What I Saw Today...part 4

I saw a thirty...something (hehe) year old man as giddy as a 4 year old on Christmas morning. A man happy to have a canine companion to love and care for. I saw a large 1 year old dog get nervous around new people and surroundings and scared by a nazi cat (that would be Squishy). I saw a nazi cat (Squishy again) get a kick out of scaring the large 1 year old dog, pouncing and stalking it as if he were her personal play-toy. I saw two children excited and happy to have a dog in the house that they can love on and play with. It will take a little adjustment for us all for a little while, but I am confident that all will turn out right in the end.

Eary Christmas Gift

Ok, so I caved. I figured I would sooner or later. I had a bad expierience with dogs in my house in the past, so I was dead set against having any dog until we had a fence up. I know this was not particularly fair to Kevin as it was not his fault that I had a bad expierience. I have been fooling around with the idea of allowing (wow that sounds domineering) him to get a dog since I know he really loves them. I was hesitant though, because I only have 2 floors that I have replaced since getting rid of the other dogs. I still have 3 that are in need of replacing. I did come to the conclusion, however, that I can not hold Kevin liable for the failings of others (myself included). It was not his doing that caused my house to be nearly destroyed by dogs, and I realize now, that he will be much more responsible than others were. So, I told Kevin that he could have a dog a few weeks ago and he has been searching ever since. Friday he found a site online for a local shelter and saw a 10mo old German Shepard. He asked me about it since the cost to get it from the shelter would be $150.00. That price covers all shots, spay or neutering, microchip, and a 30 day insurance of up to $750.00 in case anything goes wrong. They also check the animals for heartworms. I figured we could afford this and I had already mentioned that it would be one of his Christmas gifts. So Kevin and Amy took off to the shelter to get the dog. Apparently when they got there, they were bombarded with choices. To hear Kevin tell it, this place was no simple 'shelter' but more of a hotel of sorts. He swears in all the shelters he's ever been to in the past, this was the cleanest and best tended one he'd ever set foot in. The animals were all clean, healthy, and happy. He and Amy looked over the different dog choices available to them and narrowed it down to two choices. The German Shepard that he originally went for, and a 1 year old large mixed-breed. The deciding factor, or one of them, was the shelter's statement that the 1 year old was already housebroken. So, Kevin filled out the paperwork, paid the $150.00 and is the proud owner of a new dog. The shelter sent him to be neutered and microchipped and Kevin will be going to pick up his new dog today. Meathead (formerly known as Bruno) will be the newest member of our ever-growing family. I can't wait to meet him.

What I Saw Today...part3

Today was Thanksgiving, Kevin worked very hard to cook an awesome meal for us and it turned out excellent. I did not take a picture of the meal which is "What I Saw Today" so you are stuck seeing just my eye today. The turkey was seasoned with bacon and sage and numerous other spices. There was cornbread dressing with turkey sausage that has to be the best dressing I've ever eaten. I usually pass over the dressing on Thanksgiving, but very glad I did not do so this year. We also had creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and rolls. It was very traditional. And it was VERY delicious. I put in a little time in the kitchen by making the gravy, pasta salad, and deviled eggs. As you can see Kevin did all the hard work. He put a lot of effort into the meal and it showed...or tasted...however you want to look at it. Kevin also made some pecan pie with pecans from our yard that was absolutely delicious!! There was chocolate pudding pie as well. Unfortunately Kevin's younger brother was not able to join us so we are stuck with a massive amount of leftovers. I'm sure they'll be put to good use. I will try to save some for Ashe when he returns from visiting with his father.

Seeing how it's Thanksgiving, I feel the need to note the things that I am thankful for.

My kids

Kevin

I have a job (even though I'm not happy with it, I am still thankful to have it)

We have a car (that is even still running right now)

Second chances (and third, fourth and fifth...maybe someday I'll get my shit together)

The roof over my head

The food on our table

The friends who seem to always be there when we need it

The chance to spend time with loved ones

and many more things that are too numerous to mention here.

So, what did you see today? What is it that you are thankful for? Have you told someone "thank you" lately? Sometimes it's the little things that matter most or mean the most, knowing you are appreciated can be a great feeling. So, tell someone thank you, and mean it.