Neurosurgeon

I went to see the neurosurgeon this morning. After looking at my MRI again and since I'm still in pain he left the examining room and returned with another doctor. This doctor is an injection specialist. "Can you do it?" "Oh yes." My herniation is huge and in a very weird spot, but the doc says he'll have no problem getting to it. My new doc also said I had a very nice spine-aside from the huge bulge. The neurosurgeon is transferring me to this guy and I'll begin a series of spinal injections. The neurosurgeon said, "you're a nice lady, but, I hope I never see you again". My new doc was going to start the series on Tuesday, but when the scheduling person found out I was on workman's comp.....now I have to wait for approval, "which could take 30 days". All rightie then. Meanwhile, I'm off work through June 15th.

A Day of Gardening

Today was a beautiful day. My parents came up and we worked outside. Dad mowed the lawn for the first time of the season-he loves my riding mower! Mom did some weedwacking and raking. After picking up Barrett's leavings, I transplanted a daylily that was being overcome by my flowering quince. I also planted my Easter hyacinths under one of the Ironwood trees and I planted the zucchini and Big Max pumpkin from the herb and wine tour. I had prepared a little plot near the holly where I was going to transfer my hydrangea (it doesn't seem to like my front yard and the other variety loves the back, so I thought I'd put them near each other) but I decided to plant these guys there instead. I still need to plant the dill, jalapeno, purple pepper, onion, and potato.

Raining

The day started beautifully. It was sunny and warm-but I saw dark clouds heading this way. Sure enough-they arrived and it's now much cooler and raining. I played with Harley and now it's time to do some stuff around here.

A Summery Day

What a summery day. Not spring, summer. It's in the mid 80's! It is so windy out-I wish I had a windmill, I could harness my own power. As it is, I have my laundry hanging outside on the line. I love being able to do that! The wind is blowing so hard that my fitted sheets were torn from the line-clothespins still attached-three times! I now have them secured with 4 pins. I'm also scrubbing out my windowbox in preparation for my new herbs. I love being able to work around the house. Barrett went to the vet today. Finally, he's looking good. I just have to put Neosporin on the wound site to keep it soft. Otherwise it may get itchy and he could scratch and...I don't even want to think about it!

The Road Less Traveled

Today was the last day my friends from Ohio were in town. We went to Arbor Hill Grapery, a great winery with lots of super wine and food made at their site. Then we went down into Naples. We wanted to go to Widmer Winery, but they were closed. We went to my favorite market there, Wayside Market, and I stocked up on lots of great deals in veggies and baked goods. My friends asked about Widmer and discovered that they had been bought out. The town is still in an uproar as it's possible the winery (which is huge) will close and the vineyard destroyed. That's outrageous. It's a huge vineyard and grapes take 5 years to harvest-why waste such good grapes. It's a crime. My friends and I parted ways there-we had taken separate cars since they would go back to Ohio from there. On the way back home I decided to take the road less traveled, following a sign to an Alpaca farm. It was a beautiful ride in the country on a gorgeous day. I found Golden Oak Farms Alpacas and had a great time talking with the owner and meeting some of the alpacas. There was a sweet boy named Meridian and a 10 day old baby called Hellfire. He was sooooo cute. He never strayed far from his momma, Colida. Colida and Hellfire were in a pasture with another female called Jolie. Alpacas are such sweet animals...I wish I could add some to my family. Oh well. I continued on uncharted roads to return home. However, I got sidetracked by a sign for a winery and followed the road less traveled. Really less traveled, at times it was even unpaved! I finally found the winery...which , of course, was closed. They don't open on weekends until May 1st. Sigh. I also found a neat building that my mom is now researching for me. I have no idea what it is...but it is neat. I had a great day and I'd like to remind everyone to take the road less traveled when you get a chance. You'll never know what unexpected pleasures may come your way.

Cayuga Lake Wine & Herb Tour

It's that time again. My friends from Ohio and I went on the Herb and Wine Trail at Cayuga Lake. I've been going to this great event for years now. At your starting winery you get a glass and a plant tray, then at every winery you visit you get an herb plant (or vegetable), food made with that plant, the recipe for the dish, and samples of wine. There are 16 wineries participating along Cayuga Lake-we made it to 13; all the ones on the West Side of the Lake. The food, with only one exception was very good. My favorite dish was from the Thirsty Owl Wine Company. They had Rosemary Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Aioli (on fresh baked bread, no less!). My companions favored the Fresh Sage Pesto Alfredo with Chicken Paprika from Knapp. So what plants did I get this year? Parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, marjoram, jalapeno, purple peppers, walla walla onion, zucchini, potato, & pumpkin. Lord only knows how I'll grow the potato and pumpkin! All in all, it was a wonderful day with great food, wine, and friends.

One Daffoldil

Here's the daffodil that was sprouting last Friday. Unfortunately, I only have one daffodil. Lots of other stalks, but they show no sign of sprouting. I don't know what's up with that!

A Day Early

I guess I was just a day early...but I still had a good time this morning. I went out to Marjim Manor, specifically to get a certain wine for a friend. On the way I was going to stop at an Amish bakery to get some wonderful treats. I saw the bakery, just a greenhouse in front of their home, but no signs advertising the baked goods. Was it only open on weekends? Only open in the summer? Only open summer weekends? I went on to the Manor. I went in without issue. Last time I couldn't open the door and someone had to let me in. Today I saw a sign telling people to press firmly to open the door as "the ghosts like to play tricks". I bought some wonderful wines...but the one I wanted specifically wouldn't be in the store until tomorrow. Sigh. On the way back I stopped in the driveway of the Amish people as I saw a truck go in. I lucked out in that one of the Amish men was there, I was unlucky as their opening day is tomorrow. Sigh. They open tomorrow and they'll be open everyday, except Sundays, from about 8AM-5PM. Friday and Saturday mornings they'll offer fresh doughnuts and after Mother's Day homemade ice cream on Saturdays. I'll just have to take the long drive to get these treats.

TV Dreaming

Do you ever dream new episodes of your favorite TV shows? Not day dream and think about them, but actually fall asleep and watch the "new" episode. I've done it before and I did it again. Last evening, while awake, I watched an episode of Bones. It really moved me, as it was about dogs and dog fighting. Anyway, I dreamed a follow up episode. It was pretty good too.

Vote for Your Favorite Shelter

It's that time again. I didn't even realize it was going on until my mom pointed it out to me. The Animal Rescue Site is hosting a Shelter Challenge. Everyday you can cast a vote for your favorite animal shelter. Shelters can win weekly grant money and the big prize- a grant of $20,000. Think of all the help that can be given with that increase in funds. You can vote daily through July 26. If you don't know what shelter to vote for, you could always vote for one of my 2 favorites: Lollypop Farm or The Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program. It's a quick and easy way to help.

Rainy Day

It's been a rainy day today. The temperature is cooling down quickly too-it was 42 when I got home from running errands. I stopped at the bank, the barn (where I just played with Harley-we didn't work today), stupid Office Max (they had the small sized binder I needed, but not the page protectors that fit it, how stupid is that? Now I need to find a Staples.) and JoAnns where I got more fabric for my project. I've got laundry ready to go in the dryer and now it's time to do the dishes. I sure wish I had an automatic dishwasher.

Quiet Day

Today is a sunny, but chilly sort of day. Barrett spent a good portion of the morning outside and I joined him, cleaning up after him in the yard. I wish there was a way he could clean up after himself. He's napping now and it's so good to see him without that e-collar. I have things I want to accomplish, but I think I may join Barrett in a nap!

Spring Expo

Today I went to the Spring Expo at the county fairgrounds. It was nice. It was sponsored by Country Max, so they mainly had dealers and things from their stores. They had some freebies, but not as much as I'd hoped for. Still I got some canned cat food, dry dog food, and dog treats as samples. I did guess the weight of the guinea pig and won a pencil. I also am hoping against the odds that I'll win the huge ferret mansion house. The rats would love it. I also bought some things they had on special-treats for the rats and horse as well as organic fly spray and a new brush for Harley. I also watched some dog obedience-at one point the lady sneezed and the dog get a tissue out of the Kleenex box and gave it to her! They also had a mini horse with her foal-the cutest! All in all, a nice time.

Photo Phriday - Sprouting

One of my daffodils is getting ready to bloom. For some reason all of the flowers on my property bloom later than other people's. I'm not sure what it is. Last year I saw daylilies almost finished down the road while mine had yet to bloom. Same with the lilacs. I guess it's OK as they do bloom, just a bit later than normal. Things are sprouting here, but no flowers yet, other than the violets and some grape hyacinths. It'll be nice when there's some more color. (And yes, I know I need to weed.)

Landscaping

One of the problems with buying an older home where the previous owner did not maintain the property well is dealing with landscaping. I had some gorgeous old trees and shrubs here. "Had" being the key word. Unfortunately, due to age and prior neglect, I've lost many of these wonderful trees. I was upset when I lost all three fruit trees, apple, cherry, and pear, and was distraught when the towering Japanese Maple fell. The fruit trees were in their 70's, the maple about the same. In addition to major plantings of my own, I have replaced an apple tree and eventually, I'll get another cherry. However, the hedges lining the east side of the property also died. I decided to replace them with arborvitae. I chose a smaller variety, and could plant them myself. However, with my back and my dad's stroke issues, my mom would be the muscle man getting the 6 shrubs planted. It's worth the extra money, so I'm having it done by the nursery. I really like them and have used them for all of my major plantings. It's a family run business and the people are really great. We did some more yard work today. Unfortunately, my back started bothering me. I still can't do much. It sucks as gardening takes a lot of muscles and there's a lot to do. In addition to some more outdoor spring cleaning, I cleared the area under my northernmost Hornbeam and planted the crocuses I had bought as flowering plants. In the fall I'll buy some crocus bulbs and plant them there as well. I'm looking forward to seeing things bloom.

Gardening

My parents were up this morning and we started working in the yard. We just did some basic spring cleanup. Things are starting to sprout and there are lots of buds on the lilacs. It'll be nice when things start flowering. One daffodil is about to pop and I found some grape hyacinths in bloom. The grape hyacinths were from the previous owner. I think I'll plant my Easter hyacinth in the rose garden and the crocuses under the northern most Hornbeam. I need to prepare the soil around the tree. I also need to get ready for the herbs I'll be bringing home from the wine trail. It's that gardening time of year.

Me & Dave Thomas Boreanaz

People of a certain age who grew up in Western New York may remember the children's TV show Rocketship 7. Here I am in 1973 with the host of the show. What I did not know, until last week, is the full name of the host, Dave Thomas. He is Dave Thomas Boreanaz. Yes, this is a picture of me and the dad of David Boreanaz. I knew David was born in Buffalo, but I didn't realize we had any connection. In case you're wondering, in 1973 I was 5 and David Boreanaz was 4 years old, I don't think I ever met him, but I have this great picture (autographed on the back) with his dad.

Dyngus Day!

Today is Dyngus Day. The Monday after Easter is a day to celebrate. Lent is over, the holy day is over, and now it's time to party! Pussywillows and water play a big part, as do Polka bands and beer. Have your eye on a certain person-whack him with a pussy willow, gently, of course, or squirt him with some water. As for me...I won't be going to Buffalo, NY-home to the biggest Dyngus Day celebration in the world. I'll be going to a grievance meeting about administration changing my days off. Hopefully, the luck of a Pole on Dyngus Day will help me out. Or I could just smack them with some pussywillow branches.

Happy Easter!

I hope you are having a wonderful Easter. I'm just relaxing and eating wonderful leftovers. I spent some extra time on the Wii Fit today, fortunately, although I gained a little, it wasn't much and I'm still in good shape for reaching the goal I set for next week. It's just a drop in the bucket-but a drop's a drop. So, I'm going to have another glass of champagne and watch The Sound of Music.

Holy Saturday

I just got back from a day in Buffalo with my parents. I'm stuffed! As soon as I got there we had breakfast: fresh Polish sausage, Easter eggs, fresh pineapple, rye bread and butter (from a butter lamb, of course) and orange juice. Then I tried to fix my parents computer-without luck. We went to the cemetery and visited my grandparents, Aunt Bert, and brother, putting flowers on their graves. We also stopped by the future site of my parents and my graves. Mom was peeved-we're supposed to be facing the ravine which is supposed to be part of a nature conservancy, but now you can see the highway. We returned and watched Bless Me Father and a cute dog movie while drinking champagne and munching on potato chips with homemade leek dip. Mmmmm. Soon thereafter, time for dinner. Delicious pork with mashed potatoes and gravy, baked apples, and cucumbers with mom made chocolate mousse for dessert. The kids and I have leftovers too. All in all, a very nice day.

Photo Phriday - Seven Churches

It is a tradition to visit seven churches on Good Friday. I'm not sure if it's a Polish tradition, Polish-American Tradition, or just a family tradition, but it's a tradition to me. When I was young my parents would take me, Aunt Bert, and sometimes a friend of mine, and we'd go to visit 7 churches in Buffalo culminating in a trip to the Broadway Market, then food (no meat, of course) at my grandparents. I remember "the Blue Church" which was across the street from the gorgeous Polish National Roman Catholic Church. I called it that as it was painted sky blue on the inside. I remember playing with a dog in the parking lot of one rectory, then washing my hands in the holy water font. (God wouldn't mind-he's a dog person, er god.) Times have changed. Churches are closing all over Buffalo, and all over the country for that matter. In Buffalo, the neighborhood where most of these churches were changed into a very bad part of town. The Polish National moved to Lancaster and the church I loved became a mosque. But I decided today that I'd try to visit 7 churches. I wouldn't go into Rochester, but I'd go to 7 churches around me. I also did not limit myself to Roman Catholic churches. First stop: St. Christopher's Catholic Church-locked. St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church-locked. Union Congregational United Church of Christ-locked. United Methodist Church of Churchville-locked. Keep in mind, today is Good Friday. As I was driving, I remembered the Italian-American Community center, they had recently built a chapel. Off I went to St. Padre Pio Chapel. I saw cars. Yea, I finally made it into a church...well, chapel. There were several people inside, too. I knelt, said a prayer, and lit a candle. I then went to The Church of the Holy Ghost. It too was open, I was on a roll. The picture is of this church. Although I had one more church to find, I made a stop. Not the Broadway Market, but Wegmans...and the liquor store. On the way home I hit my final church, which was also open, the United Methodist Church of Ogden. I said a prayer in the chapel and as I was leaving saw a sign for the Stations of the Cross. This was a bit different, you had to follow purple crosses taped to the floor to follow the route through their community center. Each stop had a poster board display about that station. I went on, not doing the traditional way, but stopping to read each board. Until I got to the 11th station-where Christ was nailed to the cross. In addition to the poster board, they had an actual large wooden cross on a table, with paper, pens, nails and a hammer. You could write something to Jesus, then nail it to the cross. It was actually quite moving. I finished the stations and came home. Seven Churches, three open.

Energy

I actually have some energy today. I hope I can put it to good use and get things done. It's a beautiful day and I probably should work in the yard, but I'm in the mood to accomplish indoor things. Since that rarely happens, I'd better take advantage of it. Plus some indoor things simply must be done today. I have to finish my recipe cards as the group meets tomorrow. I'm pretty much done. One set is totally complete and the other just has a bit of cutting and assembly. I have a load of laundry in...well, it's for a craft project, but still, washing machine is going. I'm already back from seeing Harley. We didn't longe as there was a lesson going on, but I gave him a good grooming, got my longeing questions answered (whether I can apply the knowledge is another story) and Harley and I shared an apple. Now Barrett is enjoying the backyard and I'm about to prepare lunch. Let's hope this afternoon and evening is productive.

Longeing with Harley

I went to work with Harley today. Unfortunately, we didn't work too hard. I'm just learning how to use the longe line, and Harley hasn't been on one in years. We started out quite well. Walking and trotting and transitioning between the two, no problems. Then I tried to get him to canter. Eventually we got a few strides, but it wasn't good. However, I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or he's just being stubborn. We also tried going in the opposite direction. THAT didn't work. He kept pivoting so I couldn't get in the proper position, or he'd try to get me to his other side. Oh well. We'll try again tomorrow.

Vet Re-Check

Barrett was back at the vet today, but just for a re-check. He got a few stitches out and a few staples in. The ends are healing, but there's still a hole in the middle. Now that the swelling has come down the stitches there are loose-so they stapled him shut. He was such a good boy. No fuss. We go back in 10 days and hopefully the staples and remaining stitches can come out and the e-collar can come off. Poor guy. After coming home and giving him some treats, I was off across town to the rat vet to pick up medication for Paulie. Fortunately, he thinks the doxy is as yummy as the baytril. Now he's on 2 meds, but the other rats are off everything. I think I'll put some blueberry syrup in a syringe for them so they don't think they're missing out. My rats love taking their medication!

Winter Storm Watch

I heard we'd be getting some snow tomorrow and Wednesday and that it would stick. I just discovered that we have a winter storm watch going on through tomorrow. Right now it's just raining and not that cold-mid 40's. I'm waiting for a call from the rat's vet. I did a quick post office and library run, still no phone call, so I'm home waiting again. I figured I'd just stay home, but once the call finally comes perhaps I'd better get some groceries. Stupid snow in mid-April. Still, better than the usual April ice storms. I just hope we don't have a white Easter!

Family Plan

I went to Walgreens to pick up one of my prescriptions. While there I remembered my mom telling me about Rite Aid offering animal prescriptions, so I asked about it. Sure enough, if the medication has a human equivalent they can get it. I asked about the 2 drugs Seneca and Barrett are on long term and the pharmacist said they could do those. So, I enrolled in the Walgreens Family Plan. I have my own insurance from work, but sometimes, they say, this plan will have a better price. I'll automatically get whichever is lower. Now Seneca, Barrett, and Paulie are on the plan, each with their own prescription card; they share my phone number and e-mail address, however. I doubt I'll get any rat meds here, I don't think Walgreens compounds to a banana flavor, but they asked for 3 names so I added a different species. OK, I just looked and they can make liquid medication banana flavored. Hmmm. I wonder if Baytril has a human equivilant?

Traveling Rats

A few years ago I was involved with The Traveling Rats Project. The leader has purchased a wonderful plush rat from England and the group named him Professor Magellan Ratkins. The professor embarked on a journey, mailed to each of us. He was then taken to see the sights-and have his picture taken with those sights. A scheduling conflict arose and so to avoid missing a trip on an African Safari, I bought another rat to travel as well; a sister to The Professor named Amelia Ratkins. Sadly, The Professor disappeared in Australia, but Amelia kept traveling until she retired home with me. Lately, I've been taking her with me, snapping pictures of the sights we see around here and I'm thinking of making a website for her. Then I got to thinking...perhaps a new voyage should continue. Not with strangers, but with people I actually know. I do know people all over the world. I don't want to risk losing Amelia though. I know. . . she's an inanimate object, but I'm attached. I'm considering getting another Raggy Rat. A younger brother who likes to travel perhaps. It won't be happening anytime soon. Vet bills were over $1,000 this month. But perhaps, sometime in the future.

Photo Phriday - Violets

When you buy a house you inherit many things. These little beauties were a delightful surprise. The last owners of my house really let the place go, especially the landscaping. Beautiful old trees died shortly after I moved in due to lack of care from "those people". However, early each spring all over the lawn I can find these little wild violets. Leftovers from the past, so beautiful and fragrant. Violets are my favorite flower. Having this house really is kismet.

Josef Won!

I just realized, I never posted the fact that Josef won!!!! I found out late yesterday evening. Thanks so much to everyone who voted for him, we couldn't have done it without you! As soon as I receive his prizes I'll be sure to take pictures and post them. Thanks again for your help and YEA JOSEF!

Wasting Time

Why is it so easy to waste time? I can goof around and have lots of fun, but don't accomplish what I want and need to do. Sigh. At least I have fun. I'm finally dressed and need to get out of the house. Soon, just after I . . .

April Fool's Day

I've never been big on April Fool's Day. I really don't care for practical jokes and am really not sure how this holiday came into prominence. I stayed in today. It's a rainy dreary day here. I just woke up from a nap, all three cats joined me. The house is so quiet. Barrett's in the hospital. I called and they said his girdle is still on and he's not too pleased with the situation. Poor baby. I can't wait until he's healed and home. I haven't heard yet about the photo contest from The Agile Rat. Josef was leading at 8:00 PM EST, we'll just have to be patient and wait for the results.