Found in Fishers

Goodbye & Hello

Salaam. Do-da-da-go'-hv. Adios. Auf Widersehen. Ciao. Sayonara. Sat siri akal.

However you say it, we've closed the book not just on 2009, but on the decade. And like so many others the Found in Fishers clan spent time reflecting on the year that was, as well as making a few resolutions for the new year. How about you; what are your resolutions and goals for 2010?

I recently started reading A Million Miles in a Thousand Years and am giving a great deal of thought to how I might better organize my life around stories, rather than goals. While goals will always be important, putting them within the context of a larger story helps place them within an overarching plot. I think this is valuable because too often goals by themselves can be somewhat abstract, which makes them difficult to achieve. Here's an example of mine for 2010:

Rather than simply note that I want to get in shape this year, I've written down that I want to get in shape so that I can walk 5 miles without getting winded. Hell, right now walking 5 blocks without needing a break would be major accomplishment! Another: I am going to learn to speak Spanish so that I can communicate independently with people I meet, which will allow me to pick up a long-ago started photography project in Mexico. Get the idea?

So how about it? Those dreams you have won't grow their own legs. Get out and their and kick start the new year!

Rare pear stick found in Fishers

One of our new trees died after just a couple of months and the HOA won't replace it. After looking at a nicely bordered area of dirt all summer, Flora announced that she was going to buy a new tree and plant it. "It'll be a $100 or so, so just be prepared."

Now when someone mentions a tree, I think of something fairly sturdy. Even the trees the HOA put in have some substance to them. "I bought a pear tree!" announces our resident woodsqueen. WRONG! Flora bought a pear stick. But don't take my word for it; see for yourself:

     

That's Flora and our new pear stick at left, and Flora with a real tree on the right. "It looked bigger in the store!" Bigger than what, dear? "Well...it was on a pallet so it was sitting up off the ground." Okay, and if I stand on the same pallet do I look like a Michael Jordan? And the $100...give or take...I was expecting Flora to spend. Pear sticks sell for just $7 on sale at Home Depot. It's cheaper to buy sticks than eat at McDonald's. I love America!
 

October already?

The last time I checked, it was August. What the heck! I can't believe how fast the weather has changed and how quickly it has already started to get darker and darker each day. Boy, do I hate shorter daylight. Had a great dinner last night with my friend Debbie. She stayed the night in order to go to a conference in Indy. We caught up on the old Highland neighborhood news and tried to solve the world's problems. It is also nice to have someone to share teenager "war stories" with.

Over the weekend, I went with some band friends to Centerville, Ohio. We watched the Royal Command and Guard perform in the Bands of America competition. It was pretty clear -- at least to me -- how the politics of BOA affects the "regulars" and the bands that are not. It was still fun; we did some tailgating and lots of laughs.

Sunday called for a major Jammy Day. I just love Jammy Days. I was productive doing some deep napping...er, cleaning...of the bathrooms and the kitchen floor. I got the  laundry done including sheets and towels. But I also got to lay around on the couch watching my Sunday fav "Moving Up" on TLC, as well as catch a movie. I think it was around 3 before I got in the shower and got out of my PJs. These kinds of days are just the best! Makes going back to long work hours during the week worth it.

Roadhouse for the weary

We keep telling folks that if they're ever in the area to stop by. There's always extra room and besides, when we do run low on guest beds, we evict Mark from his room and he sets up shop in the loft. Juan's friend Matt stopped by to rest on his way down to Tampa where he starts a new gig on Monday morning. Meanwhile, his family is still up in the Chicago 'burbs and will join him over the next couple of weeks. Matt is one of our first house guests to truly appreciate our special guest pillow. Wanna know what the guest pillow is? The only way to find out is to be a guest!

John and Matt did their residency together at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. A year before that, John and Matt's soon-to-be-wife, Margie, were interns together at Rush. John photographed their wedding in Texas and their daughter's baptism in Chicago. He plans to visit them in the Tampa area next June when we're in central Florida's famous Mouseland for our 25th wedding anniversary and our brother-in-law's 40th birthday. The two of them went to Texas Roadhouse for a late dinner and to solve the problems of the world. Last we heard: World 1, John & Matt 0. But that won't keep them from trying.

Don't be a stranger; but we do welcome strange people. The perks: A comfy bed, the guest pillow mystery revealed and your photo on the front porch on our blog. Oh...did we mention charming and wonderful hosts? Hope to see you soon, too.

This place is for the birds

Our little feathered-friend who's taken up residence on our front door wreath must be close to motherhood. Up until a few days ago she would take off the minute the door opened. But not anymore. We come and go for the newspaper and mail and she sits tight, just giving us the evil eye as if to say, "Who do you think you are?". Don't mind us, we only own the house. Given momma's lack of interest in flying the coop I figure her eggs are ready to pop any day now. So it only seems appropriate that we name her...and we need your help.

Give us your suggestions for naming momma bird and our the winner -- chosen by our select panel of judges -- will receive a very special, one-of-a-kind Found In Fishers keepsake. Be creative and let's get those names rollin' in!

Life's Little Midlife Surprise - TWINS!

Some of you may have already found out the big surprise from my Facebook page.  Actually Juan could not keep a secret! We are having twins and are quite excited. This news comes just one day before our baby's 18th birthday. And to think we were close to being empty nesters. One never can plan these little unexpected events.

You can only imagine how surprised I was when I found out. Actually a little shocked to tell you the truth. You know me, I like when things are planned. THIS WAS NOT PLANNED. What a nice way to bring in spring...I guess. Thought I would share this moment with you and my first-photo as a new "mommy". It's far too early to tell if we are having boys or girls, or one of each. I can't wait to start looking for matching outfits. Click on the photo to enlarge it!

What are you thinking!

Tomorrow is the big day! Our baby is turning 18 years old. Juan and I will officially have 2 adults in the house. Well, sort of. Liz isn't home very often and is actively looking for an apartment to be on her own. We are coming up with a wacky plan to make Mark's birthday a memorable one! The planning started last night and is quickly evolving. Very last minute but it might work. It will be quite an adventure. Keep checking in as I don't expect to announce what we want to do until we can finalize the timing of it all.

Piece de Resistance

Happy Sunday! I spent most of the day cleaning house. I had lots of Shepard slobber on my kitchen floor that needed to be cleaned up. I think I might have vacuumed up a 6th dog off my lower level carpets. And the weather stinks. I can't go outside to work in the garden. Rain, rain and more rain. I'm hoping that it will be dry enough for me to get my walk in today. Back to walking with Buddy. My new walking friend Deagan went home today...after I really got him trained to be a great walker. He improved 100% over the past week. So much so he would follow the rhythm of my step. And, he's a friend magnet. So many of the people in my subdivision said hi and asked about the dog. People wanted to pet him, including three little girls who asked permission to pet him. Nobody asks to pet Buddy.

The O'Briens out did themselves this time with my souvenir.  They have set the bar high on gifts for dog-watching! Last night after missing their connection in Atlanta, Pat, Sarah, and Liam arrived in Fishers later than expected for dinner at 9:30. While we were waiting for the rolls to bake, Sarah presented me with a gift. Pat warned me that I would be surprised. I sure was. It was the piece de resistance. A Dooney and Burke purse!

Where's Deagan?

TGIF! Not because of work but because we finally have sunny weather and it is almost time for the dogs to go home. Not that I don't like them, but they are a ton of work. Especially Deagan. You should see my kitchen floor. You know what you get with a big dog? Big water slobbers on the kitchen floor  when he drinks! My floor is a total mess with hair from five dogs and slobber stains from a German Shepard! For those of you who know me, I hate when things are not cleaned up and the dogs are challenging me for sure. Add to it that we had two doggie accidents tonight. Both from little dogs. The first was a good solid accident but while cleaning it, I stepped on one turd that blended on my kitchen floor. I had shoes on, but I did not notice it at first so needless to say, I tracked it around the kitchen. Later tonight, a little dog made a squishy pile and Deagan stepped in it. He tracked it around the piano room. I guess the dogs don't know about the no pooping rule on the first floor. Ask Liam, he knows.

Other than that, we did have a good afternoon and evening. I took Deagan on a long walk around the neighborhood. We were gone for about 45 minutes. He did an excellent job. I stopped at one point and started laughing. It was so funny. The sounds of spring are all new to Deagan. We were walking along the sidewalk, he was on my side following my lead, even leaving other dogs alone when all of a sudden he tried to dart away from me and run around me. He was totally scared. It was the noise from a lawn mower. He was freaked out by it. After walking several blocks I decided to go back near the noise to start getting him use to it. All was fine, just frightened by it for the first time.

I let him sniff around my yard too. He did not really explore because he was on his leash so I think he thought he had to stand by me. I won't let him off a leash, don't want the responsibility. Deagan also got to explore the house. He had the obligatory photo taken on the front porch. A must for all visitors. I took his picture on my bed and on the couch. I think he thinks he's human.

Pretty Pathetic Winter Fun

Some of you already know that even the smallest thing can be quite entertaining to me. I can create excitement out of the ordinary. For the new year my friend Katie gave me a special gift: My very own ShamWow. And not just one, but two! She gave me a small blue one and the giant orange one.

I was out with Katie one afternoon and she told me about her impulse purchase at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Mind you, I haven't tried it yet, but the moment I came home with it Juan poured a glass of water on the counter to try our new gift. It worked, it did soak up the water pretty darn quick.

According to the commercial the ShamWow saves $20 in paper towels a month and has a 10-year guarantee! Who really spends $20 a month on paper towels anyway? Not even Sarah with her new puppy Deagan. And who is going to hold the makers of the ShamWow accountable for the next 10 years. Oh wait, let me get it in my Palm pilot to check my Sham Wow on January 27, 2019. Will I really care by then?  Will I even know where I put it by then?

It is snowing pretty heavily in central Indiana. I wonder how the ShamWow works in snow? And just in case you're wondering, the ShamWow guy's name: Vince Offer. You read that right...Offer. His latest pitch with the same goofy headset is for the SlapChop. I wonder if Katie will go home with one of those.