Pendaisy's Dayz

Family Pictures From Long Ago

2011-08-15T20:13:00.004-04:00

We never really knew too much about my dad's (Bolton) side of the family. He never talked much about his family. His mom, Angeline "Duell" died when he was only nine, and his brother left home when he was still young, so it was only his sister, my Aunt Betty, that I ever met. My dad's father, Roy Bolton, died before I was born.

Recently my sisters and I have reconnected with my cousin Anna (Aunt Betty's daughter) and she, like me, is very interested in the Bolton family tree and she was actually able to connect with my Great Aunt Rose (Angeline's sister) many years ago, and A. Rose gave her some pictures that Anna has now shared with us.

I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see what my Grandma Angeline looked like! And my Grandpa Roy, and Great Grandpa Zeb Duell, and Great Grandma Anna Bolton. Here are a few that I'd like to share....

This one is my favorite. That's my dad, Richard Bolton, on the left, then my Aunt Betty in the center and Uncle Sonny on the right

This is Grandma Angeline when she was young, by their house is Shelburne Vermont. Now I know where my dad got his nose!

Angeline and her sister Rose. This was taken in 1926, a year before my dad was born.

Grandma Angeline holding A. Betty, Grandpa Roy holding my dad, and U. Sonny standing

Angeline's dad, my great grandpa Zeb after his wife Agnes died. Standing in the back is Louise, and on his lap is Priscilla and Louis. What a handsome man Zeb was.

Grandpa Roy's mom, Anna Tracy Bolton

RIP Bruce

2011-02-12T20:50:00.004-05:00

My ex-BIL, Bruce Delorme, passed away unexpectedly on Monday. He was only 55 years old. He was the father of my nieces Judy and Autumn, and my nephew Matt, and grandfather to their kids. He was a huge part of their lives; there for every school event, every birthday, every holiday, and whenever any of them needed him. He was full of life and always smiling and laughing. An infectious laugh that I will always remember. Rest in peace, Bruce. You will be greatly missed by many....

Mine, All Mine!

2010-12-30T05:42:00.003-05:00

Raeka had a blast with all the new stuffies that she, Sherman and Kate got for Christmas. As they were opened she would snatch them out of my hand and gather them all in front of her. After she had properly squeaked each one, she let the other dogs play with them too, ha ha ha. Such a silly girl.

The Christmas Card Photo Shoot

2010-12-19T20:47:00.003-05:00

It took me many tries to get all of the dogs looking at me at the same time, so after a number of failed attempts I had my niece, Dani, take pics with me in them to see if that would help settle them down. NOT!

Here are a few of our bad shots. Some were only bad because of bad lighting (Kate in the bright sun, bleaching her almost out of the shot).

One of the better shots, although Kate's tongue is out ;)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! Especially you, Noah, lol!

Remembering my Darling Daisy Mae

2010-04-25T08:39:00.003-04:00

Today is Daisy's birthday and though she's been gone for four and a half years, I still miss her more than I can put into words. Yesterday I tried to return her letterbox to it's hiding place on the Colchester Causeway after taking it home for the winter to freshen it up and put it in a new, better box, but some guy was fishing and then sunbathing on "that" rock of all the thousands down there. Needless to say, I didn't leave it and am hoping the rain holds off so I can get it down there today.

Daisy on the Colchester Causeway

Daisy slept with this bunny every night and gave it a bath every morning

Daisy Mae was an exceptional girl. She made every day worth getting up for. She was full of fun and enjoyed whatever life threw at her. Her love and companionship made me a better person and when she passed away she took a huge part of my heart with her. I didn't think I'd be able to live a full life after that, but of course I did, and am, and have opened my heart to other dogs who I love to death. Daisy was just....special - some how, more than others. She was my heart dog and I miss her greatly.

I love you sweet pea.......

Until we meet again......

Remembering Olivia Rose

2009-10-27T18:27:00.002-04:00

My darling little 14 month old girl that I lost four years ago today. She was so young, and had only begun to live. It's so unfair that her life was so short. I was truly blessed to have her in my life, even if it was only for a short nine months. She was the sweetest little being.

Fly with those angel wings of yours and have a ball, sweet Livia. Until we are together once again....

Plant Identification?

2009-10-04T06:54:00.003-04:00

We have two mystery plants growing in our yard this year that we've never had before. The first one is growing in the dirt by the gutter and by the cinder blocks about 8 feet way, but no place else in the yard at all. There are clusters of berries that start out green and turn a deep purple. Any idea what it is? Is it or the berries poisonous? Raeka likes to eat the grass around this plant, so if it's not safe, I'm going to yank it up!

The second one is growing all around the shed. Never did before this year. It's really pretty actually, and sort of delicately bushy.

I have no idea why all of a sudden we have these two new additions to the yard. Maybe all the rain we had early in the summer that lasted a month!

RIP Sweet Lulu

2009-09-29T16:44:00.003-04:00

My sweet little Lulu passed away during the night last night. She showed no sign of illness, but was close to two years old from what I could figure, so maybe it was just her time. She and I have been through a lot together over the past few months. I will miss her darling little face, her charming antics, her gentle ways, her sweet personality. Goodbye my dear little one....I miss you already.

Pnigel

2009-07-17T20:47:00.002-04:00

My little rat boys are four months old now and they are growing like weeds! Pnigel continues to be the smart, adventurous, friendly one, while Simon is more reserved, shy, and I hate to say it, but simple minded. I love him just the same, but he's not the sharpest little guy. Pnigel loves to have me pet him and will even leave one of his favorite special foods, spaghetti, to come and say "hi". Look at his sweet little face and the tomato sauce on his hands. Doesn't he look as if he's about to say something?

Melissa's Fur Kids

2009-06-24T20:05:00.004-04:00

My sister Melissa is in Boston, 220 miles away, healing from bilateral hip replacements for congenital high dislocated hips. They were very complicated surgeries, much more so than a regular hip replacement, so she will be there for another week or so. In the meantime, here at home she has many pets that are missing her something awful. I thought I'd share some of them with you.

First there's Lindsey. She and her brother Howie are Manx. She is tiny and reminds me of a little fawn. She is very attached to Melissa, but is doing surprisingly well with her gone.

Here's her brother Howie, a silver tabby Manx, with Gracie, one of the skittish gray kitties.

Here are some of the boys. The black one is Guido, the gray one up in the back is Stormy Sky, and then there's Howie again, and Grace in the front.

Another of sweet Guido, who suffers from hyperthyroidism and kidney failure. Not a good combination :(

Here's sweet old Maggie Lou, beagle girl. She's missing her mommy terribly.

And lastly is Gabby Blue, a Siberian husky. She's a crazy nut!

I'm missing a couple. Lucky, Storm's brother, and Hunter, the newest member of the family. She was hit by a car and Melissa found her and rushed her to the vet. No one claimed her, so she lives here now. She's a long haired black kitty missing part of one ear to frostbite and a tail like an enormous feather duster. I'll share their pictures as soon as I get some on my digital camera.

How I Spent My Saturday

2009-06-20T13:28:00.005-04:00

I've been on an email list called Canine-L since 1998. It is the best group of people you could ever hope to meet. I've had the opportunity to meet some of them in person and it nevers fails to amaze me how comfortable it is talking to someone you've just met, but that's how it always is.

Each year or so, we have a t-shirt design contest and the winning design is put on shirts and accessories, with any proceeds going to our COMFY fund. A fund that helps people who may need support financially for their sick dog. This year, 103 items were ordered, ranging from t-shirts, long sleeved tees, sweatshirts and hoodies, tote bags and aprons. They came out great!

I've been the one that has taken care of the organizing, printing, sorting, packing and shipping of the shirts for the past several years, with the help of another Canine-L friend, Andrea, that puts together the website for voting and ordering. It appears that this will be the last time we organize this project as it's been decided to use Cafe Press going forward, but I would like to say that it's been an honor to be a part of this fund raiser each year and I hope it has helped pay back in some small way for when I needed the help from the COMFY myself.

37 packages waiting to be mailed

Phoebe helping me out

Birds and Buds

2009-06-11T19:08:00.003-04:00

I found this nest out under the pine tree today. It was laying upside down with the strangest appendage protruding from it. Can you tell what it is? Look closely......

It's a dryer sheet! This mama bird wanted fresh smelling, no static babies, apparantly.

I walked out to the backyard and found that the peonies are getting ready to burst from their buds. The buds are huge this year! I heard on a gardening show that to get larger blossoms you should pluck off the smaller buds that grow around the sides. These buds are almost the size of ping pong balls. I can't wait until they open. My sister is in the hospital in Boston MA (we're in Vermont), so as soon as they open I will bring some down to her so she can enjoy them during her stay in rehab. She had one total hip replacement on Monday, June 8th, and the other will be done on Monday, June 22nd. I'll save that story for another time.

And, tell me, why do people dislike dandelions? I love them. They are gorgeous and cheery when they bloom, and even when they turn to fluffy, seedy heads they make me smile.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2009-06-01T20:16:00.002-04:00

Mom's been gone for three months now, and today would have been her 78th birthday.

I love you, Mom. Happy Birthday....

Richard Henry Bolton - June 30, 1927 ~ May 27, 2005

2009-05-27T05:43:00.000-04:00

Love you, Dad....

Happy Gotcha Day, Pheebs!

2009-05-26T20:36:00.004-04:00

Six years ago today I was visiting my friend Amy in Maine and we went to a friend of hers that did cat rescue, and I adopted Phoebe Jane (then known as Sophia). She was a frightened little kitty back then, but is now a big, lovely, snuggly girl. I'm so blessed to have her in my life.

Phoebe and Raeka really adore each other. My two little black and white girls.

Happy Gotcha Day, Pheebs :)

I Hope You Were Waiting for Another Rat Fix!

2009-05-13T19:41:00.005-04:00

Pnigel and Simon are eight and a half weeks old now and are just the most adorable little ratties ever! I have been handling them daily, and Pnigel is really coming around. He seems to enjoy walking on me and sitting on my shoulder. Simon is a little nervous norman and I have to chase him around in the cage to even catch him and then when I hold him I can feel his entire little body shaking. I will continue to work with him and I'm sure with time he will learn that it is safe to be outside his cage.

Here is Pnigel walking around on me. Notice how color coordinated we are with his little pink feet and my pink shirt!

He looks so much bigger in these pictures than he does in his cage. Such a handsome little man, isn't he?

Here is Simon. He's too nervous to walk around on me and I have to hold on to him so he doesn't just take a flying leap off into mid air. Isn't he the cutest boy ever?

And I have to share this sweet picture of Miss Lulu. She was sleeping in her hammock and in the perfect position for a picture, so I couldn't resist. I woke her up with the cage door, but she still didn't move so I was able to get some sleepy pics of her. She is so cute...

Lastly, here are just some cute pics of the boys. I apologize for the blurriness. I guess I was too close. Pnigel greets me at the door everytime I open it, usually from the hammock.

Simon enjoying a yummy pea.

That's it for this weeks edition of Raising Ratties :)

New Babies

2009-05-07T07:21:00.005-04:00

Let me introduce you to Pnigel and Simon. My new babies. They were seven weeks and one day old when I drove to Woodsville NH to pick them up on Sunday.

Pnigel is creme colored with a white belly. He is a little wild man! He's also very friendly and curious about everything. I came close to calling him Spidey for Spiderman for the way he jumps onto the bars and runs along sideways.

Pnigel had a bit of mycoplasma when he arrived but his eyes and nose have since cleared up since getting him out of the pine bedding they were in and starting them on grapefruit seed extract in their water.

Simon is more reserved, but has started to come to see me when I open the cage door instead of hiding in the corner.

Isn't he just huggably, squeezably adorable?

I put a hammock in their cage and it only took them minutes to figure out what it was for. They sleep in it all the time. They have yet to discover that there is a pocket for them to climb into. I'm sure it's only a matter of time.

Sweet Daisy Mae

2009-04-25T09:06:00.003-04:00

April 25, 1992. My darling Daisy Mae was born. It was to be the luckiest day of my life because she became my special girl. My heart and soul. My heart dog. There will never be another one like her and my heart still aches from missing her. It's hard to believe that she has been gone for four years now.

I love you, my sweetheart. And I miss you so....

Remembering Tiffany...

2009-04-19T16:52:00.004-04:00

Tiffany ~ March 1, 1986 ~ April 19, 2002

My sweet little gray girl, Tiffany, passed away seven years ago today. I still miss her so much.

Tiffany came into my life when she was only eight weeks old and stayed until she was 16. She lost her battle with chronic renal failure just a month and a half after her 16th birthday.

Tiffany had fur as soft as rabbit fur. She was blue as a kitten with faint stripes. As she grew she became a lovely shade of grey with little tufts on the very tip of her ears. She also had a few extra toes on her front paws.

Tiff was never much of a lap kitty except with my father. She just loved him to death. She would stand with her back feet on the arm of his chair and just knead on his belly and purr with her eyes closed. She also had a fond attachment to one of my night shirts and I ended up cutting it into two pieces for her so she could hold it in her mouth and knead on it with a look of euphoria on her face.

Tiffany was diagnosed with CRF and it was already to the point that there wasn't much we could do but to keep her comfortable for as long as possible. I learned how to do sub-q fluids at home and had to give them to her every 2-3 days. Keeping her eating was one of the hardest things to do so her vet recommended a steroid to help with her appetite and it helped a lot. She also became anemic and when she got down to a certain number we intended to try her on injections that would help her make more blood cells, but she never quite got to that point. When she got down to under 5 lbs and just seemed like she was having more bad days than good, I chose to let her go. She was the sweetest girl ever....

I took this picture right before taking her to the vet's that last day. Such a love...

Birthday Calculator

2009-04-11T18:28:00.004-04:00

Sent to me by my sister, Cindy. http://www.paulsadowski.com/BirthData.asp

Here's what it says about my birthday:

21 January 1960

Your date of conception was on or about 30 April 1959 which was a Thursday.

You were born on a Thursday under the astrological sign Aquarius.
Your Life path number is 11.
Your fortune cookie reads: If your desires are not extravagant they will be granted.
Life Path Compatibility: You are most compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 2, 4, 8, 11 & 22.
You should get along well with those with the Life Path numbers 3 & 6.
You may or may not get along well with those with the Life Path number 9.
You are least compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 1, 5 & 7.
The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2436954.5.
The golden number for 1960 is 4.
The epact number for 1960 is 2.
The year 1960 was a leap year.
Your birthday falls into the Chinese year beginning 2/8/1959 and ending 1/27/1960. You were born in the Chinese year of the Pig.

Your Native American Zodiac sign is Otter; your plant is Fern.

You were born in the Egyptian month of Famenoth, the third month of the season of Poret (Emergence - Fertile soil).

Your date of birth on the Hebrew calendar is 21 Tevet 5720.Or if you were born after sundown then the date is 22 Tevet 5720.

The Mayan Calendar long count date of your birthday is 12.17.6.5.10, which is 12 baktun 17 katun 6 tun 5 uinal 10 kin
The Hijra (Islamic Calendar) date of your birth is Thursday, 22 Rajab 1379 (1379-7-22).

The date of Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 17 April 1960.
The date of Orthodox Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 17 April 1960.
The date of Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) on your birth year was Wednesday 2 March 1960.
The date of Whitsun (Pentecost Sunday) in the year of your birth was Sunday 5 June 1960.
The date of Whisuntide in the year of your birth was Sunday 12 June 1960.
The date of Rosh Hashanah in the year of your birth was Thursday, 22 September 1960.
The date of Passover in the year of your birth was Tuesday, 12 April 1960.
The date of Mardi Gras on your birth year was Tuesday 1 March 1960.

As of 4/11/2009 6:15:05 PM EDTYou are 49 years old.
You are 591 months old.You are 2,568 weeks old.
You are 17,978 days old.
You are 431,490 hours old.
You are 25,889,415 minutes old.
You are 1,553,364,905 seconds old.

Celebrities who share your birthday:
Izabella Miko (1981)
Emma Lee Bunton (1976)
Hakeem Olajuwon (1963)
Robby Benson (1956)
Geena Davis (1956)
Jill Eikenberry (1947)
Mac Davis (1942)
Placido Domingo (1941)
Jack Nicklaus (1940)
Wolfman Jack (1939)
Benny Hill (1925)
Telly Savalas (1924)
Paul Scofield (1922)
Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson (1824)

Top songs of 1960
Theme from A Summer Place- Percy Faith
Are You Lonesome Tonight? by Elvis Presley
It's Now Or Never by Elvis Presley
Cathy's Clown by Everly Brothers
Stuck On You by Elvis Presley
Running Bear by Johnny Preston
Save the Last Dance for Me by Drifters
Teen Angel by Mark Dinning
My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own by Connie Francis

Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 7.03639921722113 years old. (You're still chasing cats!)

Your lucky day is Saturday.
Your lucky number is 4 & 8.
Your ruling planet(s) is Saturn & Uranus.
Your lucky dates are 1st, 10th, 19th, 28th.
Your opposition sign is Leo.
Your opposition number(s) is 1.
Today is one of your lucky days!

There are 285 days till your next birthday on which your cake will have 50 candles.
Those 50 candles produce 50 BTUs,or 12,600 calories of heat (that's only 12.6000 food Calories!) .
You can boil 5.71 US ounces of water with that many candles.

In 1960 there were approximately 4.2 million births in the US.
In 1960 the US population was approximately 179,323,175 people, 50.6 persons per square mile.
In 1960 in the US there were approximately 1,523,000 marriages (8.5%) and 393,000 divorces (2.2%)
In 1960 in the US there were approximately 1,712,000 deaths (9.5 per 1000)
In the US a new person is born approximately every 8 seconds.In the US one person dies approximately every 12 seconds.

In 1960 the population of Australia was approximately 10,391,920.
In 1960 there were approximately 230,326 births in Australia.
In 1960 in Australia there were approximately 75,428 marriages and 6,633 divorces.
In 1960 in Australia there were approximately 88,464 deaths.

Your birth flower is CARNATION
Your birthstone is Garnet -->The Mystical properties of Garnet
Garnet is used as a power stone

Some lists consider these stones to be your birthstone. (Birthstone lists come from Jewelers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources)
Emerald, Rose Quartz

Your birth tree is Elm Tree, the noble-mindedness
Pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, tends to a know-all-attitude and making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humour, practical.

There are 258 days till Christmas 2009!
There are 271 days till Orthodox Christmas!
The moon's phase on the day you wereborn was in its last quarter.

My Black and White Girls

2009-04-06T19:12:00.003-04:00

I was just sitting here and noticed Phoebe and Raeka laying together on the floor and thought how nice they looked together. Both black and white, both sweet and lovable, both of them friends and companions. Then, out of the corner of my eye, Lulu is trying to get my attention for her evening chat and treats. My three sweet black and white girls.

Phoebe and Raeka, with eyes glowing!

Sweet, sleepy Pheebs

Adorable, sleepy Lulu

Lulu, enjoying yummy peas. I'm happy to say that she seems

to be doing well since her sister died on March 25th. I was afraid

she would be lonely and get sick, but she's eating well and seems

happy and healthy.

Goodbye Little One

2009-03-29T12:26:00.004-04:00

My darling little Poppy passed away on Wednesday, March 25th. She seemed fine on Sunday afternoon when I cleaned their cage, and she ate some baby food and peas Sunday night, but on Monday morning she had collapsed and she never recovered. I will miss her sweet little face and her adorable antics. She was a bar-chewer, so it has been quite quiet here in the evenings without her grinding away on the metal bars. I only wish that in the time she was here she had learned to trust me enough to be able to let me hold her and especially to console her in her final hours.

Thank you for giving me the chance to get to know you, Poppy. I sure miss you, my little sweetheart. I will take good care of your sister, Lulu, until you are together once again.

A Heck of a Two Weeks!

2009-03-12T19:01:00.011-04:00

As some of you know, my mom passed away early the morning of February 24th. We were able to take care of her at home until the end, which was what we all hoped to do. That is mostly thanks to my sister, Melissa, who quit her job to stay home and make Mom her priority. The last week was very rough. The hospice nurse thinks she had some mini strokes and she started to become combative and refused to take her medicine. She also started fighting to get out of her hospital bed because she was convinced that she could walk even though she's been bound to a wheelchair for years. The last few days she was in a coma and she passed quietly in her sleep.

This was taken on Christmas. She was so happy that day.

Mom is looking at Melissa, then Cherry is behind her, Cindy is top right,

and I'm lower right.

We are trying to learn how to go through life without her, but each day is still a struggle. Some days are worse than others.

Then, that Friday, my little grand nephew, Kai, ended up in the hospital with pneumonia that went from bad to worse. Over this past weekend they found out that his lung had collapsed and when they did a CT scan they found that he had 30 to 40 pockets of thick infection that would have to be scraped out. On Tuesday they did surgery. He lost a lot of blood and had to have a transfusion, and they ended up having to remove part of his lung because the infection had killed some of the tissue where the lobes meet. They said to expect him to run a fever for a few days, and they intended to keep him sedated because of all the chest tubes, catheter, and oxygen tube. He woke up and ate a little on Thursday and was well enough to go home on Sunday, March 15th.

This is the 19th and he is doing well. He saw the doctor on Tuesday and he said that Kai's pneumonia is resolving and that his lung sounds good. Poor little sweetheart went through so much and we were afraid we were going to lose him for awhile there.

Kai in the hospital before he took a turn for the worse. Such gorgeous eyes.

The Many Faces of Sherman

2009-02-06T20:39:00.005-05:00

I hope you aren't tired of seeing my silly boy, Sherman. He is such a clown. He just makes me smile whenever I look at his darling face.

My brother-in-law was visiting and Sherman was right in his glory sitting on his lap

Laying on my lap and acting silly. Making noises and nipping playfully at my hand.

Looking so sad...

The innocent look. I just reprimanded Sherman and Raeka for wrestling on the futon because he is recovering from a back injury. "Who us?"

Forget the laptop, I need some lap time!

2009-01-19T07:23:00.003-05:00

My darling Sherman, who is very unhappy that I am playing a game on my new laptop rather than put it away so he can have some lap time. He will climb right on top of my computer if given the chance.

A few silly pics of my furkids

2009-01-08T20:45:00.003-05:00

Sherman was sleeping and his normally floppy ear was standing straight up like a French Bulldog! The camera woke him up.
He recently injured his back and after a few days of medication, I was happy to find him sleeping in his favorite position again. He seems to have a strange bed partner, doesn't he?

Darling little Lulu has decided that the huge amount of money I've spent on store-bought hammocks was completely wasted. She finally decided that she liked my little makeshift fleece hammock that is crudely cut and simply tied to the bars.

Raeka, pretending that she doesn't see the evil camera that may reach out and grab her or something. She just hates the camera!

Meet Moriah Ann

2009-01-06T20:07:00.004-05:00

My new grand niece. She is my nephew Brian's baby girl. Brian and Crystal are very proud of their little sweetheart. She's a beautiful baby, as you can see :)

Christmas day, all bundled up

She loves her daddy!

My nephew Brian introducing my mom to her new great grandbaby

The proud great grandma

Crystal, Brian and Moriah

Sweet little face

Moriah with Aunt Melissa (or Mimi as all the other kids call her)

Moriah with Aunt Cindy

And with me....

Little Rat Hands

2008-12-16T20:33:00.003-05:00

I am fascinated by Lulu and Poppy's little hands. They are just amazing. Those little fingers and the teeny tiny little fingernails are just so cute. I love to watch Lulu especially. She is the little housekeeper. She is always pushing dirty newspaper or litter out of the cage. She sometimes has problems trying to fit the strips of newspaper out through the bars, but she meticulously piles them up at the front of the cage and pats them with her dainty little hands trying to get them through the bars. What darling little creatures they are...

There's an Empty Spot on the Couch Today

2008-11-15T10:31:00.004-05:00

We lost an incredible little cat yesterday to kidney failure. She was my sister's cat, really, but since we lived next door to each other for years before purchasing a house together three years ago, she feels as much a part of my furry family as hers.

Dear Tigger was a brown tabby with a heart of gold. She was given to my sister by my niece who felt she was too "needy". She just wanted some attention and she demanded it whenever she felt the need to be pet. She was one of those cats that when you reached down to pet her she met you half way by lifting her front end off the floor to push her head into your hand.

Tigger on the back, with Lindsey in the seat and her brother Howie on the floor. Howie and Lindsey are Manx.

Tigger was just all around perfect. She has accepted every other cat that Melissa has taken in over the years, and she treated each one in the same motherly way. Holding them down and giving baths whether they liked it or not!

Tigger had just given Lindsey a bath who was ready to leave now

Tigger was only diagnosed with CRF (chronic renal failure) a little over a week ago, but up until then, other than losing a little weight, she really didn't show any indication that she was sick. She was attacked almost a month ago by the family's Siberian Husky and suffered an abcess on her face. She recovered quickly with antibiotics, but then just never quite seemed right after. We thought that maybe she still had a bit of infection and needed a longer course of antibiotics when I brought her back for a recheck. Bloodwork revealed the ugly truth. CRF so advanced that it was only a matter of days before she would lose her battle. Sure enough, a week later, she stopped eating and drinking and just looked miserable.

She headbutted everyone she encountered at the vet's yesterday, and purred right up until her last breath. She was a special little being who will be sorely missed around here, and her spot on the back of the couch is looking mighty empty....

Just this past Monday

Brave Little Girls

2008-11-04T06:46:00.007-05:00

Say hello to Lulu

Lulu and Poppy have been here for two and a half months and though they are still very frightened of me, they have become brave enough to venture out of their cage into the playpen that I made for them. They are very skittish, even though they've been in a number of times now, but I'm hoping with time they will learn that nothing is going to hurt them.

I put their small travel cage in the playpen as a safety zone if they wanted to go in it. They both went in and then decided to venture back out and I caught this adorable picture of them hanging off the edge.

Lulu's primary mission when she's in the playpen is to find a way to jump out. If there is anything in there for her to stand on, she backs up to get a running start and I have to stop her from jumping, the little stinker! I need to make something higher so she can run around longer without me worrying about her escaping.

Hey, Poppy, do you see any way out?

I don't see any openings over here, Lulu.

A few weeks ago, I bought them a soft, cuddly bird bed that is lined with fluffy pink material. Lulu was the first to try to get into it, but her butt was too big. I had to take it out and enlarge the hole so she could fit. The first night it was in there the girls "modified" it to include a large hole in the back corner and removed some fluff to get it just right. Now it's their favorite sleeping place and there's always one or the other in it. I really need to pick up a few more because it won't be long before it has to be replaced. They have a beautiful hammock in the cage too, but Lulu has only been in it once and Poppy will only get in it if I put treats in it, and that's only long enough to grab and run! LOL!

Lulu in the bed before renovations

Poppy after renovations have started

Sweet little Poppy

Adorable little Lulu, who bit me right before I took this photo!

Remembering My Sweet Olivia Rose

2008-10-27T18:31:00.005-04:00

Three years ago today I lost darling little Livi at the tender age of only 14 months. I got her as a birthday gift to myself on January 22, 2005. She was a little rescue girl from Puerto Rico. She was five months old when I got her.

The picture that captured my heart on Petfinder

Look at that adorable face!

Sherman and Olivia

Olivia went to work with me every day. She was very frightened of men, but she loved women and went gaga over children. I was thrilled to finally have a dog that liked kids! She became well known at the Champlain Mill where our physical therapy clinic was, and most people knew her by name. I often took her down to the little cafe and leashed her to a post right outside the door (just a few feet from me, but she wasn't allowed in where the food was) and everyone stopped to see her and comment on how beautiful she was. She had gorgeous spots of brindle. Half of her face was white with white eyelashes, and the other was brindle with dark eyelashes. She was very unique in many ways.

Growing more beautiful every day

One day in mid October, Livi started circling and it became more and more prevalent each day. Then it became a frantic circling that she couldn't stop. She also started losing control of her right side and the vet thought she was blind on the right side. My vet referred her to a neurologist in NH for a CT scan, but before I even made the trip with her, she lost ground so quickly that I decided to let her go when she started having seizures. It was only two weeks from the start of her symptoms until I had to let her go. My vet said that with the seizure activity, he was pretty confident that it was a brain tumor.

This was taken only days before she started seizing. Her front legs are splayed out because she was having problems with motor control.

Blind in the right eye, from what we could tell

It still makes me teary to think of my sweet girl dying at such a young age. I took her loss very hard. My vet made me feel better by saying that maybe I was just meant to love her for the short time she had and that at least she didn't die a horrible death on the streets of Puerto Rico.

I love this picture of her smiling

I was very lucky to have her, even though it was for such a short period. I will never forget her love for life, her loving personality, her adorable face....

Happy Birthday / Gotcha Day, Sherman!

2008-10-19T09:07:00.008-04:00

Six years ago today Sherman made his way to Vermont via a relay of many wonderful people. I was to drive to Addison Vermont to pick him up for his last leg to his forever home. My home. Little did I know then how lucky I was to have this little being join my family.

Sherman was found as a stray, so we don't really know his actual birthdate, but my vet estimated him as 18 months to two years of age when I got him, so I decided to use his gotcha day as his birthday. I can hardly believe he's eight! He doesn't act it, or look it, or feel it from what I can tell. He and Raeka play and wrestle and run and run and run together. He does have pretty bad arthritis in his little elbows and wrists, but as long as I don't let him jump off the bed, he's fine.

Sherman dressed for Halloween

Sherman is a love. He accepts every living creature that has joined our family since his arrival. Phoebe and Flower, the cats, Olivia, my darling little Puerto Rican rescue dog that we only had in our lives for nine short months before losing her to a brain tumor, and Raeka, who joined us after Olivia died. Another little girl from Puerto Rico. Sherman grieved for weeks and weeks after Daisy died, and again after Livia died. Hopefully, he will never have to suffer such a loss again in his lifetime.

Sherman and Daisy Mae

Sherman and Olivia

Sherman and Raeka

Sherman is challenging in the grooming department. His only fault, really. He will have nothing to do with nail trimming, or the grooming he needs when his coat grows long. Every six months I end up taking him to the vet's where they anesthetize him and monitor him while I trim his nails, shave his coat short, and do anything else that needs to be done. Other than that, he is such a joy. He's a big clown. He makes me laugh every day. He is a snuggler and a snorer, and a nut! I don't know what I'd do without him, and hopefully I won't find out for a very long time.

With his favorite toy, a pink bunny!

Looking for the perfect one

Happy Birthday, my little man. I'm so glad to have you as a part of my life.

A Beautiful Autumn Day

2008-10-18T20:27:00.006-04:00

We woke up to temps in the 20's this morning, frost covering everything, the sun shining brightly through the yellow and orange leaves that are left on the trees. Our backyard is surrounded by maple trees and this year they have been spectacular. Many of them are past peak, but it is still amazing to walk out into the backyard as the sun is coming up in the morning.

Our backyard

Guess it's time to put the chairs away

So many beautiful colors

Raeka enjoying the crisp fall day

Sherman, who thinks the piles of leaves are put there for him to pee on!

Daisy Mae April 25, 1992 - October 9, 2004

2008-10-09T17:25:00.006-04:00

Four years ago today, I lost my heart-dog, Daisy Mae. She was a Brittany mix that entered my life at the age of six weeks, and left me at the age of 12 and a half. She was the first puppy I'd ever raised and she taught me a ton.

Daisy loved to go for rides in the car, go for walks, and catch a frisbee in her younger days. She loved every living thing she ever met and knew no enemies. She was frightened of children, but would never harm one. She just chose to remove herself from the situation, or look at me with pleading eyes to remove the child, please.

At the Colchester Causeway. Her favorite place on earth, where I've place a letterbox in her memory.

I can't really put to words all that Dais meant to me, so I won't even try. I'll just share with you some of my favorite pictures and tell you that she was everything to me. My friend, my companion, my confidant, my heart and my soul....

Daisy slept with her bunny every night and gave it a bath every morning

Until we meet again, my sweet girl. I love you so....

Taken only six weeks before going to the Rainbow Bridge

Scrapbooking Retreat

2008-09-27T13:44:00.009-04:00

Last weekend I went to a scrapbooking retreat in Killington Vermont at the Mountain Meadows Lodge (http://www.mountainmeadowslodge.com/) and had a blast. The place is amazing. There is the lodge itself, which is a large barn, and then the farmhouse, which is where our room was. Oh, my sister, Cherry went with me and there were four other women, two that I'd met before and their family members that I just met. There were only six of us, but that just meant that we had more room to spread out (LOL)!

This is Bill, owner and cook at MML Our scrapbooking space. Note the big windows where we would often see Molly and her sheep go by.

The Lodge

The Farmhouse

When we pulled into the parking area we were met by Bill, the owner, who made us feel right at home. Then two goats and six sheep went walking by. The white, calico looking goat is Molly, and this is her herd of sheep. They follow her everywhere she goes. I didn't get the name of the little goat, but what a doll!

Molly

The little adorable one

A few of the sheep

There is also a Shetland Pony named Alex that is such a love. He wanders through the grounds and if you go outside to enjoy the beautiful grounds he his more than happy to join you for a walk and some scratches.Alex

Then there is sweet, lovely, adorable Alice. Alice is a Japanese Potbelly Pig. She also has run of the place and can most often be found over near the patio area, munching on the grass and sunbathing by the picnic tables.

I fell in love with Alice, and she seemed to like me too. She kind of grunted at some people, but not me. She came to me with her tail wagging and seemed very content to just lean on my leg and enjoy my pats, scratches, and conversation. I was actually very sad when I couldn't find her the morning I left. I didn't have a chance to say goodbye.

Alice coming to see me.

Alice and I

The Adirondack Trail goes right through the property and there's a little bench near the trail if hikers need to stop for a break. The owners of the lodge are very good to the hikers and give them a room and a meal for little of nothing.

1680 miles to Springer

The property also touches Lake Kent. It's a beautiful little lake, crystal clear, with lots of ducks that are always looking for some crumbs.

We were served marvelous meals and waited on hand and foot. It was an amazing and relaxing weekend. We are all planning on making it a tradition to meet every spring and fall there.

Lulu and Poppy

2008-09-17T18:35:00.005-04:00

I hope you're not tired of hearing about my two little rat girls. They have really grown on me and I just had to share how they're coming along.

Poppy and Lulu

They are still very shy and frightened of people, but at least when I picked them up to clean their cage this week Poppy didn't squeal as if I was killing her. She also didn't struggle as hard.

Lulu sleeping with her head on Poppy's back

Lulu is the little housekeeper. Every morning she does her best to push anything dirty out of the front of the cage. She picks up, pushes, kicks, and shoves strips of newspaper and wood chips out through the bars then pats at it with both hands. So adorable.

Lulu eating a white cheddar cheese doodle

Poppy is obsessed with newspaper strips. When I put in a new handful of newspaper she gets so excited. She will run up and down the ramps for over an hour until she has all of the strips up on the top shelf in a perfect little nest for them to sleep on. I don't just put them up there because she has to place them just right.

Poppy eating her cheese doodle in a house filled with her precious newspaper

They also have a blast playing the toilet paper rolls. Last night I watched Lulu try and try to figure out a way to lift one up and fit it into the opening in their grass ball. It was hysterical!

They love trying different kinds of food. It's as much fun for me to give it to them as it is for them to receive it. They just get so excited when I put new things in there. This morning they had some Special K with strawberries and it was a huge hit.

They come over to see me the second I step into the room and listen to me talk quietly to them. I think they really just want food, but it still makes me feel good. They have the most adorable little faces, don't they?

That's us. Cute. Adorable. Funny. Amazing little rat girls.

Rat-O-Vision

2008-09-07T17:41:00.003-04:00

Raeka, my little Puerto Rican dog, has been fascinated with the rat girls since they arrived two weeks ago. She stands on her hind feet and tucks her front feet tight to her chest, and balances there for 30 seconds or more. Well, that is until Lulu nipped her on the nose when she sniffed too closely. Then she was afraid to even come into the room. Luckily, she's finally summoned up enough courage to come back into the living room and watch the rats from a distance.

Phoebe, my cat, is also mesmerized by the ratties. She lays on the floor in front of their cage for hours when they are up and active.

Here are the girls eating some yummy egg whites. Lulu is the dark one and Poppy is the lighter, larger of the two.

Canine Friends

2008-09-04T19:32:00.003-04:00

Last week I went to visit a friend and was able to spend some time with her dogs and her room mates dogs. I'm only sorry that I didn't get a picture of Sarah, her wolfhound mix. She is an elderly girl that is so beautiful, gentle, and sweet. She kept walking towards me so I only got strange shots of parts of her face.

Let me introduce you to Michael. An adorable Yorkie that I'm sure can't weigh more than three pounds. He is a fetching fanatic. He squeaks his little toy and then drops it at your feet, waiting for you to throw it. What a hoot!

Then there's Radar. Very sweet. Looks like he definitely has chihuahua in him with those amazing ears!

Benjamin is a standard poodle rescue that came from a horrible life. It has taken him months and months to even start trusting Julie. Isn't he a handsome guy?

Darling little Lila is another rescue that came from a puppy mill where she had litter after litter of pups. When Julie got her she was still lactating. Don't know what became of the pups. She is the sweetest girl. I think she's Boston Terrier/Pug mix. She gives lots of kisses and is quick to roll over for a belly rub. She has many, many fears, poor little thing.

I just realized I didn't get a shot of Daisy either! Daisy is another rescue girl. I think she's a Westie mix. Very cute, very friendly. I'll have to make a point of getting pics of both Daisy and Sarah in the next few weeks so I can add them in.

Reverence in Vermont

2008-08-30T06:51:00.010-04:00

I've been on vacation this week so I took my great niece and nephew letterboxing again on Monday. We've been wanting to find the box planted by the Reverence sculpture by Jim Sardonis, or "whale tails" as everyone around here calls them, off interstate I-89 in South Burlington.

Any of you that know me are aware of my love for whales. I even have two whale tattoos! They are amazing creatures and we should feel honored to share our planet with them.

The sculpture is amazing! I only wish it was in my own backyard so I could enjoy it daily.

Morgan and Noah loved the tails!

It was a beautiful day, the sky was blue and littered with clouds.

For more information on Reverence, see http://www.sardonis.com/piece.php?id=1, or go to wikipedia and put in "Reverence" sculpture as a search.

Welcome little ones

2008-08-26T10:08:00.008-04:00

On Saturday, I drove to Penacook NH and adopted two rats. They were listed as males on Petfinder, but they turned out to be females. At least they were the same sex! They are very bonded and are so adorable together.

Eating spaghetti

They were named Spam and Hash, if you can believe it. They are now Lulu and Poppy. And they are quite the characters.

This is Lulu

And this is Poppy

New digs for the gals

I haven't had a rat since middle school, so you might as well say I'm completely new to the rat world. I'm taking it slow with them so they can learn to trust me.

Please help me in welcoming my two sweet girls.

Poor little whale!

2008-08-19T19:18:00.006-04:00

I broke my left ankle in December. Well, let me elaborate on that. I slipped while walking on ice down our steep driveway. My right foot slid forward, but my left was on solid ground and did not follow along. As my body went forward, my ankle disclocated, the end of my tibia broke off and the end punctured through the tissues on the inside of my ankle. It was the fibula fracture that was the worst. It broke at an angle. The only good thing was that when the puncture happened, my foot and ankle went completely numb for weeks!

I sat on the frozen, icy driveway for 45 minutes between waiting for the ambulance and then having them evaluate me and try to stablilize my ankle enough so my foot wasn't flopping side to side. I remember riding in the ambulance and not being able to stop shivering. Even as I warmed up my body kept trembling. I found out that I had a touch of shock. Once they got an IV in me at the ER and they gave me a little sedative, the trembling stopped. The doctors knoced me out, put everything back into place, then splinted me and sent me home. On our way out of the hospital, a woman came up to me that was in the next bed with her husband and told me how "cool" it was when they were working on me. She said I was talking right along and then all of a sudden I just stopped talking and she could hear all the bones snapping as they put everything back into place. I'm glad I added a little excitement to their visit!

Nine days later I had surgery to stablize the fibula. The tibia would heal on its own. There is a plate with six screws up along the bone, as well as one long screw to hold the bones together since I also tore all of the ligaments from the bone. Six weeks more of non-weight bearing, and then, finally, I was able to start walking on it. It came along pretty well until two months ago when I started having quite a bit of pain out of the blue, so back to the surgeon I went. Turns out I may have to have the hardware removed now, but first I'm going to try resting it a bit more and see if that helps.

If you look closely, you can see that the long screw has broken in the middle of my tibia. That's actually a good thing since it gives me more movement. The problem seems to be the lower one or two screws. They are the painful ones. It feels like someone has kicked me in the ankle bone most of the time.

Now, this brings me to the ugly scar bit. Dr. K had to cut directly through my Right Whale tattoo! If it looks like more surgery is imminent, I will have to live with it for now, but if surgery is not in my future, I will have to go and have my poor whale fixed up, if possible. Does anyone out there know if scar tissue is tattooable?

Sorry for the blurriness. I was trying to hold the camera at an angle and take the picture myself.

Funny Old Photos, Part 4, The Melissa Years

2008-08-15T20:08:00.004-04:00

In respecting Melissa's wishes, I've decided to only post a few pictures of her on my blog. She enjoyed the old ones of all of us as kids, but that's it. She'd rather I didn't put any more of her. I think she's afraid I would put embarrassing ones up; but I would never do that. I'm just going to share with you one of my favorite childhood pictures of her that was taken at the Granby Zoo in Canada.

Still, photos or no, I'd like to tell you a little about her.

Melissa is the "baby" of the family. She's two years younger than me, and we have always been very close. I remember my mom having to separate us when we were kids because we would giggle and giggle for hours and drive her crazy. I also remember my sister taking care of us and putting us in different rooms to take naps but we'd still hang off the bed so we could see each other and continue giggling.

Melissa and I used to play "house" all the time. We had dolls and would make a house out of blankets on the front porch. At one time, we had a wooden shed that was taken apart but left in large pieces, so we would make a house out of it by the fence and use the small plastic pool as our "well".

I should also tell you that she also had a mean streak in her! She even tripped me while I was running across the road trying to avoid being hit by a car, and I flew a few feet and landed on my hands in the gravel at the side of the road. The little stinker!

As adults we grew even closer. I was there when her daughter, Dani, was born. We lived side by side in a duplex for years and years, and now, we own a home together to share the care of our elderly and ill mother.

Melissa has survived breast cancer and all of the battles that it brings along with it. The surgery, chemo, and radiation. She is one of the strongest people I know and I love her more than words can say.

Melissa with husband, Bob, and daughter, Danielle

Funny Old Photos, Part 3, The Cherry Years

2008-08-01T16:11:00.004-04:00

Cherry, or Cheryl, pronounced with a "Ch" as in church, not a "Sh" as in sheet, is four years and 2 months older than I am. I think, um, yeah, pretty sure. She is the one that always went her own way and did her own thing, and got into trouble. Not bad trouble. Let's just say she marched to the beat of her own drummer.

When Cherry was young, she spent a lot of time in the Shriner's Hospital in Canada so they could try to fix her hips. Back then, they had no clue and she ended up worse than when she started. She's since had both replaced and is now overdue to have the first one done again.

In a cast from her waist to her toes.

Cherry has four grown kids and six grandkids. Judy is her oldest (see above in the photo of the four of us girls with Judy) and is the mother to Zachary, Morgan, Noah, and Kai. Next is Matthew, who has a little boy, Cody. Then is Autumn who's mom to Zander. And Cherry's youngest is Brian.

I think she's holding our cat, Midnight in this one

A school photo

At a hospital picnic where my mom worked. Look at that funky outfit!

Holding one of her grandkids right after they were born. I can't tell which one though!

This was taken just a few years ago on a letterboxing excursion. It's one of the last photos of my darling Daisy Mae who passed away just 2 or 3 weeks later. She sure looks happy in this photo though.

Cherry is my traveling companion. Any time I have to go any place out of town, I just call her and she never hesitates to say yes. She's been with me to a Canine-L gathering in CT that took us over 5 hours to drive each way in 100 degree weather. She's been to NH with me twice to pick up puppies that I adopted. We've driven up to Montreal to see the Body Worlds exhibit http://www.bodyworlds.com/en.html, which is fantastic if you ever have a chance to go. We also met up with a Canine-L friend and had a wonderful visit. We also spent a weekend at an animal communication seminar last year. In September, we are signed up for a scrapbooking retreat at the Mountain Meadows Lodge in Killington http://www.mountainmeadowslodge.com/. It's going to be so much fun! She's always up for an adventure as long as it doesn't involve a lot of walking, and we always have a great time together.

Lastly will be my youngest sister, Melissa, who is not thrilled about being on my blog, so I promised her I wouldn't put much on about her. I don't want to leave her out though, so stay tuned....

Funny Old Photos, Part 2, The Cindy Years

2008-07-28T19:22:00.005-04:00

Cindy is the oldest. Almost ten years older than me. She got married and moved out when I was only eight. You'd think that we wouldn't be very close because of our age difference and the fact that she left home when I was so young, but in fact, we are very close. We've even worked together for two different companies.

Mom and dad took quite a few pictures of Cindy when she was young. They must have had a camera then because there aren't very many of the rest of us when we were small. Of course, Cindy was an exceptionally beautiful child, so who could help but take a ton of pictures of her?

Here we go...

What an adorable face!

This is my favorite. I think she must be around two.

From the left: My cousin Helene, cousin Randy, cousin David, and sister Cindy

A school photo. I don't know her age, maybe 15 or 16?

Cindy with her husband, Jim, and my sister Cherry's wedding 25 years ago. I'm happy to say she no longer smokes. The wedding was in Cindy and Jim's backyard and it was beautiful!

I spoke with Cindy right before I started working on this post and I promised her that I wouldn't use the picture of her as a teenager leaning over a car with a bathing suit top on, squeezing her chest togther and trying to look like she has cleavage ;-)

I didn't promise her that I wouldn't share the story of her and my mom on the bus when she was little. Cindy was kneeling on the seat, looking out the window, and mom noticed she didn't have any underpants on!

I also remember Cindy and my sister Cherry having a mashed potato fight when they were teenagers.

All four of us are very close. We try to get together for lunch and a movie whenever possible and we always laugh and have a wonderful time. I'm lucky enough to share a house with my youngest sister and have the other two close by. In fact, Cindy is only about a mile and a half down the road from us.

I'll have to get a more recent picture to add in at a later date. I don't seem to have one on my laptop. Sorry about that...

Next will be Cherry, so stay tuned...

Funny Old Photos, Part 1, The Penny Years

2008-07-26T20:18:00.004-04:00

I've been going through a lot of old photos the past few days and found some that I thought it would be fun to share. I want to do a post for each of my sisters, since I found some great pics, but I thought I should start with myself before I embarrass each of them in turn ;-)

So, here we go!

Me at the age of two, with my sister Cherry, and my dad

Clockwise from back left, Cindy, Cherry, Melissa, and me at the age of 7

This one cracks me up. Look at those faces! My sister Cindy is the tall one in the back, then in front of her is Cherry, then my cousin Laura, beside her is Melissa, then my cousin Ricky, and behind him is me, and behind me is my Grandmother

Third grade school photo

Me with our neighbors' dog, Thimble. I think I was the only one to ever spend any time with this sweet girl. She was always chained in the yard.

Me at 22 or 23, I think

With Raeka and Sherman, December 2007

Now, to lead into my sisters, here are some of all of us. This is Mom, holding Melissa who looks to be about 2, making me 4, Cherry 9, and Cindy 13.

Oh my, look at my hair! Not to mention the scowl on my niece Judy's face. Priceless!

Stay tuned. Tomorrow I'll start with my oldest sister Cindy :)

Today's post is dedicated to....

2008-07-22T20:57:00.004-04:00

My cousin, Dan, who passed away three years ago today, and Flower, the cat I adopted two years ago today.

Let me start with my cousin, Daniel. He was my youngest cousin and had suffered for years from rheumatoid arthritis that was crippling to him. The medication he was taking helped him function, but ultimately took his life way too soon by destroying his t-cells. On July 22, 2005, he went to take a nap and never woke up. He was 40 years old.

I became especially close to Dan the last few years of his life. He lived quite a distance from me and it was an effort for him to get out at all, but we talked on the phone quite often. We laughed a lot. I think that's what I miss the most. His laughter. I actually talked to him the night before he passed away. We talked for close to an hour. He was talking about possibly adopting an elderly Pekingese since he finally felt like he "wasn't going to die anytime soon." I later found out that he also talked to my cousin Laura that night, and my aunt, his mom. I think he had a premonition. I'm so thankful for that last conversation with him.

Dan, if your spirit is around me at all, you know how much I love and miss you. Take care of my special girls for me until it's my time to join all of you, okay?

And now, for Flower's story. Two years ago, on July 21st, I was observing surgery at my vet's office as I often do, helping where and when I could, and noticed a cat in the cat room. I went over to see her and she purred and rubbed on the cage door. Before I left that day, I found out that she had been there for weeks and had lost a lot of weight. She needed a home and she was very old. Dr. Fitzgerald estimated her to be 14 or 15 years old. He asked me if I wanted to adopt her. I said "no". I had lost two dogs in a year and I was not ready to take on an elderly cat that could be on it's last legs. Besides, I already had a cat (Phoebe) and didn't want to take a chance that they wouldn't get along. He said that I could just take her on a trial basis, but I stuck to my guns and said no.

That night, I had a dream about her, and when I woke up the next morning, I couldn't get her off my mind. Then I remembered that it was the first anniversary of Dan's death, and what better way to honor him than to adopt this ancient kitty that he would have loved so much. Dan's own cats were like his children. Especially his Siamese, Nephi. So, off I went to find out more about her. Well, her kidney levels were a little off, and she weighed less than 5 lbs., but when I picked her up she purred and purred. Dr. Fitz said that he would cover her vet bills for as long as I had her and that if I'd give it a month and it didn't work out, he'd take her back. I came home and talked to my sister, Melissa, and asked what she thought. She said, "You have to take her. I'd be on my way back to get her right now." That's just what I did.

Flower is now a 12 lb., healthy, happy girl. I found out later that Dr. Fitz really thought he was just sending her to me for hospice care. He really didn't expect her to become as healthy as a horse and still be doing well two years later. She has just thrived on love.

We had our share of hard times at first, but I'm so glad that this little one entered my life when she did. She is the sweetest lap kitty you could ever hope to find.

Fun at the Dog Show

2008-07-13T15:53:00.004-04:00

My friend, Kapi, and I make a point of meeting at the Vermont Scenic Cluster Dog Show every year that is held over three days at the Champlain Valley Exposition http://cvexpo.org/. The show is only a few miles from my house, but Kapi has to drive close to two hours to get here. We see what we want at the show, which for the past two years has included watching the Rally competition, browse through the vendors, and then leave to have a nice lunch before she has to head back to Rutland. I always have a great time and love seeing all of the dogs that are on my list to someday share my life with.

This is Steven, the Peke. I usually get there ahead of Kapi so I can see the Pekes. This little guy is adorable, don't you think?

I brought my camera and got a few shots, but am amazed by some people that are there for confirmation and when you ask if they'd mind if I took a picture of their dog, they act downright put out or annoyed. Others are proud and gladly agree. Thank goodness for the friendly folks!

There were 10 dogs in a long down that were amazing (you can't see the Weimeraner that was over to the right). The owners put them in a stay then filed out of the building. The dogs never budged. I think it must have been a 5-minute stay.

I just had to get a shot of this sweet little German Shorthaired Pointer pup. Her face reminds me so much of Daisy Mae, especially when she was a puppy.

A couple of the many French Bulldogs. They are such little clowns!

Beautiful Leonbergers. I wanted to just scoop up that puppy and run :)

Caring Friends and Sweet Flowers

2008-07-10T19:52:00.005-04:00

I have a wonderful email friend in Australia who is one of the most thoughtful, caring people I know. Not only does she send me surprise packages now and then but she also emails me and inquires about mine and my family's life in general. She sincerely cares.

Yesterday, a package arrived from Heather for my mom who is dealing with a terminal illness. She was shocked when I handed the package to her to open. There were many special little trinkets, but her all time favorite was a beautiful knitted scarf that can be worn on the head as a kerchief of sorts, or around the neck. She tried it on both ways so I took a few pictures of her to send to Heather.

Heather, thank you again, from both me and my mom. You are a very special person and I'm fortunate to have you in my life. My wish is for us to meet face to face one day....

And now, for the flower portion....If you recall a month or so ago, I posted about my memorial garden. Well, the daisies that my vet gave me last year in memory of my sweet Daisy Mae, have finally started opening up. They are beautiful! I've always loved daisies, and these are very special not only because of where they came from but because of what they stand for.

Lastly, the miniature roses that I planted in memory of my darling Olivia Rose are also blooming.

Letterboxing

2008-07-02T19:32:00.007-04:00

I'm on vacation this week so today a friend and I took my great niece, Morgan, and my great nephew, Noah, letterboxing. They've been wanting to go the the Colchester Causeway and find the letterbox that I planted there in Daisy's memory. It's the "Daisy Love" letterbox.

Morgan and Noah at the entrance to the Colchester Causeway

The Colchester Causeway is an old rail bed built at the end of the 1890's for the Rutland Railroad, opening up transportation from Rutland Vermont north to Canada. For more about the causeway, please visit http://www.lavigneworld.com/rutland/story.html, or http://www.town.colchester.vt.us/historical/railroads.htm (great pictures on this one), or http://town.colchester.vt.us/recreation/causeway_park.htm. It's a beautiful stretch out into Lake Champlain.

This is Law Island, one of the landmarks I used in the clues for finding my letterbox

Morgan and Noah had a great time and were able to find my box by following the clues. I was helping them with the stamping and forgot to take pictures of them actually stamping their journals! Darn! I could kick myself!

Looking out onto beautiful Lake Champlain

We also tried to find another letterbox that is on the Causeway not far from mine, but try as we may, we could not find it. We'll try again in the fall when there isn't so much brush to wade through.

Morgan and Noah sitting on the rock that I always sat on with Daisy.

She and I could sit there and watch the lake forever...

Happy Birthday, Dad!

2008-06-30T15:00:00.004-04:00

Today would have been my father's 81st birthday. He passed away three years ago from esophogeal cancer. He and I got along really well and I miss him so much. He was never one for much adventure, but if I asked him to do something with me, he always said yes and he always seemed to have a good time.

Dad in his early 20s, while serving in the Marine Corps

I miss the sparkle in his eyes when he smiled, and the way he teased my mom. I even miss the way he used to crab about things behind my mother's back, swear, and stomp off to the bedroom.

Just a few years before he died. Just look at the mischief in those eyes :)

Dad seemed closer to me than my three sisters. Maybe because they didn't live there, but I think it's because we understood each other.

Happy Birthday, Dad. I love you so very much.

Tag! You're it!

2008-06-30T07:21:00.002-04:00

Angela tagged me, so here we go!

What was I doing 10 years ago?

Ten years ago, hmmm, I had just started working at a physical therapy clinic after a year of tech school and after losing my manufacturing job to China. I had just had or was about to have a hysterectomy. Mom was still walking (she's now wheelchair bound), and Dad was still spry (he's now been gone for 3 years and today is his birthday. Happy Birthday, Dad!).

Five snacks I enjoy:

(1) Hood Non-Fat Frozen Yogurt - Chocoloate of course
(2) Watermelon
(3) White cheddar popcorn
(4) Pepperidge Farm Orange Milano cookies
(5) My mom's homemade chocolate fudge

Five Things on My To-Do list today:

(1) Help my BIL fix some replace some rotten siding on the house.
(2) Build a new gate for the fence.
(3) Move some stuff around in the garage to put some shelving in place.
(4) Vacuum.
(5) Clip Raeka's nails (a major production!)
Can you tell I'm on vacation this week?

Five Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

(1) Quit my job and start some sort of dog related business.
(2) Get my ill mother around the clock, loving nursing care.
(3) Build a green as can be house in the country.
(4) Donate a ton to not only my local animal shelters, but to Second Chance Rescue in Puerto Rico where Raeka came from.
(5) Travel.

Five jobs I have had:

(1) Nanny
(2) Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist
(3) Shipping Clerk
(4) Airbrusher in a figurine factory (my favorite job ever!)
(5) Office manager in a physical therapy clinic

Five of my bad habits:

(1) Worrying
(2) Procrastinating
(3) Starting things and never finishing
(4) Spoiling my dogs (is that a bad thing?)
(5) Lack of willpower for losing weight

Five places I have lived: Sorry, only have three...

(1) Winooski, Vermont
(2) Burlington, Vermont
(3) Colchester, Vermont
(4)
(5)

Five people I would like to get to know better (yes, this means you are tagged!):

(1) Amy
(2) Lizz
(3) Ginny
(4) Susan
(5) Steph

Five Random Things:

(1) I need to get my butt moving and into the shower!
(2) My BIL and I are both on vacation this week.
(3) It's going to be another stinkin' humid day!
(4) Raeka is dreaming on the couch and woofing in her sleep.
(5) I have to go to Elm Hill Farm to pick up pickets for my gate.

Ants!

2008-06-28T10:06:00.003-04:00

I just went out to move my car into the road while my BIL mows so it won't get covered in grass clippings and as I was driving along the curb I saw what looked like spilled cola on the curbing. I got out of the car and saw that the "spill" was crawling. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a huge mass of ants! I ran back up the driveway to grab my camera as I've never seen anything like this before.

The pictures don't show how busy the mass is...

What do you think would cause such odd behavior? There is nothing spilled there from what I can see. They are acting kind of frantic, as if something has upset them.

Who can sleep with housemates like this?

2008-06-25T19:06:00.005-04:00

Two nights ago I went into the laundry room to get my nightgown out of the dryer and as I reached for it, I saw something large running down the wall out of the corner of my eye. A huge centipede! Now, we've had little centipedes since we moved into this house two and a half years ago, but I haven't really seen many over the last two years. It was mostly when we first moved in because the lower level of the house wasn't in use with the other folks.

I've been doing some research online to try to find out what kind it could be since I don't think we have that many kinds of centipedes in Vermont. From everything I could find, it appears it was most likely a house centipede, but all the literature says they grow to only about 1.5 inches in length and the one I saw was at least 3 inches long and I really think it was closer to 4! I scared it with the light and it weaved back and fourth down the wall trying to fit it's big long body into the crack around the water drainage pipe for the washing machine, but it wouldn't fit because it was so big! A good inch or more was left out. I knew I wouldn't sleep if I didn't do something about it, so I grabbed a can of ant and roach spray and saturated all around the pipe. Ewww, it wiggled it's way out of sight and I have no idea if it found a way out or died. All I know is, I haven't slept much the past two nights. I'm trying to make myself feel better by telling myself that everything I've read says that they are a good pest to have because they eat other pests like spiders and such, but they also bite!

I tried to find a picture to show you all and found a website called "What's That Bug" http://www.whatsthatbug.com/cent.html I couldn't find any copywrite warnings on this website at all, so I hope it's okay to post a picture of the little monster.

I still don't know if it was a house centipede because of the size, but I guess it's possible that one could grow bigger, right?

Here it is....

I think it really looked more like this one though...a tropical centipede

If anyone knows if these live in Vermont, I'd love to know.

Peony Perfection

2008-06-16T16:52:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, the white peony in my memorial garden finally burst open and just made my heart smile. I planted the peonies in memory of my Aunt Judy who just loved them. I can't think of anything that smells better than peonies. It's like heaven on a stem...

I'm afraid my joy was shortlived. We had a couple of torrential downpours today and I came home from work to find that it had bent the stem clear through. I was so saddened to see it. Now I will have to enjoy it for as long as possible from a vase.

My pink one is just starting to bust from the bud today, so hopefully it will have better luck than my beautiful white one, but the forecast is for rain all week, so I'll just have to cross my fingers and hope for the best. I hate to say it, but there is a major flaw in the peony plant. The flowers are just too big and heavy for those spindly little stems!

A Beautiful Day

2008-06-15T15:58:00.011-04:00

Today has been a picture perfect day. Humidity levels are down, the sun is shining even though we were supposed to have cloudy, rainy, stormy weather, and the temps are in the low 80's. Sherman and Raeka have been enjoying sunbathing in the back yard and coming in now and then for a drink then back out again. Raeka and I were even able to replace my letterbox (to learn more about letterboxing, visit http://www.letterboxing.org/) out on the Colchester Causeway and she was only nervous for the first quarter of a mile of our walk. She is very nervous in new places, riding in the car, and just being around people in general, so this was a big deal for her.

My sweet little Raeka

Darling Shermie

I was also able to put the decals on my new car today. I just love my new dogmobile and can't wait until my license plate frames arrive. Then it will be truly how I've pictured it in my mind. Now I realize that Sherman doesn't look like the Peke in the decal, but that's because he just had his summer haircut yesterday. He is really suffering in the heat and humidity this year. Already, he's cooler and breathing easier, which is a relief to both of us.

New Dogmobile

2008-06-08T17:08:00.006-04:00

For months I've been thinking about trading in my PT Cruiser for a higher vehicle because of our nightmarishly steep driveway. I had a couple of cars in mind to check out and at the top of my list was the Honda Element and the Kia Sportage.

I spent the entire day yesterday cleaning out, vacuuming, washing my old car, trying my best to remove at least some of the layers of dog hair in the back seat. Not an easy feat, let me tell you. Raeka's hair is less than an inch long and it's like tiny needles that embedded into the upholstery. My small canister vac smelled like it was burning up, so I had to haul the upright out into the driveway, and as if it wasn't hard enough to try to stretch the hose into the car and struggle with every single little hair, it was over 90 degrees yesterday and so humid you could hardly breathe!

It was all well worth it in the end. I'm now the proud owner of a 2008 Kia Sportage, in Volcano Red! I'm thrilled with it.

Pretty cute, don't you think? The dogs haven't had a chance to ride in it yet, but soon. Sherman will be thrilled. Raeka....not so much. She hates to ride, but maybe she won't feel so claustrophobic with the lighter interior and better visibility.

Lastly, I need to share a picture of my old gal, Flower. I bought this little cat bed hoping that either she or Pheebs would like it, and sure enough, Flower loves it! Isn't she the adorable?

Gardening, and..what is this and how do I get rid of it?

2008-06-01T19:00:00.010-04:00

My little memorial garden

My little memorial garden is coming along finally. My peonies have big buds this year. I'm so excited about that! Last year was the first year for them and all that came up were a few leaves that quickly turned brown and looked diseased. This year the plants are green and beautiful and the buds are growing larger every day. I can't wait until they open. I planted the peonies in memory of my Aunt Judy, who just loved them.

A growing peony bud

I also planted a miniature rose bush in memory of my pup, Olivia Rose, who passed away at the tender age of 14 months. Last year it had flowers all summer. This year it is full of leaves, but something is eating them. I'm going to have to spray it, apparantly, even though I hate pesticides. I also don't see any signs of buds yet. I'll just have to wait and see.

The daisies that my vet gave me in memory of my sweet Daisy Mae, are coming up great and looking healthy. I still haven't seen any buds, but I'm sure it's just a matter of time.

Daisy plants and the cat statue placed in memory of Ebony

Last but not least, the blue hydrangea I planted in memory of my grandmother, is getting bigger by the day and I'm anxious to see if it will get flowers this year. Last year was the first year for this plant and though it had lush, green leaves all summer, no flowers appeared.

Hyrangea plant coming up

Now, for the "what is this?" part. Our lawn is being invaded by this vine/weed. It's taking over the entire yard! It has tiny purple flowers on it and scalloped leaves. Any idea what it is or how to get rid of it?

Backyard Heaven

2008-05-31T16:32:00.008-04:00

The dogs have been in heaven now that warm weather is slowly creeping in and they are able to spend more time out in the backyard. We love our backyard. It has just enough shade and just enough sun at any time of the day.

Raeka rolling in the grass

Sherman prefers to stand at the gate at the top of the driveway and watch over the neighborhood for any potential danger. I say he's surveying his kingdom ;) He will often start growling and barking as people walk by and cause Raeka to join in.

Sherman sitting by the gate

Sherman and Raeka watching over the neighborhood

Raeka prefers to be out in the yard with me. She will lay down near me whether I'm gardening or reading, and chew on a stick or just enjoy the sunshine. She's definitely a little island girl. She loves the heat. She also adores chasing a tennis ball, but is frightened of frisbees. Well, she played with a little ring we had for awhile, but that has since turned up missing and she won't even try to pick up a regular one.

Raeka and the ring, which is flipped up around her neck

Now and then, Sherman and Raeka will even have a game a chase!

The corner of the yard you see in the following photo is where I chose to start a memorial garden. I've taken a few pictures but most of the plants have a ways to go before their flowers bloom, so I'll post them at a later date.

Enjoy the summer, everyone. I know that we will.

Remembering.....

2008-05-29T06:29:00.001-04:00

This is the time of year that I remember all the losses that our family suffered a few years ago. It all started in October of 2004. I lost my heart dog, Daisy Mae. She'd been suffering horrible nose bleeds from a nasty fungal infection that could not be cured without terribly invasive treatment that I refused to put her through at her age. Treatment that didn't even have a very promising success rate. Daisy was my reason for getting up in the morning. My heart, my soul...

My darling Daisy Mae

Then a short five months later, on Easter, March 27, 2005, my grandmother, Helene, passed away at the age of 97. She was one of the strongest women I know and she left a huge gap in all of our lives.

Gram with me when I was two

Two months later to the day, my father passed away on May 27th. He was diagnosed with esophogeal cancer only a month before that. We lost him quickly and it sent our family reeling. He was an ex Marine and fondly talked of his days in the service. He had a horrible childhood, losing his mother at a very young age and living with an abusive father, but he never spoke of that life. It's only now that I'm hearing stories about that part of his life from my mother's brother, David, who was a good friend of my father's when they were young.

My dad when he was in his early 20's

On July 22nd, my youngest cousin, Dan, died quite unexpectedly. He'd been HIV positive for many years but it was his terrible rheumatoid arthritis and the medication used to treat it that ultimately took him from us. The medication destroyed his t cells to the point where the doctor's didn't know how he could even stand. He went to take a nap that afternoon and never woke up. I so miss his laughter...

Dan, just 40 years old when he died

October 27th of that same year, I then lost my darling little Olivia Rose. She was an adorable rescue dog from Puerto Rico. I'd only had her in my life for nine months when I lost her to what we are certain was a brain tumor. She was only 14 months old.

Livia, just a month before she died

So many losses in such a short period. It stays with you for a long, long time. My heart is slowly recovering, but it will never heal completely. My comfort comes from knowing deep in my heart that I will see them all again...

Who is PenDaisy and what in the world does she need a blog for?

2008-05-27T19:20:00.000-04:00

I'm starting this blog in hopes of having an outlet for the stress that seems to be taking over my life right now. But, I'm getting ahead of myself. First a little about me. I live in Colchester, Vermont. I work in the office of a physical therapy clinic. I also love to go and observe and assist in surgery at my vet's office whenever I have a chance. My hobbies include woodburning and scrapbooking.

Two and a half years ago, my sister, her husband and daughter, and I decided to buy a house together in order to take care of my ailing mom. My mother's health had starting failing shortly after my father passed away (which coincidentally was three years ago today), and we decided that she really couldn't be alone all the time, especially after she fell a few times.

I more or less live in the basement level with my two darling dogs, Sherman and Raeka, and purrfect kitties, Phoebe and Flower. Sherman is a 7-year-old Pekingese. He is a rescue dog with only one eye and a boatload of personality. He is a clown and he makes me laugh every day. Raeka is also a rescue dog. She is 2-years-old and is from Puerto Rico. She is a hound mix and is very shy and clingy. She absolutely adores Sherman. In fact, Sherman is her idol. She lives for him. Phoebe is a 6-year-old tuxedo kitty from Maine. She is the sweetest thing. She has been with me for five years now and has recently decided that sitting on my lap is a good thing after all. Flower is an ancient cat that my vet was looking to place in a home for loving hospice care when she was left there. She was a stray and has had a rough life from the looks of her raggedy ears, split tongue, toothless mouth and scarred up face, but she is the most loving cat you could ever wish to meet. I took her thinking I would just love this little bag of bones (under 5 lbs) until she died, but now, almost two years later, she is 12 pounds and healthy as a horse.

Sherman and Raeka

Flower and Phoebe

My sister Melissa that also lives here, has a Siberian Husky, Gabby, a beagle, Maggie, and seven cats, Guido, Lindsey, Howie, Lucky, Storm, Tigger, and Gracie. We have a house full of furry love :)

My mom, Nancy, has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Pulmonary Hypertension http://www.phassociation.org/. This on top of congestive heart failure and a paralyzed diaphragm on one side with limited lung function on that side. Her prognosis is a year. Melissa and I have decided to try to take care of her at home for as long as possible, and hopefully until the end. We take turns bringing the baby monitor to bed with us to keep an ear open for mom if she needs us in the night. She has quickly gotten to the point where we are having to do almost everything for her. Needless to say, we're not getting much rest these days.

My mom at age 18

I'll wrap this up for now and gather my thoughts for tomorrow. Stay tuned!