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)

Any Solid Ideas?

Any Solid Ideas?

 

Cute picture was taken inside of Miss Millys Cedar doghouse- One pup asleep in the front corner... There aren't words...

More of the little ones have found a new home this weekend already- And if you have read the entry title here, then you know I will be needing your suggestions...

Miss Milly has a bit of a fever now- and the diarrhea too- Will see if I notice any improvement tomorrow- if not, I will bring her in. Like I said, these pups are taking their toll on her right about now- Have told my 'owners' since the pups have had puppy chow since week 2, and they are all healthy, ready to be paper trained etc etc etc, that I would NOT be against removing them a bit early-

Everybody wants them to have more time with their mama, but what they do not understand is that if Milly gets too sick, then it is neither constuctive nor healthy time spent with their mama.

Sadly, life in the animal kingdom, domesticated dogs included, still is survival of the fittest-
This would translate to Milly being the fittest. The alternative would be that I remove her from the pups- Will see what our vet has to say about it. But am afraid that is what he will probably recommend...

Because of my stupid head here, I did not get any seeds in the ground yesterday Hate to 'lose' these planting days, but I just napped on and off all day- My tummy is off now from the migraine meds I took yesterday. (Gee, speaking of 'alternatives' is that now out of the frying pan and into the fire for me?)... Just sorry that I did not get those seeds in. I just couldn't do it yesterday- no energy, and not many pain-free minutes either. They are calling for rain over the next 3 days or so- Perhaps I can run out there inbetween the raindrops.

The fields got planted on Friday too- Corn this year, and while that is alright after a season of soybeans, I like to be able to see the woods back there too. Oh well, maybe next year!

Funny story now too- The other day, Casey wanted spaghetti so badly; and so I'd promised her I would make some... Old Mother Hubbard here went to the freezer, and couldn't find a single pound of ground chuck. But I did find some chili I had frozen from last month... Since I do not make it real hot, the old lightbulb flashed brightly in my brain and I pulled that out of the freezer- I did some quick thinking and seasoning- added some garlic and red wine- a bit of sauce and tomatoes... (and prayed)! ...

When Casey came home, she smelled it all cooking- Her friend Joe stopped by- and I threw on a quick batch of garlic toast... Everything went well until Joe asked me why there were beans in the Italian Spaghetti. Oops, I'd forgotten all about them! Funny. But it worked out fine- Both Casey and Joe had these little piles of red beans on their plates- but both went back for seconds too.

In raising 4 kids on my own, you learn to make do with what you've got. And here I'd thought I was being smart. Another "Oh well" for me; but another bullet dodged too!

Hope you are all having a great weekend- soggy as it is around these parts...

Anne

Sunday April 30, 2006 - 07:36am (CDT)

April 29, 2006

Entry for April 29, 2006

 

Looks like our little Master Gabriel has found a new friend here!

I am late(r) this morning here- and had such a busy day yesterday; much like I imagine that today shall be...  So much to do- seemingly so little time...

Once again I have spoken too soon about Caseys pain- as she awakens in the middle of the nights with some pretty intense stuff going on. But she is eating and drinking fine too- and it doesn't seem to make a difference what she eats...  We could go back to the doctor at the hospital- He seemed to know what he spoke of, why he had kept her there, and all else too. Not happy about how this is all being managed right now.

It stayed in the 40's last night so the little family all remained outside overnight.  Am happy to report that everybody is well... except for Miss Milly of course- These 10 pups are taking quite a toll on her- she seems so skinny, but "keeps on keepin' on"---

Another little dog has found a new 'mama'- They will be coming back today to revisit-  I am thrilled that all these people do come back, play with, and love their new additions. Miss Milly seems to take it all in stride too.

I did get more tilling done yesterday- a breezy, cool; but sunny day- Wish it would be nice enough every day to wear shorts and get everything done.

Have much to plant today before the rains come, so will be keeping this short for now- It is to rain for the next 3-4 days, on and off. A good time to get some seeds in and to let them take root!

Have a wonderful weekend!

XOXO
Anne

Saturday April 29, 2006 - 08:05am (CDT)

Frost on the pumpkins?

Frost on the pumpkins?

 

   Yes, Miss Milly really IS under that pile!  (Hungry puppies!, what more can I say)?

   CaseyAnne is hanging in there too. She had a pretty good day yesterday- this phantom pain that comes/goes for her-  Unpredictable, and it does not seem to actually relate to what she eats- or not.   (Good grief, has anyone even HEARD OF this pancreatic divisum)???  

   Have the 'kids' back in the garage once again- have the heat lamp on too as it is only 33 degrees  with a bit of a NE wind- A nasty cleanup job awaits me I am sure- But it is something you do because you know they just do not know any better yet.  (But I did find if I fold up their blanket, then they will do their pee/poo NOT on it)! Signs that they are ready to be paper trained, and that is a very good omen.    Have been washing (bleaching) these blankets on a daily basis.  And am redoing their big old pillow too, so they have something a bit cleaner, softer and comfier to lie down on. Will finish that up this morning.

   I need to use the gentamycin (sp?)  each day for Millys scratched up udder- feel badly for that- it burns and cools- kind of at the same time.

   Had a bit of shopping to do after my appointments yesterday, and one of the adoptive couples called, asking if they could come see their little "Jessie"  Happy that they come and spend time together with their new little dog-  And still another couple has emailed and asked to come also.  I am so happy with all  of these people! And still have 3 people to return phone calls to. Will do that when I am done on here.

   And YAY!  My strawberry plants are coming today!  Will have to get out early and finish the tilling...  (that is, if the tractor will start)!  The fields were done just the other day- ready for corn now.  Had soybeans in last year, and like when the crops are in, the deer pretty much leave my garden alone- (although they much prefer the soybeans)!  The marigolds I plant around the garden keeps the little buggers from decimating the whole thing on me. (Stinky but worthwhile too, as I get to fill my freezer instead of their bellies)!

   Still have a ton of things to do yet- and Berta comes early to do my hair- Getting tired of looking so windblown and frumpy all the time- (So nice to have a cosmetologist in the family)!  But I do think perhaps I should just shave it off- (am waiting for that to be 'in style' for women too)!

   Mary has a CAT Scan for next Monday and of course I will go with her for that-  Scared, but finally to get an answer to what she is going through- All her pain- seemingly everywhere- and she has had a terrible headache for over a week now too.  Please keep her in your prayers.

   And think ALL positive thoughts for all!

   Blessings to all- Have a grand weekend if I do not get back to you before it is over.

XOXO,
Anna-Anna

Friday April 28, 2006 - 05:10am (CDT)

April 26, 2006

Entry for April 26, 2006

 

Hi Again;

   I am sorry that I did not get to this earlier- 

   I have no news yet on when Casey will be having to go to Froedtert.  She still has pain, yet all her records and all must be still dictated and faxed- And so we have not heard from them to even schedule an appointment.  She hangs in there though.

    Yes, all 10 pups are in the above picture- Having been out and playing about in the sunshine for quite some time today, they all tried to vie for a place in the shade under my little lawn chair when they tired out.  It still amazes me to see how much they grow each and every day.  Have had them in for the past two overnights- (And bleach my garage each morning too)!  I guess it is to be that way for the next 3 nights too- Oh well.  Good thing I have 2 gallons of bleach in the back! I have an old plastic broom-  It is great for scrubbing concrete! (Because I surely don't think this is something I would care to be doing by hand- rubber gloves or not)! 

   Knowing that Miss Milly likes to 'get away' for a while,  even in the garage, I put an extra blanket down for her last night. It had barely even hit the floor and she was on it already.

   Glad I have her on the puppy chow too, and that she gets her vitamins every day- (Doubled since she was pregnant- doubled still now that she nurses). And what a waif she is too- From the side, she looks much like a cow- (and a highly profitable one at that). But if you look down while she is standing, she is SO thin... Such a good mom she is too.  Proud of her for that. And am glad that she is not prone to distrust either. Thus far, she has allowed everyone not only to see her kids, but has had no problem at all with people- even strangers- picking up, petting and playing with her little dogs. Am so glad she is so calm.

   Enough of this for now-  Hope all is well with everyone!

XOXO,
Anne

Wednesday April 26, 2006 - 07:37pm (CDT)

04/25/2006

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

 

    Ain't he cute? This is Isaiah, my 3rd grandchild- smiling at his mama... with a face full of pizza!

    I must have spoken too soon about Casey's pain-  She called from school yesterday- late morning- and ended up coming home early, as her little pain pills were not working too well for her at that point.  Am glad she has that appointment today to get her surgery scheduled. Please offer up a little prayer for her that all goes well.

   I was out cutting lawn when she got home; and instead of going in, she sat in the sunshine by Miss Milly, and read one of her books for school.  Yesterday was a beautiful 75 degrees! The sunshine always helps- (unless it's a migraine).   One of her friends stopped in- and by that time, I had cut as much as I cared to for then. (And that shower sure felt great)!    A lady called about the pups- and another also- (Why is it that the ratio here is about 50/50 for the good/bad prospective pet owners)?   And I think some people are either genuinely stupid, or simply illiterate. The ad says to "call with personal and vet references"-  (I didn't think it would be that hard to understand)?  Seemingly it is.

   And still another lady called, looking to get a dog as a gift for someone.  A dog/puppy/animal is not a gift. (Unless you are the dad or mom to a kid that is receiving it).  Too many wind up only at a shelter then only to be put to death.

   The puppies- and Milly- all came in the garage last night... I have to close the door now that these "kids' are so leggy and climbing- running around.   I am sure too, that I will be having quite the mess to clean up... But even as I write, it is only 34 degrees- 

(Weather. Wisconsin. Wait... as they say).

   Mary called last night too- Still pretty sick-  And I feel so impotent as I talk with her- wish I could take it all away for her- (whatever it is at his point)-  And wish she wasn't so "allergic" to doctors too... Time...  Hopefully when she does finally see this new oncologist, he/she can put all our fears to rest.  

   Laughed more than a few times- out loud- at my little chipmunks while I was mowing. And if they weren't so darned destructive I would actually enjoy having them around. Lots of antics, (and I swear there was one that was actually playing "chicken" with the lawnmower).  Not to mention how they will tease Milly too.

   Better close for now- Have a good one...

XOXO
Anne

 

Tuesday April 25, 2006 - 05:20am (CDT)

Good Monday Morning! 04/24/06

Good Monday Morning!

 

   And I trust that you all had a wonderful weekend!   I sure did.    CaseyAnne is not having as much pain lately- A good thing, and a great relief to her as well.  She has an appointment tomorrow with her regular doctor- They will schedule the surgery at Froedtert for us.

   We sure had lots of company this past weekend, and people wanting to look into buying a dog. A few that I remain very impressed with, and a few that were less than honest too.  Such variety--- the spice of life!

   Mary called last night- and sounded quite sick- and getting a bit depressed too, given that fact that she has wanted to rule out any further cancer.  Quite often, a Grade 3, Stage IIIC breast cancer will metastacize and cause further problems. We had gone in last month to her oncologist, and he didn't think it was necessary to redo any CAT Scans or MRI's to recheck the spots on her liver and all...   But her insurance no longer covers this oncologist, and perhaps now with having to drive up to Green Bay, her new doctor will think it more appropriate to redo these tests.  (And besides that, Mary will feel much better knowing there is nothing to be worried about)!  And she is SO looking forward to getting her own little "Satchmo" home- (I call him Oscar)... either way, they have picked out a very loving and lovable dog! Aw heck, they ALL are loving and lovable!!!

   Have to cut lawns again today- Greg was here and cut back by the woods on Saturday- They are such a nice family- and their son said he would like a puppy... Don't think that is going to happen- as they have just recently gotten a dog from the Humane Society.  But he played in the kennel for about an hour too- just loving up all the pups.  Nice to see that he was so nice to them too. This little interaction  speaks volumes about character. A good kid- Happy for that!

   Not too much other news- (Guess that is why some people think I have a boring life, eh)? 

Ah, all are entitled to their own opinions- 

Tell it to my face... (the door is thataway --->)!  

   You all have a great Monday!

XOXO,
Anne

   Monday April 24, 2006 - 05:50am (CDT)

April 22, 2006

Entry for April 22, 2006

 

Good Morning!

   For those of you that are counting the puppys in the photo, yes there are still 10 of them- They all weren't eating at the same time is all.

   I cut the lawns west of the old garage yesterday- It was so nice and sunny- threw on an old pair of cut-offs, and a cut off t-shirt too-  As soon as I got outside of course the sun went behind the clouds- so I threw on my old Shell jacket. Warmer- especially with those breezes. ("Breezes" may be an inadequate word here- Lemme think...   Yup, sure was windy)!   This is the first time I cut behind there this year, and always find more than I bargained for in that area. It is where the stone to the barn is buried, and you never know what has moved throughout the winter either.  Guess I found out the hard way, (and will be replacing the blades on the rider very soon)!  I don't think the grass will look very good if I just beat it up all year! Casey got home from college, and said how nice it looked- Kinda makes it all worthwhile!  

   I was SO smug about my gopher/chipmunk/mole murdering frenzy last fall-  Had put all the poison down their holes- and calmly planted more of my spring bulbs. I am happy to report that almost all of those bulbs came up this spring!  BUT, while I mowed back by the little orchard, my blades started making this weird noise...

   After a few seconds of confounded listening, I realized it was not my blades... Looking up, there was a gopher squeaking at me, about 3 feet away! (Brave little bugger)-

...Up on his hind legs with a "na-na-na-na-boo-boo" LQQK on his face.

The little varmint! 

I missed one- (and have come to realize that if I missed one, there are only about 175 left). 

Will put the "tasty" magic corn out later today- (and will try to remember where the rocks are)!  Wish I had something to level off that ground besides my back- Filled some holes in with the mulch/compost- and hope we get a bunch of steady rains to pack it down for me. While I do not appreciate thunder and lightening, I will be thankful for any rains that fall too!

  

   Many of you have asked about my squashed puppy. I am more than happy to report she is not recognizable as a pup with any injury at all anymore!  I did put the pups in the paper-  They will be available mid-May. This will give me the time necessary to do the background and veterinary checks on any potential buyers.

   Even though Casey is out of the hospital, she will need to go to Froedtert in Milwaukee for surgery- She has a birth anomaly called Pancreatic Divisum. Guess there aren't any doctors up here to do it. Kinda scary stuff for us all;  (I can only imagine how Casey feels about it all).

   Guess I was so happy they didn't say "cancer" that almost anything else is preferable. It took so long to know.

   She called yesterday from UWGB while I was out mowing the back lawns- Left me a message to have her go in next week to her regular doctor- I made that appointment-

She will go in on Tuesday- I cannot keep her from her classes at UWGB either- She is so 'gung-ho' about going in. (Which IS a good thing)... but she is constantly in so much pain. I don't know how she does it.

   My girlfriend dropped off some soy dog food- (Am kind of leery to begin using it as I clean up dog-poo by the bushel about every 4 hours already). I will use it sparingly at first to get her used to it- Don't know if I should be giving it to her now if it's soy- With all the natural estrogens in soy, and her nursing... Better wait til the pups go. But any kind of food like that always helps out.

   I have been having dreams about my hand working normally again- And I wake up only to realize they are only some stupid wishful dreams. But maybe it means that it will come back soon too. Hope so. (So much for pole-vaulting in the backyard)!!!

   I haven't even hardly begun to think about my garden yet- Too much else going on... Have so many seeds that I'd harvested from my flowers from last year- Want to plant them, but it was way too windy to even try yesterday. We shall see what today brings...

   Again, I had better close for today- Much to do, and think Zoe and Eric might be coming to check on his puppy too! Yay!!!

   Have a great weekend- (Have one for me too)!

   XOXO
Anne

Saturday April 22, 2006 - 04:34am (CDT)

Entry for April 18, 2006

Entry for April 18, 2006

 

Good Evening;

   I did not get up to the hospital today-  Have a touch of something that just kept giving me chills and making me so tired...  I pretty much rested all day long.   I think Casey did too-  But she is allowed to eat real food now too.  A little at a time...   She says she still has pain if she touches her side-  but seems much better now.  We spoke on the phone whenever we were both up.  I think 3 or 4 times...  Nice, that.  To even hear her voice-  And maybe she will be coming home soon?  I sure hope so.   Her car is still sitting at the emergency lot at the hospital.  Oh well.

   She does have the nicest doctors; and a young intern that is so very personable too.   He seems to be on top of every little thing.  Just am really impressed with this guy.   With his personality and obvious intelligence, he will go far.

   Nancy, Jeff and Ryan brought Miss Valerie to see the pups yesterday afternoon.  Nancy also brought me a plate of food from their own Easter celebration- (It was SO good)! 

   While they were here, Jeff put some screening on the bottom of the kennel door so Milly and her pups could go outside then, and so the pups could not escape through there.   Although I brought them all in last night, I have just gone out and checked on them all- Everyone is asleep- Half are in the doghouse- The other half are alseep out in the cedar chips. All were cozy warm too. I shall try not to worry overmuch then!  A bit much now for Miss Milly (and myself) to be keeping up with cleaning in the garage; especially now that they are getting big enough to escape the little pen.   Our hurt little pup is doing very well too-  She is almost all the way back to normal now; and I have to hunt to even single her out. 

   I thank you all for your prayers for both Casey and the pup.  

   Caseys room is beautiful with all your flowers and gifts.   And they brighten up her little world too. Those of you that have stopped by to see her, those that have called- I thank you too.

   And Zoe, thank you for getting her those socks- We were beginning to think the other ones were tattoo'ed on!

   Good night for now.

XOXO
Anne

  

Tuesday April 18, 2006 - 10:17pm (CDT)

Written by Casey

(Written By CaseyAnne)

Hi;

I am finally home!

I wanted to post a bulletin thanking all of my wonderful friends and family who visited/called/emailed me while I was sick and in the hospital. It's really not a fun task to be there, but being surrounded by those who love me, (even when my pancreas is eating itself), makes it a lot easier to handle.

I'll admit, I didn't like having to wait for a diagnosis and hearing words such as "Possible kidney and liver failure" but my optomistic belief in the key word there (POSSIBLE) was mirrored in every one of my friends/family members beliefs....

Thank you for being there for me and getting me to laugh! I never knew it was possible to laugh that hard... (Maybe it was the painkillers they gave me, but I think it was the company).

You all rock!!!

I know a few of you are wondering, "What next?" and the answer is: a few things....

Next week I have a follow-up appointment with my regular doctor (seeing as how my lipase counts are still too high, but not as high as they once were) -and he will write me a letter of referral to go to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee.

I will end up going there twice. Once for a pre-procedure consultation, then again for the procedure. I will keep you all posted as to when I'll be going down there.

Thank you again, it's times like these we learn who are true friends are and what exactly they are willing to do for us... Even if it's as simple as stopping in to share a smile....

-CaseyAnne

Wednesday April 19, 2006 - 07:13pm (CDT)

April 16, 2006 Happy Easter

Entry for April 16, 2006 Happy Easter

 

   Again I have been up since one o'clock in the A.M. -  Still tired, but haven't a clue how to fall back to sleep either. I did try...

   The CAT Scan that Casey had revealed nothing, and so she will be having an MRI today-  She still hasn't eaten, and the broth they gave her last night left her in terrible pain once again- She now has a specialist doctor- He said she couldn't have picked something easy to diagnose- but that they are going to get her well and capable of eating too.

   I went up to the hospital early yesterday- Home by about 11 then- and to cut the lawns- (or shall I say at least to make the weeds and the grass all the same height)!?!  I did not do west of the old shed- That will keep; (and besides, I do not think that anyone will be playing volleyball this Easter anyway).

   My sister Mary will be coming up to visit Casey today, along with Rita and Michael. I think that Mikey has recovered from his own little bout of the flu- and what an awful ordeal for him. (If you ask me, I think it's not the best way to be getting a few days off before Easter Vacation)!

   One of the tires was flat on my rider, and I broke the little bicycle pump I use to inflate them-  I called over to Kelli and Tims'- thankfully they had one I could borrow.  (I honestly think if I do not work all this off I will go crazy just thinking about everything... And so I worked-  and it even felt good to sweat a bit).

   In the shower; and got some laundry done too- And then back up to the hospital about 6-ish. Jenny Mella and Zach were visiting with Casey- they were all playing a board game. Zach said he would sleep in the chair, and his friend Joe will be picking him up in the morning. I don't know if Jenny stayed too.   I fell asleep about 9:30, and slept til about 1 or so.

   The puppy is still "hanging in there"- And this little pup even had a visitor yesterday- Nancy stopped by just to see how she was- I stopped at Fleet Farm then for a bottle and a little bit of milk replacer- This little pup has little use of her hind legs, and cannot fight well enough to keep her place when Miss Milly nurses them.   I restrung Millys tie-out too- Over the beams in the garage- She cannot get to the soil now to dig, or to destroy any plants. It also leaves her able to care for 'the kids' -

   I am such an idiot sometimes--- Do you think that while I was at FF that I remembered to buy a little air pump???   Duh!   Oh well.

   So much for yesterday.

   If you would, would you please say another little prayer for Casey- One for the pup too.

   They are truly BOTH "fighters"-

   Have a nice one,

   XOXO,
Anne  

Sunday April 16, 2006 - 04:21am (CDT)