by Sharon | Apr 15, 2015
Lil’ Diva had a busy day at the vet’s office. It was absolutely amazing how the staff and technicians absolutely went gaga over her. They remembered my precious Abby and seemed very pleased that I now have Diva to love.
Diva had a thorough examination and it was discovered she needed to have several baby teeth extracted to make room for her grown-up teeth. She had her teeth cleaned and basically had a clean bill of health.
To tell you the truth, when I picked her up after her dental work she looked like I had on occasion after seeing the dentist. I’m sure many of you can relate.
Diva’s getting plenty of pampering. I’ve softened her food and we started out with me hand feeding her. This process seemed too slow for her, so she ate on her own. It’s good to have her home.
Oh! I forgot the best part! They took Diva’s picture:
Originally we had an appointment for 3 in the afternoon, but after Heather spoke with Dr. McAnally, the appointment was rescheduled for “now.” So, we jumped in the car without finishing Diva’s grooming process. No matter the extent of Diva’s grooming, I think she’s beautiful.
Thanks for stopping by!
by Sharon | Apr 4, 2015
My precious Yorkshire Terrier Diva was out in the backyard getting some exercise when a gray cat came running out of the hedge . . . with Diva right behind. I shouted “No!” then “Come, Diva!” and to my surprise and delight she stopped chasing the cat and came running to me. I can’t take credit for teaching her that command, all the credit goes to Yvette, the wonderful woman who cared for Diva from birth to the time she sent her to me all the way from Wisconsin.
Sorry I didn’t capture Diva’s beautiful face, but she was busy exploring the backyard. Do you see the fluff on Diva and in the grass — that’s the fuzzy stuff that falls from my old oak tree. If she would have raised her head for the picture, that fluff would have been all over her pretty fur. If you look closely you can see the fluff on her eyebrow. She’s an absolute magnet to that stuff.
The gray cat was twice, if not trice Diva’s size. Plus I have a section in my yard separated by the hedge that drops a good 4 to 6 feet. If Diva didn’t break something, I surely would going after her. This is part of the yard I haven’t allowed her to explore. She’s very good with her boundaries.
As you can see, with only a portion of the yard visible, Diva has plenty of room to run around without going into the “lower 40.” No, I don’t have 40 acres, I just like to say that.
With Easter almost upon us, I’ve been teaching Diva a little game called “find.” I hide something and give her the command. I think she sniffs out where I walked. She’s good at tracking me . . . and finding what I hid. We both get exercise while having a bit of fun. I think she’ll be ready for the big time Easter Egg Hunt!!
Have a fun and safe Easter!
by Sharon | Mar 3, 2015
It’s not everyday that you find a quality breeder of Yorkshire puppies. I’ve been searching for awhile. Diane Schelach of http://firebrandyorkies.com knows her yorkies and has given me plenty of tips on raising one of her beautiful pups. I’d like to give a shout out to Bailey’s Mom who has raised my soon to be Diva. Precious Diva was born June 29, 2014, from Bailey and Chino. Those big eyes won me over! Here are a couple of pictures:
Isn’t she adorable!!! And such the “Diva.” A friend of mine raises Labs and trains them for rescue. He looked at the pictures of these Firebrand Yorkies and said, “They’re scruffy little things, aren’t they?” Yes, indeed, they are and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Their fur is their calling card to cuteness. They are bundles of love that make great companions and they’re smart little beauties to boot. I’m eager to get acquainted with my new baby and together we’ll learn about each other. I’m no fool, I know this beauty is smarter than I am and she’ll be sizing me up as soon as she arrives to her new forever home.
I’ve got shopping to do. Diva needs all new things . . . it’s going to be Christmas in March for her. Oh my goodness, there’s Easter . . . I did find a cute Halloween costume for her . . . there’s going to be quite an adjustment from Wisconsin weather to California weather — sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll keep you posted on how she adjusts.
Here are a couple of links to things I’ve been thinking about getting for my little Diva:
Here’s a cute little snuggle toy for her. Maybe she would like something else for chewing on. Maybe a bear or a duck, hummm lots of decisions to make. I may take her shopping to pick out a toy of her choice. 
She needs a comfy harness vest to keep her safe outdoors until she learns her new yard.
Oh, yes, here’s the Halloween costume I found for her:
A lady bug, can you believe that!! I know, Easter comes next. We’ll learn about hide and seek. I’m sure she’ll be a great hunter of interesting stuff. (Oops, I need to buy some interesting stuff for her to find.)
Thanks for stopping by!
by Sharon | Feb 24, 2015
Hungry Visitors Courtesy of G.F.Harvey
©G.F.Harvey2015
My apologies if you were looking for a recipe. I think this is so very much better — a real live Alaskan Mama Moose that took a little stroll and ended up in my brother’s yard with her family. They were hungry and decided to graze before moving onward to explore other munchables.
My brother, Gary, would have liked them to stay and to bring some friends to clear away the debris for him. He may have a rude awakening when he begins planting his garden come spring. I’ll keep you informed how delighted he’ll be when they return or something else shows up to munch on his vegetable garden.
Nature is always wonderful to watch in the privacy of your own home . . . and when they feast on something you don’t plan to feast upon.
Thanks for stopping by!
by Sharon | Jan 31, 2015
California winter is nothing compared to the winters of those living north, east and south of me and any combinations thereof. We’ve gotten some welcome rain, but not enough . . . never enough, but that may be only my take on it.
I’ve become much more reflective than normal with the diagnosis that my precious Yorkie has cancer with a couple of months left to share her life with me. I can’t imagine being without her. Yes, I’ve thought of getting another furry ball of love, but it just doesn’t feel right. There are two rules of thought:
- Jump right in with a new pet
- Wait until I’m completely ready
Actually, these choices are quite difficult for me. I’m not ready to let go . . . and I’m not feeling eager to jump in. I don’t feel it would be fair to a new pet. I suppose waiting is the best choice for me at this time. I have my blogs which I’ve been neglecting and a book I’m writing and also neglecting. Then there’s everything else that has been put on hold as well.
So, I thought a road trip was in order. To the beach to visit my childhood stomping grounds . . . a leisurely stroll on the beach . . . then moving up to the mountains . . .
Then to the desert . . .
It’s nice to get out and my little Yorkie enjoyed her outting. New things to see and explore . . . together. It’s wonderful to live close to so very many places that seem so very different . . . but at some phase in my life they’ve all represented “home” to me.
Strange how we sometimes don’t appreciate what we have or notice what we have available to us until we take the time to explore and think about it. How many times do we see without seeing? We’re busy with our lives and all the things that keep us busy. Yes, there is always something to do.
I was surprised by an old section of town that I had taken to the mountains on more than one occasion. It didn’t dawn on me until a few days ago when I was running errands. Yes, the landscape had changed over the years, more freeways connect from one location to a new destination, but there was quite a lot of nostalgia in that section of town. I’m sure it’s true where you live, too. There are plenty of fast food places there now, the old gas station is much more modern, but it’s still there. Isn’t it strange how things seem so much smaller than you remember them? All a matter of perspective, perhaps. And then there are some things that have grown larger and much more impressive than in memory.
Nature has so very many lessons to teach us about life. It’s our job to take a break once in a while and reflect upon them.
by Sharon | Jan 14, 2015
I’m finding January to be a time for reflection. Lots of thinking with little being accomplished. It may be the weather or just the mind and body’s way of slowing down from all the holiday hoopla.
It’s interesting how an ordinary day can bring inspiration. The routine outside my window is normal with the power walkers swiftly walking down the hill talking away. I once thought they exercised their jaws more than their legs, but they’re still at it, every morning at first light in the morning.
A few years ago, I had a little difference of opinion with one of the girls. She would pitch her energy drink cup in my roses. I confronted her and told her I didn’t appreciate her littering my roses with her YooHoo drink. She refused to pick up her discarded cup, but got huffy about me calling her energy drink YooHoo. Her friend teased her about drinking YooHoo during their morning walk.
I started drinking my coffee on the front porch, waiting for the power walkers. I could see them walking. I got up and stood by the roses, daring the young woman to pitch her drink cup in my roses. Seeing me, they cut across the street. As I stood there, I wondered how I became that old women who told passers by to keep off her lawn. The scenario was different, but the sentiment was the same.
I had no more trouble with the power walkers and I no longer drank my morning coffee on my front porch, but I watched from the window. There were the dog walkers, joggers and older couples going for their morning walk. They would return in the early evening.
My morning routine changed. I no longer watched the morning sun rise and evening sun set over my view from the breakfast nook window. I got into my blogs, crafts and daily routine. But today, I’m at my window with my coffee and my spinach, tomato and scrambled egg breakfast with a lightly toasted English muffin. Comfort food with a bit of strawberry jam.
The telephone’s ringing, but I prefer not to be disturbed. It will go to voice mail, if a message is important enough to collect. Most of the time there is no message. That’s fine with me. I have my novel to write, errands to run and my house to tidy up.
I took a leisurely walk around the neighborhood with my little Yorkie. She loves to be out exploring all the smells left by the walkers and dogs. It might seem a bit disgusting, but I’ll never truly understand a dog’s life as she may never understand mine. We continued around the block. A woman called out from her window. I guess I’m not the only one who watches.
Hollywood has made movies about “watchers” which usually has a sinister twist, but this particular woman probably has no more sinister motive than I have, it’s merely a beginning of a day.
It did make me wonder how many others “watch,” but say nothing. Many may be gone to work, some may work at home. I do enjoy the leisure of working at home. I choose my own hours and do as I please. It is true freedom from the 9 to 5 routine of a regular job. But working outside of their homes may have its perks. It is all a matter of perspective. A choice perhaps.
Just as the morning news . . . nothing inspiring, just complaining . . . always unhappiness about the world . . . no one satisfied . . . our happiness or sadness may be a choice. It’s all a matter of perspective. There is much to enjoy and admire within our own environment. Fresh air, being outside, walking leisurely around without a care in the world. I do learn much from my little Yorkie. She looks for adventure, or so it seems. Having her nose to the ground one moment and in the air the next, but moving along. She follows the sidewalk, her pace quickens as we approach our street.
Soon our walk will be over and she’ll settle down to her morning nap. Such a grand life she leads without a care in the world.
Have a great day!
