Proud to Be a Raiser

This is another new pup in our group, Tulani. She is 4 months old and was transferred from another group. Our fabulous CFR, Celeste, was at our puppy group last night, and she spent some time with Cabana. I have so much to tell about that, but I will post about it tomorrow.

For today, I wanted to mention R's blog In the Center of the Roof, though I know many other puppy raisers have found her wonderfully written blog already. R became blind about a year and a half ago and is going through the steep learning curve of learning to navigate life without the sight she'd had for the previous 29 years of her life. She is currently in the application process with Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Recently, R learned about puppy raisers, and the gratitude and amazement she shares in her post is so heartwarming. Her anticipation to get a guide dog someday and have it become her eyes so touched me, and I was reminded about how important puppy raising is.

I'm keeping this post bookmarked so I can easily find it on days when I need a little attitude pick-me-up.

R's post about puppy raisers can be found here.

Aging a Brass Buckle

The film director has requested that all gas mask hardware be aged. Here is my technique for aging a solid brass buckle. Before on the left; after on the right.


1) Sandblast the buckle to remove the lacquer that is keeping it shiny.
2) Hammer it with a ball peen hammer so it looks well worn.
3) Antique it with dark stain.

Spring in Brenham

This past Spring I visited one of my favorite places Brenham Texas (Home of the yummy Bluebell Ice Cream). It's a small quaint little Texas town approximately an hour 1/2 away from me. Not far from the beautiful Antique Rose Emporium featured earlier on my blog. Now this is the best time to visit so you can see the Bluebonnets in full bloom. It has some great antique shops and vintage places to eat.


On the way back home there are some amazing sites like old abandoned buildings and windmills. I always try and imagine what it all looked like when those parts were alive and kicking.
There are also plenty of antiques to shop around for which is always fun.And my personal favorite, an old Drive Inn Movie Theatre, what fun it would have been to be there!!!And finally, if you have time stop in and see a picture perfect piece of history Chappell Hill. Still looks amazing with lots of original houses and some great shops.



Also, every Spring they have the Bluebonnet Festival which is really fun. You get to sample some great food and shop in some fabulous booths. On this day though it was quiet and peaceful. A perfect Spring Saturday!