Friday, April 18th, 2025
Friday Five
TGIF!! Time to share five random things about our week. Here’s mine:
- Maggie has quite suddenly become an outside dog. She just wants to be out back and resists when I tell her to come in. Maggie resisting any of my commands is a little weird, but right now I’m chalking it up to age-induced stubbornness. She also has a new thing of wanting to hang out with Wizard in the garage — that I’m very happy about. He has always wanted her to hang with him outside. Maggie is fine otherwise. And after dinner, she only goes out to potty then stays in the rest of the night. So…as far as we can tell, she’s good, just deciding to live the outdoor dog life for awhile. I’m assuming the summer temps with change her mind
- And speaking of summer…we finally hired a place to make and install a motorized outdoor shade for one side of our patio that is large, like a 16 foot width. We looked into it last year and were a bit shellshocked at the price and we didn’t find the solution we wanted. This year we did and at an acceptable price. It’ll be weeks before it’s installed, but Wizard especially is happy about this. He BBQs out there and needs the shade!
- Speaking of expenses, I guess the Shelby was feeling neglected. We went out to dinner last night, then came home and…the power seat broke. Unfortunately it broke in the pushed all the way back position that Wizard uses to get out of the car, so now he can’t drive it. As I’m writing this yesterday afternoon, he’s on his way to the specialty car shop to see if there’s a power seat replacement available, or maybe even a manual seat. Wizard knew the power seat was breaking and has been searching for a replacement for a while, but I guess they are hard to come by.
- This kind of stuff is the cost of having a car like the Shelby, which we both knew when his brother left it to him. So last night, I was trying to make sure Wizard didn’t think I was upset over the cost of this car, and I jokingly said, “The Shelby is your expensive hobby and Maggie is mine.” I really should have known better than to open that can of worms with an accountant — Wizard then told me the exact figure it cost us for Maggie’s food, medicine and vet bills for last year. Sigh…yeah, Wizard keeps spreadsheets on all this stuff, and obviously, remembers the exact numbers just in case he wants to make a point. Fine, point taken. Maggie is expensive but she’s worth every penny! For the record, he never truly complains. I mentioned that at the end of this year I want to get her teeth cleaned again, and all he said was, “Get an estimate next time you’re at the vet’s office so I can plan it.” Totally reasonable.
- Turbo and his mom our coming over tomorrow. Turbo’s dad and Youngest son will be out of town, and Special K asked if it was okay for her and Turbo to come over and hang out. Of course it is!! I’m not sure what Sunday will bring.
That’s my five, now I’d love to hear yours! I hope everyone has a great weekend!
April 18th, 2025 at 10:45 am · Link
Lizards. Maggie rests her case. But yay for Wiz time in the garage.
There are a bunch of companies around here who do those kind of shade awning thingys. Glad y’all found an acceptable one. 🤞🏼 Wiz finds a solution to the seat issue! CPAs. Can’t live with ’em, can’t live without ’em. 
Yay for Turbo/Special K Time™. Okay, my five.
1. Mother Nature is still drunk. Or off her meds. Either one. Both. Yesterday was 90+ in the Panhandle. Today, it’s below freezing and they have snow. Here it was 90 but we don’t get the cold until tonight.
2. This is long week. I’ve been a slug. I did hang out the hummingbird feeder.
3. I made it to Wallyworld yesterday. I consider that a win for the week.
4. Speaking of Wallyworld, I bought a case of canned dogfood. In gravy. Evidently, Jake does not like gravy. He likes pate. Good thing the crows aren’t choosey.
5. Pete has turned into Security Cat. I’m tempted to “steal” the scurity cat vest off T-shirt Cat the next time he shows up wearing it. Pete is determined to guard his cat door from all comers–especially Dennis the Menace (the new orange neighbor who shows up for breakfast and wants to move in). I think Dennis is not smart enough to figure out how the door works. Pete is not convinced. Whenever he’s outside, he parks himself in front of the cat door and glares at anything that moves–leaves, birds, dog walkers, cars, stray cats…
No plans this weekend. Supposed to be chilly, stormy/rainy, and tomorrow is the day that kicks my PTSD’s @$$ so I’m going to lay low and listen to books. No plans for Sunday for much the same reason and some health issues in the extended family. Happy Easter, everyone! Have a good weekend.
April 18th, 2025 at 2:54 pm · Link
1. You are probably right about Maggie just getting cranky about not listening to you now that she’s getting older. They are very much like their human relatives. Age changes us. It’s really nice that she is spending time outside with Wizard ☺️.
2. That’s great news finding a shade that will fit your needs and not break the bank. I remember looking at them MANY years ago and the cost was just too high. Wizard will enjoy grilling much more w/o baking in the sun.
3. Oh no the poor Shelby. Sure hope Wizard came up with the best most cost effective way to go with the seat.
4. Ha Ha – CPA’s and cost analysis 🤣. Yes, pir pets are very expensive but they are living members of the family.
5. Have a wonderful time with Special K and Turbo tomorrow.
1a. Yesterday on the way to work C was in an accident and the Audi is a total mess. Thank heaven he has a truck too.
2a. Even with the accident, C came over before taking the car for an estimate just so we could order the new washer and dryer. I chose the one with the removable agitator and they will come May 2nd.
3a. It is beautiful here. It’s 78F. Tomorrow the temp will drop and it will rain.
4a. A came over to hang with hubs and bring him a couple native trees to plant. He brought Queso too and they spent the entire day here. They even went to a park for a walk. Hubs should sleep tonight.
5a. Just C & C will be over for Easter. I’m doing the Wellingtons again. should be good.
Have a Very Happy Easter!
April 18th, 2025 at 5:41 pm · Link
Silver, Maggie appreciates you understanding her! Wizard’s guy located a power seat, so it’ll be fixed once the seat comes in.
1) I can’t figure out if Mother Nature is trying to drive us all crazy, or she’s just crazy. It’s cold here and then more heats coming.
You’ve got your hands full of cat posturing…kind of like alpha heroes in our books!
2) You got an important job for the hummingbirds done!
3) Its a definite win to get to Walmart.
4) Oh Jake! LOL. Sorry he didn’t like the food, but sounds like crows are pleased.
5) Pete’s on the job! He’s probably be mad if you put the vest on him though
I hope the PTSD isn’t too bad tomorrow. I still remember the shock of horror of that day, but people like you were there to help get justice. It matters. Caring has a personal cost, but it’s a much needed and appreicated service to our nation. And I personally thank you, along with everyone else who did what they needed to do, to achieve justice. Be kind to yourself, you deserve it.
April 18th, 2025 at 5:52 pm · Link
Viki, Maggie is definitely getting sassy with age, but I usually don’t mind. Since she’s a very good girl in general, the backyard stuff is kind of funny. And I super love that she’s being more affectionate to Wizard, and wanting to hang with him too. Wizard already has the seat for the Shelby ordered and it’ll be installed when it arrives at the shop — all will be well again.
1) Oh no! He wasn’t hurt though, right? But the car being messed up is bad enough. I’m so sorry that happened, and very glad he has the truck.
2) C is such a good son! I’m glad you were able to get the washer and dryer ordered. If you have the budget, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
3) The weather is swinging wildly these days. Hope you were able to enjoy the beautiful day today.
4) What a fun day for hubs! Queso likely brightened everyone’s day … well except for Spunk.
5) What a nice Easter dinner! We don’t have any real plans this year.
Hope you guys all over a wonderful dinner together and a Very Happy Easter!