Soon To Have Her Own

I have a photo library of many pictures and was looking through them this morning. I came across these ones from July 2008, when Treasure was playing with her 'half-siblings'. She has always been exceptionally gentle with younger dogs and John often says he knows she is going to love her puppies. Thought it may be fun to share these pictures from last year in anticipation of 'things to come'! Not that I'm excited or anything.

Actually every day my anticipation heightens.   I observe Treasure's increasing discomfort and she just lives to be close to me. I am happy to oblige her.  In a few weeks she will focus her love, time, and energy upon her very own babies. 

I can't explain sufficiently the difference I am feeling 'emotionally' about this litter of puppies yet to arrive.  Jack is out of our breeding and he has sired some very nice Brittany pups who are proving themselves in both the show and the field - and especially as family hunting companions.  But experiencing the reality of Treasure's pregnancy now that her due date is quickly approaching is very different.  Of course whenever we have had pups over the years, we willingly give of ourselves for the benefit and welfare of the mother and her pups.  Each Brittany here is unique in their own wonderful way and loved for the individual they are, that's a given!   I really can't explain it very well...suffice to say, I'm really pondering and reflecting upon a deeper meaning here with Treasure. I'm thinking how I want her to be comfortable for the remainder of her pregnance, hoping the size and positioning of her pups result in an uncomplicated delivery, wanting to keep her level of stress and activity as low as possible while getting the necessary excercise, and watching the amount of food she eats, to strike the balance between what is needed and what will make her uncomfortable.  As I watch 'mother nature' bring expected change and behavior to Treasure, the miracle of life created by God's hands concerning all His creation, even the lesser ones - I'm amazed to see the "animal" instincts clearly show themselves strong in this domestic creature, this Brittany, who I love and call "Treasure." 

Treasure - 7 weeks and Counting

Treasure's pregnancy continues to advance and her body reacts to all the changes taking place.  Last week while rubbing her very big tummy I noticed that the hair around her nipples has started to shed. Her appetite continues to increase but I have divided her meal times into 4 servings so she does not overeat and get uncomfortable. 

I had been looking for Treasure's 'puppy blanket' that our friend Julie had made earlier this year.  It was actually to be for me to use at the shows inside the crates but Treasure claimed it.  It is a combination of light blue and purple, a very pretty crocheted blanket.  (In case you don't know - Julie crochets blankets for all of our pups to take home with them, a generous gift that we all appreciate.) Anyway, I couldn't find it anywhere until Saturday night, when I also couldn't find Treasure anywhere in the house.  She always comes when called so I became concerned and began looking to be sure I hadn't accidently closed her in the back room. I opened the bedroom door and heard this scratching and digging under the guest bed where some boxes are stored.  Sure enough, when I looked underneath the bed and behind the boxes, there was Miss Treasure, frantically making a nest with the missing purple and blue blanket.  "We" have now started  nesting which means keeping even a closer eye on her.  She has since decided that it is her job to rearrange any laundry that happens to be around, including what has already been folded and is waiting to be put away.

Speaking of puppy blankets, Pippin still has the one that Julie made for her last year. She sleeps with it, carries it around, transports it from the dog house to the people house, and - mauls it.  Once when Julie was here visiting she kindly did a quick repair to Pippins blanket.  I am afraid it may be time for another one soon as Pippin insists on taking it out into the run with her, tramples it several times, then lays down smugly.  I never know quite what action or behavior to expect from Pippin, she is just a sassy little riot of a Brittany!  Being a singleton has been challenging to the older girls however who fortunately for Miss Pippin, have patience with her antics.  I do think that Wish is very close to sending an unmistakable message to Pippin that enough is enough.  Have been watching Pippin push Wish to the limit lately and today the communication between them was a little tense.  It's bad enough Wish has to deal with her juvenille deliquent son Scooby when he acts crazy but then he is Pippins running buddy.  Evidently she has picked up some undesireable bratty behavior from Mr. Scooby.   Wish is sweet and understands younger dogs quite well, but I will cut her some slack and advance Pippins obedience training ;o).    Wish looks absolutely beautiful and is in wonderful shape.  There are many times I've been tempted to show her and others have suggested it as well. 

Speaking of Scooby Dooby Doo - he made me laugh this morning so hard.  I was feeding Pippin' and making of her quite a lot. Scooby sat on top of his crate and started to vocalize what sounded just like syllables of spoken words.  I talked back to him and sure enough, he was making himself known.  Probably telling me okay enough already with the Pipsqueak - it's my turn!!! 

Jack continues to enjoy his elite position as traveling everywhere and anywhere with John.  I think John's still very proud of his 1st place win in the Walking Hunting Dog stake at the field trial, a very big deal for all of us!  Bird hunting begins tomorrow and the two 'boys' have plans.  If you see the big red truck look for the big white dog sitting shotgun.

Rosie and Molly have throroughly enjoyed the cleared 'lot' that John created down back this past weekend.  Not to mention that on Sunday he burned the woodpile all day in the pouring rain.  This resulted in - you guessed it - sooty puddles of yuck - everywhere and translated into - Molly and Rosie once again turning into liver and white Brittanys.  (Just like 101 Dalmations, remember when the puppies were all covered deliberately with the black soot and ashes???!)  Yup... that's what we have here.

Yesterday I moved my books etc. down into the dog house, and will bring coffee maker other items etc. as well.  Loaded up with some of favorite CDs.  Satellite TV works.  Looked up the army cots, the pillows and blankets are still in the drawers down there.  I am planning to move out soon LOL!.  Surveillance cameras, monitors, walkie talkies are all in place.  Really, do I need an excuse to spend time with All Things Brittany?  Absolutely not! 

It is all about getting Treasure prepared and accepting.  So okay, yah I spoil them. And yes, there are people who say just leave a whelping mother alone, in the morning the pups will be born.  I'm sorry.  It's not my way.  We are responsible for putting two animals together for the sole purpose of bringing another litter of WANTED puppies into the world.  It's not too responsible to just let a first time mother go through this with little attention coming from me.  But there is the school of thought that says leave the animals alone.  I can't do that.  Too many things can go wrong.  Most of the time everything proceeds perfectly and there is no need for me or John to get involved. But there are times when the unexpected occurs. So we're close by and keep watch more and more as the day approaches.  It's the way my parents did things back in the '60's and its the way we did things with our first litter in the '90's.  It's why I am careful about attending dog events when one of ours is pregnant, or when we have pups. It's because it's all about the love of the dogs, both given and received!  Sorry for my little rant - they rise up every now and then (poor John!).

Well, this afternoon it is gorgeous out, and I'm going to get myself back outside and enjoy some Brittanys!  John's here and looks like we'll be enjoying them together.  Take care and God Bless you, John, Ann & ATB Oh and by the way - good luck tomorrow if you're heading out!

Burning wood and Freshly Brewed Coffee

The last weekend in September finds John and I both at home together! Every weekend for the past 2 1/2 months has been full for us. Socializing and caring for Moxie and Shiloh,  Dog shows, Fun Days, Bird Dog Grounds Work, Field Trials, Meetings, Family Celebrations, you name it!  I've been away from home, he's been away from home, or we've both been away from home with all the dogs.  Not so today though.

This morning I woke up to the smell of wood burning, coffee brewing, and breakfast cooking. Anyone who knows me knows I'm NOT a morning person so even with all these wonderful enticements, John had to persuade Treasure, Jack and I to roll out of bed and enjoy this crisp fall day.  (Before 7 AM... take note).   Oh but how nice to sit down on the couch together, feel the warmth of the wood burning and laugh and enjoy each other's company with two of our special Brittanys.  Treasure enjoyed curling up by the woodstove, and Jack? Well Jack enjoyed curling up between us hoping John might share his breakfast.  Breakfast by the way consisted of silver dollar pancakes, topped with fresh blueberry sauce and whipped cream and a fresh cup of hot coffee. 

Did I mention how much I love and appreciate my husband - who definitely IS a morning person and wasted no time heading out to open the dogs runs, get the tractor running, and head back into the woods to cut some more wood. He's spent this week cutting up wood for this winter and stacking some for next year. We already had 2 cord of dry, seasoned wood delivered this summer but John's been wanting to clear some more of our land so he's cut enough trees this past week to give us another 2 cord for this winter, and is now working on stacking wood for next year.  It looks so nice out back where he's opened it up more.  1/3 of our 5 acres here is field and that's where our house is situated.  The other 2/3 is all woodland and each year we work it a little bit more.  There is a very special tree stump out back that I claimed when we first moved here - and John has been careful to work around that - it's a place I go and sit while the dogs romp and play, at any time of the year. I love finding that spot in mid-winter, brushing it off, and sitting there in the sunshine. It's big enough to share with a couple of dogs and they do check in quite regularly. 

Okay so that's where John is now and I'm up in the house about ready to head outside for the day myself.  It's been perfect laundry drying weather these past few days and we love the smell of fresh of air dried sheets!  Also all the puppy laundry is being airdried too in anticipation of days to come.  Last night John soaked beans and this morning we parboiled them - and now I have them in the oven baking - this begins a fall / winter tradiiton in our household - homemade Baked Beans every Saturday night!  There may be a pumpkin or squash pie baked by the end of the day, we'll see.

I watched John's pigeons this morning as he walked across the back yard. A small flock of 9 swooped and dove above his head then made a few passes over the neighborhood before heading back to their coop. I swear they try to communicate with him.  He has a real nice flock of beautiful homing pigeons that he enjoys.

I hear the chain saws going; sounds like Johns and also that of our neighbor.  Jack goes back and forth between the woods and the house. Yesterday I couldn't find him but noticed the slider was slightly open. Sure enough, I came through the kitchen to find him sound asleep on the couch.  Quite an exciteable Brittany you think? 

I am thankful for this day of being home together.  There are enough chores to keep us both busy morning to night but there will be enough moments to enjoy simply 'being' especially on a day when the air is so bright and crisp, the skies are so blue, and the trees are showing some color. And especially important, is the contentment that Rosie, Wish, Scooby, Molly, Pippin, Treasure, and Jack all feel and demonstrate - just knowing we are here, together with them.  This is a Maine dog show weekend but I missed the entry deadline.  I had thought of going to Topsham to support our good friend Pam who is showing Paris but I know she understands how important it is for us to be home together.  I do wish her well and hope that Paris wins another point towards her championship.

Having said all of this, there's another load of laundry to get out on the line, and several dogs to let out of their runs to happily enjoy this day with us.  We hope you'll enjoy this day too! Take care and God Bless,

John, Ann and All Things Brittany

A Lesson in Alpha/Dominance - NOT!

Okay so we all know that humans are alpha/dominant over dogs right? Demonstrate strong leadership skills over your Brittany and they will respect you, right?  Well we have one Brittany who will prove that she has no intention of honoring that theory and I bet you all know exactly who I am talking about!  If you've ever visited our home or our kennel you have seen Rosie perched up on SOMETHING.... Yes I am a stickler for obedience (GRINNING) and I really do not like a dog to jump up on me unless I have indicated it's okay, or invited them, or literally asked for it.  If I'm settling into the recliner with a hot cup of coffee the last thing that needs to happen is for one of our Brittanys to jump up.  And if I'm all dressed up to go somewhere I don't want to have to deal with muddy paws.  So there is some manner of respect.  The word "OFF" or "NO" accompanied by a stare and my hand indicating I mean it works - most of the time.  I like to give a dog permission to enter my space, and they respect that to some extent.  And I try hard when people visit not to let them jump up but it is challenging when someone says  "oh I don't mind".   Brittanys just have this thing where they must check people out up close and personal.  I on the other hand - really don't mind at all but I do like to be the one to give a dog permission to come up.  If I don't give it, they shouldn't assume it's okay.  Ours pretty much 'get that' well, with the exception of one or two, or three or four or depending on what day of the week it is, time of day plus John and I look at this differently.

In Rosie's world - wherever the highest surface is, is where she wants to be.  This can be problematic when loading a trailer, packing for a show, snowblowing, loading a boat or a canoe, etc.  It's tricky in the kennel too when the pellet stove is running.  Although the surface does not heat up enough to cause any problem, I'm sure it must warm her butt after a few seconds of perching on it, you think????   When I see her scouting out the top of the file cabinets I know I'm in trouble.

Well with Treasure being pregnant her homones are acting up and she's not quite as friendly to Rose as usual. Understandably so.  While Rose and Treasure are usually quite compatible together in the house, that's not the case these days.  Rosie's nose gets very bent out of shape when she sees that she is literally in the 'dog house' while Treasure parades up to the 'people house.'  Today was no exception but I happened to catch  2 delightfully revealing pictures of Miss Rosie which accurately portray what I am talking about.  One was taken in the house and the other in the dog house, on top of her crate.  Talk about attitude!  And talk about how much I love her... A LOT!

3.26.12 STATS: 

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Yes, She Is

If you've followed this blog for awhile, you know that we experienced great disappointment earlier this year when we bred Treasure only to learn that no pregnancy resulted. We began documenting her anticipated pregnancy in February with the post called Puppies Cometh.  Our journey ended with the post Reflections of An Empty Whelping Box.x.  Treasure is a little over 3 years old, and a lot of thought went into making a decision to breed her.  We were happy with our choice for the sire of her first litter but it was just not meant to be.  In June, we had our first puppies born here since September 2008.  Two amazing beautiful pups from Wish (Treasure's mother) and Gibson, Moxie and Shiloh are featured throughout our summer posts. We've also talked alot about Gibby beginning with the post Welcome Wish! and went on through the summer months including highlighting the DVD 12 Dogs of Christmas in which a young Gibson has a starring role. 

The fact of the matter is  I like this dog, and I like him a lot!  Having said this, he also has similar lines to the the male we bred Treasure to earlier this year.  Gibby hunts with style, he knows his purpose in life plus he has a personality and intelligence which just makes me laugh.  Treasure is equally stylish in her hunting, a loving personality and keep perception.  That could probably be said about a lot of Brittanys! 

In August, John and I made several trips to the home of our friends, Pam and Sam Jackson who own Gibson and another beautiful Brittany "Paris".  (Pam likes to name her dogs after stars!)  And we just happened to have Treasure with us each time, as she was in full standing heat.  Gibson and Treasure were successfully bred to each other over the course of a week.

I do believe we have a very pregnant Treasure who is 4 weeks away from having her very first litter of puppies and we could not be more excited!  She has exhibited all the early signs that I watch closely for including morning sickness (yes dogs get this), a loss of appetite, changes in personality or reaction to other dogs, changes in the color of her nipples, and most noticeable - her physical body change as seen with her ever widening rib cage and fuller abdomen.  (For about a week she had no interest in eating anything but all that has changed as she now is Miss Chow Hound!)  Her diet now has been changed to reflect these changes and her specific nutritional requirements. This includes adding  yogurt, salmon oil, liver, and Tums to her daily food (Purina Puppy Chow). 

It's going to be hard for Treasure to slow down over the next few weeks but I will see to it that she does.  Her day begins, includes, and ends with several extended periods of running laps around our house.  She flies and this is her happiness trigger!  Consequently Treasure is in outstanding physical condition for the demands that whelping a litter of pups puts on a dog.  She's not going to be happy to think I'll be exercising her on a check cord though at first.  Another change for Miss Treasure is that she's not playing/exercising  with the entire ATB crew, just one or two of them at a time.  I don't want to take any chances of her getting bumped or getting involved with roughhousing. This does mean Treasure is enjoying a lot of time by my side and vice versa. 

As busy as the summer was, I drew a line and said NO MORE for awhile.  My focus is here at home and not running to and fro every weekend.  Even this weekend, with John being so involved with the Maine Bird Dog Club Championship - I did what I could do to support the effort, but I remained home.  With the exception of a lovely birthday party for our daughter, Maryann.  And home is where I'll remain.

I'm going to remain positive and confident about the next four weeks and look forward to a visit to the vets a week before pups are due, for an x-ray to determine number of pups, size, position etc. Treasure is our very first generation of 'bred by' pups - we are Treasure's proud breeders, and this is the first time we have ever bred a girl we also whelped. And we're very pleased we were able to breed her to CH Gibson JH CGC!  (Gibby dog!)

We'll keep you updated!

God Bless you and yours from John, Ann and All Things Brittany

A few Changes, maybe

I may be experimenting here a little bit;

Isn't she lovely?

I love this picture. It was not a matter of John or I choosing to keep Treasure, it was a matter of Treasure letting us know she was the one we should keep.

A very recent photograph of the beautiful Treasure.

June 2006 - J & A's Dreams Come True of Acton is the first puppy born... she arrived with her leg and paw reaching out to me through the 'sac'. Wish quickly cleaned her up and she began to nurse immediately.Treasure's 'blaze' on her face has closed in some but her head and marking on her face have always been so distinctly beautiful.

Speaking of Apples

I captured these beautiful photographs from our daughter in law's facebook album ;o) and just had to share them. Although we all live so close together, it is not always easy to spend time with those we love the most because of the demands on our lives and busy schedules. Our relationship with our children and grandchildren is no exception so I truly value and treasure seeing these pictures. So many wonderful memories of doing the very same things through the years with all our family, and of making apple pies with my mother in law. Teri also had a mouth watering photo of a prize winning apple pie she made. That reminded me of the year Nana (Johns mom) and our daughter Maryann won first prize at the apple pie baking contest in Eliot, Maine. Nana had a stroke and could only use one arm. Maryann and her teamed up together to create the winning pie! Teri, Maryann, and I all enjoy baking pies. I made one last week for John which didn't last very long. Anyway - wanted to take a break and share these. Tis the season for apple picking here in Maine! Where John and I live there are dozens of orchards nearby and over the years we have often enjoyed family outings where everyone gets together for an afternoon of apple picking. Apple picking is something that we alway senjoyed together when both of our children were very small and we're very happy to see the tradition continued. The other day our neighbor called John over to the fence which divides our property and he gave us a gift of a half gallon of apple cider - made right here in Acton! No preservatives, no nothing - pure home made apple cider. The stuff in the grocery stores does not compare. Here's a link to some of the Maine apple orchards: MAINE APPLE ORCHARDS
By the way, the 22nd Annual Acton Apple Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, rain or shine. Festivities will begin at 8 a.m. at the Acton Congregational Church with an apple pancake breakfast with real maple syrup and sausage. Also available will be homemade apple pie, whole or by-the-piece and with or without genuine Cabot Cheese, which will also be on sale.Other activities follow at the church, the town hall and its parking lot, the Mary Grant Preserve and the orchards in the area. There will be arts and crafts, flea markets, and games for children. There will be a cider-making demonstration and free blood pressure test by the Acton Ambulance Association. Entertainment will include clowns, Johnny Appleseed, the Pepper Steppers and more.Come and bring your family and enjoy food, fun and fresh air at the Acton Apple Festival.

THE VALUE OF A NAME - J & A's Dreams Come True of Acton

Pedigree as shown

Definition of "TREASURE": Precious jewels, anything considered very valuable, to value greatly, cherish, to store away or save up for future use, pride and joy.

Highlights of a Fun Weekend

The Brittany mobile was loaded up with ATB last Friday and on the road to the Maine Bird Dog Club grounds by mid-morning. John towed the 'chuck wagon' (aka trailer loaded with everything but the kitchen sink - no that was probably there too) with his truck and I brought up the rear driving the motor home. Treasure and JackDog rode shotgun with John and I had the rest of the securely crated crew. No protests from the peanut gallery other than an occasional 'woof'. They were happily gnawing away on the quartered beef bones that John had bought at the butchershop before leaving. We stopped along the way at a farmside stand to pick up fresh corn on the cob and vegetables and pulled into the grounds by noon. Our friend Mal was already there so John joined him in setting up the field trial tent and I set up our ATB home away from home (see picture above).

We love our Brittanys!

We are looking forward to the upcoming field trials and hunt tests, and perhaps one more show this fall. John has converted the motor home into a kennel on wheels and it's worked out very nicely for human and canine alike! Instead of sleeping 1 or 2 dogs, we now can accomodate ALL things Brittany with room to spare. Nothing my husband can't do. We're blessed to have friends, family, and neighbors always willing to take care of things at home for outings like this. My goal today is to bake an apple pie, perhaps some whoopie pies and to finish helping John with some of his errands. After that, it will be all about getting our dogs ready for their weekend getaway with us. I can't wait. Although I do scratch my head and wonder at times - what happened to those two week long vacations to Canada, Mooshead Lake, etc.????? Wouldn't have things any other way right though at this point in our life! Take care and God Bless you, John, Ann and ATB

The First Generation

These are pictures that Dawn sent to us this weekend taken of Bailey at 11 months old. She is out of Jack and Chrissy, has several show points and notable placements, and several Field Trial placements in both puppy and derby stakes. I'm really looking forward for the chance to see her work this weekend at the CMBC Fall Field Trial! (Thanks Dawn for such great field photos!) I am also looking forward to seeing several other Brittanys from our program run in this weekends field trial as well.

Labor Day Weekend in Conway, NH

Out of all the locations for a show, this may be at the top of my list for favorites. Nestled in a valley of the White Mountains in North Conway, NH the Carroll County Kennel Club shows speaks peace and relaxation - even if you are parked next to dogs that bark all night ;o). This show is about an hour and a half away from home and a real nice drive with the exception of experiencing brief traffic going from Fryeberg into Conway.

SCHOOL DAYS

Treasure and I headed to Eliot this morning to see Alana get on the school bus for the first time, and I cried... She and Callum were very happy to see me, this is his third day of school and his friend was there! WAs happily surprised myself when David and Maryann invited me out to breakfast. Treasure sat in the car with the windows safely down (cool morning anyway), but managed to trip the car alarm! When we came out of the restaurant my daughter said "Mom, is that your car alarm going off?" SURE ENOUGH! Treasure wasn't quite sure what was going on, but she quickly regained her composure and slept all the way home. Alana looked so beautiful in her new outfit, she was just as proud as could be. Callum was even prouder to be the big brother and to introduce me to his new friend who waited for the bus with them. And of course, he looked quite handsome! This morning lots of memories flooded my mind

September Morn

What a beautiful early September morning! The air is refreshing, and clean - the kind of weather that brings the desire to bake apple pies, open all the windows, air out the house, and maybe do some late summer yard work. Or not! John headed out first thing this morning with Jack to continue with his fall 'tune-up', readying him for the hunting season ahead, a field trial or two and maybe even a Hunt Test for his Senior Hunting title. Me - I'm feeling the effects of a whirlwind August, looking at September in the same light - and setting my sights on October. Our children and their families have been so busy too and now it's back to school already! I had a wonderful conversation with our daughter last night, and John had an equally enjoyable chat with our daughter in law so I feel we are all caught up somewhat.

The Road Less Traveled

The song "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus has taken on a great significance to me, personally. What I write today may sound melancholy, perhaps even with a tone of bitterness but - writing, journaling, sharing and being transparent comes naturally to me. The words "always going to be another mountain, always going to be an uphill battle, sometimes I'm going to have to lose, and it ain't about how fast I get there... " I just FEEL this so strongly today.

It's in retrospect of several situations this past summer, where the true character of some individuals has surfaced - including the flaws in my own. Brought up to always 'root for the underdog' while watching Saturday wrestling matches on TV with my dad - I learned that those who struggle the most to achieve their victories - are often the most appreciative of them. When time and again winning doesn't come easy to the underdogs - they make a choice to either give up, or continue to keep going.

What I have also seen this summer is how easy it is for good, honest people to find themselves manipulated and used, stepped on, mocked, and patronized. It is often easier for bitterness to take route in these situations than it is to walk in forgiveness.

In the world of competitive sports - whether it be national football or the sport of purebred dogs - there are those who have paid their dues over time and by doing so - are deserving of a certain level of respect. Especially those who have years of experience behind them to testify of their individual uphill battle and journey. Those who one day find themselves at the top of their game - still struggle just as hard, however their struggle involves new mountains to overcome. These 'veterans' for the most part are deserving of respect though, especially if they have taken the road less traveled which consists of good ethics and a walk of integrity.

On the other hand - there are some who look at the very real mountains in front of them and do not grasp the importance of their own personal climb. Quickly and intelligently a shortcut is mapped out. Sadly, this perceived 'shortcut' effectively burns many of the original bridges of communication, help, and guidance built upon a reliable and firm foundation of true friendship.

Personally, my own climbing experience is based on keeping the faith that all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord, and I do. It keeps me sensitive to the plight of others, and causes me to want to help, to pour into another persons life. But when the other person continues time and again to blatently do things that go against all that we have shared and communicated, behaves in manners that suggest we never even knew each other - it is time for me to walk away. To see someone who appeared interested in nurturing a friendship flaunt behaviors and attitudes in direct contrast to the nature and character presented in the beginning is a mockery and a disrespect of that friendship.

Almost everyone has felt betrayed by a friend or experienced some other negative relationship issue, such as gossip. Proverbs 16:28 says a whisperer (someone who spreads private or embarrassing information) can separate the best of friends. These are some of the "hard issues" in life and require a lot of serious thought, heartfelt prayer to God for help in making the right decisions. At first, the concerns were small and I tried to resolve them by applying Matthew 18:15. I shared my concerns openly to no avail. It is hard to reason with someone who knows everthing. Recently I had to make a decision to simply withdraw and be thankful for friendships in my life that are strong, and can even help carry me through this particular mountain climbing experience. It's not easy, and it hurts. And I accept responsibility as well.

You can pick your friends, but not to pieces.

Thanks for listening... Ann