Monday, December 17, 2007

DSL Modem

I am finally back online after being off for two weeks while I fought with Earthlink regarding my DSL Modem. I was on the phone with them everyday. First I did all the troubleshooting before I called them the first time. They had me go through it all again and again while I was telling them I had done all that. They kept telling me to follow procedure. Then they spent two days checking their end, after that they sent the phone company out to check my incoming land lines. there was nothing wrong with that either While the telephone man was here he updated all the incoming lines from the pole to the house and installed a new box on the outside of the house. Well, Earthlink finally said I needed a new Modem, I had been telling that ever single day for a week. Well it took another week for the new modem to arrive. GRRRRRR!!

Since spending all that time offline, I am not online as much as before and that is a good thing. I will try to get here more often to keep you up-to-date on the happenings in Life with Tudogmom.

This week will be a busy one for me two Christmas parties to attend, a visit to the Orthopaedic Surgeon to exam my hands for possible surgery.

Merry Christmas

This is not one of my dogs but a beautiful graphic I used to make this card using PSP.


Saturday, November 24, 2007

I made a video today

I just downloaded Photo Story 3 from Microsoft download center, created this video of Happy and Bebe and uploaded it here as well as on Photobucket. I chose Sepia tone because I like the way it enhanced the photos of my furbabies. I hope you like too.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Happy's favorite toy

Here is Happy taking a nap with his favorite toy. It is an Easter Garfield, so Garfield has bunny ears and is white where normally he would be the tiger striped orange cat he is supposed to be. Happy takes this toy everywhere except on his walks. Sometimes he buries Garfield and I have to go in the backyard and hunt for his "grave" and dig him up and put him in the washer. If Bebe comes near him even to just walk by while Garfield is laying next to Happy--Happy growls and will not let her pass. Then she looks at me as if to tell me "Help Mom, he won't let me go by".


Saturday, November 10, 2007

Enjoying my time at home

I am still not working very much (I didn't take that job with the ALS patient) a few hours here and a few hours there, but I am doing alright, not behind financially and that is a God thing. He is the one in control and He knows exactly what I need and when I need. I have been doing some things at home that I either didn't have time to do or just never got around to doing.

Happy and Bebe are getting a lot of extra love and my time with them is precious. I sure do love those two. They are such wonderful companions and show me so much unconditional love. They both need to go in and have their toenails trimmed and Happy is in need of a bath and grooming. I do brush and comb him but it is a never ending job with his long hair and thick undercoat. He is getting a few mats now so it's that time again.

I bought a Dehumidifier for the house and boy oh boy is it ever pulling the humidity out of the air here in the house. It automatically detects any humidity according to how it is set. I have it set and 60%, then it comes on automatically when the humidity is at 60% here in the house, which seems to be most of the time.

What I really need to do now that I have a lot of time off is to get out there and do some photography. I used to carry my camera in my purse, then I switched to a smaller purse, I don't like to leave my camera in the car to tempt any theives that might look in the windows.

That's all folks for this time.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Sometimes a Caregiver's life sucks.

This past week I had a former patient pass away she was a 93 yr. old woman that I took care of for a year before she went into a Board and Care home. That is two in two weeks. So I have been going through some emotional changes.

However I now have a new patient that is going to be a tough one to care for. She has Lou Gehrig's (ALS) disease and is trapped in her own body; she has to have others do everything for her. It is such a sad situation as she has 3 children, two in their 20's and one only 10.

I thank my Heavenly Father every day for my good health. At 67 I am so grateful to be so healthy and pain free most of the time. I don't take any medications, exercise daily and take my vitamin and herbal supplements. All praise goes to my Lord and Savior. I should have been dead years ago, living the life that I did in my past.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

The past month

This past month has been rather uneventful. I did get another private patient. He was terminal, on Hospice, had a third brain tumor and lived for three weeks. At present I have two small two hour jobs but I believe that when God closes one door he opens another.

About 4 this morning I woke to the sound of sleet hitting my bedroom window. In the distance I heard the sound of thunder rolling, I immediately called out to Happy, as he is so frightened by loud noises. About that time there was a very loud clap of thunder, as I leapt out of bed I found that Happy was right there where my feet were about to hit the floor. I reached for him as I stooped to hold him close and soothe him with my words of comfort before he scooted under the bed to his hiding place. The heavens opened and it began to pour it was loud. He did come out for his breakfast but it another 4 hours before he decided he could not wait any longer to go outside and take care of his business.

Crescent Beach Sunsets

These two photos were taken at Crescent Beach on the way back home from Crescent City. It was so peaceful and serene.




Friday, September 28, 2007

2 dogs from Tudogmom

This photo is a combination of two photos combined into one for a Christmas card a couple of years ago. This morning Happy and Bebe got an email from thier friend Barney in Redlands, California who wanted to see more photos of them on the blog. They told Barney that they would have a talk with me about that, so here they are my two bestest buddies in the whole world. they are wonderful companions and will actually sit and stare into my eyes and make noises like they are talking to me. Of course they expect treats for doing that, so they get pieces of raw carrots.

Dr. Betsy, their Vet, recommended the raw carrots after we discovered that both of them were 10-12 lbs overweight. They have been on the diet since around May of this year. They each get 1 cup of kibble for Seniors, and I add a cup of mixed vegetables that I have cooked for them to which I add 1 can of dog food, sometimes a can of spaghetti sauce and different kinds of veggies. I cook enough for a whole week at one time. Every now and then I split 1 can of wet food between them for an afternoon treat. Late afternoon they each get another cup of kibble.

Bebe doesn't like the rain and today it is raining, she just runs out to do her business as quickly as possible and runs right back inside she is shorthaired and gets cold and soaked quickly.

Happy, well he likes to lay in the corner of the fence and look at the cats next door and what ever else happens by his window on the world no matter what the weather is like. His nice undercoat keeps him warm and the water seems stand on top of his fur.

This is Happy now. Hi Barney Ty, Rocko, Harry, Benny, Joie, January, Mia, Buki, Shadow, Zoe, Kodi and beverly. Me and Bebe will see you guys over at SeniorNet.org Bebe says Hi! to all y-all too.


Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Better late than never

I see it has been awhile since I have posted in my blog. I have been off work for two weeks so I don't have a legitimate reason for ignoring my blog. However I have enjoyed having the time off. I switched from cable to a satellite dish and got DSL for the computer. It costs me about the same as cable but I have a lot more channels to watch on the TV where I only had 13 before. So I have been exploring all the options. I really like the Animal Planet, History, and Discovery channel's. There are other favorites of course.

I picked up a client from someone who is on vacation until October 9th, it is a one day per week 4 hour job. Then I picked up another when the Home Health Nurse called, this one is two days per week at two hours per day. The money is good on both jobs.

This afternoon I was out in the back yard and caught Happy (dog) with a tomato that he stole right off the plant. Good thing it was a ripe one. Then he went back for more and was after a green tomato. I put a lawn chair in front of the tomato plant so he couldn't get at them. Dogs sure do the funniest things sometimes. But stealing the tomato was something I didn't expect.

I would really like to spend some time with my grandchildren, they are pretty busy for an 11 and 7 year old. They are involved in sports etc. So there is lots of practice going on. They only live a few miles away, but with the busy schedules on both ends it is difficult.

It gets pretty lonely, not being in close contact with family members. I'm sure a lot of mother's out there in cyberspace can identify with that. Our children get married, start their own families and it seems like mom gets put on the back burner until they need someone to watch the youngsters or there is a birthday party. We used to be so close. Then we moved far away from each other and only got together every couple of years. I've lived close by for 4 years now, one would think we would spend more time together.

Well that's it for this time. Y-all come back ya hear.

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Friday, August 31, 2007

Friday

Here it is 5:50 AM on Friday morning, I am going to to call my friend Willa at 6AM and we will go to Curves to workout. This is something we do 5 days per week. It sure helps make one feel better physically and emotionally. Being fit and healthy is important. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and I must do all I can to keep it clean, healthy and in good condition. I do not take any prescription medications so that is a real blessing right there. I used to take three kinds of Asthma meds, Fosamax for my bones, and Niaspan for my Cholesterol. However, I do not need the Asthma meds anymore, God healed me. There are more natural things that will control my Cholesterol. Exercise and Calcium for my bones and joints are doing that job. There are other supplement that I take as well.

I am so blessed to have God's healing power at work in my body. There is nothing impossible for God or if you believe.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

These were taken last year when the Clydesdales visited McKinleyville.


The Clydesdale horses are so beautiful and so proud looking.



I think is is an interesting contrast of the smaller feet of the people and the large hoofs of the Clydesdale horses.





Sunday, August 5, 2007

This photo was taken in 2006 on my birthday. The handsome young man is my youngest son. He is the only one of my children who lives close by and that I am close with. The other four have long gone their own way and don't associate with us. That happens in some families when there are hard feelings going way back over the years. Yes it hurts at times but time heals almost all wounds in most people. I am happy where I am. This son helped me to move over 800 miles from one end of California to the other end so that I would be near him and his family. I was only able to visit about every two years before I moved here 4 years ago. He and his wife went to the Mojave desert to get me and the two dogs. For a year I lived next door to him until they landlosrd started tearing down the houses to make room for 8 new ones that he was building. My son moved first then I moved a year later within McKinleyville. He went to Blue Lake about 6 miles away.



Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Work

Tomorrow I go back to work caring for another 93 year old woman who is recovering from a broken hip. I have been rather busy this week, getting things done at home.

I am making a baby quilt in the pastel Ginghams with solid yellow and white between. When it is finished I will post a photo.

Dogs are so funny sometimes. When I say the word walk Happy who is 9, jumps up in the air with all four paws off the floor, then he stands on his hind legs and wags his tail while leaning on me as if he is saying "Oh lets go hurry lets go" please, please lets go".

I am not spending much time on the computer now, I feel like it is a black hole that has sucked me in and I can't get out. I have spent many hours going from CP to SN and checking my email over and over again with some news reading inbetween. I do like to do my PSP Stationery but I have also gone no mail in that group for the time being. So now I am off again, see you next time around.


Y-all take care ya hear.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Succulent Bloom

This is the bloom on a succulent varitey of the Hen and Chicks type. I have never seen anything like it.

Employment

I will be starting my new job with a new client on Wednesday. This past week I have also been training to work at a mini storage every other Saturday. My job with the new client may not be for more than a month, it depends on how fast she recovers from her broken hip.

I have been enjoying this break between jobs. I really needed it more than I knew. If anyone has read the post asking for your prayers i certainly appreciate them. Thank you so much and may God bless you richly.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

As Far as the East is from the West

This was taken at the Mad River Dunes looking over the top of a dune west over the Pacific Ocean, reminding me that God has cast our sins into the sea of forgetfulness as far as the east is from the west never to be remembered.




Sunday, July 8, 2007

No Job

I just found out today that I will be without a job in a few days. My patient's son is moving her into a Board and Care home even as I type this. However she will still be in her place for a day or two. I will be helping her with her transition from one place to the other.

The most important thing for the elders is that they feel happy and safe where ever they maybe living. Now I will not have to deal with the phone calls at all hours of the night, just because she woke up and doesn't know the time. Or lifeline calling me because she is confused about what time I come into work for her.

I just pray that it will not be very many days in between jobs and that I have another right away. So as you read this please say a little prayer for me.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Beautiful Bebe

I took this photo today, no flash she heard something outside and perked right up for this shot. This is her best pose ever. She's my bed partner, keeps me warm on cold nights loves to cuddle.

Proverbs 12:10 says "A good person cares for the needs of his animals, but the kindest acts of a wicked person are cruel".






Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Sunset in May over the Pacific

This photo was taken on a hike up Trinidad Head with my youngest son in May of 2005, The trail up is very steep and winding. There are several places where one can stop, sit on a bench to enjoy the view while catching ones breath. Which by the way we both had to do frequently. This photo was enhanced using PSP color saturation and adjusting the contrast.


Tuesday, July 3, 2007

This is one of the neatest stories you will ever hear. You will know precisely what this little girl is talking about at the end (you'll want to share this one with your loved ones and special friends)! "Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to this animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this," the mother told the volunteer. "What is it she keeps asking for?" the volunteer asked. "Puppy size!" replied the mother. "Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for." "I know.....we have seen most of them," the mom said in frustration... Just then Danielle came walking into the office, "Well, did you find one?" asked her mom. "No, not this time," Danielle said with sadness in her voice. "Can we come back on the weekend ?" The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed "You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply," the volunteer said. Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. "Don't worry, I'll find one this weekend," she said. Over the next few days both mom and dad had long conversations with her. They both felt she was being to particular. "It's this weekend or we're not looking any more," Dad finally said in frustration. "We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size either," Mom added. Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning. By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs. Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted. Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one. One by one she said, "Sorry, you're not the one." It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer. "Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!" she screamed with joy. "It's the puppy size!" "But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks," Mom said. "No not size... the sighs When I held him in my arms, he sighed," she said. "Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!" The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little of both. "Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms," she said. Then holding the puppy up close to her face she said, "Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart!" Close your eyes for a moment and think about the love that makes you sigh. I not only find it in the arms of my loved ones, but in the caress of a sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of cool air on a hot day. They are the sighs of God! Take the time to stop and listen; you will be surprised at what you hear. "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

Monday, July 2, 2007




This series was done in 2005 The property was being cleared to make way for a new housing development. This was the last house to go. It was so interesting to watch the firefighters use this house for practice, going through all the steps pretending the house was occupied. To the last burning ember being doused with water and turned with shovels.


Sunday, July 1, 2007

Noises


Friday I stopped by the Vet's office to pick up some tranquilizers for Happy, he can not tolerate the noises that go with the Fourth of July. Where we lived before in the Mojave Desert of Southern California there were always fireworks going off at different times in the year. The fireworks people came to the dry lake bed to test them frequently. They would start before dark and go on for hours. Happy was so freaked out, he would shake and drool and try to hide. He would leap into my arms and stay there until all the noise stopped. I would hold him, caress him, talk to him and pray for him.

This is the first time I got the pills for him. I didn't give him one on thursday night and about 10pm there was a loud boom and off he went under my bed shaking and drooling. Last night I gave him a pill and there was no noise. this morning he is still kind of groggy so tonight it will only be ½ pill.






Saturday, June 23, 2007

Thhis is the same shot in a previous post that I have manipulated in PSP using the Optiverve Virtual Photographer sunset plugin. I really like the way it enhanced the photograph. How do you like the difference?


Wednesday, June 20, 2007

This is also at Trindad State Beach I was standing on a small dune taking thes last two photos.


Trinidad State Beach is a great place for taking photos. I have been told that up on that bluff is a trail where some great photo ops can be had. I haven't been up there yet but I will be going there on a sunny day. Sunny days are infrequent here on the North Coast. Lately by the time the sun does come out it is almost time for it to go down again. I used the 10 x optical zoom on this one and it came out looking like a painting. I did not alter this photo in anyway with PSP or any other program. What you see is the same my camera saw.


California Coast

This is looking south from the Indian Beach Trail at Trinidad, California, It was a beautiful day just slightly overcast in the distance which gives the effect of a blur. This photo has not been altered in any way; it exactly the it came out of my Kodak DX 4330 digital camera. I home to update to a DSLR camera before the end of the year.

Monday, June 18, 2007

The Pacific Ocean


I shot this photo at Trinidad State beach. It was very windy that day, the ocean looked so beautiful. I love photographing the ocean waves and sunsets over the Pacific ocean. I love to go sit and just listen to the sounds of the waves and the birds talking to each other. God's creations are so awesome and magnificent. He made boundaries for the ocean that it cannot cross. The sound of the ocean is so calming.



Thursday, June 14, 2007

My Grand children.

My two sweet grandchildren on my birthday in 2006. They bought me the red hat. I am so fortunate to live near them. My grand daughter, will be 11 this Saturday. She is growing so fast. A very talented young lady. I just went to a recital a couple of weeks ago. On Tuesday this week I went to a baseball game where my grandson was playing, their team won that game but not the next one, they came in 3rd place in the championships.
they are such great kids. My son and his wife are wonderful parents, I am so proud of them all.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Opal (Spotted Owl)

Opal is a Spotted Owl who lives in Grants Pass, Oregon at the Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education center where Phoenix was also hand raised. these birds were on display at the Godwit Days festival in Arcata, California on April 21, 2007. I was so blessed to be able to see them in person and photograph them up close. You can learn more about the program at Wildlife Images by clicking on the link below.



Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Where do pets come from?

A newly discovered chapter in the Book of Genesis has provided the answer to "Where do pets come from?" Adam and Eve said, "Lord, when we were in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we do not see you any more.

We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much you love us." And God said, I will create a companion for you that will be with you and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me.

Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourselves."

And God created a new animal to be a companion f or Adam and Eve. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased. And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve and he wagged his tail. And Adam said, "Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal."

And God said, " I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG."

And Dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion to them and loved them. And they were comforted. And God was pleased

Monday, June 4, 2007

Rhodies

Beautiful Rhodendron in full bloom.
The frame was made by me in Paint Shop Pro.


Have you ever seen a Rhododendron before it blooms into a beautiful flower?
Not so pretty Huh? Rather Interesting though don't you think?





Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Phoenix

"But the people who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will rise up as an Eagle in the sky; they will run and not need rest; they will walk and not become tired." Isaiah 40:31 NCV
This is Phoenix a magnificant Golden Eagle who was raised in captivity. He was on display at the Godwit days celebration in Arcata, california in April of this year.

Mountian Lion (Cougar)

This beautiful wood sculpture was carved with a chain saw. I took this photo at the Redwood Lumberjack days in Eureka, California. Up close I could even see how the fur was carved in. Check out the little one at the bottom.

Monday, May 28, 2007

Memorial Day Monday may 28, 2007

Not much happening around here today, I am home on my afternoon break. I am taking care of an almost 92 yr. old woman. She doesn't get around very well and has some dementia. Her whole life is her youngest son, who doesn't spend much time with her, he goes in to get the bills and drop off a few dollars for her to spend maybe stays an hour per week. He is a Painting contractor and is a very busy man not just with his job but with his 3rd wife and her son. It grieves my patient that he doesn't spend more time with her. He seems to care more about how her money is spent and how much there is than for his mother. He has talked about putting her in a nursing home and she definitely doesn't want to go there. She was in one for 62 days when she broke her hip and would call me crying almost every day asking me to come and get her. I finally did go get her and her son was upset with me because I took her out and brought her home. The Social Worker told me all she needed was more hours for me to be there. She also told me that my patient could sign herself out anytime she wanted to go home, Her son led her to believe that he was the only one who could get her out.

It is very disheartening that so many families just leave the care of their elders to others and only seem to care about the money. I have seen so much of that in my years of caring for the elders. Other's just don't get involved at all and leave it up to the system to take care of the elders. Then get angry when we advocate for the elder and try to involve the family more.
I will get off my soapbox now.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

The Lord's Day

"This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it". Psalm 118:24.
As I was sitting with the Lord this morning during my prayer time, he took me to Jeremiah 49:12-27. I don't understand why that particular passage. However as it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths."
With all this trouble right in the area that the Lord speaks about in that passage, sure makes one wonder if the time is short for His return. Oh how I long for the day of Jesus' return to see Him face to face. Maranantha Lord Jesus.



Saturday, May 26, 2007

Baby Callas

Last one for the fair

Happy's colors

And yet another for the fair

Sunset from Fickle Hill

Another one for the fair

Sunrise

Another for the Fair

Fishing boats at Anchor

This is another photo from the Indian Beach trail of fishing boats at anchor. This photo will also be entered at the fair.

Trinidad Head


This photo is going to be entered at the Redwood Acres Fair next month. Trinidad is located 11 miles north of Mckinleyville on the coast of the Pacific ocean. It is a major fishing harbor for this area. There is a wonderful restaurant on the pier called The Seascape. The Clam Chowder there is so thick and creamy, absolutely delicious.
This photo was taken from the trail going down to Indian Beach.
My youngest son and I have hiked the Trinidad Head trail, very steep with switchbacks. There are observation points all along the way up. I got some wonderful sunsets shots that night, which I will post at another time.

The Beginning




This is the beginning of my blog. I chose the title for my blog as Tudogmom because I have two wonderful doggie companions that share my life. Happy is 9 years old, he is a Border Collie mix that I have had since birth. He was born in my bedroom closet in Lucerne Valley, California on May 15, 1998. My other dog is Bebe, My friend Kitty's son Johnny found her in a dumpster when he was taking out his garbage in Apple Valley, California when she was about 4-5 weeks old. She was brought to me, I had lost one that looked exactly like her only a few weeks previous. She is an American Staffordshire Terrier mix, now 5 years old, Brindle color.