Brick

Sticking with Brick

I've been thinking for a couple of weeks now that perhaps refacing our brick with stone was excessive.  Then I started to notice how I now like the brick on our neighbors house after they repainted and made other changes to the exterior.  Finally, after discussing with D, I called our GC and told him we'd like to stick with brick if it wasn't too late.  He was just fine with that.  I'm so relieved. Not only does it save us some money, but I think I'll like it just as much as I would the stone. 

Of course, I immediately wanted to redirect those saved funds into another little project.  I'd like Avery to at least be able to set foot in our backyard.  Right now we don't let her go down there to play because it's basically a big old dog toilet.  As such, we're going to fence off an area for the dogs to use for elimination purposes so the yard can be used by Avery.  Yes, it's sloped, but she can still go explore the yard even with the slope.  Plus, can you imagine the fun of a slip and slide in our yard?!  It would be awesome, if a bit dangerous.  

iPhone

D's iPhone (4G) arrived yesterday.  The screen is much clearer than mine, which makes me drool with envy.  It also has other bells and whistles, but the screen clarity is the only envy producing spec for me.  Of course, it's not like my iPhone is fuzzy, just that his is clearer.  I fully admit I don't like when he has better techie gadgets than me.  Sigh.  Don't worry about me too much.  I'll survive. 

Dog Walks

I keep delaying the dog walk today.  Not because I'm lazy - which is the usual case - but rather because Eddie is really struggling with the trail lately.  I think I've decided that I'm going to take him for a short walk around the neighborhood alone, then come back and get Turtle to go on the big walk.  I've been taking the approach that he'd rather his legs deteriorate faster (if they are indeed made worse by such strenuous walks, though I don't know this to be the case) than deprive him of the joy the trail brings him.  However, I think at this point, he needs me to limit him a bit.  Perhaps I'll just take him on the trail once a week.  I don't know if I can stick with such a restrictive regimen.  As strict as I am with the dogs about some things, it just tears my heart to see his face when I take Turtle and not him.