Another Saturday Night and I Ain't Got Nobody...

Hershey and I were groomed on Wednesday. Hershey looks pretty! He is annoyed with me though because I have not made a visit to the dog park recently. It has been hot and I am tired at the end of the day. He does have fun there. He has been playing with Sammy and Sammy loves it. I am still sandwiched between them at night. I cannot explain my popularity. All I ever say is stop licking me, okay that's enough!, STOP LICKING ME! They do love the head rubs and belly rubs I give them. These events occur before we go upstairs for they have given up their night time assaults!

Anyway, I have been doing people things...dinner with friends on Tuesday night, therapy on Thursday night and STARDUST (the movie) on Saturday with lunch and a friend. Great movie by the way, if you like fairy tales. I am watching shows and movies that feature women over forty. We need all the support we can get. I am NOT voting for ANY presidential candidate who is on his third wife or is married to someone 15 or more years younger than he is. Before you say that George and Dick are still married to their first wives so this is not a true test of character, it is not my only criteria. I am very much against giving the US Gov another dime of my hard earned money in any form! until they start working with what they have already been given. I listened to a man on TV today saying that if we raised the gasoline tax 5 cents a gallon, we could fix the bridges... I question his intelligence. Where does he think the already high gasoline tax is going? Do we need shrubs, sprinklers, and flowers or to repair our infrastructure?

Because I had unexpected car repair last week, I cancelled an extra visit from my cleaning people and a haircut. True that was a tenth of what it cost to repair the car but it is a start. I am taking my lunch and eating a lot of vegetables. I am looking for less expensive hotels in Italy for vacation. Choices...they aren't so hard. Okay, okay stop laughing. Everyone one at every income level learns to manage. That is my point. You have a billion dollar budget but you still have to make choices!!!!!!!! You can't do it all and you have to be practical.
This blog is supposed to be about Hershey...many apologies...I got sidetracked. Hershey just brought Sammy back inside (Sammy must have been in the back yard)...barking and herding the cat so I guess it's bedtime.

Cat-Dog Characteristics...

Does a dog learn to pounce? Is it fair to grab the cat by his leg in a wrestling match? Is chewing someones ear and licking someones ear the same thing? More of a cat's head can fit into a dog's mouth than vice a versa. A cat claims you by walking on you and sitting down on your chest or back or hip or lap. When a dog climbs on your chest, is it the same thing...claiming their person? I'm really worried about the job. It may be time to move on and G_d is giving me clues. It is easy to focus on the pets.........

Our Friend SC Came to Visit

Neither SC or I have a car today or tomorrow. One car is having mechanical work done and the other ishaving body work done. I catch a ride to work with a friend but SC is home all day and it was driving her nuts so she came to visit. Hershey gets so excited when he sees SC. We took him for a walk when we returned from walking to a restaurant and having dinner. It is warm here tonight but after 8 PM it cools down. Hershey remembers people that he likes and who like him. It doesn't hurt that SC gives him treats when he visits her house. I give treats too and I am "claimed" by the cat and the dog. I cannot sit down and be left alone by Hershey and Sammy. I have someone on me at all times. I am happy for the company.
I am off to take a shower and go to bed. I am sooooo tired. I enjoyed my walk and dinner because it was shared and just enough without bringing anything home. It was good therapy after the events of the day.

Thank Goodness for Little Pets!

To paraphrase a song from GiGi! I am so glad I have my sweet animals. They greet me at the door upon my return and see me off in the morning. Tonight I was later than usual. Work is a lot because I have three projects going on at the same time with deadlines that are very close to each other and due soon. I also have the regular stuff to contend with. Anyway, Hershey ran to greet me, wagging his whole body. We went to the back patio to exit the sliding glass door. Out he went. While he was looking for intruder rabbits (There is one on the hill that is not moved by a barking dog.), I went back into the house to call Sammy. Sammy likes to go out when Hershey does. I called and called but no Sammy. I decided to go upstairs and there was Sammy in the hallway by my bedroom door just laying there swishing his tail, looking bored. Even though he is a cat, he comes when you call him but not tonight. For some reason, he is eating the dog food (which I have taken away) and I think his stomach is bothering him. He did come down and play with me and Hershey after some coaxing on my part. He came and sat on my lap after dinner while Hershey layed with his head on my shoulder. Then Hershey, sensing a need, started grooming the cat's ear. Dogs just chew on each other while cats lick each other. Sammy got his ear chewed but lovingly. Thursday I get to talk to the big boss about an opportunity at work. Wish me luck!

Sleep Deprived!

Its Sunday morning and I am so tired...reason is Sammy chose last night to climb all over me and make sure he got attention. Hershey was on the other side in the middle of the bed just sleeping away. I was hemmed in between two pets. I have a king sized mattress, its just not big enough for all of us. The pets are clingier on the weekend because I am at home and give them the attention. I will be taking an afternoon nap for sure! Oh well at least I'm not alone!

Still Saturday and Still Lazy

Okay! I've still got it! I just got back from the grocery store. Purple tank top, lavender shorts, big sunglasses on the head with large hoop earring....the hot young checker left his post to walk my groceries to the car because I said I needed help out! Left a poor man my age just standing in line. I've still got it! Now...if I could only remember what to do with it.....

Lazy Saturday

Mr Hershey was hiding in the closet today. Not sure what that is about. Usually the cat is in there. Sammy was lurking on the other side of the bed. Mr H never really leaves my side but as I lay on the sofa taking a nap (yes have not been feeling well), there was no Mr. H upon waking. May need to install some cameras to see what goes on when the cleaning people are here.

Trixie's Visit

Tonight we are keeping Trixie for her mom. They are away for the weekend and Trixie is a sweet dog. She is a Pug. Very different from Hershey. Trixie makes all kinds of unladylike noises! She snores and wheezes. I have to look down every so often to make sure she's okay! Hershey is so quiet when he is not barking at squirrels in the back yard. I hardly know he's there. As I said earlier, Trixie is sweet just different. I expected them to play like Coco and Hershey do but Trixie is missing her family and does not want to play. I am trying to offer her some comfort but little dogs love their families so much it is hard for them to adjust right away. Mommydearest laughs at Hershey following me around at her house but I now see the bit of anxiety that dogs experience because Trixie is much more confident at her house. Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Great Danes, French Bull Dogs, Bull Dogs are all cute but have that smashed in face and must have some breathing issues. Anyway, we will take good care of Trixie because looking into her big sad eyes pulls at your heart strings. Might sleep on the sofa downstairs tonight, it is hot and neither Hershey or Trixie seems interested in going upstairs. Trixie seems happy sleeping on the carpet under the coffee table and Hershey is in his usual spot on the back of the sofa.

July Holiday Get Away...We're Baaacccckkkkkk!

Hershey and I are back home sweet home! Pool's clean, plums are ripe and we are ready to rumble!!!! Sammy missed us terribly (evidence is cat urine in odd places.) I just can't take Sammy because he is not a good traveler. I am sure he hid in the closet while we were gone. The cat sitter was a guy this time. I do my best. My next trip (Ciao cara, ciao, ciao) both Hershey and Sammy will be left at home. Hershey went to the groomer on Wednesday. She makes him look so pretty! He smells good too. On the way home we spied a King Charles in a Honda Civic. He was on his "Dad's" lap and barking. I pointed him out to Hershey and Hershey began barking too! The guy and I just laughed and kept up with each other while driving so that the dogs could continue "talking". It was fuuuunnnny!!!!!!! I need a laugh at the end of the day! Sammy hasn't stopped licking me since I got home. Quick...I need a shower! I am bringing work home again...need my pets around me for work life balance.

Hershey on a visit!

Hershey and I are visiting my sister and Coco (and my mother). Hershey is behaving a bit oddly as he is stuck by my side every instant. Not sure what this is about. Coco is maturing, she is less hyper and seems to want to play with her "mama". She is such a cute dog. She really likes to cuddle and be petted. Hershey is used to getting lots of attention because there is no one at home but me. It is nice to have other people around but I am a quiet person content to read and be, my sister on the other hand feels the need to "entertain and converse" with everyone. Well, Hershey's having a good time. (Didn't think we were a burden until I read her blog!)

Sammy, Hershey's Best Friend

Sammy has learned a new trick...going through a hole he made in the screen when he was locked out of the house one night. It is the sliding glass door screen. He loves going out in the evenings. He chases bugs, looks for birds and just relaxes. Mostly, he can let himself in and out and he likes his independence! He's a cat.

Dog Park Buddies

Hershey's buddies at the dog park are 3 little Yorkies all in the same family, different ages and different sizes. They are Opie, Ricky, and Randy. Randy is the littlest guy. He wrestles non stop with Loco and one-eyed Willy. Loco looks like a Chihuahua mix and Willy is a Chihuahua who was injured and has one eye but is a healthy, feisty little guy. These are Hershey's other friends. They belong to different families. Sometimes we even meet and talk to the dogs' families! Yesterday we met Sofia a lovely Yorkie who was almost as big as Hershey and unexpectedly so. Her "mom" explained that she was expecting perhaps a 6 to 8 pound dog because she didn't want a tiny one but Sofia turned out to be 11 pounds when she grew up. She has a dark tan face and black back and ears that lay down. She is a beauty and Hershey tried to get her attention right away. The self-possessed Sofia took her time making friends. There were 2 young girls in her family and they were trying to teach Sofia to fetch a small ball. They wound up teaching Hershey because he kept running after the thrown ball where Sofia would not. He was so eager to please them and they were sweet. Hershey needs a small ball to grab up in his little chops! I guess because he is a small dog. We will look for one this weekend.

The Race Up the Stairs

On you mark, get set...GOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Hershey and Sammy race up the stairs each night when I start to turn off lights and TV to go upstairs for bed. We watch TV down stairs and get on the computer at the same time. Hershey and Sammy run in and out of the sliding glass door as much as they like but by 10 PM, we have had it and want to retire.
I'm not sure who wins the race each night because I am seldom at the top of the stairs when they reach their destination. I am struggling behind, carrying shoes, disposing of newspapers and turning off lights. At first only Hershey ran up the stairs ahead of me. He'd run into my bedroom and jump up on the bed to wait my arrival. Sammy, desperately trying to stay out of the way, would dart to the living room and crouch until I was upstairs then he would run up too and follow me into the bedroom at a leisurely pace. I'm not sure what changed or when but suddenly the Sammy tried to over take the Hershey on the stairs! The race was on. At first I thought it was an accident but I soon saw that it was deliberate behavior on Sammy's part and he being more assertive. Good for you Sammy! Have fun! Win the race!

Hershey is Prettttty!

Hershey and I went to our respective groomers today! Hershey is pretty! He smells good and his coat is shiny and soft. He is always happy to see me when I pick him up. He doesn't really like to be clipped and pruned. The lady that clips him is very sweet. She has 3 or 4 Basset Hounds that are usually visiting but they were not there today. They are sweet creatures ready for attention. Hershey is usually in a cage as are all the other dogs (except the Basset Hounds). Everyone knows the routine so they appear to cooperate while being washed and groomed. The reason Hershey is happy to see me is that he knows he's going home to his friend Sammy. In the door he dashes looking for ol' Sam. Is there a greeting for us? No! not on your life as Sammy has had it with being chased up the stairs and wrestled with while he is trying to rest! We think he rests too much! Come play Sammy! Come and play!
(I cannot reveal my grooming experience because a lady should have some mystery about her. I am pretty!)

Busy Little Bee

Hershey is bored! He is back to deviling the cat. Growling, chasing, and play nipping. Sammy in turn is perched on a chair, sequestered in the closet, or evasive in a higher place and swatting, swatting, swatting! They are a pair. I am being growled at while on the computer or reading. I am busy this week at work and home. I pulled out some toys in self defense. Hershey plays then looks over his shoulder for the cat. We can't go to the dog park until Thursday evening. Hershey goes to the groomer tomorrow and I have an 8 AM meeting and a 4:30 PM hair appointment! We will be groomed!

On My Own

Went to see WICKED today! Wow was it great! Mr. Hershey was not able to attend as they have some rule about being able to walk on two legs. Went with my friend Shelley who thank goodness has foresight! She got the tickets in October of 2006. I am lucky to have a friend like Shelley...she's a planner, I am not. I like flying by the seat of my pants, doing things on the spur of the moment. Can't get tickets to a good show like that unless you pay premium. Anyway WICKED was so colorful, the songs were great and the heroine was green. I really identified with her. I'm not green but I am "different". This was a very creative approach to The Wizard Of Oz, the witches perspective. Smart people walked out of the theater entertained and just a little bit wiser (There is a message). You have to go and see it! You will not be sorry. Hershey and I will do something tomorrow.

Where's Hershey??????

Tonight after we returned home from the dog park. I prepared my dinner. Nothing special or worth mentioning. I ran out of paper towels during the preparation and went to the garage to get more. As we all know, Hershey follows me everywhere. I quickly came back into the kitchen as I was cooking a hamburger and slicing tomato. I unwrapped the paper towel and put it on the dispenser. I served myself some left over potato salad, arranged the tomato and cucumber on my plate, and transferred the hamburger from the pan. I sat down to eat and didn't notice the peace and quiet. Not sure what I was thinking, I was immersed in the national spelling bee on channel 7. I sat and relaxed and then...I heard Hershey's faint bark. There it was again. I got up and walked toward the foyer, the bark was louder. I opened the door to the garage and there was Hershey! He had entered the garage when I opened the door to get paper towel and had been locked out. I never noticed his absence. What kind of mother am I???????? We're together again watching TV and barking at the commercials that feature animals (even cartoons).

Went sailing today without the big Hershey! Was fun but missed my pal. Dogs can be on boats. Need to find a nice man that loves Hershey.

Visiting Buddy's Mom

Hershey and I went to visit Sally today. She was Buddy's mom. Buddy was a large Golden Retriever and Hershey's first friend. Though much bigger and older than Hershey, Buddy was gentle with Hershey and each time we went past Buddy's house, Hershey got very excited because he wanted to play. Now, Buddy is in heaven but luckily Sally still likes to play. She has treats for Hershey and she just loves him. He gets so excited when he goes to her front door, he can't wait for her to open it. In we went and Hershey scurried around waiting for Sally to sit so that he could jump up on her lap! Sally misses Buddy. She makes a great aunt. Hershey looked out Sally sliding glass door and saw a bird. He made a bee line outside but was stopped by a valance that was laying on the floor. He wouldn't jump over it. We had to show him to just step over. We had a nice visit then went to the grocery store and returned home. Hershey needed to rest from all the excitement. I had to cook dinner!

Well, It's Monday

Ugh...another Monday morning at 5 AM awake as usual. Terrible night's sleep as the pets are all over the bed at night. Sammy climbs on me and starts licking my arm with his sand papery tongue. Hershey insists are cuddling up close so I am pushed to the edge of the bed. Can I shut them out tonight so that I can get a peaceful night's sleep? I am rolling over and taking a nap until 7 AM....

Hershey Takes a Trip, Part Trois

Hope you are enjoying the pictures of my little travel buddy! Last night when I came home from work, I found that Hershey had unpacked for me. Let me start at the beginning. On our return journey the plane was delayed because upon arrival in Houston, it was poring down rain. (That's Hershey in the Little Rock Airport waiting to board.) We boarded the plane on time but the plane sat on the runway at length. We arrived home at 9:37 PM so I didn't unpack, just watched King of Queens and the Riches and went to sleep. The next day I removed my toiletries, make up and shoes from the suitcase and left it on the floor. I guess Hershey was trying to help because on Thursday my clothes and underwear from the suitcase were strewn all over the floor in the bedroom and hallway...Hershey's attempt to unpack. It did motivate me to put things away. We miss Coco! She was fun! Hershey is back to wrestling with Sammy.

Hershey Takes a Trip Part Deux

More on the story of my little Hershberger the traveling doggie! A picture is worth a thousand words...

Hershey Takes a Trip

Hershey and I took a long plane trip to visit cousin Coco and Mommydearest. The real objective was to be with GMD28 for Mother's Day. Hershey is a great travel buddy so I paid the $190 to bring him with me. He goes into his carrier and stays quietly until we reach our destination. It's an amazing feat because Hershey barks at dogs on TV, whines when we get close to the dog park and alerts me to his need to go out by making little noises in his throat. He likes being at Mommydearest's house because Coco is there and DH takes Coco and Hershey out to play so that they can run. Coco is a year younger than Hershey, half his size and twice as active! More about our adventures tomorrow.

Dog Park n Puggles

Hershey and I went to the dog park tonight. We met some puggles! Three of them. Soooo cute! For those of you that don't know, puggles are a cross between a beagle and a pug. Some pugs have girth! so when they are crossed you can get a larger than expected dog. It amazes me how little people know about genetics. When you cross breed dogs, you can get a different phenotype each time. Its just like every one in a family does not necessarily look the same. Two of the puggles looked similar but one looked more beagle like. Anyway these puggles were cute. One had white stockings. Hershey had a great time running and chasing. For the last two days he has not wanted to go and run but today he was ready. The wind was whipping though and the weather had turned cool. He stretched out on the sofa now behind me sleeping until we go upstairs to bed. That will be after LOST.

Need a free ride!

I am looking for someone to take care of me for a while. I look around and see others getting breaks, getting taken care of because they exist. Where's my free ride! I'm old and tired. My needs are simple...you pay the mortgage, you buy me a new car, you put the money in the account to pay the bills, you get the pool guy to clean up consistently, you translate to the gardner, you leave the note for the cleaning people...and the check. I'll just show up and smile!

Should you order the most expensive thing on the menu?

Didn't realize just how much alike Blanche and I were until tonight. She and Dad took us out to dinner frequently, inviting Larry and Roberta, Toni and Kim. Richard lived at home then and was not attached. Blanche didn't really entertain Richard's girlfriends, maybe because he didn't want them there. Anyway, we went to nice restaurants and she always picked up the check but she would say that if you ordered lobster, you wouldn't be invited back! None of us ever ordered lobster.
Tonight I invited the Polapinks out for dinner because they are moving. I chose Wood Ranch because Paul likes tri tip. I also invited Dianne and Bob because I knew Bob liked the Polapinks and would like to say goodbye. I told him I would treat since they had had me over several times. Little did I know... no lobster on the menu but Dianne ordered filet mignon and a salad and was the only one except Ava that wanted dessert. I just thought it was interesting. She ate half the salad, half of everything else and then took the rest home. She wanted the dessert to go because they offered it for free. Bob stopped her. In her defense, I don't think she gets out much. I was just really surprised since she was so tacky looking at Lloyd's wedding. Okay I'm not that nice! I guess I have a problem also with when you are someone else's guest and they know you drive an 11 year old car and work for a living, is it good manner to order the most expensive thing on the menu? When my company "takes me out to dinner", I have no budget. I stay in four star hotels and eat in great restaurants but don't feel I need to "take advantage". I guess that's how I felt about Dianne ordering. When I first went to her house I was amazed at the filth, disrepair, dog hair, whole in the floor. The plumbing had broken down and they were urinating in a bucket and pouring it down the shower. I went to take Bob some fried chicken. Can't remember the reason. Couldn't believe he was living like than but he was still drinking heavily. I had heard that he slept in the van at night. Anyway as soon as Bob got a dime, he bought her a new double wide. Suddenly she needed a Wolf range on which to cook. Needed a Vermont ham to serve to a bunch of young people that didn't know the difference between that and Vons spiral cut. Am I missing what is going on? Before you judge me. Know that I have had to do without! While raising Lloyd and Elliot, I had very little extra because I thought it best to hang onto my house. It provided stability and continuity for them. When I finally did have money again, I didn't live large. I realized how little you really need to live and be happy. I have problems but I am happy. Blanche on the other hand guarded her money as her most prized possession. She felt that others did not have the right to be extravagant on her dime. She felt you could be extravagant with your money not someone elses. Interesting...

Tax Days and Sundays Always Make Me Cry

Forgive me bloggers, it has been 5 days since my last post. I did not attend Mass to day. I worked on my taxes and mailed them (YES, I typically mail on the 15th.) When I finished, Hershey and I went to the downstairs bedroom to look for return address labels to put on the mailing envelopes. The bedroom door is kept closed...it's just a habit, no particular reason. Hershey follows very closely where ever I go. He followed me in and out. We went to the garage to get into the car. I wanted to run to the post office in TO. I left the lights and TV on as I usually do when I run out at night...it throws the burglars off. When Hershey and I returned, I began to empty the dishwasher and prepare din-din. I heard a noise and knew that Sammy had followed us into the bedroom and I had accidentally shut him in. He was scratching at the door! I never saw him enter..he must have scooted under the bed. He is fine now. He needs to move faster to keep up with us. He spent the rest of the evening licking his paws and stayed very close to my side! Tomorrow is a busy day. I should have gone to work over the weekend but got caught up with bed and bathroom.

Here's my list for tomorrow:
replace 2 light bulbs in kitchen
slice up ham and freeze
turn soil and plant tomatoes and geraniums
throw away dead Sego palms
read book for Wednesday...READ BOOK FOR WEDNESDAY!!!!! eckkkkkkkk! It is the 18th already? I was supposed to read the Time Travelers wife for the book club. Wish me luck. Hershey had a great time at the park today. He chased birds and ran wild.

The Walk

Hershey and I took a walk tonight at about 7:10 PM. We only passed one small boy on a skateboard. I think everyone else was at home eating supper or, in my town...on vacation because it is spring break! We walked all the way over to the park and through it, then spied another dog, started barking then returned home. Not very exciting but exercise. I need to look into buying a cat stroller so that we can take Sammy with us on our walks. Sammy likes to go out in the evening into the back yard and tonight was no exception. He chased flying bug. Its entertaining for him but not my cup of tea. Hershey kept darting toward the door and then back to me...I knew something was up. I think Hershey was ready for Sammy to come indoors so that we could settle down for the evening. Hershey is a bossy guy when it comes to me and Sammy. He clearly feels in charge. I am trying to be the alpha dog as Cesar Milan says but I have no desire to be alpha in the evening after being alpha all day long at work. I love it when Hershey puts his head on my shoulder and cuddles or when Sammy insists on sitting on the computer which is on my lap so that he can be close to me. I know I'm number one with them! That is alpha enough for me. Off to wash my hair and get ready for tomorrow....ah retirement...when?

Easter Monday and we're making progress

I am tired and ache all over (physical therapy exercises for my back) but we went to the dog park after work anyway! Hershey sniffed many butts, pooped and peed. He seemed happy...it takes so little. Wish men were this uncomplicated, maybe I could find a nice guy to share my life! My big sister forced me to bake a ham for dinner and now I have 7 lbs to get rid of. I have to listen to her because she is my big sister (and I am afraid of her). She lives 2000 miles away. I am laughing hysterically over Two and a Half Men. It is a stitch... Off to bed!!!!!!!!

Easter Sunday

I'm going to spend the day sleeping because I know my human mom is going to church. When she trys to put on pantyhose I jump up on her and try to grab the dangling part! wow she really struggles to get them up! Whoa Nellie...not for me. I like my scarf and that's pretty much as far as it goes. Sammy won't wear anything. He's got a lot of fur though. she won't be gone long if its just church. I got a lion today...he's a stuffed toy just like I like...long legs and I can whip him around by the legs and shake real good. I'm the boss! Here we are...

Hershey and Gracie at the dog park.

Well, I said I was starting this blog to share my stories about Hershey a large (11.7 lbs) Silky Terrier of enormous spirit. Here goes. Hershey met a new friend to day...Gracie who is a calm and gentle Maltipoo that his aunt Sally was babysitting for a friend. Hershey goes nuts when he goes to Sally's house because he still thinks Buddy is there. Buddy passed away last June unexpectedly. Hershey loves Sally because she is so happy to see him and gives him treats. Hershey is a very social guy not like his human mom. Anyway, Hershey and Gracie went to the dog park. Aunt Sally had never been there and Hershey was anxious to show her the fun. Gracie took it all in stride. Hershey met some long haired Dachshunds who were digging holes near a trash can. Turns out they were after a field mouse that was under the can. Hershey, the little ratter! was not the most tenacious dog which surprised me because he always seems to be rodent trolling. Anyway Hershey and Gracie has a nice time. The wind was blowing and we left early. Go exercise! I thought Hershey would rest when he got back home but he and Sammy went out into the back yard and found an injured Humming bird (slightly missing tail). They were batting it around until I called them in. I have no stomach for cats eating birds. Hershey wore his Easter scarf today. He doesn't know it but I bought him a lion to drag around for Easter. I will add the photos tomorrow. I am too tired to do it tonight. Sweet dreams all.

Bought Pants Recently

and was I amazed at the fit or rather the lack of. I am not petite and definitely over the hill but I have always had a flat behind resulting in pants being loose in the seat. Recently bought some new pants (Ladies Trousers!) from EB as they have tall sizes. Could not get them up over the keester. It wasn't because they weren't wide enough be because they didn't seem to come up far enough. Finally got them buttoned but was expecting a longer rise as they were tall. Went to Cheesecake Factory with my friend Jill (my niece's age) and she told me that they have been making pants as low riders for the last few years. Not everyone wants to walk around showing their belly button or underwear. Manufacturers are so nuts. There are other demographics out there shopping besides the 18 to 49 crowd. This problem is not limited to EB either. I bought Jones NY last June and noticed the same issue but to a lesser extent. Did you know that the average dress size of women today is 14? Did you know that size 10 is the new extra large? What's the fashion world coming too? Can't wait for things to change again....