Things NOT to do when you are out-of-doors!?!?

Things NOT to do when you are out-of-doors!?!?

Such a w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l day it was... (and it is really, really friggin' scary to think that it is not even over with yet)!

ANSWER: What are thunderstorms and fires?
QUESTION? Name two things that leave me completely unsettled, unnerved and disquieted...

A nice storm last night;- if ever any storms can be called 'nice' in the first place. But good timing as I had planted a zillion flower seeds yesterday. Besides, storms at night seem to bring in the next morning quiet and calm. As was the case this morning--- Out early to let the puppies out- a quick pee/poo for them, and back inside they went back to sleep. Thinking I could do this fast, I let them out before I had gotten dressed- No biggie, or so I thought... until a car went by and beeped their horn at me. DO NOT go out to 'pee-poo' puppies while you still have your jammies on- You WILL get caught!

Back inside, humiliated, CaseyAnne had come down about 8, having terrible pain once again- She took two pain pills and went back upstairs to sleep. I try not to disturb these few hours of being pain-free for her, so outside I went. (Yes, I got dressed first)!   With the ground and the lawns still wet from last night, my shoes were soaked even before I could let the pups out- And the dogs were soaked very completely by the time they returned to the kennel- (Milly's problem; not mine)!

Keeping in mind my fear of fire, but seeing how very calm the breeze was, I thought it would be a perfect day to get my pile of wood and yard wastes burned.... Of course, given the fact that it had stormed, the pile was quite uncooperative at first... (Damp thing)... I think I may have used every single newspaper in the house to get it going- DO NOT try to burn wet piles of branches if you want to get it over and done with in the same day!

I tried to cut up a few of the larger branches and such to make them more burnable. (10 hours later, it is still going)... A good thing- but have been babysitting my little fire all day- In the meantime, remembering the raspberry branches, I went to go get them... No gloves- (8 hours later, the slivers from those briars are STILL in this lions paw)... DO NOT pick up old raspberry branches without gloves on).

My pile started out about 10 X 8 X 5- maybe bigger? It had burnt down significantly by about 12:30- Thinking it would behoove me to trim the grasses where this pile had been for months, I hopped on the mower. Trimming too closely to a hot spot, and having no shield on my deck; I found out that embers (arrogantly, maliciously and embarrassingly) can really burn your butt, (along with many other necessary anatomical parts)- I also learned that my little rider cannot outrun embers flying around at the speed of light! (All these hours later, I am still embarassed)! DO NOT trim the nearby grasses while the fire still burns!

Filling the mower with gas, I decided to get the west yard cut- I think my neighbors usually have a Memorial Day party, and I so wanted it to be looking nice as their friends and family traveled down their driveway... I cut the little orchard too, west of the barngrade. Almost finished mowing, the mower shuts down on me. Just shuts itself off- no warning- and absolutely NO further cooperation from it either. I looked down, watching, as my blades slowly quit turning...

Being not as ignorant as most, I do know enough to check the gas- Aha, there was still more than half a tank- So I sit, turn the key, and try to restart... It only winds real good- like it is not getting any gas, or spark... As I look at the uncut strip on the lawn, I feel overcome by the need to cuss- (Which I had no problem doing- loudly even). Giving up, and getting down from the mower, I then feel overcome by the need to kick the tires... DO NOT kick tires, or anything else for that matter, while you are barefoot.

I suppose I will be changing the spark plug, buying a new shield- and putting new blades on too- (For some odd, strange reason, they do not mulch rocks no matter how big, or small those rocks may be)... DO NOT trim too close to trees that have roots growing out of the ground. DO NOT mow mulch around these same trees, as the mulch may contain little rocks, and other projectiles that fly up and shoot at various exposed body parts.

Oh yeah, and DO NOT push a rider over gravel and back to the garage while you are barefoot- Obtaining traction hurts.

Hope you all have a safe weekend...  At this rate, I'll probably be in a coma by the time it's over!

   Just kidding...   

   ...er- I hope...    

Anne

PS No, I am NOT blonde......... I just have days that I can develop a certain sense of compassion for all of you who are the brunt of blonde jokes...

Originally posted to my Y!360, Thursday May 25, 2006 - 06:52pm (CDT)

Diagnosis! IN!!

The Too-Long Awaited Diagnosis! IN!!

The photo is of my Little Miss Valerie telling Miss Milly a story!

And YES! We finally we DO have CaseyAnne's diagnosis!

First and foremost, she does not have cystic fibrosis. (And what grand relief even just to know that much of her story)! Froedtert has already contacted Maryland, and cancelled all of her genetic testing/results.

And now, "The Rest of the Story!" ---

When they had done CaseyAnne's surgery a week ago Monday, they had found nothing wrong with her pancreas- just the normal irritations etc from her repeated attacks- While they were "in", they also had checked on her gallbladder; and had removed, suctioned out, all of the contents there- As it turns out, there were numerous things that could have set off her pancreatitis attacks... Small stones, crystals, etc etc etc. The crystals 'back up' into the pancreatic ducts and set off pancreatitis attacks. She needs only to have her gallbladder removed.

I had mine out when I was 24--- Very young for Gallbladder Disease- (the rule of thumb is 'female', 'fat', 'fair-haired' and 'forty')... But it was a very painful way to live- After they had mine removed, they found this to be something I had lived with for my entire life.

Gallbladder Disease is something that women only pass on to their daughters...

(Lucky Casey)! And yes, with respect to her pain, I do know how she feels right about now.

Yet with this diagnosis comes a sense of certain relief.

The GI doctor from Froedtert asked to do a repeat ultrasound- and then for us to go back a 2nd time to meet with the surgeon- and then a 3rd time to actually have the surgery.

Nothing doing...

...If they have a diagnosis, and already KNOW that she needs this surgery, then they do not need to do a repeat scan. As far as meeting with the surgeon, it makes no sense to me at all, to travel all the way back to Milwaukee for this- I am sure there are plenty of qualified and able doctors in Green Bay that have the knowledge and ability to do this-

So, we will not have to return to Froedtert any more. (Thank God). Her own doctor here can then refer her to a surgeon, and this nightmare can be over and done with.

And to thank you all for your prayers too. God does listen.

Dr H. called yesterday too- They will be picking up our little "Pittsburgh" on Friday. They had bought the white male- having picked him up about 2 weeks ago already. So now they want this little girl for their daughter who lives out in Pennsylvania. They will be driving cross-country with the two little dogs.

(Brave people that they are)! Wish them well!

CaseyAnne had attended her church group last night- it was their last meeting til after summer- so afterward a bunch of them went to Applebees- It was dinner "Two for One" night there. She got home about midnight-

Shortly after she returned home, Miss Milly was going crazy; looking toward the road and barking incessantly- I finally got up the nerve to go out there- and as I did, there was a young lady walking up the driveway- I think we both startled each other! (But maybe her own fearful reaction was only because she saw me in my pajamas)!

She had run out of gas. I allowed her to come in to use the phone- (after questioning her for a while)- She was alone- and it was scary enough for her to even walk up the driveway! She was 16; called her family out in Oneida, and they came out pretty quick to help her out. She had taken a wrong turn earlier- At least she had wound up at my house, and not some weirdos.

Berta had to work last night; but Zoe, Valerie, Jenne and Isiaiah came out for a visit. Jenne and Isaiah had gone dow to Tx for Easter - Meeting while they worked together out in Connecticut, Jenne and Aaron have been best of friends for the last 7 years... He is a good man- southern, but true- A teacher, I think-

I'd better close- have overslept, and have much to do outside before the storms hit- They said possibly by noon, but there should be two rounds of "weather" that is coming our way for this afternoon/evening. I do hate all the storms...

Such a "good news" day for us all- And we can only hope that it is the very same in your own little corners of the world.

Anne

Wednesday May 24, 2006 - 08:37am (CDT)

Entry for May 23, 2006

Entry for May 23, 2006

Good Morning!

   While this picture was taken a few months ago, it does accurately show our company here for the past two days!   Ami,  Jenny, and CaseyAnne...   Nice to have all of them closer, and together, once again- Out of college for the summer, and able to somewhat hang around- everybodys schedules are so varied and different- (a little trickier now is all).

   I sure wish I had some news about Casey's diagnosis-  I called Milwaukee no less than 5 times yesterday; and when I finally got their office answer machine after 5PM, I left a message for the doctor.  If I have to drive back down there and beg in  that damned office, I surely will.

   My girlfriend contacted me yesterday-  BIG and wonderful news, as herself and her honey have decided to be married this Friday!  (It's about time- and I am ever SO happy for them both)!  Wish them all happiness in your hearts and prayers. They have chosen each other very well.

   Had another person stop by to get a few raspberry plants-  Was here for a few hours, and we had such a nice conversation too.  I like that about most of the people that come- And nice to have the company too!

   I was digging in the front yard most of the day- Out by the old milkhouse- and found lots of stuff (read 'junk') buried in that old dirt-   Lots of fun to have the pups out while I do this too; as they believe that I am pulling the grasses out for their very own pleasure- They shake all the dirt off the clumps for me!  (And they learned very quickly to close their eyes when they did this)!  -I now have 3 very dirty, but smart  puppies outside!   And we had free entertainment all day-  To watch as they learn a few commands-  ("Sit" and "Stay" help greatly when I am rounding them up to go back to the kennel)!  They all still absolutely abhor any "walks" as that means they must also learn to deal with their unforgiving leashes.  This too shall pass, right???

   Have a migraine today- Nasty, that- and get so tired of waking up to all the garbage that goes along with it-   Have taken my pill then- (What a breakfast???)-   But it seems to be doing as it should-  Cross your fingers, please!

   Better close for now- News about Casey by the next time I write?  I sure hope so.

  
XOXO,
Anna-Anna

  

  

Tuesday May 23, 2006 - 06:37am (CDT)

Entry for May 22, 2006

Entry for May 22, 2006

   A picture of the three little ones that remain here yet...  Waiting for me to let them out of their kennel so they can do thier little puppy 'work' !!! They are SO good.    When I go out there in the mornings, I swear they would eat me alive if I let them!  But after running around, and getting worn out, they are all such little loving cuddlers!  Am trying to leash train them- and a few commands as well-  The little one that is going all the way to Pittsburgh will need a bit of that self control. It is a very long ride for such a little one.

    Casey still is in pretty much pain; but says this will not deter her from beginning her new job today.   (She can hide it very well for the most part;  only her eyes deceive her facade).  

    Today I will be calling all the Milwaukee doctors/hospital/clinics and lab- and also to her Dr. here in town.   Somebody HAS to know something.  Hard on everyone to have to wait through all of her pain, and most of all Casey.   But she puts up with it; more patient than I am, while we await a bit of info.

   My daughter Jennifer took her State test (for op-something-ology)  in Madison this weekend-  An all-day testing situation; beginning at 9am, with the 2nd part that wasn't until 2pm.  She says she doesn't think she did very well, but I think she probably passed with flying colors-  I have never known her to fail any test she has ever been given...   (Another waiting game there too, as she doesn't get her results until mid-July)!  

   More later, I am sure!

   Anne

 

Monday May 22, 2006 - 06:33am (CDT)

Yes, we are HOME!

Yes, we are HOME!

Good Morning All;

   I have to thank those of you that have emailed me;  inquiring to Caseys health- (and my sanity)!    :)

   We did get home on Thursday afternoon; stopping at my sisters in Appleton to visit with my niece  for a few little moments- To see their own little dog (who is doing very very well), and even got to see Michael (and his new moped), before he headed out to work.  My sister Mary was also working- and I am sorry we missed seeing her.   The above picture is of Casey with their pup!  (I believe his new name is "Buddy"-  though I still call him 'Oscar')...  They sure love him to death!

   The results from CaseyAnne's sweat test were to be available Thursday afternoon...

   But, surprise, they were not.

   And so she called the lab at Childrens Hospital yesterday morning- (this is where they did her test).   She was told to call the GI Center at Froedtert and speak to that doctor.  Getting a hold of his office, she was then told to call her regular doctor here.    Calling him, he had no results.

   Is this crazy????         ...(Or IS it me) ?

   And so we are home; no wiser than we left-   Casey has bad dreams about all that is going on with her- but if this is some kind of cancer, they would have found out that much with all the bloodwork etc that she has had done over the past month...  So we will wait once more- over the weekend- and maybe on Monday we will know what is happening.

   Casey went to the arena football game last night- I have no idea when they got home, but she left me a note saying that it was SO MUCH FUN!    Like any true "Green-Bay-ite",  she LOVES football;  so any chance like this is a whole lot of fun for her.   She took her painkillers right before her ride came- And made no reference to pain in her note, so I hope she was relatively pain free during those few  'fun' hours.   Sure has tons of pain...

   We came home to a yard full of tall grass... I spent Thursday evening cutting- and most of yesterday too. The homestead doesn't look quite so abandoned now.  And both weedwackers were started too- Although they have to be started a few more times to get everything LQQKing good!  (As long as we get it all done before it rains again)-  I went over a few patches twice to better shred some of the cuttings- Fewer lumps- (hmmm, sounds like oatmeal)!

   We also came home to three puppies who had grown so much in our absence...  We are trying to leash train them a bit- Not being used to the collars, (let alone the restrictive qualities of a leash), they tire themselves out quickly-  And are happy then to return to their kennel.  They wake up in the morning, and just want to show how excited they are when we go out there;  they try to chew on us both!  After they are well exercised, they are just little loving lumps of fur.   

   Miss Milly is much better-  (As she had shown Kelli the other night by running back to the woods)!  She has no more milk; but the 'kids' try to nurse anyway-   She will not allow them to do this in the kennel, so it is a treat for them to get out when they do.

   One of the little ones we now call "Pittsburgh" as she will be traveling cross country to her new home.  Pleased with their own new addition, one of our adoptive couples will be bringing her to their daughter who lives out there.   Nice that. And brings a peace of mind to us here too. I am so happy with them all.

   I'd better close, and get on with my day here- Too much to do- and they are calling for a bit of rain this afternoon too.  My dryer is calling me right now- (and about to drive me crazy if it beeps one more time)!

   Hope everyone has a great weekend.  Please write when you can.

   Anne

  

  

  

  

Saturday May 20, 2006 - 04:10am (CDT)

05/18/06 Puppies CHEW Everything! ...& I don't snore!

Puppies CHEW Everything! ...& I don't snore!

Casey has her "Sweat Test" in the morning- From what I read it is completely non-invasive, and shouldn't take too long...

   Chilly right now; and so I have flipped on the heat lamp in here- Think the light does good for a body...  the heat too.

   Casey woke me up because I was snoring...   oops... 

   Man, I didn't think I snored. (Once, long ago, I stayed up all night to see if I snored, and I didn't).

   OK- Let's see....    We did walk across the road to go eat a little something at Dennys- Casey had a bit of their chicken soup, and eating it didn't seem to bother her overmuch. For supper, she had a sandwich, and I had a baked potato and a salad.  We watched a bit of TV and I fell asleep, (and supposedly snored)!

   We emailed Miss Kelli today- as we had seen some pretty bad storms move through our neck of the woods-  She called back to say that they had come out of nowhere, but that she didn't think they had been too bad- She was still at work- about 30 miles from our homes.  Hopefully the little pups weren't too scared of it all.

   And speaking of the little ones, she said that when she had gone there Tuesday  night, she had brought "Miller" along... (her own golden retriever)- She then proceeded to let Milly and the kids out of the kennel...

   Try to picture this now...

   As Kelli unlocks the kennel door and it opens... Like a bat out of hell, Miss Milly took off running straight back to the woods.  Seeing this, Miss Kelli followed her, running, and calling her name...    (there ARE times that Miss Milly has very selective hearing)...

   Back to the story...

   ...Milly running, Kelli running after her, trying to catch up to her- 

   ...Halfway back to the woods, Kelli realizes that she had left the kennel door open--- Turning around, she sees Mr. Miller running toward her- and following him were the three little pups... 

   And so, she keeps chasing my selectively deaf dog, turning around once more, she sees that Mr. Miller and the 3 pups were gaining on her... She hollered for him to stop ... (Personally, we think she startled the beejeezus out of the poor dog, who promptly sat down... the three pups following suit and sitting beside him)...

   Now, as Mother Nature provides, a dog cannot pee/poo while it is running; so while Kelli had stopped to startle Mr. Miller,  Miss Milly needed to relieve herself-   Finally catching up to my runaway dog, she took hold of her collar- and didn't let go til she was back at the kennel!

   She also told me that while she had come back up to the yard to secure Miss Milly, that Mr. Miller and the kids had begun to play and wrestle around- off the nice green path, and into the cornfield... (She informed me not to be shocked when I return home to find the little creatures are no longer a beautiful white color; but really, really dirty).  Carrying two, and one that followed with a few short bursts of energy that she had left, she did manage to get them all back "home" ----

   Mean as I am, I find her entire story so hilarious!  (And besides, Milly's dirty dogs are Milly's problem)!    I am still laughing!!!!!   A bit of comic relief!

   Nice to have that kind of enlightening story to share- It has been a pretty tense few days here- Will be glad when Casey's tests are over and we can get home then and see our dirty little dogs.   (In all honesty, if I were Milly and had been locked up for days with these little pups, I think I would have run for the woods too)!

   AND, I got my 1st complaint on the pups too. Everybody has been so fortunate and patient...  My girlfriend called yesterday to let me know the little dog chews everything!  ??  The joys of having a puppy!  Oh she sure was angry!  She had an appointment scheduled later in the day at the vets then. Hope all went well for them!

   As I wrote yesterday, with the picture of little Sadie; it took Miss Sadie these past two weeks to warm up to the dog they already have. Sadie and Ryleigh are now best of friends...  It is their picture above as they are playing together-

   I'd better close...  

   I think Casey was kidding me about the snoring- I haven't snored once since I have been writing- What's up with that???

   Have a great day!  One for me too if you think of it!

   Anne

 

 

Oh, and here is a copy of the notes that went home with EVERYBODY'S new pups... guess it is good enough advice for anybody with a pup/dog...

Written by "Yours Truly" --- 

(That'd be me)!

 

Puppies!

Puppies CHEW EVERYTHING.

Please get him plenty of things to chew on for about the next year. Their little teeth are growing almost as fast as they are, and the mouth of a dog changes exponentially with both his body and souls' growth.

Puppies, like small children, learn and retain everything- (If you do not want your dog to snarl, then it is not cute when he does it the 1st, 2nd, or 10th times). It is appropriate though, to love him even when he makes a boo-boo- (or a doo-doo)- He is not trying to piss you off, he is only doing what he must do.

Puppies CHEW EVERYTHING.

Please have your new little guy vet checked ASAP. You can usually make an appointment for this even the same day, or the next. If you are asked to wait even a few days, your vet is clearly too busy to care. Change vets- Find one that not only can remember you, but that can possibly even remember your pet. A big vet clinic is as bad as a big hospital to us; (and your new little puppy has already informed me that he, like you, does not care to be reduced to a simple patient number).

Puppies CHEW EVERYTHING!

Your new little arrival has already been dewormed 6 times. I have done this every Sunday since they were 2 weeks old. Even so, you should bring a fresh stool sample to your vet to his 1st visit. Although a bit spendy, the vet may offer you a pill to give your dog each month to combat these worms. These pills also combat heartworms, and so cost should not be an issue if you want your pup to live a long and healthy life.

 

Puppies CHEW EVERYTHING!

Sadness, tears and cries are to be expected for the 1st week or so. -They are only missing me- (or maybe their Mama and their siblings)?

Note: There is nothing wrong with taking your dog to bed with you, and having him feel loved and protected. His mother has done this for his whole life, and to do anything less is to create fear in your little one. In doing this, however, you may find a little wet spot in your bed. If you are allergic to puppy pee or poo, you should probably should have gotten a 2 year old, fully trained, and housebroken dog.

*** Even "housebroken" dogs will have accidents from time to time- Please take into consideration their diets and their health before ever disciplining your dog for these episodes; (most especially a puppy).

 

Puppies CHEW EVERYTHING!

Chewing is what they HAVE to do... Please get them plenty of chew toys. Never buy them cute chew toys shaped like your shoes, boots, or any other household things you wish to keep in one piece. Dogs are color-blind; (and especially a new puppy simply cannot tell the difference between the right stuff to chew on, your favorite slippers or a family heirloom).

Puppies CHEW EVERYTHING!

Your little one has been on red cedar shavings since the very 1st day of his life. Buying a big bag at Walmart or Petco will remind him of his home here. This will also help in making him feel cared for and safe.

 

 

Love your dog. Cuddle your dog. Be happy, and he will be too. I can almost promise you that there will be plenty of times in the coming months that you will question your sanity in the decision to take this little one home and to allow him to be part of your family. Be patient, and he will be a wonderful addition to your family. Be impatient and you will only end up with an impatient angry animal on your hands.

Puppies CHEW EVERYTHING!

Housebreaking works best in a small cage- although all of these pups are already trying not to pee/poo in their kennel until I let them out. This said, you should not have too many trials to this end; but I cannot offer any promises either. Take your pup out almost every hour- and wait patiently for him to "go" both pee and poo. You will quickly 'learn' his schedule this way- He does not have to poo each time, but needs to be given enough time to go back to the place that he usually does his duty. Like the mailman, this needs to be done in rain, snow, sleet or dark of night. Your dog will be housebroken shortly. These walks not only develop his leash training skills, but also allow him to get to know you, your love, your dedication to him, and your patience... (See above paragraph)...

Puppies CHEW EVERYTHING!

In the highly unlikely event that you cannot properly care for your new little one, First Right of Refusal reverts back to me. I will find your dog another quality home. No refunds, (with the exception that your vet has found something critically wrong with this pup at his aforementioned first visit). If your pup has cloudy eyes, it is only a short term side effect of his 1st immunization- (copied below for your records). This does not create any damage- it is only a side-effect. This immunization will need to be repeated , and by the time your little one is 16 weeks old, he should be fully protected by these booster shots. (To save a few dollars, please get these shots at Fleet Farm- in the refirgerated section for the animals- Be sure it is labeled "for canine use only", and follow the directions carefully). If you would like, you can always purchase these immunizations, and bring your dog here. I will administer the shot if you do not care to. Only your vet can give rabies and boosters of rabies. (These must be recorded at the State level- should your dog ever bite anyone- If you do not do this, and he bites someone, your dog will be put to death, decapitated; and his head will be sent to Madison). Please keep careful records of any vet visits, and/or training experiences.  In the event of your own death, his next owners will want to know this all.

By the way, did I mention that Puppies CHEW EVERYTHING???

Enjoy!

Anne

Questions or visits?-- Please call me anytime...

 ~~~~

hehehe

XOXO
Anne

 

Originally posted to my Y! 360, Thursday May 18, 2006 - 12:43am (CDT)

Entry for May 17, 2006

Entry for May 17, 2006

GOOD Morning;

   I was sent this picture from one of my adoptive parents- showing how very happy their "Sadie" is.  Also received was a photo of the new little one playing with their 5-year old dog.  Sadie finally to have won the heart of the older dog; and to have made a new lifelong friend!

   Yesterdays visit with Casey proved to be very sad for me- having been given no definitive diagnosis, and seeing her in so much pain.  She was given an injection for her pain about 3, and so I left her to sleep, and came back to the room here to rest a bit.  I called her room about 5, and she sounded so groggy still.  By 6, she called to tell me that the doctor had been in; and had told her she could be released!  (It even surprised her wonderful nurse, Marcy).

   Casey is fast asleep yet- and hopefully will tolerate a trip across the road to get a bit of breakfast when she awakes.   One doctor said "low fat" diet- Another said it didn't make a difference.  Who to believe when the doctors at the same hospital will not even agree on a diagnosis; let alone the doctors from St Marys in GB and the ones here at Froedtert?    

   We will remain here until Caseys  Sweat Test tomorrow morning.  I do not think that requires too much, and so we will be heading home right after that.  Hopefully we will know something after that.  But watch, it will perhaps come back as inconclusive- that is my greatest fear- and then she will be left to be in pain- or what then?  I do not know.  Keep the faith...

   Zoe called as I was leaving to pick Casey up- And I told her that Casey was being released. She said "Wonderful!"   We spoke to Jenne and Roberta too- who echoed Zoe's sentiments almost exactly!  They are all as worried about this whole thing as I am. Nice that Casey has her older sisters to love, and to love her too!  I am so proud of all of these girls!  A friend of the faily had called yesterday morning, and had asked how all the girls were, and what they were all doing etc etc etc...  Such a nice conversation. 

  Makes you thankful for everyone! 

   David is a friend of my ex-husbands- And since Casey has asked him not tell her dad what is going on, he will not.  She has been trying to get her dads attention and love for the past 17 years- (as all these girls have been doing since we split up in 1989)- and it is sad for everyone that he then opted to divorce his entire family.  Sadder for him most of all because his life has to be SO empty and devoid of any kind of love.   I almost pity his godless soul.

   Not too much other news- Please write and let us know how you are all doing!

   Thank you again for all of your  prayers!  God IS listening!

   XOXO
Anne

  

Wednesday May 17, 2006 - 05:42am (CDT)

Froedtert May 15, 2006

Froedtert May 15, 2006

 

Good Evening;

    Casey woke for the first time at 5AM, to contact her new manager- Back to sleep only for a while before she had more pain- Took some of her painkiller-  and fell back to sleep until a little after 10---

   We got to the hospital then- about noon- A very long afternoon followed; made much less stressful as I was joined by my sister Kris, who had taken the afternoon off to wait with me.  I thank God that she did- and that she came to see Casey and I.  Nice to have that comfort, and to have her in our lives.   

   CaseyAnne's surgery was over by about 4:30.   They had said the ercp would take anywhere between 20 minutes and 2 1/2 hours...  Caseys was much closer to the two and a half hours- (A long wait for Kris and I).    Casey was very groggy when the doctor came to speak with us, but he said there was no evidence of the previously diagnosed pancreatic divisum-  (Not that I understand how such a misdiagnosis can occur in the first place),  but I believe she will not be needing that stent put in now.    They did do a bunch of tests that will take between 4-6 days to come back...   Just keep on praying!

   Miss  Kelli called as she was just leaving my place this evening- She said they had spent quite a while playing with the three pups left- Milly is feeling much better- although her milk has virtually dried after her being so rundown by her 10 little ones.  Happy she is doing so well now; and can remain in her kennel with the 3 on a 24/7 basis.   I thank those of you, again, who picked up your pups early to help take some of the strain off Miss Milly. 

   Am going to close and hit the sack here- A nice quiet hotel, a soft pillow ot two-  I  am grateful for that.

   Hope this finds everyone well and happy.

   Anne

Monday May 15, 2006 - 08:13pm (CDT)

Off to Froedtert 05/11/06

Off to Froedtert

 

Good Morning All;

   The picture is one of my little dogs saying, "Gee, you look just like my daddy!"    Cute--- 
A thousand words...
Kelli and Miller had stopped by to visit...

   Casey took me in for another shot for my nasty head on tuesday, so I pretty much lost that whole day-  Slept until 8 or so, fed the pups, and back to sleep by 10-  I lost yesterday morning too- But I must have gotten way too much sleep because last night I couldn't fall asleep for love or money! (not that I was offered either)? 

   ...Hey, a girl can dream!!!

   We leave today for Milwaukee to have Caseys insides re~diagnosed. (Is that even a word)? 
But to the gastroenterologist; to tap into his wisdom on her "Pancreatic Divisum"   -In one of the procedures, they would not have to cut- just to go down through her tummy- She would stay about a day or so-  If they have to open her up, she would be required to remain there about 2 weeks.

   As always, your offered prayers, thoughts and support are deeply appreciated.

   We are now down to 4 pups in the kennel.  I have had many calls, but not enough quality people; and so there are 3 little girl pups that still have not found a new home to go to.     

   I had one lady call- My ad says:

   " Golden Retriever / Yellow Labrador pups for sale.  Both parents purebred."...  

   But this gal said she only wanted one of the Golden Retrievers. I had a dickens of a time explaining to her that there was only one litter, and that the pups were both breeds of dogs.  She was really MAD at me then. (I don't understand that at all).  Another caller wanted a pup, sight unseen, but only if I would relinquish the dog immediately. (That doesn't wash either).  So if any of you know of someone who would actually have impeccable references to adopt one of these young ladies, please leave me a note, "comment", on here. Just click on the bottom of this note where it says # of comments...

   I got a bit of mowing done yesterday- Just in time for the big winds/storms to blow-  Guess we should have some nasty gusts driving down to Milwaukee.  It'll only bother me when the semis pass though...

   I'd better close- Have a house to "find" and wash to do before we leave. Please wish her well!

XOXO,
Anne

Thursday May 11, 2006 - 05:22am (CDT)

Did You Know??? (OUCH)!

OUCH!!!!

 

Did you know that if you are outside working... Busting your backside, and trying to throw a few seeds in the ground before it rains... Needing more than just a shovel and a hoe; you reach out and grab a rake...

Now consider this... if that same rake has a friggin' bee sitting on the handle, and you happen to grab it right on the part with the bee, that the darned impatient thing will actually have the balls to sting you right in the middle of your palm?

Basty nastard... I am still mad, (but am deriving a curious pleasure from the fact that once a bee stings he gets to die)!

Tuesday May 9, 2006 - 05:54am (CDT)

Thank You 05/08/06

Thank You!

 

Good Monday Morning to All;

First and foremost to thank those of you who have already picked up their pups, and who will also be picking them up today. This you have done this out of care and concern for Milly; putting your own schedules and plans on hold to safeguard the health of my own dog. I thank you for your compassion- And realize too that you have your hands full with only one dog! Milly sure had her paws full with the 10 of them- and I am sure that if she could speak, she would thank you too.

Mary and Michael came to pick up their new puppy on Saturday- And are so happy with the little one!
She called me to tell me he went wee-wee outside!
Poo'ed too!! YAY!!

They are not exactly sure what his name will be- She likes "Buddy" - Will see what the kids decide then! Fun to get to go through this all for them. They bought a ton of toys and such for the pup. He will surely not get too bored!

She wrapped him up tight in a blanket on the way home. She drove so Michael could do a little puppy-lovin'. Michael had to go to work last night- and miss out on all the initial "getting to know you" ...Am sure he made up for that yesterday while Mary had to work; he even gave the little one his first bath! Rita had the job to set up the kennel- A bit confusing at first, but sure didn't take her long to get it set up right either!

As far as Miss MillyMom goes, after a pup leaves, she does look around a bit- Satisfied then that her little one is not "lost" somewhere she seems to understand somehow.

My friend Kelli called Saturday night- and offered to take the time off and go to Milwaukee with Casey and I when we go to Froedtert. I think this is so kind; (and that it would be very cool to have her along too). Love to laugh with her! Perhaps she will prove to be our little good luck charm!

I began pulling every little weed from the barngrade- am about one third done with that; I will be planting my Devils Claw seeds there this year. I imagine it will be much like The Briar Patch fo' de wabbits...

I'd better keep this shorter for today- my connection here doesn't seem to be too stable this morning, and it keep flickering- Hope it posts anyway-

I thank you again,

Anne

Monday May 8, 2006 - 07:30am (CDT)

Crisis Averted- Another pup goes home!

Crisis Averted- And another pup goes home!

 

   Although I do definitely have those times where I am a complete idiot, I am trying to remember that everything happens for a reason...  Puppy found a great new home, with patient, kind and loving people.

   The dad came to check everything out, sending the daughter and friends to come pick up the 'leftover' girl puppies.  All were gone then about 4 hours- and upon their return, they said they had a hard time deciding; yet all in all seemed very happy with their new choice too!   The little pup will be named "Maddie"  (short for Madeline?).  Cute and very soft, she is the 2nd smallest of the crew; and the very most unassuming pup.

   The "kids" are finally getting to where some are bigger and some are a bit smaller- Not by much though. Weird that they all turned out such little matches as far as weight, colors etc...    My cousin wrote that I shouldn't get so upset with myself with this latest screw up- that this kind of fiasco, (the mix-up), happens even to human babies. (She is right of course, but it still remains a bit unsettling for me).  

   Lots of running to do yesterday- and stopped at an out-of-the-way rummage sale on the way home...  Found a cage for Mary-  (tee-hee-hee)- (actually for her new little pup), and very reasonable too- She will be picking her new little guy up this afternoon; having already scheduled a vet appointment for Wednesday, and buying a ton of chewie things for him too!  (Hopefully this will keep him from eating her furniture-  But they do have sprays for that now too). I am very excited for her to have him. She has never been able to have a pup/dog/pet, except for when we were young-(er)!  She has even registered him for puppy classes! How very cool!

   Went to the animal clinic yesterday morning to pick up Amos' special food-  While there, of course we chatted about the pups too.  The doctor indicated that at this point in time I am only 'babysitting' these pups- That they are more than ready to be adopted and sent home.  He said as long as they are on solid food (puppy chow since 2 and 1/2 weeks), and that Miss Milly is trying to wean them, it is time that they go.  I figured that, but am glad to hear it straight from him too!  Now everyone can take their bundles home.  Hopefully, can and will.  This last week has been a huge strain on Milly; and ultimately she comes first.

   KC left last night to visit her friend Rachel down at college- Nice that they are almost as sisters- and nice to have that shared closeness between them. Good kids-  And I have always been proud of the friends she has chosen. Not a deadbeat in the bunch!

   I'd better close for this morning- (The dryer is insistent that I remove my laundry)...

   Have a great weekend!

  XOXO,
"Anna-Anna"

Saturday May 6, 2006 - 05:52am (CDT)

May 05, 2006 ~I am an Idiot

May 05, 2006

 

   I am an idiot...

   ...A very confused, but well-meaning and well-intentioned person.   (However, knowing this, and even having put it to print here does NOT, in any way shape or form, negate the fact that I remain an idiot)!

   Is that enough entry for today? Or would you care for an explanation??

   ...Yeah, I'll bet...

   Depending upon whichever side of the crisis you are on, it is either good/bad...  Aren't they all? (Just remember, I'm the idiot in the middle)...     

   Another of our "parents" stopped by to visit with her new little dog.  And to make a long story short, her new little dog turns out to be the very same one that I had left go for "visitation" 2 nights ago...   Boy did I ever screw up.  I had the gentleman come and identify the original pup they had chosen...  I had given them the wrong one- They will be picking up the correct one then to bond with it tonight. 

   I am SO sorry.  Maybe if God would have made the pups red, orange, blue, purple and green etc etc etc; and maybe if I wasn't such an addlepated and confused person, and maybe if there wasn't everything going on, I wouldn't have screwed this up.   (But maybe I would have anyway)!  Hopefully it is something that we will be able to laugh at 10 years from now too.

   I spoke with the "parents" who already picked up their new pup. They have had her in for her vet check, and all is well. Dare I say 'perfect'?  The vet said there was nothing wrong with getting the pup a bit early-  As far as I am thinking, it is better for the dog if there is even a bit of "can't do" on the mothers part.  He said already she is getting to be a pro at housebreaking; and already has her little corner of the yard where she "does her duty"-  Although her obvious intelligence does not surprise me,  I am very happy to hear it too. She is adapting so very well.

   Miss Millys temp has gone down almost to normal- Perhaps with removing her from the stress of the pups on a 24/7 level has helped a bit. 

   I mowed back by the woods yesterday- But couldn't move the picnic table down by the campsite either-  I shall stomp upon those few nasty weeds that didn't get mowed down then.

    I  still have to be planting my little garden... Going to Appleton today too.  And finally, CaseyAnnes'  appointment has been set up at Froedtert for next friday morning. We will not know anything more until that point in time.

   Keep those prayers coming!  And have a great weekend.

   Anne

  

Friday May 5, 2006 - 07:51am (CDT)

May 4th, 2006

Entry for May 04, 2006

 

Good Morning !!!!

Here are some flowers for you!  (Today a daffodil;  tomorrow a dandelion)???

Having gotten a new belt for my rider, (and having NO idea how to put it on since the old one had turned into a "tail" of sorts behind the tractor), I called one of the neighbors who came and did it for me...
Removing the deck, (missing only one retaining bar, and quickly redoing it), it was done within half an hour! Back in business then before daylight disappeared, at least I got some of the lawns cut- along with one ditch... Relieved that this much is done, and will save me hours today when I finally do get outside. Have weedwacking to do also- (but that will keep as long as I want it to)! hehehe

Am waiting to hear back from Froedtert Hospital- (FINALLY, right)! Yesterday morning I had dropped off letters to her regular doctor, and one to the hospital doctor too.  (For my confession today, I will only say that I was none too gracious when her regular doctor finally called me). I told him how very long we have been waiting,  how much pain has passed in the meanwhile, and how many times we have tried to make contact. The clinic then finally called yesterday afternoon and gave me the Froedtert number anyway. The gal down there is trying to get Casey an appointment ASAP... Hope. Hope. Hope.

When I had just begun to cut grass, a car pulled into the yard- One of my prospective "parents" wanting to know could they take their little one out for a few hours? Of course!  They named her "Sadie"- They returned just as I had gotten the rest of them ready for their evening sleep- Just in time for a late dinner for the pup, and off to sleep she went too. They told me they had a grand time, and no little accidents of any kind, not even a drool on the car ride!
I am so very proud of these puppies!

One little one has already gone to her new home- "Jessie" now lives in Sturgeon Bay, finding herself a most wonderful and loving home! I shall have to call the 'parents' there and just find out how everything is going. They already have had her in to get checked out by their vet too-
Meanwhile, Miss Milly has shown no signs of trying to search for the missing little dog- (neither did she show signs of looking for the one that went off for her little 'visitation' last night).
Our Milly still has a bit of a fever, but after a few days of being away from the kids, (only being put together to nurse 3X day); she is looking not as peaked as she did on Sunday even... A good sign that every little bit of relief is helping her out.

Such is life on the farm today! A breezy, sunny, and warm day- Perhaps nice enough to get whole bunches of work done!

Have a great one--- one for me too!

XOXO,
Anne

Thursday May 4, 2006 - 10:15am (CDT) originally posted to my Y! 360

May 3, 2006

Entry for May 03, 2006

 

Good Morning- Having been up for almost 3 hours already- (and having accomplished very little except laundry), I realize I should finally be able to throw a few more seeds in my little garden.  It has been tilled 3 times already- waiting for me now...  I did get some flower seeds in, and wait patiently for them to grow and bloom so we can have them on our table!  Another 2 months for that- 

I know you are waiting to hear about Casey- and her upcoming trip to Froedtert- If I knew anything at all, I would share this with you. Seemingly, I can neither contact her regular doctor- or the doctor she had while in the hospital. It took that office 4 days to get all the papers together just to get them faxed to Froedtert. Am getting very very upset.   ...Perhaps I need to take a little ride to the hospital AND to her doctor.  Why on earth do they leave her in pain?

Amos (our cat) had sequestered himself in the back laundry room for the past few days-
Usually this means I will soon be smelling a dead mouse- (& Where he puts them only God himself knows).  Hunting for the source reveals only the smell, but never the evidence.  Perhaps Amos has finally realized (after 13 years?) that I do not care for this hide-and-seek routine of his. Yesterday he brought me his "catch" of the month. 
I almost had a heart attack when I realized I had almost stepped on, (barefoot no less),  a dead chipmunk! ...
The fact that he had placed it on the rug, (and IN MY KITCHEN)!!! only had me bleaching rugs in addition to the kennel! 

As far as the 10 little dogs go;  they are well, and I suppose are getting used to the fact that Miss Milly only is near them to relieve her milk.  Hope all of their adoptive parents understand this-  It is not quality spent time for them.  I try to spend as much time as I can petting and loving them and playing...  Yesterday, as you can see from the photo above- they even played with my tulips!?!  Oh boy.....   But they eat well-  3 gallons of puppy chow each day- I mix their breakfast and supper with warm water- and lunchtime they actually get to chew their chow.    (Puppies chew everything)!  At this point, they are so rambunctious and chew on each other too while they are playing.

They sure are great little kids- and I have not had to clean up too many messes in the kennel either-  During the day, they mostly wait for me to let them out- and overnight is not too bad either. Knowing they really still are babies I do clean up a bit in the morning, but not too much- Not even compared to 3 days ago.  Am happy about their sense of clean, and if I had the time available, I would have them all housebroken in a big hurry.  

So now you are 'filled in' on the daughter, the dogs and the damnable chipmunk.  I need to go figure out where the darned thing even got in- found myself looking for an opening even as I tried to cut lawns yesterday.   -I say 'tried' because the belt kept coming off for me- Tried to get as far as I could- but then it finally broke- Had KC pick up a new one after she was done with college for the day... Will try to put it on this morning-  (Perhaps that will frustrate me just enough to have an appropriate attitude when I go in search of her doctors then)!

Hope all is well with all of you!

XOXO
Anna_Anna

Wednesday May 3, 2006 - 06:46am (CDT)

HURRAY, HOORAY! 05/01/06

Hurray! Hurray!!! ...

 

the 1st of May... ... and you know the 'rest of the story'!

Pups have all received their 1st vaccinations. All were very accepting of this, except the biggest one! (What a wimp). To have had so very much help with the dewormer, weighing and injections I am so grateful- Mary, Michael and his girl, Laura, came up from Appleton just in time to help out. Casey was out running errands for me, with Jenne and Isaiah, and also pulled in the yard within a few moments of my sister.

We had all the pups inside while they got their shots and meds; bringing them back out to the kennel as soon as they were done being treated. We also had absolutely NO little accidents either. (How rare would that be)? Happy for that too... The picture above shows a few of the little ones trying to get up the front entrance stairs... Some even made it. Miss Milly, and even Amos, get treated as a precaution too. Amos was not at all thrilled by this. And Milly didn't bat an eye.

Mary has her CAT Scan today, so I will be going down there to go with her. Please keep her in your hearts, thoughts and prayers.

Have a good one...

XOXO
Anne

Monday May 1, 2006 - 04:17am (CDT)