So, after bringing the computer home on Friday after work, we spent all day Saturday re-arranging furniture and figuring out exactly what's going to go where to give me some "office space" at home. The water bed was drained and has been put away, the regular queen size bed has been moved back into the master bedroom, but instead of using its frame we simply took the lets off the waterbed box spring, set the regular box spring on top, and the mattress on top of that. We lose a little bit of storage from under the bed, but the cats can't hide under the beds any more (although THEY don't think that's a good thing!), and while the bed's just a bit higher, most of the dogs can get on it just fine. Hobgoblin and Elf just run over and jump up, Imp can jump up if he forgets that it's higher, or if he's really eager to get up ... or if he makes a good "try" jump he can grab on with those spindly wee front legs and haul himself up onto the bed (was really funny to watch last night). Angel, however, although she IS able to get up onto the bed (she did this morning with no assistance), has a lack of confidence in her ability to jump that high and comes over then gerbles and burbles and asks to be lifted up. I've got Shep's old dog bed at the foot of the bed again, between it and the high-boy dresser, so she does have a step to use again, but she hasn't tried to use it yet, so we'll see how things go tonight!
Tonight is Maxx's first night on graveyards, which he'll be on for two months. Good timing, really, that I won't be going into work except for once every two weeks, at least during our 90 day trial period for the at home agents. Hopefully I can make an ever better impression on my supervisors while working at home! While we lost our ten-hour splits (should be just the one week left), we can still keep the eight-hour splits. So, I'll be back to two-day weekends, but I'll actually HAVE four hours off on my lunch break, instead of sometimes getting home at almost 2pm and having to leave shortly after 4pm to go back to work.
Since we'd been working so hard and still had lots of stuff piled on the kitchen table waiting for the work-station to be moved so we could set up the computers and shift my old kid's desk into place with the items which go on top of it, we decided to run out to Subway for dinner. It was fairly cold out at the time, about 3 or 4 degrees, and it was starting to rain ... but just a little. By the time I was turning in about midnight, it was REALLY raining. We are talking a complete deluge. As I said to Maxx this morning, it's a good thing it warmed up enough during the night that it didn't fall as snow or we'd have received quite a dump!
Anyhow, need to plug in and turn on the work computer, make sure that all is working smoothly and I can get all my tools loaded up and ready for work first thing Tuesday morning ... although I guess I could do that tomorrow as well. I just want everything to be smooth as silk for my "first" day!
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Friday, 27 January 2012
Winner!
I feel like I've won the lottery almost! Have to bring home a new computer tonight, and do some re-arranging in the house.
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Auditory First
I almost forgot about an auditory first, at least for me (likely not for Maxx).
On Saturday, when we were home during the middle of the day and bopping around, as well as spending some time online, Maxx called out to me asking if I heard automatic gunfire.
Yes, you heard that right, automatic gunfire.
I ducked into the master bedroom and we were both trying to listen (hushing the dogs), and at first we thought maybe it had been some sort of construction noise, but then we both heard it again, and it was definitely automatic gunfire.
I've never heard that before in real life before, only on tv and in the movies!
Now, you'd expect that living in Nanaimo, we should have been on the phone to 911 in a panic, but where we live, we're not that far from the Nanaimo gun range, nor are we that far from the army base ... so we figured this was likely legitimate gunfire, since it wasn't just the one or two burst, but were spread out over time ....
.... although I do hope that I don't find an article in one of our local papers which indicates otherwise!
On Saturday, when we were home during the middle of the day and bopping around, as well as spending some time online, Maxx called out to me asking if I heard automatic gunfire.
Yes, you heard that right, automatic gunfire.
I ducked into the master bedroom and we were both trying to listen (hushing the dogs), and at first we thought maybe it had been some sort of construction noise, but then we both heard it again, and it was definitely automatic gunfire.
I've never heard that before in real life before, only on tv and in the movies!
Now, you'd expect that living in Nanaimo, we should have been on the phone to 911 in a panic, but where we live, we're not that far from the Nanaimo gun range, nor are we that far from the army base ... so we figured this was likely legitimate gunfire, since it wasn't just the one or two burst, but were spread out over time ....
.... although I do hope that I don't find an article in one of our local papers which indicates otherwise!
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Unexpected Visitor
We had an unexpected visitor yesterday. Was sitting in the living room with the dogs all hanging out, and happened to glance up at the side window as a small bird seemed to flit past, followed immediately by a "thump", so I knew the bird had hit the window or house.
I popped up and peeked out the window to see down to the driveway and check whether it was sitting there stunned ... and what did I see but a hawk! (I was sure glad that all the cats were inside!).
It couldn't have stunned itself too badly, however, as I immediately slipped on my shoes and got my camera on my phone ready, but by the time I got outside it had already flown away. I was really hoping I could snap a quick picture of it ... but am glad it wasn't hurt very badly as I certainly couldn't have brought it into the house to recover!
I popped up and peeked out the window to see down to the driveway and check whether it was sitting there stunned ... and what did I see but a hawk! (I was sure glad that all the cats were inside!).
It couldn't have stunned itself too badly, however, as I immediately slipped on my shoes and got my camera on my phone ready, but by the time I got outside it had already flown away. I was really hoping I could snap a quick picture of it ... but am glad it wasn't hurt very badly as I certainly couldn't have brought it into the house to recover!
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Saturday Errands
Saturday for both of us (although Maxx is working 2-6 tomorrow for some volunteered overtime), so we got a bit of running around done. Got to the drug store and tested my blood pressure, was at 148/99 with a pulse of 93 then at 144/100 with a pulse of 92 ... think I'll start stopping in on my way home at lunch and checking quickly, to see if I can chart this over the course of a few days, and make an appointment to get in to see the doctor for a scheduled appointment.
Angel's new harness came in at Bosley's, so we picked that up, and when we got home I fitted it to her, although it likely will still need a bit of adjustment. Then I managed to get a fairly thorough grooming done, even if we did have to lock Imp and Elf away in another room at one point to get them off the sofa so I could concentrate on Angel without them jostling us or stepping on her.
Also ended up going out to M&M Meats, as they had a sale on. Picked up some chicken bits that we're going to cook for dinner, and Maxx got some coconut shrimp, which he'll likely have for dinner. We tried some of the M&M products while visiting Holly and Noni et al, and they were darned tasty, so we thought we may as well pick some up for quick meals.
Then, got a little bit of housework done. May still do a bit more later, but right now I'm letting the dishes drip dry (always seems to work better than my towels which tend to leave streaks .... good excuse!) and have another load in soaking. Also need to get some laundry done, but I'll perhaps pop that in tomorrow. That's one of the good things about three-day weekends, having more time to get stuff done!
Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the home show here in town today, and with Maxx working tomorrow we won't be heading to it tomorrow either. Wanted to check out some different flooring options, with the hopes of ripping out the carpet this year when the weather gets good and getting some sort of flooring down instead (if we don't find lovely flooring underneath which just needs to be refinished, which is what we believe we have in the living room, at least). We'll see, it will all depend on finances ... what doesn't!?
Angel's new harness came in at Bosley's, so we picked that up, and when we got home I fitted it to her, although it likely will still need a bit of adjustment. Then I managed to get a fairly thorough grooming done, even if we did have to lock Imp and Elf away in another room at one point to get them off the sofa so I could concentrate on Angel without them jostling us or stepping on her.
Also ended up going out to M&M Meats, as they had a sale on. Picked up some chicken bits that we're going to cook for dinner, and Maxx got some coconut shrimp, which he'll likely have for dinner. We tried some of the M&M products while visiting Holly and Noni et al, and they were darned tasty, so we thought we may as well pick some up for quick meals.
Then, got a little bit of housework done. May still do a bit more later, but right now I'm letting the dishes drip dry (always seems to work better than my towels which tend to leave streaks .... good excuse!) and have another load in soaking. Also need to get some laundry done, but I'll perhaps pop that in tomorrow. That's one of the good things about three-day weekends, having more time to get stuff done!
Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the home show here in town today, and with Maxx working tomorrow we won't be heading to it tomorrow either. Wanted to check out some different flooring options, with the hopes of ripping out the carpet this year when the weather gets good and getting some sort of flooring down instead (if we don't find lovely flooring underneath which just needs to be refinished, which is what we believe we have in the living room, at least). We'll see, it will all depend on finances ... what doesn't!?
Friday, 20 January 2012
Friday
Just five hours left in this week, and it doesn't look like my query about coming in on Monday to work ten hours and make up one of my recent sick days (stomach flu) was approved, so should still be a three-day weekend, although I will touch base with scheduling when I'm back at work for the second half of today's split.
I guarantee I'm going to sleep in tomorrow! Maxx was planning on gaming, but he's still not feeling all that well, either, so he's likely going to call the game, which is good since he's apparently volunteered to work on Sunday for some overtime, as well as working 12 hour shifts on Monday and Tuesday, so we'll only have Saturday off together to get some things done around the house. Need to get the herd of dogs out for a decent walk, and get some actual house work done, too!
I guarantee I'm going to sleep in tomorrow! Maxx was planning on gaming, but he's still not feeling all that well, either, so he's likely going to call the game, which is good since he's apparently volunteered to work on Sunday for some overtime, as well as working 12 hour shifts on Monday and Tuesday, so we'll only have Saturday off together to get some things done around the house. Need to get the herd of dogs out for a decent walk, and get some actual house work done, too!
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Gotta Love this Ad
I've heard Jingle Dogs before, but never this particular tune!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ntDYjS0Y3w
If you don't recognize it, let me know and I'll give you a hint!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ntDYjS0Y3w
If you don't recognize it, let me know and I'll give you a hint!
Monday, 16 January 2012
Sore Wrist
I don't know what I've done to it, other than perhaps sleeping on it funny the night before last (or perhaps being slept on funny by a wee dog, who knows!) but my wrist is in a lot of pain. Yesterday I ended up having to ask Maxx for help to find my wrist brace ... when getting into my shower I needed help getting my bra off as it's a two-handed job to pull it over my head and I just couldn't do it! Wore the brace all last night and looks like I'll be wearing it again today. Hope I just slept on it funny!
And of course, show is back in the forecast, with a fairly substantial amount predicted for Wednesday, so who wants to bet that my wrist will still be sore on Wednesday and I won't be able to help shovel snow to get out of the driveway to work in the morning?
And of course, show is back in the forecast, with a fairly substantial amount predicted for Wednesday, so who wants to bet that my wrist will still be sore on Wednesday and I won't be able to help shovel snow to get out of the driveway to work in the morning?
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Snow!
While we were getting into the car this morning to take the dogs shopping at Pet Smart I was counting ...
One ...
Two ...
Three Four ...
Five ....
Six Seven Eight ...
Nine Ten
Eleven ....
By that time we were on the road, and the flakes were falling just fast enough that I lost count.
Not that we actually have any on the ground her in the south end of Nanaimo, but when we were up in the north end it seems they have almost a CENTIMETRE of snow on the ground!
As long as it falls on the yard and doesn't stick on the road, I'll love it if we get more. Weather Network is predicting 15-25 cm for Wednesday at this point, so we'll see.
One ...
Two ...
Three Four ...
Five ....
Six Seven Eight ...
Nine Ten
Eleven ....
By that time we were on the road, and the flakes were falling just fast enough that I lost count.
Not that we actually have any on the ground her in the south end of Nanaimo, but when we were up in the north end it seems they have almost a CENTIMETRE of snow on the ground!
As long as it falls on the yard and doesn't stick on the road, I'll love it if we get more. Weather Network is predicting 15-25 cm for Wednesday at this point, so we'll see.
Saturday, 14 January 2012
Whew
So yesterday morning, not long after starting work at 8am, I kept feeling off and on as though I were about to be sick ... to the point where when I was off at 1pm, I didn't actually drive away from work until almost 2pm, as I was scared to drive and throw up (apparently I'm now even more scared of that then of driving and sneezing, which pretty much terrifies me!).
I did manage to get home in time to rush to the bathroom, and ended up calling in sick for the second part of my shift.
Feeling good today, though, so I'm thinking that it likely wasn't a touch of the flu, but likely the poutine I had from Burger King as part of my dinner on Thursday night. No more poutine for me!
I did manage to get home in time to rush to the bathroom, and ended up calling in sick for the second part of my shift.
Feeling good today, though, so I'm thinking that it likely wasn't a touch of the flu, but likely the poutine I had from Burger King as part of my dinner on Thursday night. No more poutine for me!
Thursday, 12 January 2012
To Snow or Not to Snow?
Seems like that is the question for this weekend and next week. At first the weather network was predicting quite a bit of snow on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Then there was snow predicted for Sunday, too, and lower amounts in the week. Then there was snow predicted for Saturday, none for Sunday, and still snow predicted in the week. Then there was snow predicted to start Friday night, and to have quite large amounts until the following Thursday. Now it seems we don't have much snow in the forecast again.
Guess we'll just have to make sure we get up early enough each day that if we need to brush off the car and quickly shovel the driveway we have a chance to do so while not being late for work.
I do hope we get a decent amount on the weekend, I want to take pictures or video of the dogs playing in the snow!
Guess we'll just have to make sure we get up early enough each day that if we need to brush off the car and quickly shovel the driveway we have a chance to do so while not being late for work.
I do hope we get a decent amount on the weekend, I want to take pictures or video of the dogs playing in the snow!
Dog Licenses
So, we received our notices to renew Angel and Hobgoblin's licenses in December, due by Jan 31st, and I had the two notices safely tucked away on my desk on top of the printer, to be easy to find in the New Year when we could get in to the Animal Control place up the road to pay the bills.
Today, I suggested that since Maxx was going to be driving me back to work, that he stop in on his way back and deal with the licenses, and I would give him my bank card to be able to pay.
Of course, when I was looking for the license renewal notices this morning, I couldn't find them anywhere. Looked again at lunch ... nada. Still haven't found them. And when Maxx dropped me off, I forgot to give him my bank card, so he got out to the Animal Control office and couldn't even have them bring up the details so he could pay, since I'd failed!
Argh! Was hoping we could get this taken care of during the week and not use time on the weekend to clear it up. Oh, well ... what can you do?
Today, I suggested that since Maxx was going to be driving me back to work, that he stop in on his way back and deal with the licenses, and I would give him my bank card to be able to pay.
Of course, when I was looking for the license renewal notices this morning, I couldn't find them anywhere. Looked again at lunch ... nada. Still haven't found them. And when Maxx dropped me off, I forgot to give him my bank card, so he got out to the Animal Control office and couldn't even have them bring up the details so he could pay, since I'd failed!
Argh! Was hoping we could get this taken care of during the week and not use time on the weekend to clear it up. Oh, well ... what can you do?
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Potty Training
We ran around today to several different pet stores in town looking for a system which would allow us to potty train our cats (or try to), and didn't have any luck, although the folks at Bosley's did suggest that we'd likely have to order the products online. When we got home, we both went online to see who could find the information first ... it's funny that we both came up with the information about CitiKitty at the same time, but while Maxx's information told him that it was sold at a store in Woodgrove Centre, my information told me the pricing ... so we ran back out and collected it, and will be getting it set up.
We'll keep you posted on how the training goes. We're just sick of the litter box, and if we can get all the cats to start using the toilet, that would be so truly lovely!
We'll keep you posted on how the training goes. We're just sick of the litter box, and if we can get all the cats to start using the toilet, that would be so truly lovely!
Woot!
Called Ford, and the car is ready and can be picked up. Apparently it was finished on Saturday and they called us at 2:45pm, but I guess they called the house number instead of the cell, since we were out of town and didn't get the call, and don't have a waiting voicemail on the cell ... tend to forget to check the house phone as it doesn't have an indicator for voicemail, at least that we've been able to figure out how to turn on!
So, heading out shortly to swap the loaner car back in to Ford and get our car back. Feel so much more comfortable when driving our own car.
Actually, on Saturday when we took the ferry over to the Lower Mainland, as we were coming in to the Horseshoe Bay terminal, I thought the ferry was moving fairly quickly, and then there were these signal blasts from the ferry which sounded like a siren or alarm of some sort, not the usual ship's whistle. I imaging I had somewhat of a look of terror on my face when I turned to Maxx and asked "Is the ferry going to crash? Are we going to hit the dock? They didn't make us sign any papers for the car, but forget about it ... I'm saving my dogs!" If I were ever in that sort of accident, I'd likely get in trouble as my dogs are my canine children, and I WOULD NOT leave them behind, even if it meant I had to go in the very last lifeboat after all the other humans got off the boat.
So, heading out shortly to swap the loaner car back in to Ford and get our car back. Feel so much more comfortable when driving our own car.
Actually, on Saturday when we took the ferry over to the Lower Mainland, as we were coming in to the Horseshoe Bay terminal, I thought the ferry was moving fairly quickly, and then there were these signal blasts from the ferry which sounded like a siren or alarm of some sort, not the usual ship's whistle. I imaging I had somewhat of a look of terror on my face when I turned to Maxx and asked "Is the ferry going to crash? Are we going to hit the dock? They didn't make us sign any papers for the car, but forget about it ... I'm saving my dogs!" If I were ever in that sort of accident, I'd likely get in trouble as my dogs are my canine children, and I WOULD NOT leave them behind, even if it meant I had to go in the very last lifeboat after all the other humans got off the boat.
Back to Normal
I'm back to my normal schedule at work as of today, working my full 10-hour split shift and the regular four days a week with three-day weekends. I had a couple of extra-long weekends recently with the holidays and with my schedule change-over this weekend. It's so nice to know that even on a regular weekend there's the three days off! On Maxx's schedule for January, he's got Saturday and Sunday off with his ten hour shifts, but his third day off is on Wednesday. Which means that we do get two days off together, and each have one day off alone ... which leaves just three days during the week when the dogs are left alone.
I sometimes wonder if I should rent and set up some sort of motion activated video camera or sound activated recorder, to see what happens when we're not here. While we do gate the dogs away from the livingroom (unless we've somehow managed to forget), I really don't know how much they bark when they don't see people on the road in front of the house.
Monday, 9 January 2012
Come Again?
So, as we were driving from the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal into Vancouver on Saturday, it was a little grey out and a little rainy, and Maxx and I were chatting. I mentioned that I was glad he was driving as I don't like driving in the rain, especially if it's raining and night-time. Why, do you ask? I think my night-vision isn't very good. I was going to say to Maxx that it's even worse when it's wet out ... but what did I say instead?
...."I have really poor night vision, and it's even worse when it's dark out".
You think!?
...."I have really poor night vision, and it's even worse when it's dark out".
You think!?
Sunday, 8 January 2012
Birthday Present!
I found out yesterday when we were coming back into Nanaimo from the ferry (trip to Richmond), that while Maxx would regularly be scheduled to work on Monday, it happens to be his scheduled stat day off (for New Year's) ... so I have him off with me on my birthday! Yay!
By the way, check out this oh-so-cute puppy. I linked onto my Facebook but don't think I'd popped it here yet. He (or she) is just so sweet!
http://video.ca.msn.com/?mkt=en-ca@vid=081c6f3f-8af1-49f4-868c-bb9aa31b5e0a&from=sharepermalink-facebook@src-v5:share:permalink:uuids
By the way, check out this oh-so-cute puppy. I linked onto my Facebook but don't think I'd popped it here yet. He (or she) is just so sweet!
http://video.ca.msn.com/?mkt=en-ca@vid=081c6f3f-8af1-49f4-868c-bb9aa31b5e0a&from=sharepermalink-facebook@src-v5:share:permalink:uuids
Saturday, 7 January 2012
Quick Trip
Made a quick trip over to Richmond today, to deliver Yule gifts to our niece and nephew. Unfortunately, we didn't have anything for their Mum and Dad, or for my mother-in-law ... or the two dogs.
However, Noa really seemed taken with the large plush dog we got her from Pet Smart (I believe $5 from the purchase price goes towards helping out a homeless animal) and the book of random dog facts and trivia. John really seemed to get a kick out of the tub of Play-Doh we found, which has over twenty cans of Play-Doh in various colours, and a whole whack of bits and pieces to press and mold and cut and generally have a wildly creative time with the dough. Actually, much of the fun even seemed to come from dumping everything out of the cannister and then putting it back in, dumping it out again, and putting the can on his head. Isn't it grand when you give a child a toy which can be played with in so many ways!
The dogs weren't great. Bailey, the new pitt bull, is only about ten months old so she's just a puppy and very full of energy ... and of course much larger than Angel and Hobgoblin. Hobs really didn't want to play, I think mostly because she was so energetic right off the bat and didn't calmly introduce herself before starting to play ... also because she is big and has heavy feet which she used to paw at and step on him a couple of times. Xara is getting old so she was fairly mellow until later in the day when she'd just about had enough of the business and antics of Bailey. Then, John just loves the little dogs and we had to keep telling him not to get down on the floor onto their level to play with them, and he and Hobgoblin got into it a couple of times. John ended up with quite the bruise under his eye. Angel mostly hid either in my lap or tucked in behind my feet.
Angel was really antsy on the ferry, so I got her out of the car and we went for a bit of a wander around the car deck, and she stopped -- to pee, I thought. I waited and waited, and was looking at her, then said "Are you just sitting?" as she does tend to do a fairly deep squat to pee. So I tried to get her to move along ... and it turned out she was having this really long pee, which is SO unlike her. Which means she'd been holding it for quite some time, good little girl! I made a big fuss over her waiting for so long and then having such a big pee on the boat. Good girl! Funny thing is, as soon as we got to the ferry terminal just after eight, we did have the dogs out of the car on a little walk, especially as I needed to pee!
However, Noa really seemed taken with the large plush dog we got her from Pet Smart (I believe $5 from the purchase price goes towards helping out a homeless animal) and the book of random dog facts and trivia. John really seemed to get a kick out of the tub of Play-Doh we found, which has over twenty cans of Play-Doh in various colours, and a whole whack of bits and pieces to press and mold and cut and generally have a wildly creative time with the dough. Actually, much of the fun even seemed to come from dumping everything out of the cannister and then putting it back in, dumping it out again, and putting the can on his head. Isn't it grand when you give a child a toy which can be played with in so many ways!
The dogs weren't great. Bailey, the new pitt bull, is only about ten months old so she's just a puppy and very full of energy ... and of course much larger than Angel and Hobgoblin. Hobs really didn't want to play, I think mostly because she was so energetic right off the bat and didn't calmly introduce herself before starting to play ... also because she is big and has heavy feet which she used to paw at and step on him a couple of times. Xara is getting old so she was fairly mellow until later in the day when she'd just about had enough of the business and antics of Bailey. Then, John just loves the little dogs and we had to keep telling him not to get down on the floor onto their level to play with them, and he and Hobgoblin got into it a couple of times. John ended up with quite the bruise under his eye. Angel mostly hid either in my lap or tucked in behind my feet.
Angel was really antsy on the ferry, so I got her out of the car and we went for a bit of a wander around the car deck, and she stopped -- to pee, I thought. I waited and waited, and was looking at her, then said "Are you just sitting?" as she does tend to do a fairly deep squat to pee. So I tried to get her to move along ... and it turned out she was having this really long pee, which is SO unlike her. Which means she'd been holding it for quite some time, good little girl! I made a big fuss over her waiting for so long and then having such a big pee on the boat. Good girl! Funny thing is, as soon as we got to the ferry terminal just after eight, we did have the dogs out of the car on a little walk, especially as I needed to pee!
Friday, 6 January 2012
Happy ... and Sad ... Anniversary
Today is Maxx and my twelfth anniversary. We managed to get out to dinner tonight at Mrs Riches (and incidentally found out that the Food Network show which taped there last year is set to air on March 30th, apparently, "You Gotta Eat Here", so have to remember to mark that on my calendar to record).
....Oh, and have to remember to pull a couple of our crackers. They do have nice prizes in the ones we get from Superstore. If you wait until after Christmas and New Year's, and they still have any in stock and on sale, it's a great time to get them. We'll have to check next time we're there what's available (these ones are from last year).
But, tonight I fell asleep crying, realizing that today is also the third month anniversary of putting Merry to sleep.
I find it strange that while I still sometimes have dreams in which Shep or PV are still alive ... or have come back from the dead somehow ... since Merry passed any dreams in which he's played a part, he's been and remains dead. It makes me feel guilty, and cheated. Why can't I have him back sometimes, however briefly, even in my dreams?
....Oh, and have to remember to pull a couple of our crackers. They do have nice prizes in the ones we get from Superstore. If you wait until after Christmas and New Year's, and they still have any in stock and on sale, it's a great time to get them. We'll have to check next time we're there what's available (these ones are from last year).
But, tonight I fell asleep crying, realizing that today is also the third month anniversary of putting Merry to sleep.
I find it strange that while I still sometimes have dreams in which Shep or PV are still alive ... or have come back from the dead somehow ... since Merry passed any dreams in which he's played a part, he's been and remains dead. It makes me feel guilty, and cheated. Why can't I have him back sometimes, however briefly, even in my dreams?
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Love Trupanion!
So, my credit card was lost at the end of 2011, and as I just got my replacement card today I've been contacting companies doing the updates ... but Trupanion comes out on the first of the month and I'd already spoken with them indicating I'd update the number as soon as I received the new card.
Today, popped onto the website and updated the card for payments, then gave them a ring and spoke with a nice young lady (at least she sounded young), who was able to confirm she's set the payment to be sent through again tomorrow morning, and confirmed there are no additional charges for having the payment go bouncy-bouncy Jan 1st, as long as people do as I did and keep them in the loop. I mentioned that when things were better we'd be adding our other dog onto the account for his insurance, and she asked whether Angel was a standard or regular poodle, and when I mentioned she was a miniature poodle/maltese mix, she exclaimed that there should be a lower monthly rate available since she wasn't pure-bred and poodles were likely expensive. She noted that the "mixed breed" option actually shows at the top of the list of breeds when you are adding a pet to your insurance, so it sometimes gets mixed ... updated Angel to reflect she is a mix and brought my premiums down $6/month. How's that for service! I mentioned to her that once we were ready to add Hobgoblin, we'd be sure to call to make sure he got set up properly!
Today, popped onto the website and updated the card for payments, then gave them a ring and spoke with a nice young lady (at least she sounded young), who was able to confirm she's set the payment to be sent through again tomorrow morning, and confirmed there are no additional charges for having the payment go bouncy-bouncy Jan 1st, as long as people do as I did and keep them in the loop. I mentioned that when things were better we'd be adding our other dog onto the account for his insurance, and she asked whether Angel was a standard or regular poodle, and when I mentioned she was a miniature poodle/maltese mix, she exclaimed that there should be a lower monthly rate available since she wasn't pure-bred and poodles were likely expensive. She noted that the "mixed breed" option actually shows at the top of the list of breeds when you are adding a pet to your insurance, so it sometimes gets mixed ... updated Angel to reflect she is a mix and brought my premiums down $6/month. How's that for service! I mentioned to her that once we were ready to add Hobgoblin, we'd be sure to call to make sure he got set up properly!
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Strange Dream
So, not last night but the night before I had a weird dream, in two parts.
In the first part, Maxx and I had bought a new place. Strangely, it seemed to be a condo or townhouse, rather than a home on an acreage. It was brand-new, sparkling clean, and had lovely features. In the dream, as we were starting to move in, we were actually discovering features we'd missed at the time we'd viewed the place, such as the door in the kitchen which led into a stainless steel "cold storage" room, in which it would be perfect to set up a shelving system and store your root vegetables and other perishables which don't necessarily need to be taking up fridge space. I'm not sure why, but there was another door on the far side of this cold storage room which lead into one of the three bathrooms. Nicely appointed, this lovely green colour, which we thought would work so well with grey or tan towels.
There were sliding glass doors which lead out onto a patio and the grassy lawn ... off a decent sized living room.
About this time, I woke up for a time, doing the usual "oh, I hope this means we'll win the lottery and can afford to buy a new home!" mental wishing.
When I dropped back off to sleep, we'd finished moving in, and when we were in the livingroom, a cat wandered up to the sliding glass doors which at first glance almost fooled us into thinking it was Merry, although Merry had passed away even in my dream. This kitty came up to the doors and sat down on his haunches, then placed his paws gently on the doors, patting at them ... and Pippin wandered over and did the same thing from inside the house, so they were almost playing "patty cake" through the glass. Later, we were over at a friend's home (still in the dream) visiting, and even though they lived some distance away from our new home, this same cat made an appearance. As we were leaving, he approached us and then paused, didn't come when Maxx called to him, but when I squatted down, held out my arms and called "here kitty, kitty, kitty", he came running over, but on three legs, holding up his left front leg. When he came into my arms, we saw that there was blood on him, and his leg was hurt. There was no collar, and we couldn't check for a tattoo with the hurt cat cradled in my arms, so we were taking him home with us, so we could take him into the vet's first thing in the morning, letting them know he seemed to be a stray who had approached us. As we were walking, a man came towards us from the hospital in the distance, noticed the injured cat, and asked us if our cat was hurt. Maxx answered, "Actually, he's not our cat, although I have a feeling he's going to be". The man turned out to be an emergency worker, likely a paramedic, and he took a quick look at the cat and confirmed that he had a compound fracture in his leg. He straightened the leg and gently pushed the protruding sliver of bone (it wasn't protruding far and I wasn't sure if it was debris or a piece of tendon, or what, in the dream), told us to wrap it when we got home, and the vet should be able to take care of him. So, we came home, wrapped a clean sock around the cat's leg while making sure it was straight, then fastened it on with an empty toilet paper roll in which we cut a slot, since it would hold the sock on but would be easy to remove and wouldn't interfere with circulation. By that point, I'd decided that if the vet couldn't find the owner, his name was going to be Happy or Lucky ... even though we'd said we couldn't take another cat in because Jinx was FIV+.
So, how convoluted and strange is that?
In the first part, Maxx and I had bought a new place. Strangely, it seemed to be a condo or townhouse, rather than a home on an acreage. It was brand-new, sparkling clean, and had lovely features. In the dream, as we were starting to move in, we were actually discovering features we'd missed at the time we'd viewed the place, such as the door in the kitchen which led into a stainless steel "cold storage" room, in which it would be perfect to set up a shelving system and store your root vegetables and other perishables which don't necessarily need to be taking up fridge space. I'm not sure why, but there was another door on the far side of this cold storage room which lead into one of the three bathrooms. Nicely appointed, this lovely green colour, which we thought would work so well with grey or tan towels.
There were sliding glass doors which lead out onto a patio and the grassy lawn ... off a decent sized living room.
About this time, I woke up for a time, doing the usual "oh, I hope this means we'll win the lottery and can afford to buy a new home!" mental wishing.
When I dropped back off to sleep, we'd finished moving in, and when we were in the livingroom, a cat wandered up to the sliding glass doors which at first glance almost fooled us into thinking it was Merry, although Merry had passed away even in my dream. This kitty came up to the doors and sat down on his haunches, then placed his paws gently on the doors, patting at them ... and Pippin wandered over and did the same thing from inside the house, so they were almost playing "patty cake" through the glass. Later, we were over at a friend's home (still in the dream) visiting, and even though they lived some distance away from our new home, this same cat made an appearance. As we were leaving, he approached us and then paused, didn't come when Maxx called to him, but when I squatted down, held out my arms and called "here kitty, kitty, kitty", he came running over, but on three legs, holding up his left front leg. When he came into my arms, we saw that there was blood on him, and his leg was hurt. There was no collar, and we couldn't check for a tattoo with the hurt cat cradled in my arms, so we were taking him home with us, so we could take him into the vet's first thing in the morning, letting them know he seemed to be a stray who had approached us. As we were walking, a man came towards us from the hospital in the distance, noticed the injured cat, and asked us if our cat was hurt. Maxx answered, "Actually, he's not our cat, although I have a feeling he's going to be". The man turned out to be an emergency worker, likely a paramedic, and he took a quick look at the cat and confirmed that he had a compound fracture in his leg. He straightened the leg and gently pushed the protruding sliver of bone (it wasn't protruding far and I wasn't sure if it was debris or a piece of tendon, or what, in the dream), told us to wrap it when we got home, and the vet should be able to take care of him. So, we came home, wrapped a clean sock around the cat's leg while making sure it was straight, then fastened it on with an empty toilet paper roll in which we cut a slot, since it would hold the sock on but would be easy to remove and wouldn't interfere with circulation. By that point, I'd decided that if the vet couldn't find the owner, his name was going to be Happy or Lucky ... even though we'd said we couldn't take another cat in because Jinx was FIV+.
So, how convoluted and strange is that?
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Fair Weather Dogs
So, raining today. And when I say raining, I mean raining! Just glad that we aren't quite in the areas expected to receive 200 mm of rain by tomorrow evening.
But ... it's darned wet out.
So, Angel won't even poke her nose out the door, and while Hobgoblin will go out onto the back porch, he won't go down the stairs and into the yard to go potty ... and they had a long day today as we left at 7:30 am and didn't get back until about 7:15 pm. Hobs has been asking to go out, but changing his mind about how far he wants to go when he gets there!
And I can't really blame him. So, there's a potty pad at the back door and an extra one in the hall right now ... hopefully they use them since it's just too nasty for short little dogs to go outside right now (and soggy)!
But ... it's darned wet out.
So, Angel won't even poke her nose out the door, and while Hobgoblin will go out onto the back porch, he won't go down the stairs and into the yard to go potty ... and they had a long day today as we left at 7:30 am and didn't get back until about 7:15 pm. Hobs has been asking to go out, but changing his mind about how far he wants to go when he gets there!
And I can't really blame him. So, there's a potty pad at the back door and an extra one in the hall right now ... hopefully they use them since it's just too nasty for short little dogs to go outside right now (and soggy)!
Monday, 2 January 2012
Trupanion Pet Insurance
http://trupanion.tellapal.com/a/clk/4fMp1
If you have a pet (or pets) and aren't affluent enough to be able to rush to the vet and not worry about bills whenever they are sick or injured, check out the pet insurance company linked above. They offer just the one plan, 90% coverage (not everything's covered, such as the vet visit fee, regular vet stuff like shots and regular dental work, but accidents and illness (not pre-existing) are covered). You can choose what deductible you want for your plan (the lower the deductible, the higher the premium ... we went with no deductible for Angel as your pet invariably gets sick or hurt when the paycheque has run out), and check what the monthly premium will be for your pet.
It's worthwhile. When Angel hurt her eye last year, she ended up having five or six visits during a five week period ... and if I hadn't been able to get the procedures and medication covered at 90%, I wouldn't have been able to afford to get her eye all healed up as it is now. Plus, when the veterinarian's office faxed off the paperwork for me, I had my cheques received at the house exactly one week later, which is really really fast!
If you have a pet (or pets) and aren't affluent enough to be able to rush to the vet and not worry about bills whenever they are sick or injured, check out the pet insurance company linked above. They offer just the one plan, 90% coverage (not everything's covered, such as the vet visit fee, regular vet stuff like shots and regular dental work, but accidents and illness (not pre-existing) are covered). You can choose what deductible you want for your plan (the lower the deductible, the higher the premium ... we went with no deductible for Angel as your pet invariably gets sick or hurt when the paycheque has run out), and check what the monthly premium will be for your pet.
It's worthwhile. When Angel hurt her eye last year, she ended up having five or six visits during a five week period ... and if I hadn't been able to get the procedures and medication covered at 90%, I wouldn't have been able to afford to get her eye all healed up as it is now. Plus, when the veterinarian's office faxed off the paperwork for me, I had my cheques received at the house exactly one week later, which is really really fast!
Sunday, 1 January 2012
Neighborhood Fireworks
So, of course with last night being New Year's Eve, some folks in the neighborhood had to go and set off fireworks during the evening.
I don't usually mind the smaller firecrackers, nor do the dogs ... but someone had gotten some much larger than usual fireworks which were going off with quite the "BOOM", and Angel got startled and scared. Hobgoblin, it seemed, was a little weirded-out, but he didn't seem scared the same way Angel was. She came over and was trying to hide behind my legs, and was shivering.
So, I picked her up and was talking to her, noticed that she had some mats on her chest, and got out the grooming supplies to give her a thorough grooming. At that point, she stopped noticing the fireworks (not that there were many more going off, but there were a few).
Cure for a dog scared of fireworks? I'll have to check with Holly and Noni to see how Xara and Bailey did last night ... and if Bailey likes being groomed or not (Xara's somewhat fond of being groomed). If she's not a fan, I'll suggest they try that the next time there's fireworks being set off.
I don't usually mind the smaller firecrackers, nor do the dogs ... but someone had gotten some much larger than usual fireworks which were going off with quite the "BOOM", and Angel got startled and scared. Hobgoblin, it seemed, was a little weirded-out, but he didn't seem scared the same way Angel was. She came over and was trying to hide behind my legs, and was shivering.
So, I picked her up and was talking to her, noticed that she had some mats on her chest, and got out the grooming supplies to give her a thorough grooming. At that point, she stopped noticing the fireworks (not that there were many more going off, but there were a few).
Cure for a dog scared of fireworks? I'll have to check with Holly and Noni to see how Xara and Bailey did last night ... and if Bailey likes being groomed or not (Xara's somewhat fond of being groomed). If she's not a fan, I'll suggest they try that the next time there's fireworks being set off.
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