joyful paws

Hello February. A Reminder of What Matters Most.

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_1972 1200Hello, and welcome February!  I, for one, was happy to flip my rooster and dog calendars this morning, saying farewell to January.  As I flipped my rooster calendar, I said, “Rabbit! Rabbit!” This is supposed to bring good luck for the month.  Don’t worry, it’s not too late, you can still say it too.

This month is a reminder to us what love is all about.  What we all want— to love and be loved. John and I don’t exchange gifts or cards for Valentine’s Day. It is something we have mutually agreed upon.

It’s the time spent together with Kylie and Gidget nearby, the talks about life that John and I have, the laughing we do often, and the experiences we create, that matter most to me.

How great it feels to be at a point in my life where I completely understand John loves me. I no longer question it as I did for so many years.

John has stood by me as I blossomed into who I am today. Not always easy as I tried to find my way to the heart of who I am.

The gift of love is within these four walls of our little green cottage with two dogs who complete our circle of joy. Here is where I want to be, spending this, the calendar month of love, with the man who loves me just as I am.

Last Dance to Bring in the New Year: You’re the Best Thing that Ever Happened to Me

Posted by Barbara Techel

2013-12-23 07.07.29 eOur New Year’s Eve was quiet.  John and I spent some time talking while enjoying the warmth of our woodstove and snuggling with the girls. Then we played a few games of Yahtzee listening to music.

It was then that my dear, sometimes sentimental hubby, surprised me with remembering a song he first played for me when I was 16 years old. He was 20. We looked it up and played it on Youtube.

And here we are all these years later, John 54 and me 50, having lived many of these words now. How lucky am I to have a husband who loves me this much?  I was overwhelmed with tears.  Then, as we do now and then, I said, “We have to play it again and dance.” And so we did, right there in our kitchen, while Gidget and Kylie looked on.

I have so many “best things” that have happened to me… but truly, top of that list, is the best guy in the world.

I can’t think of a better celebration or way to bring in the New Year. I am loved. I am safe. I have all I need. Life is good.

Find Out What the Gidget Thermometer Predicts for Upcoming Wisconsin Weather

Posted by Barbara Techel

snuggly g eGidget’s position within her weenie pocket this morning indicates a big drop in temperature heading our way.

From what I’m understanding by her nestled in appearance we are expecting temps to drop rapidly today and winds to pick up this afternoon.  Windchill to drop to almost 40 below overnight. This cold snap is expected all week, so lots of cuddling will be needed.

This also calls for staying cozy and warm in front of the woodstove.

Later this afternoon we will also welcome friends, Karin, Ron and son, Cameron visiting from Illinois.

Long time fan’s of Frankie who they met quite a few years ago, then a fan of Joie’s who they met last year. And now it is Gidget’s turn to wiggle her way into their hearts.

Now are you ready for this?  They are from Illinois, so yes, they are Chicago Bear fan’s as well. So we’ve invited them over to watch the Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears in the divisional championship at 3:00pm today (hey you know me– I try to think positive!). Believe it or not, they accepted our invitation!

All kidding aside, we are looking forward to the fun rivalry. But most of all we are looking forward to spending time with friends we would have never known if not for Frankie.

GO PACKERS!