I love photoshop.

The previous "dog" post made me look through Opie's baby pictures.  I found a cute one by there was a stick right in front of him.  I used the clone tool in photoshop to take it out.  Much much better.


BEFORE:

 AFTER:

If anyone would like to have a photo retouched, feel free to contact me.  I love doing this stuff.  :)

New doggie makes three.

For 10 years we were a one dog family.  Mable, our gem, is now 12 years old (we rescued her when she was 2).  For the longest time she wouldn't tolerate other dogs.  I think with age comes wisdom because she's more tolerant now.  So on January 1st of this year we brought home Opie.

Opie is an Old English Sheepdog.  I grew up with one and have such fond memories, they truly make wonderful family dogs.  Very loyal, clown-like, playful and smart.  Too smart for their own good sometimes.

I did go through a breeder to get Opie, something I'm not particularly proud of since I've always been an advocate for rescue dogs and cats (all of my other pets are rescues, Mable and two cats).   But this breeder is a very responsible and loving woman who devotes her whole life to her sheepies.  In her contract upon adoption it states that if for some reason you're unable to keep the dog, they must be returned to her.  They are not to go to a shelter.

So to try and make a long story short(er), an 11 year old female, Daisy, was returned to the breeder because the family no longer wanted her.  She had been neglected to the point of having a serious bladder/UTI infection, complete with crystals (meaning there could be a tumor or kidney stones), she's obviously in pain, over weight therefore having difficulty laying down and standing back up.  She's struggling with incontinence (probably because of the infection) and was filthy when I met her.

The breeder took her back but the existing pack of 3 dogs at the breeders house did not accept her.  The breeder and I have our pups in obedience class together, this is how I heard of Daisy's story.  

My husband and I were devastated to hear such horrible news and we decided that we would see how she did at our house.  Mable and Opie accepted her instantly and she's currently on antibiotics and lots of vitamins.  After 5 days, she no longer has to wear a diaper so I think her infection is clearing up.

The breeder is kindly footing the bill to get her back in shape and I'm providing her with a retirement house.

Teamwork.

Daisy

Opie as a pup (playing with Flynn the cat, only 5 months ago!)

Opie sporting his summer haircut and snoozing with his stuffed sheepie

Miss Mae

Home Improvement here we come...

So, we're getting ready to have our floors redone.  Nothing fancy, no bamboo or real hardwood.  We're  on a tight budget so we opt for the more realistic things in life.  For example, my husband and I were looking at carpet samples when I saw an end cap with the "sale" samples.  I immediately put back all the samples I had stacked up in my hands and headed straight for the sale rack.  There were plenty to choose from and for $1.00 less per square foot, I was determined to find something suitable.

We ended up settling on Modesto II Burch Wood twist carpeting and SilverHill Oak laminate flooring.

Hubby ripped up the carpet yesterday and decided to roll it up and leave it on the driveway until garbage day only to have it down pour.  Yuck.

So we're living in shambles right now, the measuring crew will be out today to take their measurements.

I'm excited, there's so much to do!

Chosen Flooring

Old Flooring (mismatched yuckiness)

Embarrassing subfloor

I'm back!

Wow, have I been slacking.  I'm about to share something that is often shunned upon by society.  Something a bit more personal than most people like.

I've been unable to post for the last few years because I was diagnosed with Bipolar II and was put on medication.  Since going on medication, I have lost a great deal of creativity in exchange for a more stable personality.  Out of severe frustration with my Drs. (who weren't communicating well between each other, leaving me neglected, along with struggling for 3 years as a guinea pig trying to find the right medication) I quit the meds they did have me on.

This is a very controversial subject and I DO NOT recommend anyone struggling with a mental illness to take matters in their own hands.  In my case however, my family and I agreed to take a break and if need be, start fresh with a new doctor when the time comes.

I ask that if anyone feels the need to leave a comment on this post, please do so in a kind manner.  Please do not be judgmental.  For just ONE negative comment can easily trigger a depression.

On a lighter note, there's a LOT of good stuff to come.  We're getting all new flooring, I picked up a beautiful 4 piece bedroom set that I'm refinishing for my daughters room and a boat load of painting.

I'll leave it at that for now.