Sunday, August 31, 2008

Pin Cushion

My pin cushion is in the shape of a mouse. For some reason Calumet is mesmerized by this thing and was constantly trying to steal it. Not good, because it has pins in it. OK, 2 needles, but still, you see the danger. I kept it on top of my Nana's bookcase, which is about 4 feet high. Periodically, I'd come downstairs to find the pin cushion on the floor. Hmmm. Then I saw it-she did a straight jump to the top of the bookcase, covered in stuff, looking for the mouse. So, I put in on top of the fridge. When I told my mom, she said, "Poor Callie, give her the mouse". So I did, after taking the needles out. Callie is overjoyed and I find the pin cushion all over the house. Yes, Callie prefers a pin cushion to all of the cat toys!

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Fun Day

My doctor told me that this weekend was supposed to be beautiful so to go out and enjoy it. I took his advice and had a very fun day today. After a stop at the post office I took a LONG drive out to a winery that I'd never been to before-Marjim Manor. As I was driving along in the middle of nowhere I saw these little signs along the road-Bakery Ahead-Cookies-Breads. I was going to stop, but before I knew it-I passed it as I saw signs in the opposite direction. Oh well, I'd stop on the way back. Eventually, a few counties later, I found The Winery at Marjim Manor. Neat place-and good wine. They have tons of varieties, some of which I sampled at Dozynki-I tried 6 others today. Some I didn't care for-but others I really enjoyed. I especially like the Starlight and 50 Windows. The really neat thing is the history of the place. You see, the manor is haunted. In fact, they're going to be on Ghost Hunters sometime soon (I have to find out when). I did hear footsteps when I was there, but that may have been an employee going upstairs. I didn't feel the cold spot or see anybody, anybody that was dead anyway. The young woman I spoke with told me they're trying to get the boss to write a book on the subject as she's collected lots of information. It's quite interesting. After buying some wine and gifts and petting one of the cats I left to return home.

Soon enough I saw those little bakery signs and pulled into a gravel driveway. Hmmm. All I could see at first was a greenhouse, no cars, but behind the greenhouse was a building with a sign saying "Open" so in I went. I saw tons of breads and pies, and pillows-yup-it was an Amish bakery. I was in luck, they had such wonderful things. Since I was going to my folks tomorrow, I got stuff for all of us. I got a small raspberry pie, pineapple tart, raspberry chocolate chip cookies, dill pickle and cheddar bread and sweet pepper, onion and cheddar bread. Since it was Saturday they also had home churned ice cream-so I had a bowl of vanilla. Delicious!

I continued the ride home and stopped at Ridge Road Station. I had heard of it, but had never been. It's a huge train, toy, candy, candle, collectible, Christmas store. This place was gigantic. I almost got lost in it! They also have the coolest train room. The train runs on 3,300 feet of track on 4 landscaped levels. Makes me want to have a train! I got some Christmas gifts and then continued on my journey.

My next stop was Hurd Orchards. A beautiful little place, but very pricey. This is not your Mom and Pop Fruit stand (of which there are tons in this area), but an elegant Victorian type place. I did splurge on some Early Summer Fruit Preserves (raspberry, strawberry, currant and cherry). I drove some more and then decided I didn't feel like cooking dinner. Instead of fast food I went to a good restaurant I hadn't been to in quite a while. There menu had changed quite a bit-but everything was still very good. I had the Chicken French and was only able to eat half-so a big doggie bag for me (sorry Barrett).

I stopped to fill up the car with gas then finally made it home. A very long, but very fun day. Now I'm doing laundry and relaxing before my Britcoms come on. Then I'll enjoy some wine and Amish bread. Yumm.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Photo Phriday - Tiger

This Amur Tiger is almost looks as if he's in someone's back yard. He's not. After going to the doctor this morning I went to the zoo. My favorite animals there, the Arctic Wolves, were sleeping and the otters, as usual were nowhere to be seen. My favorite zoo animals are wolves, otters, sea lions, giraffes and bears. What about you?

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Movies

There are some movies that I can watch over and over and over again and still enjoy them. These aren't even my favorite movies. They generally don't make me think too much, yet keep me entertained. I don't know what it is about them, but they are always a pleasant diversion. So what are these continually enjoyable films? In no particular order,they are: My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Birdcage, Twister, Dante's Peak, and A Christmas Story. I could watch each one and see it again the very next night. Heck, it could end and I could watch it over again right then! There are a few others I enjoy repeatedly, but these are the main ones. Do you have similar movies? What are they?

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Fundraiser

I like to donate to charities when I can. I'm an annual supporter of Defenders of Wildlife, The Humane Society and a member of my local zoo. I also periodically send funds to other animal and environmental groups. I send in my check and that's about it. When I lived in Texas I volunteered at the local Humane Society shelter, but time and distance have prevented me from doing that here. That being said, I decided to join a fundraiser for the local humane society in a more physical way. I'm a participant in Barktoberfest. No, I'm not doing the race, but I will be doing the walk. I hate asking people for money-but I'll ask for the animals. If you can spare a few dollars, please consider sponsoring me. The neat thing is that they set up a website for me-so you can be far away and send money safely online. It's tax deductible and a truly worthy cause. So, check it out, and if you can, please consider making a donation! Just go to http://www.lollypop.org/Katreader Thanks so much!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Sharing the Shower

It was a beautiful day today. It was sunny with temperatures in the low seventies. The humidity was a bit higher than yesterday and I worked up a sweat during my riding lesson. However, I work up a sweat when the temperature is in the teens, so... At any rate, we had our lesson outside, it was a gorgeous day, and Harley was great. Afterward I gave him, and me, a shower. The hose in the shower stall has an adjustable head-so you can spray from a jet stream to a gentle mist. I used the shower setting for Harley and he enjoyed it. Then I stepped to the side and changed the setting to mist. I then put the hose on me. Harley saw this and sidled closer, putting his head next to mine under the mist. I wish we had a picture-he was so cute!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Gypped

Since Seneca was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism she has to take 2 pills a day. She won't just take the pills, but she's a greedy guts, so I hide the pill in food and she gobbles it down so fast she never realizes there's a pill inside. Usually I use canned cat food, the ground stuff. I just take out a smidge, put a pill in, cover it with the ground food and give it to her. It's a habit now-a habit which Calumet has noticed. Callie isn't big on treats and snacks and when Barrett and Seneca start crowding her, she'll just walk away. However, when it's pill time she's gotten in the habit of jumping onto the sink (out of Seneca's way) to get something special. I'll give her some cat food as I give Seneca the pill cat food. Callie enjoys this treat. I received some Greenies pill pockets in the mail as a free sample-so I thought I'd give that a try. Seneca came and so did Callie. I wasn't going to open a can of food-so I got a plain treat for Callie and gave her that as I gave Seneca the pill pocket. Seneca loved the pocket-but Calumet was not pleased. She licked the treat, but didn't eat it. The look she gave me, "I was gypped!"

Sunday, August 24, 2008

The Betrayal

I just finished reading a very good book, The Betrayal : The Lost Life of Jesus, A Novel. It's by Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear. I love their stuff. They are archaeologists and bring that knowledge to their novels. This book tells 2 stories, the last days of Jesus and the story of monks who try to save the books describing the historical facts from The Church in 325 CE. The only part I didn't like was getting caught up in the story, then having to pause, find and read the end note, then continue the story. A lot of people will probably be aghast at the things told in this book, calling it heresy and lies. But the historical truth is quite different from what the bible says. I say keep an open mind and your own faith and see what you discover. I've always been interested in archeology and even subscribed a bit to Biblical Archeology Review magazine. I find it fascinating.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Dozynki

Today I went to Dozynki at Corpus Christi Church in Buffalo with my folks. Dozynki is a Polish Harvest Festival. I've been to a couple, this one wasn't so hot, although the weather was hot and we did have fun. The music was great (live Polka band, of course) and they had Polish beer (also great, although expensive), but the food wasn't good (surprising) and there were only 3 vendors-of those one only had fresh produce and one was a winery (yum, samples and good wine). I did get a t-shirt though. We met up with my dad's cousins and they made things fun too. The really depressing thing was the neighborhood. At one time it was a nice Polish neighborhood with well kept homes, close to The Terminal. Now it's more like a ghetto with abandoned, boarded up buildings, graffiti and squalor close to the abandoned terminal. Not a place you want to walk around, even in broad daylight. Sad, really.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Photo Phriday - Phountain

I love funerary art and old cemeteries. I also love fountains. What could be better than a fountain in a Victorian Cemetery? This is a cast iron Florentine fountain that was installed in Mount Hope Cemetery in 1875. Still looks pretty good!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Cars

I am so dependant on my vehicle. A lot of people have 2 cars in their family, but I only have one and if it doesn't go, I don't go. I had a plan today. I was going to the post office, then go grocery shopping, then home to put the groceries away, and off to ride Harley. That was the plan anyway. I got in my car and it did it again-took my foot off the gas and it died. I got it down the street and it started acting OK again, but I went to my mechanic's anyway. He checked it out-and it started dying on him! His first thought was that it was possessed. I almost wish that was the case, I think the price of the exorcism would have been less than that of the garage. Turns out the alternator was working only intermittently-so that needed to be replaced as well as the battery. It took awhile for the new alternator to be delivered so I had a long wait. They fixed it all up and hopefully all will be well for a long while! I was able to get to the post office and grocery store-but it was too late to visit Harley. Barrett and I went for a short walk instead then we had dinner. Another day with not as much accomplished as I wished.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Talking

Sometimes it's good to talk with someone. I went to talk with someone today. We talked from 2 PM to 5:45 PM and it seemed like it was no time at all. It's good to talk with someone who's gone through what you have. It's even better when they love animals. It's better yet when they have horses!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Frustrating

The past two mornings have been quite frustrating. I've been waiting on phone calls and not able to do much. I'm unable to make plans as I need to be available. I wish I could get ahold of people I need to when I want and then be able to plan what I need to do. Why do things have to be so complicated?

Monday, August 18, 2008

Nothin'

I don't want to do anything. I was on the phone all morning, I've been up a long time and haven't done anything. I don't want to do anything. I need to do the dishes, don't wanna. I need to make a grocery list and go shopping, don't wanna. I need to get more grub killer and treat the lawn, it's too windy and I don't wanna. I need to make some cards...don't feel like it. All this time and all I've done is pull a few weeds, can't find my clippers to deadhead some flowers. I'm too lazy to even take a nap. Sucks.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Key Quest

Neopets has come out with a new game-Key Quest. It's an online board game you play with others. It's pretty neat-you go around the board trying to get keys. There are mini games involved too. It's still testing in beta and there are several bugs. Currently I can't get the game connected, so I can't play. It's frustrating because when you do finish a game you get virtual prizes and the neopoints you won in the game. I won some neat backgrounds and books. I'm going to clean rat cages, then I'll try to connect again.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Kid at Heart

I am such a kid. I was watching TV and saw a commercial for Moon Sand. It looks so cool. I'd like to play with that! It's expensive though. Sure they double the quantity of some of the stuff (not the purple glitter sand, of course, the best one)-but it's still $30 plus $9 shipping plus tax! That's a lot. So...no Moon Sand for me.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Photo Phriday - Jack the Ripper?

Could this be the grave of Jack the Ripper? It's possible. This is the grave of Dr. Francis Tumuelty, one of many men suspected of being Jack the Ripper. Dr. Tumuelty, also spelled Tumblety along with some other variations, was in London at the time of the murders after leaving town after town in the US in a cloud of suspicious deaths and medical quackery. He was a misogynist of the highest order was known by the London constabulary after being arrested a few times for homosexual activity. He fit the profile of the Ripper and was actually arrested on suspicion of being the killer. His trial was postponed and he fled the country. Once back in the US Tumuelty disappeared for a while. Although he died in St. Louis in 1903, his body was returned to Rochester, NY where he was buried with family members in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Unbelievable

I was leaving for work yesterday, got in the car, started it...and it died. Started it...and it died. Every time I took my foot off the gas it died. I managed to get it to my mechanic, who, thankfully, is right around the block. Literally. I called work. "I know you won't believe this, but..." I said I'd try to get in as soon as I could. So, 3 mechanics started working on my car-the car then refused to communicate with their computer. My mechanic said, "your car doesn't want to go back to work, it has post traumatic stress disorder". He thought it could be a certain sensor, so he called and they delivered the part...the very expensive part. However, the car still wouldn't go. So they took that out, put the old one back and called for a different kind of sensor. Guy delivered it, they put it in...still my car refused. "Bad news...we need to run more diagnostics, can't finish tonight." So home I went. I called work back, but expressed my worry that since I called less than an hour before my shift started I'd get a lost day-meaning no pay. Plus I felt bad as a friend from work volunteered to stay til I got there, since she thought I would just be a bit late. If I didn't make it in she'd have to stay until 11:30! So...they ran short staffed downstairs while she picked me up and then another co-worker volunteered to take me home. So that's what happened. I got there about 5:45 PM (instead of 3:15) and it wasn't too horrible. But most people said I should have stayed out longer. I agree, but my doctor didn't. Sigh.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Back to Work

Today I have to go back to work. I really don't want to go. Oh well, no choice in the matter. Hopefully all will be well there. Poor Barrett will have to get used to me being gone again. He loves having me at home with him. Oh to be independently wealthy.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Gas Prices

I just don't get it. Gas prices are ridiculous, in more ways than one. For one, it amazes me how quickly the prices rise-when the gas in the tanks is exactly the same. They didn't buy new gas at a higher price and put it in, it's the same lower price gas. Then there's the discrepancy in prices depending on location. I know gas prices are higher in some states due to taxes. But how can they explain the discrepancy between cities? Even nearby cities. Major cities an hour and a half both east and west are less expensive than here. However, what really amazes me is the difference in prices right here. Near me gas ranges in price from $3.91 (it was $3.92 when I left the house, a penny less when I returned) to $4.05. Yet, I went to the doctor and near there gas was $3.73! That's not just pennies! That's a major difference. How can they explain that?!? And why can't the lower prices be located closer to me?!?

Monday, August 11, 2008

Olympics

Are you watching the Olympics? I am. Bits and pieces, of course. They rarely show anything of my favorite event-the Equestrian. I was lucky and caught a few minutes of the cross country this evening. What a brutal run! It's an interesting thing about the Olympic Games-I enthralled and watch sports in which I have absolutely no interest, but something about being part of the Olympics makes me want to watch. Well, I'm off to catch more of the games-synchronised diving is on now.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Stat Counter

I finally added a stat counter to my blog. I'd been meaning to do so for some time, but just never got around to it. I think it's so interesting to see who's reading what I write! I don't really advertise this blog, so I don't think many people read it. I know I have 4 dedicated readers-my friend Vinnie from NYC/NJ (check out his great blog), 2 friends from Texas (one who just started a blog), and a great rat breeder from Ohio. Other than that I have friends who may check out the site from time to time from all over the US. I also discovered 2 people that I didn't know personally had discovered my blog, a woman from Canada who commented on a blog and a man from England who found me through Fanpop. They still may be reading. It wouldn't surprise me to see some international spots-I have a friend in England and another in Japan. I wouldn't even be that surprised to see someone from Poland, as I have talked with some Poles on Fanpop and I have relatives there. Imagine my surprise when I checked and saw that yesterday 21 people had visited my blog! That may not sound like a lot-but to me it is. Then I clicked on the map to see where these people came from. That's when I was stunned.

I have people from all over the world checking out my little blog! Yes, I have people from Canada, England, and Poland reading, but I also have people from France, Belgium, Brazil, and Argentina! I also have people reading from US states where I don't know anyone personally-Georgia and Indiana as well as California, New York, Texas, and Ohio. Now, I know that some of these people just stumbled upon me and didn't read anything. Fifteen visits lasted less than 5 seconds. I don't think anyone reads that fast. Perhaps they just used the "next blog" feature on blogger, glanced and left. At any rate, for those that did find me and enjoy what I write-I hope you keep coming back .

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Rose Garden

I freely admit it, the rose is NOT my favorite flower, nor is it my favorite scent, even though it is the flower of my month. However, when I moved into this house I wanted a rose garden. I picked the perfect spot-right behind the garage. I had the area prepared earlier this year (rototilling, preen, mulch) and my parents bought me a trellis. This week they bought me a present, my first rosebush for the rose garden-Climbing New Blaze. The house came with 2 rosebushes, but this is the first one I've planted. Hopefully I did it right! I also planted a bee balm plant that my friend gave me from her garden. My rose garden may not look like much now-but wait and see what it'll grow into!



Friday, August 8, 2008

Photo Phriday - Pharm


I saw this pastoral scene on my way to a local garden center. What did you see today?

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Clean Bill of Health

Finally, good news from the vet. Calumet went in for her annual checkup today and came out with a clean bill of health. She was supposed to go with Barrett when he got his stitches out, but I made a tactical error. I made eye contact just before I went to get the cat carrier from the basement. She then found the nearest time portal and vanished. Couldn't find her anywhere. The other two cats remained out in the open, just Callie had vanished. So, I just took Barrett, I asked the vet if I could bring Callie if she was out in the open when I got home. He said, "sure". However, she remained in hiding...until I was leaving for work. Talk about timing. I kept the cat carrier in the living room and lulled her into complacency. I was easily able to grab her this morning. At any rate, it's a relief to find her healthy!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Stitches

Barrett got his stitches out and I got some put in! I was working last evening when a patient got mad and decided to punch me in the face. Unfortunately, he got 2 punches in before I could stop him. Fortunately he hit me well, not damaging my glasses and the laceration just under my lip was perfectly straight. The doctor came and saw me, she said, "you don't want me to do your stitches" so off I went to the emergency room. I checked in at 8:12 PM, saw a triage nurse at about 9PM, actually got seen at 11:15PM and was discharged at 12:30AM. What a night. I'm off work at least until the stitches are out. I said I could use a few days off, but this wasn't exactly what I meant!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Tumor

I took Barrett to the vet this morning. The good news is that his stitches are out, the e-collar is off, and the lump on his leg was benign. The bad news is that the other lump was malignant. It was a stage 2 mass, which is what 80% of these are classified as. Unfortunately, there's a huge range in there for severity. A good sign is that the site is healing great-if the tumor was really bad it would heal with difficulty. So...there's really nothing to do. The tumor is out. I just have to check him regularly to see if more develop.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Mandated

I was stuck at work again. Fortunately, I didn't have to stay the entire shift-but still I was there til 4AM. I had to cancel my riding lesson. It's so annoying. I'll like the money from the overtime when I get it, but I have so much to do...and I hate canceling my lesson, why can't I just work my regular hours and go home?!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Space Bags

I've seen the commercials on TV and even seen them in the stores, but I don't know anyone that has actually tried them. Have you tried Space Bags? You know, those plastic bags that you put your clothes and blankets and other out of season fabrics in, then vacuum the air out. Have you tried them? Is it a good deal? Should I try them? In addition to off season clothes I could put the dress up clothes I never wear, the clothes that don't quite fit...but might sooner or later, the fleece for rat hammocks. What do you think?

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Dangerous

Gardening is dangerous. You have poisons, power tools, predators, and pricklers. I'm currently limping and have a scratch on my face. My dad has been working on a small lamp for the front garden. He had me put it in the ground. I wanted to get it in deep so I was putting most of my weight on it when the top part came unscrewed and I fell backward, knee gashed on the rocks, hat off in the rue, shoulder bruised, and who knows how, but my face got scratched too. I was in pain. My dad was laughing, but I was in no way amused. This was not a funny fall, it was a painful one. And I still hurt. And the light doesn't work.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Photo Phriday - Happy Birthday Ohio Brothers!


The Ohio Brothers turned 2 years old today. That's Palin in the hammock and Gilliam with the croissants! Sadly their brothers Flurry and Slipper died this year, but we'll celebrate life tonight. Happy Birthday boys!