Mom and Dad at Graduation

In an effort to stay off foot today, I've been playing around with a photo program. This is an update to a photo taken at my graduation last month. I created a frame and mat of the photo with my mom and dad.

Looking at that photo again I can see just how terrible I felt that day. It was fun and I had a good time and all but I was under the weather with a sick headache; however, I would not have missed it for the world!

Dad at Dog Park

Time has been precious the last week or so but now I am off work until next Tuesday. My Dad and I took the rat terriers to the Clearwater dog park today - it was hot and the dogs didn't last long. Now it's overcast and raining. Hard to tell it's the same town!

Many thanks to those of you who have sent graduation cards and gifts. I will get around to thanking you all individually but it's going to be a whirlwind weekend for now, but fun!

Vickie

Last Day of College!

Today I completed my coursework for a BS degree in Business Management. I earned an AA degree many years ago but never quite got to that BS. I turned in final assignments around 11:30am. Feels wierd actually. I am sure I will go through classroom withdrawl as I have been logging in for 2 1/2 years. Here's how I spent my day off (after turning in final):
Brought the succulents in from the car that I purchased last night at Target. Poor things...off to a bad start. Notice there are two split rocks in the group. I'm betting they will be dead before my commencement ceremony on June 14th. Good thing we don't have burial cemeteries for plants or ther would be no room left on the planet for anything else ;)




















Eddie was so wound up this morning that I thought it was time for a trip to the dog park despite my bum foot. Lots of bird activity at the park but only a couple squirrell sightings - Ed thinks the dog park is a game reserve! My prissy little Daisey was the only one interested in the birds which is funny because there a bird dog there showing no interest.







Decided to treat myself to a manicure some waxing, and a Frappachino on this special day. As I was leaving the neighborhood I saw a flock of mixed birds in the retention pond. I tried to get close but it spooked them. There were Roseate Spoonbills, White Herons, and Ibis of some sort.








After manicure picked up mom and took her to her automotive shop to pick up her vehicle. Then we went to Erica's for a little visit before me. mpm, Lea and Sarah went for celebatory ice cream at the Cone Cabin that serves Working Cow ice cream. Yum, yum. There was major squirrell activity at the Cone Cabin!

(For those who do not know my famiy, Lea is actually my first cousin but she grew up with my mom kinda, sorta. Her daughter Erica is my first cousin once removed but seems more like a first cousin. Sarah is her daughter so my first cousin twice removed)

Back to reality tomorrow - just another work day! Vickie

Commencement

Guess who's going to attend a graduation ceremony?!? UOP is going to hold a commencement ceremony in Tampa about a month after I complete my coursework. I'm told they hold regional ceremonies and as luck would have it, Tampa is one of the venues. Not only am I going, but my Dad is gonna come too! The plan is for him to spend a week with us and a week with Aunt Flossie in Arcadia - she'll be 91 next month. Since it is an early morning ceremony and we want to go out to lunch after and maybe have a glass of champaign, plans are to rent a limo since Mom, Dad, Margie, hubby, me & Cousin Erica will be attending. There's probably room for another person or two if anyone is interested ;) I ordered my cap & gown this week and have attached a photo of it.

My friend C has a date tonight! You go girl. It's been a dating desert for almost a year and now she has several interested parties. I guess when it rains it pours. He's cooking for her so it will e interesting to see how it goes.

Watching the movie Disturbia as I type. If you haven't seen it, it's worth it. Interesting concept and well made in my opinion.

Chloe the evil chihuahua is having episodes again. Not sure what is going on but it appears neurological to me. Walking backyard, wild stare. She's had this sort of thing before and no clear indication as to what it is. She's old so I think I will leave her alone unless she appears to be in pain.

I gotta get a wreath on the door or I will ruin my reputation as the wreath lady. Thinking its a little late for my St Patty's so I'll just go straight to the Easter wreaths. Oh! Jerry's cousin Maureen is coming during spring break. She's staying with Marge. Am looking forward to her visit. She's fun.

V

Friday/Saturday

Went to Carmalita's Mexican restaurant with mom last night for Friday night Girl's nite out. Cousin Erica was supposed to join us but was delayed and by the time she could leave, a storm came up and scared her away. It poured - our swiming pool is filled to the brim. First it blew all day then started pouring about 7pm I guess. By the time we left I had to wade through water to get to the car and my feet and shoes were soaked because the water came up to my ankels. Mom gave me her unbrella so I could bring the car around - I felt like a moving target with the umbrella because it was lightening fast and furious. I kept thinking of that movie where Alan Arkin didn't want to get shot so he ran 'serpentine". LOL I will take a photo of the pool tomorrow if I can remember. Not only is it full, it is filled with debris from the oak trees due to high winds.

After Jerry got off work today (Saturday) we took Marge looking for a 3-wheeled and pouch bearing walker. Didn't know that all the medical mobility stores close at 1pm on Saturdays. Oh well, we had a nice lunch at Perkins. Marge and I had clubs that were very good. On the way had hubby drive thru Sonic for a pineapple milkshake, I am bad.

School has been great really. Good grade and enjoyable class. Assignments not too difficult, reading is itneresting, and instructor seems to be a liberal grader :) Tema is ok too and that helps. Found out my nuddy that I've had 8 classes with won't be finishing the last class with me like we though due to some change in her schedule. Oh!!! Also found out that UOP is going to have a graduation ceremony in Tampa in June so I may actually be able to attend. I just assumed I would not be involved in any graduation festivities because I wasn't willing to fly to Phoenix. That would be cool not just ofr me, but for family who have also had to sacrifice due to my time spent on class instead of with them.

I will end this post with a couple dogs picture of Ratbone Rescue fosters available for adoption.

Vickie

One more week closer to graduation

It feels as though my timeclock is now ticking away days until grduation instead of weeks and months - May 5th will be here before I know it. I already secured May 8 - 15th off but now Jerry has pointed out that is mother's day weekend so I am going to try to reschedule it for a week later which will cover Jerry's birthday as well. We are going to celebrate in Branson, Missouri. Haven't been there in years! Dad is trying to arrange the visiting into a mini Manning family union.

First photo - Jelly Bean. 12 wk, 4 lb cutie! Poor little fellow has underformed back legs, they are always a little bent, but it doesn't slow him down. He is being fostered in Indiana by a Ratbones volunteer.

Second photo - Rascal. 10 wk old energetic and cuddler pup. Sounds like he's a smart one too. He's being fostered in California and adoptable through Ratbone Rescues.

Third photo - Sara. This is one of least favorite stories where owners drop off their dog and its puppies to a shelter. While the answer is to HAVE YOUR PETS SPAYED Sara is now in the hands of Ratbone Rescues and looking for a family that will value her. Her California fosters say she is gentle, well mannered, and affecitonate. sounds perfect to me!