I was determined to post by Christmas. Failing that, I set NYE as my next reasonable goal. Some of my blogging friends in the Southern Hemisphere have already rung in the New Year while I anticipate the countdown to 2023 in several hours, west coast time zone.
We’ve added to our family, and my role and responsibilities expanded in what can often feel like the busiest of seasons.
We were anticipating the birth of a grandson late in December, but he surprised his mama by arriving three weeks early. She wasn’t the only one surprised.
The first week of December our son called and asked if there was a chance I could come up early–as in NOW! The original plan was for me to arrive a couple of weeks later and be the grandparent-on-site to care for the baby’s 5-year old big brother. Jay had some appointments that couldn’t be changed, so off I went, unsure of how long I would be needed.
A healthy baby boy arrived less than 48 hours later, and I had the joy of being the first to celebrate with his delighted parents and big brother. Respecting my son’s desire for privacy I won’t post photos, but you can take my word for it that this precious new life is simply beautiful.
But I can share photos of our other new adoptee!
Meet Mr. Burns. (Any Simpsons/Harry Shearer fans?”
Once more this month I became a grandmother as Aimee and family adopted Mr. Burns from a reputable dog rescue organization. He won’t be two until later this spring, and like so many rescues, comes with a sad story. But in our busy household he is surrounded by so much love and attention I’d say he’s already quite spoiled–if you really believe you can possibly give too much attention to a love-starved creature.
Aimee is definitely his person, but, as good grandparents we do our best to comfort him when she is not home. This photo is representative of many times when he is poised to sit and wait for her return.
You’ll notice he is wearing a leash or a lead. He is quick! And he is still a little skittish and can be difficult for me to “corral.” He does seem to expect me to take him on multiple walks each day, however, but I think that’s because he expects a treat at the end of that walk. He’s smart.
Most mornings he likes to find a sunspot and just enjoy our typical warmth. We’ve had quite a bit of rain yesterday and today, however, and I’ve been walking him, umbrella in hand, and laughing that I can’t believe I’m doing this. Our dear Zena was more than happy to “do her business” in our backyard. Weather was never a factor.
Mr. Burns, however, fully expects a good walk at least a couple of times a day.
Maybe I’m the one who deserves the treat!
Happy New Year, my friends. I hope that you can find your own proverbial sunspot and ring in the new year with peace and hope and a measure of joyful expectation that as one year closes and a new one opens,
“all shall be well
and all shall be well
and all manner of things shall be well.”
Julian of Norwich
breathelighter 
My very dear virtual friend, I am tickled pink to read you so happy ! – and how not ?, for you are being and feeling truly useful as well as having more in your life to love. From pink babies to brown puppies, your life is full of beautiful youth.
You deserve it, Debra: you have a heart so ready to love and so full of everything good.
Long may your happiness last !!
I thought of you specifically, M-R, when I turned on CNN this afternoon and watched the new year ringing in for YOU! It is still 2022 for 8 more hours in California. We have had some family health concerns and a few “bumps” of late, but the joys of a new baby and yes! Mr. Burns brings joy, too, helps to offset areas of deeper concern. Life is a bountiful balance! Thank you for your very kind words. I look forward to more sharing between us in the months to come! Be well!!
Cheers to Mr. Burns – and I’m confident he’ll settle into feeling at home! Well done …. and Congrats to the the little ol’ Granny from Pasadena with one more grandchild to spoil! Happy New Year to you and your family! Keep smiling!
You made me laugh, Frank. My husband sings “Go granny Go!” to my mom all the time. LOL! I’m a close second, however. 🙂 I am very good at spoiling children and animals. Maybe to a fault at times, but I try to be a little under the radar and not alarm the parents. Happy New Year to you, too, my friend.
Glad to deliver the chuckles. 🙂
A new grandchild and a new furry member of the family. Lucky you! Enjoy your new additions and have a lovely new year!
Thank you, Janis. I wish I lived a little closer to the baby, but how wonderful that we have FaceTime to help bridge that gap! And I have the best of responsibilities with Mr. Burns. I can love on him without any of the bottom line responsibility or expense. 🙂 Happy New Year to you, as well, my friend.
Ohh, how exciting! Both the baby and the puppy! Is he part Catahoula? Very handsome. I’ve only had rescues. The last one was just this year. The SPCA said she was 1 1/2 years old. We would bet a million dollars that at the time she was only 6 months old! So it’s been puppy time here and a constant mess and how she finds my shoes is beyond me! But she’s a perfect companion to the dog we rescued last year, who is about 1 year and 8 months old. They’re best friends, which is really nice.Happy New Year!
Oh Mimi! A puppy!LOL! My granddaughters really wanted mom to bring home a puppy and yet we just knew we weren’t up to that. But with all the work they bring, such love! I hear “constant mess” and can picture the chaos. We are talking about maybe adding in another dog before too long, and it will be interesting to see what Aimee decides! I have the fun without being the final word on responsibility. I wish you, too, a very happy new year, with good health and wonderful opportunities.
Lovely to read all this, Debra! Warm wishes to you & all of the expanding family 🤗
it’s so lovely to see your name here, Fiona. I hope you’re doing well! Wishing you, too, a wonderful new year, my friend.
Additions are always wonderful! Delightful puppy and I’m sure the grandchild is too! Happy New Year to you all!
Thank you, Kate. I was eager to share Mr. Burns with my animal loving friends. 🙂 Happy New Year to you, as well!
Smithers! Release the hounds!
Congrats on both additions to your family. Hope 2023 will be a happy and healthy year for all concerned!
You made me laugh, Nancy! We didn’t name him, but we didn’t even consider changing it, since it really does fit his appearance at times. He’s a lot sweeter, however. 🙂 Happy New Year to you, as well, my friend.
And let me add this to your concluding quote by Julian of Norwich:
All will be well in the end.
If all is not well, it is not yet the end.
~ The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
I forgot that quote. And I loved that movie. Thank you, Nancy. That’s really a life changing perspective and I needed it. 🙂
Congratulations to both. Wow.
Thank you, Ray! I hope the new year is filled with opportunity and good health as you settle in even more deeply into the farm and all it has to offer!
Congratulations on all the “newness”. On the other end of the spectrum, how’s Darwin doing?
Thank you, Ray. This is that time of year when Darwin hardly moves at all. It is always just a little unnerving to me, but then again, he’s 15, and we’ve watched him “hibernate” each winter. It’s not a true hibernation, but unless we have a really warm, sunny day he just doesn’t move out of his burrow. On one hand it’s nice not to have chores associated with his care, but I don’t like totally ignoring him. Thanks for asking. I’m so glad you think of him. He’s an unusual pet!
👍
Yes, all shall be well, Debra.
Lovely post. I very much enjoyed reading it! 🙂
Mr.Burns looks beautiful. Thank you for sharing
these photos of him! 🙂
Wishing you and all your loved ones a very good
and peaceful New Year 2023! 🙂
💓 Uta from Australia
Thank you, Uta, and I wish the same for you in 2023. I really had fun sharing pictures of Mr. Burns. These little creatures bring such joy. ❤️
Congratulations on being a gma again! Plus treats to you for dog walking expeditions.
Charming pics too
Happy New Year 🎊
Ellen Schultz Errors thanks to Siri Sent from my iPhone
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Happy New Year to you, too, my friend. 😀
Happy (almost) New Year Debra. Just wanted to say congratulations on your two newer additions to the family. Praying all is well as you close out 2022 and await the beginning of 2023. 😍😍
Cindy! How wonderful to hear from you. Thank you so much, and I hope for the same for you and your precious ones as we begin a new year. ❤️
Thanks Debra! All is well on our end. Just thankful for another year and looking ahead to what is in store.
What a lovely start to my New Year’s Day, Debbie- a happy post from you! Many congratulations and the happiest of years ahead to you and your family!
Thank you so much, Jo. What a lovely encouragement to embrace in the new year.
🤗💗
I still miss my Toulouse. Taking him for walks was my favorite thing, a delightful “chore.” I hope this new year is good to all of us.
I agree with your hope for the new year, Jim. I already love this little dog, but I sure do miss Zena I understand your feelings about Toulouse. When they leave us I also miss the routines I built around them. Be well, my friend.
Thanks, Debra. Like I always say: you don’t get over it, you just get used to it.
Oh, Debra, congratulations on the new and healthy grandbaby. Reading that you respect your son’s privacy made my day. As for Mr. Burns, you know I hoped you would rescue another dog. He got lucky but as so often, in a few months or years you will be asking “who rescued who?”
Our older dog Patches, also a rescue, is still skittish, it never goes away. Happy New Year to you and your family! Thank you for the update!
Thank you for the congratulations, Bridget. And happy new year. I read something today that encouraged saying “happier New Year” as a more sensitive greeting to others. I thought you might like that, too.
That’s interesting that Patches remained skittish. It makes you wonder what they’ve experienced, doesn’t it? I try not to think about that, actually. I’m glad we could share this little guy with you. He sure does make me laugh. 🙂
“A Happier New Year” I like that.
Patches has always been the ‘baby’ and our older dogs comforted her when she was skittish or when she showed anxiety.
Now she is the oldest and I see some changes. She is a very protective big sister, even though the puppy is now bigger than her.
Congratulations on the new grandchild Debra. And on the new little dog too. 🤗 What a sweet face. Have fun walking in the rain! 😃
You’ve picked up on the importance of our rain! My garden is saturated and we have more yet to come. And thank you for the congratulations, Cathy. Happy New Year!
What a happy post, Debra! I have a wonderful image of you (in my mind) in your galoshes walking Mr. Burns!!
You know, Gail, I think I may need some warmer clothing and a new raincoat. Rain is so rare that I don’t have the wardrobe, but we are sure enjoying a two-week stretch with more rain than we have seen in a long time. Mr. Burns doesn’t seem to mind getting wet! 🙂
Congratulations! Best way to start a new year is with a lot of happy news!
Thank you, Andrew! and happy new year to you!
Happy New Year Debra!
So happy to hear of your new family (both human and animal.) Hope we can get together this year.
Love to you and the family!
Thank you, Catherine. It’s always so good to hear from you, and happy new year to you!!
Happy New Year Debra!
That’s exciting news aboutboth your grandson and your new sweet granddog.Congratulations! I love the idea of finding a sunspot, but here in Illinois it has to be indoors for now. Thanks for sharing your update!
Karen
Thank you so much, Karen, and happy new year to YOU! It’s always lovely when I find your name in my comments. We’ve had a lot of rain and very little sun in the last two weeks, but I can’t complain. We needed it! Blessings to. you in the new year, my friend.
Happy New Year, Debra. So glad you have been having such a happy and blessed time with your new grandchild and the new puppy!
I’m playing catch-up Debra, so please forgive me for being late to the party! Congratulations on your new family members. I expect you will be very busy providing support for both new arrivals over the next few months. Look on the bright side – you no longer need to find an excuse to get some exercise 😂 Have a great 2023😎👍
Congrats on your new grandchild Debra.
And your lovely 4 legged adoptee. Wishes of peace and all to be well, for the New Year
Ps. With acute awareness of the serious current flooding in CALIFORNIA. With care for you and your loved ones to have, and are, been able to remain safe
Thank you for the kind thoughts, Bruce. My son and family with the new baby live in Oakland, and they’ve had more rain than I think I’ve ever experienced. Here in Southern California my family is safe, but the conditions all around us are very concerning. I really appreciate your awareness. It’s a little unsettling. I hope you and your wonderful family are starting the new year with peace and good health. Blessings.
This is an interesting idea with this puppy . Thanks Anita
Congratulations on the new additions to your family. I’m imagining an adorable baby, just as cute as the pooch but in a baby way. They’re both precious. I’m sorry about the early arrival, but I trust all is well and that the big brother is enjoying his new sibling (or not). You just never know at that age. I always enjoy hearing your news, Debra.
Congratulations to Grandmother!
Thank you for introducing Mr.Burns to us. He looks happy and healthy, so very adorable and smart. I love the photo of him from his back and the one covered with blankets especially.