First Backpacking trip

Thanks Mel, I had an awesome time. I went on my first backpacking trip ever. It wasn't a big hike but I had a great time. Mellisa, Ace (German shepherd), myself and Gambler (dalmatian) went to Hercules Glades. It was a 2.5 miles in to the falls and all up hill on the hike out. The waterfall was pretty. There were a lot of hikers out that weekend. We picked a place off the trail to camp for a little more serenity. We had lunch at the water's edge. I just had some jerky and trail mix. I wasn't to hungry. We collected wood and made a fire ring so we could have a camp fire and for dinner we made chicken and dumplings...it turned out good.

We decided that when we woke up in the morning we were going to hike to the falls and enjoy it when there was no one around. We had a couple of cups of hot tea and watched the sun finish coming up. I could have sat there for hours just listening to the water run over the rocks. We cooked breakfast while we were there, mmmm cheese quesadillas. I took several photos of the area, the camp site, and the boys. I sure wished we could have sat there longer but we planned on being back to the car no later than 2pm and it was going on 1030 and time to break camp for the hike back out.

This was Gam's first time hiking and camping. He did really good wearing the back pack that carried his supplies. I was so proud of him. He got in the water a little but it was a bit cool for him. Ace on the other hand went for a swim. Gambler and Ace played a lot, what a relief that they go along so well. I swear the pack got heavier after the hike in, I know it didn't but it seemed like it. I did have to take the pack off once on the way out. I thought a did pretty well considering I have a desk job and I am not use to hiking a lot. I am trying to build up to my planned trip into the Grand Canyon this year. We will see how it goes but I am looking forward to the next hike.

Catching up

Seems like things just pile on and you don't ever feel like you get caught up. I need to make a list of all the things to do at the house. You know I have had a few days off and I don't think I got much accomplished. I hate house work. I need to do some major spring cleaning. I am not going to put it off any longer. I am going to make my list tonight and see if I can't get it all accomplished by Monday night.

I had totally forgot that fun and games class starts on Sunday so I need to get my treats all ready to go and the rest of my equipment that I will need. This class has always been a great class. I took Brady and Bradley both to this when they were young and now it is Bentley's turn. I can't wait. We are going to be doing so recall work and Bentley and I can use some help in that department for sure. It is going to be a big challenge for Bentley because two of his play buddies are going to be in this class. I love a challenge!!

Bentley and are going to be taking a rally class on Monday too. I am excited about it. I am hoping since he has matured a little more and it isn't in the agility field that we will both do a lot better. I am planning on maybe getting to show him in Rally sometime this year.

March is going to be a crazy month

It looks like March is going to be incredibly busy. I teach puppy classes on Monday nights. I am teaching 2 agility classes at SMDTC on Tuesday nights from March 10th to April 14th. I am taking Obedience Rally Skills at SMDTC on Monday days starting 3-16 and a Sunday tricks class that starts March 15th both with Bentley. Did I mention this is on top of my full time job. LOL I know I just have tons on my schedule but I wouldn't have it any other way. Oh and on days off in there I am training Gambler for TDX. This is the time of year that drives my husband crazy because I am gone all the time. He knows this is what makes me happy getting to play with the dogs. I also have 2 visits a month with Chester for Pet therapy of the Ozarks. I am just getting started on training hikes for my vacation in June.

Shhh....don't tell John but it looks like the house isn't going to get a spring cleaning for a while.

I am planning on taking Gambler with me to Busiek State Forest to do some training hikes. I am also planning on doing some hikes with another friend of mine those will probably be done at Wilson's creek. I am enjoying the hiking. I want to make sure I am in good shape before I go to the Grand Canyon in June. I purchased the remainder of my backpacking equipment and I can't wait for it to get here so I can load it all up in my pack and hike.

FRIENDS

I have come to realize just how amazing my friends are. There aren't a lot of folks who would come and help you rebuild your fence when it is less than 40 degrees outside. I have always known that I had good friends but this weekend they even amazed me. THANK YOU !!! My grandparents came down to help with the fence. My Grandpa, John and I dug post holes, mixed concrete and set posts all day on Friday. Reavis was suppose to help but didn't. On Saturday I had more help than I could have imagined. Jessica and her husband Jason, Carolyn, Mike and their son Ken, Merry and Bruce, Misti and her kids all came to lend a hand with the fence. Once the fence was almost finished I ran out and picked up pizza to feed everyone lunch. I can say that this is something I will always remember. If you all ever need me to lend a hand please just ask, I will be there. I sat down after everyone had left and wrote each one a thank you card. It just didn't feel like that was enough. I pray that God blesses each one of them for their kindness that day. My boys were so happy to have their yard back. Merry let Bandit run and play with the boys for a while. I think they all had a great time.

Officially and F1

The storm was officially confirmed a F1 tornado. Here is a slideshow of the damage. I am so greatful that this didn't turn out any worse.

http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/emtclk/?action=view&current=8c90f11a.pbw

Tornado or Straight line Winds

There were some really bad storms that came through tonight. My hubby called me at work at 11pm, he never calls me at work unless it is bad. Yep, you guessed it...we got hit. If it was a tornado it wasn't a big one Thank God. My husband and the boys(our Bostons) are ok, again ...Thank God. I am hoping everything is ok at my Mom's. She lives in another state that the storms traveled through. I talked to my Grandma and let her know what happened. She said she had been worried about us. There were several reports of damage around town but thankfully no injuries.

The damage report I got from John was as follows:

Shingles everywhere, trampoline in the driveway, neighbor lost the tree in their front yard, the chain link fence where the gate is located is all messed up, there is basically no back fence with the exception of a few 6 foot sections

The real joy is that the boys now have to go out on leash to potty when renders the dog door pointless. Chester and Brady can go out with no leash since they are good boys. Bentley's nose always takes him out of the yard. Bradley well that just isn't going to happen because he hates the neighbor's cat and that would bad. I will take photos in the morning and try to post them later on.

A little fun in the snow

We got enough snow this past week that the boys got to play in it. Bradley loves the snow and will run hot laps in it. Bentley thinks it is great too. Chester would like it more if it weren't so cold and Brady, well he likes the snow and will chase snow balls. John went out and played with the boys and I was busy taking photos since they were having such a good time. Bradley and Bentley were playing ball. Chester went out after I put his coat on and played chase for a while with Bentley. The "B" boys all came in after about 45 mins to get their coats on too. I would have loved to play with them longer but I had to go to work. The first picture Bradley is digging for his ball, and yes it is in there.