Photo of Orfevre winning the Japanese St. Leger is by Kate Hunter and is from The Daily Racing Form
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Grandson of Sunday Silence Wins Japan's Triple Crown
He's a bright chestnut, like his grand-daddy's arch enemy Easy Goer, but his blaze is almost exactly like that of Sunday Silence. Orfevre is his name; his sire is Stay Gold (by Sunday Silence), and his dam is Oriental Art (by Mejiro McQueen). Sunday he won the Japanese St. Leger, worth $2.7 million, by two and a half lengths. He is quite a handsome guy! He is the seventh horse to win the Japan Triple Crown.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Florida Sights
A gator in Graham Pond on the University of Florida campus
A pair of barred owls on Cedar Key - photo by Michelle Pearson
(If you like her photo, she has others posted on Flickr as MickiP65)
The Fort Pierce River empties into the Intra-Coastal Waterway
Look Out Florida, I'll Be There Soon!
Well, the Denver Post headline on the front page told yesterday's game story: "Tim-Tastic!" Two Broncos' field goals went wide during the game, and with 5 minutes left, the score was Miami 15, Broncos 0. At the final whistle, it was a tie game. Then came Over Time. Special thanks to D J Williams for batting the ball out of the Dolphins' quarterbacks hand, and then recovering the 'made' fumble. Three running plays and then Prater kicked a winning field goal. Poor Dolphins. They have yet to win a game this season....
And I leave for Florida in the morning! Kathy and Jim and Mike will be caring for the kits while I'm gone. I walked Kathy through feeding the kits, checking the mail, and cleaning the potty boxes last night. Today it's already 72 degrees; tomorrow the high is supposed to be 61; and Wednesday the forecast is for a high of 42 and snow. Thankfully, Florida is a wee bit warmer right now. I have my boarding passes for the plane trip and feel like I'm on a prolonged sugar high.... I still need to wash and dry two loads of clothes and pack my bags. Other than that, I'm ready!
I hope to be able to check my e-mail and possibly put up a few quick blog entries while I'm gone. If I don't post anything - don't worry... It means I'm having too much of a good time to sit inside at a keyboard! Lovey and Nedi know that something is going on, as they are sticking to me like glue; I will miss them. And I'll miss the daily walks with Remy and Rosie, too. - But seeing old friends will be great!!!
And I leave for Florida in the morning! Kathy and Jim and Mike will be caring for the kits while I'm gone. I walked Kathy through feeding the kits, checking the mail, and cleaning the potty boxes last night. Today it's already 72 degrees; tomorrow the high is supposed to be 61; and Wednesday the forecast is for a high of 42 and snow. Thankfully, Florida is a wee bit warmer right now. I have my boarding passes for the plane trip and feel like I'm on a prolonged sugar high.... I still need to wash and dry two loads of clothes and pack my bags. Other than that, I'm ready!
I hope to be able to check my e-mail and possibly put up a few quick blog entries while I'm gone. If I don't post anything - don't worry... It means I'm having too much of a good time to sit inside at a keyboard! Lovey and Nedi know that something is going on, as they are sticking to me like glue; I will miss them. And I'll miss the daily walks with Remy and Rosie, too. - But seeing old friends will be great!!!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Pieces
Tabby tummy tease
CU's Ralphie is actually a girl, because females are half the size of males...
Broncos' quarterbacks (left to right) Tebow, Quinn, and Orton
CU Homecoming Equals OUCH!
The poor Buffs! Yesterday was CU's Homecoming game; the annual parade route was changed from University Hill to the Boulder Mall, which meant no floats, and bands scrambling around planters and statues and benches; there was some controversy about having a previous Athletic Director as the grand marshall of the parade, so he didn't appear; and then the Buffs were scheduled to play the Oregon Ducks (ranked number 9 in the nation). The Buffs have won only one game this season - and getting the Ducks for the Homecoming game was not good. The only score the Buffs made yesterday was a Safety in the third quarter; the final score was 45 - 2. At least Ralphie had a nice run around the stadium before the game!
I spent most of yesterday tidying up my place and doing more laundry. The only game that I was interested in, other than CU, was the Oklahoma State - Missouri game; and I was rooting for both teams. The Cowboys won and the Tigers lost. - Now I'm getting ready for the Broncos game in Miami. And for some totally strange and weird reason, at half-time, there is a program and presentation for Tim Tebow, Urban Meyer, and the Gators for their 2008 National Championship win. In Miami. When the Broncos are playing the Dolphins. It didn't make any sense to me, until a friend pointed out that Miami has been having trouble selling tickets to home games, and that Miami was probably trying to cash in on Tebow being back on their field....
Lovey decided to walk with me to the grocery store this morning. She sat at the foot of a tree while I purchased a fresh bagel and came back out. She walked along beside me all the way back home, making numerous comments. A couple drove by us twice, and then stopped and wanted to know if I was really walking my cat. - So I told them, "Of course! Doesn't everyone who lives in an apartment?" They looked at each other and shrugged and asked how long I'd been walking her, and I told them it started when I first adopted her and we'd go climbing Steamboat Mountain in Lyons, which was behind my apartment there. It seemed to totally freak them out. (I did ask Nedi if he wanted to come, too, but he didn't want to.) .... Both kits have been climbing in and out of my carry-on bag for my trip. Nedi thinks it's one of the best places to sleep, 'cause it's all black and I can't see him inside it at night. Then he can jump out and surprise me.
I spent most of yesterday tidying up my place and doing more laundry. The only game that I was interested in, other than CU, was the Oklahoma State - Missouri game; and I was rooting for both teams. The Cowboys won and the Tigers lost. - Now I'm getting ready for the Broncos game in Miami. And for some totally strange and weird reason, at half-time, there is a program and presentation for Tim Tebow, Urban Meyer, and the Gators for their 2008 National Championship win. In Miami. When the Broncos are playing the Dolphins. It didn't make any sense to me, until a friend pointed out that Miami has been having trouble selling tickets to home games, and that Miami was probably trying to cash in on Tebow being back on their field....
Lovey decided to walk with me to the grocery store this morning. She sat at the foot of a tree while I purchased a fresh bagel and came back out. She walked along beside me all the way back home, making numerous comments. A couple drove by us twice, and then stopped and wanted to know if I was really walking my cat. - So I told them, "Of course! Doesn't everyone who lives in an apartment?" They looked at each other and shrugged and asked how long I'd been walking her, and I told them it started when I first adopted her and we'd go climbing Steamboat Mountain in Lyons, which was behind my apartment there. It seemed to totally freak them out. (I did ask Nedi if he wanted to come, too, but he didn't want to.) .... Both kits have been climbing in and out of my carry-on bag for my trip. Nedi thinks it's one of the best places to sleep, 'cause it's all black and I can't see him inside it at night. Then he can jump out and surprise me.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Management Plan for Assateague Island
I promise this is the last time I'll mention this for a while.... but the comment period for the National Fish and Wildlife Service's General Management Plan for Assateague Island (including the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge) ends on Monday, October 31, 2011.
I have read all the plans that the NPS and FWS put forward. They can be read at: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco
If you wish to add your comments, please e-mail northeastplanning@fws.gov and type Chincoteague in the Subject line.
I find that I generally agree with the findings of the Chincoteague Town Council. The local newspaper reported the following:
CHINCOTEAGUE - There is considerable disagreement between the U.S. Park Service plan for Assateague Island and what the Town of Chincoteague wants.
At a Chincoteague Town Council meeting earlier this month, the differences were spelled out when the council voted unanimously to respond to the Park Service alternatives with a letter that lists the areas of the alternatives that the town supports and the areas it opposes.
Town Planner William Neville provided two draft letters that had been created by the town's Planning Commission.
The first draft was a little milder than the second in its criticism of the Park Service plan.
After some discussion, the council agreed to go with the second, more critical draft.
Just prior to the council approving the second version, Town Attorney Jon Poulson suggested the council use the language "strongly oppose" instead of "oppose." Everyone on council seemed to like Poulson's proposal.
The letter states: "The alternatives planning process is frustrating because there are very good ideas mixed with very bad ideas from our perspective as the gateway community for the southern end of Assateague Island."
The letter lists seven areas of opposition to the Park Service alternative plan.
"Oppose the current direction of seashore management that favors the use of alternative transportation systems and treats the ideas as a Fundamental Value.
"Oppose the concept of a Marine Research Reserve until more information is provided. Specifically, the intended use for research and environmental education that would restrict public or commercial use of the Chincoteague Bay.
"Oppose NPS regulations for 'watch houses' that remove State authority over wastewater treatment and disposal and/or require removal of private structures that serve as a traditional cultural resource.
"Oppose Natural Resource Management policies that limit or ban commercial fishing and aquaculture with the seashore boundary.
"Oppose the policy that would permanently close areas to OSV use if coastal storms of other natural processes create breaches/inlets that cut off access to portions of the beach.
"Oppose any options that abandon the public trust and allow existing visitor use facilities and infrastructure, specifically bridge access from the mainland to Assateague Island, to be subjected to natural coastal processes without maintenance, repair or replacement.
"Oppose the NPS abandoning its responsibility to provide public access and recreation at the National Seashore in favor of passive management of natural coastal processes and promoting exclusive environmental research uses."
The letter lists 11 areas of support in the Park Service plans. The letter states, "Support for policies that defend the visitor areas in both Maryland and Virginia. a. 'Artifical dune fortification, habitat manipulations and possible beach nourishment would be used to protect the developed visitor areas from the effects of natural coastal processes and climate change/sea level rise ... storm overwash and breaches in the developed visitor areas would be repaired, while natural evolution of the island's backcountry areas would continue without interference..."
Several citizens spoke during the public comment period of the meeting citing their love of Assateague Island and support for beach replenishment.
The council's letter also listed a request that the Park Service, including NPS, initiate a study with USACE of the Tom's Cove shoreline and prepare a "socio-economic impact study that evaluates each alternative (revised or new policies and programs) with its effect on the Town of Chincoteague as a gateway community."
The council now must prepare another response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife alternative plans. That will be performed at the next council meeting.
In other council news from the meeting:
* Several people opposed the idea of removing the right to ride a horse on the beach at Assateague, as proposed in the Park Service and Fish and Wildlife plans.
* Denise Bowden, secretary of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, supported keeping 150 ponies on Assateague Island.
"We don't want to see a reduction," she said.
The above story is from the Chincoteague Beacon.
I have read all the plans that the NPS and FWS put forward. They can be read at: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco
If you wish to add your comments, please e-mail northeastplanning@fws.gov and type Chincoteague in the Subject line.
I find that I generally agree with the findings of the Chincoteague Town Council. The local newspaper reported the following:
CHINCOTEAGUE - There is considerable disagreement between the U.S. Park Service plan for Assateague Island and what the Town of Chincoteague wants.
At a Chincoteague Town Council meeting earlier this month, the differences were spelled out when the council voted unanimously to respond to the Park Service alternatives with a letter that lists the areas of the alternatives that the town supports and the areas it opposes.
Town Planner William Neville provided two draft letters that had been created by the town's Planning Commission.
The first draft was a little milder than the second in its criticism of the Park Service plan.
After some discussion, the council agreed to go with the second, more critical draft.
Just prior to the council approving the second version, Town Attorney Jon Poulson suggested the council use the language "strongly oppose" instead of "oppose." Everyone on council seemed to like Poulson's proposal.
The letter states: "The alternatives planning process is frustrating because there are very good ideas mixed with very bad ideas from our perspective as the gateway community for the southern end of Assateague Island."
The letter lists seven areas of opposition to the Park Service alternative plan.
"Oppose the current direction of seashore management that favors the use of alternative transportation systems and treats the ideas as a Fundamental Value.
"Oppose the concept of a Marine Research Reserve until more information is provided. Specifically, the intended use for research and environmental education that would restrict public or commercial use of the Chincoteague Bay.
"Oppose NPS regulations for 'watch houses' that remove State authority over wastewater treatment and disposal and/or require removal of private structures that serve as a traditional cultural resource.
"Oppose Natural Resource Management policies that limit or ban commercial fishing and aquaculture with the seashore boundary.
"Oppose the policy that would permanently close areas to OSV use if coastal storms of other natural processes create breaches/inlets that cut off access to portions of the beach.
"Oppose any options that abandon the public trust and allow existing visitor use facilities and infrastructure, specifically bridge access from the mainland to Assateague Island, to be subjected to natural coastal processes without maintenance, repair or replacement.
"Oppose the NPS abandoning its responsibility to provide public access and recreation at the National Seashore in favor of passive management of natural coastal processes and promoting exclusive environmental research uses."
The letter lists 11 areas of support in the Park Service plans. The letter states, "Support for policies that defend the visitor areas in both Maryland and Virginia. a. 'Artifical dune fortification, habitat manipulations and possible beach nourishment would be used to protect the developed visitor areas from the effects of natural coastal processes and climate change/sea level rise ... storm overwash and breaches in the developed visitor areas would be repaired, while natural evolution of the island's backcountry areas would continue without interference..."
Several citizens spoke during the public comment period of the meeting citing their love of Assateague Island and support for beach replenishment.
The council's letter also listed a request that the Park Service, including NPS, initiate a study with USACE of the Tom's Cove shoreline and prepare a "socio-economic impact study that evaluates each alternative (revised or new policies and programs) with its effect on the Town of Chincoteague as a gateway community."
The council now must prepare another response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife alternative plans. That will be performed at the next council meeting.
In other council news from the meeting:
* Several people opposed the idea of removing the right to ride a horse on the beach at Assateague, as proposed in the Park Service and Fish and Wildlife plans.
* Denise Bowden, secretary of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, supported keeping 150 ponies on Assateague Island.
"We don't want to see a reduction," she said.
The above story is from the Chincoteague Beacon.
Bits
Boulder police investigating and photographing the man's body in Boulder Creek at the north end of my apartment house
A Ditch Witch - neighbor Jim Cunningham developed and patented both the Ditch Witch and the proto-type for the electric nail-gun
Daisy Devine, a daughter of Kafwain, winning the Fair Ground Oaks, March 2011.
Puzzled....
I have to admit I was very puzzled this morning when I read the newspaper headline, "Cornhole Tourney to Raise Funds for Patient." I was brought up believing that a "cornhole" was a person's rectum - at least, that's what Mom usually called it. I read the article and laughed at the construction of one sentence, that stated the patient found out he needed a liver transplant "after going to the hospital jaundiced with chest pains." I had no idea that chest pains could cause jaundice! - In any event, I found out that a Cornhole Tourney was a bean bag tossing game.... Then, my local paper identified the body in Boulder Creek, at the north end of my apartment house. When found, the description given was "a white male, in his 50s." It turns out that he was 38, and has lived in both Boulder and Broomfield. This second press release also stated that a gun was found near the man's body. According to the reporter, "Asked if police consider the death suspicious, Kobel (the Boulder PD spokesperson) said there is no public danger." Why does that answer bother me? Maybe because it didn't answer the question?
I didn't blog yesterday evening because I was so drained after Jim Cunningham's Memorial Service. It was a very good service, in which we celebrated Jim's life, looked at photos, and shared reminiscences. Then it was food, drink, and fun time. I kept refilling the punch bowl, and the cookie and cake platters, as well as the fruit and veggie and dip bowls, while Connie kept the cheese and crackers going. And we talked to family and friends - and Andy, Bernie and Jim's son, got a kick out of telling people that I had called him "Bernie" yesterday morning.... And I had, so I didn't care. I was walking Rosie and Remy past the Cunningham house, and I saw a pair of legs in jeans at the shed door. A maple tree was blocking the rest of my view, and then I saw Chama, the neighbor's dog run up to the door, with her tail wagging furiously. So I called out, "Is that you, Miss Bernie?" At which time Andy stepped forward so that I could see him, and said, "I hope not!" Then I told him that he couldn't be Bernie because his hair was the wrong color... and we laughed. It was nice to be able to meet him before the service, since I already knew his sister and nieces.
Yesterday, Black Caviar, the Australian mare, added to her winning ways by being first under the wire for the 15th straight time. Unfortunately, she will not be running in the Breeders Cup at Churchill Downs next month. .... And Daisy Devine, who last won the Fair Grounds Oaks back in March, was switched to the turf for yesterday's Pin Oak Valley View Stakes at Keeneland. She was sent off at 43-to-1 odds - and she won, coming along the rail under jockey Calvin Borel. She paid $89 for a $2 win ticket. (Now, that's a nice profit!) .... Zazu, the gorgeous grey filly sired by Tapit, will not be running in the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic as planned. She has developed inflammation in her right shoulder and will get a 90 day vacation from work. .... And Awesome Gem, the 8-year-old gelding, who has raced in the last 4 Breeders Cups, will not compete this year. Instead, he'll be pointing towards next year, when he will continue to race as a 9-year-old. He's already won $2.7 million in his career so far.
Have a great weekend!
I didn't blog yesterday evening because I was so drained after Jim Cunningham's Memorial Service. It was a very good service, in which we celebrated Jim's life, looked at photos, and shared reminiscences. Then it was food, drink, and fun time. I kept refilling the punch bowl, and the cookie and cake platters, as well as the fruit and veggie and dip bowls, while Connie kept the cheese and crackers going. And we talked to family and friends - and Andy, Bernie and Jim's son, got a kick out of telling people that I had called him "Bernie" yesterday morning.... And I had, so I didn't care. I was walking Rosie and Remy past the Cunningham house, and I saw a pair of legs in jeans at the shed door. A maple tree was blocking the rest of my view, and then I saw Chama, the neighbor's dog run up to the door, with her tail wagging furiously. So I called out, "Is that you, Miss Bernie?" At which time Andy stepped forward so that I could see him, and said, "I hope not!" Then I told him that he couldn't be Bernie because his hair was the wrong color... and we laughed. It was nice to be able to meet him before the service, since I already knew his sister and nieces.
Yesterday, Black Caviar, the Australian mare, added to her winning ways by being first under the wire for the 15th straight time. Unfortunately, she will not be running in the Breeders Cup at Churchill Downs next month. .... And Daisy Devine, who last won the Fair Grounds Oaks back in March, was switched to the turf for yesterday's Pin Oak Valley View Stakes at Keeneland. She was sent off at 43-to-1 odds - and she won, coming along the rail under jockey Calvin Borel. She paid $89 for a $2 win ticket. (Now, that's a nice profit!) .... Zazu, the gorgeous grey filly sired by Tapit, will not be running in the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic as planned. She has developed inflammation in her right shoulder and will get a 90 day vacation from work. .... And Awesome Gem, the 8-year-old gelding, who has raced in the last 4 Breeders Cups, will not compete this year. Instead, he'll be pointing towards next year, when he will continue to race as a 9-year-old. He's already won $2.7 million in his career so far.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Zane and Zanesville
The fiasco with the exotic animals in Zanesville, Ohio made me think about the Zane family, who were the earliest white settlers along the Ohio River in both West Virginia and Ohio. Most people recognize the name of one of the Zane family descendants, Zane Gray, an author who loved the west and history, and who did not really like his chosen field of dentistry at all. So he started writing in the evening, after his practice had closed it's doors.
The Colonel Ebenezer Zane cabin, as it looked in 1805 - 23 years after Betty Zane's famous run from the cabin to Fort Henry during a siege by British soldiers and Native Americans. She carried gunpowder in her apron, as the Fort had run out of stores.
This is a drawing of the Fort Henry powder house and the building standing in its place in 1915.
***************************
Some of the dead animals at Thompson's farm in Zanesville, Ohio. The death toll included: 18 Bengal tigers; 17 African lions; 6 black bears; 2 grizzly bears; 3 mountain lions; 2 grey wolves; and 1 baboon. ** As a lover of wildlife, I say: "This kind of atrocity must not happen again!" **
Who Died in Boulder Creek?
I've just read that Muammar Gaddafi is dead. The reports stated that he was "captured alive" by the rebels and was shown alive on TV coverage. The photo I saw showed Gaddafi in death, with the comment that "he died from his wounds." Well, good. The world is free of another meglo-maniac who believed in world domination. I am happy for Libya.
But that doesn't explain the dead man in Boulder Creek about 50 feet away from my apartment building. A woman called police after spotting the man on a small sandbank/islet close to the north shore at the end of Harvest Manor. He is described as a white male in his 50s. Period. The Boulder police say that blood was seen on the bank of the creek, and on the sandbar. This was reported at 7:59 a.m. yesterday - and there is still no further information available to the public. I'm just curious to know if he was one of the homeless guys who always hung around the liquor store, or one of the guys who visit the dumpsters regularly, or if he was an honest citizen "done wrong" and left in the creek as a puzzle for police.... I guess I read too many mysteries.
The weather is gorgeous today. It was 47 degrees when I arose, and it's over 60 right now. The weather folks say highs will be in the upper 60s and low 70s through Monday. Tuesday, the weather here is supposed to be cooler and rainy, with snow forecast for Wednesday. It looks like I'm headed to Florida at the right time! I just hope that they don't get hit with an Alberta Clipper while I'm there.
Remy's hind end wasn't so good today, so we only walked for 30 minutes, and then I turned Rosie and he loose in the Snow back yard. Rosie grabbed her blue bone and ran all around the yard with it, while Remy sat with me. *sigh* I still need to do the laundry I didn't do yesterday.... But Leela will stay with Maggie this weekend, so I can spend the time at home with my kits before I leave. That's a relief! Lovey and Nedi have been extremely clingy since I returned, and I'm happy I won't have to leave them the weekend before I go on vacation!
Kathy and Jim have promised to visit the kits several times a day while I'm away. I hope my kits appreciate it. Normally they hide until after Kathy and Jim have left - unless K & J stay for more than two hours. It will be interesting to get a report when I return. I will miss them, but I am excited about seeing Kathryn and Mary, Jack and Mrs. Davis, and Carolyn and Greg while I'm there.
But that doesn't explain the dead man in Boulder Creek about 50 feet away from my apartment building. A woman called police after spotting the man on a small sandbank/islet close to the north shore at the end of Harvest Manor. He is described as a white male in his 50s. Period. The Boulder police say that blood was seen on the bank of the creek, and on the sandbar. This was reported at 7:59 a.m. yesterday - and there is still no further information available to the public. I'm just curious to know if he was one of the homeless guys who always hung around the liquor store, or one of the guys who visit the dumpsters regularly, or if he was an honest citizen "done wrong" and left in the creek as a puzzle for police.... I guess I read too many mysteries.
The weather is gorgeous today. It was 47 degrees when I arose, and it's over 60 right now. The weather folks say highs will be in the upper 60s and low 70s through Monday. Tuesday, the weather here is supposed to be cooler and rainy, with snow forecast for Wednesday. It looks like I'm headed to Florida at the right time! I just hope that they don't get hit with an Alberta Clipper while I'm there.
Remy's hind end wasn't so good today, so we only walked for 30 minutes, and then I turned Rosie and he loose in the Snow back yard. Rosie grabbed her blue bone and ran all around the yard with it, while Remy sat with me. *sigh* I still need to do the laundry I didn't do yesterday.... But Leela will stay with Maggie this weekend, so I can spend the time at home with my kits before I leave. That's a relief! Lovey and Nedi have been extremely clingy since I returned, and I'm happy I won't have to leave them the weekend before I go on vacation!
Kathy and Jim have promised to visit the kits several times a day while I'm away. I hope my kits appreciate it. Normally they hide until after Kathy and Jim have left - unless K & J stay for more than two hours. It will be interesting to get a report when I return. I will miss them, but I am excited about seeing Kathryn and Mary, Jack and Mrs. Davis, and Carolyn and Greg while I'm there.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Sightings
An archaeological farm dig on the Ardnamurchan peninsula in Scotland
A view of Bredon Hill
A glass "dragonfly eye" bead from a 2,000 year old tomb in China
"Wild" Creatures and the Past
I slept like a rock last night. Nedi was beside my legs and Lovey was curled up at my waist. We had our second freezing night for the fall, and it's only 37 degrees outside, now, at 9 a.m. - Maybe I'll enjoy the heat and humidity of Florida! - Nedi is curled up on the bed right now; Lovey is getting some sunshine. I'm not walking the Rs at the moment because Remy is seeing the chiropractor this morning. I did enjoy seeing NCIS last night - and I got a kick out of the way the team was trying to find "the perfect woman" for Gibbs to date. I think that he will always choose his own ladies. - I had planned on being at home this weekend with the kids, but it looks as if I might be with Maggie, instead. I'll return from Florida on the first, and start pet-sitting on the third, with Finn and Skippy.
What a wild, crazy, and sad time near Zanesville, Ohio! People started calling the sheriff's office to report "exotic animals" being seen along the highway yesterday afternoon. A Mr. Thompson had permits to keep lions and tigers, bears, giraffes, camels, cheetahs, wolves and orangutans and chimps. The primates were found all safely caged in Thompson's house. Thompson, however, was dead in the yard; all the large animal enclosures had their gates open, and all the gates off the property were open. There were 48 large animals loosed - nearly all have been shot dead. The sheriff gave the order to "shoot to kill" last evening, when it was reported that the owner was dead and the creatures were loose. Several of the animals were standing next to the open doors of their cages when they were killed. Photos of the dead animals have made me cry. One large cat (type not identified) was struck by a car and killed on the highway. These animals are scared witless! It's a shame that the shoot to kill order was given! (Even though I do realize that the sheriff is/was trying to protect the residents of his county...)
If you know me, you know that I am fascinated by history. I've been excited by recent finds that have been announced over the past few days.... A fully intact ship-burial with a Viking warrior has been found on the Scottish Highland peninsula of Ardnamurchan in Lochabar. It has been dated to the tenth century, and contained a whetstone from Norway, a ring pin from Ireland, and pottery from the Hebrides. Most of the warrior's skeleton has decayed, but part of his jaw and several teeth have been recovered, as well. He was buried with his broadsword, a bronze-headed axe, his conical helmet, and his shield was placed above him. .... At Bredon Hill, immortalized by a poem in A. E. Housman's 1896 anthology, A Shropshire Lad, the reportedly largest ever treasure trove of gold has been found. Details of what it includes are sketchy, and the finder has not been identified. But it is understood the Worcestershire County Council and the county coroner have been informed because of the potential archaeological significance. The treasure, found at the site of an Iron Age fort in Worcestershire, is already being compared with the Staffordshire Hoard, the country’s biggest ever find of Anglo Saxon gold. .... After standing for at least 4,000 years, the standing stone at Bedd Morris on Newport Mountain has fallen. It was broken off below ground level, and is believed to have been run into by a motorist during the weekend. Well over six-feet tall, the bronze-age stone is now a parish marker between Newport and Pontfaen in Wales. The National Park Authority is investigating. .... And in Dangtu, Anhui Province, China more than 40 cultural relics have been found in a 400-square-meter tomb that is 2,000 years old. It is suggested that the tomb belonged to an aristocrat of Yue, one of the seven Warring States during the Warring States period (475 to 221 BC). One of the most gorgeous, and yet tiny, pieces was a "dragonfly eye" glass bead. This kind of jewellery was made by nomadic tribes in Mediterranean countries in the 10th century BC and was believed to keep misfortune away from the wearers, as well as to play the role of money, Gong Xicheng, deputy director of the provincial archaeological institute said.
What a wild, crazy, and sad time near Zanesville, Ohio! People started calling the sheriff's office to report "exotic animals" being seen along the highway yesterday afternoon. A Mr. Thompson had permits to keep lions and tigers, bears, giraffes, camels, cheetahs, wolves and orangutans and chimps. The primates were found all safely caged in Thompson's house. Thompson, however, was dead in the yard; all the large animal enclosures had their gates open, and all the gates off the property were open. There were 48 large animals loosed - nearly all have been shot dead. The sheriff gave the order to "shoot to kill" last evening, when it was reported that the owner was dead and the creatures were loose. Several of the animals were standing next to the open doors of their cages when they were killed. Photos of the dead animals have made me cry. One large cat (type not identified) was struck by a car and killed on the highway. These animals are scared witless! It's a shame that the shoot to kill order was given! (Even though I do realize that the sheriff is/was trying to protect the residents of his county...)
If you know me, you know that I am fascinated by history. I've been excited by recent finds that have been announced over the past few days.... A fully intact ship-burial with a Viking warrior has been found on the Scottish Highland peninsula of Ardnamurchan in Lochabar. It has been dated to the tenth century, and contained a whetstone from Norway, a ring pin from Ireland, and pottery from the Hebrides. Most of the warrior's skeleton has decayed, but part of his jaw and several teeth have been recovered, as well. He was buried with his broadsword, a bronze-headed axe, his conical helmet, and his shield was placed above him. .... At Bredon Hill, immortalized by a poem in A. E. Housman's 1896 anthology, A Shropshire Lad, the reportedly largest ever treasure trove of gold has been found. Details of what it includes are sketchy, and the finder has not been identified. But it is understood the Worcestershire County Council and the county coroner have been informed because of the potential archaeological significance. The treasure, found at the site of an Iron Age fort in Worcestershire, is already being compared with the Staffordshire Hoard, the country’s biggest ever find of Anglo Saxon gold. .... After standing for at least 4,000 years, the standing stone at Bedd Morris on Newport Mountain has fallen. It was broken off below ground level, and is believed to have been run into by a motorist during the weekend. Well over six-feet tall, the bronze-age stone is now a parish marker between Newport and Pontfaen in Wales. The National Park Authority is investigating. .... And in Dangtu, Anhui Province, China more than 40 cultural relics have been found in a 400-square-meter tomb that is 2,000 years old. It is suggested that the tomb belonged to an aristocrat of Yue, one of the seven Warring States during the Warring States period (475 to 221 BC). One of the most gorgeous, and yet tiny, pieces was a "dragonfly eye" glass bead. This kind of jewellery was made by nomadic tribes in Mediterranean countries in the 10th century BC and was believed to keep misfortune away from the wearers, as well as to play the role of money, Gong Xicheng, deputy director of the provincial archaeological institute said.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
At Home...
For once, I did not sleep well in my own bed; I kept waking up and trying to figure out where I was. I had Lovey on my tummy, and Nedi stretched out beside me all night long, but I kept waking up. Maybe it's a good thing I'm back at home before going on vacation. The kits are currently out sunning - it's 46degrees and sunny, with 50% humidity. (It was 29 with 81% humidity at 5 this morning.) I walked Rosie and Remy wearing jeans, a T-shirt, and a heavy, hooded sweatshirt. I had sweat running down my neck and the back of my head before we finished our walk. Right now, the patio door and window are open, and I'm waering the jeans and T. I must be getting acclimated. (Am I going to have a heat stroke in Florida?)
OK. Life At Ten, the mare in last year's Breeders Cup fiasco, has been retired to be a broodmare. .... America and Canada are the only two countries that currently allow same-day medication of horses competing in thoroughbred racing. Salix is the most commonly used drug - it is a diuretic, and helps keep horses from bursting the capillaries and small veins in their lungs when they run. (And it's what is being blamed for Life At Ten's poor performance last year.) The Breeders Cup is now instituting a multi-step plan to (finally) ban all same-day medications for runners, beginning next year, with the 2012 running of the Breeders Cup. This will bring the US into alignment with other international racing countries - none of whom approve race-day meds. - I have always held that giving medication to stop bleeding was a way to continue to breed bleeders, which just weakens the breed. Unfortunately, Americans have been medicating for bleeding since the 1920s, and it's now bred throughout our North American bloodlines.
Pine Brook Hills is a small neighborhood in northwest Boulder. It lays among the Foothills, and backs onto open space, and National Forest lands. It has a great deal of true wildlife. Last Thursday evening, Gail Loveman heard an odd noise coming from her porch, very close to the door. She poked her head into the room, grabbed her camera, and started photographing. A young mountain lion was on her porch, almost nose to nose with Zeus, her Maine Coon cat. Zeus and the mountain lion had a staring match, during which time Zeus's littermate, Bacchus, decided he'd stay out in the hallway. Gail said the cats finally just sat, watching each other, and then the young mountain lion wandered into her yard, visiting the mountain lion statue. Her photos are great!
OK. Life At Ten, the mare in last year's Breeders Cup fiasco, has been retired to be a broodmare. .... America and Canada are the only two countries that currently allow same-day medication of horses competing in thoroughbred racing. Salix is the most commonly used drug - it is a diuretic, and helps keep horses from bursting the capillaries and small veins in their lungs when they run. (And it's what is being blamed for Life At Ten's poor performance last year.) The Breeders Cup is now instituting a multi-step plan to (finally) ban all same-day medications for runners, beginning next year, with the 2012 running of the Breeders Cup. This will bring the US into alignment with other international racing countries - none of whom approve race-day meds. - I have always held that giving medication to stop bleeding was a way to continue to breed bleeders, which just weakens the breed. Unfortunately, Americans have been medicating for bleeding since the 1920s, and it's now bred throughout our North American bloodlines.
Pine Brook Hills is a small neighborhood in northwest Boulder. It lays among the Foothills, and backs onto open space, and National Forest lands. It has a great deal of true wildlife. Last Thursday evening, Gail Loveman heard an odd noise coming from her porch, very close to the door. She poked her head into the room, grabbed her camera, and started photographing. A young mountain lion was on her porch, almost nose to nose with Zeus, her Maine Coon cat. Zeus and the mountain lion had a staring match, during which time Zeus's littermate, Bacchus, decided he'd stay out in the hallway. Gail said the cats finally just sat, watching each other, and then the young mountain lion wandered into her yard, visiting the mountain lion statue. Her photos are great!
Zeus is an 11-year-old Maine Coon cat; the mountain lion is thought to be approximately 7 to 8 months old. These photos were taken by Gail Loveman at her house in Pine Brook Hills, Boulder, Colorado.
Monday, October 17, 2011
A Late, Brief, Blog
Back at home, hooray, hooray! The kits have run outside, I have Antiques Roadshow on, and I've checked my e-mail again. I have to return a phone call to a possible new client, and to an established client wanting to know about Christmas. I left Lynn's after I got word that she was on her way home from DIA. Besides cleaning my apartment and doing laundry, all I need to do tomorrow is walk the red kids. ..... I was disappointed by all but three of my collegiate football teams and by all the pros, except the Packers. It did seem really strange to see Major Wright tackle Percy Harvin Sunday night, as they both used to play for the Gators.
The Breeders Cup is coming closer - November 4 and 5, at Churchill Downs. After the fiasco with Life At Ten in the Distaff race last year, there are new rules in place for jockeys, trainers, stewards, and veterinarians. After the warm-up, the second betting choice, Life At Ten's jockey told Jerry Bailey on ESPN that the filly hadn't warmed up the way she usually did, and that she felt wrong, or strange. The jockey did not report this to the vet at the gate, nor to a steward. ESPN sent the video and voice clip to the steward's by their own volition. Life At Ten did not run well at all, and the jockey didn't try to whip her, knowing something was wrong. She finished last. The trainer said she had an allergic reaction to the Salix (lasix) she was given prior to the race. Bettors lost money, and the public and Churchill Downs authorities were not happy. The jockey and senior steward John Veitch were charged with "violating the rules of racing" by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The jockey did not admit wrong-doing, and paid a $10,000 fine. The case against John Veitch has yet to be decided, but both sides have run up over $100,000 in legal fees.
The outcome is that a new set of rules and regulations regarding the reporting of questions regarding the the horse's health has been put into place. The new measures include:
--Establishment of a Communications Command Center at Churchill Downs, staffed by a KHRC employee who is also an accredited steward. The Communications Command Center will monitor all radio channels used by the veterinary team and track personnel, television broadcasts, simulcast and on-track feeds;
--Designating one of the three stewards to be in the paddock during saddling for each race;
--Instituting easily identifiable uniforms with the words VET TEAM in large block letters for both the KHRC and Breeders’ Cup veterinarian team members to aid race participants;
--Inclusion of the stewards and representatives of the Jockeys’ Guild in a pre-event television production meeting; and,
--Advance meetings with the Jockeys’ Guild regarding on-track veterinary team and pre-race communications protocols.
The Breeders Cup is coming closer - November 4 and 5, at Churchill Downs. After the fiasco with Life At Ten in the Distaff race last year, there are new rules in place for jockeys, trainers, stewards, and veterinarians. After the warm-up, the second betting choice, Life At Ten's jockey told Jerry Bailey on ESPN that the filly hadn't warmed up the way she usually did, and that she felt wrong, or strange. The jockey did not report this to the vet at the gate, nor to a steward. ESPN sent the video and voice clip to the steward's by their own volition. Life At Ten did not run well at all, and the jockey didn't try to whip her, knowing something was wrong. She finished last. The trainer said she had an allergic reaction to the Salix (lasix) she was given prior to the race. Bettors lost money, and the public and Churchill Downs authorities were not happy. The jockey and senior steward John Veitch were charged with "violating the rules of racing" by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The jockey did not admit wrong-doing, and paid a $10,000 fine. The case against John Veitch has yet to be decided, but both sides have run up over $100,000 in legal fees.
The outcome is that a new set of rules and regulations regarding the reporting of questions regarding the the horse's health has been put into place. The new measures include:
--Establishment of a Communications Command Center at Churchill Downs, staffed by a KHRC employee who is also an accredited steward. The Communications Command Center will monitor all radio channels used by the veterinary team and track personnel, television broadcasts, simulcast and on-track feeds;
--Designating one of the three stewards to be in the paddock during saddling for each race;
--Instituting easily identifiable uniforms with the words VET TEAM in large block letters for both the KHRC and Breeders’ Cup veterinarian team members to aid race participants;
--Inclusion of the stewards and representatives of the Jockeys’ Guild in a pre-event television production meeting; and,
--Advance meetings with the Jockeys’ Guild regarding on-track veterinary team and pre-race communications protocols.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Getting Florida Excited
How cool! I just checked my e-mail before starting to blog, and there was a note from Carolyn that had been sent just one minute earlier. So I called her on the phone - and we laughed and talked and planned things to do while I'm visiting. Gator Football against Georgia on Saturday; horseback riding on the beach Sunday morning; Redskins at the Bills Sunday afternoon; and whatever we feel like in between! I'm sure we'll have a great time. I'll also be spending time with Mary, Kathryn, Jack, Diana, and Carolyn's mother - I am really looking forward to this trip!
Friday I'll be helping Bernie with Jim's Memorial Service (it's at 1 p.m.) - I'll probably be in charge of the food set-up and replenishment. That's no trouble. I actually have a black jumper that I can wear - but I'll need to find some black shoes. Of course, people know I'm crazy, and if I show up in hot pink sneakers, I don't think anyone would blink (much). I've told Bernie that she can call me any time during the day or night; that I'm available to her, if she wants me or needs me. I know that Jim had hospice care for the last few months, but it is still a shock to your system when it finally hits you that your life partner is gone.
All of Lynn's kits slept with me last night, and Tessa was on the floor next to the bed, as usual. Their Mom returns tomorrow evening, so I'll be back in my own bed quite soon. Lovey and Nedi have been stuck to me like glue this morning - but after two hours, they have both gone outside to play and explore. Alexy is going to come over for tea this afternoon at 4. Mainly to observe the younger kits outside, to have a few biscuits, and to chat. ..... There were about 100 protesters for "Occupy Boulder" on Friday and about 700 yesterday. They plan on meeting again today. I agree with them that something needs to be done about the economy and the jobs situation, but I'm too busy and dislike crowds too much to want to join in. ..... The Broncos have a bye week, but the media is still in a frenzy over Tim Tebow being named the starting quarterback. I like Tim; I think he brings a spark that Kyle Orton lacked; I think he can energize and get the offense and defense to work harder; but I don't think that Tim is "the saviour" of the team. He's a young man with great collegiate accomplishments. He has drive, commitment, and a certain pizazz (if we were still in the 1930's, I'd say he has "it"). But it takes a lot of people working together to make a winning football team. I truly hope that Tebow can provide the cohesion and stability the Broncos need. But I do not expect an immediate miracle. (However, I do hope for one.)
Friday I'll be helping Bernie with Jim's Memorial Service (it's at 1 p.m.) - I'll probably be in charge of the food set-up and replenishment. That's no trouble. I actually have a black jumper that I can wear - but I'll need to find some black shoes. Of course, people know I'm crazy, and if I show up in hot pink sneakers, I don't think anyone would blink (much). I've told Bernie that she can call me any time during the day or night; that I'm available to her, if she wants me or needs me. I know that Jim had hospice care for the last few months, but it is still a shock to your system when it finally hits you that your life partner is gone.
All of Lynn's kits slept with me last night, and Tessa was on the floor next to the bed, as usual. Their Mom returns tomorrow evening, so I'll be back in my own bed quite soon. Lovey and Nedi have been stuck to me like glue this morning - but after two hours, they have both gone outside to play and explore. Alexy is going to come over for tea this afternoon at 4. Mainly to observe the younger kits outside, to have a few biscuits, and to chat. ..... There were about 100 protesters for "Occupy Boulder" on Friday and about 700 yesterday. They plan on meeting again today. I agree with them that something needs to be done about the economy and the jobs situation, but I'm too busy and dislike crowds too much to want to join in. ..... The Broncos have a bye week, but the media is still in a frenzy over Tim Tebow being named the starting quarterback. I like Tim; I think he brings a spark that Kyle Orton lacked; I think he can energize and get the offense and defense to work harder; but I don't think that Tim is "the saviour" of the team. He's a young man with great collegiate accomplishments. He has drive, commitment, and a certain pizazz (if we were still in the 1930's, I'd say he has "it"). But it takes a lot of people working together to make a winning football team. I truly hope that Tebow can provide the cohesion and stability the Broncos need. But I do not expect an immediate miracle. (However, I do hope for one.)
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Playtime Bonzai!
My kits had a blast in Lynn's back yard yesterday. All the kits got along and played with each other, and Tessa set herself up as the arbitrator of a few disputes. While I did not see Lilly climb any trees, the other four kits certainly did. Luckily, Nedi and Lovey were in a fir tree with very low branches when Nedi jumped down on top of Lovey from a branch a couple of feet above her. They both tumbled to the ground and then took off at a run. When they left, Nedi was chasing Lovey; when they came back by, Lovey was chasing Nedi. Tessa, Lilly , Lyra and Dhisana seemed to be agog watching Lovey and Nedi play together. After 90 minutes, the two youngsters joined in playing with my two - leaving Lilly watching from the back of her favorite bench under the grape arbor, while Tessa laid in the grass and followed happenings with her eyes. It was a tiring, but very fun, afternoon.
Lynn's boyfriend called at 6:30 and told me he was coming over to take a bath and sleep in Lynn's bed. What could I say? He has his own house key. He was not yet up when I came home this morning. Since Ed was there, I brought my kits home this morning. Lovey is currently laying across my shoulders, draped behind my neck, and is snoring. Nedi is outside chasing bugs. Not much else is going on.... Hope everyone has a super weekend!
Lynn's boyfriend called at 6:30 and told me he was coming over to take a bath and sleep in Lynn's bed. What could I say? He has his own house key. He was not yet up when I came home this morning. Since Ed was there, I brought my kits home this morning. Lovey is currently laying across my shoulders, draped behind my neck, and is snoring. Nedi is outside chasing bugs. Not much else is going on.... Hope everyone has a super weekend!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Fumble Fingers Strikes Again
Poor Lilly! She always has the demeanor of someone who is persecuted - she tries not to be seen, and shuns excess attention. Last night, as she danced in front of me for her supper, I dropped the other two ceramic bowls on either side of her. Since they landed on a tile floor, and broke loudly, she disappeared for two hours before deciding it was safe to get her supper. This morning, she was eager for breakfast, but she heard the bowls clink on each other, and she ran again. I feel awful about having frightened her. The two youngsters had a ball in the back yard yesterday, and Tessa made herself the baby sitter. It was fun to watch!
Lovey is laying across my chest and purring up a storm. Nedi is soaking up the sun. I've been watching the Denver station regarding their "Occupy Wall Street" demonstration. People have been peacefully gathering there for several days. Both the Governor and Mayor say that these people have the right to free speech, and the right to gather in this protest. The problem is the lack of sanitation arrangements and the fact that it is illegal to camp in the public parks in downtown overnight. After five days, it was announced that the parks would be closed at 11 p.m. as per Denver law, and that anyone caught sleeping in tents would be detained and/or arrested. They kept warning people periodically, and a little after 3 a.m., state troopers and police in riot gear moved in. There were 24 folks who were detained by the officers because they were blocking one of the main thoroughfares down town. I saw no signs of violence - the police advanced in step, and others picked up all the sleeping bags, tents, etc. that were left behind. - The Boulder version of "Occupy Wall Street" is due to start tomorrow, at the One Boulder Plaza building, which is only one block from the RTD bus station downtown. - And that may cause some problems with my transport beginning Monday evening, when I come home from Lynn's house..... And I'm starting to get excited about visiting my friends in Florida later this month.
Do you remember all the brouhaha surrounding Legionnaire's Disease? A hotel in Ocean City, Maryland has closed because three of their guests developed that dreaded respiratory ailment. One has died. Where's all the media attention now? .... Northampton County, the southern county on Virginia's Eastern Shore, has approved a wind farm to be built by Poseidon Atlantic. The wind turbines will be both on land, and off shore, and some will rise to the height of 700 feet. Northampton has also approved a solar array in the northern part of the county. .... Even after the rain from Hurricane Irene and tropical storm Lee, the deep swamp fires in the Great Dismal Swamp are still burning. .... And a video of a horse named Here Comes Frazier is being shown on the web as a "funny" video clip, showing the rider falling off into the infield. Here Comes Frazier was a very promising two-year-old colt. He had never been challenged in his previous races, but a horse was charging up on his outside coming down the stretch in his last race. Jockey Julien Leparoux hit Here Comes Frazier with his riding crop (or whip) on the right shoulder. It was the first time the colt had ever been hit - and he veered sharply to the left, running into and bouncing off the rail. This caused the jockey to loose his seat, landing in the infield, and injuring his right hand. From running into the rail, Here Comes Frazier broke his tibia at his hock joint in multiple places. He had surgery yesterday, which the vets described as "successful." If he doesn't founder, he might even be able to return to racing. None of this is mentioned in the video clip.....
Lovey is laying across my chest and purring up a storm. Nedi is soaking up the sun. I've been watching the Denver station regarding their "Occupy Wall Street" demonstration. People have been peacefully gathering there for several days. Both the Governor and Mayor say that these people have the right to free speech, and the right to gather in this protest. The problem is the lack of sanitation arrangements and the fact that it is illegal to camp in the public parks in downtown overnight. After five days, it was announced that the parks would be closed at 11 p.m. as per Denver law, and that anyone caught sleeping in tents would be detained and/or arrested. They kept warning people periodically, and a little after 3 a.m., state troopers and police in riot gear moved in. There were 24 folks who were detained by the officers because they were blocking one of the main thoroughfares down town. I saw no signs of violence - the police advanced in step, and others picked up all the sleeping bags, tents, etc. that were left behind. - The Boulder version of "Occupy Wall Street" is due to start tomorrow, at the One Boulder Plaza building, which is only one block from the RTD bus station downtown. - And that may cause some problems with my transport beginning Monday evening, when I come home from Lynn's house..... And I'm starting to get excited about visiting my friends in Florida later this month.
Do you remember all the brouhaha surrounding Legionnaire's Disease? A hotel in Ocean City, Maryland has closed because three of their guests developed that dreaded respiratory ailment. One has died. Where's all the media attention now? .... Northampton County, the southern county on Virginia's Eastern Shore, has approved a wind farm to be built by Poseidon Atlantic. The wind turbines will be both on land, and off shore, and some will rise to the height of 700 feet. Northampton has also approved a solar array in the northern part of the county. .... Even after the rain from Hurricane Irene and tropical storm Lee, the deep swamp fires in the Great Dismal Swamp are still burning. .... And a video of a horse named Here Comes Frazier is being shown on the web as a "funny" video clip, showing the rider falling off into the infield. Here Comes Frazier was a very promising two-year-old colt. He had never been challenged in his previous races, but a horse was charging up on his outside coming down the stretch in his last race. Jockey Julien Leparoux hit Here Comes Frazier with his riding crop (or whip) on the right shoulder. It was the first time the colt had ever been hit - and he veered sharply to the left, running into and bouncing off the rail. This caused the jockey to loose his seat, landing in the infield, and injuring his right hand. From running into the rail, Here Comes Frazier broke his tibia at his hock joint in multiple places. He had surgery yesterday, which the vets described as "successful." If he doesn't founder, he might even be able to return to racing. None of this is mentioned in the video clip.....
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Looking Up
A maple tree's autumnal foliage
An otter
A coyote
... at the Assateague Lighthouse
And our weather is looking up, too. It was 37 degrees this morning when I arose; last Saturday, the high was 41 degrees, with rain and sleet. This Saturday, the high is forecast as 82!
Duh! Apples, Plus Gravity, Can Hurt
Yesterday afternoon, I was once again watching Dhisana and Lyra climbing about in the apple tree. I was sitting on the stone bench, looking almost straight up. The kits were moving to another limb, and I was focused on the two of them. Boy, am I stupid.... A large apple (they are red delicious apples, by the way) fell from one of the top branches and struck my forehead above my right eye. While I was rubbing my forehead, and still stupidly looking up, another apple came down and landed on my upper lip. Being me, of course my front teeth cut into my lip, but not all the way through (thank goodness!). So I had a lump on my forehead and a bloody mouth because I was watching young cats climb a tree. Sheeesh! I looked like I had been in a fist fight last night, because I had this swollen bruised lump on my forehead, and a swollen bruised mouth (that still occasionally decides to bleed a bit). - It should've happened on the afternoon of Halloween!
Last Saturday, Chincoteague held it's 39th annual Oyster Festival; it was again sold out 10 days before the actual event. .... And on that day, the Museum of Chincoteague Island, which opened on April 9 of this year, had it's 10,000th visitor. ..... This Saturday, October 15, is the annual Chili and Chowder Cook-off held behind Don's Seafood and in the new downtown City Park. .... I am also looking forward to the release of a new documentary, made by actor and director Hamilton Meadows. We all know that folks from Chincoteague, Tangier, and Smith Islands speak differently, and have a lot of ancient words in their vocabulary. In the PBS series, The Story of English, it was reported that these islands speak a preserved form of Elizabethan English - and having investigated several of my Mother's everyday words, I have to concur. In any event, "Speak the Speech, I Pray Thee..." is a documentary about Old English and word usage; much of it was filmed on Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay. I know that it is to be released soon, but I don't know exactly when. However, one can view several clips from the documentary at: http://www.hamiltonmeadowsfilms.com/ .
My kits seem to realize that Mocha is gone. They are much more relaxed and Nedi is getting more demonstrative each day. Lovey still talks up a blue streak, runs in and out, and generally has a blast. Nedi wants love and assurance, and a sunny spot to bask in. .... Tessa is a funny girl - she bounds about the yard like a gazelle, and jumped over both Rosie and Remy this morning in the back yard. I am going to take Lovey and Nedi over to the house tomorrow, after lunch. Tazi, the house cleaner, will be there Friday morning, and she runs through the house, vacuuming and mopping, watering plants, dusting everything, doing laundry - although I do my own, when I'm there. Lilly doesn't like Tazi because Tazi operates the vacuum, and she thinks the vacuum will suck her up, no matter where she hides. So I figure I'll take my kits over after Tazi has left, and they can have four afternoons of playing in the huge back yard at Lynn's.
Last Saturday, Chincoteague held it's 39th annual Oyster Festival; it was again sold out 10 days before the actual event. .... And on that day, the Museum of Chincoteague Island, which opened on April 9 of this year, had it's 10,000th visitor. ..... This Saturday, October 15, is the annual Chili and Chowder Cook-off held behind Don's Seafood and in the new downtown City Park. .... I am also looking forward to the release of a new documentary, made by actor and director Hamilton Meadows. We all know that folks from Chincoteague, Tangier, and Smith Islands speak differently, and have a lot of ancient words in their vocabulary. In the PBS series, The Story of English, it was reported that these islands speak a preserved form of Elizabethan English - and having investigated several of my Mother's everyday words, I have to concur. In any event, "Speak the Speech, I Pray Thee..." is a documentary about Old English and word usage; much of it was filmed on Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay. I know that it is to be released soon, but I don't know exactly when. However, one can view several clips from the documentary at: http://www.hamiltonmeadowsfilms.com/ .
My kits seem to realize that Mocha is gone. They are much more relaxed and Nedi is getting more demonstrative each day. Lovey still talks up a blue streak, runs in and out, and generally has a blast. Nedi wants love and assurance, and a sunny spot to bask in. .... Tessa is a funny girl - she bounds about the yard like a gazelle, and jumped over both Rosie and Remy this morning in the back yard. I am going to take Lovey and Nedi over to the house tomorrow, after lunch. Tazi, the house cleaner, will be there Friday morning, and she runs through the house, vacuuming and mopping, watering plants, dusting everything, doing laundry - although I do my own, when I'm there. Lilly doesn't like Tazi because Tazi operates the vacuum, and she thinks the vacuum will suck her up, no matter where she hides. So I figure I'll take my kits over after Tazi has left, and they can have four afternoons of playing in the huge back yard at Lynn's.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Apples and Babies
Lynn's apple tree
Daughter and mother okapis
Seven giant panda cubs in their crib in China
Dead Battery and Climbing Cats
Lynn has repeatedly told me that the "rear door" on the van sometimes does not close, and that it drains the battery. (I consider the rear door to be the back gate, hatchback, whatever...) The battery was dead when I went to start the car this morning. I had "beeped" the doors locked yesterday, so just to be sure, I grabbed the passenger sliding door - and, it was unlocked. That's the door we loaded and unloaded Tessa's frozen chicken boxes from. **Sigh** Kathy and Jim will jump start the van for me later this afternoon.
Remy visited the chiropractor early this morning, so I walked the red kids at 11 today. I had already walked Tessa, and had let her out into the back yard to play. Yesterday I had a blast because I let all the kits out in the back yard - Lilly is used to being outside, but Lyra and Dhisana haven't been out since I let them out last spring. Lyra waltzed about the entire yard, with her tail straight up - she explored everything without a pause. Dhisana, on the other hand, kept her back and tail fluffed the entire time she was outside, and was extremely cautious. - Until some strange spirit told her to run up the aspen tree. Then she leaped from the tree to the shed roof and explored. She suddenly saw she had no way down, and she cried and cried. I walked over and patted the top railing of the fence beside the roof - it was about a three-foot leap, but Dhisana jumped to the rail and then onto my shoulder. A few minutes later, she chased Lyra up to the top-most branches of the apple tree. Both kits were standing on their hind legs and boxing at the other with their front paws, while they were 25 feet above the ground! Then they declared a truce and ran down the tree. A few minutes later I heard Dhisana crying again - this time, from the roof of the house. I walked over to the fir tree she had climbed, and convinced to her come down. Then the kits and Tessa and I relaxed in the sun for a while. It was a nice afternoon. ..... Once I get the van juiced up again, I think I will take my kits over to visit the yard and garden. They will have a ball playing in the trees, too.
Remy visited the chiropractor early this morning, so I walked the red kids at 11 today. I had already walked Tessa, and had let her out into the back yard to play. Yesterday I had a blast because I let all the kits out in the back yard - Lilly is used to being outside, but Lyra and Dhisana haven't been out since I let them out last spring. Lyra waltzed about the entire yard, with her tail straight up - she explored everything without a pause. Dhisana, on the other hand, kept her back and tail fluffed the entire time she was outside, and was extremely cautious. - Until some strange spirit told her to run up the aspen tree. Then she leaped from the tree to the shed roof and explored. She suddenly saw she had no way down, and she cried and cried. I walked over and patted the top railing of the fence beside the roof - it was about a three-foot leap, but Dhisana jumped to the rail and then onto my shoulder. A few minutes later, she chased Lyra up to the top-most branches of the apple tree. Both kits were standing on their hind legs and boxing at the other with their front paws, while they were 25 feet above the ground! Then they declared a truce and ran down the tree. A few minutes later I heard Dhisana crying again - this time, from the roof of the house. I walked over to the fir tree she had climbed, and convinced to her come down. Then the kits and Tessa and I relaxed in the sun for a while. It was a nice afternoon. ..... Once I get the van juiced up again, I think I will take my kits over to visit the yard and garden. They will have a ball playing in the trees, too.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Miscellaneous and "It's Tebow Time"
After walking and playing with Rosie and Remy yesterday, I stopped by Bernie's and we spent about an hour talking about all sorts of things. I don't think that Jim's death has actually become a reality for her yet. She says she's fine, and continues to plan on cleaning up his hospice room, ripping up the carpet, re-finishing the pine floors, and painting the room. She hopes to get started on it all before the memorial service, which will be on Friday, the 21st. We looked through some of Jim's old keepsakes from his school days, and Bernie got a kick out of the way the school newspaper described Jim. If we can get the Quaker Meeting Hall, we'll hold the memorial service there - otherwise, it will be at either the Elk Lodge or the American Legion Hall.
My kits are running in and out of the patio door this morning - and the apartment management turned on the boiler this morning, so we all have to check to see if the radiators under our windows leak. At the moment, mine does not leak. On the way back to Lynn's I need to stop at the grocery store and get milk, eggs, and meat. I have plenty of kitty litter and cat food and kitty treats at home for my kids. And I picked up 75 pounds of frozen chicken to feed Tessa yesterday, at the local organic pet food store. Lilly, Lyra, and Dhisana get a teaspoon of the chicken with each meal, on top of their organic rice and chicken dry kibble. Tessa gets 3/4 of the entire block for both breakfast and dinner.
If you do not want to read about Tim Tebow, stop reading here. (I realize that some of my friends have a Tebow burn-out from living in Gainesville, and getting news and rumors about Tebow 24 hours a day while he was attending UF and playing for the Gators.) Me, I like the guy. He stands by what his beliefs are and he backs up what he says with his actions. In any event - the Broncos lost again on Sunday, against a main rival, the San Diego Chargers. Kyle Orton was the starting quarterback (and I still like Kyle) - but he still couldn't get the job done. He moved the team up and down the field, but we could only score field goals and not touch downs. The only touchdown made by the Broncos in the first half was by a defensive player who caught a tipped pass. Kyle threw his seventh interception, which was taken down to the Charger 5 yard line, and from there, they scored a TD. Tebow was sent in for one play in the first half, where he scrambled for 2 yards. ... After half-time, Tebow started for the Broncos. There was a 23 point lead that the Chargers had - the defense worked hard and kept the Chargers from scoring. Tebow ran for a touchdown, and then threw for a second one; plus got the team into position for another field goal. The game came down to the last second, with Tim dancing around the backfield, trying to find a receiver in the end zone with single coverage. Time ran out, he threw the ball, and it bounced off several Charger players and then in and out of the Broncos player. The Broncos lost by 5. - But the team seemed to have more energy with Tebow at the helm. Both the offense and the defense seemed to come alive, and the crowd loved it. - I personally felt bad for Kyle Orton who was booed each time he was on the playing field. That is simply unsportsmanlike conduct. Kyle went out, he did his best - he ran the plays he was told to. He didn't deserve booing or the derision of the crowd. - At 8 a.m. this morning, it was announced to the team that Tim Tebow will be their starting quarterback for their next game. The Broncos have a bye week the 16th - so they will be facing the Miami Dolphins on the 23rd with a new starting quarterback - Tim Tebow.
My kits are running in and out of the patio door this morning - and the apartment management turned on the boiler this morning, so we all have to check to see if the radiators under our windows leak. At the moment, mine does not leak. On the way back to Lynn's I need to stop at the grocery store and get milk, eggs, and meat. I have plenty of kitty litter and cat food and kitty treats at home for my kids. And I picked up 75 pounds of frozen chicken to feed Tessa yesterday, at the local organic pet food store. Lilly, Lyra, and Dhisana get a teaspoon of the chicken with each meal, on top of their organic rice and chicken dry kibble. Tessa gets 3/4 of the entire block for both breakfast and dinner.
If you do not want to read about Tim Tebow, stop reading here. (I realize that some of my friends have a Tebow burn-out from living in Gainesville, and getting news and rumors about Tebow 24 hours a day while he was attending UF and playing for the Gators.) Me, I like the guy. He stands by what his beliefs are and he backs up what he says with his actions. In any event - the Broncos lost again on Sunday, against a main rival, the San Diego Chargers. Kyle Orton was the starting quarterback (and I still like Kyle) - but he still couldn't get the job done. He moved the team up and down the field, but we could only score field goals and not touch downs. The only touchdown made by the Broncos in the first half was by a defensive player who caught a tipped pass. Kyle threw his seventh interception, which was taken down to the Charger 5 yard line, and from there, they scored a TD. Tebow was sent in for one play in the first half, where he scrambled for 2 yards. ... After half-time, Tebow started for the Broncos. There was a 23 point lead that the Chargers had - the defense worked hard and kept the Chargers from scoring. Tebow ran for a touchdown, and then threw for a second one; plus got the team into position for another field goal. The game came down to the last second, with Tim dancing around the backfield, trying to find a receiver in the end zone with single coverage. Time ran out, he threw the ball, and it bounced off several Charger players and then in and out of the Broncos player. The Broncos lost by 5. - But the team seemed to have more energy with Tebow at the helm. Both the offense and the defense seemed to come alive, and the crowd loved it. - I personally felt bad for Kyle Orton who was booed each time he was on the playing field. That is simply unsportsmanlike conduct. Kyle went out, he did his best - he ran the plays he was told to. He didn't deserve booing or the derision of the crowd. - At 8 a.m. this morning, it was announced to the team that Tim Tebow will be their starting quarterback for their next game. The Broncos have a bye week the 16th - so they will be facing the Miami Dolphins on the 23rd with a new starting quarterback - Tim Tebow.
Broncos' quarterback Tim Tebow gains rushing yardage against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, 9 October 2011.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Columbus Day
Mmmmmmm.... Columbus Day. I honestly don't know exactly how I feel about it - other than conflicted. Columbus Day is actually on 12 October, but the government has squeezed it onto the nearest weekend, for the sake of convenience. On 12 October 1492, a Genoa-born Italian named Cristobal Columbo, first made landing on the shores of the Bahama Islands and claimed them for the country of Spain. Of course, Columbus was searching for an easy sailing route to India and China, to make tons of money in the spice, tea and silk trading business. He also planned on finding gold and jewels, to put in his own pockets, as well as into the royal treasury of Ferdinand and Isabella. He next landed on Hispaniola, now the Dominican Republic and Haiti, where the Santa Maria broke up, and the sailors spent 6 months before returning to Spain. During that time, small pox, cholera, measles, and diptheria were introduced to the native people, who had no immunity to such new and powerful diseases. The natives, in return, gave the sailors syphillis. (I have always found it funny that the Europeans always blamed another European nation for syphillis - when it was brought by sailors from the New World.) Columbus didn't actually set foot on North America until 1502, with his third voyage west. - By that time, the damage to the native peoples of the Caribbean and the Americas had already been set on it's course.
Then there are the sagas of the Vikings and tales of the Irish priests to consider. According to a saga from Iceland, Bjarni Herjolffson landed on the coast of Maine (previously landing on the coast of Labrador in Canada) in 986, and it was his tale that encouraged Leif Ericson to make his journey to what he, in turn, called Vinland. There are several Norse/Viking type settlements along the coast of Canada that date to 1000. And there are several Norse runestones that are in Oklahoma - the only problem is there were 12 different runic alphabets in use at that time, and some were read left to right, while others were right to left, and a couple were vertical. The runestones in Oklahoma have not yet been successfully translated.
And what about St. Brendan, the Navigator of Ireland? Also known as Brandan and Borodon, Brendan was born about 484 A.D. near Tralee in County Kerry. He was ordained by Bishop Erc and sailed around northwest Europe spreading the Christian faith and founding monasteries — the largest at Clonfert, County Galway. Legend says that the community had at least three thousand monks — their rule dictated to Brendan by an angel. He died at the age of 93 and he was buried at the monastery in 577 A.D. Brendan and his brothers figure prominently in Brendan's Voyage, a tale of monks travelling the high seas of the Atlantic, evangelizing to the islands, and possibly reaching the Americas in the 6th century. At one point they stop on a small island, celebrate Easter Mass, light a fire - and then discover the island is an enormous whale! Maps of Columbus’ time often included an island called St. Brendan’s Isle that was placed in the western Atlantic ocean. Map makers of the time had no idea of its exact position but did believe it existed some where west of Europe. It was mentioned in a Latin text dating from the ninth century called Navigatio Santi Brendani Abatis (Voyage of Saint Brendan the Abbot). It described the voyage as having taken place in the sixth century. Several copies of this text have survived in monasteries throughout Europe. It was an important part of folklore in medieval Europe and may have influenced Columbus.
The discovery of the Americas was advantageous to European nations. But it brought slavery to those in Africa, and it brought death and destruction to the native people of the Americas. I believe that America is one of the greatest countries in the world, but I also decry a lot of the government's dealings with native people. I'm proud to be an American; I'm proud to be of Swedish and Danish and English descent. I love to read the ancient sagas and tales of many countries and try to place them in today's location names. But at the same time, I'm upset by the lies, cruelty, death and destruction that has occured "in the name of We, the people..."
Then there are the sagas of the Vikings and tales of the Irish priests to consider. According to a saga from Iceland, Bjarni Herjolffson landed on the coast of Maine (previously landing on the coast of Labrador in Canada) in 986, and it was his tale that encouraged Leif Ericson to make his journey to what he, in turn, called Vinland. There are several Norse/Viking type settlements along the coast of Canada that date to 1000. And there are several Norse runestones that are in Oklahoma - the only problem is there were 12 different runic alphabets in use at that time, and some were read left to right, while others were right to left, and a couple were vertical. The runestones in Oklahoma have not yet been successfully translated.
And what about St. Brendan, the Navigator of Ireland? Also known as Brandan and Borodon, Brendan was born about 484 A.D. near Tralee in County Kerry. He was ordained by Bishop Erc and sailed around northwest Europe spreading the Christian faith and founding monasteries — the largest at Clonfert, County Galway. Legend says that the community had at least three thousand monks — their rule dictated to Brendan by an angel. He died at the age of 93 and he was buried at the monastery in 577 A.D. Brendan and his brothers figure prominently in Brendan's Voyage, a tale of monks travelling the high seas of the Atlantic, evangelizing to the islands, and possibly reaching the Americas in the 6th century. At one point they stop on a small island, celebrate Easter Mass, light a fire - and then discover the island is an enormous whale! Maps of Columbus’ time often included an island called St. Brendan’s Isle that was placed in the western Atlantic ocean. Map makers of the time had no idea of its exact position but did believe it existed some where west of Europe. It was mentioned in a Latin text dating from the ninth century called Navigatio Santi Brendani Abatis (Voyage of Saint Brendan the Abbot). It described the voyage as having taken place in the sixth century. Several copies of this text have survived in monasteries throughout Europe. It was an important part of folklore in medieval Europe and may have influenced Columbus.
The discovery of the Americas was advantageous to European nations. But it brought slavery to those in Africa, and it brought death and destruction to the native people of the Americas. I believe that America is one of the greatest countries in the world, but I also decry a lot of the government's dealings with native people. I'm proud to be an American; I'm proud to be of Swedish and Danish and English descent. I love to read the ancient sagas and tales of many countries and try to place them in today's location names. But at the same time, I'm upset by the lies, cruelty, death and destruction that has occured "in the name of We, the people..."
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Photo Potpourri, Too
Original cover art for Dragonflight by Michael Whelan. Dragonflight is the first book of the Dragonriders of Pern series.
Mark Harmon will appear as Lucas Davenport in the USA movie Certain Prey.
A young male bison steams at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska.
A Potpourri
A friend and neighbor passed away yesterday morning. Jim Cunningham, who lived at the corner of Topaz Drive and Garnet Avenue, died peacefully at home with his wife Bernie at his side. Jim had been a long-time diabetic and was recently diagnosed with inoperable heart troubles. Anyone who walks in the Githens Acres neighborhood will instantly recognize Bernie - a small powerhouse of energy with a cap of silver-grey, almost white, hair, blue eyes, and a terrific smile. She is always working on the house, in the yard, in her garden, on the irigation ditch, chopping ice off the road, etc. My heart goes out to Bernie and the kids. Jim was a wonderful, kind man, and I thoroughly enjoyed his company, whether we were talking about growing up in the old days, or discussing Clive Cussler's latest book. He will be missed tremendously by his family, friends and his neighbors.
If you like Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series, you need to look at the following URL:
http://collider.com/david-hayter-dragonflight-dragonriders-of-pern/85654/ It looks as if we will finally get a Pern movie, and they are going to start with the first written book in the series. I hope it turns out as good as it should!!! (Thanks for the information, Kathryn!)
The only thing I can say about college football yesterday was that at least South Carolina and West Virginia won. The one touchdown the CU Buffs scored looked very good. I have to admit I dozed through the Gators' game. .... I am looking forward to a USA TV-movie. Certain Prey is scheduled to air Sunday, November 6 (9 p.m. Eastern, 8 p.m. Central and Mountain); it stars Mark Harmon as Lucas Davenport, the main character. USA owns the movie rights to all 21 Lucas Davenport mysteries (written by John Sandford), and if the public likes Harmon's portrayal of Lucas, then there might be a series of movies a la Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone on CBS. Harmon meets the physical description of Lucas Davenport, who starts out as a police dectective in the series and progresses on to state investigator for the governor. He is also independently rich, as he developed several PC games that have continued to grow and spawn more games. The movie should be interesting; the books certainly are.
My kits are trying to figure out what's going on... I packed Mocha's food up (again) this morning, and Lovey and Nedi are getting edgy. I believe that I will leave them here tonight, so they can realize that Mocha is no longer here with us. Then I'll take them over to visit Lynn's on Monday - that way I can move things outside while I clean the apartment, and it won't freak my kits out. They are used to dogs, so Tessa won't be a problem. I think the weirdest thing will be for Nedi to be the only male with four queens in the house. - But at least Nedi and Lovey will be able to run up and down stairs and play while I strip my bed, wash everything, and scrub the floors at home. (Mocha has been pottying on the edges of my bedspread and generally just under my bed for the last couple of weeks - so it will be good for all of us to clear out, while it airs out and the scrubbed floor dries for a couple of days.) And Mocha will be stress free and back with her person.
If you like Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series, you need to look at the following URL:
http://collider.com/david-hayter-dragonflight-dragonriders-of-pern/85654/ It looks as if we will finally get a Pern movie, and they are going to start with the first written book in the series. I hope it turns out as good as it should!!! (Thanks for the information, Kathryn!)
The only thing I can say about college football yesterday was that at least South Carolina and West Virginia won. The one touchdown the CU Buffs scored looked very good. I have to admit I dozed through the Gators' game. .... I am looking forward to a USA TV-movie. Certain Prey is scheduled to air Sunday, November 6 (9 p.m. Eastern, 8 p.m. Central and Mountain); it stars Mark Harmon as Lucas Davenport, the main character. USA owns the movie rights to all 21 Lucas Davenport mysteries (written by John Sandford), and if the public likes Harmon's portrayal of Lucas, then there might be a series of movies a la Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone on CBS. Harmon meets the physical description of Lucas Davenport, who starts out as a police dectective in the series and progresses on to state investigator for the governor. He is also independently rich, as he developed several PC games that have continued to grow and spawn more games. The movie should be interesting; the books certainly are.
My kits are trying to figure out what's going on... I packed Mocha's food up (again) this morning, and Lovey and Nedi are getting edgy. I believe that I will leave them here tonight, so they can realize that Mocha is no longer here with us. Then I'll take them over to visit Lynn's on Monday - that way I can move things outside while I clean the apartment, and it won't freak my kits out. They are used to dogs, so Tessa won't be a problem. I think the weirdest thing will be for Nedi to be the only male with four queens in the house. - But at least Nedi and Lovey will be able to run up and down stairs and play while I strip my bed, wash everything, and scrub the floors at home. (Mocha has been pottying on the edges of my bedspread and generally just under my bed for the last couple of weeks - so it will be good for all of us to clear out, while it airs out and the scrubbed floor dries for a couple of days.) And Mocha will be stress free and back with her person.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Midnight Louie and a Cow Rescue
A Midnight Louie look-alike
Mountain View firemen hoisting a pregnant cow out of a well
Getting the cow back onto solid ground...
39 Degrees and Drizzle
It's grey and damp. The temperature is 39 and the humidity is 87%. The apartment complex has yet to turn the boiler on so that we can have heat - but it's not that bad... I have the window cracked open a couple of inches and the patio door has been open (about 14 inches) for the past hour, and it's still 65 degrees in here. .... I ate something that didn't agree with me, and spent the night running in and out of the bathroom. After my third trip, the kits (both Lyra and Dhisana) stopped getting up with me, and I don't blame them. Once I get back to their house, I plan on making meat sauce for spaghetti, and then watching the Gators. I'll probably nap a lot after the game. Lovey and Nedi keep going out and then coming back in to complain about the weather to me - wet feet and damp fur make quite a statement. Mocha looked outside, then went back to bed.
The Mountain View Fire Department got an unusual call yesterday - a pregnant cow stepped backwards into an open well, fell in and was wedged about 8-feet deep inside the well. Using a neighbor's crane, and their fire hoses as strapping, the firemen were able to rescue the bovine. Other than a few grazes, she was unharmed. .... Black Caviar, the unbeaten Australian mare, has won another race. She won her 14th straight race by 4 lengths. (Phar Lap, the Aussie super horse, had 14 wins, and one second in his racing career.) .... A yearling filly sired by Galileo, was purchased for 1.7 million guineas ($2,770,000) at the Tattersall's October Sale. She was the last horse sold in the catalog and is a striking chestnut. She was purchased by the Kazakstani owner of Hesmond's Stud, Nurlan Bizakov. .... Famous trainer, owner and breeder John Nerud purchased a yearling colt at Keeneland this fall. The reason to make note of the purchase is that Nerud is four months shy of his 99th birthday. .... And the thoroughbred world lost D'Accord earlier this month. D'Accord was the 32-year-old son of Secretariat. He couldn't get to his feet after laying down to sleep; after he failed to stand after two hours of trying, he was put down "due to the infirmities of old age."
The Mountain View Fire Department got an unusual call yesterday - a pregnant cow stepped backwards into an open well, fell in and was wedged about 8-feet deep inside the well. Using a neighbor's crane, and their fire hoses as strapping, the firemen were able to rescue the bovine. Other than a few grazes, she was unharmed. .... Black Caviar, the unbeaten Australian mare, has won another race. She won her 14th straight race by 4 lengths. (Phar Lap, the Aussie super horse, had 14 wins, and one second in his racing career.) .... A yearling filly sired by Galileo, was purchased for 1.7 million guineas ($2,770,000) at the Tattersall's October Sale. She was the last horse sold in the catalog and is a striking chestnut. She was purchased by the Kazakstani owner of Hesmond's Stud, Nurlan Bizakov. .... Famous trainer, owner and breeder John Nerud purchased a yearling colt at Keeneland this fall. The reason to make note of the purchase is that Nerud is four months shy of his 99th birthday. .... And the thoroughbred world lost D'Accord earlier this month. D'Accord was the 32-year-old son of Secretariat. He couldn't get to his feet after laying down to sleep; after he failed to stand after two hours of trying, he was put down "due to the infirmities of old age."
Friday, October 7, 2011
New Snow
Skiing today at Wolf Creek Ski Resort
Gretchen tries to grab a snow-balled branch...
McGee says, "The world is mine!"
A Rain-Snow Combo for Boulder?
Wolf Creek Ski Resort down by Pagosa Springs is going to open for skiing this weekend, having gotten more than 3 feet of snow in the last 36 hours. Forecasters are now saying that Boulder will have a rain and snow mix on Saturday and Sunday, with highs both days being in the mid-40s. I'm not ready for that. My winter clothes are still packed away. I have two pairs of jeans, 3 pairs of socks, and two long-sleeved T-shirts available. I guess I'm gonna have to attack my clothing storage boxes and find some cooler weather items. At least I can put my hands on my coat, hats, scarves and gloves right away! It turned windy yesterday evening, and we had several showers of rain. Ed called to say he and Lynn had left windows open upstairs, and would I please close them. I also closed the ones in the entrance, as well as my downstairs bathroom. Then I went around and turned all three heating units on. It was 38 this morning, and is 55 out right now. I waited until 9:30 to walk the red kids, so the sun could warm things up a bit.
Lynn's kits and my kits are all running around like mad with the weather change. Lilly, Lynn's eldest, is a little more reserved than Lyra and Dhisana, but they tear through the house and run up and down the stairs and bounce over the dog until Tessa wants outside just to get away from their antics. Dhisana always sleeps on top me... I guess that carries back to last year when she almost died and spent 3 weeks sleeping on top of my lap or my chest. Lyra talks a lot. I laughed at her this morning, because after everyone had breakfast, Lyra saw a bug on the floor. She talked about it for several minutes before she pounced on it, then talked some more, and finally ate it, giving a final discourse on the taste (I guess). Lovey and Nedi have been running in and out this morning here at home. Nedi gets anxious when the wind closes the screen door, so I have to prop it open. Both he and Lovey have come in for loving and appreciation, and they have have both been extremely warm, having been sitting in the sun, absorbing the rays. Mocha leaves Sunday.
The kids' canned food is 30% off the regular price, so I'm stocking up right now. And since it's getting cooler, I'll make meatballs this weekend (for myself). It's still breezy today, and the cat wind chimes on my patio keep tinkling away. I'll need to close the window to just a crack, as it's supposed to get down near freezing tonight and tomorrow night. .... Florida plays LSU at Red Stick tomorrow; I'm almost afraid to watch the game......
Lynn's kits and my kits are all running around like mad with the weather change. Lilly, Lynn's eldest, is a little more reserved than Lyra and Dhisana, but they tear through the house and run up and down the stairs and bounce over the dog until Tessa wants outside just to get away from their antics. Dhisana always sleeps on top me... I guess that carries back to last year when she almost died and spent 3 weeks sleeping on top of my lap or my chest. Lyra talks a lot. I laughed at her this morning, because after everyone had breakfast, Lyra saw a bug on the floor. She talked about it for several minutes before she pounced on it, then talked some more, and finally ate it, giving a final discourse on the taste (I guess). Lovey and Nedi have been running in and out this morning here at home. Nedi gets anxious when the wind closes the screen door, so I have to prop it open. Both he and Lovey have come in for loving and appreciation, and they have have both been extremely warm, having been sitting in the sun, absorbing the rays. Mocha leaves Sunday.
The kids' canned food is 30% off the regular price, so I'm stocking up right now. And since it's getting cooler, I'll make meatballs this weekend (for myself). It's still breezy today, and the cat wind chimes on my patio keep tinkling away. I'll need to close the window to just a crack, as it's supposed to get down near freezing tonight and tomorrow night. .... Florida plays LSU at Red Stick tomorrow; I'm almost afraid to watch the game......
Thursday, October 6, 2011
CU Cougar & Fall Colors
Tranquilized two-year-old male cougar on the CU Buffalo campus
A splash of color on Flagstaff Mountain
Cougar on Buffalo Campus
I don't have internet access while I'm at Lynn's, so I'll be checking my e-mails and doing my blog and catching up on all my news sites just once a day until the 18th. I had a blast with the girls last night - Tessa, Dhisana, Lilly and Lyra were all in fine fettle and we played and chased and acted the fool for quite a few hours. I walked Rosie and Remy this morning, but Remy started favoring his hip a block away from the house, so I took the red kids to visit with Tessa. Tessa and Rosie chased each other in circles around the back yard, while Remy stayed sitting or lying down for most of the time. If I had internet access at Lynn's, I'd just take Lovey and Nedi over there and we'd all stay together happily - but I need my PC time these days, too.
There was a Winter Weather Advisory on the Western Slope last night - anywhere over 9,000 feet got between 3 and 18 inches of snow. We got down to 50 degrees - but we actually have a cooling trend going: today's high is supposed to be 68, tomorrow's 62, Saturday the high will be 48 with rain all day, and then 56 on Sunday. It'll be nice, if it's correct. And Coffeepot is supposed to pick up Mocha on Sunday, between noon and one. She is currently crouched in the patio door way, and Lovey and Nedi are sunning on the concrete. The kits have all had 15 minutes of individual attention, and once I take care of my e-mail, I'll need to head back to Lynn's. I love her house, I love her critters, I love her yard. I miss being home with my kits, though. Maybe I'll take them over once Mocha is gone....
The big story around here is that a 2-year-old male mountain lion was spotted yesterday in a tree next to one of the CU dorms. College kids clambered around, being noisy, and taking lots of photos and videos with their cell phones. The young man who first sighted the big cat, and called the Division of Wildlife, said the cat looked petrified with fear, because he was drawing so much attention. The cougar was tranquilized, fitted with a radio collar, and turned loose on the farthest Boulder County Open Space lands (40 miles and several mountains away to the west). He was estimated to be two-years-old, and his spine length (not counting the tail) was four feet. This is the time of year when male youngsters leave their mom to establish their own hunting territory, and they frequently end up on the west side of Boulder and the CU campus.
There was a Winter Weather Advisory on the Western Slope last night - anywhere over 9,000 feet got between 3 and 18 inches of snow. We got down to 50 degrees - but we actually have a cooling trend going: today's high is supposed to be 68, tomorrow's 62, Saturday the high will be 48 with rain all day, and then 56 on Sunday. It'll be nice, if it's correct. And Coffeepot is supposed to pick up Mocha on Sunday, between noon and one. She is currently crouched in the patio door way, and Lovey and Nedi are sunning on the concrete. The kits have all had 15 minutes of individual attention, and once I take care of my e-mail, I'll need to head back to Lynn's. I love her house, I love her critters, I love her yard. I miss being home with my kits, though. Maybe I'll take them over once Mocha is gone....
The big story around here is that a 2-year-old male mountain lion was spotted yesterday in a tree next to one of the CU dorms. College kids clambered around, being noisy, and taking lots of photos and videos with their cell phones. The young man who first sighted the big cat, and called the Division of Wildlife, said the cat looked petrified with fear, because he was drawing so much attention. The cougar was tranquilized, fitted with a radio collar, and turned loose on the farthest Boulder County Open Space lands (40 miles and several mountains away to the west). He was estimated to be two-years-old, and his spine length (not counting the tail) was four feet. This is the time of year when male youngsters leave their mom to establish their own hunting territory, and they frequently end up on the west side of Boulder and the CU campus.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
CNWR and Rocky Carroll
A scene at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Geese in flight at sunset - CNWR
Actor Rocky Carroll portrays Director Leon Vance on NCIS