June 13 ATB BIRTHDAYS

Happy 3rd Birthday to J & A's Wish Upon A Shooting Starr, J & A's Buddy Boy of Scotland Yard, J & A's Wylee, & J & A's Nellie, Midnight, & BB who share a birthdate with their uncle J & A's Apple Jack of Acton, Lady Annie Shayapplin, Molly Dew Girl, Jake, and Shogun who turn 6 today!!!

6/13/05
Sire: Pride & Joy's Bunch of Butch
Dam: Birch Springs Wish Upon A Star

6/13/08
Sire: FC/AFC Coos Rylee
Dam: Birch Springs Wish Upon A Star

NEW VIDEO: Chevy & Pippin's 4.5 Week Old Pups / OVER THE TOP!

First Day of the Rest of Their Life - 1 Week Away

Thank you Pam for the use of your Android to take these photos today.

Click on this thumbnail for a full size photo. Are they not beautiful!!!????
(UPDATE: CAMERA FOUND!) 

Beautiful Mega Litter of Scooby Doo and Molly Rose

We're all thinking the same thing as we exclaim we cannot believe how quickly the time has passed with Molly and Scooby's "Mega Litter".  Well it's true! Time absolutely has passed faster than we could have imagined.  Oh, it didn't feel that way at first because we of the months waiting for the anticipated heat cycle for this planned and purposeful breeding.  Then we waited again to confirm whether there was a viable pregnancy or not. When we finally were able to confirm that Molly was indeed expecting with Scooby's pups, then another waiting period began as we looked towards Day 63 and watched Molly's temperature and behavior.  We waited to see how many pups were born, and then waited while Molly naturally whelped 6 gorgeous and healthy beautiful new Brittany pups the day before Easter.  You all waited to hear from us as we spent Easter at the Maine Emergency Clinic due a mispositioned, oversize pup which resulted in dystocia - and an emergency c-section and spay for Molly. (See "When Things Go Wrong.") We all waited together for Molly's recovery and through the first critical 72 hours of the pups existence.  And by the Grace of God everything from that point on has proceeded perfectly and without issue.  Bringing us to this place of the dawn of a brand new horizon, a new day, a new beginning with (for you who are waiting) a brand new beautiful puppy soon to begin the first day of the rest of their life, a day in most instances to begin 1 week from today. 

Do you have any idea how much I have enjoyed getting ready for that day?  How wonderful it has been to get to know 6 new families, spend time communicating, visiting, sharing, and so much more?  Oh and have we ever been spoiled!  Gifts, cards, treats, meals, thoughtful deeds and wonderful caring ways showered upon us.  Sharing the love of this breed and very often sharing the love of God, but always sharing a part of you, a part of me, a part of John, a part of ATB.   Your family and friends are becoming a part of our life too simply because of your joy about your new puppy!  I'm blessed I really am and I don't use that word lightly, not like when someone sneezes and you say "God bless you!"  Although that's important too.. .I'm talking about the kind of wonderful and unbelievable way things kind of just come together.  And they sure have done that.  I'm not bashful about letting anyone know about my faith but I also don't think I'm what you'd call 'religious' or shoving those beliefs of mine down any one's throat.  You may not always see evidence of my beliefs or depth of faith, but it's strong.  Suffice to say, getting to know so many of you - not just through this litter of pups - but for quite awhile now - has changed our life, our outlook as believe it or not - WE have been on the receiving end of your encouragement, support, friendship and more.  Okay - I just had to say all of that stuff... thank you for letting John into your lives and making more about ' the love of the dog both given and received' than we could have ever imagined.

Today's Puppy Aptitude Tests (P.A.T) went very well. I was very happy to be able to do it exactly on Day 49.  Pam came down for the afternoon and conducted the tests with each individual puppy while John and I observed and took notes. Conducted by someone who the pups do not know in an area they are not overly familiar with the goal is to (once again) learn about each pup by observing the most natural raw and basic reaction to various stimulus.  There is no sense of pass/fail with the P.A.T. more a sense of confirming what we have already identified in the pups over the past 7 weeks.  It's not a formal evaluation for structure but structure is an important part of it. So herein lies a mystery.  The one pup who I thought would be the most resistant to the social dominance exercise, when the pup is placed on their back and gently held there for 30 seconds, showed the least resistance!  (New puppy owners will get the particulars as selections are confirmed in the next few days.)  6 out of 6 pups retrieved the object that Pam tossed.  Most readily chased and brought it back to her. A couple thought they may like to take the object over to the corner first but they all brought it back and released it.  I am not surprised - look at their father's strong retrieving skills!  6 out of 6 pups showed definite birdiness but some were more extremely interested than others.  We enjoyed sight pointing a pheasant wing; this was not for scent but for sight sensitivity - we just like to use a wing because, well - we ARE for the most part breeding gun dogs here.  All of the pups loved interacting with Pam, there were a couple that were polite with her but made it clear life offers much a whole lot more to explore - so no time to say hello or goodbye - they explored every inch, nook, and cranny of the enclosed area.  And that's what you hope hunting dogs will do.  Sound sensitivity. Clanging two cooking pot covers together without the pups looking at you. Of course you want some kind of reaction but it's the kind of reaction that matters.  6 out of 6 stood still and listened and 6 out of 6 looked to see where the sound was coming from and 4 of 6 walked towards the sound to investigate - the 2 others were like "ho-hum".  Just what you want pups who will eventually be shot over to do. 

This last week is the most important week of all.  The pups will come to live in the house full time, in the middle of the kitchen in the x-pen, together.  They've been sleeping in a crate with the door open, they have explored their world indoors and outdoors and explored the house one on one.  They will have opportunities to play with all the big dogs. They have already been introduced to the puppies and most of the adults. And life will be very busy and very crazy but very fun and very happy.  I have not exagerrated when I've said these are perhaps the most comical litter of pups ever.  Our family and friends will interact with the pups. We will not set them up to fail by having free range of the house.  Let's be reasonable. But they will bond with humans completely and irrevocably!

As to puppy selection - most of you have left this up to John and I while letting us know of a pup or two that caught your eye.  There were few surprises in that I have described traits of Molly's pups all along as well as sharing all about Scooby.  Independent, intelligent, highly active and inquisitive - this is the composition of this litter.  These pups will not be couch potatoes by a long shot. Each of them requires a structured schedule full of opportunity to learn, grow, develop, explore and above all they must be trained to know what is expected of them.  Those who are getting a pup from this litter know this and have assured us that is the case.  Some of these puppies will always be willing to be cuddled, held and openly show their affection - and there will be others who will want very little to do with that until they are exhausted and there is nothing else to but curl up with you.  They are all loving, they are all of wonderful dispositions, they are all beautiful and they are all going to look to their new owners for guidance, leadership and the feeling that they are loved, wanted and desired as part of their new family. I need to be honest though.  I've shared the video of the early morning howling, talked about the Scotland Yard howling 101 Dalmations style, told you how Timber used to woof "Rye Ruff Rue", and mentioned that both Molly and Scooby are talkative. Did I tell you  that according to Martha Gorman of Coos Kennels - their AFC/FC Coos Rylee who sired Timber ALSO is very talkative, still?  Well, um... err... let's just say the potential is great for vocalizing actual syllables from several of these pups too.  NOT that I have heard them "talk" or anything like that....yet.

I think there is only 1, maybe 2 which are not going to be hunted but I'm thrilled to know there is an interest in field trials and hunt tests even with the non-hunters!  One is destined for agility - oh boy - take 4 large puppy saucers, lay them upside down in a small corridor, toss a ball from one end and you will learn quickly who is agile and confident!  There will be a pup who will help with therapy - probably when she's older. And last but not least, although no one is specifically requesting a prospective show dog - there definitely are those in the litter who could be. But we're not primarily about breeding Brittanys to see how many we can get into the ring. We are primarily about breeding quality, proven Brittanys to meet the needs of the upland game hunter, who also want a loving family companion. You probably know all of this by now if you regularly read this blog but if not, there's more detail on the Maine Brittany site link.

And so ends Day 49, a critical day in the life of any puppy.  I believe we have served ours well, they surely have brought untold joy and happiness into this day.  Yesterday ended with each puppy (Pippins included) falling asleep one by one in my arms.  I make this happen with the older pups at this point in time.  The last puppy to do so last night was Benny.  I gazed into his eyes and suddenly it occurred to me - I am looking into the face of my dear sweet Timberdoodles grandson - his ONLY grandson.  Benny's eyes, the shape of his head, and his sweet expression spoke to me of the little puppy named Timber I once held close at a similar age. The light was low, classical music playing, and Benny and I just looked at each other.  I cradled him close to me, he kissed my face.  Sweet little boy.  Then I learned something very special today.  His new owners, Barb and Wayne, wrote to say that his proper name will be Benedict - because that word means "Blessing".  Indeed.  The love affair between Benny, Veronica, May, Meg, Flower, and Blossom has gone full circle in my eyes and touched my heart.  I have poured all my love (as has John) into them, and know they will leave here to bring so much happiness to their new owners. The majority of new owners of this litter are welcoming their puppy into a heart that has been lonely and aching for a senior Brittany lost within the last year.  How appropriate that they be Timbers grand puppies - from Molly's last litter and Scooby's very first. 

Thanks for listening to my rambling... and for your interest in ATB.  Looks like most pick up times are confirmed but I'll send out one final update. WOW... Take care and God bless you always, John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

A Winners Creed

If you think you are beaten, you are;

If you think you dare not, you don';

If you'd like to win, but think you can't,

It's almost a cinch you won't.

If  you think you'll lose, you're lost.

For out in the world we find

Success begins with a person's faith;

It's all in the state of mind.

Life's battles don't always go

To the stronger or faster hand;

The go to the one who trusts in God

And ALWAYS thinks "I CAN."

Author Unknown

I discovered 'A Winners Creed' on the back of our church's worship service bulletin  years ago.  It spoke to my heart of encouragement so I cut it out and pasted it on the 'fridge where it remained for quite some time until it eventually was taken down and 'filed' away.  Just the other day it surfaced again, and as is often the case with God's mysterious ways,  it surfaced 'just in time'.  I've given it a place of prominence where I can glance quickly at the words and be reminded once again of the benefit of trusting and having faith in God. Maybe it's a "good Word" for many others today too!  Take care and God bless, John, Ann and All Things Brittany.

There Is Strength And A Stronghold In Walking With God.

Proverbs 10:29

Happiness is... Beautiful Brittanys!

The Mega Litter - 6.5 weeks old

Scooby & Molly's pups

They deserve all the time and attention that I can give them right now. In this heat it is difficult to keep them calm and comfortable but we have worked out a really nice schedule for all concerned.  It may mean later nights and earlier mornings but I'm trying to plan specific necessary socialization activities for them.  Some breeders look to the end of the 8 weeks of puppies with a sigh of relief, thinking it is time for them to leave.  I look at each puppy and wonder if I have done all I could possible do to prepare them for the first day of the rest of their lives spent with humans.  It is a sacrifice in some ways but why have puppies in the first place if you can't give them the time they need in the way that they need it most?  The last two weeks are truly the most taxing and demanding but they can also be the most rewarding and fulfilling all the way around.  When I approach the pups now the majority of them will sit down and make eye contact.  I have been clicker training them based on their level of readiness.  I learned that you cannot prescribe one method of clicker training a litter and expect it to work the same way each time.  I did start out in hopes of being able to chronicle the clicker training but the demand for perfect timing in the process made it too challenging for me to keep up with the video and processing of it. But it's all in the eyes now... and these eyes are familiar eyes of Molly, of Scooby, and of  Timber that look back at me.  I love these puppies very, very much.  This weekend they will undergo the PAT evaluations with the help of our dear friend Pam who has assisted us several times now along with Julie.  Julie will be at a Flyball tournament with Sassy and we'll miss her but will wish her luck and a wonderful fun time!

Pippin & Chevy Pups: 4 weeks old already!

Click to see full size picture!

Well, in anticipation of several pups from this litter potentially bound for the show ring as well as the field I have started to work with posing them.  What I have discovered is that very little effort is required to have them stand square in most instances. If by the way they stand they let me know it's too early to expect them to stand still for more than a few seconds that is just fine with me and they can sit or move or whatever.  I have also observed them running around the puppy pen and I'm so surprised to see the coordination they demonstrate at such an early age.  These babies are simply loves and I am enjoying seeing so many 'new' things in them.  I have pulled out pictures of Pippin at this age and the one thing I remember was how I could not get over how perfectly square she was, she was shaped like a little box! I am seeing this in her puppies here with Chevy too. 

I do not think I'm going to be able to stay on top of my frequent updates here though. I shall try but if I can't write at least I'll keep the photos and videos coming! Take care and God bless, and as always thank you so much for your ongoing interest and support of ATB!!! We do appreciate it!  John, Ann and our canine crew

Monday Morning Reflections / Ode to Breeders

" ...Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others... C.D. Larson"   
 ‎"...I've learned that people will forget what you said,

people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel...Maya Angelou”

I don't do mornings.  But I will make exceptions. This Monday morning is one of them.  The sky is blue with only a few scattered clouds. Although I think it's too early for them the crickets are chirping right outside of my window. An occasional rooster crows from somewhere beyond, he is certainly not a resident here.  A car or a truck passes by occasionally as traffic has begun to pick up since Memorial Day.  I am not sure but I think it is True who has determined that this is a morning to sing praises.  Every once in awhile I'll hear his attempt at a solo resound through the backyard.  Yes, he hunkered down and spent the evening in the comfort of the dog house along with Piper, Rose, and Scooby while Treasure and Jack enjoyed the comfort of the people house.  Pippin and Molly settled down nearby their pups in their subsequent areas.  John left early this morning to enjoy coffee with his brother and to help him and vice versa.  I have had my own coffee, checked email (only 2906 unread - yikes!), gleaned over Facebook and offered a comment or two, liking several friend's pictures and posts, while listening to music by Jim Brickman, Phillip Yon, and other instrumentalists in the background.  It is the calm before a busy day - actually before a busy week!  And I am doing this Monday morning just fine.

Looking ahead on the calendar I note that we have a puppy visit planned for tomorrow with a Maine couple I'm looking forward to meeting.  Our remaining pup from Molly and Scooby's litter will most likely join their family in just a couple of weeks.  It is a long story but a friend of a friend recommended them to us.  Actually, it was a friend of ours who passed of throat cancer a few years ago - something which still saddens me deeply to think of.  The All Things Brittany family circle experiences it's share of grief as well as times of great joy.  I should like to see less of the former and more of the latter (gee I hope I have aligned those terms correctly.)

The Central Maine Brittany Club Designated Specialty show is coming up later this month too, during a 4 day cluster.  I enjoy serving as Show VP for this event and feel confident everything is coming together well.  The entries look to be plentiful and I always look forward to seeing the Brittany exhibitors bring their beautiful animals to Maine.  A couple of years ago here it was Chevy (sire of Pippin's pups) who actually won Best in Show!  I admired him from afar when Pippin was a little over a year old and it was Shania's great grandmother Charlotte who called me aside and told me' now THAT dog is who you should breed Pippin too when the time comes!'  Actually that moment in time for Chevy and his handler Jenny Kreiger was captured and uploaded it to YouTube. Speaking of Chevy, one of his co-owners Nancy Morabito indicated I had left off some of the important titles of the Brittanys behind Chevy on the hypothetical pedigree posted on Pippins page of the Maine Brittany Site. I am going to give her a call so we can review it together and I can fill in any missing pieces. 

Our 2011 breeding program is winding down.  It has been a remarkable year and a very busy one. Our first litter arrived a full year after our most recent litter and it was a much anticipated repeat breeding between Treasure and Gibson.  9 of 11 pups in the first litter were hunted and/or participated in field events through AKC and NAVHDA.  And my True puppy, has earned his Junior Hunter title, has 1 leg of Senior Hunter, just earned his first 4 show points towards his bench title, and also placed 3rd in our clubs Open Derby field trial stake.  Not too shabby.  His full sister Brandi won a NAVHDA Prize 1 with 108 for a score (out of 112).  All of those pups have more than met our expectations, including that of being a great pet!  So a repeat breeding was obvious and the potential for all of the new litter is equal to that of the first, including another pup who will be entering the show ring.  As we thought of the rest of the year we received the OFA results back of Scooby, who is OFA good.  With a desire to prove him as a stud dog, to continue with the consistency from his mother Wish, and to meet our ever growing list of gun dog puppy requests we decided to breed Scooby to Molly.   Knowing exactly what to expect with Molly we knew it would be easy to identify Scooby's strengths as a producer of family hunting companions.  These efforts were rewarded when their 6 beautiful puppies were born the day before Easter although not without risk to Molly as an emergency c-section was performed due to dystocia. (See When Things Go Wrong) .  We thank God that she is well recovered and healthy, and spayed.  All of these pups have been spoken for and as usual quite a lot of screening has gone one.  It is hard sometimes to know when timing is right for a certain pup to be offered to someone who has been waiting.  But again our ATB family continues to grow and reach out, often even to each other.  (Someone likened it to a cult in the most positive light hearted sense of the word. I like to think of it as a ministry, after all - before ATB I was studying for ministry credentials!!!) To continue on with the reflection and look back we had planned to breed Pippin to Chevy @ her 3rd birthday.  She timed things perfectly so that trips to visit Chevy in New Jersey could be coordinated with visits here from a family living close to another breeder who also was using Chevy and a mutual transportation plan was arrived at!  We picked Pippin up at the March Sporting Group shows and  the rest is history.  Things are being handled quite different in regards to puppy selection and placement of Pippin and Chevy pups.  Not all will be sold, and several will be placed.  As they continue to grow and develop I do have a very serious decision to make and this is one John will leave up to me (ha - so he says!).  Although the 2011 breeding program here is coming to an end, it never really concludes especially in the case of making a decision to keep a pup for our program.  For our goals.  For our purposes. For our hopes. For our dreams. For the betterment first of our own program here, and then for the betterment of the breed itself.  And for the love of the dog, both given and received, naturally.  We have already enjoyed getting to know several new inquiries who are looking for a new Brittany puppy in 2012, and even a couple of our current puppy owners are ready to add a 2nd Brittany to their family.  We will breed Treasure one last time for puppies to be born in 2012.  And pending evaluations and health clearances will probably breed True and Piper together, son of Treasure and daughter of Jack. There are other litters planned using Brittanys from our program, just not owned by John and I.

In a little less than a month, there will no longer be 2 litters of beautiful Brittany pups to consume my waking moments and take up some of my sleeping ones.  There will be no yipping yapping woofing happy little greetings just to see me come near.  No little pups to tag along as I clean up and do chores here at ATB.  No more "oh my gosh, I JUST cleaned your pen!!" or "look at you, you are covered in poop", or running after a pup headed for the woods.  No more sitting on the floor in the middle of a pile of happy and joyful little Brittany pups clamoring over me, kissing and biting, and eventually settling down to a nap on my lap.  These actions and behaviors plus several others have been the pure expectations of every day of my life since January in one way or another.  It will be awhile before they come again.  I shall enjoy times of solitude and rest, but I usually find a way to do just that anyway - even if briefly.  When I have complained about being exhausted, Dr. Chapin who is one of our vets at Broadview Animal Hospital chides and humors me by saying "Ann, you brought this all on yourself!"  Yes. Dr. Chapin is right. Because it's what's breeders do. Which leads me to share what seems to be the perfect way to draw this blog post to a close.  From the Maine Brittany Site posted with permission from the author called Ode To Breeders.

Take care and God bless you always, John, Ann, and All things Brittany

Molly & Scooby's Pups - 6 weeks old!

And as promised earlier - here is the video of Molly and Scooby's pups outdoors this morning! Remember to pause the Playlist to the right - there is background music to this video - hope you enjoy this as much as we enjoy all the pups! (Once again, I've selected something from my favorite piano soloist, Jim Brickman, for background music - it's Zippity DooDah from his Disney Collection!)

Pippin & Chevy Pups: A 3 week old Glimpse

These were taken almost a week ago on 5/31/11. Just a few candids of Pippin and Chevy's pups at 3 weeks old. They have changed an awful lot in the past few days. We are going to introduce them to cereal this week and begin the weaning process. Pippin continues to be an outstanding mother. I'm trying to catch up with blog posts and photos this beautiful Sunday afternoon. The older pups were outdoors this morning for a couple of hours in the x-pen which was set up in the screen house I use at dog shows. Currently I'm creating a clip with pictures from that. John and I had a picnic lunch pondside this afternoon while all of ATB enjoyed a good time in the water. Sorry so brief... to be continued!!!!

June, already?

John's grandmother always had a unique way of looking at life. "Gramie John" was only a part of mine for a few years but I still remember things she said.  At the age of 80 something, she watched time pass by based upon what was planned for the future.  If it was January, perhaps it was a March birthday that she looked forward to.  If it was March, it could have been a planned trip down to John's parents home for the summer. If it was summer, maybe we would be looking forward to digging potatoes later in the growing season.  If it was fall, perhaps a visit from relatives to look forward to. And so on and so forth. 

Although I am a firm believer in living in the moment, enjoying it for all it's worth I also like to look ahead and see what is planned.  Sometimes watching the calendar makes time pass very quickly. Other times it causes things to drag on.  In my eyes, 2011 is passing very quickly!  Occupied (Pre-occupied?) with our 2011 purpose driven breeding program  since fall of 2010 my recent past has been defined by Brittany estrus cycles. (I wrote more about this definition in our April 12 blog.) Yesterday I turned the page over in our wall calendar to gaze upon the month of June and took a peek at July as well.  By the way and speaking of dates on calendars - usually the VERY FIRST dates to be written on a brand new calendar are the birthdates of our entire family. 

What I am seeing is the last of planned/scheduled visits with those new families who will become friends through the mutual love of our Brittanys and also very often through the love of God.  Some folks we have met several times, and some for the first time. There are those who may already have a Brittany pup from us, or from breeder friends.  Usually by the time we open our gated driveway to a potential new puppy owner, our heart has already opened to them as an individual.  John jokes frequently about 'my' methods for determining for sure whether a family is a perfect fit for our pups.  He likes to say he probably couldn't meet my criteria - but we all know that's simply not true for he more than meets my criteria as best friend, soulmate, love of a lifetime and husband going on 37 years together. I do respect what John is getting at and I respect that other people understand too.

While it is true that we did lose touch with the folks who bought pups from our first litter of Brittany pups back in 1990, we can still go to Greenville, Maine and the Moosehead Lake area and hear stories about Hunter's brother "Brit" - the pup that our son really did want to keep.  He was an amazing hunting partner for his owner, just like Hunter and his parents Cricket and Freckles were for us.  Flashing back in time, 1990 - John jr. a freshman in high school, Maryann in junior high, me working nights as a manager in a fabric store, and John at the power plant.  We did not have the time, opportunity, or resources to further pursue our desire concerning Brittanys but we always knew one day we would re-establish the program we started back then.  Flash forward to today - we are doing just that!

This month and into July our 2011 breeding program winds down.  One by one, a happy little Brittany puppy will run to greet their new owners as they come up the walkway.  The new owners will take their pups leash and the first day of the rest of their life will officially begin.  Our goodbyes are usually said long before the actual departure. It's better that way and it's why we like to have the new collar and leash on the pup.  There is something very significant about a new leash in the hands of a new owner.  Pup immediately seems to recognize the change in 'leadership'.  It is a good thing.  In most instances we prefer that every puppy enjoys it's own special time of hello and goodbye.  John and I have tried group puppy take homes and while it's kind of fun it can be hectic.  The take home visits are perhaps the briefest of all visits, but everyone will have been anticipating this for some time, we are all prepared and besides, it simply opens the door for a new friendship to continue and span the lifetime of the dog, if not longer.  As a breeder, we are there for all the stages of life of the dog and their owner.  Even for those dogs who did not originate here. It is always 'all for the love of the dog both given and received.'

So those of you who know me, realize this blog is maybe a little bit more about or for 'me'... yup.  I'm geting ready - again.  For that first day of the rest of their little lives to begin with several of 'you'.  You know the brave answers I give when asked 'is it hard to let go, to say goodbye'.   You also know what is going on when I turn my back and head back into the house as John watches to be sure the gate opens and closes safely.  And you also know just how much love, time, attention, devotion is being poured into these little ones each and every day. 

June, already?  Really?  And then... comes July shortly on it's heels.  In between now and then Molly's pups and Pippin's pups will be experiencing the first day of the rest of their lives.  A new day, with a new horizon for our Brittany pups will open up. One full of love and joy, some challenges and a few trials, but above all a lively happy and fun-filled life for these Brittany puppies.  Happy happy joy joy. Indeed!  It won't be quiet here and it won't be lonely.  But it will be - July.  WOW!  July is full of wonderful family, friends, and Brittany activity though.  Dare I peek at August yet?  Well Gramie John would probably advise me to do just that, to have something to look forward to.  But as I look around, count the many blessings in our life I think we're good.  In the meantime, pups are calling, another planet is heard from so until next time....Take care and God bless, John, Ann and ATB