JD

 JD is officially three days old and I  should have written before now, but words fail me. They can't convey how important it was for me to hold him and welcome into this world.

National Dog Day

 So today is National Dog Day. If your dog is just a dog, I feel sorry for you because you are missing out. Really missing out. My dogs greet me at the door tails wagging, running in circles, and excited little barks. We share morning sunrises together. Sometimes they steal my coffee but that's probably God's way of telling me that I put too much creamer in it. They love to go for rides and watch TV. They love playing ball and chasing bugs. They love to wrestle and sometimes I think they exaggerate their wrestling moves because I laugh so hard. They bark at me if I stay up too late. I seriously think they just want to cuddle. When there's something strange going on, they let me know and are my fierce protectors but when it's storming they huddle in my lap and the role is reversed.  If I'm sick, they don't leave my side. I can stay in bed 14 hours and they won't move unless I do. Sometimes, I get sad and they take turns nuzzling my hands or giving me kisses. It doesn't matter to them what time of day this happens.  They're always ready. When night is over, they bark at the alarm clock. I think they hate it as much as I do. I wish they could live forever because that's how long I will love them.

Trifecta

 For the first time ever, I have one more than one grand champion ribbon at the fair. Technically all three were reserve Grand Champion ribbons. My first for a plant and cookies. 

Adulting like a boss

 I've always considered myself an adult after all three of my children reached 18 with no major injuries or jail time. I paid bills and took care of chores and lived a life worth living. Then my husband died and I realized how many things he took care of that are now left to me. He really, really took care of me and I feel embarrassed for not thanking him properly.  I have no idea when the lawn mower needs its oil changed or how in the heck to do it. Luckily the truck has a light to come on to remind me. I can fix the toilet now. I've learned to put string on my weedeater and set mouse traps. The yard doesn't look perfect, but I've seen worse. I haven't killed any of the fruit trees. I know how thankful I was when it came to funeral arrangements and my husband had taken care of that for me so I took care of mine. All done. I even ordered our head stone and I'm hoping it will be in place by his birthday.  I've redone beneficiaries on the 401 k's and updated my will. I clean the house and try to donate stuff where it might do some good, but that's taking some time. It's hard to let go of things that hold memories, but I'm doing it slowly. I'm taking better care of myself. Massage scheduled for tomorrow.  I cry when I need to (and sometimes it just happens) and lately I scream when I  need to and as crazy as that sounds it helps. I'm  living alone for the first time in 59 years and it's an adjustment.  An adventure.  A learning opportunity.