Updates

It looks like summer has finally hit us really fast. Seems to always just sneak up on us here in the desert. The temperature soars from a nice 90 degrees, to a scorching hot 115, almost over night. Now only to get hotter over the next 2 months. We spend most days indoors, except in the late evenings and early mornings. It has wanted to rain the last few weeks, but we have gotten nothing. Not one drop. Normally I hate the rain, but we can really use some, just to cool down the ground for all the ferals that are trying to stay cool the best they can.

I have been a little under the weather lately, okay, I admit, not just lately, as many of you that have read my blog for awhile know I had been ill since last December. I thought finally I was getting better after seeing the doctor. Either I had a relapse, or I never really got better. Regardless, I had to revisit the doctor a couple weeks ago and have been on new antibiotics for the past two weeks. Oh my, I wasn't feeling good before the antibiotics, but these have had the worst side effects, and I have been miserable for the past couple weeks. Good news, today is my last day taking them. Bad news, I was told if I am not better I need to see a specialist, more tests. I'm not better. *sigh* I am so very tired, and just want to sleep, that is just not like me. I have been staying away from my computer trying to be more physically active trying to fight the lethargy I feel. I keep telling myself "I will get better, I will get better." And.....I know I will.

On to other news, Jeni is doing much better with her fear of hubby's cell phone. She still is not totally comfortable with it, but we are working with her and she is improving. She still wants to seek me out and climb on my back or in my lap, but not quite as panicky as she was.

Hubby attended our minor league baseball game here on Friday and Saturday evening. His company was a sponsor, and all the employees got to enjoy the game from the VIP Box. Hubby was also chosen to throw the first pitch of the game. the funny thing is, hubby and I are not really in to any sports, (well, except Nascar) and I asked him if he thought he should practice, afterall, the only ball throwing he has done over the years, is a tennis ball for the dogs, hahahahaha! I am pleased to say, with no practice, in front of thousands of spectators, he did very well, and he was honored to be chosen. He makes me Proud.

A New Toy

We bought this new scratcher last weekend. I must admit, no money is ever wasted when it comes to the cats. No matter what I buy for them, from the smallest cheapest toy, to the largest most expensive tree, they all get used and played with. They are so easy to please.

Lacee just loves to play in the tunnel part. Good news to report with Lacee, finally for the past three days, she has not gotten into any trouble climbing the walls or the door while being left alone. She has earned the privilege to wander about with the other cats now without my direct supervision. Hopefully we continue on this good streak.
Mac is always found laying or standing on the scratcher. In fact sometimes he becomes just a little bossy when the other cats want to play on it too. Here he got distracted with Oscar's tail.

I am such a bad mom, I just had to take this picture before I rescued Oscar's tail, Mac had no intentions on letting go.

LG is often found with just his head in the tunnel, trying to spy on Lacee from the opposite end.

Then he goes in for the quick sneak attack on the unsuspecting Lacee.

Don't feel sorry for her though, she is a tough little girl, and she is normally the one to pounce on another unsuspecting victim.

Ice Skating

Here is the most recent video of my niece ice skating.
This is the Extemporaneous Improvisation Pre-Preliminary at Showcase 2009. She is 8 years old. The music for Extemp Improvisation is not revealed to the skaters until half an hour prior to competing. The skaters must then choreograph their own routine without assistance from anyone, including their coach.

She makes us so very proud.


If you want to view her other video's you can see them here.

Who's Missing

Ha, she looks kind of snobbish in this photo. Lacee wanted nothing to do with participating in a group photo session. She had her own agenda, as soon as I grabbed my camera, she grabbed the little brown mouse and jumped into the hammock out of view.

Jeni, and Random Thoughts

I seem to have less and less time to just sit at the computer and post on my blog lately. Many people have been asking me why I don't post more frequently. So for those wonderful, well meaning friends out there, that do not understand, I will explain.

I run a licensed daycare/preschool out of my home. I normally will get on my computer, if the children are sleeping, or have not arrived yet or have gone home for the day. Although business is slow these days, I do still have children to care for, and deal with random inspections from our Licensing office, Fire Department, and Health Department.

Dogs, cats, everywhere. Four dogs, (still having a hard time getting use to only having four now) and twelve cats, yikes! Yes, Seven cats inside, and the five ferals outside (often times, more). Plus normal trapping and rescue work. They all take quite a bit of my time. Between bathing, brushing, exercising, feeding, and cleaning up after all of them, oh and lets not forget just the cuddle and play time. I don't have much time left at the end of the day. Yes, I still have the normal household chores, and being a good wife. ( I do try, thank goodness hubby is a patient man).

Besides just my normal daily routines, we have had a few changes going on here in my house. My dogs are all requiring some extra attention right now. Between all of Jarie's health issues, which is a constant battle, Jessi's wild and energetic nature that keeps me moving, and reminding me that we have to forget our troubles and just take a few minutes each day to let our minds relax and get out and play. Then there is Bandit, oh boy, I think I will wait and share what I have to say about him in a special post.

Jeni, she is the reason I am posting today. She is having a very difficult time. For the past couple months she has been very stressed. Her stress escalated after we lost Jake. Jeni has always been very sound sensitive, and very in tune with our moods. She has always been my shadow and follows my every step.

She has become afraid of my hubby's cell phone. This all started when he received a phone call in the middle of the night from the alarm company for his work. As you can imagine being awakened from a sound sleep for the third night in a row, and have to get up and drive a half hour to your work place, you are not going to be very happy. His tone scared Jeni, and now she associates anytime he is on his cell phone, with his stress.

Now you all may be thinking this is an easy fix, just change the ring tone. Not quite that easy, the phone doesn't have to ring to stress Jeni, all hubby has to do is touch it. This has gotten to the point that Jeni almost broke her legs trying to get to me when he answered his phone. She was lying in his lap when he picked up his phone and Jeni leaped out of his lap and came running into the kitchen to find me, then she jumped up onto the kitchen counter. She couldn't hold on, and fell to the floor. Fortunately just a temporary limp that only lasted a few minutes.

So, lots of little issues we are now working on in my crazy house. Jeni loves hubby, and enjoys spending every moment she can with him when he is home, so we are working on this and will get her through it, lots of counter conditioning. No matter how well trained you think your dog is, training never stops.

For the past two weeks, all of us here only manage about four hours of sleep, so I think it is easy to say we are all tired and a bit stressed. I have neglected some good friends and very important people in my life this past month, not intentionally, my family is just needing a lot of my time right now.

She looks so tired here.

If you can, please keep some positive thoughts for Jeni, she can really use them.
I will try and catch up on everyone's blogs this weekend.

Tomorrow Is Not A Guarantee

When we get a pet, we always hope they live a long, healthy, fun and safe life with us. Then when old age sets in and the time has come, we will say our heartfelt goodbyes as they leave us with the last breath they take. Our last embrace. It doesn't always happen like that though. We are all on borrowed time. We can lose a pet or a loved one in the prime of their lives from an accident or sudden illness.

If you knew it would be the last time your pet nudges you for some attention, a belly rub, a pat on the head, a toss of a ball, would you still not be in the mood because you have more important things to do, or would you take that time to make more memories? If you knew it would be the last time you wake up to a pair of soulful eyes staring at you, or a soft purr or a quiet bark, would you start your day rather irritated at the animals who meant the world to you; because they chewed or damaged something of importance? Or would you be thankful, they are here and healthy, and alive?

Tomorrow you may be saying goodbye to them. With the finality of never having the chance of saying, "I'm sorry", "I love you", or "goodbye" again. If you knew it would be the last time your pet would be welcoming you home at the door, would you still get angry when she runs off in some area of your yard trying to entice you to play a game of chase? Would you still ignore her, or scold her for not coming when called; because you are tired and had a hard day at work today? Or would you take that few minutes to return the favor, and show her how happy you are to see her too?

If you knew it would be the last time you see your children fall asleep, would you tuck them in more tightly, and read that story to them one more time, the same one they now have memorized word from word? If you knew it would be the last time you will see your loved one walk out the door, would you give him an extra hug and kiss and tell him how much you care? If you knew it would be the last time you would talk with your loved one, would you stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming they already know? If you knew it would be the last time that you would sit and talk about your day, would you take the time to share and listen, and not put off until tomorrow, things that need to be said or done today?

You may not get tomorrow, you may not get that second chance. Take time to say "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me," "Thank you," "I love you" or "It's okay.

Love and cherish your Friends, Family, and Pets as if today will be your last day together. Sadly, sometimes it takes a tragedy to occur before people realize what they had and to appreciate what they have before they are taken from you.

Tomorrow is not a guarantee, live for today.

Lazy Summer Days

Mikah and Buttons

Summer is here and the outside feral cats are feeling the heat. I tend to worry more about them during the summer months, as it is so difficult for them to try and stay cool in the desert heat.

Prudence and Mikah

I try to keep the ground wet to keep it cool for the cats. I also go through quite a bit of ice during the summer to keep their water bowls cool. I have a feeling it is going to be a long summer.

They look content though, don't they.

Prudence

Buttons

Their favorite place to sleep is underneath the patio swing right outside my back door. I think it is the coolest spot for them. Many times all four would be cuddled together under there.

Cloud

The Karl

The Karl sure is handsome. I still can not get that close to him. He will leave the yard if I go outside, or he will jump on a wall and watch me. I am now a little concerned, but not sure if I need to be. The last couple of days, I was thinking he looked skinnier, so I have tried to get a better look, hard to do with him without zooming in with the camera.

I noticed yesterday his fur on his right side is missing. A huge patch, almost like he was shaved just on the side. I don't see any indication that there is a problem, perhaps he rubbed the hair off somehow. I haven't been able to see his other side yet, so I will try and do that today. He is eating good and hanging out more in the shelter and in the yard, so if I determine I need a better look I may have to trap him again.

Never a dull moment.