Friday, July 19, 2013

"When Maxmom's away, Lexi will...

... get up to all sorts of mischief!

Hello there everyone!

It's been more than two weeks since my last blogpost.  I'm sorry I've been so slack, but the truth is that I've been a bit under-the-weather with a horrible, persistent cough.  It has given new meaning to the phrase: "Coughing your eyeballs out".  Phew, the coughing fits have been exhausting and fatiguing!  Just when I think that the virus is contained, another spasm descends on me and leaves me gasping for breath.  Hopefully I'll be back to normal soon.

The effect of my 'sickies' has been that my pooches have been in "lock-down mode".  They've mostly spent the days indoors with me, sleeping away the time and staring at me with wide, concerning eyes. I've had to cancel two of Toby's agility classes during this time.  With no voice and a tight chest it's been futile even contemplating the evening classes. Sorry Toby! 
Toby eyes say it all - he's missing his classes.  Hopefully we can get back soon.

As they say, "When the cat's away, the mice will play."  At least this is Lexis take on the situation.  She's thoroughly enjoyed her unsupervised time in the garden. (or rather, what's left of the garden!) 



My short visit outside this morning revealed an array of strange objects - socks, drain-filters, uprooted plants and patches of missing lawn. If I look at her landscaping activities, there is absolutely no sign of any negative side-effects following her spaying operation two weeks ago.  Lexi is alive, well and full of the joys of life.  She's is always up for a game with Toby.

 Her training hasn't been affected by my condition because it's on a Saturday MORNING when my chest is reasonable.  She is currently participating in the preparation for her CGC (bronze) certificate.  But, judging from her work in my garden, I'd say there's a lot of catching up to do.

At night, Lexi makes herself comfortable to sleep off all her energetic activities.  She has usurped the couches in our home and I've not had the energy to disagree with her. Besides, she's a cuddle-bunny of note and has allowed me to give her endless ear-rubs and soak in her special warmth. 

 When she's not on my lap, she's in the garden, or in the swimming pool.  Lexi doesn't believe that winter is any excuse for not swimming.

On a different note, if you've not yet seen this video of Toby and her (at 12 weeks), please do so.  For some reason, this video has gone viral with over 16000 hits!



Ageing 'Aunt Tam' just goes with the flow...  She's really getting on now and sometimes struggles to get up in the morning.  

She's on regular dosages of Rimadyl too, but still enjoys life - particularly if she's taken on a walk.  Walks allow Tammy the special opportunity to tick of the various items on her "bucket list": - chasing birds, eating bird-poop, saying 'howzit' to other dogs and to be very vocal in the process.  By the time she gets home, she's exhausted, but very satisfied. There's still a lot of life in her. She's 13 years old now...a graceful old lady.

The dry, chilly days of winter are still with us although I notice that the Namaqualand daisies are starting to show their happy faces.  Soon, our world will be a wash of orange on the pavements signalling the change of  temperatures and the hope of Spring.

Just some other, random news: 

We visited the amazing 'Bodyworlds' exhibition last weekend....

 What an incredible event! Dr. Gunther von Hagens' exhibition offers an unprecedented and unique look beneath our own human skin.  It's been on display worldwide for 15 years and has been visited by more than 35 million people in over 70 cities. The exhibition in Johannesburg was very tastefully put together and is extremely respectful of the various donor Plastinates.  It certainly gives one a new perspective on our amazing human bodies. I'll never look at my own body the same way again.  If you've not had the opportunity to see one of these exhibitions , I would highly recommend it.  It is mesmerising!

Yesterday, was the 95th birthday celebrations of our country's iconic Nelson Mandela.  The country was abuzz of goodwill as people donated 67 minutes of their time to reach out and do good for others. My own contribution has been delayed until I'm feeling better, but I have something special in mind.  :) Happy birthday, Madiba!  May you get better soon!

Perhaps I should go and wash Toby's paws as my act of charity in the meantime. 
 What do you think?

That's all for now.  I hope that you are all well and happy. 
 Have a wonderful weekend, dear friends.  

Sending lotsaluv

16 comments:

The Life of Riley said...

Nice to hear from you again. We loved the video of you in the pool. It makes us wish we had a swimming pool too.

Woofs,
Riley and Enzo.

WFT Nobby said...

Hi Caryl, sorry about the cough and I do hope it clears up soon. But what a delight that so many folk have been able to share in the fun of watching your gorgeous swimming dogs. Believe it or not, the weather has been so warm in Aberdeen (i.e. over 20ºC!) lately that I'm wishing I had a pool in the back garden, and so I suspect is Bertie.
What amazing stuff your precious Madiba is build from. What an inspired idea it is, to celebrate his birthday birthday with community service.
Cheers, Gail.

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Howdy Caryl, hope that cough clears up soon. Have you been checked for Whooping Cough? Loved the video of Lexi and Toby swimming. Just wonderful. Take care. Weather here has been awful and our two do not want to go outside at all! No worries, and love, Carol (and Stella and Rory)

Curt Rogers said...

Feel better soon, Caryl. Whenever I'm sick I curl up with Duncan and sleep away the day. You can do that with all three! I hope you mend three times as fast!

Curt

Unknown said...

I hope you feel better soon and experience a full recovery. I, too, had the "crud" earlier this year and am much better.

Caryl, you have been such an inspiration to me. Your witness has been extremely meaningful. Thank you so much.

May God bless, Elinor Teska

Mrs. JP said...

I had thought maybe you were on holliday but now find that you've been really sick. Do take care of yourself. Lexi and Toby will take care of the outdoors,,haha.
I recommend lots of snuggles with Lexi and hot tea with honey as my Rx.
I pray you are back to yourself soon.
thanks for posting that video again,,it's adorable.
love and blessings from all of us in the tennessee holler...

KB said...

I sure do hope that you're feeling better. Lexi made me laugh with all her landscaping activities! I'm glad that she's such a good snuggler - it makes being sick a little easier.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

We are sending some get well wishes in some magic bubbles- we hope they help you feel better.
We love all the cute photos of the mischevious doggys!
love
tweedles

Molly the Airedale said...

We love that photo where Lexi has a clump of your garden in her mouth! We hope you feel better soon, MaxMom!

Love ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly

Mary Lou said...

Maxmom....
I had noticed that you were "slacking" in your Blogging lately!! Hee, hee, hee.... ;-D
I do hope that your cough gets better!! That is no fun. I suffer from asthma, and have since age 21. Fortunately, God has healed me from it!! For the most part, anyway!! Chest colds always make me codependent on my albuterol inhaler!! Anyway, I know what you're going though, and feel for you, Friend!! ;-}
Wait. What?! One of YOUR videos have gone viral on the internet with 16,0000 hits?! Wow!! Your Goldens are famous beyond Blogville!! ;-D
Tell those canines of yours to be good "Comfort Dogs"!! And take care!! ;)
Love, Raelyn.... Plus Rose, my BEAUTIFULLY UNIQUE "Mystery Dog"!!

How Sam Sees It said...

We hope you feel better soon. I think Harlow and Lexi would love to play with each other.

Sam

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

We are sorry woo aren't feeling well -

Of khourse, we are sorry Khamp Khyra isn't an option!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Khousin Harley
PeeEssWoo: We smiled fur The Special Nelson Mandela on his Gotcha Day! He is khwite the inspiration!

sprinkles said...

I hope you get to feeling better.

MySpecialDoggies said...

Hope you get well soon - glad to read about your pups! I think my Neeli & Elle would love to play with Toby & Lexi.

Woofs
Nadine & goldens Neeli & Elle

NanaNor's said...

My dear Caryl, I'm sorry you've had a persistent cough; praying the Lord's healing touch on you! Loved seeing the pups. Hubby and I are going on a cruise in Alaska to celebrate 35 yrs of marriage. Sending you lots of love and hugs.
Noreen

My Dog Sam - Ruptured Disk said...

Hi Maxmom, everything looks so nice.