Holding out

I’ve been holding out on turning my heat on. I don’t want to turn it on until I really need it, because that’s a waste of resources.

It’s 62 degrees in my house on October 22. That’s not too bad, considering my normal winter heat level is set at about 65-66.

To get by, when it feels really cold I curl up with a blanket on the couch and turn on the gas fireplace. So, I’ve done that a few days this week. And Georgia loves it, but she may really be telling me to: TURN ON THE DAMN HEAT ALREADY!

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Oh, the Indignity!

After the last thunderstorm, when Georgia kept me up until 4 AM, I’ve been searching for some thing that will calm her down, relieve her anxiety and let me sleep. Admittedly, the thunderstorm season is drawing to a close, so I may not have too much more time to find a solution this year, but still seeking any kind of solution puts me a leg up on next year. Plus, it’s not just thunderstorms, it’s also fireworks and firecrackers, the ice-maker in my fridge, the beeping of the oven timer, etc…

So, I tried anti-anxiety medication, which did not work, at all. It could be because the dosage was not right. I’ve also heard about melatonin, dog appeasing pheromones and the Thundershirt.  So, the first thing I’ve tried is the Thundershirt.

And, I actually think it might be working, but not because it wraps the dog in comfort. No, it’s the indignity of it. I put it on her and she looked at me like I’d just embarrassed her in front of her peers. I’d stolen her dignity.

This evening something freaked her out and she was pacing and pulling furniture around so I put it on her again and it definitely calmed her down, she would just stand there very close to me. After a while she finally lay down, on my foot.

Maybe I have a winner, at least for me!

Footprints in the bathtub

Storm season and the thunder we got last night drove Georgia into the bathtub. I forgot and so had to add cleaning the tub to my morning routine.

Snow Angel

One of my neighbors left a Snow Angel in my yard.

The storm didn’t hit Western New York like it did the midwest, but it’s still winter and we still have fun!

The Never Ending Lake Effect Event 2010

The Lake Effect event, 12/5/2010-12/8/2010. Seemed like it snowed for 4-5 straight days and we got at least 24 inches of snow. You can see the progression of snow on the roof each day. My favorite weather history site: http://www.wunderground.com/history/

Before the event begins

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Finding Safe Haven

So, it’s the start of thunderstorm season and Georgia has already become familiar with her hideout. It’s gotten worse over the last couple of years ever since she was outside when a really loud crack happened.  My strategy is to not be solicitous and make a big deal about it. The consequence: my bathtub gets cleaned more frequently!

Hiding from the thunder

Waiting out the storm

Did the fever break?

The cabin fever reached new heights this week, what with an overloaded work schedule and cold, snowy weather last weekend, it was getting desperate. However, I think the fever may have broken today.

Georgia got a nice walk in the sunshine. Then she got to play with her current boy toy, Gizmo. The romped and jumped and chased til Gizmo’s tongue hit the floor. There were lots of people around and it was so exciting for Georgia, she loves people. On the way home she wanted to stop and visit her other boyfriend, Nym. They got to run and chase each other through the snow. Oh joy! So, today we had a 2 1/2 hour adventure and life is good.

The Christmas Tree Saga of ‘08

Author’s note: This was an email to siblings and their families that didn’t make it home for Christmas 2008 in Michigan:

Part 1

One of our timeless family traditions entails gathering as many kids that are home and going off to the Christmas Tree farm with Dad to cut down our own tree. Usually, this is an enjoyable, satisfying holiday tradition culminating with a steaming cup of hot cocoa provided by Mom when we get home.

Well, the year of ’08 will live in infamy as the most opposite experience to the “enjoyable, satisfying” one we usually have. Here’s what happened….