The Things We Learn

I have learned that I spend way too much time on Facebook. But...I've also learned that there are some really positive things that come from Facebook. Especially positive in the last week have been the helpful posts and comments from friends - both IRL friends and online friends.
First, our garage door broke two weeks ago.

One evening while the boys and I were just hanging out (truthfully, I was probably hanging out on Facebook which goes along with the first sentence of this post) when we heard an awful crashing noise from the garage. The boys and I went out there. We looked and looked and looked but couldn't find anything that looked like it had fallen and made that horrible sound. It didn't make sense, but then again there's so much stuff out there that something could have fallen and I might not have figured out what and where. So we dismissed it, came back inside and continued with our normal routine.

The next morning I pushed the garage door opener button as we were leaving for school. :::kerchunk::: It started to open and stopped. Would go no further. I walked over to the door to inspect it and discovered what had made the horrid noise the night before. Both guide wires on the sides of the door had snapped. The single spring had busted. Not broken--busted. Right in the middle. This was the one and only time all winter when I was grateful that there is not enough room in the garage for my car.

I posted my dilemma on Facebook. "Anyone know of a reputable garage door repair place that won't charge me an arm and a leg?" Three different local, IRL friends (one who actually moved out of state last month) suggested this business.

I happened to be taking Tuesday off for a dentist appointment anyway. I called the number and spoke to Randy. He was at my house that afternoon and finished before I had to pick up the boys from school. He was polite and fair and didn't charge me an arm and a leg, especially considering all the work he did. He replaced the spring with a dual spring, replaced the wheels that run on the side, did a free tuneup and lube and even checked my non-working door opener remote. (It's not us; it's the remote. That's a relief!) It wasn't until after he left that I took a good look at his business card and realized that he's the father of one of my students at school. Cool! And...you can hardly hear my garage door open. Ahhhhhh!

Then there's Larry. You know Larry. That crazy dog of ours. It's been raining for weeks now. Off and on, but at least a couple days each week. I know it's winter, but really? I really need some sunshine. I digress.

Because of the rain, the back yard is a mud pit. In reality, the back yard is a mud pit because Larry has dug up half the yard. As my status one day this last week (during a heavy rain period) I contemplated the practicality of concreting the entire back yard except for one small corner where Larry could "do his business."

I had many people tell me that they felt my pain and many others say that this is the exact reason they got rid of their carpet. We don't have much carpet, but it's enough. The problem, though, isn't that Larry gets muddy feet. The problem is that he hates having them cleaned. He kicks and gnaws and bites and chews and rolls around - getting mud all over the cleaner's arms, legs and clothes.

One person gave me a fantastic idea. She said to give him a treat each time he lets me touch his paws. I decided to give it a try. I pulled the treats out - boy could he smell 'em! - and said, "Paw." When he would try to fight, I'd stop and say no, then ask for his paw again. Got one paw cleaned and gave him a treat. Oh joy!!!

Got another paw cleaned and gave him another treat. Bliss!!!

I was actually able to clean his two back feet with no trouble before giving him a treat. That was the first time. It has been three days. We can clean all of his feet for one treat now. Thank you, KelliSue!!! I couldn't have done it without you. And Larry thanks you too!