The Road Less Travelled ... this will be the theme for me in 2010. At the beginning of 2009 the theme was changes and now it's time for me to move on.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Cheers,

Jaime, Teddy, Angel, & Bear

The Day Before New Years Eve ...

I can only imagine the many people that are looking to make their new years resolutions for yet another year. It seems that the theme of a new beginning is what draws people to looking back and thinking this year will be different.

What makes a New Year different from the Old Year that's about to slip away? I will venture to say there is no difference whatsoever except of course we will be writing 2010 instead of 2009.

You go to bed on December 31, 2009 and awake on January 1, 2010! What's changed? Your are still the same as you were when you went to bed right? Wrong!

Physically you appear the same but your thinking about your life has been challenged by thoughts like: "I know that this year will be different; I can make a difference; I am ready to take the plunge and rethink my options, goals, hopes, dreams etc.".

Only we can make a radical change in our lives. It's up to us; it always is up to us. We can become the people or person we are meant to be. Now that kind of thinking is power! I venture to say that 2010 will be your year of change if you decide it so. It's not the New Year that makes the difference it's you!

What about me? Well, since it is up to me to make those changes I had better sign off and rethink some things and perhaps I will post some of my thoughts throughout the year!

Happy New Year everyone!

Jaime & Company (Teddy, Angel & Bear)

2009

Another Birthday

In six days I will embrace my 5th birthday that's 35 in dog years. Teddy is the oldest, then me and last and certainly least (according to me) is Bear. Last year I was last now I am in the middle.

My mommy tells me that we are going to celebrate my birthday ... I can hardly wait. I like this time of year because mommy buys us all kinds of things. We also got a stocking full of toys and goodies from Barb & Dan who run the Daycare. Bear tries to take my new toys from me. But I show him who's boss!

Cheers,

Angel

Winter Time

This is a picture of my back yard taken from the deck. I love how it looks in the winter time. My dogs love to romp around and roll in the snow especially Angel. Bear has made his own personal trail that he likes to run every chance he gets.

We just had another power outage. We have been having a lot of them this winter already. This one lasted only a half an hour while the others have lasted much longer. Have you noticed how dark it gets at 5:30 p.m. ? Do you know what that means? I go to work in the dark and I come home in the dark. You get use to it but none the less it's an adjustment for all concerned especially me. I don't like night driving and try to avoid it if I can.

Have you noticed how quickly the Christmas season sneaked up on us this year? Well actually it happens every year. Boom it's here and then it's gone as quickly as it came. Then we have a new year ahead and hope that we can do better. We make all kinds of resolutions that are usually forgotten before the end of January.

This past year's theme for me was one of changes. The biggest one being the delay of my retirement plans. A change from being a worker to becoming a supervisor. A change from living in the city to moving to the country (2008).

This makes me think what 2010 will bring more changes or more of the same? Any change requires us to make adjustments in our lives. It's interesting for me to look at where I am now and where I will be a year from now. Since I am close to retirement and able to retire at anytime it influences my day to day decisions. It's freeing to know that I do not have to work another 10 to 15 years. I have the option of making the choice myself. I don't have anything to prove to anyone or even myself.

I chose to work right now and I will chose to retire at some point. But for right now I am content to keep working until I decide I am done.

Till next time,

Jaime & Company

Teddy, Angel, & Bear

My Birthday Today ...

You are how old?
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha HaHa Ha HaHa Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha .............

I was born 61 years ago today! I received well wishes from friends and family today.

Our birthdays allow us to think of the past, the present and the future as they all seemingly bump into each other all at once.

As I reflect on each of these areas there is one prevailing theme: changes. Absolutely nothing stays the same ... and that's a good thing. Life would be so boring it there weren't any changes happening to us. Since the future hasn't happened yet I look forward to the next chapter in my life.

This past year has been a year of many changes for me both personally and professionally. Some of these changes are for the better while other changes presented many challenges and opportunities for me to learn new things and to grow. What's ahead for me? Well, that remains to be seen.

I am looking forward to another year and wonder only momentarily what it will bring. The exciting part is the not knowing and waking up everyday to new challenges and surprises and being glad to be alive yet another day!


Cheers Everyone,


Jaime & Company

Teddy's Birthday

Happy Birthday to me ... I am eight years old today. I may have slowed down a bit over the years but I am still in charge here! I am currently having my afternoon nap so I can be ready for my birthday supper I can hardly wait!

Bear has been by a few times hoping to find my hidden stash. I just growl at him and he keeps on going. Angel is right behind him to make sure he leaves me alone.

I am retired now and certainly enjoy living in the country. My mommy takes Bear to the daycare everyday now. This has given Angel and me some peace and quiet during the day and when he comes home he's too tired to chase me around. My mommy is on vacation right now and I heard her talking on the phone the other day that Angel and me are going to the daycare too. I wish my mommy would retire soon I don't like change. Enough of me ... I am going to get ready for my party.

Teddy

Bear's First Birthday

It's my Birthday today and I managed to stay in my forever home since I was nine months old! I know my mommy had some days of "second thoughts" about me. But hey, look at me I am a real charmer. I love my mommy and I know she loves me because she found a terrific daycare for me that I go to every day when she is working in the city. I have made many new friends there and I can hardly wait to go with her in the mornings. I am very happy when she picks me up after work. The only thing is that when I get home I am worn out and have no energy left to get into trouble around the house. My mommy calls that a bonus!

For me, the daycare was a life saver as I was beside myself at times when I would come home and Bear got into things because he was "bored." This wasn't his fault by any means. I tried crating him during the day ... this only made him more hyper when I got home due to lack of exercise. Bear doesn't mind his crate but only when he decides to go in.

The Daycare that I use is called "The Playground" Dog daycare and Kennel (306-737-7927). It's ideal for me as it only takes moments for me to drop Bear off. In the mornings the dogs are out in the fenced play area Bear is very excited when his little doggie friends are lined up along the fence barking excitedly as he jumps out of my Ranger. Bear's anxiety about leaving me has all but dissipated since coming to the daycare. He seems more relaxed and yes very tired from running with the pack and playing his day away. The dogs have their rest areas and get a lot of attention and interaction from the owners of the daycare. Believe me this was a real find! I highly recommend this place.

Well I am off to plan Bear's birthday ... oh yes Angel and Teddy they to go to the Daycare. When I get a chance I will post some pictures of the Daycare. What I like about this place is that the dogs are supervised and can run both inside and outside open areas.

Later in the day, Bear had "ribs" for his birthday suppper as did Teddy and Angel, they too love ribs. They ate until they could eat no more and are now sleeping contentedly.

Three days from now is Teddy's birthday, he's going to be 8 years old! He desparately needs a hair cut. He had an appointment a few weeks ago but had to be canceled because I was under the weather. Anyway, I will call this week so he can feel better about himself again.

Angel's birthday is on January 1, 2009; she is going to be five years old!

Cheers
Jaime

Dog Chatter

Yes, it's me Angel (before I got my summer buzz cut). Have you noticed that Bear, that annoying GSD who does nothing around here but chase Teddy and me around. I mean who does he think he is anyway? I will tell you he is a first class pest!

Now let me tell you what that pest has done around here. He chews and chews and then chews some more. He told me that he misses my mommy. Teddy and me told him to get over it and move on ... his chewing is getting old.

I guess my mommy thinks so to because she makes Bear stay in his crate before she leaves for work in the morning. Do you know what that baby does? He starts to howl and whine for hours on end.

We don't mind that he is in his crate because Teddy and me get to walk around the house free without getting chased by Bear. We even lie down in front of his cage just to annoy him. He doesn't like it because he barks at us and we just bark back and walk away from him. I wonder if he will ever grow up? However, if the truth be known that pest kind of grows on you at least that is what Teddy says.

Mommy made arrangements with a boy to come over twice a day to let us outside for a pee break. When my mommy gets home she feeds us and then we go for a walk; the three of us. She doesn't like it too much when we tangle our leashes by walking all over the place. Teddy walks the best because he always has to get out of the way when Bear wants to sniff at the same post that Teddy is sniffing. We like going for walks because we get to see so many things and sniff so many different kinds of smells.

Well I better go and see what my mommy is up to she's probably on the computer working on something called stats.

Just me, Angel

Fence Slats ...

My mommy decided to have someone put slats in the fence to block my view of the neighbours yard blocked, now I ask you "Is that fair? I think not."

Looks pretty good.

You can see in the back ground the tarps laying on the ground? I had those on the fence last winter to keep Haida from barking at the neighbours dogs. I had privacy slats installed in my chain linked fence to afford my neighbour and myself more privacy. I could have done it myself. However, it would have taken me forever to stick those things in.

It's my Friday off today. I am busy with the usual domestic things around here before the weekend is up and Monday morning rolls around.

Take care,

Jaime & Company

My Fur Kids ...

If I have to look at one more picture of Bear

I am going to throw-up!

Sneaking up on the ball ...

How many times do I have to pee on these weeds to

make them go away?

Bear's hiding place for her favorite bone!

Anybody home?

What did you expect a movie?

Well as you can see my hands are full with the dogs especially Bear given that he is a puppy. They are certainly worth it as they give us a life long commitment to be our companions. Recently I came across a quote which captures exactly what I am trying to say.

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender.

You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the every last beat of his heart.
and You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion".

Author Unknown

It not only pertains to GSD's but any breed of dog or cats. Pet's give us what humans often find difficult to give: unconditional love. no strings attached, they just love us and all they want in return is food, water, treats and of course our love!

Till next time,

Jaime & Company

A Trip to the Vet

Yep, it's me, Bear! I am wearing a Victorian collar. Known in the dog world as the dreaded cone! I have to wear it so I won't lick or pull out my stitches. You guessed it mommy had me neutered. She did not want me to have to pay puppy support. Hey, make no mistake I still like the females!

I have to keep this on for 10 days. My mommy takes it off during the day as long as I am not licking or trying to pull out my stitches. I have sneaked in a few licks. I think my mommy as eyes in the back of her head and before you know it on comes the cone again. On Thursday, August 20, 2009 it will be ten days and I can bury that dreaded cone in the back yard!

The morning of my operation my mommy took me out to the truck. I am still not to keen on riding in mommy's Ranger. She tried to get me into the truck. But I wasn't so willing. I put my front paws on the truck and that's as far as I would go. When my mommy tried helping me up by lifting my back legs I folded like an accordion. She then opened the other side of the truck too. I finally made it on the truck but I fooled my mommy because as she closed the one door and was going around to close the other door I jumped out! Jokes on her. Ha! Ha! Well only for a moment she did get me back in the truck and we were on our way.

When we arrived at the vet's office I knew something was up. The lady at the counter tried to trick me to set on the scale. Yeah, right. I peed on the floor and folded like an accordion again. The lady gave up and said it's okay we weighed you a couple of weeks ago.

When the lady took me to another room without my mommy I knew something was up ... and I was right ... the rest is history.

I better go now it's time to chase Angel around the house. It's raining outside and can't go out until it stops.

Cheers,

Bear

Announcing my new arrival ... Bear

Hello Everybody,

My name is Bear, my birth name was Diesel. I was born on November 7, 2008. I am nine months old and still very much a puppy, just ask my new mommy!

I just love my new home and am getting to know the other two Teddy and Angel. I wanted to make an impression on them when I arrived but seeing that I was used to living outside I had to get use to living in doors and learn the rules.

Angel is always trying to put me in my place and Teddy, well he usually hides when I am around as I can be a little too playful at times.

My mom, well she's terrific even though I chewed her shoes, ripped the carpet in the family room and made a hole in her mattress. Now, I didn't do all those things because I wanted to be mean I am growing and need stuff to chew on. The mattress was an accident cause I was looking for Teddy's cookies which he leaves on the bed. The carpet in the family room well it's plain ugly and I was only trying to hide my treats from the others. I guess I pulled too hard on the corner of the carpet and the rest is history.

I almost forgot the old footstool filled with straw which was also in the family room. Again, I thought I sniffed a treat and all there was inside was straw! There was straw everywhere ... you should of seen my mom's face when she got home, it was priceless. I thought she would throw me out. But do you know what she did? She threw out the footstool instead ... I guess she firgured it too was ugly and didn't fit in with the rest of the decor anymore.

I heard my mommy telling someone on the phone that she was going to get rid of that carpet in the family room anyway. So I thought that it was a good thing that I gave her a head start.

Well, let me tell you about the other stuff that I am learning to do. Mommy taught me to SIT. I sit pretty good. I am learning the words: DOWN, OFF, STAY, and COME. I do the last thing pretty good. My mommy takes the three of us for a walk. What fun that is especially when we all try to go into different directions! We get all tangled in our leads.

I love it here. I am learning the ropes pretty quick. My mommy bought me a whole bunch of chew things. I usually hide them from the others, but they do manage to find them. I will have to think of better hiding places.

My next story is about my trip to the vet ... that will have to wait for another day!

Cheers,

Bear

Hello Everybody,

It's been awhile since I last posted. There have been many changes in my life as of late.

When I started this blog it was meant as a pre-retirement blog. Well I am anything but close to retirement. One of the main reasons being I took a big hit on my pension when the market took a turn for the worse. I am trying to recover my loses and build up my retirement find again. During the month of April 2009 I was given an opportunity for a promotion which I happily accepted. I was up for a new challenge ... little did I know how much of a challenge it would be for me. I Supervise a staff of nine in a very busy department. I work longer hours and enjoy the creativity of it all.

On June 3, 2009 Haida my GSD was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and on July 11, 2009 she went to the "Rainbow Bridge." I am sure my mom and dad were there to meet her along with some of my other canine friends before her. It was a very difficult time for me and Angel, my Sheltie who was by her side continuously. Haida will be sorely missed.

I must share a little story with you which happened the morning she died. I was in the process of letting the dogs out when I noticed a little baby black bird sitting on the deck. I told the dogs to stay while I attempted to get the bird to fly off the deck. He flew away when I banged on the screen door. I let the dogs out and then took Haida to the vet. I had to help her into the truck and I opened the back window of the extended cab so she could look out. she loved the wind blowing in her face. Of course I am crying as I am driving to the vet's office knowing full well that she would not be returning with me. I have been through this before and believe me it does not get easier, not for a moment. I knew Haida's quality of life was slipping away and replaced by pain. She no longer was able to do the things she loved and was used to doing. I felt it was in her best interest to let her go with dignity.

I stayed with her during the procedure. I just couldn't leave her by herself after all she was such a good dog and deserved having me there with her until the end. I am crying even as I am writing this today. Those of you reading this that have had similar experiences with your pet understand how tough it is to let them go given that they have been a part of your family for such a long time.

When I returned home I let the dogs out again and I noticed on the deck a long stem yellow flower that had pushed it's way through the crack of the deck broads and made its way to the place where Haida used to like to lay down. You see there is nothing underneath the deck. This has never happened before nor since. This long little flower is Haida's sign to me that she is alright now and pain free.

I know that Haida is still around here looking out for the others.

I am ready now to start a new chapter ... and I do have some more news which I will post soon.

Cheers,

Jaime & Company

Life goes on and you make the necessary changes.

Till next Time

Jaime

Update

Hello Everybody,

I finally got my mommy to agree to sit down at the computer to hammer out a few words. But before I hand the keyboard over to her I have a few things of my own to talk about.

It's been a long and cold winter and I could only go out long enough to do my business and then back in the house. Teddy on the other hand usually ends up doing his business in the house. But mommy does not seem to mind as she cleans it up right away. Haida on the other hand likes to be outside no matter what the weather. I know why she likes to be out there she constantly barks at the neighbours dogs. Then mommy calls us all in because Haida has such a big mouth! I bark in the house because I hear things that my mommy doesn't.  I overheard my mommy talking to a friend the other day she stated that she was going to send the whole lot of us to the "fat farm". 

I better run as I hear mommy coming... by for now.

Hello ...

It's almost the end of March 2009 and today is the first day of Spring. The snow is starting to melt in the back yard and I dread having to pick up all the "you-know-what" from the entire winter. I am going to figure out another way to do this next winter. Perhaps I will rope off part of the yard. During the other seasons I pick it up more frequently.

As I mentioned in my previous blog I sold my house. the deal was finalized in February 2009 and the new owners moved in at the end of that month. I did take a hit and need to work longer than I had anticipated. My pension too took a major hit. But I am grateful that I do have a good job and can continue to work. I am not the only one that has taken a hit; there are many people out there that have and are making the best of it. Some people I know don;t even want to know how much they lost on their pensions and hope that they will regain their losses ... somehow. For me, I need to know what's going on so I can plan, make changes, stick to my budget, have a goal in mind so I am able to retire without having to get a "little job" to make ends meet. There is nothing wrong with that but I would rather stay working now than have to later.

I love living in the country. I commute to work on a well travelled  four lane highway. I purchased a new 4-wheel drive truck. It certainly makes a difference on the road during the not so nice winter road conditions. 

My other truck has made its way back to Texas. I am sure it will feel much better in the warmer climate in it's retirement years. This truck is in excellent shape and has low miles. Friends of mine came up during Spring break to take it "home". They were just as happy!

I have some plans for my yard. I want to make it more dog friendly. I will have to figure out some innovative ways to accomplish that feat and not break my budget in the process.

I hope to get back on here a little sooner than later.

Till next time,

Jaime & Company

Good News

I am very happy to report that my house in the city has finally SOLD!!! Now I can get down to the business of working on a "new retirement plan." I started this blog as a pre-retirement musings. However, it seemingly has taken on a life of it's own. I have been in the last chapter of my life since 2007 and it doesn't seem that this particular chapter is going to be completed anytime soon. This is not a bad thing by any means, not by a long shot. I will not be taking early retirement anytime soon. This is my choice. I could retire now if I really wanted to but I would be carrying a wee debt since the housing market's recent decent. I have reworked my plan so I will stay in the work force for at least another 2-3 years ... which will bring me a few steps closer to 65, (I just turned 60, over a month ago). My pension took a hit which I hope to recover most of it by working a wee bit longer. The reason I am all right with this is that I have a choice in this matter. We seemingly feel better about our situations if we have/or believe we have a choice in the matter.

My living expenses are almost cut in half by living out here in the country. I do not live too far from the city which makes the drive relatively easy even during the winter months. Once I retire my trips to the city will be less frequent and only on a need basis.

Till next time, cheers!!!

Jaime & Company

Back at Work Two Days and ...

My Vacation is Over

A Brand New Year ...

A polar bear entered a photographer's camp. Since his dogs were theathered he figured they were toast. However, much to the photographer's surprise this polar bear came every day for a week to play with the dogs.

In other words things are never as they seem.

Cheers

Jaime & Company

Angel's Birthday

Since Angel's birthday is a week after Christmas Day she is still very much in the Christmas spirit. This is her favorite time of year as she can go in and out as many times as she wants as her mommy is home for the holidays. Happy 4th Angel (28 in dog years).



Angel loves to please and can be a wee bit yappy ... well maybe more than a wee bit! She is Haid's back up barker when they are outside.

In the mornings when I get up to let her out she makes sure to wake up Haida to go with her. Teddy, she let's sleep as they have an understanding.

Angel usually follows me all over the place. Right now she is laying beside the computer in her favorit spot. When she hears the sound of the computer being turned off she starts barking as she knows it's time to go out and then off to bed.

Angel is a very friendly dog and would go home with anyone that pays attention to her. She loves kids and would yap whenever she saw the neighbor's kids going off to school. She would whine if they wouldn't come over to pet her.

I wouldn't trade Angel for anything in the whole world she's part of this family and has found her place in our hearts. Happy New Year and a veryHappy Birthday Angel, from all of us!

Mommy, Haida and Teddy

Happy New Year 2009

The New Year literally came in like a blizzard in many parts of our province including my area. ... in times like these I am glad to be indoors.

I let the dogs out this morning and they just stood on the deck looking for their tracks which were erased during the night ... they did the next best thing ... peed on the deck and came back inside ... except Haida. she ventured off the deck a few feet to get a better look and after a couple of minutes she decided to turn around and come back in the house.

I am going to make breakfast and brew my first cup of Tim Horton's java for the new year.

Bessings to you and yours for the New Year,

Jaime & Company