An Overdue Update

Snuggling on a cold winter's day.

While it was probably assumed, Ferguson and Winry have both continued to be well and have gotten over any stomach issues they'd had in the past.  I think a large part of this might be because of winter's cold temperatures, killing off any parasites that had been residing in the grounds of our apartment complex that seemed to be taking turns infecting them...Urg, I really can't wait to move.

Things have been exciting for us lately, as, in addition to finishing up wedding planning (two more months!), we've been trying to work out attaining a house, or rather, a lot for a house by a building company in North East Denver. Because the homes are about 9 months out at this point, the prices are quite reasonable for the area, so we're doing our best to get in.  We've been pre-approved for a loan, and are waiting to hear back from the builder's representative.  It was recently said that they plan on selecting buyers on a lottery system.  They have 10 lots to "release" and have 25 or so qualified individuals using their preferred lenders (which does include us). Our chances are decent, but it's difficult since it's obviously not certain yet.  Fingers crossed for that.

In all this hullabaloo, work has been very slow recently that has given me a fair amount of free time. I'd taken up researching breeds again for our future dog, and the celebrity I've been learning about this week has been the smooth collie!

I admittedly never gave collies much thought, as I'd only known of the "rough" collies that resemble Lassie, or the insanely genius, but also hard to live with, border collies. But upon learning that there is a smooth variety of the even-tempered, mellow-indoors, child-adoring working dog companion, I've been spending a lot of time reading about them and get ever more pleased the more I learn.

I do still like the doberman breed, but after getting into all this home-ownership stuff, the state of Colorado tacks on an additional charge each month for a homeowner with a doberman -_-. Additionally, many hotels across the state disallow them, and with as much as we like to travel a few times a year to hike with the dogs, this is a big con.  And, while I think a doberman would tolerate children perhaps better than the greyhounds might, there is hardly a better breed to have around young children than a nurturing, loving collie who instinctively protects them and enjoys their company as a true companion and playmate.

And who knows? Maybe a collie's nurturing nature can help snap Ferguson out of his once-in-a-while bouts of anxiety ;-).

"Very funny, Mom." 

In any case, a third dog will still not be added until we move into a house with a yard, hoping that happens within the next year or so. The meantime is quite busy with other major life on-goings for us, but at least Ferg and Win have been a steady constant.

Our friends were kind enough to purchase us another annual state park membership for Christmas! This means more park visits, once the snow stops creating so much mud, are in the future.

Only three more months until spring!