More life stuff

Well, looky here. A new post. Many things have recently happened… We have a new addition to our family…her name is Chani and she’s 11 months old. She’s a purebred (most likely) Border Collie. She is sooooo sweet. I adopted her Wednesday from the Utah Animal Adoption Center in Salt Lake. I went to look at a different dog, and ended up falling for this little thing. She’s had no training, pretty much a blank slate as far as that goes, but she’s coming along. She loves the kids and is so careful with them. She and Ringo, the resident black lab, get along fabulously. They are both laid back and easy going. She is definately "working stock" type, the build and the brain. She seems to have an insatiable desire to explore...which is quite understandable. The problem is she just keeps going, doesn't feel the need to stay close or "home". So, until she learns to come when called, she stays on a leash or tied up. :( I'm doing my best to quickly teach her to "come". She is also a watch dog, she lets out a little bark to alert us about something she sees or hears. Tho, for some reason, there is something about Lee that she's not okay with. She gets very anxious and nervous and therefore "barky" when Lee is around. I wonder if its the shuffling gait, or something...so we're working on that issue too. I don't mind a watch dog, but she needs to stop when told to.

Above: Here she is giving "the eye" which border collies are famous for, they use it to intimidate sheep.

NAM and Chani.

When she has the basic obedience things down, we’ll start her training as a working dog, herding cattle and horses and such. What fun. My husband is so incredible. He supports all my crazy dreams and schemes, even if they are inconvenient. Speaking of my phenomenal hubby….yesterday he accomplished the “impossible” and taught me how to RIDE A BIKE. Yes, after 30 years…I finally know how to ride a bike. Still have to work on the turning thing tho. I asked him to teach me so I had a means of exercising my “working” dog. I now have a jogging/walking/hiking/bike riding partner. Hopefully I can turn this extra 15 pounds of flab I’ve gained since my accident back into something a bit more firm, and find the energy I used to have. Pocketmouse is now a “pocket puppy”. She goes around acting like a puppy…whining and everything. It’s funny to watch NAM use dog training techniques (seen on the show “The Dog Whisperer” my new favorite show…) to get her to be quiet.

And……MY CAMERA CAME HOME! After two months, it is repaired and back safe and sound. Thank goodness for extended warranties, eh?

As for what we’ve been up to….Wildman is now starting into his next semester of school…big hairy semester. His work at Macey’s, being the manager of 75 employees is definitely using his skills. He is the second counselor in the Elder’s Quorum, and a ranch hand as well. All that in addition to Father and Husband. Millions of things to “get done”, and he still takes time out today to take NAM bowling. How awesome is that? Oh, and of course we can’t forget “this”.

As for me, I’ve been busy with “peach season”. Our freezers are now chuck full of frozen peaches from the Mountain Road Ranch. I feel so domestic-bound. I am also working on and almost finished with my latest production/movie “Arches Trip 2007” I must say, there are some priceless moments in it. Muahahahaha! And now, I have a new dog to train, that gets me outside and enjoying this wonderful September weather. Yes, September is my favorite month.

Pocketmouse is in first grade and LOVING it. She is now reading all sorts of books. I love it.

NAM is home with me now most of the day. He is so fun and cute. I really enjoy spending the time with him. He is also starting to pick up on some reading. He LOVES Dr. Seuss. And he loves playing with Grandma Preece.

So, life goes on…and life is good.