Saying goodbye to an old friend

We knew it was only a matter of time, but didn't think it would be so soon. On one hand, Olly made the decision for us, and left on his own terms. We didn't have to struggle with the weight of making the choice, and when to make it. On the other hand, we didn't get much time to prepare for it, or to say much more than Goodbye.

I let him out this morning, glanced and saw him walking the perimeter as he always did... When I looked out a few minutes later, he was lying near the woods. When we went out there, he lifted his head briefly, but seemed to know it was time to go.

When Rod got back from the vet, we sat down to tell Victoria what happened. She seemed a little sad, asked why, then asked if we would get another dog. It's interesting to hear how matter-of-fact she is about it. I think she's a little sad but probably doesn't understand the permanence of it.

Goodbye, Olly. And thank you for your service, obedience, and loyalty.

More pics from Idaho

At the pumpkin patch

The girls had a great time carving pumpkins - so did the dogs!

By our flight home, V was ready to go, and worn out. One of the last days there, I asked her what happened to her manners, she said, "They went home."

Jinx... But that's okay!

Apparently my last post jinxed us out here - it was raining this morning, and was overcast and chilly all day. But I'm STILL not complaining, as it's still been warm enough to keep a window cracked, at least, and the sun did make an appearance toward the end of the day.

We've been pretty busy helping around here with all the fall prep, and the girls have been tons of help - from cutting back plants outside to peeling, cutting and canning apples.

And some fun in between.

Victoria and I are out here until Thursday, and I'm so glad I feel like I'm able to help out around here, and (hopefully!) lighten up a little of the stress Amanda feels while she's on restricted activities. If nothing else, it just confirms that I want to start saving for all of us to come back out here when we can see the mountains, the parks, and just have fun as friends and family.

Our visit to Idaho is underway

Victoria and I are in Idaho for a week visiting Manna and her family. We're having a great time, as are the girls, for the most part. Of course, there are the usual breakdowns when they both want the same toy, but it's been great. The weather so far is WONDERFUL compared to what we left behind in Michigan. It's been nice enough that the windows pretty much stay open all day, the sun's always shining, and this afternoon, Victoria was hot with her dress on outside.

Here are the only two pictures I've managed to take since we got here.

The many faces of Miss Victoria

Nothing much going on, just trying to survive day-to-day life. Neither of us is back to 100% healthy, yet, but hopefully we're on the mend.

I try to keep the camera on the end table in the living room so it's handy when I sense Victoria's mood is picture-friendly, which of course, is pretty frequent :)

Pure solicitation for thoughts/prayer

Amanda's surgery is tomorrow morning. She has to be there at 9:30am, the actual surgery will start an hour or so after that. Surgery expected to last 6 hours, then she'll be in the ICU for a day or so. This is scary - for her, and for all her friends and family. No matter how you look at it, it's brain surgery.

If you pray, please pray for her. If you don't, please keep her and her family in your thoughts for the next 24-48 hours.