Clayton

Our sweet boy, Clayton.  This weekend we hosted a dinner at our cabin and Sunday morning this little face was hurting.  I don't know exactly what happened but it was brought to my attention that a guest shoved him off of the couch after he jumped up on it.  He woke up Sunday morning unable to use his little leg, a leg that is already compromised because he was born with it a bit deformed, shortened.  He was only using three legs, hopping to go outside, eat, pee.  Luckily he didn't seem to be hurting, so to speak, because we could palpate it and rub on what seemed a inflammation in the shoulder area.  It seemed jammed or just knotted.  I don't know if that is what happened but I am a bit...no a LOT upset with this guest and if I see it happen I will say something.  Clayton is absolutely defenseless and so loving and sweet it makes me sick.  

This was him all day long yesterday.  He was not well at all with the leg.  This morning he is definitely better, thank goodness.  

Sweet little boy. 

Workshop - Day 3

Day three of he workshop with Derek Penix and it was plein air painting.  Thankfully the weather cooperated with a bit of wind.  It was a bit chilly when not in the sun but I enjoyed sitting in the sun while he created.

It is amazing how he looks at things, sees the light and dark and starts swiping on color to create.

I know it's blurry but this is the final tree he did in a couple of hours. 

Side note:  I had to boogie out of actually painting plein air to head home and get ready for our evening out the the DVIS Monarch Ball.  The plan was a dress and pumps but my ankles have been bothering me and the knee was just still too wobbly so flats and fancy pants and I was ready.  We danced, yes I danced with The Hubby.  I told him no spinning and twirling but he didn't hear so I spun and twirled to the best of my knee would do.  Unfortunately, a neighboring man with heels on his shoes stopped all the dancing when he CRUSHED the top of my foot.  I know it's hard to see but the top of my foot is now green, orange, red, rust, blue and black.   

Paint, Toilet Paper and Food

Good Sunday morning.  It's been a fabulous weekend so far.  Rain is on the horizon today and that makes me kind of happy.  We definitely need it.  Yesterday I was up early to take care of the granddog, Mondo and Clayton and my planned breakfast.  I'm kind of bummed that I have not lost anymore weight than 14 pounds after three weeks, but I will continue.  I have not had any white stuff, as in bread, rice or potatoes in three weeks.  I've given up soda pop.  I think its still working because at least the body is changing but I want the scale to start changing.  Good news is when I take the blood pressure it is more in the normal range now too!  I spent yesterday taking some more pictures for possible still life paintings and my laundry.  While running around doing a few household chores, I was putting toilet paper in our various bathrooms, when I turned from the bathroom to walk through the darkened bedroom to the hall bath, I did not see the black granddog laying on the carpet.  My foot met his backside and with my arms full of toilet paper, down I went.  SPLAT---I hit the floor, partly on the dog, my right knee (the good knee), my left elbow and I think on top of a couple of rolls of toilet paper.  I think the TP saved me.  When I rolled over to my bottom I sat for a few minutes to see how the knee was and my poor elbow.  OUCH!  Toilet paper was all over the place.  Mondo came over to me, sat on his haunches and put his paw on my shoulder.  Awwww, sweet baby, he was either apologizing for being in the middle of the floor or making sure I was okay.  I'm fine and the only real injury was a rug burn on the elbow that plagued me all night long.

Life goes on.  On a good note, I got a Facebook message from one of The Hubby's distant cousins who is a retired teacher and AMAZING photographer.  He takes the most beautiful photos of his property, birds, bird baths, butterflies...etc.  He asked if I could do a painting from one of his photos that has a butterfly.  He sent me a couple of pictures and wanted a quote for certain sizes.  I quoted and he accepted.  EEK!  He wants it to look like a painting (no problem) not a photograph.  So a commission!  Yeah.  I did finish a painting and am almost finished with another, probably today.  

Monday Morning Ramble

Good Monday morning...brrrr, it's in the 30's here this morning and I DON'T like.  Wow, why is it so chilly this early in the season.  I am not ready for the chill but I guess I can't fight it.  

The knee is a bit better today, not as swollen and sore but definitely still there.  I've been waiting since Thursday for a call from the scheduling office to see if the insurance will pay for the MRI and then the surgery.  If the insurance says no on the MRI but yes to surgery that will make me want to scratch the head.  I mean wouldn't they want to know exactly what the doctor is going after in there!  At this point I'm ready.  I'm tired of crippin' around here and being so careful and this cold weather will make it ache more.  I've already been dealing with a potential crick in my neck since the cold hit.  

Today is the first day for B2 to go back to work leaving B and baby Rio alone, on their own for the first time since she was born....wow, 7 days ago.  Rio is 7 days old, one week.   

Saturday I went to see Daddy with the purpose of taking him to see his first great-grandchild and he was elated.  We hopped in the car and trekked over there.  Isn't this picture awesome.  

Rio and her Great-GrandPapa!

One Hubby Down

The Hubby is down and out with his back.  He was washing his truck last week and something just went.  He's in such pain and is moving very slow and crooked!  The doctor is ordering up an MRI which the insurance company, LAST time, would not approve.  This time it is essential to make sure he has not herniated a disc.  He never does not exercise and it has been over a week of him not being able to hardly lift a book.  I hate seeing him in such pain and crookedness.  I certainly hope the doc calls with an appointment soon.  I'm now going to have to start mowing and weed-eating the cabin yard!!!!