It’s Zaturday – Ziggy and Zorro’s Cross-Country Adventure!

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday, the day we, Ziggy and Zorro, take over Mommy’s blog!

Ziggy here. Mommy and Daddy took us on a long trip, and boy, was it fun! They have this little house that they pull down the road, and it’s really cool. It has a comfy bed, where we sleep with Mommy and Daddy and a couch that’s comfy, too.

       

At home, Mommy and Daddy never let us get up on the kitchen table or counters, but in the little house, they do. I’m glad, because that’s where we have the best views of what’s going on outside.

The views looking out the door and sitting on the back of the couch are pretty good, too, even at night.

   

It’s fun watching everything outside. We see lots of birds and squirrels. One day, we saw this. Mommy called it a turtle. We’d never seen one of those before.

Sometimes there are scary things out there, too. Like when this big thing came and emptied the trash. Mommy called it the Garbage Truck Monster. It was reeeeallly noisy! I hid under the covers, and Zorro climbed into a pillow case. All that beeping and clanging around was just too scary for us.

     

Going down the road in the truck is pretty fun, too. Sometimes I ride between Mommy and Daddy and look out the front window. Zorro usually sleeps in Mommy’s lap when we’re traveling. She says it’s hard to write with a cat in her lap, but Zorro doesn’t seem to mind. He just uses her computer for a pillow.

   

Sometimes he stands up to look out the window or gets in the back seat and cuddles up to me.

   

One day Mommy rolled the window down a little bit to get some fresh air, and I got to ride with my head hanging out for a minute. She was hanging on to my harness, but boy, was that fun! Mommy said I looked like a dog. That wasn’t true at all, because I didn’t have my tongue hanging out. I’m much too dignified for that. But the wind blowing my fur sure felt good.

Finally, Mommy and Daddy took us back home. We were sad, then. In fact, for two days, Zorro sat at the door looking out at the little house and crying. He was ready to go again.

But the other day, I heard Mommy and Aunt Kim talking about planning another trip next year. Zorro got really excited. We’re not sure when next year is, but we’re hoping it’s tomorrow!

 

Take a Trip With Your Dog Using These Fun, Safe Planning Strategies

Posted on by Carol J. Post

Image by Pexels

Hubby and I just got back from a six-week cross-country camping trip. We visited several national parks and saw amazing scenery, and the best part was we didn’t have to leave our babies behind. Ziggy and Zorro seemed to enjoy the travels as much as we did. In fact, our first day back home, Zorro sat at the front door, staring out the glass at the camper and meowing! Not all cats enjoy traveling like mine do, but most dogs love it. If you’re getting ready for a trip, there’s no need to leave your furry companion behind, because Ryan Goodchild is back with some great advice to make traveling with your dog enjoyable for both of you. Take it away, Ryan!

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Traveling with your dog offers a unique opportunity to create unforgettable memories and deepen your bond. With careful planning and consideration, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. In this article, we’ll go over several things to keep in mind when planning a trip with your pet.

Finding Dog-Friendly Stays

When planning a trip with your dog, the first step is to find accommodations that welcome pets. Research hotels, motels, and vacation rentals that are pet-friendly. Many booking platforms allow you to filter for pet-friendly options, making it easier to find a suitable place. Contact the property directly to confirm their pet policies and any additional fees. Ensuring your dog has a comfortable place to rest makes for a happy travel companion.

Accessing Pet Records

Having your pet’s health records easily accessible on your mobile device is essential for any trip. PDFs are particularly useful since they can be opened, shared, and edited on any device. You can try this: utilizing online tools to convert other file types to PDFs by simply dragging and dropping them makes this process straightforward. This digital accessibility ensures you can provide vaccination records or other important documents when needed, especially in case of emergencies or when staying at pet-friendly accommodations.

Transportation Choices

Choosing the right transportation method is vital when traveling with your dog. Whether driving, flying, or taking a train, each option has unique considerations. If you’re driving, ensure your dog is comfortable in the car and make frequent stops for exercise and bathroom breaks. Airlines and trains have specific pet policies, so research these in advance to understand the requirements and fees. Preparing for each mode of transportation can help reduce stress for you and your dog.

Packing Dog Essentials

Packing the right items for your dog ensures they have everything needed for the trip. Essentials include food, water, bowls, leash, collar, poop bags, and any medications. Bring familiar items like their favorite toys or bedding to help them feel at home. A first aid kit for your pet can also be helpful for minor injuries. Being prepared with all the necessary items will keep your dog comfortable and happy throughout the journey.

Helpful Travel Apps

Several apps can make traveling with your dog easier by locating pet-friendly accommodations, dog parks, and veterinary services. Some apps also offer pet tracking features in case your dog gets lost. Additionally, apps that provide emergency contacts and health records can be invaluable. Using these digital tools can streamline your travel plans and provide peace of mind. Having these resources at your fingertips ensures you are always prepared, no matter where your travels take you.

Ensuring Dog Safety

Keeping your dog safe while traveling should be a top priority. Using a secure harness or crate during car rides can prevent injuries, so it’s crucial to choose the right size and style. When exploring new areas, always keep your dog on a leash to avoid accidents or run-ins with wildlife. Make sure your dog is microchipped and wears an ID tag with up-to-date contact information. Safety precautions will allow you to enjoy your adventures without worrying about your dog’s well-being.

Keeping Your Dog Hydrated

Hydration is crucial for your dog’s health, especially during travel. Always have fresh water available and encourage your dog to drink regularly. Portable water bottles and collapsible bowls make it easy to provide water on the go. Monitor your dog for signs of dehydration, such as excessive panting or lethargy, and take breaks in shaded areas if traveling in hot weather. Keeping your dog hydrated will help them stay energetic and healthy throughout your trip.

Embarking on a journey with your dog can be incredibly fulfilling, adding joy and companionship to your travels. Thoughtful preparation and attention to detail can make all the difference, ensuring that your adventure is both enjoyable and stress-free. With the right approach, you and your dog can share many happy moments and create lasting memories on the road.

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Thank you, Ryan, for all the great info. For inspiring stories about man’s best friend, check out Ryan’s website, A Pupper’s Love.

Double Duty: Mastering a Business Startup and Pet Care Simultaneously

Posted on by Carol J. Post

Image by Freepix

Many years ago (before becoming an author), I had a special events decorating company. I worked out of a shop on my property and met with customers in my home. I also had two cats at the time. Although they usually were no problem, one day I was meeting with a customer to plan décor for her wedding, and when I looked down at Suki, my Siamese, she was methodically emptying my customer’s purse! After shooing her away twice, only to find her right back at it, we finally figured out her fascination—there was a French fry in the bottom of the purse!

Juggling taking care of pets while running a home business can be tricky, but today, Ryan Goodchild is back with some great advice. Take it away, Ryan!

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Starting a new business while introducing a new pet into your home can seem like a juggling act of emotional and professional commitments. However, with a well-organized strategy, it’s possible to nurture the growth of both your entrepreneurial venture and your new furry companion. This article explores effective methods to harmonize your dual responsibilities, ensuring that your business flourishes without compromising the care and bonding your pet deserves.

Caring for Your New Pet

Scheduling Breaks for Rejuvenation

Plan regular breaks in your workday dedicated to pet care and bonding. These pauses not only tend to your pet’s needs but also provide you with necessary mental refreshment. Use these moments to stretch, play with your pet, and detach momentarily from business stresses. This can improve your concentration and productivity when you return to your tasks. Incorporating these brief but vital breaks not only caters to your pet’s needs but also reinvigorates your enthusiasm for your ongoing projects.

Establishing Daily Routines

Set a consistent daily schedule for feeding, walking, and playtime. Consistency helps your pet adapt to their new environment and stabilizes their behavior. A predictable routine lets you efficiently plan your work segments around your pet’s care times, ensuring neither your pet’s needs nor your business tasks are neglected. This routine also instills a sense of security and trust in your pet, fostering a calm atmosphere at home.

Prioritizing Early Training

Start basic training and socialization for your pet as soon as possible. Early training helps your pet develop good habits and adjust to new people and environments, which reduces potential disruptions during work hours. A well-trained pet is easier to manage, freeing you up to focus more on your business activities. Consistent training sessions also strengthen the bond between you and your pet, enhancing the overall quality of your mutual relationship.

Business Development Strategies

Defining Business Objectives

Begin by clearly outlining your business goals, strategies, and financial expectations. This blueprint guides your entrepreneurial journey, ensuring you stay aligned with your vision despite the demands of pet ownership. Detailed planning helps you manage your time and resources efficiently, crucial when juggling multiple responsibilities. It also prepares you for unforeseen challenges, allowing for agile responses that keep your business on track.

Networking and Mentorship

Connect with other business owners and seek mentors. Networking is invaluable, providing support and advice that is particularly relevant when balancing business development with personal life changes like adopting a pet. Mentors can offer practical strategies and emotional support as you navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. These connections often lead to opportunities and collaborations that might not otherwise be accessible.

Efficient Contract Management

For a new business, establishing clear and legally sound contracts is essential to protect your interests and set expectations with clients and partners. Business contracts should cover all relevant terms, conditions, and obligations, ensuring mutual understanding and compliance. Utilizing e-signing tools simplifies the process, allowing contracts to be signed quickly and securely. Additionally, using a tool that enables you to sign and fill out PDF forms online ensures that your clients can sign documents seamlessly without the need to print anything out, enhancing efficiency and convenience—click for more information.

Streamlining Operations with Digital Tools

Leverage digital tools to handle business operations, including project management and marketing. These tools simplify task management, enhance communication, and improve your marketing outreach, all while saving time. Implementing efficient digital solutions allows you to maintain a smooth workflow, crucial when your attention is divided. This digital integration supports a scalable business model, facilitating growth without proportionate increases in stress or workload.

 

The simultaneous challenges of raising a new pet and launching a business can transform into opportunities for personal and professional enrichment. The integration of thoughtful pet care routines and strategic business management creates a dynamic that promotes well-being across all aspects of your life. As you navigate these dual responsibilities, the growth you witness in your business and the bond you build with your pet will serve as a testament to your ability to harmonize diverse commitments. Ultimately, this journey can lead to a more fulfilling entrepreneurial lifestyle and a deeper companionship with your pet.

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Thank you, Ryan, for all the great info. For inspiring stories about man’s best friend, check out Ryan’s website, A Pupper’s Love.

Creature Comforts: Essential Life Hacks for New Pet Owners

Posted on by Carol J. Post

Image by Freepix

Anyone who has talked to me for more than a few minutes knows I am an animal lover. Almost all of my books have at least one cat or dog and sometimes even a horse or two. Today, John Dunbar is returning to offer some great advice for new pet owners. Take it away, John!

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The decision to bring a new pet into one’s life is both exhilarating and filled with responsibility. Regardless of whether this is a person’s first pet or they’ve had the experience before, there are universal guidelines that can elevate the level of care given to a new animal companion.

Find a Pet That Fits Your Lifestyle

The first crucial step in responsible pet ownership is selecting an animal that suits one’s lifestyle, home, and daily habits. Someone living in a small apartment may find a big dog inconvenient, while a person with a big backyard might opt for a more energetic breed. Assessing one’s circumstances is vital because it impacts not just the owner’s life but also the quality of life the pet will experience.

Safeguard Your Living Space

Once a pet is chosen, the next step is to prepare the household for its newest member. A home with a pet should be a safe one, free from hazards like small objects that can be swallowed or toxic substances that can be ingested. PetCoach suggests organizing a designated space with a bed, water, and toys will also help the pet adapt to its new environment.

Manage Stress Turbulence

During the initial days, it’s crucial to manage the stress levels of both the owner and the pet. The principle here is simple: pets are highly sensitive to human emotions, thus keeping your own anxieties in check so your pet doesn’t pick up on them is essential. Adopting calming techniques for oneself can translate into a smoother transition for the pet into its new home.

Organize Veterinary Documentation

Medical records are a critical aspect of pet care. These should be saved in an organized manner — if you need to create a PDF online, it can make life much easier. Furthermore, saving documents as PDFs with Adobe Acrobat offers benefits such as maintaining formatting across devices, having compatibility with different operating systems, and easy sharing and storing of files. This kind of organization is particularly beneficial during emergencies or while traveling.

Establish a Veterinary Partnership

Establishing a long-term relationship with a qualified veterinarian is crucial after the initial stages of pet ownership. Regular medical examinations are vital for monitoring your pet’s well-being and catching potential issues early. Staying up-to-date with vaccinations provides an additional layer of protection against various diseases. Being proactive about your pet’s health can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life for your furry friend.

Engage in Strong Connection

Building an emotional bond with a new pet is more than a mere feel-good activity; it’s a requirement for a healthy pet-owner relationship. Engaging in games, offering cuddles, and investing time in activities that both the pet and owner enjoy will lead to a more balanced and happy life for the pet.

Maintain Physical Activity

For dog owners, regular physical activity is non-negotiable. Walking the dog daily not only keeps the pet fit but also mentally stimulated. Opt for locations that are pedestrian-friendly and conducive to walking to ensure safety and enjoyment for both the pet and owner.

 

Pet ownership brings with it many responsibilities, but the rewards are endless. Implementing these guidelines ensures that one is prepared to select an appropriate pet, set up a safe and welcoming environment, manage stress levels, maintain organized health records, build a relationship with a reliable vet, cultivate a meaningful emotional bond, and provide adequate physical activity. The collective outcome is a lifetime filled with love, companionship, and the enriching experience of caring for another being.

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Thank you, John, for all the great info. If you or someone you know is considering buying or selling a home, you will want to check out John’s website, Housing Secrets.

It’s Zaturday – Happy Festival of Sleep Day!

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog. Zorro here.

Did you know that Festival of Sleep Day was this week? You probably think I’m a really smart kitty, but I only know because Mommy told me. She said humans have that day to catch up on the sleep they lost during the Christmas season. Ziggy and I don’t really see the purpose of a day to catch up on sleep. I mean, we aren’t behind at all.

Mommy didn’t do what she was supposed to that day, though. She didn’t take a single nap. In fact, she never takes naps. We think she needs to take lessons from us. We get up in the morning, and once our bellies are full, we sit on the windowsill to watch the birds and squirrels for a little while.

Then it’s time for our first nap.

The next thing we know, we’re waking up to sounds in the kitchen, which means Mommy is getting ready to feed us lunch. After that, we take another nap. Ziggy and I never have problems falling asleep. We can sleep anywhere:

In Mommy’s duffel bag…

In the cat bed…

Snuggled with stuffed animals…

All alone…

Or with each other…

When it comes to naps, we’re not picky at all.

We hope all the kitties and puppies out there had a happy Festival of Sleep Day. We sure did!

It’s Zaturday – Winter is Here!

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog. Ziggy here.

 

Okay, I know I said winter is here. Technically, it’s not winter yet. Mommy says that doesn’t happen until December 21. But when it’s cold enough that I can feel it, even with all this fur, it’s wintertime! This week, though, I figured out how I can still enjoy the sunshine on my catio while keeping my body warm in the house.

 I thought that was pretty smart. The only problem is that wherever Zorro is, he’s stuck, because I take up the entire cat door.

Speaking of Zorro, Mommy and Daddy like to build fires inside the house when it gets cold. That doesn’t sound very safe to me, but I guess Mommy and Daddy know what they’re doing. Zorro isn’t so sure, though. When there’s a big fire in the fireplace and Zorro has to cross through the living room, he runs through like something is going to jump out and eat him! The noise of the fire freaks him out, too, especially when a log falls.

He is getting a little braver, at least if the fire burns down enough. Last night, he was even sitting on the coffee table watching it.

Our favorite way to keep warm, though, is snuggling.

Sometimes Mommy will cover us up, which is kind of nice, too.

All you kitties out there, stay warm! Doggies, too…I guess…

Book Review – East of Evil

Posted on by Carol J. Post

****Special preorder price of $1.99 until release day, May 7, 2023****

East of Evil is the fourth book in Fisher’s Compass Crime Series. I was drawn in from the first sentence—“Nefi’s life-changing day started ordinary and turned peculiar on the way to morning classes.” Fisher’s writing style is snappy and fun, and lots of intrigue keeps readers turning the pages quickly to see what happens next.

East of Evil is filled with well-drawn, unique characters. Nefi Jenkins, the main character, is getting ready to graduate from Harvard. Raised in the Amazon jungle by missionary parents who were killed when she was 16, Nefi isn’t the typical college-age American girl. Fisher does a great job of bringing this out in the way Nefi thinks and acts. For example, the people she is closest to are part of her tribe, and those who betray her must be kicked out of her tribe. Some mannerisms have carried forward into her new way of life, too, like tapping the chest of someone she loves during times of stress to make sure they are really there (although she recognizes this as odd in the US and tries to refrain from it). Learning she has inherited a 10-million-dollar trust fund doesn’t change the way she lives (other than the fact someone now wants her dead!) because money wasn’t a thing in the jungle. Creating a character with a completely foreign upbringing is always a challenge, and Fisher does it superbly. Besides her fascinating background, Nefi is smart, strong, blunt and good at reading people’s emotions in their facial expressions (a great skill to have since she’s planning on a career with the FBI).

Nefi’s college roommates, Cassie and Michael Ulysses Trace the Third (“Mutt” for short), are Marines studying on the GI bill. Cassie bakes brownies and cookies when stressed, and Mutt has an aversion to kitchen duty, PTSD that sometimes has him sleeping outside on the patio, and a variety of t-shirts with sayings like “Gun control means using both hands” and “There’s no such thing as too much ammo unless your house is on fire.” East of Evil features a whole cast of characters who are fun, interesting and, in the case of the villain, cunningly evil.

The book is full of fun exchanges between the characters, too. For example, this one when Nefi is going to hire Arlo, a private investigator who is a friend of a friend:

“Barlow Investigations, how can I help you?”
“Hey, stalker. I have a job for you.”
“Nefi Jenkins?”
“Wait. Is your name Arlo Barlow?”
“Are you sure you want to make fun of my name? Because I know your real first name.”
Nefi gasped. “How?”
“I am a private investigator.”
“I’m impressed, and I apologize.”
“Apology accepted.”

East of Evil’s intricate plot will keep the reader turning pages as Nefi discovers that the trust fund she just inherited has a large chunk missing and sets out to learn what happened to the missing money.

I highly recommend East of Evil (as well as the other books in the series). They are all clean, with God and strong family values woven throughout.

A colossal fortune. A secret reaper. A young woman whose drive for due process makes her the target of dangerous people…

Nefi Jenkins dreams of becoming an FBI agent. After outing her parents’ heartless killer, the Harvard grad focuses on getting into a stellar criminal justice master’s degree program. But her career goals take a back seat when she inherits a ten-million-dollar trust from her late parents…with a hefty chunk gone.

Seeking the help of a forensic accountant, Nefi discovers a cunning thief has been stealing from her inheritance. And with her legacy at stake, the hidden enemy’s scheme to swipe her cash could turn deadly.

Can Nefi restore her parent’s wealth before her investigation turns fatal?

If you like strong heroines, greed-driven crimes, and jaw-dropping twists, then you’ll love Joni M Fisher’s hunt for the truth. Order here.

It’s Zaturday – Wet Paint!

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog!

Zorro here.

Our house has really been a busy place lately. Mommy decided to remodel another room. This time she tore up the living room. Fortunately, she had us stay downstairs while most of the work was going on, because it was really noisy. Ziggy and I don’t like noise, unless we’re the ones making it. Like when we run up and down the stairs when Mommy and Daddy are trying to sleep, and they say we sound like a herd of elephants. We’re not sure what elephants are. Maybe they’re like cats but bigger.

Anyhow, they finally let us come back upstairs when they were finishing the room. All while they were working, the house was a mess. Furniture was piled up in the dining room and the music room. But Ziggy and I still found a comfy place to sleep.

When Daddy finished painting the window sill, I thought it would be fun to get up there and walk around on it. When Mommy came back into the room a while later, this is what the floor looked like:

She didn’t know who did it, so first she checked Ziggy’s paws. No paint. Then she picked me up. Guess what she found. Yep, white paint on my paws. I couldn’t deny it when the evidence was right there.

Mommy scrubbed the paw prints off of the wood floor but wanted to leave them in the paint on the window sill. She said it’s like when parents have their kids put their hand prints in wet cement, and we’re sort of like her kids. Daddy didn’t think that was a good idea, but he hasn’t gotten around to sanding and repainting yet. I kind of hope he leaves my paw prints there.

Now the work is all done. We really like the new room. Ziggy and I have lots of fun chasing each other from one end to the other and sliding on the new wood floor. There’s even a fireplace. On cold days, Mommy and Daddy put a fire in there to keep us warm. Lately it’s been too warm for a fire, but we still like to hang out in there.

Well, I gotta go. It’s time to see what other trouble I can get into.

Plan a Memorable Home Wedding

Posted on by Carol J. Post

I love weddings! And as someone who really enjoys nature, I especially love outdoor weddings. The last three weddings I attended were outdoors—one in front of a waterfall, one at a lake and one in a grassy area with a backdrop of woods and the stone ruins of an old church. As a romance author, most of my stories end with a proposal, if not an actual wedding. On my blog today, I’ve got guest blogger John Dunbar offering great tips for planning a home wedding, whether indoors or out. Take it away, John!

Image by Kayla Renee via Pexels

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable, exciting days of your life. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most expensive. According to WeddingWire, the 2021 average wedding cost in the U.S. was $22,500. The venue is the highest cost, and many couples are seeking alternatives. Getting married at your home or that of a family member can save money, but that’s just the beginning. Here are some tips for a beautiful yet budget-friendly wedding.

Will Your House Work?

A wedding has many moving parts. You’ll want suitable spaces for:

  • The ceremony
  • Separate dressing areas for the bride and groom along with their attendants
  • A reception, including a staging area for caterers
  • Flowers and other wedding decor
  • Guest parking

Brides magazine notes that you’ll also want to have easily-accessible restrooms for your guests. If out-of-town family or friends plan to stay with you, they’ll need places to sleep.

If your home won’t accommodate all these needs, you may be able to make inexpensive renovations that will both provide a suitable wedding location and improve your property’s overall value. The money that you would have spent on renting a venue for a day can be a long-term investment in your home instead. Be sure to keep all receipts for your capital improvements.

How Can You Prepare Your House for a Wedding?

Every property is different, and the preparations you might make may not work for someone else. However, think about ways you can make these ideas apply to your home.

Your Backyard – Hire Pros for Larger Projects

Many couples plan outdoor weddings. With a little work, your backyard can be the perfect backdrop for your ceremony and/or reception. Think about adding some landscaping, plants that will be in bloom on your wedding date. Of course, for larger projects like tree work, it’s best to call in the pros. For example, removing a tree stump is a tough job that requires special equipment and expertise. Go online and search service directories to find contractors that are nearby, and check customer ratings and reviews to ensure the pros you contact and provide a written estimate are equipped to handle the project.

Also think about building a gazebo or pergola in a prime spot. You can use it as the spot to make your vows.

Your Home’s Interior

If you’re not happy with the way the inside of your house looks, what can you do to improve it? Fresh paint, new area rugs, updated window treatments, and updated lighting can make a world of difference.

Depending on your home’s layout and the number of rooms, choose the best options for guest quarters and dressing areas.

Parking

If your property doesn’t have much extra space for guest parking — especially if the ground is wet at the time of your ceremony — consider getting permission from a nearby school or church for your guests to park there, and arrange for a shuttle-type service to take them to your home. You can hire a limo company or enlist friends and family to provide the transportation.

Inclement Weather

Everyone wants their wedding day to be bright and beautiful, but Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate. You’ll want to have alternatives for planned outdoor activities. Renting a large tent is one option.

What Are Some Ways to Make Your Wedding Even More Special?

Personalising your wedding adds to your special day and your memories. If you have friends or family who are pastors, floral designers, caterers, DJs, or singers invite them to participate. Most people are honoured to contribute their skills for special occasions.

A unique way to memorialise the event is by hiring a live wedding painter. Guests can watch as the artist creates your painting in its entirety during your wedding, and you’ll have a truly personal keepsake that will last you a lifetime.

Are You Inspired?

You don’t have to spend lots of money to rent a venue for your wedding. You can make your special day memorable by preparing your home to host the event, including small interior renovations and prepping the backyard if the event will be outdoors. Adding personal touches is the icing on the wedding cake.

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Thank you, John, for all the great info. If you or someone you know is considering buying or selling a home, you will want to check out John’s website, Housing Secrets.

It’s Zaturday – Missing Daddy

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday—the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog! Ziggy here.

Okay, I think Mommy really needs to rename this “It’s Zunday!” Because this is two times in a row that she’s been late posting. She sort of has an excuse, though. Last week, Mommy and Daddy left the house to go exercise and didn’t come home. (Fortunately, they fed us before they left.) Mommy finally got home late that night and Daddy still hasn’t come home. Mommy said he fell playing pickleball and broke his hip. We’re not quite sure what that means, but they’re not letting him come home. Zorro and I really miss him, so we’re hoping that, wherever he is, Mommy is going to break him out.

A long time ago, Mommy broke Zorro out, too. Before Mommy came, this is what Zorro looked like:

Then Mommy broke him out and brought him home. He looked really sad at that other place, but he’s really happy now. In fact, we’re both really happy. See?

We hope Daddy’s not too sad. It’s been more than a week since we’ve seen him, which seems like FOREVER! And Mommy has been gone from early in the morning till dinnertime. But Aunt Kim and Uncle Chris have taken good care of us. They feed us lunch and dinner too if Mommy isn’t home yet. Daddy says Uncle Chris is a good fill-in butler and Aunt Kim is a good fill-in ladies’ maid.

A long time ago, Mommy and Daddy watched a program called “Downton Abbey.” Zorro and I watched it with them. It was okay, but there weren’t any cats on there. Daddy said that show helped him understand how cats think about their humans. Now he says Mommy is Mrs. Patmore, because she makes our kitty food, and he’s Pappy the Butler. If we think about it that way, Mommy and Daddy are good servants, because they take really good care of us. They make sure we have yummy kitty food…

Fun places to climb…

A comfy bed…

And lots of love.

Whether Mommy and Daddy are our servants or not, we think we’re going to keep them.