Since the fall, the doormat outside the apartment has been a green one with a pair of ice skates, mittens and a scarf printed on it. Today, I purchased a new one that I couldn't resist. It was a lighter weight than the previous one, and better for the spring and summer. It says "A shelter kitty rescued this family" on it, and there is a fish printed at the top, and a kitty with a red heart on it's throat at the bottom corner. It also helped that it was a Sale item…. When I got it home, I turned it over to see if there was a tag that I should remove before using the doormat. I was amazed at the size of the sticker on the back of the mat. I started to read it, and began to chuckle. I outright guffawed a couple of times before I finished reading it. The following is the text.
"This perfectly fine, if not certainly adequate doormat is MADE IN THE USA from 100% Olefin Indoor/Outdoor carpet and printed with color-fast inks. Wash with hose and brush. Dry flat. Do not machine wash.
Important things you should know about your new doormat
Warning: Do not use mat as a projectile. Sudden acceleration to dangerous speeds may cause injury. When using mat, follow directions: Put your right foot in, put your right foot out, put your right foot in and shake it all about. This mat is not designed to sustain gross weight exceeding 12,000 lbs. If mat begins to smoke, immediately seek shelter and cover head. Caution: If coffee spills on mat, assume that it is very hot. This mat is not intended to be used as a placemat. Small food particles trapped in fibers may attract rodents and other vermin. Do not glue mat to porous surfaces, such as pregnant women, pets and heavy machinery. When not in use, mat should be kept out of reach of children diagnosed with CFED (Compulsive Fiber Eating Disorder). Do not taunt mat. Failure to comply relieves the makers of this doormat, Simply Precious Home Decor, and its parent company, High Cotton, Inc., of any and all Liability.
HIGH COTTON, INC.
9 SW Pack Square
Suite 300
Asheville, NC 28801
www.highcotton.com
Made in the U.S.A."
I hope you laughed, too.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Finn
I begin taking care of Finn today, and I'm eager to see what's happening with the boy. He's a "Golden-Doodle", being a cross between a Golden Retriever and a standard Poodle. I've taken care of him since he was four months old, and I've watched him grow and mature over the years. His owners think of him as a clown - and he can be very funny. I guess I'm weird in that I give him choices of toys and things to do, and it's interesting to watch him think things over and make a decision. But, now I have a "new" Finn to deal with.
His owners called me, very upset, because he was involved in an accident. The vet had to remove five vertebrae from the end of Finn's tail after the accident. Finn has a food allergy, but otherwise, he's never been ill, sick, or hurt (I'm pretty sure he doesn't remember his neuter). Finn has always been very out-going and personable, eager to go on walks and out for a drive in the car. He does patrol his yard, though, and barks ferociously at squirrels and deer on the other side of the fence. This morning, I was told that, since his accident, his personality has changed. He doesn't want to go out into the yard without company, and, on walks, once he has relieved himself, he wants to go back home.
The vet doesn't want him to over-do it, physically, and I can understand why. I'll take Finn to a follow-up check-up on Thursday at 1:30, and will then relay all information to his owners. With his tail not yet healed, I can't take him to visit Tessa, because he loves/loved to jump into the koi pond. Maybe I can take him to visit Rosie and also go over to Kathy and Jim's back yard with him. Poor boy! I want to help him regain confidence, and his swagger, again!
His owners called me, very upset, because he was involved in an accident. The vet had to remove five vertebrae from the end of Finn's tail after the accident. Finn has a food allergy, but otherwise, he's never been ill, sick, or hurt (I'm pretty sure he doesn't remember his neuter). Finn has always been very out-going and personable, eager to go on walks and out for a drive in the car. He does patrol his yard, though, and barks ferociously at squirrels and deer on the other side of the fence. This morning, I was told that, since his accident, his personality has changed. He doesn't want to go out into the yard without company, and, on walks, once he has relieved himself, he wants to go back home.
The vet doesn't want him to over-do it, physically, and I can understand why. I'll take Finn to a follow-up check-up on Thursday at 1:30, and will then relay all information to his owners. With his tail not yet healed, I can't take him to visit Tessa, because he loves/loved to jump into the koi pond. Maybe I can take him to visit Rosie and also go over to Kathy and Jim's back yard with him. Poor boy! I want to help him regain confidence, and his swagger, again!
Monday, April 4, 2016
A Wet Spring Round-Up - Photos
The first day of the Spring Round-Up was rainy and messy. The Saltwater Cowboys had to finish their day jobs before getting their mounts over to Assateague to commence the round-up, so all of these photos were taken after 5 p.m. on 1 April 2016. All of these photos show the southern herds from the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Photo credits are under the photos.
Stallion Surfer's Riptide captured by the lens of Jim Montenieri
Deb Iddings Noll caught a group of (mostly) two- and three-year olds
Ken & Linda King took this shot of three mares
Riptide threatening Maverick (with Maverick kicking back) was taken by Mimi Photography
Darcy & Steve Cole got a great shot of (left to right) Thunderstorm, America's Sweetheart, Sonny's Legacy, Lorna Dune, and Precious Jewel.
The kids splashing in was taken by Deb Iddings Noll
Kachina Mayli Mist and Pixie Dust, best buddies, arrive; taken by Deb Iddings Noll
Deb Noll also got this great shot of Riptide and Poco's Starry Night
Chincoteague Pony Spring Round-Up Report
Please note that this is taken directly from Darcy Cole's Facebook post. Darcy and Steve Cole take fantastic photos of the Chincoteague ponies and the wildlife on Assateague Island. They sell their photographs over the internet - and I highly recommend them (both the people and the photos)!
"Spring Roundup 2016 Report
"Spring Roundup 2016 Report
Southern Roundup Friday, April 1:
No foals had been born yet in the South. Suzy's Sweetheart had gotten out of the fencing so didn't get rounded up with the rest of the ponies. Sockett To Me did not come in for roundup. Otherwise all other ponies in the Southern Herd were accounted for. We already did a quick post so people who could not be here could see some pictures and will be getting more pictures up this week.
No foals had been born yet in the South. Suzy's Sweetheart had gotten out of the fencing so didn't get rounded up with the rest of the ponies. Sockett To Me did not come in for roundup. Otherwise all other ponies in the Southern Herd were accounted for. We already did a quick post so people who could not be here could see some pictures and will be getting more pictures up this week.
Release of the 2015s:
It was a long, cold, wet day, but we really wanted to capture the release of the 2015s so anyone who could not be here, could feel like they experienced it. Steve was able to get pictures that I think accomplish that goal. We'll be getting a series of pictures up this week that tell the story and will hopefully help you feel like you were there.
It was a long, cold, wet day, but we really wanted to capture the release of the 2015s so anyone who could not be here, could feel like they experienced it. Steve was able to get pictures that I think accomplish that goal. We'll be getting a series of pictures up this week that tell the story and will hopefully help you feel like you were there.
Northern Roundup Saturday, April 2:
Neither the weather, nor the ponies cooperated with the Cowboys. A lot of people had to leave before many bands came in. Hoppy, Puzzle, Rainbow Warrior and Legacy eluded the Cowboys altogether and there were no foals that came in.
Neither the weather, nor the ponies cooperated with the Cowboys. A lot of people had to leave before many bands came in. Hoppy, Puzzle, Rainbow Warrior and Legacy eluded the Cowboys altogether and there were no foals that came in.
Because of the rain, the ponies were wet and muddy and the pictures are not the greatest, but they do actually capture the rain droplets mid air in some cases which does make for some interesting shots, just not the clearest.
We'll do our best to get pictures up this week, but are off to the Refuge now to see what we can see today.
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Bits and Pieces
I will have reports and photos from the Chincoteague pony Spring Round-Up shortly, and plan to post a lot of photos, thanks to many friends. I will definitely credit the photographers, if they identify themselves!
I'm finally starting to feel as if my spring sap is being to run. Waking up with a good humor and looking forward to getting my jobs done. Unfortunately, I also just looked at my calendar, and the only day I do not have anything scheduled to do is April 24th. I guess that will be my day off this month.
Horse racing - Nyquist and Mohaymen raced each other for the first time in yesterday's Florida Derby. Mohaymen met his first defeat, finishing fourth, with Nyquist the winner by 3 1/4 lengths. (Mohaymen had been the betting favorite.) ... Jockey Calvin Borel, three-time winner of the Kentucky Derby, has announced his retirement. .... The great race mare Zenyatta celebrated her 12th birthday on Friday. She has a "foal watch party" going on, as she is due to deliver a new foal by War Emblem at any time.
Today, one of the most iconic and world renowned businesses began. The Pony Express was only in operation for 19 months, with the inaugural rider starting his journey on 3 April 1860. The Pony Express was closed on 26 April 1861, two days after the completion of the transcontinental telegraph line. The route ran between Saint Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California. Using the regular mail, delivery time from one place to the other took 21 days. The Pony Express guaranteed delivery in 10 days - and charged a whopping $2.50 per letter. It's hard to imagine those days with no radio, no television, no transcontinental railways or telegraph. (Just think how today's children would respond to a time without cars, telephones, computers, televisions, airplanes, and instant communication!)
I'm finally starting to feel as if my spring sap is being to run. Waking up with a good humor and looking forward to getting my jobs done. Unfortunately, I also just looked at my calendar, and the only day I do not have anything scheduled to do is April 24th. I guess that will be my day off this month.
Horse racing - Nyquist and Mohaymen raced each other for the first time in yesterday's Florida Derby. Mohaymen met his first defeat, finishing fourth, with Nyquist the winner by 3 1/4 lengths. (Mohaymen had been the betting favorite.) ... Jockey Calvin Borel, three-time winner of the Kentucky Derby, has announced his retirement. .... The great race mare Zenyatta celebrated her 12th birthday on Friday. She has a "foal watch party" going on, as she is due to deliver a new foal by War Emblem at any time.
Today, one of the most iconic and world renowned businesses began. The Pony Express was only in operation for 19 months, with the inaugural rider starting his journey on 3 April 1860. The Pony Express was closed on 26 April 1861, two days after the completion of the transcontinental telegraph line. The route ran between Saint Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California. Using the regular mail, delivery time from one place to the other took 21 days. The Pony Express guaranteed delivery in 10 days - and charged a whopping $2.50 per letter. It's hard to imagine those days with no radio, no television, no transcontinental railways or telegraph. (Just think how today's children would respond to a time without cars, telephones, computers, televisions, airplanes, and instant communication!)
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Curse of the Ski Condo
One of my friends, who is also a client, has a family ski condominium at one of the trendy ski resort villages on the West Slope of the Rockies. The family has owned it for at least 15 years, and it is used frequently by my friend, her parents, her siblings, nieces and nephews, and her own adult children. I have been invited to use the condo at any time of year the family is not using it. Since I snowshoe, but do not ski or snowboard, I've never used the opportunity to reside in the ski-in and ski-out building. The condo is on the third floor, and one can see the ski slopes from one balcony, and the village from the other balcony.
The family seems to go there, and enjoy it so much, that they often decide to add on one more night's stay. That's when what I call "the curse of the condo" kicks in. Everything goes splendidly for the visitors and they have great fun. They decide to extend their stay at the condo for one or two more nights... and then things go wrong. A couple of years ago, after deciding to add one one more nights stay, as the friend drove back, an 18-wheel truck lost its brakes, and pushed their 4-wheel-drive SUV off the highway and into the ditch. No personal injuries, but the SUV had to be replaced. People have gotten ill enough during an "added-on night" to have to visit the Emergency Care Center the following morning before attempting the drive home (with a diagnosis of flu, food-poisoning, and sprains and broken bones from falling down the stairs and/or slipping on ice while getting ready to leave).
The last two times, which happened in March of this year, I just had to laugh - there was nothing else to do. An adult daughter decided to spend the weekend at the condo with her boyfriend, they had a grand time, and decided to stay one more night. The couple had spent the day on the ski slopes, and watched the fire for a few hours. They decided to step out onto the balcony for another look before going to bed. The door closed behind them, and they were locked outside. It was 18 degrees (F), and both people were barefoot; the man had on a T-shirt and flannel lounging pants, while the woman had on a shortie nightgown. Luckily, the man had his cell phone in the pocket of his pants. However, there was no one in town they knew to call, so they called my friend, who was in California. After several calls to people she knows and has business with in the village, she finally found someone who knew how to get to the emergency key. This person drove across town, let themself into the condo, and let the couple back inside. They were extremely cold, but otherwise unharmed. They had decided they'd do anything to avoid the notoriety of having to call for a fire-truck with a ladder or cherry-picker bucket to rescue them.
This past week, my friend and her beau decided to spend a few days there, while I stayed with her animals. They added one extra night, and then another. I was reassured that they would return to Boulder "very early" the following morning, because my friend had an appointment at 9:30. I left her house at 8:50, and went about doing my other chores for other folks. At 1:30 in the afternoon, my friend called me from her cell phone - they were still in the ski village. She had awakened with a hugely swollen finger-tip that looked as if it would push the finger nail off immediately, and her beau had a weird bite mark on his leg that was causing him a great deal of pain. After showering, a hole began to open up around the bite mark. They both went to the Emergency Care Center in the village. He had been bitten by a Brown Recluse spider, and the flesh was sloughing away from the poison. She had a badly infected hand-nail that had happened the previous week, but decided to give her grief at the ski condo.... Of course, I went back to her house and walked the dog and gave the cats more company until the couple were just outside the Boulder city limits,
Rationally, I know there is nothing wrong with that condominium. But I really don't want to visit it!
The family seems to go there, and enjoy it so much, that they often decide to add on one more night's stay. That's when what I call "the curse of the condo" kicks in. Everything goes splendidly for the visitors and they have great fun. They decide to extend their stay at the condo for one or two more nights... and then things go wrong. A couple of years ago, after deciding to add one one more nights stay, as the friend drove back, an 18-wheel truck lost its brakes, and pushed their 4-wheel-drive SUV off the highway and into the ditch. No personal injuries, but the SUV had to be replaced. People have gotten ill enough during an "added-on night" to have to visit the Emergency Care Center the following morning before attempting the drive home (with a diagnosis of flu, food-poisoning, and sprains and broken bones from falling down the stairs and/or slipping on ice while getting ready to leave).
The last two times, which happened in March of this year, I just had to laugh - there was nothing else to do. An adult daughter decided to spend the weekend at the condo with her boyfriend, they had a grand time, and decided to stay one more night. The couple had spent the day on the ski slopes, and watched the fire for a few hours. They decided to step out onto the balcony for another look before going to bed. The door closed behind them, and they were locked outside. It was 18 degrees (F), and both people were barefoot; the man had on a T-shirt and flannel lounging pants, while the woman had on a shortie nightgown. Luckily, the man had his cell phone in the pocket of his pants. However, there was no one in town they knew to call, so they called my friend, who was in California. After several calls to people she knows and has business with in the village, she finally found someone who knew how to get to the emergency key. This person drove across town, let themself into the condo, and let the couple back inside. They were extremely cold, but otherwise unharmed. They had decided they'd do anything to avoid the notoriety of having to call for a fire-truck with a ladder or cherry-picker bucket to rescue them.
This past week, my friend and her beau decided to spend a few days there, while I stayed with her animals. They added one extra night, and then another. I was reassured that they would return to Boulder "very early" the following morning, because my friend had an appointment at 9:30. I left her house at 8:50, and went about doing my other chores for other folks. At 1:30 in the afternoon, my friend called me from her cell phone - they were still in the ski village. She had awakened with a hugely swollen finger-tip that looked as if it would push the finger nail off immediately, and her beau had a weird bite mark on his leg that was causing him a great deal of pain. After showering, a hole began to open up around the bite mark. They both went to the Emergency Care Center in the village. He had been bitten by a Brown Recluse spider, and the flesh was sloughing away from the poison. She had a badly infected hand-nail that had happened the previous week, but decided to give her grief at the ski condo.... Of course, I went back to her house and walked the dog and gave the cats more company until the couple were just outside the Boulder city limits,
Rationally, I know there is nothing wrong with that condominium. But I really don't want to visit it!
Friday, April 1, 2016
CVFC Spring Round-Up Today and It's Nedi's Birthday
I love my little black cat. He was born in Kansas six years ago today, according to the Boulder Valley Humane Society, where I adopted him. He was a nine-week-old kitten and already neutered when I brought him home. Lovey had been looking for her "brother," another adopted cat, frantically since one of the neighbor's poisoned him. I brought home several adult cats, but Lovey hated them all. I finally decided to get a kitten that she could raise to her lofty standards.... And so the small black kitten came home with me. The previous cat was named Banichi, after an ateva assassin/body guard/lawyer from the Foreigner series. Since the kitten was black with blue eyes (though I knew they would soon change), I named the little boy Zephraim (after Glenn Corbett's portrayal of Zephram Cochran in the original Star Trek) and after Cenedi (pronounced Keh-ned-ee), an older, wiser ateva assassin/body guard/lawyer. He has fully lived up to both namesakes.
And today is the first day of the Chincoteague pony Spring Round-Up for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. The Saltwater Cowboys plan to commence rounding up the stock in the southern compartment of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge at 4:30 this afternoon. While the Cowboys are rounding up the northern herds (on the Virginia end of Assateague Island) tomorrow morning, the veterinarian checks, vaccinations and hoof trimming will take place for the southern herds. Tomorrow after, the same checks, shots, and care will happen to the northern herds. At some point in time Saturday, the weanling - almost yearling - Buy Back foals from 2015 will be turned loose to mingle with the southern herds. It will be interesting to see who joins which group.
And today is the first day of the Chincoteague pony Spring Round-Up for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. The Saltwater Cowboys plan to commence rounding up the stock in the southern compartment of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge at 4:30 this afternoon. While the Cowboys are rounding up the northern herds (on the Virginia end of Assateague Island) tomorrow morning, the veterinarian checks, vaccinations and hoof trimming will take place for the southern herds. Tomorrow after, the same checks, shots, and care will happen to the northern herds. At some point in time Saturday, the weanling - almost yearling - Buy Back foals from 2015 will be turned loose to mingle with the southern herds. It will be interesting to see who joins which group.
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