Books by the old Leather Chair

  • Snow In The Summer
  • My Bible
  • The Power of Silence
  • What Comes Next and to Like It
  • Encore Provence
  • A Year in Provence

Monday, October 19, 2009

Morning In The Life Of One Woman

Up at 4:30. Would have stayed in bed until 5:00 - but Callie is barricaded in the utility room and I want to make sure she has not chewed on my cabinets!! Like other things she has chewed on. Will tell her story later.

Let Callie out - stripped my bed linens and put in washing machine. Let Callie on screen porch and fed her. Made zucchini bread and it is in the oven. Made my bed up and put a load of jeans in machine. Went over floors with swifter. Did 30 minutes of Yoga - need to relax. Another load of wash. How can One Woman have so much wash. I love to hang outside and that is out of the question. Need to get out of my pajamas!! Took a bath and went over my hair with a curling iron - if I do this it usually looks presentable. Put on clean jeans and turtle neck - and now breakfast. Cereal with fruit, green tea and 2 slices of the best zucchini bread....in the world.

Callie is barking like a mad dog - Electrician has pulled up and going to reverse the blades on my ceiling fans. I cannot reach them - plus I do not see the switch. It is only 8:20 and I am glad I was dressed. 2 phone calls, finish cleaning kitchen and turn on dishwasher. 9:00 and will turn on computer. I am tired and the day has not begun.

Callie barking and I look out - a neighbor approaching in car. She bought a home I built 12 years ago on this farm. Interesting lady who is a retired, a professor from a University in Rhode Island. Interesting how she found my home. On the Internet. Another story in the future.

She is sharing the New York Times and News Week with me. Starting bringing it to me several weeks ago. I appreciate it as they are 2 of my favorites and I do not subscribe anymore.

Callie news - Saturday was such a rough day with her that I kept having on my mind that I would have to return her to the shelter. She has chewed up 2 leashes, a cable that secured her to dog house, will not share other things she has chewed. Finally I spanked her Saturday and sat down and looked her in the eye and told her she had better stop chewing and realize she has a good home or she was long gone. Who knows - from that moment on she has been calmer, has not chewed and minds me. I felt guilty yesterday with the thoughts that in 2 weeks, surgery twice and in a new home and is adjusting - just like me. Plus she is only 11 months old. In reality a puppy.

So - I will have to buy a cage for her to put in the garage when I am gone for a few hours.

If we were not going into winter it would be no problem.

Also plans are when city home sells I am building a carport for my truck with an enclosed area attached for mower and tools. I can build a pen on this with her doghouse. She will be in a secure area and have shelter when I am not here. All is fine when I am outside and she can run and aware of me. The problem is she is being given a home at a time of year that will soon be winter and her new mistress has never had a dog inside the house. I put her rug by the door and find as long as she can see me in the kitchen or great room area she is fine.

So we are still adjusting. I think I just expected to much from her in a short time - especially since I do not know her past 11 months. I think it was not to pleasant. I will add that she minds very well. Always comes to me when I call and will sit when I tell her - give her a treat.
She is very smart and her mistress is going to be in charge - I think she knows that at the moment.

Her mistress has done well in training many dogs and children in the past. l0l. Just thoughts of can she do it again - or rather does she want to?

Time to unload dishwasher, a few more inside chores - then I want to go outside - the sun is shining. I have a bag of buttercup bulbs to plant and want to walk with Callie in the woods.

After lunch this 3 score, 10 and more -lady needs to rest so will be enjoy her family this late afternoon.

10 comments:

Tabor said...

You are one busy lady. I am glad to hear that the dog seems to be learning to behave. I was worried that you might have to give him up. Dogs require a lot of persistent training, especially if they have been raised with bad habits or ignored. You are a good leader and I have high hopes that this will work out for you.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Tabor, thank you for your encouragment. Callie is great with family visiting. Everyone thinks I need her - she sure lets me know if anyone is approaching.
Good with my little granddaughters so guess that is another plus.

BlondeMomBlog (Jamie) said...

I hope you are having a good visit! :)

Next time I will send both girls up...it amazes me that the girls "fight" but then miss each other terribly when they are separated!

Love you.

Balisha said...

Give Callie a chance to get used to her new life. Like you said you don't know what her life was before. Have fun today..Balisha

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Jamie, I would have welcomed my 2 little girls. Balisha - Callie is doing great. Have a great day!!

Aleta said...

I love the details of your morning. Your dog sounds like she'll be a challenge, yet worth it in the end and that yes, you are up for the challenge.

Sharon said...

That's the kind of day when I feel like I have really accomplished something. Sounds like Callie will be a good watchdog.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Aleta, thank you for visiting me.
Sharon, I will look at some of your entries later in the day.
Looks like you are also on a journey. But then "guess" we all are. Have a great day to both of you.

Susie Hemingway said...

Callie sounds a wonderful guard dog and advises you well when there are callers. She will settle soon with your good training. You made me feel very lazy while reading this post,so busy, so early in the day. Although I do rise fairly early,I never really sleep well, as one ear is always listening-so I suppose have an excuse of sorts.
I did like the sound of the zucchini bread, my mouth is watering at the thought, a real favourite of mine. Happy days to you.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Susie, thank you for your comment.
Your plate is full in caring for your beloved. You are so talented.
Your poems are beautiful.
I sometimes think I lead a dull life. Busy but nothing but One Woman in the last chapters and she is at peace!! Peace is priceless.