Probably the most unrestrained White House reception in history followed the inauguration ceremonies of President Jackson on March 4, 1829. The mansion had been thrown open to the throng of people who had come to the city to see their hero sworn into office. The dignity of the occasion disappeared under the rabble, a mob of "boys, Negroes, women and children, scrabbling, fighting, romping." The damage of several thousand dollars was done in the crush to get at the refreshments. . It finally became necessary to carry out the punch and food in tubs and buckets to supply the crowd estimated at 20,000 persons. It was such a scene of confusion that people were climbing out windows and even the President escaped through the kitchen. Other dinners were described as brilliant, elegant etc. One such recollection was given by Jessie Benton, daughter of Senator Thomas Benton. " The whole stately house adorned and ready--great wood fires in every room, immense numbers of wax lights everywhere, stands of camellias and laurentia banked row upon row. After going through this silent waiting fairy-land, we were taken to the state dining room where the georgeous supper table shaped like a horseshoe, covered with every good and glittering thing French skill could devise, and at either end a monster salmon in waves of meat jelly." When the President retired to the Hermitage a steady stream of visitors began anew. When a regiment of Texas volunteers 900 strong arrived to pay their respects to the General, sheep, beeves, and chickens from the plantation were hastily prepared for the unexpected guests, in such quantity that every fireplace on the plantation was pressed into service and a wagonload of bread had to be purchased in Nashville as the Hermitage ovens could not bake that much bread on short notice. According to White House Historians Jackson served a 1400 pound wheel of cheese at one party that was said to be consumed in two hours. ____________________________________________________________ It seems that CHEESE wheels were pretty common back in those days.

My deepest sympathies, Eva. My great Aunt marion is still living. She was 97 in October. She lives by herself out in the country in a 3 story house. The only bathroom is upstairs, the washer and dryer are in the basement. She still mows her own lawn every week all Summer. Her drivers license expired with her birthday last year but, she passed the eye exam and it was renewed for another 4 years. Her mind is as sharp as ever and she's not shy about sharing her opinion. She's a real pistol and I hope I can age as well as she has. Ron

I think there may be something about this particular carpet that is attracting him. Most of my other carpets are wool and tight weave and this is probably the softest one ie the easiest one to pull the threads out of ! I have a large floor rug but there is still quite a lot of spare space around it. He doesn't restrict himself to any one spot - if I cover up one area with a pouffe or similar he just finds another exposed area. I have tried tossing cushions at him, it doesn't scare him or make him anxious in the slightest, but then he goes into a major sulk - and when he does condescend to come back he then makes a beeline straight for this carpet again! I also tried the water pistol trick but he just looked very aggrieved as though WE were being quite unreasonable ! It didn't actually stop him. He isn't really afraid of water any way; we have a job getting him to keep out of the shower as it is ! I am wondering if the only solution is to get a tougher and closer weave carpet? It seems a costly way of beating the problem but . . . .

Fl-CountryB, You are in a difficult situation. You miss Rocky. You miss her more than Holly does. Holly misses her but dogs seem to have a sense of acceptance about death that we as humans don't. I suspect bringing Buddy home was more for your comfort. This is okay. Thousands of dog lovers do this. We can't help it. We love our dog packs. I have had the good fortune of always adding a puppy to the pack. The puppy has to work for and learn who is boss. I will say I have one male who still tries to challenge the top female. She is old and frail but she is still top dog and number 2 knows this. No one has ever bitten. But there was plenty of wrestling, playing and at times a nip would occur that would make someone yelp. Biting means they have forgotten you are the TRUE boss. It's easy to do. You had two old dogs and they knew the routine. Now, you have to start all over. I would not fret too much. Things will work out but you have to be the Top Alpha in this pack family of yours. Hard work but you can do it. There are two ways to go with this. Different dog trainers use different paths. 1) The first path is You are the alpha who choose the totem pole order.... Holly needs to respect your orders not act like she can push Buddy around. This does not mean that Buddy should not be pushed. He needs to learn your top dog. Buddy is trying to find his place and push her to the max. He wants to find his boundaries. All new dogs and puppies do this. And you can decide which should be number 2. If you decide it is Holly. Buddy will need to visit the crate more often for time outs, he will need to be fed 2nd, get in the car 2nd, he will need to be leashed more and respectful of his place. Since you are the alpha you dictate who does what, where, when, how. Holly will feel happy not to be displaced. She might even be nice to Buddy when you are not looking. And in time she may come to take a nap next to him. Give her time to realize her place will always be #1. Buddy will have to accept this and he will come to respect Holly or he goes to the crate. I personally think this path is the best in your situation because Holly is older and needs your support being top girl. And with her happy, Buddy will fall into acceptance. he is the new roomie after all. 2) The second path or dog training option is to let them work it out.... ( I do not think this path is for you but let me explain so you can decide.) This may be the most difficult . It hurts to watch nature. This is easy to do when adding a new puppy. Puppies never challenge an alpha so the order is set. 2 adult dogs vying for the Alpha spot. Holly has a lot to loose and Buddy wants to survive. All interesting dynamics with a violent nature. If you have a big yard that is the place to "fight it out". Have a friend nearby to help watch them play and possibly call 911 if you get hurt separating them. They COULD work it out. I say COULD because with two adult dogs the fighting could start up again a month from now. Or even 6 months from now. The unknowns are there. If Buddy does win you need to let him be the new top dog. This means Holly has given up. She may be injured when she does this.. I must warn you it is painful to watch. It will be very hard because you are still mourning Rocky. We mourn our dogs centuries later. I still miss my first. But this is the nature of canines. If Buddy becomes number 1 he will need to be treated as such. You will mourn this change terribly with Holly. This is my personal reason for thinking you should go with number 1 path. You are the Alpha in number 1 and making a natural pecking order. Easier to do. Best of luck and don't give up on this. You can make a great home for both. Sorry to be so long, but I truly understand your woes. ~boxerpups