I Can Not Tell a Lie

I am about to go all George Washington on the cherry tree in my front postage stamp yard.  I feel like burying a hatchet in it.  Before I go on, my apologies for not writing yesterday,  it was simply a hugely busy day which and I simply could not muster up the strength to be witty or charming.  Just ask my better half.
I have talked about this tree previously (see Cherry Blossoms).  While I love the blooms, that is about all I love about it.  Let's discuss what I don't love.  1.  It needs a trim.  It seriously resembles a weeping willow at this point.  2.  The blooms are starting and it's only a matter of time before the yard and front steps turn pink and I go crazy and try to attach the broom and dustpan to my arm like Inspector Gadget.  Ooh, or maybe some helicopter blades that can pop out when I need to be carried away to my 'Happy Place' literally!  Aside: Did anyone else really want to be Penny or was it just me?  3.  I am pretty sure it brings ants.  I have suspected this in the past and my mother confirmed this yesterday.
It's really hard for me to talk about having ants in my kitchen because for the most part I am a clean person.  And I associate ants and other critters with the opposite of cleanliness.  But in this case, that can't be true.  I would hate for anyone to read this and think "oh my, she has ants! what a sow!"  Serioulsy if you could see me on all fours cleaning up crumbs on an hourly basis, you would know I am a clean freak.  Which brings me to another point.  We really need another dog.  Ahh, this post is going nowhere...........fast.  I have decided if you have kids and they are still of age to drop food on the floor, a family dog is a must for cleaning up.  Luckily I met a really nice man yesterday with the most gorgeous Rottie I have ever seen.  I took it upon myself to ask him where he acquired such a beast and he gave me the name of his breeder.  This particular young fella was 6 mo and already 90 lb's.  This particular breeder breeds for size and temperament.  I am so excited to get in touch with them!  His paws were immense, but he was so sweet and even tried to sit on my lap, literally knocking me over!   Anyway, I have never cleaned the floor so much since November.  Even with all of Lux's shedding, it was nothing compared to what I sweep up now.
Ok, so I spent yesterday the afternoon cleaning out the pantry, spraying with Raid (yup, I am a horrible mom and don't feel like messing around with natural cleansers; we all breathed in Raid as youngsters and turned out pretty decent)   and setting ant traps.  The cleaning was actually a long time coming! It felt great to sort out unneeded items and organize items that go together.
The last thing I want to say, to end on a positive note, is that clippings from the tree make beautiful centerpieces.  I just clipped a few stragglers from the branches and arranged them in tall clear vases.  I also brought one arrangement to school to support our study of trees and flowers.      
So let's recap:  I had a great busy weekend, found a reliable Rottweiler breeder (although rescuing is still not out of the question) and a clean pantry.  If you were wondering what has been happening in my life since Saturday, you are now us to speed.  TTFN!

Throwback Thursday

I am thinking I want to dedicate Thursday's to throwbacks.  I do not plan on limiting where I pull these from and suggestions are always welcome.  If anybody knows me (and my family) we love to reminisce.  That is what Thursdays will be for.  Music, toys, vacations, food (think Bonkers), shows, etc....The possibilities are endless.  I do plan to keep this blog upbeat and positive, but I must dedicate this throwback to my first baby.  I feel so lost and empty without her.  I never thought having, or losing, a pet would have this much of an impact on me, though I dreaded the day anytime I thought about it.  I miss my protector, my companion, my nonjudgmental listener, my friend who would do anything I wanted her to (with some coaxing at times. like the time she found an old corncob on the street and it took me 10 minutes to get her to 'Drop it').  She would be lazy with me if i wanted or active.  She never begged to be taken out and she never begged to be fed.  I miss my warm friend who stole Jeff's place on the bed at any chance she got.  I miss my children's constant playdate. I miss smelling her paws (sorry). I miss leaving the door unlocked when going to the playground. I miss feeling safe in my car when traveling and I miss feeling safe in my house when Jeff is away.  I miss being greeted everyday (or almost b/c often she was too lazy to even come down to say hello!)  She was better than anything I could have imagined when taking on the task of raising a dog and I miss miss miss her dearly.