Friday, July 31, 2009
Okay - so we are going to try this again!
Surgery is scheduled for this Monday...Don't forget about me!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Royal Copenhagen Figurines
Both my Grandmother and my Mother have collected Royal Copenhagen Figurines and now the collection has been given to me. Most of the pieces are the classic blue and white porcelain, but a few are different colors. They are a bit more realistic than LLardro...and Oh so beautiful!!!
Many of the pieces depict farm life.
These have always been my favorites.
Look at the detail of this piece!
I always watch e-bay and the smaller pieces are fairly easy to find. The larger ones are rare though. They even made a Corgi...but the bidding always goes over $300.00 and so I am still without one.
The Company History:
The Royal Danish Porcelain Manufactory, which later became Royal Copenhagen, was founded as the result of experiments carried out by the pharmacist, Frantz Heinrich Müller (1738-1820). He was an expert chemist who specialised in mineralogy, and since the early 1770s he had been experimenting with hard feldspar porcelain made from quartz, kaolin and feldspar. This was the secret Chinese recipe, which had been recreated by Meissen in about 1710.
For many years Meissen had successfully kept the secret to themselves, but by the time Müller began his experiments, the ingredients of porcelain were well known, and had even been printed in a number of books. Nonetheless, theoretical knowledge alone is far from enough to guarantee success in practice, and Müller spent all his time and money on experiments with his little porcelain kiln.
In 1774 Müller was finally ready to invite potential investors to subscribe for shares in a Danish porcelain factory, but very little interest was shown. This changed when the Queen Dowager Juliane Marie and her son the heir presumptive to the throne Frederik became partners in a limited company, which became a reality in 1775.
For almost a century the Royal Danish Porcelain Manufactory was run by the Royal Family. In 1868 it passed into private hands, but still retained its name and the privilege of flying the royal swallow-tailed flag. Some years later, in 1882-84, the factory was amalgamated with the Aluminia faience factory and moved from the centre of Copenhagen to new premises in Frederiksberg.
An artistic young manager was appointed: he was the painter and architect Arnold Krog (1856-1931), who was interested in underglaze painting. Krog’s first task was to breathe new life into the factory’s great original service, Blue Fluted. He then developed a new technique for painting under the glaze, which made it possible to depict landscapes and apply other naturalistic decorations. The new porcelain was shown at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1889, and in the course of the next few years the underglaze decorated porcelain made the factory world famous.
The second Danish porcelain factory, Bing & Grøndahl, opened in 1853. This intensified international competition. The two factories merged in 1987 to become Royal Copenhagen.
For over two centuries, Royal Copenhagen has supplied homes in Denmark and internationally with art and design, functioning as a playground and workplace for craftsmen, designers and artists who were bold enough to make their mark on posterity by challenging their own time. Royal Copenhagen today is a producer of craftsmanship and design with a contemporary international profile, selling products that delight collectors and new generations of customers worldwide.
Many of the pieces depict farm life.
These have always been my favorites.
Look at the detail of this piece!
I always watch e-bay and the smaller pieces are fairly easy to find. The larger ones are rare though. They even made a Corgi...but the bidding always goes over $300.00 and so I am still without one.
The Company History:
The Royal Danish Porcelain Manufactory, which later became Royal Copenhagen, was founded as the result of experiments carried out by the pharmacist, Frantz Heinrich Müller (1738-1820). He was an expert chemist who specialised in mineralogy, and since the early 1770s he had been experimenting with hard feldspar porcelain made from quartz, kaolin and feldspar. This was the secret Chinese recipe, which had been recreated by Meissen in about 1710.
For many years Meissen had successfully kept the secret to themselves, but by the time Müller began his experiments, the ingredients of porcelain were well known, and had even been printed in a number of books. Nonetheless, theoretical knowledge alone is far from enough to guarantee success in practice, and Müller spent all his time and money on experiments with his little porcelain kiln.
In 1774 Müller was finally ready to invite potential investors to subscribe for shares in a Danish porcelain factory, but very little interest was shown. This changed when the Queen Dowager Juliane Marie and her son the heir presumptive to the throne Frederik became partners in a limited company, which became a reality in 1775.
For almost a century the Royal Danish Porcelain Manufactory was run by the Royal Family. In 1868 it passed into private hands, but still retained its name and the privilege of flying the royal swallow-tailed flag. Some years later, in 1882-84, the factory was amalgamated with the Aluminia faience factory and moved from the centre of Copenhagen to new premises in Frederiksberg.
An artistic young manager was appointed: he was the painter and architect Arnold Krog (1856-1931), who was interested in underglaze painting. Krog’s first task was to breathe new life into the factory’s great original service, Blue Fluted. He then developed a new technique for painting under the glaze, which made it possible to depict landscapes and apply other naturalistic decorations. The new porcelain was shown at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1889, and in the course of the next few years the underglaze decorated porcelain made the factory world famous.
The second Danish porcelain factory, Bing & Grøndahl, opened in 1853. This intensified international competition. The two factories merged in 1987 to become Royal Copenhagen.
For over two centuries, Royal Copenhagen has supplied homes in Denmark and internationally with art and design, functioning as a playground and workplace for craftsmen, designers and artists who were bold enough to make their mark on posterity by challenging their own time. Royal Copenhagen today is a producer of craftsmanship and design with a contemporary international profile, selling products that delight collectors and new generations of customers worldwide.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
..And Another Craft Project..
This is a horse blanket strap across the pillow. I have also seen bits used on throw pillows to create an equestrian theme.
If you have any good craft ideas for me ...so I can bide my time while I recover, I would love to see them...or hear about them! 6 weeks for me will be an eternity!
If you have any good craft ideas for me ...so I can bide my time while I recover, I would love to see them...or hear about them! 6 weeks for me will be an eternity!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Just Because it is Cute..
..and a really cool craft idea..
..I wanted to share this with you. Can you tell that I am looking for projects to do during my down time after surgery??? ha ha
..I wanted to share this with you. Can you tell that I am looking for projects to do during my down time after surgery??? ha ha
Monday, July 27, 2009
Aren't You Suppose to Have Surgery Today????
Ummm - yeah. My surgeon called me at 6pm last night to postpone my surgery until next Monday - the 3rd of August. She has strep throat.
I understand it was not her fault and calling off the surgery was the best decision...but I was sooo very stressed about it. It takes a lot to psych yourself up for a big surgery...especially when you have to wait to have it done for over a month...and now another wait.
I won't say that I am scared of having the surgery...but I had a very vivid dream that I awoke from the operation with a beard! So saying that I am nervous would be an accurate statement!
I understand it was not her fault and calling off the surgery was the best decision...but I was sooo very stressed about it. It takes a lot to psych yourself up for a big surgery...especially when you have to wait to have it done for over a month...and now another wait.
I won't say that I am scared of having the surgery...but I had a very vivid dream that I awoke from the operation with a beard! So saying that I am nervous would be an accurate statement!
Friday, July 24, 2009
NEWS ~ NEWS ~ NEWS
Yesterday we arrived at the surgery center at 8:30am. The waiting room was PACKED! We waited and waited and waited... Don was called in just before 10am. He was prepped for the procedure and an IV line was put in. I sat next to him and we made small talk until he was taken back. I returned to the waiting room. It was done and over in 20 minutes. I was called into a room designed for consultations and waited for the doctor. He walked in still dressed in his scrubs and extended his hand towards me. I shook it and smiled.
"I heard the great news!" he said. "About Don's Viral Load count being zero."
"Oh yes." I responded. "When they told me yesterday, I had to ask the nurse to repeat it. I was beside myself and scared that I had not heard her correctly. He went from over 8,000 down to 0 in the last 8 weeks and now his specialist is going to keep him on chemo another 9 months."
"How low is his platelet count?" He tilted his head inquisitively.
"Pretty low. Don has been dealing with nose bleeds, his gums bleeding and he easily bruises too. I think he stayed in the low 30's...right on the border! Now tell me about the scope results." I smiled nervously.
"Well, Don does have verices. It is graded 1 to 4 with 4 being the worst. Don is at a 2 and a half. There is a procedure we do to help this - much like banding hemorrhoids, but we do not consider it until the patient is 3+, so we are just going to have to monitor Don. You know that if he ever starts to cough or vomit up blood, it is an emergency and he will need to get to the hospital?" He questioned.
I nodded silently.
"He also has some scaring on his esophagus, probably from acid reflux. I could not take a biopsy though because the scaring was right in between 2 verices veins. It was too dangerous. I did take a stomach lining biopsy and his stomach was in an irritated condition. He will need to start taking 20mg of over the counter Prylosec every morning and that will help his stomach." He rose and again extended his hand to me.
The doctor who did the scope was our first Liver doctor, not the specialist who has been in charge of his care for the last 3 months. They work closely though as a team.
After another hour, I was allowed to go back into the recovery room. I told Don everything the doctor told me. We both agreed that the news could have been better - but certainly could have been worse as well! This did not over shadow the GREAT news about his zero viral load count.
While we were in the recovery room one of the nurses confided in us about her neice who had accidentally discovered she was Hep. C positive. She asked us several questions. I got her e-mail address and send her a lot of information that has helped us to understand this disease.
It took so much longer to complete this procedure that poor Don was forced to go to my pre-op doctors appointment. He slept in the truck most of the time though. I had chest x-rays, and EKG, and a basic physical done along with some blood work. My surgery will be Monday morning. I do not think I will be posting for at least a week, maybe longer depending on how I feel and how long I stay in the hospital..so God bless you all. Thank you so much for all of your kind support and please don't forget to keep Don in your prayers. Not only is he still sick ...but the poor guy has to do ALL of my chores for at least 4 weeks!
"I heard the great news!" he said. "About Don's Viral Load count being zero."
"Oh yes." I responded. "When they told me yesterday, I had to ask the nurse to repeat it. I was beside myself and scared that I had not heard her correctly. He went from over 8,000 down to 0 in the last 8 weeks and now his specialist is going to keep him on chemo another 9 months."
"How low is his platelet count?" He tilted his head inquisitively.
"Pretty low. Don has been dealing with nose bleeds, his gums bleeding and he easily bruises too. I think he stayed in the low 30's...right on the border! Now tell me about the scope results." I smiled nervously.
"Well, Don does have verices. It is graded 1 to 4 with 4 being the worst. Don is at a 2 and a half. There is a procedure we do to help this - much like banding hemorrhoids, but we do not consider it until the patient is 3+, so we are just going to have to monitor Don. You know that if he ever starts to cough or vomit up blood, it is an emergency and he will need to get to the hospital?" He questioned.
I nodded silently.
"He also has some scaring on his esophagus, probably from acid reflux. I could not take a biopsy though because the scaring was right in between 2 verices veins. It was too dangerous. I did take a stomach lining biopsy and his stomach was in an irritated condition. He will need to start taking 20mg of over the counter Prylosec every morning and that will help his stomach." He rose and again extended his hand to me.
The doctor who did the scope was our first Liver doctor, not the specialist who has been in charge of his care for the last 3 months. They work closely though as a team.
After another hour, I was allowed to go back into the recovery room. I told Don everything the doctor told me. We both agreed that the news could have been better - but certainly could have been worse as well! This did not over shadow the GREAT news about his zero viral load count.
While we were in the recovery room one of the nurses confided in us about her neice who had accidentally discovered she was Hep. C positive. She asked us several questions. I got her e-mail address and send her a lot of information that has helped us to understand this disease.
It took so much longer to complete this procedure that poor Don was forced to go to my pre-op doctors appointment. He slept in the truck most of the time though. I had chest x-rays, and EKG, and a basic physical done along with some blood work. My surgery will be Monday morning. I do not think I will be posting for at least a week, maybe longer depending on how I feel and how long I stay in the hospital..so God bless you all. Thank you so much for all of your kind support and please don't forget to keep Don in your prayers. Not only is he still sick ...but the poor guy has to do ALL of my chores for at least 4 weeks!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
"The Procedure"
Tomorrow morning Don will have his scope done. Here is a basic explanation of what they are looking for:
Locate the esophagus. See the vein wrapped around the esophagus? They are checking it to see how much tension it is under. It could look anywhere from normal to like a varicose vein. Now look for the large arrows in the portal vein which goes through the liver. When the pressure is high in the portal vein it causes blood to go up into the esophageal vein, but the blood from that vein is suppose to empty DOWN into the portal vein, NOT go up into it. If it goes up, it causes the pressure that distorts the esophageal vein.
Did that make sense? So in other words ..we are hoping there is no damage to the esophageal vein! I should be able to post the results on Friday?? or at least tell you how it went. Don will be sedated for this and although he will not have to stay the night, he will have to stay several hours after the procedure. I will be with him all day.
Locate the esophagus. See the vein wrapped around the esophagus? They are checking it to see how much tension it is under. It could look anywhere from normal to like a varicose vein. Now look for the large arrows in the portal vein which goes through the liver. When the pressure is high in the portal vein it causes blood to go up into the esophageal vein, but the blood from that vein is suppose to empty DOWN into the portal vein, NOT go up into it. If it goes up, it causes the pressure that distorts the esophageal vein.
Did that make sense? So in other words ..we are hoping there is no damage to the esophageal vein! I should be able to post the results on Friday?? or at least tell you how it went. Don will be sedated for this and although he will not have to stay the night, he will have to stay several hours after the procedure. I will be with him all day.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
A Small Vacation Break and..
I am leaving today after work to go to AZ. to visit Emily, Daren, Madison and Trestin. It is Madison's 3rd birthday today and her party is tomorrow! Obviously, I will be taking a small blog break, but when I come back things are going to go from fast to super sonic...or maybe I should say chaotic! I will return Tuesday night.
Yesterday I had my pre-op appointment with my doctor. My hysterectomy is scheduled for the 27th of July...but we also have Don's scope, which will be done on the 23rd of July. The scope is to check to see if he has portal vein hypertension and varicies...which is best described as varicose veins on the inside! I pray he has not progressed to that point.
I promise that I will post - especially about the results. I just will not be every day.
Keep praying!
Yesterday I had my pre-op appointment with my doctor. My hysterectomy is scheduled for the 27th of July...but we also have Don's scope, which will be done on the 23rd of July. The scope is to check to see if he has portal vein hypertension and varicies...which is best described as varicose veins on the inside! I pray he has not progressed to that point.
I promise that I will post - especially about the results. I just will not be every day.
Keep praying!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Heat Wave!!
It has been terribly hot here in Texas and except for one night where our farm was blessed with 5 1/2 inches of rain, we have been in a severe drought! Everyday it has been in the low 100's but with the high humidity the heat index has been closer to 110 every day! Whewwww - now that is HOT!
I am too embarrassed to post pics of my veggie garden. The heat has kept me away except for a few quick harvests of corn, bell peppers and tomatoes. My carrots were a no show this year...but the weeds were more than happy to take the place of the carrots... :0(
So whats a girl gardener to do??? Well my answer to that is to find inspirational photos for NEXT YEARS VEGGIE GARDEN!
I am too embarrassed to post pics of my veggie garden. The heat has kept me away except for a few quick harvests of corn, bell peppers and tomatoes. My carrots were a no show this year...but the weeds were more than happy to take the place of the carrots... :0(
So whats a girl gardener to do??? Well my answer to that is to find inspirational photos for NEXT YEARS VEGGIE GARDEN!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Madison & The Bride of Chucky!
This is Madison, my Granddaughter...
...and her favorite doll that we affectionately call - The Bride of Chucky!
...and her favorite doll that we affectionately call - The Bride of Chucky!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Her First Litter ~ Chapter 4
Chrissy has always loved toys. She played endless games of fetch and when she got tired, she would take another stuffed animal into her bed with her. She had even on occasion brought me toys in my bed or into the bath tub! I imagine in her mind she was just trying to bless her babies with gifts when she overloaded the playpen that day.
The next day at work, when I told and retold the story to my friends, I stared to feel badly that I scolded Chrissy. I knew she was a very intelligent dog and she had not really done anything to be disobedient. That guilt sent me right to Petsmart after work! I scoured the dog toy isle touching and squeezing all the toys until I found the perfect one. It was a cow that did not squeak, but Mooed! I was excited to bring it home. Chrissy was nursing her babies when I got home. You could hardly see them for all the stuffed animals that were still in the pen. She raised her head to greet me.
"Hi Chrissy girl!" I said as I came in the door. "Look what I have for you."
I raised the toy up so she could see it. She pulled away from the puppies and jumped out of the pen. I squatted down and showed her the cow. She sniffed and licked it. I pushed it and triggered the sound bite. Her tail started to wag as I handed it over to her. She stood perfectly still for a moment with the new prize in her mouth. Her eyes were going back and forth from me to her pups and back again. I could tell that the wheels in her brain were turning, but I had no idea what she was thinking. All of a sudden, she darted out of the room with her toy. I could hear her nails clicking across the kitchen floor and knew she was running! I just laughed and thought nothing more about it.
Later that day I came back into the den. I glanced down into the playpen and noticed that every single stuffed animal was gone! I just shook my head. Throughout the next several days we discovered that Chrissy had taken all the toys including her newest one and hidden them. Some we found in our closets, under out beds, in the sofa and I even found one under my be pillow! I can only guess that she changed her mind and started viewing her puppies as competition and was actually hiding the toys from them!
Weeks passed and the puppies grew. It was time to move them from the play pen and into a larger whelping box. Since we had a room in the middle of renovation and void of any kind of floor covering, we decided it was the best place to keep the pups until they were sold. I kept a large pitcher of ammonia-water solution at hand and twice a day, I changed their paper and scrubbed the floor with this solution. It made for easy cleaning and access.
A few days into this new routine all was going well. Chrissy no longer had the need to stay with the pups 24 hours a day and she would often come into our bedroom. She fell asleep next to my side of the bed and it was not long before I followed her.
"Julie - Julie!!!...Wake Up Julie!" It was as if someone had thrown a bucket of cold water on me as I tried to regain conscienceness. Don was shaking my shoulder and there was an urgency in his voice.."JULIE!"
"What??" I tried to focus. "What is the matter?"
"What is in that pitcher in the kitchen?" He asked.
"What pitcher?" I said as I continued to wake up and pulled the covers off of myself.
"The pitcher - the orange pitcher... Come on - I will show you." Don said as he grabbed my hand.
As we turned the corner into the kitchen the orange pitcher came into view.
"You did not drink that!" I said raising my voice.
"Yes - I was half asleep and poured myself a glass and drank about 3 big gulps before I realized it tasted funny." He said in a panic.
"No joke Don. That is the ammonia and water I use to clean the puppy box! CALL 911 NOW!"
I did not wait for him. I ran over to the phone and called. They dispatched an ambulance to our home and I stayed on the line with them while they conferred with the poison control department. It was only moments before I heard the ambulance. Each of us accounted the information to the emergency response team.
"How much ammonia was used?" They asked me.
"Not that much. I did not want it too strong so I would make the puppies sick..maybe 1-2 cups to 2 liters of water. It was pretty diluted." I searched the ladies eyes for clues as to what she was thinking.
Don was in the kitchen with the other tech. He asked him about any burning in his throat or nausea. I leaned over and asked the lady I was talking to, "Is he going to be okay?"
"I am sure with that dilution, he will be just fine. He may have some stomach cramps though. If he has any other symptoms, just feel free to call us again. What I can't figure out though is how in the world can you be so tired that you could actually drink anything with ammonia in it!" She said laughing out loud.
A few days later Don's coworkers put a bottle of ammonia on his desk covered with Mr. Yuck stickers!
The next day at work, when I told and retold the story to my friends, I stared to feel badly that I scolded Chrissy. I knew she was a very intelligent dog and she had not really done anything to be disobedient. That guilt sent me right to Petsmart after work! I scoured the dog toy isle touching and squeezing all the toys until I found the perfect one. It was a cow that did not squeak, but Mooed! I was excited to bring it home. Chrissy was nursing her babies when I got home. You could hardly see them for all the stuffed animals that were still in the pen. She raised her head to greet me.
"Hi Chrissy girl!" I said as I came in the door. "Look what I have for you."
I raised the toy up so she could see it. She pulled away from the puppies and jumped out of the pen. I squatted down and showed her the cow. She sniffed and licked it. I pushed it and triggered the sound bite. Her tail started to wag as I handed it over to her. She stood perfectly still for a moment with the new prize in her mouth. Her eyes were going back and forth from me to her pups and back again. I could tell that the wheels in her brain were turning, but I had no idea what she was thinking. All of a sudden, she darted out of the room with her toy. I could hear her nails clicking across the kitchen floor and knew she was running! I just laughed and thought nothing more about it.
Later that day I came back into the den. I glanced down into the playpen and noticed that every single stuffed animal was gone! I just shook my head. Throughout the next several days we discovered that Chrissy had taken all the toys including her newest one and hidden them. Some we found in our closets, under out beds, in the sofa and I even found one under my be pillow! I can only guess that she changed her mind and started viewing her puppies as competition and was actually hiding the toys from them!
Weeks passed and the puppies grew. It was time to move them from the play pen and into a larger whelping box. Since we had a room in the middle of renovation and void of any kind of floor covering, we decided it was the best place to keep the pups until they were sold. I kept a large pitcher of ammonia-water solution at hand and twice a day, I changed their paper and scrubbed the floor with this solution. It made for easy cleaning and access.
A few days into this new routine all was going well. Chrissy no longer had the need to stay with the pups 24 hours a day and she would often come into our bedroom. She fell asleep next to my side of the bed and it was not long before I followed her.
"Julie - Julie!!!...Wake Up Julie!" It was as if someone had thrown a bucket of cold water on me as I tried to regain conscienceness. Don was shaking my shoulder and there was an urgency in his voice.."JULIE!"
"What??" I tried to focus. "What is the matter?"
"What is in that pitcher in the kitchen?" He asked.
"What pitcher?" I said as I continued to wake up and pulled the covers off of myself.
"The pitcher - the orange pitcher... Come on - I will show you." Don said as he grabbed my hand.
As we turned the corner into the kitchen the orange pitcher came into view.
"You did not drink that!" I said raising my voice.
"Yes - I was half asleep and poured myself a glass and drank about 3 big gulps before I realized it tasted funny." He said in a panic.
"No joke Don. That is the ammonia and water I use to clean the puppy box! CALL 911 NOW!"
I did not wait for him. I ran over to the phone and called. They dispatched an ambulance to our home and I stayed on the line with them while they conferred with the poison control department. It was only moments before I heard the ambulance. Each of us accounted the information to the emergency response team.
"How much ammonia was used?" They asked me.
"Not that much. I did not want it too strong so I would make the puppies sick..maybe 1-2 cups to 2 liters of water. It was pretty diluted." I searched the ladies eyes for clues as to what she was thinking.
Don was in the kitchen with the other tech. He asked him about any burning in his throat or nausea. I leaned over and asked the lady I was talking to, "Is he going to be okay?"
"I am sure with that dilution, he will be just fine. He may have some stomach cramps though. If he has any other symptoms, just feel free to call us again. What I can't figure out though is how in the world can you be so tired that you could actually drink anything with ammonia in it!" She said laughing out loud.
A few days later Don's coworkers put a bottle of ammonia on his desk covered with Mr. Yuck stickers!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Today's Riding Lesson..
I guess I have not shown you pictures of Oliver in sidesaddle. Isn't he adorable! 
He has been so accommodating for me while I learn.
Oliver has more motion than this, but I am not able to get him to preform at his best yet. If he starts to move out, I lose my confidence and sometimes my balance and pull him back.
I have to have surgery in 2 weeks and because of a fast trip to see my daughter and her family, I will only be able to take one more lesson. I hope I heal very fast so I can continue my training.
He has been so accommodating for me while I learn.
Oliver has more motion than this, but I am not able to get him to preform at his best yet. If he starts to move out, I lose my confidence and sometimes my balance and pull him back.
I have to have surgery in 2 weeks and because of a fast trip to see my daughter and her family, I will only be able to take one more lesson. I hope I heal very fast so I can continue my training.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Her First Litter ~ Chapter 3
Poor Chrissy struggled through the next 5 days and delivered right on schedule. She cried with the birth of the first pup, but was better for the rest. Anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes passed between the births of each puppy until every single one was here safe and nursing. I was right. Chrissy was a very attentive Mommy to every single puppy.
Three days later we moved them out of the whelping area, which was hard for me to clean, and into a play pen I had purchased at a garage sale. The play pen offered a large safe place for the puppies and Chrissy, a plastic mat that was easy to clean and when the side was down, Chrissy could come and go as she pleased but the puppies were totally contained until they were about 3 weeks old.
I went back to work. Every day I was anxious to get home to visit with my new extended 4 legged family. About a week after the birth, I came home and found the playpen covered with stuffed animals. I stood completely still for a few moments as I tried to figure out what I was looking at. At that very second Chrissy was coming around the corner with another stuffed animal in her mouth that she had collected from Joy's room.
"Chrissy.... " I looked at her with a frown on my face. "What are you doing?"
She immediately dropped the toy and started for the play pen. She jumped over the lowered arm and started rooting her way towards her puppies. There must have been 20 stuffed animals in that play pen all burying her babies. I started to take them out one by one. In doing so I realized that she had retrieved these toys from every corner of our home including both of my daughters rooms as well as mine too!
"Chrissy, you bad girl!" I scolded her. "This is MINE!" as I reached down to grab my mink teddy bear that usually resides atop my bed. She lowered her head and put her ears back acknowledging she was in trouble.
to be continued..
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Her First Litter ~ Part 2
Double click on these pictures to enlarge them. They are pictures taken of pictures...so the quality is not great.
The weeks flew by and Chrissy kept getting larger and rounder. I made her special meals that included scrambled eggs or cottage cheese mixed into her normal kibbles. As those last days came and went, I noticed she was starting to have a difficult time of everything..from relieving herself to just moving. Corgi's are 'low riders' anyway and at this point Chrissy's stomach was dragging on the ground!
I called the vet and made an appointment for that afternoon.
"Oh My!" a lady commented as we walked through the door. "Obviously here to check into the maternity ward!"
Chrissy sat on the tile floor, panting as her back legs just slid outward from her body. Our name was called and we slowly made our way down the hall and into the exam room. The tech groaned as she picked Chrissy up and put her on the table. Dr. Taylor came in and gave Chrissy a scratch on the head. Before he had the chance to ask I said, "She is not due for another 5 days!"
He did a basic exam and it was easy to see that although uncomfortable, she was not in any terrible pain.
"Let's x-ray her and see how many pups she is carrying." He suggested.
We led her into the x-ray room and I handed over her leash, opting to wait in the waiting room. Several minutes passed. I could hear movement in the room, but it did not sound like Chrissy was putting up any kind of argument. Several more minutes passed. I picked up a magazine and flipped through it. It did not offer the distraction I had hoped it would. I glanced down at my watch. 20 minutes had gone by and now I was getting anxious. I could hear sounds of muffled speech but could not make out what they were saying. I was dying to know!
Twenty four minutes after they entered the x-ray room, the door slowly opened. I jumped to my feet saying, "Is she okay?"
"Yes Chrissy is just fine. Can you come in here for a minute?" The tech asked.
I was half way into the door before she finished the question. There Chrissy sat content on the floor...still panting. Her x-ray was on the light screen where the tech directed me. We studied the image as she explained.
"We wanted to do the x-ray to count how many puppies she is carrying. It will help you to know when she is done or if she has one more pup to go when she delivers." Pointing to the image she continued. "We started to try and count heads...one - two - three - four - five - six - seven and ... then we tried to count spines..one - two- three- four- five- six- seven - eight....and well... There are just so many puppies inside of her little body, we could not tell for sure how many she is carrying. WE know it is at LEAST 8!"
The tech looked at me waiting for a comment. Nothing came out of my mouth..even though it was hanging wide open. I was just astounded. A large litter for a Corgi is 6 and now this first time Mommy was carrying at least 8...all seemingly good sized pups too and she still had 5 more days to go!
to be continued...
The weeks flew by and Chrissy kept getting larger and rounder. I made her special meals that included scrambled eggs or cottage cheese mixed into her normal kibbles. As those last days came and went, I noticed she was starting to have a difficult time of everything..from relieving herself to just moving. Corgi's are 'low riders' anyway and at this point Chrissy's stomach was dragging on the ground!
I called the vet and made an appointment for that afternoon.
"Oh My!" a lady commented as we walked through the door. "Obviously here to check into the maternity ward!"
Chrissy sat on the tile floor, panting as her back legs just slid outward from her body. Our name was called and we slowly made our way down the hall and into the exam room. The tech groaned as she picked Chrissy up and put her on the table. Dr. Taylor came in and gave Chrissy a scratch on the head. Before he had the chance to ask I said, "She is not due for another 5 days!"
He did a basic exam and it was easy to see that although uncomfortable, she was not in any terrible pain.
"Let's x-ray her and see how many pups she is carrying." He suggested.
We led her into the x-ray room and I handed over her leash, opting to wait in the waiting room. Several minutes passed. I could hear movement in the room, but it did not sound like Chrissy was putting up any kind of argument. Several more minutes passed. I picked up a magazine and flipped through it. It did not offer the distraction I had hoped it would. I glanced down at my watch. 20 minutes had gone by and now I was getting anxious. I could hear sounds of muffled speech but could not make out what they were saying. I was dying to know!
Twenty four minutes after they entered the x-ray room, the door slowly opened. I jumped to my feet saying, "Is she okay?"
"Yes Chrissy is just fine. Can you come in here for a minute?" The tech asked.
I was half way into the door before she finished the question. There Chrissy sat content on the floor...still panting. Her x-ray was on the light screen where the tech directed me. We studied the image as she explained.
"We wanted to do the x-ray to count how many puppies she is carrying. It will help you to know when she is done or if she has one more pup to go when she delivers." Pointing to the image she continued. "We started to try and count heads...one - two - three - four - five - six - seven and ... then we tried to count spines..one - two- three- four- five- six- seven - eight....and well... There are just so many puppies inside of her little body, we could not tell for sure how many she is carrying. WE know it is at LEAST 8!"
The tech looked at me waiting for a comment. Nothing came out of my mouth..even though it was hanging wide open. I was just astounded. A large litter for a Corgi is 6 and now this first time Mommy was carrying at least 8...all seemingly good sized pups too and she still had 5 more days to go!
to be continued...
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
A Chrissy Story..Her First Litter - Part 1
I knew she would be a good Momma, just judging by her personality and how she, at such a young age, cared for us. I was excited and at that time did not have a stud dog of my own. After weeks of researching, lots of phone calls and visits to see some local studs, I finally found one I knew was right. He was a bit smaller than Chrissy, but like in color and personality. I felt comfortable with the owner too, knowing I would have to leave Chrissy in her care for no less than 1 week.
We watched Chrissy closely. She was just over 2 and cycled regularly twice a year. When the time was right, I called and made arrangements to leave Chrissy to be bred. This was the hardest part.
Coming out to greet me, Sandy reached down and gave Chrissy a pat on the head as well. We walked together up her drive and back towards the dog run she had for her pets. It was large, open, shaded by a few trees and clean. Formal introductions were made between Chrissy and her Husband-to-Be. It was hot that day and Chrissy looked nervous. She stayed right beside me, tethered to a leash or not.
After payment was made, it was time for me to leave her. I could not help it. I cried. The look on her face was pure abandonment. Chrissy could not imagine why I would leave her there with these strange people and dogs. I was worried that she would try to escape and make her way back to our home but the owner assured me their fencing and gates were secure.
Every single day I wanted to go and see her, but I resisted. I knew that each time I would leave without her, she would again get very stressed and this was not a time I wanted her to be stressed!
After 4 days, Sandy called.
"We have a slight problem." She said as my heart literally dropped.
"Chrissy is in full heat, but all she will show my dog is her teeth!"
A huge sigh of relief came over me as I burst out into laughter.
"That's my girl!!" I replied.
Sandy was a vet tech and arranged to take Chrissy into the office and have the mating done in a more artificial way. 2 weeks later it was confirmed that human intervention proved to be a success!
to be continued...
We watched Chrissy closely. She was just over 2 and cycled regularly twice a year. When the time was right, I called and made arrangements to leave Chrissy to be bred. This was the hardest part.
Coming out to greet me, Sandy reached down and gave Chrissy a pat on the head as well. We walked together up her drive and back towards the dog run she had for her pets. It was large, open, shaded by a few trees and clean. Formal introductions were made between Chrissy and her Husband-to-Be. It was hot that day and Chrissy looked nervous. She stayed right beside me, tethered to a leash or not.
After payment was made, it was time for me to leave her. I could not help it. I cried. The look on her face was pure abandonment. Chrissy could not imagine why I would leave her there with these strange people and dogs. I was worried that she would try to escape and make her way back to our home but the owner assured me their fencing and gates were secure.
Every single day I wanted to go and see her, but I resisted. I knew that each time I would leave without her, she would again get very stressed and this was not a time I wanted her to be stressed!
After 4 days, Sandy called.
"We have a slight problem." She said as my heart literally dropped.
"Chrissy is in full heat, but all she will show my dog is her teeth!"
A huge sigh of relief came over me as I burst out into laughter.
"That's my girl!!" I replied.
Sandy was a vet tech and arranged to take Chrissy into the office and have the mating done in a more artificial way. 2 weeks later it was confirmed that human intervention proved to be a success!
to be continued...
Monday, July 6, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
One of MANY Projects!
I am doing about 10 different projects right now ~ all having to do with what I need to start showing again this Fall.
Since I will be showing sidesaddle, I am trying to gear everything toward the era of the late 1800's. This is my antique Steamer Trunk...
..that I am going to refurbish hopefully to look like this!
This is a solid brass lid lift I am going to attach on the front of the trunk.
These is the hardware that keeps the leather handles on.
..and these are the new handles I ordered.
The total + shipping was about $38.00. I need to buy some copper colored paint for the tin. I have the black paint already. It should be a fairly simple project and add some character to my stall decorations at the show.
Since I will be showing sidesaddle, I am trying to gear everything toward the era of the late 1800's. This is my antique Steamer Trunk...
..that I am going to refurbish hopefully to look like this!
This is a solid brass lid lift I am going to attach on the front of the trunk.
These is the hardware that keeps the leather handles on.
..and these are the new handles I ordered.
The total + shipping was about $38.00. I need to buy some copper colored paint for the tin. I have the black paint already. It should be a fairly simple project and add some character to my stall decorations at the show.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
An Update on Don
Good News!!
We had a doctors appointment yesterday and we got some good news. First the results of his MRI showed that his liver is still cancer free! Yeah.. Next, his weekly blood tests are showing that he is holding up well enough to again increase his chemotherapy back to the full dose. His viral load count has gone from 400,000 before treatment, to 26,000 after 12 weeks of treatment (it should have been 0 at this point), and now it is 8430. We have to get it to ZERO and even after that, he must stay on the chemotherapy an additional 9 months. Once that 9 month term is over, he will have to continue to have blood tests for the next year to make sure the Hepatitis C does not return. If the viral load count starts to go up again, he will be taken off of the treatment he is on and they will try a different cocktail of drugs.
Next appointment is scheduled for August 4th. I am not sure if I will be able to go with him to that one though since my surgery is scheduled for July 27th.
We had a doctors appointment yesterday and we got some good news. First the results of his MRI showed that his liver is still cancer free! Yeah.. Next, his weekly blood tests are showing that he is holding up well enough to again increase his chemotherapy back to the full dose. His viral load count has gone from 400,000 before treatment, to 26,000 after 12 weeks of treatment (it should have been 0 at this point), and now it is 8430. We have to get it to ZERO and even after that, he must stay on the chemotherapy an additional 9 months. Once that 9 month term is over, he will have to continue to have blood tests for the next year to make sure the Hepatitis C does not return. If the viral load count starts to go up again, he will be taken off of the treatment he is on and they will try a different cocktail of drugs.
Next appointment is scheduled for August 4th. I am not sure if I will be able to go with him to that one though since my surgery is scheduled for July 27th.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)