Mona

Not 10 days . . .Not 2 weeks . . .BUT 2 DAYS after Kaos went to rescue, The Musician shows me a picture from his cell phone and says "Want to see our new houseguest?"

Mona's stray hold had expired and she was a day away from euthanasia when SA R.O.C.K.S. stepped in to save her little life. She was mild heartworm positive and was getting spayed. The day after her spay, The Musician picked her up and brought her home until SA R.O.C.K.S. could find her a more long-term foster.

She sat quietly in her crate or huddled against The Musician under blankets on the couch. The Musician said she would NOT sleep in the bed, but would sleep in her crate. This is what I woke up to the next morning . . .

The first week, she cuddled under the blankets and was just so stinking cute. The Girls just ignored her and she pretty much ignored them. She was a quiet little girl. She didn't even take tiny treats from us. THEN SHE DISCOVERED TOYS!!! OMIGOD!!! TOYS!!! If they were big, bigger than her, she loved to shake them for all they were worth. If they squeaked . . .even better!!! And when she was excited, she wiggled and squirmed on her back all over the floor. SO STINKIN' CUTE!!! Then she discovered her voice!!! Bark bark bark bark bark bark . . .Perfect security alarm. Perfect announcer that anything was happening anywhere in the world.  She spent a weekend with another foster and taught their previously quiet dog to bark announcements. Whoops!  And, we learned she DOES NOT like cats . . . except for terrorizing.

She came back to us and was really settling in. When we left the house and came back, she greeted us like we had been gone a million years. Bark bark bark . . .spin spin spin . . .bark bark bark . . .pick me up pick me up pick me up.  She accepted . . .and expected . . .treats.  Oh, and we weighed her. I thought she was 9 pounds . . .this tiny little thing weighs 16 POUNDS!!!! And The Girls didn't mind her presence . . .except when she stole their toys.

Then out of the blue, I got this text . . .when I came home from work, she was gone. 

Happily vacationing with a few other Chihuahua buddies until she finds her furever home. 

 S.A.R.O.C.K.S is an all volunteer organization and can only afford to save lives through donations and people willing to offer their homes for fostering. Mona is going to cost a little more than the average dog because of her heartworms. Please consider sharing for her medical costs . . .and future saved lives.

Kaos . . .aka Popeye . . .aka Hank

There are many dogs roaming in our neighborhood. I don't know if it's a Texas thing and dogs are allowed to run and get lost a lot . . .or, as some of our neighbors have suggested, people dump their dogs around here believing that they will be taken in. Some of our close-by neighbors think that there is a doggie message board that tells strays to come to our house.

One night, not long ago, this was posted in the neighborhood. Many people responded, took food, took blankets. It was still chilly out and raining, which made us very sad. And we live very near a preserve area and hear coyotes howling often. We worried about this dog and couldn't bear to think of him exposed and helpless. So, The  Musician hopped in the car and picked him up and brought him home.

He was healthy and young and in pretty good shape. We were sure there was an owner looking for him, because he wasn't thin and he wasn't dirty. We posted him on multiple neighborhood facebook pages, garage sale pages, lost dog pages, animal rescue pages, and craigslist. Our friends shared him all over facebook. Someone would recognize him. We posted over 50 flyers throughout nearby neighborhoods. If we heard a clue about where he had been seen before, we rushed out to post flyers in that area. Still, no luck. He loved those car rides.

The Musician called him Popeye because "one eye just pops" out at you. I called him Kaos, because that's what he brought to the house (spelled different of course). He was young, still a puppy, and a big rambunctious guy. He ran over The Girls and they didn't like it. He was so sweet and just wanted to play, but The Girls are a little older and play much more gently. He would rummage through their toy box and bring them toys. If they ignored him, he went for more toys . . .I guess he figured he would get the right toy at some point. The squeakier the better. He never got the right one, but if Bunny growled, he thought she was playing and tried to wrestle . . .that did NOT go over well. He had boundless energy. He was a pest . . to us and to The Girls. He wanted to play every waking second of every day. We aren't built for that anymore. Super smart. He learned the doggie door by watching . . .once. He was a great running partner . . . if you run FAST. 

Thank goodness for neighbors with rambunctious dogs. We had lots of play dates. He wore out all the other dogs, and he even rested for about 15 minutes before his full energy levels were restored. Even AlleyKat tried to play, but they just ignored her and she was on the outside looking in. Not rambunctious enough.

All the husky rescues we contacted were full. But, we were in luck. Animal Defense League of San Antonio had an appointment. We scheduled an appointment. His medical tests were clear . . .no heartworm. He passed his temperament test . . .of course.  We paid a fee. He was renamed Hank. Apparently, Kaos is not a great name to get him adopted, though. Imagine!! He became famous and was the featured dog and it was decided that he is a Corski . . . Corgi/Husky mix. And probably only 9 months old, weighing 42 pounds. 

Four days later, Hank was adopted into a furever home. 

Thanks Animal Defense League of San Antonio

EEYORE

So, if you know me and you are reading my blog, you know I am a bit of a crazy animal person. I love all animals (except maybe snakes and spiders and mosquitoes and flies), but I think I love dogs the most. They each have their own personality, and they offer a lot. They make you smile, and laugh, and cry. They provide comfort when you are sick or sad. And, they sometimes drive you a little crazy.

You also probably know that The Musician and I work with rescue and foster. My favorite breed is the American Eskimo Dog. . .probably because of White Boots and Wolfie. We have fostered many R'eskies in our day and worked a lot with Eskie Rescuers United in the National Capitol Area. Since our move to San Antonio, we are working with SA R.O.C.K.S. They are an all breed rescue . . .and of course, we pick up the occasional stray. Seems there are so many stray dogs in our neighborhood, which makes me very sad. So, I've decided to share about the temporary dogs we host(ed) since moving to Texas.  

ERU Facebook

SA R.O.C.K.S Facebook

First up--Eeyore

Driving home from a race, we saw this gentle giant ambling along the side of the road in our neighborhood. We stopped the car. ..he stopped walking. We walked over to him...he laid down. He had no collar and was skinny and dusty. His poor head was probably wider than his body. And he was BIG!!! We looped a leash (because we always have one with us) around his neck and he hopped into the car. He was hungry and thirsty and he ate well.  I don't think he could hunt for himself. He would let you take food out of his mouth . . .even when he was hungry. If you wanted it from him, he would give it to you. He was able to worm his way through the Girls' doggie door. He was housetrained and quiet. I'm not sure he ever made a sound .

Then we panicked . . .we were going out of town in a week!!! What were we going to do?!?!?! Every no-kill shelter and rescue was full  . . .if they called us back. SA R.O.C.K.S didn't have a foster home available. He didn't have a microchip.

He didn't play with toys, but was stuck to my leg like velcro. Not demanding anything, just wanted to be close. He did NOT like to be alone. Left outside in the backyard, in about 10 minutes he ate and destroyed our gate. . .desperate not to be alone.

He whimpered at night when he slept in the bathroom. I slept on blankets in the bathtub to keep him company. I couldn't sneak past him to bed when he started snoring. He must have slept with one eye open.  He would get up in the night to drink, then he would drop his head into the tub to check to make sure he was still there . . .dripping water from his big mouth. I was quite the sucker.

We had to leave town and we boarded him with the local kennel who provides rescue discounts. On the day before we came home, his kennel was being cleaned. Five minutes was all it took and he started his roaming again. We were heartbroken. The kennel manager was devastated because he planned to adopt Eyeore. I pray that someone else found him wandering and took him home. He is a great big boy.

 

Escape Monthly April 2014--Mexico

MEXICO

Escape Monthly is a destination-inspired monthly delivery of luxury products to help you relax, renew and escape! Indulge in experiences inspired by luxurious spas, tropical getaways, cultures of the world and more!  If I can't take a real vacation every month, at least I can pretend with a vacation in a box. One monthly box includes a trip to the destination. Or, you can purchase a trip on their site for a discount. If you just can't live without any extras of items in the box, you can buy them at Escape Monthly Offers for a discount.
I could barely stand the anticipation because I knew the April box was Mexico. So, I was thinking about beaches and history and culture . . .

Once again, I really like the pretty packaging. I don't know if it's the colors or the chevron pattern, but either way, it makes me happy. Everything was packaged well and arrived safely. The very handy guide to what everything is was helpful. My box did not have a trip to Mexico in it. 

Escape Plan: Sprinkle the salt on the mangos for a zesty snack while you fill your bath tub. Light the candle, sip on some soda, and use the cloth to exfoliate your whole body. You'll emerge totally refreshed and ready to eat some gourmet tacos!

Yeah!!! A travel guide. Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo Travel Guide: When planning your trip to Mexico, we recommend checking out two of our favorite destinations: Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. Includes an in-depth guide on the finest beaches, the Costa Grande, and Acapulco. Retail $17.99. Escape Monthly apparently puts a guide book in every box. I like guide books. It gives me a chance to skim and decide where I want to travel.

Mundet Green Apple and Sangria Senorial Soda:Mexican summers are HOT and these authentic Mexican soda pops are the most popular way to cool off (and get a little sugar buzz!!) These are the favorite drinks for street vendors in Zihuatanejo . Pair with spicy tacos! Retail $4.00. These are chilling in my refrigerator now, waiting for a really hot day (which is rapidly approaching South Texas) to try them out. I am a fan of both flavors and will be looking forward to sampling.

Ayate Fiber Exfoliation Cloth: Made with 100% natural agave fiber and hand-woven in Mexico. Ayate Fiber Washcloths are excellent for exfoliating and treating your skin. Each sheet is long lasting, quick drying, and mold resistant. Say goody by to that old loofah! Retail $7.99.  I like natural products and this is pretty cool. The Agave fibers really did  plump up with water and made a great loofah scrub. This will get a lot of use.

Mexican Cocoa Candle: Rich scents of dark cocoa come together in this delicately crafted Mexican-scented candle. with a clean burning flame and an exclusively vegetable/soy wax blend, your candle will burn bright and fill your home with an enchanting, exotic chocolate scent.  Retail $6.00.  I love that it's vegan. It's made with vegetable/soy wax instead of beeswax, so it's a little softer. It smells amazing with the scent of that amazing spicy Mexican chocolate. It's a great travel size, but I don't think it will last long enough to get packed because I've been burning and enjoying.

Gourmet Habanero Salt: We've found the highest-quality luxury habanero sea salt blend to add to your next Mexican meal. It packs a punch of personality, whether it's on the grill or in the pan. Ad some butter (I probably will use coconut oil) and lime and you've got an authentic taste your tongue won't forget. Retail $14.99. I sampled and it is packed with flavor. It will make a great flavor accent used as a cooking rub. I love trying new flavors and this one is a winner.

Kopali Organic Mango: Mexico grows the most delicious mangos in the world. The climate suits the fruit perfectly, and with rich soil and abundant sun, there's an unmatched flavor in each bite. These organic mangos will let you taste what makes Mexican mangos so special. Retail $4.79. I love dried mango and this is no exception.

BONUS! Mexican Candy: Taste some of the most authentic and celebrated flavors of Mexico with these delightful candies. made with authentic Mexican ingredients, these are the perfect treat for after dinner. A little sweet, a little spicy, and a whole lot of fun. Retail $4.00. I will admit, I'm not always a fan of Mexican Candy, so I haven't tried these yet. I will gift the Dulche de Leche to a friend, but will try the fruit leathers and mango powder.

I had a 35% discount, so my box  $32.47. There were a lot of food items in this box and I prefer a little more variety, but I really Escape Monthly.  Use the coupon code Caliescape and receive 20% off the lifetime of your subscription. That means, for $39.99 a month, all this could be yours too.

Next up...Hollywood!!

(This post contains affiliate links. These opinions are my own and are unsolicited. I have not received any compensation for my comments.)

PopSugar Must Have April 2014 Review

PopSugar Must Have boxes are like a Christmas stocking in a box every month. I had already seen previous reviews and was really excited when it arrived. I had been stalking my mailbox for days. 

PopSugar Must Have is a monthly subscription box of hand-selected items in beauty, fashion, home, fitness, and food. It's not a box of sample items. I love the variety . . .it's not just make-up or food or whatever.  Everything is full-sized. Price is $39.95 per month, and they have 3-, 6-, and 12-month plans that lower the effective monthly box. Seems that almost every month there is a $10OFF code that can be found on-line. So, you could un-subscribe and subscribe on a regular basis to get the best deal, while not missing out. They also offer single-purchase premium boxes at different times of the year.

 I had seen some reviews that had problems with the packaging and items arriving damaged. I will admit that last month, I thought the packing was a little loose and could tell there had been some contents shifting. This month, everything was perfect. I really do like that they include a brochure with a description of the items. So, let's get started.

Must Have Fashion: BlueAvocado (Eco) Shopper: Leave it to Lauren Conrad to make reusable bags chic. She joined forces with BlueAvocado to design an (eco) Shopper bag that is perfect for carrying just about anything. The collapsible tote is made from upcycled plastic bottles and folds neatly into a wallet-sized pouch. If this doesn't give you an excuse to go shopping, we don't know what will. Suggested retail $25. I really like it. Maybe not my favorite color scheme, but cute pattern. It folds and zips compactly. I usually carry a relatively small purse, and it fits. I love that the "outside" when zipped up makes a flat surface for the bag when opened.

Must Have Beauty: TooFaced Natural Eyes: If you love the natural look (I do), then this Too Faced Natural Eyes palette will be your new addiction. With nine different shades, there is a color for every age and skin tone. Don't worry if you're not a makeup pro; there's a Glamour Guide that will teach you the ropes. Go ahead and show the world just how naturally beautiful you are! Suggested retail $36. I am not a make-up guru by any stretch of the imagination. I really like the metal case and the colors are great neutrals. The shadows feel soft and silky. And the guide has 3 different looks and instructions, which I need.

Must Have Home: Graphic Image Pocket Notes: Who runs the world? You do! With this Graphic Image notebook designed exclusively for POPSUGAR, you can remember all the important stuff to conquer the world. This isn't your average notebook, either-with silver edges, acid-free paper, and a flexible cover, it's the smart and stylish way to keep you life in order. Suggested retail $20. It is a lovely notebook, and as a runner . . .I love the title. However, I am going to gift to a friend because the leather cover doesn't fit my vegan lifestyle. I think it will be a hit.

Must Have Home: Caldrea Rosewater Driftwood Hand Soap: Slip into a dreamy oasis with this Rosewater Driftwood hand soap from Caldrea. The combination of floral aromas and spicy cedar undertones creates a subtly divine experience. we believe what goes onto your body is just as important at what goes into it. That's why this gentle yet hardworking soap is free of any harmful chemicals. Suggested retail $10.50. I LOVE IT. It smells absolutely divine. It is plant-based and biodegradable. No animal testing. The Plastic bottle is partially  made from recycled plastic and is recyclable.

Must Have Home: FreshPastry Stand Totally Awesome Tea Towel Set: Revamp your dish towel collection with Fresh Pastry Stand's Totally Awesome tea towel set. Handmade from a water-based ink and completely lint-free, these graphic towels totally live up to their name. Keep them for yourself, or step up your gift giving game at your next housewarming soirée. Suggested retail $18. TOTALLY AWESOME!! I love them. They are thin and seem delicate, but I love the graphics. I won't be gifting.

Must Have Food: NatureBox Popsugar Must Have Mix: NO artificial Flavors. No artifical colors. NO corn syrup. and NO hydrogenated oils. YES please! NatureBox teamed up with with Lisa Sugar to design this custom snack mix especially for POPSUGAR Must Have. Enjoy the balanced medley of almonds, soybeans, corn, and cranberries for a satisfying crunch. Grab a handful (or two) with no regrets! Suggested retail $5. YES, PLEASE!!! I really, really like these. There are 4.5 servings in a bag at 130 calories per serving. I was good and didn't eat them all at once, but I'm not sure I limited myself to serving sizes. So at 585 calories per bag, still not too bad. I love plant based snacks because they are filling and I don't eat the bag all at once. Included is a code for 50% your first box when you sign up for a subscription to NatureBox. Normally $19.95 per month, and the first is discounted with special snacks for POPSUGAR Must Have. 5 bags per monthly box. I think I'll be signing up. YUM!!!

Overall, I'm pretty stoked about this subscription. I paid $89.95 for a 3-month subscription (which will auto-renew at $99.95) if I don't cancel and re-subscribe. That comes to about $33.32/box. And, since you know I like a bargain, I was pleased that the box contained $114.50 worth of items.

I can hardly wait to see what May has in store.

(This post contains affiliate links. These opinions are my own and are unsolicited. I have not received any compensation for my comments.)

April 20, 2014--I became a Colonel

On the 18th anniversary of my active duty commission to the United States Air Force, I was promoted to Colonel. I was sworn in by my recruiter in a small room. No big deal. When I was promoted to Captain, I hardly noticed. When I was promoted to Major, and then Lieutenant Colonel, all I did to commemorate the occasion was check my Leave and Earning Statement and show up the next day with new rank on my shoulders. Everyone said this was a big deal. I decided to do a ceremony for my family. But as the day got closer, I  got excited.

 

All of my siblings came to town. . .from Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. Along with some of their spouses and partners. Four of my nieces and nephews (and a niece-in-law) came out too . . .from as far away as San Francisco. And my uncle from Georgia. They all had an eye opening experience because I served Vegan food all weekend. At lunch before the ceremony. At Green where we went after the ceremony. At the party the next night, catered by amazing Senor Veggie. AMAZING!!!!




Also, some dear friends from Indiana, who I also consider family. . . not by blood, but by choice.

And of course, I wouldn't be standing there if it weren't for The Musician. When we met, I wasn't what he was looking for. Doctors can be arrogant, and I'm no exception. Some days I don't know how he lives with me. I sure wouldn't. And, for years I promised him that it was only for a few years until my commitment was done and we could have control over our lives. But, every time I said I wanted to extend, he had the same answer, "I support you." And he always has.

My dear friend, and running partner, Carol, sang the National Anthem. She has a beautiful voice.







Another dear friend, and neighbor, MSG Brian Rice narrated. It was his first time narrating a promotion, but like a good senior NCO, he sounded like he had done it a million times. And, despite being an incredible Army medic (I would trust him to save my life), he remembered that it was the "Air Force" song at the end of the ceremony.

It was important to me that the ceremony was personal and reflected the people I know and love. I wanted it to be intimate. I was so honored that my uncle officiated. He is a retired Colonel in the Georgia Air National Guard...and an OBGYN. I feel a little connected to him.



Robert struggled to put on my new rank. I giggled. I know it's not very officer-like, but I couldn't help it. And, we were very careful to make sure the eagles faced forward.

Shiny new rank

My nephews removed my old shoulder boards and my nieces put on the new ones. They also got the eagles on facing forward.







Uncle Wallace swore me in. He was careful not to make me remember too many words at once. I must admit, though, I did consider saying "I, State your name," but I refrained. I didn't think the solemnity of the oath should be taken lightly. But, I did think it...

OK, so I will admit, that when the Air Force song is sung at the end of ceremonies, I always think it is quite corny. But, this was MY ceremony and I wanted it. So, we did it. It's my party and I'll sing if I want to. I don't remember all the words, so I was glad to have a program to review.

Then, time for cake!! And, yes, it was vegan. HAHAHAHA to all of you who liked it and didn't know!!!! I am not too traditional, so it was Red Velvet and Carrot...not on the same cake. My sister made and decorated the cake. Cool, huh?

I am so lucky that I have some amazing great friends, who are also awesome party planners. I couldn't have done all the little social things without Sarah. She put together my reception. She helped me with the party the next night... center pieces, serving dishes, making sure trays and bowls stayed full, and she brought all the ice.

Everyone asked how I felt being a Colonel. I guess I haven't thought it is a big deal, just something I've done. Rank had NO privilege when I waited for 2+ hours for my new ID card. I got chastised for being 2 minutes early (instead of 15) for a medical appointment. My job didn't change. But, I did park in Colonel parking at the gym and exchange . . .even though it was farther away from the door than open parking.

I did NOT expect gifts, but I got them anyway. Lots of wine, thank you very much. But, I also have friends who really showed me they know me. Some gifts made me a little teary-eyed. They were so thoughtful.

Sarah knows I have my dark side.

Sarah's first ever knitting project was a scarf for me

Shannon knows I'm a big fan of little blue boxes
. . .and penguins

Chris made me a quilt

And Coach Jess found great shoe decorations
that are soooo me!!!