Dear time, you can slow down if you want to...

It's February.

Our house was cleaned from top to bottom several days ago. These deep cleans are so satisfying and soothing but it's also a bit harder now. I used to be able to get them done in one day but now it takes up to three days. Mostly it's the laundry and so this time around I decided not to have so many mats and blankets out. Those are the toughest to wash and dry for our old machines.

This past weekend we began to welcome our guests for the month. We are taking it a little easy in terms of the number of guests, but our work will take us until the 22nd before we go on another break to ready for March. 

When I look at time this way, in terms of Piri's Place scheduling, it flies. When we book long stays, I wonder how that time will pass, but when it actually comes, it goes by in a blink of an eye. I wish it would feel the same for our clients (although I do want them to enjoy their trip) who always send me email during their travels to let me know how much they miss their dog. Oh, how I know the feeling. One client recently let us know that they talked about their dogs to fellow travelers so much so that over dinner one night they asked them, "So did you hear from your dog?" That made me laugh.

We used up essential oils and soy wax I had left over to make lavender candles. I remember those oils. I had bought the kit for Piri because I heard that frankincense was good for dogs with cancer. Back then, I was willing to try anything and everything to make Piri feel comfortable and well... perhaps even beat the disease. Now, I have packed away the diffuser. I even thought about giving it away. I don't think I will have use for it any time soon. But with almost everything associated with Piri, I couldn't get myself to part with it.

I did however finally get rid of the old medicine that Piri and Bartles used to take. I held on to them for over a year with Piri's and over half a year with Bartles'. They don't particularly bring me good memories.. especially with Piri who had a hard time taking them on some days because he just didn't have an appetite. I finally did get the courage a couple of weekends ago and took them with me to Town and Country when we were going to pick up medication for Lady. Afterwards I stared out the window in the car. I don't know that I'm doing this but Yangkyu knows the look so well. He knows that I'm thinking back on a memory. He asked, "What are you thinking about? Piri? Bartles?" I answered yes.. and began to cry. I had worn make up that day too. 

Right now I have two sleeping pups next to me. They were eyeing me for a very long time wondering if I'll move. If I do, it's their signal to follow me in hopes to get a treat.

Our first February guest dog leaves today and we have the evening to enjoy before our next guest arrives tomorrow morning. Yangkyu and I always plan on doing something new to enjoy our free time but we always end up doing the same thing - either hanging out at the cafe reading or the Target, Homegoods, Michaels, World Market and Petsmart run. Unfortunately for Yangkyu, those stores are all lined up in a shopping strip near our home. 

Lately I have been into some random things - crunchy slime and soap carving videos on Instagram. So oddly satisfying to watch! Yesterday I got sucked into watching bullet journaling and hand lettering and wanted to give it a try myself. I decided to give it time and start by seeing if I'll stick to a routine of practicing handlettering first. I have always had terrible penmanship all my life so I don't have high hopes that I'll actually stick with this. But hopefully I will prove myself wrong.