My Dog Nassau

Nassau is a mixed poodle. He weighs about eight pounds and he is a very intelligent little dog. Nassau is 13 years old, but everyone that sees him for the first time think he is a precious little puppy. I believe he likes to be treated as if he's younger than he is. Nassau is such a lovable creature, too. For the past week, he has been mourning for his friend Buddy, who passed away the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, 2007. Buddy was an 80-pound Labrador Retriever.

It did not matter that the two dogs were so different in size, age, or breed. They were friendly and considerate of each other until the end of Buddy's life. Nassau cried and refused to eat for at least a week. We were afraid for his life as well. Now, for the first time in 13 years, Nassau is alone in our backyard. I make sure I spend more time with Nassau now. I talk to him more, and I try to run and romp with him regularly. He seems to be coming around slowly.

This morning Nassau ate his breakfast fairly good. He did not stay in his dog house as if he's shielding himself from the world. He came out and played with me and he also played and wagged his tail with Hubby. We were estatic to see Nassau in such positive spirits. I think from this point on, he will be ok. We miss Buddy, too. He was a great friend to us, as well.


Nassau and Buddy ate and shared their food. Sometimes we watched them as they let each other eat from their bowls. Although they each had their own dog house, they insisted on sharing just one of the houses. They were different from humans, but we could have learned many lessons from Nassau and Buddy in having and being true friends.

Day of Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving Day, 2007. We have much to be grateful for. I have access to many nutritious foods. I can entertain myself in a variety of ways; reading books and newspapers or magazines, watching TV, using the internet for multiple purposes; talking on the 'phone with family and friends.

I have vehicles to ride in, I can walk a fairly good distance at a time, I can walk over to some friends in the neighborhood's homes. I am grateful for all these things and many more. I certainly do not take life for granted. Sometimes it can be really difficult. But if you continue to show thanks and gratefulness, everything will eventually become easier for you.

Being in a thankful and a joyous mood continously takes much practice, but in the end, it is so beneficial. It's a plus for the nervous system. It keeps anxieties at bay when you remain calm and peaceful under trying circumstances. Let us all start on this Day of Thanksgiving, and let's make everyday a day of thankfulness.

Hibernation Time For Me!

The Holiday Season makes me feel like I should go into hiding and not show up again until everything is over. Or maybe I'll just attempt to ignore this season and pretend nothing is going on. Of course, one can't help notice the decorations in all the stores, the hurried (or worried) look in the shoppers' faces.

Gift counters bulging to the hilt. Extra confections abound this time of the year. I'm starting to receive Christmas Cards already. Thanksgiving haven't come and gone yet.The house needs to be thoroughly cleaned, gifts to be chosen, cookies to be baked, etc. It's definitely time to hide away 'til all of this is over. This is certainly a stressful time for me. I truly like the Holidays, but I don't cope with so much going-ons too well.

I will survive, though. I will make one step at a time. I promise myself not to become overwhelmed this year. Maybe I won't have to hole up in a cave. If I utilize my organizational skills, I'll get everything done, with time to spare. Instead of corking out, I'll make it a point to enjoy the small special things about the Holidays; listening to the beautiful seasonal music, attuning in to the sights, smells, and all things that are so unique and special about the Holiday Season. This year will be the very best yet!

Fall Is Approaching!

Fall is coming at us fast! The wind is blowing around twenty-five miles per hour and is packing quite a chill with it. The gorgeously, colorful leaves are coming off the trees, pronto! I love this time of year. Things sort of come to a screeching halt. The summer activities are over for now and life is in slow motion.

Nature's color show will go on for a few weeks more before winter sets in. Then it's out with the blankets, thermals, coats and sweaters. Hot cereals and apple cider by a roaring fire will become the norm for a couple of months. Much cooking and baking of favorite recipes will take place. The kitchen premeates with wonderful aromas.

This is the perfect time to kick back for awhile, enjoy the season, and do absolutely nothing for a few days before the Holidays arrive. Relax yourself!

Eating Apples

I am now eating apples every day as a healthful addition to my daily regimen. I have heard since childhood that an apple a day helps to keep "the doctor away". Since I experienced a nasty fall in the bathtub almost ten months ago, and I have been out of sorts ever since, I decided to go with eating apples every day. That may be just the boost I'm looking for.

I personally favor the crisp, aromatic Gala Apple. These are a pale pink in color and the taste is pleasing to the palate. I also like the Golden Delicious Apple and the Mountain Apple. The Mountain Apple has a strong resemblence to the Golden Delicious Apple. There is a Red and a Green variety. I prefer the Green one. I have been on this path of eating an apple every day now for about two weeks.

I also like to eat applesauce when I am too lazy to do so much chewing and crunching, but applesauce doesn't have the fiber content of the fresh apples. Apples are such a versatile food. Tarts, pies, streudels, cakes, etc. With the Holidays upon us, I must be so careful to stay faithful to my apple eating regimen. I can't wait to see and feel the results a few months from now. The Victory should be sweet.

Nail Biting

I'm a compulsive nail biter! It has been a lifelong struggle for me to keep teeth from fingernails. I experiment with many methods to break this unwholesome habit for good. I paint my nails constantly; sometimes with two or three different shades of polish. I feel the thick layers of paint will be a deterrant from the biting. It does help, but not nearly enough for me to consider it a victory yet.

Now that I'm more in tune to the actually biting of nails, it has started to become a subconscious act. I sometimes do the bodily damage while I'm asleep! I don't realize that I have bitten off a fingernail; layers of paint and all until I feel the particle between my teeth and I taste the polish in my mouth. What to do now? I probably need to go into deep daily meditation to try and combat the nail biting while in a sleep-state.

Nail biting is definitely a form of self-abuse. Also, it is an infectious spreading habit. Throughout my life, I never gave it much thought. I knew it was an unhealthy and embarrassing habit, but I felt helpless to attempt to conquer it. Now, I'm on the warpath. I won't stop until there's an end to this demeaning habit!