My weekend was a mixture. The sun finally came out (it's already gone)so I could see my final three siding samples in direct sunlight. Made the choice so simple: Deep Willow with Classic Cream siding. I did some much needed yard work – heavy trimming of a section of overgrown privet hedges (and weed trees coming through the fence of the abandoned house next door) that I can only access in early spring or fall, since the slope is steep and irregular.

The real challenge this week has been coping with a doggie tummy distress. I used the typical tricks, but three nights of multiple urgent "requests" to go outside (some just minutes after the last trip) meant I was lucky to get 5 non-consecutive hours of sleep per night. A quick call to the vet this morning was reassuring. She said to restrict food and water for 24 hours (small sips of water now and then instead of big bowls – we're calling it her "24 hour cleanse") and TRY to get some Pepto in her.

Easier said than done. I bought a turkey baster to help, and it did. A bit. She barely ingested half of it, but at least the other half didn't spray all over the kitchen. Tomorrow, after the 24 hour mark, she gets rice and ground beef or chicken. The things I do for my dog – I don't eat beef or chicken, but I bought and will cook some for my beloved Doggie Lily.

I'm really hoping she ingested enough Pepto so we both can get a decent night's sleep tonight – it's supposed to be stormy so neither of us will want to go outside then!

I spent this weekend in a meditation retreat and fell like I was gone a month!

Have a great week, everyone!