Great Company, Great Food & Great Shopping!!

We had a wonderful family weekend with my nephew & wife, daughter & family....and of course the cutest wiener dog on the planet!

The weather left much to be desired....wet, windy & cool....but we made the best of it!  We enjoyed meals making home made subs, pizza delivery, home made chicken soup & fresh rolls...and burgers & hot dogs on the barbecue served with potato salad, coleslaw, & French fries in the air fryer!  Followed by chocolate peanut butter ice cream, mixed with two bite brownies & chocolate sauce drizzled over it all!!  Lots of beverages & snacks on hand as well....

One of the many reasons I adore Allison (my nephew's wife)....the gal loves to shop!  And has impeccable decorating taste...so of course our first stop was Inspired Living!  She hadn't been to the store's new location....and was thrilled with the larger store....and so much inventory!  She purchased paw print hooks for their pups leashes & bedsheets for one of their guest bedrooms....

This stack of decorator books caught my eye....how pretty are they?  

As always, Inspired Living carries a huge assortment of framed canvases....this one could be any harbour in Prince Edward Island....

Love this....almost purchased it to hang in the back entry....perfect for our Island home...

And this barn canvas....also perfect as farming is such a huge way of life here....gorgeous...

Hmmm......did I need a cow head?  It sure would leave Mr. Seventies shaking his head if I came home with it....

I am crushing so hard on all three of these....I need a bigger house.....with bigger rooms....these are my favourite pieces....

A couple of cute wooden mice....and the little piece with the bow....perfect for just about anything.....

This pitcher is beautiful....I had to resist it....I have quite a few....wondering though if I could use one more?  Maybe?

This large wicker tray could be used in a variety of ways....on a coffee table, large stool....of to carry beverages & food items.....it is swoon worthy.....

It was so busy when we were out & about and in the stores.....it was raining....and when it rains....people shop!  We popped into the mall....Bath & Body Works has not opened yet!  Their "spring opening" timeline....might change to "summer opening" at this rate.....

We decided to check out Home Sense....Allison was fortunate to find four solar lamps for her outside covered eating area....and a gorgeous throw for a guest bedroom!  They recently purchased new master bedroom furniture....she picked up a few decor pieces for that room as well.....

Nothing says Canada more than a beaver wearing Canadian baseball hat (and holding a hockey stick).....luv it!!

I crushed on these pieces big time....if there had been a second mug...I would not have resisted!  I think it's the bold colours that I'm attracted to....

A few beautiful sunflowers.....one of my favourite annual flowers.....I hope we have success with the seeds we purchased for "blue" sunflowers we plan to grow....

These guys "quacked" me up....wishing they were made for the outdoors....they'd be cute on the deck or in the garden....

And this was my one & only purchase.....I was disappointed in myself!  But nothing really caught my eye....nothing I "just had to have".  That happens sometimes....so I just enjoyed watching Allison pick up pieces for their home....

This summer Clancy would be needing a safety harness for dips in the pool...after failed attempts to contact the seller of one on FB Marketplace......I purchased this for only a few more dollars....XS size are a bit difficult to find.  This one looks smaller than it actually is....it is closed up for easy of packaging....but should be the perfect size for use in a couple of months....

Mr. Seventies & I are having a "down day"..... it is shaping up to be a beautiful sunny, warmer day...the perfect time to strip bedding & hang on the clothesline....first time in 2026!

Clancy & I attended puppy class....one other dog...a large golden lab puppy.....much bigger than her!  We worked with our pups separately.....a bit of difficulty since Clancy has only just arrived.....and is not familiar with her name!  She is food motivated though...and that is a huge help!  We have three exercises to practice on this week....the third being a tug game using a rope style toy.....which is Clancy's least favourite.....she is not familiar with rope toys....

We are signed up to participate in four additional classes....and potty training....is hit or miss!  Hard to get the timing down just right....but it will come!  She is officially eleven weeks old now....having her first vet visit tomorrow!

In my opinion, she is on the thin side...actually seeing ribs....but Mr. Seventies assures me she just hasn't filled out yet.  He could be right....as she eats well....so far three times each day.  It's a learning process not only for her, but us as well!

Silly pup...she did master the pet steps in barely a minute....

Be sure to& join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphosis Monday & again tomorrow at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesday....

As always, thanks so much for visiting with me today....so grateful you stopped by....

Til next time.....

 

Busy Few Days!

I promise I won't turn this into a "dog" blog....(although for eight or more years.....we had one where we shared daily life with three dachshunds)....but since Clancy Mae arrived, of course that is where your attentions lie....

First order of business....was a much needed bath & ear cleaning!  Living with other pups....she had a certain odour...lol.....

After a warm bath, a good dry off & some doggy body spray....she smells wonderful now!  She loves to go for walks.....and mastered harnesses & the leash like a pro!  She especially loves when her Dad walks ahead.....and she races to catch him...

She even went for her first car ride in her car seat....at first she made her displeasure known but after a couple of minutes....she decided it wasn't half bad!  The harnesses I currently had were much too big - one fit when wearing her sweater....so we headed to Global Pets to purchased a proper fitting one...in a size 3 Extra Small!  The girl at Global was amazing....even sent us home with a bag of free treats!   You can see her harness in this photo....

We haven't gotten a solid feeding schedule as of yet.....I put her food down & leave it for about half an hour.....whatever amount she eats then....does her til her second meal.....later in the day....

And....that playpen I purchased....we may as well pack it up and put it away....she does not like going in it....and if I need to contain her.....there is the crate in the kitchen....

Potty training is going.....it's a work in progress....

We needed a gate for the kitchen/back entrance....I ordered this one as it can be installed and open & close....Mr. Seventies will install it in the coming days.

In other news, my nephew & his wife are coming from Nova Scotia for the weekend.... we are so looking forward to seeing them!  They are seasoned dog owners (three French bulldogs) and dog lovers....their pups stay home with a sitter.....nice for Mom & Dad to have a weekend away....sans dogs!

Once Clancy Mae & I finish puppy class on Saturday....Allison & I will venture out to do some retail therapy....

And....it snowed a bit overnight!! Ugh.  Not a lot...just enough to cover the ground.  It's supposed to be a nice week of weather...and this snow won't last the day...

That's is about all the news from here....wishing you an awesome weekend!  

Til next time...

Introducing.....Clancy Mae

Our little gal arrived yesterday safe & sound!  Heading home from the airport....

Everything Air Canada told me was the exact opposite of how it really is!  She did not fly on a cargo plane....but in cargo on a passenger plane.  (there were two long hair dachshunds flown in as well).  The age for flying is 12 weeks.....not 10 weeks as I was told (they flew her no problem though).  The worker at the cargo office - was awesome - really friendly & knowledgeable.  

We picked her up.....from the luggage carousel!  Two dog crates - the worker said he's not had a dachshund come through on a flight....let alone three of them!  Everyone arrived safe & sound...and that is what mattered!

She lasted in her night time crate about three minutes!!  Expressed her displeasure....loudly!  We opted for Plan B....and sleep.  I took her out about 1:30 a.m.....she had a few kibble for a snack....and then back to sleep until 6:00 a.m. or so....

Daughter & grand daughter are quite smitten with her....

Having a bite of breakfast....she does not like to be confined.....and expresses her displeasure....

Today....is bath day for her though!  She needs to be freshened up....both of us will feel better!  An early morning snuggle with her Dad first though....it's all about priorities!

Thank you for joining us on this journey....we are over the moon to have her with us!  So many new things to learn!

Til next time....
 

Clancy Mae Will Soon Be Airborne!!

 

Because the weather has turned cool again....I visited our local Global Pet store....in search of something warm for her to wear.  

Even though all their winter wear was packed up...the owner (Josh) went into the store room & brought out a tote of sweaters....and we went through them & I chose this one!

I'm hoping it fits...a girl needs a warm sweater when there is a chill in the air!!

Come Browse With Me!

I had an opportunity to pop into one of the thrift stores.....not much that caught my eye...but when I see a tart warmer....I snatch it up....such as this one.  It's plain....but always good to have an "extra".....

This pretty Christmas warmer is festive... I left it for someone else to enjoy as I have a couple of holiday ones in my stash....

I've been wanting these parfait/dessert dishes for a while now..... usually they are sold in sets....six or eight to a set...these ones were selling individually.....I only wanted four so I happily added to  cart....

That was about all that caught my eye....bit of a disappointment....maybe next time I'll have better luck! I stopped into Home Sense, since it was on my way home....I so adore this pretty mug....I would have my tea in it anytime....

This is adorable....I left it though....which was hard to do....just sayin'.....

This piece.....baffled me!  I suspect it is a vase of some sort....I can't think of anything else it could be used for....it's a bit of a head scratcher....

What is it with the run on ugly lamps?  I shouldn't be so critical....these might be just what someone is looking for.....

As my mother used to say.....to each his own....these might look amazing in someone's space.  Not mine...but someone's.....

Isn't this cushion fun?  So vibrant and pretty....

A very pretty oblong cushion....I love the soft colours used...

I wandered into the pet supply section....wishing they had the life jackets in an extra small size....there is one listed on FB Marketplace in that size I inquired about, but have not gotten a response. Clancy Mae will be needing one this summer for dips in the pool.  This one is a size small....too big for her right now, but she will eventually need one.....

I've been on the lookout for a basket to house my dog supplies, shampoo, ear cleaner & such.....I spotted this basket....

Brought it home & it works perfectly to keep things in one spot....

I set up one crate in the kitchen.....not sure about the night time sleeping arrangements....will need to play that by ear.  My breeder as well as a friend on the mainland both recommend Clancy Mae sleep in the crate she arrives in....and cover the crate a bit at night...(like you would cover a bird cage).  As well as placing some item in with her that has my scent on it....

The crate she will be arriving in is this one....might not be the same colour....but the breeder who is transporting her to the airport in Toronto....had ordered it to ship one of her dogs....however it didn't arrive in time for her to use it.  (she is a Westie breeder).   She offered it to me....along with a clip on water bowl & I quickly took her up on her offer & purchased it...I would be needing one for her to fly in anyways....

We are going to play it by ear....if she doesn't settle at night.....might have to go to Plan B.  (snuggle in the big bed).

For some reason, the stores here do not carry crockpot liners!  I have searched everywhere to no avail...found a host of air fryer liners.....but none for the crockpot!  I came across these ones on Amazon...and placed an order for them.  Using them makes cleanup a breeze....I needed to order them previously as well......

I will be sharing later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphosis Monday & again tomorrow at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesday!  Feel free to check out the amazing bloggers sharing on these blogs .....

One more sleep & our new family member arrives!!  The excitement is mounting....daughter & family plan to join us at the airport for Clancy Mae's arrival as well!!

Will be sharing her arrival on here .....there might be a photo or two (or a dozen).....

Thanks so much for being here with me today.....I so appreciate your company!

Til next time....

New Jewellery & Pet Health Insurance

 

Above is a photo of our girl's first piece of jewellery..... (our phone numbers are engraved on the back).  We will likely be micro-chipping as well....will discuss during our first vet appointment.....

Our breeder provides thirty days of free pet health insurance....activation must start within 24 hours of her arrival (I plan to activate once Clancy Mae arrives).  

In the past, we have not used pet health insurance on our previous dachshunds....but with the rising cost of veterinary care.....we plan to have it in place for Clancy Mae.  

Three of our previous dachshunds required back surgeries or care at our local veterinary hospital....at that time two back surgeries rang in at $2,500 each....with one dog spending one week at the hospital for treatment of a back issue (did not require surgery)....and that total cost was about $3,000.  

In 2020, our grand-dachshund required back surgery....the cost had increased to $5,000.  Sadly, he suffered another back injury....and surgery was not an option.  Devastating outcome.

Fast forward to present day.....back surgeries now can cost upwards of $10,000!  Without pet insurance....owners are out a hefty sum of money.....or face the heart breaking decision of euthanizing their pet.  We don't ever want to be in that position!  Dachshunds (and other breeds) are prone to IVDD... we want to be prepared in the event we face that again!

Pet insurance covers a host of other procedures & conditions....and in our minds a worthwhile investment for coverage.  Mr. Seventies spent a number of days comparing coverages & costs amongst the various insurance companies....and for our needs we will be using Trupanion insurance.  Some companies don't direct bill the veterinarian - the owner submits the vet bill & awaits reimbursement.  Trupanion does not - the veterinary clinic submits the invoice at time of appointment & we are required to only pay the deductible....

I've also spoken to dog owners who have Trupanion insurance....and was advised it provides excellent service.  Now, it doesn't cover routine check ups, spay/neuter, or dental cleanings....those are considered things a pet owner should budget for....now with some insurance you can opt in for that extra coverage....but we're okay with paying for normal, everyday veterinary care....

Tuesday cannot get here fast enough...daughter & family plan to join us in greeting Clancy Mae at the airport!

We are a little excited - Liesel's death left a huge void in our lives...we've missed the pitter-patter of paws!

Have an awesome weekend!

Til next time.....

The Countdown Is On!

Clancy Mae's arrival is only five days away!  Tuesday, April 21st is the day her flight arrives!!  After receiving conflicting instructions from Air Canada (imagine that)!

When attempting to book her flight on a cargo plane....Air Canada advised I was to hire a company that transports pets to the airport for departure....through Ipata pet shippers!  If you listen to Air Canada's voicemail - that is only a requirement for pets travelling on international flights....not within Canada.  When I spoke with a representative a couple of weeks ago....Ipata was never mentioned!  However, the rep I spoke to this day....disagreed. 

After speaking with the Air Canada rep again.....I spent a few minutes pondering this news!  We already have transport from the breeder's location to the airport in Toronto!  Since the breeder is on puppy watch (two litters currently due any day).....her neighbour, an experienced Westie breeder.....is driving Clancy on the three hour trip to the airport in Toronto!  So why did I need to hire a company to do so?

Turns out.....I didn't.  Another a third call to Air Canada ....I finally spoke to an amazing  knowledgeable representative (Isaac)!   He advised if someone was taking Clancy to the airport.....all is well.  We booked her flight right then & there!

We received her flight info (her driver as well).... and.I was also required  to provide authorization for Clancy to be handed over by her driver!  Done. I received confirmation Air Canada received the authorization & will attach it to her boarding pass.

As mentioned, her driver is a veteran breeder & has shipped pups for over eighteen years - and never once did she ever need to pay a company to transport her pups to the airport!  (she attempted to book Clancy's passage...with frustration dealing with Air Canada).  I stepped in....and sorted it out.  Whew!!

Doxie drama or what??   Does this little tyke look worried? 

Her flight duration, (on a climate controlled cargo plane)....is two hours!  That's barely a nap!  I remember Liesel's transport....her water bowl was still full upon arrival!  (she flew on a cargo plane as well).  Talk about a smooth flight.....

We plan to prepare for Clancy's arrival over the weekend....setting up crates....Mr. Seventies has the gates in place...we will be all set!!

Have an awesome weekend....

Til next time.....

 

Catching Up!

Happy Monday!  Our weather forecast is calling for rain....all week!  Remember the old saying, "April showers bring May flowers".....we should have an abundance of flowers in the gardens if that is the case!

I was able to drop into Inspired Living....spring has sprung there!  Gorgeous "real touch" tulip bouquets...they absolutely look & feel real....

 I think I have a pair of these little ceramic boots....in green....aren't they adorable?

I adore this little lamp....perhaps I've shared it before....the price tag though is over the top at $95!!

If the small lamp was that expensive....I didn't dare check the price tag on the larger ones....but I do love them both...

Some adorable little dachshund figures....so cute....

The vases are swoon worthy....but again so is the price.....at $75 each.....and up!  

This pretty over the door wreath hanger is so pretty....I love that they have come out with nicer options than the plain rustic ones....

I'm obsessed with the colours in this canvas....I'm drawn to colour for certain.....this frame piece is huge...

Drawn to cows apparently as well.....no big surprise there...

While I truly enjoy Inspired Living......I find their pricing has gotten ridiculous on some things.  They do have weekend specials...but in general prices are, in my opinion....high.  So unless I see something I simply need to have....I only browse around.....

In May we have three celebrations....both daughter & son-in-law have birthdays a few days apart....we plan to have a dual get together for them....complete with an ice cream cake from What's the Scoop dairy bar....(ice cream cakes are son-in-laws favourite).....followed by Mother's Day!  Birthday meal -  home made pizza has been requested.....Mother's Day will be celebrated with a ham dinner....(since we missed out at Easter)......and Father's Day in June.....steak  on the barbecue is the #1 choice along with burgers....easy peasy....

Daughter has asked for an electric heated throw....not an easy find this time of year!  They are more popular at Christmas for gift giving....but I was able to find this one (with free shipping)....it will be arriving this week.  Son-in-law has requested a gift card from Home Depot....he is wanting a leaf blower....

Daughter had mentioned a few weeks back how difficult she finds it to slide her kitchen aid from the back of her counter to be able to use it.....I had the same issue until I ordered a pad for underneath the mixer....makes sliding it out a breeze.  I know she will appreciate receiving a pad as well....

Mr Seventies requested a couple of these seed spreaders......especially for grand daughter to "help" with planting.  With the spreaders....he is able to load the seeds & set the rate at which they will be dispersed...as opposed to tossing them into the ground....in handfuls....like our "junior" farmer planted last year....lol.

Since I wanted to use up my Amazon gift cards.....I ordered a couple of things for Clancy Mae. Since her spay will be in August  (when she will be six months old) (we will have a spay/neuter contract with her breeder) and even if we didn't...we'd spay her.

I ordered this surgery recovery suit.....to protect her stitches.....and to keep the area covered & unable to be licked.  I've been told these work better than the traditional awkward cone around the neck....always looks so uncomfortable for pets.....the suit should be more comfortable.....

And every pup needs a few Nylabones to cut teeth on....I have a couple already in my stash....but added this one to my cart as well....

Daughter & family visited yesterday & we enjoyed a delicious Sunday dinner....Grampie & grand daughter had the opportunity to be outside for a bit....as both want more cement paw print pads for the gardens & needed to know how many will be required.....(when Grampie is fully healed)......

It's going to be a quiet week here....we have phone appointments with our family doctor to go over our recent blood work results....fingers crossed no major changes.  With me....it's always my iron and/or A1C levels that are an issue....

I have a lunch date with my friend (and son-in-law's Mom).....and hope to have a chance to hit up a couple of the thrift stores!  I heard Winners is opening up a store in Summerside...that will be exciting...I love Winners. I wish we would also get a Marshalls store.....I always find good buys....and Bath & Body Works in our mall here should be opening soon.....

Grand daughter checked out the pool while she was here.....she was happy to see the new pool floats!  We need to replace solar blanket....they only last us a couple of years at best.   Between the chlorine &  sun....they disintegrate quickly.  Last fall, Mr. Seventies laid ours out to dry....then cut it up to go in the waste bin.....

That's about all the happenings from here....the sun is currently out ....we hope to get out for our walk.  Yesterday, while the sun was out....there was a brisk wind from the NW making it feel much colder....so we didn't get our walk in. 

I'll be over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ later today for Metamorphosis Monday & sharing again tomorrow at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesday....

Thanks so much for hanging out with me today.....I so appreciate you!  Have an awesome day!

Til next time.....