She's Baaak....maybe

We'll see for how long this time. Man have I been gone or what? Not only did I just stop writing I quit going to other peoples sites as well. It was like I just fell off the face of the earth. There's really no reason either other than laziness. I just quit going on the computer other than to pay bills. I've thought about coming back to it from time to time but just never did.

The real test will be on how long it takes me to write this post. Because I'm already stopping to go do something else. It's 3/19/09, maybe I'll come back today, maybe not.
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See, told you, it's now 3/26/09 a whole week later and I'm just now getting back. Yeah, I just don't know about this anymore. I still want to be a journaler but it's just taking the time to actually do it that's the hard thing.
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So, let's see, what's happened in the last few months since I posted last....

Not much really. The holidays happened and they went fine, nothing really to report. Two of my nieces turned another year older and their party was same as always. We had a blast playing Apples to Apples Jr.

HDiTty had his birthday in February and I had mine at the beginning of this month. We didn't do anything for either one.

His oldest sister had a baby boy (her second son) in February. He's cute as button of course. He has a heart murmur but just had another dr appointment the other day and the little hole is already sealing up. The dr said that most holes seal up within three years, every now and then it might take up to five. But basically he's fine and that's all that matters.

Crybaby and Pretty Boy are doing just fine. Whiskers isn't doing so well. She's walking on her hind legs rather than her paws and her tail is dragging. Per her x-rays it looks like she may have had a trauma where the tail meets her back. She's on a steroid to help make her better but so far other than a very slight improvement it doesn't seem to be working. But we're going to finish all the medicine before saying it was a bust.

Poydras is doing wonderful. There was a very bad scare with him several weeks back but he's all fine now. HD has psoriasis and Poydras chewed up one of the topical medicines for it. It's a vitamin D base medicine which is really really bad for dogs. Luckily HD caught it quick enough and induced vomiting and took him to the emergency vet right away. He was there from Friday mid day to the following Tuesday mid day. He had energy and couldn't understand why he was there but they were testing his calcium and phosphate levels every 12 hours. Every time they did one would go up and the other would go down. They needed both down to an acceptable level before they would release him. They also had him on an IV of fluids to make him go pee a lot to help clean out his kidneys. But he seems to be all better now with no lasting effects.


He and Pretty Boy are wonderful friends. The play like crazy. Poydras gets a little over zealous sometimes going after PB's hind legs but for the most part they're just great together.
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So, ok, it's now 4/24/09!!!! See, told you I probably wasn't REALLY back. Since the last time I wrote Whiskers was taken back to the vet. She had a growth on her front fright leg like she did last year that we had removed. The growth last time was a cyst so we just figured that's what this was too and didn't bother to do anything about it. After she was put on the steroid for her hind legs I noticed a huge round lump on the right side of her throat/neck. Turns out that both growths are cancer. Since she's still eating just fine, going to the bath room just fine and still out and around us and not hiding we decided to take her home with us to live out her last days. When we notice her not eating properly or maybe starting to hide we'll take her and have her put to sleep.

She's lived a long and happy life and it would cost soooo much to have the growths removed if the the throat one even could be. Without and MRI they wouldn't be able to tell where it all is into and the MRI alone would cost a shitload of money. So, for us, the best decision is to do what we're doing. Sad, that's for sure. But at least we were able to make the decision this way and still have time with her unlike a couple of the others that we had to put down.
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So that's really about it for updates at this time. I started this at the end of winter and finished it at the beginning of spring. Wow, we'll see how long it takes me to do another one.

Media quote of the day:

Spring, the Sweet Spring by Thomas Nashe

Spring, the sweet spring, is the year’s pleasant king,
Then blooms each thing, then maids dance in a ring,
Cold doth not sting, the pretty birds do sing:
Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to-witta-woo!

The palm and may make country houses gay,
Lambs frisk and play, the shepherds pipe all day,
And we hear aye birds tune this merry lay:
Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to-witta-woo!

The fields breathe sweet, the daisies kiss our feet,
Young lovers meet, old wives a-sunning sit,
In every street these tunes our ears do greet:
Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to witta-woo!

What's been happening around the homestead or rather, what's not been happening around the homestead

So the last chick that was hired back in May in my department has now been fired. We're down to two people in my department again, just me and bosslady. And now I find out that I'll be moving down one cubicle to be right next to her. I don't understand why it's important for that to happen, makes no sense to me. Especially if they eventually hire another person it would make more sense for them to be right next to her. Sucks big time.

This Thursday I'll be freezing my ass off at the Saints/Bears game. Right now they're calling for the temperature to only be around 15 degrees with a 30% chance of snow. UGH!! Hopefully that'll change and it'll just be cold. Or if we're lucky we'll be under the second tier again and out of most of the elements. But even so, I can't wait to be there. One of these years the Saints luck will have to change and they'll go back to beating the Bears. Or maybe it's our fault and we should quit going and then maybe they'll win. Naaa, that ain't gonna happen. As long as they keep coming to Chicago we'll be there.

Other than those items it's pretty much been the same old thing all over again in the peanuthead household. The puppy is coming along in his house training. He's had a couple accidents since we've been back from vacation that's about it. Luckily he's never gone poo in the house, just piddling. The two boy cats will play with him from time to time but Whiskers still won't have anything to do with him.

Bowling still goes up and down with how well we all do. But we're close to worst there, luckily we haven't ever ended up in last place but there's times we're close to it. But we're having fun and that's the whole point.

That's about it for now. Now you see why I haven't been updating much. I'll try to do better but I can't promise anything. Hell, not only have I not been updating I haven't been visiting anyone's site either. I'll try to be better about that too. But not today, I've got too much crap to do.

Media quote of the day: And yet you're too busy to polish the candlesticks? You're fired. - Lucille - Arrested Development

Sorry, I'm a little too busy saving the world right now. - Peter Petrelli - Heroes

Happy Holiday!

If I don't get to it tomorrow to those of you who celebrate it. . . .


Happy Thanksgiving!


To those of you who don't. . . .


Happy Thursday!


Media quote of the day: Hey! No guns at Thanksgiving! - Chuck Bartowski - Chuck

Bunches and bunches of questions answered

So, yeah, nothing much has been happening around Kat's house lately, hence no entries. HDiTty still hasn't transferred over the vacation photos to the home computer yet and as mentioned I really don't want to use the laptop. One of these months it'll get done.
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So since I don't have anything really to write about I did another search for ideas. The following questions come courtesy of Warwick Blogs.

What would you have on your headstone? I think I'd stick with the basics: My name, birth and death dates. It'd be up to HDiTty if he'd want anything else. But then, it'd be up to him if I'm buried anyway since my wish is to be cremated.

What's your dream car? I really don't have one. But the first image that popped into my head was a Hummer. The original not the 2 or 3.

Is pornography morally wrong? I don't think so. I know there are some girls and even boys that get into it in ways that shouldn't be. But for the most part they join on their own, they're not forced into it. And no one has to look at it if they don't want to. And so on and so forth.

If you had a big win in the lottery, how long would you wait to tell people? Long enough to get a lawyer involved and certain things worked out. As far as work goes, I might tell right away because I'd be quitting the very next day.

Do you carry a donor card? Sort of, it's on my Driver's License
Why (or why not)? Because I believe people should get whatever is able to be salvaged from my body that can be. Especially since it's going to be burned up anyway.

Where would you like to retire? In a log cabin, on a mountain in the woods, on our own private huge pond/small lake. If it can't be on a mountain, fine as long as everything else is there.

What is something you wish you were better at doing? Drawing

What colour do you prefer your pens to write? Black

Are babies cute? Yes, for the most part.

Do you subscribe to a magazine? Yes, 3 of them
If so, what? Entertainment Weekly, Midwest Living and Cottage Living

What was the last thing you used a microwave for? Campbell's soup for lunch today

What book are you reading? the 3rd book in the Twilight series, sorry can't remember the name. That tells you how long it's been since I picked it up doesn't it?

Do you like rollercoasters? Yes, love them.

Cite a song lyric that means something to you: "Hey baby, you got the love I need" from Over the Hills and Far Away - Led Zeppelin

What's the oldest thing you own? A China cabinet. It was in the house that my mom and dad bought going on 45 years ago now. We have no idea how old it is.

What's your favourite word? I'm liking serenity lately. I don't use it at all, but I like the sound.

What word(s) do you hate? Hmmm, I can't think of any except for the incorrect word of irregardless. But since that's not a real word I don't know if that counts.

Who would you have liked to be? I still think I would've like to have been an English teacher. Although my grammar isn't always the best nowadays, it used to be really good. Have no idea what happened there. Heh Or maybe an editor of fiction books.

What historical figure(s) do you most despise? Well Hitler comes to mind pretty damn quick.

What natural gift would you most like to possess? The gift to draw like Brother #2 can

How would you like to die? Asleep in my bed. Like, I think, most people I'd like to go to sleep and not wake up.

Why do you blog? Since, for the most part, my blog is more like a journal than not I blog to keep some kind of diary of my life.

Name one web site you'd recommend to others. Bitchypoo (it's over on the list, go check out the funny)

Whose thoughts would you most like to read? Of people I know personally I'd have to say it's a toss up between my mom and HD. Of people I don't know (i.e. celebrity) it's a toss up of Brad Pitt and Stephen King

What have you lost that you'd most like to retrieve? Well, I didn't lose them, my mother did. I'd like to retrieve her wedding ring set from when she was married to my father.

What's your favourite red thing? Does my Rendezvous count? It's more Burgundy than truly red. If not, I don't really have anything other than clothing and none of those I'd consider a favourite.

What are some things that make you nervous? Cars pulling out in front of me from a parking lot when there aren't any cars behind me. Not only does it anger me it makes me nervous as all get out since I've dreamed 3 times that that's how I'm going to die.

What's the best tasting food you've ever eaten? A fillet Mignon at a restaurant that no longer exists in Baton Rouge, LA. It was a place called Joey's and every bite just melted in my mouth. I had it on prom night 20 years ago. That's how good it was, I can still remember it to this day and my mouth is watering as I write this. Otherwise, as far as type of food, I'd have to say crawfish etoufee from just about any place in New Orleans, LA.

What's your favourite boy's name? Joseph, followed very closely by Joshua
Girl's name? Aurora - although I don't ever play online role playing games, HD does. And every time he starts a new game we create a character for me using this name. We usually end up having to add an "H" to it at the end though because someone has already gotten the correct spelling.

Where will you be in five year's time? I'd love to not be working in 5 years, at least not employed in something like I'm doing now. But I suppose as far as living goes, I'll still be in the same house I am now.

What one thing would you most like to accomplish with your life? Serenity!

What's your favourite scary movie? The Sixth Sense because it's just an awesome movie.
The movie that freaks me out though, that would be Ghost Story

Who's funnier, Jim Carrey or Bill Murray? Bill Murray, hands down.

What's the furthest place you've ever travelled to? I think that would be San Francisco, CA

Name a book you'd recommend to a friend. Swan Song
Why? I think I've written about this book enough. Just go get it dagnabit!

What's your favourite cartoon? Does The Little Drummer Boy and How the Grinch Stole Christmas and all the Charlie Brown specials count? If not and we're talking true cartoons, as in Saturday morning/after school I'd have to say Tom and Jerry.
Why? Because they're just damn funny, the older ones that is.

Name something about yourself that people don't expect. I can be very, very bitchy at times. Just ask HD.

If you won $5 million, how would you spend it? Get out of any debt of course, first and foremost. Then we'd be going on our dream vacation with a little more time added in I do believe. From there I'm not sure, I know we'd help out family though.

What's your favourite time of day? Dusk
Why? It's prettiest. If this includes night time though, I'd have say any time that it's dark and I can see the stars.


Media quote of the day: Imagine her waiting for you all these years. Imagine her sleeping under ice and snow... waiting. - Gregory Bate - Ghost Story

Witness to History

I voted, did you?

It doesn't matter who I or you voted for, just matters that we did. I stayed up to watch the results with Mr. Dan Rather. Also wanted to watch the speeches. Both were very good. McCain was a gracious loser and Obama was a gracious winner. Now let's see how things will go.

Either way it would've gone History would've been made. What a time we live in.

Attack of the candy

OK, so I believe he downloaded all the photos. Problem is, he did it to the laptop, not the main computer. He takes the laptop with him to work. On his nights off, when we're both at home he's on the computer almost the whole time. I hate the laptop, I want to do it on the desk computer. When the hell am I supposed to do a post with photos of our most excellent vacation? Hmmm?

Wednesday is bowling night so I know it won't get done then either. So the earliest will be Thursday night but I have a feeling I won't do it then. More than likely I'll have to do it over the weekend sometime. Either during the day when he's sleeping or at night and he just won't be able to take the laptop.
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Even though Halloween isn't until this Friday our town did their trick-or-treating last Sunday. Usually we get around 100 kids, if not more. This year we got maybe, maybe 25. I sat upstairs missing the game, HDiTty yelling up updates to me, for maybe 25 kids in two hours. I was not pleased. The times for T or Ting are 1 - 4. I was up there about 5 minutes before just in case the kids from next door showed up right away. My first kid knocked on the door at 1:40. My last kid at 2:40. It was very weird. From 2:40 to 3:00 I watched around 6 or 7 groups of kids going to the house across the street but not bothering to come over to my house.

Our friend Jim came by with his two little girls. Found out from him that the two houses to the North of us (one of them having kids) had big signs saying they didn't have any candy. And the house to the South of us is empty and you can tell. So yeah, why bother to come to our side for one house, essentially anyway. So at 3:00 I called it quits and went back downstairs to finish watching the game. Luckily there was still a little over 5 minutes left.

Never heard another kid knock. Well, I didn't anyway. The girls and I were in the backyard with Poydras when a group of kids came to the front door a little after 4:00. HD heard so he went up to hand out some candy.

We had so much left over it wasn't funny. I usually over do it because, of course I want some left over for us too don'tcha know. But this time there was barely a dent in the basket, even after Jim's kids took a bunch of it. And that didn't include the grocery bag completely full of it. So I brought that bag to work plus a handful or two from the basket and everyone has been going through it for the last several days. I figured if I'm gonna get fat eating the left overs then I'm gonna have my coworkers come along with me. They're very grateful. At least right now they are, we'll see how they'll be after they have their leftovers to go through.

Media quote of the day: I haven't even finished eating all of my Halloween candy. - Sally Brown - Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Now that's a kid that either doesn't gobble it all like most or she got so friggin much it's lasting a month despite eating some every day.

I could sure use a piece of candy right about now. - Bubbles - The Powerpuff Girls Ah, I miss the powerpuff girls, they were so much fun to watch. Bubbles was my favorite.

We're back. Unfortunately

Thanks Saintseester for checking in. The vacation went really well, not long enough as most. I'll write up a post about it as soon as HD downloads the photos and I can put some up. Last week we were both busy getting back into work and not doing much on our time off. Hopefully by the weekend if not before he'll be able to get them downloaded.

As far as what's been going on since we got back it's been the same old stuff. Work is work and I wish I didn't have to go but I do. On the Sunday before going back I told the puppy in front of HD that I was going to go into work the next morning, collect all my personal belongings and then quit. Yeah, HD didn't like the sound of that, lucky for him I was just kidding.

HD is still going back and forth on getting a new vehicle. Although I think as of right now he's agreed to keep the truck he has. He just had a few more things fixed, didn't cost very much, so he's content again for awhile.

I thought it'd be almost like starting over with the puppy and the cats when we got back from vacation. But luckily it wasn't. Crybaby actually seems to be playing with him. It's not full on yet and Crybaby will run away quick enough but he certainly tolerates him a lot more than he used to. Pretty Boy is getting there also but he'll take off a lot more quickly. And Whiskers, well, I don't think she'll ever come around. You can tell she knows he can't/won't really do anything to her but she still doesn't want him near her.

HD has for the last two early mornings brought him into the bed with us when he's come to bed. Tuesday morning he came in at 4:30, an hour before my alarm would be going off. That's a big no no since I wouldn't be able to fall back asleep. Or even if I did it would take awhile and then the alarm would be going off right after. It wasn't until close to 5:10 that everyone was settled down finally. And sure enough as I was finally starting to doze my alarm went off. This morning at least he came in earlier than that. And all of them were pretty darn tired so everyone settled pretty quickly and I was able to actually fall asleep again.

I don't let the puppy back in the bed when I'm leaving for work, that's just too risky, so he goes back into his kennel. He seems content enough to do so so I don't feel too bad about it. Especially since on Sunday he discovered the litter boxes and while I was preparing stew he comes walking in the kitchen with a piece of poo in his mouth. He did that twice. At least he's not actually eating it; he's just holding it there. He did that with HD the other day too. We really need to break him of that habit ASAP.

And on that note I think I'll wrap this up.

Media quote of the day: If there's one thing I've learned at this hospital, it's to never antagonize your boss or the people who makes the food, because you end up eating poo. - Elliot - Scrubs

We're off

So today is the day. We'll be leaving soon, hopefully. I have a little shopping to do and unfortunately we still have to pack but other than that I think we'll be good to go.

We'll be taking the puppy with us. HDiTty's other friend that he asked to take him didn't say no but he had to talk to his wife. In the meantime HD called the 2nd place that was open to make sure they still were and to clarify a rule they had about bringing a dog. They were still open, the rule was good (it sounded like every time we'd leave the cabin he'd have to come with) as long as he's in his crate when we leave it's all good. Which is what we'd do anyway.

He called the original place and she was gracious enough to let us out of our deposit. He let her know we'd definitely keep them in mind for the next time.

I'm anxious to get going so I'm going to end this here. Since there's no Internet access in this cabin, unlike the 1st one, I don't know if I'll be able to make it on line much if at all. So I probably won't be updating while away so I'll be seeing ya'll in week!

Media quote of the day:

We're off to see the Wizard
The wonderful Wizard of Oz

I think we all know where this is from

We're all booked

So we finally booked a place the other day. Just an hour later we finally received an email from one of the other places that accepts pets and they're available with the last Saturday also. But the deposit for the 1st place in nonrefundable.

As it turns out the chick that said she'd watch Poydras has an issue with the fact that he's not fully house trained yet. She has her house up for sale and is worried he'll have an accident that won't get cleaned up and then potential buyers will come in. From what it sounds like she has an adversion to him being in a crate also while her dogs are out and about. She doesn't think it's fair or something of the like. Yet he's in his crate for several hours at a time while our cats are roaming free, what's the difference. She didn't say she wouldn't do it, just that she has these issues. Well we don't want to impose on anyone that has misgivings. We're not worried she'd be cruel or anything of the like towards him, nothing like that. But if she's not willing to crate him when he should be (i.e. when she's gone or sleeping) then she's taking a chance on him having an accident. And we certainly don't want that, for either one of them.

So HD was going to be calling another friend of his who has a lot more free time (out of work with an injury) who has another dog and a couple kids. And also isn't adverse to the crate. He'll see if he'll take him: either just take him for us or if the place we're going isn't willing to make an exception for us (with a deposit of course). We shall see. If we can't find a place for him then we'll have to eat the deposit we've already put down and try and see if the 2nd and only other place that contacted us is still available. It's more money all the way around but we really don't want to leave him at a boarding place.

We shall see.

Media quote of the day: It's a responsibility to take care of somebody's pet like that. Do you know what responsibility means? It's a big word. But the first part of it, response, is like "answer". You know, when someone says hello to you, you answer that person and you say hello back to them. But when you're taking care of a dog, you need to answer, or respond when the dog is hungry and needs to go pee-pee or poo-poo. It's your responsibility to answer to the dog's needs. I like Barney, but before I said I'd take care of him, I had to think about the responsibility. And I wanna ask Mrs. Rogers if she thinks it's all right too. - Mr. Rogers - Mr. Rogers Neighborhood

One Week (slighty less than really)

Man I can't wait!!!
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Saints win! Saints win! Saints win!!
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We still haven't booked a place for vacation yet but that's because we've only received a response from one place so far. And unfortunately they don't take pets. We'd like to be able to take Poydras if at all possible. So I sent Emails again to 3 of the other places we've considered. One of which, per their website anyway, accepts pets. One other didn't say one way or the other so I had to ask. So far I still haven't heard back from any of them but I did just send the Emails less than an hour ago. But if I haven't received a response by the time I get back from lunch than I'm contacting the only place that responded and see if they're still available. We just won't be able to take him. As sad as that'll be it won't be too bad. We won't have to worry about leaving him alone for long periods during the day and I won't have to worry about getting up at 4am to let him out.
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I went to my mom's house yesterday for a few hours to meet with her, 4th brother and some cousins for a family reunion meeting. Looks like we'll be having a reunion on the last weekend of July in 2010. My family is huge and at the last renunion we had over 300 people. And of course that wasn't everyone either. A couple of the cousins thought that was too long to wait, that we should have it next year. But as big as our family is and all the planning that will be required to pull it off, next year is just way too soon. Long time readers my recall, if not no biggy, my mom is #12 out 12 children. Eleven of them lived beyond the age of 17 and produced several children of their own. Only one had two kids, all the others had 5 or more. I'm #56 out 58 grandchildren. Yeah, we're huge and it takes a long time and a lot of planning to pull off one of our reunions. But the last one we had was in '97 so we're long over due. So far I haven't been put on any committee, if I'm lucky I won't be. I am so not a planner or organizer when it comes to these types of things. I'm more of a worker bee, let me know what you want done and I'll do it, just don't make me have to make any major decisions. I agonize too much on whether it's the correct one to be making or not.
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So let's see, what else has been going on.... oh yeah

DEEEEEEUUUUUUCE!!!!!

Saints win! Saints win! Saints win!!

Media quote of the day: “It was pretty exciting to get in the end zone after not playing for a year. I had to let Patrick Willis know that I still had it and that I could go over the top. It felt good just to be able to get in the end zone.” - Deuce McAllister on his touchdown yesterday

Two weeks!

I got the turkey I wanted last Wednesday. I was very excited. It came in the 10th frame of the 2nd game. WOO HOO!!
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Although the Saints lost yesterday, very sad, they still did pretty darn good. The first quarter they weren't looking so hot, like they didn't even have a chance. But they fought their way back and gave the Broncos a run for their money. They certainly made them work for their win. And if it weren't for a missed field goal at the end they wouldn't have won at all. Hell, two missed field goals. As sad as I am that they lost I'm even more sad for Gramatica, he's gotta feel like total shit. Poor guy.
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We've decided to go to Door County. I've spent quite a bit of time checking out cabins and writing down the names of the places I like the most. So now I have to get HDiTty to sit down with me and look 'em over so we can decide where we'll be staying and get it booked. I'll be trying to get him to do that tonight. I'm really hoping the colors have started changing by then. But it's only two weeks away though so if they have at all I'm thinking it won't be a whole lot. But my hopes are high.

Before we go I have to get a haircut and style and get new contacts. I only have two weeks to do those things. I've been saying for the last two weeks I was going to get them done. Yeah, I need to quit talking and get doing.
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So what else has been happening or will be. Hmmm. Ah yes, Poydras has been nipped, chipped, shot and will soon be identified. Last Wednesday he was taken in to be neutered, microchipped, immunized and had blood drawn to be sent off to figure out for sure what breed(s) he is.

He was pretty out of it that afternoon when he was brought home but by Thursday evening he was much better. And by Friday he was back to being a ball of energy. We're supposed to keep his activity down to a minimum for 10 days but that's been pretty hard to do.

He's still having "accidents" every now and then but for the most part he's doing really well. He hasn't had one in his kennel for weeks now but he's still had them in the basement. We can usually tell when he needs to go out because he'll start sniffing all around the basement. But there have been a few times now that he doesn't do that all, doesn't do anything else either to indicate he has to go and next thing we know he squats and starts peeing. Other times we don't see him doing it all but will notice a wet spot on the floor. We'll get there, I have a faith.

I bought a baby gate that we put up at the bottom of the stairs to keep him contained in the basement. It's much easier then having to keep him on a leash while we're down there.
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Two weeks!! I can't wait. Oh how I need a break.

Media quote of the day: Autumn Colors - Felix LeRoy Perry

Pressed between the bible pages it may fade
Ironed between waxed paper softly laid

Captured by the solitude of times past
Seasons change but these memories die cast

Autumn colors on a schoolroom wall dance
Brighten young and old with every glance

Swirling leafs giggle out side the window’s sill
Of Halloween’s witches and goblins they tell

Time to tuck beach memories away somehow
As we applaud the summer’s closing bow

The smell of burning leafs perfume the air
Children frolic in piles raked up with care

So glad Mother Nature sure knows what to do
With sweet autumn’s colors just for me and you!

I really hope I get a turkey tomorrow

So we'll be going on our first real vacation in ages starting October 3rd and I can't wait. We still haven't made up our minds where we'll be going though. Originally we were going to Niagara Falls and meeting up with our friends from Canada. Then it was Niagara and on to New York City. Then it was Niagara, New York City and maybe Vermont and/or Main - a driving trip. Then it went back to Niagara and instead of meeting up with Canada friends it was going up to their home for the rest of the week. I mentioned Door County again, we could just relax in one place and enjoy the fall colors.

So yeah, we have some decisions to make. Although I'd like to go to all those places right now I'm leaning towards Door County. But no matter what we have to decide by this weekend because we'll be having to book a room or rooms.
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Poydras has lost two baby teeth already. The bottom two eye teeth. He was not a happy puppy while they were in but loose. They must have been hurting somewhat because he really didn't want to do anything for the most part. I felt so horrible for him. But as soon as both were out he was a completely hyper puppy as he was before they got loose. He was running around like a mad dog yesterday afternoon. It was good to see.

He's also trying to play with the cats. Both boys allow him to sniff them at the nose or their sides or just about anywhere but their butts. It's too funny to watch. Miss Thang, Whiskers, hisses as soon as he comes up to her. But he still tries. The other day I watched him go get one of his toys and take it up to Cry Baby and drop it in front of him to get him to play. Yeah, Cry Baby was having none of that. He just looked at him with the most cutest baleful look. According to HDiTty he's tried it many times. One day he even went and got three toys, one right after the other, but CB just ignored him. It makes me happy that he's so willing to share his toys but so sad that the cats don't want to play.

But I think one day they will. Before he had to go up to them but the last few days I've seen both boys go up to him to sniff. So I'm very hopeful that one day it's going to happen.
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My new migraine medicine seems to be working very well. I believe I put in here what I'm using now, Propranolol. It's a beta blocker but it works on migraines. And so far so good. We've had several rainy and/or stormy days since August 3rd. Days that normally I would be in pain. A couple bad enough that normally I would've even had to stay home (or at least should have since I don't always do that when I should). But little to no pain on those days so far. I did have a mild headache for two days before my period started last month and on the first day a mild migraine. But it was mild enough that ibuprofen worked. So I'm really happy about that.
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Oh guess what? HD and I joined a bowling league. We're on a team with his dad and stepmom. We bowl every Wednesday evening. We started two weeks ago. My first week I didn't do too bad, at least not for me anyway. But last week I sucked big time. At least for my first two games. My 3rd was actually pretty good, I got 150 (without the handicap that is). My handicap from the 1st week was 78 points or was it 84, now I can't remember. Anyway, as badly as I bowled last week I can only imagine that it's gone up. His stepmom did so bad the 1st week that her handicap was exactly 100. We switched last week. She did much better so hers should be going down. HD's was around mine but his dad's as 36 I believe. If it wasn't that then it was 32. But it's all good. HD, his stepmom and I all joined to have a grand ole time. His dad also but he takes it a bit more seriously than us.

I'm still having to use their balls and shoes because we haven't bought either for me yet. But I know that I'll be getting these very cute white shoes with pink trim. And the ball I want is pink and black swirled. We just have to sit down and get them ordered! I can't wait.

All right, time for me to get outta here.

Media quotes of the day: I couldn't decide which to use so I'm using all of them

First the key, now jewelry! What's next? You gonna let him play with a bowling ball? - Special Agent Seeley Booth - Bones

What's classier than bowling? - Xander - Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Bowling is a vicious game. - Xander - Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Where the fuck's my bowling ball? - Duffy - 11:14 (you should see this movie, it's really really good)

Brendan Dolan

Brendan Dolan
Age 37
Glen Rock, N.J.
World Trade Center, 92nd Floor

These are the basic facts that I have to go from to form a tribute to Brendan. Not much really, how do I go about building a tribute that would be fitting? I will do my best.

A few more basics but at the same time such important facts: He was a loving husband to Stacey Dolan and a doting father to Sarah Danielle and Samantha Nicole.

If I weren't able to find out anything more than that about Brendan it would still be ok because really, that information is the most important. He was a devoted family man that told his older brother Charles, "Forget business, you don't get it yet. Work will never bring you the kind of satisfaction you'll have from a family." (1)

Brendan was the Senior Vice President at Carr Futures on the 92nd floor of the North Tower. On that fateful day they had a meeting that brought in many of their employees that normally would not have been there. They had a total of 68 people in their office two floors below the impact of the plane. They were trapped on their floor unable to get out. They sought refuge on the West side but a raging fire was coming straight for them from the North side. All 68 people were lost. (2)

Brendan played football in school, he was the quarterback. He used those skills when it came to his relationships with family, friends, coworkers and clients. Although according to Brendan he didn't have clients, he only had friends. Now that's some kind of man. (3) I found the following on Newsday.com's website:

(Stacey) recalled her husband as a generous person who had a keen sense of humor. "He had a very awesome presence," she said. "His clients were all his friends. They were very fond of him."

I wish I could say more about him but to do so I'd be ripping off another person's tribute to him - Shadowscope. Richard did a wonderful job in his post; please click the link to read more about Brendan.

As I mentioned in the post below, I remember so much about that day. One of those things is seeing the people who would rather leap out of the buildings rather than stay in one that's raging with fire. According to one of the sites I went to while researching Brendan, he had to see it first hand. A coworker was on the phone with his wife and she asked him if they could get out. His coworker let her know that they were trapped and they saw people falling by the windows. I felt awful while only seeing it on tv, so awful I had to look away at the very beginning of it. I don't even want to imagine what Brendan and his coworkers had to have felt. Especially for a man as compassionate and so obviously a lover of his fellow man.

Along with Douglas D. Ketchum I will now remember Brendan Dolan. It has warmed my heart every time I see that someone has come to my site through searching for Douglas and it in turn helps me to remember him. I can't wait to have those same feelings for Brendan.

I can only hope this was a fitting enough tribute. I know it really wasn't much for the most part, and I do apologize for that. Please click on all my links to learn more about this wonderful man.

(1) Portraits 9/11/01: The Collected "Portraits of Grief" from The New York Times

(2) The Observer Guardian - The New York Times

(3) The Lost

Douglas D. Ketcham

I had originally done this post two years ago and last year I only linked to it. This year I decided to redo my date to bring it up today.












It's been 5 years but it seems like it just happened. I didn't know anyone that was injured let alone perished but it still affected me deeply.

I remember leaving work to go get my 13" tv to bring back so we could have up to date information since the radio station we were listening to wasn't doing so and the internet was basically locked up. On my way home the south tower fell, I had to pull over, the tears were coming too hard and fast.

I remember finally making it home and my boyfriend was on the couch watching tv but not a channel that had the coverage. He didn't know anything had happened.

I remember explaining to him why I was home, what was going on, as I switched the channel to Peter Jennings.

I remember my legs giving out as the second tower, the North tower, fell. It was worse than the other because this time I saw it happen.

I remember finally being able to get back up to grab the tv and head back to work so the others could see. In hindsight I should have just stayed home with my boyfriend, cradled in his comforting arms but I didn't. I went back to work and my coworkers were very glad that I finally made it back, they were going nuts not knowing what was happening. I can't believe our boss never told us to go home, especially since all we did all day long was sit around my little tv not doing any work.

I remember feeling very deeply for the people who had died in those towers, flight 93, and the Pentagon. I remember feeling very deeply for the families and friends left behind.

I remember every time I see a tv show or a movie that has an image of the towers.

After researching Douglas and learning the few items I have about him I have a small sense of what he was like. Because of this it will help me to remember him by.

I will remember Douglas D. Ketcham.

Douglas was a stockbroker for Cantor Fitzgerald. He was working in the north tower that morning. After the jet hit he called his parents, letting them know he was trying to make his way out.

Thank you to Newsday for the following article. It gives us some of the limited information I could find on Douglas to give us a sense of who he was.

Virginia Native Gave of Himself

Dec. 18, 2001

On the last day of his life, Douglas Ketcham called his parents to let them know he was trying to get out of the north tower of the World Trade Center, where he worked as a stockbroker for Cantor Fitzgerald.

"He called his mother just after [the jet struck the tower] and said there had been a terrible explosion, and to tell them that he loved them," friend John Riley told the Richmond Times-Dispatch. "He called from underneath his desk."

That was the last Dennis and Raenell Ketcham heard from their son. None of the Cantor Fitzgerald workers trapped in the upper floors of the tower made it out alive. The north tower was the first hit by a hijacked jetliner.

Ketcham, 27, had worked for Cantor Fitzgerald since his graduation from the University of Virginia in 1996. He grew up in Midlothian, Va., near Richmond, and graduated from Midlothian High School.

"He loved New York," Riley said. "He was very sharp, very bright. He loved to be around people."

Riley told the Times-Dispatch that Ketcham returned to Richmond often to visit his many friends, who in turn came up to see him in New York. Riley said he sent an e-mail about Douglas’ fate to 50 people he counted as friends.

Ketcham’s parents and younger sister Denyse, 21, moved to South Dakota more than two years ago. Denyse remained there to attend the University of South Dakota when her parents retired to Florida earlier this year.

Though they were spread across the continent, the Ketchams chose to return to the Richmond area to hold a memorial service for Douglas. Denyse said the turnout gave her a strong sense of comfort.

"He was undoubtedly the most selfless person I have ever met,” she told The Associated Press. “When we had the memorial service for him, he was eulogized by five people. That was definitely a recurring theme. He was so giving of his time, his energy, personal belongings. Anything."

Family and friends described Ketcham as a giving person with a strong faith in God.
“He was a strong Christian, and he did a lot for underprivileged youth and Christian organizations,” Denyse said. “That’s been one thing that’s really helped us so much through this.”

-- Shannon Shelton (Orlando Sentinel)

He sounds like a wonderful man, someone I would have loved to know and be friends with. Someone you could count on in a crisis such as this. It sounds like he touched many peoples lives and will have a large number of people who will always remember him.

There's another out there that remembers Douglas, it is his friend The Tin Man. Please go there and read what he has to say.

Through researching, trying to find a good photo I found this tribute from his mother.

Please, won't you join me and the others across the globe in remembering Douglas D. Ketcham and the so many additional people who lost their lives that fateful September day. Please go to this site to find the rest of the tributes.

The beginnings of change

So, obviously I changed the template and as soon as I'm able to I'll change a bit more. One thing I plan on doing is changing the colors of the words to gold, or at least as close to that as possible. I tried doing bloggers custom template but that got rid of my blogroll. I could use their form but then I'd have to add each one individually and right now I don't have the time to do that. So at least for now this is what I've got.

I'll also be adding my "Geaux Saints" back in there as soon as possible as that got lost the last time I changed the template.

Which, by the way Saints are 1-0 so far. YAY!!

With being the queen of procrastination and all I don't know how soon it'll get done but I'm hoping for sooner rather than later.

TTFN

And introducing....

Poydras

Yep, we decided to go with the most obscure name. Although we really like many of the others there were just too many reasons not to use them. Other than having to explain where this name comes from there's nothing wrong with it. Plus, it just felt right calling him this, the others didn't.

He'll be going in on the 17th for some shots, getting neutered and the breed test. Most people agree he's a miniature pincher with something else mixed in. That's where it differs for people. Some say some kind of terrier, others say chihuahua and a couple have thought dachshund. I can't wait to find out!

***** Click on the photos for the larger version. *****

I'm just too cute!!


Is that a bug

One of his favorite things to do before, during and after going break (to the bathroom) is searching for and eating bugs. Especially little black crickets.

Flipped back ear

I love that his left ear would flip back and that both flopped forward. But just the other day we noticed they're straight up and alert pretty much all the time now. Last night I couldn't help but keep folding his left one back and saying, "stay back, stay back, stay back." It didn't listen.

Chillen on the couch


Drugged out puppy

This photo cracks me up. He just looks so drugged out.

Media quote of the day: Yeah, it's uh, "Bring an Obscure Relative to Work Day". - Mike - Monster's Inc.