Splurge

I rarely spend money extravagently.
(Perhaps when I travel, though I did pass up an opportunity to sky dive.... but that's another entry.)
Last week I went with Michelle into a store that she wanted to check out and as I meandered I checked out shoes. I saw stylish athletic shoes (how's that for an oxymoron?) and with my recent foot problems I thought it wise to give them a second look. Michelle did not help when she stated the obvious, "try them on". So I did!
Yes, I did spend the rest of my clothing allowance (plus $6 borrowed from the food budget), and have been wearing these shoes ever since. Well, no, not to bed.
Wow, am I glad I bought these. I have been walking in comfort ever since.

Doggie School

This spring I'm continually delayed in achieving the little milestones I laid out for myself. I've been wanting to take regular walks with Brighton. Walking with her now is like following a dog that's chasing rabbits.
The community college catalog came about a month ago and I finally opened it up yesterday. The one course of interest beginning yesterday evening was the dog training course. Ten sessions for $75, plus $10 for parking. So I went.
The instructor came in, a very formidable woman, laid a bunch of scary looking metal implements on the table. About that time I questioned my philosophical compatibility. Turns out that the scary dog restraints she'd brought are examples of things we do not need. We had not brought our dogs, introduced ourselves and explained our issues. Of the forty people there there are seven dogs that are small like Brighton, or smaller, the rest are big. Shepherds, dobies, labs, even a mastiff.
I went to the pet store with Brighton this morning and bought her the required choke collar and a leather leash, sewn, not riveted.
I've been walking her in front of the house in the Cesar Milan way with fair success.
Maybe when I get back to the class next week all my Brighton problems will have been solved.
Not likely!

Insensitive ? - Perhaps

Breakfast deal at local diner:

Octo-Special
14 eggs
no sausage
and....
The people in the other booth have to pay for it!

2009 Gardening

Suzanne started some tomato plants a few weeks ago. I am now eager to get my hands on a couple of those and put them into the ground. My planters are in a sheltered spot that gets full sun. I want this to be the year when I have fresh tomatoes in May.
I need to get the mower out and do a first cut of the lawn.
My fruit trees are blooming and sprouting leaves.
I have a flower bed which I plan to plant with red, yellow and green peppers this year.
I am so ready to get out as I spent a fair amount of time waiting for my foot to heal since last fall.
Maybe this weekend I'll pop in the the Home Depot or the Walmart garden shop to check out their offerings.