Daydreaming on a Dog Walk

(re-run) I get some of my best writing ideas while walking my dogs. My brain is free to think while my body is exercising. I am not listening to music or staring into my phone. I am enjoying the view. Today I walked Pepper, my almost four-year-old lab, while Daisy stayed home where she feels… Continue reading Daydreaming on a Dog Walk

How to Train your Puppy so He Won’t Bite You

(re-run) Yesterday at the natural stone store where I went to look at their granite, the guy that helped me mentioned that his friend’s German Shepherd puppy kept biting his owner.  Puppies do that because they are exploring their world. They are babies using everything as their personal teething rings. When my lab mix Pepper… Continue reading How to Train your Puppy so He Won’t Bite You

Daisy Strikes Again

(re-run) After a five mile hike, my legs ached and wanted to go to bed. I turned off the news at 10:15, brushed my teeth, washed my face, and then headed down the hall to the main bathroom with the doggy door. Both dogs were outside barking. I turned around and went to the kitchen… Continue reading Daisy Strikes Again

Dog Training, the $100 Secret

(re-run) When I got a ten-week-old puppy the Monday before Christmas four+ years ago, I didn’t realize how hard it was going to be. I’d trained many a dog, but I did it within the context of my family, with my children at the ready to wear out the new pet. This time I was… Continue reading Dog Training, the $100 Secret

What to Do instead of Going Online

(re-run) It’s amazing once a person takes the internet out of the daily equation, just how much she can get done. And how she doesn’t miss it all that much. And how she has time to write about not missing it. As technology goes, I could take it or leave it. I still shop at… Continue reading What to Do instead of Going Online

So This is Retirement?

(re-run) I took social security two years ago. Don’t buy into the hype that it’s better to wait. I won’t start losing money on my decision until I turn eighty. By then I’ll have Medicare and won’t be paying $22,500 a year for health insurance. “How’s retirement?” you ask. I am busier now than ever… Continue reading So This is Retirement?

Daisy’s Debut with Diamonds

Two things you need to know:  1. Daisy is a rescue dog.  2.  The diamonds are really rhinestones on her new collar. Yes, I have become one of those dog owners, making my little dog cute for the world to see. Who doesn’t need a little bling in her life? Even if you happen to… Continue reading Daisy’s Debut with Diamonds

Letting Go (part two)

My worker friend with a truck came down to Monterey to help me move my new antique cabinet. I told her how I had asked the thrift store to send over a truck so that I could donate stuff to them. “I have a truck, and I am here,” Kelly said. “We can load it… Continue reading Letting Go (part two)

My Free Farm Dog

I saw three Aussie-mix puppies today.  They are ten to twelve weeks old and gorgeous! I remember Pepper as a puppy just four years ago. I am too old to house-train another puppy.  But they were so cute! I had a Brittany spaniel/Australian Blue Heeler mix puppy way back in the day.  My future husband… Continue reading My Free Farm Dog