Dumb Dogs

Emily is babysitting 2 dogs for one of our neighbors.  On Friday, I went with her to help get the dogs in the garage for the night.  I had about 30 minutes before I needed to be at the library, to help with a fundraiser.  We rode our bikes down the road... I had a flat tire, but did not have time to pump it up, so struggled down the road.  We got there, and realized that Emily had forgotten the key, so I waited as she rode back home and got it.  We got the dogs, removed the shock collars, put them inside their kennel in the garage, and as I took off the leash, one dog bolted out and ran off.  She went to the neighbors house .  I took off after the dog while Em found some treats to lure her back.  I called the boys to come and help because the dog did NOT want to be caught.  I chased her all through the neighbors back yard and garden.  Em brought the treat and the dog inched closer and closer, then as I snatched for her, she grabbed the treat and darted away.  She ran to another neighbors house, and some of their kids came out to help, the dog thought it was a great game!  I went back to the owner's house and got the other dog on a leash, thinking it would help to lure the runaway back.  The dog ran to another house, and met their new dog.  I was hot, sweaty, had thorns in my feet, and was getting late for my appointment.  Luckily the new dog in the neighborhood did not like our runaway, and scared her.  She ran back to me and the leashed dog.  Emily threw herself over the dog, and we managed to get a leash on her.  It took about 25 minutes of chasing to catch the stupid creature, and we were dirty, sweaty, and late for my appointment by the time I made the 15 minute drive to town.  Now I can laugh as I see how the situation must have looked, but I was really angry at that dumb dog!

Yellowstone Fun

Today was a free-entrance day at Yellowstone Park, so we took the 2-hour drive and headed for adventure.  We saw a few buffalo and elk, and some geese.  We drove to the Old Faithful area and went to the cafeteria for lunch.  It was funny to see our next door neighbor there!  After eating, we started on a short hike to an overlook of Old Faithful.  We didn't get to the top before it erupted, and we missed most of it.  We had a nice little hike, and ended up at "Solitude Geyser".  This was a little geyser that erupts about every 5 minutes, and is only a few feet high.  No one else was there, and we sat and watched it twice.  Then back toward civilization and had fun looking at some small geysers and pools.  Then we sat and waited to see Old Faithful erupt.  We waited... and waited..... finally we decided to leave because I had to get back home for a meeting.  It erupted as we were pulling out of the parking lot, so we missed it again!  Oh well... it was a fun, relaxing getaway for a few hours!

Bugs on the Door

The past few days there have been LOTS of box elder bugs around my front door.  Yuck!  Where did they come from?  There are no box elder trees anywhere close that I know of.  Why are they congregating on my front step?  Are they planning a mass invasion when the door opens?  I just don't know what is going on!  I sprayed some bug-defense spray around the door, steps, and foundation today... we'll see how the situation looks tomorrow. 

Thursdays Free Days

My schedule is rather full at the moment.  Saturdays are spent with the family.... doing yard work, house work, outings, etc... Sundays are full of meetings, planning, church, study, and visits.  Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are school days, where Jacob and I go to campus and have classes, do homework and school projects.  Tuesdays are my Relief Society days where I have meetings, do visits, phone calls, plan, go to the temple, visit teach, etc.  Thursdays are MY days!  (Sort of ) This is when I do the shopping, run errands, work in the garden, cook for the coming week (at least a few things), and sometimes I spend a little time reading or take a nap.  I look forward to Thursdays!  During the rest of the time I try to fit in things like laundry, house work, paying bills, helping with kids homework, keeping in contact with friends and family, cooking, etc... and of course I try to spend as much time with my family as possible.  It sometimes overwhelms me to try to keep it all going, but I am also happiest when I am busy.  Anyway... tomorrow is Thursday, and I am really looking forward to it! 

Rain in the Night

Finally!  It rained a bit last night, and also the night before.  The surface of the ground was wet, but not much more.  Still, after a long, hot, smoky summer, it was wonderful and refreshing.  I am hoping the rain will help a bit with some of the fires that are so smoky, and my yard and garden sure look better after a bit of rain!  I also love the sound of rain in the night... it makes me feel cozy and comfortable to be dry and warm in my bed, while outside it is cleaning and watering the earth. 

Thumb Nail Thoughts

Back at the beginning of June I slammed my thumb in the car door.  It was not very fun and hurt like blazes for a week or so.  My nail immediately turned black and swelled up.... not a pretty sight.  Finally, today, the last part of that crushed, mangled thumb nail came off.  Only part of the new one has grown, underneath, and the exposed end of my thumb is super-sensitive.  It makes me realize how miraculous each and every part of our body is.  It amazes me that as damaged as my thumb was, it is almost completely healed... the nerves that are so sensitive, have repaired themselves, and the nail that is supposed to cover them performs the important function of protecting them.  I also miss the use of my nail, as a tool, to grip, perforate, and scrape... our bodies, even the smallest part, are just so amazing! 

MoTab's

Last night the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra put on a performance here in Rexburg.  We all got dressed up in our church clothes and went to listen.  When I saw the program, I thought "this is going to go w-a-a-a-y too long.  However, I was pleasantly surprised that it was just long enough to hear a good variety of songs, and still keep the audience interested.  It was especially fun to see them get pretty animated during an African spiritual.... there was hand clapping, swaying, and even some yelling and yipping going on.  Not the usual stuff you see from the Tabernacle Choir.  Anyway, I was grateful for the opportunity for my family to go to this performance together. I am often amazed at the blessings we have found by moving here.