Dog's Day at the Pool!

Every year, after our local pool closes for humans, it opens for dogs! They turn off the chlorine and filtration systems and let people bring their dogs for a fun time of swimming together. Hubs and I learned last year that you want to arrive early - no chlorine + dogs peeing in the pool = nasty water very quickly.

Ransom hasn't ever been a huge fan of water, but (like good parents) we force him to face his fears. We tried doing Caesar's was first, of gently coaxing him in by pulling his leash. Then, he began manuevering out of his collar, we Hubs just picked him up and put him in.

And then, we swam:

Hubs would stand on one end and I would stand on the other. We would just call for Ransom and he would happily paddle to us.

Is it sad that this was Hubs and I's only trip to the pool together this year???

If he puts his mind to it, he can swim pretty fast.

Ransom even started getting excited about a ball whilst swimming. He would chase it and even open his mouth and pick it up! You can't really see the ball in the water, but it's there and he is headed for it.

Unfortunately, injuries were incurred during this trip to the pool.

My leg after Ransom panicked about going into the pool. It's even more black and blue now.

And somehow Ransom has hurt his foot. We get to go to the vet tomorrow to see what is really the problem, but our guess is a strain, sprain, or break. Poor little guy barely can walk, but he sure is more cuddly when he is hurt!

Planting

After a stop at Starbucks this morning, my friend and I took off to the greenhouse. She has a nice big garden to stock with vegetables and herbs. And I, after such great success with my indoor herb garden last year, was out to start a new, bigger indoor herb garden.

Note: my blog is not, nor has it ever claimed to be, a photo blog. Therefore, I did not feel the need to go retake my pictures after I realized they were blurry and not-in-focus.

Last year, if you'll remember, I only had one planter (the front one). Obviously, I have stepped it up a little. Why? Because I love cooking with fresh herbs! They add a tremendous amount of flavor to veggies, sauces, and any other dish! The cashier actually asked, "Are you going to cook with all these herbs?" Why else would I buy them???

First, I have 2 basil plants. Basil will be used for pesto, caprese salads, and tabbouleh - all great summer dishes! Last year my basil was out of control, so if you ever need any I'm sure I will have some to spare.

Actually, the oregano is an herb I wasn't planning to plant. I don't use it all that often, but I will put it in pasta sauces and on pizza.

Next is the flat-leaf or Italian parsley. I use this is lots of dishes, including tabouleh. It has a great flavor. My parsley also went crazy last year, so I'll share!

I really wanted garlic chives, but in plant-form they only had onion. I think these will go well on baked potatoes, but not really sure what else. Any suggestions?

Next are 2 coriander plants - aka cilantro! This is my favorite. I just learned today that the leaves of a coriander plant are what we call cilantro; the seeds are what we use when we say, "coriander." Anyway, this will be used in our homemade indian dish, among other things. It's hard to not love this herb!

Finally, we have spearmint - another all-time favorite. It will also go into tabouleh (notice a theme) and into iced tea. Plus, I may just go smell it every once in a while. I put this one in a pot of its own since my last spearmint plant grew into an insane bush. Hopefully, I will use it more this time!

I really did want garlic chives. So, I bought seeds. I have no idea how to plant them, so I just scattered them in this pot. I'll keep you updated on what happens...if anything!

When I think of my childhood summers, I think of fresh vegetables - mainly cucumbers and tomatoes. I loved going out to the garden and eating cherry tomatoes off the plant. So, I got one cherry tomato plant for outside. This variety is actually an orange tomato and is super sweet. It is more like dessert than veggie. It is going to be hard to wait until for them to grow!

I'm so exited to watch my plants grow. I'm even more excited to use them!

Our first and last trip to the pool this summer

It is so very sad that the first time to the pool this year was also the last. It is even more sad that the trip was not so I could swim, but so that Ransom could.

Each year after the pool closes, they open it for one evening so that dogs can come swim. They get rid of the chlorine and suggest that children not get in the pool, but adults are free to get in at their own risk. The zero-entry pool got pretty murky by the time we left - gross.

Our hope was that Ransom would love the water. Being a lab, swimming should come easy for him and he really should love it - it's in his genes. So, as I walked with him into the zero-entry area, I was delighted that he was walking right behind me. As the water got deeper, he slowed; then, he wouldn't budge.

Not easily put-off, I lifted him under his belly and walked him into the deeper section. Slowly, I let go of him to see what would happen.

What happened was a bunch of panicking - splashing around like he was going to drown. Then he realized that he could swim if he calmed down. And he started swimming...straight to the side of the pool to get out.

In panic-mode.

Normal doggy-paddling.

And, that was to be the trend. We went into the water with him, and he swam for the nearest ledge as soon as he could get away.

After I knew he could swim, I took him to the lap pool with the "big" dogs - the ones who loved the water and could hardly stay out of it. They would jump in, retrieve balls, toys, and whatever else was thrown out. I thought, Maybe Ransom will join in.

So, he got kind of excited about a ball and I tossed it about 2 feet away. He leaped to go get it and completely forgot about the water drop-off. He went completely under water and when he emerged, he swam straight for the side and took off running as soon as he got out.

Like any good parent owner, I took him right back into the pool determined for him to get over this silly fear. Once Hubs joined us, I was able to take pictures and Hubs was able to get into the lap pool (too deep for little me) with him and kept him swimming for a long time. Hubs would walk backwards calling Ransom to come and Ransom would follow for the whole length of the pool.

One thing I did not count on was how extremely hyper he would be the second he got out of the pool. He wanted to chase and wrestle with every other dog, run fast and hard, and spin in circles and go crazy. I am not kidding.

I think Hubs and I had more fun than Ransom, but I am already looking forward to next year!

The County Fair

The County Fair is about 2 miles from our apartment; admittance is free; parking is free; we had free tickets for supper Friday night. So, we went and had free fun!

They never had any problems getting their horns through those bars.


These geese were honking at each other the whole time we stood there. I narrated their conversation, of course.

Most of the animals were very friendly, until they found out we didn't have any food.

I'm taking this one next time I get my hair cut. I want this style!

Richard and the camel having an intense conversation. The camel would not show Richard his teeth, no matter how much we asked!

These piglets had little bitty tails going back and forth about 100 mph.

My favorite! He just kept coming closer and closer to the shiny silver camera.

If I had children I would have taken them to this fair for sure. There were lots of families with children just walking in the barns looking at animals - a kid's dream! Richard and I had a blast, so I just know kids would enjoy it too.

A Long Week

This should be a fast week. I have lots to do at work and at home. Instead, the hours slowly pass while I am at work and at home. Seriously...it is only Wednesday, but it feels like Thursday. It has to be because we are looking forward to seeing Ryan and Martha on Saturday. It hasn't helped that the weather has been kind of a drag this week. Really muggy and hot.

But, the summer has flown by, overall and here is a glimpse of what is happening when we return to the mainland:

July 28th - Richard starts his externship at the VA hospital in town. This lasts 3 weeks (thru Aug 15th)

August 3-4 - My youngest brother, Jake, will move to Lincoln and my parents will be here helping him move in (not with us, on campus).

August 9 - Mom's Birthday
August 15 - Dad's Birthday

August 25th - Richard starts his last fall semester of dental school. Whoa baby!

Fireworks, food, etc.

What a weekend! Here's the recap.

Thursday night we bought our own fireworks. We went to the Clabaugh II's residence to shoot them off, since we aren't allowed at the apartment complex. Our neighbors, Garrett & Johnna, came along too. We had some artillery shells, a couple fountains, some really cool spinny things, and, of course, sparklers!

One of the artillery shells

Richard, me, Johnna

On Friday, Richard and I started the day by playing some tennis. I think we are improving! It was fun to get out and be active. We were out there for about 2 hours and I took away a mild sunburn on my neck and extremely sore muscles the next day! That wore us out and we went home and took a nap. We went over to some friends' house for supper, which was awesome and then went to the fireworks at Oak Lake with our neighbors. It was a really good show and it was perfect weather.

Richard, me, Garrett, Johnna

On Saturday, Richard had a 6:54am tee-time. It was raining and thundering; so, after 2 holes, they re-scheduled for that afternoon. I went to get a much-needed, long-awaited pedicure with Laura and her sister, Audrey. My feet are now Hawaii-ready.

We had a flock party on Saturday night at the Grosse's house. Once again, great food. They had a great patio with tiki-torches and we played catch-phrase.

Sunday was a relax-day. After church, we had lunch with the Clabaugh family and then went home and napped the entire afternoon away - oops! Richard got together with a friend and I cleaned. I inherited my mom's desire to have a super clean house before leaving on vacation. It is so nice to come home to a clean house! I should only have to do a little straightening up on Friday night.

Independence Day

July 4th is one of my FAVORITE holidays. I love the atmosphere, the music, the food, sparklers, the parties, everything. I have great memories of this holiday:

When we lived in Findley Lake, NY, July 4th was a party for the entire town. There were craft shows and booths set up downtown, performances as the gazebo, a boat parade on the lake, and all sorts of other activities. Everyone would purchase flares from the girl scouts and they would outline the entire lake after the sun went down. As the flares burned out, the fireworks would start. We would sit on blankets in jeans and sweatshirts. It was so fun.

Three years ago, was another great 4th of July that I will remember forever. It started off with a walk around Pioneer's Park with Richard where he surprised me by proposing! The rest of the day was like walking on clouds. We went to an air show and finished the day off with fireworks. Another great day.

So, what are our plans this year? Not really sure. Maybe go to Seward, maybe go to some friend's parties, maybe do some pool-action, but definitely go to the fireworks show at night.

It is also at this time of year that I blare the patriotic music in my car and at home. Unfortunately, I forgot to grab my favorite Gaither video from the parentals (yeah, I said Gaithers-make fun all you want). I couldn't resist the urge to post the lyrics to one of my favorite songs (I actually wanted to post 2, but realized that was a little excessive):

Deep within the heart has always known that there was freedom
Somehow breathed into the very soul alive
The prisoner, the powerless, the saved have always known it
There's something that keeps reaching for the sky

Even life begins because a baby fights for freedom
And songs we love to sing have freedom's theme
Some have walked through fire and flood to find a place of freedom
And some faced hell itself for freedom's dream

Let freedom ring wherever minds know what it means to be in chains
Let freedom ring wherever hearts know pain
Let freedom echo through the lonely streets where prisons have no key
We can be free and we can sing --- let freedom ring

God built freedom into every fiber of creation
And He meant for us to all be free and whole
When my Lord bought freedom with the blood of His redemption
His cross stamped pardon on my very soul

I'll sing it out with every breath, I'll let the whole world hear it
This hallelujah anthem of the free
That iron bars and heavy chains can never hold us captive
The Son has made us free and free indeed

Let freedom ring wherever minds know what it means to be in chains
Let freedom ring wherever hearts know pain
Let freedom echo through the lonely streets where prisons have no key
We can be free and we can sing --- let freedom ring

Have a great Independence Day. Relax. Have fun. And, leave a comment if you are doing something fun.

The weekend in review

Friday at 2:00pm. Phone rings. "Haberfeld Associates, this is Heather." "Hey Babe." It's Richard. I ask him what he is going to do this afternoon. "I'm thinking about going to the pool." I pout. I want to go too, I say; I wish I could take off the rest of the afternoon. 10 seconds later, the email is sent and I am off for the day. 2 hours swimming and reading a book in the sun. A great way to end a rather long, exhausting week. Friday night we spent a great evening with friends eating and playing cards.

Saturday morning I met my friend, Laura, at the Farmer's Market at 8:15. We stocked up on veggies, looked at some really cute purses, and made it to Bible study by 9am. We are studying the names of God. There are so many and they all describe Him. It should be a great study and it just started if anyone would like to come along. I got my hair cut after that. Shorter than I thought I would go, but I like it. You should see the stub of a ponytail I now have! After a nice long nap, I went to the grocery store and then picked up Indian food for supper. It was a good day.

On Sunday Richard and I got a chance to help in the 3-yr old Sunday School class and we will be doing this for 3 other weeks this summer too. Our job was to keep the attention on the teacher and not on touching other people. I would say that it was fun, but definitely work. They were cute kids and who says kids can't know their verse and Bible story? These kids had it down pat! Sunday afternoon included another nap, another trip to the pool, laundry, and leftover Indian food. It was a nice, relaxing weekend.

Richard has 2 finals this week and we took his truck in to get some work done this morning. Other than that, we are just counting down the days to our vacation....19, by the way.

Where do I start?

Our weekend consisted of doing what we wanted to do and not what we needed to do, which means playing "catch-up" for the rest of the week. Oh well, it was worth it.

Saturday consisted of a morning run and trip to the Farmer's Market with my friend Laura, a tiresome shopping extravanganza in the heat, laying out by the pool, a run, fried chicken and a movie. I got some great flowers at the Farmer's Market, but forgot to take a picture so you will have to imagine them in your head.

Sunday we had a great time in Council Bluffs visiting Richard's Grandparents. Last Tuesday, Richard's grandma suffered a stroke and seizure. She is recovering extremely well due to many prayers. We visited with her for about an hour and she had us laughing the entire time. Richard and I went over to spend time with his Grandpa and it was a fabulous way to spend our afternoon. We had supper at a great little place called Christy Creme. They have a sherbet of the day flavor and twist it with vanilla ice creme. Oh my, yummy. We got to hear some fun stories, and I fell in love with the town of Council Bluffs. Lots of hills and trees. All in all, it was one great day!



This week is gonna be a busy one, but that's okay. Why? Because it makes Hawaii get here even faster!!! (26 days, if anyone is counting...)

Summer

Do you remember the feeling of the last day of school for the year? The day was filled with so much anticipation of the next 3 months of freedom. Your senses were going crazy with all the excitement. You could smell the sunscreen and chlorine, and the food on the grill. You could hear crickets chirping, splashes from the high dive, and fireworks at 4th of July. You could taste the sweet corn, the sun tea, the watermelon, the fresh veggies, and the shaved ice. You could spend late nights with friends, and then wake up without an alarm. You could read books to your hearts content (okay, maybe that was just me!) I wish adults could have summer vacations too!

It's a beautiful day outside. I can't tell that from my desk on the 15th floor in the hallway that would be very dark without the artificial lighting. No, the only reason I know is because I just walked by a co-worker's office and saw the blue sky. Most days I take my lunch in the park across the street so I can relax for an hour in the sunshine. For that hour, I feel like I am on summer vacation again, time stands still, and I don't have to go back to work.

Now, there is a different feeling to summer. In the summer, the restaurants downtown aren't filled with college students over lunch and campus feels desserted when I take a walk. The streets downtown are Thursdays nights aren't filled with college students searching for "fun." In the summer, I have more energy when I get home to go for a run or to the pool. We seem to get out and enjoy the evenings together when the sun stays out. In the summer, the weekends are filled with soaking up sun and playing outside.

YEAH! SUMMER'S HERE!!!