What are you doing this 4th of July weekend?

[corbe]

   Houstonians have inundated my town.  Us locals call them tublets.  They generate  $$$$ in sales tax and for that I don't mind giving up my beautiful rivers (still flowing) for 3 days. 
   I will smoke a brisket and my Brain, drink some and reflect on what Country, that I swore an Oath to in 71, has become.

[roamer_1]

This is my favorite holiday... The whole fam damily comes together and we have a big ol barbecue on the back porch of the big house. This year is going to be smaller than usual, because my sis and hers came out earlier in the spring... And my eldest son and his have a work conflict.

Normally I would reckon 50 to 75 people, kith and kin, But this year some less than that.

Still be a high ol time, with plenty of burgers and dogs and ribs, and tater salad, macaroni salad, watermelon, and every side you could think of...

And at least a couple grand in fireworks... Looking forward to that. The only benefit to losing Chewy earlier this year is that I don't have to get home to be with him before the fireworks start.

It is going to be brilliant. It always is.

[GtHawk]

We'll be staying home. Keeping my dog sane by being close during all the loud explosions is more important than hanging out and drinking beer with friends, also all the loud explosions and music just generate a major migraine for me. My children and grandchildren will be hanging with friends and that is good, I will avoid watching any news programs because I am pretty sure the vast majority will be telling lies about how great we have it under socialist control. I think I will meditate on how much better it was when I was a kid.

[Cyber Liberty]

   Houstonians have inundated my town.  Us locals call them tublets.  They generate  $$$$ in sales tax and for that I don't mind giving up my beautiful rivers (still flowing) for 3 days. 
   I will smoke a brisket and my Brain, drink some and reflect on what Country, that I swore an Oath to in 71, has become.

When it comes to separating Californians from their Danero we go straight for the throat instead of pussyfooting around with sales taxes.

A gambling Mecca on one side of the Colorado River in Laughlin NV, and water sports rentals and beaches are on our side.  We charge them like 25-40 bucks a car, an extra C-note if you want to reserve a parking spot on the river with a private covered picnic table.  Townies get in for free on non-weekends.

[Ghost Bear]

I'll actually be working this weekend. I don't like it, but stuff has to get done and I am thankful for the paycheck.

[libertybele]

   Houstonians have inundated my town.  Us locals call them tublets.  They generate  $$$$ in sales tax and for that I don't mind giving up my beautiful rivers (still flowing) for 3 days. 
   I will smoke a brisket and my Brain, drink some and reflect on what Country, that I swore an Oath to in 71, has become.

I'll be making a batch of potato salad that my family loves (me, I'm not a fan) and hopefully cooking some short rib brisket burgers that I've been wanting to try on the grill if I can manage to dodge the rain long enough.

Normally the neighbors around us give off quite a display of fireworks.

P.S. Thank you for your service @corbe  - a huge debt of gratitude. Yes, I agree, it is difficult not to think of what our country once was.

[libertybele]

This is my favorite holiday... The whole fam damily comes together and we have a big ol barbecue on the back porch of the big house. This year is going to be smaller than usual, because my sis and hers came out earlier in the spring... And my eldest son and his have a work conflict.

Normally I would reckon 50 to 75 people, kith and kin, But this year some less than that.

Still be a high ol time, with plenty of burgers and dogs and ribs, and tater salad, macaroni salad, watermelon, and every side you could think of...

And at least a couple grand in fireworks... Looking forward to that. The only benefit to losing Chewy earlier this year is that I don't have to get home to be with him before the fireworks start.

It is going to be brilliant. It always is.

I am glad for you and your big shindig, but this is the first that I've heard that you lost Chewy; I am so, so sorry @roamer_1

[mystery-ak]

I would reply if I knew what SSDD stood for?

[Ghost Bear]

I would reply if I knew what SSDD stood for?

"Same Sh!t Different Day"

[roamer_1]

I am glad for you and your big shindig, but this is the first that I've heard that you lost Chewy; I am so, so sorry @roamer_1

It's alright @libertybele  - 17 years my partner... A long road with that pup. best dog I ever had, but it was his time...

Might could be a little female ozzie/heeler cross in my near future... So I might be introducing y'all to Chigger shortly 

[libertybele]

It's alright @libertybele  - 17 years my partner... A long road with that pup. best dog I ever had, but it was his time...

Might could be a little female ozzie/heeler cross in my near future... So I might be introducing y'all to Chigger shortly 

Wow, 17 years is a very long time .... looking forward to meeting Chigger.  Australian shepherd?? 

[mystery-ak]

"Same Sh!t Different Day"

Thank you...I'll vote SSDD then

[corbe]

   My 'Fear of Commitment' is apparently off the charts here. I have been dogless for almost two years, since, like when I was 6yo.

[mystery-ak]

It's alright @libertybele  - 17 years my partner... A long road with that pup. best dog I ever had, but it was his time...

Might could be a little female ozzie/heeler cross in my near future... So I might be introducing y'all to Chigger shortly 

Happy you are getting another pup...you must post photos when you get her...

[roamer_1]

Wow, 17 years is a very long time .... looking forward to meeting Chigger.  Australian shepherd??

Yeah... mini ozzie to most folks... the true breed is a big dog. what I do is cow dogs... that's a smaller version.

She's Ozzie/Heeler... 2 years about 40 lbs... her look is tri-color ozzie, with a longer leg than a heeler... But she's got that short dense coat of a blue heeler, kinda heeler structure to her face, and blue eyes.

I ain;t altogether sure yet... Like I said, she's 2 years already. and spayed without ever giving pups (something I think needs to happen with females)... And she is mostly gentle and shy...but she has some bad habits that I would have trained out of her if I could start from scratch... But she is a proper cow dog, with a fair understanding of the language and sign between a cowboy and his dog - Wouldn't be long fixin that part.

But she currently likes to drift, is used to outdoor farm life, and is not socialized much at all. So problems.
But a whole lot of that is needing a job and imprinting on a man (which she ain't done yet).

So a hard maybe, but we'll see. 

[roamer_1]

Happy you are getting another pup...you must post photos when you get her...

Ain't a sure thing yet. But if I do, I sure will. 

[libertybele]

   My 'Fear of Commitment' is apparently off the charts here. I have been dogless for almost two years, since, like when I was 6yo.

We've decided that Geronimo is our last pup.  We've had Lady our Doberman (15 yrs), Buster a Doberman/Ridgeback mix (14 yrs), Bruno a red-nose pit (10 yrs) and Geronimo a mix (Shepherd, Boxer, Akita, Whippet).  It's hard to lose a furry family member, and with our health we decided no more puppies.  We also lost a grandpuppy Lucas, who was an Aussie/Pit mix; he was like one of my own dogs.  They all still have a very special place in my heart; especially Buster and Lucas. 

[corbe]

   @Texas Robin 's chihuahua, Chris, got me through the hard times, after losing my Daschund, Penny, and that azzhole never tolerated me, kinda like his mom. 
    The way things are looking I'll have a new 'Rescue Dog' before I have another GF, as I have run out of excuses, my backyard neighbor built his damn fence.

[mystery-ak]

We've decided that Geronimo is our last pup.  We've had Lady our Doberman (15 yrs), Buster a Doberman/Ridgeback mix (14 yrs), Bruno a red-nose pit (10 yrs) and Geronimo a mix (Shepherd, Boxer, Akita, Whippet).  It's hard to lose a furry family member, and with our health we decided no more puppies.  We also lost a grandpuppy Lucas, who was an Aussie/Pit mix; he was like one of my own dogs.  They all still have a very special place in my heart; especially Buster and Lucas. 

I've had a dog all my life...from mutts to pedigrees...from shelters to rescues to breeders..you name it!

Even when my dad was stationed in Morrocco he got us a black cocker spaniel...

We lost two bullies this past year..about 6mos apart....I now have one bully and a cavashon..

I have always wanted a French bulldog but I am too old to start over with a new pup...so when these last two go that will be it...

[Gefn]

It's alright @libertybele  - 17 years my partner... A long road with that pup. best dog I ever had, but it was his time...

Might could be a little female ozzie/heeler cross in my near future... So I might be introducing y'all to Chigger shortly 

@roamer_1

I’m so sorry to hear about Chewy. Please take care of yourself….

[corbe]

   Another big reason for me to get a Dog.  That damn Cat is taking over everything.  Someone needs to put that evil bi1ch in its place and apparently, I haven't got the balls. 

   Heh, I've got some skin in this game.

[Cyber Liberty]

I have swarms of kitty cats.....

I think I might make a pork tenderloin roast, we got them from Costco cheap (but good, we've already had some).  I got a good brown sugar rub recipe.

[Gefn]

I have swarms of kitty cats.....

I think I might make a pork tenderloin roast, we got them from Costco cheap (but good, we've already had some).  I got a good brown sugar rub recipe.

My Costco had some nice salmon fillets @Cyber Liberty
I know kitties like fish…..

[Cyber Liberty]

My Costco had some nice salmon fillets @Cyber Liberty
I know kitties like fish…..

I have a lot of good fish in the freezer, and whenever we cook one Mrs. Liberty cuts a bunch of it out for the Cats!  They love the Mahi Mahi.

[corbe]

[roamer_1]

@mystery-ak
@libertybele
@Gefn

UPDATE: Chigger is gone. Gave away already 

So INSTEAD y'all will be meeting Zoe ... A 3yr old Ozzie blue merle purebred spayed female... 
I was on the phone with the owner of Chigger and she felt Zoe would be my kind anyhow... Again, a barnyard dog, but trained at first to be an inside dog - House broke, crate trained, bought to breed.

But she had big trouble with the queen bitch in the yard, which is a monster guardian dog, who has dang near killed her twice. So that means she stands her ground and don't back up. She also desires  to be a one man dog (which all them ozzies do)without the opportunity... So again, same thing. Farm ready, knows a little about herding, sweet, gentle disposition, and needs to imprint.

She's about giving her to me because she has such a time keeping her separated. But she is a beautiful merle and just needs one-on-one. So right after the upcoming festivities, I am going down to Ronan to fetch her up here. Done deal. And I am happy.

[Cyber Liberty]

@mystery-ak
@libertybele
@Gefn

UPDATE: Chigger is gone. Gave away already 

So INSTEAD y'all will be meeting Zoe ... A 3yr old Ozzie blue merle purebred spayed female... 
I was on the phone with the owner of Chigger and she felt Zoe would be my kind anyhow... Again, a barnyard dog, but trained at first to be an inside dog - House broke, crate trained, bought to breed.

But she had big trouble with the queen bitch in the yard, which is a monster guardian dog, who has dang near killed her twice. So that means she stands her ground and don't back up. She also desires  to be a one man dog (which all them ozzies do)without the opportunity... So again, same thing. Farm ready, knows a little about herding, sweet, gentle disposition, and needs to imprint.

She's about giving her to me because she has such a time keeping her separated. But she is a beautiful merle and just needs one-on-one. So right after the upcoming festivities, I am going down to Ronan to fetch her up here. Done deal. And I am happy.

Wonderful!  Great news!!

[roamer_1]

Wonderful!  Great news!!

It REALLY is. I was wanting a blue merle ozzie all the way along. They are just too costly. and rare.
So out of the blue, God gave me donuts yesterday, and a dog today. I am on a redneck roll. 

[roamer_1]

I don't like Zoe for a name... Can't yell that well.

Seeing as she's a 4th of July dog, I am open to patriotic suggestions..

[Bigun]

This is my favorite holiday... The whole fam damily comes together and we have a big ol barbecue on the back porch of the big house. This year is going to be smaller than usual, because my sis and hers came out earlier in the spring... And my eldest son and his have a work conflict.

Normally I would reckon 50 to 75 people, kith and kin, But this year some less than that.

Still be a high ol time, with plenty of burgers and dogs and ribs, and tater salad, macaroni salad, watermelon, and every side you could think of...

And at least a couple grand in fireworks... Looking forward to that. The only benefit to losing Chewy earlier this year is that I don't have to get home to be with him before the fireworks start.

It is going to be brilliant. It always is.

Pretty much the same here.  Family reunions, one tomorrow and another on Monday. Used to be a lot bigger doings than what they have become in recent years but still worth attending.

[roamer_1]

For any that don;t know, this is what a blue merle Ozzie looks like...



Kinda like the Appaloosa of Ozzie shepherds.

[roamer_1]

Pretty much the same here.  Family reunions, one tomorrow and another on Monday. Used to be a lot bigger doings than what they have become in recent years but still worth attending.

I can't wait! 

[Gefn]

Molly? As in Pitcher?

[roamer_1]

Molly? As in Pitcher?

Ooh! Molly is good! But I dunno if that will yell any better than Zoe 

[Sighlass]

Just grilling with the family.... then shooting a gun or two off around midnight if the mood strikes me. I always do a gun cleaning this time of year and get a few shots off just cause I likes it and it is a good time to dirty them (ones I rarely shoot) right before cleaning.

P.S. @roamer_1 , I like the females cause they tend to be friendlier and less likely to roam (especially breeds I like like Blue Heelers and Beagles)... The Beagles tend to be stupid and follow their noses to the end of the Earth, and the Blues just like to roam... I had a Red Heeler and it was even more prone to roam. My Beagle at least heeds the shock collar we have on her to stay in the yard (unless the battery goes low).   

[roamer_1]

P.S. @roamer_1 , I like the females cause they tend to be friendlier and less likely to roam (especially breeds I like like Blue Heelers and Beagles)... The Beagles tend to be stupid and follow their noses to the end of the Earth, and the Blues just like to roam... I had a Red Heeler and it was even more prone to roam. My Beagle at least heeds the shock collar we have on her to stay in the yard (unless the battery goes low).

I don't know that a beagle would survive here as a working dog. Ozzies and Heelers are common on ranches... Though rat terriers survive and do their job (coordinating with the cats), but they learn to hang with the bigger dogs or they don't last long.

You should try an ozzie some time. A b-grade mini Australian Shepherd is about the same as a heeler for size, but can run way longer (longer legs)... And ozzies tend to stay with you. That is all they want to do. Seldom out of eyesight, and mostly underfoot. Chewy as an example, never run off once in 17 years. He was a constant companion, and no doubt Zoe will turn out to be the same. They are wicked smart, hella herd dogs, take commands from afar. Great working dogs. Way, way better than the rough and tumble wolf/malamute/g.shepherds that I have normally had around.

[Smokin Joe]

I'll actually be working this weekend. I don't like it, but stuff has to get done and I am thankful for the paycheck.

Me, too.

[Smokin Joe]

I don't like Zoe for a name... Can't yell that well.

Seeing as she's a 4th of July dog, I am open to patriotic suggestions..

Sure you can...just a lot like calling hogs..

[roamer_1]

Sure you can...just a lot like calling hogs..

Nah... the z comes off soft. 

[Gefn]

@roamer_1

I thought of Dolly as in Madison, but that’s too much like Molly.


Abby for Abigail Adams?

Betsy as in Ross?

Martha as in Washington?

A lot of the old names from the 18th century seem to be biblical. I don’t think you can go wrong with those but some might seem dated.

Other popular names from that time would be Caroline, Charlotte, Elizabeth, Mary, Anne. All names from English queens (spouses of George II and III or their daughters. )

There are some great lists of dog names on Google.

[Gefn]

We now have a tropical storm Bonnie which may be turning into a hurricane.

[Cyber Liberty]

We now have a tropical storm Bonnie which may be turning into a hurricane.

Bonnie started in the Atlantic, but is now moving out to sea in the Pacific.  Colin looks interesting, up the East Coast.

[Bigun]

For any that don;t know, this is what a blue merle Ozzie looks like...



Kinda like the Appaloosa of Ozzie shepherds.

Had one like her (More gray and less white) several years ago.  Loved her except for the fact that I couldn't get my truck out of the driveway without her in it.  Didn't need to put down any tailgate either!

[libertybele]

@mystery-ak
@libertybele
@Gefn

UPDATE: Chigger is gone. Gave away already 

So INSTEAD y'all will be meeting Zoe ... A 3yr old Ozzie blue merle purebred spayed female... 
I was on the phone with the owner of Chigger and she felt Zoe would be my kind anyhow... Again, a barnyard dog, but trained at first to be an inside dog - House broke, crate trained, bought to breed.

But she had big trouble with the queen bitch in the yard, which is a monster guardian dog, who has dang near killed her twice. So that means she stands her ground and don't back up. She also desires  to be a one man dog (which all them ozzies do)without the opportunity... So again, same thing. Farm ready, knows a little about herding, sweet, gentle disposition, and needs to imprint.

She's about giving her to me because she has such a time keeping her separated. But she is a beautiful merle and just needs one-on-one. So right after the upcoming festivities, I am going down to Ronan to fetch her up here. Done deal. And I am happy.

Yay! Zoe sounds wonderful!! I am very fond of the Aussie breed-- highly intelligent!! (Lucas was part Aussie and pit - I swear that dog could read minds.)  @roamer_1  Can't wait to see pics of the beauty.

[libertybele]

Bonnie started in the Atlantic, but is now moving out to sea in the Pacific.  Colin looks interesting, up the East Coast.

Colin looks like it will impact the NC outerbanks the most and will be a rainmaker.

[mountaineer]

For the past several years, we've spent the afternoon of July 4 with about a dozen friends. We all go to the retired dentist's home. His wife makes ham loaf. Other women bring various salads and desserts, and somehow I've become the designated fruit plate person. Will hit Kroger tomorrow after church to get the watermelon, berries and whatever else looks good. It's going to be hot, but dry. 

[Cyber Liberty]

For the past several years, we've spent the afternoon of July 4 with about a dozen friends. We all go to the retired dentist's home. His wife makes ham loaf. Other women bring various salads and desserts, and somehow I've become the designated fruit plate person. Will hit Kroger tomorrow after church to get the watermelon, berries and whatever else looks good. It's going to be hot, but dry. 

Fireworks Monday evening over the river in front of the Laughlin Casinos.  We can see down at them, an odd way to watch fireworks, but I can watch from the deck of the Castillo while holding a nice drink.  Later this week we're taking off to Lake Havasu for a stay.  Free tix at a Resort.

[roamer_1]

Had one like her (More gray and less white) several years ago.  Loved her except for the fact that I couldn't get my truck out of the driveway without her in it.  Didn't need to put down any tailgate either!

That's a fact, @Bigun ! Don't even start to get an Aussie unless you are prepared to have it glued to your side for life! and especially in the pickup! 

[roamer_1]

@roamer_1

I thought of Dolly as in Madison, but that’s too much like Molly.


Abby for Abigail Adams?

Betsy as in Ross?

Martha as in Washington?

A lot of the old names from the 18th century seem to be biblical. I don’t think you can go wrong with those but some might seem dated.

Other popular names from that time would be Caroline, Charlotte, Elizabeth, Mary, Anne. All names from English queens (spouses of George II and III or their daughters. )

There are some great lists of dog names on Google.

Abby is good... Maggie even better (call her mags up close)... I dunno... I will have to settle her in and it will come on me... I never call a thing by its name anyhow... always winds up being different. 

[libertybele]

Fireworks Monday evening over the river in front of the Laughlin Casinos.  We can see down at them, an odd way to watch fireworks, but I can watch from the deck of the Castillo while holding a nice drink.  Later this week we're taking off to Lake Havasu for a stay.  Free tix at a Resort.

I think watching fireworks from the comfort of your home sure beats the heck out of fighting the fireworks crowds.