Garden Visitors~Snakes in the Grass!

Look close!

#MLAChallenge day 8

How's your summer??!! 

Full Strawberry Moon tonight and the Summer Solstice on Friday!

We have 1st cutting done!! Yahoo!! Movin' on to irrigating 2nd.

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Summer Brain Challenge ~ Day 8 ~ Get Every Little Bit

First things first...My Man has been busy today as usual...first it was the Escape, then the Dodge pickup...and now the tractor!!! He says that the big horse trailer is next!!! What a guy!!

OK...on to the challenge!

Last week, Dr. Perlmutter focused on nutrition for the brain. This week is exercise and movement. 

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The assignment for today was to pick a friend to join me on a short workout. Short is better than none at all...and for some, it's better!

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I chose my dear husband John...and all four dogs!! We broke out the cruisers for a back road country spin! We can't go too fast when Mindy Mae is with us...her little legs can't keep up!!

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But, great fun was had by all. And I always feel energized by getting outside in the fresh air!

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What is your "go-to" lack-of-time exercise?

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Summer Brain Challenge ~ Day 5, 6 & 7!

Hey...been busy...I'm catchin' up!!! So, who all is putting Dr. Perlmutter's suggestions into action? Maybe just one suggestion? Maybe they all are calling to you?!?

#SummerBrainChallenge ~ Day 5

Eat With The Season

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Now that's easier said than done in the high desert, Great Basin, of SE Oregon! Planting anything before June is a death sentence!!

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Living in a remote area has it's challenges and rewards. The bounty in the photo is from a prior year, but with persistence and patience, it's well worth it! The down side is that we have a very short growing season.

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We are blessed with a produce truck that comes to town beginning mid-summer. They bring us regionally grown fruits and veggies that we so much appreciate!

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Frozen veggies may hold the nutrients, but the flavor and texture are just lost. To me, there's nothing like fresh veggies for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

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I'd show you a pic of my tomato plants that I put in 4 days ago...but, I prefer to think of what they're going to produce this summer!

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#SummerBrainChallenge #getyoursummerbrainon #ketoforlife #cleaneating #healthybrain #healthybody #eatrealfood #selfcare #goingseizurefree #cancersurvivor

#SummerBrainChallenge ~ Day 6

Master Your Blood Sugar

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Dr. Perlmutter writes: "Added sugars and high glycemic index foods are everywhere. Try to cut added sugar from your diet completely for the rest of the challenge period - keeping your blood sugar stable will make you feel amazing."

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Sugar really is everywhere! Today was grocery day...label reading day...just to buy bacon without sugar is impossible in our small town. It's so frustrating!!

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I make all my condiments and baked goods to get the right ingredients. It's worth the effort! .,.,.,

Sweeteners are sweeteners, and are a treat, not a staple. So these applesauce muffins use honey, and are wonderful, but are made on a limited basis 😉

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#SummerBrainChallenge #getyoursummerbrainon #ketoforlife #cleaneating #healthybrain #healthybody #selfcare #goingseizurefree #cancersurvivor #sugarfree #grainfree

#SummerBrainChallenge ~ Day 7

How's it Going?

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Yes, week one is in the books!! Actually, I'm feeling better; more energy and purpose.

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I've been carb cheating for the past few months. My husband decided that it would be easier on me if he ate what I ate...isn't that sweet of him?!? Well, he lost 20 pounds...and he was already skinny!!! With my nutritionist's help, we determined that a low carb diet wasn't the best for him...he's extremely active with a high metabolism. So, we added organic white potatoes and organic white rice (cooked then frozen before eaten) back into his diet. Well, I would have a small portion myself too 😉☺!! But, not this week!

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I'm working toward strictly Keto, so this was as good of a time as any!

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Breakfast salads are one of my favorites!!! This is my super-sized BLT with the works! Yes, I broke my egg yolk LOL!!

It's a wonderful Friday, I hope everyone has great plans for the weekend!!!

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Summer Brain Challenge ~ Day 4 ~ Eat For Your Mental Health

Dr. Perlmutter writes: “Pay attention to how you mentally feel after you’ve had an indulgent meal. That regret isn’t just sociological - processed and fried foods full of sugars and refined carbs can cause your mental health to suffer. If you’ve got an indulgent meal coming up this week, take note of how you feel after it.”

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For me, it’s been so long since I had an “indulgent meal” that I can’t really remember what I felt like mentally…but, I do know that my “brain fog” has lifted over the past year of not eating any processed foods!! Duh, probably why I can’t remember!! BTW, I literally threw everything in my pantry that was not “real food” into the garbage!

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Being petite, I’ve never had a weight issue, but more depression and mood. After getting off the “after cancer” medication, eating “real” food, hydrating myself and getting enough sleep, I’m slowly finding purpose again.

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Everything is connected…eating real food brings better health to every area of your life!

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Love your family and friends…4 legs or 2 legs!

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Summer Brain Challenge ~ Day 3 ~ Get those greens!

#SummerBrainChallenge ~ Day 3

Get those greens!
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And I LOVE my leafy greens! It can be just a side salad like this Strawberry & Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette, or it can be a full lunch or dinner...stack on your favorite toppings...the more the better, right??!!

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Here's the easy recipe for today's photo:

Strawberry & Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

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1 bunch fresh organic baby spinach

1 cup sliced fresh organic strawberries

1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola (I also like Feta) cheese

1/2 cup raw pecans (or almonds, pine nuts or whatever you like)

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

1/2 cup olive oil

salt and ground black pepper to taste

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Stir the balsamic vinegar and honey together in a bowl; slowly stream the olive oil into the mixture while whisking continuously. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

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I make a full batch of dressing and there is enough for another meal or two! Enjoy!

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Summer Brain Challenge ~ Day 2 ~ Cut the Gluten

When I started my journey to a healthier lifestyle over a year ago, I never dreamed I would be reading EVERY label!!
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Just because the package says it's gluten-free or healthy doesn't make it so!!! Doritos are gluten free...and they're not fit for human consumption IMHO.
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There are MANY options...this is a cauliflower rice crust, but my home made almond/coconut/tapioca flour pizza crust is truly gluten free too...and they both taste delicious!!! I LOVE knowing what's going into my body, and my body appreciates it!
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Join me, a survivor, in celebrating #nationalcancersurvivorsday today!!! Thank you!!!

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Summer Brain Challenge ~Day 1~ Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Instead of focusing on getting your best body for the summer, 

spend the summer getting your 

Best Brain for Life!!

#SummerBrainChallenge Day 1

Add an anti-inflammatory food to your diet!

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I chose fresh organic strawberries in my cold-pressed whey protein shake this morning! Yummy!

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Try turmeric, ginger, fatty fish or any in-season berries.

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Good Monday...Spring Has Sprung!!

 Happy Monday everyone!!

A new find from the landfill...who would want to through
away a perfectly good flower pot?!?

Spring is rolling fast and furious around here. What little varmint reduction we got will just be what it is, the fertilizer is on, the irrigation is running, and the hay (along with all the weeds) is growing!! 

We seeded orchard grass into more of our alfalfa last fall, so we'll have a lot more alfalfa/grass mix to sell this year.

Alfalfa, orchard grass...and a few weeds. It'll make good feed this winter!

My trip to Paleo f(x) in Austin TX was exceptional...the number of speakers, vendors and events were "brain exploding!"

My Team! #PFX19

The main stage with a panel of health professionals talking
about how the brain and the gut biome are connected.

Did you know that the brain and the gut are connected? It's actually very facinating...and having a healthy gut changes your whole body!!!

Ryan, me and Sprinkles...yep, I'm short!!!

#PFX19

So, how's your gut? Consider taking the free health assessment!

#JTTA

I hope everyone has a very blessed week!

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter

 gtyyup

Self Care ~ Animal Care ~ Everyone is Important!

I'm almost afraid to say it...but I think we're past any chance of snow...well, that'll jinx us now!! But it's been the longest, coldest, wettest spring anyone can remember. In the high desert here we should never complain about precipitation in whatever form it comes in...but it's been hard on the ranchers and farmers.

My Man is dragging the hay fields...Rastus is a bunch of help of course!

Tax day has come and gone (thank goodness that's done with for another year!), and another year of poisoning the ground squirrels (we call them sage rats) in the hay fields. Because of all of the rain, we couldn't get the bait out in a timely manner, so the percent of dispatch wasn't as good as other years, but we got what we got.

Easter too has come and gone...but the memory of the sunrise service is fresh in my mind. It poured rain the day before, and we wondered it we would need to shift to plan "B"...but the day broke with some clouds...just enough to get a beautiful reflection as we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. It was perfect!

Easter sunrise service in Crane Oregon...it was spectacular!! Fitting for our King~

This week I'll be flying to Austin Texas for a huge event...Paleo f(x)...I'm so excited to be selected to go with my team and learn a ton of new stuff...building my knowledge on Paleo and Ancestral Health. I'm pretty sure I'll have a bunch to share when I return!

Until then...have a quick listen to my latest FB live video.

Self Care~You're Important!

In Health & Love~

#DoLifeBetter

gtyyup

Throwback Thursday~March 2014

March 5 years ago...great memories!!!

Awwww...the newborn calves! How I miss them.
We sold our little herd two years ago in preparation of moving.

Red Dog & Rastus...running and chasing each other as spring is coming.
Not much has changed with these two! 

Sweet Martha Jo~we adopted her so she could live out her life with love.
She wasn't with us long, but it was a very special time.

What precious memories do you have in your heart from 5 years ago?

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Wordless Wednesday

In Health & Love~
 #DoLifeBetter
 gtyyup

Happy 1st Anniversary to ME!!

Hello again!!

Yep...it's been a year since I stepped forward and started making changes in my life for the better.

The goal...to NOT let cancer come back. Cancer sucks! 

And I was blessed by God that he gave me a wake up call.

Sunday evening sunset...driving home from church...just gorgeous!

If you have followed along over the years, you'll maybe know that I have posted many sunrises, but very few sunsets. Where our home sits, we have a huge rim rock to the west and south...no sunsets from our place! 

Today, I read a story that used this:
Winnie the Pooh famously said, “If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.”

You know, some of us (including me) just take longer to "get it!"
We have fluff in our ear!

What I would do all over (if I could) is be concerned and proactive about my health and my finances.

Why wait until it's broke to fix it?! I sure don't do that with my truck...or my horse!

So, what it comes down to is...help yourself now not later!!

Below is my Facebook live from today...thanks for following along!!
(not sure why there's just a gray screen, but it's me!)

Your Health Assessment is FREE! Let's find Solutions!
#JTTA Just Take the Assessment!



  

I'd love to hear from you...leave a comment or find me on Facebook!!!
We can "do life better together!"

In Health & Love~

 #DoLifeBetter   #JTTA    #Solutions

 gtyyup

Two Steps to Improve Your Health Goal Success! #JTTA

Right after I got back from Hawaii, I hopped on another plane and headed to Allen Texas for a Health & Wellness convention...and it was amazing!!!

Have you come to a plateau with your health goals? It could be weight, exercise or lifestyle diet...or something else? Have you tried everything and NOTHING works for you? 

This video outlines our latest health goal tool. 

Step #1 is great and accurate.

Then add step #2 and it's dynamic!

#JTTA Just Take The Assessment! It's free...it's HIPPA compliant...it's a report with a health score...it's a tool for you to know what's best for YOU!!! 

We are all individually designed, so why would one answer fit all?!?

Leave me a comment or message me on Facebook!

I LOVE helping people!!! We can #DoLifeBetterTogether

In Health & Love~

 #DoLifeBetter

 gtyyup

Summer Transformation Challenge!! Enter to Win Up to $1000!!

Must Enter by March 6!!

Looking at the piles of snow…are you thinking of SUMMER???!!! It will soon be here!!!

Everyone has a reason to improve their health…what’s your story??

There’s no better time than NOW to start thinking about getting into that summer swim suit or just tone up, and what better way to do it than to win some money getting in shape!

Set your goals and get ready to work hard! We’ll be selecting the top five men and top five women that have shown the most progress toward their goals during the 90-day contest period.

So get ready to submit your BEFORE pictures. Submissions are open now till March 6th, 2019 so don’t wait!!

PRIZES: ($3500) The best Slim+ transformations within the contest dates will win:

$1000 – 1st Place Male & Female Transformations

$500– 2nd Place Male & Female Transformations

$250 – 3rd Place Male & Female Transformations

Follow My 3 Easy Steps!

#1 Tell me you want to be added to our Private Facebook group Bedrock Your Body. If you’re already in the group…you’re ahead already!!! There you will get support and accountability all rolled into one! No purchase is necessary, but if you want to get ahead of the competition…just sayin’!!

#2 Comment on this post or send me a FB message that you are ready to Take the Challenge!!!!

#3 Email your “before” photos to show a good representation of where you are today. Fitted cloths are best, not baggy.

That’s the easy part 1, 2, 3…then work, work, work, to become the Best You in 90 days!! The challenge ends May 31.

Join me on this fun challenge and Let's #DoLifeBetterTogether !!!

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Travels for the Gal Who Doesn't Travel Much!

Ahhhhhhhhh...Hawaii...a place I never thought to go...BUT!! When my younger brother and his soon-to-be-bride decided to get hitched there on February 14th, all that changed!!

It ended up that my older brother couldn't take his wife, and I left My Man behind. That was a bit weird! But, it worked! Another single gal and the two of us roomed together in a huge condo at Waikoloa Village on the Big Island.

Beautiful sunsets!

We were there for eight days, but I also had two extra days to get to and from Portland.

There wasn't enough time to see and do everything, but we did a lot!!

Amazing foliage and flowers everywhere!!!

The most memorable church service at Living Stones Church with the ocean at our back.

A day of sightseeing in the Hilo area. This is Rainbow Falls.

Ate amazing food...lots of fresh fish and seafood!! We ate twice at this place "The Fish Wagon." It was my fav!

I got to snorkel for the first time! This was the most beautiful little cove.
I got to see at least a dozen different fish and a Moray eel...wow!!!

The Voyagers of the Pacific luau was spectacular!! What yummy food and talented, authentic performances!

I thoroughly enjoyed the self-guided tour at the Parker Ranch!

Amazing history with hands on displays!

And the highlight if the trip...the wedding!!!
Congratulations Darrell and Michelle Jackson!!
It was a wedding to remember...may all your dreams come true~

The wedding site background.

Me and my brothers Darrell and Larry. Love you both!!

Will I go back...YES!! Next time, My Man must come with me ;~)

In Health & Love~

 #DoLifeBetter

 gtyyup

Wordless Wednesday

With much LOVE,

#DoingLifeBetter

GTYYUP

Random 5 Friday & Other News

1.  There's a tiny bit of feel of spring...lots of showers, both snow and rain...sunshine and clouds...I've seen the first Bald Eagle. The Bald Eagle is the true sign that spring is coming...the sage rats will be running soon (food source for the eagles)!

2.  The husband is going the the men's sportsmen's dinner tonight...but he doesn't hunt. So, I'm sending him with a hot dish of roasted onions and sweet potatoes. They should eat something besides meat...right?!?!

3.  I keep telling myself that I'm going to hop on my cruiser bicycle and take the dogs for a run...OK...tomorrow!!

4.  The poinsettias are heading to the compost...unless you can tell me how to revive them!

5.  Oh, my...seed catalogs!! It's hard to plan a garden when you are thinking you'll be moving. I may do a mini garden again this year.

Well, I've made it through the first 8 days of the 21-Day Live Video Challenge!! I even made the leader-board...I'm happy!

Hey...have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Big Town...Little Town?

#MLAChallenge Day 6

Are You Involved in Agriculture?

#MLAChallenge Day 7

Bail Off the Sugar Bus!

#MLAChallenge Day 8

With much LOVE,

#DoingLifeBetter

Aging Photo Challenge ~ 2008 to 2018

This has been going around, and I'm really enjoying everyone's photos! Do yourself or a critter...it doesn't matter.

So here's my once-in-a-life-time horse Colt! Hmmm...well, I guess I'm doing both Colt and me...since we're in both pics!! LOL!

2008 as a 3 year old I had competed with him in the Harney County Reined Stock Horse Futurity and we placed 2nd I think...gosh, I can't remember! This photo is from November that year when we helped the neighbors gather and load their cow/calf pairs. Colt was trying to "cut" all the cows!

2018 this past summer, we participated in a three-day Cowboy Dressage clinic. From cows to Cowboy Dressage...he can do it all. Well, that's what the American Quarter Horse is supposed to do!

And...my 21 Day Live Video Challenge...

3 Steps to Success 
#MLAChallenge Day 5

Have a wonderful Tuesday!!!

With much LOVE,

#DoingLifeBetter

I Didn't Cry Today!!!

OK...this 21 Day Live Video Challenge has be hard! Not in the way that I have a hard time pressing the "go live" button...but it's been hard telling my story about my journey with breast cancer. It's emotional! This crying thing totally took me by surprise!

If you've watched the videos, 1-3, you can see that I've been able to get my emotions toned down so I can talk...but I'm still weepy underneath. I had plans for this...like for weeks...to tell this story...and NEVER did I think I would break into tears.

What I think is that I stuffed my emotions into a box inside my heart and didn't look into or open the box...for a few years now. And when I began speaking about it all...BOOM...breakdown!

But, it was all for the good. I got the story out and the reactions and comments from people have been so uplifting! When people say that you are helping them...I've succeeded!

Are You Ready for the First Step?!?! #MLAChallenge Day 4

Here's the link to my FAV Dump Ranch Dressing!

If you want to get connected...leave me a comment or find me on Facebook HERE!

With much LOVE,

#DoingLifeBetter

Ahhhhhhh...Wonderful, Lazy Sundays!

Sundays are really the only day that I feel comfortable being lazy. I cook only two meals, we go to church at 5 PM, and I pick some things during the day that "I want to do" ... not need to do!!

I started doing the church bulletin and Facebook page a long time ago. One of the things that I enjoy is scrolling through my old photos and picking one to do a weekly post with...like the  one below. It's been fun and keeps my skills going and my mind in the Word.

I've decided to continue posting my 21 Day Video Challenge videos...because it puts them in one spot where I know I can find them...Facebook is where I go live with them, but I like to use my blog as a diary. Like when I took Colt through the Futurities...it's all documented! So, take a listen or not...no worries!

#MLAChallenge Day 2: Leading up to a Crash!

#MLAChallenge Day 3: My Method of Survival from the Elements! 

Thanks for stopping in, and enjoy your wonderful Sunday!!!

With much LOVE,

#DoingLifeBetter

Friday!! Random Five & the Video Challenge

Whoa...the week came and went FAST!! Here we are at Friday again!

Well...here are my Five Randoms for the day...

#1...I took a pretty nice shot this morning with my phone out the kitchen window (dirt and all) of the sunrise and the finches feasting at the feeder, and I hook the phone just now...and that photo is missing...with dozens of others...technology is a pain :(  So...here's Colt and Stanley after a hard few days at Crowley Ranch last fall working cow/calf pairs.

#2...My Day 1 with the video challenge could have been better...tomorrow, I'll turn on WiFi before I start, and I promise not to cry :'0

#3...Dinner is in the slow cooker and the house smells awesome!!!

#4...Speaking of food...I've been on a Paleo/Keto combo diet since March...and LOVE it!!! I honestly lost 11 pounds of inflammation in two weeks...no kidding! I have energy and sleep much better too!!

#5...OK...I'm still on food! The 7 chickens are picking up on their egg production...we're up to 3 a day. But, the rooster...well, there wasn't supposed to be a rooster!!! LOL!!

Linking up with Tom today!

Have an awesome weekend everyone!

With much LOVE,

#DoingLifeBetter

Testing...for the 21 Day LIVE Video Challenge!

21 Day Live Video Challenge !

This is a Test!!

Testing...Testing!

Well, it works! Gotta tell ya, livin' in the middle of nowhere has it's challenges with modern technology. Our cell phone signal isn't strong enough to support live video...some days it doesn't even support a simple phone call!!

But...with the new, stronger, (sort of) faster wireless router it seems to be doing the job!

So, leave me a shout out about what you think!

Live video on Facebook...then it's easily embedded into the blog!! 

Whooooooohooooooooo!!

Hey...if you would like to hook up on FB, just click this link!

With much LOVE,

#DoingLifeBetter

Hello from Bert!

Today, we have guest blogger Bert with us! You're on Bert!

Hellooooooo...I'm Bert!

Well, mom says I get to bark today!  I'm not sure how to put cuteness into dog words...as you can see, I'm VERY cute!!! BOL!!! (barkin' out loud)

January of last year, I was wandering the streets of Pendleton Oregon...just mindin' my own business, and a 2-legged picked me up, stuffed me in their auto and took me to prison!!!!! What? Why?????!!!! I hadn't done anything wrong! But, they said I had to wait for my owners to come and get me. Well...pffffffffttttttttttt...those lousy !?#$%@ never came to get me! What?!?!?!?!

I'm sooooooooo cute!!!!!

I have to admit, in the end, everything worked out to MY benefit!!! Well, except for the unlawful takin' of my jewels...those were MINE!!!!! Ahhhhh well...they're gone now, and I guess I don't really miss 'em that much...BOL!!

So, this nice lady saw me on the internet...Facebook in fact. And she said that she couldn't let such CUTENESS be left in prison...so she paid my bail! Whoooooooooohoooooooooooo...I was FREE! But, Oh My Dog...she had like 25 other dogs!! It was a bit overwhelming for me. But...then...something MAGICAL happened!!!

My mom saw my cute picture on Facebook!!
(that Facebook thing gets around)

The rest is history!!! I went for a 3-day sleep-over, and I never went back to the place with 25 dogs. Amen to that!!! Now, don't get me wrong...I love the lady who got me out of prison as she is a wonderful savior of many dogs...Dog Bless Her!!

I've landed the BEST place to live! Two great meals a day, sleepin' on the couch, snuggling with mom on the couch (you see, I love the couch!), lots of fun play time with the other dogs...and my mom. I absolutely LOVE my mom!!!

Well, I must go...all this barkin' has exhausted me...and the couch is callin' my name! Thanks for listenin' to my barkin'!!

With much LOVE,

Bert
who is also

#DoingLifeBetter

with