(“Supper Call” by Charles Wysocki)
November has flown by! It’s hard to believe that Advent starts on Sunday. I’m trying my best to keep my December calendar clear, though next week five kids have appointments for checkups, so maybe not the best start.
Beatrix turned 12 on the 16th and while I have very few photos from the day, I think it was a great birthday. The Saturday before, Jonny took her rock climbing at her request. Jonny has taken all of the younger kids rock climbing on several occasions, which is brave of him I think. This time, it was just Jonny and Bea. He texted me photos of their day and in the last one, you can see the spot where they typically climb but it was underwater that day! (For those wondering they were at Belle Isle in Richmond) The following day Jonny and the kids went fishing with some friends and then on Monday, Bea’s official birthday, she and I went out to lunch and then shopping for a bit. She decided on Rice Crispy treats instead of a cake, and she made them herself that evening. I hurriedly made a messy bunch of birthday candles at the last minute, while everyone waited somewhat impatiently. It’s hard to believe that she’s twelve, isn’t it?
Speaking of kids growing up, Gabe bought a car last week. It’s a little on the early side because he hasn’t been able to get a driver’s license or even a learner’s permit yet, but he had the money saved and found the car he wanted. I’m so proud of him. He gets up early to do schoolwork before going to work on weekdays with Seth, then comes home and studies some more. Almost all of the money he has made this year has gone into the bank. And that is how he was able to spend more money on a car than Jonny and I did on our most recent vehicle purchase. He will be able to get his license in early May when he turns eighteen. We went to the DMV for a long-awaited appointment to get his permit last week but it wasn’t issued because of an issue with his social security card that I didn’t realize would be a problem. This is probably more detail than you need or want, but if you’d say a prayer that the supervisor at our local SSI office makes an exception and allows me to drop off all the paperwork to get this taken care of, I’d really appreciate it! This process has been so stressful and has dragged out for so long, everything all the more complicated because of Covid. Gabe has been extremely patient, but he’d like to drive and really needs a photo id.
Keats and I have both been working to get ready for our last shop update of the year. I will be updating the shop this Friday, November 27th at 12 p.m. ET. There will be yarn, headscarves, full-sized scarves, sachets, lots of goat’s milk soap, and Keats has made the most gorgeous live edge cherry cutting boards. I think he will have at least a couple of little bird shawl pins as well. I won’t be restocking playsilks this year because I ran out of time. There are still a few left in the shop though! There are also a couple of indigo-dyed organic cotton double gauze baby swaddles available now as well. I will post a shop update preview Friday morning, and if you are a subscriber to my blog, you will get an email! Thank you for all your support this year!
p.s. Can any of you recommend a dog brush for Ollie? We’ve never had a dog like him before. His hair is so fine and prone to matting. We can’t even keep a collar on him because it causes his fur under the collar to get all matted. We brush him and brush him, but none of the brushes I have purchased seems to get the job done. I’ve never spent so much time brushing a dog! Help!
p.p.s. I am aiming to have my gift guides up early next week! Hopefully Monday and Thursday? Or maybe Monday and Tuesday? We’ve got Yarn Along on Wednesday!
Erin says
My husband is going through a similar problem. When he arrived in this country many years ago, apparently someone typed only two letters for his birth town (in India,) so now that he is applying for ss, there is a problem. He has spoken to one person several times and another once; he’s the original contact but my husband can’t get him again. The helpful guy has told us that documents sent in to resolve the problem have been received, but so far that’s as far as they’ve gotten. (Three to four weeks have passed.) My husband was told that each agent dealing with ss problems have 150 cases each so there is wayyyy too much work for each one. The last email we received this week tells us still nothing has been done. Our closest ss office is only about a mile away, but not open to the public, except for emergency cases. It’s rather frustrating. I’m sorry Gabe is having trouble getting his ss info corrected and hope your employees are not as overworked.
My daughter has a Havanese mix and he needs a gentle brush, (short, rounded plastic bristles,) as his skin appears to be fairly sensitive. I don’t even bother with the brushing when we dog-sit, but she does so often.
Erin says
…each agent…’has,’ not ‘have’! Wish I could edit.
P.S. We are in the Bay Area of CA–high population
Teedee says
I Ginny, I have been reading you for years, never posted. I agree with the Master dog groomer! Perfect advice for the slicker brush and the spray. I use a different brand, but same idea. The rolled leather collar works like a charm! I have a 10 year old Havanese. They are notorious for fine hair that mats very easily. My dude gets groomed every 6 weeks. I do brush very often in-between. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family.
Catherine Genet says
Happy happy birthday dear Beatrix…..
Je suis heureuse de te voir avec ce joli sourire
Merci Ginny de nous partager ces événements qui sont si précieux…
Recevez toute mon affection
Douces pensées
Catherine
Heidi says
Happy Birthday to Bea and prayers up for Gabe & his license!
We have a huge golden doodle that has hair similar to Ollie’s only curlier. We keep him trimmed really short except for his head. My husband sits on the floor on an old sheet & trims him up often. Especially keep Ollie’s legs trimmed up during the winter cuz the “snow balls” that attach to his fur are the worst. They won’t towel off and take a while to melt all over. I’ve heard of dipping their feet/legs in warm water but that’s a huge mess in itself. Just keep him trimmed.
Happy Thanksgiving to one of my favorite families!
Susan Kuhlman says
When I was walking my dogs during the shutdown I stopped to chat with a man whose dog had a terrible haircut. So did mine. We laughed that the dogs were insulted by our efforts. I just had my dogs cut close in case there is another shut down and got a short cut myself. You have two choices. One is to get regular professional cutting with advice on brushing or do research and learn how to do it yourself (investing in the clippers and expertise.) One of your girls could look into getting trained in this profession as an at home money raiser. My visit this week was $140.00 for both dogs. This is big business and during the shutdown I emailed the governor of Maryland ten times telling him that this was an essential business!
Lisa says
Hi Ginny, I think your dog is part Bichone Frise possibly or also Cockapoo (cocker spaniel & poodle). Both are great breeds for kids but need extra TLC for their coats.
Wishing you & your family a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Marion says
Congratulations Gabe on the purchase of your car.
HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY BEATRIX
HAPPY,BLESSED THANKSGIVING
Marion
Joan says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEATRIX Wishing you all the best things . Gabe hope you have your social security straightened out soon.
HAPPY BLESSED THANKSGIVING
Joan
Karen says
Hi Ginny! Beautiful photos and happy birthday! Frodo our mini schnauzer gets groomed every 6 six weeks and if I can’t comb a knot out, I cut it out with my puppy snips (knitting snips). It just makes my life easier that way!
annie says
A brush recommended to me by a groomer is a “Coat King”, they come in various sizes and densities. They are made in Germany but as they are available in New Zealand I’m sure that will be in the USA. You specify the breed when you buy one. They are cheap copies around but they are made of plastic not metal like the real thing.
Marilyn says
Nice to hear from you Ginny. Glad Beatrix had a good birthday. Hope Gabe can get everything settled with his license. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving and Advent.
HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY BEATRIX
Marilyn
Katherine McMahon says
Hello Ginny! Love your blog and have followed for years! We also had a dog that stayed matted around her collar. Our vet advised us to buy a rolled leather collar as opposed to the flat kind. It worked!! No more mats around her neck and ears!! Just a little FYI. Worth a try! Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and the Gentlest of Christmas Seasons to you!
Pamela Hans says
My daughter is professional dog groomer and I can tell you that your dog is going to need professional dog grooming. It seems like it’s part poodle and the hair will mat if it’s not brushed out daily and groomed. Unfortunately, my daughter is in NJ but there are plenty of places around here. If the hair gets really matted it is painful for them and the dog will need to be shaved. I’ve watched her so that many times. You do need a steel brush or comb. Perhaps you could visit a grooming shop and ask their opinion. Happy Birthday wishes going out to Bea! You have a beautiful family ?
Lynette Pruett says
I have a long-haired cat and she gets the worst mats, especially now since she’s getting old (19!) and her self-grooming isn’t quite as efficient as it used to be. I got a “Poodle” brand pet comb for her, and it has worked so much better than any brushes I’ve ever tried. She also accepts it better than the brushes. It’s made for dogs or cats, and has helped us. I may get some of the Artero Matt-x spray recommended in another comment, because some of her mats are just AWFUL! Have a very Happy Thanksgiving, Ginny. Thanks for your post.
Daryl W Conner says
Hi! I am a Master Pet Stylist and would be more than happy to help you with brushing information for your cute dog. The absolute best brush for this kind of coat is called a slicker brush. They come in many shapes, brands and styles. One of my favorites is made by Artero company, and is called a double sided slicker. You could get a small, but I think large is a better choice. You also need a good metal comb, and I highly recommend you buy a bottle of Artero Matt-x spray, (I don’t work for the company, but am a fan of their products.) It will last you for YEARS, does not make the coat oily, but will help with brushing by making the brush glide through the coat easily. If you find a tangle, spritz a little more spray on, let it sit a moment, then using a “pat and pull” motion work on the tangle. Once you have the dog brushed from nose to toes, use your comb and make sure you can comb through the entire coat. If you find a spot that you can’t get through, spritz more spray on and brush more. You are right, this is a high maintenance coat, but with the right tools you will be able to keep it under good control. I’m happy to answer any specific questions you may have, just drop me a note. Happy Thanksgiving.
BeckyM says
Yes!!! This is all fantastic advice! This is how I brush my standard poodle. I learned how to groom her when she was a puppy and now that she’s 7 years old, I can’t even begin to estimate how much money I’ve saved in grooming cost over the years. There are great youtube videos on “line brushing” and proper grooming for coats like his.
My favorite brand of brushes and combs is Chris Christianson.
Kate says
My second to youngest had quite the time getting his license. First, we couldn’t find his birth certificate, so I called the state where he was born and requested one. They couldn’t find it on record! I either sent the paperwork in and it was never recorded or I didn’t send the proper documents in (a possibility since he was born at home). So I had to file a delayed registration of birth. That process took a while since I had to track down my former midwife. After we finally had his birth certificate in hand, the DMV wouldn’t issue him a permit because his middle name was misspelled on his social security card. Grrr. After we got that taken care of, he finally got his permit just before covid shutdown. He spent the shutdown practice driving on empty roads and highways. Then, shortly after he turned 18 the DMVs opened up and he finally got his license. The behind the wheel test was actually a joke with all the covid restrictions (no in-car tester and he never got over 10 MPH in the DMV parking lot). I’m glad he’s a good driver, but he didn’t need to be to pass. He’s been saving up for a truck, but hasn’t found one in his price range yet. He’s been frustrated that he can’t find enough work to speed up the savings. And he now has a girlfriend, who he is spending money on.
Helen says
For years I have enjoyed you and your family … friends from afar is how I feel about you and your family.
love to you all
stephanie says
My Beatrice just turned 12 recently-been following since they were babies. What gifts did she get, can you link?
Cirila Cerilo says
Hi Ginny,
Beautiful pictures of your family, as always. I just love reading about what you guys are up to – my family, 2 kids and husband, seem to lead boring lives by comparison :-). Anyway, I was writing because of the dog brush suggestion you asked for. I don’t actually have a dog, but had a cat with the same hair issue. I found her a brush that actually trimmed/thinned her hair as I brushed it, and it helped a lot to keep the matting at bay. It’s called FURminator, but not sure if they make it for dogs. Good luck and congratulations to Gabe.
Linda Gaylord says
Did you try a pin brush for Ollie?Instead of bristles,they have pins made of either plastic or metal with rubber tips.They are meant for detangling hair.
sarah says
ginny i feel like a broken record, but your family is so beautiful. it’s the first thing that springs to mind every time i see your photos.
we got this brush for our australian shepherd/sheltie cross who has the fluffiest downiest loveliest fur, but has the same matting problem (with collars etc.) https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/lurvig-brush-black-00456815/ it’s really been great…