tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61271653366623994642024-03-13T08:28:25.890-04:00Crocheting in GeorgiaIn memory of Gizzy, my little boy with the fly-away ears. He was my inspiration, my muse and my best friend on four legs.Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.comBlogger510125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-44761135032150007162015-08-16T16:18:00.000-04:002015-08-16T16:21:20.156-04:00Outside with my dogsHello my friends - I'm still alive and kicking, only not as high as I used to - more like dragging, but we are hanging in there. We is me, my dogs Weezie and Teddy. This morning we went to Roquemore Memorial Park and afterward visited Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weezie at Roquemore Memorial Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy at Roquemore Memorial Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy enjoying the Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weezie (left) and Teddy on a bench at the Park. Teddy's getting bored with photo sessions!</td></tr>
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We left at 7:30 and returned by 9:30 and it still wasn't quite 80 degrees. If tomorrow is the same as this morning was, then we're out there again - come August, we're done with summer. Couped up and cranky knowing we still have another three months of heat before it starts to cool down. I saw Halloween candy in the store today, can you believe that? Anyway, here are a few photos from this morning. Please enjoy and forgive me for not being here much anymore. I'm always on Facebook and I simply can't handle both, my blog and the Facebook. Please, come and see me there! I'd love to hear from you! Take care and I'll try to check in more often than just once a year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weezie walking on the boardwalk at Banks Lake Nat'l. Wildlife Refuge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weezie at Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy Bear at Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy (left) and Weezie at Roquemore Memorial Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy (left) and Weezie at Banks Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weezie at Banks Lake (she lost one of her eyes to a severe ulcer last year in February, the same day my father died)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy enjoying the view at Banks Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swamp Cypress and Waterlilies in Banks Lake</td></tr>
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Thank you for reading this and I will try to visit you soon. I'm in the process of crocheting for Christmas and fall fundraisers plus will be spending a lot more time outside as soon as it cools down (which won't be for a while yet) and once I get on the computer, it takes me hours before I get back off... so often I don't even turn it on so that I can get things done ;-) I'm sure some of can relate.<br />
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Again, it's nice to visit again and I wish you all a wonderful day and a great week ahead!<br />
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<br />Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-88508462041582618282014-01-05T11:41:00.002-05:002014-01-05T23:28:26.781-05:00Bittersweet Memories<div>
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Hello my friends and Happy New Year! Another year gone by - Christmas is over and we're off to make plans to make this year better (I hope!). I've started Weight Watchers (again) only this time I'm going to the meetings because doing it by myself just on line did not pan out for me last time. I failed miserably. Obviously, I need the support meetings give you. My next meeting is on Tuesday morning, so we'll see how well I did. I gained a bunch of weight over the holdiays and my blood pressure was over the roof and that really scared me so that I can no longer afford not to go to Weight Watchers. I know it works because every time I stick with it, I lose the weight ... I love this plan better than anything else because you are not restricted and can have anything you want. I don't have to buy supplements or special foods unless I want to and it's ok to use with any foods that you like, be it vegetarian, low carb, even the Paleo diet. You can do it all with the help of Weight Watchers. It's just a matter of being reasonable and accountable. I'm an impulse eater and often over eat, so now I'm mindful of what I put in my mouth and it seems to work because as a bread addict, I have not eaten any bread (except a few whole weat tortillas to make some wraps) I do not miss it. It's all a matter of establishing good habits. I suppose only time will tell because I'm in it for the long haul.<br />
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I hope you all survived the holidays relatively unscarred and made some good memories. Mine were quiet and somewhat melancholy. I had some health issues (as usual) but for the most part, I'm ok. I look healthy, so if I ever drop dead unexpectedly, people will say: "oh, my gosh! I just saw her the other day and she looked so healthy!" well, that's me... I rarely look sick unless I'm dying or under general anesthesia ;-) Must be all the water I drink and the veggies I eat, they give me a healthy glow. I'm lucky to love fruits and veggies, that makes losing weight easier. My problem is carbs and portion size, but I'm getting that under control.</div>
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As you know, I live on Facebook now and if you ever want to visit, just type in Doris Sturm (in Lakeland, GA) in case there are other Doris Sturms and even my dogs have pages. My Weezie Mae and Mr. Ted E. Barker (aka Teddy Ruffhausen).... and I still keep Gizzy's page up ... I miss him so much and it's been two hears since he died.</div>
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Another reason I hardly blog is that every time I come here, I remember my boy and all the wonderful times we've shared... this blog isn't about crocheting at all (as it turns out) but a memorial to my Gizzy and it just hurts me so much to remember those times of us together - even though I should be over it by now, especially since I have two other fur babies to love. But, so be it!</div>
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Again, I'm on Facebook, but will try to check in from time to time. I can barely keep up with my friends on Facebook, so blogging on top of it would eat up all my days... I'm trying really hard to get away from computing so much. I enjoy it, but it really takes up most of my time if I'm not careful.</div>
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Oh, by the way, I'm in a new apartment. They refurbished/redid all our units, so I'm living in another location, but same complex. I love it. We have a much bigger kitchen now and a dishwasher (my new best friend) I love cooking and baking because clean up is so easy now. They also provided all of us with a Whirlpool energy efficent front loading washer and dryer, so I sold my Kenmore set and they're working on making us a community carden. We each get a 4' X 4' bed to grow what we want ... a lot of people won't want to gaden, so who ever wants that space, can have it. Also, our Social Hall has a computer room with three computers with internet access and a small gym with two recumbent bikes and a thread mill...so I'm pretty happy about that :-)</div>
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Tomorrow is Holy Three Kings day, or the Epiphany, so that's when I'm taking down all my Christmas stuff, so here's a photo of my little 4' tree and some decorations. I made it look cozy for myself and the dogs. I had no company, but got lots of cards and a few packages in the mail, including a new digital camera from a friend in Singapore. My Fujifulm Finepix finally broke and the cell phone photos just did not cut the mustard (so-to-speak) All in all I feel blessed and wish you all a happy and healthy 2014!<br />
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Weezie Mae, the sweetest and calmest dog in the world.<br />
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Teddy Bear (aka Ted E. Barker, Teddy Ruffhausen, The Tedinator, Teddy Kreuger, etc)</div>
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Teddy loves the squeaky doggy toys I crochet and here he is chewing on a drumstick I made for him.<br />
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A collage of my apartment with the decorations.<br />
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Weezie wearing her pink hoodie she got from a friend in a Christmas gift exchange.<br />
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Teddy wearing his hoodie he got from a friend in a Christmas gift exchange.</div>
Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-14272126808157479242013-05-11T23:21:00.000-04:002013-05-11T23:21:18.965-04:00Happy Mother's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wishing you all a wonderful day.Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-52701667176571164892013-05-05T13:52:00.000-04:002013-05-05T13:52:06.420-04:00Happy Cinco de MayoGreetings from Lakeland, Georgia!<br />
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Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-73139226543702511112013-05-04T12:59:00.002-04:002013-05-04T18:43:16.392-04:00Hello there ... it's been a long time!Hi everyone! Some of you may remember me, but I've been gone for almost a year. Been busy mostly with my health and find Facebook more efficient for me to handle.<br />
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Without going too much into the boring details, I survived a six-months anti viral treatment and have been Hep C free for several months. My six-months check up will be in a couple of weeks and I hope for good results.<br />
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During that time I was anemic and so weak that I could no longer keep up with Romeow and had to find him a new home. I still miss him, but I know he's happy. I periodically hear from my friend and he says that Romeow is a happy boy and that he is very well loved.<br />
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I did however adopt another Peke from Facebook. Teddy is from Alabama and he came to me in December. On the day I picked him up, I ended up in the ER for another surgery and my neighbor took care of Weezie and Teddy for the three weeks over Christmas and New Years while I was hospitalized.<br />
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I'm feeling better now, but I know I'll never be well again since I suffer from chronic infection (I was on a PICC line for 8 weeks) and was seen by an Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in exchanging hip implants. His office is in Atlanta at the Emory University Hospital. I was going to go to the Mayo Clinic because of the complicated procedure of the process, but they were not accepting any new patients at the time. My metal implants are leaching Chromium and Cobalt in my blood and that is poisionous and can cause all sorts of serious health problems, but that's another story.<br />
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Right now I just want to introduce you to Teddy, who is about 4 years old and a riot. He's a silly boy and loves to play with his squeaky toys and enjoys his food more than any dog I've ever had. He wants to try everything I eat and even enjoys some fruits and veggies. Weezie is basically a meat and potato gal, but she loves cheese.<br />
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I'm so glad I have my energy back so we have been walking around the lake every morning, except today is raining again - our third day of rain in a row. Teddy's not happy and he makes sure I'm not either ;-) I may try taking them and bring my rain coat. The dogs need a bath anyway. They don't exactly love each other, but learned to accept each other and more or less pass each other like two ships in the night. Weezie is slowly coming around and it may take a while, but at least we have no confrontations. Teddy is not pushy with her and considers her moods and follows her lead, so all is well, but he does torment me sometimes, simply because I let him. I'm afraid I have spoiled him rotten, but I call it: customized to my needs.<br />
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Teddy at Lake Irma</div>
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Teddy and Weezie on my rollater/walker when I pushed them home</div>
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Weezie (l) and Teddy having a conversation</div>
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Weezie in back and Teddy up front</div>
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A collage of my three dogs, past and present in the same kiddie swing at Roquemore Park (and a dragonfly that I photographed.) Gizzy is top left and Teddy beside him and below is Weezie.</div>
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My pretty Weezie girl</div>
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Our new neigh-bors!</div>
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Looking pretty in her new summer cut (from last Spring)</div>
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Recent photo of me (from last week)</div>
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Last but not least, my Gizzy boy in heaven, whom I still miss very, very much!</div>
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Have a nice weekend everyone! I'll try to write more and share more photos, even if it's just with my cell phone camera because my digital broke and I don't know when I can get a new one. Take care and stay healthy!</div>
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<br />Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-52753960724041282192012-05-27T17:37:00.001-04:002012-05-27T17:37:11.237-04:00Happy Memorial Day weekend!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just wanted to check in quickly to wish you all a wonderful Memorial Day and a safe and restful weekend. <br />
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<br />Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-80776145429839706532012-05-19T13:23:00.002-04:002012-05-19T13:46:43.402-04:00We're still here...Sorry it took a while to post again. I've started my Hep C treatment and have completed almost two weeks of it. I have some, but not all, of the side effects, but I've got a long ways to go (between 6 and 12 months.) I've been feeling VERY weak and just a few quick steps will send my heart racing. I'm so glad I had an echo cardiogram done before I started these drugs (Incivek, Peginterferon and Ribavarin.)<br />
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I've not been online very much, trying to get used to the new me (whatever that means!) On Monday I have to go for blood work to check my hemoglobin to be sure I'm not getting anemic (a very common side effect) and have my Incivek dosage adjusted if necessary. Incivek is the new drug that was just approved for use in 2012 and is designed to knock your immune system down so that the other two drugs can attack the virus and I've been told they have been very successful with this medication. Out of 20 patients at my doctor's office, only one had to abandon treatment because it was not effective.<br />
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Meanwhile, everything is status quo! Not much going on here. Romeow still enjoys walking on the leash and climbing trees:<br />
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He seems to be driving me more nuts than usual because when I can't take him out for our regular walk, he gets so frustrated and starts to act like a wild child (understandably) but when I'm feeling too tired to go, then we all have to just wait it out. I put him outside in his cage and Weezie on her leash so they can watch the neighborhood and get some fresh air. He's just spoiled rotten and doesn't know when he's got it made. He's almost eight months old now and still bites sometimes! (We're working on it!)<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Look, how he has chewed up the outer edge of his basket. That rascal!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Weezie lounging with a squeaky toy!</span></div>
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Weezie continues to be a good, mellow girl and sleeps all day unless she's sitting outside watching people or we're walking around the lake. We still go to the Nursing Home together, but I have missed a couple of visits while starting this treatment. I told them to not write us off and we are coming back next week. Weezie makes up for the hyperness of Romeow, otherwise I would not be able to handle two over active pets right now. They just have to suffer with me through this. I still walk with them, but not as far and often as before. Thankfully this is only temporary. Next month I'm going to the eye doctor for my past due exam. Having visual problems is also a side effect of the medication, but it's reversible or else I would not sacrifice my vision for a Hep C cure.</div>
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I still think of my Gizzy boy every single day and miss him when ever I see his face. I just recently started to enjoy nature again and manage to walk around the lake without crying, but it still hurts and I suppose, it always will. My doctor put me on Zoloft, because depression is a very common side effect of the medications that I am taking. I don't feel any different, but as long as I don't harbor suicidal thoughts, then the medicine is working. (I never have had those thoughts before, but the medication is known to do that to people, so we just wanted to take precautions and put me on it during treatment.)</div>
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(I remember you every time I walk past this table, Gizzy, and see you sitting there in my mind's eye! You are sorely missed. Mama loves you forever and ever!)</div>
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Also, this year, I'm turning 60 on June 16 and I have posted a Birthday Wish on my Facebook account. It's a simple wish of wanting to help homeless animals. If anyone wants to participate and contribute, here is the link:</div>
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<a href="http://wishes.causes.com/wishes/346641?bws=fb_stream_wish">Causes - Doris Sturm's Birthday Wish</a></div>
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Wishing you all a most wonderful weekend and God bless you!</div>
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<br />Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-62534225480191323372012-04-20T00:33:00.001-04:002012-05-19T13:47:27.471-04:00Blueberries, Frogs and rain showerOn our evening walk around lake Irma, we saw a huge, dark cloud moving in just as we were about half way around. It hovered above the otherwise lovely sunset and I just knew we were going to get wet on the homestretch. Thankfully it was just a few big drops, but it made me hurry and want to get home quickly.<br />
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I noticed that the blueberry bushes were producing a good amount of blueberries again. I look forward to them every year. They should be ready by early June. Anyone is allowed to pick these growing at the lake.</div>
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The tree frogs serenaded us around the lake and I managed to capture the end of their overture on my video.</div>
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That's it till next time...</div>Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-54445078288222805922012-04-18T17:27:00.000-04:002012-04-18T17:27:30.924-04:00A walk in the woodsRomeow's doing really well on the leash with his harness and last week, we had a couple of amazingly cool days with a nice breeze that kept the flying insects away. I decided to take my furbies for a walk in the woods on the path less traveled and boy, did they have fun, but Romeow especially - he climbed about three trees on that walk and jumped for joy - unfortunately always on Weezie who was less than pleased about it. <div><br />
</div><div>From now on, I'm letting the pictures do the talking:</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> It was a most glorious day for us all!</div>Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-18488197739100019522012-04-07T23:21:00.001-04:002012-04-07T23:25:46.944-04:00Happy Easter 2012!Just wanted to wish you all a very happy and blessed Easter!<br />
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Here are some photos of my pets. I hope you like them:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eE2YYFK41fY/T4EDUuM76CI/AAAAAAAAJU4/lb6dfEfzEnk/s1600/Weezie+and+R+by+the+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eE2YYFK41fY/T4EDUuM76CI/AAAAAAAAJU4/lb6dfEfzEnk/s400/Weezie+and+R+by+the+lake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Um7Zs4ZNk5w/T4EDY_sEJTI/AAAAAAAAJVA/QhlHwAOyWL4/s1600/before+and+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Um7Zs4ZNk5w/T4EDY_sEJTI/AAAAAAAAJVA/QhlHwAOyWL4/s400/before+and+after.jpg" width="390" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-38316774163070893952012-04-01T14:54:00.003-04:002012-04-01T15:14:11.482-04:00Happy Palm Sunday (re-post from last year)Last year I had a wonderful Palm Sunday with Gizzy and I wanted to share it - and relive it - again. It was a beautiful day then and it is a beautiful day now...it's just so different. I am blessed with two other lovely pets, but that does not diminish my grief for the boy with whom I shared 11 wonderful years - we went through so much together - and I suspect my heart will be aching for a good long time for his absence is ever present, where ever I go, what ever I do - there he is in my thoughts and heart - so close and yet so far. Wishing you all a blessed Palm Sunday!<br />
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(posted on 3/17/2011)<br />
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Today was a beautiful day. The morning started nice and cool with a lovely breeze and it was such a pleasure to be outside.<br />
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It looks like full-blown summer here with most of the spring blossoms gone leaving behind the lush, green foliage. We took our walk in the morning, giving the pictures interesting dimensions.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I never get tired of the serene beauty I find in the mornings at Lake Irma walking with my boy and I hope you don't mind me taking photos of this area over and over, but next month I'll have a car (hopefully) and I can go to Bank's Lake and to the park again for diversity in my photography.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mother Nature surprised me with some berries. At first I got a shock thinking they were raspberries (which I have never seen growing here before) but alas, they were simply unripe blackberries of which there are millions around here.</div><br />
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</div>Past ye ole fishing hole...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...around the bend past the army of little "gnomes" on the ground (that's what the Swamp Cypress roots remind me of.)</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With the sun behind me, I got a nice, friendly shot of this side of the lake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUvCpgA6pbo/TatpX-bv-ZI/AAAAAAAAHJQ/NGMtEkzcB_Y/s1600/DSCF1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUvCpgA6pbo/TatpX-bv-ZI/AAAAAAAAHJQ/NGMtEkzcB_Y/s400/DSCF1438.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Past the blueberry bushes (if you click on the photo to make it larger, you will see how many there are on this bush.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LR_ih9cFbYc/Tatpqh1VX_I/AAAAAAAAHJU/nKiEtEwgxk0/s1600/DSCF1440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LR_ih9cFbYc/Tatpqh1VX_I/AAAAAAAAHJU/nKiEtEwgxk0/s400/DSCF1440.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, how I look forward to picking those blueberries when they're ready in June or July!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nv7CToOFa8Y/Tatp_WAt5vI/AAAAAAAAHJY/H0CPLib93e8/s1600/DSCF1450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nv7CToOFa8Y/Tatp_WAt5vI/AAAAAAAAHJY/H0CPLib93e8/s400/DSCF1450.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Standing on the bridge of the boardwalk, I can take a lovely scenic shot of Lake Irma (as always!) The water looks so serene.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWWx1qP4wYU/Tatqhh7LHfI/AAAAAAAAHJc/CGV1YapCNV4/s1600/DSCF1452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWWx1qP4wYU/Tatqhh7LHfI/AAAAAAAAHJc/CGV1YapCNV4/s640/DSCF1452.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back on the home front, Gizzy walks along the rose bed to smell the roses. I received many compliments on my roses this year. I guess the fertilizing and regular watering has paid off. The red ones have a most delicious honey-like scent and make for a wonderful potpourri.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVRmiunYd5E/TatrGLCbxiI/AAAAAAAAHJg/TJbDgPQtmms/s1600/DSCF1387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVRmiunYd5E/TatrGLCbxiI/AAAAAAAAHJg/TJbDgPQtmms/s400/DSCF1387.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pcTBRUMfNY/Tatrc4FWPcI/AAAAAAAAHJk/YyzsaPqfmOk/s1600/DSCF1391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pcTBRUMfNY/Tatrc4FWPcI/AAAAAAAAHJk/YyzsaPqfmOk/s640/DSCF1391.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have to keep snipping roses off this bush because the clusters get so top heavy that they lay on the ground and I'd rather have them inside the house...poor me, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dk9fyA49Ayg/Tatru8aT3PI/AAAAAAAAHJo/4zgS3PCMvCg/s1600/DSCF1394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dk9fyA49Ayg/Tatru8aT3PI/AAAAAAAAHJo/4zgS3PCMvCg/s400/DSCF1394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here he is in the flower bed next to the single pedal pink heirloom roses and in front of the Mammoth sunflowers....look how big they have grown. We'll have some 12' flowers this year and the bees and birds will be happy too...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOTvDalWzec/TatsjMDy7bI/AAAAAAAAHJw/ikAwMeFa8DA/s1600/DSCF1404-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOTvDalWzec/TatsjMDy7bI/AAAAAAAAHJw/ikAwMeFa8DA/s400/DSCF1404-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I enjoy looking at my rose bouquet next to my daughter's photo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9xE-d2qgQ8/TattJrLZ9kI/AAAAAAAAHJ0/iFiWd3SheKM/s1600/DSCF1463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9xE-d2qgQ8/TattJrLZ9kI/AAAAAAAAHJ0/iFiWd3SheKM/s400/DSCF1463.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's my boy sitting next to my Southern Belle dolly whose outfit I crocheted. He's talking to me. Can you tell?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I planted some more sunflowers (8' ones) earlier and plant the rest tomorrow because it got too hot. I'm starting to run out of space, but they sure will look glorious when they're all blooming.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My challenge for this week is to find someone to drive me to the strawberry field of Southern Grace Farms since it has come to my attention that the strawberries are ready for picking. Only I cheat. I can't pick because of my bad back, so I call ahead and see if they have any ready picked berries (which they usually do.) If I can't find someone to take me, then I will go on or around the 3rd, right after I get my vehicle...just in the nick of time for strawberries and later blueberry season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wish me luck and I hope you'll have a wonderful week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-10297155640754001292012-02-26T14:36:00.003-05:002012-02-26T15:43:24.703-05:00Spay/Neuter Clinic<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tomorrow is our monthly low cost spay/neuter day and I set out my trap early since it looked like rain. I put a can of cat food inside the trap and walked around the lake with Weezie and Romeow. When we returned an hour later, there was this young cat inside:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8j70Q_c6rk/T0qCZJLsKLI/AAAAAAAAJQc/0tnafWyqWAQ/s1600/DSCF6831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8j70Q_c6rk/T0qCZJLsKLI/AAAAAAAAJQc/0tnafWyqWAQ/s400/DSCF6831.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I'm glad I set the trap early, because it is raining as I type this.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Poor thing will have to spend the night in the bathtub till I take him/her tomorrow morning with the help of my neighbor since my car is still not running. I sure hope I have the date right because if it's on Tuesday, that poor kitty will have to spend another day in there...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a few photos of our outing around Lake Irma with Weezie and Romeow:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJoFO18W69k/T0qDe2saBuI/AAAAAAAAJQk/djzev5h8Cys/s1600/Copy+of+DSCF6794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJoFO18W69k/T0qDe2saBuI/AAAAAAAAJQk/djzev5h8Cys/s400/Copy+of+DSCF6794.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Romeow is getting so big and is doing very well on his harness and leash. He is 5 1/2 months old now and has been neutered already. He enjoys it by the lake and is watching "his domain" as if he is carrying on the tradition for Gizzy. I still miss my boy very much - every day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JQLB3AU5MA/T0qEm5sDKUI/AAAAAAAAJQ8/cKaBmfF65bM/s1600/Copy+of+DSCF6807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JQLB3AU5MA/T0qEm5sDKUI/AAAAAAAAJQ8/cKaBmfF65bM/s400/Copy+of+DSCF6807.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love Weezie's white eye lashes. She looks like such a girl. We went to the Nursing Home again last Tuesday (our second visit) and am scheduled to go every week to see the old folks who look forward to petting and holding my Weezie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ5AubdeXzM/T0qGn96LqxI/AAAAAAAAJRc/Qw7juJegK-c/s1600/Copy+of+DSCF6773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ5AubdeXzM/T0qGn96LqxI/AAAAAAAAJRc/Qw7juJegK-c/s400/Copy+of+DSCF6773.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtyfB_xo13Q/T0qHB-DU_FI/AAAAAAAAJRk/bqxiKJeGWzk/s1600/Copy+of+DSCF6803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtyfB_xo13Q/T0qHB-DU_FI/AAAAAAAAJRk/bqxiKJeGWzk/s400/Copy+of+DSCF6803.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then we had some kitty boot-camp when Romeow practiced his climbing skills:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xabULnHXCY/T0qHdk5mTFI/AAAAAAAAJRs/66Koj_mmtaI/s1600/DSCF6784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xabULnHXCY/T0qHdk5mTFI/AAAAAAAAJRs/66Koj_mmtaI/s400/DSCF6784.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HSRQpglFemw/T0qHsYF5ZDI/AAAAAAAAJR0/ilIgh8TBfrs/s1600/DSCF6783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HSRQpglFemw/T0qHsYF5ZDI/AAAAAAAAJR0/ilIgh8TBfrs/s640/DSCF6783.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTX6OcxD0MI/T0qJJoXn9HI/AAAAAAAAJSM/BGm01DBZaqM/s1600/DSCF6760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTX6OcxD0MI/T0qJJoXn9HI/AAAAAAAAJSM/BGm01DBZaqM/s400/DSCF6760.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Romeow practicing his ambush skills on a flock of unimpressed ducks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm very proud of the way Romeow handles his harness and leash!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K80QGabeCv8/T0qIRsAHtVI/AAAAAAAAJSE/URexq_64NFY/s1600/DSCF6790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K80QGabeCv8/T0qIRsAHtVI/AAAAAAAAJSE/URexq_64NFY/s640/DSCF6790.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mush, little doggy (ahem) kitty!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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This is Romeow's climbing tree and I loved the way the hazy winter sky was dimming the sun light.<br />
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It was a nice outing yesterday, but today was too cold and wet, but we'll go back as much as we can before the summer spoils our time outside.<br />
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Always in my thoughts and in my heart - my Gizzy boy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9j9kVGpX_b0/T0qLEdi4ReI/AAAAAAAAJSc/ch-HAqSQFBM/s1600/Gizzy+in+clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9j9kVGpX_b0/T0qLEdi4ReI/AAAAAAAAJSc/ch-HAqSQFBM/s400/Gizzy+in+clouds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(I love you forever and ever, Amen!)</div></div>Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-62790896087673124152012-02-17T12:12:00.003-05:002012-02-17T12:21:21.754-05:00Spring Blossoms in FebruaryLook, what I saw today!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PCBqQhvFEoU/Tz6DQm1ltNI/AAAAAAAAJP4/-cbekPIQIhI/s1600/DSCF6737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PCBqQhvFEoU/Tz6DQm1ltNI/AAAAAAAAJP4/-cbekPIQIhI/s400/DSCF6737.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
If all goes well, we should have pears again this year for making pies and compote. This tree did not produce last year, so I'm hoping it will this year. It's not mine, but I have permission to pick as many as I want from the owner. They are the green, hard ones that nobody wants, but they are excellent for baking, juicing and making compote with cinnamon and honey!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5A-P3Dwqr8g/Tz6DzKq52yI/AAAAAAAAJQA/f6QxIwLR4_k/s1600/DSCF6732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5A-P3Dwqr8g/Tz6DzKq52yI/AAAAAAAAJQA/f6QxIwLR4_k/s400/DSCF6732.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y3_M2WNbnho/Tz6D9cletZI/AAAAAAAAJQI/DJrR5BhELgE/s1600/DSCF6734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y3_M2WNbnho/Tz6D9cletZI/AAAAAAAAJQI/DJrR5BhELgE/s400/DSCF6734.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The Carolina Jasmine or "jessamine" (aka Yellow or Confederate Jasmine) or more properly <a href="http://www.floridata.com/ref/g/gelsem.cfm">Gelsemium sempervirens</a> is one of my favorites. I find the faint, delicate scent intoxicating - as do the bees. It reminds me of a little flower called Himmelschluessel (Heaven's Keys) that conjure up childhood memories of field trips in Germany. Here it's known as Cowslip and is often confused with Oxlip (photos below)<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primula_veris">Primula Veris (Cowslip)</a><br />
<img height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Primula_veris_230405.jpg/220px-Primula_veris_230405.jpg" width="290" /> often confused with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primula_veris">Primula Elatior (Oxlip)</a><br />
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<img height="240" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Red_flowered_cowslip.JPG/220px-Red_flowered_cowslip.JPG" width="320" /><br />
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<img height="240" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/37/Primula_elatior_170405a.jpg/220px-Primula_elatior_170405a.jpg" width="320" /> <br />
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and this concludes our little horticultural lesson for today - hope you enjoyed it! Happy weekend y'all!Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-11754655512057538192012-02-15T11:36:00.003-05:002012-02-15T11:51:12.531-05:00Weezie and my Valentine's Day adventureI trust everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day yesterday! Weezie and I visited our local Nursing Home facility for the very first time yesterday. I've been wanting to do this with her for a long time, and finally decided to go for it. Weezie is the total opposite in temperament of Gizzy's and I never could have taken him to be held or petted by strangers. Weezie however did great. Weezie, sporting a strawberry scarf, was a big hit from the moment we walked in the door until we left about an hour later!<br />
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</div>The night before, I made about 80 Valentines to bring with us. I attached a photo of Weezie to each one! I used them all up giving them to the patients and nurses who were all thrilled to see us.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Due to the HIPPA laws I was unable to take photos for my blog, but the Activities Director, Karen, took photos for their bulletin board and she asked me to provide her with a big picture of Weezie to frame and hang on their wall for everyone to see their new Therapy Dog! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm so thrilled because we are invited back anytime and I will make this our new weekly adventure for it'll give Weezie something to look forward to as well. She was so calm and mellow when people petted and held her. Many asked if she could stay and take a nap with them and one man (who I learned was difficult with taking his medicine) was bribed with Weezie if he took it. He quickly took his pills and received the Weezie with open arms in his bed. One lady I was told rarely speaks, but she opened up and talked when she saw Weezie and held her in her arms. I saw many big smiles and requests to let them keep her... one man got very emotional and cried when he found out we had to leave, but we reassured him that we will be back and gave him a photo of Weezie to keep. All the staff was super friendly and very encouraging about our visit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was one of my most rewarding Valentine's Days! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After I got home, I got ready for my Valentine's luncheon with my friends Arlene and her sister Marcia. They came over for tea and sandwiches and playing Scrabble till dusk. Romeow had to be restraint a couple of times because he kept wanting to play with the chips, but we all had a good time and I want to make it a regular game night as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As always, I remembered my biggest love of all, my dearly departed Gizzy whom I miss every day! Rest in peace, big boy, till we meet again! Mommy loves you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGfdbx3BW3I/Tzvd4vxKFLI/AAAAAAAAJPo/wgwshkaFLV4/s1600/Forever+Gizzy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGfdbx3BW3I/Tzvd4vxKFLI/AAAAAAAAJPo/wgwshkaFLV4/s400/Forever+Gizzy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(This photo was taken on our last walk around the lake, the last time he drank water, two days before we said our last good-bye! You could tell he was not feeling well!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If he had lived, I believe that he and Weezie would have become good friends since he was already trying to be friends with her. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-30974425548124507862012-02-08T11:09:00.010-05:002012-02-15T14:17:16.790-05:00Happy Wednesday from Georgia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LVDfaDDnEsc/TzKd2wPm0LI/AAAAAAAAJO4/eZhrA6b79rk/s1600/396766_305028402876330_100001075173015_864171_397315259_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LVDfaDDnEsc/TzKd2wPm0LI/AAAAAAAAJO4/eZhrA6b79rk/s400/396766_305028402876330_100001075173015_864171_397315259_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">(Romeow loves his Nana Weeze)</div><br />
Thank you for your nice comments. I really appreciated them as the tears flowed...because when I'm here I remember sharing photos of my boy and I know most of you enjoyed seeing his photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. He was my most favorite and obliging subject. He loved the camera and vice versa!<br />
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Have you guys ever noticed that when some people casually ask you how you are doing, you are able to maintain your composure and reply in a calm and sensible way assuring them you're ok, everything's just fine and under control, yet when someone you know who cares about you asks that very same question, you just fall apart and can barely speak for crying? Well, that's how I kind of feel with you guys because you knew my boy and you know how much I enjoyed writing about him. I think that's why I always cry when I come here and post and read your comments...because I know, I'm in sympathetic company and I really appreciate that. I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me even when I don't come and visit as much as I should right now. I just lit a candle for Gizzy and I still talk to him in my Gizzy voice. Hearing myself talk to him in that special way makes me feel closer to him. He is the first pet I had that I felt this close to and so awful about him being gone - just like a human.<br />
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Having said that, I have some pictures for you to see. But first, let me say that Romeow got neutered on Monday and he's doing just fine. Now I'm hoping and praying he'll simmer down a little, although there is no guaranty that will happen, but the Vet thinks it probably will calm him down in a few weeks.<br />
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Weezie also went to the Vet on Monday to get her bloodwork done, including a thyroid test because she sleeps so much and is so calm and relaxed (unless Romeow bugs her too much.) She got a thorough examination and he's going to run a urinalysis because she had a couple of "incidents" in the house when she cried and lost her water...at first It thought she was having a seizure because she was laying on the floor crying, but then later that day, she was on the chair and screamed when it happened, both times she looked at me with clear eyes, aware of her surroundings, more embarrassed and surprised than anything. That made me think to check for a urinary tract or bladder infection and stones before doing an extensive neurological work up. I'm hoping it was just a fluke or if she passed a stone, maybe that will be it for a while, but the urinalysis should indicate any crystals and maybe she can be treated with a pill instead of surgery. We'll get the test results back sometime this week. But, she acts the way she always has, she sleeps, eats and loves her walks...so I'm hoping for the best.<br />
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She does need a dental however, and will lose about three teeth and that will have to be done either next month or the one after, because she'll also need an X-ray on her chest to check for an enlarged heart while she is under. She has a heart murmur and Pekingese are prone to congestive heart failure (Gizzy had it, which is why his kidneys went bad.) Weezie is difficult to examine and the Vet had to sedate her on Monday and I don't want to subject her to too much sedation so I have to try to do as many things as possible while she's unconscious.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2HrSNsICPIU/TzKiZ2xcHUI/AAAAAAAAJPA/4-ax99IWEyg/s1600/431442_313098338736003_100001075173015_881798_274229662_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2HrSNsICPIU/TzKiZ2xcHUI/AAAAAAAAJPA/4-ax99IWEyg/s400/431442_313098338736003_100001075173015_881798_274229662_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(My Glamour girl, Weezie)</div><br />
Below is a photo of Weezie and her little friend, Seila, from the lake. We have not seen her for a while and yesterday we met her while she was walking around Lake Irma with her grandma. Weezie pepped right up and wagged her tail happy to see the little girl. Weezie just loves little children, especially the girls because they are not as loud and boisterous as the boys tend to get:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't they look cute together? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Romeow slipped outside on Saturday because I failed to put him in his big kennel before opening the back door for the mail lady. I learned my lesson! He climbed up on the big Bradford Pear tree and decided he was going to hang out up there all day watching the birds below eating at the bird feeder:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He was up there for about an hour, but finally, with the help of a smelly can of sardines and the tall Animal Control guy, we were able to get him back into the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope this will be his first and last time, but there is no telling since today, on our walk, his lead broke as he bolted away and a neighbor was able to catch him for me before he took off and probably up another tree...his harness stayed on him and the clip was still on his harness, but the nylon lead had broken off the clip! I'm going to reinforce it and use a double lead using a piece of twine PLUS the nylon lead next time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is Romeow exploring near the woods yesterday (near the cat feeding station.) He was being watched by several of the stray/feral cats that come out of the shrubs when they see me since I'm the one feeding them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsBlAuLCELY/TzKaD_o8F4I/AAAAAAAAJOA/LfhXoNX5In8/s1600/Copy+of+DSCF6580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsBlAuLCELY/TzKaD_o8F4I/AAAAAAAAJOA/LfhXoNX5In8/s640/Copy+of+DSCF6580.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Romeow spies the black cat in the woods)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kR2kNNYcrJQ/TzKaOKgTVuI/AAAAAAAAJOI/aRSZMrYYSKU/s1600/DSCF6579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kR2kNNYcrJQ/TzKaOKgTVuI/AAAAAAAAJOI/aRSZMrYYSKU/s640/DSCF6579.JPG" width="484" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Romeow sees another cat in the woods)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JBzGFn08JzM/TzKaVj4v29I/AAAAAAAAJOQ/DjcDiHzyF68/s1600/DSCF6579-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JBzGFn08JzM/TzKaVj4v29I/AAAAAAAAJOQ/DjcDiHzyF68/s400/DSCF6579-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Here is a closer view of "Leggs", one of our residents cats)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is Romeow perched on top of his cat house wearing the harness. I let him keep it on inside for a few hours each day so that he can get used to wearing it. So far he's doing really well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is Romeow after our walk wearing his harness. He's inside his huge "Petmate" Pet Porter that's big enough for a German Shepherd, but apparently just right for a five pound Romeow. He loves to knead on his stuffed kitty toy when he's in there. He does it right before falling asleep. I was offering him a piece of Swiss cheese and that's why his mouth is partially open - he was smacking his lips in anticipation!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And lastly, here's a nice picture of my Gizzy with Weezie. I believe they would have become great friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love you guys!!!</span></div>Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-53380613182381930202012-01-29T12:45:00.004-05:002012-01-30T11:45:40.692-05:00We're still here...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-syTFXpmkimg/TyVOTwoWDiI/AAAAAAAAJDg/iQiY5uATn3g/s1600/DSCF6452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-syTFXpmkimg/TyVOTwoWDiI/AAAAAAAAJDg/iQiY5uATn3g/s400/DSCF6452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Weezie at the lake yesterday</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Weezie looked so pretty after her brushing. Weezie does not love the camera like Gizzy did and in order for her to look at me, I have to make shrill and unusual sounds.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See? I used to do that to Gizzy when I wanted him to tilt his head, but he was ALWAYS looking at me, especially when I had the camera. He was such a ham!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_U70UV9nCo/TyV26eXwECI/AAAAAAAAJIA/qAb2IaHJ-9U/s1600/DSCF3233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_U70UV9nCo/TyV26eXwECI/AAAAAAAAJIA/qAb2IaHJ-9U/s400/DSCF3233.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Gizzy loved being brushed with his pink brush, especially under his chinny-chin-chin!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueNQJo1350k/TyV2KRUVBHI/AAAAAAAAJHw/E1zVfIFuOmY/s1600/DSCF5805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueNQJo1350k/TyV2KRUVBHI/AAAAAAAAJHw/E1zVfIFuOmY/s400/DSCF5805.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When provoked with a squeaky toy, Weezie can be cute and coy, but it takes a lot of coaxing to get her to come out of her reserved shell.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MoLlrYOlNC8/TyV2agvcGQI/AAAAAAAAJH4/YG4pweLnU1U/s1600/DSCF5817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MoLlrYOlNC8/TyV2agvcGQI/AAAAAAAAJH4/YG4pweLnU1U/s400/DSCF5817.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Weezie often looks so sad and deep in tought. She is coming around in appearance, but not yet too much emotionally. She's not an affectionate dog, but I know she acknowledges me as her mommy, because when someone else takes her leash (like my neighbor) she will not budge and go with her, but stay by my side. I suppose it has to do with her having had three other homes before me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfUFPOfnF1Y/TyVfLCPWZDI/AAAAAAAAJD4/ONyOVTJBJqc/s1600/DSCF6434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfUFPOfnF1Y/TyVfLCPWZDI/AAAAAAAAJD4/ONyOVTJBJqc/s400/DSCF6434.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Weezie sitting on the table where Gizzy used to sit and Romeow looking out of his carrier. He likes watching the ducks when I feed them and they get really close to him. Sometimes I stick a duck feather in there for him to smell and play with. He really is a sweet cat when he's not all charged up.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eo-pE4QUvA4/TyVfwDyPkfI/AAAAAAAAJEA/3BFOfwAqkYo/s1600/DSCF0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eo-pE4QUvA4/TyVfwDyPkfI/AAAAAAAAJEA/3BFOfwAqkYo/s400/DSCF0309.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My Gizzy last year at around this time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When I walk around the lake I constantly hear that song in my head: "I keep seeing you in all the old familiar places..." and tears start flowing...and then I feel bad for Weezie and Romeow because I'm bringing sadness into their lives and that's not fair, but I can't stop grieving the loss off my boy. He was a VIP to me, a very important Peke!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday is the first time I actually was able to sit at the place where Gizzy and I always sat by the lake to do our bonding and communing with nature. I brushed and combed Weezie's fur like I did Gizzy's and she enjoyed it tremendously. She laid down and closed her eyes to soak up the sunshine while I brushed one side and then the other. It was an exceptionally nice day yesterday and it looks the same today. It's been a mild winter and I'm dreading it ending.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q43DQBs4G4Q/TyVPX0rchOI/AAAAAAAAJDo/s_eYiq7fAp0/s1600/DSCF6450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q43DQBs4G4Q/TyVPX0rchOI/AAAAAAAAJDo/s_eYiq7fAp0/s400/DSCF6450.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Weezie is not an affectionate dog, and neither was Gizzy, so I'm used to not being showered with kisses, but it would be nice to have someone show me that they actually liked me once in a while. Weezie is a sweet dog. She loves everyone, especially children. She's calm and mellow and endures all kinds of crap from my kitten Romeow who is getting on both of our nerves lately. He needs to get neutered next month and I'm hoping that will calm him down some. He's 17 weeks old now and getting bigger and stronger by the minute. Weezie and Romeow still play together, but not as much, because she's not comfortable with him anymore like she was when he was little. He gets very hurtful and mean when he plays. Romeow bites a lot and that's the biggest thing that bothers me about him, the biting! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XURU0roIvBU/TyVhfvwJf6I/AAAAAAAAJEQ/7jGW_jrspy0/s1600/DSCF6460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XURU0roIvBU/TyVhfvwJf6I/AAAAAAAAJEQ/7jGW_jrspy0/s400/DSCF6460.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Romeow will soon need a bigger carrier - he's growing so quickly.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He's skating on thin ice and I'm toying with the idea of giving him back to my manager who gave him to me. She would take him back to her house in the country where he would live with his other 3 siblings and his mother. At least he'd have space to run and get regular meals, but I won't do that till he's neutered and then only if I can't take it anymore, because Weezie comes first. I worry about her eyes constantly, because he's always swatting at her. She lays on the chair sleeping and he ambushes her by reaches up from any corner, swatting up towards her eyes and that just does not sit well with me. I can't keep him in the big dog kennel all day, and when he's out, I can't do anything at all, because I have to watch him like a hawk with a squirt bottle in one hand and a fly swatter in the other. Maybe the neuter will calm him down. He's adorable when he's sweet, but those sweet moments are far and few in between since he's gotten older and bolder. Our apartment is very small - it's like living in a large room - and he needs space to run and work out his energy. I already have some calming spray called Comfort Zone with Feliway to help sedate him, but I'm not sure it is working. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">On the other hand, on the rare occasions when he's calm and sweet he sits on me and looks at me with love in his eyes, I just melt. He's so much fun to pet when he purrs and loves on me. He shows me he loves me and the thought of me giving him up just because he's a rowdy young'n makes me feel bad. I really believe and hope that he will outgrow this hurtful phase and become a very loving, mellow cat. My only concern ins Weezie's eyes and that's what really upsets me. If it were just him and I, I could live with it better, but Weezie does not deserve to have her eyes scratched out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I take him on our walks with us, but of course, he's inside his carrier, because we have too many cat-hating dogs running lose and he'd have his neck broken in an instant if he were only on a harness and a leash. He needs some protection. I once had one of the big spotted hunting dogs (who lives by the lake) run up to me with his teeth showing. He looked like he meant business, because he smelled a cat and his fur was raised on his back. Thank God his owner was pulling out of the driveway and when I screamed bloody murder, he put on his breaks, got out of his truck and got his dog back. He apologized and reprimanded his dog and later - after I was out of sight - I heard him giving his dog a whipping (that's how men train their dogs around here - but better him getting a whipping than Romeow or Weezie being mauled in front of me) but so far, he's never done it again. Whenever the dog sees me, he must remember because he stops and waits to see which direction I'm going and then he slowly goes the other way. I just feel safer with Romeow in an enclosed cage rather than on a leash. There is no leash law for dogs in this city and the majority of people hunt and fish, so there is a lot of big dogs who are trained killers. That's how I keep losing our stray cats. Since I've lived here, we lost four or five cats who got their necks broken by dogs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of stray/feral cats. I still feed and trap them for spay and neuter day once a month. I got one of the youngest ones last week. He was one unhappy, hissing and spitting little kitty cat, but I'm glad he got done. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHIadrGRRE8/TyVTUS2yn3I/AAAAAAAAJDw/jWb9TsF5jzc/s1600/DSCF6179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHIadrGRRE8/TyVTUS2yn3I/AAAAAAAAJDw/jWb9TsF5jzc/s400/DSCF6179.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He was about Romeow's age and size and also orange, except with white paws and chest. He has two more siblings, one tri colored and the other black with a white face and I think the cutest. I wish I had a tranquilizer gun to sedate the mother cat and get her spayed, because she's pregnant around the clock and it's getting too much for me to keep up with feeding them all by myself. Besides, with me feeding them regularly, she does not teach the kittens how to hunt, but only to beg from the humans and shows them the way to the cat feeding station. Then when I'm dead and gone, they will all starve because they never learned to forage for food...and yes, cats do starve in the wild. My late Middi was skin and bones when I found her here...she would not have lived much longer if I had not took her in and nursed her back to health - and even she ended up getting her neck broken by a dog. She was an outside cat who felt trapped in here and Gizzy hated cats, so cried and cried to be let out to the point it was driving me nuts, so I let her and she only had a couple of days of freedom before the dogs got her. I have a small apartment with very limited space. It's only 800 sqft and the bedroom is off limits because it's full of my yarn and crafts stuff, so imagine being locked up in a big room when you are a cat wanting to run. It's not fair. It will drive them mad too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now I have four more of the stray/feral cats to trap (I didn't catch one last month because it was raining) unless the mother cat (who is impossible to trap) brings me 3 more, but I can barely keep up feeding them anymore and in the summer will have to cut down to once a day instead of twice. I have to wean them off gradually because it's not fair to feed them regularly and then quit cold turkey. Besides, in the summer, I'm probably out of this apartment because the owner of these buildings has started the rebuilding process...so far apartments 1 through 18 have to be empty by the 15th of April and next month is another meeting on the 22nd so I will find out when I have to be gone because I'm in number 22...I will most likely live in another unit on the other end of the complex because management has stopped renting so that there are some empty units for people who have no place to go. Then I'll live in that temporary place for 2 or 3 months and move back here.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My car quit running and the mechanic said he will look at it tomorrow to see what's wrong. Two different people have looked under the hood and said it's probably the coil because it's not firing, not even with a jump from a battery cable and the battery is new and so are the wires because I've had a tune up a few months ago and have not driven it very much.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next month I have several doctor's appointments, one in particular I'm not looking forward to and that is with my GI to discuss my Hep C treatment, a new treatment that was approved for 2012 and is supposed to be better and more effective than the old. I have the most popular strain of Hep C and the most difficult to treat and this one is supposed to be working better, but still, I have to give myself daily injections (which I HATE) and it will still make me puking sick and depressed and anemic (because it affects the blood) and who wants to move in the middle of that? So, unless my liver is totally shot I'm going to wait till after the move is done! I will discuss my liver chemical profile with my GI next month to see how it compares to last year's and then make my decision - after all a doctor can only recommend and not force! I am known to not take my doctor's advice - if I did, I'd be taken a bunch of pills and inhalers that all have side effects and would have stressed my liver even more. I'm just not a big believer of suffering just to postpone the inevitable for a few months or a couple of years. In my case, I really have not much to live for other than the animals. Romeow can go back to my apartment manager (or my daughter in CA said she would take him) and I have a friend in Michigan who would probably take Weezie. So,what else is there? I go through days where I really want to be with Gizzy because I miss him so much - still - every day I cry for him. I'm pathetic (I know!) but I can't help it! It just sounds like such a busy and strenuous year ahead with the packing and moving - I'm tired just thinking about it, who needs a new and improved Hep C treatment to add to that stress?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In retrospect, Romeow has given me lots of laughs with his antics and here are some photos for your viewing pleasure:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Romeow celebrates Chinese New year: by eating Longevity Noodles (aka Ramen) and really seemed to enjoy not only eating them, but mostly playing with them. (and YES, that is my Christmas tree still up and I don't care - I like the lights at night!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3r9ngBy0pCs/TyVj1pQ2r7I/AAAAAAAAJEY/-0cgYknHbrM/s1600/DSCF6273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3r9ngBy0pCs/TyVj1pQ2r7I/AAAAAAAAJEY/-0cgYknHbrM/s400/DSCF6273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ23hLvUxHk/TyVkl05IcKI/AAAAAAAAJEw/rlyuhSS6iIc/s1600/DSCF6252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ23hLvUxHk/TyVkl05IcKI/AAAAAAAAJEw/rlyuhSS6iIc/s400/DSCF6252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Romeow and his kitty grass: More than eating it, he loves to dig in the dirt and get it all over the floor</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaQHi-wbAGM/TyVlr5qNZVI/AAAAAAAAJE4/1_bQVMNu7Y8/s1600/DSCF6247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaQHi-wbAGM/TyVlr5qNZVI/AAAAAAAAJE4/1_bQVMNu7Y8/s400/DSCF6247.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0WHnNYfPAEY/TyVo7XqzeBI/AAAAAAAAJFo/xQrXQYOIPc8/s1600/Copy+of+DSCF6068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0WHnNYfPAEY/TyVo7XqzeBI/AAAAAAAAJFo/xQrXQYOIPc8/s400/Copy+of+DSCF6068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PO2mpiVX8cM/TyVn4Ds0kyI/AAAAAAAAJFY/RnBQbiCyqWY/s1600/Copy+(3)+of+DSCF6051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PO2mpiVX8cM/TyVn4Ds0kyI/AAAAAAAAJFY/RnBQbiCyqWY/s400/Copy+(3)+of+DSCF6051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I bring in my houseplants on cold nights, I have to watch him not only so he won't eat the leaves, but make sure he does not dig out all the dirt...he just loves to jump right into the plants and start digging.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Romeo at play:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACQ3tq1_9mU/TyVsfAdHrtI/AAAAAAAAJGQ/brxwtMrL_XA/s1600/DSCF6233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACQ3tq1_9mU/TyVsfAdHrtI/AAAAAAAAJGQ/brxwtMrL_XA/s400/DSCF6233.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Romeow chewing on Weezie's doggy bone</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7PeqK5tNFLw/TyVs8DY5jII/AAAAAAAAJGY/nwZ1orOA1Us/s1600/DSCF5698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7PeqK5tNFLw/TyVs8DY5jII/AAAAAAAAJGY/nwZ1orOA1Us/s400/DSCF5698.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Romeow attacking Weezie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7LcSt0n8Dk/TyVtGNpSLYI/AAAAAAAAJGg/inp7UiHW-OQ/s1600/DSCF5690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7LcSt0n8Dk/TyVtGNpSLYI/AAAAAAAAJGg/inp7UiHW-OQ/s400/DSCF5690.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dgiE7HkZNe8/TyVtJZ6mthI/AAAAAAAAJGo/qHbNGNUN4IY/s1600/DSCF5729-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dgiE7HkZNe8/TyVtJZ6mthI/AAAAAAAAJGo/qHbNGNUN4IY/s400/DSCF5729-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9aWR_nZzUBY/TyVtdBupTqI/AAAAAAAAJGw/7So8hkEOr-M/s1600/DSCF5642-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9aWR_nZzUBY/TyVtdBupTqI/AAAAAAAAJGw/7So8hkEOr-M/s400/DSCF5642-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FqW7PFKewgo/TyVpW8DfHGI/AAAAAAAAJFw/9W6UJDjuaVk/s1600/DSCF6034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FqW7PFKewgo/TyVpW8DfHGI/AAAAAAAAJFw/9W6UJDjuaVk/s400/DSCF6034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"I'm faaaaaalling"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtGt7_HX4sM/TyVqFCOGYaI/AAAAAAAAJF4/ILthFQbH-_w/s1600/DSCF6191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtGt7_HX4sM/TyVqFCOGYaI/AAAAAAAAJF4/ILthFQbH-_w/s400/DSCF6191.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I gave him a stuffed kitty cat to wrestle with and chew on instead of us - it works only some times.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iiSvrHkUC5Y/TyVqcmsYgNI/AAAAAAAAJGA/3Zm1O6pm5dA/s1600/DSCF6185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iiSvrHkUC5Y/TyVqcmsYgNI/AAAAAAAAJGA/3Zm1O6pm5dA/s400/DSCF6185.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When he was smaller, he played better on his own, but just a couple of weeks later, and he started to attack me or Weezie for his entertainment.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsdPqlhPF54/TyVq8ow8PFI/AAAAAAAAJGI/LJdh5Eprtoc/s1600/DSCF6015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsdPqlhPF54/TyVq8ow8PFI/AAAAAAAAJGI/LJdh5Eprtoc/s400/DSCF6015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have so many cute photos of Romeow, too many to post here, but if you want to go to my facebook site and click here on my photos, you can see them all, if you want. I don't think you need a facebook account to just look!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/albums/?id=100001075173015">Facebook Doris' Photo Albums</a> (just click and chose which one you want to see)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I know Romeo loves his Nana Weezie because every chance he gets, he lies down beside her, and Weezie lets him as long as he's calm and quiet, but as of late, she's been hiding from him, not wanting to have anything to do with him because he's too rough.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xpB3hUIxb8o/TyVvp6c8OyI/AAAAAAAAJG4/P60ioND3FPI/s1600/DSCF5510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xpB3hUIxb8o/TyVvp6c8OyI/AAAAAAAAJG4/P60ioND3FPI/s400/DSCF5510.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Attacking Weezie's tail</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BvqIyV4wik8/TyVvyJbFLBI/AAAAAAAAJHA/9j-uqAYRJ4w/s1600/DSCF5412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BvqIyV4wik8/TyVvyJbFLBI/AAAAAAAAJHA/9j-uqAYRJ4w/s400/DSCF5412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Weezie's saying "Stop that!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PfYhGZLhFo8/TyVwHuzvdiI/AAAAAAAAJHI/gmLhsz1RncA/s1600/DSCF6132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PfYhGZLhFo8/TyVwHuzvdiI/AAAAAAAAJHI/gmLhsz1RncA/s400/DSCF6132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Gizzy's spot by the lake</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zb4o0GHa20/TyVwapRVeJI/AAAAAAAAJHQ/cfsd53ofX4g/s1600/DSCF6280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zb4o0GHa20/TyVwapRVeJI/AAAAAAAAJHQ/cfsd53ofX4g/s400/DSCF6280.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
An "Awwww" Moment<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSsjBjdLCM4/TyVxBE5pv-I/AAAAAAAAJHY/hOo3bMHjX0E/s1600/DSCF6094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSsjBjdLCM4/TyVxBE5pv-I/AAAAAAAAJHY/hOo3bMHjX0E/s400/DSCF6094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have named her Saint Weezie because the most she'll ever do to Romeow when he annoys her is growl or snap towards him, but never bite, and amazingly he backs off when she does that...but all to often I hear her yelp out in pain when he swats or bites her and darts off...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">A friend of mine asked me if I did not anticipate that this would happen before I took him in? In all honesty, I did not know what to expect. All I saw is a little helpless 8 week old kitten out on the streets. (At the time the manager still lived here on premises and since she is allergic to cats and can't have them in the house, she put him outside.) I have not had a kitten for decades and Gizzy hated cats. I only adopted adult cats. They both kept their distance. I did not know how Weezie would react and in the beginning, when he was still very young, she loved playing with him, but now, she can't do it anymore. I already had her at the Vet's once for her red eye (which turned out to be not a scratch) but it makes me worry about her eyes...and even if I had to end up giving him back, he would not be any worse off than he would have been before. I only had him for two months and he'd still be with his mother and siblings running free in the country with people to feed them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I found this new program online called <a href="http://www.imikimi.com/#kimitype=frame&panels[0][url]=%2Fbrowse%2Fhome&panels[0][context]=Welcome&panels[0][title]=Home&panels[0][width]=auto&panels[0][current]=true">Imikimi</a> and been making all sorts of pretty pictures. They are on facebook, but I want to share some with you. With your indulgence, they are mostly of my precious boy, Gizzy, whom I miss every day. I promise to keep my next post light hearted and less serious, but I've not written for a while and maybe some of you may be interested in reading about my unimportant little life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm giving you the link to all of the pictures I made on facebook, but if you don't want to go there, here are a few I find especially precious:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.280236235355547.72581.100001075173015&type=3">Imikimi Photos</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ISHr1nTeAs/TyWDQ_hY-9I/AAAAAAAAJKw/FsS0oiudvys/s1600/Weezie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ISHr1nTeAs/TyWDQ_hY-9I/AAAAAAAAJKw/FsS0oiudvys/s400/Weezie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybRyog1yhzg/TyWDX8DNflI/AAAAAAAAJK4/fMoLLJqQOD8/s1600/Romoeow+in+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybRyog1yhzg/TyWDX8DNflI/AAAAAAAAJK4/fMoLLJqQOD8/s400/Romoeow+in+flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXqqf-KPyEU/TyWDccG-IWI/AAAAAAAAJLA/6cOogLzIJR8/s1600/Weezie+and+Romeo+flying+hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXqqf-KPyEU/TyWDccG-IWI/AAAAAAAAJLA/6cOogLzIJR8/s400/Weezie+and+Romeo+flying+hearts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bO54IUzPaRU/TyWDqQs6RzI/AAAAAAAAJLQ/syo62R-BUhk/s1600/Us+Four+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bO54IUzPaRU/TyWDqQs6RzI/AAAAAAAAJLQ/syo62R-BUhk/s400/Us+Four+Christmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Emlj-EbhT-E/TyWD2a-dPLI/AAAAAAAAJLg/cXY6ngV85AM/s1600/My+three+pets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Emlj-EbhT-E/TyWD2a-dPLI/AAAAAAAAJLg/cXY6ngV85AM/s400/My+three+pets.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wBVPCaS9O8/TyV-Ha54IhI/AAAAAAAAJIg/AULzR-g-Vcs/s1600/Heart+Cloud+Gizzy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wBVPCaS9O8/TyV-Ha54IhI/AAAAAAAAJIg/AULzR-g-Vcs/s400/Heart+Cloud+Gizzy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-knl23LGjt-A/TyWEYf3qnaI/AAAAAAAAJLo/e5Ih4hD9MXQ/s1600/Gizzy+pink+cloud+sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-knl23LGjt-A/TyWEYf3qnaI/AAAAAAAAJLo/e5Ih4hD9MXQ/s400/Gizzy+pink+cloud+sun.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdV_G5M005M/TyV-oHAey8I/AAAAAAAAJJQ/Mc2CpAAUC40/s1600/Gizzy+lake+angels+clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdV_G5M005M/TyV-oHAey8I/AAAAAAAAJJQ/Mc2CpAAUC40/s400/Gizzy+lake+angels+clouds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_sEql2ZExmM/TyV-9Xfik8I/AAAAAAAAJJg/L7W_qN1ztKM/s1600/Gizzy+smiling+clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_sEql2ZExmM/TyV-9Xfik8I/AAAAAAAAJJg/L7W_qN1ztKM/s400/Gizzy+smiling+clouds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I still look for his flyaway ears in the clouds)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bvQ_vAZo1hk/TyV_QeNetZI/AAAAAAAAJJ4/35e_fEPFmK8/s1600/Gizzy+me+butterflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bvQ_vAZo1hk/TyV_QeNetZI/AAAAAAAAJJ4/35e_fEPFmK8/s400/Gizzy+me+butterflies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yD6bH6tdjdQ/TyV_bWj5ZEI/AAAAAAAAJKA/yilv03DJeFg/s1600/Gizzy+Gardenias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yD6bH6tdjdQ/TyV_bWj5ZEI/AAAAAAAAJKA/yilv03DJeFg/s400/Gizzy+Gardenias.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-loVkYGWOVZU/TyWEvsOtolI/AAAAAAAAJLw/zWvdNJUaHvI/s1600/Gizzy+line+dancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-loVkYGWOVZU/TyWEvsOtolI/AAAAAAAAJLw/zWvdNJUaHvI/s400/Gizzy+line+dancing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F66k9pbjNQY/TyWE9_bvjAI/AAAAAAAAJMA/I6dHalX0akc/s1600/Gizzy+honeybee+frame2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F66k9pbjNQY/TyWE9_bvjAI/AAAAAAAAJMA/I6dHalX0akc/s400/Gizzy+honeybee+frame2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m4_8vw8gcKM/TyWFEyTxnkI/AAAAAAAAJMI/f7KPc2Xh41k/s1600/Gizzy+honeybee+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m4_8vw8gcKM/TyWFEyTxnkI/AAAAAAAAJMI/f7KPc2Xh41k/s400/Gizzy+honeybee+frame.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Gizzy was indeed my little honey bee - sweet with a bit of a sting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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I found this video and it made me smile:<br />
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</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dySJgkfUBrvece91kQUVVObCdgwuaQ_HvmG-aLC2LNb6ckzBdHhsyAWaxhQMGNDO7TprghJL0-xJnUGO7rPjw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> <br />
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Till next time!Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-36198220389265855842012-01-01T12:09:00.003-05:002012-01-01T12:18:15.558-05:00What has the new year in store for you?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Happy New Year 2012!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKR40ZF3EDA/TwCTMbgsoyI/AAAAAAAAJBw/gWBAkuR6tZg/s1600/DSCF5797-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKR40ZF3EDA/TwCTMbgsoyI/AAAAAAAAJBw/gWBAkuR6tZg/s400/DSCF5797-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Do you have any plans, goals or (God forbid!) resolutions for the year 2012? I'd like to hear about it.<br />
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I"m starting out my year with a bang and am giving Weezie "the works" by taking her to the Vet on the 3rd for blood work (including a thyroid check), heart worm test, then a dental (and probably some extractions) and a chest x-ray to see about her heart and a picture of her throat while she's sedated from the dental...she's probably never had a dental and I know her teeth are bothering her. She can't chew hard food which is why she was underweight when I got her. She's gained over two pounds since she's been living with me (10/15/11) and now she's probably at her normal weight at 12.4 lbs. She's a bit bigger than Gizzy and has a different body structure and she's just as sweet as can be. Bless her for having so much patience with her pesky Romeow cat!<br />
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After that, I have some medical needs of my own, i.e. eye doctor, dentist - and that's a biggie. I've not been to the dentist for years and will probably need a bunch, but my biggest obstacle will be two things 1) packing and moving into another unit, because our apartments are being refurbished from the ground up and we'll have to relocate for two to three months into anther unit or another location.<br />
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2) My next biggest challenge will be undergoing the new Hep C treatment that was approved for 2012 and is supposed to be more effective than the old one but since it still causes severe anemia, depression and change in appetite and vomiting, I will have to wait till I can pack before starting those injections that I have to give myself (...and I hate, hate, hate needles) ... so that will be something I'll need courage to work myself up to...and will probably try to post pone. I have another appointment with me GI at which time I'll try to negotiate stalling...(can you blame me?)<br />
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And, if by the end of the year I have any strength and money left, then maybe - I can actually plan on flying to Germany. I've not seen my family in Germany since 2004 and my dad turned 84 in Decmeber and my mom turned 85 in December. Both are in good health and spirits, but at that age one just never knows...<br />
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One good thing, though, when I go through that miserable, God-forsaken Hep C treatment, I will probably lose a lot of weight, so that I can fit into one of those dinky, tiny airplane seats again for when I fly to Germany...and if not Germany, I could maybe fly at least to California (which is probably equally as far in distance) to see my daughter, Christie, whom I've not seen since I moved to Georgia seven or eight years ago. See how quickly time flies? One minute you just arrived and are uncertain of how long you can stand it, next thing you turn around to find yourself planted here for nearly a decade.<br />
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Your turn! What is on your agenda for 2012?<br />
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Here's a little Romeow video I took a couple of days ago:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Wv3sO7h2b4A?rel=0" width="480"></iframe>Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-15395759738783430302011-12-31T09:46:00.002-05:002011-12-31T09:50:43.961-05:00Happy New Year!<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xHkq1edcbk4&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xHkq1edcbk4&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="360"></embed></object><br />
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A beautiful little clip to put things back into perspective - it's a wonderful world if we only stop and look, listen and hear!<br />
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Bless you all, my dear friends, and Happy New Year from me, Weezie and the Romeow (whose growing as a weed)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tekRnrR3V3Q/Tv8ZqDuKCvI/AAAAAAAAI-k/MVbJ_YCpuVI/s1600/DSCF5723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tekRnrR3V3Q/Tv8ZqDuKCvI/AAAAAAAAI-k/MVbJ_YCpuVI/s400/DSCF5723.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They play every morning</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vClpaUp-_Fk/Tv8Z6vvrDcI/AAAAAAAAI-w/miTOpQV0ZVA/s1600/DSCF5698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vClpaUp-_Fk/Tv8Z6vvrDcI/AAAAAAAAI-w/miTOpQV0ZVA/s400/DSCF5698.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Romeow always ambushes his poor Nana Weezie</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtnzbspkNMU/Tv8aNTojn8I/AAAAAAAAI-8/54pm881AP2Y/s1600/DSCF5665-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtnzbspkNMU/Tv8aNTojn8I/AAAAAAAAI-8/54pm881AP2Y/s400/DSCF5665-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">His newest hiding place</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmjfCG5DpBY/Tv8adcEKBWI/AAAAAAAAI_I/krUhlz22jxQ/s1600/DSCF5757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmjfCG5DpBY/Tv8adcEKBWI/AAAAAAAAI_I/krUhlz22jxQ/s400/DSCF5757.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As if I didn't have enough stuff in my desk drawer...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-I28JpaFtw/Tv8a-pcGJaI/AAAAAAAAI_U/BhXs9yc90HE/s1600/DSCF5768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-I28JpaFtw/Tv8a-pcGJaI/AAAAAAAAI_U/BhXs9yc90HE/s400/DSCF5768.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Weezie looks punished modeling one of my crocheted doggy coats</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-go4Bj0pcsqo/Tv8bMczuUOI/AAAAAAAAI_g/LslxW-qfsfI/s1600/DSCF5707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-go4Bj0pcsqo/Tv8bMczuUOI/AAAAAAAAI_g/LslxW-qfsfI/s400/DSCF5707.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nana Weezie and her pesky Romeow</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWD8shd4NVQ/Tv8bipIm2tI/AAAAAAAAI_s/P9rK6E5Abz0/s1600/DSCF5774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWD8shd4NVQ/Tv8bipIm2tI/AAAAAAAAI_s/P9rK6E5Abz0/s400/DSCF5774.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Romeow wearing a doggy coat his Aunti Sandi gave him because her little Shi-Tzu, Sophie, outgrew it...it's still kind of big on him, but he didn't keep it on very long. He looks cute in pink even though he's a boy! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YILmiBO3KRA/Tv8b_CsI5KI/AAAAAAAAI_4/sp9hc7cyCYY/s1600/DSCF5777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YILmiBO3KRA/Tv8b_CsI5KI/AAAAAAAAI_4/sp9hc7cyCYY/s400/DSCF5777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">He's growing like a weed. He'll be 13 weeks in just a couple of days.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Last, but not least a couple pictures of my boy Gizzy, whom I miss every single day:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V77kmV75PuM/Tv8csCrE1wI/AAAAAAAAJAQ/Q-QBGGneLeI/s1600/DSCF4549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V77kmV75PuM/Tv8csCrE1wI/AAAAAAAAJAQ/Q-QBGGneLeI/s400/DSCF4549.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Gizzy loved walking around the lake leisurely and stopping to look along the way)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnB5KQyuCEg/Tv8c36RVzUI/AAAAAAAAJAc/F5HGbaa7qnE/s1600/DSCF4566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnB5KQyuCEg/Tv8c36RVzUI/AAAAAAAAJAc/F5HGbaa7qnE/s400/DSCF4566.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Gizzy is standing on our table where we stopped to bond with each other and nature)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CagMd_4St4Q/Tv8dCqxDciI/AAAAAAAAJAo/qE3dmTMkXcQ/s1600/DSCF4548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CagMd_4St4Q/Tv8dCqxDciI/AAAAAAAAJAo/qE3dmTMkXcQ/s400/DSCF4548.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Gizzy bottom left, visiting with friends around the lake)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVLYdfq4YIc/Tv8dU4tTf0I/AAAAAAAAJA0/rreGP3ExCyE/s1600/DSCF4563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVLYdfq4YIc/Tv8dU4tTf0I/AAAAAAAAJA0/rreGP3ExCyE/s400/DSCF4563.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 10px; text-align: left;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">"Don't </span><span style="text-align: left;">underestimate</span></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering" (a quote from Winnie the Pooh)..</span>. that's what Gizzy taught me when we were by the lake together! He really soaked up life and cherished being outside!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I want to wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year, love and joy to you and your furbies! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkGkLM7I5eY/Tv8gFH1oX4I/AAAAAAAAJBA/_8jxVALSx9I/s1600/champagne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkGkLM7I5eY/Tv8gFH1oX4I/AAAAAAAAJBA/_8jxVALSx9I/s640/champagne.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prosit Neujahr!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-56559903995442918452011-12-21T17:06:00.000-05:002011-12-21T17:06:16.706-05:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVLzJY4L9NA/TvJNu-YMoFI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/9FzDhk4e07Q/s1600/Christmas2011all.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVLzJY4L9NA/TvJNu-YMoFI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/9FzDhk4e07Q/s400/Christmas2011all.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and apologize for not blogging. My heart is not into many things these days. I'm surprised I got my Christmas tree up this year, but I have not sent any cards, nor done much to celebrate. I love Christmas, but I suppose I miss Gizzy more right now.<br />
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This is my Christmas tree. Romeow learned "NO" with the help of a water spray bottle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MDaB0S0YETk/TvJR_sJ5AsI/AAAAAAAAI8g/NIIcajy6AEw/s1600/DSCF5534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MDaB0S0YETk/TvJR_sJ5AsI/AAAAAAAAI8g/NIIcajy6AEw/s640/DSCF5534.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
If it weren't for Weezie and Romow, I'd probably sleep through Christmas and hibernate for the winter.<br />
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Romeo makes me laugh with his crazy kitten antics, even though he's taken to pouncing and biting, but I'm hoping he'll outgrow that soon...he's now almost 12 weeks old and is growing very quickly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIAhtGvYjCw/TvJTgbJl2iI/AAAAAAAAI9A/sbDrMjZ5oTA/s1600/Christmas2011-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIAhtGvYjCw/TvJTgbJl2iI/AAAAAAAAI9A/sbDrMjZ5oTA/s400/Christmas2011-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I hope to be able to resume my blog some time next year and catch up with everyone. Meantime, here are a few funny photos so you can see what poor Weezie (and I) have to endure, but at least she has thick fur:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2yOLJXRL71c/TvJUf2ee8pI/AAAAAAAAI9Y/sxoDkWPoniM/s1600/DSCF5405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2yOLJXRL71c/TvJUf2ee8pI/AAAAAAAAI9Y/sxoDkWPoniM/s400/DSCF5405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Ride 'em, cowboy!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EizZikWuZmo/TvJUnPW0iiI/AAAAAAAAI9g/z7cJWIb7qkw/s1600/DSCF5406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EizZikWuZmo/TvJUnPW0iiI/AAAAAAAAI9g/z7cJWIb7qkw/s400/DSCF5406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Oh, really?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8WJ9MCnIFnU/TvJUuQikdsI/AAAAAAAAI9o/AruoxbHaZZM/s1600/DSCF5413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8WJ9MCnIFnU/TvJUuQikdsI/AAAAAAAAI9o/AruoxbHaZZM/s400/DSCF5413.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Weezie, beware of the headless kitten from out of space...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WoxGfSJ1IDI/TvJUzPOXHMI/AAAAAAAAI9w/FRHLIBdhjFY/s1600/DSCF5418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WoxGfSJ1IDI/TvJUzPOXHMI/AAAAAAAAI9w/FRHLIBdhjFY/s400/DSCF5418.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mauling Nana Weezie!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OSXoGNw3C6A/TvJVHSekjAI/AAAAAAAAI94/lKmVqmAfA5g/s1600/DSCF5464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OSXoGNw3C6A/TvJVHSekjAI/AAAAAAAAI94/lKmVqmAfA5g/s400/DSCF5464.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Little monkey kitty reaching for trouble...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2uDPjvut_Ww/TvJVO_718mI/AAAAAAAAI-A/9Cvg9UA5QE4/s1600/DSCF5507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2uDPjvut_Ww/TvJVO_718mI/AAAAAAAAI-A/9Cvg9UA5QE4/s400/DSCF5507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Weezie's got him on his back!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVN9DGDTO6w/TvJVVOKSnGI/AAAAAAAAI-I/1cWHm4vd8RA/s1600/DSCF5514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVN9DGDTO6w/TvJVVOKSnGI/AAAAAAAAI-I/1cWHm4vd8RA/s400/DSCF5514.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Hanging on to the suspended red lobster toy</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-McUFjZXXjJ4/TvJYGjfN38I/AAAAAAAAI-Y/pbBfIrrmFWw/s1600/DSCF5510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-McUFjZXXjJ4/TvJYGjfN38I/AAAAAAAAI-Y/pbBfIrrmFWw/s400/DSCF5510.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Pouncing the tail</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mOeHmxzp4q8/TvJV5St0j8I/AAAAAAAAI-Q/W7-lgKfwLT4/s1600/DSCF5349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mOeHmxzp4q8/TvJV5St0j8I/AAAAAAAAI-Q/W7-lgKfwLT4/s400/DSCF5349.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Poor Nana Weezie is exhausted!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here's a You Tube video of them both playing (I sound stupid, just turn off the volume!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SQsQLk0o-FU?rel=0" width="480"></iframe>Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-28026498772885602942011-12-13T13:27:00.000-05:002011-12-13T13:27:27.245-05:00Weezie and Romeow playing<iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QRNqp06ETqQ?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-16411357121307238742011-12-12T16:12:00.001-05:002011-12-12T16:13:34.056-05:00Happy 84th Birthday, Papa!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfjM0pwB2fk/TuZtdOWlnNI/AAAAAAAAIbY/rAPv2uxS5Jg/s1600/Papa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfjM0pwB2fk/TuZtdOWlnNI/AAAAAAAAIbY/rAPv2uxS5Jg/s640/Papa.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
My dad during an outing in the Frankonian Alps in September of this year. Not bad for a guy his age! I'm very blessed to have such a healthy dad and he sounds wonderful over the phone, not at all his age. Here's a photo of his Birthday Torte that his wife baked for him:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFYbqg1AFbk/TuZt9gEhcNI/AAAAAAAAIbg/tu2PmrBaJjs/s1600/Geburtstagstorte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFYbqg1AFbk/TuZt9gEhcNI/AAAAAAAAIbg/tu2PmrBaJjs/s400/Geburtstagstorte.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
When I called they were having a Birthday party with coffe, cake and playing cards. It's a long standing family tradition to play cards with my dad on his Birthday. Happy 84th and many, many more!Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-81706681448676232022011-12-12T08:58:00.000-05:002011-12-12T08:58:52.114-05:00All I want for Christmas...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPkkUdmb2O4/TuYIgPo8_pI/AAAAAAAAIbI/x88Oxl7mYD0/s1600/Gizzy+in+the+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPkkUdmb2O4/TuYIgPo8_pI/AAAAAAAAIbI/x88Oxl7mYD0/s400/Gizzy+in+the+snow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I miss you so much, Gizzy!</div>Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-14390697890926550092011-12-06T00:17:00.000-05:002011-12-06T00:17:32.956-05:00Romeow is 9 weeks old<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rWgzihp9EJw?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Hope you enjoyed this little video of my kitty boy playing!Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-13011961352594677872011-11-29T19:06:00.000-05:002011-11-29T19:06:19.808-05:00Meet RomeowI think I found something for Weezie to do...apparently she loves kittens.<br />
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<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PDu-siJRC1Y?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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The manager said it's a boy and that's why I call him Romeow!<br />
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<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U-4rNy3no5U?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Enjoy the videos. If you can't play them on blogger, you can use these links:<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/PDu-siJRC1Y">Weezie's kitten</a> and<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/U-4rNy3no5U">Weezie is kitty sitting</a>Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127165336662399464.post-31535174473020600592011-11-26T13:40:00.000-05:002011-11-26T13:40:52.104-05:00Ashes to ashes!I'm glad now Gizzy's here with me instead of in the ground:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFuRez2XQcI/TtEtxsqfXzI/AAAAAAAAIao/wtV7rNkEntw/s1600/DSCF4966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFuRez2XQcI/TtEtxsqfXzI/AAAAAAAAIao/wtV7rNkEntw/s400/DSCF4966.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I was awakened by the sound of Gizzy's voice...he had this special yawn/whine when he wanted me to wake up to go outside...well, that's exactly what I heard with such loudness and clarity, that for a second I thought it was really him. When my eyes popped open, I saw Weezie soundly sleeping on Gizzy's Orthopedic mattress... and I remembered that today was the day I had to pick up Gizzy's cremains from the Vet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I returned from picking up Gizzy's urn, I found a package on my front porch that a Facebook friend sent me to help console me with some German goodies from Aldi's. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPDm3cnSLDA/TtEuFPBlJ-I/AAAAAAAAIaw/qQk2UKFXBno/s1600/DSCF4960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPDm3cnSLDA/TtEuFPBlJ-I/AAAAAAAAIaw/qQk2UKFXBno/s400/DSCF4960.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Best of all was the card that she made for me with Gizzy faces all over...inside and out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4_EgkBXIWI/TtEw-ZVg4pI/AAAAAAAAIbA/zBup_iQsu6E/s1600/DSCF4963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4_EgkBXIWI/TtEw-ZVg4pI/AAAAAAAAIbA/zBup_iQsu6E/s400/DSCF4963.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlXmAvZEjpA/TtEvnki4bQI/AAAAAAAAIa4/YGlXEQRJ-vc/s1600/DSCF4964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlXmAvZEjpA/TtEvnki4bQI/AAAAAAAAIa4/YGlXEQRJ-vc/s400/DSCF4964.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I realized that in a way, Gizzy is taking care of his mommy indirectly because the gift was sent because of his passing.</div><br />
Thank you, Elaine, and thank you Gizzy. I do not feel that I am worthy, but I accept with gratitude and humility for if it weren't for my boy, I would not be eating rum cake and cookies right now.<br />
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I'd rather have Gizzy back instead of the gifts, but since that's not possible, I am so thankful for the blessings.Doris Sturmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09383495196401230783noreply@blogger.com10