Of Men and...........

While this isn't really related to the the Siberians, I think I need to vent.
Maybe I'm too independent, and too old, and set in my ways, and have lived by myself for too long, but, are all men like what I am about to describe?
Harry, normally works away from home from a week to 3 weeks at a time, That's great.
But, the last (seems like forever) month, he's been working from home.
I am not a drinking woman, but, if he doesn't get to the old way of working, he will surely drive me to drink!!
I swear I feel I need to tell him when I'm about to go to the bathroom, or when I'm about to sit and watch TV or anything.
He is constantly asking "What are you doing?" "How's it going?" "How are the kids?" "What's for supper?" "What are you cooking?" "How'd you sleep?" "Were you warm enough?" (I sleep better when it's freezing in my room.) The list goes on and on and on and on and... well, I hope you get the idea.
I've been cooking lots of things in the crockpot lately, because I've been bathing dogs this week.
He is CONSTANTLY opening the lid!!! I've told him today "DO NOT TOUCH", what does he do like ten minutes after I've told him that? He goes and "Just making sure the lid is on" Puleez! It's a wonder anything actually cooks in the crockpot!

He is constantly going out, and minutes later, coming back in. I think he needs to install a revolving door. And when he goes out and comes back in, he brings in more dirt and debris than the 10 housedogs do. I can sweep and mop the floor, and within 5 minutes he has dirtied it up again. When I come back in the house after being outside, I take off my shoes. Why can't he do that?

Oh, and the trash. He drinks a lot of beer. I mean, a lot. So, I set up a trash can specifically for all his beer cans. He came home one weekend, and I swear I emptied the trash 3 times in 1 day--for all HIS beer cans. And did I mention, it was I who emptied the trash? I asked him once, if he was trying to see how much trash he could CRAM into the can before he emptied it, and he said no, he didn't think the trash needed emptying yet. Excuse me, the lid has now fallen off the can, and you don't think it needs to be emptied?! What really gets me, is when I get the trash outside and he happens to be sitting there, he'll jump up and say, "Here, I can get that." Well no thanks Harry, I made it this far, I think I can make it the rest of the way to the trash bin.
And empty boxes. He leaves empty boxes in the pantry. He says he doesn't notice when he takes the last whatever it is out of the box. What? How do you not notice you have just emptied the box? And the trash can is, like, 3 feet away from the pantry.

Oh, and he feels he needs to inform me of the weather every 5 minutes. I watch the weather on the newscast each night, I know (sort of) what to expect, I don't need a minute by minute recount of the weather. I can look outside. And if the sun isn't out, he asks "Where's the sun?" I'll let him know the weatherman from the previous night said it was going to be cloudy. What does he do, whips out his little iphone and checks the weather. What does it say? The same thing I just told him.

He feels he needs to inform me of what he is about to do, or going to do sometime soon. If he has a specific project he has in mind, I wish he would not tell me about it, because of all these projects he has mentioned, 95% do not get done. He tells me when he's about to go mow the pasture. He'll go shortly. Well, his shortly is maybe 3 hours later. And when he does mow, he mows for 20 minutes, and takes a beer/cigarette break. Then mows for another 20 minutes and takes another beer/cigarette break. What would normally take maybe a day to mow, has now taken 3 days, for all the breaks he takes. Me, I just go out and get the job done, no breaks. For instance, when it's bath week here at the kennel., I get up, get the kids out, do whatever cleaning up after the kids needs to be done, and start bathing dogs. And usually do 6-7 without a break.

So, is it just me? Or all men so "needy" and "clingy"? Does your man constantly ask "What are you doing?" Or feels he needs to tell you his plans?

Calgon---take me away!

Thanks for letting me vent.
Maybe I need Dr. Phil?! But, I am open to any advice.

Sometimes it Pays to be a Beyatch

About 3 years ago, I bought a Crosley Radio. It also plays phonographs, and cassette tapes, and has the ability to copy phonos or cassettes to CDs.
When I first got it, I copied several old phonos to CDs.
One night recently, I was unable to fall asleep, I had some Lady GaGa song in my head, and could NOT get rid of it, and thought I would play a cd in my Crosley radio. An instrumental cd, like Celtic Women.
Anyway, I found the cd I wanted to play, and could not get the drawer open to play the cd. It had been quite a while since I last used the Crosley, maybe a year or so.

The next day I found the phone number for Crosley and called. I get a recording informing me that it could be a 15 minute wait, and at the end of 15 minutes, leave a message, and someone would contact me within 48 hours. Well, hearing that irritated me. I wait the 15 minutes, and leave a message.
I then got on the computer to their website and filled out a form for them to contact me. And someone did. Rather quickly. I believe either later that day, or possibly the next via email.
In this email the person relayed information on how to possibly resolve the issue myself. (And the instructions were not helpful at all.) Also, in this email was information on how to send the unit back to Crosley for repair, as they do their own repairs. I would need to send $54.90 for parts and shipping. But, in the event that the unit was irreparable, they would send me a new one, at no cost to me.
They needed other info, which I replied with an email back to the original person answering my questions.
I didn't hear back the next day, or the next, or the next. A week had gone by, and still no response.
As much as I hated, I called the number, waited the 15 minutes, and left, a rather heated message.
I then found other modes of communication listed on the respondent's email, so I sent a typed fax to the number listed. Again, this letter was rather heated.
Well, I'll be darned, if I didn't get a response via email within hours.
And in this email, was an apology for the delay, and any inconvenience. And to top it off, they would wave the $54.90.
I sent out the unit on Friday, Sept.3. The following Monday was Labor Day. Crosley received my unit on Thursday Sept.6.
Today, I hear the UPS truck outside, and the only thing I could think of that should be coming would be an order from Ryan's Pet, that I just made online on Sat.
I knew that shouldn't be it, as my bank account did not have that charge showing yet.
Well, lo and behold, it is from Crosley.
A brand new unit!
Not even a week after they get my old unit.
So, sometimes it does pay to speak your mind.
And, those that know me, know that is what I do!
Especially, since I'm getting older and crankier!

s

The Little Counter Surfer Boy

The newest addition to my furry family has turned out to be my troublemaker. His name, Apollo.
Case in point.
Throughout the week, I alternate nights with my kids and Harry's seniors to sleep in the house at night. Last night it was time for my kids. Now, normally, they're all pretty good, but, for some reason, Mr. Apollo has taken akin to creating havoc. And last night was one of those nights.
I had woken up about 2 in the morning and made a trip to the bathroom. While in there, I hear a noise that sounds as though someone is chewing on something that was not acceptable. I had toys out for them, but, this did not sound like one of those toys. It sounded like plastic. When I came out of the bathroom, I find little Miss Hope chewing on some sort of plastic. I get the chewed piece of whatever, to try to decipher what it was in its former life. It turned out, it was an empty black ink cartridge from a printer.
Now, I had this cartridge sitting on the table (far enough away, so I thought) waiting to take it to the big store for recycling.
Apparently, the dogs had other ideas. And I say dogs because, as I know how Hope can get herself into trouble without help, I knew someone else's paws had a paw in this.
And as it turned out, also had a face in it.
As you see in the pictures, it was Apollo, because he is one of two of my kids who counter surf. The other one is Emily. And while she counter surfs, she counter surfs for food.
And speaking of food, I found remnants of plastic all over the floor. What is this from, I'm wondering. Well, it dawned on me, it was the remainder of a loaf of bread that was sitting on top of the bread box, as the box had a full loaf inside. Somehow, I think Apollo had his paws on this as well, because I don't think Emily could have reached it. But, I may be wrong, but, I don't think so.
That was my early morning experience. Cleaning up bread wrapper, and mopping the ink from the floor. Bathing Hope and Apollo would have to wait.

A View of the New Arizona Law

I know, this isn't Siberian related, but, I just have to vent.
I saw a story on the CBS Evening news last night, and that story just has me agreeing with the new immigration law in Arizona even more.
They did a short story on an illegal family from Mexico. Both husband and wife are unemployed, oh, and this just gets my goat. They have 10 kids, all born in the US.
What really got my goat, was, as reported, the husband and wife have been in the states for 15 years, and what REALLY got my goat, the wife does not speak English.
Excuse me? You've been living in the US for 15 years, illegally, I might add, and you can't take the time to learn to speak our language? And these 10 kids you've got while you and your husband are unemployed, whose been paying food, medical, etc. for them while you didn't take time to learn English and are unemployed?
And you want me to feel sorry for you because you have to move from Arizona to Colorado because the state is going to send you back to Mexico if they suspect you are illegal? And the only reason they would have a suspicion, is if you or your husband commit a crime.
The one bad thing I can see from this new law in Arizona, is other illegal immigrants will move to other states, taking advantage of their state programs.

Mona, the Life-Saving Siberian

This was too cute, not to share.
I heard someone barking up under the lean-to. Took a peak out the window, and Mona is just carrying on. I thought she was probably barking at her roomie, or next door, but, she's looking out toward the
middle paddock-outside the runs. Of course, by then, a few others are barking (not sure they see what she sees). So, I go up there to see if she is seeing things, or if there really is something out there.
I get up there, and look just outside the runs, and don't see anything right away. Upon further investigation, I find that Mona has saved us from-----------the killer baby turtle!!

I picked it up, and took him/her up to the pond. When I left, it had not stuck its head out of the shell. Hopefully, it finds it way to the pond (only inches away), and stays away from the dog yard.
How it got there, is beyond me, because the dog yards are probably a good 200+ yards south of the pond.

And the Chase is On!!

If you don't like sad endings, do not read any further.
There never seems to be a dull moment with 6 Siberians in the house.
Today was such a beautiful day, I had left the sliding door to the back patio open all day, so the dogs could come in and out as they wish, since I don't have a doggie door on the glass door. I often leave the door open to the back yard on nice days, and today was one of those days. Beautiful sunshine, hardly a cloud in the sky. The only complaint I had, was it was just a bit windy.

Anyway, this evening, I had just finished dinner, and was in the kitchen washing dishes, and cleaning up, when I heard the kids. I went into the livinig room, and at first glance, I see them doing their furniture olympics, which oftentimes the youngsters will engage. Within seconds, I realize this is not furniture olympics, but, who can catch the bird? Yes, a bird had flown into the house.
Not just an ordinary bird, but, a beautiful male cardinal!! In the house!!

Now, how to get said bird out of the house, safely. I'm watching him fly around, the dogs jumping around. He lands here and there, they try to jump here and there. This was not going to be easy. I manage to get the kids out the back door, one by one, so I can try to coax the cardinal out the front door.

I open the front door, and look for the bird. He has landed on one of the cedar beams in the living room ceiling. I go to get something with which to coax him, and upon returning, he isn't where I last saw him. Wow, did he manage to find his escape route that quickly?

I look high and low in the living room, down the hall, in the bar, in my bedroom, which is just off the living room. No cardinal. Wow, where's the Staple's button? You know, the one that says "That was easy."
I go through the house again, just to be sure, clap my hands, make loud noises, still no sign of the cardinal. Well, then.
I let the kids back in, and Emily and Katherine come rushing in, still remembering the chase. Everyone else, seems to have forgotten. They start to settle down, and Legend goes into my bedroom, which he often does, nothing strange about that, only this time, he comes back out within a few seconds, his head held low, and something in his mouth. Oh no!! He had found the cardinal! Apparently, I had not looked high and low---enough.

I can only presume the cardinal had hit a wall, or possibly a window or mirror and either knocked himself out or, well,if you've read this far, you know.

I said a short little prayer, told the cardinal I was sorry, I was trying to help him, and tossed him over the fence.
I just hated that. He was such a beautiful bird. I have a soft spot for cardinals, because I just think they are gorgeous, the males especially.

Is Free Really Free?

This blog doesn't have anything to do with Siberians, but, it is an observation.
I had done outside work yesterday, while it was nice-before yet another rain storm.
I had done trimming, mowed all the paddocks (which took much longer due to the uncooperative mower--that's another story-maybe, along with the normal everyday stuff of taking care of the dogs. The last thing I want to do is cook something for supper.
Then it dawned on me, Sonic has a special-Buy a SuperSonic cheeseburger, get a free order of tater tots. Free.
Now, I don't know about you, but, when I see free, it means to me, I don't pay for it.
Obviously, Sonic thinks otherwise. (I should note, this is the same place I wrote on my Facebook page a few weeks back about the change debacle.)
I go to Sonic, after having put the dogs up, before the rain.
I order a Supersonic cheeseburger, with the order of tots, and a medium root beer.
The burger is $4.19, and the drink is $1.59, which puts the total, tax included, at $6.26, by my math. The girl's voice over the speaker tells me the total is $7.13.
Huh???
So, the girl skates out my order, I look at the ticket, and it has the burger, the tots, and the drink, with a combo discount of .99. I tell the girl, aren't the tots supposed to be free? She asks "Did you ask for the number 2?" I told her what I ordered, and told her, the tots should be free, and my math tells me the total should be $6.26.
She goes in, and I presume discusses it with the manager, and I get the difference back.
So, I guess with Sonic, it all depends on how you order, when it says something is
free.

3 Dog Night

Originally, the phrase "Three Dog Night", would be made in reference to how cold it was.
At my house, that phrase takes on a whole new meaning. And it is now "Five Dog Night", as that's how many dogs sleep in my kingsize bed with me.
I have 6 Siberians, but, Apollo chooses to sleep on the floor. I guess I can't exactly blame him, as it is quite crowded in the bed.
Problem with all the kids, is they manage to get in bed before I do. If I could only train them to turn out lights, turn off the TV, check all the doors, etc. before going to bed, I MIGHT have a fighting chance of getting to my "spot" before they do!
For now, I usually just say "Can I come to bed?", and some (not all) will oblige and move to another corner or shift so I can squeeze in.
And that's just fine with me, cuz I love them and can only hope they love me half as much.

Lessons learned

If you remember, I have 2 young pups, Apollo age 5 months, and Hope, age 4 months. I'm in the process of housetraining them, so they've been sleeping in crates, which, they voice their objection when at bedtime. The first night, Apollo must've screamed for about an hour, not really screamed, but, moaned, and cried and carried on. Hope, on the other hand, was quite good, and still is--what else would I expect? It's always the boys who are hardheaded! Apollo got me up that first night about 1 a.m., and upon going back to bed, he continued voicing his displeasure of the situation. Well, Hope decided at that time, she wasn't happy either.
The other night went much better. They slept until about 5 a.m. I let them out to potty, and let them back in, but, rather than putting them back in their crates, I thought I would leave them out, since we would be getting up in a few hours anyway.
Well, Apollo thought it was playtime, and hopped on the bed, where he began the olympics, and Mona laid him down, grabbed him by the neck, and softly growled at him. When she let him go, he just laid there on the bed and went to sleep. It was if Mona was telling the juvenile, "This is not an olympic arena, this is a bed where we sleep. Now, settle down!!"
You gotta love these older kids, they help with the discipline.
I'm so glad I have a king size bed, as 4 kids currently sleep with me, and when the youngsters are at the point that I can trust them through the night, I am sure they will join us on the bed, making it 6 Sibes, and me, on the bed. And the kids usually get to their spots, and I have to find a space between them. Can hardly wait for Apollo and Hope to join us. I may have to get another bed---for myself.

On another note, I took Apollo and Hope to Petco the other day for another socialization trip. Unbeknownst to me, the local shelter was having an adoption day there. Which was good, because the 2 youngsters have not seen any other dogs besides siberians. We walked into the store, and the adoption was at the entrance, not really the best spot, but, that was their decision. Well, Hope was taken aback, and did not want to go in, Apollo, on the other hand, thought he would let everyone know he had arrived, and barked at the strange looking Siberians. And barked. And barked, and barked some more.
We continue walking around the store, and Apollo had his nose EVERYWHERE. Hope was just walking right along. When it came time to leave. Hope did not want to go by those strange dogs. Apollo was quiet leaving, which was good.
It is apparent, that these 2 need more socialization around other dogs. And that's what I told them as well. If they were to be showdogs, they needed to get used to other dogs.
So, I see more trips to Petco in our future.