Christmas Preparations

Today started off with breakfast with the Miller's and off to our final "newbie" Sunday school class and church.  It was a drizzly, foggy morning.  After a quick stop off at Wal Mart for a few things, Rod and I headed home to decorate the inside of the house for Christmas. 

We had spent Saturday trying to clean up clutter before hauling all the decoration tubs upstairs.
The painter had been here last week to paint the ceilings on the main floor.  Funny how all the knick knacks and furniture didn't put themselves back after the painter left. :(  It seems to take much longer to put things back than it did to tear it apart.

I am pleased to say the tree is decorated.  We found an animated Santa that Aaron has had since he was little.  Hadn't put it out for a few years, so we put it in the front bay window.  Rascal, the Yorkie and Harry Potter, the Aussie, had never met Santa. 

Rascal growled and Harry barked his "this is my house" bark.    Rod introduced both dogs to Santa and explained they better be good or Santa wouldn't leave them big bones or kibble in their stockings.
Later we let Indy, the youngest Aussie, in the house and his reaction was "whoa, wait a minute, who's this dude?"

As you can see Rascal crashed after a long day of decking the halls.

And, Indy promised "I'll be good Santa, really I will.  Just please bring me a really BIG rawhide!"

Jesus is the reason for the Season!  Enjoy!  Terry

Harry Potter, Therapy Dog

Enjoyed accomplishing one of my retirement goals today.  Harry Potter, my Australian Shepherd and I were the guest speakers at the Care Givers Support Group at the Bureau County Metro Center today.  I spoke about my care giving experiences with my mom, dad, grandmother and my son.  Then I provided Harry's story and the journey to becoming a therapy dog. Harry gave an awesome laid back presentation.  After a question and answer period, Harry generously provided therapy to all.  Of course, those who slipped him a doggie treat got a little extra atttention.  Many thanks to Nedda Simon and Kathy O'Malley for the invitation along with Tammy Lange and Elaine Russell of the Bureau County Metro Center.

One of the people with whom I got to reconnect with today was Carol Gugerty(on the left, Elaine Russell on the right and me in the middle).  Carol, her daughter-Amy Affelt, and myself all lived in the same apartment complex 27 years ago. 

What a great day!  Harry even got to go into the Quilter's Garden and give therapy to Beth and Carol.  He had them on their knees!! 
Happy Fall, Terry