Duchess a la Menagerie

Manic's father is an ameture writer. I was recently forwarded a composition he wrote about gardening that got me thinking.

 

I now it's been forever, but I feel like writing.  No place better than here. 

 

I've been striving for organization in the last few months.  I have new shelves and new little cubbies in which to stash things but I still have much too much stuff.  So far Manic has been very understanding of the clutter, but I'm sure at some point he'll get quite sick of it. 

 

He and I are doing wonderfully by the way.  We're hoping to buy a house here in the next few months.  Actually we found the one we want but are having to pull strings to try and get in.  We haven't heard anything back as of yet but I keep hoping because this place is PERFECT. 

 

I've taken this entire week off so I can get some things done around the house.  And I fulling intend to get some rest and relaxation in as well.   There is something to be said for sipping tall drinks with umbrellas in them, even if you're the one that put the umbrella in.

 

All of the animals are fine, fat and sassy.  I think I may have gained two cats since my last update.  So we now have the garage cats, the downstairs cats and the upstairs cats.  Unfortunately, the downstairs cats don't get alone with any of the other cats so we have to keep some separation. 

 

No more dogs though, Manic remindes me that we're at our legal limit whenever I get my "I wanna puppy" face.  I'm terribly lucky that he likes every fuzzy thing in the house but I don't really blame him for having his limits, I should probably have them as well.

 

It's been so wonderful having him here.  He's very good about the "honey do" lists that I give him.  He's done an amazing job at keeping the lawn manicured and above all, he takes such good care of me.  I joke about him being my personal servant, but he just laughs and says he enjoys taking care of me, that I deserve it.  God how I love this man. 

 

 

 

 

Last Thursday three teenagers broke into the house and stole the majority of my alcohol.  Today I had a root canal. 

 

I don't get it... I like boring. 

 

Manic is wonderful though, he took the day off to take me to the dentist so I could take a lortab and not freak out in the chair. Then he napped the afternoon away with me.  God I love this man. 

I couldn't really think of a good title today so today will have to do. 

 

Another UTA weekend.  Not as bad as it could be since a certain individual isn't there this weekend.  I actually got to leave early today and should tomorrow as well.  I love my job, but the working weekends just aren't as fun as they used to be. 

 

Manic and I are wonderful, well except for me.  For some reason I'm becoming insecure, wondering what this young handsome man is doing with me and what happens if he finds someone younger and prettier.  Silly I know, but if I were to loose him again it would break my heart and rarely does one die from from a broken heart but rather is left to deal with it. 

Moving on from my issues  which I'm trying to keep well hidden from him.  We've decided that he's moving in, probably February. His lease will be up then and he will be free to take up lodging with me.  He's over here every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday like clockwork and more frequently a few other days of the week as well so he's well versed in the goings on of our household.  I wonder that he's not a little crazy to not be driven crazy.  But he tells me he is looking forward to it and I choose to believe him. 

 

Darwin has settled in quite well and is responding to his new name quite well.  Apparently he had a run in with one of the cats as he has a scratch on his nose.  I suppose that he had his nose too close to a kitty butt for his own good. 

Unfortunately he doesn't seem to be a well house trained as his previous owner implied, either that or it was mearly imposed by constant kenneling.  In my house he as the other dogs has free run and there has been a great deal of territory marking and small but smelly packages in random spots.  My room rather reeks at the moment and the carpet cleaner is once again in full use.  He's also a rather naughty chewer.  I believe that he's fully aware that he's not supposed to chew on shoes and bras and other such items.  Why do I believe this?  Because he waits until it's night time and I'm asleep to do it with a complete disregard to the toys and rawhides I have provided him.  Unfortunately this means that he's going to have to go back to kenneling at night as he is when we're not home.   But regardless, I think he's ever so adorable and sweet.   Manic adores him, A. adores him and I get all gooshy and what not whenever I see his happy face.   He's got a bit of runny eyes at the moment so I get to take him to work with me next Friday so I can take him to the vet. 

 

Oooo I have the most wonderful appliance now.  Manic's mother had a very nice espresso machine that she used maybe a handful of times a year or more ago and so gave it to me.  I purchased coffee beans and a grinder for the first time and I am in love.  Manic got me a wonderful book about coffee with all sorts of delicious recipes from "the perfect cup of coffee" to espresso, cappuccino and numerous other decedent coffee related beverages.   I have become quite proficient at frothing milk I'm pleased to say.  A. has become an addict with me and almost every morning we enjoy the fresh brewed goodness.  On the Saturday mornings that Manic and I wake up together he and I enjoy a leisurely cup on the couch as we talk about bits of this, that and nothing.  I can't think of any other way I'd like to spend my Saturday mornings. 

 

-Domino

 

 

 

 

 Yes, I have a handsome new lover in my life.  I shall try to refrain from gushing over him but it will be difficult since he's just so wonderful.  He's a redhead with a few (I'm being kind) white hairs.  He has wonderful deep brown eyes that are amazingly expressive.  He is completely wrapped around my heart.  I melt the moment looks up at me and his kisses are heaven (although his breath is a little rank).  He just came into my life yesterday but I can tell that we're going to have a long and happy life together.  I call him Darwin.  But legally his name is Ruff Tuff Coco Puff.

 

Ha ha ha.  Yup, another Puppers.  He just got in from going potty and since it was raining he's sitting in my lap wrapped in a towel.  He's a Pomeranian aka a Parti Pom.  I always have said that I wanted a lap dog and now I have one.  I broke all the dog rules last night and had him up on the bed with me.  He curled up in a little ball of fur at the foot of my bed.

 

Part of me feels like the biggest hypocrite (I purchased him from a backyard breeder, oh god I'm going to hell!) the bigger part of me adores him to much to care and rationalizes that all my other animals in the managerie are rescued, certainly that balances things out just a wee bit.  Forgive me Dobby, I couldn't help myself once I saw that sweet, happy little face!

 

Manic, bless the man didn't mind that I brought home another mouth to feed.  (Latest news on that front, we're planning on him moving in come February when his lease is up) He's rather enamoured with Darwin himself. 

 

All the rest of the gang have accepted the new pack mate without a problem although since Darwin isn't neutered YET there's been a bit more marking of terretory than usual.  Duncan will however retain his top dog status in the pack though.  He's such a man. 

 

So we're up to an even number now, Baby, Baron, Duncan and Darwin.  I'm done,  No really I'm done!!!  I told Manic that when he moves in he has to claim two of the dogs as his so people don't accuse me of being a hoarder.  I don't think I'm a hoarder, I just really love animals.  This is Utah and people have more kids than I do dogs and some don't take as good of care of them as I do my "kids".  But although I like being an excentric I'd rather not draw attention to myself so shhhhhhhhhhhh. 

 

A. is off in New Mexico visiting her great grandpa, she doesn't know about Darwin yet.  :)  I'm pretty certain she may fight me for him.  She's a good kid though, just started 8th grade this past Monday.  She's growing up so fast it's not even funny.   She got contacts for this school year and I want to put her back in glasses.  She just looks too grown up.

 

Thankfully I've been able to maintain a certain level of boring in my life.  I like boring!  I think I've taken a long enough sabbatical from blogging and should take it up again.  We'll see how we do.  Love to all. 

 

-Domino

 

 

I haven't really felt like writing as of late.  Honestly, I'm trying very hard to keep my life at a complete boredom level so I don't have a lot to talk about.  I like boring. 

I'm quite impressed with the fact that I am still sane and have not resorted to perscription medication (above and beyond it's intended purpose) nor alcohol.  Rosemary's memorial was Saturday evening.  I shan't go into the whole drama of the four days proceeding the event.  We'll begin with Saturday. 

Saturday morning was quite nice.  Manic, A. and I went to the first day of the Farmers Market in Downtown SLC.  I was hoping to get some early veggies and fresh bread to serve at the memorial but none of our favorite vendors were there.  I was rather dissapointed because it seemed that rather than being a "Farmers" Market it's become an Artists Market and Food Vendors Market.  Every Tom Dick and Harry that makes jewelry has a stand and quite frankly it's all the same.  There are few unique items there to catch the fancy.  It's also becoming crowded and obnoxious.  you have to litterally fight through the crowds, at times I felt I should done football gear and charge through.  Very dissapointing for opening day.  I hope it clears out and gets more Farmers as the season progresses.

 Once we got home (Manic ran home to get some errands done and change clothes) I realized that it had not been the wizest of ideas to fritter away the morning.  There were last minute cleaning to do and I hadn't even begun to prepare the food.  A. after a week of balking and avoidance finally stepped up to the plate and helped me out.  (better late than never right?)  I was chopping cilantro for the gezpacho when the first guests arrived. 

 The momorial it's self went very nicely, I had no idea how many people to expect seeing that I sent the invitation to her entire workplace of more then 400 people so I had a boat load of food.  (Martha Stewart says you should always have leftovers but never run out) Only three people from her work came so I ended up sending a great deal home with Manic and Laurene. 

 All in all, it ended nicely.  It was nice to sit with others that knew her well and share memories and stories. 

 I have a bit of a sunburn from Saturday morning compounded by 8 minutes in a tanning bed today.  At the moment there is a large wrestling ring set up in the field out back and people are arriving by droves.  Probably won't be a quiet evening.   

 I've been relaxing though, for the first time in ages it seems.  Feasting on leftovers and organizing my beads and jewelry making supplies.  I have three new chokers to show for it that I'm really quite pleased with.   My last one is quite fabulous with the choker part being made of black velvet and draped with silver chains.  A. i'm sure will lay claim to it once I get the clasps I need to finish them.  I may have to make one of my own through. 

 I don't feel quite ready to go back to work tomorrow, I've yet to take any time off for me this year.  It's all been for animals, children, dad or Rosemary.   Now that the stuff for Rosemary is done, honestly, I feel a bit lost...  I've forgotten what it's like to not be tied up with some drama or another.  Forgotten what my normal is...  What to do?  

At the moment the chicken for my incredibly hungry tummy is simmering and I'm half way though an incredibly large glass of a delightful chardonnay(almost half a bottle large)

 

Today I went to talk to a counselor.    It was just supposed to be someone to listen to me ramble on, but he did most of the rambling.  Nice guy though.  I have another appointment next week.  We'll see how that goes.

 

I'm not feeling 100% as of late.  maybe 50%.  My throat is sore and i'm drained as can be as far as energy.  I'd love to call into work ill but they don't give you sick days in the military without a Dr's note.  Pity.

 

God, the house is a mess.  There's an eclectic mix of my and Rosemary's things in almost every room.  I'm leaving what I can in the garage, but there are pictures and paintings and what not that will fare much better inside.   Once I'm feeling well again I shall attempt to make sense of it all. 

 

My Manic has been a dream through this.  He's started cooking for me.  And we've begun taking Argentinian Tango lessons every Friday.  He is so excited about it that he's absolutely adorable.  I feel so very lucky to have him in my life. 

 

My friend Stephen who looks like Jesus has been wonderful as well.  He made a special three + hour trip out bearing cookies and gifts just to spend the night with me, buy me comfort food and pat me adoringly as I got enibriated and read his Bloom County book.

 

And there is you, my blog friends that have heard it all.  The many rises and falls of Domino.  It was nice to see you here, supporting me.  Thank you.

 

So here I am.  Sick and tired in the most literal of sense, but I think I'm ok.  If not, I will be. 

 

- Domino

 

 

An experience I could have gone a lifetime without has been dealing with all that comes when a loved one passes on.  I don't supposed it's ever easy, but this I think has been a wee bit more difficult than most given that I am not the next of kin.  Death took me from the best friend who knew how things were to be handled to a nobody with no rights.  The daughter that has been estranged for 10+ years was located and after a long two weeks came forward to allow me to handle the cremation. 

 

I've taken the initiative and have this week off to pack up the condo.  I'm just moving everything into my garage, they can accuse me of theft if they like, at this point we're going on almost four weeks and I am beyond careing. 

 

I'm tired, and looking forward to this being over. 

 

I got her ashes back last Thursday, it can't weigh more than a pound.  The human body reduces down quite well.   People look at me oddly when I respond to their question on what I'm going to do with the ashes.  I guess in retrospect it's rather odd.   "You know what to do" she'd say.  "I want you to get a suite at the Bellagio, order room service, Champagne, some munchies.  Of course you must wear something Faaa-bulous  and at the end of it all, I want you to flush me"  So, once I can afford it there's a trip to Vegas in my future. 

 

Tomorrow is another day.  I shall have dishes to wrap, boxes to pack.  so I am off.  Just a few more day. 

 

 

 

 

 

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts

 

 

Rosemary introduced me to Creme Sherry and Merlot. 

She told me to Always have fresh flowers around.  Always have champagne to celebrate (Oh any old thing).  Always be well groomed (you never know when you might get lucky) and always live life to it's fullest potential. 

 

She played her many parts with flair and panache.  And in the end, she left this world in the same way. 

 

So I raise my champagne flute "To Rosemary" in celebration of my friend and her life and in gratitude for touching mine. 

 

 

 

 

Lucantha should appreciate this entry.

 

Today my back is strained, my right palm feels bruised as does my right foot.  And my arms are covered in scratches.  So I'm rather hobbly and pathetic today.  Thing of it is, I only pulled a few weeds...  well, enough to fill a 100 gallon green recycling receptacle and I'm convinced that some of them were bionic weeds or genetically enhanced or something.   Or could it be that it's because I have no gardening gloves, and only used a dandelion fork and an emergency shovel (the itty bitty ones). 

 

I have dandelions that were bigger than my head.  Some horrid spreading plant with roots that would give Arnold Schwarzenegger pause.  I found a huge patch of thistle and some big freaking thistle like thing that was bigger than the platter you serve the Thanksgiving turkey on.  The hell spawned thing had spears an inch long!   I think it was that nasty discovery that clinched the genetic enhancement theory.

 

I admit it's my own fault.  I pretty much let the back yard go to hell last summer and all the weeds that went to seed are coming back to haunt me now.  problem is I don't want to resort to chemicals.  There were beautiful ladybugs out en mass.  But I'm afraid that it's really beyond my abilities to fix at this point.  I can be pulling weeds indefinitely and still not win this war.  Shame on me for being lazy last summer and deciding that this summer I want my yard to be an outdoor oasis. 

 

Crap, I just remembered I'm supposed to go borrow my friends lawnmower today so I can mow the lawn... *whimper* Don't wanna!  I need to cut up the old pool and get it out of the back yard too.  God what a mess it is.  But I am determined.  I shall prevail!!!  (no, I'm not convinced, are you?)  

 

Yesterday I washed my sliding glass door that goes out to the patio.  Ha ha ha it was hooooorid from doggy paw and nose prints.  Now I look out and for a split second think the door is open.

 

I was thinking of having my first BBQ of the year today.  I have thawed some chicken breasts (Don't worry Dobby, I'm not living on bread and apples) and was thinking of tossing them on the grill.  Mmmmm, it's been a loooong winter. 

 

I have decided to take up a new hobby, or rather learn a new craft.  I'm making gloves.  Last night I made a pair of very basic sleeping gloves to wear over lotion (my hands are sooo nasty from working without gloves yesterday.)  I'm pretty excited to get into it.  I remember a pair of beautiful kid gloves my mom had once upon a time.  I was very young and often would ask to go through her "special drawer" where they were kept.  They were soft as butter and beautifully made.  I adored softly stoking the leather, it seemed paper thin and I can't recall anything to this day that felt that soft.   I'd slide them on and posing as an elegant lady, speaking volumes with my hands.  I have adored gloves ever since.  

 

Well, that's all the new news.  God it's a beautiful day out.  Maybe finally summer is here.  I'm off to enjoy it.  Ciao!

 

 

Back from a wonderful weekend in Park City where I posed as Mrs Manic.  Quite honestly, he makes a very good husband.  I didn't really want to come back to the real world.  We went up Friday night and checked in.  We were both pretty tired so we decided to just go to sleep, so we drifted off in each others arms.  At some point there I discovered that I had forgotten to pack a change of underwear so a trip to Wal-mart was planned.  Can you believe it??  Of all the things to forget, I forgot UNDERWEAR!!  Jeesh. 

 

We slept in, and leisurely got ready for the day, which by the time we got up was already half over.  Stopped and got coffee, hit wal-mart and came back to our room.  We had every intention of going to the seminar after lunch, but...ah... 'more enjoyable things' came up and we were late getting to lunch.  After that it was a matter of "we'll go to tomorrows session".  We indulged in an afternoon nap.  After we met up with a couple of my friends from Reserves that were there, they'd brought their kids with them so I got to see their baby Aleah (spl?) whom I swear is a little fairy princess.  The most adorable child with huge blue eyes and pointy little ears.  Even Manic was enamoured of her, and he's not terribly into babies.  Their boys loved him and would have monopolized him regarding video games had not the parents intervened. 

 

We went dancing and Manic did his best to dance with me although he insisted he didn't know how and felt silly doing so.  From there we meandered along Main Street window shopping, then back to the hotel where we warmed ourselves by the fire in the foyer then went to our room to once again fall asleep in each others arms.

I like to think that we had ever intention of going to the seminar, really I do, but when I came to full consciousness this morning, it was already a quarter to nine and it started at nine.  Manic suggested we order orange juice and have mimosa's. (I'd brought along a bottle of champagne) We spent the rest of the morning until check out in the hotel supplied bathrobes drinking mimosas and watching (of all things) The Fast and the Furious and engaging in 'more enjoyable things'.   When noon rolled around I wasn't terribly inclined to come back to the real world but we all must at some time. 

 

While we were driving back I read some more from out book  A Wind in the Door.  Back in the valley Manic took me to breakfast.  Waffles with whipped cream, bacon, eggs and toast with coffee.  Then I read some more until we arrived at my doorstep. 

 

So now back in the real world, I need to do some laundry and get ready for the work week.  I don't want to.  I'd much rather go back up to Park City and continue with my lovely fairy tale and being Mrs. Manic.

Ug, so all night I'm tormented with dreams about zombies latching onto my neck and me having to do the hack and slash.  And of course, trying to reason with them because I don't kill anyone (ok even if technically they aren't an anyone anymore) unless I absolutely have to.

Not the makings for a restful night. 

 

So, I have two theories on why I should have such dreams. 

 

1.  I went to visit Rosemary last night.  She's making final preparations and maybe third time is a charm.  It sounds cold of me I know but at this point i just want it to be done.  She sucks my energy.   Not really a zombie, but a vampire. 

2.  Money stress.  this one's pretty simple, but I'm in deep doo doo if the bank won't work with me.

 

This morning I took Alayssa to school.  Her phone was stolen and I thought they may be more apt to take action if a mom in uniform was there pushing the issue.  Hopefully something will happen.   Now I'm just waiting for 9:00 to go to the bank and beg for lenience.  After all the fees I'm $200+ in the red with no light at the end of the tunnel until child support. 

At least my bills are paid.  but damn, how could I be so stupid!

Ok.  I'm going to go try to do something useful until 9.   Wish me luck. Ciao

 

I will never be accused of being good with money.  Not because I'm incapable, rather I just... am not.  Some months I'm better than others, Some span of months I'm better, but there is always some point where I crash and struggle for a bit. 

 

That would be now.  I shant bother you with the details of my foolishness, but I have a month membership at the tanning salon and pretty new nails...  *sigh* At least I look good broke. 

 

This weekend is the weekend that Manic and I are posing as the married couple.  I'm really excited, and so is he.  Romantic weekend... *le sigh*  We're going to take our book to read but other than that... Well since I'm rather broke, there is a limiting factor on what I can pay for.  Everyone... Pray for me that my child support comes early!!

 

At the moment, A. is off at a friends house and the dogs are licking the tanning lotion off my legs.  Must be yummy, but I'll refrain from checking myself.  I should be cleaning my room.  Folding and hanging the laundry, doing a load so my PT gear is clean for my next workout.  How unfortunate that I am seldom motivated to do the things that I "should". 

 

Ug, I think I am getting sick.  Initially I thought it was allergies, but the meds aren't working.  Stuffy, itchy, sneezy and rather run down.  Manic's been sick as has A.  I supposed it was inevitable that I should contract something as well.   How horrid for it to be right before our weekend.  I'm dosing up with high quantities of vitamin C, Airborne and hot lemon tea.  Later I'll take a hot shower and sequester myself in my cozy bed with a sleeping pill to ensure a good night sleep. 

 

Well, I'm going to make some tea and head to my room to at least survey the work.   Wish me wealth and health.  Ciao!