Not weird at all, Marilyn. I believe every word of it. Three or four years ago, we had our 12 year old buff cocker put to sleep. He followed me every step I made in the garden, even after he got so sick. He used all the energy he had to creep around after me, and I knew he was suffering. I told him goodbye here and Damond took him to the Vet. When he returned, I had his grave dug and ready in the garden. We got through this, but never got over it. Then last year, I was in the garden weeding, when I had this creepy feeling come over me. I turned around and a buff cocker spaniel was standing there looking at me. No words can explain how I felt. I dropped down on my knee, held out my hand and said, Sandy?? He only hesitated for a split second and came right to me. Was it Sandy? Of course not. Sandy is gone, but I do believe his spirit is still here with me in the garden.We put an ad in the paper and this "Sandy" was claimed, which is as it should be, but I'll never forget that moment when I saw him standing there looking at me. Ida

I have the Con-Tec Scarecrow motion activated water spray and it works well. Very amusing to see the deer take off when they activate it - same goes for unsuspecting friends and family! It is adjustable and the herd learns pretty quickly to avoid the area - but they will come back now and then so it's best to leave it activated. On the negative side you will need a water supply, have to disconnect and drain in freezing weather, and it has a tendency to get false activations on a windy day.

This is a topic I can relate to because my work environment has become a bit complicated, and just this week I had to write up an employee for insubordination. In discussing the situation with the exectutive director of the company he mentioned that there have been many incidents of "rumors, gossip and negativity". He asked me why I thought this change has occured. I've been contemplating this question for a few days and have concluded that there are several disgruntled employees who have not received a raise in three years. The workload has increased during this time and many people are feeling stressed and concerned about their job security. I spent the morning brainstorming with fellow employees re: why the change, how to handle it, how to stay positive and sane. How do you stay out of office gossip? Avoidance is one way. Another way is to simply listen and make no comment. Don't feed the fodder, stay calm, stay neurtral. Easier said than done. It's been a habit of mine for years to use my lunch time to take a walk, enjoying the solitude and the fresh air. I interact with people all day long and need a break. Just today after work, a coworker and I went out for a glass of wine to discuss the changes in the company and ways to stay out of the gossip. We concluded that it's best to stay positive, not get too involved, give encouragement to our employees and then, let it go! It's not easy out there in today's business climate. I'm right with you on trying to strike a balance between being approachable and friendly, yet not giving in to the negativity. This post was edited by bonnieann925 on Fri, Nov 30, 12 at 8:46

Here is another one. A TRIP TO COSTCO Yesterday I was at my local COSTCO buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for my loyal pet, Biscuit, the Wonder Dog and was in the checkout line when woman behind me asked if I had a dog. What did she think I had, an elephant? So since I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms. I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.) Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off a curb to sniff an Irish Setter's ass and a car hit us both. I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard. Costco won't let me shop there anymore.