Petey is pretty sure...

that he is a person. His pleading eyes are saying, "I need a steak dinner. Make it a filet."

Sitting on the deck. I am thinking about the just-issued tornado watch as I observe a cloudless blue sky. Maybe someone hit the wrong button on the computer. .
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Little Girl Can't Let go as Sergeant Daddy Leaves For Iraq - ParentDish

Little Girl Can't Let go as Sergeant Daddy Leaves For Iraq - ParentDish

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Billionaire Offers $75 Million to End Pet Overpopulation - Paw Nation

Billionaire Offers $75 Million to End Pet Overpopulation - Paw Nation

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Today was a beautiful day...

When I got up today it was beautiful. I had reaolved to "think positive." Unfortunately I let troubled relationships ruin the day. With everything that has been happening lately it didn't take much to be elicit the "straw that broke the camel's back." The day has been pure misery. I knew all the emotions from recent happenings would eventually come to a head and it looks like today was the day. Sometimes life sucks-and then you deal with it.

Mom's surgery for a unilateral mastectomy is scheduled for Oct. 12. Please send good energy, prayers, and any other good stuff in whatever format you choose our way. It will be much appreciated.

On a lighter note, I am going to be posting a whole bunch of yarn on Ebay in the next day or two, so if you are a knitter, stay tuned. I will post notices of listings here when as soon as I get them up.

Hoping you are all well and in good spirits.
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garden things...

I don't consider myself a green thumb by any means, but I'm a better gardener than I ever thought I could be. Last year I planted Silver Lace Clematis to run over the pergola my mom built for us. It's already up and over the top and halfway across. It blooms in September and smells delicious.

The daisy-looking plant (I can't remember the name of it) has been a nice surprise. It is still in full bloom and brightens up the garden for fall. These plants are about 2 years old. This year has been the first year it has looked mature. It can tolerate some shade as well. I just love seeing things grow and change in the garden--every year is a surprise. :-)

 

 

 

 

Baxter says "Arrrrooooooooo!"

Baxter was the cutest little beagle with honey-colored eyes. For some reason he was completely enamoured with my mother. This little video is him getting all wound up when my mom went into a gas station for a potty break. Baxter is saying "Come back!" Actually, he got pretty excited every time the car stopped. He was a real character.

 

Rescue Transport Yesterday

Here's our buddies going to rescue yesterday. Three hound dogs in a car in torrential rain means STINK. But it was fun. The 3 hour trip turned into about 4 1/2 because the rain was so horrible. We saw three cars wrecked in ditches because there was so much water standing on the interstate. Baxter is the little beagle and the two elderly bassetts are Jiminy and Cricket. They will be excellent pets for someone very soon. Baxter insisted on sitting on my mother's lap.

 

 

 

 

Tweet from Twitterrific

A national bill (not just Florida) Tax deduction for pet care costs http://bit.ly/Evmpb

http://twitter.com/PetWriter/status/97912468

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AJSavannahs: F2B Kittens Oscar and Henry

I just love these guys!
AJSavannahs: F2B Kittens Oscar and Henry

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He said it best...

"Never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake.  Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way."  ~~ Martin Luther King, Jr
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Check out this LOLCat!

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Download Today!

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Pepper snoozing (and destroying the couch)...

 

Petey lounging in the adirondack...

 

SO, SO THANKFUL TODAY...

Finally got some news on Mom's MRI. It showed no additional cancer and they think what has been found is in very early stages! She will still have to have a mastectomy but it will be unilateral instead of bilateral. I am so relieved the cancer has not spread beyond that initially identified spot. Mom had a sister who died of breast cancer in her 50's so I was in a heavy-duty panic. Thanks for all the prayers, hopes, and good karma that was sent our way. *happy dance today*

-- Post From My iTouch

Yuki sez...

"I can haz capstarz now?"

Apparently he is allergic to fleas and given our surprise infestation it only takes one to send him scratching holes in himself. Capstar sure is expensive but I'm going to keep him on it until we've beaten the little devils. Even Frontline and Sentinel were no match for them. Until this year we hadn't had those rotten pieholes in our house for 15 years.

I have never hated a bug so much in my life. I feel like I have them in my hair even though I only see one or two a week. Still, the mere thought of those blood-sucking trolls makes me itch all over.
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Time for Pepper's afternoon nap

I wish I felt that relaxed. We're still waiting for MRI results for my mom. It seems like each minute lasts an hour when you're waiting for that kind of (hopefully good) news.
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sunshine!

I can't believe the sun is peeking through today...at least here and there. Gosh, any light at all at this point is a Godsend.

I'm doing a pet loss support group tonight which is kind of difficult for me right now after losing my kitty Grayson, but these groups help people so much. Our culture doesn't do a very good job of honoring companion animal grief and people really suffer when they can't get support from others. Loss is loss in my opinion. If you've loved an animal like a family member, that loss is commensurate to the attachment. Additionally, that loss reconnects people with other losses in their lives. Unresolved grief issues can pop up.

Mom's MRI went well...she had to be perfectly still for 45 minutes, which is like asking my mother to do a tightrope act between two speeding 747s, but she did it. We should know some more by tomorrow. She is nervous about getting bad news (that the cancer has spread outside of the known area). One day at a time. I am not good at waiting and she isn't either. Genetics, I guess. Overall, she is nervous but still has a good attitude. Me, I've gained 3 pounds. I'm not sure what that's about!

One day at a time. :-)

Tweet from Twitterrific

Yikes! This common ingredient could kill your dog! http://bit.ly/pJFtq
#animalwelfare #dog #dogs #doglovers (In case you missed it)

http://twitter.com/petfinder/status/4132524979

Sent from Teresa's iPod :-)

Rain again

The sun came out for about 2 hours on Friday and has otherwise been rainy and gloomy for almost a week. Ugh. I would REALLY like to see some sunshine!!
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These kittens need good homes...

A very sweet good samaritan is desperately trying to find these kittens a home before they are taken to the shelter. She is trying to get them a home even though she is severely allergic to them. If you are in the market for a super-cute kitten, these darling little guys are available. Please share with everyone you know. After losing Grayson last week, we're not ready for a new kitty baby just yet.

heart and mind tired...

Whew...tired tonight. My body is dragging because my mind and soul are exhausted from worry. Mom spent a great day with loving friends, so that is comforting and wonderful.

I lost another job to a candidate with more experience, though I was in the top running. This time I am not upset, but relieved. I think right now my mom needs me and I am grateful for time to take care of her with surgery on the horizon.

I worked at the vet school today but the afternoon was quiet, which was probably good given my confused state of mind. The sun came out for a while this afternoon, but rain set in again later on...at least we got a little sunshine to boost the spirits. That always helps.

Tick, tock, tick, tock...

Can't sleep. I've been noodling on my iTouch for more than 2 hours now. The husband is asleep; the dogs are asleep; the cats are asleep...but not me.

I'm trying to not worry- trying...


-- Post From My iTouch

what are the odds on this one?

I really would like to know the odds on receiving a pitch letter from a funeral home on the very day you are told you have breast cancer?

Thankfully, my mother was able to laugh about it and shake her head. Today, she is a bit more gloomy, as is the weather. The news is starting to sink in and I can hear the fear in her voice. I hope and pray this cancer has not spread. It's hard to wait even one day to continue the treatment plan. MRI on Monday; discussion of type of surgery on Wednesday. I wish we could get it all done today and know what we're dealing with. And I wish the sun would come out. My mother's gas tank has always been run on sunshine.

The "C" word...

I went with my mother today to get her results of her breast biopsy, and unfortunately it was cancerous. I knew it was not good news when the manager of the breast center ushered us back to a room with couches and "comfortable amenities." \

The first sentence out of the doctor's mouth was that "it was cancer..." Thankfully, I was able to take some notes and keep things straight, because after the "c" word, I think my mother zoned out. It was a real shock.

We immediately saw a surgeon and had bloodwork done. It was a really, really hard day. I had a gray feeling when I headed over to her home to take her to breast center this morning. I felt the constant stream of bad luck was not over.

Monday will be an MRI and then Wednesday we'll talk to the surgeon again. I can only hope it is in early stages and that a mastectomy can take care of the cancer. This is scary. I am really close to my mom and I'll be frank...I'm scared to death.

Let's hope her diligence has paid off. The mammogram did NOT show this as a mass to be investigated because it was lobular and not ductal cancer. Lobular breast cancer DOES NOT always show up on mammograms! So, after her mammogram, which was CLEAR, she reported to her doctor she had a "tender place" and her doctor fortunately did a sonogram which resulted in the immediate recommendation of a core biopsy. Thank God for that. Otherwise, it could have been another year before another mammo was done and by the time it did pick it up, it could have been much worse. My mom is a strong lady and keeping her chin up. I hope and pray for the best.

heartaches

I almost can't write about losing Grayson so suddenly. It makes me hurt all over. I was part of making a pet memorial event happen just three days after his death and I thought I was going to be physically sick for hours on end. My body hurt as if I had the flu. Today I feel better having had some sleep and quiet time.

I have lost my father, four cats, and two dogs in the past 4 1/2 years. It's only been four months since losing my 17 year-old kitty Atticus. He was my art partner...always sitting near me any time I went to create. It's just been one loss after another and I feel as though my heart as been pureed. Throw in turning 40, major surgery, job loss...well, hell...that's enough.

Tomorrow I am going with my mother for her follow-up appointment to a breast biopsy. I am very nervous about this as my bad luck with beloved companions and family seems to be curse. I hope and pray we get good news for her tomorrow morning. If we hear otherwise, I think I might explode.

THE GOOD THING ABOUT TODAY IS THAT I HAVE BEEN MARRIED 13 YEARS. My DH surprised me with a netbook...he knows I'd rather have technology than jewelry (I can pick out my own jewelry-LOL). I absolutely love it...it's so light and portable and the battery lasts forever. Super cool gift!!!!

Grayson

Goodbye precious Grayson

We had to say goodbye to our 15 year old kitty Grayson. I was with him when he was put to sleep this evening around 6 pm. He passed peacefully. Praying angels are watching over him now--he was some of God's finest work. Aching.
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...still waiting...

 

Poor Grayson is still at the vet and will stay another night. His bloodwork hasn't come back yet. I am not as worried as I was, but I just don't know what's wrong with my little guy.

My mom has a breast biopsy tomorrow to boot. I am trying to not think about that at all. I'll be with her, but I'm trying to not get panicky over all those possibilities. I am very close to my mom. After losing my dad in 2005, I am paranoid about anything happening to her.

And still waiting to hear back from the folks I have been interviewing with. I've lost one opportunity through no fault of my own (it's a long story) and I'm hoping this other one won't fall through as well. It's been about 140 or so days since I've been laid off and I'm starting to get a little antsy over it all.

Plllbbbbbbtttttt. Say a kitty prayer and one for my mom, too, while you're at it. :-)

say a little kitty prayer...

Poor Grayson is at the vet.
He has been getting more and more disoriented over the past couple of days and I asked the vet to squeeze him in today. They are keeping him overnight for fluids and checking bloodwork. Not really sure what is going on with my little old man. He's 15 and the last of the original crew of kitties we adopted. Hopefully we will hear something tomorrow.

Settled in after a bath

Pepper settles in for the football game after a bath. She's always exhausted afterward!
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dishes, be washed!

The dishwasher dude came and performed his miracle and left. So far the kitchen is not flooded. Now if the other dude would come to fix my fire-hazard-recalled range!

Well, this is fun...

NOT. I've been waiting all day for two separate repairmen to come and fix 1) my new (but past warranty) dishwasher, and 2) my recalled oven. They were supposed to call this morning to give me a time (which has not happened). So here I sit. If I were working right now I would be having an unholy fit about it. Customer service appears to be a thing of the past.

Nero and Gizmo

Last weekend I transported some pups part of the way to their new forever homes. These families are going to be some lucky people. Both dogs are just super!! Nero is a husky mix and Gizmo is a Catahoula Leopard puppy. Both saved thanks to Bonnie Blue Rescue. :-)

...Ingredients

My recipe calls for a little more heart and a little more bravery. Seems like I was a little short on both today. Hopefully my energy will be better tomorrow.
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A message from the unemployed...

Being unemployed since April has been a challenge, a tragedy, a blessing, and just a weird experiment in the journey of life. I've never been unemployed since graduating college in 1988, then after I changed my career to social work, bam--here I am. I find it odd that a support service like marketing is 100 times more stable than something like social work. And when I look in the paper, marketing jobs abound...social work almost nothing and half of those are with scary, dysfunctional agencies no one wants to work for...

The things I miss about work: helping people, being intellectually challenged, feeling useful and needed, money, having structure in my life, seeing friends and colleagues, getting OUT. Things I don't miss about work: getting up early, being stressed out, having to get up and out when I'm sick as a dog, not getting to enjoy the outdoors-especially mornings.

Things I will miss when I go back to work: sleeping in, not worrying about staying up late, not necessarily having to get dressed up or put make-up on, shopping in off hours, having lunch with my mom whenever I want to, spending more time with my husband (he works out of the house), and probably most of all-getting to spend time with my animals. I have become a lot more bonded with my dogs, Petey and Pepper. Pepper has gotten a lot more confident since I've been off. She's gotten more consistency and guidance and that has changed her for the better. She's still a nervous, high-strung, anxious dog, but she's a lot better and I think that's because she's had a lot more time with her mama. I tend to be the most "consistent" of the puppy parents and that helps any anxious dog. Petey has just gotten more cuddly with me. He was previously cuddly mainly with my husband.

I am hoping to get a part-time job with benefits and maybe do a little private practice. I also hope I get to stay very involved in veterinary social work. It's kind of an odd field, and more challenging than one would think. I find it the hardest work I've done so far. I'm not sure how to explain that just yet.

Being unemployed has riddled me with anxiety and doubt at times, and has given me a sense of getting a wonderful break at other times. I haven't done anything I thought I would do (all those huge projects you never have time for), but when else are you going to not work for months at a time other than getting laid off? I have to work at not feeling guilty and at times have thoroughly enjoyed it. Like now, my eyes are getting heavy, Pepper is laying beside me on the couch cleaning her paws. The washer is humming downstairs, and it's rainy outside. I'll probably take a little nap. How sweet is it to take a mid-morning nap? Pretty sweet. It will be really hard to get my sleep schedule back on track but I think that's the least of my worries.

So, someone...hire me. It's time for me to go back to work (plus my severance package just ran out...ha).

Watching

Pepper watches and watches and watches...for anything that moves, breathes, makes noise... If she were a person I would definitely diagnose her with OCD. Now if she would only wash her paws...
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Petey is better :-)

Petey is doing much better today so we get to avoid the vet appointment for now. His leg is still a little tender, but he's tooling around pretty well today.

Sorry about the lousy mobile pic-I'm getting lazier and lazier about getting my camera out. I can't wait to upgrade my Blackberry in January - there's a much better camera in the new model I want. I hate crappy pictures!

Petey says, "Woof!"
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Poor Petey

Petey started limping this morning and it got progressively worse over the day. We wrapped his leg to cushion it until we can get him to the vet tomorrow. It's always something! The vet's office is my second home - really. Hopefully it is just a sprain and he won't wind up in a cast hobbling around.
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tapping fingers...

Still waiting to hear about a job. After three interviews with the same program I am still waiting. Granted, they did say they had a thorough hiring process, but geez. Being unemployed has taken a toll on my confidence and self-esteem. I know it will come back when I get my life rolling and structured again, but it can't come soon enough. You'd think being off for so long would be a gift-and it WAS-but now it's a drag and bringing me down. I don't get very much done despite having more time. My motivation has been waning the longer I go without a job.

So, hire me already!

Well, that didn't work...

I tried. Apparently my hunger for cuticles was greater...

I'm sitting in a parking lot; early for a THIRD interview for a social work position. Gawd, I'm tired of being unemployed! It has really affected my confidence and motivation.

I didn't sleep much last night so let's hope I don't fall asleep in the middle of it. ;-)

Well, I guess I'll go find a bathroom and mosey my way to my destination. Who knows, maybe I'll get an offer.

Ugh, here we go again. I hate interviewing.
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Nailing it

Painted my nails for the first time in EONS in a desperate attempt to stop chowing down on my friggin' cuticles. I know-exciting post.
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Hmm...

I haven't really found a layout I like...there's lots of customization to do. I'm not the nerd I used to be when I was working in communications! It takes me much longer to figure out how to change things now.

I'll be updating more...soon.

testing out new layouts

Don't mind the dust and broken links...just testing out new looks and formats...

One more time

I hope I can breathe some new life into HATamaran. Facebook has usurped many a blogger. And I have to admit that's where I spend most of my time now, too. We'll see. It's been kind of precarious here lately not having a job. I am needing to move forward. I hope to get back to updating regularly. Life has changed A LOT since this blog went stale a couple of years ago!


-- Post From My iTouch

I'm not dead, yet at least...

Approaching 100 days of being laid off. Some of it has been fun and some has been nerve wracking and depressing. Right now my plan is to go ahead and study foe licensure since my supervision period is up. Then I will have a better field of jobs from which to choose (I hope). We'll see. Right now I am fortunate enough to be doing some contracted veterinary social work, so that's been great and has lightened my heart. It will all turn out. I'm going to allow myself to have some faith in that.


-- Post From My iTouch

Petey is watching Pepper stalk the squirrels. He'd rather get pets from momma.
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Pete-o-rama

Nice morning. The humidity has finally become bearable. It's been so steamy lately. Pepper is out stalking squirrels as usual.
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message from the dogs...

Please Remember

1) My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy/adopt me.
2) Give me time to understand what it is that you want from me.
3) Place your trust in me - it is crucial to my well-being.
4) Do not be angry with me for long, I won't remember why you're mad.
5) You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I only have you.
6) Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when you are speaking to me.
7) Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
8) Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand but I choose not to bite you.
9) Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is growing old and weak.
10) Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say "I can't bear to do this" or "let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there.
ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT I LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY!
- Author Unknown

window boxes

 

IMG00644.jpg

Petey isn't ready to get up just yet.
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Thomson Reuters News Pro story - Fox steals more than 100 shoes

Thomson Reuters News Pro user pratt.teresa@gmail.com wanted you to see this:

"Fox steals more than 100 shoes"

BERLIN (Reuters) - A fox has been unmasked as the mystery thief of more than 100 shoes in the small western German town of Foehren, authorities said Friday.

Oddly Enough

Reading this on your BlackBerry? Try the Thomson Reuters News Pro now by clicking http://Reuters.com/bb.

Petey

Duuuuuuude...
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REWARD LOST DOG IN KNOXVILLE TN

(This is a courtesy post to help out a family who lost a beloved pet in a terrible car accident)
REWARD/LOST DOG KNOXVILLE: Please help us locate our son's dog that disappeared tuesday night after he got into an accident just off of I-40. He has a large white
mane directly behind his neck dappled with black spots. His feet have some white and the tip of his tail is white. He weighs around 40lbs and is neutered. He answers to the name of "Puck". He is friendly and may or may not have a collar because he was freaked out from the accident so bad and my son was holding on to it when he got into the accident but thinks the collar may have slipped off. If it is, it will have "Sir Puck and my son's cell phone #. HE DOES HAVE A MICROCHIP. We have looked all over and my son is distraught because he is in the hospital and can't look for him. He was last seen around a Weigels somewhere between Cedar Bluff and Campbell Station just off the highway. Last seen at a Lovell Rd Shell gas station. If you see him, please try to get him for us. He will be hungry, distraught and lost without our son. If you can't get him please pass it on and let us know where you saw him. If you found him and are thinking of keeping him, please know that my son loves this dog more than life, literally and we will be eternally grateful to have him back. He had to choose between his life or the dogs that night. REWARD FOR HIS RETURN.

I think Petey has hung a "do not disturb" sign...

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New daylily popped out today. Pretty!

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Guess it was boring...

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Pepper trying to withstand my singing...

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Yuki snoozin' on my hand

Yuki is such a sweet blob.
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