It’s been a long time since I posted. I’m always a little torn about posting when I don’t really have anything to say. But, nevertheless, here goes.
I’m continuing to enjoy my summer, but I’m feeling sad that the evening light is rapidly fading. It’s always nice to have the heat of summer ease off, but it makes me sad to know that it will soon be dark before my work day ends.
And this year, with all the pickleball I’ve been playing, I’ve started to dread the winter months where my play will have to be limited because of the lack of indoor pickleball opportunities.
In the mean time I’m making the most of the lovely summer days. I’ve been really fortunate to have my teacher get me into an indoor pickleball group that plays at a HUGE church not far from my house. They are better pickleball players than I typically get to play with so it’s been really challenging… but a huge amount of fun!!! I played there this morning and had an absolute riot… and I’m totally exhausted! It’s really fun to see my level of play pick up wo that I can play competitively with higher level players.
So, besides pickleball, what’s been going on? Mostly dogs.
My boys had their annual check ups last week. Everyone checked out although Rico has gained four lbs!!! So he’s on a bit of a diet to get back to his slim and trim physique. We had to wait a long time at the vet. I’m really glad I took a toy in with me to keep Bender and Rico distracted during the long wait.
Since Bender turned 10 in April we did the senior blood test, urine test and fecal test. The great news is that he pooped AND peed right after we left the vet’s office, with a vet tech in attendance. That way we had the samples we needed!!! Win! Plus, it’s really nice to have a senior dog come away with such a glowing exam!
Over the weekend I decided that these two boys were disgusting and I brushed them both and gave them hose baths in the back yard.
Wet and clean Bender…
They were both in need of brushing. I got a grocery bag full of hair out of them, and I could have gotten more but they were both pretty irritated with me by that point. It’s nice to have them both clean, soft, and fresh smelling!
Luckily, all the walking we do means their nails never need trimming!
I had a lovely visit from some old friends about a week-and-a-half ago. I was in a choir with Brent and Jerry for quite a few years when I lived in Salt Lake City. They make their way to Portland every few years and always schedule time to get together with me when they’re here. I hadn’t seen them since well before the pandemic. It was really fun to see them again.
We had a great time reminiscing about old times, choir trips, and friends.
We’re having a lovely cool week. We’ve had some heat recently so it’s nice to see it cool down. We’ve even been getting some stinky smoke from British Columbia and Washington state wild fires.
And Bender’s favorite part of summer is apples. Here he is enjoying the last apple to fall from our tree this season.
Last Thursday night poor Rico kept me and himself awake a good portion of the night as thunderstorms rumbled for hours!
It’s so hard when dogs are sensitive to thunder. I’m really glad that, even with all our rain, we rarely get thunder storms. But the one the other night was a good one!
This week is my final work week before I head off on 2.5 weeks of vacation. We’re all very excited about it. Even Rico! When I asked him if he wanted to go on vacation, this was his reaction.
“Well, yes! Yes I DO want to go on vacation!”
This afternoon it looked like someone was already on vacation!
agilejack 
Hi! Thanks for posting again, always good to hear your news. Pleased that you are enjoying the pickle ball game so much. We don’t have that here in Aus, wish we did, it looks and sounds like great fun. Love to see your gorgeous ’boys’ again. Enjoy your holiday and don’t worry about the weather, it just keeps on whether we care or not!!
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It was great to read your post and to know you’re still enjoying your summer. You might think you have nothing to say, but I, for one, always enjoy reading what you, Rico, and Bender are up to! I’m glad the vet visit went so well and Bender received a glowing “senior” report! I’m sure you’re looking forward to vacation and your friend’s visit.
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Good morning
It was good to see your recent posting/e/mail, and as always I enjoy your interesting posts, they always give me a smile, especially about your wonderful pups.
Yes, it is already starting to get darker sooner and not looking forward to the darker hours coming earlier.
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div>Enjoy the rest of your summer and your vacati
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I miss y’all 🥰😘 hi Rico and Bender 💕🦴🐾. I figured you were deep into the pickle ball frenzy! Enjoy your vacation – are you planning a fabulous trip?
I have been eyeing Ann Brauer art quilts. They are scrumptiously beautiful. I might attempt a small one. Enjoy your cool weather, makes me think about moving back to the west coast! Too hot and dry in San Antonio 😫. Please keep us posted on your vacation! You always have fun adventures 💕
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Our local YMCA has an active indoor pickle ball group. Perhaps you might find one in your area.
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Wonderful post. It’s so good to read about your activities and of course the fur babies. I have a thunder shirt for fireworks and thunder, for. the one of mine who has well controlled seizures. 3 Bostons here Bailey, Max and Sophie. All 13 years old. Slow sewing here some patch mending, lot of cooking. Super hot here so not as much outsid we like. Thank you for writing about your life I love it all. I love your energy.
Hugs,
Lea
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Good to hear all is well.
Great dog captures.
You’ll be a champion pickle ball player in no time 😉
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So sorry for the smoke. I am in BC and it has been terrible. I was so happy that we had a huge thunderstorm last night with oodles of pounding rain. Thank you for your bucket hat posts. I made one for myself from Australian Aboriginal fabric, and six for my littles for our summer beach holiday. We all loved them, my kids wondered why they didn’t get them. Guess I need to make a few more. Have a wonderful holiday!
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What a wonderful summer you are having , enjoy the vacation. I’m a morning girl and it isn’t light until 6:30 ( so sad ) winter is on her way . Congratulations on the great vet visit the boys look great. We have been lucky here in Logan no smoke , so thankful, be well
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💕🌺💕
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Nice to read you post. I’ve been missing it! “Wet and clean Bender” looks decidedly unhappy with the bathing event. LOL
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You are taking good advantage of the summer weather with all of your pickleball playing. I’m glad you got into an indoor group so you can be assured of some good games over the winter.
Yes, daylight less and less each day.
I see your boys every morning when I go to the refrigerator. Their photo would make anyone happy!
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Save the hair. Learn to FELT and make two Collies
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Hi…I always love your posts ! Three of my boys live in the Portland area. two of them have amazing dogs..
I am busy making mini quilting projects in Montana and having fun with our dog. Leo…a very smart Rat Terrier !!
Have a great vacation ! Coco
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I always look forward to seeing Bender and Rico in your posts! Also nice to read about what folks are doing, we’re not always quilting!
Enjoy your vacation.
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I have missed your weekly posts and enjoy hearing about your new found sport, dogs, and quilting projects. I have learned a lot about the beautiful fabrics you purchase and the bags and quilts you make. I also have been making bag projects as gifts and love the leather label you attach to them. I think you included the source of your labels a while back, but I no longer have that information. If possible would you again provide that information? Thank you.
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My daughter had a couple of black & whites just like yours, a couple of years ago, and the female, Dusty, was TERRIFIED of thunder. She had to be dosed with Rescue Remedy drops, wrapped in a blanket and given major TLC.
Thunder reduced her to an absolute wreck, poor dog.
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Hello,glad to hear the boys are well, and since our summer won’t be over for awhile I enjoy hearing that you have cooler weather! Hope you have a wonderful vacation!
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