Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

I'M BACK. . .

Hey All. . .

I can hardly believe that it has been over 3 months since I lost my Shotsy.  The holidays were very tough, but we made it through.  Not a day goes by that I don't grieve for him, but as the old adage states "Time heals all wounds".

I wanted to thank all of you for your outpouring of support and the wonderful cards, emails, and notes that were sent to me after Shotsy died.  You will never know how much comfort they truly brought to me.  Thank you too for all of you who have continued to check in on me letting me know you are still thinking of me.  I'm truly blessed to have so many wonderful people out there who care so much.  

I wanted to share this picture with you:
This is kind of my "memorial space" for Shotsy.  You can see there in the center of the first shelf is the tin containing his ashes.  I have a small Giant Schnauzer with a halo on top of it and my sister bought me a small pewter angel on a chain for him which hangs on the front.  These are the cards that were sent which surround  him.  The one card sitting to the left of his tin is a hand drawing in ink of a Giant Schnauzer that my friend Mark of Deadbeat Designs drew.  It is so beautiful and I was so touched that he took the time to draw it.  He is so talented.  Our vet's office also made a donation in Shotsy's name to a shelter.  I miss him so much.

Gunther is doing well (getting fat - he now weighs 135 pounds!!!)  He finally got groomed today. . .Here are his before and after shots:


I just had him shaved down so that we could get rid of all that wooliness which was really matted underneath from all of this damn snow (as you can see from the new header picture he LOVES).  He is always so worn out from the groomer that he sleeps all afternoon . . .he is actually snoring right now!  LOL  He was so woolly, that when I was walking him in the neighborhood a few days ago, I noticed a woman walking down her driveway with her dog, look towards us coming towards her, and promptly turned around and went back up her driveway.  When we got to her house, I looked up and she was standing by her house with her dog close to her laughing.  She said "When we first saw you coming, I thought you were walking a small black bear and I was afraid for my dog."  LOL  So I knew it was time for grooming.

Also, I know a lot of you were going through the drama with me regarding my "teeth".  I now have my new smile and thought I would share a picture of that with you as well:

It's kind of a cheesy grin but I wanted the teeth to show.  I think my dentist did a great job.  They look really natural and I have a smile I can be proud of now.  I'm still going back for a few adjustments because of a few sore spots, but I'm getting used to them more and more each day.

We are still battling the harsh winter here in Indiana. . .I'm hard pressed to remember a winter so cold and snowy.  Here is an example of what the "normal" has been around here for the last couple of months:

Our pool looks like a skating rink.  You can see the amount of snow on the table.  This was just one snow.

Well, I've taken up quite a bit of your time so I'll stop the update here.  I have missed you all and am planning to get by each of your blogs soon to catch up with all of you, so expect to seem some comments soon.  I have been working on cards and have several to share next post.

Again, thank you all so much for your support, and thanks for not forgetting about me.

Hugs,

Curt

42 comments:

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

So happy to see you posting again! Your smile looks amazing and so glad that you are slowly starting to move forward! Been thinking about you and glad you are well! Carri~Abusybee

Jackie said...

Look at that proud smile, you handsome devil! Welcome back, dude, it's good to see you again. Maybe spring is just around the corner and we can all forget about the snow and the cold at last. I sure hope so!

Anonymous said...

Your smile is beautiful! Looking forward to seeing some cards from you and some much needed Spring from Mother Nature. nise

Myrna said...

Welcome home dear friend.
Lovely to see your post and lovely to see your smile.
Myrna

p.s. your snow scene is really pretty

Elaine M said...

That is NOT a cheesy smile - it is absolutely beautiful! I only have your former address so wasn't able to send a card; but you have been in my thoughts and prayers. You're family has always been so special to me and will continue to be carried in my heart. Many many many blessings dear friend.

Karenladd said...

Wow, that is a LOT of snow!! But so glad to see you with your new smile and to hear that you are able to enjoy life more after your loss. The memorial shelves are wonderful, especially that hand drawn card...wow! Hoping that getting back into the crafty swing of things adds balance to your life and looking forward to seeing some cards!! Glad you're back!

Jan Scholl said...

Welcome back to blogging. We all missed you. I too, am having my mouth done (remnants of a decade ago illness) but probably much more expensive and hurtful than if I had done it then). But it's all offset by happy news. Daughter is pregnant with twin somethings! So if it's two boys, g'ma has to be prepared for getting socked once in a while, right? If it's two girls, I better change my will percentages....girls are freaking expensive! Spring is coming, Curt. I hope you are as excited to see melting slush as I am! Be back soon to visit. :P

Leigh said...

Curt, I'm so pleased to see you back. When you posted about Shotsy, I just didn't know what to say. Then as time went on, I hesitated to remind you of your loss. Your 'Memorial Space' is lovely, you will always have Shotsy close by you.

Shirley-Anne said...

Wonderful to see you here again, Curt. Great to put a face ...cheezy grin and all .. to your name .
Love your photos as usual .Can't wait to see your new gallery of cards .
Warm wishes , Shirley-Anne

Jean McKenzie said...

Hi Curt, It is so good to see you back - that shows your heart is slowly healing now and you are able to again enjoy what you love doing. You have wonderful memories of Shotsy and the beautiful life he had with you.
I look forward to seeing your cards again. Wow you are sure having your share of winter there!
Hugs!

Unknown said...

Look at you, you handsome dude! You too Curt. hehehehe, seriously you and Gunther both look great and it is soooooooo great seeing you back again cause I missed you. Harley had implants as well but he had so many problems with his, and pain. Yours look great! Now, go, create!!
HUGS!

Patti J said...

How exciting to see your blog, AND your smile pop up here! Have missed you terribly. We need to take our fur baby in for grooming too - she's white, and we joke that she looks like a polar bear. So nice that you have such nice friends. Thanks for sharing the photos with us. I've been wondering how things were going, but hated to intrude on your grieving time. DH and I are in Germany, visiting our sweet granddaughter, and the beautiful weather. It's in the 50's here, with none of that nasty snow. We flew out last Saturday, and I guess the big storm came through on Sunday. We may have to walk up the driveway when we get home! Anyway, so happy you are back, dear friend! Hugs!

Bonnie Weiss said...

So VERY happy to see that you are back. Sounds like you are moving on (as tough as some days can be). You are not ever going to forget Shotsy but the happy memories will out number the sad ones over time.

And dude ... what a stellar smile!!!! Just be careful that Gunther doesn't decide to try them for himself. (copy this link and paste it in your browser to view it)

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1/1012539_10151925452700658_1482878412_n.jpg

Looks like your winter is a carbon copy of ours. ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!

Again .... missed you and happy you're back.

Glittered Paws said...

What a wonderful surprise this am to see your post on my blog feed, loved your post that brought us up to day on Gunther and yourself. Now re the winter - well ugh - so tired of ice, snow, COLD and ready for spring. Your "new" smile is beautiful - isn't it amazing what a set of teeth can do for a smile. Just take it one cay at a time and know your blogging friends are there for you.

Mary said...

What a nice smile you have there Curt, not bad ;). I'm so glad to see you back here in blogland. Yep, I lost two of my dogs within 6 months of each other 3 years ago and we still think about our "girls" to this day and still talk about them too. By the way, how is Jay doing? Well I hope. Looking forward to seeing your cards next week too!

Mary Ann said...

So glad to see you are back,love your smile,it gets better with time,wow so much snow,for us down here in the south,it is still cold,I am trying to get back myself,my computer is shot,sharing sharing my hubbies,you have a BLESSED one!!!

Becky said...

I was just thinking of you this week, and was so surprised when I saw that you had posted. I am happy your heart is mending, mine died over 30 years ago and I still cry when I think of her, and no, I never got another dog, it was like losing a child.
Weather here in RI is just as bad, we got hit with storm after storm and snow had the nerve to show up yesterday in little flurries.
What a gorgeous smile, your dentist did a fabulous job :).

Heartwarmers from Vicki said...

Loved reading your post today. You are right about healing after a loss. It takes time but it will come. A lot of people who don't have a pet don't understand how important the pets are to us. Pets ARE family members. Your smile didn't look cheesy at all. Nice to see "who" Curt is. :)

Beth Norman said...

So nice to hear from you Curt. Your smile is adorable. You're a handsome man! I'll be watching for your cards. Hugs.

Ann Schach said...

Welcome back, Curt! Gunther is looking fabulous, and so are you! Our Iowa winter looks like yours, but Spring and rebirth will be here before we know it! Continue to watch for the signs, my friend! They are there... Hugs from the Boxer kids :)

Sonja said...

WOO HOO YIPPEE SKIPPY AND YES....long awaited to see this in my in box ... hugs my friends...
oh the new header is amazing happiness at its best !!!!
I share with you in the fact that I cannot remember a winter so demanding or limiting..CONSTANT cold, winds , ice and snow... no melting and getting more just keep getting more !
My Daisy grew wool-ly with Gunther... just got her groomed Tuesday she litteraly weighs two pounds less, she only weighs 8 pounds to start with so you can imagine how she looked ~ plus a Shih Tzu's fur is like shrinky dink ...when it gets wet from snow them warms up look out ~
and thank you finally I can visualize who I am typing at ! lol
WELCOME BACK my thursday mornings will have a purpose again...
: )
Sonja in the ILLINOIS white land

Jean S said...

Curt ~
Doin' the happy dance to see you back and I'm looking forward to seeing some of your ever inspiring creations. It will be good for you to start the creative juices flowing. I know you'll NEVER forget Shotsy, but it will be good for you to be busy.
{{{hugs}}} Jean ~

Gina Wrona said...

WELCOME BACK! Your teeth look so awesome, just like a model. We had a severe cluster of 26 seizures over 4 days the last week of February with Zorro. I really thought we had him under control considering last year he only had 2 clusters same time in February and August that totaled 23 for the year. Ugh it's never easy.

tilly said...

It's great to see you back and with such a beautiful grin !!!!!!any demise takes a while to get over, but I am pleased to see you posting again, you have been missed, lets hope spring is on it's way for all of us !
I hope you are both keeping well.
Hugs Tily x

Lori Barnett said...

First off.....(((((hug)))))..... DUDE!!!! I'm soooo glad to see you posted! And your HANDSOME FACE AND SMILE! baaaBAMMM!!!! Thanks for letting us all know how things are going. We might not be real life in person kinda of friends...but you still matter to a lot of us and we care about you. So thank you for keeping in touch! :)

Lori Barnett said...

OH...one more thing...Gunther weighs more than ME!!!! THUD!!!! Put that dog on a treadmill already! LOL ;)

mudmaven said...

Hey there Handsome!!! Welcome home. You have been sorely missed, but I am so glad that you are finally able to move forward a bit. It takes time so make sure you give yourself enough of it. Shotsy will always be with you in your heart. Gunther looks amazing with his new "do" and I'm sure he's more comfortable, but I wonder how different playing in the snow will be without his furry jacket! We've had snow and cold too, but I don't think as much snow as you have had. I too am totally ready for spring to get here. Again, welcome home - we've missed you. Hope all is well with Jay and that the winter was not to difficult for him. Your teeth look AMAZING! Way to go dude! Great smile - keep it there! ~chris

lisa808 said...

Welcome back! I have missed you. Gunther looks quite dashing since his grooming. I am sure he misses Shotsy as much as you do. Thanks for sharing your new smile. You look quite dashing as well.

Krissy said...

Curt, I am so happy to see you posting again! I have missed your creative inspiration! So glad to hear that you are healing - I'm sure beautiful memories are helping. You and Gunther are both looking great! LOVE your new smile!

Here in Chicago, we are sick of this winter also. I usually don't mind the snow, but the cold this year has been beyond ridiculous. ENOUGH! My in-laws live in your neck of the woods, so we've been getting your weather updates.

Looking forward to seeing your latest creations! Take care and stay warm!

~Krissy

Gail said...

Oh yayyyy!
So nice to 'see' you!
Love the smile!
Glad you're back my friend!
Hope Spring comes soon for you!
We're in a deep freeze~
I'd even trade some more snow for the temperatures we've had!
HUGS!!!!!

Linda said...

Curt you look fantastic. That is a great smile. I love the memorial space. I am so sorry for your lose and I am sorry I didn't send you a card.
How is Gunther doing? You said well but I bet he misses Shotsy. Poor guy. I have to tell you I love the bear look. But I can image it was a mess. Thank your or the update. Try to stay warm. We turn the clocks ahead this weekend so when the sun is out it will be a little loner and Spring has got to come soon.
Hugs, Linda

Lorraine A said...

Hi Curt :-) Time is a great healer, we never forget our fur babies but the pain of losing them does ease with time. I am so happy to see you smiling too ! you look great and so does Gunther with his new cut, he looks like he is smiling too haha :-)
Fab photos, it is nice to see them all and especially your memorial to Shotsy, what a lovely idea xx

I will be looking forward to seeing your gorgeous cards now ! It's so nice to see you back, we missed you :-)

luv
Lols x x x

Tracy said...

So glad to see you posting, fab smile.
Looking forward to your cards.
Pop by House Mouse challenge and pay us a visit.
Take care Curt
Happy crafting
Tracy x

Lee said...

Oooooh Curt,it is soooo good to see you posting,love the pic of you,your teeth really do look great.As Beautiful as the snow is,do hope you are coping with it ok.Gunther is soooo cute,he looks so handsome after grooming.Shotsy will always be with you and the wonderful memories and photos of him will comfort you.Huge Huggles and always thinking of you.xx

Sue said...

Was so nice to see an update. Have missed you and continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. It is so very hard to let go, we invest so much love in our furry family members. Love the memorial. Take care. Gunther looks so handsome after his spa treatment! Lucky boy.

Hugs
Sue

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Hi Curt! I am SO glad to see you back, I nearly squealed out loud but my kitty was napping (just like Gunther) and I didn't want to disturb him.

I noticed the header right away - it does appear that he LOVES the snow! How strange! I think his wooly look is beautiful - but what do I know! He looks great after the groomer as well.

As for you, I must say you look SO handsome! It might not be your natural smile, but it's a wonderful photo and I wouldn't have known if you hadn't told me! That was a success!

HUGS! and Welcome back!!

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see what you produce creatively -Gunther looks so wise and grown up with his new haircut. So glad you're back!

Shirley said...

It is so wonderful to hear from you, Curt, and to see how you are doing both spiritually and as a family too! Your tribute to Shotsy is wonderful. I think he is smiling down on all of you. I love Gunther with and w/o the curls. Big hugs to all of you and so good to know you are doing well in this horrible Winter!! We have been abnormally cold here too! So sunny today though. Hugs to all of you and TFS, my friend!

Alli said...

Hi Curt!!!!

SO nice to 'see' you again!
GREAT smile!
Such a handsome rogue!
I am happy to see you back on the blog-o-sphere!
I have missed being inspired by your creations!
I've done a bunch of stuff lately and even have some of it on my blog!
Shocking!
I look forward to seeing your cards again!
Be well!

Ted said...

It was really good hearing from you, Curt...and I love the new smile, friend! :) I hope you all have a blessed 2014 and beyond!

Brenda in IN said...

It's so great to have you back again. You've been through a lot in a short time. Your teeth look amazing. Don't you feel like a new man with your spectacular smile. I'm glad you are able to smile again. How are Jay and Gunther doing. Hope Jay is doing well and Gunther is getting over missing Shotsy too. I'm with you about this winter. It has been the coldest and snowiest that I can remember and I'm ready for it to be gone. NOW. Welcome back.

tilly said...

seem to have missed your posts somehow..... wow, love your smile and you can be really happy with it lol
Regards Tilly