The weather has been very crazy here in the Northeast. I am going to recap the month of December for our area of New York:
12/12 - The ice storm and no power for 4 days.
12/19-21 - Three constant days of snow for a total of 18".
12/28-29 -Heat wave! The temperature was in the high 50s. Needless to say, we lost all the snow. This equates to lots of lovely mud .
Last night, 12/30, was bitter cold and today we received another 7.5" of snow. With the cold, the roads are still messy since the salt doesn't work too well. The low tonight is +5F, but wind chill will make it below zero.
Tonight, we're home. There is a nice fire in the fireplace. The dogs are all milling about, playing with their toys and having fun. What more can you ask for?
Happy New Year everyone!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
The new addition!
Sorry folks, he's not a puppy. Introducing Patriot! He is a Crowntail Beta. Leonard bought him for me since we lost Frosty during the ice storm due to lack of heat. My friend, Julie, has a friend who is a fish enthusiast. He told her that most Betas sold are 6 months old. Seeing him in Frosty's 2.5 gallon tank, I can see that he is still a juvenile. He should be very impressive when grown.
This is a very bad picture of Frosty, but it is the best I had. I was incorrect on how long we had him. Going by my photo records, we bought him in August 2005, not 2004. So he was probably 3 yrs 10 months when we lost him. I guess he still had a good life for a Beta. I miss him... We may have to set up a second Beta tank and bring home another white.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Who they would be... tag you're it!
Jinnie of Solistice tagged us in a new blog game. We have to think about who each dog would be if he/she were human (personality wise), in general or as a specific person.
Tristan (8 yrs old) - He's The Grinch. He is getting grumpier as each day goes by. Don't play on his mountain! Everything is HIS. He steals food and scrounges any chance he gets. (I love him dearly anyway.)
Sabrina (5.5 yrs old) - She's The Queen from The Princess Diaries. She rules with a firm but fair paw. She loves her children and demands respect from her subjects.
Troy (4 yrs old) - No doubt about it, he is Rainman. Absolutely happy only in his environment, on his set schedule and is extremely intelligent. Otherwise he is neurotic.
Luther (2.5 yrs old) - He's Riley Poole from National Treasure. Good looking, intelligent but an over grown goof! No matter what, everyone loves him!
Destiny (2.5 yrs old) - She is Lilly Moscovitz from The Princess Diaries. A lovable spazz who will be your best friend.
Chloe (21 months old) - She is Maria from The Sound of Music. Loves everyone, especially puppies. In turn, she commands love and respect from everyone she meets.
Snickers (11 months) - Hands down, Zuzu from It's A Wonderful Life. The sweetest doggy daughter you could have.
We are going to tag Julie, Katrin and Emily. You're it!
Tristan (8 yrs old) - He's The Grinch. He is getting grumpier as each day goes by. Don't play on his mountain! Everything is HIS. He steals food and scrounges any chance he gets. (I love him dearly anyway.)
Sabrina (5.5 yrs old) - She's The Queen from The Princess Diaries. She rules with a firm but fair paw. She loves her children and demands respect from her subjects.
Troy (4 yrs old) - No doubt about it, he is Rainman. Absolutely happy only in his environment, on his set schedule and is extremely intelligent. Otherwise he is neurotic.
Luther (2.5 yrs old) - He's Riley Poole from National Treasure. Good looking, intelligent but an over grown goof! No matter what, everyone loves him!
Destiny (2.5 yrs old) - She is Lilly Moscovitz from The Princess Diaries. A lovable spazz who will be your best friend.
Chloe (21 months old) - She is Maria from The Sound of Music. Loves everyone, especially puppies. In turn, she commands love and respect from everyone she meets.
Snickers (11 months) - Hands down, Zuzu from It's A Wonderful Life. The sweetest doggy daughter you could have.
We are going to tag Julie, Katrin and Emily. You're it!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Sixth Photo
Here's the deal: You have to check your Photo Archives (or wherever you store your images) then select the 6th file folder, open it & post the 6th picture contained there, with the story behind it.
My 6th photo is my first show dog, Beowulfe.
I go a phone call from a friend that Isabelle Francais was at her house photographing her Great Dane puppies, did I want to come over with my GSD puppy. Beo came along for the ride and this is the photograph she took of my boy. It had to have been 10 years ago and it is still my wall paper on my computer.
My 6th photo is my first show dog, Beowulfe.
I go a phone call from a friend that Isabelle Francais was at her house photographing her Great Dane puppies, did I want to come over with my GSD puppy. Beo came along for the ride and this is the photograph she took of my boy. It had to have been 10 years ago and it is still my wall paper on my computer.Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Some pictures from the aftermath...
A close up ...
Our driveway ...
It was so pretty looking back, as if there were thousands of crystals decorating the landscape. Amazing how such beauty was so destructive.
Our driveway ...
It was so pretty looking back, as if there were thousands of crystals decorating the landscape. Amazing how such beauty was so destructive.
Thankful for the little things...
I just got home! Yeah! A warm house and lights! Little things we take for granted. The cat left behind is beyond happy to see us and the goldfish survived. I left the cats with my sister in law as it was too much for me to pack and bring home by myself. We will get them this weekend. It is dark now so it will be tomorrow before we see the final damage. Lots of branches down and I think that is all. Thanking G-d for the little things.
Heading home!
Our answering machine picked up when we called the house last night. When I called NYSEG this morning, the automated machine confirmed that our power has been restored as of 3 pm yesterday! YEAH! The crews must have worked in double time. Many blessings to them for all their hard work.
I am now packing up here in Syracuse. The cats will stay to visit with Aunt Susan for a few more days but I will get the dogs home and settled.
Hopefully the next word from me will be from the home front!
I am now packing up here in Syracuse. The cats will stay to visit with Aunt Susan for a few more days but I will get the dogs home and settled.
Hopefully the next word from me will be from the home front!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Still in Exile - but oh so thankful!
Writing from warm Syracuse, NY. Who ever thought Syracuse would be warm?? Ha ha ha ha.
Actually it is quite mild here (52F) and all the snow melted overnight. At least I can keep mud under control with hand walking and strictly ex pen exercise.
Latest update from the automated message from NYSEG is our power should be restored by 8 am Thursday morning.
Susan's house has lots of steep stairs, and was very scary for the puppies. I am especially thankful to Mary Yates. She lives 15 min from Susan and took Magnet & Darla so they can stay at Camp Roadkill for a few days. Thanks so much Mary! Leonard went back to work today - his terminal is only 30 min from Susan . The dogs, cats and I are all safe and warm.
Looking around, we have three cats have one sofa. Chloe, Sabrina & Troy are on the other. Tristan is ON my feet and Snickers is next to him on the floor. Seems it is now nap time and they are all content. We are so, so thankful!
Actually it is quite mild here (52F) and all the snow melted overnight. At least I can keep mud under control with hand walking and strictly ex pen exercise.
Latest update from the automated message from NYSEG is our power should be restored by 8 am Thursday morning.
Susan's house has lots of steep stairs, and was very scary for the puppies. I am especially thankful to Mary Yates. She lives 15 min from Susan and took Magnet & Darla so they can stay at Camp Roadkill for a few days. Thanks so much Mary! Leonard went back to work today - his terminal is only 30 min from Susan . The dogs, cats and I are all safe and warm.
Looking around, we have three cats have one sofa. Chloe, Sabrina & Troy are on the other. Tristan is ON my feet and Snickers is next to him on the floor. Seems it is now nap time and they are all content. We are so, so thankful!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Luther's 2nd Group Placement
The highlight of today - just got the phone call that Luther got his 2nd Group IV today in Pennsylvania! Details later!
Ice Storm - Evacuation 101
On Thursday and into Friday, we were hit by a record ice storm. We lost power at about 3am Friday morning. The roads were horrid, downed trees everywhere. Our house is in the woods and I did not dare let the dogs in their main outside yard as the ice laden branches were breaking off left and right. So far, Thank G-d, have not damaged the house as far as we can tell.
Last night was bitter cold (teens) it felt like a scene from Little House on the Prarie. We dragged our mattress into the living room, and slept front of the fireplace. We were up every two hours to stoke and poke the fire. When daylight finally arrived, Leonard called NYSEG to find that the estimate for our power to come back on will be 6 am WED MORNING!
Where do you go with 7 dogs and 4 cats when you must evacuate? Thank goodness for my sister in law Susan in Syracuse. She just purchased a big house this year and has the room for us to move in with her for a few days. I am writing this from the comfort of her warm livingroom.
Our vehicle is a Ford Ranger extended cab pickup with a cap on the bed. Our local coffee shop was open, Bless their hearts, running on generators , so we could get coffee and sandwiches. We went to the local truck stop and picked up a 12 volt heater that we plugged into the lighter and was able to give heat to the bed of the truck.
Back home to pack up the critters. 7 dogs and 4 cats. Clothes for a week. I grabbed all the files for the dogs so I had health records. Then I started to gather the cats. Put three in a crate. Smokey was hiding. He knew something was up. This normally affectionate kitty was not happy. When dislodged from his hiding place, he attacked both Leonard and I, and was under our bed, unreachable. We had to leave him behind - with food, water, clean box. I pray he will be ok.
Then went to take our Beta fish so he could go spend the week at my groomer's shop as she had power and heat. Too late. He already died. I had him for over 4 years and I feel so horrible. I left the goldfish in their tank. Since they are cold water fish they should be ok.
Start packing the truck. A 300 Varikennel with cats, next to another 300 with Snickers. Two 200s with Darla and Magnet facing them. Expens, food, duffle bags - all nicely packed. In the cab of the truck I had the four older dogs (Tristan, Troy, Sabrina & Chloe). All loose, all on their best behavior. They know something is up and are very well behaved . Drive to take Leonard to his Tractor Trailer and start the 2.5 hour trek to Syracuse.
We're here. Wer're safe and warm. We're exhausted. Will write more another time.
To all of you stay safe!
Last night was bitter cold (teens) it felt like a scene from Little House on the Prarie. We dragged our mattress into the living room, and slept front of the fireplace. We were up every two hours to stoke and poke the fire. When daylight finally arrived, Leonard called NYSEG to find that the estimate for our power to come back on will be 6 am WED MORNING!
Where do you go with 7 dogs and 4 cats when you must evacuate? Thank goodness for my sister in law Susan in Syracuse. She just purchased a big house this year and has the room for us to move in with her for a few days. I am writing this from the comfort of her warm livingroom.
Our vehicle is a Ford Ranger extended cab pickup with a cap on the bed. Our local coffee shop was open, Bless their hearts, running on generators , so we could get coffee and sandwiches. We went to the local truck stop and picked up a 12 volt heater that we plugged into the lighter and was able to give heat to the bed of the truck.
Back home to pack up the critters. 7 dogs and 4 cats. Clothes for a week. I grabbed all the files for the dogs so I had health records. Then I started to gather the cats. Put three in a crate. Smokey was hiding. He knew something was up. This normally affectionate kitty was not happy. When dislodged from his hiding place, he attacked both Leonard and I, and was under our bed, unreachable. We had to leave him behind - with food, water, clean box. I pray he will be ok.
Then went to take our Beta fish so he could go spend the week at my groomer's shop as she had power and heat. Too late. He already died. I had him for over 4 years and I feel so horrible. I left the goldfish in their tank. Since they are cold water fish they should be ok.
Start packing the truck. A 300 Varikennel with cats, next to another 300 with Snickers. Two 200s with Darla and Magnet facing them. Expens, food, duffle bags - all nicely packed. In the cab of the truck I had the four older dogs (Tristan, Troy, Sabrina & Chloe). All loose, all on their best behavior. They know something is up and are very well behaved . Drive to take Leonard to his Tractor Trailer and start the 2.5 hour trek to Syracuse.
We're here. Wer're safe and warm. We're exhausted. Will write more another time.
To all of you stay safe!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Six things that make me happy...
I was tagged... so here it goes!
1. My husband and friends! I know my life would not be so wonderful without you all.
2. Group Placements. Yup - still flyin' high on Luther's win this past weekend.
3. My dogs. Could not imagine my life without them.
4. Horses. They have always been my first "love" critter wise. We will have them again when we move to Tennessee. There is nothing like the smells of the barn, the feel of their velvety muzzle or holding your hands under their mane on a chilly day.
5. Music. The best way to get in a good mood is to put on some favorite music and SING! It is good for the soul.
6. A nice evening going out to dinner. Love being waited on. LOL!
1. My husband and friends! I know my life would not be so wonderful without you all.
2. Group Placements. Yup - still flyin' high on Luther's win this past weekend.
3. My dogs. Could not imagine my life without them.
4. Horses. They have always been my first "love" critter wise. We will have them again when we move to Tennessee. There is nothing like the smells of the barn, the feel of their velvety muzzle or holding your hands under their mane on a chilly day.
5. Music. The best way to get in a good mood is to put on some favorite music and SING! It is good for the soul.
6. A nice evening going out to dinner. Love being waited on. LOL!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Snow
Isn't snow pretty? I especially love how it keeps the cardi monsters clean when they go out to play.
I HATE this stuff when the first real snow of the season arrives the morning of the first open house you plan with your realtor!
Needless to say our open house yesterday was a bust.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Good Girl Bette!
I had to share a great email I received from Kris Jansen last night:
On Saturday, December 6, at the Riverside K9 Center CPE trial in Nashua, NH, Bette earned her final Level 4 Jackpot Q to complete her Level 4 Strategy title as well as her complete Level 4 title.
She also received her 3rd Level 5 Colors, her 3rd Level 5 Wildcard, her 4th Level 5 Snooker Q’s.
She is now: Visions The Marked Woman OAP OJP CTL4.
On Saturday, December 6, at the Riverside K9 Center CPE trial in Nashua, NH, Bette earned her final Level 4 Jackpot Q to complete her Level 4 Strategy title as well as her complete Level 4 title.
She also received her 3rd Level 5 Colors, her 3rd Level 5 Wildcard, her 4th Level 5 Snooker Q’s.
She is now: Visions The Marked Woman OAP OJP CTL4.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Luther's First Group Placement!
Just got the phone call that Luther was awarded his first Group Placement today!! We would like to thank Mrs.Monica Canestrini for the Group IV awarded at Metairie Kennel Club.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
All in the family...
Luther went Best of Breed...
And his half sister was Best of Opposite Sex to him!
This is Cornerstone's Hidden Treasure, aka "Saphira", owned by Donna Plummer.
Today is Saphira's first birthday. Have a super day sweet girl!
And his half sister was Best of Opposite Sex to him!
This is Cornerstone's Hidden Treasure, aka "Saphira", owned by Donna Plummer.
Today is Saphira's first birthday. Have a super day sweet girl!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
You Go Girls! Barb & Olivia...
I got this email from Olivia's mom, Barb Miller, on Saturday...
"Olivia earned herself a new herding title today! We went to an AHBA trial where we train and she earned her JHD (I think) with flying colors! Her first run was really nice and the judge's comment was "Cool Dog!" Hee,hee! I didn't stay for ribbons (it was freezing!) so I don't know what the second judge (my teacher....) had to say.
JHD is the equivalent of AKC's PT title. It's a pass/fail herding test. I agree - cool dog!"
Then we got the update yesterday...
I so give you performance people loads of credit to go out and "do your thing" no matter what Mother Nature has in store for us. Personally, I am too much of a wimp.
My hat is off to you Barb for everything you have done with the "Little Girl"!
You can visit Olivia's page on my site here.
Then we got the update yesterday...
"We had a good time at the USDAA agility trial - glad we weren't herding outside today!!!!! Olivia got her first Master's Q - in Snooker. We left early to try and beat the bad weather home."
I so give you performance people loads of credit to go out and "do your thing" no matter what Mother Nature has in store for us. Personally, I am too much of a wimp.
My hat is off to you Barb for everything you have done with the "Little Girl"!
You can visit Olivia's page on my site here.
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