A Potpourri

I've been really busy with painting and other related tasks, and also trying to get my Internet service set up. I'm very frustrated that the DSL modem and my wireless router apparently have had a spat. They aren't talking to each other. Of course, the DSL people say that I have to call Apple; it can't be their problem. Yeah, right. Of course, it worked find at Allan's house, but I drive it to my house, plug it in to the same equipment, same company, etc., for the service, but it is Apple's problem. Grrrrr. Meanwhile, I'm wired. In more ways than one!

We spent our first night in the new house last night. I brought Mai Lin's little cremains box so she was with us on this first special night. Both China and Ali seemed very at home here. They were relaxed and slept well, as did I. The change in Ali is especially remarkable. Those of you who know him will understand this ... His tail is up, curled over his back almost all the time now! Those of you who don't ... a characteristic of Shih Tzu's is a curly little tail at all times, unless they are not happy, are frightened or something of the sort. He has been dragging his little tail nearly on the ground for months now. I've been really worried about him, thinking that I was going to lose him because he was depressed and despondent. His losses have been huge over the last year and a half ... our home, my husband, familiar belongings, numerous temporary "homes," and finally our car (when I traded for the truck recently) which was the only consistent material possession through this time. It seems that the combination of the organic "happy pill" and being in our own home has had this amazing effect. He is a happy little dog once again.

To explain his easy-going state, this morning (our first here), I woke to a phone call. After the conversation I asked the kids if they were ready to go out. China, as usual, was ready to go out. She loves being outside. So I got up, lifted her down from the bed, and asked Ali if he was ready to go. He didn't make a move toward getting up as usual. All he did was roll his eyes my way, then closed them again. I decided to let him rest. When China came back in, I check on him again, and here is what I found:


He had moved to the spot of the bed that I vacated, snuggled under the covers with his head on my nightshirt which was tossed on the pillow! He stayed right there for another hour or so, then jumped down and joined us girls! What a hoot!!


China is being China ... totally laid back and happy with her life! She especially loves the big deck. I propped the front door open today, and she spent nearly all day out there, looking about like she does here. She enjoys the simple parts of life!



I thought I'd show you how Ali helped us with the painting the other day. He simply walked right through a paint pan on the floor, didn't blink and eye, and just kept walking!! It is a good thing I'm having new carpet and ceramic tile put down in a couple weeks!!



I stopped in a hardware store on Thursday, and when I saw this bird feeder I simply could not resist! This shows it full, right after I hung it up. When I saw it early Friday, it was almost empty!




Late yesterday I was leaving to run over to Allan's for a few last minute items, and In my rear view mirror was this:


Those colors were awesome! The purple was a special treat. Our sunsets are beautiful, but purple isn't always present, and especially not in this amount.


Looking at it through the trees was breath taking! I'll never, ever get tired of New Mexico's sunsets. I don't think it is possible.



Today Allan came by to help again with painting. We have now finished all the main rooms. I still have to do the bathrooms and a coat of semi-gloss on the kitchen, and all the doors. The important point is that all the rooms which will fill with furniture next week are ready. I'll have to move them for the tile and carpet people, but I don't have to move any furniture to paint. YAY!

We had gorgeous weather today, and I left windows and doors open for fresh air. We took a few breaks, spending them ... of course! .... on the deck, observing the view and just breathing the wonderful fresh air. My god, I love this place. I don't know that life could be much happier for me, but I'm open to more good things. Trust me, I won't turn away more happiness.

I will be leaving Wednesday for Kansas City to make the BIG MOVE. I'm so glad it is almost over. The move will be a booger, but it is the final page of that chapter of my life. I will be able to concentrate on the new one and on being the new me. I'm really liking this. I really am. Life is very, very good.

OK, I'm off to bed!