Introducing Lady Fiona... of Brannydoon

In my mind I'm goin' to North 45

As I was putting on the sneakers to go to the gym this morning, Seamus started his dance. He was sooo excited because he thought we were going for a walk. Since it had been about a week given our trip to Florida and the bloody heat, I changed my plans from 45 minutes on the elliptical to an hour walk with Sir Seamus.

It was a good choice. I can go and lift tonight. The fields have been plowed. The smell of morning on a farm. The good smell of freshly cut hay. The absolute quiet and deafening noise of nature. Birds that were large and small. Chickadees, Cardinals, Bluebirds, Robins, Crows, Turkeys ... joined us along our walk. The smile of a happy dog. The greeting from the farm dairy cow and the nod from the Llamas.

But most of all the smell of the fresh cut hay, transported me back to summers romping at our hunting camp on the 45th Parallel through the dairy fields. Making friends with the dairy herd. Torturing frogs in the pond and climbing through the abandon barns that we were suppose to stay out of ... but never did. I was seven years old again. Not a bad way to start the day.

I stopped and breathed in.... I recommend it ... Breathe Relax and Remember.... Have a happy summer day... each one is a gift. Unwrap it, appreciate your time, and impact someone's else day in a positive way. I did. Seamus is in the corner dreaming of the squirrels that he encountered and smiling...

A letter from the Duchess

Dear Mommy and Daddy -

Seamus and I missed you but we had fun with Aunt Leslie spoiling us. However, someone really needs to teach that beast of a dog (Ruger) that I am force not to be reckoned with!

When I am lounging on the sofa, I do not appriciate being sniffed and licked. Oh the horror! I mean really, who knows where that dog's mouth has been. I am sensing Seamus' arse is a good bet. Silly dogs iwth their snifing and licking. Yuck! I'll teach that Ruger a lesson or two. OR perhaps one lesson with five points next time.

Yours Truelly ( yes I spelled that wrong .. I am a cat after all),

The Duchess of Brannydoon.

Full Weekend - Baby pictures

I started the weekend Friday evening on a Spin bike at 5:45 PM. After the instructor,kicked my ass on the bike for an hour, I went home to make a carb heavy dinner to recover from the beating and to prepare for the next morning....
Saturday came very early. Seamus had to go out and there was a spin bike that had been bought and paid for a charity event. I got on the bike at 7:45 AM and then proceeded to have Alan .. the psycho pirate, kick my ass again for 2 hours. The spin a thon a was for a set of conjoined twins in our town. They are adorable but obviously have very special needs and expenses. For those of you that are curious... two legs, four arms, and two heads. They are joined at the chest and attend elementary school. They are really happy. Yes Nancy, we saw them in the Big Y... we weren't seeing things that day.

Anyways, we were raising money to help send them to camp this summer to help them to cope in the future.

I spent the rest of the day trying to move... I treated myself to a pedicure. We went to our favorite little restaurant in Washington Depot, JD Tucker's. They have an updated menu. I tried the Chicken Milanese... LOVELY.

Today, Seamus and I were up again early. I wonder if he will ever decide that sleeping in is a good thing. Annie was great at sleeping in mornings til at least 9 AM.

Speaking of Annie, I then got into the car and drove north of Portland Maine to check out the litter of Golden puppies that we are getting the new addition from. There are 6 little girls. They are all lovely and not a bad dog in the bunch at first view. I know are little girl will be one of the darker pups but they are not dark in terms of being really Irish setter red. More strawberry blonds.

interesting quote - Food for thought today....

After I got on the scale today, which is dangerously located next to an upstairs window.... I read this quote in Paula Deen's autobiography,

" A balanced diet is having a cookie in both hands"

How I spent Mother's Day

Five years ago, we brought home Seamus to be a combo birthday present for Annie and Mother's Day present for me. I was able to help 5 puppies into rescue yesterday. They are the cutest thing! They are Llewllyn Setter and Brittany mixes from Tennessee. The mother was a brittany and well loved. She just found love in the wrong place. Perhaps, there is a relation to Seamus? They will be available on Petfinder.org. Search Brittany babies in New England. Here is a picture from their Bed and Biscuit and spa... on Saturday night!!!

visit http://www.nebrittanyrescue.org/.

Where the heck has Mrs. Branny been?

Well I can apologize again as I did only about 3 posts and 3 months ago but that doesn't make you as a reader any happier. I will attempt to get back in the habit of sharing something fun or insightful daily or at least weekly.

Where have I been? Well the honest answer is a bit down in the dumps since Annie passed away. I think I had a dose of Post Move Depression combine with losing my best friend and little furry girl just pushed me over the edge and away from even people that care. I think ... I hope that I am back in the present looking forward and will be a happy blogger again.

What is going on in my life. Job is going well .. at least I think. I have a couple of deals looking to close and the pipeline is healthy so ... that is enough on that front.

Personally, the second spring here at Brannydoon. I love the pictures I posted below. The sun is out and that really helps my mood. I have joined the gym downtown. I have been successful in making 2-3 spin classes weekly and attending a PiYo and Pilates class twice a week. That helped when I was in Kennesaw... it seems to help here too! Lots of happy people at the gym. I finally got cleats on the spinning shoes to help. I had my best spin class on Friday as a result. I am painfully getting out of bed every day. That has to equate that deep beneath the blubber work on the muscles is being accomplished.

We had a lovely dinner here at Brannydoon on Saturday night with the Vara's. I understand the trip home was a bit foggy and troublesome with directions. I will work on reverse directions! I promise!

Seamus has settled into being an only dog. I am not sure if he is going to stay that was or not. I am doing a transport for a litter of Brit/Setter pups on Sunday. I may deliver my load ...one short!

Mr. B is happy with the gift of lovely weather we have had... Life is good and the bad makes you appreciate the good.

Have a great day everyone.

Spring Photos

With the rain the past two days... I wanted to share with you two pictures I took last week. Spring has come to Brannydoon!!

This is the crabapple tree in the front yard. We are doing our part to help with the bee problem. They have been busy at work with this tree.

My tulips have also come up and didn't become a meal over the winter for rodents or deer. I was quite happy with my purchase at the Christmas Tree Shoppe!

Never Argue with a Woman

One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance,anchors, and reads her book.Along comes a Game Warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, "Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?''

"Reading a book," she replies, (thinking, 'Isn't that obvious?')

"You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her.

"I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading'', she retorts.

"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up.'', said the officer.

"For reading a book", she replies,"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with Sexual assault," says the woman.

"But I haven't even touched you", says the game warden.

"That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment".
"Have a nice day ma'am," and he left.

MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can also think. As well as steal your boat while you are sleeping.


(courtesy of M. Regan)

Are the only people running and elected to office shear idiots?

I have to just comment I am amazed how power hungry people in office are today. It really makes me sick. Do they not learn from example? Do you think that they are MORE likely to get caught than others? Somehow , they forgot they are held to a higher standard because their peers voted for THEM to represent the best of the population... not the worst.

Understandably, to err is human. It is divine to forgive. Okay ... I will accept that... However, there is a line in the Installment of Officers for Rainbow... every elected official and Senior Manager, Military officer, Religious official ... the list goes on.. should have embossed on their brains: (This is not part of the secret work and is said during an open meeting)

" My sister, your Assembly, in its wisdom and judgement, has elevated you to the office of Worthy Advisor, the highest honor it can confer. With this honor, comes responsibilities and duties. These duties should be discharged with your utmost thought, prayer and ability. As your decisions should be characterized by thought and tempered with judgement, so should you life be influenced by kindness and tempered with the fine steel of charity. You should be an example to the members of the Assembly not only in your every day life but in your association with them, and remember THOUGH ELEVATED FOR THE TIME BEING, YOU TO MUST RETURN TO THE RANKS. May God speed you and aid you in your term of office ... " Ritual, Order of Rainbow for Girls rev. 1948 page. 68.

Obviously, the Gov. of New York, former President Clinton, former Gov. Rowland (CT), former Gov. MacGreevey.... and the list goes on haven't gotten the message. Let me be perfectly clear... I would not be on the podium next to these weasels. They put the lives of their wives at risk and their families future. In the most recent scandal, it seems he broke federal laws that he prosecuted others breaking. I can't comprehend the stupidity! I wonder if in Governor residences across the country there are conversations like this:

First Lady: " Bubba, I won't stand beside you. Do you hear me? Can you calculate HALF? I said HALF! That is what you might be lucky to get." "That is IF I decide not to have the State Police shoot your cheatin ass" DO YOU HEAR ME!"

Governor: "Yes, dear"

So, it brings me to ask the question... Why aren't more humble qualified individuals doing the public service we need to keep this country viable? They are too scared and too smart to put their lives under a microscope. Smart individuals say... hmmm... How would my family be impacted by that transgression in my past (doing drugs in college, hiring an illegal to clean the house, getting creative on a tax return)? The answer is they don't. I am amazed at the public analysis at even a local level were public servants are often volunteers and they still are faced with mud from a local reporter. The reporter doesn't like their political decision so they get personal. It happens all the time.

Yes, I think that Gov. Spitzer has no choice but to resign. He made STUPID choices. However, we need to have a re-examination of the our public officials and our public officials need to smarten up on their practices in their everyday life.

off the soap box.

Irony with a dash of Cayenne pepper

Well, Seamus has a disgusting habit. Our vet says it is typical for both Spaniels and dogs that have been on the lamb at some point. It is called "coprophagy". I will let you Google that for a definition.

She suggested an over the counter solution that sometimes has an affect on the grotesque action. I went out and purchased this product called "Deter". Well, Seamus thinks these pills are treats. He can't wait to have them put in his food. They aren't deterring anything! Note to family and friends.... sniff first before excepting a kiss from the dog.

Aren't you glad I started blogging again!

Sorry about the Poor Blogging Behavior

Okay. I apologize. I didn't even bother to be the lazy blogger and re-purpose other's content. So what have I been up to over the winter? I guess perhaps I can blame it on hibernation? Blame it on being busy at work? Depressed over Annie's passing? A little bit of all of the above is probably correct.

January ... I can't even remember what was important and occurred. I did a transport of the cutest Brittany. I upgraded my blackberry and started shopping for a new car.... oh that would make for an excellent series of rants ... I could call it the good the bad and the ugly of car salesmen ship.... Ever notice there is a lack of women in this profession? I think they just can stomacher the greasy sales style of 90% of the dealerships!

February ... Okay... The Giants won... it was a happy day for Mr. B. Whoopie! I went to Atlanta for a long weekend to spend time with great friends. Shopped WAAAYYY too much. I forgot how much fun it is to shop with sales people that actual help. Kristi was making fun of me refusing the sales people's help for awhile. The northern aggression had taken hold of me yet again. There is nothing like a couple of days of sunshine and sweetness to melt the winter doldrums. I recommend a dose of Southern cuisine and hospitality to everyone in New England and especially y'all nasty New Yorkers at least once a year. It goes along with a new word by introduced at work... it is a bit foreign... Breathe...

March is upon us. I just finally upgraded the car. I needed to get AWD again. I feel liberated ... I can now leave the ridge anytime I feel like it. Perhaps this is why I felt compelled to blog again.

Here is to a quick end to old man Winter. I am sure we will have another wing banger of a storm sometime around St. Paddy's day. However, I am looking forward to spring blooms, lilacs and rock gardening again. If those deer don't stop eating my arborvitaes... venison will be on the Barbee this summer.

Granite Staters - VOTE FOR MIKE HUCKABEE

Vote for the Fair Tax - Abolish the IRS and make everyone pay their fair share including illegal aliens.
Vote for the 2nd Amendment - Hunter's rights
Vote for Honor - Mike is an honorable man
Vote for Executive Experience and Coalition building - Gov. of AK understands how to improve a bad economy and keep taxes in check.
Vote for States Rights - Sick of the Federal Government - Huckabee supports states rights
Vote for Humanities - Huckabee supports art, music and drama education!

But by all means ... Just Vote. Otherwise you have no right to comment or complain for the next four years.

Over and Out.....

Christmas is over and out for another year. We just can't catch a break on the holidays... well except three... in my father's leg. Yup, the Captain is on the bench. He did a nice triple axle up at Uncle Grayson's house a week ago. However, he didn't stick the landing too well. He broke his right leg and ankle in three places below the knee. He is in a wheelchair and on "happy pills" for a while.

Master Branny and I spent the holidays in New Hampshire cooking, chipping ice, wrapping presents, wheeling him around, and getting him to doctor's appointments. We did have a couple of brief rests to visit with the family and close friends that matter the most. We received lovely things. It is up to Mom to keep him going for the next week until I can get back up there again.

I am strongly encouraging the word "FLORIDA" for the 2008-2009 winter to them.

I am looking forward to New Year's ... We are having a some family over for dinner and a sleep over.. (no one is driving out of Brannydoon on amateur night) Hopefully, this is the last occasion that requires a trip to the emergency room for a while. Whomever came up with the quote, It isn't a party unless someone gets hurt.... should be gagged!

I am realizing a White Christmas

IT IS SNOWING !!!!!!!!!

Okay... this was taken on December 2nd. But the ground is covered!!!

I am like a little kid with snow. It makes me want to go grab a saucer and head for the backyard.

Remember how hot and hard snowsuits were to get in and out of ... especially when nature called?

This is Seamus my Tennesse boy out on a walk down the dirt road from Brannydoon.

Happy Snow Storm Everyone and Safe home to those of you :)- that don't work remotely!

Twas the Fight for Freedom

I received this in an email. I thought it was so well done that I had to share it with all of you.

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,

Then thesure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,

"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light

Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right ,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"

Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

"PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S.service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC,
USN30t h Naval Construction RegimentOIC,
Logistics Cell OneAl Taqqadum , Iraq.

Huckabee - I told you

Okay ... Mind you... I told you... Are you sick of me forecasting yet?

I told you back in September, (See Post from September 7th) I had decided to vote for Mike Huckabee. Many of you laughed at me. You told me he didn't have a chance. I said that I looked at his platform and I liked him better than anyone else.... I told you.

Now look at the polls ...

1) 2ND amendment rights
2) FAIR TAX SUPPORTER
3) Long term Gov. ( Kennedy was the last Senator elected and try and find a Senator prior to that who wasn't VP)
3) Understands the Clinton machine and how to defeat it
4) Immigration
5) Faith and Politics
6) Family Values
7 ,... Here is the link http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Issues.Home

There is one or two planks I don't agree with but I am probably not going to agree with any candidate ...even myself 100% of the time on either. They are topics I just don't think have any place in government or politics.

I watched Gov. Huckabee on a MSNBC interview on Thursday night. He quoted the Constitution on States Rights perfectly.. I had the Internet open and Googled it immediately to check his facts and then went on to quote the gospel of St. James. A rather interesting mix for MSNBC viewers, no? The way the flow of the questions occurred did not lead me to think there is anyway he would have been prepped on having to reference either piece. Huckabee simply knows them.

Beyond that, this is a quote that struck me when he was asked about who he would support if he wasn't the nominee....

" Character is what we do when no one else is watching"

I thought this was probably from Lincoln. I was wrong ... It is from a study of the Torah.

It makes sense because the conversation leading up to it was about my Senator Lieberman. The candidate understands what it is to be a man of character and a leader. Look beyond the fact he was a Baptist minister.... Truman sold hats. Reagan was an actor. The constitution guarantees us Freedom OF religion not FROM religion.

Consider Mike... Read about him. There are a number of very good men running for the Republican nomination. I ask you to consider this one....

We have decorated for the Holiday....

Everyone got into the act.... with the first snow fall. This Tennessee boy is Darn Cold!!!!

The lights are done outside the fake tree is up in the living room. I can't wait to put up the real one next week. It seems so strange to not have Annie in the middle of my wrapping.

How is your holiday progressing? I have done 90% of my shopping via telephone and computer. The UPS man is my new best friend!

Happy December!!!

The Golden Goddess Athena .... Our Annie .. Our Sweet Girl

Our beloved Golden daughter, Annie, (The Golden Goddess Athena aka… Bellie, Annie Belle, Stinky, Little Girl, Baby Puppy, Annie Bananie) passed over the Rainbow Bridge on Friday, November 23, 2007 after a sudden illness that struck her on Thanksgiving morning at her residence in New Milford, Connecticut. She was a native of New Hampshire being born on May 19, 1996. Annie was the canine daughter of “Promise Me Magic” an International Grand Champion. She shared his love of tomatoes and children. Annie was home schooled by Thomas Dwyer. Throughout her life, Annie was often noted to be a particular well behaved and enjoyable dog to be around. We both were grateful how many homes she was always welcomed in regularly, no matter how muddy her paws or how much she shed of her beautiful strawberry blonde mane.

Annie was well traveled living in four states (New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Georgia and Connecticut) in her 11 ½ years and visiting over 15 states. Yes, she left her “mark” in everyone! She was blessed with many canine friends. Annie would want to thank them for their sharing of their toys, human parents and water bowls. Some of them include Kaleb, Ruger, Winston, Sidney, Maverick, Tucker and Bosco.

Among Annie’s favorite activities, beyond her position as receptionist and security guard at her Mzinga (formerly Shared Insights), were chasing tennis balls, swimming in especially the ocean, having her belly rubbed, sniffing the air on her mound, cheering on a bicycle races and going anywhere in the car.

Annie is survived by her father and mother Jim and Pauline Brannigan, her canine Brittany brother, Seamus, and feline sister HRH the Duchess of Brannydoon. She is also survived by her maternal and paternal grandparents and many uncles, aunties, and cousins that all loved and miss her dearly.

She will never depart from our hearts even though hers loved so much it burst from providing a life time of joy. Services have not yet been planned. Donations in her memory can be made to the Animal Charity of your choice or Adopt a Golden Atlanta Rescue Organization. http://www.adoptagoldenatlanta.com/

Funeral Blues

W H Auden ... modified for Annie

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,

Prevent Seamus from barking with a juicy bone,

Silence the pianos and with muffled drum

Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead

Scribbling on the sky the message She Is Dead,

Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,

Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

She was my North, my South, my East and West,

My working week and my Sunday rest,

My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;

I thought that love would last for ever; I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;

Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;

Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood,

For nothing now can ever come to any good.

Ho-Ho-Ho

It is a greeting said by residents of the North Pole and Santa's village. It isn't a request for a professional menage a trois. When are people going to get over themselves? We limit what is socially acceptable EVERY MOMENT!

I was listening to the radio on the drive up to the Hive this morning. One radio morning jock was chastising the other for referring to a Mexican as a Mexican. The other guy said but what do I call a person from MEXICO!