January 30, 2011

  • A Taste Of Spring?


    TALES FROM THE BRAT FARM

    I have to admit, it was the most incredible day today.  We actually had a high of 64 degrees with bright sun and almost no wind.  I thought to myself...*This is a cruel trick to play on me when I know it ISN'T spring and we will be having some nasty weather in just a few days.*  But, I decided to enjoy it anyway.  I opened windows and doors and let the fresh air in.

    Baron thoroughly enjoyed it.  The Beast took him out for a run twice today plus he took him with him when he went to the store a couple times, too.  Baron loves to ride in the car.  He's probably the best dog I have ever seen or heard of to take traveling.  The funny thing is watching people make a wide berth of our car when he's in it by himself.  He's big and gets that doberman alertness while he assesses passersby.  If they knew what a pussycat he really was, they wouldn't believe it.

    We got our popcorn popper machine today.  The Beast was as excited as a little kid.  He damn near ripped the boxes open and had to set it up immediately so he could see how it looked.  Then he read the instructions.  Now all we need is for the coconut oil and the liquid buttery topping to be delivered and he will be in heaven.  I found a picture of what the popper looks like.  Here it is and, remember, this is only about a foot-and-a-half tall.  

    It's really cute and has a light inside so you can really watch what's going on.  I don't think it makes a whole lot at one time (it says use just a half cup of popcorn and only two of the provided spoons of oil).  It's not like the big commercial ones where you can keep it going almost endlessly.  I know.  I used to help out at one at conventions.  Fun! Fun! Fun!  Turned me totally off popcorn for a few years, trust me.

    Chewlee woke me up around 7:45am.  All she wanted was for me to turn on the TV for her plus she ended up eating some cereal with half a banana in it, some cheese cubes and her neverending supply of chocolate milk.  She helped me make up my bed once Papa woke up (we let him sleep in).  Baron got up long enough to relieve himself outside and then went back to bed with the Beast.    That was a relief to Chewlee because she didn't have to keep pushing Baron away from her food.  He may not want it but he always seems to need to get his nose into it or at least close to it for some reason.  It's irritating as hell and we've been trying to break him of the habit for ages.  I HAVE, finally, gotten him to back off when I give him the command *back* but he sure doesn't like it.  Like I care.  I keep reminding him that he is a D-O-G and not a people no matter how the Beast treats him.  I'm sure you've seen this picture:
    This is not a one time thing.  It's something that takes place every single night while the Beast is watching his nightly news.  Sometimes it's most of the evening and Baron is sound asleep and very happy.

    Later, the Princess sent me a text to make sure Chewlee was up and asked me if I had clothes here for her.  I told her I didn't so she wouold have to bring some with her.  She intended to take Chewlee to the park because of how great a day it was.  When I told Chewlee her mother was coming for her, she told me she wanted to stay with me.  But, when I told her that her mother was going to take her to the park, it was a whole different story.  She could hardly WAIT for her mother to get here.  She DID give me a big hug when she left and the Princess was happy to hear that Chewlee had continued being good on the potty (although she DID have one accident because the bathroom door was locked and she had to wait for it to be opened...her fault, too since she turns the lock and then shuts the door).  However, I think the Princess understood that shouldn't count.  Chewlee kept saying she was sorry and it would have pulled on your heart strings to hear how unhappy she was over it.

    As soon as they left, I took a nap.  I was tired since I hadn't gone to bed early but I got up after only about four hours of sleep.  When I got up, I remade the guest room bed since it will only be Chewlee using it for the next couple of months.  If we get a surprise visitor, it's an easy fix.  It's easy to make up with clean sheets if necessary.

    She about drove me nuts with her constantly asking where Sheepie was.  I kept telling her that Sheepie was at home with HER mommy and she would ask me *Why?*  I told her because that is her home, like Chewlee's home is with HER mommy.  She looked at me and just said, *Oh.*  But she was happy when I told her that Sheepie would be back for Spring Break. 

    Tomorrow (Sunday) is going to be wash day for sure.  I have a lot of it to do and it will get out of hand if I don't get to it.  The Beast will be complaining about his socks or something in a couple days and I don't need to hear it.  I'm also going to make my spaghetti con du fromage (as I recall it since I haven't found the exact recipe despite several hours spent on various recipe sites).  I will let you know how it turns out.

    Love you all.  Have a wonderful Sunday and I hope you get to spend it with family and/or friends.  Be good, stay happy and please take care of your health.  Oh, BTW...thanks for the prayers for the Boy's aunt.  He took her to the doctor for a check up on how she's healing the other day and he said it's healing well.  The poor aunt is miserable at the rehab center because she says it's noisy all the time and she isn't resting well.  The sooner she heals, the sooner she can go home.  Please continue the prayers for her.  She has problems with her memory due to her epilepsy and her age, too, I'm sure.  The Boy is going to see her as often as he can or weather permits to help his cousins keep up her spirits.  She's a dear soul and he hates to see her unhappy.  I hate to hear she's unhappy, too.  Especially since she tried to be so nice to Bratfink during all those years that *the Mother* was not really nice at all.  Hugs for all!!!!!