This is Ruby, the undisputed - but thankfully benevolent - pack leader of the four-legged group. She is one big girl - half Malamute, half Rottweiler. We got her from the Humane Society for our 25th wedding anniversary. She had been brought into the Society by a Malamute rescue group when she was just 6 weeks old. When we first saw her, she was 5 months old. She had been selected a couple of times for adoption, but there's a waiting period of about a week, and when people came back to pick her up they were worried because they could tell that she had physically GROWN in just that short period of time. HOW BIG IS THIS DOG GONNA GET?! Well, size doesn't bother us - good thing, because she topped out at about 110 pounds (and she's quite trim). She has this habit of coming up behind me and walking between my legs - she literally lifts me off the ground! When I took her to the vet for the first time, I was wearing a pair of Birkenstocks - Ruby was in a harness. She pulled me across the floor like I was a piece of paper. Me, my eyes huge, I'm sure; the vet, "Well, Pam, what did you expect? She was bred to pull sleds!"

And, Daisy, aka Cheesy Poof, aka Chuffles. Daisy is a RIOT! The consummate clown. Even though she's about 11 years old, she plays like a puppy. She's a rescue - we got her when she was about 5, and believe me, she was a very different dog than she is now. She had almost no hair - her previous owners wouldn't buy her the thyroid meds she needed - and she wouldn't respond to us or her new sisters in any way. But now? A joy every day.

Ruby with one of her favorite tasty-treats - corn on the cob! She begs for it the entire time we're eating. I though maybe it was just the butter, but she eats it just as enthusiastically without....

Well, now, you're probably asking yourself, "Is this dog really THAT gorgeous?!" Well, let me assure you - yes, Loretta is! From the time we brought her home until now, whenever we take her anywhere people literally stop us and ask to see her. And, yes, she is also as sweet as she looks. Her nickname? Princess, of course!

I know moms aren't supposed to have favorites, and really I don't, but well, there's just something about Emily. Anybody out there have a border collie? You know that they're smart, obsessive, strong willed....sounds like I'm describing myself....maybe THAT'S why she's so special! When Emily was 5, she had a "neurological event." Turned out that she had degenerative arthritis in her hips, and that it was so bad - so painful - that it actually affected her neurologically. All's more-or-less well now - she takes pain meds every other day, and lots of doggy glucosamine. She's now almost 7, and pretty much seems herself - very border collie-like, never ever stops. One of the best things about a border is their "border collie hug" - they literally plant their front limbs/paws around your shoulders, face-to-face. Sigh....just nothing like it. Emily is our second BC. The first was Bobby Jean, who lived a little more than 17 years. I'll never be without a border collie....

Rosalita's nickname is Piglet. I started called her that because she snorts happily when she's about to get fed. And, then I snapped this picture, and well.....if the shoe fits.

A bit more flattering picture of Piglet....I figure that between the 5 dogs and us, there's close to 800 hours of sleeping going on in our house in a week's time.

Loretta helping mom with the yard work - here's she about 8 weeks old.

Daisy and Loretta...sleeping, of course.

Pack News archives.....

Pack news - February 27, 2008. For now, I have decided to go the "true" blog route. Yes, Lauren, my web hosting maven, said that I can integrate it with the website, and even sent me instructions. Which are, I'm pretty sure, in Greek. I will hire somebody, or make time to do it myself, but again there's the rub - time? Time? What's that? There are 24 hours in the day. I'm at work 9 hours a day. It takes at least an hour a day to commute (and I realize that I'm lucky, that that's really very little time compared to many other people). Sadly, but truly, I need 9 hours of sleep (or at least 9 hours in bed) a day. It takes me about an hour to an hour-and-a-half to get out the door each day (must shower/wash hair every day, hair has to be blow-dried, must put forward at least a semi-professional "look," dogs have to be let out, let in, fed, let out, let in, let out, let in each morning. So, I'm up to 21 or so hours on the "must-do" list. Then there's preparing meals, grocery shopping, house cleaning, and I like to garden at least occasionally. And, there's beads...So, really - REALLY - time is at a premium. So, for now, go here: Pack News - Yellow Dog Beads. It's not pretty, there are no pictures (yet) but I may actually get to update more than once a month. Maybe. At any rate, it'll have to do for now.

Pack news - January 28, 2008. Okay, I'm thinking of going the "true" blog route - if I can discover a way to integrate it into the website. I can't see having to maintain both, because, you see, my life is all about "what's best" (read: easiest) for Pam. I realize that I am truly fortunate to be able to allow the world to revolve around me like this, so I'm thinking I should make the best of it, right? How, you might ask (or not), do I envision that this would be easier? Well, as Theresa mentioned, Front Page is a pain. Actually, I've made pretty good friends with it over the years. If it weren't for Front Page, I wouldn't have a website. Plain and simple. But, it does have its moments. For example, I have to cut and paste the existing "old" text into an old text (Pack Life) section. With a real blog, the old text just magically goes into some random "Read Older Posts" cyberfile. (If it doesn't really work this way, please don't (yet) burst my bubble. My world is also la-la land, and I LIKE it that way.) Anyway, it would be nice to yak without having to open FP, do the actual yakking, then "publish" FP. And, with FP, you're never quite sure that it made the leap from your computer to cyberspace - you have to go cyberspace hunting (not to be confused with snipe hunting) to make sure. And, as I usually update during the day, when I'm at work (no snorts, please) I typically lug my laptop up here so I'm not misusing gov'ment equipment. I wouldn't mind misusing said equipment it if didn't involve a program of some kind. Again, no burst bubbles, please. Finally, would you believe that FP doesn't do spell correction?!?!?! It DOES tell you you've misspelled something (or, as I prefer, and again, yes, it's all about me, misTYPED), but it doesn't offer auto corrections. Cheeky, huh? (Why don't I just update from home? Get real - that's MY time.)

Pack news - January 10, 2008. Well, Theresa was all over my ass yesterday to update, and, she's right of course. I just can't believe how time flies. My only excuse is that I'm just BUSY - because I refuse to believe I don't manage my time well LOL. And, actually, those who know me best think that I'm amazingly well-organized. I guess what they often DON'T see is what DOESN'T get done. Ah well, life is short and I'm not going to stress about it, okay?

I did have a nice long winter break from work. We're no longer allowed to call it the "Christmas holidays," because - well, that would be culturally insensitive because not everybody celebrates Christmas. Strikes me as totally bizarre, because I don't celebrate Christmas, but I'm not opposed to the language. Times are strange indeed. Anyway, I made beads - a LOT of beads - over the break. Was pretty much able to get into torching every day, which was nice. Because sometimes the muse is just not there. I'll try to take some pictures this weekend (something I've promised myself I'd be better about). For now, here's a ring I torched right before the break. It's still in the road-testing stage because I want to have a little more info about durability before I sell. It's ALL glass - even the shank - and that's one thing I'm concerned about. the "on the finger" picture is a bit fuzzy - hard to adjust the light and manipulate the camera at the same time.

Pack news - November 30, 2007. Wow. I haven't updated since the middle of October. I think that's a new record! Woo hoo! (Hey, at my age, you take 'em where you can get 'em.)

First, thanks to Theresa for hosting my table at the Houston Bead show. I truly - truly - missed seeing all my Houston friends and customers. On the upside, the class I took with Akihiro Ohkama was a blast. He's very cute, and spoke almost no English. He did say that he'd rather make beads than eat! Also funny: his little boy is totally into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles....I bought an amazing dragonfly bead from him, and learned some techniques I will definitely use. I did resist, however, buying the Japanese torch, and I didn't even come home with any Satake.

I am participating in a trunk show this weekend at Blue Moon Glassworks, here in Austin. It's Sunday from 10 to 5. There will be about 15 artists there. Would absolutely love to have you come by and say "hi!"

Pack news - October 16, 2007. Yeah, yeah, yeah. No updates in a VERY long time. Shut up, Kath. Can it, Theresa.

I guess I've just been beyond busy. I told Tony over the weekend that I've GOT to stop working on the torch all day Saturday and all day Sunday. I much as I love it, it's turning into a job - and that, I never wanted. So, I'm thinking either Saturday or Sunday on the torch for "work," then maybe just an hour or two on the "off" day to make beads for ME. I've got piles of gorgeous beads - made by me, made by famous others - that are begging to be strung up and worn. No time. No time. No time.

The day here is a little weird. It's been SO hot - like we're getting our summer now instead of when it should have come in June. I went out a few minutes ago to mail a letter, and it's *almost* cool, and kind of misty. Not the kind of mist you can even see, but you feel it against your face as you walk. I'm getting seriously bummed out that I'm still wearing sandals, and still wearing summer clothes....

Pack news - September 28, 2007. Geez the time flies, doesn't it?! I admire all those people who can officially "blog" - just can't imagine the commitment it must take. About the only things I do every day are eat, sleep, shower, and, well, you know.

It's still beyond hot here. I think we're having now the summer we missed in June. Not that I actually missed it - it just passed us by. I went to the grocery store last night, and the heat and humidity (mostly the humidity) made me a little nauseous on the way out. I really really really hate to be hot. Thank goodness it doesn't seem like I'm going to have any trouble with menopause (that noise you hear is me knocking on wood). God knows my mood swings are legendary as it is - don't need that added burden.

I'll be on the torch tomorrow. I've got a show coming up in November. I'm taking a class that same weekend, and I was supposed to take from Andrea Guarino the very next week, but word on the street is that she's having hand surgery, so had to cancel. I can use the rest LOL.

Pack news - September 13, 2007. Well, the day's almost over; hell, the WEEK is almost over. And I still haven't updated. What can I say - it's my busiest time of the year. I actually run three programs here: the undergraduate appointment tutoring program, which provides one-on-one tutoring in traditionally difficult, undergraduate courses (think math, physics, chemistry....); the Graduate Student Writing Services program, which provides one-on-one tutoring to any UT graduate student in any course on any project; and the Developmental Education Reading and Writing program. So NOW can you see why I update infrequently? When I get home at night I'm almost too tired to get the Coke and rum all the way to my lips....LOL

Let's see, what else....Loretta's last blood work came back, and it wasn't very good. This is bad news on two fronts: one, well, it just wasn't very good - kidneys are operating at about 70%, and two, there probably won't be much more improvement. So, we started her on a special diet, which, thankfully, she loves. The vet says that basically she can live a "long and healthy life." The real problem is, of course, that older dogs tend to get kidney-type problems anyway, so as she get older (she turned 6 on 8/31) she just won't have much wiggle room there. She seems to feel great however. We're still looking at surgery for her on the weird vulva thing (don't think I've even mentioned that before, it's another whole chapter).

That's all I have time/energy for. Support me in that my intentions were good....

Pack news - September 5, 2007. So, what does September bring? More rain of course! No, not not not kidding. I am seriously growing moss between my toes. And, I told DH yesterday that I'm pretty sure we're going to have to have the duct work cleaned out - whenever I walk into the closet (large closet, converted from a small bedroom), I smell mold. Good grief.

The bead show was terrific! I just LOVE getting to see all the folks I only see once or twice a year - at bead shows! I also met Paula Best, who did the show for the first time ever. Her stuff is fab, and we worked out a cool little trade. I bought dog charms, of course! But, really, that's about all I bought. I did buy a nifty little all-in-one tool from Fran Bloomer. She's a nice lady, too. In one end tweezers, 2 screwdrivers tips, a pen tip, an exacto blade; in the other end a seam ripper, an awl, and a bead reamer. It's built like a pen (but a bit heavier), crafted from mesquite. The tip of the pen is a chuck (I think that's what it's called..) that holds the little tools. A perfect addition to the bead tool kit.

Pack news - August 29, 2007. They are BACK! The hallway below is ROCKIN'! But, it's fun. One of my tutors from India just brought his parents by to meet me - isn't that sweet? His mom is a volunteer doctor who's basically overseas cleaning up OUR mess. No, I really don't hardly ever go into politics here, but sometimes it's just plain embarrassing being an American. Of course, I will also say IN THE SAME BREATH that I'm blessed to live in a country that lets me put the embarrassed part out in a public forum without fear of reprisal. But still - don't you think we could get our act together? Do you realize we could send all those BABIES serving in Iraq to college FOR FREE for what this war is costing us?????? Wouldn't THAT make the world a better place? Oh, oh, oh - and! - we got a letter from our 50-something year old optometrist that he's in the Naval Reserves and that gee we'll have to get our eyes checked somewhere else for the next year because guess where HE'S going? Okay, enough of a diatribe. Really. Really.....

Back to the lepto for one quick minute - a couple of people that I've talked to said, "Our dogs have been vaccinated." Well, ours were, too. BUT - there are several strains of lepto out there. Just because they're vaccinated for one doesn't mean they won't catch the other. TRUST me on this - we take amazing care of our dogs - I would argue that we take better care of them than many people take of their children. YES, really (here we go with the "really" again LOL).

Pack news - September 28, 2007. Geez the time flies, doesn't it?! I admire all those people who can officially "blog" - just can't imagine the commitment it must take. About the only things I do every day are eat, sleep, shower, and, well, you know.

It's still beyond hot here. I think we're having now the summer we missed in June. Not that I actually missed it - it just passed us by. I went to the grocery store last night, and the heat and humidity (mostly the humidity) made me a little nauseous on the way out. I really really really hate to be hot. Thank goodness it doesn't seem like I'm going to have any trouble with menopause (that noise you hear is me knocking on wood). God knows my mood swings are legendary as it is - don't need that added burden.

I'll be on the torch tomorrow. I've got a show coming up in November. I'm taking a class that same weekend, and I was supposed to take from Andrea Guarino the very next week, but word on the street is that she's having hand surgery, so had to cancel. I can use the rest LOL.

Pack news - September 13, 2007. Well, the day's almost over; hell, the WEEK is almost over. And I still haven't updated. What can I say - it's my busiest time of the year. I actually run three programs here: the undergraduate appointment tutoring program, which provides one-on-one tutoring in traditionally difficult, undergraduate courses (think math, physics, chemistry....); the Graduate Student Writing Services program, which provides one-on-one tutoring to any UT graduate student in any course on any project; and the Developmental Education Reading and Writing program. So NOW can you see why I update infrequently? When I get home at night I'm almost too tired to get the Coke and rum all the way to my lips....LOL

Let's see, what else....Loretta's last blood work came back, and it wasn't very good. This is bad news on two fronts: one, well, it just wasn't very good - kidneys are operating at about 70%, and two, there probably won't be much more improvement. So, we started her on a special diet, which, thankfully, she loves. The vet says that basically she can live a "long and healthy life." The real problem is, of course, that older dogs tend to get kidney-type problems anyway, so as she get older (she turned 6 on 8/31) she just won't have much wiggle room there. She seems to feel great however. We're still looking at surgery for her on the weird vulva thing (don't think I've even mentioned that before, it's another whole chapter).

That's all I have time/energy for. Support me in that my intentions were good....

Pack news - September 5, 2007. So, what does September bring? More rain of course! No, not not not kidding. I am seriously growing moss between my toes. And, I told DH yesterday that I'm pretty sure we're going to have to have the duct work cleaned out - whenever I walk into the closet (large closet, converted from a small bedroom), I smell mold. Good grief.

The bead show was terrific! I just LOVE getting to see all the folks I only see once or twice a year - at bead shows! I also met Paula Best, who did the show for the first time ever. Her stuff is fab, and we worked out a cool little trade. I bought dog charms, of course! But, really, that's about all I bought. I did buy a nifty little all-in-one tool from Fran Bloomer. She's a nice lady, too. In one end tweezers, 2 screwdrivers tips, a pen tip, an exacto blade; in the other end a seam ripper, an awl, and a bead reamer. It's built like a pen (but a bit heavier), crafted from mesquite. The tip of the pen is a chuck (I think that's what it's called..) that holds the little tools. A perfect addition to the bead tool kit.

Pack news - August 29, 2007. They are BACK! The hallway below is ROCKIN'! But, it's fun. One of my tutors from India just brought his parents by to meet me - isn't that sweet? His mom is a volunteer doctor who's basically overseas cleaning up OUR mess. No, I really don't hardly ever go into politics here, but sometimes it's just plain embarrassing being an American. Of course, I will also say IN THE SAME BREATH that I'm blessed to live in a country that lets me put the embarrassed part out in a public forum without fear of reprisal. But still - don't you think we could get our act together? Do you realize we could send all those BABIES serving in Iraq to college FOR FREE for what this war is costing us?????? Wouldn't THAT make the world a better place? Oh, oh, oh - and! - we got a letter from our 50-something year old optometrist that he's in the Naval Reserves and that gee we'll have to get our eyes checked somewhere else for the next year because guess where HE'S going? Okay, enough of a diatribe. Really. Really.....

Back to the lepto for one quick minute - a couple of people that I've talked to said, "Our dogs have been vaccinated." Well, ours were, too. BUT - there are several strains of lepto out there. Just because they're vaccinated for one doesn't mean they won't catch the other. TRUST me on this - we take amazing care of our dogs - I would argue that we take better care of them than many people take of their children. YES, really (here we go with the "really" again LOL).

Pack news - August 23, 2007. Thought I'd better post today, because I'm not sure how often I'll be able to do so in the coming days. School starts Wednesday, and, frankly, you'd think it had already started from the traffic in the building. My office is on the 3rd floor of Jester - which is a "combination" building - Jester east is dormitories (at one time, the largest in the US, and still large enough to HAVE ITS OWN ZIP CODE!). I live in Jester west, and outside my office door is about 7-8 feet of concourse, then a railing, then wide open space that overlooks the main Jester dining facilities (one on the 2nd floor and one on the 1st floor). Alas, if the food were only even decent at ONE of them. Oh well. Anyway, thank god my office has a THICK door!

I am having fun keeping up with Theresa's blog - go check it out. She's a good writer, and she writes about beads (well, and cats...) and what more do you want? I haven't had time to make comments, but I'm pretty sure she's begging today, so GO COMMENT!

Let's see....two more things. First, don't forget about the bead show Labor Day weekend, at the Crockett Center. Not one of my favorite locations (please god let the AC be working) but hey, whatcha gonna do? So, come see me.

Second, this is actually the most important. Please READ this and tell all the people you know who have dogs: You remember how sick Loretta was, and that the underlying cause of the kidney failure was finally determined to be leptospirosis. We didn't immediately have the other girls tested because the test is very expensive - about $125 PER DOG - so, in our case, a cool 500 bucks. We finally decided last week, especially as $500 was much less than what we've spent (and continue to spend) on Loretta - around $2,500 and counting - that we should go ahead and bite the bullet and get them tested. And, two came back positive - Emily, the border collie, with very low levels of the bacteria, and Ruby with VERY high levels. Not enough yet (and hopefully we caught it soon enough) to affect her kidneys or liver, but it would have been just a matter of time. So Ruby is on massive doses of doxycycline, and Emily on a smaller amount. Apparently, the primary culprit is actually the amount of rain we've had - the bacteria is always pretty much around, and more so now that wild animals are living more and more in our yards as we've taken their yards away (wild animals, including rats, are the primary carriers). The little buggers pee in the yard, and usually it just soaks in and goes away. But, because of the standing water...it gets into the water and the bacteria multiply and multiply. The other weird thing is that Daisy's test came back as having been vaccinated - which she never has. So, it's likely that she, for whatever reason, was infected but able to throw the infection off. Also, those of you that know me know that these dogs live INDOORS - they are not "outside" dogs. They only go out to do business and run up and down the fence for a few minutes, a few times a day....so don't think you're safe if your dog is an "indoors" dog. Theresa, your cats are probably okay, but have Natalie get the pooch tested and then vaccinated; Kath, get Miss Kitty tested then vaccinated. When we picked up the antibiotics, we went ahead and took Rosalita in for her vaccination. Again, trust me, the $125 for the test is a bargain.

Pack news - August 20, 2007. Wow. What a weekend! First, no, I didn't get any beads made. Well, three last night, but that hardly counts - although it did allow me to fall seriously in love with the new Black Nebula glass.

On Saturday, Theresa literally FORCED me to go to the SA Bead Market....where she then FORCED me to buy more pearls.....LOL Saw a lot of people I know and love and only get to see at bead shows.

Next, got to see my wonderful friend Sunny, who hails from Seoul, South Korea. She only gets back to Austin once or twice a year....miss her SO much. She looked absolutely smashing. When to Threadgill's (YUM!) with her and Mickie and her hubby and their boy-child, Ethan (and my hubby, too, of course). Had a great time.

And, to top it off, HATCH CHILIES! Made Central Market on Sunday, and literally bought $100 worth of things hatch chili-related. Two meat loafs, sausage, hamburger patties, corn bread - all loaded with those gorgeous green peppers. The freezer is full. For supper last night it was Coho salmon (on sale for $7.99/lb!) topped with hatch chili pesto; accompanied by hatch chili cheese bread, lightly toasted. For dessert? I kid you not - hatch chili brownies! And what, pray tell, did Pam have for breakfast? A hatch chili scone, of course! 

Pack news - August 17, 2007. Happy FRIDAY morning! Truly, one of the high points of my week is turning the alarm clock off on Friday morning and NOT turning it right back on for the next morning - yippee!!!!!

I wasn't planning on going out at all this weekend, as this will probably be my last "torch" weekend before the Austin Bead Society show (and, BTW - and not to be bitchy REALLY - could somebody PLEASE update the look of that website?!). Oh, I'll make a few beads next weekend, but they'll be to fill in gaps for some of the "almost" sets. School starts Wednesday after next, and we have tutor training all day Monday and most of Tuesday just previous, so I'll be swamped here at work as well. Anyway, where I was actually going with that is that I probably WILL go out in the morning - Central Market is having their Hatch Chili fest this weekend! YUM!!!!!!!!!!!! Hatch chili scones, hatch chili salsas, hatch chili meatloaf (I get at least half a dozen of these and freeze against the bleak no-hatch-chilies days...). Does Pam like Hatch Chilies or what?!

I also posted an auction, something I haven't done in forever. You can take a look here: http://www.justbeads.com/listings/details/index.cfm?itemnum=871853032.

Pack news - August 14, 2007. Gonna have to consider this a drive-by posting. Not much to say, too much to do.

I did have a GREAT time beading with all my bead buddies last Saturday at Theresa's. She used us a guinea pigs for two new classes she'll be teaching. They were both fab - a pink (!) zinnia and a gorgeous bracelet.

My Etsy shop is up - limited right now but at least there's stuff for sale: www.yellowdogbeads.etsy.com.

Pack news - August 7 (!), 2007. Holy smokes. August.....

Loretta's checkup was good - kidney function continues to improve. Off the antibiotics for now. She gets another blood test in a month.

I've been working on some pendants. They're made "off mandrel," so there's no hole, just a loop at the top to run a cord through. I actually learned this technique from Dustin Tabor, although a lot of classes have gone into the making, so to speak. I'm pretty happy with the way they turned out, and I think I'll make a few more before the Austin and Houston shows. The coral one has a honkin' bubble that I don't like, so it will probably be mine. Anyway, let me know what you think.

Pack news - July 31, 2007. Hard to believe - it looks like it might be a sunny day! Tony called me at home on Saturday, and asked me to go outside and take a picture of the sunshine (the sun was out for about 12 minutes on Saturday). I didn't, and have since regretted it. But, today, sun! Of course, with the sun comes the heat, and the horrendous electricity bills. Pam likes it COLD in the house....

Loretta is doing well. She's still on antibiotics, and may be on them for several more weeks still. She has a checkup appointment - more blood work - tomorrow, and I guess that will tell. The vet said it's likely that her kidneys were permanently damaged, but not enough so that she can't live a pretty normal, healthy life. We might have to change her dog food, and of course she'll have to have regular checkups, but all in all could be worse. She certainly seems to feel good - back to her happy dog dance at feeding time. Between her and Tony, I'll never get all the medical bills paid...

Pack news - July 17, 2007. Hey all. Weather here is still a bit hinky - it rained (again) this morning, and is relatively cool. Usually the humidity just KILLS us when it rains during the summer, but, truthfully I can't remember a more pleasant summer.

I took a class at Hill Country Weavers on Saturday - nice people. I learned how to "fair isle" knit, which is really quite easy - and a lot more fun than "regular" knitting. It's a nice new hobby - a bit easier than beadwork to pick up and work on for just a few minutes, I think. I know there are those out there who would disagree, of course!

And, last but not least, my favorite new website:

http://www.ravenna.com/blackhole.html

Just click on the black box (or, you may get a red "x" depending on your browser) once you're on the site....and be prepared to wait a bit for the "show" to begin...and why is this site so hypnotizing?

Pack news - July 13, 2007. Busy today, so just a quick drive-by. Taking a knitting class tomorrow. I don't EVEN remember the last time I took a class! Well, except for all the lampworking classes...I guess they count, don't they? Y'all have a great weekend!

Pack news - July 12, 2007. Greetings. How are y'all? Can you tell I've got pretty much nothing to say? LOL I put a couple of plant pictures up, finally had time - and energy - to spend in the yard yesterday when I got home. Here's one of Emily in front of some potted caladiums:

Now, lest you think she looks maniacal - well, that's pretty much the way a border collie looks all the time - always looking forward to the next bit of shit they can stir up. And, stir it up she does - nobody MOVES without her knowing about it, and preferably, being involved in whatever "it" is...

Pack news - July 10, 2007. First, thanks to Kath for noticing that something was up with the website - a posting "glitch." And, indeed, the web hosting service I use, Best Web Host, had done a server upgrade and things didn't come back up for me quite the way they should have. However, Lauren, of Best Web Host, is the BEST! She worked yesterday to get everything up and reposted. What's the best thing about Best Web Host (and no pun intended!)? They put up with the computer neophytes like me - with never a complaint. Not even no complaints, but tons of help. I told our systems person at work yesterday that I was having some problems, and he asked what I paid per month. When I told him, he expressed dismay and said, "I only pay $7 a year!" (My fee is around $15 a month.) When I then asked him what kind of customer service he got from them, he laughed and said that they seemed to have a fire in their server room every couple of months. LOL So, yes, you DO get what you pay for - and in my case I get more. Thanks, Lauren, and thanks Theresa, for letting me know about them.

So, Loretta seems okay. She's still not quite herself, but seems well on the mend. Her internist (sorry, that still just cracks me up!) comes back from vacation today, and I'm sure she'll want to do more blood work (what's another $72 at this point?). If her numbers continue to improve, then we'll hope for the best from there. We STILL have to keep giving her fluids, however, which she has come to hate. Who can blame her?

Pack news - July 2, 2007. July?! What the f***?! Can you believe it? What a month it's been!

First, Loretta. She *seems* to be okay, but the official verdict is still out. We're giving her fluids twice a day at home, and even more medication than Tony takes (!), but she's still not eating terribly well. Won't eat the dry at all, and will eat the organic turkey "special" dog food only if I spoon-feed it to her (which, of course, I'll happily do just to get her to eat). She has an appointment for more blood work tomorrow. I guess that will tell. Talk about a pull-push kind of thing. I want to know...but I don't....if you know what I mean. The vet we were referred to is Lynda Melendez  at the Veterinary Specialty Center at Round Rock. She's a doctor of internal medicine - how funny is that? They also have orthopedists, oncologists, ophthalmologists, etc. etc. All things considered, their prices aren't too bad. To compare: when I had an ultrasound a few months ago, the bill was over $1,900 (yes, the insurance paid most of it). When Loretta had an ultrasound, it was $250. I haven't seen Sicko yet, but there's little doubt Michael Moore's on to something. So, anyway, I'll do a real update when I can - time's just scarce right now....

Pack news - June 21, 2007. When it rains, it pours. What a week. First, I found out that Circus, Molly's dog (Molly of Heritage Glass fame), had gone to the Rainbow Bridge. Circus was just the most amazing dog - half German Sheppard and half Great Dane. For those of you that know our Ruby - well, he made Ruby look small! But, the sweetest disposition in the world. He'd greet me at Molly's (actually, greet everybody) with his favorite toy - a stuffed animal about the size of a beanie baby. He'd look totally goofy - and lovable. Molly has promised me a picture. When I get it, I'll post.

Then, last Saturday night, Loretta wet the bed. Terribly unusual, of course. She ran a temperature Sunday, and was drinking water and peeing copiously, so first thing Monday it was off to the vet. She stayed there all afternoon and would NOT pee for them. I decided to drive out after work (understand that the vet we use is about 20 miles from home) and see if I could get her to cooperate. Still nothing, but they let me take her home. Long story short, I got samples Monday night and Tuesday morning, which I dropped off on my way to work. The initial diagnosis came back as diabetes, but not the typical kind - a more rare form called diabetes insipidus. So, back to the vet yesterday for blood work. After all that, they think now that she might have a severe infection, and NOT diabetes. They put her on an antibiotic, but her temperature is still elevated this morning. I got her to eat scrambled eggs last night, but this morning she wouldn't eat. We have a GREAT vet, but still and all I'm worried. She's just a sweet girl.

I had really - REALLY - planned to put up BEAD pictures (imagine that - a bead website with bead pictures - how novel) this week, but, needless to say, way too distracted....

Pack news - June 14, 2007. Still trying to play catch-up, at work and at home. Didn't touch the torch last weekend, and at this point doesn't look good for this weekend either. Sheesh. When did life get so - full? complicated? etc. etc? I'm sure all of you occasionally marvel at the many wonders of modern convenience - and how time saving they are - and then think about how little time you have for anything. I really don't get it. Oh well. On a positive note (!!!!!!!) the FLOOR IS FINISHED! But - I had to buy one last can of polyurethane - and, wouldn't you know, it's "shinier" than the other two cans I used. Just really pisses me off.

First time I've ever grown begonias from tubers (now, tell me, it "tuber" a weird word or what?!) and they're beautiful. The success rate was about 60%, I'd say. Out of 13, I lost 2 to squirrels (I don't guess that really counts) and I've lost 2 or 3 more (verdict's still out on one) to something. The neighbor thinks they were over-watered, but I don't know why that would be as they all received pretty much the same amount....

Here's a couple of pictures - sorry, don't have any idea what the names are...I do know that they're "Giant American Begonias" - the blossom on the one directly below is almost 4 INCHES across!

And, I've got a double-ruffled solid yellow that will knock your socks off. I also had a really gorgeous orange-specked on yellow cannas lily, but the deer had dinner before I got to photograph. Hope they enjoyed!

Pack news - June 12, 2007. Well, it's been an interesting 2 weeks - in the sense of that old Chinese curse, "May you lead an interesting life." Vacation was good; went to the Texas State Arts and Crafts fair (see new birdbath below!) and worked around the yard a lot. Played with the dogs. Drank. Ate. You know, a typical vacation where you can't really afford to go anywhere....

Back to work last Monday, and was supposed to leave for a conference Wednesday. As I'm frantically trying to get everything done Tuesday, Tony calls for me to come take him to the emergency room. Bleeding from both ends, so to speak. So, he winds up in the hospital until Thursday around noon. In spite of being told by TWO doctors (at least) that he should not take ANY more Advil, he decided that he knew best - and continued to take (but, as he said, "only 8-10 a day....). The official diagnosis is esophagitis. Like I told the folks here at work (who've been more than wonderful, BTW), I think only a married person (and maybe a parent) can understand the dilemma: you're relieved they're okay, but at the same time you want to get your gun. Anyway, the scarring is bad enough that they want to go in in a couple of months and dilate the esophagus. Yuck. I hope it hurts like hell.

And, I'm fine. Beyond exhausted, but fine. Waiting for the bills to start rolling in.

On a happier front, here's some pictures of the new birdbath. In case you can't tell from the photos, the bowl is a large (~ 10-12 inches in diameter) insulator....

And, here are some close-ups of various parts:

Is that just cool, or what?

Pack news - May 24, 2007. Hi there boys and girls. Didn't update yesterday because I didn't really have anything to say. As I STILL don't have anything to say, thought I'd go for it anyway. I did let Theresa know yesterday that lunch at The Crossings on Tuesday consisted of Kung Pao Tofu. I mean, after that, what IS there to say?!

It was good to get back home. I'm actually on vacation next week, and as I'm still struggling with the Windows Vista thing, I may or may not be able to update next week from home. The dang thing keeps telling me that I don't have administrator privileges. What the f***? I'm the only person ON the computer. The tech guy here is going to wipe the hard drive week after next and just "downgrade" to Windows XP. How's that for a kick in the pants. Computers. Sigh. Well, at least I'll be able to install the software from the new printer I bought, as well as install the newer version of Front Page.

Here's a little picture for today....from the garden again.

Kinda funny...I realized after uploading this how much of my GARDEN is pink and purple...who would have guessed?

Pack news - May 18, 2007. Here's Loretta, back from the groomer:

Doesn't she just look silly?! Don't have a picture of Daisy, yet. But she came home with a mohawk....LOL Loretta's toenails are metallic blue; Daisy's are metallic green.

I'm out of town for a few days, off to the annual UTLC retreat at The Crossings....Which might be wonderful if I could actually afford any of their services. A 50-minute massage for 100 bucks. Yeah, I'll take 2, please. And the food....what can you say about The Crossing's food? I'll just say that I'm not alone with my colleagues in running screaming from there in search of a chicken fried steak. Hell, I'd even settle for a piece of decent roasted chicken. In short, the food sucks. They have miso soup EVERY day for EVERY meal. No, not kidding. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. What's the point of all this? I won't be updating again for a few days....too weak from hunger....

Pack news - May 16, 2007. In a funk today. Don't you just HATE it when that happens?

Daisy and Loretta are off to the groomers this morning to get their summer haircuts. Daisy actually doesn't have much hair - never has had - but Loretta has enough to make up for it. Last year they left Loretta's tail hair long, shaved the rest. She came home a real cutie. I'll try to get pictures the next day or two.

From the garden....you thought the real lizards were a blast - this one is on the garden gate. He's missing a couple of toes, need to get the glass cabs to replace. He's pretty big...probably about 3 feet or so top to bottom. I've had him for quite a while....several years....the guy who made him also does bats. I want to get one but for the life of me can't remember the guy's name. Something alliterative...with "Bs" I think....

Pack news - May 14, 2007.

Lest you think only the birds and the bees (and the squirrels) visit our yard....

We were just getting ready to head out the door when I looked out the back window at the tree where the corn is - to see if we needed to put out more when I got home - and I saw one of these guys. Grabbed the camera, went out, and there were two! We actually see them all the time - these big guys out back, and some kind of a smaller variety in the front yard flower bed.

Pack news - May 11, 2007.

Okay, here's the strawberry progression. The first one's a bit blurry - should have previewed sooner!

Pack news - May 10, 2007. Nice day in the A-town. The storms we were supposed to have at noon have either missed us, or, more likely, are waiting to spoil our drive home.

I've decided to learn to knit. Why? Well, not sure, really. I know how to crochet, and I picked it up again a couple of months ago, but just didn't find satisfaction in it....thought maybe the thrill of learning something new would kick in. So, we'll see. And, the yarns that are out now are unbelievable. When I told my husband I was ready to learn something new, he suggested golf. What an idiot. It's hot, it's out in the middle of nowhere, and there are beer girls, not beer guys. Please. Can you tell I just don't get golf? Frankly, I think watching paint dry would be infinitely more entertaining.....

Picked a lot more strawberries last night. I'll have pictures in a day or two, keep forgetting to upload them to the computer. But, here's today's garden picture:

A strawberry bloom to get you ready for the strawberry pictures! Love the new camera. And, the 18 miniature roses are doing great....the 6 I have in the front yard are a virtual little rose garden. It's kinda fun because there's so much variety between them, even though they're all miniatures. Maybe I can upload some pictures of those, too.

Pack news - May 9, 2007. Short and sweet today - busy busy busy. I took off Monday to recover from the bead show, and wound up cleaning house all day. How did THAT happen?! So, I didn't even unpack all my stuff. We have a tiny house, so getting/keeping things in order is imperative.

We're really enjoying the yard this year. In spite all of my bitching and complaining about the rain, it's made it possible for us to eat dinner outside almost every evening. Many times it's the only time of day we get to catch up with each other, so it's nice. And, the yard is filled with birds, butterflies, and flowers. The vegetable "garden" (in quotations because about all we have planted are tomatoes and peppers) is pretty far back, and has a fence around it to keep the girls out, so we can't much see it from the patio table. Anyway. Here's today's picture....

Fuchsia - I almost didn't buy these because I have SUCH a brown thumb...I figured they'd last a day or two. But they've stayed beautiful....partly, I'm sure, because the temperatures haven't climbed into the 90s but once....They do take a lot of water, and I have to feed them every two weeks, but a small price to pay, don't you think? I just love that the flower stems are the same pink as the blooms....

Pack news - May 2, 2007. More storms yesterday, more predicted today. I'm sure just in time for the drive home. Funny weather. It's usually like this, but this year seems to be lingering a bit. Probably La Nina or El Nino or whatever...

So, if Loretta gets to eat squirrel tacos, here's what I get to eat - in a couple of weeks, anyway....

Aren't they gorgeous?! Of course, they look tiny here, but the bigger one is about the size of a Roma tomato already. I'm hoping the rain lets up a bit, I'm afraid they'll split from excess moisture.

And, terrible picture - it was too far away, I was too excited, and the camera too new (as in I didn't know what I was doing) but look what showed up in the yard Friday.

Even though the picture's awful, I just couldn't bear to delete it. Just as I was about to snap another, a jay scared him off. I haven't seen him again, so maybe he was just passing through. Oh, it's a painted bunting, by the way...

 

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love.  For me they are the role model for being alive. Gilda Radner

I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better. George Bird Evans

I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands.  When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat.  For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that. W. Dayton Wedgefarth

A dog is not "almost human" and I know of no greater insult to the canine race than to describe it as such. John Holmes

Puppies are nature's remedy for feeling unloved, plus numerous other ailments of life. Richard Allen Palm