Happy Easter!

May God continue to bless each and every one of you!

and always remember...

I'll check in again soon, after the show this coming weekend!

Joyce

In Like A Lion..

What I've Been Up To

Hello! It's been a while, I know. The last few weeks have gone by like a whirlwind, and here it is March 11th already! I have not been idle. I mentioned in the last post that I'd been traveling to visit friends and family. I'd visited our son, Trevor, at the end of January. In early February I went to Iowa to visit Aaron, Amanda, and granddaughter Klara.

Aaron is quite artistic. He games, and one of his passions is painting miniatures. He is meticulous with his art - definitely a perfectionist. Here is a photo of his Kharn the Betrayer. Kharn is 28mm (about 1 1/16 inches) tall.

Kharm the Betrayer

On February 20 and 21, Josh, Duncan, and I went to dog shows in Des Moines. Many thanks to Shiba friend, Rebecca Powell, who showed Duncan for me. Duncan had not been shown for at least 18 months and he presented Rebecca with some challenges!

Josh is now a Grand Champion. He finished with 34 points  and four majors. I'm glad to have that out of the way.

Josh - GCh.Ch.Joyslyn MLS Dakota Wind Breaker

The day after the show, I left for Florida to visit our daughter and her family. I don't know where the week went, but on the 29th I found myself back in Illinois, gearing up to go back to work part-time on March 1. One thing we did in Florida was visit the Miami Zoo. Here I am, feeding the giraffes. The zoo sold bowls of kale. The giraffes ate quickly and soon our turn was over. My 18 month old grandson had a great time feeding them. He was not at all intimidated.

My granddaughter's teacher asked me if I would Skype with the class and read a couple short books in honor of World Read Aloud day. So before I left for Florida,  I packed my iPad and a couple of my favorite picture books, Martha Ann and the Mother Store and I Ain't Gonna Paint No More to read to the students. It was great fun for me and a nice surprise for Klara, who had no idea the guest reader was going to be her grandma. A few days ago, I received some wonderful artfully-decorated thank you notes from some of the students.

Here is a picture of me on the big screen as I was Skyping with the class. Klara was sitting in front of the computer screen so I could see her as I read.

We also took a trip to the Tampa area because Trevor's band was playing in Ybor City. My grandson and I stayed in the hotel while Erikka and Salman went to the show. (More about the band later.)

Work is going well. It's as if I'd never left, and after 26 years at the same job, getting back into the work routine was easy. Don't get me wrong: I absolutely look forward to my two days off each week!

Notes and Photos from Others

Cindy wrote, "Charley is growing up so fast.  He continues to be a joy to our family.  He is sleeping through the night and potty training is going ok. Challenging etc." She sent a photo of Charley.

Kathy wrote, "From all of the other owners’ comments regarding THEIR Lhasas (for as far back as I can read on your blog), Sophie sounds like all of them, rolled into one!  Puppy Kindergarten is going well.  She is still doing just as well as the labs and shepherds in the class, and she is showing them all that she is not intimidated by puppies two to three times her size!"

Denise wrote, "Hi Joyce. Just wanted to share this photo with you! Our Duncan is 17 weeks and such a character. He is so much fun...loving and spunky! He is still holding on the  chance he may become top dog in the Armstrong house lol.... Lily may be almost 10 but she is not giving up the crown. As much as they scrap with each other, the next they are laying next to one another."
Denise sent this cute photo of her Duncan:




 Joe sent a photo of Abby, but no note. Abby seems to be begging to be put in the suitcase so she can go on the trip too!

 
The Strongs sent a note and a photo of their Luther. "Hi Joyce.....hard to believe Luther is 10 months old! I need some advice. His coat is sooooo thick and seems so dry...I have a conditioner I spray on, but it doesn't seem to do much good."

I suggested that she try coconut oil on his food.

Speaking of Coat Care

When Cindy mentioned Luther was 10 months old and, having recently faced Kimmi's (his litter sister's) coat change, I thought I should revisit for everyone some information about Lhasa puppies' coat change. This is especially good information for people who are new to the breed. First, I cannot emphasize enough that when you first get a puppy, you need to start training it to be groomed. Even if you do not plan to allow the coat to grow to floor length, the dog still needs to learn some manners when it comes to being groomed.

As far as coat change is concerned, here are some things to keep in mind:

The puppy's coat change can happen anywhere between the ages of 9 to 14 months. Since individuals differ, the time frame may also vary somewhat: some Lhasas may begin as early as 6 months, while others may hold off until 16 months. One thing you can be sure of, unless your Lhasa puppy has a really sparse coat, the coat change WILL happen.

Remember, a Lhasa's coat does not shed as most other breeds' coats do. What happens during the coat change is that the softer puppy coat is being replaced by the harsher-textured adult coat. As the adult coat comes in, the puppy coat "dies" and needs to be brushed out or it will tangle and mat terribly. At this time, your puppy may need daily grooming to remove the soft, "dead" puppy coat. You will be surprised at how much loose coat can be brushed out during coat change time.

When the coat change does begin, don't get discouraged. It usually lasts less than a month. Set aside time each day to groom your Lhasa. If you don't have time to brush him completely each day, then at least do some spot grooming in the troublesome areas (neck, insides of legs, behind the ears) on a daily basis. Don't go longer than two days without a complete brushing, though. Those darn mats surprise you -- a puppy may not look matted, but his undercoat may be a real mess. Watch for and take care of tangles and mats as they appear, and do not put off grooming, thinking the mats will disappear by themselves (they don't!).

Finally, don't be discouraged; just hang in there until it's over -- the coat change period really does end, and the harder textured adult coat will be easier to deal with.
 

Pictures of My Puppies

Kimmi, Greta, and Jenna all had baths Wednesday night, so I thought that would be a good time to take photos of each, since it has been a while since we've taken and posted pictures.

Kimmi is now 10 months old. She's looking good and I'm looking forward to getting back in the show ring with her at the end of this month. Wisconsin, here we come!

Kimmi - Joyslyn's Heart Song

Kimmi - profile

Greta is about 4 and a half months old now.

Greta

Greta - profile

I called Jenna my "Ugly Duckling" because I always hated the photos of her as a young puppy. We never could get a good one. She is definitely turning into a "Swan." Whew!!

Jenna

Jenna Profile

Black Fast News

Black Fast, the band for which our son Trevor plays guitar, has been on tour since mid-February and the tours will continue with a week or so off occasionally through May (and maybe beyond -- nothing has been scheduled yet after May).

The photo of Trevor was taken by Sinestra Studios. More of their photos of the band members are available by clicking here.

They are getting good reviews. For example here is an excerpt from one:

"As an old curmudgeon metalhead, I have to say that I was more than impressed. Black Fast has that charisma, charm, integrity, and fire that I love to see in a band of any age. It is very obvious that Black Fast is out to conquer and if they keep doing things the way they are doing, they will definitely leave their mark on a genre that so desperately needs something refreshing. What I loved the most about Black Fast is that they kind of proved me wrong. Black Fast also reminded me that even in the more extreme genre, a band can still do something that tugs at my heart strings and makes me believer. All in all, Black Fast is a young band that is very quickly picking up momentum, turning heads, and proving themselves as a touring band to be reckoned with."  ~excerpt from review of Black Fast's performance in Atlanta by Don de Leaumont

For the entire article, you can click here.

Life is Better When You Have a Lhasa to Love You!

Thanks for checking in -- and reading this whole post!  'Til next time!

Joyce

February Holidays and Other Musings

Holiday Greetings!

I don't know why the realization has not hit me before, but February sure has a lot of holidays, considering it is such a short "let's get through this so we can get to Spring" month.  Since I seem to have missed wishing you various February holiday greetings, here you go in one fell swoop.

Here in Illinois, we celebrate Abraham Lincoln's Birthday on February 12th! State offices, colleges, and universities are closed. This year the 12th happened to fall on a Friday, so it gave employees a long weekend. When the day is celebrated in mid-week that doesn't happen.
Happy (Belated) Lincoln's Birthday! 

Happy (Belated) Valentine's Day!
I hope you got lots of cards, candy, and flowers!

Happy (Belated) President's Day!
So...in Illinois because we get Lincoln's Birthday as a holiday, state employees have to work on Presidents' Day. It's a bank and Post Office holiday.
Happy (Belated) Presidents' Day!

Happy Westminster Kennel Club Show!  
Okay, it is not really a holiday, but it is a big deal for those of us who show dogs, and it happens in February.

If you were watching the Group judging last night, you may have noticed the beautiful Lhasa Apso that represented our breed in the Non-Sporting Group. That was GCh. Ta Sen Swinging On A Star, handled by Joe Berkau and owned by Susan Giles and Muriel Wolverton.

Here is a link to the WKC website if you want to watch some of the videos or the live streaming.

What's Been Going On Here?

 The easy answer to that is "not much." I've taken time to visit two of my three kids. The next visit is coming soon. I met Marsha Susag at a halfway point between Macomb and Fargo so I could give Charli back to her. Marsha plans to introduce Charli to Barn Hunting. Charli is going to have a great time! Little Greta and Jenna traveled with me and they were perfect travelers both in the car and in the hotel room. Since our weather has been very cold, windy, and snowy, I haven't had a chance to get the girls outside to lead break them, so Marsha and I took some time and walked them up and down the empty hotel hallway. Jenna was eager to walk. Greta put on the brakes but eventually decided that if Jenna could do it, so could she.

I took Duncan and Josh to a training class in hopes of getting them back into the habit of showing before their next show, which is this coming weekend. There is a small entry in Lhasas and it will be a good way to get the dogs back into the swing of things. Duncan has not been a show ring since June of 2014. He was a bit put off during class but eventually decided he could manage. I forgot how much he shakes his head when he wears a lead! Ugh! Josh has been "off" only since September, so he was more sure of himself. He still prefers to cut the corners as he goes around the ring!

Notes from Others

Kathy (from Missouri) wrote about her Sophie's (Greta's sister's) first experience at class, "I needn’t have worried about Sophie in puppy class—she was the star of the show!  She was friendly, but not intimidated, towards all of the puppies (all of whom were larger than her—including a one-year-old bull mastiff!).  She was one of the best at following direction, and she loved it!"

Marilyn wrote, "Wanted to send a pic of Maci's latest additions to her toy graveyard. Should be labeled "Maci's Isle of Destruction!" Good thing she is so cute!"

 Above, the cute but destructive Maci. Below, her latest victims.

Judy wrote me about Raven, who is the dam of both Duncan and Luna: "Did I tell you that Raven tucks me into bed every night? Once I start turning out the lights leading to the bedroom, Raven starts watching to see if I am going to go into the office and use the computer, or if I am going to bed. Once Raven realizes that I am getting ready for bed, she gets up on the bed and sits in the middle of it watching me and waiting. As soon as I get into bed and pull the covers up over me, Raven comes over and lies down close to me at the top of the covers. She will place her front legs so her paws are at the top edge of the covers or maybe on my arm. Then she will lie her head down and be very still...Once in a while she will give me a soft lick, but then remains still and enjoys me kissing her neck under her ear, rubbing her tummy, and continuing to tell her how beautiful she is and how much I love her. Some nights the "tuck in" lasts just a few minutes. Other nights Raven will stay with me for 5-10 minutes. Apparently she loves this routine. Once she has had her fill, she gets up and goes to lie down on her blanket..."

LaVonne forwarded me a message about Charlie, a six month old puppy sired by her Ch. Mon Ami's Late Night Shadow (Winslow) and out of her Joyslyn MLS Dakota Winter Windy Night Mon Ami (Cinder). I think it is a wonderful and touching story and wanted to share it with you.

This is what Charlie's owner, Kathy (from Illinois) wrote on her Facebook page: "I want to share an extraordinary story about my puppy, Charlie, who will be 6 months old next week.  For those of you who don’t know, I’m type 1 diabetic and wear an insulin pump. It malfunctioned Thursday night, so I replaced it and went to bed. Every time I fell asleep Charlie would jump on me and wake me up. This went on for a couple of hours as best as I can remember. Charlie was very agitated and I was getting irritated because I had a big day Friday, was exhausted, and really needed to get some sleep! Plus he was acting totally out of character. Finally I realized that I wasn’t feeling well and got up to test my blood glucose. As I walked to the bathroom I felt faint and knew something was very wrong. I started eating glucose tablets and when I tested my blood it was 33 – normal is 100 to 120 for me - I was literally minutes away from being in a coma and was lucky that it hadn’t already happened. I made my way downstairs and started chugging Orangina (which I never have on hand but did for some reason) to get my blood sugar up rapidly, and then finally went back to bed. Charlie settled down and we all went to sleep. I’ve heard of dogs who can sense low blood sugar, cancer, etc., but have never had the experience. I would very likely be dead if it weren’t for Charlie – and I’m not exaggerating because once I would be in a coma that would be it because I live alone and no one would have found me in time. I’m seeing my dr Tuesday to find out what the #@*% happened with the pump and will be wearing a continuous blood glucose monitor to alert me if my blood sugar tanks. But I’m so blown away by Charlie’s extraordinary ability to sense this and keep me from falling asleep, thus sinking into a coma, I just can’t believe it. It didn’t even occur to me what had happened until Friday morning at work when I put the pieces together.  And I wanted to share this story about my amazing Charlie with all of you. How blessed am I? Can you believe this?."

Other Items of Interest (Well, to me anyway...)

Great Article
Here is a link to an article "Words Matter" by Elizabeth Brinkley.
Not sure if you want to read it? Here is an excerpt from the article: "…The animal rights cults have a plan and one of the tools they use is called “incrementalism” – one step at a time, one inch at a time, one bad law at a time. They have worked on their plan for years…"

Seriously, you should read the article!!

Substance Harmful to Dogs
Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum and many other seemingly innocuous products in your home is extremely harmful to dogs. Read more about this topic in a press release from the AVMA: Sugar Substitute May Be Dangerous to Dogs

It's Working for My Dog
Try Pro Den Plaque Off if you are looking for an alternative to having your dog's teeth cleaned. I've used it on one of my dogs as a test. His teeth were the absolute worst! The product is handling the problem to the extent that I have decided to use it now on all the dogs. After recently spending nearly $1000 to have 5 dogs' teeth cleaned, it seems to me that this product might help me save some money in the future.

He's Coming Back!
Our granddog, Henri, dislikes our 18 month old grandson—and the feeling is mutual. To avoid further confrontation, Henri is giving up Florida and moving back to Illinois later this month. I'm sorry it has to happen. Here's the latest picture of the little rascal, taken on his way home from the groomer. He is an Affenpinscher. Cute. Full of himself.

 Black Fast News
Well, the band is on tour now, packed and on the way to NY. Here is a link to the new Black Fast video for my favorite song (The Fall). I love the instrumentals at the beginning and end. Check out the band's Facebook page for tour dates.

Training for Grooming
I have a firm belief that the problems groomers have with grooming Lhasas is the fault of the owner for not teaching his/her Lhasa to accept being groomed. Training for grooming, whether the dog goes to a groomer or is groomed at home by the owner, is an absolute necessity. Read this article for some tips on how to begin. If you have a young Lhasa, start now!!! If you have an older one that dislikes grooming, work with him daily. Start now!!!

Life is Better When You Have A Lhasa to Love You!

Joyce

Happy Groundhog Day!

If ground-hog day was bright and fair,
The beast came forth, but not to stay;
His shadow turned him to his lair,
Where six weeks more, he dormant lay
Secure in subterranean hold—
So wondrous weather-wise was he—
Against six weeks of ice and cold,
Which, very certain, there would be...
          ~H.L. Fisher, "Popular Superstitions," Olden Times

Retirement Update

February 2nd! My "retirement" has only 27 days to go. January went by really fast and I cannot lie, I enjoy being home and not at the office, as much as I missed my staff. I'll be traveling almost once a week in February, so I'm sure the time will fly and it will be March before I know it and I'll be back in the office, albeit only part-time.

Thanks to those of you who sent private messages congratulating me on my retirement. I appreciate the comments and well wishes.

Puppy Update

Charley and Zeke left with their new owners and the reports I've received have been positive. Greta, who is now 3 months old, and Jenna, who is now 10 weeks old, are the two girls I plan to show. They have become great pals. Even though Greta is the older and larger of the two, Jenna seems to be the boss, or at least Greta lets her think she is!

Here are the most recent pictures of the Josh and Charli puppies -- and also of Greta.

Charley - 9 weeks

Zeke - 9 weeks

Jenna - 9 weeks

Greta - 12 weeks

Greta will be known to AKC as Joyslyn's No Regrets
Jenna will be known to AKC as Joyslyn MLS Dakota Je Na Sais Quoi

You may remember our girl, Luna - Ch. Joyslyn JaMa Dancing By The Light of the Moon, who earned the final points for her championship in October during ALAC's (American Lhasa Apso Club) National Specialty week. We recently did a "Luna Photo Shoot," so I'd like to share some of the photos with you. I was pleased with the way they  turned out. I am very proud to be the breeder of this beautiful Lhasa.

I've been getting quite a few email messages from people asking about upcoming litters. We have two, maybe three, breedings planned for 2016. If all goes as planned, we should have litters in the summer and early fall.

Notes and Photos from Others

Congratulations to Karen Schlais and Jan Graunke, who had a great January. Their girl Sybil earned her championship, and their Penny earned both of her majors. Penny's litter brother, Stewie, earned both his majors in December. These two Lhasas are still puppies that will not be a year old until mid April. I'm especially proud because their sire is my Ch. Joyslyn's Heartbreaker. (Karen and Jan, I know you are rolling your eyes! I can't help myself!)

Penny and Stewie's litter sister, Zoey, lives in Illinois. Her owners, Diane and Jeff,  wrote a lovely note to Karen and me: "Hi Joyce and Karen, I just wanted to send you a few pictures of our beautiful Zoey and let you how much we love her.  She is the sweetest little girl who has added so much joy to our home.  She loves to play and retrieves her toys all the time.  It’s hilarious how she frequently “pounces” like a bunny rather than run like most dogs do when we play catch with her.  I attached a picture of how she likes to retrieve 2 tennis balls at a time which really cracks us up.  Zoey tends to be quite persistent about getting our attention, which Joyce noticed when she had her those few weeks.  (Me, Me Me!!!!)  But we don’t mind it at all----she’s very affectionate and loving. Surprisingly, she is  quite the lap dog. (Our 2 Lhasa’s certainly were not.) She is smart and will do almost anything for a doggie treat.  Zoey is also a good traveler and enjoys her car rides to Green Bay to visit my family. She is personality plus, that’s for sure… I’m so glad that the two of you are Lhasa Apso breeders---they are for sure the best breed on the planet. Thanks so much to both of you for bringing her into our life---that was the perfect collaboration. We feel extremely fortunate to have a wonderful puppy like Zoey."

Zoey

Kathy sent a note saying, "I was just thinking of you because Greta, Sophie, and their brothers are three months old today. ..She is doing great, and she never disappoints us with learning something new, or showing us a new behavior every day.  She starts her puppy class on Feb. 6, and then she will be going to Gulf Shores, AL with us on April 22 for a week.  We are giving her plenty of new experiences, and she is giving US plenty of new experiences!  Ha, ha! Today, we gave her a bath for the first time.  Boy, was THAT a learning experience!… Everyone comments on what a beautiful puppy she is…"

Kathy is a friend of Marilyn, who owns a Joyslyn's Lhasa named Maci. They sent me a great video of Maci and Sophie playing. It was too large to include in this blog, but here is a photo of Marilyn's Maci and Kathy's Sophie. The video was hilarious. The two girls had a great time playing.

Mary sent more photos of Belle in action at an agility trial. I am amazed whenever I see those pictures. Belle was an adult when Mary purchased her from me. Belle hated going to shows and seemed only to want to lie around and look lovely. I never ever expected that she would be an agility dog! Mary has done a super job training her. Here is Belle with another of Mary's Lhasas, Moka, who also participates in agility trials. The girls are at a trial, hanging out and waiting their turns to run.

Left - Belle, Right - Moka

Links to Some Interesting Articles

Does your dog misbehave? If so, it might be your own fault! The article, "Five Things You're Doing to Make Your Dog Misbehave," points out what you might be doing wrong.

Have you heard people claim that mixed breeds are healthier than purebreds? It's a common myth. You might refer to this article, "Healthy Dogs, Sick Dogs—Does Breed Type Make a Difference?"

Other good articles to read:
Angel Days and Devil Days - Teaching Bite Inhibition to Puppies

Who's In Charge Here? A Lesson In Becoming Alpha

 

Fair Warning: This Has Nothing to do with Dogs

As most of you know by now, one of my sons is a musician. He plays with a band named Black Fast. The band will soon set off on its next tour. Here is where they will be -- perhaps in a venue near you. It amazes me that they travel from town to town and state to state, playing a different venue each night. It must be exhausting! Their albums, Starving Out the Light and Terms of Surrender, have some great music and have earned some nice reviews. You can find out more about the band on Facebook and other sites on web and find links to hear (and buy) their music.

Life is Better When You Have a Lhasa to Love You!

Joyce 

 

Puppy Pictures and Updates

The word for today is "Brrr!" I know some of my readers live in warmer climates, but around here, we are below freezing — and I know we are warmer than other midwest states.

New Pictures of the Puppies

Since I last wrote, three of the four Duncan and Windy puppies have left for their new homes. Greta remains and I hope to be able to start showing her in the spring. So far, she's looking good.

Greta - 11 weeks

In my last post, I expressed some worry that Greta might be lonely when her siblings left with their new owners. I did not need to worry. She has now decided that she is a sibling of the three Josh and Charli puppies and the four of them get along quite well together. They sleep together, eat together, tear up newspapers and piddle pads together...

Speaking of the Josh and Charli puppies, here are their latest photos.

Charley - 7.5 weeks

Jenna - 7.5 weeks

Zeke - 7.5 weeks

Note and Pictures from Others

 One reason I look forward to the Christmas and New Year holidays is that I get photos and updates from some of the people who have purchased puppies from us over the years. Here are a few of the photos and notes I've received.

First, here is a photo from Mary's Christmas card of her and Gabe, who is Rafe's litter brother.

Gabe and Mary

Mary (a different Mary) sent this photo of Belle, one of her agility Lhasas. 

Belle (Joyslyn's Beauty Secret)

The Beaudets sent a card with a photo of their children and their three Joyslyn's Lhasas.

Zora, Hunter, and Zeus

Cindy wrote this about Luther's Christmas and sent a photo of him. Luther is a littermate to our Kimmi. His photo makes me smile. Can't you just see the ornery in his eyes? A sense of humor and fun too!

Cindy wrote, "Luther is growing SO fast, and he's so full of energy. Honey was much more docile. He's all boy. All the grandkids were here at Christmas and he was in heaven! We weren't sure he'd recover, but that was a joke. His coat is easy to care for now even tho he hates being brushed. When can I expect the change to happen? I'm looking into some agility training since we discovered he loves jumping over a fallen tree log. The one place I know is 1/2 hr drive and requires obedience training first. He may fail that one since "no" isn't in his vocabulary. We've had issues with barking and use of teeth...I don't call it biting but it's bothersome especially with kids. He's really smart tho...can do lots of tricks especially if a treat is at the other end. So it's not like he doesn't know when he's wrong and can't understand NO, he just chooses otherwise. "

Luther

From Denise, who recently purchased a puppy from the Duncan and Windy litter. They named their puppy Duncan, after his sire, and they also own a 9 year old female (Lily)  they purchased from us:
"The two are getting [along] somewhat better, he just wants to play. At least Lily stays in the same room and relaxes until he gets a bug up his butt to bother her. I'm sure each day will get better...."

Lily learning to put up with the new puppy in her home!

Kathy wrote an update about Sophie: "Wow!  The week has flown by!  Sophie is getting more adjusted to being here every day, and things are going well.  She sure is a sweet little girl, with some very spunky moments!  She is getting used to walks on the leash, she has chosen her favorite toys, and she is definitely becoming her own little individual.  Here is a snapshot from a couple of days ago."

Sophie - 10 weeks

From Marilyn:  "Hi Joyce, I just wanted to share. Today Miss Maci Mae chewed the eyes and nose off one toy, and chewed half a bath sponge. How is that for someone who turned 1? She obviously didn't get the message that she is a big girl now!!! Gotta love her!" 

There was no picture of Maci's handiwork! But Marilyn sent this one. What an adorable 1 year old. Who could resist that face?

Ted wrote: "I thought you might want to view a few photos of Lucky at Christmas time. Ev and I were reminiscing about the first time we met Lucky at your home. Nothing has changed. He was full of energy chasing the cat up the stairs and was constantly moving. Three years later he still can’t sit still. He has a tremendous amount of energy and is a joy to have in our condo. He still has the Bunny and selects different toys to play with on a rotating basis. His knowledge of the English language is frightening as we have to be careful of what we say as certain words make his ears perk up and he starts wagging his tail as if he is going to be included in something we said."

One of the photos Ted and Ev sent of Lucky

Update on the Retired Lady

So far, I am surviving! The days go by much faster than they seem to have done at the office! It's been nice to get the grooming and laundry and other chores done during the day, rather than filling my nights and weekends with them. I'm afraid the remainder of the 60 days is going to go by too fast.

I'm trying to stick to a work schedule, getting up at 5:30, getting the dogs exercised and fed, being showered, dressed and ready before 8:00 to face the various tasks I've set myself for the day.

It's not all work. I love to read and have a stack of books ready and waiting, and set aside time for reading a few chapters each day. I don't remember learning how to read, except I do recall the "Dick and Jane" books (Oh! Oh! Look! Look! See! See!) in first grade. As far as memory serves, I have always loved reading (mostly mysteries, fantasy fiction, action adventure). My friends and family know that. Here are a couple of my Christmas gifts, joining similar nightshirts that were given me by friends Marsha and Carm in previous years for my birthday.

And, speaking of shirts, one of my co-workers gifted me with this great t-shirt! Love it! Thanks again, Rose. As much as I have been enjoying my retirement break, I do look forward to being back in the office (part-time!!!!) with my co-workers. No one has a better, more dedicated group of people to work with.

It appears that it will be the end of March or the first part of April before Kimmi and I get back in the show ring to work toward getting the last 4 points she needs to be a champion. However, I do have some good news regarding shows. Harper (whose call name used to be Journey), bred by Julie Timbers and Debby Rothman, earned her first point at a recent show in St. Paul, MN, shown by Julie. I am privileged to co-own her with Julie and Debby.

Life is Better When You Have A Lhasa to Love You!

Joyce