Author Archives: tbavendam

Craig did a great job picking out his cycling helmet. Blue is definitely his color. We were fortunate to be able to borrow two bikes that had big enough frames for Craig – a trial bike and a road bike like mine for him to try to see if he indeed will enjoy cycling andContinue reading “A successful first bike ride – PHEW!!”

I previously mentioned that the dog patio was Craig and my second project together. Painting his master bedroom was the first. On my second or third visit, he mentioned that he wanted to repaint his bedroom and he wanted it to be romantic and cheerful. So I go to Google and search for romantic colorsContinue reading ““He’s all in””

While Carli has been responding to Craig’s Boot Camp, Buckley has remained challenging. Buckley has a nice outdoor pen with a section that has a nice roof. He has a doghouse and water under his roof. His doghouse has a nice bed (or at least it was before he chewed on it months ago). ItContinue reading “Buckley does not like sharing his pen”

This falls into the category of something I NEVER thought I would do. This is a bass guitar – 4 strings is enough for me. I was a bit stoned when Craig asked me to give it a try or I likely would have said “no way”. We are working on “Me and Bobby Magee”Continue reading ““you are making music””

Two acres with lots of trees means lots of sticks and fallen branches that must be dealt with to keep the area mowed. The weather on this Labor weekend has been perfect for picking up sticks and then having a bonfire of the first of many batches. I love being outdoors, sweating and the functionalContinue reading “Picking up sticks”

Being here feels good.

Last Saturday night when I heard Craig’s voice – telling me that while Carli had seemed to be doing well in boot camp, he had discovered that she had pooped in more than one spot in his study. I didn’t sleep that well that night worrying about the conversation to come when I returned toContinue reading “Match Dude’s Doggie Boot Camp”

Last Sunday I left Nashville for Sunset Beach, NC and spent 4 wonderful days with the two women I traveled to Krakow and Provence with. I flew back to Nashville Thursday and to Des Moines on Friday for my brother’s funeral service on Saturday and wonderful family time. Today I am flying back to Nashville.Continue reading “What a week – saying goodbye and celebrating friendships”

I feel so fortunate to have so many good friends that have wonderful places to visit. Yesterday I flew to Myrtle Beach to spend 4 days with Mary and Kay my travel companions for Krakow and Provence. Mary has a time share on Sunset Beach and just purchased a condo on the inland waterway onContinue reading “Sunrise on Sunset Beach, NC”

I have had Carli for just over 2 years now and there have been many, many times I have questioned my decision to adopt her. She was a great companion and kept be thoroughly entertained and vexed for our first year. As I started to become more socially active I had less time with herContinue reading “Can our dogs become friends?”