Some of My Favorite Apps

Since I've been blogging (lots of years), every now and then I make a post about my favorite apps. Of course these tend to change as more apps become available and more apps are updated. As of this writing, the following are my favorite apps:

1. Google Calendar - I suppose this will always remain on my list of favorites because it keeps my time so organized. I love the fact that along with the "events," it allows you to create tasks. I use the task feature as my daily to do list. The way I like to look at it is to go into the schedule and you have a nice list. I love that you can even add details to your tasks. You can even make recurring appointments for your events such as birthdays, bill payments, etc...

2. Readly - For around $12 a month, I can read unlimited magazines and even back issues. Every magazine I like, they have it. Each family member can have their own sign-in as well. I sure do get my moneys worth out of that one. And they have all the popular magazines and more!

3. Samsung Notes - This is my second brain! I used to pay for another note-taking app but since I discovered Samsung Notes, I like it even better. This app can only be used on Samsung devices and computers with Windows operating system. It syncs seamlessly among my devices. I love that I can annotate and create PDF documents on it. Between this and my calendar app, my life is so orgainzed! I might be obsessed over this one. And it's free!

4. Canva - I just discovered this one. I love it for creating ads. It's so quick to make them and I can do them from my computer or my tablet. I still use my drawing program but this is so handy.

5. Sketchbook - This is a nice drawing app. I no longer sell my artwork or clipart but I love to relax by doing some drawings.

That's my list for today. If you'd like to check any of these out, you can get them from the place where you get your apps.

Photo above: A picture of my sweet cat, Punkie. She lived to be almost nineteen and I still miss her every day.

No Snowman Toy For Bubba!

I made the little snowman decoration somewhere around twelve years ago. The kids were still in middle school. So I've had him for many years. I woke up to Brian asking me this morning if I made a snowman toy for Bubba. Since this snowman was made about five years before Bubba was born, I have to say no.

Will he ever be able to tell the difference between his toys and mine?

Potty Pads - Any Advice?

Many of my readers are probably familiar with our little Bubba and his previous problems. For those who don't know, he's been blocked (bladder) twice, and had two emergency surgeries. He almost died when stones got stuck in the urethra, but he survived what many dogs don't. He gets bladder stones and even though he's on prescription food for that, they still come back. They aren't nearly as big as they once were, but they are still causing the little guy problems.

When I said in my previous post that life gets in the way, this is one of those obstacles. For the past week, he's been having off and on difficulty urinating. It breaks my heart to watch him struggle during those times. The vet had to catheterize him twice last week. I took him to work with me everyday because if he wasn't urinating, we could help him before I took him home. This is one advantage of working for his vet. Unfortunately, and of all times, Doc is out of town! We do have a substitute doctor, but he doesn't handle emergencies or surgeries. If Bubba has more problems, we might do another surgery when Doc comes back that will reroute his "plumbing." It's good answer for this type of problem and is very successful.

I bought some training pads and some special spray and I'm trying to get Bubba to pee on them but he shows no interest. Not only is this a way to keep watch on his medical problem, but I hate taking him outside, especially after dark. We have coyotes and other animals that would not make nice with my Bubba! Our winters are also pretty rough and it would be quite nice to keep him inside since I follow him in the yard in case of furry intruders.

So, I'm looking for advice. Has anyone had success using the training pads on an older dog? I'd really like for this to work for so many reasons.

Thinking About Christmas?

OK, I can hear all the sounds of discomfort now, all the oh no's, and all the gasps. After all, it's only late August. But I would also imagine there are a lot of you out there that think there isn't enough time between now and then. Many of my friends are preparing for Holiday craft shows, and some are making Christmas presents and tucking them away.

I personally fall into both categories. I don't do Holiday craft shows but I've been working on some new Christmas pattern designs to introduce in my shops. I'm also working on a new free blog tutorial that would be cute for decorating, or gift giving. I've also got a little start on some gift making.

It seems as though my Internet life has taken a backseat for a while. My blog posts are further apart, and I rarely make to the Etsy teams. As for facebook, my business fan page is pretty much non-existent, and my personal one I just hop on occasionally to see if there are any new pictures from family and friends. 

So, how do you all feel about Christmas? Are you like me and think we need more time between now and then, or are you just waiting for the season?

Photo, bottom left: That quilt was just waiting to be hung on the wall. Yes, I waited until Bubba's nap was over.

Bird Watching

As I walk past the living room a few days ago I see this black tail sticking out from behind the loveseat, swaying back and forth so gently. Upon closer observation I was able to see what exactly it was that caught her attention. There must have been a "birdie" convention being held on our back deck. I know that Punkie was wishing she could go outside and play with them.

Cat in image is from my "Luv My Cat" clipart and graphic set which can be found at my Etsy Shop or my Teacher's Notebook Clipart Shop.

An Important Message

Hello Humans! As many of you know, our Mom works with animals for a living. She sees many bad, bad things that can be prevented. Last week one of her patients died from heat stroke. Unfortunately it won't be the last death from the heat she will see during this hot, hot summer.

We would like to take a moment to remind everyone that we don't perspire like you do. We can't cool ourselves off as easily as you do, and once our body temperature reaches a certain point, we will either die, or have permanent brain and organ damage. So keep us safe by limiting our time outdoors when it's hot, and give us lots of water. For our animal friends that must stay outside, make sure they have a well shaded area as well as lots of water. Maybe you can even bring them into the house or the garage when it's super hot.

You know how much we love car rides. We do, but if you have to leave us even just for a few minutes, leave us at home. Even with the windows partially rolled down, a car will become and oven in just a few minutes.

Mom said that her blogging friends are all animal lovers who would never put their animals in danger. So maybe you can share this information with everyone you know who might not know otherwise. 

Have a safe and happy summer!

Arf & meow from Bubba & Punkie.

PS...Extra treats are a nice summer idea too!