Our Family

2007-03-22T21:01:00.000-04:00

Anniversary

Today was our anniversary. I am really sappy so there are two things I would like to share with you all. The first are the words from the card I got for Doug - I have had a tough year and he has been wonderful, as always:

"My Husband is a man of character who understands commitment and does more than his share to make his family comfortable, safe, and secure.

I adore him.

My Partner is a man who is patient, optomistic, caring and wise.

His sense of humor and support hold me up when I can't do it myself.

I'm grateful for him.

My Friend is the only man with whom I can share my deepest secrets and know they will be safe.

Time with him is always good. I cherish him."

There was more, but that's the sense of the card. I am very lucky to have him in my life.

I have always found the music of The Cowboy Junkies haunting and poignant, and when I listened to them before I met Doug I always thought that the emotions they sang about in their love songs were something I could only dream to have. Now I do. In my opinion true love is when you fall in love over and over again with the same person. Things aren't always perfect, but that is why you have each other.

So without further ado, I would like to dedicate this song to my husband:

Anniversary Song

The Cowboy Junkies

Have you ever seen a sight as beautiful

As that of the rain-soaked purple

Of the white birch in spring?

Have you ever felt more fresh or wonderful

Than on a warm fall night

Under a mackerel sky,

The smell of grapes on the wind?

Well I have known all these things

And the joys that they can bring

And I’ll share them all for a cup of coffee

And to wear your ring

Have you ever had the pleasure of watching

A quiet winter’s snow slowly gathering

Like simple moments adding up?

Have you ever satisfied a gut feeling

To follow a dry dirt road that’s beckoning you

To the heart of a shimmering summer’s day?

Well I have known all these things

And the joys that they can bring

And I’ll share them all for a cup of coffee

And to wear your ring

And I don’t know how I survived those days

Before I held your hand

Well I never thought that I would be the one

To admit that the moon and the sun

Shine so much more brighter when

Seen through two pairs of eyes than

When seen through just one

Have you ever seen a sight as beautiful

As a face in a crowd of people

That lights up just for you?

Have you ever felt more fresh or wonderful

As when you wake

By the side of that boy or girl

Who has pledged their love to you?

Well I have known all these things

And the joys that they can bring

And now every morning there’s a cup of coffee

And I wear your ring

2007-03-11T18:15:00.000-04:00

"Vogue: Strike A Pose"

If you read the "What not to do when you are bored" post you will know that I royally messed up my hair by trying to do highlights at home.

Morgan has wanted a perm for some time now, and frankly I got tired of crimping her hair for her so we both went to the salon yesterday to get our hair done.

Morgan soaked up all the attention, had all the ladies doting on her. She complained about the curlers hurting and the chemicals smelling but then conceded that (and I quote) "That's okay, I love to be pampered". Oh lordy what have I created. She is going to be a monster when she hits the teenage years.

I must admit, she looks darling. 4hrs and $$ well spent in my opinion. It was a total girls day.

2007-03-09T22:07:00.000-05:00

My New Project

I bought a Bonsai book and bought these, planted and will try again.

2007-03-08T20:34:00.000-05:00

And The #1 Thing NOT To Do When You Are Bored....

Color your hair at home. Bad things happen when I get bored, and I attempted to put highlights in my hair by myself.

I refuse to post a picture. I look like a brown and white dalmation. It is so funny I can't be upset, it's just too silly not to laugh.

Morgan has been wanting a perm, so on Sat we have an appointment for her to get a perm and for me to get my color fixed. Until then my WRV ball cap is a permanent fixture :))

2007-03-06T21:38:00.000-05:00

Crocus

I love the early signs of Spring - the crocus pooping us is usually the first. I spent a whole weekend one fall in WI peppering our small front yard with crocus bulbs and then in the spring they would pop up through the snow. These are blooming in our yard here now.

The purple ones are by far my favorite, but they don't seem to want to "clump" the way the yellow ones do. I think that perhaps since it seems we may not be moving right away, I may "seed" our front yard here with them this fall.

2007-03-03T18:36:00.000-05:00

What's On *YOUR* Plate ??

I am supposed to be on a low carb diet - trying to lose the weight I gained this year. But I love sushi. I have tried to curb my cravings for it by making pseudo-sushi (salmon, cream cheese, avocado, caviar, and seaweed), but it's not the same. Doug has been at a trade show all weekend and M wanted salad bar and the local grocery that we go to has a sushi bar. I couldn't resist. Yummm. My favorite by far is the octopus but they did not have any tonight. Although not all octopus is good - when I visited my friend in Atlanta we went out for sushi and he dared me to eat this baby octopus - complete with head and legs and all. I did and to this day I don't know how I didn't puke - sheer will/ego I suppose.

Soooo, what are you all having for dinner tonight?

2007-03-02T20:27:00.000-05:00

Creative Writing

The following is a story that my daughter wrote and I am so proud of her. M is only in the 5th grade and all her teachers love her though she struggles with ADD. She reads with a voraciousness that I find mind-boggling and she is so creative. There are times when she is a bit much to handle because she is very abstract and "drifty". So, without further ado, here is her writing (p.s. I have typed this exactly as it was written, punctuation, spelling, and all, but she typed the majority of it):

Dou you believe in mythical beasts and beings? I do, because I turned into one not too long ago. I wsn't always like this, I was once like you.

My friend Kelly and I where walking in her uncle's apple orchard, and I was telling Kelly in great detail how grateful I was to see her. (Kelly had move to the country five years ealier.) Later that afternoon we sat down to take a rest. Soon I started to get hungry, so on the way back to the house I picked an apple and bit into it. Sometime later in the day when I was sitting in my room reading about harpies Kelly came in and stared at me, horrified. Kelly pointed at me and said "Your ears! They have feathers growing on them!" I told her she must be seeing things, but she just shook her head and pointed at the mirror. I rolled my eyes as I got up to look in the mirror. When I looked in the mirror the blood drained from my face. Now it was my turn to be horrified, my reflection looked normal except for my ears and my eyes. Kelly wasn't seeing things! My ears were growing feathers! That and my eyes had turned a shade of midnight blue. Suddenly Kelly found her voice again. 'M...m...Morgan.' She stammered. "Yes?" I asked. "I think your ears are the least of your worries. Lift up the back of your shirt." "What!?!?!" I shouted. "Are you kidding?" She stared with annoyance as well as concern. I glared back at her and said "Fine but it had better be for a good reason." So I did as I was told and lifted up the back of my shirt. I heard Kelly gasp. "What!? What is it!? What's wrong with me!?!?" I started to panic. "Calm down! Shh! You're going to alert my uncle." "But what's wrong with me?" Kelly drew out a long breath. "Morgan...you have...you have...wings." I forgot to breath. I was about ready to faint. "W...w...wings?" I asked. "Wings."She replied. At that moment I knew that I was turning into the creature I had been reading about. The only thing I didn't know was why it was happening. I rushed over to my book and flipped over to the section on how and why someone turns into a harpy. After I was done reading it I was pale as a sheet. "This is not good Kelly. This is not good at all. Listen to this." I sadi and began to read her the page. "The book say and I quote; a person turns into a harpy when he/she eats an enchanted apple. The effect is permanent." I closed the book and said "I say it again this is not good." "Where will you go?" Kelly asked. "The only place I can go...the Himalayas land of oeternal snows."

It was sunset. Kelly and I had decided that it would be best if I traveled at night instead of day. This was so if someone looked out their window they would not see me. I was sad that I would never be able to return home, but I was also happy that I could fly around the world now. It had taken many tries before I was airborne. But, once I was in the air I was proud as could be! As I took out my compass I shouted a quick good-by to Kelly and began my journey. When I got to the mountains I began to look for other harpies. I soon stumbled into a large clearing. I saw a flock of harpies at the end of the valled and started soaring towards them. Soon I was directly aove them. I remembered that harpies are solitary creatures, so I flew away into the mountains. It was hard trying to adapt to my new life. One of my daily chores was to find edible plants such as pignuts and lingon berries. But of course I have learned to live with eating berries and many other strange things.

On my seventh year of living in the mountains as a harpy I decided to read my harpy book. I was reading the part on how an dwhy someone turns into a harpy when I saw that I had miss-red the book! The effect of the enchanted apple wasn't permanent, but only lasted eight years! "Four days from now will mark my eaihth year! I can go home! Yes...wait, what happens if I'm not home beforeI change back? I'll fall out of the sky that's what. Let's see...if it took me three and a half days to get here,and two hours to get from my house to Kelly's at the speed of 60 miles an hour, if I fly at speed of 120 miles an hour I would be on the front porch 11 hours before I change back! I was so overjoyed that I did five sumersalts in the air. Swift as lightning I picked up my book and started flying twards home. It was a long journey but an easy one nonetheless. I arrived home later than I had expected, almost a quarter to midnight to be exact. I waited fifteen minutes so I would change back before I entered the house. That way I would not scare my mom half to death. Once I changed back I rang the door bell and waited. I did this so I would not alert the security system. When my mom answered the door she let out a squeal of joy when she saw it was me. When we where all together again and I had finished telling them what happened, we all went to bed. The next morning we all went to grandma's house to tell her that I was back.

The time when I was a harpy was scary, sad, lonely, and at times realy fun, but I am still glad that I changed back into a normal person.

2007-02-25T19:54:00.000-05:00

Special People

These are the hands of a very special lady who is helping to nurse some of the VA Babies that needed rescue (and need homes too)

It is so nice to meet people that restore your faith in humanity. So many time we are overwhelmed with cruelness, ignorance, and selfishness.

She has never done rescue of domestic rabbits before, she does primarily squirrels and cottontails, and I am so delighted every time I see/speak with her to hear the excitement in her voice and how much fun she is having. Bunnies have a way of stealing your heart.

Here is "Smokey" licking his chops

Thank you so much "A" for your help. The bunny community is so very thankful.

2007-02-23T18:46:00.000-05:00

Ready For Spring

The crocus are blooming and my daffodils are coming up - some have even bloomed. I will have to get some pics of them tomorrow.

I have been volunteering at a greenhouse and all the pretty plants are starting to come in and are being planted. Beats filling pots with soil waiting for them :)

In the meantime, I have purchased another Orchid and a Cyclamen to brighten up the inside.

I usually do pretty well with these, but the orchids are another story. I just can never get them to re-bloom. The owner of the greenhouse keeps them so maybe he can give me some tips with this one.

2007-02-19T18:29:00.000-05:00

Good vs. Evil

Good = cute little babies - we need homes for these little fellas

French Lops = What happens when baby bunnies grow up

2007-02-18T12:20:00.000-05:00

"Love, Love Me Do"

A little blurry but this is Steve peeking out of his "bedroom". He got this toy from Santa the has a mirror and 4 buttons that have different sayings and light up when he pushes them.

His favorite by far the one that says "I Love You" and his next favorite it the one that says "Hello". The other two are "Hello Bird" (his least favorite) and one that laughs.

He has an uncanny knack for pressing respective buttons at the appropriate time. At first we thought it was just coincidence but he has learned based on our responses which buttons to push based on the situation.

I am constantly amazed at his level of intelligence. He is such a delight and our home would be so quiet without him.

Steve-a-rino is sooooooooooooo cool.

2007-02-15T21:21:00.000-05:00

"Sister Christian"

OMG. I have always hated this song. But I would say that 90% of the songs on my i-Pod have an event or a specific reference that I can relate them to. That is how music works for me. Anywho, I am cruising down the road today and there is a new radio station that plays everything and what comes on?????? "Sister Christian". Who do I think of - thanks to the old "What's on your i-Pod" question - but DH and Laura. So, *hangs head* the song now has a reference (and a funny memory) so I have to put it on mine too. *shaking head*

Sister Christian Oh the time has come And you know that you're the only one To say Okay Where you going What you looking for You know those boys Don't wanna play no more with you It's true You're motoring Whats your price for flight In finding Mr. Right You'll be alright tonight Babe you know you're growing up so fast And mommas worrying That you won't last to say Lets play Sister Christian There's so much in life don't you give it up Before your time is due Its true Its true................... Yeah............... Motoring What's your price for flight You got him in your sight And darling you look right Motoring Whats your price for flight In finding Mr. Right You'll be alright tonight Sister Christian Oh the time has come And you know that you're the only one To say Okay But you're motoring Yeah.................. Motoring................

2007-02-14T23:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day

Isn't this just beautiful? Doug is a good "spy-er of bunny things"

Hope you all had a Wonderful Valentine's Day.

2007-02-08T14:00:00.000-05:00

Death and Taxes

At this point I would rather be shot! I have been MIA because I have been working on our taxes. Both DH and I are self employed so it is a mess. Between us we have/had three businesses and getting all that stuff ready for the accountant is unpleasant to say the least.

I have a nasty habit (that each year I promise I will never do again - yeah right) of stacking everything up and entering it into the computer when it's time to file. Really bad plan.

So for the last little while since we got back I have spent so much time in front of the computer that the sheer thought of looking at it any more - even for recreational purposes - was nauseating.

But............. I mailed them to our accountant yesterday and now I just have to sit back and wait for the bill!!!!!!!!!

2007-01-22T22:28:00.000-05:00

Dr. Seuss Tree

These trees were all over our resort. The flowers remind me of something from a Dr. Seuss book. I thought of Laura and Jane often as the hedges were hibiscus and chaffalera (sp?) and there were many unusual plants.

Here is the view from our pati

This little birdie had breakfast with me one morning. He was quite bold and very vocal.

2007-01-21T18:09:00.000-05:00

Rastafarians???

Nope. Just Michelle and Doug being silly :)

2007-01-19T20:07:00.000-05:00

Every Ting Irie Mon!

We are back from Jamaica - and trying to get back to real life. I had totally forgotten it was Christmas time and when we pulled into our drivedway was actually stunned to see decorations still up!!!

The above pic is of Luna. One of the dolphins we got to swim with. She took a liking to Doug and the trainer had to whistle for her 4 times after she kissed him before she would return.

It was an awesome experience - if you ever have the chance to swim with dolphins I highly reccomend it!

You can see the rest fo the dolphin pics as well as some of the birds, sharks, stingrays, turtles, ect here

We had a wonderful time. We also went on a catamaran cruise that stopped at Dunn's River Falls which we climbed - very cool.

HERE

ARE!!

We met some very nice people - I must say Jamaicans are much nicer than the folks in Cabo. These were our favorites from the resort

They went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure we had anything we wanted. Christina (left) has an 11 year old son so we had a lot to chat about. I swear the woman never went home though. She would be there when we went to bed and there when we got up, but always had a smile on her face.

The best part of all though was my pal Malford (whom I neglected to get a picture of) who was a local vendor selling carved wood. He had lots of lizards, birds, fish, griaffes, etc. I asked him about bunny rabbits and he said he would make me one. Low and behold the next morn at 7am when I was walking to breakfast there he was with my bunny rabbit putting the last coat of shelac (sp?) on it. I was so pleased. So now I have a Jamaican bunny to talk to my Mexican bunny!!!!! I got a Giraffe too, which Doug thought was ridiculous since Giraffes don't live there but hey, I liked it!

Didn't think you would get through a whole post without seeing a bunny did you. LOL.

2007-01-09T20:59:00.000-05:00

"We're Jammin"

"And I hope you like jammin too"

I love Bob Marley. We are off to Jamaica tomorrow. Child and the men (dawgs) are with Grandma and she will be coming by twice a day to check on the bunnies. I've loaded all of my Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley, and Peter Tosh onto my i-Pod. Had to dash out today and buy a new swimsuit, it's been a stressful year and I struggle with my weight. This time last year I was a size 8, now a size 12. Ready to go lo-carb again when we get home. Shopping was humiliating.

See ya'll next week.

2007-01-08T22:14:00.000-05:00

"Strike That, Reverse It"

Any Willy Wonka Fans out there? LOL. I decided that the whole process of reverse blogging was a royal PITA so suffice it to say that the Holidays were busy, but wonderful. Still trying to learn the ukelale - haven't taken my lessons yet - mroe details on that later :)

Soooooo. This brings me to today's post......

A Dilema

We will be going on vacation Wed. Jack, Paul, and Toodles have bonded. Problem is Jack and Toodles are both trouble makers. Jack has always loved the waste basket with paper in it in my office, so I put a brick in the bottom to keep him from turning it over. It worked well until Toodles came along to team up with him (Paulie has no interest in such shananigans). Now I think I will have to chain it to the wall. I spoke with their Auntie Charlotte of "The Hay Diaries" the other day about it and she just laughed and it wouldn't work. With two bunny minds hell bent on doing something I couldn't outsmart them. Hmmm. Next came the NIC grids that were clamped and have been clamped to the bottom of the bookshelf for three years undisturbed. I came down the other morning to find them on the other side of the room.

So, while it is extremely amusing (warped bunny mind control in action) I think that I need to lock Toodles up in the condo while we are gone for everyone's sanity and general protection of my house.

I hate to do it, they all love each other so, but the condo is in the office with them, and I would rather have them safe than worry the entire time I was gone. My ideal vacation includes all my animals - just a maid to clean up after them :))))

2007-01-06T23:36:00.000-05:00

When It Rains It Pours

Today's Current Event - Not much. Cleaned a little, exchanged a coat Doug bought me, went grocery shopping, and took care of Doug. He has the flu. Also did some work on a cross-stitch I got for Christmas. I am now convinced that people who do cross-stitch for fun are insane. I will finish this one out of sheer determination but don't know if I will do another.

To re-cap the first week of the new year, all was well on the eve. Doug and I stayed home and played a rousing game of Scene It. We had promised Morgan she could stay up to watch the ball drop, but she fell asleep (big surprise) and we woke her at 5 minutes to midnight. Blurry eyed and tired, she was less than impressed. New Years Day we went out to breakfast at one of our favorite little joints called 3 Monkeys in Carytown. I had the crabmeat eggs benedict with asparagus and Doug had the sirloin benedict. Morgan enjoyed a huge belgian waffle with whipped cream.

By the next day though, all was downhill. All three of us had strept throat, I had the added pleasure of a double ear infection, the flu, and PMS. It was not pretty. By Friday we were all feeling better with our antibiotics and such, then today Doug came home with the flu. Heaven help us because we are supposed to leave for Jamaica on Wednesday. Gah!

2007-01-06T00:44:00.000-05:00

"And Now For Something Completely Different"

So that's what has been going on around here. Thank you all for reading, I have enjoyed getting back to blogging.

Confused?

Hang in there. I thought since I hadn't blogged in so long that it would be fun to go in reverse back to my last entry. But alas that proposed the problem of not keeping up with future daily events. So..... I decided I would post a little "current events" blurb for each day going forth and then re-cap the last 2 months events for the main post.

2006-11-05T20:49:00.000-05:00

Emotions

Damn ain't he cute? This is Rob Thomas from Matchbox Twenty. Hubba Hubba.

Yet another post to irritate my brother, but a post to express feelings. Some people choose poetry, some choose pictures, I choose music.

I had the recent task of writing my life history, and it was not pleasant. It was very revealing and cleansing. Doug was a tad upset that he only got one page - but I told him I condensed 36 years into 5 pages and the fact that he got one whole one - wow. I love him a lot. I know anyone who reads my blog must be disgusted by my adoration but Doug truly is all that I say he is.

I like this song by Matchbox Twenty a lot, and it says what I feel in a way I can't express.

If I fall along the way

pick me up and dust me off

and if I get too tired to make it

be my breath so I can walk

If I need some other love

give me more than I can stand

and when my smile gets old and faded

wait around I'll smile again

shouldn't be so complicated

just hold me and then

just hold me again

can you help me I'm bent

I'm so scared that I'll never

get put back together

you're breaking me in

and this is how we will end

with you and me bent

If I couldn't sleep could you sleep

could you paint me better off

could you sympathize with my needs

I know you think I need a lot

I started out clean but I'm jaded

just phoning it in

just breaking the skin

start bending me

It's never enough

I feel all your pieces

start bending me

Keep bending me until I'm completely broken ins

houldn't be so complicated

just touch me and then

just touch me again

2006-11-03T22:36:00.000-05:00

Plant Updates

Well, it's that time of year. I had to bring my plants inside as it is supposed to get down into the 20's tonight. Brrrrr. (Or as Morgan and I always say "brrr, brrr, I wish I had beagle fur" - some little silly song from Barney that we modified years ago) I have to keep most of my plants in the foyer because the bunnies are not trustworthy around them, even though the sunroom would be the perfect place for them.

The Venus Fly Trap finally bit the dust. I haven't broken the news to Morgan yet, perhaps I can run out and get a new one before she notices and gives me a bunch of crap for killing her plant.

Sadly, I believe the tomato plant is not far behind. It still has tons of fruit on it, but is withering before my very eyes despite my attention to it. It is on the shelf in the sunroom, so it is getting lots of light and it warm enough. Maybe some plants are just not meant to grow in winter. I think I will give it some miracle gro tomorrow and see if that helps. Probably not.

2006-11-01T20:21:00.000-05:00

Halloween Pics

Morgan went as a Halloween Fairy (whatever that is). I have always dressed up and gone trick or treating with her but this year she informed me that she wanted to go with friends. Okay fine. Sniff. I told her there had to be an adult to go with them and she said "Don't worry, so-and-so's Mom is coming with us" Double sniff. I am aquiring the dreaded 'mommy cooties". I knew it would happen, just wasn't ready for it to happen so soon. Wasn't she just born yesterday? Gosh it sure seems so.

At any rate, she had a good time and got a ton of candy. We had fewer trick or treaters this year, not sure why, so I spent much of the evening chatting with the neighbors while waiting for the next bunch of kids.

2006-10-30T22:09:00.001-05:00

2006 Lewis Pumpkins

My "Classic" Jack O Latern

Doug's "Cyclops" Jack O Latern

Morgan's "Evil" Jack O Lantern

2006-10-29T20:00:00.000-05:00

"Poor Poor Pitiful Me"

Poor little Steve. His feather plucking got worse as you can see. The vet says he is a healthy sweet little bird, no apparant health issues. He gave us some meds to put in his water in case it is some digestive thing whose name escapes me at the moment. He said in birds it can cause itching rather than the normal digestive upset you see in other animals and humans. Dr. K said that the abx are kind of broad and pretty harmless so it was worth at least treating just in case.

The plucking has been progressive from the base of the tail, then his chest, and then he started in on his wings. Dr. K said the fact that it was so symmetrical indicated behyavior rather than illness - but that his little oil gland seemed a little swollen and I am supposed to put warm compresses on it several times a day - this sounds much easier than it really is. He was worried that Steve might begin to bite himself and get and infection and then we would be in real trouble so he made this collar for him. Oh yeah, Steve is thrilled. Actually he has settled down with it a bit, the first day I was terrified he was going to kill himself flailing about. Dr. K also felt that perhaps with the collar we could break the cycle before it became ingrained behavior.

It is very hard thing to deal with and no real answers. Another possibility is Steve is in love with Doug and is *ahem* frustrated - I feel bad for Steve but this concept strikes me as laugh out loud funny. Some birds never stop, Dr. K says he has plenty of healthy happy bald birdie patients. I would rather not have an uncooked chicken wing on a stick for a pet, but we love Steve and if he never gets his feathers back we will deal with it.

2006-10-26T21:09:00.000-04:00

Toodles meets Da Boyz

Lots of territorial pooties.

Not an aggressive bone in her body and Jack is smitten

Paul has to think about it but hey, she is kinda cute...

I know, she's not supposed to stay........ Shaddup. I am still looking for a home for her......................Oh Susan...............

2006-10-23T20:22:00.000-04:00

Help! Birdie Issues!

Steve has done this in 24 hours. What the heck? I know that feather plucking is a sign of stress or illness but Steve has been acting fine. Happy as a clam.

I got up this morning to find feathers everywhere, and I thought "man he's molting like crazy" until this evening when I got him out and realized he is bald under his wings. Bald birds are not pretty. But even Doug agreed this was not so yesterday, Steve has done this today. What is up?????

Vet city here we come...................

2006-10-22T20:28:00.000-04:00

Share??? What is this word share????

Excuse the pooties - I didn't vaccuum yesterday.

French Lops are all about the food. This is Tinkerbell in her normal position everynight after I feed her and Chopper their pellets. She will dig and drag one bowl over to her and lay on the other one. Saving it for later I suppose. Chopper will be in mid bite and Tink will grab the bowl and pull it away from him to her. I have even caught her laying across the salad plate. And this is a rabbit that has never missed a meal in her life. No idea where she gets this hoarding behavior from.

I spoke with my friend Eileen tonight who also has a frenchie and she said that Benny Bunny (who looks just like Chopper only he's bigger than Tinkerbell) does a similarly greedy thing to his mate - he will keep his big ole head in the food bowl so his wife cannot get any pellets.

None of my other rabbits have issues with sharing (though they do each have other ish-yooz) so I find it interesting that my experience has been that it is a trait of the French Lop.

Tinka Da Stinka. What a hoot she is.

2006-10-21T23:29:00.000-04:00

"Word Play"

My brother may taunt me that I don't move forward and enjoy new artists, but I do. It just takes more than one song for me to like them - like Jason Mraz. I first saw him on the Ellen show a couple years ago and thought he was very cool.

You will get few - and I mean few - political / media oriented posts from me, and poor Doug who doesn't pay attention to the words never gets songs until I try to explain them to him - but this song "Too Much Food" says it all for me when it comes to politics (pardon some of the references - we watched Lewis Black tonight so I was in a mood, that guy is funny!!!!):

You can say that I'm one curly fry in the box of the regular

Messing with the flavor oh the flavor that you savor

Saving me for last but you better not eat me at all

Living in a fast food bag making friends with the ketchup and salt

People say that I'm crazy for not moving on to better things

Instead I'm sitting around trash talking with the onion rings

But it's much too soon to leave this easy life

Pass me the spoon.

Pass the analytical knife

Cause your about to get cut and get cut down

It's all about the wordplay all about the sound in the tone of my voice

You gotta let me make my choice alone before my food gets cold

Better shut up or get shot down.

It s all about the know how all just a matter of taste

Stop telling me the way I gotta play.

Too much food on my plate.

Believe it or not I super sized my sights on the surprise in the cereal box

My stomachs smaller than my eyes so I went to see the doctor and he said "turn your head and then cough"

I didn't listen to what he said instead I couldn't wait to get off

He said I can have this but I cant have that

That I should keep wishing I was living the life of a cat becauseI ain't the one whose gonna be missing the feast

Just like you aint the one who seems to be calming the beast

Now your about to get cut and get cut down

It's all about the wordplay all about the sound in the tone of my voice

You gotta let me make my choice alone before my food gets cold

Better shut up or get shot down.

It s all about the know how all just a matter of taste

Stop telling me the way I gotta play.

Too much food on my plate.

Well if you are what you eat in my case I'll be sweet so come and get some

I'm so over it.

Now your about to get cut and get cut downIt s all about the know how all just a matter of taste

Stop telling me the way I gotta play.

Too much food on my plate.(Get up and get some)there's too much food on my plate

2006-10-20T21:35:00.000-04:00

The **Look**

I spent some time over at the "Disapproving Rabbits" webiste today. It just cracks me up. It also inspired me to aggravate Tinkerbell and Chopper with the camera :)

Auntie Jane had a good laugh when I described Tinkerbell's **look** she gives as "Man, I can't believe you're still here". She said it was the same look Maggie gives her. Tinkerbell can be a love bug, but she can give some nasty glares too. She cracked me up last night because she had been eating hay and hopped out of the box and had a piece that stuck to her forehead right between her eyes and she was shaking her head and acting all goofy trying to get it off. Mean mommy that I am I giggled at her a bit before I helped her out. She was less than amused.

Of course, Chopper is a sweetie pie but he can give some evil sassy looks too - here he's annoyed that I am after him with the camera. It must be so frustrating to be so danged cute that it's impossible for anyone to take you seriously when you are trying to be "in a mood" LOL. Gotta luv da bunnies!

2006-10-19T19:20:00.000-04:00

An Interesting Experience

I don't have any pictures to go with this post but thought I would share a rather pleasant experience that I had yesterday. I received my first acupuncture treatment to relieve stress and anxiety as well as help with sleep. Even though I had experience with it because we had taken Hazel (bunny rabbit) for treatments for her arthritis, I was still a little apprehensive as to what it would feel like. I was definitely open to the effectiveness of acupuncture as I had seen the results from Hazel and obviously a rabbit is not going to be subjective to or skeptical of the treatment - it either works or it doesn't if you know what I mean.

Anywho, they placed 4 pins in each ear and it felt a bit like putting an earring in (not getting your ears pierced but kind of just a little pressure) and left them in for about 40 minutes. I felt sort of calm and meditative during this time and afterwards was just in general a bit more relaxed. And then, AND THEN!!! last night I got one of the best nights sleep I have had in quite some time :))))) I will be going back tomorrow for another round, it's sort of a cumulative process where you go frequently at first then taper off to a maintenance kind fo situation. I am very pleased that I gave it a shot, chalk that up to another lesson from Hazel!!

2006-10-17T20:21:00.000-04:00

Good Friends, Good Times

Auntie Jane left today. I won't try to explain the whole Petbunny relationship that we share. It is a large online community that share a lot more than bunnies but we have that common bond. I have had the pleasure of meeting 3 PB people in person and it has always been a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend that if you have the opportunity to do so, meeting people you feel a connection with online is a really extraordinary experience.

Auntie Jane was so much fun and I think I will think of her giggle everytime I read a post from her. We were delighted to share our home with her and I know Morgan will miss her tremendously. Peyton has already started to look neglected without his pal :)

It is a small world and the internet makes it even smaller. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed Jane's visit. Bunny people / animal lovers are a special sort and really are an experience. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to meet Jane.

2006-10-15T22:26:00.000-04:00

More Maters

Impulse gets the better of me sometimes. I went to the grocery store yesterday and they had these cherry tomato plants. Okay fine, gimmicks get me everytime. I told Morgan and Auntie Jane that we would see how long it takes me to kill the tomato plant. It does seem like a neat concept though doesn't it? A mater plant in the fall? Hey, the fly trap is still hanging in there, so we can try.......

2006-10-13T22:17:00.000-04:00

I Spy With My Little Eye...

I promise you there is a pond in there. I have been awful this latter par of summer at keeping up with my yard and pond. Soon it will be time to cut everything back and put up the netting. I miss my koi and am having a hard time enjoying my pond without them.

2006-10-12T19:34:00.000-04:00

Steve-A-Reee-No Gets His Wings Clipped

I finally took Steve to get his wings clipped Monday. My Dad came down from DC to spend the day and he ran errands with me. One of which was to take Steve in. I had to laugh at my Dad holding Steve's carrier up to the window in the car so he could see out.

Unfortunately it was not a totally pleasant experience. The place I got Steve from has apparantly changed ownership and I was extremely upset by the "new" store. Baby bunnies everywhere, guinea pigs piled high in cages, reptiles, and it smelled awful. None of the bunnies or pigs had any hay or litter boxes. Then, while I was waiting for them to take care of Steve, I walked over to look at the bird supplies (he needs a new hut) and I couldn't believe my eyes. There, in a little "exercise" pen, the 1ft tall ones used for guinea pigs, was a huge French Lop. She did have a litter box but the pen was waaaayyy to small. When I reached to pet her she didn't even move and her eyes were a little crusty. Granted, Frenchies tend to get what I call eye boogers - kind of like sleep in your eyes - but this was a little more than that, not gooey but crusty. And to top it all off, this pen was on the floor between a cage housing a very loud Macaw and a tank housing an extremely large snake that was up a little bit and staring right down at her. I was mortified. Needless to say I will not return there, I will be finding a new place to have Steve's wings clipped. I cannot stomach partonizing a place like that.

At any rate, Steve is back under control. He pouted for the rest of the day after we got home, but now he's his usual loud demanding little self.

2006-10-11T23:15:00.000-04:00

Cop - Out Post

I am off to bed, busy day. But I thought I needed to blog something and the mind is not helping tonight. So, here's a giggle:

A woman walks into a vet's waiting room. She's dragging a wet rabbit on a leash. "Sit, Fluffy," she says. Fluffy glares at her, and sopping wet, jumps up on another customer's lap, getting water all over him."I said SIT, now there's a good Fluffy," says the woman, slightly embarrassed. Fluffy, wet already, squats in the middle of the room and pees.The woman, mortally embarrassed, shouts, "FLUFFY!! WILL YOU BE GOOD?!" Fluffy then starts a fight with a Doberman and pursues it out of the office. As the woman leaves to go after it, she turns to the rest of the flabbergasted customers and says: "Pardon me, I've just washed my hare, and I can't do a thing with it!"

2006-10-10T21:38:00.000-04:00

Mess? What Mess Mom?

Tater Tot and Mopsy. My little slobs. This is the top shelf in their condo a mere 24 hours after I cleaned it. Mopsy loves to dig in the hay and then just lay in the potty box. I always tease "Hatching an egg there Mopsy?"

I cannot figure out how to make them not make the messes they make. They are my smallest bunnies (5 lbs total between the 2 of them) and they make the biggest mess. Drives me absolutely insane. I am just thankful that all my bunnies are not like this, I cannot imagine trying to keep up if they were as big as Tinkerbell!!!

They are definitley poster bunnies for why rabbits are not for everyone. Shoot, they aren't even that cuddly. Lots of bunnitude in those little bodies. Oh sure, they will snuggle once you catch them but trying to catch a 2lb rabbit that doesn't want to be caught is no small feat! But I adore them, and they make me laugh with their antics and general sassiness and total disregard for anything that resembles a rule.

2006-10-08T21:38:00.000-04:00

Artwork Part II

This is a picture that hangs in our dining room. Morgan made it for me when she was in the 3rd grade. She came home from school and showed it to me and I was sooooo impressed. She had drawn it from memory of the metal sculpture that is in the room.

I was so impressed at her memory and creativity. We went to the craft store and I got some antiquing stuff and some matting paper and a frame. We seared the edges and then matted it and glazed it. I came out rather nice and is one of my most favorite pieces in the house :))

2006-10-07T19:30:00.000-04:00

A Sense of Accomplishment

Well, after being *grumpy* last weekend, I came down with a nasty cold and have been out of commission. Feeling much better now though :) Just behind on chores and such and with our PB friend Jane coming to stay with us next week there were things that had to be done!

My big project for today was to get this room under control. We call it Morgan's office, but it houses all of our books too. She keeps her arts and crafts stuff in here and well, let's just say I was embarrassed to take a "before" picture. It took me the better part of the afternoon to sort through everything, reorganize the books, and haul out long since used up craft supplies. I can't say much, as my office is in shambles right now too. Files stacked everywhere, piles of paper waiting to be filed or made into a file. I am hoping to tackle some of that tomorrow. I am thankful that none of my business relations ever see my workspace. It would seem total chaos, but I know where everything is!!!!

Off to catch up on reading others blogs now...... Have a good Saturday night all!

2006-10-01T21:41:00.000-04:00

Warning: Sappy Post Ahead

" Something To Say"

Toad the Wet Sprocket

(or Frog the Wet Wheel as my Dad used to call them)

I have had a grumpy weekend. So I have not blogged. Though I have wanted to. Just been.....grumpy. But I find blogging to be a bit of a release.

I know I owe Artwork Part II but not tonight. My thoughts have wandered to friends. I am not a very social person so I have few friends. It takes too much effort and time and trust to make them. But I have some long timers that have stuck by me forever and a day. They are the sort of friends that you may not speak to every day, but you know you can call them up out of the blue and they love you no matter what. My bestest pal in the whole wide world I have known since the eigth grade (since I was 13) and he's the kind of friend that knows everything about you and nothing shocks them. Those kind of people are far and few in between. Special people that you will love your whole life. It takes a lot to be that sort of friend, but it is something that if you have you should treasure. Not everyone is that lucky.

2006-09-27T21:09:00.000-04:00

Artwork Part I

When I was pregnant I was prepared way ahead of time for everything (except parenthood LOL). I had Morgan's daycare lined up by the time I was 6 months along, and her nursery was already done. Hurry up and wait seemed to be my motto at that time :)

There was this art shop in Madison called Catera's (IIRC) and we picked out some prints to have framed for her room. This one is rather baby-ish but I still love it. It has the "Hey Diddle Diddle" poem on it and I just love the animation of the characters.

This one is more "grown up" but a really fun picture. There are tons of animals hiding in the jungle and I absolutely love the colors. When she was a baby this one hung above her changing table.

My hope is that these are prints that she will carry with her and enjoy her whole life. If not, they will be ones that I surely will enjoy with fond memories. Shoot, I may miss her so much when she flies the coop that I won't let them go with her :) This picture on the right is one that I had in my room as a child and it has moved with me each time I have moved, and it now hangs on the wall in our den. Not sure Doug appreciates it, but he tolerates it. I always loved the textures and the fantasy like feel of it.

Sorry for the weird angles on the pics - I took them just this evening and was trying to minimize glare.

My house is rather ecclectic, I like to have things that I like around me, not just things that look nice. And I am a true pack-rat at heart. I can't bear to throw things away, it seems so many things have sentimental value. I can only imagine what one of the "makeover" people would try to make me get rid of were they ever to come to my house. I think they would have a fight on their hands!!!

2006-09-26T20:22:00.000-04:00

Brown Thumb

Morgan finds Venus Fly Traps fascinating (and I have to admit I do too, I also love pitcher plants) and I keep trying to grow them for her. With little success. Much like the money I have wasted on Bonsai, the Venus Fly Trap refuses to thrive for me as well. I have followed the instructions to a T and yet they still wither. This one was 4 times this size when we bought it. I even went to the website of the grower to try to figure out what to do right this time but still no luck. It seems an easy enough, low maintenance plant by all accounts but not for me. We shall try to nurse this one through the winter, it has lasted longer than the others of the past. I will update our progress or lack thereof :)

2006-09-25T21:22:00.000-04:00

"It's A Hard Knock Life"

Don't you wish you could relax like this? My boys are expert sleepers, and there are times just watching them lay about makes me jealous :)

We have a poster framed in our hallway that is titled "All I need to know about life I learned from my dog". One of the things on the list is to always leave room in your schedule for a good nap. Chandler and Peyton take this very seriously.

Chandler has his morning nap before breakfast, his mid morning after breakfast nap, his afternoon siesta, the evening nap to rest up for bedtime..... Well, you get the idea!

It really is tough to be a Lewis dog :)

2006-09-24T20:53:00.000-04:00

Outsmarted

With all that has been going on I have not gotten around to taking Steve to get his wings clipped and he is due. Once he realizes he has "lift" he will not stay put when he is out, he gets *very* independent. Safety for him is our first concern, so as a result he has not had as much time out. He is not in the least pleased by this.

The other day I was walking by his cage and like I always do chatted with him as I went by. A few steps past his cage and I did a double take and realized he was out of his cage sitting on top. He had managed to unlatch the door by his food dish (you have to be very careful or it won't close tightly) and gotten out. I had to admire his ingenuity but was less than thrilled at what I found after further inspection.

It would seem that bunnies are not the only pets that chew the walls! Agggg. He had gotten down between the side of his cage and the wall and chewed this section which is about 4 inches or so in length. Easy enough to fix, but still..... Naughty bird.

2006-09-23T21:35:00.000-04:00

Ice Capades!

Even though last weekend was Morgan's birthday, we had her party today. It was an ice skating party and all the kids had a great time. We are thinking of signing Morgan up for skating lessons since she seems to enjoy it so much.

I haven't skated in years and wasn't about to start again today, but my brother and his wife and my nephew came and they were brave enough to get on the ice. You can see Morgan helping Dylan use the buckets to skate along here in the pic to the left.

My brother and his wife made Dylan wear a hockey helmet (he's a little accident prone) and he refused to wear one unless his dad wore one too - here's Charles sporting his gear :)) He got some funny looks when he went up to the desk to ask for an adult hockey helmet! After a little bit Dylan forgot about it and Charles was allowed to take his helmet off. I think everyone had a great time.

After skating we (Me, Doug, Morgan, Charles, Kelly, Dylan, Grandma, and Rob) all went out to dinner at a Mexican restaurant. Morgan and I were humiliated (Thanks MOM) by having Happy Birthday sung to us - today is my birthday - and forced to be photogprahed wearing a huge sombrero. Grandma is in posession of those incriminating photos!

I had to post this last photo for Laura - it was just too funny because I wanted to show you all the new bunny Doug got me for my birthday (he's the small one scratching his ear) and in the process the little red spanish speaking rabbit is poking his head out in the background! Totally accidental that he ended up in the photo, guess he wanted to say Hola!!!

2006-09-22T21:46:00.000-04:00

For My Brother

I am at a loss as to what to blog about tonight but I didn't want you all to think I had fallen off the planet again :))

My brother teases me constantly that I cannot let go of the music from my teenage years, so I found this quiz on Blogthings and thought he would get a kick out of it - and be surprised I didn't score higher LOL.

Don't be shy - let's see how you all do!!!!

You Scored 60% Correct
You are a solid child of the 80sYou'd never confuse Tiffany from DebbieAnd while you may not know Prince's first #1 hitYou know every word to Little Red Corvette

2006-09-17T20:51:00.000-04:00

Do these feet make me look big?

See the picture in the previous post. Blogger is giving me fits and I have no patience to deal with it tonight.

We have a system around here - Chops and Tink don't have cage but share their room with Tater and Mopsy. 'Round about 6pm there is "The Changing of the Rabbits" where I cart Chopper and Tinkerbell down to the den and let Tater and Mopsy out in the bun room. When I bring Chops down I announce "Look who I found" and when I bring Tink down I usually say (pretending to be her) "Do these feet make me look big?"

She is unruly and I have to carry her this way. If I try to carry her like a baby (tranced) she will bite my b**b. Not fun at all. We are working on the handling. She's just still a baby (1yr) and full of energy and attitude. Gotta luv her.

2006-09-17T20:25:00.000-04:00

2006-09-16T20:37:00.000-04:00

"You Say It's Your Birthday"

"Na na na na na na na na"

Today was Morgana Banana's 10th Birthday! We are having her party next weekend (Ice Skating) but she requested that we go out to her favorite restaurant for dinner tonight - Kabuto (Japanese Steakhouse - yuuuuummmmy). Grandma and her SO went with us and a great time was had by all.

Morgan is totally into Dragons and Dinosaurs (has loved Dino's from the time she was 2) so for her "big" present she got this roboraptor. I have to admit it is very cool.

She and I spent the day shopping - she got 3 new pairs of shoes and a ton of clothes. I even - for the most part - allowed her to pick them out. Sadly, I still dress the child every morning. She is an only child and just a wee bit spoiled. But she's a good kid - not spoiled as in bratty, just not much is asked of her and I do lots of little things for her that most kids her age have done for themselves for years probably. I am trying to let her grow up, but it's very hard. We still refer to her as "the baby". Pathetic really when you think about it LOL.

I did get a nice pair of really neat sandals for myself ($7 on sale, originally $44.95). As I have stated I hate shoes so the thought of wasting that much money unless they are Birks is beyond my grasp, but at that price they were too cute to pass up. (Ignore the ugly toes!!)

2006-09-15T20:09:00.000-04:00

My Other Bunnies

I started collecting rabbit figurines about 3 years ago. I have a few others strewn about the house and a few in the yard but this is the bulk of my collection. I prefer the types that have realistic body shapes and poses, not the cutesy cartoony type.

Some I have gotten as gifts, some I have found on e-Bay, some from antique shops. There is one cloisonne (sp) one from the Smithsonian catalogue, and the little red one in the back is from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (He speaks Spanish if you ask Doug - DH likes to joke that the other bunnies won't talk to him LOL). I am always on the lookout for them. I am sure when I am old and gray I will be one of those little old ladies with knick-knacks everywhere! I hope not, I try to only get them if they really strike my fancy. Heaven knows I don't need more things to dust :))

Morgan drives me mad because I have them all arranged the way I want them, but she can't help but move them around so they each have a friend. Silly girl.

2006-09-14T10:36:00.000-04:00

For Hazel

While I was in the hospital Doug bought me a book to read and some puzzles (one of which is that damned Sudoku puzzle - addictive yet extremely frustrating LOL). But the book he gave me is called "True Hauntings". I have always been fascinated by the paranormal - not sure how much of it I buy, but I like to read about it and watch shows about it. Anyway, my point to this is that there is a quote from this book that I found rather poignant and reminded me of the kind words we all say when a beloved pet leaves for the Rainbow Bridge.

"The spirit, finding itself very much alive and well, is often greatly distressed by the anguish it observes in the loved one in mourning"

Hazel was a most amazing rabbit and I felt in the mood to write about her today. Not because I was sad, but because I felt today I could without getting all teary. She was a most amazing animal, definitely the Queen of the household - though she ruled with a gentle paw. The word magnificent always comes to mind. Unless of course she thought you had a treat then she became possessed and would launch herself at you!

She was my first "big bunny" and stole my heart. I remember being a tad afraid of her at first - it's a little intimidating to have a large rabbit running to you if you are not used to it. She was an ex-show rabbit/breeder doe and spent her first 3 1/2 years in an outside hutch. I can still remember the first day we brought her home and let her out. She wouldn't move if we were watching, but as soon as I left the room (and spied on her of course) she would run and binky, good grief the noise - you would have thought the walls were falling down.

She was a silly rabbit, though she didn't mean to be. In her healthier days she thought she could scale kitchen cabinets while I made bunny salads, but her efforts paid off as she always got little bits and pieces while I was making them. She was a friend to everybun/dog/one and seemed genuinely shocked that Mopsy hated her guts (but Mopsy hates everybun except Tater). This picture has always been one of my favorites because, although obviously staged, it shows how tolerant she was. She laid there for a long time after we put her down. She taught me a lot about handling a rabbit because before her I was terrified I would hurt them. Now I tell the others when they get sassy that I've wrangled bigger rabbits than them and won! She was so very patient through all of her treatments for her various illnesses, another bunch of lessons she taught me - I never thought I could give an injection but I did many times, and I learned a lot about rabbit medicines and conditions and treatments. I am no expert, it was all specific to what was going on with Hazel, but it gave me confidence to know that I could handle such things. Something I desperately needed to cope with the guilt of losing our first rabbit Miss Bunns.

Hazel's final lesson for me was the hardest to learn of all. And that was that sometimes it is time to let go. And sometimes a dear friend needs help to do that. We had to help her to The Bridge 6-15-05, just 3 days before her 7th Birthday. She is missed dearly each and every day. But her legacy lives on in the knowledge she gave me and the love she shared that I carry in my heart.

2006-09-13T17:29:00.000-04:00

She's Baaaaaaaaaaaack!

This is an absolutely horrible picture of me but it will do in a pinch as I have little energy to search for another, and they are few and far in between :) I hate having my picture taken. I did remove the URL so you all wouldn't frighten yourselves should you happen to click on it to enlarge it LOL.

I have been away for a bit, I got myself in a mess and landed in the hospital for several days. Boy what fun that was. NOT! I just got home Monday. I am feeling better each day and things are looking up. Not looking for sympathy, just letting you know about my little life detour.

Poor Doug had to take care of Morgan and all the animals. Grandma helped a lot (Thanks Grandma!). I shudder to think of what Morgan wore to school those days :) and the bunnies were less than pleased, Chopper wouldn't even talk to me the first day.

2006-09-03T20:49:00.000-04:00

Daddy's Are Mean :))

Doug is a typical Dad. Come here, pull my finger LOL. The poor dawgs have learned but Morgan still takes the bait sometimes. Doug loves hot stuff (I promised to stop the music references so I curbed my urge to title this "Looking for some hot stuff" or "Hot like Wasabi" hahahahah) and tonight we had burritos and he purchased some jalepeno peppers for his. The dawgs fell victim, even though they tried to avoid DH their desire to beg overwhelmed them and they both got a little swab on their noses, and poor Morgan did too. We were at a mexican restaurant once and Doug had a side of habenero sauce. He told Morgan if she dipped a fry in it and ate it he would buy her a Barbie. She did. I have to admit the face she made was pretty funny and she got a good laugh out of it too. I grow ornamental peppers which burn like crazy and Doug has been known to run one around the rim of my glass when I am not looking. He's evil :))))))

2006-09-02T14:26:00.000-04:00

"I Could Hide Out Under There"

"I just made you say underwear"

(Barenaked Ladies - Pinch Me)

Okay, okay. I'll try to stop with the lyrical references :) but I had wanted to post about the bunnies and I couldn't help myself with this one. LOL.

Bunnies are so comical - but you have to pay attention, they can be very subtle. And they LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOve their hidey spots. Poor Auntie Patricia, everytime she visits, Chopper is holed up either in his castle or behind the shelf thingy in his room. I always have to shoo him out so she can say Hi!

The first picture is of my beloved Hazel and one of the last ones I took of her. She had lost the use of her back legs but still got around and enjoyed her tunnel. *sniff*

I was thinking about Tinkerbell's name the other day and how appropriate it is. If you remember Peter Pan, Tinkerbell is not exactly sweet and innocent. Our Tink is the same, she's just so danged cute, but she's also a brat. She's precocious ("she's got Betty Davis eyes", Carly Simon - really I will stop now ;) )

Bunnies are not for everyone, they are a royal pain inna patootie sometimes, but if you take the time to understand them they are the most amazing animals. I love my rabbits so very very much, and it is hard for some people to understand, but I think if people who don't know would take a moment to try to see what we "bunnyfolk" see the world would be a much better place.

Off to hug a bunny, Chopper will be thrilled I am sure...................

2006-09-01T18:03:00.000-04:00

Morgan's Song

While we are on the topic of music........this was one of the CD's that we were listening to when Morgan was born. I love 10,000 Maniacs and Natalie Merchant. I have had the pleasure of seeing her in concert twice. The song "Wonder" off of this album I have always considered "Morgan's Song"

Doctors have come from distant cities

Just to see me

Stand over my bed

Disbelieving what they're seeing

They say I must be one of the wonders

Of god's own creation

And as far as they can see they can offer

No explanation

Newspapers ask intimate questions

Want confessions

They reach into my head

To steal the glory of my story

They say I must be one of the wonders

Of god's own creation

And as far as they can see they can offer

No explanation

O, I believeFate smiled and destiny

Laughed as she came to my cradle

Know this child will be able

Laughed as my body she lifted

Know this child will be gifted

With love, with patience and with faith

She'll make her way

People see me

I'm a challenge to your balance

I'm over your heads

How I confound you and astound you

To know I must be one of the wonders

Of god's own creation

And as far as you can see you can offer me

No explanation

O, I believeFate smiled and destiny

Laughed as she came to my cradle

Know this child will be able

Laughed as she came to my mother

Know this child will not suffer

Laughed as my body she liftedKnow this child will be gifted

With love, with patience and with faith

She'll make her way

2006-08-30T21:41:00.000-04:00

Out of the Office

Not in the mood to post today. We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow with back to school stuff. Is the summer really over already????

I can't tell you guys how much I appreciate all your support lately and will respond accordingly tomorrow. In the mean time Grandma has popped in and looked at the blog and has a thing or two to say about Chandler :)))))

2006-08-29T15:41:00.000-04:00

"It would hold 8 kids and 4 hound dogs and the piggy we stole from the shed"

I am having one of those days so this post will ramble - there is a reason for Doug's pictures - and hopefully my thoughts will come full circle and make sense.

Music is very important to me, I can associate almost every memory with a song. Sometimes it what song happened to be playing when an event happened, sometimes it's a song that reminds me of a certain time. Doug - gotta luv him - doesn't pay any attention to lyrics but that's what gets my attention.

I have been having "ish-yooz" (as the bunnies would say) with sleeping. My mind has been racing a million miles an hour for obvious reasons (see yesterday's post) as well as some undisclosed ones. I have found that listening to music when I go to sleep helps. The other night it was John Denver. His music reminds me of my childhood - my parents used to listen to him, and I find his lyrics very visual. It is very calming and happy.

When we moved from Wisconsin my "theme song" was Drive by Incubus. It helped me keep motivated. As far as yesterday's post, I am still in the OMG is this real stage, and trying to convince Doug that I can handle it - have I mentioned I don't do well with change? *big grin*.

I know I am about to get a little sappy, but when I got in the car today to go pick up Doug's prescription "Still the One" was on the radio. I have always thought this would be a perfect song to play at our 50th Anniversary and it just makes me smile every time I hear it because it IS Doug and Me. And it seemed appropriate with what is going on.

STILL THE ONE (Orleans)

We've been together since way back when

Sometimes I never want to see you again

But I want you to know, after all these years

You're still the one I want whisperin' in my ear

You're still the one I want to talk to in bed

Still the one that turns my head

We're still having fun, and you're still the one

I looked at your face every day But I never saw it 'til I went away

When winter came, I just wanted to go Deep in the desert,

I longed for the snow

You're still the one that makes me laugh

Still the one that's my better half

We're still having fun, and you're still the one

You're still the one that makes me strong

Still the one I want to take along

We're still having fun, and you're still the one
Changing, our love is going gold

Even though we grow old, it grows new

You're still the one that I love to touch

Still the one and I can't get enough

We're still having fun, and you're still the one

You're still the one who can scratch my itch

Still the one and I wouldn't switch

We're still having fun, and you're still the one

You are still the one that makes me shout

Still the one that I dream about We're still having fun, and you're still the one...

2006-08-28T19:11:00.000-04:00

O Canada?

Trying really hard to wrap my mind around this one. Doug has always wanted his own business and *we* have a wonderful opportunity to do so. But it most likely involves moving to Toronto. And we're not talking in a year or two - we are talking like Jan-March!!! So I need some help here - lots of cons because "I yam wut I yam" but in the long run I know this will be good for us - Honeybunch (that's Doug to you all) this is not a post about why I don't want to go, this is a post to help me prepare to go.

Pros -

Kids like snow

I could use some of the 6 years of French I took

Gov't pays for your healthcare (not sure if that good but I hear it is)

Moving to another country sounds "exotic"

Niagra falls is close - barrels are handy :)))

Cons:

Moving sucks

I hate moving

Selling a house sucks - keeping it spotless to show to potential buyers sucks

I am tired of fixing things the way I want them and then having to leave them

I don't want to make Morgan change schools

The last time we moved we had 4 animals and lost two

I hate extended winters

I am scared!

2006-08-27T14:49:00.000-04:00

Tomato Sandwiches

Being a good southern girl, I love vegetables. Now don't mistake liking vegetables with being healthy after what the south does to them - fried squash, fried okra, fried tomatoes, any kind of peas or beans have to be cooked with bacon or ham and the fattier the better - my Grandmother used to save the grease in a jar and reuse it - yeah, really healthy. But I do love tomato sandwiches. Just plain white bread, mayo, really ripe tomatoes (homegrown being the best), and lots of pepper and some salt.

I didn't grow any veggies this year, but the grocery for once had decent looking vine-ripened tomatoes the other day and I picked some up. I fixed my tasty sandwich and was looking forward to it when Doug (a Wisconsinite with no clue about southern foods) says "Wow! That looks good, but I bet it would be better with bacon and lettuce". Well then it wouldn't BE a tomato sandwich anymore would it??? I would be a BLT. But he failed to understand this. This is the sort of logic I have lived with for years :))

2006-08-25T13:39:00.000-04:00

Spam, Spam, and More Spam!!!!

Ya gotta love Eric Idle, he is by far my favorite Monty Python member. But the Spam he speaks of in this skit is not the Spam I am grumbling about in today's post.

The Spam we shall speak of today is the solicitations that come via snail mail, e-mail, telephone (thank goodness for caller id), and.....Fax!!!!! While all of them bug the living stew out of me, none bothers me as much as the Fax. As previously stated, a substantial part of my business is via fax. So when my fax rings, I assume it is business related. I get somewhere between 3 and 5 of these stupid faxes a day. Nevermind my trecking up the stairs to my office to see what it is when the fax rings, what bugs me the most is the fact that all the other forms of Spam may be irritating and take a little of my time to get rid of, but the Fax Spam actually costs me money. It's my ink, my paper. Do people really respond to these solicitations? I get so many about "Dream Vacations at Employee Prices" and "Undisclosed Special Mortgage Rates" that it boggles the mind.

They always have numbers to call if you don't want to receive the faxes anymore, but it has been my experience that this only confirms a valid fax number to the sender. Grrrrrrrr.

I understand the need to market your business but I find it incredibly rude to use other people's resources for your purpose. I can delete email, not answer phone calls, trash junk mail, but these faxes are insane and they come at all hours of the day. Thank goodness Jack loves to shred paper, he at least enjoys "his faxes".

2006-08-24T15:19:00.000-04:00

Species Challenged

This cartoon has hung on my credenza in my office for years. How appropriate to answer Laura's question. Yes! Peyton is that way with all the rabbits. It's just that Toodles is confined most of the day so he is able to nap with her without her running away. He really does love the rabbits, it's uncanny. He will try to lay where they lay, and being the "snobs" they are they get up and move. Poor guy. They like him, and will come up to him and let him lick them, but they won't snuggle and it's painfully obvious that that's what he wants.

Toodles seems to genuinely want to play with him. When he is barking and playing with his "baby" she will binky about in her cage "Lemme play toooooo!" - makes me second guess the whole dog attack thing, she's not the least bit afraid of them.

So poor Peyton, who tries desperately to be a cat, dog, rabbit (cadogbit?) has a wonderful friend in Toodles. I do wish she could stay, but I cannot work it out in my head how I can manage 11 animals, or where she would go if we did keep her - she can't live in the living room forever :(

2006-08-23T15:34:00.000-04:00

Temporary One

Isn't she cute? This is Toodles. She is a bunny that we are fostering while she recovers from a broken leg. Toodles was the victim of a dog attack and her owners would not provide care for her, and were going to eat her *gasp* if she didn't get better. The vet was able to convince the owners to surrender her and Amy from Cats & Rabbits & More posted about her on Petbunny. Since it was basically in my own backyard I couldn't not help. She spent a week at the vets without pain meds waiting for the "family" to decide to turn her over.

She has been here 6 weeks now, and has delighted us with her wonderful personality. She is such a sweet rabbit and just melts when you pet her. She has been getting more play time lately since her leg has healed and she can do some amazing binkies! She loves to be out and about and has extremely good litter habits. Peyton has adopted her :) I don't know what he will do when she finds her forever home! It will be hard for me to let her go too, I hope it will be someone that will keep in touch with us. I wish I could keep her, but I have to realize my limit.

Bunnies are so special, and how anyone could deny any animal care is something that I cannot comprehend at all. So if anyone knows of a special family looking for an exceptional rabbit, let me know! Toodles deserves a family that will love her forever and shower her with affection each and every day.

2006-08-22T19:46:00.000-04:00

Safety First

No pictures today, I am a tad disgruntled. Some jerk has been lurking on my webshots page and left an innappropriate message a week ago, which I deleted, then they revisited today 2 times with a new id and left harmless remarks but I am getting a weird feel. You can mess with me but not my kid.

Soooooooo, I am leaving it for now so webshots can see and will be moving all of my family pics to a locked album. Sad that life has to come to this but I cannot stand the thought of some creep looking at Morgan.

The point of this post is to suggest that you all are very careful of what you post on the internet and the information that you give when signing up for things. What you think is possible isn't half of what is *really* possible.

2006-08-21T19:49:00.000-04:00

Funny Names

"A stranger's a friend you just don't know"

Thanks Big Audio Dynamite :) Somehow this seems fitting with the blog! I am out of ideas today, so I thought I would do a bit about how we all got our names.

Doug - Douglass Randolphe - His mom was on some serious pain meds when he was born and spelled both his names wrong - you have no idea how many "official" documents we have that have his name with 1 s and no e LOL.

Michelle - Well, my Dad refused to accept the fact that I might be a girl so there was no female name picked out, I was supposed to be Michael, but when I popped out missing parts I was named Michelle.

Chandler - We were fans of the show Friends, what can I say?

Morgan - We bought all the baby name books and had many discussions, but one day on the way to work (still remember sitting at the stoplight) Morgan Haley jumped into my head.

Peyton - Had Morgan been a boy this would have been her name and I wasn't going to waste all that thought so when we got him he got the name!

Chopper - He was almost Basil. But his ears are helicoptered so Chopper seemed to fit.

Tinkerbell - Doug named her. Long story I am not ready to get into.

Tater Tot - Again, Doug named him. He's so small I wanted to name him something contrary (kinda like I want a Flemmie someday to name Tiny) but Tater Tot stuck - DH didn't appreciate it after the neuter when I was calling him Tater Tot-less!

Mopsy - came with the name, but it's cute.

Jack - ditto

Paul - came as Pheobe and as I said, I am not creative :)

Tigger - Morgan named him because of his colors.

Steve - I wanted to name him something exotic like Calypso but again, Doug named him. Steve really seems to fit because it's a "people" name and Steve definitely thinks he's a people.

2006-08-20T19:30:00.000-04:00

Memories

I have been enjoying doing this blog. Partly because I have been going through old photos to look for things as I am writing. It's funny to see how we have changed over the years. I have come across photos long forgotten, as well as ones that I remember clearly taking - though I don't know who those young kids are in some of them :) Gawd, Doug and I look 12 in some of those pictures and was Morgan really ever that small???? Seems like yesterday and then again seems like an entirely different lifetime.

This picture was taken at Sandbridge when my father re-married and has always been one of my favorites. I had it blown up to an 8x10 and made a frame out of the shells we collected that day and it hangs on the wall in our den. I wish my scanner did a better job, or that I was better at (or even knew how to use) photo editing software - blogger is giving me fits with enabling the "click on the picture to make it bigger" feature so that's why I added the link. Something about this picture has always made me smile though, it was such a wonderful day and Morgan and her Daddy look so cute.

2006-08-19T18:13:00.000-04:00

Gluttonous Maximus

Chandler is all about food. He is supposed to weigh between 30 and 35 lbs. He is 32 now and has been for some years, but in his younger days he tipped the scale at a whopping 56lbs. This isn't the picture I was looking for but it will do - you can see how small his head looks compared to his body. He was a snausage and a half.

Over the years he has learned that little children are easy marks, little walking buffets, and it's like......taking candy from a baby :) His first experience with children was when I was in the hospital having Morgan. My boss at the time had 3 young boys and he and his wife were considering getting a dog. So they asked if they could watch Chandler and sort of have a "test drive" before making the leap. Holly was outside with the boys and had just given the youngest a PB&J when she heard Connor crying. She turned around to see that Chandler had knocked him down, was standing on his back, eating the PB&J sandwich still clutched in Connor's little hand. Naughty dog.

To fully appreciate the second PB&J story, I must explain that Chandler is very sassy to me. He talks back all the time and sounds absolutely vicious but wouldn't hurt a fly. He has a time out chair for when he's bad, and he will go to it when told but he grumbles and growls and snarles the whole way, kind of like a child stamping their feet when being sent to their room.

We were rushed one evening because Morgan had swim lessons and I was waiting for my last child to be picked up from daycare. I quickly fixed Morgan a PB&J for dinner while we waited. Beth arrived to pick Brandon up and while I was talking to her out of the corner of my eye I saw Chandler grab Morgan's sandwich. I excused myself for a moment and crawled under the table, pried open Chandler's mouth, stuck my hand all the way in to retrieve the sandwich. All the while he's making a horrible ruckus, just sounding like a rabid wolf - foaming and everything. I won, threw the PB&J in the trash and apologized to Beth, who was standing there wide eyed in disbelief. "I can't believe you just did that and he didn't bite you" to which I replied "He may be sassy but he's not dumb" LOL.

He has always been like this with food, I don't know why. He would eat himself into a coma if you let him. He's awful about begging and will make the most of every opportunity. It' not like he's ever missed a meal in his life so why he behaves this way is beyond me. Peyton is the complete opposite, takes his time eating, and will sometimes leave food in the bowl. He begs too, but not the way Chan does.

2006-08-18T14:34:00.000-04:00

"If I Only Had A Brain...."

I used to be organized. I used to make lists. Lately life has gotten away from me and I feel completely scatter-brained. It seems that the less one has to do, the less one actually does. When I was working full time, I would think "Gee, there are so many projects I would like to do" or "my house would be cleaner if I didn't work". Not true. Not true at all. I call it being overwhelmed at being underwhelmed. LOL. Take today for instance, should be cleaning and doing laundry, but Morgan and I watched a movie instead and now here I sit at the computer :)

I do still work, I have my own business, but it takes little of my time really. Problem is that it's chaotic and random. I am at the mercy of the fax machine. I find myself running to check it every time it rings, or cringing because I thought I was done for the day. In reality I need to just set aside the SAME time everyday to do my work and just let the fax go if it's not during that period.

It seems silly to make a list for only five or so things, but there is that permanence of putting it on paper that makes you *have* to do those things. And the sense of accomplishment as you cross them off. So, I have decided to force myself to begin making a to-do list everyday, even if I don't get it all done, at least it's there - glaring at me - and I can't ignore it.

I wish I was the kind of person who doesn't fret over such things, but I do. I hate change, I can't stand it when things aren't in order, and yet I find myself letting the small things pile up until I don't even know where to begin.

Soooooooo, I am off to make my list ;) Looking around my office here, I think it should be first, but laundry and the dust bunnies are calling too LOL.

2006-08-17T20:39:00.000-04:00

So That's Our Family....

Not too awfully exciting but now you know who we are and just a little about each one of us. I can't conclude this portion of my blog without mentioning 2 dear family members we have lost - our Princess and first bunny ever, Miss Bunns and our Big Beautiful Bunny Girl Hazel. Another day when I am in the mood I will post about them. But they were both significant parts of our lives and are deeply missed each and every day.

Now the hard part comes, what to blog about next? Hmmmm. I could talk about trying to give up caffeine, but I don't have the energy right now :)) or about the deer we saw in our yard during the rainstorm on Tuesday, or the cool lizard with the blue tail that lives on my deck somewhere, or Chandler's PB&J stories, or my dismay at the list of supplies I must purchase for my child to go back to school.....

I shall come up with something, but not tonight.

2006-08-16T17:50:00.000-04:00

Steve the Bird

I have always wanted a bird. Over the years I have bought several books on them, my favorite being "The Parrot Who Owned Me". I finally decided that it was time and set off to get one in March of 2005. I love the big birds, but having no experience felt I would be taking on more than I could handle, so I decided a nice little parakeet would be a good choice. There is a store here that specializes in birds, and I had been there several times just to look, they are very knowledgeable and their birds are very well cared for. When I got there I wandered around looking at them all, and then stood to watch the parakeets and pick one out. Behind me was a cage with Fischer's Lovebirds in it. I couldn't help but be drawn to them, they were so inquisitive, and I loved their colors - esp their eyes. I began playing with them, they would follow in a gaggle from one side of the cage to the other as I moved around it. I was sold.

Steve is very cool. Lovebirds are parrots, and very intelligent. I worked with clicker training with Steve and he caught on right away, though I don't do it as much as I should. He will bring a ball to me and drop it in my hand, and I have taught him to "wolf whistle" :) He also mimics the alarm system (joy) and will call out "tweet tweet" loudly when he is looking for us.

Doug and Steve got off to a rocky start - I taught Steve to give kisses in one afternoon, and when DH came home I showed him. Of course Doug wanted a birdie kiss so when he asked for one Steve latched onto Doug's lip and wouldn't let go. The amount of restraint it took for Doug not to swat Steve across the room should not go unmentioned or unappreciated. But now Steve is his buddy. He will allow Doug to pet him all over - as soon as Doug opens his cage he spreads his wings to get his "birdie massage". Steve enjoys hanging out with me but if he can see Doug it's all over.

I am really glad that I didn't get a big bird as learning how to handle Steve has been very enlightening. You can read about things and how to handle birds, but there is no comparison to actually having to do it. I have learned a lot about bird behavior and body language, and made some mistakes along the way that with a larger bird surely would have caused a lot of stress for me and the bird (not to mention injuries LOL - even the little ones bite HARD).

2006-08-15T16:17:00.000-04:00

Tigger the Pigger

This is our little guinea pig Tigger. He lives in Morgan's room and is really cute. He wheeks and whistles in the mornings for his breakfast and giggles when you scritch his butt. He's not much for coming out of his cage on his own. It seems to freak him out and he spends the whole time trying to get back IN his cage. But he loves to be petted and so we cart him around in a towel and love on him when we are watching TV and such.

Pigs are slobs. He has no idea what a potty box is for. None. But he is a good little hay eater, never wastes a strand. It is very cute to watch him *popcorn* in his cage too. He loves Doug, says he gives the best pig scritches in the whole house :)

He is also very good with Morgan and I am glad for that. We are working on teaching her to be more responsible for Tigger - cage cleaning, feeding, realizing that he needs daily interaction. She writes about him all the time in her schoolwork, it's pretty cute.

While I don't like the idea of getting animals from pet stores, sometimes the animal picks you. We were not in the market for another pet, just happened to stop by for supplies in March of 2004, and there he was. Popping all over the cage while his buddies just sat there. We went home, and I told Doug I was going back for the pig :)

Tigger seems quite happy with his little lot in life, perhaps he doesn't have all the privileges of some pigs we know, but he doesn't appear to want them when they have been offered. He's a good pig, and we all love him very much.

2006-08-14T18:36:00.000-04:00

Pheobe?!?!?!?!?!

Sweet Sweet Paulie. His story is the same as Jack's with a twist. He came home with me that Saturday because he was bonded to Jack. The woman that was surrendering them had to move back home with her parents and they were being kept outside. She had Jack neutered but not Pheobe. When I got home with the two, Doug picked Pheobe up and said "This isn't a girl bunny". I immediately concurred and called Eileen. We had a good laugh about two "supposedly" rabbit saavy people never even thinking to look. We just took the lady's word for it that Pheobe was indeed female. So, in my not so creative way, I re-named him Paul.

It's funny that Jack was the reason they were adopted, but Paulie is my buddy. Just such a sweetheart. He runs to greet my every morning, and just loves to be petted. He kind of reminds me of Peyton da Basset Hound sometimes, he seems a little slow but has nothing but love to offer.

Paulie was my first experience with a teenage unneutered male. Ugh. My vet was on maternity leave and we had to wait three loooooooooong months. It was gross, smelly, nasty, awful. Well worth the money to have him fixed, I wish people would understand that.

He and Jack became unbonded that first year, it was the first time I ever heard a rabbit scream. And I hope I never do again. I have been able to get them back together, they spend their nights apart, but are together all day until we go to bed and that seems to work for them.

Paul had a freak accident in January (fell off of his critter castle) and fractured his spine. He had *very* little use of his back legs. He was put on lockdown in a tiny cage for 6 weeks, steroids, and pain meds. I am happy to say that he has made a full recovery :) and loving life being back with Jack. However, since his injury he has some issues with leaving pooties everywhere at night. Not sure why it's only at night, maybe because Jack is in the condo and he's not. I dunno. But it drives me mad because he used to have such good habits. Oh well, I am just glad he's better.

2006-08-13T17:26:00.000-04:00

Blackjack!

Introducing Jack. Or Jackson as I usually call him. My friend Eileen is our local HRS rep and does rabbit education/adoption days at Petsmart the first Saturday of every month. I usually try to get up there to visit with her. She rarely has aoptables with her, just pictures, and just brings one of her own bunnies for "demo". But on one fateful Saturday in Sept of 2003 she had 2 bunnies for adoption with her. I petted them and chatted and then went on about my business. I returned home, and couldn't stop thinking about them, the black bunny in particular. So I returned and walked in and said "Okay, what are their names?" Eileen laughed, told me, and knew I was hooked. I went through the store and got all the needed supplies and then, while in the checkout line had a panic attack. What the heck was I thinking? I needed 2 more rabbits like I needed a hole in the head. So I put all the stuff back and went home. Doug was at the house by this time, I was bawling, and he said "Just go get the dang rabbits". So I returned to Petsmart one more time and took home Jack and Pheobe (see Paul's story tomorrow LOL).

Jack is a handsome black Mini-Rex. His fur is so soft it is unbelievable. If you have never petted a rex, you are truly missing out. It's like the softest velvet you can imagine. But he is *very* energetic. He doesn't like for you to approach him, but he will lick my toes and nuzzle my feet while I sit at the computer. Funniest thing about him is that he snores - something awful. When I first brought him home he nearly gave me a heart attack because I walked into the office where he lives and he was in the middle of the floor, flat on his back (kid you not all 4 legs straight up in the air), and I was sure he had keeled over from a heart attack or something. Anyway, he's a great rabbit, loves his phone books, and when you say his name he acts like it tickles his ears.

There have been times I felt like I made a bad decision bringing Jack and Pheobe home, but they bring me so much joy. It is a bit of extra work, but I know they love me and they make sitting at the computer so much more fun :))

2006-08-12T15:27:00.000-04:00

My Mopsy Girl

This is Mopsy's adoption photo from Petfinder where I found her. We got her from Bunny Magic in Maryland. She was born in a shelter and that's all we know about her. Carole from Bunny Magic was kind enough to meet us in Frederickburg for Tater to pick out a bunwife. Mopsy is the one I wanted, but I was willing to let him choose. He met with several lady bunnies but in the end he chose Mopsy - such a good little boy :)

If Tater is Doug's fault, then Mopsy is by default because everyone knows you can't have a lonely bunny ;). Tater would sit and watch Chopper and Hazel, and we felt so bad for him. Even though we tried to spend a lot of time with him, it just wasn't the same, esp. considering his personality. So I looked and looked for a wife for him and when I saw Mopsy's picture I just fell in love with her. We brought her home Thanksgiving weekend 2002.

She's such a pretty girl but very sassy. She will wag her tail just like a dog, and hop/skip away when you talk to her. You can almost see her whole body giggle. A far cry from when we first brought her home and she bolted and whimpered in the corner when she first met the dogs. Now she comes right up to them. She even scared the crap out of Chandler once - he was nosing around the door of her condo while she was out and she ran under his legs, growled, and took off. Poor dog never knew what happened and whacked his head on the door of the condo trying to back up LOL.

As I mentioned, she a Tater are immense slobs. I have never figured out if it's because they share a room with Chopper and Tink or if it's just their nature. But they are so cute and love each other very much. Though Mopsy is a bit of a bossy wife and will nip Tater in the butt when she catches him making googley eyes at Tink! They do everything together, I call them the Dynamic Duo.

2006-08-11T17:45:00.000-04:00

Teeny Tiny Tater Tot

So if you're playing along and keeping count this brings us to bunny number three. We already had Chopper and Hazel (ATB) and Tater Tot is all Doug's fault. He had an appointment at a house where the folks had a Netherland Dwarf. Doug came home talking about how cute the little bunny was and we should get one. Anyone that knows me knows that I don't need much more than that to be off and running "in search of".

We brought Tater home in April of 2002. We tried for several months to bond him with Chopper and Hazel, but he and Chopper would not get along. Though Tater loved Hazel and they were something to see, a little less than 2 pound bunny loving on a 12 pound bunny. So we would just let Tater out to visit with Hazel now and again and quit trying to make him and Chopper friends.

Tater has the cutest markings, but my favorite is his "mohawk". He's rather feisty, and really not a people bunny like the bigger bunnies, but he makes up for it in cuteness. When he does sit with you, he likes to act like a parrot and be on your shoulder as you can see in the first picture. He is also very suspicious and the only treat he will accept is a nanna. When I walk into the bunny room at night and call out "Who wants a nanna" he comes flying :) then grabs his little slice and takes off. Tater is a total slob, as is his bunwife Mopsy, and their condo is a never ending battle for me, so for that reason he is seldom let loose anywhere other than the bunny room because you have to watch him like a hawk. Besides, you would be amazed at the places a little bunny can get into - I lost him once inside the couch. He and Mopsy had chewed the underneath and were "just chillin" while I was freaking out looking for them! LOL.

2006-08-10T20:17:00.000-04:00

Tinka Da Stinka

The title of this picuture is "Big Paw". This is Tinkerbell just a few days after we brought her home last August. She was 2 months old. She's a French Lop and her Auntie Laura posted about her on her blog here . She is an extremely lovey bunny but on her terms. She does not like to be held really, she is the complete definition of "the explosive rabbit". But that is because she is young and we hope she will settle down with age. Big bunnies tend to mellow out, right now she is just like a very big puppy full of energy. She has her mind set already about how life should be, a true Diva. I swear there are days she looks at me like "Man, you still live here???" but the next minute she's chasing me down to lick my feet and get some pets.

She's a gorgeous rabbit, our first bunny was all black so we are a little partial :) And to see a young French Lop binky and do the bunny 500 is just amazing. Sounds like the walls are falling down sometimes. And she has brought some youth back to Chopper. His former wife never really played, but Tink engages him in tag all the time. But ohhhh man is she a digger. I have placed 12x12 marble tiles in certain preferred spots and she tosses them aside like they were paper. She is a naughty bunny as you can see to your right. Into everything, onto everything, under everything. But she is sooo much fun and I adore her. She loves her Chopper and she makes us laugh every day. Queen of the Lop Flop, Princess of the House, Tinka Da Stinka we LOVE you.

2006-08-09T15:33:00.000-04:00

Little Chief

Say hello to Chopper. He is my little snuggle bear. One of those bunnies that enjoys giving kisses as much as getting them. You could pet him all day and he would just soak it up. He's also a bit of a class clown. He likes to show off his maneuvers and does silly barrel rolls and delights in your laughter at his antics. He doesn't "get jiggy with it" as much as he used to, but when he's in the mood he can put on quite a show.

He's a 5 year old mini lop. I got him when we first moved to VA. I had dropped Morgan off at school (we were living with my Mom at the time while house-hunting) and went for a drive. I pulled into a shopping center and saw a store called "Noah's Ark". Sounded interesting enough so I went in. There, on the floor in an aquarium wedged between a cage of kittens and a tank with a snake was baby Chopper. I couldn't believe it. He was so tiny he fit in the palm of my hand. When I asked about the bunny they didn't even know how much to sell him to me for, nor did they even have anything to put him in (store sold no bunny supplies so you know he was supposed to be breakfast for a snake). They finally wrangled a box from the back, settled on $15 and home I went. I already had one bunny, and was very worried about what Doug (and my mother) would say, but Chopper charmed his way into everyone's hearts.

He's a darling bunny boy and has always been just a healthy happy fellow. He has helped me mourn the loss of 2 lady bunnies now, and we are very close. He's a most well behaved bunny, unlike some others I have - but we won't talk about that now. Chops loves his toys and tunnels (you can see him here throwing his bunny keys) and most of all being groomed by his hoomins and his lovely bride Tinkerbell. I was very lucky to wander into that *ahem* store in Sept of 2001, but I have never been back.

2006-08-08T18:54:00.000-04:00

Peyton, Peyton, Peyton.

This is Peyton as a pup, playing in the leaves. We got him sometime in September of 1997. He is a Bagel. Half Basset Hound, half Beagle. He is such a good boy, and has always adored Chandler and Morgan. When I had the daycare, he would let the kids do anything they wanted to him. Once I couldn't find him, and it turned out that Morgan had locked him in a closet. When I opened the door, there he sat, patiently waiting for someone to find him. I told him if he was too dumb to whine or run away I couldn't help him :)

He has the biggest heart and is the favorite of anyone that visits. As a matter of fact he wears his heart on his side as you can see in this picture. He's just the coolest dog and loves the bunnies so very much. He dotes on them constantly and they love him back. We call him "Nana" sometimes because he worries about everyone and everybun.

Here is a more recent photo. He seems to always have that gloom and doom look about him. But that's just the way he is. Basset Hounds are notorious for being submissive. But that makes them all the more endearing. At first glance, he seems to need to make mental notes just to breathe, but he is quite bright, just very literal about the rules. He is a kind of go with the flow kind of guy. But he has a stuffed octopus that is his "baby" and he carries it everywhere. And whenever he doesn't know what to do about a situation he runs to get it. It is my yearly task to find a new one for Christmas every year. Last year I was smart and bought 2 LOL.

2006-08-08T17:31:00.000-04:00

Bugger Blogger

For some reason I have been unable to upload pictures to blogger today. It was Peyton's day to have an entry on my blog and I won't do it without pictures of Da Basset Hownd. Much like Eeyore (Nobody loves me anyway), he feels it's the universe once again jilting him.

I will try again later. If not, stayed tuned, Peyton WILL get his post!

2006-08-07T17:37:00.000-04:00

My Shmoopy Dog

This is Chandler...when he was a baby. In Doug's quest to find his niche in life, one stop was as a door to door vaccuum salesman. One woman had a litter of beagles and Doug came home and asked me if I wanted a puppy. Duh. My brother happened to be visiting us in WI at the time and went with DH to pick out a puppy. I can still remember that puppy smell when Doug brought him into my office for the first time :)

Chandler is my baby, so much so that at times DH is jealous of him. He was Best Beagle in our wedding, and just the most wonderful dog - but don't call him that, he's unaware that he's not a person. Like Morgan, I could post and post and post stories about him. He's just .... my baby.

As you can see, he is getting older and his colors have changed. He's 11 1/2 now, and still my baby. I think he's such a handsome fellow. Old age is taking it's toll, he used to sleep with me, now he gets too hot and cranky, so he sleeps on a bed beside my side of the bed. But he snuggles with me first before he goes to bed at night, and in the morning he jumps back up to "get under the binkie" and snuggle. He has battled Leptosporosis and won, and has many lumps, bumps, warts, skin tags, etc (he would be one ugly looking dog if you shaved him down hahaha) but I am blessed that they are all benign and he is in general a pretty healthy pup.

2006-08-06T18:10:00.000-04:00

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

That's what little girls are made of. This is a pic of Morgan when she was 3 months old. She was born 9/16/96. I could blog so much about her that blogger would shut down so I thought I would just post an excerpt from something I wrote in her baby book.

"Your first day you ate at 4:30 a.m. and slept until 9:30 a.m., ate again and slept until 3:30 p.m. When the nurse came in she said we should be waking you up about every 3 - 4 hours to be fed. So you ate again. Then a little after 4 p.m. your Grandma (Blalock) arrived to see her first grandbaby. She agreed that you were the prettiest and most peaceful baby she had ever seen. So you stayed awake for quite a while to show off for her and she and your father took a bunch of pictures of you. Then they left for a bit and Dr. Olinger came in to see you. Just as he was saying what a nice disposition you had, you threw your first fit. I got you settled, Dad and Grandma came back and you slept most of the evening except for when you were hungry"

Obviously Morgan has grown into a beautiful young lady. This is her school picture from this year. As all children are, she can be difficult, but I love her dearly and am so very proud of her. She has the biggest heart and is so very bright. A gentleman I worked for when I was pregnant told me that having a child would be the biggest ego trip I would ever have. I didn't understand then, but I do now :)

2006-08-05T17:12:00.000-04:00

A Bit About My DH

This photo surfaced a few years ago. It was taken during our first Christmas together. When Morgan first saw it she wanted to know who that lady was with me. Ha Ha! Yes, Doug had Rock Star Hair :)

I met Doug in a bar - and it's a very funny story for another time perhaps. But after the first meeting, I decided he was okay and we fell in love *insert sappy music and awww's*. We were in VA and he moved back to WI just 2 short months after we met. I spent the summer continuing to work and save money, then moved out to live with him in August. Talk about whirlwind. Thank goodness he wasn't a serial killer!

This is a recent photo taken of us on our trip to Cabo this past February. We had spent the day deep sea fishing, where I won $50 for being the first to puke on the boat. Lovely. And I have a dazzling sunburn to show for it! We had so much fun on that trip.

We have been together over 12 years now. We have watched many of our friends (and family) marry, divorce, and some re-marry. We both feel that we are very lucky to have found one another (which makes the "how we met" story even more funny. He is truly my best friend in the whole wide world and I would do anything for him, except laundry LOL.

2006-05-27T17:16:00.000-04:00

Greetings and Salutations:

I thought the best way to start this blog would be to introduce my family. Sooooo, over the next few days I shall attempt to write a little bit about each one.

I need to scan some pictures, so faces can be put with names (and make things a little more interesting). But a brief preview of what's to come:

My wonderful husband Doug, our beautiful daughter Morgan, our pups Chandler and Peyton, our bunnies Chopper, Tinkerbell, Tater Tot, Mopsy, Jack, and Paul, our little piggie Tigger, and our sassy bird Steve.