Memorial Day 2007 - Road Trip ...

Happy Memorial Day!

This year we took a road trip to Champaign to visit the in-laws. Although Jake loves car rides, we decided to drop Jake off with my dad because most people believe he's not a big socializer (I think he's just misunderstood). Farley, however, went along for the journey. As you can see in the second image, Farley and Jake are still working out their differences; ironically, though, Jake looks happier than Farley (I think he thought we were taking Farley back to wherever he came from). After the long ride, Farley slept even more and enjoyed the afternoon playing. As for mingling with the family, everyone is doing well and the food was good. Jake was a little disappointed when we arrived to pick him up and we told him Farley was non-returnable.

Laughing is good for you ...

Many websites state that laughter is not only good for relieving stress and tension, but it burns calories, too. I would like to laugh a lot, and my hopes are that you reading this entry will laugh, too. On that note, the youngest model in the house thought he would contribute to the blog. Enjoy your weekend!

Student Loan Repayment ...

For those of you employed as prosecutors or public defenders, the John R. Justice Prosecutors and Public Defenders Incentive Act was passed by the House on May 15, 2007. In summary, it provides $10,000 per year to pay off student loans with a three year guarantee to work in this public arena. There are requisites, of course, such as being employed full time and not being in default status. Also, a maximum of $60,000 is available per borrower. Lastly, as usual, it's available only if the funding exists. As many of you in the public sector are aware, this bill is vitally important not only to enticing future attorneys, but in retaining trained and qualified ones, a practice which substantially bolsters the entire field of law. I'm all for the spirit in which it was introduced. Currently, the Senate has an identical bill scheduled for debate. Hopefully, the Senate will pass it.

Link: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-916
Link: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s110-442

Winds of change ...

Okay, according to many, there is no climate change taking place. Today, the sand from two hills on our farm blew so hard that you couldn't see through them. I walked outside and my shoes were completely dusty; Rochelle had to change her white socks because they turned brown where they weren't covered by her shoes (good thing I wear black socks). Amazingly, this storm finally rolled through right at sunset. It was amazing as the freezing rain just pummeled the ground and a fog instantly formed; even more amazing was this sunset that sheared through all of that percussion. It only lasted a few moments, but it was stunning.

Summer is almost here ...

Today, it was absolutely windy, dry, and hot. It felt like it was in the upper 80's. No matter what the weather is like during the day, though, it seems like the sunsets are always beautiful.

Felony Jury Trial - Day 2 - Verdict

Day (2) of the felony jury trial ensued. Today, after two hours of deliberations, the jury found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of both counts charged -- leaving the scene of an accident and aggravated leaving the scene of an accident. The facts: the defendant drove a motorcycle, had an accident with his passenger, and left her at the side of the road with blood all over her face; he never reported the accident nor did he make any attempt to check on her welfare; she wandered about the highway aimlessly. During closing, defense counsel stated his actions were those of a gentleman. I still can't figure that one out. Anyway, it's my opinion that justice prevailed.

Felony Trial Day ...

Day one of a felony trial day is over. As for now, I'm barred from saying anything else, except that it should be done tomorrow.

Coping Skills ...

They are both learning to live with one another. Farely is going through his biting phase; Jake, well, Jake just doesn't like to share (don't know where he gets that from). Farley still doesn't comprehend why Jake barks so loudly and makes a fuss when people get near the house. Farley is definitely laid back ("Thank you, God" says Rochelle). Walks are becoming easier, and with two dogs, the grass is greener!

Farley -- Week 2

The housetraining is becoming easier. This puppy, I mean, this dog, has grown at least 1/4 of his size over the past week. He eats as though there is no tomorrow. He shares many of the same traits as Jake, thus, probably a good reason that Jake is still jealous. Jake is doing better, though; he keeps reminding Farely that there is only one king allowed on a king-size bed. Farely, in his awkwardness of puppiness, is the court jester, slipping on the wood floors.

Jake is mad at me ...

Jake, my dalmatian, wasn't too happy when we brought home this tiny version of a dog. The good news is, Jake is coming around, and teh even better news is, Farley is now part of our family. Farley is a weimaraner, and although the above image shows a really warm glow from the sunrise (I know, hard to believe I got up that early), his coat is gray. He appears to be quite regal at times, but he's a clown ... that's how I know he'll fit into our lives well. Man, Jake has a lot of training to do!

Family Day

Palisades Park, Savanna, IL -- We took a family day and went to the Palisades State Park near Savanna, IL. It's a great spot next to the Mississippi River. In fact, Jake is enjoying the mighty Mississippi above. Although the park was great, this little location is actually inside of the decommissioned army depot just a few miles down the road. It's a wonderful site for wildlife, including deer and some bid ol' birds. In case you didn't know, with dalmatians, there's only one speed -- full throttle!

It's that time, again ...

That's my dad in the old tractor planting corn. We had just worked up the soil so that it's nice and "fluffy" soft. Anyone who grew up on a farm or a small town in the midwest will tell you there is nothing like the smell of "fresh" dirt -- it's a good smell.