Fishin with the monkeys

Happy Thanksgiving - from the ranch

The children and I drove down to "Papa's Ranch" for the holiday. Thanksgiving at the ranch is a special tradition for us.
Papa cooks breakfast for us every morning and Kimaw's Thanksgiving day feast is delectable.
There are always out-doorsy activities for us to do. We take long walks, play on hay bales, climb on lichen laced boulders, and search for wildlife. Last year, we shot clay pigeons. This year, we're going fishing.
Earlier today, we went down to the barn with Papa to try and figure out what type of varmint had been squatting there. I pushed my kids on the home-made tire swing. Papa showed us his latest taxidermy (giant caribou antlers from his recent big-game hunting trip to Alaska).
I cherish times like this.

I spend more $$ on my dogs than on my children.

Did I say that my dogs were awesome? I take it back.

Today I got the twins groomed. Also, they needed a shot or two and a check-up to make sure that they are physically fit enough for next weeks neuter.

They did great! They look great! They are in great shape! All for the low low price of $508. Wait, I did get a $25 credit for a vet referral from my neighbor.

Next weeks bill: $270 per dog. That is a total of $540 or $135 per testicle.

So in two weeks, we will have spent $1,080 on two four-legged mooches who have no idea how good they have it.

I would get rid of them except for the fact that I already have a huge investment in them!

I should have stuck with cats.

Our Pups

Well they just turned a year old a few weeks ago - - won't be pups much longer! Apollo and Starbuck are getting pretty big. They each weigh about 65 pounds right now. The vet says they will probably both get up to about 90!
This was one of the best "quality of life" purchases we have made. These dogs are amazing!

Catastrophe Overted...

Creighton was driving home from work and happened to glance down a side-street (just off the busy street on which he was driving).
He noticed the head of a little boy (18-20 months roughly). As he looked closer, he noticed that the boy was chasing after his puppy - and that the boy was totally naked!
He whipped around the block to confirm what he thought he saw.

Once again, that was a naked baby boy chasing a puppy near a busy feeder road in Kansas City on a 38 degree day.

So Creighton, slams the car in park and runs to the boy. He wraps the child in his fleece and begins to walk from house to house in an attempt to find out who this AWH pair belongs to. Boy knows one word for sure: Puppy!

After about the 5th house, Creighton notices that the dog heads across the street in a "Lassie-I'll-point-the-way" fashion. So he follows.

Open garage door. Open entry door. Creighton enters the house yelling, "HELLO! ANYONE HOME??"

The dad comes running when he hears the racket. Jaw drops. Eyes as wide as saucers. All he could say was, "Tyler?"

Creighton recounted the story to the man who stood there in shock. The man said, Thank you."
Creighton said, "I need my fleece back."

Silly baby.
Bad daddy.
Good puppy.

Other pics of my house....

The UMC in the 21st Cntury

Four Areas of Focus: A conversation is taking place across the United Methodist Church about a vision of ministry and mission for the 21st century. Inspired by the UM ministries around the globe, this vision has emerged as the Four Areas of Focus for the future of the United Methodist Church. They are:

1. Developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world.
2. Creating new places for new people and renewing existing congregations.
3. Engaging in ministry with the poor.
4. Stamping out the killer diseases of poverty by improving health globally.

My Badass Brood of Jedi

Finally getting my holloween photos up!
Everyone got REALLY into their roles.

As always, Cosmo gets to be the animal or mascot. In this case - - the Master.
Whitby loved being Ahsoka (and loved putting on make-up).
Canon was very serious about being Anakin.
And Creighton got to bust out his legit light saber replica. Obi Wan at his best.