Hey blog readers...well here it is, the final blog of 2009. Kind of nostalgic, and at the same time creepy. I feel like I am growing older every day, and find myself appreciating things in my life that before I took for granted. Like time with friends and family and just making great memories. If you know me in the least, you know I love a good story. So my focus this coming year is to write more chapters in my little story I call life.(oh and never pass up a chance to tell a story or two or three...well you get the picture)
I am currently sitting in the fire station working on New Years Eve. If you don't know already this is the winding down of our fire department as we know it today. We are merging with our neighboring department as of Midnight tonight. What does that mean you ask? We are growing from a 3 station department to a 5 station department. Gaining lots of great guys and building onto a great fire department. I will be a Captain in this new department and I look forward to the challenges and rewards that come with such an assignment. I look forward to working with each and everyone on my new brothers and sisters in the coming years...long story short, I am looking forward to where we are headed and can't wait to see the change.
Jenny and Sharkboy are at home tonight sharing a movie. I can't wait to go home in the morning and wish them a Happy New Year. I wish I was there, but it appears that a movie and bed at 9:30 are on the agenda, so morning will do just fine. Those 2 people sacrifice a lot everyday so that I can live this life as a fire fighter. I appreciate every sacrifice they make, and hope that I make it up to them in other ways.
So in closing this year out, I wish each and everyone who reads this to have a Healthy, Happy, Safe and Happy New Year. Be safe in your celebrating. Take a few minutes to appreciate the things around you, the good things in your life, everyday. Never miss a chance to tell people you love you love them. Never settle for cheap beer or cigars and never miss a chance to shine.
In the coming year and everyday...Be Kind, Be Safe,
Shalom my Peeps.
PS...Absofab and her husband had there baby boy today! Congratulations you two, and welcome to the world Ian Mathew. You have a very special family, and they all can't wait to make all over you.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Milestones...
Hey blog readers...as we approach the coming new year I am reminded all the time the milestones in our lives. My memory really only allows me to remember certain milestones in my life. First: day at a new school, time using a locker at school, dance, kiss, time driving a car. I also remember graduating, first real job, getting engaged, getting married, new jobs, promotions becoming a parent, etc...etc. So some of my childhood milestones can only be remembered through parental recollection...Well as a parent these milestones are those little things that I will have the opportunity to pass on to Sharkboy(and if you have met him in person you know I will need some help remembering them all...)
Well yesterday was one of those milestones. It wasn't as big as his first breath, first bath, first feeding, first smile, first Mommy/Daddy, first step, first using the potty, first day of preschool, first day of real school...etc...etc. But a big first in a world where your mother is a Dental Hygienist. Sharkboy lost his first tooth!
Yesterday started as many would say "a normal day". Sharkboy is on holiday break from school, so sleeping in and playing in your pajamas most of the morning was in line. But in the last month or so he has had a loose tooth(not uncommon for a 5 almost 6 y/o). The unique part was that his adult tooth was coming in right behind it(Prime v Perm proper dental terminology). Not waiting for the baby tooth to come out first. So it has been a focus of Jen Jen's "Dental Professional Eye". Well the time came(after some prompting from Dr. Ricco)that the tooth come out. So we made the trek to the DC for the "Procedure"...
Sharkboy arrived with his typical fan fair at the DC...he is almost a celebrity there. He jumped up in the chair and was put on the "Happy Gas". They applied some topical anesthetic and he was ready. Dr. Ricco talked to him for a bit and then with a "Sneeze"(obvious even to a 5 y/o that it was fake) The tooth was out! High fives were exchanged all around and we were headed home.
So now onto the tooth fairy festivities. Sharkboy spent most of the afternoon & evening on his knees praying to the tooth fairy with requests ranging from $1,000 to some new toys. Friends offered their tooth fairy memories and experiences with their children. Leaving his tooth fairy(ies) with lots of decisions to make. That is a lot of pressure for a fairy(ies). So as he drift off to sleep last night he had no idea what was in store for him in the morning...
This morning he awoke to glitter/fairy dust on his pillow and face and some new toys on his dresser(tooth fairy didn't want to wake a sleeping 5 y/o, damn she is smart). He was pumped...a couple of transformer key chains opened and played with and it was back to his little cars and Nintendo DS.
So, apparently the tooth fairy(so far) is more for the parents than him. He loves his key chains and the thought of waking up with glitter/fairy dust on his pillow. Little does he know when he is older there will be a lot of explaining to do if he wakes up with glitter on his pillow. But all and all it wasn't as big a deal as I thought it would be for him. So the precedent has been set, toys when you lose teeth, and glitter...he seems alright with it all.
On a family update...I worked Overtime last night and received my new shield for my helmet. So now all I have to do is wait for my new badge and the transfer to Captain will be complete. Also for Christmas Jen Jen and I decided to use some of our Christmas money to buys some web cameras. I was shocked to see how many people already had them and enjoyed a couple of nice conversations via the cameras with some very good friends. The coolest part was last night I got to say goodnight to Sharkboy via Skype and I could see him. It isn't the same as being there, but it certainly was nice to see each other. So the Gadget fetish continues...
Tonight I am joining UNC and some friends for a beer and some wings. It has been a long time since I was out in that capacity, and I am looking forward to it. Then tomorrow it is work...New Years Eve and a Full Moon, let's see what that cocktail offers.
So in closing, in this time of remember milestones and memories, try to keep the good ones in the front of your mind. Don't forget the bad ones, we all have things to learn from our experiences (good or bad). But most of all, never pass up an opportunity to make new memories with friends. In the past week I have enjoyed the time I have spent with friends and my newest New Years resolution is to spend more time making memories with Family and Friends.
So wherever your New Years travels take you,
Be Kind, Be Safe(especially)...
Shalom my Peeps!
Well yesterday was one of those milestones. It wasn't as big as his first breath, first bath, first feeding, first smile, first Mommy/Daddy, first step, first using the potty, first day of preschool, first day of real school...etc...etc. But a big first in a world where your mother is a Dental Hygienist. Sharkboy lost his first tooth!
Yesterday started as many would say "a normal day". Sharkboy is on holiday break from school, so sleeping in and playing in your pajamas most of the morning was in line. But in the last month or so he has had a loose tooth(not uncommon for a 5 almost 6 y/o). The unique part was that his adult tooth was coming in right behind it(Prime v Perm proper dental terminology). Not waiting for the baby tooth to come out first. So it has been a focus of Jen Jen's "Dental Professional Eye". Well the time came(after some prompting from Dr. Ricco)that the tooth come out. So we made the trek to the DC for the "Procedure"...
Sharkboy arrived with his typical fan fair at the DC...he is almost a celebrity there. He jumped up in the chair and was put on the "Happy Gas". They applied some topical anesthetic and he was ready. Dr. Ricco talked to him for a bit and then with a "Sneeze"(obvious even to a 5 y/o that it was fake) The tooth was out! High fives were exchanged all around and we were headed home.
So now onto the tooth fairy festivities. Sharkboy spent most of the afternoon & evening on his knees praying to the tooth fairy with requests ranging from $1,000 to some new toys. Friends offered their tooth fairy memories and experiences with their children. Leaving his tooth fairy(ies) with lots of decisions to make. That is a lot of pressure for a fairy(ies). So as he drift off to sleep last night he had no idea what was in store for him in the morning...
This morning he awoke to glitter/fairy dust on his pillow and face and some new toys on his dresser(tooth fairy didn't want to wake a sleeping 5 y/o, damn she is smart). He was pumped...a couple of transformer key chains opened and played with and it was back to his little cars and Nintendo DS.
So, apparently the tooth fairy(so far) is more for the parents than him. He loves his key chains and the thought of waking up with glitter/fairy dust on his pillow. Little does he know when he is older there will be a lot of explaining to do if he wakes up with glitter on his pillow. But all and all it wasn't as big a deal as I thought it would be for him. So the precedent has been set, toys when you lose teeth, and glitter...he seems alright with it all.
On a family update...I worked Overtime last night and received my new shield for my helmet. So now all I have to do is wait for my new badge and the transfer to Captain will be complete. Also for Christmas Jen Jen and I decided to use some of our Christmas money to buys some web cameras. I was shocked to see how many people already had them and enjoyed a couple of nice conversations via the cameras with some very good friends. The coolest part was last night I got to say goodnight to Sharkboy via Skype and I could see him. It isn't the same as being there, but it certainly was nice to see each other. So the Gadget fetish continues...
Tonight I am joining UNC and some friends for a beer and some wings. It has been a long time since I was out in that capacity, and I am looking forward to it. Then tomorrow it is work...New Years Eve and a Full Moon, let's see what that cocktail offers.
So in closing, in this time of remember milestones and memories, try to keep the good ones in the front of your mind. Don't forget the bad ones, we all have things to learn from our experiences (good or bad). But most of all, never pass up an opportunity to make new memories with friends. In the past week I have enjoyed the time I have spent with friends and my newest New Years resolution is to spend more time making memories with Family and Friends.
So wherever your New Years travels take you,
Be Kind, Be Safe(especially)...
Shalom my Peeps!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
I am back...
Well blog readers...I like to think of my absence as somewhat of a creative sabbatical. I can't say that I haven't been creative or really looking for some sort of creative juices though. I just haven't really felt the need to blog. But recently I have found that I say to myself that there is big pieces of my life and my life experience, that I could blog about. So I thought, what the heck, lets give it a whirl.
My new years resolution is to blog more and have some fun with it. I set this dang thing up and for a good year or so was more than eager to blog. My life has not slowed any and I still have funny stuff happening everyday. So here is today's post, and I hope to post everyday(or close to it from here on out).
Lots going on right now, I really don't have time to spell it all out. But here are some updates from which to start.
Holidays were awesome. I reconnected with my Aunt and Uncle. I wouldn't say we have been estranged or anything of that sort, but we had lunch over the holiday and it was very nice. I really think we are going to make a habit of hanging out with them. They have so many things in common with us, that I think it would be hard for us not purposefully cross our paths more often. My Uncle J, is crazy about Sharkboy and Aunt K is a hoot. So I am sure there will be more time spent with them.
We had pizza, beer and socializing time with Athena...I absolutely love our time with her. She shares a love for many of the things that Jen Jen and I enjoy. I have no other words for our visit than "Absolutely Fabulous". She is a dear friend and I look forward to spending some time with her during my Florida trip in January.
L.A. and F.i.L. came up big this year on the Christmas gift. They always seem to top the last years gift. This year, they gave me a bottle of Hennesey Cognac and 5 Cuban cigars. I absolutely love them(both the gift and them). They are truly a treasure as in laws.
Sharkboy scored a Nintendo DS from Santa. It has been his focus since opening it. He it pretty good at it. I can see why he is so focused on it. Sometimes I have to help him out of a pinch on it and he has an even tougher time getting it back from me. He is doing much better in school. They have taken him off the rainbow system and he is now on a star system. He seems to enjoy that much better. He actually likes going to school...and is missing it during this holiday break.
All is good in Jen Jen's world. She had a nice little vacation over the holiday. She was able to catch up all the things that she needed to do around the house and spend some quality time with Sharkboy and I.
Well that is about all I have for right now...but stay tuned, there will be more.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
My new years resolution is to blog more and have some fun with it. I set this dang thing up and for a good year or so was more than eager to blog. My life has not slowed any and I still have funny stuff happening everyday. So here is today's post, and I hope to post everyday(or close to it from here on out).
Lots going on right now, I really don't have time to spell it all out. But here are some updates from which to start.
Holidays were awesome. I reconnected with my Aunt and Uncle. I wouldn't say we have been estranged or anything of that sort, but we had lunch over the holiday and it was very nice. I really think we are going to make a habit of hanging out with them. They have so many things in common with us, that I think it would be hard for us not purposefully cross our paths more often. My Uncle J, is crazy about Sharkboy and Aunt K is a hoot. So I am sure there will be more time spent with them.
We had pizza, beer and socializing time with Athena...I absolutely love our time with her. She shares a love for many of the things that Jen Jen and I enjoy. I have no other words for our visit than "Absolutely Fabulous". She is a dear friend and I look forward to spending some time with her during my Florida trip in January.
L.A. and F.i.L. came up big this year on the Christmas gift. They always seem to top the last years gift. This year, they gave me a bottle of Hennesey Cognac and 5 Cuban cigars. I absolutely love them(both the gift and them). They are truly a treasure as in laws.
Sharkboy scored a Nintendo DS from Santa. It has been his focus since opening it. He it pretty good at it. I can see why he is so focused on it. Sometimes I have to help him out of a pinch on it and he has an even tougher time getting it back from me. He is doing much better in school. They have taken him off the rainbow system and he is now on a star system. He seems to enjoy that much better. He actually likes going to school...and is missing it during this holiday break.
All is good in Jen Jen's world. She had a nice little vacation over the holiday. She was able to catch up all the things that she needed to do around the house and spend some quality time with Sharkboy and I.
Well that is about all I have for right now...but stay tuned, there will be more.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
I'm Back....
Hey blog readers...sorry for the long delay. Between being completely unmotivated to post and just plane creatively stumped I have not been posting. But I think that is changing.
Sharkboy started Kindergarten this year. He likes it for the most part, and seems to be trying to conform to the rules and changes that come with all day school. They have a "Behavior Rainbow" that is used as a tool to let us (the parents) know how his day goes. It basically is very similar to the "Department of Homeland Security's Terror Alert Level" Everybody starts out the day on Green. If they are caught doing something good they can move up to Blue or Purple, however if they are caught doing something naughty they move down to Yellow or Orange. If they are really bad it is Red and we have to contact the teacher.
So far we have seen most of the middle colors. Today was an orange day. He said he had a green morning, but then at recess this afternoon he "got in a girls face" over a ball. Needless to say he fell 2 levels to Orange. I responded with grounding him from Outside, Friends and TV. We will see how tomorrow goes.
Tonight I have to work "Trade time" at the firehouse. I get to hang with the "B-shift" boys. Cigar time on the patio is on the schedule.
Well that is all I have for now...I am sure there will be more in the near future with Sharkboy in school. He is always good for a story or 2...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Sharkboy started Kindergarten this year. He likes it for the most part, and seems to be trying to conform to the rules and changes that come with all day school. They have a "Behavior Rainbow" that is used as a tool to let us (the parents) know how his day goes. It basically is very similar to the "Department of Homeland Security's Terror Alert Level" Everybody starts out the day on Green. If they are caught doing something good they can move up to Blue or Purple, however if they are caught doing something naughty they move down to Yellow or Orange. If they are really bad it is Red and we have to contact the teacher.
So far we have seen most of the middle colors. Today was an orange day. He said he had a green morning, but then at recess this afternoon he "got in a girls face" over a ball. Needless to say he fell 2 levels to Orange. I responded with grounding him from Outside, Friends and TV. We will see how tomorrow goes.
Tonight I have to work "Trade time" at the firehouse. I get to hang with the "B-shift" boys. Cigar time on the patio is on the schedule.
Well that is all I have for now...I am sure there will be more in the near future with Sharkboy in school. He is always good for a story or 2...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
From the road home...
Hey blog readers...just sitting here a little board, Ohio isn't that great of a state to drive through. Not really much different from Indiana. Flat and agricultural doesn't really make for much to look at.
So since we left...we ate breakfast at Cracker barrel, drove, pee'ed at an abandoned gas station, drove some more, ate lunch at an Ohio travel plaza and just finished a cigar (Drew Estates/Rocky Patel Java Maduro...Yummy!) and now we are driving some more. We have all also decided that this saying sums up our weekend "Life is too short to Eat bad food, Drink cheap beer, and Smoke Cheap cigars"...here's to good times with Great friends!
We are motoring along quite nicely...currently we are 203 miles from home.
Until the next update...
Be Kind, Be Safe!
Shalom my Peeps.
So since we left...we ate breakfast at Cracker barrel, drove, pee'ed at an abandoned gas station, drove some more, ate lunch at an Ohio travel plaza and just finished a cigar (Drew Estates/Rocky Patel Java Maduro...Yummy!) and now we are driving some more. We have all also decided that this saying sums up our weekend "Life is too short to Eat bad food, Drink cheap beer, and Smoke Cheap cigars"...here's to good times with Great friends!
We are motoring along quite nicely...currently we are 203 miles from home.
Until the next update...
Be Kind, Be Safe!
Shalom my Peeps.
The long road home...
Hey blog readers...here I am in my navigator position again(or Navaguesser...Absofab). Currently on the GPS it says that 534 miles to go and we should hit "The Bend" around 7-ish.
Cigarfest 2009 was a great success. We scored 60+ free cigars, a very nice cigar cutter, humidor, ashtray and duffel bag. I purchased a few things too...some cigars for F.i.L. and myself. A new lighter and t-shirt were also acquired. I was also able to track down a case of Yuengling for the fridge...but sorry, no Black and Tan in that town.
Here is a simple run down of the weekend...
Friday we went out to the bar in our hotel. There we partied with Rocky Patel. It was really cool, live band and about 300 cigar smokers all getting to know each other. We were all there for the same reason and why not get to know the people that are sitting around you. That really suited me just fine. We met a couple of Navy Chiefs that picked Eric out of the crowd due to his Navy pull over. They were a hoot. They are your typical career military types...full of stories and one liners. They bought a couple of rounds and handed out some cigars...so we decided to hang with them. During that party we also had a chance to hang out with Nick Perdomo. He crashed Rocky's party...it was awesome. He gave out a couple of cigars, took some pictures and then took a few minutes to get to know us. He was a really an approachable guy and a lot of fun to chat with. We closed that party down...it was a chatters dream, so you know I was in my element.
Saturday we woke up and headed for the "Big Show"...we were warned by our friends "The Chiefs" that we should get there early. So we did. We were the first ones in line. It wasn't long, and the line was almost wrapped around the convention center. Now they let you in based on your ticket type. We had what is called the Cigar Nut ticket. Then there was the VIH and then general admission. We got in at 11 am and got to have breakfast on the show floor. At Noon they let the VIH holders in and then at 2 they let everybody else in. We went around immediately upon entry and collected our free sticks and got the lay of the land. Then we made the drop in the car of the freebies and headed back in to enjoy breakfast and some live music. The rest of the day we spent hitting the different booths to chat some more and have our pictures taken with the various Cigar Calendar girls that were around (Pictures to follow, not enough bandwidth on the cell phone tether). It was a really nice day to just smoke stogies with 2,500 of our newest cigar buddies...and wander around. We did slip out for a couple hours to catch a cat nap and breath some fresh air. Speaking of fresh air...we were in the mountains and our resort was roughly 1,500 feet above sea level and the air was glorious and clean(much needed after being in the convention hall with all the second hand smoke).
Saturday evening we hit a couple of after parties and collected a few cigars and got a couple more pictures, but our bodies pretty much had told us we had breathed enough second hand smoke and consumed enough nicotine for a while...so we headed back to the hotel so we could get a decent start on our journey home. So now, here I sit in the passenger seat hurling down the road at 70 mph pounding out a blog...good times.
Well that is pretty much the weekend in a nut shell. It was a blast...I originally thought this was going to be a once in a lifetime type experience, but I am pretty sure we will make another migration to this event.
So I should probably have another update from the road here later...(currently 503 miles to go, elevation 1270 ft. above sea level)
Until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Cigarfest 2009 was a great success. We scored 60+ free cigars, a very nice cigar cutter, humidor, ashtray and duffel bag. I purchased a few things too...some cigars for F.i.L. and myself. A new lighter and t-shirt were also acquired. I was also able to track down a case of Yuengling for the fridge...but sorry, no Black and Tan in that town.
Here is a simple run down of the weekend...
Friday we went out to the bar in our hotel. There we partied with Rocky Patel. It was really cool, live band and about 300 cigar smokers all getting to know each other. We were all there for the same reason and why not get to know the people that are sitting around you. That really suited me just fine. We met a couple of Navy Chiefs that picked Eric out of the crowd due to his Navy pull over. They were a hoot. They are your typical career military types...full of stories and one liners. They bought a couple of rounds and handed out some cigars...so we decided to hang with them. During that party we also had a chance to hang out with Nick Perdomo. He crashed Rocky's party...it was awesome. He gave out a couple of cigars, took some pictures and then took a few minutes to get to know us. He was a really an approachable guy and a lot of fun to chat with. We closed that party down...it was a chatters dream, so you know I was in my element.
Saturday we woke up and headed for the "Big Show"...we were warned by our friends "The Chiefs" that we should get there early. So we did. We were the first ones in line. It wasn't long, and the line was almost wrapped around the convention center. Now they let you in based on your ticket type. We had what is called the Cigar Nut ticket. Then there was the VIH and then general admission. We got in at 11 am and got to have breakfast on the show floor. At Noon they let the VIH holders in and then at 2 they let everybody else in. We went around immediately upon entry and collected our free sticks and got the lay of the land. Then we made the drop in the car of the freebies and headed back in to enjoy breakfast and some live music. The rest of the day we spent hitting the different booths to chat some more and have our pictures taken with the various Cigar Calendar girls that were around (Pictures to follow, not enough bandwidth on the cell phone tether). It was a really nice day to just smoke stogies with 2,500 of our newest cigar buddies...and wander around. We did slip out for a couple hours to catch a cat nap and breath some fresh air. Speaking of fresh air...we were in the mountains and our resort was roughly 1,500 feet above sea level and the air was glorious and clean(much needed after being in the convention hall with all the second hand smoke).
Saturday evening we hit a couple of after parties and collected a few cigars and got a couple more pictures, but our bodies pretty much had told us we had breathed enough second hand smoke and consumed enough nicotine for a while...so we headed back to the hotel so we could get a decent start on our journey home. So now, here I sit in the passenger seat hurling down the road at 70 mph pounding out a blog...good times.
Well that is pretty much the weekend in a nut shell. It was a blast...I originally thought this was going to be a once in a lifetime type experience, but I am pretty sure we will make another migration to this event.
So I should probably have another update from the road here later...(currently 503 miles to go, elevation 1270 ft. above sea level)
Until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
The day of Cigarfest 2009
Hey Blog readers...today has been one of the best days of my cigar smoking life. I have scored over 60 free cigars, partied with 2 of the biggest names in cigar manufacturing (Nick Perdoma and Rocky Patel) and had my picture taken with cigar calendar girls(a lot).
We are having a great time and I will jump on here and put out a bigger update later, but if you can imagine it...it has happened. (need a little power nap, not as young as I used to be)
So if you partake...light up a cigar and enjoy it. We are...
Until the next update...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
We are having a great time and I will jump on here and put out a bigger update later, but if you can imagine it...it has happened. (need a little power nap, not as young as I used to be)
So if you partake...light up a cigar and enjoy it. We are...
Until the next update...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Friday, May 1, 2009
From the road Episode 2:
Hey everybody...well we are 420 miles into this road trip. We are in the throws of our second 17 mile long construction zone in Pennsylvania.
Tommy and I are 2 cigars into the trip and several helpings of Ring Bologna, Cheddar and Swiss Cheese and these yummy Goose sticks. Eric is behind one cigar...he claims it would be too hard to light it at 80 mph (come on where is your sense of adventure).
Boredom is starting to set in...Tommy also has under his belt a 20 min nap, and for that I am envious. I have the very important job of navigator as you may remember, so sleep is not an option.
Well we are on schedule for our 5:30-6:00 arrival...
Until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Tommy and I are 2 cigars into the trip and several helpings of Ring Bologna, Cheddar and Swiss Cheese and these yummy Goose sticks. Eric is behind one cigar...he claims it would be too hard to light it at 80 mph (come on where is your sense of adventure).
Boredom is starting to set in...Tommy also has under his belt a 20 min nap, and for that I am envious. I have the very important job of navigator as you may remember, so sleep is not an option.
Well we are on schedule for our 5:30-6:00 arrival...
Until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
From the road...
Hey blog readers...and followers of the Cigarfest trip. So we have 230 miles under our belts and I am secured into my navigation position quite nicely. We have the PC based GPS trip plotter going the cell phone is tethered to the laptop for almost interruption free is keeping me happy and connected. We all have a cigar going (first of the trip). Make sure you keep up with the counts above.
So far no "Left Lane Hucklefuckers" to monkey up the progress. Ohio is about as exciting as Indiana to drive across, but we are managing.
There is a travel phenomenon that I was until now not conscious of. You may have noticed this, but for some reason it has gotten past me. Whenever you put 2 or more men in a vehicle to travel somewhere longer than 3 hours they bring Ring Bologna. I have a love for preservative rich processed meat. I have always been a fan of Ring Bologna and consumed more than my fare share. But for some reason never recognized it's necessity while traveling. So God bless the road trip and God bless Ring Bologna.
Well back to my cigar, ring bologna and male bonding...
Be Kind, Be Safe....
Shalom my Peeps.
So far no "Left Lane Hucklefuckers" to monkey up the progress. Ohio is about as exciting as Indiana to drive across, but we are managing.
There is a travel phenomenon that I was until now not conscious of. You may have noticed this, but for some reason it has gotten past me. Whenever you put 2 or more men in a vehicle to travel somewhere longer than 3 hours they bring Ring Bologna. I have a love for preservative rich processed meat. I have always been a fan of Ring Bologna and consumed more than my fare share. But for some reason never recognized it's necessity while traveling. So God bless the road trip and God bless Ring Bologna.
Well back to my cigar, ring bologna and male bonding...
Be Kind, Be Safe....
Shalom my Peeps.
Cigarfest 2009
Hey blog readers...we are on the road. Cigarfest 2009 in beautiful Lake Harmony, Pa.(I am assuming it is beautiful, since they are having a Cigarfest). A weekend of fine cigars, cocktails and general merriment is planned.
So keep checking back...there will be updates. I am tethered to the laptop, so I have internet on the fly...and there is always the mobile post.
So be kind, be safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
PS...Swine Flu (I just didn't think it would be right to not have a blog post or news story without mentioning it)
So keep checking back...there will be updates. I am tethered to the laptop, so I have internet on the fly...and there is always the mobile post.
So be kind, be safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
PS...Swine Flu (I just didn't think it would be right to not have a blog post or news story without mentioning it)
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Easter Holiday...
Hey blog readers...I know, Easter was a week ago. But we didn't have any big festivities until yesterday. Yes, we took care of the Easter Egg hunt and all things holy on the actual Easter Sunday, but due to some scheduling issues with the family...our big shindig was delayed until yesterday.
F.i.L and L.A. pulled off another successful get together...yummy appetizers, good grub and I am sure the pie was good, but none of us had any, because it returned to Fort Wayne before any of us had room to consume any. Sure would have been nice to have some pie...but it was a good day catching up with family. Lot's of laughs were shared, things flew and phone calls to relatives out of town were made.
In other catch up news...I finished the bathroom in the basement. It isn't a huge room, 4' x 9' half bath, but I did all the work myself and it was rewarding to complete a project on my own. Good stuff. So still on the honey do list I have the bedroom that needs paint, art in the hallway to hang, shed to build and garage to clean out and finish.
Project Hosedragger Golf is moving along nicely, the cart has life. I finally got the engine running and have replaced all of the vital electrical system. New Fuel lines and filters all around and it is running well. It hasn't made any journeys down the road because I need new wheels and tires, so that will be next.
Life is moving along quite nicely for all at our little piece of the world. Sharkboy is up to his usual antics and Jenny is working and getting ready for summer. I just keep on working and working on projects around the house. I have a busy May ahead of me. I will be at the Cigar Fest in Pennsylvania May 1st-3rd. and then Gull Lake and A & C's wedding the last week in May.
I haven't really felt moved to blog lately. Lot's of things come to my head that I want to post, but when it comes to the time the evening that I could blog, I am either too tired or not home to blog it. So I think I am going to start mobile postings. I just set my phone up to post from text messages...I am not sure how they will appear. I am however sure that they will not be in the length of my usual posts. We will see how that unfolds...
Well that is it for now...until next time:
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
F.i.L and L.A. pulled off another successful get together...yummy appetizers, good grub and I am sure the pie was good, but none of us had any, because it returned to Fort Wayne before any of us had room to consume any. Sure would have been nice to have some pie...but it was a good day catching up with family. Lot's of laughs were shared, things flew and phone calls to relatives out of town were made.
In other catch up news...I finished the bathroom in the basement. It isn't a huge room, 4' x 9' half bath, but I did all the work myself and it was rewarding to complete a project on my own. Good stuff. So still on the honey do list I have the bedroom that needs paint, art in the hallway to hang, shed to build and garage to clean out and finish.
Project Hosedragger Golf is moving along nicely, the cart has life. I finally got the engine running and have replaced all of the vital electrical system. New Fuel lines and filters all around and it is running well. It hasn't made any journeys down the road because I need new wheels and tires, so that will be next.
Life is moving along quite nicely for all at our little piece of the world. Sharkboy is up to his usual antics and Jenny is working and getting ready for summer. I just keep on working and working on projects around the house. I have a busy May ahead of me. I will be at the Cigar Fest in Pennsylvania May 1st-3rd. and then Gull Lake and A & C's wedding the last week in May.
I haven't really felt moved to blog lately. Lot's of things come to my head that I want to post, but when it comes to the time the evening that I could blog, I am either too tired or not home to blog it. So I think I am going to start mobile postings. I just set my phone up to post from text messages...I am not sure how they will appear. I am however sure that they will not be in the length of my usual posts. We will see how that unfolds...
Well that is it for now...until next time:
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Guy Weekend = Great Success!!!
Hey blog reader...sorry it has been so long since I last posted. I have been completely unispired to write. Not that there is plenty going on, just when I am finally done with my day and ready to pen my thoughts, I go to sleep.
This past weekend was "Guy Weekend" for Sharkboy and I...since Daisy's surgery possibly was the cause of him missing out on a trip to Disney, we have pledged to spoil him this summer with little weekend trips. This one was the kick off...
We left on Friday and headed for Indy. Jenny rode with us, but after dinner on Friday we bid her farewell and started some serious male bonding...We met up with F.i.L. at the Marriott on the East side and took in some American Legion convention sites. We made our way from the Commanders reception to the 3rd District hospitality room. It was at times overwhelming for him...that is when he was glued to my leg. Then others he was more than willing to venture off and check things out. He announced at around 9-ish, that he was ready to head for the hotel. He was unconscious before we made it on to 70 to make the 15 min. run to the hotel. Little guy needs to practice if he is going to hang with the big boys on the town.
I don't want to forget to mention that Friday at dinner we hung out with some classy ladies. Jenny joined us and we met up with Athena and Sister. Our friend J.O. met us there as well and Sharkboy and I enjoyed the company for dinner. It is always great to dine with good friends and catch up...Thank you Athena, Sister and J.O. for making our dinner fun. A special thank you to J.O. for the FurReal friend, Magnadoodle and Ben 10 watch...they are all big hits and I know that Sharkboy means it when he says he Loves you.
When I made it back to the hotel, I was carrying Sharkboy and a lady made a comment on the elevator that it was nice to see a single Dad traveling with his son. I was quick to inform her that I was not single, and that it was guys weekend and my little light weight was ready to call it a night. She apologized and was relieved that her floor came up quickly....
Once on our floor, I got Sharkboy snuggled in bed and waited for him to fall asleep. At that point I made my exit to the balcony. Now for all those concerned, I was not abandoning my child. The balcony was attached to our room and I could easily hear him snoring from my position. I took that opportunity to smoke a cigar and have a couple of Stella's that I had brought with my should that opportunity arise. Here is another chance to add a special Thank you...Thank you Athena for the Spotted Cow. You are the greatest! The beer is not the reason I think this...but it was my opportunity to give you a shout out. Thank you for housing my bride and showing her a good time with the girls.
Finally we went to the Indianapolis Zoo on Saturday. Some of the highlights were the Shark tank that you could pet real live sharks. Sharkboy was all over this...he was pretty apprehensive to actually touch the sharks, but he finally did. I got the same opportunity and it was really cool. The only thing I would suggest(should a representative from the exhibit read this)is there needs to be a hand washing station at the exit. Fishy Salt water is not the scent I want to carry with me the rest of the day. We saw some huge Walrus playing in their pool, a couple of brown bears playing and the dolphin show. J.O. met up with us and enjoyed lunch with Jenny while Sharkboy and I rode the train. Sharkboy insisted on showing J.O. the shark tank and they went back...after that they bought matching "I touched a shark at the Indianapolis Zoo" t-shirts. It was adorable.
After the zoo we headed north. On the way home we stopped in Kokomo and visited with our friend Joann at Starbucks. Sharkboy by then had pretty much had it with listening. So our visit was peppered with interruptions from him and some very interesting but confusing stories from him.
Today I came back to work...and back to reality...so this week holds some work on the basement bathroom and little projects around the house.
So pray that I will be inspired to write more soon...
Until next time...Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my peeps.
After
This past weekend was "Guy Weekend" for Sharkboy and I...since Daisy's surgery possibly was the cause of him missing out on a trip to Disney, we have pledged to spoil him this summer with little weekend trips. This one was the kick off...
We left on Friday and headed for Indy. Jenny rode with us, but after dinner on Friday we bid her farewell and started some serious male bonding...We met up with F.i.L. at the Marriott on the East side and took in some American Legion convention sites. We made our way from the Commanders reception to the 3rd District hospitality room. It was at times overwhelming for him...that is when he was glued to my leg. Then others he was more than willing to venture off and check things out. He announced at around 9-ish, that he was ready to head for the hotel. He was unconscious before we made it on to 70 to make the 15 min. run to the hotel. Little guy needs to practice if he is going to hang with the big boys on the town.
I don't want to forget to mention that Friday at dinner we hung out with some classy ladies. Jenny joined us and we met up with Athena and Sister. Our friend J.O. met us there as well and Sharkboy and I enjoyed the company for dinner. It is always great to dine with good friends and catch up...Thank you Athena, Sister and J.O. for making our dinner fun. A special thank you to J.O. for the FurReal friend, Magnadoodle and Ben 10 watch...they are all big hits and I know that Sharkboy means it when he says he Loves you.
When I made it back to the hotel, I was carrying Sharkboy and a lady made a comment on the elevator that it was nice to see a single Dad traveling with his son. I was quick to inform her that I was not single, and that it was guys weekend and my little light weight was ready to call it a night. She apologized and was relieved that her floor came up quickly....
Once on our floor, I got Sharkboy snuggled in bed and waited for him to fall asleep. At that point I made my exit to the balcony. Now for all those concerned, I was not abandoning my child. The balcony was attached to our room and I could easily hear him snoring from my position. I took that opportunity to smoke a cigar and have a couple of Stella's that I had brought with my should that opportunity arise. Here is another chance to add a special Thank you...Thank you Athena for the Spotted Cow. You are the greatest! The beer is not the reason I think this...but it was my opportunity to give you a shout out. Thank you for housing my bride and showing her a good time with the girls.
Finally we went to the Indianapolis Zoo on Saturday. Some of the highlights were the Shark tank that you could pet real live sharks. Sharkboy was all over this...he was pretty apprehensive to actually touch the sharks, but he finally did. I got the same opportunity and it was really cool. The only thing I would suggest(should a representative from the exhibit read this)is there needs to be a hand washing station at the exit. Fishy Salt water is not the scent I want to carry with me the rest of the day. We saw some huge Walrus playing in their pool, a couple of brown bears playing and the dolphin show. J.O. met up with us and enjoyed lunch with Jenny while Sharkboy and I rode the train. Sharkboy insisted on showing J.O. the shark tank and they went back...after that they bought matching "I touched a shark at the Indianapolis Zoo" t-shirts. It was adorable.
After the zoo we headed north. On the way home we stopped in Kokomo and visited with our friend Joann at Starbucks. Sharkboy by then had pretty much had it with listening. So our visit was peppered with interruptions from him and some very interesting but confusing stories from him.
Today I came back to work...and back to reality...so this week holds some work on the basement bathroom and little projects around the house.
So pray that I will be inspired to write more soon...
Until next time...Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my peeps.
After
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Everybody is Irish for the Day
Hey blog readers...I know it has been a long time since I last posted, but here we go. It may get a little long, so I feel like I should apologize early.
It has been a busy time in our little lives. Lots going on, and I am sure everyone was ready for this little taste of spring that we are getting. I feel like I am pointing out the obvious, but, the weather has been delightful. Sun out, mild temperatures and the kids are outside playing. I am excited about the warm weather just around the corner. I often, in the throws of winter blahs, wonder why we continue to live in this Northwest Indiana climate. But after contemplation this weekend on the deck. Bathed in sunshine, mild weather settled in, cigar in hand and glass of Gentleman Jack on ice nestled within reach and chicken on the grill. I was reminded exactly why. Season changes. I will not lie, I dreamt many times this winter of a life in a tropical climate. Never shoveling not so much as another flake of snow or scraping ice from my windshield. But alas I am reminded that without snow, I wouldn't have that dream. What is life without dreams. I am pretty sure people who live in Florida never wake up and say, "man I wish it would snow". I on the other hand have the opposite of that dream. If you have everything nice weather, sunshine and palm trees, my friends...there is only difficult things to dream for. World peace, infinite wealth and unending health. I my friends like my dreams of eventual sunshine, vacations to Florida(I never said I didn't like Florida) and summer on the horizon. So bring on the sunshine, the summer weather and the pending fall(don't get mad...it is months away) so we can start this whole dream over again.
Sharkboy is loving this weather. He has been playing with the neighbor kids and they don't have to bundle up to do it. It has been 3 days without any mention of the Wii, and I don't even think he has noticed it. Soccer balls, baseballs and bikes are out in force in the neighborhood. They are getting out more at school so bedtime comes too soon for him, but he is asleep before the lights are off and door closed. He is excited about St. Patrick's Day today. He insisted on wearing green, and after I calmed his fears of Leprechaun abductions he was on his way to school. This afternoon we may go to Tractor Supply or Rural King and look at baby Chicks, a true sign that spring is here. But one thing is for sure we will be outside...soaking up the warm weather and sun.
Daisy had her fixator removed on the 9th. We took the trek east to Fort Wayne one more time and in true Daisy fashion she stood up for the whole trip. If one thing has occurred during this injury, her love for car rides has dwindled. I think she cringes any time we coax her into the vehicles for a ride. At the end she either ends up being poked with a needle, sedated and wakes up with a contraption screwed to her leg, groggy for a terrifying car ride home or another pill emerges that night at feeding time to be crammed down her throat. As you can imagine we are experts at the art of medicating our dog. On the other side though Daisy is an expert at detecting medication in it's many forms. We first did the wrap in cheese trick, but when the pills became too numerous and began poking out of the cheese, she no longer took the cheese with any gusto. We then wrapped in bread, however that was short lived once one of her teeth punctured our little carbohydrate wrapper and she tasted the medicine. So we were left with the pry her jaws open, plunge our otherwise clean hands in her mouth and deposit the pills beyond the back of her tongue. We have, as you can imagine, experienced more of our share of dog slobber coated pills being dispensed wherever we are trying to administer said medications. So all medications are now administered on the safety of our kitchen's tiled floor. She is in rehab now. She tentatively uses her leg and we have started short, slow walks and she uses her leg more and more every day. I think her greatest joy with the lack of restriction of movement is that she can now curl into her puppy ball and sleep. Oh the joys of being a dog.
In reflection to all things that have happened with Daisy and the cost of her injury I have conjured these thoughts using these questions. Would I do this differently if it happened again? The answer, absolutely not. The care we received was top notch by human standards and was more than we ever expected. What was the true affect on the family? We missed our trip to Disney. However a trip to Disney never greats you at the door with the enthusiasm and love that she manages to conjure every time we go away. I mean every time, it could be her in her crate for 6 hours while we are at work or a trip to Walgreens lasting 10 min and she greets us with the enthusiasm only matched by screaming fans of rock bands or celebrities. She truly lives a life of unqualified love for her family. Is she better after he surgery? Well that is yet to be determined. But everyday she improves and everyday she uses her leg more. So, so far...I would say yes. What is the greatest accomplishment of this surgery? We have realized how much we love our dog. She has cemented a place in our lives for a dog. I think we were on the fence on whether we would have another dog, should the tragic loss of our Daisy occur. I think in our little piece of the world the answer is a resounding YES.
I sadly have little to report. Life is trudging along happily as a member our little family. Life is unfolding gently for me. Work is good, life is good and most importantly family is good. A list of projects is piling up for this spring/summer, but I am excited to chip away at them. The bathroom in the basement now has a deadline and we are moving ahead. The Master Bedroom needs a new color(paint job), the current bribe to hurry this process is a new flat screen TV for the wall. So that has been moved up in the list of priorities. The shed has been selected and now it is a matter of buying it, building it and painting it. That will be followed by a reorganization of garage dwelling vs. shed dwelling assets, with the ultimate goal of having a 2 car garage (again) in the fall to tuck my truck into. Then the garage will get the drywall finished (complete the taping and mudding process) and then a complete paint job and organization of the garage. Sounds daunting, but it will be a great summer of accomplishment.
Well, I am procrastinating my projects for the day. I need to go to the upholsterer and drop off the Gazebo top to have some fall wind damaged repair. Then it is an afternoon with the family of spring time fun.
Enjoy your St. Patrick's day, your spring weather...and most importantly.
Be Kind, Be SAFE....
Shalom my Peeps.
It has been a busy time in our little lives. Lots going on, and I am sure everyone was ready for this little taste of spring that we are getting. I feel like I am pointing out the obvious, but, the weather has been delightful. Sun out, mild temperatures and the kids are outside playing. I am excited about the warm weather just around the corner. I often, in the throws of winter blahs, wonder why we continue to live in this Northwest Indiana climate. But after contemplation this weekend on the deck. Bathed in sunshine, mild weather settled in, cigar in hand and glass of Gentleman Jack on ice nestled within reach and chicken on the grill. I was reminded exactly why. Season changes. I will not lie, I dreamt many times this winter of a life in a tropical climate. Never shoveling not so much as another flake of snow or scraping ice from my windshield. But alas I am reminded that without snow, I wouldn't have that dream. What is life without dreams. I am pretty sure people who live in Florida never wake up and say, "man I wish it would snow". I on the other hand have the opposite of that dream. If you have everything nice weather, sunshine and palm trees, my friends...there is only difficult things to dream for. World peace, infinite wealth and unending health. I my friends like my dreams of eventual sunshine, vacations to Florida(I never said I didn't like Florida) and summer on the horizon. So bring on the sunshine, the summer weather and the pending fall(don't get mad...it is months away) so we can start this whole dream over again.
Sharkboy is loving this weather. He has been playing with the neighbor kids and they don't have to bundle up to do it. It has been 3 days without any mention of the Wii, and I don't even think he has noticed it. Soccer balls, baseballs and bikes are out in force in the neighborhood. They are getting out more at school so bedtime comes too soon for him, but he is asleep before the lights are off and door closed. He is excited about St. Patrick's Day today. He insisted on wearing green, and after I calmed his fears of Leprechaun abductions he was on his way to school. This afternoon we may go to Tractor Supply or Rural King and look at baby Chicks, a true sign that spring is here. But one thing is for sure we will be outside...soaking up the warm weather and sun.
Daisy had her fixator removed on the 9th. We took the trek east to Fort Wayne one more time and in true Daisy fashion she stood up for the whole trip. If one thing has occurred during this injury, her love for car rides has dwindled. I think she cringes any time we coax her into the vehicles for a ride. At the end she either ends up being poked with a needle, sedated and wakes up with a contraption screwed to her leg, groggy for a terrifying car ride home or another pill emerges that night at feeding time to be crammed down her throat. As you can imagine we are experts at the art of medicating our dog. On the other side though Daisy is an expert at detecting medication in it's many forms. We first did the wrap in cheese trick, but when the pills became too numerous and began poking out of the cheese, she no longer took the cheese with any gusto. We then wrapped in bread, however that was short lived once one of her teeth punctured our little carbohydrate wrapper and she tasted the medicine. So we were left with the pry her jaws open, plunge our otherwise clean hands in her mouth and deposit the pills beyond the back of her tongue. We have, as you can imagine, experienced more of our share of dog slobber coated pills being dispensed wherever we are trying to administer said medications. So all medications are now administered on the safety of our kitchen's tiled floor. She is in rehab now. She tentatively uses her leg and we have started short, slow walks and she uses her leg more and more every day. I think her greatest joy with the lack of restriction of movement is that she can now curl into her puppy ball and sleep. Oh the joys of being a dog.
In reflection to all things that have happened with Daisy and the cost of her injury I have conjured these thoughts using these questions. Would I do this differently if it happened again? The answer, absolutely not. The care we received was top notch by human standards and was more than we ever expected. What was the true affect on the family? We missed our trip to Disney. However a trip to Disney never greats you at the door with the enthusiasm and love that she manages to conjure every time we go away. I mean every time, it could be her in her crate for 6 hours while we are at work or a trip to Walgreens lasting 10 min and she greets us with the enthusiasm only matched by screaming fans of rock bands or celebrities. She truly lives a life of unqualified love for her family. Is she better after he surgery? Well that is yet to be determined. But everyday she improves and everyday she uses her leg more. So, so far...I would say yes. What is the greatest accomplishment of this surgery? We have realized how much we love our dog. She has cemented a place in our lives for a dog. I think we were on the fence on whether we would have another dog, should the tragic loss of our Daisy occur. I think in our little piece of the world the answer is a resounding YES.
I sadly have little to report. Life is trudging along happily as a member our little family. Life is unfolding gently for me. Work is good, life is good and most importantly family is good. A list of projects is piling up for this spring/summer, but I am excited to chip away at them. The bathroom in the basement now has a deadline and we are moving ahead. The Master Bedroom needs a new color(paint job), the current bribe to hurry this process is a new flat screen TV for the wall. So that has been moved up in the list of priorities. The shed has been selected and now it is a matter of buying it, building it and painting it. That will be followed by a reorganization of garage dwelling vs. shed dwelling assets, with the ultimate goal of having a 2 car garage (again) in the fall to tuck my truck into. Then the garage will get the drywall finished (complete the taping and mudding process) and then a complete paint job and organization of the garage. Sounds daunting, but it will be a great summer of accomplishment.
Well, I am procrastinating my projects for the day. I need to go to the upholsterer and drop off the Gazebo top to have some fall wind damaged repair. Then it is an afternoon with the family of spring time fun.
Enjoy your St. Patrick's day, your spring weather...and most importantly.
Be Kind, Be SAFE....
Shalom my Peeps.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Wow...what a week!
Hey blog readers...I haven't posted since Valentines day. Wow, seems like I just pushed enter to post the last post. I have had a pretty busy week, so here is the run down.
Diasy is doing much better. We made a mad dash run on Thursday to Fort Wayne. On Wednesday night Jenny noticed that there was some blood drops on the floor. I got down to investigate and found that she had knocked the top pin loose on her fixator. It was bleeding, however not uncontrollably. I contacted Fort Wayne and they advised we would need to come over for an evaluation. They removed the pin and made some reconfiguration and she is doing much better. She did however ride the whole ride home with her head on my shoulder crying. It was a very trying ride home...March 9th we hopefully will have it removed.
Sharkboy is just chipping away at being 5. He is trying very hard to find his place. He is very independent and definitely has his mind set on what he wants. I don't know where he gets this from, must be his mother. He is growing like a weed, and I am amazed everyday that I get to be a role model to this little man. He is really cool...He has been kicking his Mom's butt on the Wii quite regularly...
Jenny is keeping herself busy...she keeps our house in order. Especially when I am pulling 36's+ at the firehouse. She is a saint.
I am watching a DVD set from a series on HBO called "Generation Kill". If you haven't seen it, you should. It is an eye opener about what our troops have experienced during the War in Iraq. If you get a chance you should definitely check it out.
I am working at "Godfathers" house finishing some drywall. It is really a fun little project. I recruited Dan, my partner at work, to help me and we are making pretty good time on the project.
Athena came to our house this weekend. We love our Athena visits, it is too bad we don't have more...we are very thankful to have reconnected with her. We enjoyed great libations, even better conversations and we have plans to see each other soon. It is always great to catch up!
Once again we have received a winter storm in our area. I am really tired of the snow...shoveling, cold, wet. Spring can't come soon enough! Agghhh...winter, go away!
Well this week will be quite a busy one as well. I hopefully will get back on and post.
I better get back to work...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Diasy is doing much better. We made a mad dash run on Thursday to Fort Wayne. On Wednesday night Jenny noticed that there was some blood drops on the floor. I got down to investigate and found that she had knocked the top pin loose on her fixator. It was bleeding, however not uncontrollably. I contacted Fort Wayne and they advised we would need to come over for an evaluation. They removed the pin and made some reconfiguration and she is doing much better. She did however ride the whole ride home with her head on my shoulder crying. It was a very trying ride home...March 9th we hopefully will have it removed.
Sharkboy is just chipping away at being 5. He is trying very hard to find his place. He is very independent and definitely has his mind set on what he wants. I don't know where he gets this from, must be his mother. He is growing like a weed, and I am amazed everyday that I get to be a role model to this little man. He is really cool...He has been kicking his Mom's butt on the Wii quite regularly...
Jenny is keeping herself busy...she keeps our house in order. Especially when I am pulling 36's+ at the firehouse. She is a saint.
I am watching a DVD set from a series on HBO called "Generation Kill". If you haven't seen it, you should. It is an eye opener about what our troops have experienced during the War in Iraq. If you get a chance you should definitely check it out.
I am working at "Godfathers" house finishing some drywall. It is really a fun little project. I recruited Dan, my partner at work, to help me and we are making pretty good time on the project.
Athena came to our house this weekend. We love our Athena visits, it is too bad we don't have more...we are very thankful to have reconnected with her. We enjoyed great libations, even better conversations and we have plans to see each other soon. It is always great to catch up!
Once again we have received a winter storm in our area. I am really tired of the snow...shoveling, cold, wet. Spring can't come soon enough! Agghhh...winter, go away!
Well this week will be quite a busy one as well. I hopefully will get back on and post.
I better get back to work...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentines Day...
Hey blog readers...I am sitting here at the station. I am 11 hours away from finishing my 36 hr. shift. Not exactly a greeting card Valentines Day, but it is what the cards have dealt this year. So I thought instead of my usual updates that I give about my family and such I would take a little editorial freedom.
So for those wanting the update...Daisy, swelling is down in her foot. She is now 3 days into her antibiotics and is improving everyday. Sharkboy is at home tonight loving on his Mommy. He is eating up the attention and I think she is too. They shared some heart shaped Pizza and a great day. We will be celebrating the National Redneck Holiday of the Daytona 500 tomorrow with friends...so I am sure there will be a fun update coming up...
Here is my editorial liberties.
I love my wife more than anything. I feel like a little bit of a bad husband for working 36 hours over Valentines Day. I know she doesn't think so, but I really enjoy my time with her and miss the fact that I didn't get a chance to have heart shaped pizza. I love her more than anything and hope she understands. She is the best wife a man could ask for, let alone me. I appreciate her and her patience with me, and I know that is not the easiest thing. Jen has brought so much good in my life...not in the least our son. He is the coolest little guy in the world and I don't think other than Jen, I could love anyone more. I love you Sharkboy. I wake up everyday and want to be a better person because of Jen. She just has that effect on me. So Jen...I love you, I know I don't have to be home for you to know that. I hope you enjoyed your day with Sharkboy. Happy Valentines Day!
Also, I am very happy that L.A. and F.i.L. made it back safe from Florida. We missed you both. I am sure you had a great time. You both deserved the break. At the same time it is nice to have you back home safe and sound. We love you, welcome home...
So instead of the usual ending, I will leave you with this.
Don't ever forget to tell the ones you Love, you love them. You never know when it is your last chance to tell them.
Shalom my Peeps.
So for those wanting the update...Daisy, swelling is down in her foot. She is now 3 days into her antibiotics and is improving everyday. Sharkboy is at home tonight loving on his Mommy. He is eating up the attention and I think she is too. They shared some heart shaped Pizza and a great day. We will be celebrating the National Redneck Holiday of the Daytona 500 tomorrow with friends...so I am sure there will be a fun update coming up...
Here is my editorial liberties.
I love my wife more than anything. I feel like a little bit of a bad husband for working 36 hours over Valentines Day. I know she doesn't think so, but I really enjoy my time with her and miss the fact that I didn't get a chance to have heart shaped pizza. I love her more than anything and hope she understands. She is the best wife a man could ask for, let alone me. I appreciate her and her patience with me, and I know that is not the easiest thing. Jen has brought so much good in my life...not in the least our son. He is the coolest little guy in the world and I don't think other than Jen, I could love anyone more. I love you Sharkboy. I wake up everyday and want to be a better person because of Jen. She just has that effect on me. So Jen...I love you, I know I don't have to be home for you to know that. I hope you enjoyed your day with Sharkboy. Happy Valentines Day!
Also, I am very happy that L.A. and F.i.L. made it back safe from Florida. We missed you both. I am sure you had a great time. You both deserved the break. At the same time it is nice to have you back home safe and sound. We love you, welcome home...
So instead of the usual ending, I will leave you with this.
Don't ever forget to tell the ones you Love, you love them. You never know when it is your last chance to tell them.
Shalom my Peeps.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Time for some catch up...
Hey Blog readers...I have had a busy week and a half. Lots going on...so here is the run down.
Sunday the 1st was Sharkboy's 5th birthday. He is growing up so fast. We had a nice dinner with some family and friends on Saturday before his birthday since I was working at the firehouse on his actual birthday. But fear not, he came to the firehouse and the guys(and some of the extended fire family) greeted him with Happy Birthday and some cake. He was all decked out in his new fireman coat and mask. He had a blast...he is growing up so fast.
The rest of that week I nursed a clogged tear duct. I personally had never heard of such and injury, but I have been educated. Apparently I formed some sort of blockage and my eyelid was retaining tears and it was sore and looked like Jen had hit me with a pipe. I used(and still am)some antibiotic drops and am feeling much better.
On Friday I was watching the news and they announced that President Obama would be visiting Elkhart. How exciting I thought and thought I would try and go see him arrive in South Bend. So Monday when he arrived I was at the airport with AAK and we took some pictures of his arrival. When we arrived at the airport, I went to the area that previous Presidential visits are welcomed. We found a nice fenced off area and were making plans for our pictures. Well we were quickly removed from that area...and had to relocate to a much more distant location(Thank goodness for zoom). Security was thick, but it was one of the coolest things that I have witnessed. There was some very obvious snipers around and they wasted no time getting him into the beast and down the road. I took AAK home and was so interested in the whole event I went back in the afternoon and took some more pictures. Here are some.
Sunday the 1st was Sharkboy's 5th birthday. He is growing up so fast. We had a nice dinner with some family and friends on Saturday before his birthday since I was working at the firehouse on his actual birthday. But fear not, he came to the firehouse and the guys(and some of the extended fire family) greeted him with Happy Birthday and some cake. He was all decked out in his new fireman coat and mask. He had a blast...he is growing up so fast.
The rest of that week I nursed a clogged tear duct. I personally had never heard of such and injury, but I have been educated. Apparently I formed some sort of blockage and my eyelid was retaining tears and it was sore and looked like Jen had hit me with a pipe. I used(and still am)some antibiotic drops and am feeling much better.
On Friday I was watching the news and they announced that President Obama would be visiting Elkhart. How exciting I thought and thought I would try and go see him arrive in South Bend. So Monday when he arrived I was at the airport with AAK and we took some pictures of his arrival. When we arrived at the airport, I went to the area that previous Presidential visits are welcomed. We found a nice fenced off area and were making plans for our pictures. Well we were quickly removed from that area...and had to relocate to a much more distant location(Thank goodness for zoom). Security was thick, but it was one of the coolest things that I have witnessed. There was some very obvious snipers around and they wasted no time getting him into the beast and down the road. I took AAK home and was so interested in the whole event I went back in the afternoon and took some more pictures. Here are some.
Marine Executive Class Sykorsky VH-60N Whitehawk
The heavy equipment lined up as a barrier
Air Force 1 touching down.
President Obama making his entrance in Michiana
The Beast heading to Elkhart
Air Force 1 a Boeing 747-200B "VC-25" (SAM 28000)
Wheels up...heading to Washington. Thanks for the Visit Mr. President.
Today I took Daisy for a check up...it was a prescheduled thing. So good news for the most part. Her incision is healing very nicely. It completely sealed and we are out of the reopening risk category. Her pins on her fixator are still firm and apparently that is great for a Weim. They are very active and strong and are usually the breed that knocks them loose. Now it was not a trip full of all good news. She finished a round of antibiotics last Friday due to some swelling and infection in the foot. Well the swelling was back and we are only to assume that the infection is as well. So Daisy starts another round of Antibiotics, this time she will be on them until the fixator is removed. Jenny is extatic that they have decided to have her on some continuous treatment, however I have fears of Antibiotic resistance. The Vet was not at all concerned with that...She is doing well over all and has periods of "Our Daisy" but the sedative quickly slows her back down and she is back to napping.
Mimi and Papa (LA and FiL) are enjoying a winter get away in the St. Pete Beach area in Florida. They are having a good time. They are missed, but we are happy that they are getting a break and can't wait for them to get home. So if you guys are reading this...Keep having fun, hit 'em long and straight on Thursday and we will see you when you get home.
That is about it for now...so until next time.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
"Today's the last Day I wake up 4..."
Hey Blog readers...I thought I would jump on here and make some updates. Things are generally good around our house and seem to be looking up from where they were just a week ago. Most people right now would think that it is the general state of the economy that would be giving us woes...but so far that is not true. I can't help but think of all the people out there looking for jobs that have recently lost them or the 1 in 6 people in Elkhart County that are unemployed due to the RV industry collapse. But as many of you know, our woes have been "K9 Health Induced".
Thursday we got Daisy's staples out. Things went very well. Her incision is healing well and over all her health is good. She has lost 7 lbs. since her surgery, which is good. Due to her injury she has lived a somewhat sedentary lifestyle and we were feeding her like we always have. Long story short...cut back food, loose extra pounds. If it were only that easy for all of us(oh to have the metabolism of a Weim). This morning we noted some swelling in the foot again. Not nearly what we had before, so we are starting antibiotics again. No real big deal, just precautionary due to the open skin around the pins. Our biggest challenge right now is keeping her calm. She is feeling better, so she want to get up and wander the house and that is a no no. Our next big milestone is Mar. 9th, when we go and hopefully get this fixator off her leg. Oh yeah, and on that note, I called and they gave us some great news on that...it is included in the original price of the surgery(wheew...the thought of big money outlay is getting old).
The title to today's blog is a quote from Sharkboy this morning. Tomorrow is his 5th Birthday. He will be celebrating this whole weekend. Last night he got to pick where we went for dinner. He wanted to stay home and eat Volcano pizza and play Wii. So that my friends is exactly what we did. Tonight we will make the trek to TGI Fridays to have dinner with friends and family(about 14 or so). Then tomorrow I have to work, but he will be joining us at the firehouse about 4 for cake and ice cream. He doesn't know about it yet, but I think he will really enjoy it. He is growing up really fast. Some days he uses up my every last ounce of patience, but I would take nothing in exchange for the impact he has had on my life. I love that little guy. Happy 5th Birthday Sharkboy...
So I was reading this magazine today at the Dr. and it had a story about a guy that was constantly getting his vehicle keyed in the parking lot at work. He drove a Hummer H2 and he was tired of this occurring. His company had reviewed there security cameras but due to the location he parked it was not visible in the picture. Well having enough money to own an H2 apparently he had enough money to install surveillance cameras on his H2. Well it got keyed and he got the whole thing on tape. The police were contacted and the criminal that was keying his vehicle was identified and arrested. The criminal was a member of Greenpeace and the Sierra League. When questioned about his motives he said that he was targeting this vehicle because of it's carbon footprint and that it was killing the environment. Ok...now I am no environmentalist. I appreciate the environment, and am a bit concerned about global warming and general pollution. I also drive a full size pick up with a big 'ol fossil fuel burning V8 and don't plan to change that. I have to tell you that this person's reasoning for keying this truck really ticked me off. Global warming is a problem, but damaging someone's property is even worse. I hope they throw the book at him. That man disgusts me...(soap box being put away)
This week there isn't a lot on the schedule. Sharkboy gets his 5 y/o shots on Monday and after that we will head for the school we think he may attend for a conference and tour while school is in session. Other than that...just working and trying to keep our Daisy calm. The weather appears to be warming up also. Today and tomorrow will be in the 30's we are due for about another 2 or 3 day cold snap and then according to the weather people we start climbing...(maybe in the mid 40's)I can't wait. I definitely have a case of the "Winter Blahs"...and I don't think I will be able to go to Florida to shake them.
So until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Thursday we got Daisy's staples out. Things went very well. Her incision is healing well and over all her health is good. She has lost 7 lbs. since her surgery, which is good. Due to her injury she has lived a somewhat sedentary lifestyle and we were feeding her like we always have. Long story short...cut back food, loose extra pounds. If it were only that easy for all of us(oh to have the metabolism of a Weim). This morning we noted some swelling in the foot again. Not nearly what we had before, so we are starting antibiotics again. No real big deal, just precautionary due to the open skin around the pins. Our biggest challenge right now is keeping her calm. She is feeling better, so she want to get up and wander the house and that is a no no. Our next big milestone is Mar. 9th, when we go and hopefully get this fixator off her leg. Oh yeah, and on that note, I called and they gave us some great news on that...it is included in the original price of the surgery(wheew...the thought of big money outlay is getting old).
The title to today's blog is a quote from Sharkboy this morning. Tomorrow is his 5th Birthday. He will be celebrating this whole weekend. Last night he got to pick where we went for dinner. He wanted to stay home and eat Volcano pizza and play Wii. So that my friends is exactly what we did. Tonight we will make the trek to TGI Fridays to have dinner with friends and family(about 14 or so). Then tomorrow I have to work, but he will be joining us at the firehouse about 4 for cake and ice cream. He doesn't know about it yet, but I think he will really enjoy it. He is growing up really fast. Some days he uses up my every last ounce of patience, but I would take nothing in exchange for the impact he has had on my life. I love that little guy. Happy 5th Birthday Sharkboy...
So I was reading this magazine today at the Dr. and it had a story about a guy that was constantly getting his vehicle keyed in the parking lot at work. He drove a Hummer H2 and he was tired of this occurring. His company had reviewed there security cameras but due to the location he parked it was not visible in the picture. Well having enough money to own an H2 apparently he had enough money to install surveillance cameras on his H2. Well it got keyed and he got the whole thing on tape. The police were contacted and the criminal that was keying his vehicle was identified and arrested. The criminal was a member of Greenpeace and the Sierra League. When questioned about his motives he said that he was targeting this vehicle because of it's carbon footprint and that it was killing the environment. Ok...now I am no environmentalist. I appreciate the environment, and am a bit concerned about global warming and general pollution. I also drive a full size pick up with a big 'ol fossil fuel burning V8 and don't plan to change that. I have to tell you that this person's reasoning for keying this truck really ticked me off. Global warming is a problem, but damaging someone's property is even worse. I hope they throw the book at him. That man disgusts me...(soap box being put away)
This week there isn't a lot on the schedule. Sharkboy gets his 5 y/o shots on Monday and after that we will head for the school we think he may attend for a conference and tour while school is in session. Other than that...just working and trying to keep our Daisy calm. The weather appears to be warming up also. Today and tomorrow will be in the 30's we are due for about another 2 or 3 day cold snap and then according to the weather people we start climbing...(maybe in the mid 40's)I can't wait. I definitely have a case of the "Winter Blahs"...and I don't think I will be able to go to Florida to shake them.
So until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A quick update...(and Picture of Daisy's fixator)
Hey blog readers...no post yesterday, sorry it was a long day. We spent most of the day out doing inspections, by the time dinner was had and the chores were done there was no creative juice left to pen a blog. So here is the update...
Today Sharkboy and I went and saw our friend Cassie to get our haircuts. As always she did a great job and has made both of our heads presentable for another few weeks. Sharkboy loves to get his haircut there because they have Playstations as each of the chairs. Then we came home and played all afternoon. Some Wii, some little cars and now he is comfy on the couch watching Kung Fu Panda.
Daisy is doing much better. Everyday she gets closer to being our old Daisy. She got a card today from her friends Kota Dog and Lexus. It was a really sweet get well card. She sniffed it and seemed to like it.(Thank you Kota Dog and Lexus' humans!) She goes tomorrow to have her staples out. Here is a picture.
External Fixator with out protective tape.
So there you have it...todays update. Tomorrow like I said we go get the staples out. I am very confident that will go well.
Thank you again to all that have sent well wishes for Daisy and us. It really means a lot and we can't wait to have her running around the retention basin like old times.
Stay warm, Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Monday, January 26, 2009
We have survived the first week...
Hey blog readers...today was a good day. Daisy's swelling seems to be getting under control. It is becoming a chore to keep her calm. She is obviously feeling much better. Making us in turn all feel much better too.
Today we just hung out. I had 3 calls after midnight last night and that left me a little short on sleep. So while she napped, I did some things and caught a couple of little cat naps too. She is getting around really well. She is still for the most part carrying that leg, but more and more she is using it. I have pictures of the leg without the tape over the fixator, but I haven't uploaded yet...most likely will occur on Wednesday.
Sharkboy and I played some Wii bowling today. Good times. He is actually quite good. A lot of it is luck, but he is knocking the pins down. He and I are also starting to plan our "Boys Trip". I promised him coming up this spring that he and I would pack up and hit the road over one of my 4 days. He is really looking forward to hanging with Dad and staying in a Hotel, and I am too. He is getting really big and says such grown up things. I just don't want him to ever feel like he can't hang out with Dad and do stuff. I really take this job of "Dad" seriously and I hope he sees it.
Jenny went to dinner with some girls tonight from church. They sing together in the Praise team and are trying to figure out a happy medium with their schedules and their practices. There are issues with time and their sacrifice...they are all getting really busy. They went to Hacienda, which worked out good for me, because Jenny brought me home a Taco salad. It is one of my favorite things. She really must love me...
Tomorrow I am working...We will be busy trying to get some inspections done. So I am guessing that there won't be an update...but you never know. So until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Today we just hung out. I had 3 calls after midnight last night and that left me a little short on sleep. So while she napped, I did some things and caught a couple of little cat naps too. She is getting around really well. She is still for the most part carrying that leg, but more and more she is using it. I have pictures of the leg without the tape over the fixator, but I haven't uploaded yet...most likely will occur on Wednesday.
Sharkboy and I played some Wii bowling today. Good times. He is actually quite good. A lot of it is luck, but he is knocking the pins down. He and I are also starting to plan our "Boys Trip". I promised him coming up this spring that he and I would pack up and hit the road over one of my 4 days. He is really looking forward to hanging with Dad and staying in a Hotel, and I am too. He is getting really big and says such grown up things. I just don't want him to ever feel like he can't hang out with Dad and do stuff. I really take this job of "Dad" seriously and I hope he sees it.
Jenny went to dinner with some girls tonight from church. They sing together in the Praise team and are trying to figure out a happy medium with their schedules and their practices. There are issues with time and their sacrifice...they are all getting really busy. They went to Hacienda, which worked out good for me, because Jenny brought me home a Taco salad. It is one of my favorite things. She really must love me...
Tomorrow I am working...We will be busy trying to get some inspections done. So I am guessing that there won't be an update...but you never know. So until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
I love Sunny days...
Hey blog readers...so no update for a couple of days. I have to say though that it is great to look outside and see the sun. There is just something about the sun that makes me happy. I am also very happy to be back at work. I know a lot of people just go to work because they have to and they really look forward to their days off. I love my job and don't get me wrong, I like my days off, but I really like what I do. So long story short it is really nice to be back with the boys running calls and doing what we do...
Daisy is doing better today(according to Jenny). She developed an infection in her surgery leg below the actual incision. It is around one of the pins on her fixator. She is now on some antibiotics and we have adopted an almost always slightly sedated state for her to keep her calm. Now that is not saying she isn't aware of what is going on, she just sleeps more. She still wakes up occasionally and looks around and gets up and goes outside to go potty, just a little groggy. She has been sleeping in bed with us since Thurs. night and it seems to keep her comfy and sleeping most of the night(except her 2 am potty break). So we will just take this week nice and easy. Our next big landmark will be Thursday the 29th when she gets her staples out. Then we are in for the big haul to March 9th.
Friday night we decided that since Sharkboy was going to miss out on the Disney trip, for several reasons, we would get him/us a Wii. So Awesome Aunt Kelly advised that Target had Wii's. We mobilized...and were successful. When I brought it in Sharkboy flipped out. He was doing double fist pumps and screaming..."We got a Wii, We got a Wii". He was so happy(and there is nothing like an excited, happy kid). So after dinner we hooked it up and we played some bowling. He kept saying every time it was his turn, to watch out a "prefessional" was getting ready to go. He did pretty well...he plays at the babysitters occasionally. The only problem is, he thinks we should be playing 24/7. But I am sure(or hope)that we will be able to slow that up a bit.
We had ice rescue training today. I have to tell you that the last 10 years of doing ice rescue training for the fire department, I have always ended up with wet feet or a wet shirt. Well this year was different. We used these new suits and they are incredible. Warm, dry and I felt like I could move around in it. I did have a little residual air in the suit and looked a little goofy when I entered the water, but warm and dry = happy Jay.
Not a lot of big stuff on the horizon. Our goal this week is try to return to some semblance of normal life. I have been in a funk, and when I woke up this morning I decided it stopped then. Thank you again for all of your well wishes for Daisy...she is improving(slowly)and I look forward to sitting outside this summer on the deck laughing about everything(while sharing a libation with friends).
Oh yeah, and before I end this up today I want to Thank L.A. and F.i.L.(Mimi and Papa) for having Ethan for an overnight on Saturday. Somehow you guys always know the right time to jump in and help out. Jen and I feel that we can never tell you enough how much we appreciate and love you. That one night helped so much...Thank you!
So I think that is it for now...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Daisy is doing better today(according to Jenny). She developed an infection in her surgery leg below the actual incision. It is around one of the pins on her fixator. She is now on some antibiotics and we have adopted an almost always slightly sedated state for her to keep her calm. Now that is not saying she isn't aware of what is going on, she just sleeps more. She still wakes up occasionally and looks around and gets up and goes outside to go potty, just a little groggy. She has been sleeping in bed with us since Thurs. night and it seems to keep her comfy and sleeping most of the night(except her 2 am potty break). So we will just take this week nice and easy. Our next big landmark will be Thursday the 29th when she gets her staples out. Then we are in for the big haul to March 9th.
Friday night we decided that since Sharkboy was going to miss out on the Disney trip, for several reasons, we would get him/us a Wii. So Awesome Aunt Kelly advised that Target had Wii's. We mobilized...and were successful. When I brought it in Sharkboy flipped out. He was doing double fist pumps and screaming..."We got a Wii, We got a Wii". He was so happy(and there is nothing like an excited, happy kid). So after dinner we hooked it up and we played some bowling. He kept saying every time it was his turn, to watch out a "prefessional" was getting ready to go. He did pretty well...he plays at the babysitters occasionally. The only problem is, he thinks we should be playing 24/7. But I am sure(or hope)that we will be able to slow that up a bit.
We had ice rescue training today. I have to tell you that the last 10 years of doing ice rescue training for the fire department, I have always ended up with wet feet or a wet shirt. Well this year was different. We used these new suits and they are incredible. Warm, dry and I felt like I could move around in it. I did have a little residual air in the suit and looked a little goofy when I entered the water, but warm and dry = happy Jay.
Not a lot of big stuff on the horizon. Our goal this week is try to return to some semblance of normal life. I have been in a funk, and when I woke up this morning I decided it stopped then. Thank you again for all of your well wishes for Daisy...she is improving(slowly)and I look forward to sitting outside this summer on the deck laughing about everything(while sharing a libation with friends).
Oh yeah, and before I end this up today I want to Thank L.A. and F.i.L.(Mimi and Papa) for having Ethan for an overnight on Saturday. Somehow you guys always know the right time to jump in and help out. Jen and I feel that we can never tell you enough how much we appreciate and love you. That one night helped so much...Thank you!
So I think that is it for now...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Friday, January 23, 2009
This is getting to be more like having a baby all over again...
Hey blog readers...I don't have a lot of time to post a big post today, but I thought I would jump on here and touch on a couple of things.
Our Tuesday night was left as some what of a mystery. Sorry for that, but I wasn't really ready to type the whole ordeal out. So long story short, Daisy had a nasty reaction to her sedative. She was gasping for breath, twitching and shaking uncontrolably and unable to lift her head. She lost all control of her bodily functions as well. I guess the best way to describe it was our dog was a noodle. Well on Wednesday morning we rushed her to our vet and it was determined she had recieved too much sedative(puppy overdose). There was some time in that whole ordeal that we had decided that we didn't want to put her through much more...you can imagine the emotion that was flowing from that. Well no worries, she has bounced back.
After our run in with the sedatives Jenny and I vowed to never give her sedative again. Well last night was Jenny's night on the couch(we had decided to take turns) and I was in bed. Well at 2:30 am Daisy was wanting to wander around the house. Jenny was frustrated and it was very aparent that we need to figure something out. So we put her in bed with us...we picked her up, she didn't jump. We also broke our new role and decided to give her the new dose of sedative. Well that was great success. Jenny and I got 4 hours of good sleep. So we are going to make the sedative a nightly routine for a while...for us as much as her.
This whole thing is starting to wear on Sharkboy. He is starting to act up and not listen and Jenny and I think he is a little jealous of Daisy and all the attention she is getting. So Jenny and I are looking into doing some things with him to remind him he is our son and we think he is cool and we love him. So we have now started Operation Make Ethan feel important too.
Well that is all I have time for now. I will be on later and maybe have some more current Daisy pictures. She is looking and feeling better. Now on to my Friday.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Our Tuesday night was left as some what of a mystery. Sorry for that, but I wasn't really ready to type the whole ordeal out. So long story short, Daisy had a nasty reaction to her sedative. She was gasping for breath, twitching and shaking uncontrolably and unable to lift her head. She lost all control of her bodily functions as well. I guess the best way to describe it was our dog was a noodle. Well on Wednesday morning we rushed her to our vet and it was determined she had recieved too much sedative(puppy overdose). There was some time in that whole ordeal that we had decided that we didn't want to put her through much more...you can imagine the emotion that was flowing from that. Well no worries, she has bounced back.
After our run in with the sedatives Jenny and I vowed to never give her sedative again. Well last night was Jenny's night on the couch(we had decided to take turns) and I was in bed. Well at 2:30 am Daisy was wanting to wander around the house. Jenny was frustrated and it was very aparent that we need to figure something out. So we put her in bed with us...we picked her up, she didn't jump. We also broke our new role and decided to give her the new dose of sedative. Well that was great success. Jenny and I got 4 hours of good sleep. So we are going to make the sedative a nightly routine for a while...for us as much as her.
This whole thing is starting to wear on Sharkboy. He is starting to act up and not listen and Jenny and I think he is a little jealous of Daisy and all the attention she is getting. So Jenny and I are looking into doing some things with him to remind him he is our son and we think he is cool and we love him. So we have now started Operation Make Ethan feel important too.
Well that is all I have time for now. I will be on later and maybe have some more current Daisy pictures. She is looking and feeling better. Now on to my Friday.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Some random stuff...
Hey blog readers...I just want to start this blog out by saying Thank you to everyone that has wished Daisy and us well. It means a lot to know that we have friends and family that care so very much for us and our little 4-legged friend.
Her update: She is feeling a lot better. She is starting to try and push her limits, and she is definitely going to be a handful. This morning she already tried to jump up on her favorite chair. I think I scared her when I hollered for her to stop, but as any good dog Dad would do, I picked her up and she is now sleeping in her chair. We had a really rough night on Tuesday. I won't kill you with the details, but she had a reaction to the combination of her pain meds and her sedative and it wasn't pretty. But we are past that and we are just focusing on getting her through the next a little more than 7 weeks...
I didn't get a chance to really blog yesterday and I wanted to make sure I made at least a couple of comments about the Inauguration. I have to say that Tuesday was a day to be very proud to be an American, Democrat or Republican, Black or White, Man, Woman or Child. The ceremonies and festivities moved me as an American. Personally I am excited for the opportunities of a fresh leader bring. While I was watching I was a little jealous of our dear friend Athena being there and witnessing it live. I was very proud of her living out her dream of witnessing the 44th time we had a peaceful transition of power in our great nation. Thank you Athena for your pictures and I look forward to your blog/review of the trip.(if you want to check her blog out, it is listed to the left click on "Athena", you won't be dissapointed)
Sharkboy is doing great. He is adjusting to our new "Robo-dog". He was the only one that could get her to start drinking yesterday. He was very calm and offered water from the little bowl in his little doctor kit he has. She gladly accepted his gesture and is back to drinking from her bowl on her own. We have committed to him that when we get her free of all of her restriction and it is not punishment for someone to come watch her, we will take him somewhere. Sadly, the money we had set aside for our trip to Disney this year is in her surgery now. But he is excited about the summer of weekend trips we have told him we will take. His only stipulation that he has put on it is that we have to stay in some hotels(deal little man). Disney will always be there and we will get there...
Other than that, we are just all adjusting to our Daisy and her limits. I can say with confidence that I think we have made a turn in the right direction. It will only get better from here. I will probably post later today.
Until then...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Her update: She is feeling a lot better. She is starting to try and push her limits, and she is definitely going to be a handful. This morning she already tried to jump up on her favorite chair. I think I scared her when I hollered for her to stop, but as any good dog Dad would do, I picked her up and she is now sleeping in her chair. We had a really rough night on Tuesday. I won't kill you with the details, but she had a reaction to the combination of her pain meds and her sedative and it wasn't pretty. But we are past that and we are just focusing on getting her through the next a little more than 7 weeks...
I didn't get a chance to really blog yesterday and I wanted to make sure I made at least a couple of comments about the Inauguration. I have to say that Tuesday was a day to be very proud to be an American, Democrat or Republican, Black or White, Man, Woman or Child. The ceremonies and festivities moved me as an American. Personally I am excited for the opportunities of a fresh leader bring. While I was watching I was a little jealous of our dear friend Athena being there and witnessing it live. I was very proud of her living out her dream of witnessing the 44th time we had a peaceful transition of power in our great nation. Thank you Athena for your pictures and I look forward to your blog/review of the trip.(if you want to check her blog out, it is listed to the left click on "Athena", you won't be dissapointed)
Sharkboy is doing great. He is adjusting to our new "Robo-dog". He was the only one that could get her to start drinking yesterday. He was very calm and offered water from the little bowl in his little doctor kit he has. She gladly accepted his gesture and is back to drinking from her bowl on her own. We have committed to him that when we get her free of all of her restriction and it is not punishment for someone to come watch her, we will take him somewhere. Sadly, the money we had set aside for our trip to Disney this year is in her surgery now. But he is excited about the summer of weekend trips we have told him we will take. His only stipulation that he has put on it is that we have to stay in some hotels(deal little man). Disney will always be there and we will get there...
Other than that, we are just all adjusting to our Daisy and her limits. I can say with confidence that I think we have made a turn in the right direction. It will only get better from here. I will probably post later today.
Until then...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Home at last...Home at last...Thank the Lord we're home at last!
Hey blog readers...well we made it home today. It has been a very long 2 days and it is only the beginning of her recovery.
I got the call this morning a little after 8 that I could come and get the home care instructions and get her headed for home. This is another example of how great this clinic is and how much they pay attention to their patients and their families. The surgeon was not scheduled to be in until after 10, but he came in early to get Daisy ready to get home, know how much we wanted her here with us. He is a very special person, both for what he does with animals and his attention to their human's needs.
So I walked in and was quite shocked to see her. She was very excited to see me. She licked my face and just couldn't hold still(she missed her Dad). The doctor described his procedures and showed me how things were progressing and told we what to look for and look forward to. He did finally give in a little and say that if we pick her up to put her on the furniture she could be up there, but we could not leave her side, in case she wants to get up(actually down). Then we will have to help her down. We will also have to help her outside and keep her on the leash...you know, so she doesn't run around including at night.
Here are some pictures so you can picture what everything looks like.
Ready to go outside.
Right when she got home.
E/s320/Daisy+Surgery+001.jpg" border=0> The fixator with the protective bandage.
Resting on the couch.
The incision...yucky:(That is it for now...I have to take her out to try the potty thing again. Then sedatives and bed, for Daisy too.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
We're heading home...
Hey blog readers...this morning I followed the directions I was given last night and that was to call the office when I woke up and check to see when I could do the pick up to bring Daisy home. The Doctor came in early(he wasn't due until 10-ish)and gave her, her exam. He said she was ready to go home...
Now the transition at home will begin. It is a little faster than we thought, and throws a wrench into some things that we were planning, but we can deal. I will hopefully have pictures and more to report later today. It is feeling really good to know I am heading home real soon.
Funny thing happened last night. I chose what side of the bed I was going to sleep on and it was opposite to where they had the clock. So I just set my cell phone as the alarm clock. I put my Ipod on and fell asleep(actually easier than I thought). I was jolted awake by a loud static and buzz and about had a heart attack. My first thought was something was wrong with my Ipod. Nope, I plucked the earphones out and it got louder...It was the alarm clock. Someone had turned the alarm on and it was not set, so at midnight, the default time, it went off. I shut it off and promptly fell back asleep...
More about Daisy later...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Now the transition at home will begin. It is a little faster than we thought, and throws a wrench into some things that we were planning, but we can deal. I will hopefully have pictures and more to report later today. It is feeling really good to know I am heading home real soon.
Funny thing happened last night. I chose what side of the bed I was going to sleep on and it was opposite to where they had the clock. So I just set my cell phone as the alarm clock. I put my Ipod on and fell asleep(actually easier than I thought). I was jolted awake by a loud static and buzz and about had a heart attack. My first thought was something was wrong with my Ipod. Nope, I plucked the earphones out and it got louder...It was the alarm clock. Someone had turned the alarm on and it was not set, so at midnight, the default time, it went off. I shut it off and promptly fell back asleep...
More about Daisy later...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Monday, January 19, 2009
The day in review...
Hey blog readers...well today has been a long and emotionally draining day. If you have read the previous postings you will understand.
After today I have realized that our dog means more to the family than is outwardly visible to the world. I am the first one to tell you that they are just dogs, until today. This has been a very eye opening day for Jenny, Sharkboy and I. Daisy really is a member of our family.
I want to take a second to express my thoughts on NIVES (Northeaster Indiana Veterinarian Emergency & Specialty)office. They have been 100% what I would expect from a professional health care facility for people, but they do it with animals. From the phone call to make the appointment to the post-op phone calls they have provided. They have done everything in their power to make this as easy as it can be. I would definitely recommend them for any specialty surgery your pet would need.
Tomorrow I will call in the morning to find out what time I can do the pick-up and get the home care instructions. That will begin a long healing process for Daisy at home. In the coming 8 weeks we will have to keep her activity to a minimum. I am going to disable to doorbell to avoid her usual Pavlovian reflex to it ringing. Then we will work on getting her acclimated to her new "No Furniture" life(at least for 8 weeks).
Again, Thank you to all who have offered their support. It means a lot...I can't say Thank you enough.
So it off to try and get some sleep tonight...more tomorrow.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
After today I have realized that our dog means more to the family than is outwardly visible to the world. I am the first one to tell you that they are just dogs, until today. This has been a very eye opening day for Jenny, Sharkboy and I. Daisy really is a member of our family.
I want to take a second to express my thoughts on NIVES (Northeaster Indiana Veterinarian Emergency & Specialty)office. They have been 100% what I would expect from a professional health care facility for people, but they do it with animals. From the phone call to make the appointment to the post-op phone calls they have provided. They have done everything in their power to make this as easy as it can be. I would definitely recommend them for any specialty surgery your pet would need.
Tomorrow I will call in the morning to find out what time I can do the pick-up and get the home care instructions. That will begin a long healing process for Daisy at home. In the coming 8 weeks we will have to keep her activity to a minimum. I am going to disable to doorbell to avoid her usual Pavlovian reflex to it ringing. Then we will work on getting her acclimated to her new "No Furniture" life(at least for 8 weeks).
Again, Thank you to all who have offered their support. It means a lot...I can't say Thank you enough.
So it off to try and get some sleep tonight...more tomorrow.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
She made it through surgery just fine...
Hey blog readers...I just finished talking with the surgeon, and updating Jenny on Daisy's progress. So here it is for everybody else...
Surgery was successful...Daisy woke up just fine and is resting. The Doctor commented that she already has a fan base at the office. Everybody is making all over her. He said that the surgery found a tear on the inside of the muscle. It required him to cut good muscle to get to the pocket of injury. Once he was in he found scar tissue, old blood and mostly stretching and separation of muscle(not massive trauma). He freshened the injury site(removed scar tissue and made fresh edges to promote healing)and began the closing process. He was very pleased that after all of the internal suturing her leg already looked to be in the proper position. He did have to place an external fixitor(think erector set screwed into the bone that will support her leg until her muscle can). She will wear that for 8 weeks(or longer?)...sounds good, but she is a very active dog and he doesn't want her on the furniture(that will be no easy task). So I will call in the morning when I wake up and see what the pick-up time will be.
Thank you again to everyone that has called, texted and IM'ed. A big special thank you to F.i.L. and L.A. for checking in. I gotta be honest, I didn't think F.i.L. would take any interest in this what so ever(as always we appreciate your support and Love you both). He never ceases to amaze me...
So now I am going to go find something to eat...and hopefully get some rest tonight.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Surgery was successful...Daisy woke up just fine and is resting. The Doctor commented that she already has a fan base at the office. Everybody is making all over her. He said that the surgery found a tear on the inside of the muscle. It required him to cut good muscle to get to the pocket of injury. Once he was in he found scar tissue, old blood and mostly stretching and separation of muscle(not massive trauma). He freshened the injury site(removed scar tissue and made fresh edges to promote healing)and began the closing process. He was very pleased that after all of the internal suturing her leg already looked to be in the proper position. He did have to place an external fixitor(think erector set screwed into the bone that will support her leg until her muscle can). She will wear that for 8 weeks(or longer?)...sounds good, but she is a very active dog and he doesn't want her on the furniture(that will be no easy task). So I will call in the morning when I wake up and see what the pick-up time will be.
Thank you again to everyone that has called, texted and IM'ed. A big special thank you to F.i.L. and L.A. for checking in. I gotta be honest, I didn't think F.i.L. would take any interest in this what so ever(as always we appreciate your support and Love you both). He never ceases to amaze me...
So now I am going to go find something to eat...and hopefully get some rest tonight.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
I'm not much in the way of patience...
Hey blog readers...here I sit in a hotel room(in Fort Wayne) waiting to hear word about our dog. Now you have to understand that Daisy is treated and respected in our family as our first child. She has free reign around the house and can often be found sitting/laying on the furniture sleeping. So the fact that she is in surgery is very heavy on all of our hearts.
About 3 weeks ago Daisy was out playing with our puppy sitter(one of her favorite people other than family) in the back yard. She was behind Keri and let out a yelp and fell to the ground. She would not immediately get up, and when she did she wouldn't put weight on her back left leg. So we took her to our family vet and it was thought at that time that she may have pulled a muscle. She was placed on anti-inflammatory medication(puppy ibuprofen) and assigned bed rest. Well it was determined, after 2 weeks, that it was not working and she would need to see an Orthopedic Specialist. We contacted one in Fort Wayne and today's appointment was set.
We took the road trip this morning expecting to be told it was a tendon and may need surgery. Well after x-rays and a complete exam it was determined that is was a "Hock" muscle tear(not at all common in dogs). In human comparison it would be like tearing a calf muscle. A treatment plan was determined and that included some surgery. Worst case scenario at this point is that they will open up the leg, freshen up the tear, repair it and then place an external fixator on the leg. She would then have that fixator on for 6-8 weeks. She would then need to have the fixator removed and some therapy to follow. So lets hope that we have less of an outcome than that.
So we are back to where I was when I started this blog...waiting. I am not very good at this activity. I am nearing the 4 pm time frame when they said would be the earliest I would get an update...so pray for Daisy, pray for Jenny and My sanity and let's hope for the best. I am also hoping that they will say I can come visit her. You know, you just don't know somebody is Ok until you see them...
Thank you to all that have expressed their concern and best wishes for Daisy. It helps and if we don't get back to right away, it isn't because we don't appreciate it. We are going to have our hands full for awhile...
Thank you for reading my ramblings...updates to follow...sorry not much funny to report today.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
About 3 weeks ago Daisy was out playing with our puppy sitter(one of her favorite people other than family) in the back yard. She was behind Keri and let out a yelp and fell to the ground. She would not immediately get up, and when she did she wouldn't put weight on her back left leg. So we took her to our family vet and it was thought at that time that she may have pulled a muscle. She was placed on anti-inflammatory medication(puppy ibuprofen) and assigned bed rest. Well it was determined, after 2 weeks, that it was not working and she would need to see an Orthopedic Specialist. We contacted one in Fort Wayne and today's appointment was set.
We took the road trip this morning expecting to be told it was a tendon and may need surgery. Well after x-rays and a complete exam it was determined that is was a "Hock" muscle tear(not at all common in dogs). In human comparison it would be like tearing a calf muscle. A treatment plan was determined and that included some surgery. Worst case scenario at this point is that they will open up the leg, freshen up the tear, repair it and then place an external fixator on the leg. She would then have that fixator on for 6-8 weeks. She would then need to have the fixator removed and some therapy to follow. So lets hope that we have less of an outcome than that.
So we are back to where I was when I started this blog...waiting. I am not very good at this activity. I am nearing the 4 pm time frame when they said would be the earliest I would get an update...so pray for Daisy, pray for Jenny and My sanity and let's hope for the best. I am also hoping that they will say I can come visit her. You know, you just don't know somebody is Ok until you see them...
Thank you to all that have expressed their concern and best wishes for Daisy. It helps and if we don't get back to right away, it isn't because we don't appreciate it. We are going to have our hands full for awhile...
Thank you for reading my ramblings...updates to follow...sorry not much funny to report today.
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
I have hit the century mark...
Hey blog readers...well it is true, I am now typing out my 100th post to this little blog. It is kind of strange to think it has been that many. Hopefully there have been more good than bad. More interesting than boring...so without further ado:
I haven't posted for almost a week. There has been big things going on, but just add to the excitement of it all I had a nasty sinus infection/head cold that just repeatedly kicked my tookus. So I really didn't feel like getting on the computer to chronicle the week.
Sharkboy has been doing really well. He is getting really big and is starting to act and talk like a big boy. Last night we took him the movies. I dropped Jenny and him off at the front door and just as he was getting out he exclaimed: "Thanks for the lift Daddy". I also fear that he has caught Jenny's affliction of just when he walks into the house he heads for his room to change clothes. Usually shorts and some sort of "Winter-inappropriate" shirt (tank tops and the such). That is soon followed up witha complaint that it is too cold. Other than that he seems to have kicked the being bad at school, good thing.
Jenny has been busy too...the usual stuff however, nothing really that burning. She has been working as hard as ever at keeping all of our house in shape despite Sharkboy, Daisy and my attempts at demolishing it. She is really amazing and her ability to keep the 3 of our lives, let alone hers, in line and tidy...well my friends is why I love her.
Like I mentioned previously I have been busy all week and fighting some sort of infection that has rendered my sense of smell almost completely destroyed, my voice sounds a bit hoarse and the skin around my nose so chapped and sore that blowing my nose is quite painful. But now I am 24+ hours into my antibiotic therapy I am feeling better. Hopefully my nose skin will regenerate and I won't need a graft to repair it. As soon as I get rid of the lump in the back of my throat I will be a happy little camper.
Tomorrow(Monday), I will be taking our Daisy to the Orthopedic Specialist in Fort Wayne. If all goes well we should be home that night, but there is the potential we would need to stay so she can have an operation on her leg. She was playing about 3 weeks ago, fell to the ground with a yelp. She wouldn't get up for several minutes. When she finally did, she wouldn't bear weight on that leg. Well after 2+ weeks of anti-inflammatory therapy and rest it hasn't improved. So our very capable Vet has refered us to this specialist. If she needs surgery, they will do it right then and will need to spend the night. So I am going with a bag packed, they don't want the person who brings her too far away. So I will just hotel it that night and pick her up the next morning...so we hope all goes well.
A couple of notable things that have happened this week. We have a "shit ton"(meteorological term) of snow on the ground(about 2 feet at home). We seem to have survived sub-zero temps over the last few days. My friend Athena is in Washington DC witnessing history. I envision something from a movie sort of road trip, and I look forward to seeing her blog updates of her progress.
So I will end this 100th edition of Plays with Sirens with this little thought. It came from a class I took this week. It was being taught by the son of a notable fire service person. The instructor was quoting his father's response to not being able to retrain firefighters and this is what he said: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. Bullshit, if you hold his head under water long enough and suck on his ass hard enough he will eventually take a drink." Huh...never thought of it that way.
As always...Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
I haven't posted for almost a week. There has been big things going on, but just add to the excitement of it all I had a nasty sinus infection/head cold that just repeatedly kicked my tookus. So I really didn't feel like getting on the computer to chronicle the week.
Sharkboy has been doing really well. He is getting really big and is starting to act and talk like a big boy. Last night we took him the movies. I dropped Jenny and him off at the front door and just as he was getting out he exclaimed: "Thanks for the lift Daddy". I also fear that he has caught Jenny's affliction of just when he walks into the house he heads for his room to change clothes. Usually shorts and some sort of "Winter-inappropriate" shirt (tank tops and the such). That is soon followed up witha complaint that it is too cold. Other than that he seems to have kicked the being bad at school, good thing.
Jenny has been busy too...the usual stuff however, nothing really that burning. She has been working as hard as ever at keeping all of our house in shape despite Sharkboy, Daisy and my attempts at demolishing it. She is really amazing and her ability to keep the 3 of our lives, let alone hers, in line and tidy...well my friends is why I love her.
Like I mentioned previously I have been busy all week and fighting some sort of infection that has rendered my sense of smell almost completely destroyed, my voice sounds a bit hoarse and the skin around my nose so chapped and sore that blowing my nose is quite painful. But now I am 24+ hours into my antibiotic therapy I am feeling better. Hopefully my nose skin will regenerate and I won't need a graft to repair it. As soon as I get rid of the lump in the back of my throat I will be a happy little camper.
Tomorrow(Monday), I will be taking our Daisy to the Orthopedic Specialist in Fort Wayne. If all goes well we should be home that night, but there is the potential we would need to stay so she can have an operation on her leg. She was playing about 3 weeks ago, fell to the ground with a yelp. She wouldn't get up for several minutes. When she finally did, she wouldn't bear weight on that leg. Well after 2+ weeks of anti-inflammatory therapy and rest it hasn't improved. So our very capable Vet has refered us to this specialist. If she needs surgery, they will do it right then and will need to spend the night. So I am going with a bag packed, they don't want the person who brings her too far away. So I will just hotel it that night and pick her up the next morning...so we hope all goes well.
A couple of notable things that have happened this week. We have a "shit ton"(meteorological term) of snow on the ground(about 2 feet at home). We seem to have survived sub-zero temps over the last few days. My friend Athena is in Washington DC witnessing history. I envision something from a movie sort of road trip, and I look forward to seeing her blog updates of her progress.
So I will end this 100th edition of Plays with Sirens with this little thought. It came from a class I took this week. It was being taught by the son of a notable fire service person. The instructor was quoting his father's response to not being able to retrain firefighters and this is what he said: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. Bullshit, if you hold his head under water long enough and suck on his ass hard enough he will eventually take a drink." Huh...never thought of it that way.
As always...Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps!
Monday, January 12, 2009
They are forecasting snow tonight...
Hey blog readers...so we got everything dried up from sledding yesterday. The noses have stopped running (well except Jenny's). Sharkboy and I hit the hill again today, but it was just the 2 of us and it was a blast. I is becoming quite the little adventure seeker...
So they are forecasting snow tonight...high winds in the morning and dropping temps through the rest of the week. Welcome to winter in Northern Indiana. We live in a snow machine. We can get lake effect snow in a moments notice...so those of you in sunny warmer climates, I envy you. I don't necessarily want to move to where you are, just visit so I can golf.
Well I am working overtime at Sta. 2 tonight. Not a whole lot going on(not a bad thing). Tomorrow I have to take the dog to the vet. She hurt her leg a couple weeks ago, but it isn't getting any better with just an anti-inflammatory. So I think an x-ray is in her future...
Other than that...not much going on in my world.
So until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
So they are forecasting snow tonight...high winds in the morning and dropping temps through the rest of the week. Welcome to winter in Northern Indiana. We live in a snow machine. We can get lake effect snow in a moments notice...so those of you in sunny warmer climates, I envy you. I don't necessarily want to move to where you are, just visit so I can golf.
Well I am working overtime at Sta. 2 tonight. Not a whole lot going on(not a bad thing). Tomorrow I have to take the dog to the vet. She hurt her leg a couple weeks ago, but it isn't getting any better with just an anti-inflammatory. So I think an x-ray is in her future...
Other than that...not much going on in my world.
So until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe...
Shalom my Peeps.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sledding today...
Hey blog readers...today we enjoyed a Snow Day here at the house. We layed around in our Pajamas until well into the afternoon...
Ryan stopped by today to drop off some CD's that Jess burned for us. However he walked up to the house. He informed me that he was stuck in a snow bank down the road. He made a slight error and buried his car to the point he couldn't drive it out the snow bank. I took the truck down and pulled him out of the snow bank. Thank God for 4-wheel drive.
Then after lunch and some stuff around the house...we went sledding. Here are some of the pictures...
Sharkboy ready to hit the hill.
On the sled.
And the return trip.
My 2 favorite people in the world.
He makes me so proud.
The Family Self Photo.
The Better Half.
And finally the homemade Cocoa and Kahlua.(Mmmm)
Be Kind, Be Safe....
Shalom my Peeps.
Ryan stopped by today to drop off some CD's that Jess burned for us. However he walked up to the house. He informed me that he was stuck in a snow bank down the road. He made a slight error and buried his car to the point he couldn't drive it out the snow bank. I took the truck down and pulled him out of the snow bank. Thank God for 4-wheel drive.
Then after lunch and some stuff around the house...we went sledding. Here are some of the pictures...
Sharkboy ready to hit the hill.
On the sled.
And the return trip.
My 2 favorite people in the world.
He makes me so proud.
The Family Self Photo.
The Better Half.
And finally the homemade Cocoa and Kahlua.(Mmmm)Now I am trying to put all of our pictures on the back up drive...and organize them. I think this is going to be a big project. So I will drink my Yuengling and chip away.
Stay warm...Until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe....
Shalom my Peeps.
To catch you up...
Hey blog readers...well it has been a while since I caught you up on things. Well here it is(the Cliff Notes version).
Christmas: Awesome time. I was able to enjoy the family the whole way through. My 4-day fell over the holiday and I enjoyed every minute. Here are some of the high points: Jenny loved her presents and Sharkboy seemed to enjoy his too...I got some great tools to help with my Golf Cart project, and F.i.L. and L.A. came up big with a rolling toolbox for my tools. We also got a visit from Athena and Sister on Christmas night. They brought more beer and we shared some laughs and just general conversation.
New Years: I worked. It was a pretty quiet evening. We slept all night, up until about 5am and then we went out on a sick person...and it wasn't from celebrating the New Year.
Jenny's Birthday(aka "Jen"uary): We did the dinner with friends thing the night before(great time, but the heater was killing me). Then I gave her all of her presents. She loved them. One of the presents I gave her were tickets to see Spamalot at the Morris(she really wanted to see this show). It was hilarious. I am a big Monty Python fan, so it lived up to a lot of my expectations. We laughed, and laughed and laughed some more.
Last night was our theatre night. We ended up after our show having dinner with F.i.L., L.A., Phil and Sherry. We went to The Vine, enjoyed some yummy food and conversation. The company was great, oh yeah and the beer was good too. I tried a new beer last night called 312. It is from Goose Island brewery in Chicago. It was yummy. A bit on the light side for my tastes(I am a big stout fan), but it had a nice hop to it and a very smooth finish.
Since it is my blog...I have the ability to take certain liberties. I would like to take a moment to wish L.A. Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday to an awesome lady that we love very much. Thank you for being you.
Well that is about it for now. We are in the throws of winter here. We have a pretty good amount of snow on the ground. So I think it is time to go out sledding. Maybe you will see some pictures of it in the near future. So until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe
Shalom my peeps.
Christmas: Awesome time. I was able to enjoy the family the whole way through. My 4-day fell over the holiday and I enjoyed every minute. Here are some of the high points: Jenny loved her presents and Sharkboy seemed to enjoy his too...I got some great tools to help with my Golf Cart project, and F.i.L. and L.A. came up big with a rolling toolbox for my tools. We also got a visit from Athena and Sister on Christmas night. They brought more beer and we shared some laughs and just general conversation.
New Years: I worked. It was a pretty quiet evening. We slept all night, up until about 5am and then we went out on a sick person...and it wasn't from celebrating the New Year.
Jenny's Birthday(aka "Jen"uary): We did the dinner with friends thing the night before(great time, but the heater was killing me). Then I gave her all of her presents. She loved them. One of the presents I gave her were tickets to see Spamalot at the Morris(she really wanted to see this show). It was hilarious. I am a big Monty Python fan, so it lived up to a lot of my expectations. We laughed, and laughed and laughed some more.
Last night was our theatre night. We ended up after our show having dinner with F.i.L., L.A., Phil and Sherry. We went to The Vine, enjoyed some yummy food and conversation. The company was great, oh yeah and the beer was good too. I tried a new beer last night called 312. It is from Goose Island brewery in Chicago. It was yummy. A bit on the light side for my tastes(I am a big stout fan), but it had a nice hop to it and a very smooth finish.
Since it is my blog...I have the ability to take certain liberties. I would like to take a moment to wish L.A. Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday to an awesome lady that we love very much. Thank you for being you.
Well that is about it for now. We are in the throws of winter here. We have a pretty good amount of snow on the ground. So I think it is time to go out sledding. Maybe you will see some pictures of it in the near future. So until next time...
Be Kind, Be Safe
Shalom my peeps.
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