Poppy McSassy Pants
Queen of the Castle
Author Archives: ramblingsofaperforatedmind
Stealth Biting
Our little dog, Jinx, loves to play and bite. It could be argued (successfully) that all three dogs are spoiled rotten, but that’s not the point. I’m usually at the desk, but sometimes I sit on the couch. When I do, the dogs all crowd close to me. Chance is a snuggler, Boxi wants to be within licking distance of my foot, but Jinx gets close enough to drape herself across my lap.
Normally, I start petting her. She begins by licking my hand. Then she starts “talking” and play growling. She doesn’t look like a menace with her dark brown eyes and “eyeliner,” but she is. Sooner rather than later, she starts gnawing on my finger. Is there some part of her that thinks if she is discreet enough I won’t notice? It seems my hand “accidentally” ends up I her little mouth with those sharp fangs.
She looks innocent, doesn’t she?
Bargain Hunting
Since Bela fell over the weekend, my dad suggested I find her a pair of high tops to support her ankles. It must have been Bela’s lucky day because she found a pair! On sale! In the wrong size! Let me explain that…she found the perfect pair, but they were size 6. Normally she wears a 9. Imagine our surprise when they FIT! Bela has been wearing them since we got home and loving them.
These are so Bela….
I was lucky enough to find a pair to suit me as well. They were not as discounted as Bela’s, but I convinced myself to get them anyway.
These are very light weight.
Wordless Wednesday
Not sure who is more spoiled….
Keep Working!
Even though school ended over a month ago, I feel like I have not yet had any summer vacation. Since my daughter is now homeschooled, I have been trying to keep her working so we (she, actually) can get a few things wrapped up for the year. There are a few chapters left to finish and a few projects I’d like to help her complete. I think I get more excited about projects than she does! She needs to keep working.
At any rate, I’ve been technically working only on the weekends, but I feel like I have not really rested yet. I think it’s because I spend so much time thinking about things I should do or things I want to do in the near future. I would be willing to bet that I’m no busier than everyone else around me, but it sure feels that way. Maybe I’m bogged down thinking and worrying about things I have no control over like all the sickness in our small community.
As I reflect on the “stuff in my head,” I have to remind myself that I should be thankful for the many blessings I have. I’m reasonably healthy and able to work. My career is heading in the right direction. My family is doing well. Maybe those blessings will be enough to help me relax a bit before I have to start classes again.
A Day Well Spent
Oreo was watching for food!
It’s all about the FOOD for Oreo.
Success!
…with a bit of fly spray! Oreo did not like that.
Curious Mare
Oreo is always looking for food.
Scenic Beauty
My daughter spent two days last week babysitting a few miles out of town. On the way there and home, we took advantage of the scenery. My daughter was able to get a few shots of things we take for granted sometimes.
Loving It!
I am so proud to have this.
Training Day!
Before I get into what the fire departments did today, I have to tell you that I didn’t do much more than take a ton of pictures. I had planned to do something during our training, but I didn’t feel confident enough to try. Long story, but unimportant right now. I participated in Thursday’s classroom component, so I was happy about that.
Firefighters from five departments gathered at the Mullen Volunteer Fire Department’s training center today in 80-degree heat to don SCBA packs and heavy gear to train to keep the communities safe.
An obstacle course was the first order of business. Firefighters had to crawl, carry hose, move a tire, drag a railroad tie and use a sledge hammer (for two minutes) against the clock—and do the course in reverse order to get back to the beginning. They had the option of stopping if they felt like they were in trouble, but most opted to finish in spite of fatigue and heat.
“Hercules” made it look easy!
While some were doing obstacles, others were in the building crawling through boxes. The purpose was to learn techniques for navigating small spaces in the dark. Learning not to panic is the key to survival. Practice is necessary to avoid panic.
This is an example of what firefighters faced inside.
This board slides into the box to make the opening narrower.
Lunch was served (pizza!), and the firefighters went back to work. They practiced search and rescue as well as fighting live fire. New firefighters (and veteran members of the departments) learned and/or reviewed how to ventilate a room and work the nozzles. It was a hard day’s work, but safety is worth it.
