Protesting My Niece

Blogging Friends.... Life is very, very, very busy right now, so I sincerely apologize for being absent from commenting on your Web sites!! Thursday was, of course Thanksgiving. I hope everyone enjoyed their family gatherings!! Friday, shopping. I did not score any Christmas presents. However, I almost bought some for myself!! Saturday, we bought our Christmas tree. Earlier than usual!! Sunday, church, plus my oldest brother, sister-in-law and niece came over for lunch, dessert and decorating!! Our Christmas tree looks so lovely!! Then, Monday morning, my Mom was progressively feeling poorly. Dad drove her to our hospital. Following a successful appendectomy, she is home now!! On top of that, I awoke with a head cold Monday. Impeccable timing. But those are my favorite kind of colds, because they seldom ever spread to the lungs!! I have "magic" herbal capsules--which I'm swallowing as directed--"we" shall kick this!! Sooner, rather than later!! Then, I spent over twelve hours Monday working on my "secretive writing project"....

This was supposed to be "published" last night. That was the plan!! However, around 7PM--during a windstorm--we lost electricity!! As I was working on this!! Suddenly, the Christmas CD which was playing stopped with a loud POP, our computer shut itself off, and every light went out!! All at once!! We were without electricity for about two hours and ten minutes until tow truck workers repaired it!! Fun!! I always love it whenever we lose power!! Last night, I sat on the great room carpet, stroking Rose's velvet-soft fur, listening to nothing but wild, uncontrollable winds, and being warmed by our wood stove!! So much for this Blog post being "published"!! Oh well. It was not my plan for the power to be suddenly knocked out. No. It was God's!! I cannot argue with that!!    

Second chances. I am a firm believer in them, and somehow always have been. My entire life. For Heaven knows how many "second" chances I have been granted!! More than I can count!! Because, when you are me, that girl with the "laundry list" of character defects--many of which I am working against!!--second chances are required. Yes, required. That being said, I am also a free giver of second chances. This, as I have experienced, is both a positive, and a negative. On Thanksgiving Day, some relatives entered our home for dinner, dessert, plus fellowship. Due to my Mom's cousin's ex-wife--who is afraid of canines--being absent, I actually allowed Rose a bit more freedom this year. A bit. She was still watched like some hawk by me. The red leash constantly dangled from her collar. However, my good girl did not need to be "abandoned" outside during mealtime!! Nope!! I simply told her to "lay down", away from our table. She did!! Among this small group of people was my nearly 10-month old niece. She absolutely loves dogs!! My niece is now standing assisted. Can she just quit growing? Or can time slow down a bit? My goodness.... She will turn one in February!! That cannot even be possible!! On Thanksgiving, my niece was crawling around, nearby Rose. She, of course, aimed for the tail. Never touch Rose's tail!! She hates that!! Sometimes--when I'm feeling like a pain in the butt--I will grab my mutt's tail. To which she responds with a swift turning of her head, as if thinking: Hey!! Don't touch my tail!! It is quite hilarious, actually!! I lifted my niece up onto my lap. Or at least I tried to!! She has become quite the independent little girl!! Both of us sitting on the carpeted great room floor, my niece decided to hit Rose in the face with her little hand!! Hit!! Responding, Rose fled, escaping injury. To both!! My niece clearly did not mean that. She isn't even one-years old yet!! All she was trying to do was "pet" my "puppy". The nearly 10-month old wanted Rose so badly!! So. I gave my niece a second chance. Same result. Rose took it in stride, seemingly understanding. She gives out second chances, as well!! My niece would not give up. She wanted her fingers to touch Rose's velvet-soft fur. Alright. One more chance. I tried to encourage my niece other body parts to pet. Nope!! Once again, my niece's little hands hit Rose's face!! This time, even Rose had enough of that!! Her mighty vocal chords bayed in protest!! I then pet Rose and comforted her. So, for now we are keeping those too separated!! Should I be concerned? No. Eventually, my niece will grow and mature. She'll learn. She and Rose will be the best of friends. Just give them a second chance!!