Welcome to Monday.
My head is still spinning from the past few days. We were Hella busy. And since I can’t seem to get my oars going in the same direction, today will be a jumble of thoughts- some complete some not.
Be kind.
And for those who didn’t come along for the Austin adventure, here’s are the links to get caught up if you want to-
I was there for the birth of an empire…Part 1
This was unwonderful.
It was still daylight when we drove through Bastrop, TX on the way home yesterday. It was the first time I got to see the damage from the massive wildfire a month ago. And although I’m almost officially ancient I’ve never seen fire damage before; not up close and personal anyway.
We slowed down in the fire ravaged area. So did a lot of others.
I’d expected just to see a bunch of black stumps everywhere. Instead, as far as I could see the trees were still standing but they were leafless (go figure) and totally black. The ground looked grayish from all the ash I suppose.
It looked like a scene from a Tim Burton movie. I bet it’s especially creepy when there’s a full moon.
Some of the burned areas closest to the road have already been sprayed with hydromulch in an effort to stave off erosion. And since the hydromulch is bright green the contrast between it and the scorched trees right next to it made the scene look even more bizarre.
I’d seen the devastation from a tornado before. We had to drive through a town ravaged by an F-4 to take a loan app years ago. That took my breath away. I hope I never have to witness such things ever again.
But enough of talk of Mother Nature’s Nastiness.
Today is Columbus Day. So this seems appropriate.
I like it. The graphic that is.
As far as Columbus day goes, it’s just another chance for a three day weekend. Although when you’re self employed it doesn’t really affect you anyway.
I don’t have any Columbus Day specific plans.
Although rumor had it that Doug, paying homage to Columbus, had planned to lay claim to an area he hasn’t visited in awhile.
Good luck with that.
Yesterday I was an angry as I’d been in over 10 years at him and told him that very thing, at one point going so far as to call him “Gutless”. (It takes a lot to get me mad, but when I finally do it’s best to be nowhere close.)
As soon as I’d said it I’d regretted it. But I didn’t apologize. I don’t have to threaten or curse to get my point across.
Needless to say, it was a quiet trip home.
Things are better, but he won’t be planting his flag anywhere today.
And of course this couldn’t have happened at a worse time.
Our biggest event of the year, Festa Italiana, starts Friday. As ususal there’s much to do and on top of that I have our monthly event at Discovery Green on Saturday. And starting tomorrow, I’ll be at Evelyn’s for three days. I think a few days apart will be good for us. Besides I’ll still be talking to him, and probably seeing him too, just not as much.
She’s having her knee scoped on Tuesday and I told her I’d stay will her and be her nurse Ratched. I’m going to make a ginormous pot of chicken soup and be at her beck and call.
I don’t expect she’ll need all that much. I had my knee scoped years ago and worked a festival the next day. But I’m hardy pioneer stock and if you gotta work, you gotta work. Besides she does so much for me it’s the least I can do.
You really can’t get mad when it’s your fault…
It was late when we left Wed. night; I couldn’t get a pet sitter. So I installed a dog door and then we left the biggest 4 of our 6 on their own for 4 days. (Giz and LB were with us in Austin.) Nate came and checked on them to make sure they had food and water, but most of the time they were alone.
But they weren’t bored.
Oh no, they weren’t.
Apparently we left the makings for quite the party.
Most everything that wasn’t put away or otherwise secured was destroyed. The good part was that the couches and blinds weren’t touched. It was just everything else- the magazines, a gigantic box of crackers and assorted containers of bits and bobs that were some day destined to become Ecofab goodies. Most things were no longer even identifiable having instead been transformed into teeny-tiny bits of debris not usable for anything. It looked like a ticker tape parade had gone through the den and dining room.
And since Houston, like Austin got a real pounding by thunderstorms while we were gone, there was mud everywhere too. Thank God leather couches can just be wiped off.
Anyway, it was quite the mess. Almost Turner and Hoochish.
I found this photo. It isn’t one of ours, but I can totally relate.
As soon as I opened the door I knew who was really responsible for the destruction at our place.
See below.
That was taken the day he showed up here, 6 months ago.
He’s bigger now.
And even if I hadn’t known, Blondie and Blackie ratted him out as soon as I hit the door.
“It was all him, mom. Really.”
A few minutes later Daisy said the same thing. “I told him to stop, but he just said “You’re not the boss of me.”"
I knew they were all telling the truth.
That giant pup just loves to destroy things.
A bored husky is a destructive husky. Once when we were away for a day, Kiwi ate through the side of the house, literally. We came home and her body was outside and her head was stuck in the wall of the utility room.
We knew it was chancey when we left; but we just had to go.
Blondie and Blackie just love being outside on squirrel patrol. They’re not interior demolitionists; and Daisy’s all about the squeak toys. We left her a whole basket of toys.
So it was the big boy. No doubt about it.
But since it was totally our fault so there was no point in getting upset. I just grabbed a big trash can, a broom and a dust pan and got to work. I worked for almost two hours. non-stop and still have about 50% left to go.
I needed to finish cleaning anyway. Lazer was just giving me some incentive.
In the future I’ll be better about putting things away before leaving them alone for protracted periods.
I guess that’s it for now. I gotta clean, and clean then clean some more, then get everything I’m taking to Evelyn’s ready to go.
Later gators.
Gee, I guess Lazer thought you needed more things to do. I loved Turner and Hooch-that dog had such personality. Lazer probably does underneath all that destructiveness. My husband and I want to know how Brett came up with the shake business idea and how he learned the different flavors. Just curious. Answer when you have nothing else to do. Come to think of it, answer anyway because your life is always busy. LOL and have a good day.
When Brett first got to Austin 4 years ago, he worked at diner. The 20 somethings are just crazy for breakfast items. He came up with the pancake shake back then. Good morning- the oatmeal shake came soon after.
I watched shake after shake leave Handshakes this past weekend. People are already Tweeting good things about them.
Doug and I are worried about them making it through the winter with just shakes. We’re hoping by then they have some food items as well.
So he “invented” most of his flavors?
He did indeed.
Let me inderstand–when you have to “sweep up the house” after leaving the dogs alone, you literally have to SWEEP UP THE HOUSE? Maybe someday you’ll come home to find the Wicked Witch of the West’s legs sticking out from under the debris.
Oh yeah, we had to sweep and sweep and sweep then sweep some more. And on top of everything else Lazer is blowing his coat.
It’s a fun time.:)
The chicken soup sounds amazaing. You are so sweet to help.
Your husky is gorgeous. Ours is doing well. :) They’re so much fun, aren’t they!
Lazer says thanks for the props young one. He is gorgeous, and ultra sweet. That’s another reason that I couldn’t get mad at him. He was just soo happy to see us and was totally clueless that he had done anything at all wrong.
You are so nice to be the caregiver. Just don’t make her laugh too hard. Because I know you two
Dazee recently posted..Give Me A Break, Give Me A Break, Break Me Off A Piece Of That Kit-Kat Bar (but only if it’s white chocolate)
I’m not going for sainthood Miss Dazee. I’m just trying to balance the scales a little.
Laughter’s good for a sick person- so Ive heard.
I thought about changing into my naughty nurse outfit while she’s under then be wearing it when she comes to.
What do you think?
You can bring them to me next time! Just a slight detour. LOL At least they had a good time!
I’m not mad at Hubs right now—for this minute so he’s being awfully nice. My thoughts are he’s wanting to plant a flag himself. LOL
Hope all goes well with Evelyn!
Wait- did you ever give the website and I missed it? For the business?
Pam recently posted..Challenge Day!
Enjoy the flag planting ceremony Miss Pam.
I’m sure Evelyn will be fine. A knee scoping usually isn’t a big deal. Her big pot of chicken soup is simmering away now.
No you didn’t miss the Ecofabgifts.com debut. As usual, I’m running behind. However I am starting to photograph everything. It’s really time consuming.
You’ll know when it’s up. I plan on hiring the Goodyear blimp to make the big announcement.
Darn dogs and husbands! Can’t live without them though. Oh, wait … yes I can. But thinking you don’t want , so take care of Evelyn for a little respite.
Sandy recently posted..Taming the Energy Hog
It’s nice being here, if only for a bit.:)
Morning M, So glad you will be there for Evelyn. A little time away is a good thing on occasion, sorry Doug. It was a good 3 days off, had a few with a friend for her birthday at a jazz concert.
Hugs to you two…TRACK
Hiya Track. Glad you had a good time with your friend. I’ll pass along your hug to Miss Evelyn.
I’m so glad you popped in at my place again! I’ve been looking for you. :-) Where’s that five bucks you owe me?! Nah. As we used to say “JK!”
I wanted to add you to my blogroll — and I have. Happy Tuesday, BB.
Pearl
Pearl recently posted..I’ll Be Awake by Noon — Talk to Me Then
I always like coming by your place young one. You have an interesting life for sure. Sadly, these days it seems I’m lucky if I can get around to see my friends 2-3 times a week.
Thanks for adding me.:)
They need to make the burnt forest a haunted forest for halloween. :)
Stephanie recently posted..RemembeRED – Just Before You Start
It’s be good for one for sure.
Oh goodness! Little did I know when I left my comment yesterday about hoping the dogs didn’t party! Yikes! It reminds me of the time we had an Irish Setter who was terrified of fireworks so we used to drug her every 4th of July. When she got too old to drug, our family decided on year to go to Seattle so we put Bonny in my bedroom with a CD playing loudly and continuously. By the time we got home in the middle of the night, the house was dead quiet. We walked into my room to see why. She had pulled the CD player from the wall, tore everything off of the bookshelves, ripped clothes from the closet and sheets from the bed, broke toys and figurines, and generally did everything possible to make sure the floor was not visible. I feel for you!
Padded Cell Princess recently posted..Point and Laugh
Unfortunately I can totally relate to that scene.
Clearly, you have had a very eventful few days…the stress seems to be taking a bit of a toll but once the money starts rolling in, the stress will lift!!!
I didn’t realize that Colombus Day was a big deal by you…I always thought that it was kind of ignored when you wandered away from the tri-state area up here. My kids in DC had to work….
In any case, I hope it goes well for Evelyn and that you and Doug make up soon.
XXOO
Susan Says… recently posted..First Ever Contest Sponsored By Susan Says…!
Doug came to Evelyn’s for dinner tonight and gave me a kiss when he left so we’re getting back to normal.
I still can’t comment at your place. It’s making me crazy-er.
OMG! What do you do when or if you actually have a day of rest? I cannot fathom it? I don’t think I could live your life, I do not have the energy. Also, I just can’t believe that Brett came up with those flavors on his own…very impressive
Kim Wright (Pinkim) recently posted..It’s Pink Saturday! Again…
Thanks for the props Miss Kim. I’ll tell Brett what you said.
Your dog reminds me of what my ferret used to do. He’d dig up flower pots and get dirt everywhere.
Devastated my Dad, he loved his plants.
DWei recently posted..Happy Turkey Day!
With pets you either love them unconditionally or not. They may frustrate you but your love outweighs your anger in the end. At least that’s how it works for me.
BTW- I still can’t comment at your site. Can you pls get the name/URL option back for me? I now include you in my list of people i visit but I can’t let you know I’m there. It’s frustrating.