A few things....

1) I had a great time at Wild Adventures this past weekend with Jason. I even purchased a season pass for the rest this year and 2012! We decided that we would use them at least one more time over the next year so just using it twice would pay for itself...at $40.00 a ticket if you purchase the season pass at the October price of $70.00, you can see how it pays for itself by using it twice! Especially if Charlie Daniels comes back!

2) I am very excited that I will be going home for Thanksgiving and staying for a whole week afterwards!

3) I have finally found a church here that I like!

4) I finally broke down and bought a shock collar for Bentley...this will be most useful for my trip home. Already we can see a differene in his behavior and we have yet to shock him!

5) Carolyn and I no longer walk in the mornings before daylight. Friday morning we had a man run out in front of us (we are guessing that he was between some houses and when one of the neighbors left it spooked him) therefore we have moved to the lovely daylight hours in the afternoon. Nothing is scarier than hearing footsteps coming toward you out of the dark!

That's about all...sorry I dont have any pics or anything elaborate this time! I'm blogging off my iPad and it's really hard to type on for long periods of time.

Hope you all have a great Halloween! I know I am enjoying ignoring the knocks at the door!

WARRRR Eagle, Hey!

No, I have not forgotten about my blog...just been busy and nothing too exciting has been going on worth blogging about!

However, this past weekend I went up to Auburn for the Auburn/Florida game.  It was so great to be able to see my friends from home and from college and have a day of catching up!  I didn't have tickets, but had fun anyway! Here are two of my favorite people..Cristy and Dusty!  We all graduated from high school together.

Dusty...one of my favorite Gator fans! (Dusty hates having his picture taken!)

Me and Cristy!

Walking to your tailgate site is one of the few down sides of tailgating.  When you are loaded down with all your stuff and have to walk for forever, you get tired quickly and in my case, blisters on your feet from walking in shoes other than tennis shoes!  I should have known better!!

Sometimes you just need a little breather!

Me and Ashley

Sorry it's not much of a blog today...just not in the creative writing mode. One a side note, today is Boss' Day...I got a nice surprise of a treat today!  A nice chocolate bar with a wrapper saying "Happy Boss' Day!" from our Human Resources Department...I didn't even know that was today!  Oops!

Fall is Finally Here!!

(almost!)

Three things I love the most about FALL...

ONE.  Cooler weather and cuter clothes.  I do believe that fall clothes are the cutest clothes.  Ashley and I went on a small shopping spree yesterday to Valdosta.  It was much needed since I have now given a good amount of clothes that I no longer do, or can, wear away.  There are a few more items that are left on my fall list of must-haves before I deem it complete...


Do you know how wealthy I would be know if I would have come up with this idea when I was little?!?  Do you know how many bullet ends I could have had my hands on between my dad, Jim, and Heath?  These bullet earrings are very intriguing to me they can be found at kevinscatalog.com



I don't know when I would ever wear them, but I am sure that I would find sometime to show off these kicks!  Again, they can be found at kevinscatalog.com





I absolutely adore these horse bit bracelets!  They can be found at kevinscatalog.com and of course I want one in every color!

So, obviously, I have a small obsession with Kevin's.  I also took a peek at the gun selection while I was looking on their web page.  I need a hobby, something to be totally consumed by...guns may be it.  Why not?  Plus, I shot skeet for the first time Saturday afternoon and absolutely loved it!  Kind of like my issues with horses when I was younger.  I wish I would have really pushed to have them because I really think I would have been good at barrel racing...I also think I could have been a great marksmen.  Guess life goes on...but here I am, 28 and no hobby...that needs to change.

TWO.  My Auburn Tigers!  I love college football.  Well, let me narrow that down...I love Auburn football.  Something to look forward to every weekend (except our "off" weekend) and a chance to spend extra time with your friends and family.   I have found a new website that features college boots.  I saw this girl last year at a game that had AU boots.  Hers were colored and very nicely sewn together.  They must have been custom made because I have been searching for a year now on line for those stupid boots.  However, I did find these at collegeboots.com

http://www.collegeboots.com/boots/auburn/LDAUB11

(something is wrong with the URL so I couldn't add the picture...click on the link to see them)

THREE.  Harvest season.  Nothing makes me happier than the smell of harvest season.  The smell of peanuts being dug, the beautiful cotton modules lining up along the road waiting to be picked up.  Wonderful memories and future moments that will stay with me forever. I am still thinking it over, but I still have 9 vacation days to use and I have to use them or I lose them and since I have 9 that means I have only taken 3 so I need a vacation!  I might take off the week after Thanksgiving and go home and enjoy harvest season with my dad and brother!

I'm Bacccckkkkkk!

That's right!  Benzo is BACK!!  Wuff! It has been a crazy week!  Last Friday, Privet and I went to see her parent and her brother (of whom I have affectionately named "Sidebuster").  Two major events were happening that weekend and of course, not to be out done, I had a few major events as well!

I guess to feed that shopping addiction that she has, Privet decided to go home via Destin.  She's been eyeing a watch since before her birthday and her cheap ass still hasn't bought it.  But Noooo...we have to drive almost two hours outta the way for her to leave me in the car (at least she let the windows down) to go to the store to look at it, try it on, and then leave WITH OUT IT!!  Geeze!  When someone finally figures her out, they should get some kind of award!  Then we had to go to Pet Smart because my cage is too heavy to carry up and down the stairs.  Now, everyone knows you can take your pet into this store, but did I get to go? Ummmm...let me think, NO!  She mumbled something about "unsocial" "marking territory" "I'm not dealing with you and your barking" so I guess she convinced herself that I should not go in. So again, I sat in the car.  By now we all know about her crazy hair.  If not, her co-worker so kindly put it..."You got that kind hair...the kind that's found on a dog's ass."  HAHAHA!  That's some funny stuff!  Anyway, she had to stop again and get something for it and of course it is something that is not easily found!  She can't buy it anywhere  in T-ville.  She's got some kinda taste!  I digress...

We finally made it to Wildflower's house.  I have yet to name her daddy...he still scares me a bit, but I have finally stopped barking at him every morning.  It may have something to do with the pistol laying at their back door.  Hey, to be smart in life you have to know which battles to fight and since I would lose that one, I think I will bow-wow out of that one!  Wildflower was so happy to see me!  She even bought me a present!! I was SO excited when she told me that as she was giving me a good scratch behind the ears!  She started down the hall so I pranced behind her!  I couldn't wait for my present!  Usually, Privet gets me something I can destroy within a day!  I love that challenge!  However, my mood quickly changed when she turned around and I saw what it was...socks!?!?  She said it's because I scratch up her hardwood floors throughout the house.  Hey Wildflower, I'm third generation "don't giva shit" about your floors! I personally like this feature because I have fun sliding around when I am running from everyone because I have gotten something of theirs...you know, the usual, socks, glasses, clothes...the usual!  Then Wildflower had the audacity to PUT ONE ON ME!!!  Oh no!  I did not like this!  I had it off my paw before she could get the next one out!  And to show her how I felt about it.....that's right...I used the bathroom in her hallway.  Take that Wildflower! Ugh! The next morning, I was still mad about the whole ordeal so I did it again on her nice rug in their living room...lets just say I did it at just the right angle that she could see it from the kitchen when she turned around from getting her coffee.  I know Privet was furious because I never do that at home, a few accidents, but this was completely intentional! I spent the rest of the morning in my new cage.  Actually, now that I think about it, Wildflower, I apologize, it looks like I DO actually give a shit!! hahah!!

Oh, my new cage! It's the travel kind, you can collapse it and everything.  Three ways to get out of it too.  One of which is on the top.  Wildflower felt sorry for me (she's a sucker for my sad puppy dog eyes) and opened the top part.  Of course, I had to chew on it so I had put a nice rip in my new $70 travel cage.  Again, Privet was not happy with me...oh well!

Sidebuster turned 31 on Sunday which was also Homecoming at church.  He had a great birthday, I mean, I was there and smiling for all the pictures, who wouldn't love me!?!?!

See my smile?

They never would drop a piece of cake though, so I just stole their shoes.  I took MawMaw's right off her foot!!  She thought it was funny!  Finally, someone who gets me!

Here is Sidebuster with his Mawmaw, mom and Aunt (I took all their shoes! It must be some kind of record!)

Anyway, we finally came back on Sunday and boy was I tired. See how cute I am when I am sleeping???

Come here you crazy cat!

 I must go now, there are people to growl and bark at on the balcony.  Y'all be good now, and if you can't be good, be good at it!

Barks and Bites,
Benzo

A Get-A-Way to Callaway

Last Wednesday through Friday I attended a conference at Callaway Gardens and my mother was able to come along.  I really didn't get to spend a lot of time with her since I had to be in sessions all day, but it was more that awesome to have her up there with me!  We were able to sneak away for a little bit on Thursday afternoon and get out and about for a few hours before I had to get back!

Last year this conference fell on her birthday, but this year it was a week later.  However, I did make sure that my mom had a slice of cake to eat as her "belated birthday cake" as well as having her a card and present to open!  I hope this made due mom!  So glad you came and I am so lucky to have you as my momma!  I love you!

Birthday Wishes

Tomorrow, July 17, 2011 is significant to me in two different ways.  The first way is that my cell phone payment is due.  The second one, which is WAY more important, is it is my Grandmother's birthday!

My grandmother, of whom I, and many others in my family, affectionately call "Link" will be celebrating another year younger.  I have so many memories with her that it is hard to pinpoint my favorite!  However, I am going to go with this one....When I was little, about 4 or 5, I loved going over to their house to play in the game room that Link had converted to a sewing/arts and crafts room.  The game room had a pool table in the middle of it and she had a platform made to fit over it so she could use the table as her work space.  I, being the way that I am/was when I was younger, saw this table as my own personal stage and I had my very own captive audience...my grandmother!  For hours I would stand on this table and sing and dance for my Link.  Occationally, I would have to stop and be quiet so that she could talk on the phone or to try on yet another itchy and scratchy dress that she had made for me!  Usually, it was her sister, Aunt Sharee, on the phone asking if I was there.  My aunt would not come visit if I was there because, as she so lovingly said "If shes not talking, she's singing!  Something is coming out of that mouth all the time! Call me when she goes home."  The irony of all this is that now Aunt Sharee has nothing but talkative grandchildren...I don't have anything on those girls!  I've gotten a little quieter as I have gotten older! Right, aunt???

From sewing and cooking to shopping and fishing in Dutch Bend, I love every minute I spend with her.  She has become one of my best friends.  She knows many things and many of our conversations have started with me saying "Well, don't tell anyone, but..."

Many years ago, I received an email about Grandmothers....

Grandma's Hands

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She
didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.

When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence

and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her
at the same time, I asked her if she was OK.

She raised her head and looked at me and smiled.

"Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,"

she said in a clear strong voice.
"I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here
staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,"

I explained to her.
"Have you ever looked at your hands," she asked.

 "I mean really looked at your hands?"

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them.

I turned them over, palms up and then palms down.

No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried

to figure out the point she was making.

Grandma smiled and related this story:
"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have,

how they have served you well throughout your years.

These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak

have been the tools I have used all my life to reach
out and grab and embrace life.

"They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the
floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back.

As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer.

They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.

They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to
war.

"They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.

They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I
buried my parents and spouse.

"They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.

"They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed

and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much

of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up,

lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

"These hands are the mark of where I've been and

the ruggedness of life.

But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."

 

Happy Birthday, Link!!  I Love You!

Father's Day

Sorry for the delay in blogging!  I was having some internet problems and the technician just came today.

I have been home a lot over the past few weeks.  It has been SO great!  I went home the second weekend in July for my 10 year class reunion and for Fathers Day.

I will be frank and honest with you, I have the best dad!  I love him so much and he is my world!  There is a special bond that is between a  father and a daughter.  No one will ever understand it until they live it.

                                                                    What Makes A Dad 

God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, 

The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, 

The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night,

 The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight, 

The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, 

The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, 

Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, 

He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it ... Dad 

~ Author Unknown 

My dad seems to have all the patience in the world when it comes to me and my mother.  My friend Libbie will be quick to tell you that his whole demeanor changes when one of us is around or when we call him on the phone.  He does not use his normal scruffy bark of "HELLO" with us cause when I call I get a sweet "Hello Suzanne!" usually followed by "when are you coming home?"

I am still a little ticked about the gift I got him.  As far as I know, it still hasn't arrived.  After searching high and low, I finally found "Dawn at Socorro" on DVD.  The book is where my grandfather found the name "Brett Rutledge" so I thought it would be nice for daddy to have that since this was his first Father's Day without PawPaw.  I couldn't find the book, so the movie will have to do! Hopefully it will be delivered soon!!

Me and my Daddy!

Daddy with his kids

Daddy, I hope you had a great Fathers Day!  I love you!

-Suzanne