Hope to get this Posted

Okay, let's see: I've been working my fingers to the nub (as has Bipsy) to get ready for our training in Tennessee. I keep telling her, "Whenever you get stressed out, think of the name of the hotel we'll be staying in: "The Hilton Garden Inn." I haven't had much of a chance to see what the hotel is like, but the name itself sounds relaxing. I'm looking forward to the trip, just for a change of pace. We leave Saturday morning and return Monday night.

I've had a uti AGAIN this week that has turned into a fun kidney infection. So, I'm on antibiotics for that. I am sitting at my computer with a heating pad on my back. I went and bought one because I knew the lower back pain would be much more tolerable with one. I was right! Ahhhhhhh. Now I just need a plug to convert it so I can plug it in on the trip down to Tennessee. ;)

I mentioned the dwarf hamsters babies in one of my text message posts. They are so cute it's almost paralyzing. :) They are totally sweet (unlike their parents) and easy to handle. I would sit and watch them all day if I had the time (but I don't) so I took some pictures. Maybe I will find time to post them here soon. I amazed at how something so tiny can be so active and amusing to watch. Jo adores them!

Robert wants to take me out to dinner tonight. I am torn between wanting to go home and pack and then lay down with the heating pad and actually going out to dinner. It's a toss up. I know I will miss being away from the family, but getting in bed, covering up with the comforter and resting sounds so inviting. We'll see.

As I mentioned, Ellie sent me a really cool package of Strawberry Shortcake items, none of which I have seen around here. There are stickers, (enough for me to use some and save some) a water bottle, a keychain doll, a retro Strawberry Shortcake patch, a postcard, a mini tote and my personal favorite, the night light. I'm sure I've missed something. That was such a welcome surprise. I'd been having a crappy week, and it was just the pick-me-up I needed. Thank you so much, Ellie!

I also mentioned that Josh is doing well on his job. He is getting all kinds of encouragement from his bosses. They want him to work more and more hours, but we're reigning him in, keeping him around 30 hours. I don't want him to get on burnout at this age. I know from firsthand experience that employers will work a workhorse to death. A good worker can easily be taken advantage of and end up exhausted. He's too young for that and doesn't NEED to work 40 hours a week. There will be plenty of time for being a workaholic when he's an adult. :) Why start now?

I'm looking in to renting a car to go to Georgia instead of taking a bus. Our transportation situation is grim right now, with both vehicles heading to the shop this week. Plus, they both have some age on them now. One is a 1997 Astro van and one is a 2000 Ford Taurus. Even if we have the vehicles back and ready to go by next Thursday night, I'm not sure I want to tax them by putting the additional mileage on them. Factoring gas prices and car rental, I'd still come out a bit cheaper by driving myself, since Jess is going with me. Plus it would afford me more freedom to sight see a little along the way. I'll miss out on some ecclectic characters in route, but I can live with that. :)

Other than that, no new happenings in my life.

I would like to request thoughts and prayers for my friend, Sheila, and her husband, Terry. Their dog, RD, died Sunday, on Father's Day. This dog was like their baby; slept with them, went everywhere they went...wanted for nothing. He died when his harness got caught in one of the electric fences on their farm. He started trying to chew through the fenceline, and it electricuted him. Terry happened to be away at the time. They live on a 40 acre farm with cows, goats, sheep, horses, Shetland ponies, etc. Their two dogs had a lot of running room. I guess RD went under the fence after a rabbit (which he did quite often) but happened to get caught this time. The fence was set on low, but he took a shock for long enough that his heart stopped. I know just how difficult losing a pet can be, so I am very sympathetic with their plight.

On that sad note, I must close.

Hope you're having a good week! More later!