Didn't know...

Didn't know I had a Valentine's Cactus. 😂😍😍😍

This is a terrible photo...

This is a terrible photo, but the best we could do. Shaun looked out of the window to find Rose sitting like this (back legs and tail straight out in front of her), alone in the middle of the yard with her head low / eyes open like she was either having a life crisis or trying not to nod off. 😂😂😂 It was so hilarious to behold; I wish we could have captured her face. Unfortunately, something caught her attention and she had to run off and bark so we didn't get a chance at a better photo.

Rose update:

Rose update:

Shaun taught her how to use the doggie door.  She's been in and out, but mostly on the couch.  She seems EXHAUSTED.  She's been growly with Cubba which is unusual, but she went from never being indoors to being lost for almost 12 days to having the option of a couch indoors so she's been through a lot of change.  The dogs are kept separate from the cats which is great because she did not seem fond of them when she finally noticed them.

I'm really hoping that some rest and some familiarity will do her some good.  She laid on Shaun's lap for a while getting petted - barely able to hold her eyes open which is not like her... she's usually running around like a maniac.  I've never once seen her tired out until now.  Poor girl.  I can't even imagine the stress she's been feeling all of this time.  In any case I'm so relieved that she's home and safe.

Y'all, look who's home. I am so relieved!

Y'all, look who's home. I am so relieved! The one mailbox we didn't put a flyer in because it was pretty far off our street has been caring for Rose for the last week and a half. We got a call today; a good Samaritan saw my post on the Talladega Animal Control page.

She seems fine - just a bit thin. We can handle that. Her ID is on and Shaun is securing the fence as I type!

I haven't said much about my life in a bit...

I haven't said much about my life in a bit... for the most part because it's been uneventful (which is a nice change of pace).  I'm calm and relaxed on a deep level which is something I haven't experienced in at least 10+ years.  Me and Shaun are fortunate to be able to do life at our own pace for now; some days we get a whole lot done, some days we rest, some days we play and enjoy each others company.  I have to admit that I'm really enjoying it.  After 5 years of school and me putting everyone and everything 2nd it's been really wonderful to reconnect with him as a couple.  I feel like I love him more every day and I don't even know how that's possible.

We're almost done with things around the house in Talladega; we're about to turn our focus to the house in Anniston so we can get it on the market.  It really doesn't need much work so hopefully we can get it listed by March.  The kids are doing a great job with keeping it tidy and safe.  We will turn in the keys to their apartment tomorrow so that will be a thing that's officially done.  I'm grateful for every bit we check off of our to-do list.

Speaking of things to do - I'm about to start studying for my CSA.  It's something that I've been putting off for while... well - due to school and then due to house stuff, but my deadline will be here soon so it's time to get on that.  My brain has had a nice break so I can definitely handle it.  After that I suppose I'll update my resume one last time and then put it out there into the world and start looking for a job.  I have a good idea of what I want to do so hopefully that will work out.  If not, I'm sure I'll be good for something after all of this schooling.  😂😂😂

Anyway, we never heard anything on Rose.  I honestly think someone scooped her up and is HOPEFULLY taking great care of her.  Cubba now has a doggie door to the sun room and only leaves the yard for play dates; he still climbs the fence to get out but now that he has a couch to come home to he's also started climbing back in.  I knew he could do it.  😂😂😂  He's getting pretty spoiled and likes to go in the car with us anywhere he can.  He's a good boy, though.  Always has been.  He was easy to house train and still remembers his sit / shake / down from before my mental health got bad.  He hasn't had any accidents indoors but has chewed a few of my things (thankfully nothing harmful or major), so that is going ok.  I haven't really let myself be close to another dog since I lost Booka, but maybe it's time.  Seems like we both have a void to fill.

Well, that's all I've got for now.  I hope you all are doing well.  I am and I'm cherishing every minute of it.  ❤

Shaun and I were out and about today...

Shaun and I were out and about today then decided to have an impromptu car date. We curbside picked up some tasty food and ate it parked here with this view of the sunset. Then my car stopped working and the kids had to rescue us. It was cold while waiting for them, but still it was a good day and we are lucky that Shadow and Kira are so awesome. ❤️

Funny side note:  My car has been scheduled for maintenance tomorrow since last week. I cleaned it out this morning in preparation for that - including the jumper cables that would have saved the kids a trip. 😂😂😂 I guess that's just how it goes sometimes. 🙃

Today was really good and I am happier than I've ever been.

Today was really good and I am happier than I've ever been.

Yeah. 🙂 I spent all day with Shaun. That's not unusual since I finished school, but I feel closer to him than ever. We're just next-level right now. I don't know. But it's great.