Busy July and Macie

July is always busy as that's when the corn grows.  This was either my 5th or 6th weekend in a row working (I have lost track), but at least I am getting one day off a week this year; last year I worked for 30+ days in a row.  It's funny how one day really helps me regroup, but I also think that when I do get a full weekend (I'm hoping this was the last weekend working) I won't know what to do with two days off in a row.  It gets long, but I like my job so that really helps.  I have been out in this extreme heat, but luckily I was well acclimated and we worked limited hours on days with excessive heat warnings.  The cool down this week was welcomed, and the warm up this week is going to be cake compared to last week.

July also brought little black dress night.  Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures, but there were only 3 of us in attendance this year and we went out to eat and then to the piano bar which was a lot of fun.  It was great to catch up with those ladies.

A few weekends ago was the Corndog Kickoff, the annual fundraiser for the Blue Ribbon Foundation.  My sister has a very large hand in planning this event and there is all the fair food and drink that you can stomach.  I know I ate my weight in fair food this year!  This year's event raised nearly $350,000 (in one night!) and my dad had a big hand in that total.  The past few years he has built and donated furniture pieces, and this year he made a coffee table out of recycled barn boards.  He realized that he underestimated the value of the table at $750 when he saw a similar one sell for $1000 or $1500.  Apparently the crowd that night liked, no loved his table--it sold for $20,000!  Most of that goes as a charitable contribution, but I know Dad was proud (and a bit embarrassed) that his table sold so well.  It was exciting to be there and watch it all unfold!

My parents got a new puppy last weekend, and I had every intention of going up to meet her this weekend after I got off of work on Saturday.  Unfortunately, I didn't get home until 4 on Saturday and didn't think there was enough time for us to make the trip and recuperate before heading back for a full day in the field on Monday.  My parents had an errand to run in Des Moines, so they decided to bring the puppy to us!  Her name is Macie and she's an 8-week-old silver lab (think light chocolate) who is an adorable land shark.  She's all teeth!  My parents had her around other dogs last weekend and said she was pretty dominant so I was curious to see how things would go with Darby as she is pretty submissive, but they had a ton of fun!  Darby was so patient!

 This is how most of Macie's visit went.  Chewing on Darby's face, ears, collar, legs...  They were excited to nip at each other for a while, but eventually Darby just took the abuse.  She found that if she sat up her ears were safe, but that didn't stop Macie from trying.

 Macie was so tiny compared to Darby, but she definitely controlled the situation!  Darby would put her in her place from time to time, but Macie ran the show.

 After a few hours of playing this morning, both dogs needed a break.  Darby was fascinated with the kennel and was also sad she couldn't fit in it.

 How cute is this face!  Even though she was all teeth and would come at you with those little razors, her little face and grunt would make you forget about the pain.  Seriously, she's all teeth.  She bit my toes, legs, pants, nipped at my hands and face... what is it with puppies and biting?

 How cute is that face?  With all the playing and running around with Darby, the little puppy needed a nap!  She crashed hard for at least half an hour before heading back out to play.

The day ended up with Darby taking the lead with Macie in tow.  My parents left around lunchtime today, and Darby has been sleeping most of the afternoon and evening.  Keeping up with a puppy is hard work!