I realize my resolve is crumbling.

Krl and I have had Maple Syrple (the little redhead) and PhooDoo (the albino) "our pups" for a few years now. However the newest addition was Missy Lou, one of Trc and the girl's pups.

She has been a typical pup. All play and no sense. She is like a bull in a china closet, going where she wants when she wants, crawling over, under and through whatever or whoever is in her way.

Missy Lou has been Krl's pup. Missy Lou wanted very little to do with me, but the feeling was mutual.

During Krl's hospital stay, it mean that Missy Lou and I were thrown together. I was responsible for her care and well being, and Missy Lou needed to convert to my program. Surprisingly, things went pretty well, although Missy Lou is still intimidated when I pick her up and you had better be prepared or her sprinkler is going to go off.

While Krl was in the hospital, I began teasing all three of our houndgirls, changing their names to "The big sister" (the red head), "the good sister" (phoodoo), and "the Eeville sister" (Missy Lou). For short I just call Missy Lou, Eeville. She just gets so excited and wags and jumps around. It is so funny.

Late yesterday I got home and began getting supper ready when Krl asked me if I would bathe Eeville. Krl thinks that Eeville may have found a fire ant bed or something equally as bad and that maybe a bath would give her a little relief.

After supper and cleanup, I let the hounds outside and did preparation for Eeville's bath. I began running warm water into the tub and had all supplies readily available. When the pups came in I was prepared, I swept Eeville up with one hand while covering her sprinkler with multiple papertowels. In to the bathroom we went and plopped her down and into the water. After a brief moment of shock, she relaxed. When I was scrubbing her tummy she sat down and finally laid down and rolled over in the water. I told Krl I had to hold her head out of the water she was so relaxed. When I finally rinsed her with the handheld shower head, she loved it and I am sure she felt the towel dry was just an added bonus.

Now I have a friend for life. She now associates me with relaxing, enjoyable activities! Last night when everyone was jockeying for position in bed, I felt a new presence pressing against my back. It was Eeville, and it was almost Eerie.

Rian signed his new contract yesterday with Shallowater ISD and submitted his resignation to LISD along with an e-mail to Dr. Garza. She continues to impress me, she responded with an e-mail congratulating Rian and wishing him well. It would appear she and Rian really connected during the year she has been in Lubbock.

I am off from the parts store today. I am trying to make plans. I may weed eat the yard, then go to Roscoe and Colorado City, then to the farm shop. Then tomorrow I may do the mowing. either my back is going to love it or it is going to hate splitting the yard over two sessions.

Going to be warm in Texas today. Cotton weather.

Have a day!

FATHER, bless this day and my efforts in it. Help me to be thorough in my planning. To YOU be the glory!