All Dogs Go To Heaven

Willie, Charlie, Winnie, Brandy, Abby, Rags, Barney, Mac, Buster, and Gracie. Gracie will be at the front of the line...my neighbors in Austin called her The Mayor. She was the official greeter at my apartment community when I was learning to live on my own....she was the best friend I ever had.  The rest I loved very much as well...some from Childhood, some from Early Married, others from Life With Kids. Then we get older and adopt the dogs that didn't work out with roommates at college (Ella) or, when even older, ones that we pick out because we love the breed and some spaces in the heart need to be filled (read: Granddaughter and family move to California, or a relationship doesn't work out). Or maybe because there is a bit of a lull in our lives and we need a new project (read: get a puppy) - Gretel. I love all of them. So much, like a person. And, I figure if they aren't there, I'm in the wrong place.

Ideas and opportunities.

I know there's a plan, and I guess sometimes I'm not very good at seeing it. So, I try to stay out the of way. Like when a grant opportunity came across my desk. Kinda interesting, private funder (not a big conglomerate like NSF or NIH - read: may be easier to get this one) and having to do with wildlife conservation. I don't know how many times students tell me they want to get an eastern screech owl study here like I had in the past. So, what the heck...I put a proposal together. It's a pretty cool proposal if I do say so myself. There will be enough money to build 20 boxes like the ones before, pay for a plant expert to help me identify all the goodies at all the nest sites, some instruments for measuring stuff and money to transport students so they can participate when appropriate in data collection. It's the latter part that excites me - getting my future teachers in the field so they can see how it's REALLY done. Not like the movies. Hopefully it will get funded. I'd like that. A lot. For some reason, this idea just won't go away.

Remember the Alaska opportunity? It's back. Yup, the scientist person is again interested in me helping with the Inuits and having some American students go to school in Alaska so they can experience the culture and see the wildlife, including the whales he researches. We kind of hatched a plan a year or so ago, and then I didn't hear anything. But, he reappeared and so did the possibility of working there. Yes, I'd like that.  A lot. Another opportunity that won't go away.

And there is an NSF grant that is ending as we finish up our 6th year, so am writing another. It involves recruiting and mentoring and retaining (the 'r' word I seldom hear) really good math and science teachers. We're wonderful at talking them into going into teaching, but half leave within 3 years of working in the schools. All that time and energy and training...out the door. I've been advocating retention and mentoring programs for years, and now it looks like I have a shot at getting some money to put a real program in place. I'd like that. A lot. A great opportunity that will not be allowed to get away.

In the meantime there's a dog that needs more training, fish that need catching, some time scuba diving in blue water coming up and a job that can be quite demanding. Did I mention Gretel? She is very busy right now barking at herself in the mirror. Seriously. Ya gotta love the puppy in the dog. I like that.

"I am going to get a fishing pole and tackle box!"

That was my reply when the dental hygienist I used in Austin asked me, "What are you going to do in Corpus Christi?" Of course, I also told her I was going be a professor teaching science. Well,  it took me 6.5 years to finally get my fishing pole and tackle box...heck! It took me 2 years to get to the beach (new job, new position, new EVERYTHING)...but I have been to the beach - several - no! - many times!! Lately with Gretel.... But, I digress.

Ron loves to fish and I used to fish a lot when I was younger and living on the Gulf Coast, so it seemed logical we should go fishing. Hence, the fishing pole and (pink) tackle box. I LOVE TO GO FISHING!! It so sooo awesome to get away, disconnect from the world, and wait...yes, there is a lot of waiting in fishing. Ron says that is why they call it "fishing" and not "catching". We go as often as possible - he has a very nice boat, perfect for "waiting", and I've enjoyed fishing off the pier as well. A bucket of bait, a bucket of chicken and a fishing pole and tackle box. ITS SO MUCH FUN. So, guess where we are going this weekend?? Yup! With my fishing pole and tackle box. I can't wait to 'wait' :)

Padre Island from the bow of the boat

A black drum!

A BIG black drum!

You know I love to see the Pelicans.....

                                     My speckled trout - although an even BIGGER ONE got away!!! :)

Catching Up

It's been a  while since I've been here. A lot has happened and continues to happen and sometimes you just get out of the habit of doing NOT something anymore and BOOM...3 months have gone by. Then you think, "I really should catch up"... but photos are scattered between your phone, home computer, work computer and OTHER home computer. It seems overwhelming to begin again. Until someone dear to you says, "You know, you haven't  updated the blog since June". Overwhelming guilt and some degree of irresponsibility fill you with dread. Yup, it's been a while. So, where to start?? I guess with the obvious.

MEET GRETEL!!!!

Gretel Mac is a registered AKC German Shorthaired Pointer. Her mother belongs to a very dear friend of mine. Her mother's human mother is Veronica, who let me know  that puppies were due any day. I got to thinking about it -- a dog I could take to the beach, train to bird hunt, long walks and well, you know, raise as a puppy and train to be one awesome dog. Ella is about 10 years old now. A good time to have, you know,  a puppy in the house. I thought about it a lot. And then, when I went over to Veronica's after the eight puppies were born, she said, "You can have pick of the litter." I fell in love with this one.

 Newborn puppies ....

 This is Remi, Gretel's Mother...she and Gretel's Dad are both bird hunters.

 Gretel at 2 weeks....

 Gretel at three weeks....

and at five weeks....

 When Gretel was 8 weeks, it was FINALLY time to bring her home. I covered up all legs of furniture and removed the rugs...puppy-proofed the house. Nothing prepared me for her total cuteness or how cuddly she was. I realized this was necessary in order deal with the late night howling while she got used to her crate, and the two-potty-breaks-during-the-night wake up calls. It was exhausting for a while, but we got through it...only because she is so darn cute and such a blast....

Going to PetSmart to get some toys, and bones, and puppy pads, and a new collar because she outgrew her other one in two weeks...

 Riding in the car to the vet for shots and stuff. I think Gretel would like to learn to drive.

 Yes, all the toys and stuff I bought for her and she would rather play with a spoon.....

 Hurry up Mom! I'm ready to go for a walk!!!

Gretel is now 3 months old. Yes, only three months and she weighs 20 pounds. She and Ella have become good friends. She has been to the beach, goes for a 3 or 4 mile walk every morning, and is a light in my life. I love her with all my heart. She can sit, stay, shake hands and come (most of the time). She is SO smart and will be starting some dove hunting this fall.

It was a good decision to bring her home and I have never regretted it...well, maybe a little when she got the corner of my new leather ottoman and also a good pair of shoes. But, she's outgrowing a lot of that and sleeps through the night now. I'm super happy with her - and many plans for fun times in the future. Blessed Beyond Measure.

Time is barreling forward...

I can't believe I haven't posted anything in nearly a month. End of Spring semester, beginning of summer semester, erased hard drive in my lecture hall (and recovery of about 1/4 of it), end of year grant reports, grading...grading...grading, conference in San Diego, conference in Vancouver, 4 presentations to prepare, mountain climbing,  fishing, gardening, running, teaching...it's all just one big blur sometimes. This weekend my Mom is celebrating her 80th birthday and everyone, except for Scott (so sorry Scotty Bob), will be in attendance. That includes my Mom's seven grandchildren. I can't wait. She's super excited and has given me "what I am wearing reports" at least four times. She will be gorgeous. Everyone will meet Ron. And Todd (Erica's husband). And John (Annie's husband). The men are coming out too :) Of course, I get to see my joyful heartfilling love Audrey. I haven't seen her since...December. Yes, I can't wait.

So, stay tuned and my apologies. There will be pics forthcoming. I just need this freight train to slow down a bit....

From My Friend Olga

From Psalm 91

 

He will cover me with His feathers and under His wings shall I trust.

Imagine this… you can take shelter under God’s feathers and at such time, under His wings, you can trust Him.

Beach days and fishing...

I can't believe it's been a year - a year of discovering new things, exploring, having fun and most of all - laughing. A year ago I had a cup of coffee with a man who seemed really interesting, smart and most of all, honest and truthful. Yup. My perceptions were right on. Ron is an incredible person - and it's been an incredible year.

Here's some of our recent beach days - grilling at the beach - and fishing trips. It's been a blast. Blessed beyond measure!

 Love this last shot....so fun. So looking forward to more adventures!!! :)

Vancouver, British Columbia --- AERA!!!

The world's largest educational research meeting was held this year in Vancouver, BC. My proposal that I submitted with my colleague Olga was accepted. So...a long flight from South Texas to Vancouver -- but we made it. I LOVED it there - and had a blast....

Two entire days were spent traveling, leaving a day to 'conference' (read: do presentation so my University will pay for the trip) and day to play. Here's some day one pics:

View from hotel window of downtown Vancouver:

See that mountain behind the skyscrapers? That's Grouse Mountain. More about that later.

There are lots of gorgeous flowers and scenery - Olga and I had to walk about 8 blocks to the conference center, and enjoyed every step:

THIS is the conference center - amazing, isn't it?

The presentation went SO well - terrific in fact. Much interest in our work with Family Science! We had people come see us from New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Pennsylvania and some other places who are trying to get Family Learning Events going in their location. It was so great to see our work growing in other places!


The next day I took off and did some mountain climbing at Grouse Mountain. I did the "Grouse Grind" - a walk up the mountain that a colleague had told me about prior to leaving for Vancouver. It's quite challenging -- the steps are steep and rocky, and it can be a bit treacherous, but the scenery and the quiet --- it was an amazing trek.

When I arrived -- after all the planning and researching and taking extra clothing and energy bars and water and taxi ride...I finally arrived and found out the TRAIL WAS CLOSED!

After staring at the signs for a good 10 minutes, I was about to turn around and leave - very sad -- when out of the gate walked a guy with his POODLE. I couldn't believe it. Just walked out of that gate! He said there was a 'secret' entrance over to the side...and then said, "Would you like to come in?"...so through the gate I went. So happy to go climb a mountain :)

Sometimes there were steps like these, sometimes not. Sometimes you had to CLIMB to the next step. It wasn't easy, but the scenery was so worth the effort to keep climbing~!

 I could only go half-way as the top was still icy. I didn't have the 'chains' that are required to navigate climbing in the ice. Honestly, I was just as happy to start the descent as the whole trip took me over 3 hours and I was pretty tired at the end.The descent was actually more tiring than climbing up...who knew. (The next day I was reminded that we don't use those muscles very much :)

Next, a trip up the mountain via gondola and ziplining at the top!!!! THROUGH THE SNOW!

 Just finished the climb - this was the only bear I saw along the way :)

I love riding in gondola!

 The top of the mountain~!

 Ready for ziplining!

 Gondola view from the top

The final wood carving on the way out of Grouse Mountain. I had an awesome day, full of challenges, adventure, fun times and sore knees that followed :)  I loved Vancouver and hope to go back some day -- maybe even see a live bear!!