Update

I'm still around...barely...

Ripley's death hit me really hard.   I don't know if it is because I'm older now, or what, but I sunk into a really DARK PLACE for weeks.  I seem to be coming out of it now, after the 3 day weekend we spent with our kids and grandkids up in Big Bear.  It was ... quite exciting (and exhausting) to share 1 cabin with 5 grandchildren!  Two of them were early risers and Nana got to feed them their breakfast, since I was the only one awake!  We put peanuts out on the patio for the squirrel, blue jays, and woodpeckers, and even got visited by some smaller birds.   The jays and woodpecker ate leftover grapes and blueberries from breakfast. 

We stopped by a local brewery in Redlands on our way up to Big Bear and saw a lady with... 2 CHOCOLATE LABS!   We got to talking to her and she mentioned a breeder in Ontario, so hubby called yesterday.   However, they are $1,000 to $1,100 EACH.   Yeah, we just don't have that kind of disposable money for a dog.  I've put in an application to a rescue organization down in San Diego, but everything is on hold until after June 15.   We're taking a short trip to the eastern Sierra and Papa also wants to stop at the humane societies along the way home and take a look.  So, we'll see...They do seem to have some nice looking dogs up there. 

I did manage to sell 2 journals, but my heart, at least right now, isn't into making any more.   I need to heal.  I just can't concentrate or focus right now.

So, I take one day at a time.  I spent most of my day reading library books and running errands.  Life goes on...barely...

~~Cheryl Ann~~

I'm still here...barely...

I'm slowly recovering from the loss of Ripley.   This has hit me extremely hard.  Maybe it is because I'm older now?  Maybe because, after 5 male dogs, I FINALLY had a female and we bonded?  I don't know.   I've really been in a dark world.   I am trying to carry on my normal routine:  feed the birds, water the plants, make a couple journals.  My heart wasn't into making happy butterfly ones, so I made a grimoire and an interactive one.  I'm BORED making stupid happy ones with flowers and butterflies.  I want something dark...brown or black.  I've been spraying coffee on paper and I like the way it looks.  I'm taking a week off...I just can't seem to be creative right now.

We took a weekend and spent the night with our son and his family in Temecula.  It was good to get away and to see their 3 kids, ages 9, 3, and 8 months.  Then, we came back home...sigh...

We eventually would like another dog.   The house is so empty without one.  Any suggestions for a couple in their mid 60's?   We both don't want another German shepherd...too many health issues.   Ripley, being a mutt, lived the longest and she was never sick until the end of her life. 

Any shelters we should visit?

Thanks, in advance.

~~Cheryl Ann~

A sad post ~Ripley

You may not wish to read this.  It is sad...

Ripley is dying.   Ripley is our nearly 11 year old black lab mix.   I think she had a stroke last week and today a vet is coming to our house to put her to sleep.  She isn't eating, she's sleeping 23 hours a day, and the light in her eyes has gone out.   She went and said goodbye to my husband last night.   Me?   I can't bear to part with her, but I also know she shouldn't be suffering like this.   She is miserable and it isn't fair to her to keep her alive.

So I will hold her, talk to her, and comfort her.

I've always had a dog.  One of my earliest memories is me sitting on the floor with my parents' cocker spaniel and sharing dog biscuits!  I've had a lot of mutts and 4 purebred German Shepherds.   Frankly, Ripley was the smartest dog I've ever had.   And, she had a great nose, which is why she would get into our trash if we mere humans forgot to take it outside when we left the house!

She loved to follow me outside every morning to feed the birds.  She would just and grin.   I haven't seen that lately.

It is time to let her go.

Ripley 2007 - May 5, 2018.   RIP my sweet one.
Here she is last month, out in the flowers.   She loved it out there.   I miss you, "Baby Doll".

May 6, 2018...It is difficult to even go out in the back yard this morning.   So many memories.  So many cat food cans scattered all over the yard to pick up.   She LOVED to get them and lick them clean!  So many toys...