2012 Bumper Stickers

Checking my 'drafts' folder here...

And *If* I remember correctly these came in an email from my Sweet SissyKrissiePoo. 

(My apologies if I remember wrong).  hehehe

Just for fun ya know- 
Enjoy!

XOXO
Me

 

 

 

 

If I had an old VW Bug I would buy every one of these...  hehehe

XOXO
me

PS

Being the caring individual that I am,  I am offering my assistance for you...

 

Prevailing "Current" (A Collective RANT)!

The Daughter, The Dog- and The Daffodil!

Good Morning All;

Once again I have been a slugabout; about blogging, about everything.

This morning even waking with a bit of a migraine, which I will try to sleep off later.

Having dealt with pain in my back, and now in my shoulder- Both more a bit unrelenting. At times that even the pain pills I have do not help.

So, on Monday I finally called my GP and Casey drove me to the appointment.

Seems as though I now have bursitis, and tendinitis in my shoulder; and some other damn ailment of my elbow- (that I can neither recall nor pronounce). 

Save for the tendinitis, they are here to stay.

As far as my back goes, and recalling the one time that I had a kidney infection, I thought perhaps I had another UTI, or had even passed a wee stone. The 'stone' came to mind because nothing made that pain even get a little better.

But with one quick little pee in a bowl, and they quickly realized I had no such 'luck'.

But hey, I do have a 'new' fracture in my damned osteoporotic back. This makes 28. (Which oddly enough is the number of teeth I should have; less now following the poison Reclast I had infused early last year).

Ah hell, I quit.

I have jumped (literally and figuratively), through their every damn hoop. I have taken 'everything' including advice, chemicals, vitamins, medicines, minerals, holistic, (and otherwise) for so long that I am a walking talking list of shit to not even waste your money on.

I have even worn my brace, faithfully; then again I have NOT worn it faithfully too.

I have exercised 'til I am blue in the face.

I have changed my diet, and my posture. 

I even change my underwear on a daily basis.

All, seemingly, to no avail. "Avail" equaling relief.

I am more than frustrated.

And I believe I even passed trying to be depressed about it long ago. 

Then someone threw in the terminal aspect. 

Now it is onward to the "itis'es".

A maelstrom of "Morton Salt meets Murphys Law" days...

I honestly thought I was making everything better, had turned a corner on the fractures, and was even feeling better. 

Correction, I was feeling amazingly~better just a few weeks ago!

Perhaps I overdid it. 

Casey is constantly on me to stop "doing"  And I would ...  if I could.

But if I stop, I would soon get a letter along with a fine from the Village Gods telling me to cut my lawn, or pay them to come in and do it.

Call Randy.

Not gonna happen.  

As it is, he already takes care of his own place, his Dad's place 45 miles away, plus his Mom's place- about 20 miles away.

Add to that, that his dad had a stroke on Sunday past- More of a TIA, but at any rate, it has left him with slurred, unsuccessful speech- and a weakness and vulnerability of his right side. Thank God Randy had gone up there that day... "Dad" is now at the VA Hospital in Milwaukee. 

Casey is unable to mow- But there is some good news too, as she has her teeth now! Hopefully she can eat much better and get her damned blood sugars under control. If/when that happens, it might even help with her skin infection that [still] just won't go away. 

She will be getting her insulin pump, (YAY!). Just that it takes so long to be able to program it accurately for someone who has such a wacky diet due to her mouth, then add the pain within her entire digestive tract.

My girl needs a break already! 

Hey God, are you up there? 

Are you listening?

I have been a member of a pancreatitis group since 2008- And recently there was a 'fight' about God on there.

I swear if I hear one more person say that "God" has given them their respective diseases I am going to vomit. 

That is NOT the definition of karma, (not religiously-whacked or otherwise).

While I may admit that I possibly could have 'earned' my own maladies, there is no way in hell that Casey did!
End of my little sermon. 

 - - Just not the end of the ranting. hehehe

Speaking of illness, you recall my good friend Polly- Her husband has just been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, also called "ALS". 

Rich is only 58 for cryin' out loud! He is also very very active. 

They will be heading to university in Denver next week to learn much more. 

What a horrible thing it is, and I am feeling so badly for them both.

I was into town a few weeks ago to do some shopping- And I needed badly to obtain some Sudafed. 

(Are anyone else's allergies worse this year, or is it just me)?

Anyway, to get Sudafed you have to show your ID- They scan it. 

Asking why, the gal looked me over (leered at me), top to bottom- and said, "So we know who buys a bunch of it and maybe makes crack with it."

I could not help myself at her tart reply but to then ask for the biggest box. (Another leer over her glasses)...

I also got a box of the PE stuff for the high blood pressure end of things. She leers at me a third time and asks if I have high blood pressure. (Is this bitch my new doctor, or what)? I say yes. She THEN tells me not to even take that because it could mess with my b/p.

At that, I asked for a Kleenex and blew my stuffed nose right in front of her.

What a bitch she was! (OK, I concede that I was also getting to that point), especially when I handed my used Kleenex back to her and "Correct me if I am wrong..." as I pointed out that these meds are available over the counter for a reason. 

Grrr....

One more "Grrr" as I relate that I have been unceremoniously kicked off the site I was using for information on my osteoporosis. And this because because I took umbrage at the notion that we should LIE TO OUR DOCTORS about what we take!
Just another dumb broad. But it's crap like that, that others might do, at her suggestion, and then wonder why their doctors cannot figure out what is wrong.

What a stupid viscous circle!

"What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive"

Had I known I would be removed and blocked from the site, I would have told her in more colorful, and much less nice, language.

Oh well.  Win some. Lose some.

There are more than a few of us that hopefully will be setting up our own site- but I remain at a loss, even after checking into about 10 'discussion' places where to even begin the site.

Any suggestions would be most helpful. There would be 2 or 3 that would be 'administrators', so that would also have to figure into it all.

OK. Whew.

I am done ranting.

Well, unless something else comes to me whilst I am showering.  hehehe

Hope all is well with everyone?
My love to all!

XOXO
Me

Does anyone have any personal experience about ALS? All I can find is what I read online- I don't seem to know anyone; even a friend of a friend of a great aunt who lived in Okinawa, who knows someone, etc etc etc... Just curious. Thank you ahead, for any input I might receive. XOXO, Me

Tremors, Updated- Damage Photo- And other Stuff.

The Casey- The Cat- and The Canine-

"Kids"

Good Evening All;

Just thought I would post a quick update before I turn on the tv.

Casey will be getting her insulin pump. She must take her readings 3 or 4 times each day, then they will put that data into her machine and VIOLA! she will have a fairly accurate pump!

This should be in about 2 weeks or so.

her islet cells are struggling due to her skin infection, her ulcer, and her pain.

As you all know she has been struggling too, to just feel a little better.

This week- yes an entire week, straight through for her- has brought some very good news; so she is really looking forward to how she feels by next month... or so.

"GO CASEY!"

My appointment also went very well! My doctor was as nice to me in person as he had been in his letter to me.

All is well, (and I do not have to go in search of a new pain specialist)! hehehe

So y'all remember what I had written about Clintonville, WI? 

Click here if ya missed it.

As it turns out, these BOOMS and BANGS really were an earthquake!
This is quite 'new' even according to the USGS.

So.... what happens now?!? A new fault line perhaps? 

And I thought Wisconsin was relatively 'safe'; even with respect to the New Madrid fault...

Oh well.

Lots more info from Channel 11.   Click. 

And a wee bit more from the USGS.   Click. 

My sister, the Dear Sweet SissyKrissiePoo, has sent me a photo of the damage.

Downright scary huh?

But they have grit, determination and resolve! 

 *** At this point they are not seeking any donations...    hehehe

Nighty-Night

Have a 'wunnaful' weekend, all!

XOXO
me

"Listen to the Rhythm of The Falling Rain"

Gee, ya think my drainfield is open?!?

(Always nice to see this)!

Good Morning All; 

It began raining a beautiful, slow rain about 2 and a half hours ago- 

Just enough to soak now and to make music on the roof- (So happy I have a metal roof)! 

I would go back to bed, and simply listen until I fell back to sleep but I will be going with Casey, early, to her doctor appointment. Her doctors are thinking of getting an insulin pump for her... And I surely do not know enough about this, so I cannot miss the appointment.

I too have an appointment later on. Which means it will be a big "gas" day. That makes me mad with the gas prices as they are. (Well, that and I don't like doing all the damned running around). hehehe

My appointment is with my pain doctor. 

Remember when I had written a letter to my doctor after having had a new doctor come in and try to change my meds?
I received a letter back from my doctor- A very NICE letter too. 

In it he stated that I am to see him, or another NP for my visits.  ("YAY")!

That all said, I will be keeping this one short for now.

Love to all; and may your day be as 'wunnaful' as the rain on my roof...

XOXO
Me

MY FRIEND....

Link

Thank you Sweet Barbara!

All my love.

XOXO
Me

Geologist Puzzler (Clintonville, WI)

*** Of interest to all.

Many of you live on a fault line- or close to one

Many of you deal with odd weather.

This is neither. (Or so they say).

What? Are we growing our own volcano?

This is going on about 30 miles (as the crow flies), from me.

Much closer to my SissyKrissiePoo's house.

Click to read... "Something's rattling small Wisconsin town"

All the news outlets seem to be carrying this one.

Kind of reminds me of that old movie- about a giant worm/snake that lived underground (and damned if I can remember the title now).

One would think, in this day and age, that there would be very little left that would stump all the 'experts'.

Love to all

XOXO
Me

Additional Link

WBAY TV  
http://www.wbay.com/story/17188325/2012/03/19/unexplained-noises-shake-clintonville-homes

>>> Or just Google Clintonville & noise...

Puppies and Dragons

Here.

We go.

Again.

Good Morning All;

Have a dog?

Since 2007, the FDA has tested a total of 371 chicken jerky treats for our dogs! (Click).
Good Lord that's a lot!
These are not the number of complaints; that list is a mile long.

______________________________________

From here:

Dogs Are Dying: Make the FDA Recall Chicken Jerky Treats

Greetings,

Please feel free to forward this to your friends & family.

http://www.change.org/petitions/pet-owners-animal-advocates-dogs-are-dying-make-the-fda-recall-all-chicken-jerky-treats-made-in-china

Make the FDA recall chicken jerky treats

Dogs are getting severe kidney problems, kidney failure and even dying!
Because tests by the FDA are inconclusive, pet treat manufacturers are not required by law to recall their products, and none of them have volunteered to do so. But given that the tests have not pinpointed the contaminant does not mean it is not contaminated. The FDA issued a warning to pet owners in November, 2011 in regards to this issue. The question many are asking is how many dogs will have to die before the products are recalled? It is already estimated that the dead and dying are numbered at more than 500. This number does not count all of the cases that have not made the connection yet between a pet’s illness and the treats. The treats are causing kidney failure and Fanconi syndrome, with some cases resulting in death; others, in chronic kidney disease. Four months has passed since the FDA warning yet the treats are still being sold, and pets are still dying. When Purina began to receive calls from customers whose pets had become ill after eating their Waggin Train jerky treats, they initially discussed financial settlements, but when the FDA’s tests came back with inconclusive results, Purina took all offers off the table. Some consumers who have posted about pet’s illnesses on Purina’s and Dogswell’s websites have been banned from posting there any longer. At a news conference today in Cleveland, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, and Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich both petitioned the FDA to step up their investigation. They both called for the Food and Drug Administration to take immediate action to put a stop to their policy that allows dangerous pet treats and pet foods to remain on the market and to put an immediate stop to its continued sale.

I would like to thank the group Animal Parents Against Pet Treat and Food Made in China for the content and support. Please join them at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Animal-Parents-Against-Pet-Treats-and-Food-Made-in-China/235390426550583 

So far, the list of brands with treats made in China or that are being linked to pet illness and deaths are:
•Waggin Train
•Canyon Creek Ranch
•Dogswell
•Booda Bones – Aspen Pet
•Milo’s Kitchen
•American Kennel Club
•Hartz
•Dingos
•Beefeaters
•Cadet
•Sargents
•Ever Pet ($$ General)
•Home Pet 360
•Walgreen’s new brand – Simple
•TheKingdomPets

If your pet has eaten tainted treats, symptoms may include:
•Decreased appetite
•Decreased activity
•Vomiting
•Diarrhea
•Increased water consumption
•Increased urination

If your pet is sick and you have been feeding it these treats please report it to the FDA. For now, pet owners who find the current state of this situation unacceptable are urged by animal advocacy groups to take the following actions. •Download the FDA warning here, and print some copies.
•If you find the products in your store, remove them from the shelf, give them to store managers with a copy of the FDA warning, and ask that the store return the treats to the manufacturer.
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm

Please share & pass around!

Sincerely,
Susan Rhodes

[Your name]

LINK TO SIGN PETITION *CLICK*

Or:

http://www.change.org/petitions/pet-owners-animal-advocates-dogs-are-dying-make-the-fda-recall-all-chicken-jerky-treats-made-in-china

______________________________________

From Susan Rhodes, author of above petition.

"The brand I was feeding my dog is hiding behind the words USA (read the fine print people) as they are made in China."

And-

"I need more signatures on my petition, as a group we can be heard. Please spread the word and pass this around to everyone you can think of that may care."

How about we ALL start making our own chicken jerky treats???

CLICK HERE for the very simple recipe.

Or use this:
http://greenearthgoodies.wordpress.com/2010/03/25/diy-natural-dog-chewie-treats/

+ As the author states, it brings the price down from $20.00/LB to $2.00/LB.

______________________________________

My guess is that, slowly but surely, this will affect our cats too.

Not only do we need to READ ALL LABELS- on everything we buy; we also need to be ever-vigilant where our pets are concerned as well.

As stated in the link here, these packages read USA, but the fine print says China.

Even though not stated, the list includes treats made by Nestle, Purina, and Del Monte. 

These products are assembled in the USA.  
Even if they are getting all their ingredients from China, they do NOT have to divulge that info to us.

Why is that?

Somehow we have to Get RID of the damned dragon!

Love to all. 

XOXO
me

MORE:

Report to FDA: 
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm

From the FDA,
“We still invite owners and veterinarians to submit complaints and samples,” said Siobhan DeLancey, an FDA spokeswoman. “The more information we have, the more likely we can find a link.”

The move comes as the FDA is under growing pressure from consumers and lawmakers to address rising numbers of illnesses blamed on the China-made treats. Before the warning was issued in November, the agency had logged 70 reports of illnesses tied to the treats last year. Since then, more than 530 additional complaints of illnesses and some deaths have been filed, officials said.

More re: Product Safety Info from the FDA   CLICK

Great quote:

“At the slightest doubt, these products should have been recalled, especially knowing there was a link or at the very least a caution/warning label put on the packaging warning the consumers,” said Robin Pierre, Facebook, a co-founder of “Animal Parents Against Pet Treats Made in China.”  From here.

The real kicker?

• Chinese pet owners import American-made petfood for safety 
  Wednesday, March 14 , 2012

"Please protect me."

I Go Out Walking...

Yes. This is Wisconsin.

Yes this is mid-March...

T-o-o-o-o-o-o-o  very  C-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-L!
Temps to remain 30+° above average for the next week!

Good Morning All;
What a grand Winter season this has been for us!
Any snow that flies past now, though nasty, will be gone shortly-

And with that brings a HUGE sigh of relief.

I went to pick up dog food last Friday- And had this amazing thought that maybe Petco would have an opening in their grooming for Punk- as a walk-in.

They did. (And oh boy, was Punk pissed). 

She hates baths there.

Loves showers here though.

She was so beautiful when Casey picked her up!

As expected, Kelli and kids came on Sunday...

Mr Miller took Sputty for a walk... hehehe



So cute they are!


Then Miller and Coco began butting heads....



OK. Not really. 

But first glance sure looked like that when I saw the picture come up!

hehehe

What they were into is anybody's guess.

It wasn't pretty either; especially after they rolled in it -and Mr Miller had some hanging off his ear.

Of a sudden, it occurred to us that Miss Punk had disappeared on us...

Down by the river-

but not yet in it, thank God!

She came back up with not a mark on her!  Say "Yay!"

Whew... Still nice and clean!

We walked a bit.

Kelli had to hold up a tree or three. (She had cleaned the barns on Saturday and was a little more than sore).

We walked. Chatted for a while. 

We even tried to watch Miss Coco-  An impossible task.  hehehe

She moves fast.  And keeps going...

(That is why there are no pictures of her sitting pretty). And it's not going to happen with this dog, she has way too much energy!

We came out of the campgrounds...

Dammit!
Wait, Laying on the ice is really no big problem- She would just get wiped off and brushed when we got back to the house.

Still....

We headed home.

Sputty always lags behind.

We spy him wandering about the "World's Biggest Sandbox"

Too funny! 

He took his darn time- And still almost beat us two back home!

While we were walking I had told Kelli that I would not want to attempt to walk back there alone. She knows my luck, as you know it also. 

I would probably choose then to fall down ... and lay there 'til Summer.

BUT... Then again... There are a few things that I just cannot give up...

With yesterday's beautiful temps, I thought I would try to do just that.

Of course Mr. Sputnik always comes along too.  He raced right by me, knowing it would take a while for me to catch up.

Then he lay down and...

Over and over and over again! 

Oh! That sunshine felt SO good!

I caught up to him, and nuzzled his tummy with my cane. We played for a few seconds before I turned to see Miss Punk waiting for me up ahead.

Just laying there.

SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF A DAMN MUD PUDDLE!!!!

I just turned around and began the walk home...

What a PIG!

ugh...  But she seems to love her new perfume.  

It's an eclectic mixture of Spring dirt and fertilizer of the local, natural variety. 

... Most specifically the Registered Holstein!

I could have screamed!  (I chose to cuss instead).

As she tried to ignore me Sputty had to go rub it in that she'd gotten in trouble.

Her belly - - - just black!  And soaked!

Double- Ugh.

Knowing that a gentle pat was a long way off, she ran off ahead and got her Frisbee.

I believe she thinks that I love her Frisbee as much as she does. 

She shares her toys with us lots; especially when one is feeling down, (or just downright uglymad).

Yeah. OK. So she's cute. What of it? hehehe

Alone, I had made it about a third of the way back to the woods before I'd turned around.

And it's probably a good thing, (if there is a silver lining) that Punk had chosen to go lay in the mud.  After those 2 days of 'hiking', my back is a little more than sore.

But I am still upright and quite capable.

Casey will be coming out today.

I told her to wear/bring shorts.

Mmmmm  

Lovin' this weather!  

Such a special treat in March for us!

Going to be a treat waiting for Punk in the shower too!
Though what didn't wipe and brush off has now turned to dust, she could do with a good rinsing off. (And a bucket of Cedar or Patchouli Oil). hehehe 

I'd better close for now and get my backside in the shower.  

I shall also try to get my little mound of dishes done before Casey gets here.

Hope all is well with everyone! 

Enjoy this awesome day- but do stay out of the mud!

XOXO
Me

Stare at this for a few seconds while I try to compose a blog...