Meet Our New "Baby"

 We adopted a rescue last week.

Her name is Reyka (yes, like the vodka).

She's a lab and pit bull mix.

A friend's mom witnessed a truck stop at the edge of their farm, dump the dog and drive off. Poor pup ran after the truck for a 1/4 mile. After 3 days, the mom managed to gain the pup's trust and take care of her for a while until we brought her home.

We will be working with a professional trainer to help her overcome whatever ghosts of her past that haunt her. She has a slight aggression problem from her fear. It appears she was kenneled most of her life. Everything is so new to her... she is fascinated with my kitchen cupboards, the TV, the shower, the fireplace, etc.

The outdoors also seems new to her. She's curios yet fearful. I walk her (5-15 minutes at a time) several times a day for leash training and get her used to her new surroundings. We live on a dead-end road in the woods and take one property at time as we walk. She shakes with fear if we get too far from home into new area. I make her sit when she's afraid; to give her time to process sounds, sights and smells. She's great in the yard and plays fetch.

Our first trip to the vet was a nightmare.
Vet guesses her age to be around 3 but wasn't able to do a thorough exam & gave me Trazadone for her visit in 3 weeks. She will be spayed and chipped Feb 1.

She's smart and has learned alot in the week we've had her. At home she is a real love bug, super affectionate with everyone in the family. She even gets along with the cat and Maggie (our senior girl). Tries to eat the guinea pig tho. With patience, training and lotsa love, Reyka is going to be an amazing addition to our family.

We look forward to our new life with Reyka.

The Labrabull skill set involves cuddling, food, bingeing Netflix, balls, toys, and “How can I please you today, master?”

Winter Wonderland

One thing I love about living in Michigan is the seasons. 

The dogs and I enjoyed a morning adventure in the woods. 

It's a winter, wonderland out there. 

I thought of the old phrase "Water Wonderland" that was used as a slogan for the state of Michigan. "Water Wonderland" appeared on Michigan license plates beginning in 1954. It was modified to "Water-Winter Wonderland" in 1965. It continued to appear on license plates through 1967. The maize and blue color scheme honors the University of Michigan in its sesquicentennial year.

The deck furniture is covered for the winter. 

 The firepit may still see some action.

New Year Seafood Boil

It's a Quast tradition to say goodbye to one year and hello to the next with a seafood boil. 

We visit a local fish market for our seafood. The selection may vary depending on what's available and what everybody is in the mood for.

Flyboy is in charge of the meal but the boys assist in the prep work and food section. He always takes pix of the food to share with those who cant join us. (We know he just wants to make them envious.)

Mom & Dad always enjoy themselves. 

Humpday Help - Journals

Ugh...Wednesday almost slipped past without me noticing. This year I'm constantly asking, "What day is it?"

I am wondering tho... how many of you have started a journal this year. Are you documenting your thoughts as you make your way through this crazy time?

I started, but it lasted for a whole five days. Over the years, I've kept many journals. This year is a perfect year to document, but my mind is more focused on work and muddling through daily life.

Hmm.... maybe I should start a journal as my New Year's Resolution. Now, that's a thought!

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If you are thinking of starting a journal, here's a few ideas to get the mind kick started. 

*Remember something that made you so scared you thought you were going to faint dead away. 

*Remember something that made you laugh uncontrollably. 

*Think about your most embarrassing moment.. come on, I know you have one. 

 Just sit down, close your eyes. Think back to the days of childhood and sift through memories and you'll find a treasure chest of things to write about. Think about what you were wearing, how you felt, what you thought or said. Your words will reflect emotion and you will find yourself writing with freedom and fluidity. It's really not hard. Give it a try. I'm sure you'll have a story to tell.

Chase Away Winter Blues

Life during covid is moving in slow motion. 

Being stuck inside on gray days can be depressing. But there is a bright side

Lack of sun affects several of us by placing an emotional grey cloud over us.  Now with the separation from family and friends, the grey clouds gather. For the single person, loneliness and fatigue may set in; for couples, the romance may become stagnant.   

It's time to turn the season around, make your own fun, add some romance into your life. The beauty of winter and the long nights may offer many opportunities for romance.

Instead of avoiding the cold, get outside.  Grab whoever you can and drag them with you. Act like a teenager again.  Go skiing, sledding, ice skating, or simply have a snowball fight. Build a snowman. Afterwards, slip indoors for cup of hot cocoa (add a shot of Peppermint or my favorite Michigan Cherry Schnapps) and watch a movie.

On a sunny weekend afternoon if the weather is too cold for your taste, select an audio book and hop in the car for a scenic drive.  Plot your destination to be a quaint little town where you can visit a couple local businesses or simply enjoy the drive.

For a bit of fun after a busy day, pull that special someone into the kitchen and heat things up.  Pick out a recipe together and spend the evening preparing dinner.  When the meal is ready, enjoy it next to a warm fire or by candlelight.  Spread a blanket on the floor and  have a picnic. Turn the evening in to a weekly or monthly tradition and maybe even build your own "couple's cookbook" to share with friends.

Another way to spend an week day evening is playing a board game.  If Monopoly isn't your thing and you want to steam things up a bit, pick up a fun sexy board game.  Check out Lover's Lane, Amazon or Adam & Eve for several fun ideas. Visit their websites together and anxiously await your delivery.

Warm up on a chilly night in an extravagant array of bubbles. If you're a single person, treat yourself to a bit of romance in the tub.  If you're not one for bubbles, try bath salts, bath bombs or a bath soak.  Bath soaks are usually a blend of ingredients you add to your bath water to create a desired effect, such as a sore muscle soak, stress-easing soak or relaxation soak. Most bath and body and drug stores carry bath soak products. Check out online as well. Pour yourself a glass of wine, light some candles, grab a steamy romance novel to read or your favorite BOB. 

For couples, a languishing dip in a steamy tub for two is enough to inspire romance for even the stodgiest of lovers. If you're worried about interruptions, arrange your water play encounter at a time when you can be together alone. A great way to do this and create the perfect memorable night is staying at hotel with a spa or Jacuzzi tub in your room.  Give each other the ultimate bath and spa experience with a little basket filled with spa items from you local bath and body shop.  Don't let the romance stop after the bath. Give each other a light, lotion-laden massage.