SO much...so little time

I have been busy......... business is really slow but still takes up most of my time.

The village has not been able to get the free wi fi up and running, "we are working on it" "yes, we were suppose to have it operating my August....." "no we do not have a new date for the wi fi to be operational, we are doing our best."

My mom is a disaster.... she has sucked my cousin into her world of complaints and now my cousin believes she has to chastise my brother, me and our families for not being available for my mom. UGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!! Thanksgiving my mom came over, I had 20 people total for dinner, which is good because I love having everyone around and enjoy the cooking. My mom was nasty and demanding, most everyone ignored her.

Ok now for the Good stuff...... G Man has been working on a home theater room in the house, the room will be really nice once it is finished.

Everyone is healthy.......the dogs are all good...... the dogging door has been working well...except one dog that will go nameless ( Belevedere) can not figure out how to use it.....but that is ok he is special......

My sister in law and nephew from Florida will be here for Christmas....G Man and Greg are flying down a few days before X mas and will be flying back Christmas Day with G Mans sister and son.... Yeah!!!!!...... I reallly love my sister in law.

I have almost all the christmas shopping done..... G Man and I agreed not to exchange gifts... we really do not need anything.....

That's all for now... have to open the store..... Merry Christmas everyone.

I miss you guys

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I miss reading your posts and writing mine. Hopefully I will have more time soon.

A new profile picture

Thank you sans for the wonderful portrait picture. I will use it as my profile photo for this blog page and on my facebook page. You really are a remarkable artist and one to be remembered by future generations of bloggers. Perhaps you could start a business of providing interesting profile photos of fellow bloggers. Just a suggestion.

And is that your artistic work over at Dick's blog?

A new Do

I had my hair cut and styled for the first time in 2 years. I couldn't take the shaggy look and unruly bangs anymore. G Man said the old do was making me look older, tired and like a hound dog. He was correct.

The salon I went to for years was no good anymore. The stylist would never offer a suggestion for a new cut, even when I asked, and continued to cut my hair shorter then I wanted. So I stopped going. My friend suggested the salon she goes to, which I agree does a beautiful job on her hair and her daughters.

I called and was told the soonest I could get in was mid Jan. 2008. OK I have waited 2 years what's a few more months. Plus the receptionist put me on the cancellation list. Good move. Two days after my initial call, a cancellation occurred and I was able to get my hair coiffed.

It's fabulous. The stylist explained all there is to know about curly hair and how to keep the curls soft and curly all day. Much to my surprise everything he said works. My curls do not wilt by the end of the day, and the curls stay soft.

So what do you think? I know my face looks different too, I guess I have aged a little since my profile picture was taken.

Is this really what their God intended

Just a few excerpts from a news article I read today.


BALTIMORE - A grieving father won a nearly $11 million verdict Wednesday against a fundamentalist Kansas church that pickets military funerals out of a belief that the war in Iraq is a punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality

Church members routinely picket funerals of military personnel killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, carrying signs such as "Thank God for dead soldiers" and "God hates fags."

The church members testified they are following their religious beliefs by spreading the message that soldiers are dying because the nation is too tolerant of homosexuality

Earlier, church members staged a demonstration outside the federal courthouse. Church founder Fred Phelps held a sign reading "God is your enemy," while Shirley Phelps-Roper stood on an American flag and carried a sign that read "God hates fag enablers." Members of the group sang "God Hates America" to the tune of "God Bless America.


Organized religion at it's worst. These people scare me.

Afraid to leave the house

UHMMM......how to put this without being gross......lets just say I planned to have a very productive day today, G Man is in Florida visiting his sister, so I thought I would get many errands done today that have been neglected. That was the plan anyway.

Thursday I noticed something was a little tight, not free flowing...ok I will just use the word...constipated.....so I ate several bowls of Kashi cereal yesterday morning, the kind with 12 grams of fiber in a 1 cup serving. Nothing happened the entire day, so last night I ate 2 more cups. Big mistake.

Patience is not one of my better qualities, the 3rd and 4th cups of cereal were definitely not necessary. Had I waited until today I am sure the cramping, bloating, and mmmmm...ok the stink would not be as intense. Thankfully bathrooms are plentiful in my house, butt toilet paper could be a problem. We are a little low in inventory, butt if I am careful I should have enough to get me through this difficult time.

The cramps are subsiding so hopefully my intestines will be empty soon and I can go about my day as planned.

Belvedere, my sister and my mom

The vet called with the results of the blood and urine tests. Urine ok, no problems there. Blood not so good. Triglycerides in dogs are suppose to be 30-35 tops, Belly's are 3000+. The vet said there was so much fat that an accurate reading was impossible. He wants to retest Belvedere.


Next week I have to schedule another blood test, the poor dog has to fast for 12 hours. Like that is going to be easy. The dog is a chub monster. He likes his treats. And when he looks at me with his browns eyes.... well I will just have to be strong and not give him his cookies.....it's the good mommy thing to do, deny him his cookies for his health.







My sister goes in on Monday for her double mastectomy. You may ask how do you know that cheer?....didn't you say you did not want to know good or bad about your sister and asked your mother not to inform you?...... I will respond, why yes you are correct and have an excellent memory, but apparently my mother does not. My mother tells me any and all news about my sister even tho I keep repeating I do not want to know. Please do not call me or tell me when I call you. I do not want to know.



The following is another reason to continue not wanting to know what is happening with my sister.....my mother wrote my sister a letter and asked for my sister to allow my mother to comfort her and be there for moral support....my niece delivered the letter to my sister....to which my sister responded after a week or so...."no I don't think so she is only trying to ease her conscience. How do I know this.... my mother told me......obviously my mother believes I need to know and will continue to give me the good or bad, no matter how much I ask not to be told. And it appears my mother has not been able to accept that her daughter, my sister, is mentally ill (or just evil).


I have to communicate with my mom, she lives by herself, and pretends to be almost helpless. She smokes, even tho she thinks, I think, she quite for her upcoming hip replacement surgery. A surgery that is not really necessary, but my mother shopped around for year until she found a doctor who said he would do it. After her main doctor and 2 other specialists told not to have the surgery, she continued to shop and found herself a quack. (Do I sound aggravated? Annoyed? Maybe a tad bit angry?) Anyway, I do have to communicate with my mom to make sure she has not fallen down the cellar stairs or had her purse stolen for a third time. Mind you we live in a very low crime area, but she leaves her purse unattended in the shopping carts at stores and has had her purse stolen twice in 3 years. She is an easy target.

Communication with her is a must. She's my mother. I have to make sure she is ok. But Please Stop With The Sister Information. I Do Not Want To Know.

I broke down

I couldn't do it. I went to Barnes and Noble this morning and walked out $57.00 poorer, but 4 books richer. Damn you Barnes and Noble!

Finished the first book today. New author for me....... janet evanovich has a new book coming out Jan 2008. I can hardly wait. Love her Stephanie Plum books...... I bought the newest Post secret book for Jenny. She likes those and the chicken soup books......Greg reads 20th century classics, he is trying to convert me, but I find them to involved, I like books that entertain easily....I might go back to the Ian Rankin mysteries after I finish the other books I purchased today...but then again I may stick with the new authors I just bought.....

Workout update

I have been very consistent with working out. 4 times a week about 45 minutes each session, and yoga once a week. At the six week (actually 7 week) mark I lost 5 lbs and 2.7 % body fat. And have been eating more fruits and vegetables.

Another .3% loss in body fat and I will be at the high end of the range of acceptable body fat for a women my age. Personally I would like to be in the lower end of that range and have made that a goal to accomplish by the end of the year.

This will be me by Jan 1, 2008

A coupon

I posted recently about not going to Barnes and Noble for a month, it has been what maybe 3 days since that post. In the mail today I received a Barnes and Noble coupon for additional % off on books.

Life can be so unfair.

Crows

I like to hear and listen to the caw of crows. Usually when I walk from my car to the store several crow are having a conversation that is loud enough for me to hear but not understand. Almost every morning and evening I stop on the sidewalk and look up into the trees in an attempt to see them. So far I have only been able to spot one or two. I know there are more, I can hear their chatter, I just can not see them.

The black sleek feathers have a shine to them that makes the bird appear to have an opalescent gleam. Many people believe that crows are scavengers, but they would be wrong. Crows are omnivorous. They are a communal bird and the young tend to stay with parents for 2-4 years, helping to raise subsequent young birds. I like the family values they practice.

click on this link to listen to the caw of the crow http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/audio/American_Crow1.html

The Amex bill

I pay the bills in our house. G Man has no idea how, how much, where, which bill is paid via online banking or by paper check. Life is more peaceful this way. Once in awhile he will look at a bill and complain for a few days, other then that he is not involved. Thankfully.


Generally I peruse the bills to make sure no extra charges have been added. This practice has proven to be useful. The cable company mistakenly charged us for a movie we did not order, our snow plow guy mistakenly adds an extra plow to the bill once in awhile, and our dentist charged us for visits instead of sending the bill to the insurance company. Our telephone bill had long distance service charges of $50 per month added to it, because G Man always the funny guy, Ok'd some sort of long distance carrier to be added to the bill. My understanding of the situation is G Man was being sarcastic when he said, yeah, ok, sure go ahead, just what I need added to my bill another charge. The company added it, and even had G Man on tape being sarcastic. It took me a few months to discover the charge and when I called the company they let me listen to the tape of G Man. Thankfully the company removed the charges and cancelled the service. So looking at the bills has saved us some money.

The amex bill is another story. Here I was thinking I had my spending under control. My buying habits are simple, Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, Victoria Secrets, and our grocery store. The amount of money I spend at Starbucks is minimal. One medium half cafe a day at $2.00. No big deal. I have to have my Starbucks. No one who knows me will deny me my Starbucks. It just isn't a sane attitude to have. I truly believe that Starbucks puts something in the coffee to make it addictive, the same with Crispy Creme Donuts, but that is another story. One Starbucks a day makes me happy. Unless I am visiting my mother in law, then several trips to Starbucks is needed.

Spending at Victoria Secrets is minimal as well. One trip every 6 weeks or so for new under ware is good. I hate wearing under ware that is old. It just doesn't feel right. Victoria Secrets ha the best boy short undies. The panties fit well and the elastic doesn't give out after a couple of washings. They used to sell the silkiest pantyhose too, but most woman do not wear hose any more, me included, so I do not buy them and the stores so not carry them. The pantyhose have to be ordered online.

What can I say about our grocery store. The chain is the absolute best in the country. People that visit our area include the store in my town as one of the attractions to visit. There is no place like in the country. Inside the store there are mini restaurants, chefs cooking at taste stations, ready to eat foods that are out of this world, the store has a patisserie that offers cookie, cakes, tarts, all made from imported ingredients, it's undescribably incredible. Something that has to be experienced and seen to understand. I tend to spend alot there. I only buy fresh veggies, fruits, cheese, product from the olive bar, and breads from the organic area. It is expensive, but worth it.

Barnes & Noble is my problem. I LOVE to read. Our latest amex bill indicates I have a problem. Several hundreds of dollars showed up on the bill. I know it is accurate too. G Man asked me why I do not use the local library. My answer is simple. It does not have the books I like to read. Not that the books are unusual, the library just doesn't have them. So I have decided I am going to read all the books in my possession again and no trips to the book store for an entire month. I hope I can do it.

The bookstore is my place of solitude, quiet time and allows me to sip my coffee slowly. I enjoy looking at books, reading reviews and taking my time choosing which book to read next. People watching is also included in my trips. Something I have done for years. People reading books are relaxed, uninhibited with their mannerisms. I find that many seem to be in a world of their own and can see delight and happiness on many faces.

Not going to the book store will be tough, I think I can do it.

Oh my poor dogs

We heard from the vet about Belevedere the Cavalier. He has a fairly serious heart murmur. My understanding is that with medication we can control some of his symptoms but not prevent the eventual failure of his heart valve.

At night the symptoms are very noticeable. He pants often for long periods of time, is always thirsty, coughs and once in awhile he vomits. UUggh. I feel so bad for him. He gets off the bed for water, or lies on the floor when he pants, then wakes me up when he wants to get back on the bed. For some reason Belevedere can't jump up on the bed after he has a panting attack. He barks or cries until I pick him up. It's not like I sleep well anyway, (ya know that time of my life, night sweats, insomnia etc), so I don't mind making Belly comfortable.

The vet would like to do an ekg and a chest xray before we start Belly on medication. I guess the vet needs to see how bad the murmur really is, to determine how much and what kind of meds.

We are still waiting to hear the results of Sammy the Redhead's ultra sound. Hopefully by the end of today we will know something. He is lethargic and not as sprite as he was a few weeks ago.

I love my dogs.

Dark Eye Visitor

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny fall day. Not much pedestrian activity in the village, traffic was slow. While I was completing some paperwork at the cash counter, in walked a visitor that has not been in my store previously, not that I knew of anyway, but I have seen him around the village. Perhaps the visitor has come in while Jenny was working on a Saturday, but I doubt it, she would have mentioned the visit. Generally when I see him in the village he is in a hurry, stopping once or twice on the sidewalk turning to look to see who is following, then continues on his way.


He startled me because he came in quietly, the door to the store was open so the bells on the door handle did not jingle giving me warning that a visitor was coming in. My stomach did a little jump, and I stood frozen just looking at him for a few seconds. My mind was saying Oh crap! I'm in trouble. Just what I don't need. How am I going to get him to leave.


I didn't have any sort of weapon to defend myself in case he attacked me. Nothing to throw except a water bottle. But what if it hit him and hurt him. I would feel terrible. It wasn't like he was attacking me, he just startled me and stood looking at me. His eyes were creepy though they were so dark. Finally my brain started working again and I stomped my foot and yelled Shoo!

The squirrel turned around and scampered out the door and down the sidewalk, taking the nut he had in his mouth with him. I let out a sigh of relief and continued working.

Sammy the Redhead & Belly the Cavalier

Sammy has to go back to the vet. The doctor called today, on a Sunday, to let us know that Sammy's liver something or other is 10x's what it should be. The phenobarbital levels are good, but something is wrong with his liver. The vet said we should have an ultra sound done asap to determine if Sammy has gall bladder issues and something else I can not spell or pronounce.

UUgghhh!. I noticed the redhead wasn't acting right the last few weeks. But nothing really specific. He was sleeping more giving me the squnity eye, and hiding under my desk more. I thought it was just the weather change. Good thing I took him in for his blood test last week.

I have not been able to schedule an appointment with the Cardiologist Vet for Belevedere. The cardiologist only works certain days and is booked solid. I am going to ask our regular vet for a different cardiologist name, hopefully there is another one.

I love my dogs.

All the dogs are getting the hang of the doggie door. Well at least most of them go out the door, coming back in is another matter.

Cowboys steal last-second win over Bills

Again they lost in the last few seconds of the game. I want a refund for the season tickets we have. The Bills suck worse this year then they did last year.

Thankfully I do not go to the games. I stopped going after I discovered that the season ticket guy next to us chewed tobacco and liked to spit it on the ground in front of his seat. The ground is cement which allows the tobacco spit to splatter and spread. By the end of the game the person sitting next to the chew guy can pretty much be guaranteed to have spit all over her shoes and pant legs. Asking security or the front office to do something about Mr Tobacco Chewer doesn't work. So I stopped going.

G Man went with 15 of his customers last night and did not get home until 4AM. He had fun. How could he not. 16 men in a limo, with 6 cases of beer, tons of delicious tailgate food, at a pro football game with more beer available at the stadium and no wives around. It didn't matter if the Bills won or lost ( a win would have been nice, but not necessary) to G Man, he went for the camaraderie. This is the 6th or 7th year that he has gone with the guys he went with last night. Obviously they all enjoy it or else they would not go.

So I say ever year, Go! Play! GoodBYE! Have fun! In moderation of coarse.

And every year the Bills suck, and lose the game that G Man and the guys go to see. Maybe next year will be different. Ha!!

Dog Training and kids

G Man is trying to get the dogs to use a doggie door. So far Jack the chocolate lab gets the idea.The other dogs need to see a crack in the door before they will push through. It's been two weeks and they are improving, but it is taking longer then G Man would like.


My son confided he is having a hard time making rent and keeping up with school. He takes 18 credit hours and works 25-30 hours a week delivering pizza. The real estate job is extremely slow,mostly because he does not have time to devote to it. I am kind of secretly pleased that Greg is struggling. He needed a dose of real life and is living it now. Money is tight, he has to work to pay the bills and is not able to buy frivolous items. He said he appreciates his dad's hard work and the contributions I made to his life. I hugged him when he told me.


But what is it with fathers and daughters. Jenny goes to school, works as a nanny and helps with the store. Nothing to strenuous. She lives at home and comes and goes as she pleases. Pays her own cell phone bill, pays for her entertainment, clothes, school books, gas for the car and car repairs. G Man lectures about budgeting, saving money, the future etc. Tells me I am not to spend anymore money on the kids then turns around and buys our daughter Ugg shoes. Because she wanted them. $110.00 shoes!!!!!!

When I asked G Man about the shoes, he just grinned and said " I'm her dad" UUggghh!!! Uh ok spoiling the princess again is more like it. Secretly I am glad he can do that.

Not much else is going on. Life is bland and slow now. Thankfully.

Breast Cancer Awareness

This morning, thanks in part to my selfish sister, I had a mammogram. Every thing is Ok. I do not have to go back for a year.

Because my mother's sister had breast cancer when she was 65ish, and my sister, who will be 50 in December has it, I have to be extra vigilant with the self breast examines. G Man has volunteered to help with that also, imagine, a guy offering to help a woman examine her breasts. Hummm funny how that happens. But anyway, I have to make sure I do them routinely and have a mammogram annually.

The last mammogram was nearly 7 years ago. Time flies. I did not really believe it was that long ago, but that is what the medical records indicate. I will keep my promise to G Man and my daughter and have an annual mammogram.

I encourage all women to get a mammogram. Check with your doctor regarding frequency of the a mammogram and follow through with the procedure. It doesn't hurt, it's not embarrassing, and it could save your life.

Plus at the imaging center I went to this morning all the really good magazines were available to read. I got some great recipes, looked at the latest Dog Fancy, and will now go buy the Martha Stewart Living Fall edition, she had some cute ideas for Halloween. And they let me drink my Starbucks in the waiting room. What more can a girl ask for?

sister II

My mother called me at the store today. She started the conversation with " I know you said you did not want to know about your sister good or bad, but you need to know." " She has a rare form of cancer, very invasive, and has to have a double mastectomy." Then she cried and said "I wrote her a letter asking her to let me at least give moral support."


I sighed, a mutilated chest popped up in my brain, and a conversation I had with my sister years ago also popped into my head. I told my mom she had to act according to her heart and asked her to find out the name of the cancer so I could call my doctor and learn what I have to do for my daughter and myself.


My sister is still refusing to allow my mom to contact her. My sister just wants my mom to know she is sick. A continuation of selfish vindictiveness on the part of my sister.

How is it that siblings can be so different? How can a daughter be this cruel to her mother? I pray it is a mental illness and not evil in her heart. A mental illness is easier to accept and understand than just plain evilness.

G Man

NYC was good. G Man suggested we drive, I suggested a train about an hour outside the city because neither of us would be able to navigate Manhattan. We spent the night in Poughkeepsie, had a nice dinner and caught the train to Grand Central Station. The train ride was new experience for the both of us.


As it turned out the train ride was fun and a little romantic. We were able to talk uninterrupted, and G man even held my hand. ( that is the romantic part) To be honest I was surprised. G Man is not one for public displays of affection, but recently he has been holding my hand and putting his arm around me, with out giving me a nookie, in public.


Maybe I have had the time to notice. Not having kids around (they are in college) allows me free time, and no distractions. I can focus on the G man.

He even bought me a rose from a little boy, without prodding or complaining, when we were in Little Italy. We have been together so long that taking each other for granted ( is that the correct saying) unfortunately comes naturally.


I enjoyed holding G Man's hand and feeling the callous roughness and strength of it. So I have decided to notice the small things, the positive and good that make up the big picture of our relationship.This trip, even though is was for business, was a nice way to rekindle the friendship and a little bit of romance.

Dysfunction continues

My brother David called my house while I was in NYC and left a message with my daughter Jenny. She called me as soon as she hung up with David. The message brought sadness, but not guilt or a need to examine decisions made by me a year ago.


The message concerned my 49 year old sister, who has not spoken to me, our mom or our youngest brother Matt since our father died 4 years ago. She did not speak to Matt or me for a few years prior to our dad's death either. Her reasons are many, varied and most are figments of her imagination. She believes she is the victim of everything and events are purposely done to her to make her life miserable. She has a daughter that she does not have a relationship with, has divorced her ex-husband twice, has affairs, is mean, full of anger, and spiteful. Recently her boyfriend of 5 years told her to pack up and get out. My sister has been on her own for 3 months and all ready has a new boyfriend, he is 12 years younger then she.

Part of the message was my mom and I are not to know where my sister is living or her telephone number. She wants no contact with us. I have worked out all the emotions of sadness, guilt, and the need to to help my sister. She has chosen the paths of loneliness, isolation from most of her family, and the continuation of dysfunction inherited from our father and the generations of his family before him.

Counseling and G Man helped me understand the whys of my family's problems and how to let go of them. I have been happy and have a life filled with happiness and good people for years now. Perfection will never be attained and is not realistic, but the pursuit of goodness, happiness and giving back positively to the community are the paths I have chosen.

My sister is alone. She has no one who loves her in her life. Her vindictiveness, jealousy, and meanness have taken over her life. Reconciliation is not possible. I hoped and tried for along time to have a relationship with my sister. She is my big sister, the only sister I have, someone that should be my best friend, someone I should be calling every day to kibbutz with, go shopping with, make plans with, but that fairy tale relationship never happened and will never be.

My sister has breast cancer.

I'm still here

I am soooooooo busy. I can not believe it. I decided not to install the Internet in my store. The cost is ridiculous and the village should have free wi-fi up and running soon, hopefully, maybe, who knows, but I continue to be optimistic. Anyway, I am here, I read all the blogs when I have a chance, if time allows for comments I will leave them, mostly time is not on my side. (where does Johnny Yen get the energy and time to write?)

So some quick updates, Belevedere the cavalier has a heart murmur and needs to be seen by a cardiologist. The murmur is common in cavaliers. He may have to be on medication, we shall find out when I take him to the cardiologist.

G Man and I are going to NYC next week for a fashion show. G Man does not want to fly so we are driving. His reason for not flying is it take the same amount of time to drive then fly, and he has better control over departure. I agree, but it is turning into a major pain in the butt. We have to find some place to catch a train outside the city because I do not want him or me to drive in Manhattan. We are looking forward to eating in Little Italy and getting some Rays pizza. I want to get bialys from Kossars but will most likely not have time to get to Brooklyn. Oh the suffering I must endure.

My mom has scheduled her hip replacement surgery, dismissing my disapproval and that of my brothers. She is still overweight and smoking, oh well whats a couple more risk factors when one enjoys the perceived attention one gets from medical problems. Mom has also allowed my niece to use her car, convinced the niece no longer has a drug problem. Mom said she can tell the niece is no longer doing drugs. Okay, reality is what is perceived I guess. Just stick your head in the sand and everything is all right. Put on the rose colored glasses to see what you want to see.

So the positive is, son, G Man, son's girlfriend and I are going to see Artie Lang at a comedy club, mid November, I think the date is mid November. The Bills only lost by 1 point at the opening home game . I have been working out 4-5 days a week at 7 am and attending yoga once a week, and meeting with the personal trainer once a week. I haven't lost any weight but I feel better. The fogginess has cleared from my head. I found a fabulous magazine with lots of good recipes in it for fall cooking. Green beans and pancetta with a honey and sherry sauce, slow roasted tomatoes with garlic, Apple, sausage and potato casserole and many more. I also was able to get my hands on the recipes from a well known soup store in town and made one of the soups this afternoon. Delicious!

SO I have to go back to work , data entry, bill paying, filing etc. Have a fun weekend everyone! Miss you guys.

Picture taking

Yesterday I went to two produce stands that offered fabulous veggies and fruit. The first stand is owned by a small organic farmer. She grows veggies and wild flowers. The corn, peppers, and peaches were so delicious I am going back for more today. I used the peppers in a bruschetta mixed with kalmata olives, garlic, 4 other kinds of peppers, mushrooms, flat parsley, and olive oil. Yum.
On the way to the organic produce stand we drove past a Mennonite farm. Today I am bringing my camera and will take some pictures of the Mennonite barn and view of the lake. The view is spectacular. Pictures of the organic produce stand will be very pretty if I can get the wild flowers in the pictures.

Then I will go to the second produce stand which is a Mennonite stand. He had melons that were so juicy and sweet I have to get more. The Mennonite gentleman was not very talkative and really dirty. His daughter that was helping him was about 6 years old and filthy. She would not talk to me at all. I'm not sure if they will let me take their picture but I will try.

Last night was the ring of fire around the lake. All the property owners build bond fires and light flares. It was very pretty. I did not have film in the camera that is good for night time pictures so I did not take pictures. Maybe I can find some online and post them later. The event is really something to see.

A little bit of history regarding the ring of fire:
Bare Hill rises 865 feet above Canandaigua Lake and provides awe-inspiring views of the lake and valley. It also lives up to its name. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) mows around the trees on the summit, keeping this hilltop bare.
You will walk land where the Genundowa Festival of Lights originated. Genundowa was the name of a Seneca village near Bare Hill. Each year in early September, the Seneca Elders and the tribes Keepers would light a large fire on top of Bare Hill as part of the Seneca Autumn Ceremony of Thanksgiving for a successful harvest. This fire was followed by smaller fires along the lake, resulting in a ring of light as a gesture of Indian unity.
Seneca history is hidden in legend. One legend says that the first Seneca settlement occurred in Naples Valley around 1400. Other legends assert that they came from the Adirondack area or from Montreal, either following game or to escape warring tribes. In either case, by the 1600s the Seneca Nation numbered over 10,000.
Seneca folklore has an explanation for the tree-less nature of Bare Hill. Legend says that while out canoeing one day, a Seneca youth found a brightly colored snake which he adopted as his pet. The boy fed the serpent insects, frogs and small mammals. As the serpent grew, bigger animals were supplied. Over time, it became so large that the boy, now a warrior and skilled hunter, had to request the assistance of the village in obtaining sufficient food. The small, beautiful snake had become a ravenous monster.
The villagers began to fear the serpent when food supplies dwindled, and they planned to escape to a new fortified village on a hill to the north. The monster serpent appeared, coiled its great body around the village and swallowed all but two children, a brother and sister who did not follow the villagers in their attempt to escape.
In a dream, a spirit instructed the boy to kill the snake by shooting an arrow in a scale behind its eye. The boy’s shot was successful, but death did not come immediately. The serpent’s mammoth body writhed and twisted, its long tail viciously lashed the hillside, smashing trees and bushes until the hillside was swept clean. As the serpent plunged down the hill, the heads of its human victims were disgorged. Finally the great serpent fell into the lake. Today, round stones found in the area are known to geologists as septaria and to local residents as Indian heads.
Around 1570, five Seneca tribes united into the League of Five Nations, later called the Iroquois Confederacy. Historians call this early government the “greatest achievement of Stone Age man” because of its extensive code of laws. Council Rock at the summit of Bare Hill was the traditional site of the Seneca Indian council fires

Still the Champ and my boyfriend

Las Vegas, Nevada - Seemingly ageless Randy "the Natural" Couture once again dominated a favored opponent to win the UFC Heavyweight Championship. The 44 year-old Couture dominated the entire fight and secured a takedown in round 3 where he scored a vicious TKO on Gabriel Gonzaga after breaking his nose earlier in the fight.

another one to add to the collection

I have known G Man since we were both 16. At 18 he bought his first boat. A Jafco wood boat that needed to be caulked every season, swelled before the first outing and lots of other stuff I can not remember. Since that boat he has had 5 others. The last one before he bought our daughter the boat they both use now, was a 25 foot sleeper, with a kitchen and a tiny bathroom. I know these are not the nautical descriptions of the kitchen and bathroom etc, but I am not a boater so I really could care less if I use the correct terminology. Each boat he has owned has been progressively newer, larger and costlier.

When we were younger I used to go boating with G Man and friends only to beg him to take me into shore because I was burnt to a crisp after hours of sunning (which I should not have been doing as a redhead, freckled whitey) or I had enough of the boring laziness of sitting on the water with nothing to do but drink and swim. Did I mention I am not a swimmer either? Another story of the horror of childhood meanies that pretend to be teachers. Because there is not enough blog space to post all the stories about our boating mishaps I will list someof them with only a few details, so that you may understand why I do not like boating

1: wood boats are very heavy, when dumping from the trailer to the water one must hold the ropes to prevent the boat from smashing into other boats, as the very very very heavy wood boat, that is suppose to glide or float off the trailer, becomes a projectile because the owner of the wood boat backs up into the off loading dock at 30 miles an hour convinced he has to do it that way in order to get the boat off the trailer. SO at 115 lbs I am suppose to prevent the wood boat from smashing into other boats. HAHAHAHA.

2. New boat, tilt trailer, launching new boat for first time, pin pulled on tilt trailer, start to backup,boat slides half way off trailer in parking lot.HAHAHAHa

3. Father-in- law who has never driven a boat decides he can drive boat while we are waiting for G Man to get trailer to put boat on after a long day on the lake. Father in law guns the engine, he and I take off towards the extremely low bridge that will decapitate us and rip the windshield off the boat if we do not stop. Stopping is not something Father in law knows how to do, thank GOD we got hung up on a sandbar just feet before the bridge

4 wood boat being backed into the Erie Canal for the first run of the season. Using my new Cordoba with Corinthian leather to tow said boat and trailer. Friend is suppose to hold ropes to prevent boat from sailing away while G Man parks MY NEW Cordoba, friend lets go of ropes to pee in woods, boat floats away and starts to sink. G Man did not swell the boat properly. G Man jumps into nasty canal and tows the boat back with only his own strength and perseverance. Back at dock friend holds ropes while G Man gets MY NEW Cordoba to reload sinking boat. G Man backs up onto the launch but the boat has sunk more so he has to keep backing up, backing up, backing up and finally the boat is siting on the trailer properly. But G Man did not notice that MY NEW Cordoba had water in it up to the back seat because he had to back up into the canal so much to get the God damn boat of the trailer. AND the car stalled and would not restart because so much water got into the muffler system etc etc etc. Another friend owned a tow truck and had to come and pull MY NEW Cordoba, the trailer and the wood boat out of the canal.

There are so many other stories, so many more. I do not have the energy to write about them. But getting to the reason I started this post. Last night G Man went out on the boat and I met him at the north end of the lake at the Sand Bar ( it is a bar). We net a few friends there too. After an hour or so the weather started to turn ugly. Lots of lightening and the wind was picking up. G Man decided he should head for home, although I asked him to button up the boat and leave at the Sand Bar dock. But nooooooooo he could make home before the storm hit.

The storm hit 10 minutes into the ride home. I was driving our car and everyone else on the road pulled over because the rain and wind was so bad, but I kept driving trying to get to the marina to help G Man dock the boat. I knew G Man was in trouble on the lake but I was helpless. He called me on the cell phone and said he was moored at some one's cottage, and that he was never so scared in his life. G Man has been boating for 30 years, I have never heard him say he was scared when he has been boating. Never, not once. So I knew it must have been really bad. He said the lake looked calm and he would head for home again. I waited about 15minutes and saw two boats pass the marina. I knew the second boat was him. I tried calling him on the cell 3 times and got no answer. Ten minutes later he called me, said he had no idea where he was, could not see any land marks, and his cell phone was going dead. He knew he was heading south and was going to turn around and head back north. I told him I was at the Marina with the headlights on and would flash them when I saw him. Ten minutes later G Man was pulling into the marina. We both scrambled to cover the boat, it wasn't raining anymore, but the lightening was every few seconds and the wind was terrible.

Once home I allowed the stupid man that I married to sleep peacefully. I should have done something terrible to him though. The guy had the nerve to tell me this morning last night's mishap was my fault. He wanted to leave the bar earlier but becasue I was having a good time, he didn't leave or say anything.

Tonight we are watching my boyfriend Randy Couture fight on pay per view.

vacation Picture

My friend Sue sent this vacation picture to me. Enjoy!!!!

Catching up

Our 24 wedding anniversary was last week, no , wait , let me look at the calendar, no it was 2 weeks ago. G Man suggested a trip to my favorite jewelry store which I declined. How many bracelets, necklaces and earrings can a woman wear at one time. I have enough.
So with trepidation and careful planning he suggested a personal trainer and a membership to an all women's club. I jumped at the personal trainer, I could care less about an all women's club, but the personal trainer would be a benefit.


I have met with the trainer twice. She did an obligatory work up, health questions, weight, exercise regime etc. The second time was to show me how use the weight machines.Which is what I really need. Weights.


She and I put together a workout schedule of sorts, filled out a workout journal, and away I went. I am suppose to do cardio 3 times a week for at least 40 minutes, weights every other day and yoga 1 to 2 times a week.


So far so good. We will see in 6 weeks. I will meet with the trainer again this week and she is going to show me how to use the free weights.


We have been staying at the cottage on the weekends. It is sooooooooo relaxing. I love. G Man and I have been playing backgammon alot. Sometimes he refuses to play because I generally win.


The lake was so calm yesterday, and the weather was beautiful I decided to go on the boat. I haven't been on a boat in years. Lots of stories of why no boats for me, but they will be for other posts. I mainly went for my man, my honey, for the G Man, because a women has to show how much she loves her guy, I went on the freaking boat! We had a nice ride with no mishaps, and the beer really helped to calm my nerves.

A hail storm ripped down some large branches out of a our walnut tree, and left many, many dings in the siding of the cottage. Thankfully the deck furniture did not get blown through our window. Clean up was easy as a very nice neighbor named Ray came over and helped saw the big branches.

That's it for about now more later.

I have been very busy

I have been very busy with my store the past few weeks.





but managed to find a picture of my newest boyfriend.
It is not a clear picture but trust me he is very handsome, bald, and
extremely good to me. His name is Jason Statham, and yes he is currently starring in a movie with Jet Li.

Oka Bee

The next shoe sensation

Double G

My son moved into an apartment over the weekend. He has saved enough money to pay his rent and utilities for year. I am sort of OK with his moving out. It's hard to cut the apron ties.

He is 19 and a Junior in college. Greg, Double G as Vegass like to call him, is a licensed Real Estate agent selling several properties in the year he has had his license and has 3 new listings, delivers pizza Thursdays thru Sundays, and fills in at the pizzeria when needed. He also helps coach the youth football teams, and his former High school football coaches have him helping with camps and the varsity football team. Greg starts college classes the day after Labor Day.

There are 3 young men, including Greg, that share the house. Prior to agreeing to move in with the other 2 guys Greg made sure that they all agreed the house was not going to be a party house. One of the guy's parents owns the house and wanted assurances too that the boys were not going to have parties. All agreed, no parties.

The house is really nice, built in 1880, the owners had the hardwood floors done, painted all the rooms, put in a dishwasher, washer,dryer, completely renovated the full bath on the upper level and the half bath on the lower level. Furnished the kitchen, living room and dining room. Replaced all the blinds, light fixtures, had Internet and cable installed. The house has central air, and an alarm system. Parking on street, no big deal.

I haven't been in my son's room in our house. I know I will cry a little so I have avoided his room. Because Greg knew I was sad about his move, the first night in his apartment he called me at 11pm to say good night. I love that kid.

Internet Issues

The telephone company and cable company charge small business $80.00 a month for internet connection, plus a hefty one time installation fee of $150.00. Trying to keep my costs down I was using an unsecured internet connection from one of my neighbors. Unfortunately the connection is gone.

Now I have to arrange to have the cable company install a connection. Or I can wait until the village has the free wifi up and running, maybe a month or so. I think I will wait the month to see what happens with the free wifi.

Vegas 2

I have written about G Man's friend Vegass before. This weekend Vegass called to let us know he was coming down to the cottage, before G Man consented he gave Vegass a scolding from me.


A few weekends ago Vegass partied at the cottage with the promise that he would not drive home. He drinks alot!!! We offered him the use of our futon (the mattress is the best available to ensure comfort for our guests) which he accepted. But after we went to bed Vegass sneaked out of the house and drove home. He was drunk! I should have taken his keys from him, but believed extracting a promise was good enough from a 55 year old man. Stupid me.


Anyway, the only way Vegass was allowed back was if he did not drive home and gave me his keys. Which he agreed to again and he handed over his keys when he arrived. The guy was hammered by the time I went to bed. He walked through the screen door, dropped his plate of food, fell over a chair and was repeating his stories. I think he drank a bottle of wine and 6 beers.


G Man had to get the futon together for Vegass, sheets, blankets, pillows everything because Vegass could not manage it. When G Man got up to pee at 5ish he found Vegass all ready sitting on the throne. Yuck! I didn't need to know that, but how could I not when the bathroom is adjacent to our bedroom, and Vegass lets out a loud "HAHAA Dude I'm taking a dump!!!!" Great just what I need to hear and smell. uugghhh eeeewww!


By 6 :15 am Vegass was gone. I bleached the toilet seat before I used it.

Actor adoption

I have decided to join the actor adoption agency. And yes I have adopted more then one. I have a very giving soul.








Introducing Randy Couture. Ok he is not a film actor. He is a UFC fighter. A champion!















AND........











Vin Diesel. Need I say more. Just look at him!



AND........

The Rock!!! Love his re-make of Walking Tall. So what if he was a wrestler before he became an actor. Just Look at him!

Are you seeing a pattern. Perhaps you noticed all three men have something in common. Yep. They are bald. I love bald men. Can't help it. I find them very appealing and sexy.

He trys to help

G Man had to resuscitate our common computer. The one all the family members and friends have access too. Not my business computer or G Man's business computers. The computer that I had my Itunes on, genealogy stuff, and pictures.

Apparently the common computer had a virus that G Man could not get rid of, so he took upon himself to resuscitate the thing instead of having to pay for a professional to remove the virus.

Thanks G Man, did you remember to back up any of my stuff? No, that's OK I did when we had the external drive last year, you know the one you borrowed for you business computer, the hard drive you said you would replace so I could back up my stuff. It's OK. I enjoy spending hours recreating stuff I all ready have done.

No, no I am not angry. Just remember you fall asleep before I do.

She turns 21

Today my daughter turns 21. Happy Birthday Jen!

It's Finished

I read the 7th Harry Potter book yesterday. To bad it is the final book. While reading it I saw an opportunity for several more books, but I guess JK Rowlings just didn't have the words in her for them.

Without giving anything away, the ending was predictable, at least by me. It was ok, would have been better in a 9th book though. I think that JK Rowlings left an opening for more books if she decides to continue the Harry Potter series.

I know I will re-read the books in the future. I did that with The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, and a few other books that I really enjoyed.

Isn't this nice

Vick Case Sheds Light on Dogfighting

Vick's indictment was handed up Tuesday in Richmond, Va., in federal district court. He faces charges of transporting fighting dogs across state lines and engaging in dogfighting. Conviction could mean a six-year prison term and a $350,000 fine.

Vick and the three other men are scheduled to have a bond hearing and arraignment July 26, the day the Falcons begin training camp.After a meeting involving NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and the Falcons, the league will let Vick keep playing, the Associated Press reported. The AP reported that a person with knowledge of the meeting, who requested anonymity so the case would not be influenced, said the NFL would stick to that position for the foreseeable future, despite its new personal-conduct policy.

Bush

Alarming

Another night of bad sleep. At 11:30 last night the CO2 alarm went off in the cottage. I had difficulty waking my husband which is not unusual. I thought his computer was going haywire and that it was the source of the noise.

G Man sleeps with his head set plugged into the computer so he can listen to Howard Stern while he sleeps. Strange but true. After he woke and checked his computer and determined that the noise was not coming from it, we got out of bed and found the CO2 alarm was the source.

I removed the batteries while G Man opened windows and doors. After struggling to find the gas company's telephone number in the telephone book, spoke to a gas company employee whom could not find our address in the computer system for 7 minutes, I was told someone from the gas company would be out within the hour. 35 minutes later the gas man was there, chastised us for having the dector so low on the wall, and checked the furnace and hot water heater. He found no leaks or any source spewing CO2. He checked the CO2 detector and determined it was faulty.

The detector is less the a month old the batteries are fresh. Oh well, we will buy another one, read the instructions, hang the detector according to those instructions and hope that it is not faulty.

Because of the noise the dogs were crazy again. Sammy the Redhead slept in the bathtub, Belvedere the Cavalier slept on my pillow, Jack the chocolate lab slept snuggled up against G Man, Terri the westie slept in her bed, she wasn't disturbed to much, I guess being hard of hearing has it's benefits, and Lucy our yellow lab couldn't get comfortable. She kept moving from the couch to her bed and back again.

I kept dreaming, but can't remember what the dreams were about, I wasn't in a really deep sleep in part because the dogs were in our bed, and because I kept thinking the fire alarm would go off next.

Maybe tonight I will sleep deep.

This is the information I found on several websites pertaining to CO2.

Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors can be used as a backup but not as a replacement for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. CO detector technology is still being developed and the detectors are not generally considered to be as reliable as the smoke detectors found in homes today. You should not choose a CO detector solely on the basis of cost; do some research on the different features available.
Carbon monoxide detectors should meet Underwriters Laboratories Inc. standards, have a long-term warranty, and be easily self-tested and reset to ensure proper functioning. For maximum effectiveness during sleeping hours, carbon monoxide detectors should be placed close to sleeping areas.
If your CO detector goes off, you should:
Make sure it is the CO detector and not the smoke alarm.
Check to see if any member of your household is experiencing symptoms.
If they are, get them out of the house immediately and seek medical attention.
If no one is feeling symptoms, ventilate the home with fresh air and turn off all potential sources of CO.
Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances and chimneys to make sure they are operating correctly.

Too much

I am out of sorts today. Didn't sleep well, the dogs were crazy because someone was blowing off fireworks at 2AM. Not us that is for sure, maybe the lunatic from the 4th as payback.

The off balance feeling and slow working brain couldn't be from to much beer yesterday. While G Man and I were playing several games of backgammon I quickly consumed 5 beers. Which is a lot for me. I have a serious post that I have been trying to write all morning but because of the way I feel the post will have to wait until tomorrow.

The lack of sleep story is what I am going to go with today.

Til tomorrow then.

Harry Potter

The Harry Potter movie was very enjoyable. Not so much about magic and wizardry, but more about life. How relationships are formed, how love and loyalty can survive even after someone has died. Mistakes parents can make, the regrets and consequences that go along with those mistakes. How children sometimes have to take responsibility into their owns hands when adults turn a blind eye to a particular situation that is uncomfortable for the adults.

I really enjoyed it and am looking forward the 7th book.

On my own

G Man is out of town today and tomorrow. I am on my own. After I get my hair done tonight, I am going to the movies to see Harry Potter. Yipppeeee!!!!!!

Small popcorn with butter and a bottle of water, distance glasses and a sweater ( because it's always cold in the theater), cell phone turned off and I am good to go.

Looking forward to the entertainment.

The finger

Got this at Zeds


You are romantic, expressive, and hopeful. You see the best in everything.You are very artistic, and you see the world as your canvas. You are also drawn to the written word.Inventive and unique, you are often away in your own inner world.

You get along well with: The Pinky

Stay away from: The Index Finger

A suggestion

I just watched the video over at Some guy's blog and thought it was kinds boring but the video did showcase his neighborhood. What a good idea. I am going to take a video of my neighborhood and post it too. Perhaps other fellow bloggers will do the same. I would be interested in seeing what your neighborhoods look like.

Now if I can only get my sister in law to return my video camera.

Decisions

I hate having decisions made for me. Especially when it involves how much soap or paper towel I am using in the ladies room at a facility. I really do not like the amount of product supplied by the automated dispensing units for both the soap and towels.

Because I was a sales rep in that industry I know how facilities can be cheap when it comes to disposable paper products and jan san products. The facility manager only looks at the bottom line, not the comfort of the consumer or customer. I want to be able to choose the length of paper towel and the amount of soap to use.

The sensor towel dispenser usually dispenses only about 3/4 the length of towel I need. The manager of the facility thinks he is saving money that way. Like I am going to leave with damp hands or wipe the remaining wetness on my jeans or shirt. Ha! So I always cause the machine to dispense a second round of towel.

The same with the soap. I want to lather up. Two to three squirts from the automated soap dispenser makes me comfortable. Lathering for 20-30 seconds and then a good rinse.

Don't get me wrong. I love the sensor dispenser. It's the most sanitary way, but be a little more generous with the portions please.

Now on to what put the bug up my butt about controlling the portions of towel and soap.

Automatic Toilet Tissue Dispenser Ready

Company Rolls Out Electronic Toilet Tissue Dispenser That Spits Out 5 Sheets Per Wave

ROSWELL, Ga. (AP) -- Richard Thorne grins as he waves his hand under a toilet paper dispenser in a women's restroom. The machine spits five sheets of tissue into his grasp.

A year in the works, the electronic tissue dispenser is being rolled out to the masses by Kimberly-Clark Professional as it seeks to capture more of the $1 billion away-from-home toilet paper market. The company believes most people will be satisfied with five sheets -- and use 20 percent less toilet paper.

"Most people will take the amount given," says Thorne. Waxing philosophical, he adds, "People generally in life will take what you give them." ( I found this statement insulting)

Kimberly-Clark turned to focus groups and years of internal research to determine just how much is right.

Americans typically use twice as much toilet paper as Europeans -- as much as an arm's length each pull, Thorne says. The company decided the best length is about 20 inches -- or precisely five standard toilet paper squares, though the machine can also be adjusted to churn out 16 inches or 24 inches, depending on the demand.

Let me ask the women out there this. How many times have you used only 5 sheets of toilet tissue? Especially when the facility uses a cheater sheet, which most of you do not even know exists. A cheater sheet is smaller than a standard 4x4 sheet of toilet tissue.

This article really put a bug up my butt. And it will take more then 5 sheets to get it out.

Making up for yesterday

G Man had coffee made for me this morning. It's his way of telling me he is sorry. I enjoyed the coffee on the deck watching the dogs play in the yard. G Man wasn't around when I was sipping the cup of cinnamon coffee, he had to play golf, something he loathes, early this morning.

Thank You G Man.

Silver Car Day

Today is silver car day. On the way to work this morning I had a silver maxima pass me, while I was going the 45mph limit, on a double yellow road. The driver also passed 3 other cars in front of me, but couldn't pass the 4th car because of oncoming traffic. The 3rd car had to brake to let the maxima in or else there would have been a collision with the oncoming traffic. Once the oncoming traffic was clear the silver maxima passed the 4th car. We all caught up with the silver maxima at the red light.

The silver jeep that was tailgating me, while I was doing 65 mph in a 55 zone, for some reason was on my bumper until we reached the toll booth for the thruway. Because I have a automated pass I did not have to wait in line and just drove through. I lost the silver jeep after the toll booth. Maybe that driver went east while I went west.

The silver Taurus that rode next to me on the expressway no matter what speed I was going, just kept riding next to me, not allowing traffic to pass. I was in the far right lane and the silver jeep was in the left passing lane. If I sped up the silver Taurus did too. If I slowed the silver Taurus did the same. Traffic built up behind us. I eventually got off at my exit at arrived at the store.

After parking and walking down the sidewalk I heard the siren of the local ambulance, saw the ambulance coming down Main Street, and saw the silver something ( not sure what type of car only that it was silver) pull out in front of the ambulance, which caused the ambulance driver to brake hard and blow the really loud horn. The silver car driver must have realized what happened because the driver stopped in the middle of the street and did not move. The ambulance had to go into the other lane of traffic to get around the silver car.

Maybe it's National Silver Car Stupid Driver Day.

More info

This was on the same page as the anal sac squeeze information. Not sure what this has to do with the anal squeeze but I found it funny.



"To Do Is To Be" Socrates; "To Be Is To Do" Plato; "Do Be Do Be Do" Sinatra

EEEEEWWWWWWW

G Man just called me to let me Lucy does not have a yeast infection. The vet had to squeeze her anal glands. EEEEWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEWWWW EW EW EW EW EW EW!!!!!!

AND.... we have to apply cortisone to her vaginal area because everything there is irritated. WHY you may ask is it irritated.? Because she is fat. A female lab is not suppose to weigh 80lbs. She has to lose 10-12 lbs. So no more cookies, only carrots, and no more grazing. We have to feed her at night only.

So what about the other dogs. Well we are going to have to figure out how to feed them all at the same time. Normally we have two bowls of food out all day and the dogs just graze. Well no more of that. I think if we sneak in a little bit of wet food in each of the bowls that may entice them to eat at the same time. Then pick up the bowls and not give in to the pleads of more food and cookies. They could all do with some weight loss, except Terri. She's old and can have what ever she wants when she wants it.

Anal sac squeeze: just thought I would share this little tidbit of information I found on the Internet. I know some of you have dogs.

If you want to try this at home it is often possible to do so. The anal sacs are located at about the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions if you imagine the area around the rectum to be a clock face. It is usually possible to feel them under the skin at these points when they are full. In some dogs the sacs can be pretty far to the side of the rectum but most are about 1/4th to 1/2 inch to the side. If the glands are pressed against each other by pinching the rectal area together they will usually express. It is hard to get them as empty as the vet can by doing this rectally but most pets tolerate it better so it can be done more frequently. Don't push so hard that you rupture an anal sac, though. That leads to significant problems.
If you succeed, you should see an exudate exuding from the ducts. It can vary from liquid to a thick paste and may be gray, tan, brown or black and be normal. Blood or other colored exudates may indicate a problem.

Back to work

Jen and I closed our store for 5 days so we could have much needed time off. I enjoyed tremendously my extended stay at the cottage last week. The 4th was hectic but the other days were very pleasant and enjoyable. I was able to read, uninterrupted, 2 books, listen to the birds, I even saw a humming bird, enjoy the weather, watch my Cavalier, Belvedere, learn to swim, (I am such a proud momma), wave to G Man from our deck while he motored by in the boat, and do nothing. In my lazy haze I managed to get to Starbucks twice. I found a nice salon in town and had a pedicure, so my feet look great in my flip flops.

Today is back to work. G Man stopped at Tim Hortons for coffee instead of Starbucks. The company, Tim Hortons, buys some of his products so he wanted to try their coffee. Eehh, not as good as Starbucks, but it will do in a pinch and I like to support companies that buy from G Man.

Lucy our yellow lab came back with us so G Man can take her to the vet this afternoon. I think she may have a yeast infection, ya know down there. Poor dog.

It was kinda weird coming home. We have been at the cottage for the last few weeks and have not been home much. Our son cleaned the house, so there wasn't any dog fur bunnies scattered across the floor and in the corners and the frig is empty. Newspapers were piled up outside and stacks of mail were 6 inches high on the table. It was quite. We are going to commute from the cottage to work for most of the summer, it's about a 40 minute drive each way. Not bad.

I have plans to work in the park like gardens in the front of the cottage for the summer and get them in order. Our lawn guy said he thinks there were rats ( I prefer to think of them as cute bunnies) nesting in some of the bushes so he pruned the bushes back and removed the lower branches. This should help get rid of the "rat" bunnies. Apparently rat bunnies like to nest in low growth bushes. So far the dogs have not been going crazy so perhaps the rats were long gone before we arrived or our lawn guy was teasing me.

I can hardly wait for 5 o'clock.

I've been noticing

The blogs that I read are very amusing and interesting. I like all of them. But there is something I noticed about the blogs that is particularly interesting and I can not figure out why it is the way it is.

Usually, not always, but 95% of the time when a post is about drinking, sex or politics the number of comments is over 10. Other subjects usually get 5-6 comments. HHmm go figure.

Just something I noticed.

Up and running

Finally! We have a steady Internet connection. It was touch and go for awhile, but we think we have solved all the issues of not getting a steady signal.

Hope everyone had a pleasant and safe 4th. Ours turned out to be wet and hectic. Not fun for the most part and not quite non hazardous.

The weather lady lied, it had to be a prank or a lie considering all the Doppler radar crap at the studio she uses to predict the weather. Some sun, HA! The entire day was rainy and dark. But the food was delicious. G Man slow cooked ribs from 7am to 5pm. Then put them on the grill and applied bar b q sauce. His own. HHHmmmm, yummy!

My nephews proved to be obnoxious. I was playing Pirates of the Caribbean LIFE with them, and JP, the youngest, showed why he has no friends and how frustrated he is. Not only does he cheat every chance he gets, he is a poor loser and has a temper that is not under control. During the game he cried " you are only doing this to me because you are my brother and you hate me!!!" Obviously he wasn't yelling at me. AND then " I'm not playing any more if you do not let me spin again." To which auntie, that's me, replied, "JP you have all ready had your spin, it's DM's turn."

JP: "NO!! my wrist was twisted and I did not get a good spin!"

Auntie: " I am sorry but the rules are no re-spins."

JP: "Then I am not playing anymore."

And JP threw his money down and ran out of the cottage. His dad, my brother, came in to find out why JP was pouting, I told him what happened, he went outside and I could see JP demonstrate how his wrist was twisted and explain why he quit the game. My brother tousled JP's hair, and sat down in a chair. I am not sure what my brother said to my nephew, but JP was pleased with the conversation because he came into the cottage and informed me his dad said he did not have to help clean up the game. Oh boy!

As the day progressed the excuses from my brother and sister in law for the boys bad behavior ranged from low blood sugar to the deaths of their two dogs 6 months ago. Both my brother and his wife screamed and yelled at their son's for everything, or made excuses for them when the bad behavior was directed at me, G Man or the other people we had over. At one point I had to take a double look at my brother because he sounded just like my father. It scared me and gave me the willys.

But the bad behaviour and the excuse making was not the worst of the day and evening. My son had his buddies, who brought buddies, and my daughter had friends, who brought friends over to watch the fireworks. One of the buddies brought his own fireworks display to add to the $500.00 display my son was firing off. The only problem is the buddy had mortars and was lighting 2 at a time. Lighting two at a time is not smart. When the first one goes off it causes the second to tip over and fire at ground level. And what is at ground level, OUR NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE!!!!!!

Mind you we have met only two of our neighbors. The house that was directly in the path of the buddy's mortar we did not have the opportunity to meet. If we had we would have known the guy is CRAZY! I mean ANGER CRAZY! So after the finale of my son's fireworks, the buddy blew off 3 sets of mortars. Just as the buddy was going to lite the 4th round of mortars the neighbor, MW, came racing up the road, blowing his car horn. He got out of the car and started screaming like a banshee Indian war cry.

I was in the front of the cottage loading my mom in my brothers' van when some of the kids started streaming out of the house and telling me that MW was yelling that we blew a hole in his house. OMG! I knew it !I knew it! I told them I didn't want those god damn things in my house etc etc etc. To late the damage was done.

I ran to the back of the cottage and heard the guy screaming and other voices trying to calm the guy down but he was not having anything to do with calming down. In the mean time I scanned the remaining crowd and told everyone to get out because I did not know who was 21 and who was drinking, and I knew the police were going to show up. This is one of my biggest worries. Underage drinking on my watch and property. It doesn't go over well with the police. And I do not condone it. But that is another post.

After all the kids left I grabbed as many trash can liners as I could and started to clean up the left overs from the fireworks. MW was still screaming and hollering. Eventually G Man, my son, his buddy and our friend Sue returned to fill me in on what happened to the guy's house. NOTHING! The guy was a raving mad man that was lying A mortar did land in his yard but there was no damage to his house. No hole. No dent, no smoke damage. Nothing, nada. zip, zero damage to his house.

After a few minutes the buddy said "the guy kept my license." what you gave him your license??? Aaahhh no he took it from me. While all of the commotion was going on we were waiting for the police to show up. I knew the cops would come sooner or later. But the guys and Sue decided to go to MW's to get the buddy's license. Which only ignited a new round of anger and verbal abuse with some attempts at provoking a physical confrontation from MW towards the men in our group. Thankfully all my guys kept their tempers under control. I guess MW likes to get an inch from the other guys face and give him the universal FUCK YOU sign, and some other kinda hand sign, thumb to the nose with fingers waving. I am not sure what the definition of that signal is, but I am sure it's not nice.

Oh and did I mention MW is in his 60's and has had 2 heart attacks. His friend came out of the house to diffuse the situation and gave my guys that info. And the friend said MW has anger management problems, so there is no calming him when he gets going. Great! MW refuse to give back the license and told everyone yo get off his property. So they did.

The police showed up and said they would get the license back, if buddy wanted to press charges for the harassment, my son and husband would be charged with criminal mischief, unlawful use of firearms, reckless endangerment, and one other charge I can't remember. HHHHmmmm. Ok this is a no brainer. We will just forget about the harassment.

The police were really nice, they said they had about 68 complaints from other people around the lake regarding the illegal use of fireworks (fireworks are illegal in our state) and needed to get going. I promised them that they would not be returning to our cottage for anything like this again. They smiled gave the dogs a pat on each of their heads and left.

OMFINGGOD. I told you , I TOLD YOU, I didn't want those fucking fireworks. No look what happened. My son just gave me his smile and hugged me and said "OK so next year I won't buy so much and we will limit the crowd." "HAHAAh just kidding."

AAGGGHHH!

Pre 4th jitters

My cavalier is a little neurotic. He squeaks like a chimpanzee if we stop for a moment on our walks, he crys if we stop at a red light while in the car, barks non stop if Jack ( our chocolate lab) has a toy that he wants, runs to the car and dances in a circle if he thinks we are going for a ride. But I love him.

He is a sweet dog that likes to cuddle and snuggle. Very intelligent and communicative. Gentle with our other dogs, and with children. But he does not like loud noises.

Greg decided to blow off some of the inventory of fireworks he has for the 4th of July. All the dogs ran for cover inside the cottage. Poor Belvedere was so scared he hid in the computer desk.

I'm so excited

A Republican in my daughter's room

Jenny left yesterday for Washington DC to see her friend Katie. Jen called me to let me know she made it unscathed and not harassed from the Baltimore airport to the hotel in DC. I am a worry wort, so she knows my pre flight lectures of safety and being aware of surroundings is something I will always do and a telephone call to let me know she has arrived safely at her destination is expected. She is turning 21 in July, but while she lives at home and I know of her plans the check ins are a must. I can't help it that is just the way I am. I do the same with my son and G Man.


While on my way to the store this morning Jenny called, which kinda surprised me. She let me know her first night in Washington was fun and Katie's boyfriend Tom and his friend John were escorting the girls around Washington today. As it turns out the guys slept in the room with the girls, which is OK with me. Katie and her boyfriend slept on a twin roll away and John and Jenny shared the queen size bed.


I wish I could have seen Katie and Tom in the twin. He is a giant man. 6' 3" and 225lbs. They must not have slept well at all. I do not know John, never have met him nor do I have a physical description of him. But Jenny managed to tell me John is a Republican. EEE Gads! I knew Washington wasn't a safe place.


Get him out of the room! My daughter laughed. She knew what my reaction would be. She then told me not only is he a republican he works for the Republican National Committee of something or other. I was swooning so I did not hear the complete description of his work place. I yelled again, get him out of the room! I've told you they are dangerous people! She just laughed.


She asked him if he approved of W, to which he replied, just because I work for the Republican something, something, something, doesn't mean I approve of the President. OK, it was sort of a answer. Evasive, but with a little bit of light at the end of the dark evil Republican tunnel of deception.

So now what? When Jenny returns home on Monday do I demand a full body check to look for Republican micro chip implants used for tracking, listening, and conversion of liberal minded young woman? Or do I pretend that everything is good and hope that her education and my influence will be enough to combat the lure of, a mostly likely handsome and charming, Republican. uugggh! The agony! The worry!

Sammy the red head dachshund

Sammy the red head hasn't had a good couple of days. He had two really bad seizures Wednesday night. The poor dog is in pain for 2-3 days after the seizures because of his muscles contracting and biting his tongue. Nothing less then sitting in my lap and getting a body massage will stop him from crying. He follows me every where, with a constant whimper and pleading with his big brown eyes to pick him up and snuggle. He won't go outside unless I am next to him. And is constantly hungry.

The vet said we can't give him anything for the pain because of the seizure medication. So we just have to wait it out and give him the massages a couple of times a day, feed him carrots to help with the constant hunger, and stand next to him while he pees and poohs.

He's worth it though, he is just so damn cute.

The cottage with a view

Yesterday I finished painting the main living area of the cottage. I had the entire day off from work thanks to Jenny. She worked the store for me.

G Man came down after his day of work and made me happy. He told me the place looked great and that the painting really made a difference, that it was a good thing I did do it. Then asked me when I could start painting the bedroom. It looked dingy compared to the rest of the cottage. He said he was sorry he did not help, but it would have been bad if he did. Which is true.

So I was happy that he liked the way the paint job turned out and that my color choice was acceptable to him. G Man now wants to get new furniture, the stuff we brought down from the house just isn't quite right, he said. Ha! I knew I would get new furniture out of this.

For my traveling blog friends

Because I am always thinking and am a little annal when it comes to peeing in public restrooms I thought this would be a service some of you could use, and one I will definitely use during my next bit of extended travel.

Do you ever find yourself desperately looking for a clean toilet in the city?

MizPee finds the closest, cleanest toilet and gives you entertaining reading material once you get there.

Since the service is cell phone-based, it's always with you, when you really need it.

Want to try MizPee?
Send as a text message your city and state (e.g. "New York, NY") to the following number: 415-350-2290.

This is where I have visited

All the red states are the states I have visited. And no I am not a red state person. That color is for commies. I am true blue with a slant towards the death penalty for all murders, child molesters, and rapists. As long as I am ranting, people cruel to animals must do a lot of jail time. And celebrities must do jail time too, instead of rehab. While I am at it I am for gay marriage, allowing gays to adopt, not sure about national health care, but people on welfare should have to work while being subsidized (sp?). And everyone must own at least one pair of CROCKS!!!!