in which we survive a family visit

just got back from visiting the folks down south. i took pup along, and gave her pred boosts and she did very well. m came along for his first visit to see my family in their natural southern environment, and he did very well. he didn't run screaming from the house, anyway. a big difference from his family, all international, big city folks who never uttered a y'all in their lives. we had a good time, i think, and my folks, who loved him before, now adore him.

we took the pup along, and she was much calmer - i really think it was because we both were there. she was never left alone, got lots of walks and attention, and was well-monitored for her meds. she is now konked out on the couch. oooo, so sleeeppppyyyy.....

and now i will crawl into my newly winterized bed - feather mattress top, new cotton sheets, fluffy comforters, grandma's embroidered pillowcases... mmmmmm....... g'night.

snugglepup

one evening, m was taking a semi-nap on the couch, and pup decided that she needed to join him. atop him, actually.

she has no personal space issues.

i barely got to the camera to catch this - i was having such a giggle fit. they stayed all spooned up for a good twenty minutes or so, once m got his face clear of the fur.

oooo, but she's adorable.

livin large

november passed in a flash! too many things keeping me away and busy. but busy is good and so much better than many alternatives i can think of. and the busy i've been has been pretty fun.

i was sent to Ohio for training in my new job for 4 days, and i was put up in a great hotel - 600 count sheets, down duvets, nice furniture that someone might actually have in their house, and Room Service. i have never ordered Room Service in my life. I love Room Service. i had it every night and every morning - tuxedo'ed young people would address me as Miss A... and treat me as if i were important! what luxury! i'd close the door and dance around, giddy, feeling as if i were getting away with such a sham! just playing the game, baby. and i actually learned worthwhile information while i was there.

then i was home for a day, and the very next day, off to visit my oldest and dearest girlfriend, s, for a girl's weekend. we shopped and laughed and shopped and ate and got facials and laughed. having someone who knows me better than anyone is such a comfort. i miss her and i love her. she is a very successful salesperson and has a lovely home that we have decided will be our retirement commune. all us orphans with no kids to care for us will come to her and contribute what we can to the household, and we'll take care of each other. i really do hope that happens, even thought we discuss it in jest.

then i was back to pup, who was cared for by m in my absence, and he called me every night while i was gone to check in. that's a comfort in my life too.

this was 3 days prior to the thanksgiving i was to host, so i ventured into the online grocery world, and I. LOVE. IT. i order online, pick up at the appointed time by driving up and giving someone my number, popping my trunk so they can load up, and driving home. a 5-minute transaction. luxury!

and now i'm back in my little home, and caretaking a mostly healthy pup, and doing house chores and making sure everything's ready for winter. i just got back from a lovely gathering to start the holiday season off, and got to chat with wonderful friends i see far too seldom.


a month of luxury and comfort. it's a pretty good place to be.