Before and After

The cold and dreary morning turned into a beautiful afternoon.  Little Wonder had to be at the groomer's  by 9am.  Here is his before photo.

Fortunately he was is not a back seat driver on our way to Brockport.

We arrived right on time.

This was the last day for Sholanda's business as she is going to start a 15 month nursing course.  So glad we were able to get on her schedule as I'm not too excited about trying to find a new groomer.

While that was being done I went up to Wegmans and got into a very nice conversation with a young man (now turning 60) who I used to work with many years ago at a local restaurant. I needed to earn enough money to pay for Marieke....an Anglo-trakehner sired by Abdullah....who was in the Olympics.  I loved waitressing.  

Anyway, I just hung around until it was time to pick up my pup.

Whenever he gets a haircut he looks like a puppy.  And he was thrilled to have another ride in the car.

Here is his after picture before we went in the house.

By early afternoon the grass was dry enough for me to start mowing.  It was only 50 degrees.

Gary took apart a storage area where I keep my pots and pans and painted it.  Quite an improvement.

We got in a little break time before dinner.

Speaking of dinner.  It was so good.  Grilled chicken, baked potatoes and coleslaw (cabbage, carrots, red pepper and pineapples chunks). 

It's not even 7:30, and I'm done.

Night all.

PS

Yesterday I forgot to mention something.  I had a long conversation late morning, with a woman I have communicated with via blogging and FB for over 18 years.  She lives on Long Island and I loved reading her blog posts as she was and still is a spectacular writer.  She has also been in an art groove the past couple of years.  Anyway, somehow both of us connected with another writer, who went by the name "Coyote" (who would buy Gary's garlic and we would ship it to the Philly area).  I'm the only one still blogging, but we have still kept in touch.  So fun to speak to her on the phone and we plan to check in with each other monthly. Next, we have to arrange for a 3 way zoom.  Since I started my Journal, I have met people from all around the world....but only about six of my followers in person.  I have learned so much about different countries, customs and food and am still in touch with many. It has been my version of traveling.......in reverse.

If you are in the mood for more reading....here is part of an article posted about me in a local newspaper...June 23rd, 2014.  That's when I started to travel in reverse.   In all these years I have only missed posting 2 days.  

Her blog and other distant contacts help her “travel in reverse”

Every day Lori writes The Skoog Farm Journal subtitled “Writings and photographs from a small community in western New York” (http://skoogfarm.blogspot.com). “I started my blog in February, 2007, and have not missed one day,” she said. “It is a photo journal of what I do every day. I have 325 followers and I am approaching 300,000 hits since I started. It’s incredible. Why do people care what I am doing?” The blog typically has a variety of farm scene photos with animals and flowers, people she has met and places she has been recently, plus her brief writings and sometimes recipes. People respond with enthusiasm, some sharing their own blogs, and many actually come to visit at the farm. “It seems like magic to be able to connect with so many people,” Lori said. “Everyone I communicate with on a regular basis cares about the environment, food, animals, people, and community.”

Local people and many from U.S. cities, plus New Zealand, Scotland, England, France, Italy, Niger (West Africa), Saudi Arabia, Canada, Australia, Greece, Italy, Sweden, and Germany follow her blog. She has had visitors arrive from all around the globe. “It just keeps happening,” Lori said. “It’s like we have a bed and breakfast here.”

Some of Lori’s contacts come from the canal Welcome Center where she greets and chats with boaters. “That canal connects us to the world,” she said. Lori has lunched with boaters from Norway, and continues to communicate with a boater couple from Cleveland.

And, Lori brings Brockport to the world. She is a kind of ambassador, taking hundreds of photos of Brockport events and scenes for her blog. “People all over the country and the world can’t believe this community,” she said. “They think we are the coolest thing because we have so many events, activities and interesting places for such a small village.”

For Lori, whose life is tied to the farm, she says that being in touch with so many people and welcoming visitors from around the globe helps her to “travel in reverse.” “I love meeting people, and it’s bizarre how I have done it without leaving home.”