What's Old is New

I took the dogs out for their after dinner business tonight. It is a nightly ritual, wherein I watch them to assure they have each done their business, and make sure neither of the young Aussies partake of any poop-sicles that might be strewn about the yard. It also gives me an opportunity to see that Katie makes a good long walk around the back yard to get some exercise on her substandard hips. As I plod along, urging Katie to keep up without letting her break into the hop-skip gait she prefers, I am hit again with the knowing that her days are numbered. It is clear that her ability to get around is diminishing, and her senses are fading little by little. The hearing is very selective, smell and vision are not as sharp as they used to be. But, she seems happy, even if I am not.

Just as I begin to fall into that depressed mood, little Ellen Barkin, the youngest Aussie, comes bounding by with Sara Evans, the next in line...bound together by the rope toy they are fighting over. They gallop around the yard like a team of horses in stride, as they each try to get the toy away from the other. I am reminded to cherish these days with these two dogs, as I know one day, they too will be in their twilight years, and unable to perform this task for my amusement.

Katie will enter the clearing at the end of the path one of these days, and so will all of the others...that is the nature of having dogs. But, just as Ellen is filling the role Katie used to perform, others are sure to take her place as well.

There will always be another dog...but for now, I will enjoy these days with the five crazy canines currently under our care, and constantly remind myself that time, in dog years, flies by.

Marathon Week

Well, the long week has come to an end, and I think I accomplished everything I told the wife I would while she was in Georgia. The cabinet work is complete...now for the details, like doors and trim and hardware and painting. Might start trying to schedule the brother in law for the tile backsplash.

Finished The Beast today.

Vacation???

Last week, the wife and I decided she should go to Georgia on her own, while I took this week of vacation to try and get as much done on the kitchen as possible. There has been a bit of progress, as I have completed the doors for the new cabinets around the stove and microwave and sink. I also managed to replace all of the paneling on one wall with sheet rock, and get the fridge cabinet built.
Tomorrow, I get after the bar area. Haven't decide yet if I will do the sheetrock or the cabinet work first.

A few update photos...

Can't Top That`

Okay...the counter tops are finally in. Guess I can quit bitching about the contractor now. I am not sure if they really look good, or if I am still coming down from the airplane glue high from the adhesive, but I am very happy with the results. Please note the first items placed on the counter are associated with the feeding of the dogs.

Probably will not be anymore photo worthy activities until I finish the cabinet work now.