Deer Hunting in the Open

The soybeans were harvested this past weekend in a field next to our timber. Leaving the field wide open, nowhere to hide. It is interesting in what ways die-hard hunters are able to capitalize on various hunting scenarios. This building belongs to a guy who works for the leasee of the field.The owner of the building and his friends are avid hunters in the area. In all seasons... They will probably begin using the structure very soon since the first Bowhunting season arrived in Iowa on Ocotber 1st and runs until November 30th. The second season opens December 17th and will run through January 10th. I can see the possiblities in using this deer stand in the gun seasons as well. It took it's station a year ago further to the east of this location in the corn field. I would be interested in observing the deer/hunter activity as the seasons progress.

Sharing My Blog Roll

We must be Simply Outdoors to lead a Blessed Crazy Life over at Deer Camp to hear Marian's Hunting Stories about the Hunting Life of Whitetail Woods. The Hunter's Wife ,Jody, has something to share about The Buck Hunters when they come back from Base Camp to share with whom ever will listen. Being avid huntresses in the blogging world The Wild Woodswoman - Dana, FS Huntress - Kim, and NorCal Cazadora - Holly have my attention and great respect. The Great Wild Outdoors of Alpha Trilogy , Backwoods Drifter, Othmar Vorhinger, Upland Feathers reminds me of a Huntin' Junky. I can't forget Mel over at The Fishing Notebook as a voice devoted to the sport. All men devoted to experiences that could take them to a meeting at the Outdoor Bloggers Summit next Spring. With most of us looking foward to the Timber Life we focus on how to Hunt Smart and Think Safety... (Please forgive me if I missed someone this time. I had to concentrate to accomplish this tribute. I have worked and worked to try to make the links active on more than one occassion...saving doesn't seem to work. I will not send this to the recycle bin once more, because it is worth being said in any event! ;) )

Roving Cows

Tis the time of year for the weather to be a changin'! We have a herd of cows that spend time pasturing in fields behind our property from early Spring until the end of October. It never fails, in the Fall, groups of cows seem to always find a weak spot somewhere along the lines to escape the humdrum of short grass. They wander into the fields of maturing beans, and corn, to complete their diets, to get ready for harsher weather ahead; even though they are headed for a more sheltered location in a few weeks. Hubby has been seeing the marauders from the air when he takes flight, and buzzes them back in the direction they should go to get home. There have been two cows and three calves hanging out in the ravine close to his runway the last few days. This morning we saw two cows and two calves when they decided to walk the quarter mile up the drive to the house to see if there was any new vegetation to sample. Somewhere they had lost the third calf, even though I believe I heard it still in the general vicinity. Apparently, they didn't approve of the location of some 10'x10' deer food plots I am grooming for next year. 2"x2"x24" wooden stakes were pulled up from the corners to make room for better grazing. There are 10 foot grass seperations between each bed which didn't seem to be sufficient... Sadie, of course wanted in on some action. She is getting really bored these days. No Pheasants to chase don't 'cha know. ;) However, she remained inside so as not to stir the wrath of the "Big Bossy Cows." The Roving Cows stayed around just long enough to make things comfortable for the next visit???

Native Trees

"I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree ..." by Joyce Kilmer A few comments got me to thinking about the possibility of growing the "Mighty Oak" in another location other than the one I am most familiar with, here at Timber Life. Hearing from some readers out in Idaho sparked my interest and research has brought some answers. In my years of growing plants, I have learned that it is more productive to look for native species that are acclimated to your growing conditions; temperature fluctuations, soil composition and moisture needs. Even the seed produced by these plants seem to be better suited to reproduction in those conditions than those gained from outside sources. One information source of "why we should pick native plants" can be found here at the IDNR. My information quest took me to Idaho Plant Nurseries to checkout what they were growing. I was fortunate enough to find a list of Oaks that are available for planting, which you will find below. NATIVE IDAHO OAKS Swamp White Oak(Quercus bicolor) Deciduous 4A-8A Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade wet Gambel Oak (Quercus gambelii) Deciduous 4A-8A Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade medium Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) Deciduous 3A-8A Full Sun wet Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) Deciduous 4A-8A Full Sun wet Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) Deciduous 3B-8A Full Sun medium Columnar English Oak (Quercus robur 'Fastigiata') Deciduous 4A sun medium English Oak (Quercus robur) Deciduous 4B-8A Full Sun medium Heritage Oak (Quercus x macdanielii 'Heritage') Deciduous 4A sun medium The thought of growing Black Walnuts came as well. I found a publication by the University of Idaho on the care of Black Walnuts in a plantation setting. That gives me a clue they are available there, but maybe not in all parts of the state due to growing conditions. Hope this will help those who are looking to use plant materials from other states,or planting zones. Not totally impossible with some adjustments. (Information for the Oaks was taken from an Idaho Nursery- Teton Trees, Rupert,ID.)

Sadie Says - GONE NUTS!!!!

Crunch, Crunch, Crunch.... YUMMY, or at least I think yummy??? The last couple of weeks I have been getting a taste of some commodities that are hitting the ground. I will use the phrase used by Chicken Little in the children's story,"The Sky is Falling!" Every time I walk outside these days I hear something thudding onto the ground or plunking down onto the pick-up sitting in the drive. Mom keeps telling me what's happening ,but I'm just a puppy ...reminders are always welcome. We have a friendly competition to see who can find those hidden morsels on the ground every time we are outside. I thought since Mom was so interested in them I would give them a try. Great CRUNCH factor! I will put a name to the tree and it's nuts. It is Hickory a member of the Walnut family. You've seen our Oak trees which have had a real good crop of acorns this season. The animals dependent on them for a food source should have a good supply, at least until the snow covers them over. Then there are Black Walnut trees galore. Some of the walnuts have already dropped from the trees leaving the rind to mature and begin the cycle of the squirrels constant drive to tuck them beneath the dirt until they are all hidden.(EVERYWHERE!) ;)

I Love Your Blog Award

I was up early checking out the Blogs I try to frequent everyday. Stopped by Marian's Hunting Stories etc.,etc., etc..., Simply Outdoors, onto The Hunter's Wife , just to name a few. OH MY Goodness!!! What am I reading here? After rubbing my eyes to get the sleep out , finding my glasses... I found my site among some other Bloggers that Jody tagged for a little fun info exchange. Looks very simple,just copy, paste, and personlize. I'm Game! Here it goes. ;) 1. Where is your cell phone? Counter top 2. Where is your significant other? Working on my car 3. Your hair color? Brown 4. Your mother? Recuperating from knee revision surgery 5. Your father? Deceased 6. Your favorite thing? Computer 7. Your dream last night? None - Do I sleep? ;) 8. Your dream/goal? To be able to travel whenever I feel like it 9. The room you’re in? Living room 10. Your hobby? One of my hobbies is raising plants 11. Your fear? Crossing huge bodies of water 12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Financially sound 13. Where were you last night? Home 14. What you’re not? A diva 15. One of your wish-list items? To get all the sports equipment I want 16. Where you grew up? Iowa /Arizona 17. The last thing you did? Got out of bed 18. What are you wearing? PJ's 19. Your TV? 8 year old zenith 20. Your pet? Sadie 21. Your computer? Acer Aspire 22. Your mood? Happy 23. Missing someone? Hubby when he has a lot to do. 24. Your car? Chevy Cavalier 25. Something you’re not wearing? Shoes 26. Favorite store? Outdoor supply stores 27. Your summer? Hot 28. Love someone? Hubby 29. Your favorite color? Blue 30. When is the last time you laughed? Today 31. Last time you cried? Tuesday while I was doing dishes I’m suppose to tag 7 others. I believe some of the ones I would tag have already been tagged, my pass along list will be shorter. Okay girls, here is your "I Love Your Blog Award." Marian's Hunting Stories etc., etc.,etc... Windyridge at On a Ridge Artemis at 12 Months of Winter

Enabling the Disabled Young Hunter

The season is soon upon us for a group of disabled young hunters here in Iowa, to get out into the field to participate in a deer hunt. I must give credit to local reporter Julie Probasco-Sowers, in making us aware of the great things happening in the lives of those who might not otherwise get the opportunity. Hunter Zach Mecham, will be sporting a gun rest specifically made for his wheelchair to steady his gun for a more sure shot. He plans to use a custom- made shotgun to reduce the recoil to make his hunt more manageable. It is thanks to two gunsmiths, Rick Barton and Charlie Soderquist at the Scheels All Sports in West Des Moines, that he will be able to participate in an event called theWhitetail Challenge. Zach, will be one of 15 people taking part in the hunt, taking place on property owned by Mill Creek Ranch and Radakovich Cattle Co. Owners Ron Mason of Mill Creek Ranch, Steve and Penny Radakovich of Radakovich Cattle Co. are co-founders of the North Branch Wildlife Management organization started in 2005 . They wanted to supply a place to those who aren't able to go on their own into hunting situations. Partnering with the Department of Natural Resources, the Quality Deer Management Association, and the Spinal Cord injury Association of Iowa to gain the resources needed to make the total experience possible for the young, and disabled hunters of any age or ability. The hunt for the 15 youngsters is to take place September 26-28th, not that far away. Zach ,14, has been target shooting since he was 11 or 12. He has 4 brothers, two older and two younger, that are active in hunting. Hunting is one of the things that they enjoy as a family and he wants to be apart of it as well. It is really great to know that Zach, and others ,have been empowered by individuals who envision character building, mentoring events to assist in managing their area wildlife, and helping to fulfill dreams...

Sadie Says - Fence Wrangling

Working a fence line here... Mom needed some help to start moving old barbed wire and wooden fence posts. The best I could do was checkout the progress. Tried pulling on the wire , but Mom chased me away. Told me I could supervise on this job. We are manicuring the space between yard, and pasture in preparations for some plans to take place in the Spring. Mom will be taking out some shrubs , her little garden, and 2 trees that seemed to take forever for her to get growing. The deer have a way of pruning small plants that can lead to years of small plants. Better be on my way or Mom will wonder what I'm up to. She keeps a pretty close eye on what I'm doing. What a gal! ;)

Sites of Nature

Today is a day of just plain catching candid shots of nature on the go. This Monarch Caterpillar seemed to be hard at work. Needing to stoke up for the next stage in his life. Found a perfect place in my flowerbed on the "butterfly weed",Asclepias tuberosa, a member of the milkweed family. The Monarch is just one butterfly that seems to enjoy the wild milkweed.This little caterpillar probably won't have time to make it to Mexico with the others. We seem to be having our share of these black, bald scavengers called a Turkey Vulture.We often see groups of two or three. This time of year they are another group of birds that band together and migrate to warmer climes. I am very sure that everyone is seeing abundant populations in your neighborhood riding the thermals as well. Have you ever used the phrase "Busy as a bee" ? Well, truly the bees were busy today gathering some pollen from this "Autumn Joy" Sedum. They won't be caught unprepared for the upcoming winter! The weather has been very pleasant between rains as of late. It has been very enticing to be outside checking things out, just to amble on down the path. ;) Hope all of you are having a bit of time to get out and enjoy your surroundings...

Monarch Butterflies on the Move

I caught the Monarchs packed on the ends of the branches on the oak trees here. Time for them to be moving on down to the Mississippi Delta and over to Mexico. It appears they are on schedule for the yearly migration...As I moved closer to snap pictures, I disturbed the calm atmosphere. Sending a few butterflies to a different limb to perch in the warm rays of the sun.The number of winged wonders made the branches seem to have sprouted orange leaves as they stretched and fluttered during their brief stop to rest.

Iowa Pheasant News

News I have been waiting to hear sounds a bit bleak.The report from the largest Iowa newspaper, huntress Juli Probasco-Sowers, gives us some statistics that are not positive for those sportswomen and men who like to head out after the Ring Necked Pheasant. Iowa Pheasant season is slated for October 25th, 2008 and runs through January 10th, 2009. Last year I noticed a definite population decline in our neighborhood and this year, even though I have heard birds in the area, I only saw a total of three. Maybe not out at the same time they are. Weather has definitely been a stress factor in bird health. With expanding local populations of turkey, predatory animals like coyote and fox can also create a lower number for growth . Any birds that do survive the weather are faced with other challenges for survival. Even though Sadie, who will be six months old on the 18th of this month, won't be on the Pheasant trail this year. We are going to be waiting until next year when she will have some age behind her...and listen to commands a little better. Here's wishing success to all those hunters who are looking to get out after that smart Upland bird the Pheasant! ;)

Turkey Trot

These toms found it pleasing to stop by for a few bugs twice in 12 hours. Hubby caught them yesterday evening on his camera. Tried my amateur turkey calling skill to see what kind of reaction we would get from them. If you watch the video you will hear all kinds of activity going on in the house. It was surprising that all the noise didn't chase them back into the timber sooner than it did. We find each encounter entertaining from day to day...;)

Sadie Says "Meeting the family!"

It all started Friday night, a little before midnight. Somebody was walking into my house that I had not had the opportunity to meet yet. Woke my Mom up with my barking to make sure all was as it was supposed to be. My Dad had left earlier in the day to go to an antique airplane fly-in for the weekend...So, it wasn't him coming in. My youngest two legged sister was bringing my 2 canine nieces and nephew to visit. The humans had plans for a family picture on Sunday. This is the first time since leaving my mom and family in South Dakota that I have been in a doggy group. I really didn't know how to fit in for a bit. Getting nipped a couple of times by the two old ladies gave me a complex...Sorry it took me almost until the time they left to feel like I belonged to "The Pack." Cesar Milan, "The Dog Whisperer", would be proud of us! ;) Followed the group out for a play time in the puddles before they had to get back in the car for the long ride home on Monday morning. I was at a loss when they were gone. Kept checking the room where they stayed while they were here,and went outside to look around where we played. Had a lot of fun being apart of their group.

Guess I will have to get in the car one of these days with Mom and Dad to go visit...

Turkey Times

What a nice start to the Spring Turkey Hunt! This turkey family - Hen and 4 chicks have been constant citizens in the backyard. They travel just outside the line of tall foilage to scratch. The Hen is teaching her babies to forage for food. They all know how to fly for the tree tops as was shown one day after Sadie and I had stirred them out of hiding in the pasture. The first response was a gallop out of the high grass, lifting off to glide gracefully skyward ,only to stop at the tree tops.

Having a few more rounds to make in our walk, we had the opportunity to stop and watch the Hen gathering her chicks from the perches they had risen to a short time before. Barely visible due to the ground cover, she only vocalized at brief intervals, to call the kids back to her side.

This afternoon ,we found this little family, tucked not so silently by the back of the garden. Gliding out of range into the tangle of the timber as we startled them from their hiding place...

Buck Fever

Well folks it has begun! Buck fever is starting here at Timber Life. This guy has been hanging around in the close neighborhood. The same buck I believe I saw with the doe a week ago, in the west pasture. From my vantage point I saw eight points. Got this picture with my Hubby's camera. I had taken my camera with me in the car, and it didn't make it back into the house, because of plans for today. The attempt to go behind the house, to my car in the drive, at the side was almost successful. Freezing in my tracks didn't help this time . He swiftly exited once he got anxious. Checking back in the archives here, I wrote about "Sparring Whitetail Bucks", on October 16,2007 . Wonder if this buck happened to be apart of that bunch? Needless to say , once again that internal - primal awakening is raising the awareness of that rustling sound coming through the brush... ;)

Cloud Tales

The above picture of a curious cloud formation was seen hanging over our west pasture before sunset one evening.We had a night filled with some severe weather in central Iowa, on the evening of August 14th. Here at home we just had lots of clouds, some swift breezes,and eventually some rain. Hubby's Experimental Aircraft Association's monthly meeting was interrupted by a sighted tornado over the city of Marshalltown. It stayed parallel to the clouds,but was visibly rotating. This summer has brought some really pretty evening clouds...or maybe I have seen more of them,because of my increased encouragement to be outside. The clouds in the picture below changed constantly. As did the way the shadows developed as the sun passed from top to bottom as it finally dropped below the horizon. Created a sense of peace and beauty as it slipped silently out of view... ;)

Geese In The Mist

Before 9:00 A.M. today - Sadie and I were given a concert by at least 4 different V's of Canadian Geese flying around treetop looking for a place to set down. The August fog started building around 11:00 last night. The moon made the gradual development over the bean field to above the treetops rather ethereal. The first V came last week on August 6th, a group of approximately 20, flew low over the end of the drive a half mile to the west of the house. Beginning to make me wonder if they are getting started on their way south ,because winter is going to be early this year??? ;)

Sadie Says

My post today is going to cover a product review. Recently, I have been wanting to be the leader of my little pack when we are out on my leash. I kept getting short of breath and my Mom was always sitting me down every few feet. She was continually trying to get my attention. Telling me how much better it would be for all of us if I would just "Slow Down!" I don't know how many of my fellow canines would be interested, but my Mom has found a different type of apparatus that she attaches my leash to under my chin. The "Gentle Leader Headcollar" is what it is called, made by the Premier company. It fits snugly around my head and a piece of the lead goes over my mouth. It sure has made a difference in how I hear Mom now. Looking forward to rambling further than our immediate surroundings. ;)

Mystery To Solve?

Sadie and I made a late night trip outside before bed last night. Heard some crunching footsteps in the timber closest to the front yard...What could it be? The mind sure does jump to conclusions when you can't visualize the noise maker. On the first 1/8th mile of the drive from the house, this morning I recorded in picture the possible culprit's paw prints and scat. The second day of scat sighting in the same area. Earlier in the evening, on a walk we heard vocalizations that would be exchanged from a mother to her pups.Yes, I am pretty sure the coyote family is exploring their territory. Sure do wish they would catch some rabbit,a ground hog, ground squirrels,a red squirrel,or two...;) (Circled are some coyote puppy prints impressed into the mud)

Off To Oshkosh

Hubby is presently en route on a long awaited flight. Today, a little before 1:00 P.M., the weather improved to a point where he felt comfortable enough to begin the first leg of his journey to the Experimental Aircraft Associations mecca at Oshkosh,WI. A trip northeast to Marshalltown to meet up with a flying partner would determine if they would continue onward. Next stop Manchester,IA.,to Platteville,WI. Then a couple more stops possibly before getting into the flight pattern for ultra-lights on approach at the big airfield. Hubby's craft is considered a plane,but has clearance to land with his friend, who flies a World War II replica ultra-light. Time to test the air before making a decision to head out. OFF TO OSHKOSH!!!

Sadie Says

Do You think all the dogs in the world are the same? ; )

New Bass Pro Shop Location

Bass Pro Shop announced on December 18,2007 they would be building a new store in the Des Moines,IA metro area. A public sign of their intentions became visible along the Highway 65 Bypass intersection with eastbound Interstate 80 within the Altoona city limits.

Looks like a great place for easy access. It won't be more than a half hour drive from my place. I will certain;y have to give it a test run when the doors finally open. ;)

TREE AWAY!

Had some 10:00 P.M. strong weather. Sounded like a mighty rushing wind . Found some broken tree tops , leaves down, grill flipped over... That is the first survey of the situation. There isn't time to walk far at the moment. Have to get read to take my Mom for a knee surgery consultation today. The Hickory on the ground stood among some dead Red Elm until last night. Question comes to mind why the Hickory???

Big Old Fish???

Received my weekly Fishing Report from the Iowa DNR to let me know where the best fishing is happening. Gives interested fisherwomen and men a great idea of what is being caught with what bait. Certainly helps when you want to plan ahead and know the supplies to get before getting to the river or lake.

The list below are waterways in central Iowa that would keep me close to home.

I am sure everyone has places they have found to give them the best results...maybe even not to far away from the backporch. Don Williams (Boone): Crappies are biting on jigs or minnows fished in ten foot of water. Big Creek (Polk): Bluegills are biting on night crawlers under a bobber fishing out from shore. Crappies are being caught on jigs drifting in 9 to 12 foot of water. Walleyes are biting, but sorting is needed – there is a 15 inch minimum length limit. Raccoon River ( Dallas ): Catfish are being caught on stink bait and chicken liver. Beaver Lake ( Dallas ): Bluegills are being caught on worms and catfish on cut bait. Saylorville Lake (Polk): White bass are still being caught at the pump station and below the Big Creek Spillway. The water level keeps dropping and more and more fish are being caught in the main lake. Look for sea gulls or fish hitting the surface – fish the windy side of the lake. White bass and catfish are being caught below the dam. Des Moines River (Polk): Catfish bite is really starting to turn on. Yellow banks, Runnels, and Beaver Creek have been some good spots. Red Rock ( Marion ): White bass are really biting. Best spots are below the dam, Highway 14 Bridge and Teader Creek Bay . Use small crank baits and in line spinners most fish are being caught out in the main lake. Catfish are being caught on the old road bed. Rock Creek (Jasper): Bluegill are slowing down – worms are the best bet. Catfish are still being caught on stink bait and cut bait. Crappies are biting on jigs in 6-8 foot of water. Hickory Grove (Story): Bluegills are biting with a worm fished under a bobber. Crappies are being caught trolling or drifting small jigs or crank baits. Some catfish are being caught on crawlers or cut bait. Easter Lake (Polk): Bluegills are biting on worms and bobbers. Catfish have really turned on and are being caught on stink bait and chicken liver. Lake Ahquabi and Hooper (Warren): Shore fishing has been slow but catfish have been biting on worms. Crappies and bluegills have been biting on tube jigs fished next to rock piles out of boats. Mariposa (Jasper): Bluegills are biting on worms fished under a bobber. Catfish are biting on worms and chicken livers. Contact: Ben Dodd (515)432-2823, Ext.108, for information on the above area lakes

Saturn SC1 VS Deer

In one lane Highway 14, Marshall County Iowa, Hubby's Saturn SC1 encountered a conflict of interest last night on his way home from his Experimental Aircraft Association meeting. Two entities trying to share the same space at the same time. Hubby said he came upon the back-side of a deer in the middle of his lane before he was aware of its presence,it went up and over. This is the first deer that had a total impact with either of our vehicles. Years ago, Hubby had a side mirror removed by a side attack of a deer while driving a few miles to the east of us. I myself haven't collided, but had a few close calls. Damage was relatively light given the after dark collision. Crumpled the hood leaving a mid line dent, rearranged the front fender, moved the alignment of the left headlight...The deer was not to be seen after he stopped to assess whether the radiator was functional to make the trip home. We consider him fortunate to be able to continue to drive the car. So many people have cars taken out of commission with their car vs high deer population accidents...

Sadie Says

Another weekly installment of "Sadie Says" coming right up! Been a couple of weeks away from the keyboard . Where to start? Mom has been working outside more lately. She is starting to take me with her when she is in the yard close to the house. Have to get used to following her around. The decision to pick some raspberries at the edge of the yard left me to sit, OR to expend some of my energy. Did a little bit of both. For a few minutes I picked raspberries off the canes closest to the ground, while Mom got the berries at the top. Then it came to me to make a game out of the whole thing. I became an explorer. Dense weeds and brush - no matter! Didn't get to far away before I lost sight of Mom. (not to hard I'm still kind'a short) Really don't go very far yet , need my Mom to keep me happy. One of the bad things about heading into the weeds. I have to sit still and let the hairbrush take out all the round little seeds I got stuck in my ears when I get back into the house. EEEEK! Hate that thing!!! After a full day of keeping Mom occupied, time to stop, and enjoy the sunset...Hope you all have a few minutes to stop and enjoy what nature has to offer. Be seein' you around. ;)

33rd Wedding Anniversary

On June 28,1975, at 2:00 P.M.. In a country church called Noble Center United Methodist Church, located on rural southwestern Iowa Highway 71. Hubby and I exchanged vows to become partners for life. The joining of country and city. It was an unforgettable day! Hot and Iowa humid, where the moisture collects and runs off. Here's a likeness of the "Get Away" car.

I sure am looking forward to seeing what the NEXT 33(?) years have to bring... ;)

The Hunt is On

Hunt ? What Hunt?!? Well, for the Wild Gooseberry of course! In about three days the Wild Raspberries will begin their period of supplying my demand. The Mulberries are ready too if you enjoy their flavor. The floor of the timber has some pretty dense weeds, invasive honeysuckle, fallen limbs, trees and a myriad of other obstacles to get around. Fun all the same! If you ask me. Getting a little steamy out there! The Deep Woods Off! isn't lasting more than two hours with skin moisture dilution. Mosquitoes just hovering in wait to take advantage once the deet goes away. The berry picking for me means that half of the year is gone and the slide to the end is picking up speed. Other types of hunting getting closer and closer. I have had my trusty boots for 7 years now...gone through lots of stuff. Wear them when I am off to the timber to avoid thorny brush in the feet syndrome and those little squiggly green snakes babies I have seen in the neighborhood as of late...

Sadie Says

It is I ,Sadie, the wonder dog. Back again for another what's going on at Timber Life with Mom and me.

Can I say whew! The life of a pampered puppy can be a challenge...

Mom is keeping busy with my antics for sure and trying to work on online independent study in the Medical Coding and Billing field along with other summertime activities). Right now she is working on the Computer Literacy module. It is divided up into 15 weeks with 3 days scheduled in each week. She is able to move as fast or as slow as she feels comfortable. Mom got started the last part of March, and wants to finish before the 15 month deadline set by the educator. Oh, the educator is understanding if you request additional time, but like always she has a drive to "Get 'er done." "Lord Help Us All!" Did I say Antics? Lets see now. At this house there are all kinds of cords for computers and phones. You know the kind of place, where they have gadgets. Yummy carpets to chew, doors you can push against and they will open...Just the regular kind of puppy stuff to keep things lively. My Mommy still loves me even when I seem like a pest. I must say I have my heartwarming qualities too. When I want a treat I will sit and do my dance trying to decide which paw I will present to shake. Mom points to the paw she wants, sometimes I slip the other one up for some affection, and a super tasty piece of a Science Diet puppy treat. Let me tell ya if this is all I have to do to keep 'um happy around here I have it made in the shade...Talking 'bout shade. Ahhh, I'd better leave that for another day. Sadie Says have a great day everybody. I know I will!

Sadie Says

Time for my weekly installment. I really do have some opinions on items made for the canine crowd. In my puppy days I have been found to take off with Mom and Dad's shoes and boots, to have a nibble, until they are found to be missing from the designated holding rug by the door. Wouldn't you know it? Mom decided that she was going to try a product to stop my inner wishes everytime I was tempted. Maybe you have even tried it to keep your little angels from ripping apart your footwear. Here is a product called Pet Odoban. Supposed to be a "No Chew Spray", Tea Tree oil,a bitter barrier. Hmmm, no chew, huh?!? My Mom would totally saturate the surfaces until the liquid was running off the shoes and some furniture I found to be particulary of interest. Boy! The first couple of times it made me shake my head when I lapped it up. After while it didn't make any difference... So, Sadie says, not every dog may have the same results of being offended by the flavor provided by this product. Don't count on protection. Better luck next time 'round Mom!