Briar

Yeah, probably best to stay out of Grizzly Canyon too.

phoebe64

Great road names, Briar. I guess you might as well find something fun or entertaining in the midst of anxiety or distress. Can't hurt. But, I do still hope your family property is spared.

He does seem smart, Mark. Already sleeping through the night, can sit on command, and trained for a crate/pen. We have been taking a crash course on puppy training online!

Mark1014

Not many canyons in these parts, but plenty of swamp and mosquitoes.

I think you may be smitten already phoebe.....I'm thinking that pup may train y'all. Picked a name yet?

phoebe64

We are leaning towards letting him keep his name, Huxley. Son does not like it, but the rest of us think it is cute.

Mark1014

Btw Briar, with all the stress of the fire I noticed that you didn't mention being triggered to drink. I think that's pretty great.

Mark1014

Sounds like a good name to me, but I did hear recently that it's pretty easy to get a dog to adapt to a new name if you end up wanting to change it. I like Huxley though. In fact, I think he looks like a Huxley. When do you pick him up? Did you say already?

Briar

Huxley! Love it!

Yeah Mark, I was thinking about that. I really don't want to drink over it. I know that would just create another tragedy, and I want to be there for my family if anything happens.

I felt a little triggered today for a different reason, though. I was at my friend's house who used to be my drinking buddy (she has her own problem, no doubt about it), and she was drinking beers and periodically slipping into the garage for shots, and she was quite upfront about it with me. I remember that game, in fact I probably created it. For a while I really missed it and felt very left out. I was glad when we left. It's those old social habits and patterns that are hard, and that one really reminded me of how great it felt when I was drinking with my friend like that. But I also remembered how god awful I'd feel later that night, and that helped shape me up a bit.

SoberLeigh

He is adorable, Phoebe. Enjoy him!!!

Mark1014

I felt that way a little at my brother's yesterday, but not triggered really. I was disappointed that it really wasn't that fun. I don't take days for myself very often and was just let down. He was getting pretty buzzed and it frankly got annoying. In the last few years the social aspect of my drinking had pretty much been replaced by drinking alone here at home. I didn't want to be bothered by having to be social when I had drinking to do.

Couldn't be happier that those days are over.....

Good night all.

SoberLeigh

I am praying for your Mom and for her/your home, Briar. The photos you posted are truly frightening.

I recently spent some time talking to a young woman who was a Hot Shot; they really know their stuff. Have the Hot Shots been called in yet?

Briar

I don't know if the Hot Shots are there. I hope so, they are amazing!

phoebe64

My drinking was really alone, or at home, too, for that last several years of it. It is not so hard to abstain socially, most of the time, but it is hard when hubby is drinking at home. Also hard at all day drinking events. Some parties are like that. Just too many hours of constant in your face exposure.

Briar

Me too Phoebe. Most of my drinking was at home. Honestly, if had been that way for a very long time. My measured social drinking, even when it was heavy, really was just a front to pretend I only drank heavily with friends. I drank a whole lot more when I was alone.

venuscat

Love the name Huxley, and glad you aren't going to change it phoebe.
I don't understand the crate thing though; what does that mean?
Did you get a whole lot of bedding and toys for him? Can't wait to see more pics.

Those pictures are just daunting Briar. I'm sure it's totally frightening.
Try and focus on the good stuff though love ~ your mum and her animals are safe. That's what matters most.
Of course I hope and pray that the house is saved!

And yeah, some weird road names there.
I saw one that made me smile today...I was walking in a street called King St, and there was a sign above the street sign that said: previously Prince St. I just thought it was amusing.

It's just a cold...I don't feel great, but no big deal. I worked, and I will work tomorrow and Tuesday as well.

My drinking was at home, or anywhere I went where there was alcohol.
I would drink, drive and put myself and other people in danger.
There was never any control for me, not ever.

Dee74

feel better soon V

D

Mark1014

Good morning/evening gang.

Up and at 'em. The dreaded return-to-school week has arrived as the girls both start late this week. Their nocturnal mode will have to change now because getting up at the crack of noon won't work. Grumpy will be the theme around here for about two weeks as I've observed before. Classes start for son (yay!) late August.

Coffee/patio time for a bit and then off to the gym.

Wishing all of you the best day.

Arbor

I'm an alcoholic. I cannot drink in safety.

Mark1014

Hey Arbor,

Your post suggests a rough go of it. I hope your're ok this morning. It gets so tiring I know. I'm sorry this is a time of struggle and testing for you. Nothing but support on this end my friend.

I'm an alcoholic too Arbor. I cannot drink in safety.

SoberLeigh

I am glad that you are here, Arbor. We are here for you.

SoberLeigh

Feel better, sweet venuscat!

'Crack of noon'!!!! That's going to keep me laughing for a while, Mark.

The lion's share my drinking was done at home, too.