Behold...the Sheep-A-Weenies Have Arrived!

"What's a Sheep-a-weenie?" I've heard that comment often in the last few weeks, as we've prepared for the puppies' arrival into our family. Put simply, a Sheep-a-weenie is what happens when you try to "save up" for a spay of your basset/weenie and a neuter of your Old English Sheepdog. Yep...I should have taken out that high interest credit card and put the spay/neuter on that...would have saved TONS of money...even at 27% interest. So...what will they look like? I'm not real sure...but let me try to see if I can give you an idea.


This is Dexter Deen



Because this is a "family oriented" blog, and because I have a toddler, let's suffice it to say that he "married" Marlee Kate



And together, after much thought and planning, they decided to have babies...so the stork brought them four beautiful puppies. The Sheep-a-weenies!



They were born on February 21, 2011. Please check back often for updates on these one of a kind little dears. I'll try to update with pics from week 1 and 2 later.

24 Hours in Raider Land...and... An Apple a Day...

We didn't have a whole lot of time this month (imagine that) to devote to travel. We decided we would take an overnight trip to Lubbock to visit the Apple Country Orchards about 5 miles from Lubbock in Idalou. We had a great time! We came home with over 40 lbs of apples between what we picked for us and what we went back and got for Grammy the next day.

We started out on Saturday morning, getting as far as Canyon (less than 11 miles for those of you not familiar with the Amarillo area). That's right...10 minutes before our first potty break...this was shaping up to be a LONG drive! While in Canyon, we were fortunate to happen upon the Donut Stop. This is a memorable event for two reasons: 1. Donut Stop beat out Krispey Kreme in Amarillo and 2. Their Cokes are to absolutely DIE for. That being said, they also have an amazing bar area where you can have breakfast (or lunch right?) and watch them make donuts, fritters, and cinnamon rolls to sell to lucky customers throughout the day.

Finally we're on our way to Idalou! The drive is an easy one, straight down I-27, then winding around the farm fields to find the orchards. Once there, you're invited to have lunch in the gift shop. Their menu varies daily, but you get what they have, no picking and choosing here. We had "Chef's Choice" BBQ sandwiches and all the trimmings, a wonderful feast to prepare us for dragging the buckets behind us full of apples for over two hours that afternoon. They work on the honor system out here, so you're invited to pick all you want, and then pay once when you're leaving with your apples, jams, jellies and other treasures.





Rylee quickly made friends with the Orchard's mascots, two stray lab mix puppies who showed up a few weeks ago, and have adjusted quite well to their new roles as jungle gyms for children.





Rissy and I had to help Rylee pick some fruit higher in the trees, there was plenty of apples at Rylee level, and she had a ball picking (and eating) as many apples as she could I was informed while there that they only have one rule, "Eat as you pick!" They also offer roasted Hatch chilies and cider, not to mention the gazebo, water fall, and the other fruit and vegetables they offer year round.

We all had a great time at the orchard, and can't wait to go back next time.



Up next in our whirlwind adventure was a trip to the Stars and Stripes Drive in Theater in Lubbock. They have three screens, a playground, and a 50's style restaurant on property. It was an amazing West Texas evening, and we enjoyed the movie very much. If you go, please watch out for the goathead stickers in the play area, we were all covered in them when we got back to the room.

OK..so by now, you're probably wondering where the "Raider" is in this post right? Well, let me tell ya...on game weekends in Lubbock I've learned that you'd better be wearing you some red. Rissy was fortunate to have brought a red shirt, Rylee and I were the oddballs in our other colors. Everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE was wearing some form of "Raiders" gear. From refrigerators to flip flops, beer keg holders and baby blankets, it was all red all weekend while we were there. Lucky for us, Hotels.com did us a great favor and found us a room. I think it might have been the last one in Lubbock!

Finally, on our last day, not only did we return to the orchard for more apples, we visited Orlando's Italian Restaurant.



They have an all you can eat special, and Rylee and I enjoyed the spaghetti, while Rissy had a pizza. The best news of all? I left my phone on the table, and they called Rissy (last number dialed) within about 5 minutes of us getting out the door! That's service! One last thing to mention: they give away their old bread as "Duck Bread." What an awesome idea. Very kid friendly indeed.






Until next time....I hope your vacations are fun filled, you're days full of happy times, and your nights full of sleepy kiddos.

Roswell-Where the Aliens Are

We just returned from a trip with Rissy's family (and extended family) to southeastern New Mexico. Fun times were had by all of course, despite the misty weather all weekend. We started our trip with a stop off in Rissy's old stomping grounds of Roswell, NM.


Visiting Peppermint Park, feeding the peacocks Peter Piper Pizza, and a quick peek at some of the animals of the Spring River Zoo (which is free btw).
Here's a look at Rissy and Rylee getting ready to ride the Carousel and Train, which cost a family friendly 25 cents EACH!





I am always amazed when I go to Roswell, just how many aliens there are. From the street lights to the McDonald's...aliens everywhere! Trips to "Alien-land" would hardly be complete without a stop off at Mama Tucker's for some of their yummy cookies, and of course Rissy is not missing a chance at her childhood fave Peter Piper Pizza! I also discovered the best Mexican Food since Grandma Molina's in McCamey resides at Roswell's very own Popo's Mexican Food Restaurant.





Rounding out the Roswell leg of our adventure was a visit to Donna's Ceramic Studio. Donna Oldfield started ceramics after a class at the Adult Learning Center in 1987. She was not out to start a business, but three locations (all behind her home) and twenty odd years later, Donna's ceramics are true works of art. Whether you want to Christmas shop (which we of course did) or browse the green ware looking for your favorite piece to paint and finish yourself, Donna's has it all. If you're ever in the area, stop by and compliment Donna on the painting and finishing...but don't forget that Roy "makes" everything in there, as he is the one in charge of tending the molds.

Up next we traveled the 70 miles up the mountain to Ruidoso. We stayed at the new Ruidoso Inn Best Western, which was truly a treat! They have an amazing play area, pool, and outdoor gazebos which we all enjoyed. The full breakfast, and large rooms make this a must for people traveling with their kiddos.




Finally we got to go see the horses run at Ruidoso Downs. I think Rissy won about $8, don't worry, we didn't spend it all in one place. (two different drink stops) Roy had gotten us tables under the awning, that made for a much more enjoyable experience than sitting out in the rain. The kids enjoyed it, with Rylee deciding that whichever one pooped at the start, had to be the winner. She cheered for her favorite "Go NUMBA EIGHT!" and then was nearly asleep when we left. We thoroughly recommend using the Casino's valet parking feature, as trying to get up and down those hills to the car with all of Rylee's stuff (and our stuff) would have been near impossible.


It was a great trip, a relaxing vacation, and a rejuvenating time spent with family and close friends. That's all for now from windy Amarillo, until next time....happy Tails to you...

Meet Dexter Deen

This is Dexter Deen. We got him on June 12, 2010. He was 20 lbs then, but quickly developed parvo and lost down to 14 lbs. Thanks to the wonderful vets and vet techs at Small Animal Emergency Clinic here in Amarillo, not to mention Dr. Pearson at Noah's Ark Pet Hospital, Dexter is home with us now. He loves to play with Rylee and try to eat the hoe. We're blessed to have had the means to save this little dog. A 20 lb 8 week old puppy not a "little dog" to you? Well, that's what he is to Rylee, her "yittle dawg." As in "gimme my yittle dawg back." Amazing what reference points are to children, but I guess that's what he would look like if your "big dogs" all weighed over 100lbs. Welcome to the family Dexter Deen. It may be a crazy life, but it's OUR life. Till next time...


btw: Sassee went to a wonderful home in Lubbock. She now sleeps till 10, goes on vacation, stays in hotels, and has been to the lake. Thanks to Denise for taking her, I hope she is a blessing to your family.

Where NOT to travel with your family?? Leon County, TX, Home of the "Too Busy Deputy" and Starving Animals

This friends is a picture of a two year old horse who is being starved to death. Neglect, maltreatment, lack of veterinary care, as well as the "good old boy" system in East Texas have all contributed to this horse being in this condition. But I digress, allow me to introduce you to Jacob. He's two years old. He's currently in rehab placement at the East Texas Horse Rescue and Sanctuary. They are trying to save his life, I surely hope they can succeed.

On to the story. Some of you may ask "if this is a travel blog, why are we talking about animals?" Let me assure you, that in my travels about Texas, I have met some amazing animals (and humans) and believe that those you meet on your travels can often impact your life for years to come.

So, let me tell you about this situation, and you my friends can judge for yourselves. This horse was seen by my friend Lori, who posted these pictures to FB after contacting the Leon County Sheriff's Office for assistance in rescuing this poor guy. Deputy Dwight Meyers informed Lori that he was in the business of "saving lives" and would get to this "when he had time." I guess Leon County being the hot bed of illegal activity, this man was busy! Or was he? Is this not a life?


I am all too familiar with animal abuse cases such as this through my job at the Mental Health Hospital. It seems that those with severe mental illness will often lash out at (or neglect) their animals in an attempt to "control something." I hope Deputy Meyers doesn't turn a blind eye to children who may look like this. I sincerely believe that this is animal cruelty, plain and simple. Having been around animals most of my life, and having had a near 30 year old horse (Thanks to Coy Lynch) I know what "old horses, who die from being old" look like. They do NOT look like this Deputy Meyers.





Friends I urge you all to take ONE look at these pictures, and think about what you could do to help. I urge each of you to do as I am doing this week and take a sack lunch to work just one day, and send the money you save to the East Texas Horse Rescue and Sanctuary.

Click the links to their site, or send donations directly to them at:

East Texas Horse Rescue & Sanctuary
12992 HWY 21 East
Alto Tx, 75925

You'll lose weight, feel great, and know that you've helped to save the life of a horse who was for far too long neglected. Prayers for Jacob and his rescuers, and prayers for the citizens of this county, I hope they never need Deputy Meyers to rescue them, rest assured, he'll be "too busy saving lives" to help.

Fredericksburg or Bust!

I don't think you can beat Wildflower Season in the Hill Country of Texas. It is truly one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. That is until I discovered that wildflowers are for the most part just weeds. In my home the word "weed" has always been pronounced with a heavy inflection given only to expletives. So imagine my surprise when I found these beautiful weeds?



We stayed at the Fredericksburg Inn and Suites Hotel just off of Washington and Main St. The hotel's grounds are amazing, even if the hotel itself is a bit dated. The rooms are large enough for all of Rylee's stuff, and she loved exploring the flowers, and looking for "butt-flies."

We never miss an opportunity to see a performance of Rockbox Theater, and this weekend's offerings were awesome as always, with a performance by the band High Valley thrown in for good measure. Rylee enjoyed the show, and got in a good nap at the end, which to those not in the know, is a toddler's ultimate compliment. If they get content enough to watch, they'll probably sleep!

We also found many treasures and magnificent views at the Wildseed Farms. There are plenty to see and of course, buy here as well. Rylee tired quickly here, but was re-energized by the sight of two incredibly fat orange cats resting on the counter. She was fascinated, and asked to pet them often. The Wildseed Farm has two fields full of red poppies, and I got some great pictures there. Rylee is not in any of them because she and Gramps found a shady spot to rest about this time.

Last but certainly not least was our adventure to the LBJ State Park. This visit was capped off by more "run time" for Rylee and up close encounters with the livestock at the Sauer-Beckmann Farm. I wish to apologize to the hen who was unfortunate enough to get caught by Rylee, she was certain I would be proud. "Look Mamo, just like Braden!" The chicken was not impressed, and I don't recommend catching the "wild life" if you go.




The wildflowers (or weeds) were in full bloom, and I'm sure the pictures can hardly do them justice. I took all of these pics on my camera (thanks Dad) this weekend. I'm not an amazing photographer by any means, so if you think the pics are good, you should have seen it in real life. Well, I guess that's it from here. I hope you enjoy our travel blog and that it inspires everyone to just get out there. Just gather your family and go.



Till next time....bye for now from Windy Amarillo!

Protecting the Easter Bunny

Rylee and Hawkeye have apparently made up since the whole "Ear Ding" incident (in which she tried to pierce his ears with a thumbtack). Whilst dying eggs, she stopped to pray for her eggs, and the Bunny who hides them. "God, please don't let Hockey eat Rylee's eggs, or the Easter Bunny, AMEN!"

Hopefully that prayer will be answered, because from what I hear, it was a close one this morning when the Cable Man opened my bedroom door, to the face (and teeth) of the fearless Hawkeye. Rissy said we're lucky he didn't charge us double...and I guess it worked out in our favor, because he was out of there in a flash!

So...prayers for the Bunny, Prayers for our family, prayers for the upcoming year, prayers of thanks for God and his Son Jesus Christ (or Jebus Christ if you're Rylee), and last but not least...Prayers for Hawkeye, Emmett, Hank, Sassee and Marlee, may they have many more adventures together, and no Ear Dings.

Happy Easter Everyone!