippery and once she falls now she has great difficulty getting up. Now, I’m going to buck the “advice” trend here and ask if you may need some fresh air (NOT with a shovel in hand!!)? Is there a nearby park which may have clear sidewalks and especially sunshine? A quiet or brisk reflective walk outside is not the same as shoveling and worrying. I know that works for me better than time on the couch. Then back home to change into pjs with a cup of tea and a good book. Speaking of which, I can highly recommend the series which starts with The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, a former professor at The University of Edinburgh. The prose is beautiful, the characters unforgettable, and the story will both cheer you and give you reason to give thanks for your wonderful life. And of course there is always my very favorite series, the Lucia and Mapp books by EF Benson, when I really need to be entertained. Well, now that I’ve written my own book here I will sign off. I hope you and Scout both feel better soon! Linda
Your poor puppy is probably as sick of winter and snow as the rest of us. If my bathroom was outside, I might tempted to use the floor too. I’m currently reading “Family Happiness” by Laurie Colwin. What a wonderful writer and so sad she died too young. I force myself to read her books slowly because she didn’t get the chance to write as many as she would have and I want to make the experience last as long as possible.
Just a thought, make sure you check that your furnace exhaust is free of ice and snow. Carbon monoxide can cause confusion, and along with headaches etc. can be very dangerous.
Ya know what, sweetpea. I’m just doing what I can to stay alive at the moment. Ooooh, nothing drastic happening. Just been feeling funky for a while and decided to just do what I absolutely had to and nothing more. So I read mostly and have watched some old movies, Jaws and Alien. I tried to find the Frank Sinatra version of The Manchurian Candidate but no luck for instant viewing video. I can “purchase” it on DVR and DVD but I don’t want to “PURCHASE” it; I want to just WATCH it!! So much for that. Can you think of any old movies that might be fun to watch, not LOVE stories or humor, just action or suspense? Just need to put myself in another world for a period of time. Been reading a lot of Andy McDermott and like him. Also, Steve Berry. Lots of history about the cities he writes about in his books: France, Russia, etc.
Hubs went with me to see “3 Days to Kill” and he liked it also. I loved it but then I like those kind of movies. Hubs has given me my head all these years, not that I’ve had to ask. He just believes in people doing what they want. He’s a wonderful person to be married to for 53 years. :-) A keeper for sure.
xoxo,
Connie
Hey Claudia! My sweet Baxter dog had a bit of the same trouble out on his path. I actually found if I re-covered the path with just a bit of snow using a broom and stomped it a little, he could get a better grip and the ice wasn’t exposed (my boy is blind). I know your frustration. I would go out every hour to do the shoveling so it wouldn’t get ahead of me (my husband works out of town), but I have a smaller yard than you, thank goodness. It’s ok to feel overwhelmed sometimes, especially with what you are going through. My thoughts are with you. Hang in there girl.