Brisingamen End Of Year Note, 2022 (April)
Happy Birthday to Jude! Wow! 15! Cannot believe it! Cake and presents and balloons and toys and treats! Jude got Canine Carryouts, mini taco treats. Catawba-Lynn colored him a picture and put on a puppet show. Hopefully Jude had a happy birthday.
The beginning of the month was full but mostly calm. We had fun watching Wrestlemania, as we had Peacock for a short while. We went to Rose Tree Park Story Walk with a friend and her son (we brought Sessrumnir!) Our friends had a membership to Longwood Gardens and treated us to a trip there. Sessrumnir’s breeder came up to visit and brought Sessrumnir’s brother, Zeke, up to play. Catawba-Lynn and I walked some of Chester Creek Trail with Justine and her boys and we also joined Justine and her sons at the Elmwood Park Zoo. We accidently went when it was a school day off – ahh!! ; ]
As a family we went to the Lancaster Science Factory on a library museum pass. I’m not a fan of children’s museums. I don’t subscribe to the thought that playing grocery store is scientific or museum quality. I really don’t like going to children’s museums where the activities are play and are not teaching at slightly more advanced topics than color and count to 10. The Lancaster Science Factory was great! I highly recommend it. We were able to walk in and out, so I made us all huge salads that we mixed and ate out of ice cream buckets in the car. Tawbs enjoyed building the frame of a house while we were there. There was a section on Native Americans which I enjoyed and an interactive map which was fun to watch. Lucas enjoyed the magnets area and was working with Catawba-Lynn, explaining polarity and such. They also worked with electricity and computers in another room. Glad Lucas was there to work hands on with her.
Of course, Catawba got sick afterwards so we had to cancel a game night and a hike at Tyler Arboretum. We got it together so Catawba-Lynn and I could go for a hike with Justine and her boys called Ollie’s Owl. In the woods, after a hike, there was a space for kids to free play with a natural playground. Around the area there were hidden bird pictures and signs about birds and wildlife for kids to find and read. Again, Sessrumnir came with! He enjoyed romping through the forest and looking at the creek.
Catawba finished her last swim class for that current class and I was able to get the VW in for an oil change and two new tires with one day to spare before Catawba and I (with the dogs) headed out to Wisconsin!
And Catawba-Lynn and I were off on our way to being pulled over again in Wisconsin! I kept thinking of this. Why am I able to drive a third of the way across the country and get pulled over in Wisconsin? I don’t know, but there I sat – again – with the police officer surprised that I was from Wisconsin. No ticket though.
First day in, my mother set up a nondenominational Springtime hunt for Catawba-Lynn. Cousins Mark, Mary, Renee and Renee’s boyfriend, Jacob, came over to watch. Tawbs loves hunts. I have a feeling Find-It or a scavenger hunt may end up being one of Catawba-Lynn’s birthday party themes.
Second day, we headed up to Hartford to go to Catawba-Lynn’s checkup. We love Catawba-Lynn’s provider and don’t really want to change. The staff is always so happy to see her. Again, staff mentioned that her eyes were not perfect. I knew, but she was being monitored by an ophthalmologist in Pennsylvania. Her appointment in Hartford went so well she got a handful of stickers!
We then met up with a friend and her children at Pike Lake to go for a hike. Mid-April and there was snow at the state park. It was beautiful. The kids did great in the snow and on the trail. At hike’s end, I suggested going to Scoop De Ville for ice cream, which was wonderful, and then went back the Miller’s house to visit and get caught up. It was a great day.
That evening, Matthew came over for our mandatory Discount Liquor shopping excursion. I can’t believe Pennsylvania’s alcohol prices. I attempt to avoid it by just buying in Wisconsin.
My mom had off the next day, so we went to the Saint Vincent de Pauls over toward Oconomowoc by all the fancy rich people – and man did I do good! I stuck to my boasts and purchased nothing for myself, however, I clothed my child at a reasonable price! I bought 2 jackets, 3 snow pants, 11 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of socks, 1 t-shirt, 6 long sleeve shirts, and 9 dresses for only $73! Afterwards we went to a cheese shop and then a playground for Tawbs to play on. We found a kiddie metal slide that I convinced my mom to go down. She almost slid right off the bottom and looked like she got instant vertigo. I even got it on camera! It was wonderful.
Back to Hartford again on the following day! Cousin Linzy and her daughter, Thea, met Catawba-Lynn and I for story time at the Hartford library. Very exciting – the craft they got to do was decorate a small paper teddy bear and a crafted felt sleeping bag. Tawbs had already done this craft – and we still had her original, but now she had 2. She loved it.
To Pike Lake the four of us went. Thea hiked very, very well for her age – she did great. It’s just that Tawbs and I were going to hike more. Linzy called the walk, a substantial distance from the vehicles, so the four of us plus Sessrumnir walked back to the vehicles. After we said bye to Linzy and Thea, Catawba-Lynn, Sessrumnir, and I got back on the trail. I love Pike Lake!
After hiking, we stopped in at Scoop De Ville again. I picked up ice cream to go to take to Connor’s and ShayLa’s, but ShayLa was excited about going to Dairy Queen – which was fine by me. Just meant I was going to be eating Scoop De Ville ice cream at night with my parents, on top of Dairy Queen. I wasn’t complaining, and neither was Catawba!
Next day I had to wake up early to get to my medical appointment. Now, Lucas bought Catawba-Lynn a tablet and a headset. Way back when we bought it, I established the ground rule that she is not allowed to just have the tablet, there would have to be a damn good reason why she would be so glued into the screen she forgets life exists outside of it and almost pisses herself because she has no human feeling while playing with the tablet. Yes, I needed a justifiable reason. And we came up with them – a car trip over 2 hours, maybe. And appointments – most likely. I don’t know how to work electronics. Tawbs even knows this. She doesn’t even ask me to turn on the TV. But! Lucas assured me that this tablet would work. He downloaded or refreshed the content or something. Catawba knew how to use it. I was told I would be fine to just hand it to her as long as it was charged. On the trip into Wisconsin, as it started to get dark, I passed the tablet back to Tawbs and it worked! I got to my parents’ house and plugged it in. I left for the appointment with the tablet secretly in my purse. It was fully charged.
My appointment was in Waukesha, and I was meeting family in West Bend. I didn’t want to go back to Milwaukee to pick up Catawba-Lynn. We got to my appointment on time and checked in. We headed into the room and there is where I revealed I had the tablet! I rearranged some seats to make sure Catawba would be facing a wall while she was watching her tablet.
My doctor came in. Catawba-Lynn was plugged in and “watching” her tablet but she could hear all of the questions I was answering. I asked Tawbs what she was watching and she shrugged. My doctor left – I had to get into the stupid gown and sit on the exam table. I told Tawbs to try Disney+ then if her choices were not working. Catawba-Lynn clicked Disney+. I got out of my clothes and into the horrid gown. My doctor came back in the room. I slide to the edge of the table and lay down. Tawbs starts banging her finger on the screen and shaking her tablet like an Etch-A-Sketch. My doctor pulled out the stirrups. Catawba-Lynn jumped out of her chair, twirled around, yanked off her headset, and yelled “Mom! Doc McStuffins…” She started looking at what was going on. I say “Tawbs, I don’t care, just make it work, or play a game, or read a pamphlet, or whatever. Just got sit in that chair.” But of course Tawbs wasn’t listening, not at all. She worked her way to the end of the table, where, thankfully, I was still covered with the blanket. Tawbs was now standing next to my doctor.
“Tawbs, go sit down.”
“No, I’m…”
“Tawbs!”
“I’m gonna help!”
And with that, she put her hands on her hips, widened her stance, and looked up at my doctor who was seated, gloved, instrument in hand – ready to go. Tawbs was excited. Fuck Doc McStuffins – she was going to be a real doctor!
“No!” I said, sitting up, about ready to brawl with my child.
“So, what do I use? What do I hold?” Catawba asks my doctor, who is masked, but very obviously laughing.
My doctor explained to Catawba-Lynn that what she needed most from her was to walk up by my head and hold my hand. “Sometimes moms get scared, and they want to hold someone’s hand, but I can’t because my arm doesn’t reach.” my doctor said.
Disappointed at first, then much more reasonable as the procedure carried on, Catawba opted to help by holding my hand. What a nightmare! My visit with Becca was wonderfully splendid, but what a shitshow beforehand. Due to issues, nothing serious, my doctor wanted to do an ultrasound. She knew I was leaving on Monday, but the first time she could squeeze me in for an appointment was Tuesday. So I took the appointment and ended up staying in Wisconsin two extra days. I really appreciated getting fit in to the schedule and my parents’ hospitality.
Connor and ShayLa had invited Tawbs and I for dinner, so on Friday, Catawba-Lynn and I had tacos at their place. We then watched episodes of Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous. I’ve told this to Lucas – but I’ll tell it to the family as well – I really like Connor’s and ShayLa’s home. ShayLa decorates very well and makes it feel festive, comfortable, warm, and inviting.
Pike Lake is very important to me. It was there when I needed to stress walk/hike as I figured how I was going to survive the move in 2020. (Weird side not – but I believe Pike Lake is where Paul and some other guys and I did winter car camping in 2005 or 2006). There were several different hikes at Pike Lake that we as a family, Catawba-Lynn and I, or just I, would do (always with a dog. A hike is such a waste without a dog). We started by parking by the lake and walking over the boggy boardwalk, through the humid turn, past two springs, up the hill and into the prairie area, then turn around and go back the way we had come to get to the car. Then we explored and found “The Mountain Walk” which took us up a hill and through a different forested area. It opened up on top of a hill to look down on a different part of the prairie. Soon after that we started parking at the front of the park at the office, where we were able to take a different walk to the campground. Then I stumbled on the “Overlook Tower Walk” – which took us up Powder Hill. This was excellent. It would take a couple of hours to do, crawling all over the side of the hill, past a swamp and down a road. Lucas did this with us once and said once was good enough. I love Pike Lake. It’s a small state park but a jewel for the Hartford area. (Pennsylvania, Wisconsin does not have 120+ state parks, Wisconsin has 66).
And Kohler Andrea is immeasurably important to me as well. Kohler is where my tent blew down in tornado warnings and a downpour that left me drenched and freezing – to sleep with 2 dogs in the cab of my truck for the weekend – in 2008 – while I met my teardrop friends. At the next year’s gathering, I would stumble upon “The Roller Coaster Walk,” the boardwalk through the sand dunes right on Lake Michigan. I would then make drives from Milwaukee County or Hartford just to do this walk – preferably at least once a year. We took baby Tawbs there! We ran up and down the boardwalk hills, with the clickity clack sound of the stroller; we didn’t have the Chariot yet. Poor girl bonked her lip on the tray when we hit a bump and Tawbs was just not happy with us on that walk anymore – until we got the Chariot – then everything was fine, everything was fun! We celebrated one of my birthdays at Kohler Andrea’s boardwalk and beach. Victory cheese and wine was served after the hike – 2017! I love Kohler Andrea. So yep, Julie, I have walked the boardwalk before.
Julie, Linzy, Thea, Dawson, Vance, ShayLa, Connor, and Julie’s pup joined Catawba-Lynn, Sessrumnir and I out on a boardwalk hike. Same as my hike with Linzy and Thea, I felt horrible as I probably seemed cold or dissatisfied or something, but I wasn’t. I was happy to be out with everyone – just inside I was screaming to hike until exhaustion! I just needed to chill and pull myself together. The walk with everyone was great. It was great to see so many people. Tawbs loved hiking with the cousins. And we all got some great pictures, too!
After family had to leave, Catawba-Lynn, Sessrumnir, and I tootled about a bit more. Okay – the walked the whole thing. Then we drove up to Katherine’s “House.” We went to the house they were renting and ended up driving by the aftermath of what was left from the fire of their actual home. Glad everyone was okay. It was great catching up over some wine. And Catawba-Lynn and I thoroughly enjoyed having a fancy picnic lunch at the giant playground. It’s what we prefer to do with our open time – explore a new area long enough to need to eat a meal there!
Sunday was mom’s cookout. Mom invited dad’s family over for lunch. If I say it’s to celebrate Catawba being in Wisconsin (not *us* being in Wisconsin) I’m going to get hymning and hawing – but it’s true! Before Catawba, family avoided me like the plague! Now they have to suffer my existence to see my kid. (I’m smiling as I write this – I feel the love). I got to harass my mother about her serving containers – all cottage cheese and whip cream containers. They all matched, red, white, and blue.
Monday, we went to the Milwaukee County Zoo and then Catawba-Lynn, the dogs and I hung out at the house during the day and at the evening we went out to say “salut” to Paul. Pulling up to the house, I knew he would give me shit about my VW – driving cars that aren’t American – and he didn’t disappoint. But I very much appreciated talking with Paul, meeting his fiancé and daughter, getting introduced to his dog, and seeing the house and truck.
Our final day in Wisconsin I had my ultrasound. Prior to, I attempted to call insurance to see what surgical options they would cover and the insurance personnel stated that since I would be asking for laparoscopic surgery – “it’s a minor surgery” – they would cover $275 of the procedure. I tried to explain that no surgery is ever $275 and laparoscopic did not mean minor – but the woman was confident she was correct. My doctor said the ultrasound confirmed that surgery was a good option to remove the growths for pain – now I just needed to get insurance figured out and everything scheduled.
The drive back home was truly uneventful and I’m glad it was. We had one day of rest and then Catawba-Lynn, Sessrumnir, and I were off to Bear, DE for Sessrumnir and my first dog show!
Sessrumnir would be competing in the 4- & 5-month puppy class. I was so excited for this. I packed all the dog things: water, bowl, lunch, bags, treats, toys, bait, brush, spray bottle, and leads. I packed chairs. I packed Catawba-Lynn stuff: books, toys, papers, and crafts. I packed food. I had proof of rabies shots and paperwork and directions and our schedules for the show. And away we went to go meet our breeder there! We would be showing Sessrumnir against his brother, Zeke.
I wasn’t just watching; I would be in the ring. I needed to have a professional look in the ring, out of respect to the judge and the AKC and the sport. I chose a new pair of black tennis shoes, a blouse with jacket over it (so as to have a place to hold bait and a comb) and a blue and white skirt. I don’t wear my skirts without pants underneath, so I put my best pair of leggings on. (I don’t wear leggings without something over it. I only use my leggings for layering for warmth). I checked myself in the mirror; I looked good. I trotted up and down the hallway, everything worked out okay – nothing fell out of my pockets!
So off we drove! We got there early. I went to the information booth – I was totally clueless – do I check in? Can I verify with the ring I’m here? How do I get an arm band? The people in the booth were extremely helpful and friendly and they caught on instantly that I was very new.
I got to the ring. I set up our chairs and Tawbs’s books and Sessrumnir’s water. I was ready. Tawbs was hungry, I got her food – still ready. Sessrumnir needed to eliminate, took care of that – still ready. The breeder, Chris, arrived with Zeke. Chris told me how to get my arm band and how to wear it. She watched me walk with Sessrumnir. She watched out gait. She showed me where to stash more bait. Ready, ready, ready.
It’s amazing when you’re in the ring; it’s just you are your dog and the judge telling you what to do. Chris and Zeke were ahead of us in the ring. I knew she was there. I knew Tawbs was by our stuff, but I didn’t look up to see her – I was looking at Sessrumnir. Chris told me a lot of people like to watch the puppy show because it is hilarious. “Don’t worry!” she said. I knew people were outside the ring watching, cooing, chuckling, talking – but I didn’t see them – just Sessrumnir.
The showing in the ring – it’s quick. Around in a circle, stack the dogs, individual dog – down and back, pause – hold, around the ring, wait, and anything else the judge wants you to do. It’s fast. You kind of feel like you can’t get a breath – or pull up your pants. See, amidst the down and back and running in circles and kneeling standing kneeling – well, my leggings decided to start coming down. And they started dragging my underwear with it. I faltered – obviously, as even though my skirt was still on – for now – my pants and underwear where not in the appropriate places at all! I thought, “How many people lost their bottoms in a ring? I’m not sure what I should do when this happens.” I held the lead in my left hand and my bait in the right hand. My 5-month-old puppy was all eyes on the bait, so if I moved my hand to my skirt to try and save some part of my decency – Sessrumnir’s face was right there, looking at what I was grabbing. And then my skirt started trying to fall – and there was a pause. Chris and I and our dogs weren’t moving. The judge was looking us over – for a while it felt like. “He’ll be one.” he said. We both thanked the judge. I exited the ring; Chris stayed to collect her ribbon and wait for her next part in the show – group stage.
Catawba-Lynn was ecstatic, bouncing all around, so so proud of me! She wanted to see our ribbon! “We didn’t win, Honey.” I said – finally fully clothed again. Instant tears came to my tiny child’s face. Sadness – we didn’t win. Confusion – but Sessrumnir’s the best puppy! Rage – I hate this man! Tawbs’s emotions all flashed through her in about two seconds – and in the third, Tawbs was on top of her chair – art supply in hand as her weapon – pointing at the judge – Mr. Dana P. Cline – shouting “No! NO! HE’S A BAD MAN! No! No!” Now, I wasn’t just standing there. I was loudly, visibly, trying to regain order by shushing, grabbing – hell, practically tackling her to the ground and holding her mouth shut! When I finally silenced my petite terror, I said, “Listen to me! You cannot do this! Zeke showed better than Sessrumnir today – it is what it is! And it doesn’t matter – you respect the judge. When Chris and Zeke get back, you congratulate them. This is the end of this!”
At about now, Chris hadn’t won group, so her and Zeke did not advance on to Best in Show and they were sitting next to us. We both congratulated Chris – and I meant it, I was happy for her! Best in Show pups were out and being judged and we quietly watched. Then Judge Cline had to make his pick. But first he turned to us and said “for the audience” to hear, “All of the puppies in this show were excellent today. Each and every one of them.” Then he turned back and made his pick. That was my first show.
We stayed to watch the actual show. I listened to the handlers. I watched the judges. I looked at peoples’ set ups – people were camping at the show because it was at Lums Pond State Park in Delaware. I realized these were my people. All they were doing was camping with their dogs – with a fancy show thrown in the middle. It was glorious.
I went back to the information booth, and they asked me how I did. And I told them about my clothes. They howled and laughed until they almost fell over. One of the guys said he was at a show and a handler was in the ring running the dog and her pantyhose came off. All the way down. Without skipping a step with the dog, she reached down, grabbed them off her feet and shot them out of the ring to her counterpart, who caught them in air and stuffed them in her bag. He said it was like they rehearsed it – but obviously they didn’t.
Lucas was able to come out on Saturday and Sunday. Tawbs was a bit more levelheaded. My clothing stayed on. And Zeke won both days as well. And we were very happy for Chris and Zeke. I was able to ask the judge after the show what I should do to improve in the ring. She smiled and said that Sessrumnir had good form and movement. But she said that he needed to look at me. She suggested playing catch with kibble with him. Have him look at me and toss him kibble. Over and over again. I appreciated the tip and thanked her for her time.
This is also the show which Catawba-Lynn saw junior handler, Alexis, show a handful of dogs, including Dahlia, her smooth coated collie. Tawbs now repeatedly states that she watches Alexis and wants to be just like her. Catawba holds an invisible lead and runs an invisible dog, imitating Alexis. Great person to imitate.
Half A Human 