We recently adopted a pound puppy. Actually she isn't really a puppy, she is two years old but she is new to us! She is very smart, affectionate, and full of energy, her name is Nola!
We don't know her story or why her owners never came to get her from the shelter, but their loss was our gain. She is an awesome dog, very smart and affectionate! Today I decided to see if she could fetch, and by golly after about three tries she got it! The tough part? She wants to do it a lot!
Thankfully we live by an open field and also the Centennial Trail so we have plenty of space to wear her out! Nola now has a very comfy bed, lots of toys, treats and love!
Welcome to our family Nola!
My friend Marla sent this photo to me after my diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease.
She did it to remind me of all of the things I have done and that my life isn't over yet. But this past week gave me a pretty clear glimpse of my future an honestly I am scared. For the first time ever I got myself in a situation that I couldn't process; it was silly really, but I couldn't.
I was driving back to my daughters house, it was very dark and there was a lot of flashing lights, road workers and cars and I just couldn't figure it out. I went around a couple of times but it just didn't make sense to me and I just panicked.
Thankfully my son and his friend came and rescued me which I appreciate, but I got a glimpse of my future and it's not good. The loss of my independence will be a bitter pill to swallow. On the flip side, thank God for my understanding family and friends. You mean the world to me!
We have been busy moving for the third time in two years and boy are we ready to settle down for awhile. We decided to settle in Spokane, Greg accepted a job at Mapleton Communications as Operations Manager, director of marketing, and afternoon air talent. I am so proud of him!
We found a great place to live that is right on the Centennial Trail along the Spokane River. Great paved walking trails that go from Spokane all the way to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho! The lifestyle is perfect for us and right outside our door. Walkers, hikers, runners, kayakers, canoeing you name it...if it happens in the outdoors we have it here!
Our other news? We have added to our family! We recently adopted a two-year-old German Shepard/Terrier. Her name is Nola, we named her for our favorite vacation destination, New Orleans! Nola is around two years old. We found her in a one of the local shelters and no one claimed her. Their loss was our gain, she is smart and affectionate and it took about two seconds to fall in love with her.
Nola is now living the good life, with plenty of exercise, lots of tummy rubs and a nice comfy bed of her own. And for us, it makes our place feel much more like home.
Our next adventure takes us back to New Orleans, it is one of my
very favorite places ever and it will be my 6th visit . Of course Greg will
be traveling with me as he has also fallen in love with this city, and
we just can't wait to get there.
This visit includes seeing one of our
favorite artists perform live, the one and only Dr. John! along with, I'm sure, many others
Of course there will fabulous food, people watching...and did I mention the beignets?
Sadly, summer doesn't last forever, but the adventures aren't over yet as
we will be moving back to Washington after our trip. We won't be in
Bellingham, but in Spokane which is close enough to drive to for
visiting friends and family. I lived in Spokane for many years and I actually graduated from Mead High School, so I hope to catch up with some old friends as well.
I hope you are having a great summer and hope to see you in
our travels soon!
We are heading home for a few days to pick up our other vehicle and see family and friends. It will be a quick trip, just three days so we probably won't get must rest!
We have a long list of things we want to do including seeing family, friends, our kids and grandson, shopping and trying to get our other car back to Montana. Thats alot to do in three days....but I hope to see you even if it's just for a quick hello!
Pictograph Cave State Park is an amazing place where you can just feelthe history. Walking through the caves as you contemplate the origins of human habitation in Montana is quite a moving experience. The site was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1964, because of its archeological significance. Today's visitors enjoy a unique opportunity to explore the mystery of this extraordinary place!
The markings on this cave wall are remarkable!
These look like the spirits to me!
I am doing my best to work out vigorously every day! It is the most important thing I can do to battle this dreaded disease of Alzheimers. I don't always achieve that goal but I try. With that challenge in mind, I have had to come up with other ways to stick to my goals due to a troublesome knee.
Billings, Montana at night!
My knee still isn't feeling great even after a steroid shot so my Trainer had me do pool work today. I wasn't very excited about it, but it was better than nothing!
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised--it was a pretty vigorous workout and completely impact free! My shoulders are sore, my legs are tired and I'm feeling that familiar soreness of a good work out! Which makes me happy. There is nothing worse than having your momentum interupted which then gives you the perfect excuse to slack off...at least if you are me!
I've lived in Montana for 4 1/2 months now. It's a beautiful state with alot of farmers and ranchers...cowboy hats are not uncommon, along with big belt buckles and some amazing cowboy boots! Silver and sparklies abound for the ladies, there's also lots of silver, bars and little casinos --LOTS of them! The shopping is good, it's cheaper to live here and Montanans are some of the nicest people you will ever meet.
Today however, while we were out and about running errands, we came across something I have never seen...
You gotta love it!
