"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.