YOKES!! Zoe Had a Sex Change!

Good Afternoon!

I am sorry to have kept you all waiting for these wonderful pictures! And I trust that you all had a wonderful Spring weekend; memorable and grand! I know I did.

And so very much happening too. From getting the first run~through of my garden done, to having new light fixtures installed in the living room... And all the way to 82 winderful degrees; complete with sunshine!

Roberta is a lobster; but it should change to a tan for her. She helped with the lawns, getting all the stuff I had trimmed picked up so the lawnmower can get through it. (And that will be happening very soon too)! Derek was out with Casey; they had stopped at Fleet Farm to pick up the light fixtures, and then out to put them up. He also helped get the snowplow off the Cub Cadet, and got the mower deck all ready for the cutting season...

Which I know you could not care less about...

So with no further ado, here are the promised pictures of "ZACK"...

Seems as though "Zoe" is actually a "ZACK" (haha Michelle)! hehehe

just so funny that somebody else made the same mistake I did when Miss Milly had her pups! Where I thought she had 5 and 5, it turned out to be 7 females and three males...

Anyway... here goes...

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Mama and Baby BOTH lookin' a little thin!

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So 'time~out' for a little nourishment for each of them!

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And I have to show off both CaseyAnne and Kelli too!

Odd, how Casey woke up this morning in terrible pain? Hmm... I wonder WHY??

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Of course, there were things to tend to at home too; like keeping track of Master Gabriel... Who almost got lost in those tire tracks!

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He had just come from playing in the sandbox! Trudged all the way up the hill in those old tire tracks! (Lost his little football too)!

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And he is wearing the very same outfit, (believe it or not), that My Little Man Isaiah wore last year when he had helped us paint!

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In July of '06!

His mother and I had turned our backs for no longer than 30 seconds.

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His mother did not want his outfit back, thinking it painted beyond help. (Kind of amazing what an old toothbrush and a little elbow grease will do)! It was woman against latex. This woman won!!! By the time we got him stripped and clean, the outfit had more paint on it than you can imagine. (Happy I was only painting out in the garage that day)!

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I'd better close for now. Hopefully you are all having a much better day than Miss Casey is... Apparently z has called her to say that My Little Miss Valerie will NOT be standing up for Caseys wedding.

Casey is absolutely devastated by some of the things z said to her...

I do not know what to do about her keeping Miss Valerie from us all... (Any suggestions would be most welcomed).

Guess Sam let the cat out of the bag... But that's OK, it wasn't supposed to be a secret anyway.

I hate this crap. I really do.

A very cautious 'word to the wise' now...

Anybody on here that adds to it, or perpetuates it, IN ANY WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM, will be deleted just as fast as I find out.

I believe I have eliminated those that might be somehow connected with this; and I am so done dealing with arrogant ignorance. If I have missed blocking someone please do let me know.

But back to my blog...

If that isn't the cutest little guy you have ever seen let me know. Less than a day old in these pictures...

The awesome miracle of life.

The miracle and the newness of Spring!

I do hope you are all having a wonderful Monday!!!

XOXO
Anne

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Seedy Saturdays, and Congratulations too!

And a VERY "Good" Good Morning to All!

What a difference a day makes! And I am thinking that the reason for this wonderful feeling is the fact that we had near 75 degree temps yesterday, complete with sunshine and a light breeze.

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And according to this little guy here, we are to have the same today and tomorrow!

No complaints here!

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I got to work up a whole bunch of ground yesterday, and heard my 1st Phoebe of the year too. I even got to get my hands, (and feet) dirty! And to sound more than a bit eccentric I'm sure, I love the smell of the Spring ground. It smells so very clean and fresh! A fragrance I only wish I could bottle...

Kelli called yesterday morning; she was heading over to the stables. Michelle had called her saying that the mare was in labor. I scooted upstairs and told Casey~Face the news. She was still asleep... Upon hearing that Miss Kelli would pick her up, she was raring to go. They spent 8 hours there, and no baby... They watched from an upstairs window, ready to help if need be. But the mare was not cooperating... hehehe

While Kelli had taken Casey with her, I had taken Mr. Miller for Kelli! These dogs had an awesome time yesterday~ Playing together, (and whining when they could not)!

Kelli has just called this morning, has been to the stables, (and of course has spoken to Michelle)! Congratulations are in order! YAY!

So, CONGRATULATIONS MICHELLE AND KELLI!

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Taylor, (Michelle's SASSY Hubby giving her Bunny Ears), Michelle, Kelli and her Tim!

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The newest arrival is a little brown filly; her name is Zoe, and I hear she is as beautiful (and frisky) as they come! I promise to have pictures for you tomorrow. Mama gave birth between 3 and 5 this morning... Michelle had checked at 3AM, no baby; and then again at 5... And her miracle had arrived!

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My top picture?

After re~reading the Terms of Service for our Yahoo 360, it occured to me that there are many times that people "steal" anothers original content, and feel free to post it within their own blogs. Yahoo can and will remove your entire blog if you do this.

One of you had a 'blast' a few months ago about not doing this. I only wish I had the foresight then to have copied that blast to have a general idea of what to say in my own...

You can review the most current version of the TOS at any time at: http://info.yahoo.com/legal/us/yahoo/utos/utos-173.html.

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Do any of you remember THIS picture?

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HEHEHE

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I had included a copy of this picture when I had mailed in my check to them... I spoke with Alan yesterday, and he said he laughed at it too! His driver had originally told him he had left a "few tracks" in my yard...

Alan said he had handed the picture to his driver, and said "Here, you got a love~letter today!" (And then he said, "A 'few' tracks")?! hehehe

He reassured me they would be here by next week to fix it all.

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While we were waiting for Miss Casey to come out of her surgery, I took Punk walking around the campus of Froedtert Hospital. Way in the back, we found a neat little stream.

As I was just looking I got dive~bombed by an old mallard duck... (I really don't think he was focused on me, rather just heading toward the water... And HE MISSED IT! I laughed and got my camera...

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After he had landed, he actually had stumbled... and then shook his head as if the say, "what just happened?".

So funny to actually be witness to a klutzy duck!

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I do believe the darned klutzy duck had followed us back to the hotel too...

(Just to show off that evening that he COULD land appropriately in the water)!

He is swimming in the river here... (sorry for the blurring; Punk had moved my arm, and the leash was attached there)...

Hey! It is my pleasure to 'pass the buck' on that one anyway!

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Storm clouds and a sand crane making haste for 'home'...

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Punk waited patiently in the car for the most part, and slept almost the whole time. She had food and water, (which she refused to eat unless I was there)... But we had a few thunderstorms while we were there too. The rain freshens everything up, but the thunder probably bothered Punk. I had parked in the ramp structure at each visit; and I am sure that every little rumble must have echoed throughout that place for her. But she did so well.

As Casey did yesterday, while they waited the impending birth! She is getting a bit better; sleeping longer, and not as much pain. Still pretty bad though... but at least it becomes 'livable' somehow. The miracle of healing! (And the power of all of our prayers as well)! I see that Casey has posted a blog too! CLICK HERE ; and don't forget to hit 'invite' so you can all read her own words too.

While we had eaten at the Planeview restaurant in Oshkosh, a little sparrow had visited right outside the window... and had watched us pretty intently...

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Methinks he wanted just a little bite of our food!!!

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Food? Do not mention "food" yet to Casey; (she has had her eating privileges revoked til Monday; as her lipase counts were up once more)... I think, at this point, that is the very worst part of it all for her. She subsists on Boost and Ensure for the time being... Poor kid...

Roberta will be stopping out with Master Gabriel today after they wake up. (She works til 11pm, so she won't be here too early)... But I do think you might expect a post from her later, as well!

Time for me to post this; and to get outside and throw a few seeds into that ground that I dug up yesterday. I always save my seeds from last years flowers, so I shall be happily planting those...

Yup, time to get my hands and feet dirty again! (Say "YAY" )!!!!

Have a glorious and sunny weekend!

XOXO
Anne

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The Skunk and The Pig?

Good Morning Everyone!
It is promising to be a "WUNNAFUL" day. The sun has riz, (brightly too)! And from what I hear it is trying to raise the mercury to be almost to 70 degrees! (Yes, that would be ABOVE zero)! hehehe

Beautiful yesterday also, and threw on another pair of shorts... (Like the pair I'd tried last month, these also still fit)! YAY!

But as it turned out, Casey needed a bit more medical attention, (and I wasn't going anywhere in such silly clothes)! I brought her in to the clinic around 1 or so; and I believe we finally got out of there a little after 4... Long time.

They drew blood~ (Doc says that she looks REALLY healthy on paper)! He ended up treating her pain and her nausea, and giving her an IV of fluids too. I sure like this guy; he even took the time to put the IV in by himself. Too cool.

She has slept fairly well last night, coming down once about midnight; and then again at 5 or so... (Gee, maybe it's all those fluids)? hehehe But he did take her off food once more too... Back to the "Boost" and the "Ensure"... a bit of water, but wants her to rely on those two drinks for a few days. He also gave her Prilosec. Thinks that might help; and I think this is the same thing as Nexium too... (Right Bren)?

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Took this one of her last August! Cute eh?

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Not too much other news around here...

Am still going to try and get the little tractor out of the garage, get it fired up; and get the garden tilled up. Time to bury the compost there, (and not be feeding the darned dirty skunk)! I didn't see him yesterday though, so maybe he has had his fill and will go (away) in search of more stinky leftovers elsewhere! But yes, I do still take Punk outside, so that if she sees him she won't be too curious... (or at least I can make her stop before she does something we both might regret)... hehehe

It is odd, as Casey has said, that he would be out in the daylight in the first place. And weird too, as you have said, that he would not be reacting to all the noise we have made. Maybe he is real old, deaf, blind, and just real confused... (Gee, does that sound like anyone you already know)?!?!

...Or too, maybe he is real sick... And for that reason I will be keeping a close eye out for him.

Got my garbage down to the end of the driveway, and those boys seem to be coming later and later every Friday... It is after seven already, and it is still there. After 7? Time for me to find more rummage sale stuff and get it marked!

Have a grand TGIF! And an even better weekend!!!

XOXO
Anne

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Something Stinky This Way Comes...

Hi All!

Yes, we are home. I think that Casey has slept almost ever since we got here; except to check her email, and to waken about every 3 or 4 hours... She has much pain; am hoping that all gets better quickly for her too. Punkin is her self~appointed watchdog... and Casey does not even move without Punk being aware of it.

I am ever so tired myself... And grateful too, for SO many things... As I had written in my blog yesterday, I was thinking to stay at the hotel until I'd heard from Casey; and whether her Dr. was going to allow her to leave. (I remain convinced that the only proper place to get better is home, or at least familiar and loving surroundings). But at Froedtert, at least all but one nurse had wonderful bedside manners! That is so refreshing after all the nasty nurses Casey has encountered these past few years...

But I did end up driving to the hospital after Casey had called back again. Seems as I had a Yahoo 360 friend at Caseys bedside, and did I want to come meet her? Of course I did!

After reading my blog, Marie had taken it upon herself to come and visit Casey! How wonderful to meet someone so very kind from my own 360 pages! Please CLICK HERE if you would like to visit her own page! She met me with the wonderful compliment that I look exactly like my pictures, and I was almost speechless! She looks many many years younger than her own pictures give her credit for; and we had such a nice visit too. In the meanwhile, they had brought breakfast in for CaseyAnne. They had picked out eggs and bacon... While she doesn't care for eggs, she will eat them if they are prepared exactly right... (These were NOT). And is picky about her bacon also... Again it was not right; so I am happy that they had also thought to include some Cheerios! She was eating those anyway...

After the doctor had come in and said he would release her, I had to go check out of the hotel and return to the hospital. Miss Marie and I walked out together and stood for a long time chatting in the parking ramp. Funny how there never is enough time to talk and all at times like that! But such a joy our conversation was too!

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Myself and Marie; visiting at Froedtert...

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Again and again and again, I do have the bestest friends on here! (And a BIG hug and a great Thank You to Miss Marie for being so very kind)!

I returned to the hospital by 10, and collected my little Casey~Face. They had just given her another 100 mg of demerol which would last until we got home anyway.

South of Oshkosh, by the Highway 26 interchange, we decided to stop at The Planeview Restaurant. (I don't care for this place ever since I had gotten charged a frickin' DOLLAR for them to add some raw onions to my burger a few years back). But I was dying for just a cup of coffee and a bit of sustenance, so we did stop anyway.

Just a few minutes after we had sat down, there were rescue squads and police cars entering the highway from the wrong way. Just a moment later came a fire truck... After we had gotten our food the waitress had said there had been an accident.

When we left, we saw that northbound Highway 41 was backed up as far as we could see... So we took the frontage road north. Directly in front of The EAA, (Whitman Field), we saw a semi across the ditch, with its front end almost completely gone; and another very close to it, this 2nd one still on the highway. (I do not know if this 2nd semi was involved, or if he had just stopped to offer assistance as it had happened). As we got closer, and passed it by, we could see still another truck, a pickup, also smashed up almost beyond recognition.

None of the news stations here have had any coverage of this accident, so I do not know what happened, or if anyone even survived.

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The emergency personnel are attending to either a trailer in the ditch, or perhaps it was a cap off the pickup truck; (we could not tell what it was).

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I have NO idea where the rest of these vehicles ended up either...

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But I do know this...

...Had we continued, instead of stopping at the restaurant, (and given the timing of the arrival of the first emergency crews to the scene), we would possibly have been involved, or seen it happen. There are many things that people should not have to witness, and I am thinking that this was clearly one of them.

Once again, since there are NO coincidences in this world, it only proves to me that God is watching over us.

While we were away, my wonderful friend Kelli was in charge of Miss Milly. Kelli had called on Tuesday night to say she was here, and had wanted to take Miss Milly and her own Mr. Miller for a walk to the woods. But she couldn't... Seems as though I had a bit of "company" and seeing that she saw my company at the very same moment that Mr. Miller did, she actually had to wrestle him back into her car. Who was this company you ask?

None other than Mr. Pepé Le Pew himself!

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And even though she was standing downwind from him, he did not 'smell'. (Must have just come out of hibernation, and was plenty hungry too)! hehehe The skunk, not Kelli!

Keep in mind that before we had left for Milwaukee, I had cleaned out the fridge (as it had begun to smell really "off")... I had thrown all this stuff out in the garden... Seems as though Mr. Pepé Le Pew was feasting on all this icky garbage. (Hey, Buddy, that's my garden compost pile)!!!

...And he would not move; no matter how much Miss Kelli hollered. I told her to blow the horn on the old Buick Roadmaster. After she had gotten that car opened up, she blew it quite a few times. Pepé Le Pew would not move, nor even look~up to see what was happening. At any rate, Miss Milly did not get her walk in that night...

Nor did she get a walk in last night.

She was barking her fool head off~ (Quite a p'o'ed bark too). I went out to check what the heck was going on; and sure enough, that darned skunk had returned for seconds!!! My protector, Punk, was quickly returned indoors; and of course I had to grab my camera...

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My very own little Pepé Le Pew! (Cept, no, he did not 'stink')!!!

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Such a hungry little skunk too! I had fired an old little piece of woods at him, and he just turned the other way... (I remember thinking something about "arrogance" at that moment)! hehehe

After a half hour or so, he waddled back into the cornfield and disappeared... Probably to go to the river for a drink to wash that yucky dinner food down!

I am finding that I cannot type this morning to save my soul, so will close for now... (I think my hands still think they are on that darned steering wheel)...

Hope you all have a 'wunnaful' and blessed Thursday!!!

XOXO
Anne

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Casey at Froedtert... 4~18~2007

Good Morning to ALL!

I have just come inside with Miss Punkin, and it is a bit chilly out there; especially given the fact that I was in my silly jammies, and she was wearing a fur coat. Completely unfair! But better there be just plain dew on the cars, than frost. ...(It isn’t THAT cold)…

I watched a bit of the Virginia Tech Broadcast yesterday… And was amazed at how very quickly any place could probably prepare security for George W.; but could not have gone into a lockdown mode quick enough to save 32 other people… Guess that really pisses me off somehow. Will have to read more about that, but later, as I need to finish this, get in the shower and get my backside back up to Froedtert. And yes, I KNOW there were 33 dead, but I am thinking that I have very little reason to count the damned gunman- (As far as I'm concerned, he should have 'offed' himself BEFORE he did any further slaying)...

What a day yesterday was for us all. Casey had to be at the hospital for 8:30... After they took her back for her surgery, Derek and myself were not able to see her until after 3:00. A very LONG day.

The ‘pressure’ in the pancreas is supposed to be around 20.

(The doctor said that they really worry when it gets to be 40).

CaseyAnne’s was measured at a mere 89!

...They clipped the sphincter of Oddi. Dr. Dua said he “cut it wide open.” (I do have to read up on that too, because right now I cannot even explain it to you). But I do remember one of you commenting and saying that you had this procedure and it worked beautifully…

Her surgeon, (Doctor Dua), said not to expect this to be a cure~all for all of her symptoms, because they find that many times if there is a problem with this Oddi, then there still can be problems in the rest of her digestive tract.

He also said that he placed a stent in there so that it heals wide open; that the stent should be expelled… (He actually said “she should poop it out” which almost made Derek laugh out loud). hehehe She will need to have an xray (in Green Bay) in about 2 weeks to make sure it is gone; otherwise they have to go in and remove it…

(Please pray for poop)!

But, NO! I am sure this will be her last surgery. Good grief, eh? (But we CAN “hope”)!

I’d better close and get in the shower. Casey has just called. Has lots of pain. Does not remember what time Derek left, but is still trying to sleep. I would rather beat the darned rush hour trafiic, so will have my own little “rush hour” to beat it now!

But before I go, I need to thank everyone that has sent prayers and thoughts to Casey in your messages to me, and in my comments as well.

Oh and by the way, if you are reading my blog, that means you can still comment below. I have just closed it off, temporarily, to the general public is all...

YUP, I have said it before, and I will say it again;

I HAVE THE VERY BESTEST FRIENDS ON MY 360 OF EVERYONE IN THE WHOLE WORLD!

Hope all is well with you, and that everyone is having a grand week.

XOXO
Anne

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Here is just a little bit of info I have found ...

http://www.mercksource.com/ppdocs/us/common/dorlands/dorland/dmd_s_18.htm

s. of Oddi 1. the sheath of muscle fibers investing the associated bile and pancreatic passages as they traverse the wall of the duodenum; the combination of the musculus sphincter ductus choledochi and the musculus sphincter ampullae hepatopancreaticae. Called also Oddi's muscle. 2. musculus sphincter ampullae hepatopancreaticae.

Pancreatic sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is most frequently considered in a subset of patients with episodes of recurrent acute pancreatitis. In a fashion analogous to biliary-type sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, the pancreatic type of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is subdivided to types I-III. Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction has been associated with a particularly high risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. In the subpopulation of patients with idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis, the reported incidence of manometric evidence of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction varies in the range of 39% to 90%.

Some authors recommend evaluation of both the biliary and the pancreatic sphincters at the time of ERCP with manometry. In clinical practice however, the duct system that is clinically syspected to be involved (usually the bile duct) is evaluated first, and the pancreatic duct sphincter of Oddi manometry is performed at a later date if symptoms and/or other findings warrant it.

Whenever sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is suspected, a careful clinical evaluation should precede ERCP and manometry. Other causes of the patient's symptoms may be identified, and treatment of these conditions can improve symptoms without subjecting patients to the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis, which in selected cases can be as high as 25% or greater Although sphincter of Oddi dysfunction can cause severe symptoms, no deaths have been attributed to the disease. However, post-ERCP pancreatitis can rarely be fatal. Therefore, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction evaluation and therapy should be best performed at tertiary referral centers. Also, patients should generally have undergone a laparoscopic cholecystectomy prior to ERCP and sphincter of Oddi manometry.

More Pet Food Recall...

A 2-Post Day... But I thought I had better get this info out to you.

Here is the link for you once more...

Like I said in more than a few of my earlier posts, this link is updated daily...

Please CHECK IT OUT for your wonderful fur~friends safety...

CLICK HERE

It now includes the venison variety of DVP's Natural Balance Formula for Cats and Dogs. It includes their treats as well. Gratefully I bought the vegetarian and the low calorie... They are not yet recalled as recalls seem to be finding the melamine in the rice formulas...

Here is DVP's Natural Balance Press Release:

Contact:
Consumer Inquiries:
(800) 829-4493
Media Inquiries:
Daniel Bernstein
310-275-0777

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Pacoima, CA -- April 17, 2007-- Natural Balance, Pacoima, CA, is issuing a voluntary nationwide recall for all of its Venison dog products and the dry Venison cat food only, regardless of date codes. The recalled products include Venison and Brown Rice canned and bagged dog foods, Venison and Brown Rice dog treats, and Venison and Green Pea dry cat food. Recent laboratory results show that the products contain melamine. We believe the source of the melamine is a rice protein concentrate. Natural Balance has confirmed this morning that some production batches of these products may contain melamine.

The recall was prompted by consumer complaints received by Natural Balance involving a small number of cats and dogs that developed kidney failure after eating the affected product.

Dogs or cats who have consumed (any) suspect food and show signs of kidney failure (such as loss of appetite, lethargy and vomiting) should be seen IMMEDIATELY by a veterinarian.

We recommend our customers immediately stop feeding our recalled venison products regardless of date code and return unused product to their retailer for a full refund.

The products are packaged in bags, cans and zip lock treat bags and sold in pet specialty stores and PetCo nationally.
No other Natural Balance products are involved in this voluntary recall as none of our other formulas include the rice protein concentrate.

Although the problems seem to be focused on a particular production period of the venison products, over the last four days we have notified our distributors and retailers by phone and e-mail to immediately stop selling and return all recalled Venison dog foods and treats and the Venison dry cat food. Venison canned cat food is not involved.

The source of the melamine appears to be a rice protein concentrate, which was recently added to the dry venison formulas. Natural Balance does not use wheat gluten, which was associated with the previous melamine contamination.

None of Natural Balance’s other dry formulas, none of our other canned or roll products and none of our other treats are involved with this voluntary recall.

We continue to work closely with the FDA in their ongoing investigation.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-829-4493 or email info@naturalblanceinc.com.

So there you have it.

Love to you all...

XOXO
Anne

3 Hours and Counting

Good Morning...

In light of yesterdays massacre at VA Tech, my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to all the people that have children at college now; whether they are at VT or not.

I had tried to send a note out last night... (and again this morning) to my friends and family... But for some reason, my mail will not insert recipients... wtf? But oh well...

But here it is... kinda...

As many of you already know, Caseys surgery is today at Froedtert... They will be placing a mnometer into her pancreas to see if the pressure is as it should be. If it is too high, they will be doing a bit of cutting there. Hopefully, THIS time will be a charm and all of her problems will FINALLY be over... But the surgeon HAS told us that this all will probably set off a nasty pancreatitis attack too

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. I know you all have things that need a bit of prayer too, and I will include you as I always do, but mostly my thoughts will go back to her.

I also do want you to know why I have decided to close my blog for now...

CaseyAnne's two eldest sisters have hurt her terribly, (and never mind what they have done to me), but Casey would prefer that they not be informed of this all, yet. Nor anything that you might read in my blog. Namely, Zoe and Jenne- Although at the time of this revision, Jennifer is working very hard to rectify what she can.

A little compassion and help does go a long way in even helping her deal with it all.

Casey clearly has more important things to worry about right now than harassment by her two almost 30 year old sisters!

So, the heck with all of that, CaseyAnne's health absolutely must come first right now; and I will worry about all the rest of their crap later.

Hope all is well in your little corners of the world! And I thank you again for being so decent to me, and to Casey too.

(Their own blog links are in my yesterdays blog if you missed it). She wrote a blog last night about it too!

XOXO
Anne

PS: This also bears repeating...

I hope that you all have your drivers licenses or your organ donations cards filled out.
This falls under "You can't take it with you", and in the process you, as only one person could 'save' countless others.

The following is taken from this website:

http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/organ-donation.htm

You might even want to copy that link down and send it to everyone you know...

If you do not have your card or driver license filled out, signed and witnessed, there are forms here that you can print out and fill out on your own.

Organ donation saves lives, but 19 people die each day waiting for transplants that don't take place because of the shortage of donated organs. More than 92,000 people in the United States are currently waiting for an organ transplant, and 4,000 more are added to the waiting list each month.

As they wait, medical bills pile-up and their health deteriorates. Time is lost from school or work. Simple tasks such as climbing stairs or playing with children become exhausting. And as these organ transplant candidates lug around oxygen tanks or spend hours each week in dialysis, there is no guarantee that the call will ever come that could give them a new lease on life.

To be eligible for organ donation, a potential donor's brain function must have ceased permanently but their heart and lungs must continue to function (with the help of ventilators). Approximately 12,000 people who die each year meet that criteria, but less than half actually become organ donors. The primary stumbling block is family members who refuse to give consent.

Many family members mistakenly reject organ donation due to:

• Misconceptions regarding their religion's attitude towards organ donation. (In fact, many religions actually encourage organ donation or consider it to be a matter of personal choice.)
• Fear that organ donation will prohibit an open-casket funeral. (In fact, organs and tissues are removed in procedures similar to surgery. All incisions are closed afterwards and the body is treated with utmost respect.)

The good news is that you can make your preferences clear. By registering as a willing organ donor and discussing your decision with those you love, you can make sure your wishes are carried out. At the same time, you could encourage family members to become organ donors too.

• Sign an organ donor card (or the organ donation consent form on the back of your driver's license) and carry it in your wallet. Then, tell your family and make sure they understand your wishes. Familial consent may be required before organs or tissues can be donated. (Donated organs and tissue are shared at the national level, but laws that govern organ donation vary from state to state. Some states have organ donor registries that make a person's wishes to be a donor legally binding without witnesses or family consent. Review the organ donation registration procedures for your state.)
• Print out or order classroom material designed to encourage organ donation among new drivers and send it to driver's education teachers at your local high schools.

Have a grand day! I will post as I know how everything went for Casey...

XOXO
Anne

Mom, You're Such a Good Liar!

Ooooooh.... The title you ask? Hmmmm, this is a combination of words that I do not believe I have ever heard before in my life! (And yeah, for the most part, that is a very good thing)!
Good Morning All;
A beautiful SUNNY Sunday was had by all of us in NE Wisconsin... And I do hope it was sunny in your own little corner of the world too; if not outside, then at least on the IN~side!
I had to do an awful thing yesterday, but I assure you it was with the very best of intentions.
As you all know, CaseyAnne, Derek, Jenny Mella, and Roberta all took part in the "Laugh your way to a better marriage" seminar on friday night and Saturday Morning. Jenny Mella had other things to attend to and could not go to the Saturday half of the seminar. Dereks mom then used Jennys ticket...
Yesterday, CaseyAnne drove Jenny back to Stevens Point. This is where Jenny goes to college. Not a real short drive, but nothing to NOT enjoy on such a grand and beautiful day either. Since CaseyAnne had thrown caution to the winds and they'd stopped at Burger King for lunch, then there was much pain, (and more than a few hurried bathroom stops getting Jenny back to Point)...
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Well, aren't they just the cutest things since puppies!

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About a 4 hour round trip for Casey; and she'd just wanted to get back home...
In the meanwhile I was going to do all that raking, and removing the leftover gravel from my lawns... But that didn't work. When they had stopped in here, Casey had brought along all of her tax things... (Well CRAP! This made me remember that I hadn't finished Roberta's either), and so I spent the rest of my afternoon finishing up those darned things. Funny how I got everyone elses done already, and had left these two kids of mine on the back burner! hehehe But they are done now.
I did get a break away from this darned computer for a little while when Derek stopped in. He had come to ask for Caseys hand in marriage. (And I did NOT give him a hard time either).

...But I did give him my blessings!

(Especially AFTER he had fixed my siding)! hehehe

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Nice to have a 'HANDY' handyman around the place!

(And I thank you Derek)!!!

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I do believe they have both chosen well! Proud of these two I am! And happy for them too!
CaseyAnne had stopped in here before driving into town... She said, "I thought maybe Derek would have taken this opportunity to come out and talk to you about getting married"... (And no, I didn't really lie; I just didn't really remark on it, except to say that he is ever so busy)... She seemed so sad when she left. I felt so small doing that to her, but I think by the time she saw Derek then everything was forgiven in short order! She even called me to tell me what a good liar I am??? But I had to keep turning away from her too, and she didn't even notice that.
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Caseys blog pages CLICK HERE

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Dereks blog pages. CLICK HERE.

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Please click on both of those links and give each of them a hard time!

hehehe

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I didn't see too many bugs outside...

(just that one)! hehehe

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...And certainly none of the ladybug variety either...

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Methinks those are all still on the IN~side...

hehehe!

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And the weatherman said it to be 60 today!!!
(Woot~Woot)!!!
That is NOT a typo, that IS a "6"; (as in 60 glorious degrees)!
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And do humor me...

~For a second time in as many days; a few more stories for you!

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Ladybug! Ladybug! Fly away home;
Your house is on fire, your children all gone;
All but one, and her name is Anne,
And she crept under the pudding pan.

OK, now WHY is it that the sassy ones name is "Anne"??? hehehe

The traditional poem above is still repeated by children today, but many say it got it beginnings in Medieval Folklore and referred to the burning of hops vines to clear the fields after the harvest. The ladybugs would fly away, and the larvae would crawl away, but the pupa would remain fastened to the vine and burn.,

In Europe, during the Middle Ages, insects were destroying the crops, so the Catholic farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help. Soon the Ladybugs came, ate the plant-destroying pests and saved the crops! The farmers began calling the ladybugs "The Beetles of Our Lady", and they eventually became known as "Lady Beetles"! The red wings represented the Virgin's cloak and the black spots represented her joys and sorrows.

	In Sweden, folks believe that if a ladybug lands on a young maiden's hand, she will soon be getting married. What about an "Old" Maid???
	If you find a ladybug in your house, count the number of spots and that is how many dollars you will soon receive. Holy Mackeral... (Can I add them all together)???
	In England, finding a ladybug means that you will have a good harvest. (Good. Cuz I plan on having a garden this year)!
	In France, if you are sick and a ladybug lands on you, when it flies away, it will take the sickness with it. (No wonder I only have migraines and toothaches)!
	If a ladybug has more than seven spots, then there will be a famine. If it has less than seven, then there will be a good harvest. (Doesn't matter, I added up all the spots and can buy my own food now)!
	At one time, doctors would mash up ladybugs and put them in a cavity to cure a toothache. (Well Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! ...If only I would have known this a few months ago)!
	Some people believe that the number of spots on a ladybug indicates how many children you will have. (There is absolutely NO Freakin' WAY I am still adding up those spots, thank you)!
	If you find a ladybug in your house in the winter you will have good luck. (OK, never mind, I have seen these bugs many times during the winter... Still waiting on that good luck then)! hehehe

OK, enough of all this... But it IS at least interesting, (in a 'buggie' sort of way)...

I had such a great weekend, so it goes that the week ahead should be great too!

I hope the same holds very true for all of you! Have a good one!

XOXO
Anne

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Kamikaze LadyBugs.. and Other Stuff!

Good Morning, and Happy SunnyDay!

I have overslept... (not like me, but I sure am NOT going to complain about it either)!

As I tried to collect my dishes that needed to be washed, I had to soak a little bowl... As I ran the water, the dish was empty... Yet going back an hour or so later, one little ladybug had drowned.

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...and another one bites the dust!!!

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And removing her to her final resting place, (my trashbasket), I ran my sink full of hot water and soap... I generally allow it to cool down for a few minutes; and going back then to actually wash those dishes, I found her "significant~other"...

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This ones final resting place??? Ditto... hehehe

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And then I got curious... and checked on a few things about these nuisances.

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Here are some facts about ladybugs.

There are nearly 5,000 different kinds of ladybugs worldwide and 400 which live in North America. (And all 400 kinds live in/near MY home)!

A female ladybug will lay more than 1000 eggs in her lifetime. (Also adding their male counterparts, that would roughly be about 400,400 bugs in/near MY home)!

A ladybug beats its wings 85 times a second when it flies. (Not after I hit it with my shoe)!

Aphids are a ladybug's favorite food. (I have APHIDS too)???

Ladybugs chew from side to side and not up and down like people do. (This is why they never choke to death on those damned aphids).

A gallon jar will hold from 72,000 to 80,000 ladybugs. (Great! Kinda makes ya wanna go check all your ice cream jugs)...

Ladybugs make a chemical that smells and tastes terrible so that birds and other predators won't eat them. (Yeah, and it smells like 'feet' so always use your shoe to hit 'em with).

If you squeeze a ladybug it will bite you, but the bite won't hurt. (If you squeeze it hard enough, your fingers will smell like your feet; but there will be no more flapping wings either).

The spots on a ladybug fade as the ladybug gets older. (Maybe people with age spots and liver spots should eat these bugs)???

During hibernation, ladybugs feed on their stored fat. (Well, THAT explains why I saw the same one yesterday that I had already seen last fall)!

Ladybugs won't fly if the temperature is below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. (Time to turn the heat down in the house then)...

The ladybug is the official state insect of Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Tennessee. (These states do not have mosquitoes)???

The male ladybug is usually smaller than the female. (Male ladybug? Isn't that a contradiction in terms)???

The Asian Lady Beetle can live up to 2-3 years if the conditions are right. (Aha! The 'conditions' must be perfect in my siding and/or walls)!

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Does anyone else have these little buggars around their homes???

I look around, and see that already two more have entered the premises...

(Probably for their friends funerals)???

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They do NOT belong in my house!!!!

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It could be worse though, as they are clearly NOT spiders!

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Casey saw one of those 'jumping' spiders in the window yesterday.

Roberta quickly jumped to her baby sisters defense, all ready to kill that narfy thing... But she couldn't find it? As CaseyAnne was about to point out WHERE she had seen it, my darling Roberta let out a very loud "gasp!" ... (I do believe Casey actually leapt the entire length of the living room)! hehehe (Better her than me)!

Now usually my Punkster will step on the spiders... But as you can tell, she is still not feeling up to par.

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There is still pain in those beautiful eyes...

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But she did keep a very vigilant eye on Master Gabriel while we walked outside...

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And he couldn't go too far without being nudged to go back the right way by herself!

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Fast Friends, these two...

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We did walk about 2/3rds of the way back to the woods. Punkin was most happy that her little Gabriel has those short legs too; because then she surely didn't have to run or get hurt worse by doing so... And meanwhile, Master Gabriel was completely fascinated by every little corn cob that he saw. Each one was more appealing than the last, and he must have literally picked up 100's of those things during our little walk!

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"Grandma, I found ANOTHER one!"

(Actually, he just giggled... But I knew what he meant by it)!

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(I think we were playing "Hide~and~Seek" here)! hehehe

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Roberta came out as soon as their marriage seminar was done. Casey had errands to run; and one that had her stop for a bit of carry~out Chinese for lunch... Mmmm...

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And THIS piece looks like some prehistoric "Chick-o-Saurus!" ???

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***And didn't I begin to see those damnable flashing lights shortly after I had eaten... Yet they swear there is no added MSG in their food... (Not too sure about that). Perhaps the key word there is "added"... maybe some of their foods come already prepared?... Hmmm... But within 20 minutes my Maxalt worked so it is not important anyway. (I do love it when it actually works for me)! I shall steer clear of that... for as long as I can anyway...

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Once tasted, even Gabriel loved his food... No. We did NOT give him chopsticks!

(This is some "noodlie~like~thingie" that I REFUSED to put in my mouth)!

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Punkie was SO-o-o-o tired, and more than a bit sore too...

(She didn't even do a good job of begging for food)...

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Punkin slept for quite a while then. After everyone had left, I had to bring Miss Milly her nightly fresh water (Punk always joins me)... Hearing the water running, she tried to get up and off that couch... (My heart broke a bit more when I had to help her get up). ...She then walked about 10 feet, and promptly sat down again... When I brought Millys water out, she just stayed up by the house and waited for me to come back.

I am still afraid to be giving her that Rimadyl that the vet gave me to give to her twice a day. Checking into it a bit online, I didn't like that labs had problems with taking it... But after having to help her get up last night, I did give her one more after she ate a little something. I think it helped her sleep too.

A few of you are thinking that maybe Millys change of attitude is hormonal. Could be. She was just in heat though at the end of January. Punkie is 'fixed' though, so its not HER own cycling that is bothering her Mama...

I am still going to try to keep them apart for a while. Who knows? Maybe it will work, as in an "absense makes the heart grow fonder" sort of way.

Is that right? ~~(Or is it "absence makes the heart go wander")??? hehehe

Later, Derek and his dad came out on their Harleys... (notice the bright sunshine once again)!

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(Punk doesn't mind the bikes when they are not running... Otherwise, she HATES them)!

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The boys kidnapped CaseyAnne, and they went down to Shoots Bar and Grill for some food for the guys...

Casey got to watch them eat... She can eat a bit of food every now and then; but needs to eat small amounts many times during the day, and not big meals nor greasy fried things... (Guess those two things really piss off her pancreas).

And so, from bugs, to babies, to bikes, this was MY Saturday!

I do hope yours was as happifying!

XOXO
Anne

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