Help out a kiddo today!

Hey all!  I've been thinking about the Christmas season coming up.  And that means doing some giving.  What can I say but that the holiday season hits me about this time of year, to where I feel it coming on.

And speaking of giving .. see the segway I did there?  :)

As some of you know, I've been working with a great company called Visalus Sciences helping folks improve their life, health and prosperity.  Not a bad gig, no?

ViSalus is also big on giving back to the community and to those less fortunate.  It's one of many reasons I'm continually amazed by their integrity and drive to truly improve folk's lives.  And they are doing it again with the Body By Vi COMMUNITY Challenge.

Check out the promotional video linked here as well as the promo-blurb below.  Then if you have some friends that might be interested in helping some kids out, pass this info on to them please.  You'd be doing some hungry kids a huge favor.


Thanks for considering!

Click here to see a quick video overview of the Body By Vi Community Challenge.

ViSalus is best known for The Body by Vi™ Challenge, which rewards people who use the company’s nutritional products to transform their bodies and achieve their health goals over 90 days.

For those with a goal of giving back to those less fortunate, The Body by Vi Community Challenge gives anybody the unique opportunity to donate the company’s protein and nutrient–rich Vi-Shape® mix to children and families who don’t have the means to get the nutrition they need each day.

An update, a post, what next!?!?!?! :)

Though you may not have realized it, the heartbeat of Horton Hollow is still strong. That is to say, I'm still kicking. My posts have been sporadic I realize but my heart remains, to write for those that will read my virtualized scrawlings. I'm still getting my feet under me, not being one that adapts quickly to large, sweeping changes in the schedule.

I am ramping up to start back on this blog as well as starting on a business blog of my own. Additionally, I'm beginning a joint-venture business blog wherein some partners and I will be sharing some things about business-building, investing, technology, etc.

It's an exciting time for me! But busy too. Horton Hollow is where my heart is, where I can be "me" and let my (remaining) hair down and write about whatever we like. Before I sign off, let me share some updates:

• Weight loss: still a struggle but I've plenty of fight in me and I'm far too stubborn to quit.
• Business: well see above you silly-head! :) I've lots to share there and things are going well.
• Our out-building: honestly I tried to break this deal and not get it after all. Turns out though, even though I "could" get out of it, I think it's prudent to go through with it. So things are moving there. We have some plans
• Isabella and Josh: well I'm sure you'd not recognize either of them. Josh has quickly become a young man, no longer a child to be sure. And our little Isabella is crawling and trying her darndest to say something we can all understand. She turned 10 months yesterday. The times, they do be a flyin!

You guys are all awesome! Thanks for reading! Keep up the CPR with comments, it helps the writing heartbeat stronger!

It's a bouncing baby Bella .. OR .. The Princess has landed ...

I trust you dear follower-philes that you, in your benevolent readership, will overlook any grammatical errors and/or should I ramble off into parts unknown, I have faith in your patience with me.

I've had three hours (or less) of sleep. But I'm not complaining. Heather has had it far worse and I'm in no position to gripe. Heather is super-woman. Hear her roar.

If you were listening closely, perhaps with you ear turned toward St Peters, MO at around 2:15pm today - you may have heard her roar too.

Ok, I'll stop teasing it.

Bella is here. And Bella is good. So is Heather.

After what I thought was a sure fire trip to the Guinness Book of World Records for labor, Heather managed to overcome her exhaustion, her stress, and general pain to deliver Bella to us.

Bella is 7lbs 6oz and is 20 1/2 inches long. She's perfect of course. She immediately latched on and fed for 45 minutes too. See? Perfect. I mean how fast did YOU latch on right after YOU were born? Right. I rest my case. :)

Ok, we are all pooped. I promise more stuff later. We may be couped up in this hospital till Sunday. We're trying to get a pass on that but we may be stuck here. More to come.

But nothing's wrong. Everything and everybody is all right. First night with Bella is upcoming.

Drummer heart with geek talent

Tonight I was going through some old memories. I came across these items. This is my old stick bag and accessories from my days as a "drummer". Ok I wasn't very good. As the post title implies I've always been a geek. However it didn't keep me from trying this out for a couple of years. And I only played in church. Hmmm, can I even claim I was a drummer I wonder? Well darn it I had big dreams back then kids.

Every weekend, I'd take the stage with the other members of our little band. And to me, it felt like a concert each time. I loved every minute of it. But as I said I wasn't very good. And it's hard to "break out the rock" in the middle of church too. Mostly I felt outta place, lol


But these old friends here brought back so many memories. The baseball gloves I wore because hey, my favorite drummer of all time wore baseball gloves. I met him. He signed a pair of my drumsticks. I had to have gloves like him right? And these gloves were awesome. Everytime I put them on I felt a link to a larger world. A world of music that somehow made a tiny difference in someone's day. It gave me a sense of identity.

Wow, I even had a can of sticky stuff called "Gator Grip" (which you can still smell on these gloves) that made them adhere to the sticks so I wouldn't drop them easily. My favorite drummer played hard. I needed to be like him in that way too (though I never played that hard, lol).

Its just funny how much this brings back to me. And I thought that I'd quickly write it down. This is something I miss and though I may never be "great" at it, I think I'll pick it back up again. I mean heck, I still have the sticks. Now to see if they still make Gator Grip. Plus I can still do my dual stick spin.

Decisions, decisions

Sometimes methinks I think too much. And often I get too busy. I don't like being overly busy. At times like those I need to decide what is a priority and what is not. Who and what I have room for and who and what I don't. It's a tough thing thinking about it all. And I think, as I said, I think too much. Confusing right?

Grilled Cheese Pizza Style .. OR .. Too good to be this easy

Okay someone else out there has probably done this recipe before but I just threw this together in the kitchen and wanted to jot it down. It was a big hit, even with my picky eater, Thing One.

Grilled Cheese - Pizza Style
2 - slices mozzarella
2 - Tbsp pizza sauce
12 (or so) pepperoni slices (we like turkey pepperoni)
2 - slices of bread
pinch of garlic powder
pinch of pizza seasoning (optional)

My method:
First I preheated the pepperoni in the microwave to make sure they flattened out nicely. Just makes for an easier build in my mind. But I suppose this step is optional.

Heat up your cast iron griddle (for cast iron is the bestest thing on which to cook, imo). Melt about 1 Tbsp of butter on the griddle. Apply some butter to your bread and place on griddle. Put the sauce onto the bread and sprinkle on the garlic and pizza seasoning (if you opted for that).

So then the build goes thusly: bread/sauce/cheese/pepperoni/cheese/pepperoni/sauce/bread.

Continue grilling the sandwich just like you would a regular grilled cheese. This is good stuff and very quick snack for the win. :)

Thing One liked this so much he actually STOPPED PLAYING VIDEO GAMES to sit down and eat. That's the only review I needed to let me know this is a keeper!

The Visitation .. OR .. Friends for a Snack

A rare thing happened here at Castle Horton over the weekend. We got to receive some company at our home. Lord and Lady Herm and their young Prince came out for a visit. And they came bearing gifts for our soon to be born Bella. It was good to see all of them. Mr. Herm and Company didn't get to stay very long but we had a great time visiting and just hanging out in the yard.

Also Fred was willing to work with Storm a bit with me and I very much appreciated that. She isn't the best in the world with visitors, taking awhile to warm up to folks, since we live out in the boonies. So every time we get a chance we try and talk people into becoming human sacrifices, ahem, help us socialize our dog. I suppose some folks wouldn't get this or have much patience with it. But Fred came outside with me to offer himself up as a snack meet the puppy.

Things went really well.

Fred may not have thought so when Storm barked at him for awhile. But if only he could have seen how she used to be with folks. Saturday was a huge improvement. Fred and family joined us all in the shepherd containment facility front yard, and we got to watch Fred's son run around while Storm trotted alongside him. Storm saw them all as buddies before the Herms had to leave.

So it was a good visit for sure!

Thanks for coming out Mr Fred. It was good to see you and the fam! Thanks for having patience with us and our dog and thanks again for the cool stuff for Bella! You guys are always welcomed out this way!

Custom Geek Baby ... OR .. Early Parenting, How to Geek Out Your Kid Right Outta "The Gate"

The other day I was browsing through geek t-shirts, a favorite pastime of mine (Mr. Excitement, that's me). While hitting up some of the only sites I knew my favorite ones, I saw that many of them had baby clothes too. With the advent of Thing Two creating a horizon out of Mamma Horton's belly, I knew I just had to get something for the baby that was uniquely "from Dad". Needless to say I was all geeked out and excited.

I began my browsing. Some were good. Some were not. None of them struck me as "you have to have them" funny. I began to lose hope.

Then like the Grinch, when he realized what he must do in order to save Whooville's Christmas .. okay poor example but it's all I had to represent "inspiration" at this point ... an idea occured to me.

I designed my own phrase instead.
Then by crackey I found me a site to package it and slap it on a onesie for me.

Below is the product of my labor which is nothing compared to the impending labor ahead. I also wish the "other" labor was only gonna cost $15 but a guy can't have his onesie and cheap birthing costs too.

Enjoy.

And look closely for the geeky irony.




On a final note ... why can't we wear clothes like this as adults? I ask you. Seriously.

How freaking convenient is this design? I mean c'mon. You could dress it up by attaching simple legs, perhaps something business casual, right? Slap a clip-on tie for a job interview or wedding here and there. And if you're feeling saucy perhaps throw on a kicky beret for those evenings out at Applebee's with the family.

[toddles off to find the patent office]

Top 15 Star Wars Quotes That Are Funny In the Bathoom

Being the diligent nerd I am, I compiled this list this morning. I had this idea on the way to work and it made me chuckle. So I began thinking up quotes. I also searched for a list like this on the innerwebz but I couldn't find one. So here they are.

The Top 15 Star Wars Quotes That Are Funny in the Bathroom

15. "The Force is strong with this one."
14. "No reward is worth this."
13. "I sense something; a presence I've not felt since..."
12. Gold Five: Stay on target! Gold Leader: [shouts] Loosen up!
11. "Boy, it's lucky you have these compartments."
10. "Escape is not his plan. I must face him. Alone."
09. "This little one's not worth the effort."
08. "They're coming in! Three marks at 2-10!"
07. "Sorry about the mess!"
06. "Red Six: I got a problem here. Biggs: Eject! Red Six: I can hold it."
05. "Well looks like you've got something jammed in here pretty good."
04. "What an incredible smell you've discovered!"
03. "He can go about his business."
02. "I have a very bad feeling about this."

And finally, the quote I thought of this morning. The one that made me laugh cause although it's #1 it's really about #2 ...

01. Yoda (grunting) "There. Is. Another!"

And here are some more that didn't make the cut but are still pretty good :) Enjoy!

• "Continue with the operation. You may fire when ready."
• "I don't think the Empire had Wookies in mind when they designed her Chewie."
• "They're coming in too fast!"
• "Open the blast doors! Open the blast doors!"
• "She may not look like much but she's got it where it counts kid."
• "One thing's for sure, we're all gonna be a lot thinner. "
• "It's not as clumsy or random as a blaster."

Some quick writing ...

Repeat Performance

The antics of the clown, bring the crowd joy
create feelings to entertain and forget their hurts.

The storm of intentional mistakes made for all
rains happy moments on the worried souls.

Each stumble of the clown, creates a giggle
jars away all else save the spectacle of silliness.

Slices of dignity are peeled away, offered for approval
traded to see others guffawing, wiping away laughing tears.

For hours the music of humor plays on, for an orchestra of applause
hitting each practiced note for seats full of critical composers.

Finally the waiting night, descends when the lights go down
rushing in to make up for the time lost while humor held sway.

Throngs of people, rush to leave, flee back to their havens
abadon the clown they loved only moments ago.

The entertainer, swipes away the makeup with each practiced movement,
removes the folly and reveals the would-be friend.

The colorless face, sits alone at the mirror and stares
seeing now, only another visage from the crowd.

The laughter is gone, like the lights,
shut down until someone else needs it.

The humor, is packed away like floppy shoes
unable to be worn until someone else needs a laugh.

The sight gags, are stored away, neatly stacked
not to be taken down until another's applause calls for them.

The dreams of sharing a true laugh, of being understood, are locked away
inside the lonely heart of a misfit.

The clown's tired face, rests on supporting hands
looks for answers in an empty, silent, endless mirror.

What are "you" looking at .. OR ..The Lounging Linguist

My son comes up with great words now and again.

He’s really coming into his own with the sarcasm.

I couldn’t be prouder.

Much like me, he’s shy around new people but man once he gets comfortable, watch out. I can totally relate. He has this raw talent to be a real smart-alec.

Ever see those trick shooters? The ones that can shoot a playing card and split it in half? Or they can light a match, firing a bullet from their gun?

His talent with sarcasm is just like that, only he’s using a shotgun to light the match. Oh he hits the target all right. But um, precision and control will take some practice.

But I for one am so excited that things are turning out this way. Though raw in form right now, this opens up a whole new channel of “guy communication” that over the coming years will allow us to develop a closeness that may not have otherwise been possible.

It’s a big deal.

I’m a huge fan of this type of getting along too. If I can’t joke around with someone well then I usually don’t have much time for them in my life and I tend to drift away from them. He seems to be that way as well.

His sarcasm, as I alluded to when this post began, really allows him to come off with some zingers. Today was no exception and worth writing down.

My wife is very pregnant right now. She and I were swimming/lounging in the pool today, talking about life in general and the impending birth of Thing Two. Josh walks out on our little dock and is talking to us. Heather my wife, slipped off her raft and begins to swim a bit.

She struggled at first to get her balance cause hey, she’s preggers. There are a lot of adjustments to be made, with nearly every movement she makes during the day. I can’t begin to imagine. But she righted the ship … ahem … and was swimming nicely.

Josh, ever the diplomat, says “Wow, I didn’t think you’d be able to swim that well. Looks like being pregnant has made you more FLOATACIOUS”.

I immediately lost it and snorted pool water, laughing as a new word at Castle Horton was born. And yes we were all laughing about it, not just me :)

P.S. – I asked Josh for a pic today to post with this. He immediately broke into a polite smile, ready to be immortalized on Dad’s blog. Instead of taking the polite pic, I asked him for the teenager look of "what are you doing bothering me again you big dork”.

I love this kid!

Billy Mays: A Final Broadcast

Billy Mays here, from the afterlife, to announce something earth-shaking, something so exciting
You simply must hear this to believe it!

Due to the recent death of mega-stars such as Farrah Fawcett we're overstocked on things like, flashlights.

So we are passing these savings along to you!

Flashlights previously used to look at Farrah's poster under the covers are now sitting in our inventory.

These flashlights are perfect for security ..
(cut to scene of the hamburglar getting caught stealing hamburgers from the kitchen)
For driving nails ..
(cut to scene of flashlight driving spikes into boards and then some dude hangs from them)
And yes all Farrah Flashlights are naturally resistant to moisture!
(show flashlight being dropped into a pool, hitting a nail on the way down, driving it in while the erratic beam exposes the hamburglar .. again)

Billy yells even louder.

Yes folks if you act now this fantastic Farrah Flashlight can be yours for the low-low price of $19.95.

But wait there's more! Billy's voice reaches an uncomfortable crescendo, prompting that internal reaction to reach for the remote .. but you can't .. because you KNOW YOU HAVE to see what's next.

Michael Jackson also passed away last week leaving us overstocked on yes you know it ..

Big Wheels!

We have Big Wheels filling our warehouse to the ceiling! If you call now, we will add in a Big Wheel with your Farrah Flashlight order .. ABSOLUTELY FREE!

That's right! But act now! These won't last and quantities ARE limited!

Folks, Big Wheels are GREAT for:
.. going to the market (shows Big Wheel with bike basket)
.. for exercise (shows ultra skinny model frantically learning to ride the Big Wheel while the camera rolls)
.. and MUCH, much more (prompting you to think that Big Wheels are more useful than just for riding around on)

So that's right folks!

A Farrah Flashlight
(screen swirls to show all it's amazing uses at once),
PLUS a Big Wheel
(image of Big Wheel is rubber stamped over the flashlight)

ALL for ONLY $19.95!

CALL NOW FOLKS! I'M BILLY MAYS for the FARRAH FLASHLIGHT and THE MJ BIG WHEEL!

Quick Riddle: What Am I?

Here is a little riddle for you - a quick funny even.

• This thing is mine.
• This thing of mine is long.
• This thing of mine is above average in width.
• Sometimes it gets wet but normally it is dry.
• It can get hot to the touch - so much that I can feel it through my clothes.
• It can be hard or soft and malleable.
• I use it nearly everyday.
• Sometimes though I take a day off cause I get worn out if I use it too much.
  
• Other people have seen it but my wife is the only one that sees it with me now.
  

Clearly I'm talking about my commute to work each day. It's made up of 45 miles of hot, summer asphalt road.

What did you think I was talking about?

Pervert.

Thank ye, thank ye

Today I officially - for I have the graphic to the right proving it - have joined a larger community here on the innerwebz.

Clicky here to find out more about The St. Louis Blogger's Guild. They like me, they reeeeally like me!

Clearly, due to my eloquent turns of the written word, in acknowledgment of life-changing and inspirational writing, AND in recognition of contributions far beyond those of the average contributor ... I have been eagerly and with much ado, invited to join this prestigious society of bloggers here in the Mid-West.

Ok .... actually I found out about them via Dana's blog, having heard her on the radio. I listen to her every Mon, Wed and Fri on Allman in the Morning and you should too. If you're not local, then L2stream people. Follow her blog too. She is mucho intelligentioso.

Additionally, I begged and pleaded with the Blogger's Guild until they lowered the heavy gate of the guild's stronghold, behind which dwelt real bloggers (pretty much if you're not me I consider you a real blogger) - folks who know how to write. And after much groveling they.. heaved a deep sigh ... and let me in.

Well yes, I also paid membership dues. I'm not too proud to admit it :) However, my blog did have to get "looked at" before they'd approve me and pass muster it must've for here I am - shamelessly using their graphics without fear of lawsuits.

Plus I have my membership dues receipt from PayPal. :)

So thanks all - for letting me in the Guild. I'm looking forward to doing some more networking and being a part of these other fine bloggers which have made me laugh, cry and think deep thoughts.

I raise this virtual tankard of ale to you all.

Here's to the Guild!

On the Seventh Day: Genesis of a Sandwich

San 1:1 - And after the Lord God had laboured for six days, creating the Earth and all therein; every creeping thing upon the land and every thing under the sea had he made. All things what did swim and things that did creep did God create in those six days.

San 1:2 - And on the Seventh day he rested and had a sandwich.

San 1:3 - In the beginning, the sandwich was without form and void. Darkness was upon the face of the table. And God said, let there be bread. And it was 9-grain Oat Bread.

San 1:4 - Then taking the flesh of a fowl, the lettuce leaves of Lamentations, hot banana peppers of Sheol, red onions of Gideon, and the pepper and salt of the Earth - God brought it together and assembled it.

San 1:5 - And he made the breadth thereof one eighth of one cubit and the length thereof three fourths of one cubit. The height he just let whatever happened happen - but know ye this - thou shalt not overstuff thy sandwich.

San 1:6 - Stretching forth his hand, near the Light of the Day, the Lord God toasted the bread. He saw that it was good.

San 1:7 - And seeing the good work of His hands he bestowed upon the sandwich a Nameless Condiment of Heaven. A sauce so filling, creamy and good, as to never be equaled by any sandwich topping.

San 1:8 - And God said, I love my Creation and they must have this as well. It would not be good to keep this from the Earth and its inhabitants. For this condiment is versatile as well as filling. It shall have a name they may speak.

San 1:9 - Taking his Creation to Adam, who had named everything thus far, he tasked Adam to name this Heavenly addition to Earth's flavors. And Adam called it Ranch Dressing and was immediately inspired to create Buffalo Chicken Wings. He left to attend his gas grill.

San 1:10 - God returned with the Ranch Dressing and placed a dollop atop his Sandwich. And God saw that it was good. And God took Michael the Archangel's sword and smote the Sandwich, cutting it in half.

San 1:11 - And the right half and the left half were the first Sandwich. And it was very good. Thus was born what would eventually become the Subway $5 footlong. Amen.

Quick funny from our evening ...

It is rare anymore that we watch TV shows. Chuck however is one exception, meaning we always DVR it and watch it later if we happen to miss it "live". It's a great show.

And whether it be a DVD movie or our favorite TV show, Chuck, it turns into quite the fiasco at times getting everybody "ready" to watch. At some point someone invariably has to get up to go to the bathroom or get a drink, one more snack ... you name it. The entertainment is paused and the stress clock starts ticking for someone. This is where I come in :)

Tonight we were watching Chuck and had to pause it briefly for Heather and I to get up, heading to the kitchen to put down cups/get refills or some other such thing. Josh was left in the living room with a very funny show paused and he hates hates hates to wait ... so I took that opportunity to impart some patience to my number one son as only us Dads can.

Me: I'll be right there, just getting some tea ...
Josh: (nearly audible eyeroll from the living room)
Me: Just really quick I'm gonna make this casserole, and I'll be right in there.
Josh: Reaches DEFCON 3 stress levels.
Me: Let me just check on the dog, she's outside.
Josh: (blood pressure can now be heard in other rooms)
Me: Coming! Just gonna level my WoW character to 76.
Josh: (no words spoken yet but he's glancing around for something to throw)
Me: (Sensing his emotional armor has reached the proper heating point, I apply the needed tempering with some cooling humor). Alright, I'm coming. If you freak out on me and start throwing things, I'll shave off my butt hair, fashion it into a fake moustache and make you wear it!
Josh: (falls over laughing on the couch, making his own jokes about how gross that is).

But he was smiling and that was the whole intent of the exercise :)

Yep.
Stressing kids out.
Butt humor.
Dads.
It's a great combination.

And I love my job.

Quickie: Work's got me all blocked up ...

Well my blogging may experience a slight hiccup whilst I adjust my schedule. My work apparently has decided to start blocking web-sites, of which, anything to do with blogger is included. So no more blogging/commenting during the day for me unless I can talk em out of it. I'm working diligently on that.

The nerve of these people. I'm a computer nerd for crying out loud. And they cut me off from online friends and cool technology. Sheesh!

Little do they know that my desire to avoid work has no bounds; my energy in which to find ways to accomplish that goal is unlimited. So as I'm fond of saying ... Irresistable force? Meet immoveable object.

I've already discovered ways to continue IM'ing, which they had also temporarily blocked. Tis only a matter of time before I bust out, back to daytime blogging.

Quickie: Chicken recipe

Since the Christmas break I've been doing a lot more cooking. With Heather feeling down here lately due to the impending birth at Castle Horton, I've been left in charge of the kitchen more and more. God help us all right? I hope when Heather returns to her kitchen that she can still find everything too :)


So following in my friend Jenn's footsteps, I've been menu planning and shopping accordingly. And the crockpot has been my very favorite tool for cooking of late. Although us being only a family of three, I've way overdid it on the cooking and we've had far far too many leftovers.


So today I made some crockpot chicken. Turned out great and was super easy. Heather is a picky eater and she even loved it. Josh not so much. His powers of being picky far outmatch his mother's formidable finickiness it seems.


However, I wanted to share this yummy little chicken number. It's cheap and it's easy. It's a lot like dating me would be.


Smothered Chicken


Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, skinless & boneless
• 12 oz Baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
• 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (once again, fat free here!)
• 1 can French Onion Soup
• 1 Large onion, sliced
• assortment of vegetables

Directions:

• Cut the chicken into bite size chunks and quickly brown in a small amount of olive oil.
• Remove from pan, set aside and brown onion until almost soft.
• Add mushrooms and saute for additional 5 minutes.
• Layer vegetables in bottom of crock, add some of the onion/mushrooms, then all of the chicken.
• Top with rest of onions/mushrooms.
• Empty all three soups into saute pan.
• Stir and deglaze thoroughly then pour over chicken.

Cook on high for 2 hours, then on low for another 2-1/2 hours.

Quickie: How many beanies can you eat?

Occasionally, rather than ramble on and on (yes I'm trying to do better with that resolution), I figure I'll throw in a "quickie" post. Hey who doesn't enjoy one of those from time to time right? Pervs. Clearly I meant concise and informative posts :)

Okay I just made this 16 bean soup today. It is delish! You simply must have some soon. However I added some stuff to this. It's this illness I inherited from my mother. Neither of us can ever make the same pot of soup twice. It always ends up being "mood food"; meaning depending on our mood, we flavor it totally different although the base is the same each time.

I only added some hot peppers, black pepper and some peas. Okay I really like peas alright? And spicy food is my life.

Thanks to my very good friend Jenn and her food blogging talents for showing me the way of the soup and introducing me to crockpot cooking, in general, and this recipe in particular. I slammed all this in the crock this morning and like elven cooking magic, dinner was ready when I got home. It's a beautiful feeling.

Sunday: Super rare spawn post ...

OMG I'm outta control ... two posts ON THE WEEKEND??!?! I know, right? I can hear your shock and feel the breeze of your breath due to your slack-jawedness.

Now close your mouth, you're attracting flies.

Ahem. Just making an announcement for you always ready readers while at the same time, a note for myself to remember later.

On Tuesday, I shall begin a new theme day for "Dog Days at the Hortons". Heather and I have decided to step up our dog training a ka-notch. Stormer needs the help and we want a better-behaved puppy. Honestly we've been slacking and it's time to get on track. How are we doing that? Simple. Daddy starts making lists of goals and daily schedules (yes I'm a giant nerd).

So on Tuesdays I will be venting, asking for advice, and giving some of my own on how "real-life" dog training goes. Not the edited version you see on TV but right down in the trenches, how it works for us, the pitfalls, the setbacks and the joys of training a puppy in our home.

Hope you'll like these posts but um, if you don't, well there are better blogs to read than this one anyway :)